Halo: The Master Chief Collection started its rollout for PC last week with the release of Halo: Reach, and it was a very, very successful launch. The release achieved “monumental” results, Microsoft said in a press release, leading to “record numbers” for the game.
Almost 3 million people played The Master Chief Collection on PC and Xbox One during Reach’s launch week. Additionally, MCC reached the No. 1 position on Steam’s best-seller charts, which represents the highest position for an Xbox Game Studios title on Steam at launch.
MCC was also the most-watched game overall on Twitch on December 3, with viewers collectively watching almost 3 million hours of Halo content during launch week. Microsoft also noted that MCC has a “very positive” rating on Steam after more than 37,000 reviews.
The PC version of MCC currently only includes Reach. Halo: Combat Evolved will release in early 2020, with the remaining titles to follow thereafter in chronological order: Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and finally Halo 4.
The Xbox One version of MCC already has all those games, with Reach being added on December 3.
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Resident Evil 3 Remake Release Date & More From Sony’s State Of Play – GS News Update
Capcom officially pulled back the curtain on its rumored Resident Evil 3 remake earlier this week as part of Sony’s final State of Play broadcast of 2019. The reimagined horror game is coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam next April, but in the meantime, it appears this year’s Resident Evil 2 remake is getting some kind of tie-in that bridges the gap between the two titles.
Users on Steam have recently discovered that a new Achievement was added to Resident Evil 2 (via Wario64). The Achievement was first spotted a few weeks ago–well before Sony’s State of Play stream–but it didn’t have a name at the time, leaving many to wonder just what it could be.
As it turns out, it appears the Achievement will tie into the upcoming Resident Evil 3 remake. The Achievement is called Chasing Jill and can be unlocked after you read a letter left behind by Jill Valentine. It’s unclear when the letter will actually be added to the game, but you can see the Achievement for yourself on Steam.
Much like the Resident Evil 2 remake, the reimagined version of Resident Evil 3 makes some drastic improvements to the original. Not only have the visuals been significantly revamped, but the game forgoes the fixed camera angles of the original for a third-person over-the-shoulder viewpoint. You can watch the first Resident Evil 3 remake trailers here. The game also includes the asymmetric multiplayer experience Resident Evil Resistance.
The Resident Evil 3 remake launches on April 3, 2020. Those who pre-order the title ahead of its release will receive the bonus Classic Costume Pack, which features the original design for Jill Valentine and hairstyle for Carlos Oliveira. Capcom is also releasing a $180 Collector’s edition of the game that includes a handful of physical bonuses, such as a Jill Valentine statue and hardcover art book. You can read more in our Resident Evil 3 pre-order guide and our roundup of everything we know about Resident Evil 3 so far.
While it might have seemed like a lackluster year for new gaming tech with Microsoft’s Project Scarlett and Sony’s PS5 not due for release until next year, there were plenty of new devices and peripherals that got us excited. From fully-upgradable gaming laptops to the next generation of virtual reality, here are the nominees for the best and hottest gaming tech we saw this year.
Warner Bros. has announced the release dates for Matrix 4 and the Flash movie, after a multitude of delays and setbacks for both. Currently slated a few years away, The Matrix 4 (working title) will release on May 21, 2021, while The Flash movie is set to premiere on July 1, 2022.
With all of the excitement surrounding big sales and doorbuster deals, the holiday shopping season can feel like a frantic sprint. Before you know it, Christmas is around the corner, and you’re out of time to pick up the perfect gift. We know it’s not always easy or possible to check everyone off your shopping list in a timely manner. Go to any store in the days leading up to Christmas, and you’ll see plenty of other people feverishly looking for last-minute gifts.
Purchasing last-minute gifts can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure exactly what they own already. To make your task easier, we’ve rounded up an assortment of surefire hits across gaming, tech, and entertainment they’re sure to love. Playing it safe when last-minute shopping is usually a good call. That’s why we’re highlighting popular subscription services, game controllers, headsets, and neat collector’s boxes that are tailor-made for the holidays.
While Amazon Prime members always get one- or two-day shipping, retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are also offering fast, two-day shipping leading up to Christmas, with no membership needed. Everything you see on this list can be bought with the peace of mind that it will arrive by Christmas–as long as you aren’t literally shopping with a minute to spare.
