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Following Stellar Blade’s PC Success, Sony Begins Lifting Region Restrictions On Its PC Ports

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  • Sony has begun to remove regional restriction for its PC ports.
  • This decision came right after the immense success of Stellar Blade, which broke the highest CCU record for a Sony game on PC.
  • Going forward, future Sony PC releases are expected to release throughout all regions at release.

It’s only recently that Sony started porting its first-party titles to PC for the first time in several console generations. However, things were complicated in that these games were unavailable for players living in countries where the PlayStation Network was not available.

Over the years, Sony has incurred numerous losses and missed revenue due to these regional restrictions. However, things are finally looking to take a turn with Sony removing region restrictions for most of its PC ports.

Why it matters: PlayStation is known for its great first-party catalog, among which some may even call the greatest games of all time. Fans who were previously unable to play these games due to region restrictions will finally be able to witness peak.

sony pc port removed
A Huge Number Of Regions Were Removed From Steam’s Purchase Restriction For God Of War Ragnarok

Games like God of War Ragnarok, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Helldivers 2, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, and others are available throughout most regions to buy. 

This comes right after the massive success of Stellar Blade, which has become the best-performing first-party Sony-published title on PC. This was all due to the title overcoming region locking issues mere days before launch.

Sony PlayStation
Only 3.4% Of Sony’s Total Revenue Came From PC Ports

Unfortunately, it took this many titles for Sony to realize that region-locking games was never a great decision. Sony has lost a significant portion of its revenue due to this decision, which has even led gamers to resort to piracy.

Going forward, we can expect day one PC port releases by the gaming giant to be available throughout most if not all regions. 

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on this decision by Sony? Do you think its a win for PC gaming? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Over 63% of Stellar Blade Players Are From China

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  • Stellar Blade on launch broke records of every single Sony game released on PC before. 
  • The game’s rating is 96% positive, revealing that most of the gamers are enjoying it. 
  • Over 63% of the gamers playing this title are from China and only 8% from the USA.

Many gamers were hyped for the release of Stellar Blade, and due to that, the game made an impressive impression. It launched to nearly 200K players, breaking every single record held by a Sony PC port. 

96% of the game’s reviews are positive, highlighting that the vast majority are enjoying it. A new report has now revealed that the majority of Stellar Blade players are from China. 

Why it matters: China is the second most populous country in the world, and among its population are many gamers. The Chinese gamers previously demonstrated their strength when Black Myth: Wukong was released, as the majority of players in this game were also from China. 

Stellar Blade Steam Stats
Gamalytic Presents Stellar Blade Steam Stats

As per Gamalytic over 63% of Stellar Balde players are from China. It might be surprsing for some people but there are so many Chinese gamers so it was well within expectations. For reference 70% of Black Myth: Wukong players were from China and the game broke almost every single record on Steam. 

That is how you can imagine just how many Chinese gamers are there. It is worth noting that over 8% of players are from the USA, almost 3% from Russia, and other countries around the globe consist of remaining 26%. As majority of the players are from China the fandom are calling Chinese “based”.

Thats actually really interesting. It shows west ain’t nowhere near as based as the chinese.

Gamalytic also reveals that there are a total of 873.5k players on Steam which may not be correct. The developer has yet to reveal how many copies it sold and it likley will given the launch player count numbers. As the game has just recently been released these stats may not be accurate.

Stellar Blade reached almost 184k concurrent players on Steam which is expected to go even higher on the weekend. So, be ready to be more surprised. 

Latest Updates

What do you think about majority of the Stellar Blade players being Chinese? Is this something you expected? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion. 

ROG Xbox Ally Skipped OLED Tech Because ASUS Prioritized VRR

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  • The new Xbox handhelds include 120Hz VRR LCD screens.
  • According to ASUS, VRR is a superior option over OLED screens.
  • The company prioritized a smoother gaming experience over the vibrance of OLED technology.

Due to technological advancements over time, the latest video games can now be played on handheld consoles like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and the recently released Nintendo Switch 2.

During the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Xbox also debuted its first partner handheld. However, it did not come with an OLED screen. According to new reports, this was done to prioritize Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology.

Why it matters: OLED screens have gained popularity among fans of portable gaming ever since the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck adopted this option.

Regarding specifications, the ROG Xbox Ally will be available in two variants, both featuring the same display.

The ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X have a 7-inch Full HD IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium. However, the ROG Xbox Ally X has 1TB of storage, 24GB of RAM, and a more powerful processor, the Ryzen Z2 Extreme.

