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Switch 2 Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition preorders open on Amazon for $519.99 — here's your last shot to grab the limited-edition console at MSRP

9 September 2026 at 18:06

Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition went live shortly after yesterday's Nintendo Direct and sold out instantly. Walmart has listed the handheld gaming console but has enabled preorders. Meanwhile, you can preorder it on Amazon for $519.99, so you may still have a chance to get one at MSRP before the scalpers.

Major U.S. retailers, including Target, Best Buy, and GameStop, were the first to enable preorders for the Switch 2 The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition, which instantly sold out. It did not take long for scalpers to hit eBay to resell preorders for as much as $1,000, almost 2X over Nintendo's MSRP. Zelda-exclusive consoles have always been prime targets for scalpers.

The Switch 2 The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition, the first limited edition of the Switch 2 and a The Legend of Zelda-themed edition celebrating the franchise's 40 years, makes the handheld console even more desirable to hardcore fans and scalpers looking to make a quick profit. Plus, the console's $519.99 price tag, which is only $20 over the vanilla Switch 2, gives gamers extra incentive to purchase one. The problem is finding one in stock.

Along with the console, Nintendo also gave the Switch 2 Pro controller and carrying case with an included screen protector the same The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition treatment. Best Buy currently has both up for preorder at $99.99 and $39.99, respectively.

The Switch 2 The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition officially launches on October 29. Historically, The Legend of Zelda-themed consoles are available for purchase on launch day. However, stock will likely be extremely limited, which is why many fans like to lock in their preorders early.

It remains to be seen whether Nintendo will produce many units of the Switch 2 The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition. At least for the previous limited-edition consoles, like the Nintendo Switch OLED: Tears of the Kingdom Edition or Nintendo Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition, stock was not a problem since you can still buy them today despite being last-generation consoles.

Spyro’s 27th birthday comes with a surprise — a sneak peek at A Realm Beyond’s first level

9 September 2026 at 17:56

It still feels like a dream that Spyro the Dragon, one of my childhood favorite platformer games, is finally getting a true successor to the classic PlayStation One trilogy with Spyro: A Realm Beyond.

Fortunately, Toys for Bob is here to remind me that it's indeed real by showing off a sneak preview of Arcadian Vale, one of the first locales you'll explore in the game, as part of a special event celebrating Spyro's 27th anniversary called Spyro Community Day.

Something from the Realmis hiding below.But what could it be?There’s only one way to know.Start in the center.Let the fire spread.Burn away the questionand see what’s ahead.#HappyBirthdaySpyro pic.twitter.com/NfWBZjb9mYSeptember 9, 2026

As you can see from the concept art, the Acadian Vale is a lush and colorful locale that perfectly captures the childlike wonder you'd normally associate with Spyro games, complete with cascading waterfalls, ancient buildings, and cutesy critters running around (which I totally won't roast alive to spawn butterflies that will replenish my health like in previous games).

The art also implies that the Arcadian Vale will feature a fair degree of verticality, most likely to help players practice the new free-roaming flight mechanic that will allow us to fly anytime, anywhere instead of specific levels and boss fights like in previous games.

A special birthday surprise from Spyro's biggest fans 💜 #HappyBirthdaySpyro #Spyroversary pic.twitter.com/tpEOvxkTMVSeptember 9, 2023

It's going to be a long, painful wait until we get to play Spyro, but in the meantime, you can celebrate Spyro's legacy by showing off fan art, appreciation messages, and other content for Spyro Community Day on social media platforms like X with the hashtag #HappyBirthdaySpyro.

Spyro: A Realm Beyond is set to launch sometime in 2027 for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.


Take to the skies and save the day from the invading Skavs in Spyro: A Realm Beyond, a next-gen evolution in the iconic Spyro the Dragon series.

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Xbox is bringing back startup animations from its console history

9 September 2026 at 17:25
Vector collage of the Xbox logo.

Microsoft is starting to test some new Xbox console features with Insiders. Testers will be able to try out custom Xbox boot animations from the past, more personalization options for badges, a new local search feature, improved Remote Play quality, the ability to download while you play on cloud, and clearer voice chat.

Xbox testers will be able to pick between the original Xbox One boot screen, the Xbox One X startup animation, the original Xbox Series X / S boot, and the new "we are Xbox" boot animation. Unfortunately you won't be able to select the original Xbox or Xbox 360 boot animations, it's only Xbox One onwards.

The new local sea …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Everything announced at today's Nintendo Direct — from a new 2D Metroid game to a surprise Mario Kart World update, and massive Kirby reveal

The latest Nintendo Direct has concluded, and what a cracker of a show!

It delivered a huge number of titles for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 owners to look forward to, with some big new entries in major franchises like Kirby and Metroid.

There were also plenty of exciting ports, like three new Resident Evil ports, two Far Cry games, and more. Lots of existing titles also got big upgrades in the form of new Switch 2 Editions or free updates.

There are more maps coming to Mario Kart World, for example, and Pikmin 4 is getting a comprehensive Switch 2 upgrade later today.

If you didn't manage to catch the show, you can see a bullet point list of all the announcements in the order that they happened below.

Everything announced at Nintendo Direct – 09/09/2026

  • Monster Hunter Wilds Nintendo Switch 2 port shown, includes all updates — launches on December 4
    • Ascendance expansion is also coming in 2027
  • Final Fantasy 7 Revelation trailer shown — launches on April 8, with pre-orders beginning later today
  • Crisis Core Final Fantasy 7 Reunion launches on Nintendo Switch 2 later today
  • Hyrule Warriors Age of Calamity Definitive Edition coming to Nintendo Switch 2 with visual upgrades and new modes — out February 25
  • Viral hit Meccha Chamelon is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 later today
  • Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass DLC is adding some cute new accessories later this year
  • Star Fox is getting a free update with four split-screen players in battle mode, plus three new stages
  • Star Fox Adventures from the Nintendo GameCube is coming to Nintendo Classics later today
  • Some Nintendo Switch 2 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Remastered footage shown — out September 29
    • Songs of the Past expansion also shown — coming in 2027
  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Royal Edition is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027
  • Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave new trailer shown — game still set to launch on September 17
  • Professor Layton and the New World of Steam finally gets a new trailer showing puzzle gameplay — set to have the biggest number of puzzles yet when it arrives on December 10
  • New Yokai Watch game revealed — Yokai Watch 2 Haunted Domain currently in development
  • Nintendo Switch 2 Edition version of Pikmin 4 confirmed — adds voice commands, new mode, and more when it comes out today
  • Onyx The Dead Grip — new horror game from Bloober Team launches as a Switch 2 exclusive next year, can only be played in handheld mode
  • New sizzle reel for Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
  • Stage Fright, a new spooky game from the developers of Overcooked shown — comes to Switch and Switch 2 next year
  • Disney Dreamlight Valley: The Keepsake Sea — the game's next paid expansion with underwater areas
  • Ondeh Ondeh Kaya's Tasty Tale — a charming rhythm adventure out in 2027
  • Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight finally releasing for Switch 2 on September 18
  • New Kirby Air Riders amiibo will launch on November 12
  • Cairn port arriving in early 2027, with demo out today
  • Resident Evil 2 Deluxe Edition, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition all coming on October 16
  • Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis Switch 2 trailer shown — out February 12, 2027
  • New Nintendo Switch Sports Resort trailer showing free island exploration — Switch 2 exclusive coming October 22
  • New 2D Metroid title revealed — Metroid Ravenous, out January 28, 2027
  • Big free update with ten new courses, plus two new knockout tour routes, is coming to Mario Kart World today
  • Mega Man: Dual Override gameplay trailer shows off Proto Man
    • New Mega Man and Proto Man amiibo also revealed
  • New RPG Eternal Anima shown — comes to Switch 2 on March 4, 2027
  • Danganronpa 2x2 port revealed with new 'Slayhem' mode out on January 14, 2027, for Switch and Switch 2
  • Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves port is on the way in October
  • Metal Slug Ultimate Collection revealed with loads of games — out for Switch and Switch 2 next year
  • Yo-Gi-Oh! Tag Force GX port revealed for Switch and Switch 2 — launches February 16, 2027
  • Romance Saga 3: Destinies United remake for Switch and Switch 2 also out February 16, 2027
  • 007 First Light is actually launching at some point this year, apparently
  • Far Cry 3 Classic Edition coming to Switch in 2027
  • Far Cry Blood Dragon Classic Edition on the way too
  • The Crew Motorfest Switch 2 port shown in the sizzle reel
  • The Apothecary Diaries: The First Imperial Brother out in early 2027
  • House Flipper 2 out October 15
  • Sonic Pico Park spin dashing on to Switch and Switch 2 on November 12
  • Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World out on December 3
  • Torneko's Mystery Dungeon Classic HD is available later today
  • Hela port launching on December 1
  • Criksholm The Stolen Dream is coming to Switch 2 on December 3
  • Stellar Blade Complete Edition shown with Bayonetta crossover costume
  • The Ascent Complete Edition is out in December
  • It Takes Two comes out on October 15 for Switch 2
  • Palia Nintendo Switch 2 Edition out in December
  • Bluey's Happy Snaps — brief bit of new footage shown
  • Hot Wheels Infinite Rush dropping on September 10
  • Fading Echo out on September 17 — demo later today
  • Hell is Us port shown, out October 8
  • Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Encore Edition dropping on November 5 — pre-order today
  • Surprise Persona 4 Revival trailer shows off loads of new gameplay
  • Persona 6 logo shown on screen
  • The final announcement is a new Kirby game that looks almost open-world — called Kirby and the World Beyond and out in Spring 2027

