Last year, Amazon made the decision to stop development on its MMO, New World, and wind back its game development practices through major cuts at its studios. Now, Amazon Games VP, Christoph Hartmann, is leaving the company behind. 

Following a wave of layoffs at Amazon Game Studios last year, Jason Schreier reports that the long-running Vice President has stepped down. Christoph Hartmann had previously been the head of 2K Games under Take-Two, before leaving to help Amazon ramp up its own game development and publishing business more than eight years ago.

While Amazon Games has operated for more than a decade, it has only managed to successfully ship one in-house developed game. New World had a strong start but failed to retain its momentum post-launch. Amazon has had a bit more success in publishing, having served as the publisher for Lost Ark in the west. Currently, Amazon is also expected to publish the next Tomb Raider game from Crystal Dynamics.

Amazon underwent restructuring and cost-cutting efforts in October 2025, leading to more than 14,000 layoffs.

KitGuru Says: Amazon Games has gone through a lot of change in recent months. At this point, it is unclear if they will make another game internally, or if they'll stick to publishing going forward. 

PlayStation fans have been hoping for Sony's return to the handheld console market for many years now, but so far, there has been no sign of a new, official PSP. One hardware modder took it upon themselves to make one though, showcasing a full PS4 console, fitted into a custom handheld casing. 

Sharing their work on Reddit, Wewillmakeitnow showcased a video along with several images of their handheld PS4. It utilises the motherboard of a PS4 Slim, cleverly cut down and fitted into a handheld style case, complete with a 7-inch OLED display and integrated controller buttons and thumbsticks at either side.

There are some drawbacks, for instance, the handheld is much thicker than most comparable devices, and the cooling required is much larger than we are used to seeing in consumer-grade devices, but that should be expected. After all, this modder only had last-generation tech to work with.

The device manages to last for around 90 minutes running some of the PS4's most demanding titles, but can run for up to three hours while playing less graphically intensive games.

If Sony were to make its own PS4-level handheld, it would be able to make some very clear improvements. For starters, Sony would be able to replace the chip with a more modern AMD SoC with better efficiency and performance at lower wattages. They would also be able to custom-design the motherboard and engineer a slimmer cooler to reduce the overall profile.

Right now, there are no official plans for a new PlayStation Portable. This generation, Sony instead opted to release the Portal, a handheld streaming device for PS5 Remote Play, as well as cloud streaming. Rumour has it that there may be bigger portable plans in place for the PS6, but right now, there are conflicting reports on when that next-gen console will arrive.

KitGuru Says: Would you like to see Sony return to the handheld market with a true successor to the PSP? 

This week, Microsoft held its quarterly earnings call, revealing that while revenues are up overall thanks to things like Azure Cloud and AI investments, things at Xbox have taken a fall. In particular, Xbox hardware sales are down by 32% compared to the same Q2 period last year. 

Typically, we expect to see console sales making a jump between October and December due to things like Black Friday and Christmas. However, Microsoft opted to not offer any Black Friday discounts in 2025 and to make matters worse, the company had raised the prices of its consoles to the highest point since launch. As a result, Xbox console and accessories revenue dropped by 32% year-over-year.

The content and services portion of Xbox didn't fall quite as drastically but it did still see a dip, falling by 5% year-on-year, despite major launches like The Outer Worlds 2 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 during this time period. This would suggest that COD sales this year were weaker than the previous year, which would explain why Activision announced shortly after launch that it would no longer be doing back-to-back years for Modern Warfare or Black Ops moving forward.

Overall, Xbox revenue was down by 9%, but Microsoft as a whole had actually seen revenues increase by 17%, with the heavy lifting coming from Azure and AI initiatives.

Xbox content may see stronger performance later this year. Titles like Gears E-Day, Halo: Campaign Evolved, Fable, Forza Horizon 6 and a potential PS5 release for Starfield are all expected to land in 2026.

KitGuru Says: It has been clear for a while that Microsoft has lost the current console generation. The company is likely to consider more of a push towards multi-platform game releases to improve the situation, even if it comes at the expense of future hardware sales. 

Right at the start of 2026, known horror aficionados Bloober Team began to tease a mysterious project via a brand new website which at the time featured the seemingly nonsense string of letters ‘RemosdNeulSerorehsoOvamCeyerd’ alongside a countdown to the 14th of February. With the date in question encroaching upon us, the website has since been updated with even more cryptic clues.