Holiday Delivery Calendar (for items to arrive by Christmas)
Amazon
Dec. 14: Last day for free shipping on orders over $25
Dec. 18: Last day for standard shipping
Dec. 22: Last day for two-day Prime shipping
Dec. 23: Last day for one-day Prime shipping
Target: Dec. 21
If you need more gift ideas beyond these, we have a vast lineup of 2019 holiday gift guides to make shopping for your loved one so much easier this Christmas. Read on for the best last-minute gift ideas you can buy right now and receive within a day or two–or even faster.
Note that prices are accurate at the time of publication but subject to change without notice.
Best last-minute gift ideas
PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, Nintendo Switch Online
Digital gaming subscriptions
Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo each have worthwhile subscription services for their respective gaming consoles. These can make great gifts, especially when you’re unsure which games your friend or relative already has. Plus, you can often buy these gifts as digital codes, which means you could theoretically print and put it in a card within minutes. It’s not fancy, but you can be sure they’ll appreciate it.
For PS4, PlayStation Plus grants access to online multiplayer and gives subscribers two free games each month. And if they already have a subscription, the new subscription will stack. It’s a future-proof gift, as Sony will more than likely use PlayStation Plus with the PlayStation 5 as well.
Xbox One’s Game Pass Ultimate is easily the best value in gaming. A Game Pass Ultimate subscription bundles the Game Pass subscription program–which features an expanding library hundreds of awesome games–and Xbox Live Gold, which lets Xbox One owners play online multiplayer.
Nintendo Switch Online offers numerous benefits for Switch owners. First, it lets you play games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online with friends. Members also get dozens of classic NES and SNES games for free and access to cloud saves, which is a very useful feature to have. Switch Online is available as a $20 individual or $35 family subscription. The latter grants up to eight users access to Switch Online perks.
Gift cards for digital games
Gift cards for digital game storefronts
If you know they probably want a new game but don’t know what they already have, another great option is a gift card to one of the various popular gaming storefronts. That way, they can easily snag whatever games they’ve had their eye on.
Game controllers
A new controller
Almost every gamer could use a new controller, whether because of normal wear and tear or simply to have an extra set of sticks to play multiplayer with family and friends.
RAVPower portable charger
RAVPower 26800mAh Portable Charger | $36.03
If you have someone on your shopping list who has a long daily commute or travels frequently, a portable charger is a great gift. To be honest, portable chargers are even useful at home when you’re not sitting close enough to an outlet to charge your phone. This RAVPower charger holds a massive amount of juice and has three USB ports to charge three devices simultaneously. It also comes with an AC adapter. This would also be a great buy if you’re shopping for someone who owns a Nintendo Switch.
Disney Plus
Disney Plus 12-month subscription | $70
The brand-new streaming service from Disney is the only place you can watch Star Wars: The Mandalorian. Plus, it has a huge back catalogue of Disney animated movies, Marvel flicks, and much more. You can gift a 12-month subscription for $70. Though it’s a digital code, you can set it to deliver to an email address on the day of your choosing, so it’s a quick and convenient deal. If they already have Disney Plus, the subscription will stack.
Nintendo Game Boy Gift Set
Nintendo Game Boy Gift Set | $20
A neat and thoroughly nostalgic gift, this Game Boy gift set from Target features three products that are styled after the original Game Boy: a coffee mug, bottle opener, and notebook. The coffee mug even has a little pocket that holds a cookie.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Collector’s Box
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Collector’s Box | $30
If you have a Zelda fan on your list, they may already have The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening for Nintendo Switch. But they probably don’t have this collector’s box. Featuring the gorgeous cover artwork from the game, the box includes a water bottle, pencil/pen holder, notebook, baseball cap, small Hylian Shield pillow, and set of puffy stickers.
Super Mario Collector’s Box
Super Mario Collector’s Box | $30
For Mario fans, this collector’s box features a reversible Mario/Luigi canvas bag and reversible Mario/Luigi winter hat, a green warp pipe cup, two patches, a decorative coin, and a mystery item.
Sega Genesis Mini
Sega Genesis Mini | $60
A brilliant ode to Sega’s heyday, the Sega Genesis Mini sandwiches 40 old-school games onto a pint-sized replica of the Sega Genesis. The storied library of games includes Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage 2, Castlevania: Bloodlines, and many more beloved classics. The emulation is fantastic, and the addition of save states make these games more accessible than ever before. The Sega Genesis Mini comes with two wired controllers, so you can play multiplayer on the living room floor like the good ole days.