VOD

You can also catch up with the video on demand (VOD) version of the stream via YouTube below.

What did you think?

GTA 6 PS5 controller pre-orders live — build-up ahead of two new DualSense pads dropping tomorrow

9 September 2026 at 15:39

The giant of a video game release is nearly upon us, and Sony is getting well and truly involved with GTA 6 PS5 controllers beginning tomorrow on two very cool looking DualSense variations.

GTA 6 PS5 controller pre-orders

Custom three-way artwork showing the GTA 6 PS5 controllers and the GTA 6 logo

(Image credit: Future/Rockstar/Sony)

1. US pre-order quick links
2. UK pre-order quick links
3. Live updates

Two new limited-edition GTA 6 PS5 controllers are up for grabs tomorrow: one black, one white. Both share a lot of the same design sensibilities and features, but I think both look slick as heck. They are both unmistakably 'Vice City' with palm tree emblems and fronds draped over the pad, while the glints of pink shine wonderfully through on the white or black backgrounds, and the shimmering finish on both does a great job of evoking neon lights.

Both DualSense controllers will cost you $84.99 / £74.99 and will release alongside GTA 6 on November 19. However, there will be a slight variation in availability. The white GTA 6 DualSense will be "available in limited quantities globally at direct.playstation.com and at participating retailers", says Sony. The black GTA 6 DualSense will be "available in limited quantities exclusively through direct.playstation.com where available" — so that means in the UK and US.

We expect the usual suspects to get involved in pre-order listings on both sides of the Atlantic, and we will be casting our eager eye over those, and a wider net more generally, to make sure we get you the best links and info as soon as we see them. We're starting today to get our flag in the ground early, so you know where to be in the run-up to stock dropping.

US GTA 6 DualSense pre-orders – quick links

UK GTA 6 DualSense pre-orders – quick links

Grand Theft Auto 6 Dualsense Controllers

(Image credit: Sony / Rockstar)

Should you pre-order a GTA 6 Limited Edition PS5 controller?

This is perhaps an even easier recommendation to make than the one I did before the game was available to pre-order: in short, you should absolutely, 100%, definitely consider placing a pre-order on these GTA 6 DualSense controllers if you can, rather than waiting and hoping they remain available in the long run.

These are accessories — that will be available in "limited quantities", according to Sony — that will coincide with the release of the biggest thing in all of entertainment ever. As a result, the demand will likely be the highest on DualSense controller editions we've ever seen — and perhaps on any accessory ever.

Yes, there are two different editions which will hopefully spread the load of the demand, but I think placing a pre-order if you can is by far the safest option if you're at all interested in one of these PS5 controllers.

GTA 6 Limited Edition PS5 controllers: cut to the chase

  • Price: $84.99 / £74.99
  • Pre-order date: September 10, 2026; 10am ET / 10am local time in Europe
  • Release date: November 19, 2026
  • Design: Sony describes the limited edition DualSense controllers as pads that "each capture the essence of Vice City, from bright days along the coast to vibrant city nights. Both editions feature a shimmering, color-shifting finish that brings together the hues of a Vice City sunset and the glow of neon lights. They both also feature custom palm tree details molded directly into the controller, adding a unique tactile element alongside official Grand Theft Auto VI branding." There's no denying they do look pretty slick.

Hello!

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the upcoming GTA 6 PS5 controller pre-orders which are dropping tomorrow!

We're getting our flag in the ground early to be in the best position to help you snag your one, or two, new DualSense controllers!

These are going to be hot stuff...

The DualSense Wireless Controller – Grand Theft Auto 5 Black Limited Edition

(Image credit: PlayStation)

Not only are these two controllers absolute beauties — at least, I think — they are tied to the biggest entertainment release in history.

As a result, I predict the demand for these is going to be huge; absolutely wild, in fact. I know that recent Limited Edition PS5 controllers haven't sold out like some, but surely the safe bet here is that stock will fly.

Because of that I reckon it'll pay to get in position early with bookmarking the above links, getting account information in order, and making sure you're fully informed ahead of stock dropping. tomorrow.

So let's begin with some key information...

What, and how much, are the GTA 6 PS5 controller pre-orders?

Key artwork from the PS Blog piece on the new GTA 6 PS5 controllers

(Image credit: Sony/Rockstar)

In terms of what, there will be two distinct GTA 6 PS5 controllers up for pre-order tomorrow.

Sony is attractively naming them, officially, as 'DualSense Wireless Controller – Grand Theft Auto VI Black Limited Edition' and 'DualSense Wireless Controller – Grand Theft Auto VI White Limited Edition'. The black and white overarching colorway is indeed the biggest thing that separates them, but they both look slick as heck in my view.

There's that shimmering blue look on both, palm tree fronds and forms draped over the pads, and pink accents that punch through the black or white really pleasingly. I think I prefer the Black one, but it's a close run thing.

There's no difference in price, though, and both will cost you $84.99 / £74.99 — the standard price for DualSenses right now.

When and where are the GTA 6 PS5 controller pre-orders?

Key artwork from the PS Blog piece on the new GTA 6 PS5 controllers

(Image credit: Sony/Rockstar)

OK, the first part of this is easy: GTA 6 PS5 controller pre-orders kick off at 10am ET in the US, and 10am local time everywhere else. Boom.

The second part, availability, is a little more complex, but only in the sense of the difference between the two variants. If my parsing of the PS Blog post is correct, it appears that the Black GTA 6 DualSense will be exclusive to PS Direct, while the white variant will be the one that's available at both PS Direct and other retailers.

The details are fabulous...

