Sony's CES 2024 Spectacle: Driving EVs with PS5 Controllers | Top Gaming News Roundup January 04

The festive season is now done and dusted, while the vastness of 2024's road stares us dead in the face. And you know what that means. Plenty of gaming news to go around and the years is surely kicking off peculiarly. From wacky hijinks at CES to disappearing Nintendo games, we've got a lot to cover.

Here are all the biggest gaming headlines for the January 4 - 10 period.

Sony's CES 2024 Spectacle: Driving EVs with PlayStation Controllers

(Credit: youtube.com/@Sony)

At CES 2024, Sony truly turned heads with a display straight out of a gamer's fantasy – controlling an actual electric vehicle (EV) with a PlayStation DualSense controller! This eye-catching stunt highlighted their ongoing collaboration with Honda on the concept EV, Afeela. While this remote-controlled showcase might not hint at a future of PlayStation-powered vehicles, it definitely put the spotlight on Sony's flair for the dramatic.

(Credit: youtube.com/@Sony)

Sony's showcase wasn't just about fancy controller tricks though. They brought Microsoft on stage to discuss the smart, AI-powered in-vehicle experience they're crafting. It's a convergence of gaming, technology, and automotive innovation, something we've seen Sony explore in their keynotes, particularly at CES 2024. Alongside the Afeela, Sony emphasized their advancements in AI, adding a futuristic touch to their already impressive line-up.

(Credit: youtube.com/@Sony)

But let's talk more about the Afeela and its gaming connections. A video on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) showed Sony Honda Mobility president Izumi Kawanishi deftly maneuvering the Afeela with a DualSense controller. The in-car user interface is set to be powered by Epic's Unreal Engine 5, blurring the lines between gaming and real-life driving. And here's a treat for Gran Turismo 7 fans – Afeela will be joining the game's roster this year.

Afeela is currently a prototype with no release date discussed.

Hogwarts Legacy: Casting a Spell Over the Gaming World in 2023

(Credit: youtube.com/@PlayStation)

Hogwarts Legacy, the open-world action RPG from Warner Bros. Games and developer Avalanche Software, has conjured up a magical victory as the best-selling game of 2023. With over 22 million units sold, including a whopping two million in December alone, Hogwarts Legacy has taken the gaming world by storm.

This isn't just about numbers; it's about the enchanting experience the game offers. Players have collectively spent 707 million hours in the game, brewed 819 million potions, and rescued 593 million magical beasts. These staggering stats are a testament to the game's immersive world, one that allows players to truly embody their magical selves within the Harry Potter universe.

(Credit: youtube.com/@HogwartsLegacy)

David Haddad of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment expressed immense pride in how Hogwarts Legacy has delighted fans, bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved Harry Potter world. This game has broken the longstanding dominance of familiar franchises, like Call of Duty, and sequels, marking a significant shift in the gaming landscape.

Xbox Exclusives Taking a Joyride to Switch? The Rumor Mill Spins

(Credit: bethesda.net)

The gaming grapevine is buzzing with whispers that Microsoft might be shaking up the console world. Sources suggest that Xbox, traditionally keeping its exclusives close to the chest for Xbox and PC, is now considering sharing some of its gaming gems with rival platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. The star of these rumors? Hi-Fi Rush, a title that garnered critical acclaim and was a strong Game of the Year contender.

This rumor, first stirred up by insider NateTheHate on his podcast, suggests a strategic shift for Xbox. While specific titles haven't been nailed down, Windows Central's sources indicate Microsoft's interest in re-releasing older games on other platforms. It's a move that deviates from the industry norm, where exclusive titles typically remain tied to their original platforms.

(Credit: twitter.com/Zuby_Tech)

However, don't hold your breath for new releases like Bethesda's Starfield to cross enemy lines just yet. This strategy seems focused on games already out in the wild. Sony has dabbled in something similar, allowing PlayStation exclusives to migrate to PC after their initial launch, but stopping short of sharing with console rivals.

Apex Legends Fans Outraged Over Pricey FFVII Rebirth Crossover Skins

(Credit: ea.com)

EA's Apex Legends is diving into an exciting crossover with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, but not without controversy. The event, which launched on January 9, includes Final Fantasy-themed cosmetics and gear, including the iconic Buster Sword. However, Apex Legends enthusiasts are up in arms over the steep prices of these in-game items, with some reportedly reaching an eye-watering $360.