In going to the website RemosdNeulSerorehsoOvamCeyerd.com, users are met with the ominous quote “Some things never leave the walls. They only learn to wait,” alongside an enlarged version of the countdown timer – which is set to end on the 14th of February.

Seemingly connected to Valentine's Day in some form, the website also features a rose which is either dripping red paint or blood; with lines from the poem ‘The Sick Rose’ by William Blake playing in audio form.

Published back in 1794, the full short poem reads as follows:

“O Rose thou art sick. / The invisible worm, / That flies in the night / In the howling storm: / Has found out thy bed / Of crimson joy: / And his dark secret love / Does thy life destroy.”

Bloober Team are currently working on a number of projects, with the studio having confirmed to be developing a Silent Hill 1 remake as well as a Nintendo Switch exclusive known as Project M. Whether this teaser is related to either of these titles is currently unknown, but with Valentines Day a little over two weeks away we won’t have to wait long to find out.

KitGuru says: What do you think this is teasing? How relevant do you think the poem will be to the game itself? What’s your favourite Bloober Team title (other than the Silent Hill 2 Remake)? Let us know down below.

While Nintendo’s strategy when it comes to upgrading their titles for the Switch 2 has been somewhat inconsistent, one corner of the industry which has been quite consumer-friendly in this regard is the indie space. Joining the growing list of titles which offer free Switch 2 Edition upgrades is the popular Terraria x Stardew Valley styled sandbox ‘Core Keeper’ – available now.

In alignment with the game’s latest Void and Voltage update, Core Keeper has received a free Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for all those who own the game. Available now, the update isn’t necessarily too transformative given the relative simplicity of the game’s visuals, but is still welcome nonetheless, introducing:

• Expanded 8 player multiplayer (double the OG Switch’s)
• “Improved graphic fidelity”
• Enhancements to lighting, shadows, water and particle effects
• Up to 60 frames per second gameplay

The improvements to lighting in particular is interesting to see as while Core Keeper utilises a pixel art aesthetic, it features a rather pleasing dynamic lighting model which adds to the game’s vibes.

One Switch 2 feature which would have been welcome to see is the support for mouse mode. Unfortunately it appears as though so far many developers have shied away from making use of it.

Regardless, Core Keeper is a fun and addictive sandbox experience which is perfect for the pick-up-and-play nature of the Switch, and so it is exciting to see the game getting a free upgrade. If you have yet to purchase Core Keeper, the game is currently on sale for 40% off.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Core Keeper? How does it compare to other sandbox titles? Would you have liked to see mouse mode support included? Let us know your thoughts down below.

7 years after the release of the first game, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II finally launched last year to heaps of praise, with many deeming it to be not only a worthy sequel, but one of the best RPGs in years. In case you missed out on the original game back when it released, it appears as though the first KC:D will be getting a native current-gen upgrade imminently.

As reported by Gematsu, the PlayStation Store seems to have accidentally leaked the existence of a PS5 version of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, with the listing (which has since been removed) offering some details regarding what players can expect in terms of enhancements.

According to the page, the PS5 version of Kingdom Come: Deliverance “now features graphical updates including 4K resolution, improved framerate, high-resolution textures and many more.”

For comparison, the PS4 version of Kingdom Come: Deliverance operated at just 900p with an inconsistent 30fps framerate. This was boosted somewhat on the PS4 Pro, reaching 1080p while featuring improved ambient occlusion and draw distances.

Even with what little information which we know now regarding the native PS5 version, the enhancements should be very much noticeable. Hopefully the improved framerate mentioned refers to full 60fps support and not just a more stable 30.

We shouldn’t have to wait long to find out with the game’s 8th anniversary set to arrive in just over 2 weeks’ time.

KitGuru says: What did you think of KC:DII? Where did it rank in your games of 2025? Would you pay for the upgrades mentioned above or should it be free? Let us know down below.

Today we analyse a new power supply from a Chinese brand better known for producing air and liquid coolers for the PC sector. This new range of power supplies from CPS PCCooler consists of three SKUs, with 850W, 1000W and 1200W models. They sent us the flagship 1200W unit to check out. This supply has been Platinum certified by Cybenetics and, according to PCCooler, is set to be priced at around £157 when it is released into European and UK markets. 