A close up of the new GTA 6 PS5 controllers

(Image credit: Sony/Rockstar)

I really like the flashy details of the glinty art style in both the black and white variants, and this close up of the white model really shows how the glimmering and shimmering speckles will change in the light too. Nice.

...and more than just a pattern

A close up of the new GTA 6 PS5 controllers

(Image credit: Sony/Rockstar)

And I also really like the look of the properly moulded and formed palm tree fronds that are raised off the surface of the DualSense.

A lot of previous designs haven't altered the physical feel of the PS5 controller that much, so I really like this change and feature of this particular limited edition design.

So: which one do you like the look of most?

As I said, I think the Black one just pips it for me in terms of my aesthetic tastes, but which one are you most likely to pre-order? Let me know in the poll below!

An early bit of advice to be in position, well, early

It sounds obvious, being ready early, but actually what I mean more specifically is that last time out with the Marvel's Wolverine PS5 collection of controllers and console covers, retailers in the UK, particularly, actually went live comfortably earlier than the 10am start time.

So much so, in fact,m that PS Direct itself also pulled the trigger before 10am in the end; such were the options available to customers before the official start time.

As a result, it'll definitely pay to be as ready to go as you possibly can earlier than 10am ET or 10am local time — perhaps aim for 9.30am and get poised.

Which retailers are the ones to go for first?

PlayStation Direct

(Image credit: Future)

If I'm understanding the PS Blog post correctly — and I think I am, I've done loads of these launches now, though Sony can be ambiguous — then I reckon you're best first port of call is going top be PlayStation Direct. And that's on both sides of the Atlantic.

US retailers have been pretty good on the last limited edition releases and all of Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and GameStop have reliably followed with stock. We'd still err toward the former three though for the best and likely-quickest shopping experience.

In the UK, things have been a bit different in recent times. Amazon UK has been very unreliable when it comes to limited edition PS5 hardware or accessory stock. For example, it still hasn't got Marvel's Wolverine DualSense stock. However, the likes of Smyths Toys, Currys,. and Very have all been reliable with the last release or two.

Even the packaging looks dope — if it's real

Our friends at GamesRadar+ have spotted a social media post that shows an image of the packaging — and even that looks slick as heck! If it's real, of course...

Here's a new look at the #GTAVI DualSense controller boxSource: https://t.co/DEQ8Ul0gEI pic.twitter.com/fdboZqGFo4September 8, 2026

I'm off for now - but we're still going

I'm passing the steering of our GTA 6 PS5 controller pre-order ship to one of my excellent colleagues now, as I step away for the evening (and to prepare for a trip to BlizzCon too!).

Keep it right here for the best information and links in preparation for tomorrow's pre-orders kicking off!

Microsoft reportedly gives secret Xbox Game Pass discounts to churned subscribers to reel them back in — targeted offers slash up to 30% off the regular price

9 September 2026 at 15:39

If you play hard to get, you could get Xbox Game Pass for cheaper; at least that is what numerous users are reporting on a Reddit thread. One Xbox Game Pass subscriber shared a screenshot of Microsoft offering them the Ultimate plan for $16.09 for a month, 30% lower than the standard $22.99. Their secret? Cancel Xbox Game Pass almost every month.

Dynamic win-back discounts are perhaps the oldest trick in the book, but they remain widely used because of their effectiveness in re-engaging customers who have stopped buying a product or, in Microsoft's case, canceled their Xbox Game Pass subscription. These targeted offers, often disguised as "We Miss You" or "Welcome back" deals, aim to win back lost customers with exclusive or time-limited discounts.

According to the Redditor, they have used Xbox Game Pass on and off for about two years. However, instead of committing to an annual plan, the user frequently paused and resubscribed. In the Redditor's words, they were "not doing any sort of tricks lol...just got the offer randomly because I cancel gamepass almost every month, so maybe this was their way of keeping me."

This kind of customer behavior is not uncommon among subscription services, since buyers seek to maximize value and avoid unnecessary spending. Apparently, Microsoft seemingly noticed this user and proactively offered a 30% discount, dropping the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price from $22.99 to $16.09 for a year. And it worked. The Redditor confirmed that they took the offer and locked in for the entire year.

Got Offered a Game Pass Annual Subscription
 from r/XboxGamePass

At least one other Redditor confirmed they also received the same $16.09 offer. The thread quickly filled with additional posts as users shared their experiences with Xbox Game Pass discounts. For example, one Reddit user said that when they logged in with a secondary account on their Xbox console, they saw an $18 offer for 12 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Their main account allegedly never receives offers like this. Meanwhile, other users chimed in to report receiving $ 20-per-month offers.

It is unclear what criteria Microsoft uses to distribute these win-back discounts. Many speculate that the company may be considering activity, subscription history, or even multiple accounts. The discounts do not seem limited to the U.S., where the Redditor lives. Users in the thread have reported similar discounts in regions like México.

Despite Microsoft slashing Xbox Game Pass pricing earlier this year, many gamers still resort to digital key marketplaces such as Eneba, G2A, or Loaded, where one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can cost as little as $9.28. By running targeted annual promotions, Microsoft can encourage subscribers to stick with Xbox Game Pass, secure long-term revenue, and avoid the risks of month-to-month cancellation.

However, these targeted discounts raise an important question: should Microsoft not reward loyal Xbox Game Pass subscribers with similar exclusive discounts? Win-back promotions are great for bringing back former subscribers, but long-time users will feel overlooked and see no reason to commit, since the generous deals go to those who cancel and return.

Instead of convincing us digital-only games are secretly a good thing, Sony was just caught testing dynamic pricing again on PlayStation 5

  • Sony has seemingly been caught testing dynamic pricing again
  • PS5 users are seeing different discounts for Star Wars games based on unknown account factors
  • Some regions seem unaffected by the experiment

Dynamic pricing is back in the gaming news, as PS5 players are yet again seeing the wild disparity between discount amounts for the same game — and its all-digital future feels ever more like a nightmare.

When looking at buying Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order while logged into their PlayStation account Reddit user Bluemonkey88 was told it would cost them CA$19.24, or a roughly 65% discount from its RRP. Meanwhile the sequel Jedi: Survivor would set them back CA$23.39 (a 74% saving). As soon as they logged out Fallen Order dropped to CA$10.99, an 80% drop from full price, and Survivor fell to CA$13.49, or an 85% discount.

In the replies, we can see folks being offered the games for CA$13.99 and CA$18.19, though further muddying the waters a couple of US users — one with PS Plus and another without — both see the games at $7.99 and $10.49, suggesting not every region or user is subject to the same price testing.

I really dislike these new pricing practices on the PlayStation Store
 from r/PS5

What is dynamic pricing?

If you haven’t heard before, dynamic pricing is where a product’s cost fluctuates based on who is buying the product, or when they’re buying it.

It goes by other names you might have seen like surge pricing on Uber — when everyone is trying to book a cab, say just as a concert ends or if the weather turns bad, you’ll see costs rise because demand is up.

Uber has introduced WA2R in Delhi

(Image credit: Uber)

In Sony’s case here the pricing seems more algorithmic. There’s an unending supply of digital games, so instead the discount amount folks are seeing looks to be based on how likely it is you’ll buy the product, and adjusting the sale until it just tips you over the edge.

For example someone who maybe plays a couple of games a year or isn’t a mega Star Wars or action adventure game fan might see a steep discount as they’ll need more convincing. Whereas a mega fan of Star Wars, or a gamer who digests a new title every other week might be willing to pay more.

It’s like how airlines and hotels are accused of upping costs for folks who have filled their search history with holiday plans to a dream destination — if they’re desperate to go to, say, Paris, then they’ll be willing to maybe pay that little bit extra compared with a more agnostic traveller.