(Credit: ea.com)

Respawn Entertainment detailed the event on January 4, promising a new game mode, materia with unique buffs, character skins inspired by Aerith and Yuffie, Twitch drops, and more. But, the highlight is undoubtedly the Buster Sword, bringing a slice of Cloud Strife's Omnislash to the battlefield.

Yet, the excitement is dampened by the cost of accessing these FFVII Rebirth cosmetics. Fans have balked at the 1000 coins ($10) price tag per item pack, especially given the game's notoriously low drop rates. The most contentious item is the Sephiroth-inspired Final Fantasy VII Rebirth death box, which requires collecting all 36 event items.

(Credit: youtube.com/@playapex)

YouTube comments on the official Apex Legends channel mirror the community's frustration. Fans are calling out the unrealistic pricing, comparing what else could be bought with such an amount. Adding to the confusion, it seems the first event pack is cheaper, but subsequent packs increase in price as more items are owned.

Steam Awards 2023: Where Innovation Meets Controversy

(Credit: store.steampowered.com/steamawards)

The Steam Awards 2023 have certainly stirred the pot in the gaming community. While Baldur's Gate 3 snagged the Game of the Year, drawing nods of approval, it's the wins of Starfield and Red Dead Redemption 2 that have gamers scratching their heads.

(Credit: store.steampowered.com/steamawards)

Starfield's win for Most Innovative Gameplay is a head-turner, especially given its recent descent into "Mostly Negative" territory on Steam. Critics and players have pointed out the game's lackluster gameplay loop, branding it as repetitive and stale. So, its triumph in an innovation category has left many puzzled and debating the criteria for such an award.

(Credit: store.steampowered.com/steamawards)

Then there's Red Dead Redemption 2, winning the Labor of Love award, a title typically reserved for games continuously nurtured by their developers. Considering RDR2's last update was in 2020 and Red Dead Online's content updates have ceased, this win seems almost ironic, if not outright baffling.

Switch 2 Rumors Spark as Nintendo Games Disappear from Shelves

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Nintendo fans, take note: a wave of popular Switch games going out of stock has sparked a new round of rumors about the elusive Switch successor. Titles like "Paper Mario: The Origami King," "Super Mario Odyssey," and the recent "Fire Emblem: Engage" are among those vanishing from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and GameStop. This unexpected scarcity has led to speculation about a potential Nintendo Selects-style repackaging in anticipation of the rumored Switch 2.

(Credit: twitter.com/Nintendeal)

The buzz began with Nintendeal's observations on Twitter, and soon a compiled list of affected games was circulating online, thanks to Discord user AShadowLink and Neoxon on ResetEra. This list includes heavy hitters and fan favorites, causing a stir in the community about the future of these titles.

So, what does this mean for Switch enthusiasts? Should you rush to snag these games before they turn into rare collector's items? The consensus on platforms like ResetEra and Nintendeal suggests a less dramatic scenario. It's likely that Nintendo is preparing to re-release these games with new SKUs, perhaps with branding that ensures compatibility with both the current Switch and its rumored successor.

Tekken 8 Trailer: Brian Cox Brings Dramatic Flair to the Fight

(Credit: youtube.com/@BandaiNamcoAmerica)

Bandai Namco's latest marketing strategy for Tekken 8 is anything but ordinary – they've enlisted Brian Cox, renowned for his role as Logan Roy in "Succession", to narrate the final trailer, bringing a dramatic gravitas to the fighting game's story.

In a move that sets them apart from the likes of Insomniac's Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Nintendo's Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Tekken 8's trailer dives into the lore of the Devil gene and the series' notorious patricidal narrative. Cox's deep, commanding voice adds a layer of intensity, declaring, "Every single fight, no matter how big or small, has a story behind it."

The trailer, interspersed with dramatic music, takes viewers through the high-stakes world of Tekken, emphasizing the depth and drama behind each battle. While it's not intended to be humorous, Cox's serious tone juxtaposed with the game's action-packed scenes adds an unexpected layer of entertainment.