Get over here! All the details on next week’s Mortal Kombat 11 closed beta
Mortal Kombat 11 will hold its closed beta period from March 28 through March 31, giving those who pre-ordered the game the chance to check it out prior to its official launch in April. The closed beta is only available for Xbox One and PS4, but the full game will also be available on PC and Nintendo Switch.
New Sony patent suggests a wireless PSVR headset could be on the way
Images and documents in the Japan Patent Office appear to suggest that Sony is planning a wireless version of the PlayStation VR headset. It isn't clear which system it will be used for, but the sketches show a console that looks like the PlayStation 4 or its "slim" version.
Hearthstone: Rise of Shadows shines the spotlight on Warcraft villains
Rise of Shadows, the next expansion for Hearthstone, will shine the spotlight on villains that have previously appeared in Blizzard's digital card game. The set will kick off the Year of the Dragon with 135 new cards and two mechanics, and will start first-ever year-long storyline for Hearthstone.
Nintendo Switch controllers will soon be compatible with Google Chrome
Nintendo Switch controllers, namely the Joy-Cons and the Pro controller, will soon be supported by Google Chrome, according to a new commit spotted by 9to5Google. The code is likely related to Google's rumored push into gaming with Project Yeti, which includes the Project Stream game streaming service.
Apex Legends cheaters reportedly being kicked out with permanent hardware bans
Respawn Entertainment has reportedly started issuing permanent hardware bans against Apex Legends cheaters. The studio is raising the bar on how cheating in online multiplayer games should be dealt with, as failing to address the problem results in a ruined experience for legitimate players.
Overwatch League teams will host home games starting in 2020
Overwatch League commissioner Nate Nanzer revealed plans for the teams to start hosting games in their home cities next year. The teams will play half of their games at home and the other half visiting other teams, in an arrangement that will resemble the schedules of traditional sports leagues.
Get Corsair’s best mechanical keyboard at a decent discount
From March 17 to 23, you can get one of the best mechanical keyboards around at a great price. The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is normally $200, but this week you can pick one up from Amazon for $160. Though still pricey for a keyboard, the RGB Platinum is well-made and versatile.
Walmart drops a rare deal on the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
When it comes to gaming, you're really only as good as the equipment you use. Which is why a lot of folks choose to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller after buying the console. With Walmart offering a nice little discount, it's the perfect time to pick one up for yourself
Respawn seems to be teasing the next Apex Legends character
Jump pads, related to leaked legend Octane's ultimate ability, have begun appearing in Apex Legends. They are concentrated in the market area of Kings Canyon, and Reddit users seem to think Octane's arrival is imminent. Respawn developers responded to the screenshots with coy emojis.
How to level fast and reach the endgame in The Division 2
Loot shooters are all about the endgame for some players. To dive into the Dark Zone, try specializations, and acquire the best gear, you'll need to gain exp fast and reach the level 30 cap. Our Division 2 leveling guide will help you get there as quickly as possible and show you how to level up fast.
Snapchat could soon let you play games in between your selfies
If a new report is accurate, Snapchat will be getting an integrated gaming platform in April. The platform will feature mobile games form third-party developers, and one publisher is already signed on. Snapchat previously introduced AR games that made use of your device's camera in the app.
No Man’s Sky Online is a radical — and free — multiplayer coming this summer
Hello Games has announced the Beyond update for No Man's Sky, a major content addition that will apparently transform how multiplayer and social interactions work within the survival game. It originally launched in 2016 but has undergone several overhauls that have improved on the original formula.
First Apex Legends esports scholarship takes you from filthy casual to pro
Massachusetts-based Becker College is the first college in the nation to offer a scholarship for Apex Legends. The path-to-pro program gives players $5,000 upon admittance to the school. A combine event will be held in April and current students are also eligible to try out.
Fortnite season 8, week 3 challenge guide: Search where the magnifying glass sits on the map
The Fortnite week 3 challenges are now here for all players around the world. The challenges this week aren't too hard but the biggest one is the Fortnite magnifying glass challenge. We are going to show you how to find and search where the magnifying glass sits on the map.
Sony could use a robot to turn your PlayStation into a fitness machine
Sony has submitted a patent application for a robotic device equipped with a camera to assist in your workout. The images included seem to suggest that the device will work with your PlayStation console, but it remains to be seen if this is referring to the PS4 or whatever comes next, like the PS5.
Razer’s new gaming gear is lightweight — and more affordable than ever
Razer has a new range of gaming peripherals on sale, offering power in affordable packages. There's a BlackWidow keyboard, Kraken headset, and Basilisk Essential gaming mouse, bringing high-end features to mid-tier pricing with a few neat innovations for longtime Razer fans.
Warhammer Chaosbane doesn’t wait to deliver good, gory fun
Warhammer Chaosbane is a new action-RPG from developer BigBen, and the first game of its kind set in the Warhammer universe. We spent a few hours with the beta to see if Chaosbane can stack up to ARPG favorites like Path of Exile and Diablo 3.