No thank you

This isn’t the first time Sony has been caught testing dynamic pricing. In fact, some kind of experiment has been going on from as far back as November last year.

And it’s as scummy a practice then as it is now, and it will continue to be as awfully anti-consumer as some of Sony’s other recent moves (i.e. killing physical games media).

Though if you’re thinking of jumping ship to Xbox it too has been caught with its hand in the dynamic pricing cookie jar. In its case it appears Microsoft is offering deeper Game Pass discounts to some accounts than others, with current subscribers unable to see the deal at all.

Xbox Game Pass

(Image credit: Microsoft)

A digital-only gaming future already has so many downsides when it comes to ownership, game archiving, offline access and more, that we simply don’t need to add dynamic pricing to the mix.

Maybe Sony will reverse course, though its efforts for the past year suggest that dynamic pricing is here to stay. The best thing we can do is point it out every time it’s spotted, and making sure we don’t get suckered in with higher prices.

I rebuilt my classic Xbox 360 avatar in this clever web-based generator, with outfits from "every collection Microsoft released"

This web-based recreation of the iconic Xbox 360 avatar creator features tens of thousands of clothing and prop items from the original marketplace, and it's even more impressive when you learn that '360sona' was the project of a single person, Ezra Kruger. Shared across Reddit and YouTube, it also carefully denies any direct affiliation with Microsoft.

21,425 items across every collection Microsoft released – 2,644 props and every one of them plays its animation.

Ezra Kruger

Built primarily with JavaScript and WebGL, 360sona.com is a "pixel-for-pixel" representation that lets you accurately rebuild your old-school Xbox avatar and even embed it into your personal website via an iframe. The whole project includes "every animation, every camera the console had, drawn the way the console drew them", and each part looks exactly how you remember.

"Well, bam, there it is"

I was enamored with the idea before I even opened it, as the first images took me on an instant nostalgia trip, and I love nostalgia trips. 360sona has everything I remembered, and I rebuilt my original avatar in minutes, including the Max Payne outfit I never removed back in the day. Armor from Halo, Gears of War, and Mass Effect is also here, all authentically rendered.

If I wanted to, I could even export my finished avatar as a .glb model, rigged and ready for inspection in free 3D software like Blender, with baked textures included. It's all built around a basic account system and, importantly, 360sona never asks for your email address. You only need a simple username and password (and you're given a one-time-use recovery code).

Every item, texture, animation and piece of artwork in the catalogue was created by Microsoft Corporation and its partners and licensors. They are the rights holders.

360sona Terms

The branded elephant in the room is the absolutely gigantic collection of licensed content, including logos of major sports franchises, movies, and real-world clothing icons. Again, Kruger explains in 360sona's terms that you shouldn't expect to reuse absolutely anything exported from the project, stressing the intention of personal, non-commercial use.

Still, I can't shake the feeling that a potential DMCA takedown request could be looming, even though 360sona doesn't feature any on-page ads or other money-making schemes. At face value, this is a purely fan-driven hobby project that exists only to let long-serving Xbox fans spend some time reminiscing about the Xbox 360's heyday. That hasn't stopped mega-corpos in the past, though.

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Steam achievements for multiple upcoming and unannounced games have leaked — and it's an ugly situation for Valve

9 September 2026 at 14:35
  • Steam achievements of upcoming and unannounced games have leaked
  • The achievements include spoilers for games like Control Resonant, Kingdom Hearts, and Persona 6
  • Valve hasn't commented on the achievements or recent prototype leak on Steam

Steam achievements for both upcoming and unannounced games may have been leaked by Valve and spotted on the third-party site Exophase.

As reported by PC Gamer, the leak includes nearly 90 games, including Control Resonant, Kingdom Hearts 4, Gears of War E-Day, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, and Persona 6.

The leaked achievements are listed for each title on Exophase, including spoilers for major plot points, character reveals, and even weapon unlocks (notably for Kingdom Hearts 4), despite missing full descriptions. It's effectively created a minefield of spoilers to avoid, which is made worse since the list includes games that don't even have a release date.

It's not exactly clear how this leak occurred on Valve's end, but it doesn't appear to be a breach of the Steam platform. Instead, it may very well be an issue with Valve's API exposure, at least according to Exophase owner Mike Bendel, who claims it's a "possible screw-up on Valve's end", which makes this the second slip-up in just a few weeks.

Recently, around 12TB to 13TB of early prototypes, unreleased titles, and scrapped builds of games between 2003 and 2013 were leaked from Steam, including games such as GTA 5, The Binding of Isaac, and even some of Valve's very own games like Left 4 Dead.

Mobile phone with logo of video game distribution platform Steam operated by Valve on screen in front of web page

(Image credit: T. Schneider / Shutterstock)

It's possibly the worst spell of game leaks for publishers launching games on PC platforms like Steam, especially with the leak of builds for games like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Forza Horizon 6 before launch.

There's clearly a major security issue at hand with Steam, and until it's addressed, game leaks seem inevitable. Game achievements, while potentially spoiler-filled, are minor in comparison to the very recent game prototype leak.

Valve hasn't made an official statement on the Steam prototype or achievements leaks, but with its impact on both publishers and consumers, it wouldn't be surprising to see both cases addressed soon.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Songs of the Past was 'impossible to realize without the remaster changes,' CD Projekt Red reveals: 'When we started prototyping the area it was impossible to ride with a horse through it'

9 September 2026 at 14:00
  • CD Projekt Red says The Witcher 3 Remastered and its many upgrades helped realize Songs of the Past
  • Game director on Songs of the Past, Jakub Rokosz, says the team had a "certain vision" for the expansion, but there were technological challenges
  • He says the remaster "helped with applying optimization" to the expansion

According to CD Projekt Red, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's upcoming expansion, Songs of the Past, may not exist without The Witcher 3 Remastered and its many upgrades.

If you missed the bombshell news the Polish studio dropped during Opening Night Live, The Witcher 3 Remastered is a massive free update arriving on September 29. It offers many improvements to the base game and the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions, such as upgraded visuals, a refined combat system, new Witcher Signs, transmogrification, and more.

The remaster will essentially rework the game in its entirety, giving fans of the 11-year-old role-playing game (RPG) an excuse for another playthrough, ahead of the upcoming expansion Songs of the Past.

Now, in an interview with TechRadar Gaming at Gamescom, Jakub Rokosz, CEO of Fool's Theory and game director on Songs of the Past, and senior quest designer Despoina Anetaki shared that without these technological improvements, their vision for the expansion may not have been fully realized.

"The stars had to align, so to say, because a few things had to happen," said Rokosz, who was also one of the original senior quest designers for The Witcher 3. "The Songs of the Past expansion and Letten itself, the area that it takes place, it had a certain vision. We had a certain vision for it, and it posed us certain specific technological challenges that was impossible to realize without the remaster changes.

"So the conditions had to grow for the remaster to appear on the horizon for us to be able to realize this, so this is actually two things meshing together to make it a reality."

The developer explained that Letten's lush vegetation, small bushes, and dense forests caused issues during development, but were resolved with the remaster's advancements.

"One of the challenges when we started prototyping the area was [that] it was impossible to ride with a horse through it, basically," he continued. "So we had to do some improvements on the horse handling side, right? So it feels more organic or more natural."

Letten also features a big lake in the middle of its map that allows players a view of the horizon, and as Rokosz explained, having this huge amount of open space where you can see fishermen fishing "posed a challenge in terms of how the engine was handling this. So the remaster helped with applying optimization."

