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Yesterday β€” 23 March 2026Main stream

Sony delists 700 PS4 and PS5 shovelware games from PS Store, with many using generative AI

Sony’s battle against shovelware continues, with another publisher eliminated. 700 additions from Nostra Games are gone, much to the dismay of some PlayStation trophy hunters. The PS Store has no clear guidelines against generative AI, but developers use the tools to create low-cost knockoffs.

Govee Outdoor Chromatic String Lights launch with multiple colors per bulb and Matter support

Govee has added yet another option for illuminating backyards, patios, and decks. The Outdoor Chromatic String Lights feature large bulbs that each shine multiple colors. Available now at retailers, the waterproof smart lights ship in two different lengths with 10 or 20 bulbs.

Microsoft selectively discounts Xbox Series X up to 50% after price increase on consoles

Deal | After multiple Xbox Series X price increases, some buyers are finally seeing discounts on the consoles. A new promotion entices Xbox One owners to purchase the current-gen system. Responding to criticism, Microsoft hinted it would again prioritize its gaming hardware business.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Pearl Abyss admits Crimson Desert has generative AI-made assets and adds Steam disclosure

Developer Pearl Abyss has acknowledged that its latest game shipped with AI-produced artwork. The studio says it mistakenly failed to replace placeholders before the Crimson Desert release date. Steam also posted a disclaimer describing how the studio used generative AI tools.

PlayStation Network suffers massive outage, with down servers blocking games from launching

Update | With so many PS5 games depending on the PlayStation Network, any downtime can cripple the console. Sony confirms that gaming and social services are currently offline, with no ETA for a fix. Down Detector displays a surge of around 14,000 reports of incidents that started at approximately 9PM CET. Update 2:33 AM CET: Most gamers can now access the PlayStation Network, although there are sporadic reports of disconnects.

Crimson Desert devs leak how toxic workplace led to disjointed story and clunky controls

Some Pearl Abyss developers reportedly recognized shortcomings in the Crimson Desert story. However, leadership dismissed these concerns and resisted any pushback. Randomly collecting features from popular games, reviewers label the resulting control scheme as overly complex.

PlayStation PC launcher unlikely after change in PS5 exclusives strategy, says insider

Rumblings about an alternative to Steam have intrigued PlayStation fans. Unfortunately, a Bloomberg reporter doesn’t expect this new way to play PS5 exclusives to become a reality. Instead, Sony may cut back on the frequency of cross-platform single-player PC ports to protect console sales.

Nintendo releasing Switch 2 with easier battery replacement to meet EU repair regulations

Nintendo will modify its latest console to comply with the EU Right to Repair directive. Gamers in this region may find that the Switch 2 battery becomes straightforward to access and replace. Depleting battery life in the original Switch is a common reason for contacting Nintendo Support.

Crimson Desert PS5 impressions slam performance, after criticism for no release date reviews

Initial opinions of the Crimson Desert PS5 version describe disappointing graphics. Excessive blurriness and unstable frame rates do not show the open world of Pywel in its best light. Pearl Abyss chose not to send critics copies of the game for the base PlayStation console before its release date.

Nintendo improves its Switch 2 GameCube emulator again, with games easier to control

Nintendo has disappointed gamers with poor performance in its official GameCube emulator. Gradually, the company has addressed bugs and sensitive inputs that plague many retro favorites. The latest Nintendo Switch Online update further improves controls in GameCube games like F-Zero GX.

Major annoyance criticized in Crimson Desert reviews already patched before release date

Some Crimson Desert reviews evaluated a build of the game with serious storage limitations. A critic explains that the developers released patches that expanded inventory, possibly affecting Metacritic scores. Without storage boxes, players may still have to deal with some release date headaches.

Maingear unveils Crimson Desert prebuilt PC powered by AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D and RX 9070 XT

Capitalizing on the Crimson Desert release date hype, Maingear is launching a commemorative gaming PC. The configuration includes the powerful Ryzen 7 9850X3D gaming CPU and Sapphire Nitro+ RX 9070XT. Ornate illustrations inspired by Pywel adorn the chassis of the Crimson Desert PC.

Crimson Desert reviews average at 78 on Metacritic, as clunky controls threaten GOTY contention

With an estimated 400K Steam pre-orders before its release date, Crimson Desert hype has peaked. Some buyers may not be so enthusiastic about the game’s Metacritic score. Crimson Desert reviews highlight an immersive open world held back by awkward controls and quality-of-life issues.

Capcom devs shocked by Nvidia DLSS 5 Resident Evil Requiem demo, sharing concerns over AI tool

Capcom artists may not approve of how DLSS 5 reshaped Grace in Resident Evil Requiem. Ubisoft developers also informed Insider Gaming that the Nvidia presentation took them by surprise. Nvidia stated that the publishers collaborated with the company before the controversial demo.

