Pre-order News, Tips, Tricks & Ideas

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SAND LAND is going to be released on April 26th, Bandai Namco has confirmed. The publisher has also announced that there are three different versions available for pre-order, with those being the standard version, the Deluxe Edition, and the Collector’s Edition. The Deluxe Edition is £59.99 and the Collector’s Edition is £139.99. You can check out the details of what they contain below.

Apple is set to launch the Vision Pro headset in the United States next month. The headset has gathered ample attention over the past few months, and as the launch nears, users are gearing up to pre-order the device on January 19. Since it is an entirely new product, the ordering process would differ slightly from the iPhone or Mac. This time, the Apple Store app will use a facial scan to determine and pre-order the correct Vision Pro component size. This would allow the headset to be ordered with components tailored to your size.

Miniature console specialist Retro Games Ltd. has announced that it will soon release 'THE400 Mini' console, a a tiny, HD-ready version of the Atari 400 microcomputer that packs in 25 classic Atari titles.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown launches across all platforms on Jan. 18, including PC, the Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles. One of its big selling points is that it’s a fantastic game, according to Polygon’s Maddy Myers’ impressions post linked above. You can see for yourself whether you’d like to the game by downloading a free demo on your platform of choice.

Feral Interactive has announced a Nintendo Switch release date for its updated version of Hitman: Blood Money.

Sand Land, the upcoming action role-playing game based on the manga series by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, is officially set to release this April. 

Konami is partnering with Limited Run Games to re-release its classic platformer games from the Rocket Knight and Felix the Cat series.

Konami, which is digging into its back catalog in a major way in 2024, is reissuing a handful of classic platformers from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras with the help of Limited Run Games. Two collections, one focused on Felix the Cat and another on Rocket Knight, will arrive this year on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.

Ubisoft has just announced that a free Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown demo is now available on nearly all platforms that are getting the game (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One as well as Windows PC through the Epic Games Store and the Ubisoft Store). The only platform without access to the demo but scheduled to support the full game is Amazon Luna's gaming cloud service.

The Pokemon Funko Pop! scene has started 2024 with a bang. Not only via the tease of a Pearlescent Lucario, hopefully available soon, but also the unveiling of three new figures, all of which are Pokemon making their Funko debuts. Luxray, Grookey, and Wooloo Funko Pops were all shown off for the first time earlier this week, and not only can you pre-order the trio at Amazon right now, but their release dates have also been confirmed.

After years of rumours and much speculation, Konami confirmed to the world that a remake of the much beloved Silent Hill 2 was in the works.

The Apple Vision Pro will officially release on February 2, with pre-orders of the mixed-reality headset starting on January 19. Between this period, several reviewers will provide their initial thoughts on Apple’s first AR headset, but according to the latest update, the California-based giant will have a tighter grip on the entire process, suggesting that it does not want any negative content or impressions being published online.

PlayStation has moved on from the era of releasing different designs of the same console in its PS5 era, instead opting for covers that can be removed and replaced, allowing you to alter your console's appearance. The base model of PlayStation's latest console has a number of official cover options three years in - including the hard-to-find Spider-Man 2 cover - and now the newer, slimmer model is getting some color alternatives of its own.

Today, Sony and Arrowhead have released the official Helldivers 2 PC system requirements. The specifications are quite demanding, especially since there's been no mention of advanced features like ray tracing being available in the game. To play at 4K and 60 frames per second, you'll need an RTX 4070 Ti or RX 7900 XTX.

Apple has announced that their Vision Pro headset will launch in the US next month on 2nd February 2024, with pre-order going live on 19th January.

Apple's biggest splash in any given year is usually the launch of a new iPhone. A day on which those who have to have the latest model queue outside Apple stores before they've even opened, eager to hand over $1,000+ for the newest iPhone at the earliest opportunity. 2024 will be a little different, though. Apple is getting into the virtual reality game, and its first foray into that developing space launches on February 2 via the Vision Pro.

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If you’ve just put away all your festive and winter-themed Squishmallows and need something else to display, then Amazon has your back. Brand-new Valentine’s and Easter-themed Squishmallows have arrived!

Today, as part of CES 2024, Samsung unveiled a new partner accessory program designed specifically for its Samsung Gaming Hub streaming discovery platform.

Fanatec has delayed the release of its upcoming ClubSport DD+ racing wheel base due to a slow licensing process at Sony, the company has told customers awaiting the product. Originally expected to arrive with customers in December, the DD+ is now in a limbo until Fanatec can square it away with the console giant.

Rocksteady Studios, known for its trio of excellent Batman: Arkham games, are about to deliver another open-world superhero title inspired by the DC universe. Following a substantial delay in early 2023, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will launch on Feb. 2, and is currently available to pre-order.