This has been done to support VRR. This decision appears to be the same one Nintendo made with its Switch 2, as it also supports 120Hz and VRR, similar to the upcoming Microsoft/ASUS console.

The function of VRR is to eliminate tearing and save gamers from having to activate V-Sync. You’ve probably encountered VRR on PCs with technologies like AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync, as they are related.

With VRR, those FPS fluctuations are smoothed out, offering a less distracting gaming experience by synchronizing the screen’s frequency with that of the game. The ROG Xbox Ally manufacturers chose not to use a console with an OLED screen due to the high production costs associated with it.

Steam Deck OLED
Steam Deck Shows The Real Benefits of OLED Tech

Although OLED provides low latency and excellent colours, ASUS claims that this sort of screen consumes too much power and that VRR is a superior option.

Latest Updates

With VRR, we can limit the frame rate (FPS) to a specific frequency. Thanks to this option, we can still have a nice gaming experience at frame rates below 60, as long as they are consistent.

Xbox ROG Ally X Priced At €899; Launch Scheduled For October, Claims Insider

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  • An insider claims the Xbox ROG Ally X will cost €899, with the base model at €599.
  • Pre-orders are expected to start from August, with a release set for October later this year.
  • These high prices are due to the powerful hardware that these handhelds come with.

While Microsoft may have cancelled their plans for a first-party Xbox handheld that was scheduled for a next-gen release, they have one more OEM on the way in collaboration with Asus.

After months of rumours and leaks, Xbox ROG Ally was revealed recently at the Xbox Games Showcase. Now, an insider has revealed that the higher-end Xbox ROG Ally X costs a whopping €899.

Why it matters: Hardware has become increasingly expensive over the past few years. Xbox setting up such a high price for the handheld will surely raise some eyebrows, even if it’s priced accurately for the power it packs.

This report comes from eXtas1s, who recently made this claim in his YouTube video. According to him, the base Xbox ROG Ally will be priced considerably less than the higher-end variant at €599. The leaker isn’t too sure about the USD pricing, though.

Moreover, pre-orders for the handheld will begin in August, with a release scheduled for October later this year.

While these prices may seem too expensive compared to the rest of the handhelds, Xbox ROG Ally packs some serious punch. The X variant features an AMD Ryzen Z2 chip, 24GB of memory, 1TB of storage, and a 120Hz 1080p display.

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally
Microsoft Going All In For Windows 11 Gaming Optimisation

On the other hand, the base variant features a Ryzen Z2A processor, 16GB of memory, 512GB of storage, and a 120Hz 1080p display. 

Boasting all these features, it was already speculated that these consoles would be priced relatively high. The Xbox ROG Ally would also showcase Microsoft’s redefined ecosystem that will preview a more console-like experience, boosting performance and convenience.

Still, Microsoft would have to make the handheld pretty convincing to buy, especially when the Nintendo Switch 2 launched at $449 and the Steam Deck can be purchased for around $400, which is expected to be on par with the base Xbox ROG Ally.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on the Xbox ROG Ally handhelds? Do you think they’re worth the prices mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Game Pass Price Hike Inevitable Following Xbox Backend Changes

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  • A notification spotted on the XCloud website suggests Game Pass is set to become more expensive.
  • Xbox has already increased subscription prices multiple times over the last few years.
  • The gaming giant also increased console and game prices last month.

Xbox Game Pass is currently the most value-oriented subscription the industry has to offer. With millions of active users, this service allows instant access to games like Doom: The Dark Ages, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and more.

However, Microsoft’s popular service has consistently seen price increases over the years. Now starting at $12 and $15 for PC and consoles, respectively, the subscription has upset many fans due to its frequent price adjustments. Unfortunately, it seems prices are set to go up yet again.

Why it matters: Xbox has also recently raised the prices of its consoles, leading to negativity surrounding the brand. Additionally, the gaming giant has debuted its first $80 AAA release with The Outer Worlds 2.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Is The Biggest Game Pass Hit of 2025

A notification has been spotted on the xCloud website, which suggests that Xbox is gearing up for an official announcement. This notification in question was shared on BSKY and is called ‘SubscriptionPriceIncrease.’

Because this notification was found on the Xbox backend, it seems to be a fairly reliable indication of what is to come. What makes this even more interesting is the fact that Xbox’s last Game Pass price increase came nearly a full year ago.