Songs of the Past is due to launch in 2027.

Doom is coming to Black Ops 7 in new Halloween event as final season revealed ahead of Modern Warfare 4 launch

  • The final season of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has been revealed
  • It includes a Doom crossover and lots of Halloween content
  • Only one new multiplayer map is being added, however

Activision has lifted the curtain on the content coming to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 in its final season ahead of the Modern Warfare 4 launch.

With a new game on the way, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that this update is going to be a smaller one. Still, it includes plenty of spooky Halloween content as part of the series' annual The Haunting event.

This includes a bombastic Doom crossover, allowing players to unlock loads of Doom-themed rewards in a new limited-time event pass. As usual, this pass will be divided into two tracks: a free one and a premium option.

The free track contains new operator skins for Wei Lin and Falkner, plus an adorable Mini Slayer weapon charm and a range of other rewards. Completing the entire track will grant you the Roc 20mm special weapon — a massive, almost cannon-like rifle that fires devastating 20mm rounds.

The premium track, on the other hand, unlocks the Doom Slayer himself as a playable operator in the JSOC faction. By default, he's wearing his Doom: The Dark Ages attire, but the premium track's final reward is an alternate classic 1993-style skin.

Black Ops 7 Season 6 roadmap.

(Image credit: Activision)

Other weapons introduced in the upcoming season include the TR41 Para Assault Rifle, which will be available at launch, and the Arcblade melee weapon added later on. There are also some new weapon attachments on the way for the VS Recon Sniper Rifle, Dravec 45 SMG, and Sokol 545 LMG.

Unfortunately, the offering is pretty sparse on the map front, with only one new one being introduced. It's called Quantum, and it looks like an appropriately ruined laboratory. There is at least also a new version of the existing Homestead map, called Bloodstead, for you to explore as well.

The cool Hordepoint mode will be returning from previous games in season too, challenging players to face off against a rival team and spawning waves of zombies.

All of this comes alongside a fresh battle pass full of new skins and unlocks, not to mention additional content for the Zombies and Endgame modes, plus the free-to-play Warzone battle royale.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is available now for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Xbox One.

Invoke studio head says Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons' imp companion can aid as they explore and serves as an 'unreliable guide' to Kaatri's journey, but is still 'his own character'

9 September 2026 at 13:00
  • Invoke Studios head Dominic Guay says Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons' imp companion Skev provides narrative and gameplay assistance
  • Skev will provide lore to the player as they explore Darkon, but can't be controlled in combat
  • Guay says the imp is "his own character" with his own personal motivations

Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons' imp companion Skev serves multiple purposes for the player, but was designed to be "his own character."

In an interview with TechRadar Gaming at Gamescom, Invoke Studios head Dominic Guay offered more insight into Skev and his relationship with the warlock protagonist Kaatri, revealing that the imp will assist the player as they navigate the open world of Darkon both narratively and with his utilities.

However, while Skev will act as a companion to Kaatri, Guay stressed that he still has his own motivations, including seeking out his lost master, just like how Kaatri is searching for someone too.

"We iterated a lot on him. So he actually is his own character," Guay said. "That was important to us. He wasn't born to be a sidekick. That was the mentality. He used to be the advisor to the ruler of Darkon, so in a way, he had a really important role in that land before his master vanished, and his quest is to find his lost master, and Kaatri's quest is to find someone too.

"So, he tags along, and Kaatri's kind of like, 'Oh well, he knows this place, and that's useful.' So he gives you a lot of insights as you travel around. You find new places."

The studio head said Skev will offer lore about new locations as players explore, adding that he thinks of the imp as "your unreliable guide to Darkon."

Skev won't be controlled by the player either, Guay confirmed, so he won't die in combat or get in the way, but will sometimes help in certain instances, like by picking locks.

"You can actually decide how you want to upgrade his abilities throughout the adventure," he added, "So [there's] some practical application."

Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons arrives in 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.

ATK Blazing Sky X1 V2 Review: Lightweight 8K Wireless Gaming Mouse

9 September 2026 at 12:45

Gaming mice have become increasingly focused on three things: lower weight, faster communication and more accurate tracking. The ATK Blazing Sky X1 V2 series brings all three ideas together in a compact wireless design, while adding an unusually large battery for a mouse in this weight class.

Depending on the version, the X1 V2 family combines a high-performance sensor, an 8,000Hz polling rate, Nordic 54-series hardware, lightweight construction and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. The Banggood listing identifies the Ultra Max version with a PAW3395 Ultra sensor, an 800mAh battery and a weight of around 55g, while the other versions use different sensor and switch configurations.

That makes the X1 V2 more interesting than a mouse that simply advertises a high DPI number. Its real appeal is the balance between movement, wireless responsiveness and long-term usability.

A Mouse Built Around Low Weight

A gaming mouse does not need to be extremely small to feel fast.

The X1 V2 measures approximately 127 × 64 × 40mm and uses a symmetrical body shape. Depending on the version, its listed weight is around 54–55g, putting it firmly in the lightweight gaming mouse category.

The advantage becomes particularly noticeable when a game requires frequent large movements, which is where lightweight gaming mice can make a difference.

In competitive shooters, players using relatively low sensitivity often move the mouse across a large section of the desk to make a turn or correct their aim. A lighter mouse reduces the amount of physical effort required for those repeated movements.

The X1 V2 therefore makes more sense as a precision-oriented gaming tool than as a general office mouse. Its shape and weight are designed around quick repositioning rather than adding unnecessary mass.

8,000Hz Polling Is About More Than a Bigger Number

One of the headline specifications is the 8,000Hz polling rate, a feature increasingly found on high-end competitive gaming mice.

A 1,000Hz mouse reports its position to the computer roughly every 1 millisecond. At 8,000Hz, that interval is reduced to approximately 0.125 milliseconds.

The practical difference is not that an 8K mouse suddenly makes someone a better player. Instead, a higher polling rate can provide more frequent position updates, particularly on a sufficiently powerful gaming PC and high-refresh-rate display.

The X1 V2 is designed to support 8,000Hz polling in both wired and wireless modes. ATK also lists button latency around 0.181ms for several X1 V2 configurations.

For everyday desktop work, the difference may be difficult to notice. In fast competitive games, however, players who already use high-refresh-rate monitors and low-latency peripherals are more likely to appreciate the additional responsiveness.

The Sensor Choice Depends on the Version

One detail buyers should pay attention to is that the X1 V2 is a series, not a single configuration.

The Banggood listing identifies three versions: X1 V2 Ultras Max, X1 V2 Ultimate and X1 V2 Extreme. The listing associates the Ultra Max with the PAW3395 Ultra sensor, while the other versions use different sensor configurations.

This distinction matters because shoppers should not assume that every X1 V2 carries exactly the same internal hardware.

ATK’s current official X1 V2 product page also shows that the broader X1 V2 lineup has evolved across several configurations, including models using PAW3950 Ultra and PAW3955 Master sensors.

For anyone purchasing the mouse, checking the exact version is therefore more useful than simply searching for “X1 V2.”

Why an 800mAh Battery Is Significant

Wireless gaming mice usually have to make a compromise between weight and battery capacity.

A larger battery can extend runtime, but it also adds weight. The X1 V2 takes a different approach by pairing an 800mAh battery with a lightweight body.

The Banggood listing advertises more than 800 hours of battery life at 1,000Hz for the 800mAh configuration.

That figure should be treated as a manufacturer-rated condition rather than a guaranteed runtime during continuous 8K wireless gaming. Higher polling rates, lighting, wireless conditions and other usage variables can affect actual battery life.