EA reportedly paid Ninja $1 million to stream Apex Legends for a day
Popular Twitch streamers Tyler Blevins -- also known as Ninja -- was reportedly paid $1 million by Electronic Arts to tweet about and stream the free-to-play Apex Legends for just one day. The battle royale game saw a surprise launch early in February.
Achievements unlocked: Xbox Live is coming to mobile devices
Microsoft officially announced that Xbox Live features, including Achievements and friends lists, will be coming to iOS and Android games. Developers will be able to pick and choose which features to use, and the progress you make will be consistent across your mobile device, Xbox, and PC.
For the Gamechanger charity, comforting sick kids with games isn’t child’s play
Gamechanger is a worldwide charity that helps thousands of children each year, bringing them gifts and video games to keep them entertained during their hospital stay. It all started in a garage during a family’s darkest hour. Digital Trends spoke with the father-and-son co-founders, Jim and Taylor Carol, about the charity’s journey.
DirectX 12 support finally arrives on Windows 7 for World of Warcraft gamers
Windows 7 gamers are finally getting the performance boost with DirectX 12 support on the platform. Microsoft announced that it is bringing DirectX 12 support in a more limited fashion to Windows 7 by working with specific game developers. The first title to benefit is World of Warcraft on Windows 7.
Fortnite wants all your time, and will stop at nothing to have it
When Fortnite arrived in Early Access with Save The World, it was a very quiet entrance. Shortly after, Epic Games launches its Battle Royale mode, and suddenly Fortnite is a cultural phenomenon. Even with its issues, Fortnite is one of the most content prolific online games and it's changing the meta.
Apex Legends review
Since its launch, Apex Legends has amassed incredible popularity. The free-to-play battle royale from Respawn Entertainment has improved on the genre, bringing features and an approach that we haven’t quite seen before. It’s been a month since its release ... does it still shape up?
Dell drops deals on Alienware gaming laptops and monitors, today only
Whether you’re a dedicated desktop gamer or are looking for a beefy laptop that you can take on the go, Dell’s ongoing sale can save you as much as $520 on some of Alienware’s best gaming monitors and laptops.
Add style to your gaming with the Phantom White Xbox One controller
Microsoft announced the new Phantom White Special Edition Xbox One controller during the latest edition of Inside Xbox. The controller is opaque at the bottom and translucent near the top, giving players a look at the gold-colored components inside the controller itself.
After five years, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is finally coming to PC
Microsoft has officially announced a PC version of Halo: The Master Chief Collection. The PC version will feature Halo, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo 4, all of which will be available individually. The games will be released one by one, in the story's chronological order.
Fortnite’s latest update lets you go ham in a hamster ball
Fortnite version 8.10 finally lets you fulfill your childhood dream of roaming around in a giant hamster ball. The Baller is fitted with a grapple and powerful boost capabilities so that you can zip around the map quickly and in style. The patch also changes how vending machines operate.
Tips and tricks for surviving the ruined streets of D.C. in The Division 2
The Division 2 may be very similar to the original, but that doesn't mean there isn't a lot of stuff to pay attention to in the early going, even for seasoned agents. Our Division 2 beginner's guide covers skills, perks, crafting, how to play, and how to make the most of post-apocalyptic Washington D.C.
DMC 5’s greatness is a reminder of all the open world games that wasted my time
Devil May Cry 5 modernizes the stylish action combat while retaining its storied PS2 roots. More so, though, it reminded me that we could sure use more linear, single player games. Open world games are littered with filler content, often hiding their best aspects behind plethoras of tedium.
The Turtle Beach Recon 200 brings versatility and sound to thrifty gamers
Turtle Beach's Ear Force Recon 200 gaming headset offers superior sound quality but comes with a few drawbacks.
Gather your wands and take a first look at Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
Niantic and Warner Bros. have provided Harry Potter fans with their first look at the AR game Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. The game will be similar in structure to Pokémon Go, but with tweaks including 360-degree AR areas pulled from the movie series. No release date has been given yet.
Sekiro: Shadow Die Twice launch trailer is filled with truly weird enemies
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is nearing its release date, and the game has received an official launch trailer to celebrate. It's filled with truly odd enemies, including a bull with a flaming log for horns. The trailer also features some of the crazy gadgets and weapons you'll be able to use.
Nvidia shows why PUBG, Fortnite gamers should invest in graphics cards, monitors
Nvidia published a report that shows players who use more advanced graphics cards and monitors with higher refresh rates have better kill-death ratios in games such as Fortnite and PUBG. The company claims that investing in hardware will allow players to unlock their full potential on the battlefield.
Apex Legends cheaters beware: 355,000 banned, report system coming soon
Respawn Entertainment has banned over 355,000 cheaters on the PC version of Apex Legends, with the help of the Easy-Anti-Cheat system. The studio revealed some of its plans in how to prevent the problem from getting worse, including the addition of an in-game report feature and a bigger anti-cheat team.
Section Editor, Gaming
Giovanni is a writer and video producer focusing on happenings in the video game industry. He has contributed stories to Inverse, Fanbyte, The Inventory, and more. He was previously a segment producer on Polygon’s daily gaming show Speedrun and he currently hosts the Left Trigger Right Trigger podcast. Four Tetris 99 wins, and counting.