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The next major installment in the continuing Like a Dragon series is coming very soon. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth launches on Windows PC via Steam, the PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox consoles on Jan. 26. It’s taking Ichiban Kasuga, Kazuma Kiryu, and some other familiar faces from Japan to the sunny shores of Honolulu to engage in another action-packed and presumably ridiculously goofy RPG.

Hard to believe after playing two new Like A Dragon games in 2023, there's an even bigger installment launching before the end of January 2024. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth brings the long-running series to th US after Kazuma Ichiban washes up naked on a Hawaiian beach. If the game alone isn't enough to quench your Yakuza thirst, you can also pick up an Ichiban statue modeled after the character's signature look. Clothes on, unfortunately.

Samsung's Galaxy A series has been selling really well for the longest time and for all the right reasons. I still remember the day I got the Galaxy A52s for my wife. It was only a few days after I received my Galaxy S22 Ultra's pre-order, and for a few minutes, I was confused about how similar these devices really are. With 2024 here, Samsung is working on the Galaxy A55, and today, we have some fresh renders showing the odd design choice the company is going for.

Wingspan is swapping birds for dragons in a new board game due later this year.

Owning a Switch is great. Even accounting for people who have more than one, I think it's safe to assume more than 100 million of us have one. However, just because Nintendo's latest creation is now the third best-selling console of all time doesn't mean it's perfect as it is, at least not very everyone. Accessories can improve your experience with your Switch, and the Nitro Deck - a Switch accessory I use on an almost daily basis - is one of the best, and it's getting three new designs this year.

You'd think considering the length of time Marvel has been a massive success - both before the MCU was even a thing and after it launched the franchise into the stratosphere - that pretty much every toy and collectible on the market would have teamed up with the creators of Earth's Mightiest Heroes by now, but no. Well, not until now. Youtooz, collectible figures modeled after countless iconic characters, previously didn't have any Marvel characters on its roster, but that changes today.

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Blade is back! And this time, the Marvel vampire killer won't be reduced to a lacklustre tie-in game with a movie release or simply used as a supporting character.

As someone who desperately wanted the highly sought-after Buzz Lightyear toy after seeing Toy Story at the cinema as a kid, I know there's nothing quite like getting physical versions of characters from movies and games you love. Mario Kart has been that for multiple generations, but never more so than right now following the racing sequence from The Super Mario Bros. Movie. No sequel in 2024, nor any news on the next Mario Kart game, but we are getting some new Mario Kart Hot Wheels toys.

Samsung is retaining its strategy of attracting customers to its latest and greatest Galaxy S24 series by offering several pre-order bonuses. Early adopters will not just be entitled to receive twice the storage without any extra change, but they will also get the opportunity to purchase additional Galaxy-branded products at a discount.

2024 is already shaping up to be a big year for the Pokemon TCG. New stacking tins are already available for pre-order, as are items in the upcoming Paldean Fates expansion if you're lucky enough to find any. If not, there's a brand new mini tin bundle available on Amazon that, at the time of typing this at least, isn't sold out.

Keeping track of all the latest video games coming out is an increasingly complex task, what with multiple PC storefronts, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, mobile, and more to keep track of, but don’t worry, I’m here to help. Every month I'll be running down the games you need to be keeping an eye on, from the big triple-A headliners, to the intriguing indies you might otherwise overlook.

Samsung will be livid that just weeks before its first ‘Galaxy Unpacked’ event of 2024 kicked off, the Galaxy S24 Plus was mistakenly listed on the online retailer Walmart, revealing a ton of information surrounding the flagship. One area that caught our eye was the number of features Samsung intends to bring to this version, and they are plentiful, as you will soon find out.

Sonic has been making waves on the big screen recently via the hedgehog's two live-action movies, not to mention film number three which will be here by this time next year. A different branch of the blue blur's universe has been doing well on the small screen too. Netflix's Sonic Prime, which is two seasons old and getting a third season in 2024, and you will soon be able to own a physical copy of the first season on Blu-ray.

2024 hasn't even started yet and it's already gearing up to be an exciting year for Pokemon TCG players. New stacking tins launching in the new year have been revealed, and you can also pre-order Paldean Fates products if you're lucky enough to find some. I thought the same would apply to the Paldea Adventure Chest shortly after its unveiling a couple of weeks ago, but heading toward the end of 2023, pre-orders are still available for the new set.

Despite some of the critique it received when revealed, the PlayStation Portal was seemingly one of the most sought-after items in the video game world this holiday season. Pre-orders sold out everywhere almost immediately, and stock has been hard to find ever since. A couple of retailers have been restocking the Portal post-Christmas, and even if you are lucky enough to find one, it's going to be a while before you get your hands on it.