Even so, the battery capacity is one of the more practical reasons to consider this mouse. A wireless mouse that needs to be charged frequently can become frustrating, especially for people who use it for work during the day and gaming at night.

Wireless Freedom Without Giving Up Wired Mode

The X1 V2 supports wired and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, giving users two different ways to use the mouse.

That flexibility is useful because different situations call for different setups.

A wired connection can make sense when charging the mouse or when someone wants the simplest possible competitive setup. Wireless operation, meanwhile, removes the cable from the desk and allows the mouse to move more freely, which is one of the main advantages of a wireless gaming mouse.

The included 8K receiver and cable are part of the package listed by Banggood, so the high-polling-rate setup is not dependent on purchasing a separate basic receiver.

The Shape May Matter More Than the Specifications

Specifications are easy to compare. Mouse shape is not.

The X1 V2 uses a symmetrical 127mm-long body and is positioned by ATK for medium-to-large hands, with claw and palm grips listed as suitable grip styles.

This suggests that the mouse is aimed at users who want a relatively substantial body without moving into the heavier designs commonly associated with large gaming mice.

For claw-grip users, the rear portion of the shell can provide support while still leaving enough freedom for quick fingertip adjustments. Palm-grip players may also appreciate the larger overall footprint.

However, grip preference is highly personal. A lightweight mouse can have excellent specifications and still feel wrong if its hump, width or button position does not match the user’s hand.

PTFE Feet Complete the Lightweight Approach

Weight alone does not determine how quickly a mouse moves.

The contact surface between the mouse and mousepad also has a major effect on the feeling of movement. The X1 V2 uses high-purity PTFE mouse feet, with ATK describing the design as focused on smooth and stable gliding.

This becomes particularly relevant when the mouse is used with a low sensitivity setting.

A lightweight shell combined with low-friction feet can make broad movements feel less demanding. At the same time, players who prefer more stopping resistance may want to consider their mousepad surface before deciding whether this setup matches their preferences.

A Nordic 54-Series Platform

Inside the X1 V2 is ATK’s Nordic 54-series platform.

The manufacturer describes its ApexShark MAX solution as a combination of hardware and firmware optimization, with high-speed wireless transmission and low button latency.

The important point for buyers is that the mouse is not relying on the polling rate alone. The controller, wireless system, sensor and firmware all contribute to the overall response chain.

This is also why looking only at DPI can be misleading when comparing gaming mice. A high maximum DPI number does not automatically translate into better real-world aiming.

For most players, sensor tracking quality, consistent wireless communication, shape and the ability to control the mouse comfortably are more meaningful factors.

Who Is the ATK Blazing Sky X1 V2 For?

The X1 V2 makes the most sense for several types of users.

Competitive FPS players may benefit from the lightweight body and high polling rate, particularly when paired with a high-refresh-rate monitor.

Low-sensitivity gamers can take advantage of the reduced weight when making repeated wide movements.

Wireless enthusiasts get 2.4GHz connectivity without having to accept a heavy mouse.

Users who dislike frequent charging may find the 800mAh configuration particularly attractive because of its large battery capacity.

It is less compelling for someone who mainly wants a basic office mouse. An 8K polling rate and esports-focused sensor platform are unnecessary for browsing, documents and casual desktop use.

What Makes the X1 V2 Different?

The strongest part of the X1 V2 concept is not one individual specification.

There are plenty of gaming mice with high polling rates. There are also many lightweight wireless mice and plenty of models with high-end optical sensors.

The more interesting combination here is the attempt to bring these characteristics together without turning the mouse into an ultra-small design or sacrificing battery capacity.

The result is a peripheral aimed at players who want a fast, light and flexible setup but still care about endurance.

ATK Blazing Sky X1 V2 Specifications

Feature Details
Product ATK Blazing Sky X1 V2 Series
Dimensions 127 × 64 × 40mm
Shape Symmetrical
Weight About 54–55g depending on version
Sensor PAW3395 Ultra / other sensor options depending on version
Polling Rate Up to 8,000Hz
Battery 800mAh on the Ultra Max configuration
Battery Life 800+ hours at 1,000Hz, manufacturer rated
Connectivity Wired / 2.4GHz wireless
MCU Nordic 54-series
Button Latency About 0.181ms on listed configurations
Mouse Feet PTFE
Intended Use Competitive gaming and esports

Specifications can vary between X1 V2 versions, so buyers should verify the exact configuration before ordering.

Final Thoughts

ATK Blazing Sky X1 V2 is best understood as a performance-focused wireless mouse rather than another accessory chasing impressive numbers.

Its lightweight construction can make large movements easier, while 8,000Hz polling targets users who want a highly responsive setup. The 2.4GHz connection keeps the desk cable-free, and the 800mAh battery on the Ultra Max configuration addresses one of the biggest disadvantages of lightweight wireless mice: charging interruptions.

The biggest buying consideration is the specific X1 V2 version. Sensor, switch, weight and battery specifications can differ across the range, so the exact configuration matters.

For gamers who already have a high-refresh-rate monitor and care about low-latency peripherals, the X1 V2 offers a well-balanced collection of hardware features. For casual users, many of those advantages will be difficult to notice—and a simpler mouse may make more sense.

The post ATK Blazing Sky X1 V2 Review: Lightweight 8K Wireless Gaming Mouse appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

Nintendo unveils The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 for $520 — First-ever special-edition Switch 2 drops October 19, alongside $100 Pro Controller, pre-orders live

Nintendo just aired one of the most important Directs of the Switch 2 generation, showcasing the upcoming Ocarina of Time remake in all its glory. The presentation also brought along the announcement of the first special edition Switch 2 hardware: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition. The console costs $519.99, but there's also an identically themed Pro Controller for $99.99 that you can pre-order right now — either item ships later this year on October 29.

The company's first handheld to be adorned in special edition Zelda makeup was the Game Boy Advance SP released in 2004 alongside The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. The first home console to receive the same treatment was The Wind Waker HD edition of the Wii U in 2013. Most recently, we got a Tears of the Kingdom-themed Switch OLED in 2023, followed by the Hyrule Edition of the Switch Lite next year.

Across every handled and home console released, The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary special edition Switch 2 will be the 12th piece of Zelda-themed hardware Nintendo has put out. Moreover, it took the original Switch just a few months to get its first limited-edition hardware (Monster Hunter XX Special Pack), but the Switch 2 has clearly taken its time with this design, and it's sure to be a collector's item.

The tablet itself is mostly the same boring black except for a few golden triangles at the back. However, the Joy-Cons feature a beautiful green design with a Tri-Force symbol on the left. The dock is a gorgeous, two-tone golden and black color with a very bold Tri-Force theme across the front and some easter eggs on the back. Even the packaging is supposed to have textured foil cover art. The console will retail for $520 and does not come with any game.

The Legend of Zelda™ – 40th Anniversary Edition Nintendo Switch 2, Pro Controller, and Carrying Case
Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda™ – 40th Anniversary Edition Nintendo Switch 2, Pro Controller, and Carrying Case
Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda™ – 40th Anniversary Edition Nintendo Switch 2, Pro Controller, and Carrying Case
Nintendo

Alongside the console, there's a Switch 2 Pro Controller that looks very similar to the Joy-Cons, with a green and gold theme that combines elements of the Triforce with a crest emblem. It comes as is for $100, but you can also get it with a subtly themed display stand for $110. Finally, there's also a $40 carrying case adorned with Zelda illustrations. You even get a custom, green-colored microfiber cloth inside and a screen protector.