Headphone stand with USB charger
Headphone stand with USB charger | $35
Anyone with a pair of over-the-ear headphones could tell you that setting them down flat over and over again can lead to some unwanted scuffs and tears on the cushions. This headset holder from Cozoo will solve that issue. On top of keeping gaming headphones in great condition, it also serves as a charging base with three USB ports that can charge phones, game controllers, and anything else that’s powered by USB.
Compatible with consoles, PC, and mobile, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is a great and very reasonably priced gaming headset. The wired headset uses a standard 3.5mm audio cord and comes with a detachable, noise-canceling microphone. The Arctis 1 combines crisp audio with comfort to deliver a headset that works well across all gaming platforms.
Vizio 2.0-Channel Sound Bar with Bluetooth
Vizio 2.0-Channel Soundbar with Bluetooth | $78
Soundbars can give TVs the extra audio power needed to deliver a more vibrant listening experience when watching movies, playing games, and streaming your favorite shows. This Vizio Bluetooth-enabled soundbar is compact and equipped with high-quality DTS Virtual:X sound, which works to mimic surround sound.
Kindle
Kindle | $70
Amazon’s Kindle stores thousands of ebooks on one small device. The display mirrors the look of paperback to provide a less strenuous experience than glossy tablet and smartphone displays. Amazon recently released this new mode, which comes with a built-in front light to help make things even easier on the eyes. You can choose between black and white color options. The Kindle is an excellent gift for bookworms in your life, especially those who travel frequently.
Razer Mamba wireless mouse
Razer Mamba wireless gaming mouse | $50
Razer is one of the most well-known PC gaming peripheral manufacturers in the business, and the Mamba is one of its most popular mouses. Fitted with Chroma RGB lighting and seven programmable buttons, the Mamba is both stylish and practical for a wide variety of PC games. It also boasts an impressive 50-hour battery life.
Roku Premiere 4K Streaming Media Player
Roku Premiere 4K streaming media player | $39
For those who don’t own Smart TVs, streaming devices are extremely useful in today’s streaming-focused world. The Roku Premiere 4K is a compact device that turns your TV into an easy-to-use hub for all of your streaming apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime VIdeo, and Disney Plus. This particular Roku device is capable of streaming in 4K and HDR.
Motile Commuter Laptop Backpack with wireless charger
Motile Commuter Laptop Backpack with Qi wireless power bank | $80
This laptop backpack is fairly novel. On top of being a great-looking everyday bag, it also comes with a built-in 10,000 mAh wireless power bank to charge your smartphone and devices. If they don’t have devices capable of charging wirelessly, the charger works with USB. The Motile laptop backpack comes in four colors: Charcoal, Navy, Camel, and Bone.
Google Home Mini
Google Home Mini | $25
The Google Home Mini is a small smart speaker that acts as a personal helper thanks to Google Assistant. You can ask Google to play your favorite music, look up recipes, tell you the weather, and much more. You can pick between four color options: Chalk, Aqua, Charcoal, and Coral.
Poke Ball Plus
Poke Ball Plus | $45
Pokemon fans will love to receive the Poke Ball Plus for Christmas. When connected to Pokemon Go, it lights up and vibrates as you approach Pokemon. The Poke Ball Plus can also be used as a controller for Pokemon: Let’s Go, and you can use it to level-up Pokemon in both Let’s Go and Pokemon Sword and Shield (simply by carrying it around). As an added bonus, the Poke Ball Plus contains Mew, which can be transferred to all three games.
Risk: Game of Thrones Edition
Risk – Game of Thrones edition | $68.66
The board game Risk sets up perfectly for a Game of Thrones-themed variant. But this is more than just a rehash of the iconic strategy game about conquering territories. Game of Thrones Risk comes with a pair of custom game boards. In War of Five Kings, three to five players battle it out for the Iron Throne. A two-player variation pits House Targaryen against Ghiscari. You can also merge the boards and enjoy a seven-player game. Each house has its own special player boards to track progress, and each army has 45 game pieces (315 total). To make things more interesting, Game of Thrones Risk has 28 action cards that alter the standard dice-rolling skirmishes.