Insiders and analysts have also discussed potential pricing adjustments from Xbox in the past, so all signs seem to point to an imminent announcement.

Indiana Jones Game Pass
Game Pass Appears To Be Impacting The Xbox Business More Than Expected

Unfortunately, this price hike would negatively impact Xbox’s value proposition. Game Pass Ultimate already costs $20/month, and with each new price increase, it becomes less and less appealing to the average consumer.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on a potential announcement from Xbox? Would you continue subscribing to the service if prices went up? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Sony Is Unfazed About The Switch 2 Launch, Says PS5-Level Performance Needed For AAA Gaming

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  • SIE president says that PS5-level performance is needed for big-screen gaming, when asked if the Switch 2 would prove a competitor to them.
  • Switch 2’s hardware isn’t capable enough for all AAA games.
  • Sony also retains its exclusivity approach, giving it an edge over its competitors.

The state of gaming has undergone tremendous changes over the past few years, with Nintendo now entering the AAA gaming space with the Switch 2, aiming to compete with the Xbox Series consoles and the PS5.

Still, Nintendo’s participation in the AAA gaming space hasn’t affected Sony at all. According to the SIE president, PS5-level performance is necessary for AAA gaming, effectively dismissing any potential competition from Nintendo.

Why it matters: AAA gaming has never been this out of reach, with modern games demanding the best of the hardware. As such, Sony’s words do weigh quite a lot here

Sony X Kadokawa
Sony Now Prioritizes Engagement And Financial Discipline Over Unit Sales

Sony recently held a business meeting in which SIE President Hideaki Nishino was asked if the launch of Switch 2 and their strengthened partnership with third-party publishers would have any impact on Sony’s console business. 

While praising Nintendo’s new strategy and actions, Mr. Nishino replied: 

We have a differentiated strategy. PlayStation 5 is designed for an immersive gaming experience — We believe PS5-level performance is required to achieve a great experience on big screens

Additionally, he acknowledged the multi-platform strategies in the industry, where creators can release their games on multiple platforms. Regarding that, the president said that they intend their platform, aka the PS5 consoles, to be the best place to play and publish.

So far, the Switch 2’s performance is not adequate for AAA games, as the handheld has struggled significantly while running Cyberpunk 2077.

Sony PlayStation
Sony’s PC Releases Amount To Only 3.4% Of The PS Store Revenue

Moreover, analyses have shown that Switch consoles have never been the primary go-to for gaming. Most owners are shown to have either an Xbox, PS5, or a PC as their primary gaming platform.

Beyond that, Sony continues to hold its exclusivity approach to some extent. Their releases have recently started to be published on PC and have proven beneficial only to them. They have an edge over other competitors, such as Nintendo and Xbox, with their first-party titles.

Latest Updates

Do you think that Switch 2 can be considered a competitor for the PS5? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

More Players Are Now Finally Using PS5 Over PS4 Each Month, Confirms Sony

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  • Last year, the split between the players of PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 was 50/50.
  • However, now the split has changed drastically in favor of the new gen console. 
  • For the first time, Sony has confirmed that the PS5 has more active monthly users than the PS4.

It is fair to say that the PlayStation 4 saved Sony after the disastrous launch of the PS3. The console is still pretty popular, even though it has been five years since the PlayStation 5 was launched. 

Given how good the console was considered, it is still used by a massive number of players. As a matter of fact, there were more PS4 players than PS5 players. However, for the first time, Sony has confirmed that there are more PlayStation 5 players than PlayStation 4.

Why it matters: PS4 is a decade-old console, so it is pretty surprising how the console is still holding up pretty well against a new-gen one. 

PlayStation 5 vs PlayStation 4
PlayStation 5 Has Officially Surpassed The Month Active Player Base of PlayStation 4 | Source: Sony

Last year, Sony revealed that the monthly active player base on PS5 and PS4 was around 49 million each. So, both had a 50/50 split, but now the former has more players. 

Last year, there were approximately 97 million players in total, but now the number has exceeded 124 million, which is a significant increase. The image above clearly shows that the PlayStation 5 takes around 70% of the total number of monthly active players. 

These players are highly engaged, spending more on content and services than in prior generations. However, the PlayStation 4 remains an important access point for existing players to experience our content and services, and we remain committed to serving them.

-Hideaki Nishino

PS5 Controller
PS5 is the most profitable console generation.