The Legend of Zelda™ – 40th Anniversary Edition Nintendo Switch 2, Pro Controller, and Carrying Case
Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda™ – 40th Anniversary Edition Nintendo Switch 2, Pro Controller, and Carrying Case
Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda™ – 40th Anniversary Edition Nintendo Switch 2, Pro Controller, and Carrying Case
Nintendo

Keep in mind that all of this hardware celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Zelda franchise, which already passed earlier this year. It has nothing to do with the upcoming Ocarina of Time remake and, as such, the game is not included in the $520 limited edition Switch 2. Pre-orders for all the items discussed above are open, and they will be released on October 29, 2026. The Ocarina of Time remake drops next month, on November 19, 2026, and will be sold separately for $60.

AI Spera CEO Warns of Security Risks After Moduui Changeop Hack

9 September 2026 at 11:09
Kang Byung-tak, CEO of AI Spera, speaks at the AIDC Security Technology Workshop on Sept. 7, warning that many websites leave administrator pages exposed without adequate protection and calling for a new approach to security. (Photo: THE ELEC)
Kang Byung-tak, CEO of AI Spera, speaks at the AIDC Security Technology Workshop on Sept. 7, warning that many websites leave administrator pages exposed without adequate protection and calling for a new approach to security. (Photo: THE ELEC)
Kang Byung-tak, CEO of AI Spera, speaks at the AIDC Security Technology Workshop on Sept. 7, warning that many websites leave administrator pages exposed without adequate protection and calling for a new approach to security. (Photo: THE ELEC)
Kang Byung-tak, CEO of AI Spera, speaks at the AIDC Security Technology Workshop on Sept. 7, warning that many websites leave administrator pages exposed without adequate protection and calling for a new approach to security. (Photo: THE ELEC)

AI Spera CEO Kang Byung-tak strongly criticized contractors' reliance on vibe coding following the hacking incident involving the "Moduui Changeop" startup support platform.

He said a growing number of contractors are using artificial intelligence-generated code without sufficient verification, creating new security risks.

Kang cited the Moduui Changeop hack at the AIDC Security Technology Workshop held Sept. 7 at Militopia Hotel by Marine in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. "The websites built by contractors are a mess beyond imagination," he said.

Moduui Changeop is a startup support program run by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. In June, non-public information belonging to 5,000 successful applicants in the program's first cohort was leaked externally, including email addresses, evaluation comments and summaries of startup ideas.

A government investigation found that some of the platform's application programming interfaces (APIs) contained non-public information. The data leaked while the APIs were being collected externally through methods including web crawling. The data was encrypted, but the encryption key needed to decrypt it was also exposed.

An AI solutions company participating in the program obtained non-public email addresses through abnormal API calls and other means. Controversy grew after the company sent promotional emails to those addresses. It was later revealed that about a month before the incident, an external security team had discovered a similar API vulnerability and reported it to the Moduui Changeop operator.

"News coverage has largely focused on the contractor having carried out the hacking, but in my view both issues are serious," Kang said.

The "two issues" Kang referred to were the actions of the company that obtained the non-public information and the platform's own security flaws. He argued that the fundamental problem was that the platform had been designed to allow such access in the first place.

"The code written by the contractor looks to me like it was probably created through vibe coding," Kang said. "Security was not considered at all."

Vibe coding is a development method in which users describe desired functions in natural language and AI generates the necessary code and user interface (UI). "Vibe coding is certainly a whole new world, but in my view it is a ticking time bomb," Kang said. "I think it has increased contractor supply-chain risks by more than 100-fold."

"ChatGPT or Claude does a very good job when you use it for security checks," he said. "But after fixing the issues, some functions stop working. If you use vibe coding again to fix those functions, new vulnerabilities emerge." Most of those problems involve permissions, he added.

Kang outlined major security problems found in systems built by contractors, including cases where users are authenticated but authorization checks are not performed; databases are left directly accessible from outside without firewalls or access restrictions; and actual client data is uploaded unchanged to test and development servers without access control lists (ACLs).

Kang also disclosed examples of security problems involving companies and public institutions beyond Moduui Changeop.

One involved an AI chatbot that Kang identified as a system belonging to the Agency for Defense Development. "AI chatbot screens containing important defense-related data are exposed on the internet and can simply be accessed," he said. "It is not even a case of the ID and password being 'admin admin' — there is no authentication at all. It actually works when you submit prompts."

He also cited what he described as a system belonging to the Financial Security Institute. "Access tokens and refresh tokens are exposed on the site as JSON files," Kang said. "This does not really even require hacking." Access and refresh tokens function as credentials issued by a server after login. If exposed, they can allow access with the account's privileges without a password.

Kang also cited examples involving private companies. Referring to a system he described as an AI service from Starbucks, he said, "You can see all the content immediately without logging in, and you can submit prompts as well."

Regarding an AI system for credit assessment developed by Upstage, Kang said, "There is no login, so not only can you look through all this data and freely submit prompts, but you can also see the actual data inside." He said the issue was particularly serious because the system contained various types of data, including apartment purchase contracts.

Kang said the examples illustrate how the external attack surface that companies must manage is expanding significantly in the AI era. "When people talk about hacking AI, they mostly think of prompt injection or attacks on AI models," he said. "But rather than hacking the AI itself, targeting administrator pages is much easier to compromise and attack."

AI Spera is a cybersecurity company founded in 2017.

Attack Surface Management (ASM), whose importance Kang emphasized by disclosing security issues at multiple companies and institutions, is AI Spera's core business. Its flagship solution, Criminal IP, collects and analyzes internet-connected IP addresses and servers to identify externally exposed assets and security risks.

Thank you, Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, for finally giving Gunlance this much-needed change we've been requesting for 20 years

9 September 2026 at 11:03

Capcom has released its 8th weapon showcase trailer for Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, and it covers all the changes coming to one of my all-time favorite weapon types of the entire Monster Hunter franchise: Gunlance.

The base game of Monster Hunter Wilds already did an amazing job giving this normally underpowered weapon type the explosive and defensive capabilities it deserved.

But in this DLC expansion, Gunlance has been made even better with some insane new techniques while incorporating a mechanic change fans have been requesting ever since the Gunlance was introduced in 2006's Monster Hunter 2 (a.k.a. Monster Hunter Dos) on the PlayStation 2.

First off, Gunlance can now let you perform Boost Driver attacks that make you dash forward while blocking incoming attacks with the shield thanks to this DLC expansion's new Boost Bracer mechanic.

At the end of this Boost Driver dash, you can either impale the enemy with a drill launched from the Gunlance or perform a rising uppercut Offset attack that can counter an enemy's attack. The uppercut can also be followed up by a forward aerial divebomb attack to close the gap with enemies.

Once you activate the Boost Bracer's Boost Gauge, the Gunlance gains the following enhancements while it is active:

  • Regular and Shelling attacks become faster.
  • New combo attack paths,
  • Reduced knockback while blocking attacks with a shield, so you can recover faster to counterattack.
  • The ability to side-step while reloading your gunlance's ammo and block attacks simultaneously.
  • Being able to mount a monster, pierce its body, and fire a Wyrmstake Cannon inside it for massive damage.

We finally have Elemental Shelling for Gunlance, dreams come do true

A warrior in dark armor swings a large, ornate golden weapon at a spiky, dark creature in a rocky landscape with floating islands in the background.

A hunter firing an ice-elemental Wyvern's Fire attack with the Kushala Daora Gunlance. (Image credit: Capcom)

All these gameplay improvements are pretty awesome by themselves, but the biggest change I'm most excited for in Gunlance is that we're finally getting Elemental Shelling attacks! This is confirmed near the end of the trailer, where the player fires a cloud of icy wind at a monster, which is a special effect normally associated with weapons that deal Ice elemental damage.