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Resident Evil 3 Remake Release Date & More From Sony’s State Of Play – GS News Update
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 5, “Meeseeks and Destroy”
In Season 1, Rick and Morty introduced the world to a magic box that can summon a Mr. Meeseeks–a loud, blue, anxious, instantly iconic being (or is it more of a device?) with an aggressive desire to help the user with a goal or task before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
When your sole purpose is to complete small task, doing something abstract or even as difficult as helping Jerry do anything makes existence a pain. So of course, Mr. Meeseeks finds it simply impossible to help Jerry get better at golf, and it goes mad by simply being alive, leading to an all-out frenzy at a restaurant. And that was just the character’s first appearance on the show, of which there have been several since. It is fair to say there has been no character who has caused as lasting an impact as Mr. Meeseeks.
Two big Warner Bros. movies finally have set release dates. Fans of the Matrix series and DC’s The Flash will finally see these properties return to the big screen but not anytime soon. The Flash won’t arrive until July 1, 2022 and the untitled fourth Matrix movie won’t land until May 21, 2021–the same day as John Wick 4 comes to theaters.
DC superhero The Flash has had trouble getting started. In 2017, the project had already lost two directors due to “creative differences,” and at that point, it was revealed the title would be called Flashpoint.
The cast for the film is coming together quickly and features Jonathan Groff, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jessica Henwick, and Neil Patrick Harris. Lana Wachowski is returning to direct The Matrix 4 featuring a script by Aleksander Hemon, David Mitchell, and Wachowski.
Matrix 4 arrives on May 21, 2021 while The Flash comes to theaters on July 1, 2022.
How many Pokemon plushies is too many? The correct answer: You can never have too many. Since the wonderful world depicted in Detective Pikachu isn’t real, the closest we can get to coexisting with Pokemon is with adorable plushies. So you better believe I was excited to learn that Amazon now has an online storefront dedicated to Wicked Cool Toys’ officially licensed Pokemon plushies.
There are a bunch of plushies you’d expect to see from generation one. Pikachu, of course, is well-represented with numerous poses, including a gloriously plump Detective Pikachu. Adorable Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle plushies can be purchased individually or in a three-pack. There’s also Magikarp, if you like your Pokemon to be absolutely useless.
If you’re playing Pokemon Sword and Shield, you’ll be happy to learn the three starters, Scorbunny, Grookey, and Sobble are all available for $13 each. Purchasing one of the new starters in plush form is a good way to fondly recall their cuteness before they evolved into decidedly not cute teenagers and adults.
You can browse the full selection of Pokemon plushies at Amazon and take a look at our five favorite plushies below. Amazon’s store page isn’t exhaustive, so if you’re looking for a particular Pokemon plushie, you’ll want to do a quick search. I already checked and failed to find Wooloo.
Jigglypuff plush
Jigglypuff | $18
Jigglypuff is the perfect plushie. It won’t sing you a lullaby, but it is great for cuddling.
Mimikyu plush
Mimikyu | $20
Both cute and creepy, the Pikachu imposter Mimikyu needs just as much, if not more, love than Pikachu himself.
Ditto cosplaying as Pikachu
Ditto as Pikachu | $13
Ditto’s Imposter ability is showcased in this undeniably magnificent plushie.
Grookey plush
Grookey | $13
I wasn’t sure which Sword and Shield starter was the cutest until I saw this Grookey plushie. I’m sorry, Scorbunny and Sobble.
Gengar plush
Gengar | $21.72
I’d like to think Gengar is smiling because we just became best friends.
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Resident Evil 3 Remake Release Date & More From Sony’s State Of Play – GS News Update
The holiday season is upon us, and the malls and stores are starting to get a little crowded. However, there are plenty of presents you can buy online, many of which we’ve detailed in our Holiday 2019 gift guides. Of course, there are also those dang stockings, festive socks full of treats and smaller gifts. It can always be a little tricky trying to figure out which stocking stuffers to buy, but we’ve got you covered.
Below, we’ve collected an assortment of smaller, more affordable stocking stuffer ideas that are just begging to be thrown in a sock. If you’re shopping for someone who’s into gaming or tech, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here, from small Bluetooth speakers and wireless earbuds to tiny video game controllers and some of the most useful Nintendo Switch accessories.