Sonic the Hedgehog will be kicking off a very busy 2024 for him and his friends with additions to the blue blur's already pretty extensive Funko Pop! collection. Technically, Sonic is closing 2023 with new Pops as the figures revealed before Christmas are now available to pre-order. Super Shadow, Metal Sonic, and even Ring Scatter Sonic. They're all available now, and the only catch is they won't be in your hands until at least the end of February.

The Nintendo Switch is already a versatile console - but we always want more. What do you need when you want a bigger screen than your handheld can provide, but don't have access to the full TV experience? The ability to play Nintendo Switch on your iPad or laptop screen, of course. 

Ahead of the upcoming launch of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama was featured in an interview published on Automaton Media. Yokoyama, a writer on Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, revealed some interesting facts about the game.

Whether you've just unwrapped your first handheld or you're looking to revitalize your old setup this holiday season, there are plenty of Nintendo Switch accessories to take advantage of. I spend the year testing all the latest gadgets to hit the shelves, storing up ideas for my post-holiday shopping spree to start the new year right. 

Streacom has unveiled its SG10 passive-cooled PC case with up to 600W cooling power and is hitting retail next year for $1320 US.

Following one of the most disastrous launches of 2023, The Day Before's developer, Fntastic, has confirmed that it's shutting down and that the game will go offline on January 22, 2024.

THQ Nordic has announced a release date for South Park: Snow Day and opened pre-orders for three editions of the game.

Sora's amiibo will be released on February 16, 2024, completing the Nintendo Switch's Super Smash Bros. Ultimate collection. 95 figures in total, the Kingdom Hearts protagonist the one character from the game players once believed would never get his own amiibo. Clearly, everyone is pretty excited Nintendo managed to make a Sora amiibo happen, and if you've been struggling to find a pre-order for the final figure, there are now more available at GameStop.

THQ Nordic has announced that South Park: Snow Day! is coming out on 26th March 2024, across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

THQ Nordic has announced that South Park: Snow Day! is coming out on 26th March 2024, across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Even though every new installment in the Final Fantasy series isn't connected to the one that came before it, there are always elements you'll find in every single game. You'll always meet a Cid and crystals are always involved. There are also always chocobos. Big old birds that the occupants of Final Fantasy's worlds use as mounts. They're pretty adorable too, hence them being turned into corduroy plushes you can now pre-order.

It seems the Nintendo Switch amiibo train may grind to a halt in 2024 as rumors its successor will be announced continue to swirl. No figures released for any recent games - not even Super Mario Bros. Wonder - and Sora's amiibo likely the last, releasing on February 16, 2024. It seems that may well be a significant date for amiibo collectors for more than just Sora as three other Smash Ultimate characters added post-launch will see their figures re-printed and re-released that day too.

Rocksteady has announced that the Epic Games Store version of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has been delayed.

The PlayStation Portal has been out for more than a month and remains almost impossible to find. Slightly surprising since it was largely criticized when revealed since it can't be used without a WiFi connection, nor can it stream games. Perhaps even more surprising is the scarcity of the Pulse Explore Earbuds you can use with the Portal. Costing the same as the remote player device, the earbuds are currently back in stock at GameStop.

Lian Li has unveiled its latest UNI FAN TL series which comes with integrated 1.6" LCDs, new fan designs, and lots of RGB lighting.

Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League is releasing on February 2, 2024, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows via Steam. But the situation with Epic Games Store has changed, just a little bit.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League’s Epic Games Store release date has been delayed by one month.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has been delayed on just one platform: Epic Games Store.

There are many things you can point to in the present and past of the gaming world and see how far things have come and how certain “practices” have changed over time. For example, in the past, the idea of doing “special editions” or “collectibles” that you would get alongside a game’s purchase was very few and far between, if done at all. But fast forward to now, and they’re all over the place! Plus, sometimes the exclusives are just simple cosmetics versus true “meaningful content,” like with Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League and its PlayStation-exclusive stuff.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League embark on their murderous mission on 2nd February on PS5, and players pre-ordering the game digitally will get access to some killer new looks.The Rogue Outfits pack features new fits for each member of the Squad.

The Day Before's rise to infamy has been swift. Promised for an eventual PS5 release, it was released last week into Steams Early Access in an atrocious state, and players were quick to note it only vaguely resembled the product promised. The developer announced its dissolution days later, effective immediately, before the studio's owners, brothers named Gotovtsev, dropped a digital smoke bomb and disappeared entirely.