This is HUGE because Monster Hunter fans (myself included) have been wanting the Gunlance's Shelling attacks to include elemental properties for years.

This is because in previous games, a Gunlance's Shelling attacks normally deal fixed amounts of damage with some additional but pitiful Fire-elemental damage. This forced players to stick to non-elemental Gunlances to get the most damage possible out of their physical attacks to compensate for the lacking Shelling damage (especially for Master Rank quests where Shelling damage falls off hard).

With this change, combined with the balance adjustment the base game made that allowed Shelling damage to scale with a Gunlance's raw attack power, Elemental Gunlances can finally be useful.

We can use the elemental Shelling attacks to deal extra damage to monsters that normally resist physical attacks but are weak to elements like Fire, Water, Thunder, Ice, and Dragon. Not to mention, it will open up so much build-crafting variety so we're not stuck using the same one or two Gunlances by the time we reach the endgame content.

I'm so happy Elemental Shelling is finally in Monster Hunter that it makes me wonder if Gunlances that deal Status effects like Poison, Paralysis, Sleep, and Blast will be able to apply them with Shelling attacks too now.

Either way, I can't wait to blow things up with Gunlance again once Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance launches in 2027 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.

Monster Hunter Wilds (Xbox): $23

Venture into Forbidden Lands to discover uncharted lands and hunt giant monsters alongside your friends in online co-op to protect nature and mankind in Monster Hunter Wilds.

• Xbox Store
• GreenManGaming (Steam)View Deal


Empower your weapons with the new Boost Bracer, explore a mysterious land floating in the sky, and hunt down ancient Elder Dragons in Monster Hunter Wilds' epic DLC expansion, Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance.

• Steam StoreView Deal

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CD Projekt Red says Songs of the Past will 'complete' The Witcher 3 story with Dandelion at its center — 'This is part of The Wild Hunt, and it felt like a chapter was missing'

9 September 2026 at 10:00
  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Songs of the Past spotlights Dandelion and will tell a "complete" story
  • Jakub Rokosz, Fool's Theory CEO and Songs of the Past game director, says CD Projekt Red wants to "give justice to Dandelion"
  • Senior quest designer Despoina Anetaki adds that "it felt like a chapter was missing"

CD Projekt Red has said The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's third and final expansion, Songs of the Past, will "complete" the game's story by giving Dandelion the bard the spotlight he deserves.

In an interview with TechRadar Gaming at Gamescom, Jakub Rokosz, Fool's Theory CEO and Songs of the Past game director and former Witcher 3 senior quest designer, explained that rather than the expansion serving as a bridge to The Witcher 4, as some fans might have expected, it actually completes Wild Hunt's story by delivering a new chapter that the team felt was missing.

However, the developer declined to comment on whether the expansion will have any direct connection to The Witcher 4, so we'll have to wait and see.

"We always wanted to give Dandelion the proper spotlight he deserved," Rokosz said, acknowledging that it's odd for an 11-year-old game to receive a new expansion. "So we knew that there was no space in the base game to give him justice. That's what I wanted to say: Give justice to Dandelion."

Songs of the Past will center Dandelion in Geralt's final journey in The Witcher 3, where players will explore Letten, the bard's homeland, and be wrapped up in another supernatural mystery.

"We knew that at some point we wanted to address this thing, because Dandelion is a very important character in Geralt's life," Rokosz continued. "There's a misconception of him being this comedic relief, and this is his only role in the Witcher series, whereas that's not true. He's a very deep and intelligent character. He used to be a professor at Oxenfurt [Academy], and he writes beautiful poetry, so we want to show the players what's behind that mask of a joker, where he came from, what his family is about, what's the world [like] where he grew up."

Dandelion concept art from The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Songs of the Past

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

Senior quest designer Despoina Anetaki added that it doesn't matter that the expansion arrives 11 years later, only that the whole story has been told.

"What's really important to us is not so much like should we release an expansion 11 years later; it could be, I don't know, 20, 100 years later," Anetaki said. "What matters is that the story we tell is complete. This is part of The Wild Hunt, and it felt like a chapter was missing, like something was not there. One more thing we wanted to tell, right? And Dandelion's story was one of those, right?"

The developer revealed that the team went back to the original Witcher novels and used the source material to make something that could "excite fans" and "something that could excite us most of all, because it was a difficult question when this idea was first pitched to the team."

Anetaki explained that the team had to figure out what would pull Geralt out of his retirement, and it had to be important enough to warrant a full-length expansion. That reason was Geralt's best friend, Dandelion.

"Once we identified that important thing," the developer added, "it all clicked together, and it became very clear that yes, we need to make this expansion because it makes us as fans of The Witcher really excited about it, and I hope that the players will also feel that."

Songs of the Past doesn't have a release date yet, but it's slated to launch in 2027. In the meantime, fans can look forward to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered, which arrives this month on September 29.

Creative Assembly says it wanted to 'authentically simulate' the Warhammer tabletop experience for Total War: Warhammer 40,000 by adding references, lore, and more

9 September 2026 at 09:00
  • Creative Assembly has explained how it designed a faithful Warhammer player experience for Total War: Warhammer 40,000
  • Battle product owner Dave Petry says the team didn't directly recreate the tabletop systems, but tried to "authentically simulate" them
  • Creative Assembly continued its "trusting" relationship with Games Workshop, which shared its "infinite knowledge"

Creative Assembly worked closely with Games Workshop to ensure the Total War: Warhammer 40,000 player experience was as "authentic" to the tabletop game as possible.

In an interview with TechRadar Gaming at Gamescom, lead designer Joy Dey and battle product owner Dave Petry discussed the upcoming strategy game's combat system and shared how it was able to faithfully translate the feeling of Warhammer's tabletop systems.

Rather than a complete one-to-one recreation, Petry explained that the goal was to "authentically simulate" the feel of the tabletop's combat.

"We really, really care about trying to authentically simulate the feeling of the type of combat, whatever period or kind of warfare that it is, right?" Petry said. "So in a historical, obviously, war on Earth, and generally we have the sorts of weapons that you have on Earth. When it's fantasy, it's magic and mages and all that sort of stuff, and obviously, with the science fantasy and 40k, the biggest reference point you have to that is the tabletop.

"But it's not necessarily like the be-all and end-all of it," he continued. "We're not transposing the tabletop, right? We're trying to create an authentic sense of the lore and the kind of combat that's there, but the love for the tabletop absolutely is present."

Petry said that, like so many fans, he's been playing and collecting Warhammer 40k since he was young and confirmed that references and nods to the universe, like names, abilities, and lore, are in the upcoming strategy game. However, he said some elements of the tabletop game "just don't fit" with the game's real-time simulation

Creative Assembly also focused on making the game feel "familiar" to the Total War franchise; combat has also been scaled up, and he explained that macro positioning, where the player's forces are, flanking, and enemy morale are all things that come into play.

Petry said positioning in particular is being treated as "an interpretation of the lore and the universe, with the tabletop being one of the most important references."

The developer also added that Creative Assembly continued its long-standing collaboration with Games Workshop to ensure authenticity, saying their "special relationship" has helped the studio combat issues it was dealing with.

"[If] we can't find the thing that quite works for [the game], or this piece of lore sounds similar, but doesn't quite work," Prety added, "And for them to be able to come back with their infinite knowledge of all of this stuff and go, 'Well, you're right. This doesn't quite fit, but over here we have something that actually might be able to do the job.'

"And that close or trusting collaboration has, I think, enabled us to create something that captures that authentic feeling."

Total War: Warhammer 40,000 launches in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Series S, and PC.

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