Tile Mate is a small device that you can attach to pretty much any item you own and track its whereabouts. You can make the Tile Mate ring as long as you’re within 200 feet of it, and if that fails, then you can still find it with location tracking. The real killer feature of the Tile Mate is the ability to make your phone ring–even when it’s on silent–if that’s the belonging you’ve misplaced.
Tribit XSound Go Bluetooth speaker
Tribit makes excellent audio devices, and the XSound Go is an awesome, affordable Bluetooth speaker. It’s not as beefy as Tribit’s MaxSound Go–coming in at 12W as opposed to the MaxSound’s 24W–but the price and size make it an attractive option for throwing into that special somebody’s stocking.
Amazon Smart Plug
If you’re tied into Amazon’s Alexa ecosystem, then the Amazon Smart Plug is a no-brainer. It basically allows you to turn on any device that uses the Smart Plug, including lamps, coffee makers, and more.
Anker Bluetooth earbuds
Anker is another company that makes great electronic devices, including headphones and speakers. These Anker Bluetooth headphones are my personal favourite, as they’re a great option for working out and going on hikes with. While they’re not true wireless earbuds, I never worry about them falling out of my ear and getting lost.
Anker wireless charger
Wireless chargers are both cool and convenient, waving away the need to search for the right end of your charging cable before finally plugging it in and setting it down. The Anker wireless charger works with many different phones, but before you buy it, make sure your special somebody’s phone is on the compatibility list.
Aukey Power Delivery external battery
For those who are always on the go, a dwindling battery can be one of the biggest anxieties of your day-to-day life, whether it’s their smartphone, Nintendo Switch, or any other device. With this specific Aukey external battery, you can charge your Nintendo Switch fully twice and most smartphones about three times.
8Bitdo Lite Bluetooth Gamepad
8Bitdo makes great controllers, and while this one might seem a little strange, it’s actually an excellent little pad. The 8Bitdo Lite Bluetooth Gamepad was built with the Nintendo Switch Lite in mind, but it also works on the regular Nintendo Switch and PC.
8Bitdo Gbros Wireless Adapter for Nintendo Switch
The 8Bitdo Gbros wireless adapter lets you connect a Gamecube controller wirelessly to the Nintendo Switch or a PC. It also has an input for NES Classic, SNES Classic, and Wii Classic controllers. The dongle itself features buttons for Home and Screenshot, too.
8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Receiver
The 8Bitdo Bluetooth receiver is an easy way for your special gamer to use their favourite Bluetooth controllers on the Nintendo Switch and PC. The receiver even comes with easy-to-understand instructions for setting up quite a few different controllers.
Xbox Wireless Adapter Windows 10
If your special gamer just wants to connect an Xbox One controller to their PC, then the Xbox Wireless Adapter is a much easier device to use. Xbox One controllers connect automatically after pushing the sync button, making for a painless experience.
KontrolFreek performance thumbstick grips
For a little extra grip on your PS4 or Xbox One controller’s analog sticks, these performance thumbstick grips from KontrolFreek can get the job done. They come in multiple different grip and colour configurations.
PS4:
Xbox One:
PDP remotes for PS4 and Xbox One
This is a particularly great gift for movie fans. PS4 and Xbox One controllers tend to go to sleep pretty quickly while watching a movie, so if you ever need to pause, you have to wait a few seconds for them to turn back on before you can do anything. These PDP remotes work exactly like a regular remote: They’re always on and ready to control your media.
PS4:
Xbox One:
Fastsnail Grips for Nintendo Switch Joy-Con
Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons are small and can be uncomfortable to use for an extended period of time. These Fastsnail grips give you a little extra plastic to hold onto, making for a much more comfortable experience for those Switch fans in your life.
Nintendo Switch Adjustable Charging Stand
The Nintendo Switch is a great device for playing in tabletop mode, but using it this way can drain your battery pretty quickly. This charging stand gives your special gamer an improved stand over the built-in one and also keeps the Switch charged for those extra-long sessions.
Hori Game Card Case 24 for Nintendo Switch
For someone who’s always on the go, this game card case will be a perfect stocking stuffer. This case holds up to 24 Switch games, making it easy to bring a huge game collection anywhere they go.
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Resident Evil 3 Remake Release Date & More From Sony’s State Of Play – GS News Update