Nishino mentioned last time that he expects the PS5 to take over from its predecessor soon, and that has indeed happened. Given that many of the new-gen games are worth giving a try, the players are moving to the next-gen consoles. 

However, there are still a large number of players who are using the old generation consoles. That is precisely why Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be released on both of the last-gen consoles, PS4 and Xbox One. 

Latest Updates

What do you think about the PlayStation 5 overtaking the player count of PS4 by a considerable margin? Do you think the gap is going to widen even more? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.

Sony Hints At Future PS Plus Price Hikes After Recent Adjustments

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  • PS Plus has become significantly more expensive over the last three years.
  • PlayStation states that the service is still growing despite these pricing adjustments.
  • The gaming giant will continue to adjust pricing to maximize profitability.

The PS Plus subscription has changed significantly over the last three years. Divided into three tiers, this service is now more than just a gateway to online multiplayer on the PS4 and PS5, making it quite valuable to users of Sony’s gaming platform.

However, the subscription has also received criticism for price hikes. In fact, Sony has revised pricing multiple times over the last few years, and it seems that prices will continue to shift moving forward.

Why it matters: Subscription services are sold on the value proposition, and each time prices go up, this value proposition goes down.

PlayStation Plus
PS Plus Has Millions of Monthly Users

Speaking on PS Plus, PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino described the service as ever-growing. He stated that nearly 40% of the total user base has opted for the more expensive “Extra” or “Premium” tiers.

He also noted that these tiers have seen consistent growth despite the pricing adjustments introduced in recent years. According to Hideaki Nishino, the new pricing has a lot to do with the added quality and content in recent years.

Concluding his thoughts on the current standing of PS Plus, the CEO confirmed that fans can expect further pricing adjustments to maximize profitability, indicating that more price hikes are on the table.

We will continue to add more value and adjust our pricing strategy in a dynamic way.

-Hideaki Nishino

PS Plus Subscription Plans
The Extra Tier of The Service Offers A Vast Selection of Games To Pick From

Like PS Plus, Xbox Game Pass has seen its fair share of pricing adjustments recently. In fact, Xbox’s service is expected to become more expensive moving forward, and it seems PlayStation is set to follow suit.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on Sony setting expectations for future price hikes? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

PNY Launches Duo Link V3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Dual-Port Flash Drive

[Press Release] PNY has launched the Duo Link V3, a high-speed OTG flash drive designed for users who need fast, portable storage across multiple devices. With a sleek metal build and dual USB-C and USB-A connectors, it offers flexibility and power in a compact form.

Thanks to USB 3.2 Gen 2, the Duo Link V3 delivers up to 1,000MB/s read and 800MB/s write speeds. That’s over 260 times faster than standard USB 2.0, making it perfect for transferring large files quickly and efficiently.

Its swivel design accommodates both Type-C and Type-A connectors, allowing users to transfer files between phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops without hassle. It works with Android and Apple devices, as well as older USB ports, thanks to backward compatibility.

Made with a matte black metal casing and available in capacities up to 2TB, it combines durability with massive storage. It’s compact, fast, and compatible with nearly any device, delivering optimal performance without compromise.

Check out the product page for more details.

Microsoft Has Reportedly Cancelled The Dedicated Xbox Handheld Planned For Next-Gen Release

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  • Microsoft has reportedly scrapped its plans to release a dedicated Xbox handheld for next-gen.
  • Xbox still plans to release hardware in the next-gen, which different vendors will manufacture.
  • Xbox ROG Ally is still set to release later this year.

Aside from their collaboration with Asus for the Xbox ROG Ally, Microsoft had another handheld in development, which was confirmed by Phil Spencer, the boss. The dedicated first-party handheld was previously scheduled to release during the next-gen console phase.

However, a recent report suggested that Microsoft had sidelined the plans for its first-party handheld to focus on the software side of things. Now, another report has claimed that plans for a dedicated handheld are now altogether scrapped.

Why it matters: We’re now in the Renaissance period of handheld consoles, with the majority of players entering the market, as well as some of them revisiting. Microsoft was set to debut its first handheld console, but unfortunately, that won’t be happening anymore.

Rog Xbox Ally
Xbox ROG Ally Speculated To Be The Most Powerful Handheld On The Market

According to The Verge’s Tom Warren, his sources have claimed that the portable console is completely canceled. Microsoft made this decision to focus on Xbox’s new software platform.