One announcement that slipped through the cracks from The Game Awards last week is that The Outlast Trials is now officially releasing for PS5, PS4 next year. The multiplayer spin-off launches on 5th March 2024, and is available to pre-order now on the PS Store with base and Deluxe Editions on offer. The game costs £30.99 / $39.99 on its own, or you can get it bundled with some bonus items for an extra £6 / $10.

Fuelled by some aggressive marketing and tempting price promotions, PS5 accounted for almost half of all consoles sold in the UK during November. The system – which was massively supply constrained during previous holidays – improved a whopping 126 per cent year-on-year and 149 per cent month-on-month, driving overall hardware sales up 32 per cent compared to 2022.

The Victrix Pro BFG has been my controller to beat this year in the PS5 and PC markets. Fortunately, that looks like that'll become the case for Xbox players in the new year too, as PDP has announced that an Xbox Series X version is on the way.

Turns out Pokemon cards might be worth a thing or two if you keep hold of the right ones for long enough. Just this week, a rare Pikachu Illustrator card sold for $2 million. That card and any others you might hope to sell years from now need to be kept in good condition, of course, and one way to help ensure that happens is by keeping them in stacking tins. Whether you have some already or not, three brand new designs are coming in 2024, and you can pre-order them right now.

VOID Interactive's hardcore tactical first-person shooter game Ready or Not is finally launching out of early access later today, around 10 AM Pacific Time.

The Epic Games Store Holiday sale is live, and through Jan. 10, you can save 33% on thousands of titles in the Epic Games catalog. While Epic typically offers a single-use coupon during its holiday sales, this year, it’s offering unlimited 33% coupons that can be applied to purchases of $14.99 or more. The coupon can be applied to multiple items in a single transaction and will be returned to your account following checkout.

The creator of troubled Early Access title The Day Before, Fntastic, is closing its doors.

The superhero genre has come a long way over the past 20 years. The MCU kicked off an era of Marvel movies dominating at the box office, with four films currently sitting in the top ten highest-grossing movies of all time. DC hasn't quite capitalized on the momentum Marvel has generated, although it has shown glimpses via blockbusters like Joker and The Batman. Both sides of the superhero coin have been treated equally regardless on the Funko Pop! front too, and a two-pack celebrating a very popular pair of DC villains is now available for pre-order.

Update, 12/12/23:

The Sora amiibo from Super Smash Bros is available to pre-order on the UK My Nintendo Store.

Critical Role is probably the most well-known show when it comes to Dungeons & Dragons. Over the years, Matt Mercer and crew have provided fans with dozens of exciting and intense campaigns, collaborating with brands and video game developers such as Baldur's Gate 3 developer Larian Studios, to create memorable one-shots that have gone down a treat with their respective fanbases.

This past Thursday, December 7, developer Fntastic's The Day Before launched on Steam. Now on Monday, December 11 (today), Fntastic is closing its doors. 

Fntastic has shut its doors four days after releasing its controversial multiplayer zombie game, The Day Before. 

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Fntastic, the studio behind controversial game The Day Before, has announced its closure just four days after the title’s early access release on Steam.

Fntastic, the studio behind The Day Before, is shutting down. It announced the closure today with a statement that arrives just four days after the The Day Before launched into Early Access on December 7. 

The Analogue Duo is the fifth FPGA-based outing for the boutique clone console manufacturer in seven years, an impressive timeline considering that whole global pandemic thing. As such, it represents a meaningful evolution of the company’s approach: This is the first Analogue console with a CD drive as well as a cartridge slot; the first nonportable console to feature the new Analogue OS, which it shares with the Pocket; and the first with a built-in 2.4 GHz receiver for wireless controllers. Another, perhaps less welcome, change is that whereas the previous Analogue consoles emulated video game hall-of-famers like the NES, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and the entire Game Boy pantheon, the Analogue Duo is dedicated to an impressive also-ran, the TurboGrafx-16 (or the PC Engine, as it’s known outside of North America).

Behold, the SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is available for pre-order on the Apple App Store and pre-registrations on Google Play. Developed and published by the German-based company HandyGames, it is priced at USD 9.99 / €9.99 / £8.49. The adventure will explore the “Wish World” where SpongeBob and Patrick travel to aid their friends and prevent chaos in Bikini Bottom.

During The Game Awards, Red Barrels showed off a new trailer and provided an official release date for the third release in the Outlast franchise, The Outlast Trials. The game will be available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Two digital launch versions will be available that can be pre-ordered on both the Xbox and PlayStation digital stores now. This will include the Grizzly Hazmat Outfit with the pre-order. The Outlast Trials will release on March 5 for all platforms as the game launched in Early Access on PC during May 2023. This will be set in the same universe as the previous games but can be played with a friends in a team of up to four people.