This power supply is fully modular and PCIe 5.1 and ATX 3.1 compliant. It adopts a high-grade 135mm fluid dynamic bearing fan, and is equipped with full Japanese capacitors. On paper the specification of this unit seems good – but as is often the case with PCCooler products, availability right now seems limited to the Asian market. (Buy HERE for 26480 JPY.)

YT1200 Product overview:

• Type: ATX 3.1
• Physical Dimensions: 150x150x86mm (LxWxH).
• Certification: Cybenetics Platinum
• Efficiency: >93.5% under Typical Load (50% loading)
• Topology: Active PFC + Full Bridge SRC LLC+DC to DC
• Protection: OVP/UVP/SCP/OPP/OCP/OTP/SPD
• Capacitors: Full Japanese Electrolytic Capacitors
• Fan Dimension: 135x135x25mm
• Fan Bearing Type: FDB Bearing
• Fan Operating Mode: Hybrid Mode
• PCI-E 5.1 Output Power: 600W
• Cybenetics Noise Rating: YT1200 (STANDARD ++)
• 10 year warranty.

Each month, Sony updates its PlayStation Plus Essential line-up with 3-4 titles which subscribers can claim and keep forever as long as they have an active membership. Despite stating that they would be de-prioritising last-gen titles in 2026, 3 of the 4 additions for February offer PlayStation 4 versions, including Subnautica: Below Zero and Ace Combat 7.

Making the announcement via the PlayStation Blog, February’s PlayStation Plus Essential line-up is (ironically) lacking in any heavy hitters, with the following set to be available to claim from the 3rd of February:

• Undisputed [PS5]
• Subnautica: Below Zero [PS5 | PS4]
• Ultros [PS5 | PS4]
• Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown [PS4]

As mentioned, Sony previously stated that they would begin to de-prioritise PS4 titles in their PlayStation Plus monthly titles starting in 2026. Despite this, the only current-gen exclusive for the month is Disputed – described as “the most authentic boxing game to date”. While a heavy hitting title in the literal sense, the game is very much targeted towards a particular audience and so it may or may not resonate with you.

Subnautica: Below Zero is a spin-off of the beloved underwater first-person survival series; which failed to capture the magic of the first entry in many people’s eyes, but is still a worthwhile game in its own right.

Ultros meanwhile is a visually explosive metroidvania which features art by El Huervo of Hotline Miami fame. With “brutal, intimate, close-quarter combat” and a “unique loop-based mechanic” Ultros is worth checking out if you have any interest in the genre.

All four of these titles will be available to add to your library from the 3rd of February, and will remain claimable until the 2nd of March. This means you have just a few more days to add January’s line-up to your library if you have yet to do so – the full details of which can be found HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of February’s line-up? Are you surprised to see so many last / cross-gen titles included still? Are you a boxing fan? Let us know down below.

The soundtrack arrives on multiple vinyl and CD editions on April 24, with pre-orders open now.

To celebrate the soundtrack's release, Valve is also offering Half-Life: Alyx at 70% off, dropping the VR masterpiece to just $17.99.

The upcoming physical editions of the Half-Life: Alyx soundtrack arrive in the three following editions:

• 6 LP Vinyl Box Set Edition - This massive set features the full 72-track soundtrack pressed on six 180 gram heavyweight vinyl LPs. Each record is wrapped in its own unique sleeve, and comes packed into a lift-top box. In addition, the set includes a 24x48" poster and a download card for a digital version of the full soundtrack. This set is limited to just 2,000 copies, and is only purchasable through Ipecac Recordings' online shop.
• 2 LP Vinyl Edition - This edition, available in three color variants, features 21 tracks from the soundtrack on two 180 gram heavyweight LPs. The set includes a custom jacket, a 24x48" poster, and a download card for the full 72-track soundtrack. This edition is available through Ipecac US, Townsend UK, and Bandcamp.
• 4 CD Edition - Last but not least, the full 72 track soundtrack is available on four CDs, which come in a foldout digipak case.

Those not interested in collecting physical albums can find the full digital edition on most major streaming platforms, and on Steam, where it's temporarily available at 60% off.

The various albums are available at several shops, and you can see them all here.

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The Magician VR: The Cursed Wand is an upcoming fantasy VR action-adventure for Quest available to wishlist now.

Focused around the idea of real wand-gesture spellcasting in VR, The Magician VR: The Cursed Wand is a new fantasy game that can be wishlisted now on the Meta Horizon Store. Tracing wand gestures in the air to form spell patterns, a variety of spells, as shown in the trailer, will be at players’ disposal, from streams of water to remove fire to more offensive-based attacks. Made by Master Crowd Games, their previous work in the virtual reality space was a game called Rock Invasion VR, also for Quest.