It’s speculated that Microsoft backed down from this decision due to the threats faced in the handheld console space by SteamOS. The OS was shown to deliver better performance than Windows 11 on the Lenovo Go S. The gaming giant is working to combine the best of Windows and the Xbox ecosystem for handhelds.

The first example of their new, redefined software will be showcased with the Xbox ROG Ally, set to release soon.

PlayStation Handheld Next Generation
PlayStation Handheld To Release In 2028, Can Play PS5 Games Natively

Xbox still plans to deliver next-gen hardware, with Asus and other manufacturers set to release devices that will be considered next-generation Xbox consoles.

Nevertheless, expect next-gen Xbox releases to be Windows releases as the gaming giant doubles down on its focus on its ‘Play Anywhere’ campaign. These are exciting yet nerve-wracking times for Xbox and its fan base.

Latest Updates

What are your thoughts on this decision by Microsoft? Do you think they made the right call by cancelling this handheld? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.

Konami Confirms Silent Hill 1 Remake is in Development with Bloober Team

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  • The Silent Hill 1 Remake was just announced during the recent Konami digital showcase.
  • Bloober Team will develop the game.
  • Not much information has been revealed about the title yet. 

Following the massive success of Silent Hill 2 Remake last October, which also sold over 2 million units in just three months, the developers confirmed that they would be working with Konami again on another project.

While the information about the next project wasn’t revealed, Konami has officially confirmed it to be working with Bloober Team on Silent Hill 1 Remake. 

Why it matters: The franchise has seen massive success over recent years, and the addition of Silent Hill 1 Remake will be exciting for the fans of the franchise. 

During a recent Konami digital showcase, which took place earlier today, the development of Silent Hill 1 Remake was officially confirmed through a screen showing Silent Hill in development, along with the logos of Konami and Bloober Team. A statement was made shortly confirming the news.

We are working with Bloober Team on a remake of Silent Hill, originally released on PlayStation in 1999.

-Konami

While nothing has been disclosed about the project yet, this should be exciting news for the franchise’s fans, as the developers have released the Remake of the second entry just last October, and another remake has also been greenlit in less than a year.

Silent Hill 2 Remake Featured
Silent Hill 2 Remake Was Nominated For 5 Awards At TGA 2024.

Although many expected that the developers would remake the third entry before the first one, it appears that the Bloober Team may end up remaking all three games of the franchise if the first one meets with a similar reception to the second one.

Latest Updates

Nonetheless, what do you think about this announcement? Are you excited about the Silent Hill 1 Remake? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, or join the Tech4Gamers forum.

Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake Will Feature An Original Multiplayer Mode Called Fox Hunt, Konami Reveals

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  • The Metal Gear Solid 3 remake will feature an original multiplayer mode called Fox Hunt, replacing Metal Gear Online.
  • The new mode is focused on iconic stealth and survival elements of the Metal Gear IP.
  • Konami also showed some gameplay snippets of the new mode along with some details. 

Konami last year announced that it plans to preserve the Metal Gear Solid IP for up to the next 50 years, and it is already taking the first steps with the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake. Now, the studio has revealed that it is getting an original multiplayer mode called Fox Hunt.

However, the reveal brings sad news as the original fan-favorite Metal Gear Online is being replaced by this new version, which focuses more on advanced camouflage and stealth than just shooting.

Why it matters: The new Fox Hunt mode wants to replace the Metal Gear Online multiplayer experience that came with the classic Metal Gear Solid 3, so the community’s reaction has been quite mixed. 

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will feature an original multiplayer mode called Foxhunt.

In a new video, Fox Hunt mode’s director, Yu Sahara, reveals that the gameplay ‘is more than a shootout.’ It will consist of ‘back and forth tension of staying hidden or searching out the enemy’ to create intense moments. 

Fox Hunt is a completely original online multiplayer mode. […] Based on the iconic stealth and survival elements of the Metal Gear series, we are taking camouflage and hide and go seek to the next level. 

Yu Sahara explains that Konami replaced Metal Gear Online with Fox Hunt because multiplayer games have undergone major changes over the past 21 years.

Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake
The original Metal Gear Online mode does not appear to be returning to the remake.

The Metal Gear Solid 3 remake is set to release on August 28, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5. The game’s previews so far have been positive, pointing to a faithful remake.

Konami is also allegedly working on a Metal Gear Solid 4 remake, but we haven’t heard anything official yet. And Metal Gear Solid 6 is rumored to start development based on the performance of these remakes and collections.

Latest Updates

Do you think fans will get used to the original multiplayer mode for the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

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