Switch 2 firmware update bricks some MicroSD Express cards, making games inaccessible

Many Nintendo supporters rely on MicroSD Express cards to build Switch 2 game libraries. A recent firmware update has caused the console to stop recognizing the expandable storage. Most reports focus on the 1TB PNY card, but other gamers mention problems with competing brands.

YouTube now asks viewers to detect generative AI slop when rating videos

Viewers may soon have more influence on the visibility and monetization of YouTube videos. The platform is requesting that some users label a growing number of suspicious creations as AI slop. However, the company may also be seeking more data to improve its generative AI models.

Glowing Crimson Desert review leaks, noting stable performance but brutal difficulty

Some players can’t contain their excitement before the Crimson Desert review embargo expires. A Korean YouTuber commented on the performance improvements Pearl Abyss has made since earlier builds. Exploration and combat are often punishing, but quality-of-life features can be surprisingly helpful (spoilers follow).

7-speed Logitech G RS H-Shifter launches with Hall effect sensors to pair with racing wheels

Catering to sim racing novices and enthusiasts, the Logitech G RS H-Shifter boasts wide compatibility. The 7-speed manual gearbox pairs with the brand’s popular racing wheels on PC and console. With a sturdier construction, the $159.99/€159.99 accessory features smoother Hall-effect technology.

Xbox app will soon launch any game or program, possibly benefiting Project Helix console

The Xbox app is taking another step toward becoming an all-in-one gaming hub. Insiders can now add shortcuts to games and apps previously incompatible with the launcher. Microsoft continues to optimize Windows for gaming, with the Project Helix Xbox console on the horizon.

Crimson Desert PS5 reviews unlikely, with sites blocked from access before release date

Some console owners wonder if Pearl Abyss is hiding lackluster Crimson Desert performance. Sites are unable to test the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions days before their release date. The first Crimson Desert reviews may evaluate the demanding open-world game on more powerful PCs.

Reliable leaker hints new 3D Mario game exists, as fans await Switch 2 console seller

After comments from an insider, a reimagined 3D Mario game may be more than an assumption. While not offering details, NateTheHate appears to know of a Switch 2 title in development. The leaker previously said a Super Mario Odyssey sequel would rejuvenate Nintendo’s slowing console sales.

MSI to raise gaming laptop and GPU prices by as much as 30%, with memory shortage ongoing

MSI is unlikely to provide relief to buyers struggling to afford a gaming PC. At an investor briefing, it confirmed the cost of gaming laptops and desktops will climb by 15-30%. Facing astronomical memory prices, some Nvidia GPU models may become even scarcer.

Crimson Desert sales predicted to finish 2nd behind GTA 6, boosted by day-one Steam release

No game may threaten GTA 6, but Crimson Desert could emerge as a top contender. With cutting-edge graphics, the multi-platform open-world title has drawn high interest on PC and consoles. Positive Crimson Desert previews encouraged furious pre-order Steam sales before its release date.

Insider says Project Helix is a console that may support Xbox exclusives and block Steam

Even as a hybrid system, Project Helix may have more console characteristics than expected. GDC developers told insider Moore’s Law Is Dead that Xbox exclusive games aren’t ruled out. Microsoft could also exclude Steam from a storefront tailored to the new Xbox console.

Xbox indie director says Project Helix games will have advantage over Steam PC releases

The indie game development lead at Xbox believes Microsoft can lure creators away from Steam. In a GDC interview, Guy Richards says that supporting Project Helix means wider exposure and more sales. Most PC indie games launch on Steam, but the new Xbox console will offer cross-platform perks.

FBI investigates Steam games containing malware, with Valve encouraging victims to assist

The FBI is seeking the public’s help to limit the number of Steam games with hidden malware. Infected titles downloaded from the marketplace stole money and confidential information. Valve is assisting the FBI with the investigation, but some gamers blame the company for lax moderation.

Physical Crimson Desert PS5 version requires 48GB release date download to play offline

The Crimson Desert PS5 physical media is not nearly large enough to contain Pywel. A gamer discovered that an over 48GB digital download will be necessary on its release date. Players can explore the sprawling open world offline after installing the additional files.

Crimson Desert shines in PS5 Pro performance review, as latest enhanced game for console

The first Crimson Desert reviews judging performance on the PS5 Pro are rolling in. Digital Foundry praises Pearl Abyss for adding detail to every corner of the vast open world. The PS5 Pro Enhanced game mostly avoids stuttering, and a release date patch to upgrade PSSR could boost visual clarity.

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