Set in an apocalyptic 20th-century city called Crowville under siege by unknowable forces, The Magician VR plans to offer an arcade-based survival mode based on defeating endless waves of enemies. New magic and upgrades to spells will be earned based on performance on each level, offering replayability to try to survive even longer on each round. Based on the images shown, apart from the ghouls hungry for flesh, much bigger boss-type enemies will be confronted at some point.

The game will also have a campaign, with "structured progression" through key locations.

Aiming to please both casual and hardcore fans, the pick-up-and-play mechanics are promised to be backed by deep gameplay features as the magical powers progress. The stylized visuals and ominous original soundtrack neatly tie the package together, which the developer notes is not completely done and could change by the time the full game releases.

The Magician VR: The Cursed Wand is available to wishlist now on Quest.

Lynx-R2, coming "this summer", is set to have the widest field of view of any standalone headset to date.

French startup Lynx repeatedly failed to meet its deadlines for its R1 headset, which it Kickstarted, and while originally envisioned as a $500 competitor to Meta Quest headsets, the price for new orders rose to $850 and then $1300 as the company pivoted to primarily targeting businesses.

Lynx’s New Headset Won’t Run Android XR, But Will Have Widest Standalone FOV

Lynx says its new headset won’t run Android XR, as Google “terminated” its agreement, but will have by far the widest field of view of any standalone.

UploadVRDavid Heaney

Now, Lynx has revealed the key specifications of its next headset, which it first teased in October.

At the time, Lynx founder Stan Larroque told UploadVR that his company has "learned so much with the R1", and will not do a crowdfunding campaign. A month later, Lynx revealed that Google had "terminated" its agreement to use Android XR, such that it will instead run LynxOS, the company's own open-source Android fork.

Similar to Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra, Lynx-R2 is a fully standalone headset powered by Qualcomm's XR2 Gen 2 chipset and 16GB RAM, with two color passthrough cameras, four tracking cameras, as well as a depth sensor and IR illuminators.

It has an open periphery design, like Samsung Galaxy XR, with the ability to flip the visor up at any time.

What distinguishes Lynx-R2 from these other standalone headsets is its aspheric pancake lenses, developed in partnership with Israeli startup Hypervision. According to Lynx, R2 achieves a field of view of 126° horizontal and 103° vertical. That would make it one of the widest field of view VR headsets to ship as a product anyone can buy, and by far the widest standalone of any kind.

These remarkable lenses are paired with 2312×2160 LCD displays. And Lynx says it's getting the displays for just $30 each, because its development was paid for by Meta, which according to Lynx, planned to use them in the canceled 2026 Quest 4 candidate.

To achieve a reasonable passthrough image quality over the wide field of view, Lynx is using 3K×3K color cameras, advanced Sony IMX616 sensors capturing 10 megapixels per eye at a 90Hz rate, higher than Apple Vision Pro.

Lynx claims an end-to-end latency of between 12 and 20 milliseconds, compared to the 12 milliseconds of Apple Vision Pro.

It's notable that while other headsets like Quest 3 and Vision Pro have lower camera resolution than display resolution, Lynx-R2 has the opposite.

Further, Lynx says R2 has the slimmest "black line" between passthrough and natural peripheral vision of any passthrough headset, obstructing just 6% of the total field of view of the wearer. This black line is slimmer than even typical smart glasses, the startup claims, and it shared a short through-the-lens video captured by a GoPro with a wide-angle lens.

Meanwhile, the four tracking cameras on the corners of the front enable positional, hand, and controller tracking, while the 0.5 megapixel depth sensor enables 3D room scanning and spatial anchors.

According to the company, Lynx-R2 is designed to be open, modular, and repairable. LynxOS, its Android fork, is open source, and the headset has an open bootloader. Buyers will have raw unrestricted access to the sensors via APIs. Lynx says it will publish IO schematics for developers who want to add additional sensors. And R2 is built with screws instead of glue, with the company planning to sell spare parts like batteries, mainboards, and camera modules to customers.

Lynx-R2 is set to arrive "this summer", priced somewhere between Meta Quest 3 and Samsung Galaxy XR. Unlike with R1, Lynx will not be doing preorders this time. According to Larroque, when it's available to buy, it will be ready to ship immediately.