Sony has launched PlayStation Flex in the UK, a hardware leasing programme that allows gamers to rent a PlayStation 5 for a monthly fee with no upfront cost. Developed in partnership with London-based fintech firm Raylo, the programme marks a shift in Sony's strategy, targeting audiences who may not want to pay for a console they plan to replace soon or want to have some fun for a couple of months or so.

The subscription service offers tiered pricing based on the length of the commitment, with the lowest rates reserved for those who sign up for 36-month leases. For the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (825GB), prices start at £9.59 per month for a three-year term. Shorter 24-month and 12-month terms increase the monthly cost to £10.49 and £14.59, respectively. For those seeking ultimate flexibility, a monthly rolling plan is available for £19.49, allowing users to cancel at any time, provided the console is returned. In addition to the Digital Edition with one controller or two controllers (starting at £10.99), there are also options for the 1TB version with a single controller (£11.59) or two DualSense controllers (£12.49).

Beyond the standard console models, the Flex programme encompasses a wide range of hardware, including the PS5 Pro (starting at £16.99/month), PlayStation VR2 (from £11.99/month), PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle (from £10.99/month), the PlayStation Portal remote player (from £7.49/month), and a DualSense Edge controller (from £6.49). Every leased device comes with a lifetime warranty and free next-day delivery. At the end of the term, users have three primary choices: return the console to exit the plan, upgrade to the latest model for no additional fee, or continue paying the monthly subscription indefinitely.

KitGuru says: While PlayStation Flex makes upgrading more accessible, it can also be seen as the beginning of “end of ownership” in gaming. Unlike financing programmes like Xbox All Access, Flex is a pure rental model; after paying roughly £358 over three years for a PS5 Digital Edition, the customer still does not own the device. 

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Ubisoft has confirmed that the iconic protagonist of the Metal Gear Solid series, Solid Snake, will join the tactical roster of Rainbow Six Siege as a permanent new operator. Making his debut on March 3rd as part of Year 11, Season 1 (Operation Silent Hunt), Snake is being positioned as a high-speed, high-intel attacker.

Reflecting his origins in stealth and infiltration, Snake is categorised as a 3-speed, 1-health operator, making him agile but fragile. His signature gadget is the Soliton Radar MKIII, a handheld device that materialises a floor plan of his immediate surroundings to detect enemy threats and cameras. The radar features a Precision-Finding Mode that recharges over time, allowing Snake to see the exact real-time position and vision cones of nearby defenders.

Snake's loadout is equally distinctive, headlined by a new secondary weapon: the TACIT .45 pistol, a semi-automatic handgun featuring an integrated suppressor and reflex sight. For his primary weapons, players can choose between the F2 assault rifle and the PMR90A2 battle rifle. He also introduces the OSP (On-Site Procurement) Pouch, which allows him to scavenge a secondary gadget from fallen operators' bodies.

To further delight long-time fans, the character is voiced by the legendary David Hayter (Solid Snake's voice on Metal Gear Solid 3), who returned to record new, unique voice lines specifically for this collaboration.

The collaboration extends beyond just the new operator, as the premium battle pass for Operation Silent Hunt includes several themed cosmetics. Those include a Psycho Mantis skin for Smoke, a Gray Fox outfit for Jackal, and a Meryl skin for Ash. The season will also feature a limited-time 4v4 infiltration event where Snake and Zero (Sam Fisher) team up to recover stolen data, marking the first time these two stealth legends have officially appeared on-screen together.

KitGuru says: Landing Solid Snake is perhaps the biggest crossover in the game's history. While some fans may have hoped for a cardboard box gadget, the decision to prioritise the Soliton Radar and David Hayter's voice work shows a deep respect for the source material.

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Akko has steadily expanded its presence in the peripheral market, moving beyond the mechanical keyboards that established its reputation. The Verge gaming headset is the latest product of that expansion, representing a calculated attempt to balance enthusiast-grade components with a chassis designed for prolonged usage.

The Verge headset uses 53mm N52 neodymium drivers, a notable step up from the 40mm or 50mm units typically found at its price point. The headset also features a three-chamber TCB design that increases the effective cavity volume to 39 mm³, a technical choice intended to improve spatial separation. For the user, this translates to a more defined soundstage where low-frequency impacts do not overwhelm the high-frequency details required for directional tracking.

Connectivity is handled through a quad-mode system. While many manufacturers force a choice between USB-A and Type-C for wireless dongles, the Verge Gaming Headset implements a dual-port receiver that supports both. This is supplemented by Bluetooth 5.3 and a traditional wired Type-C connection, ensuring compatibility across PC, PlayStation, and mobile platforms. Powering the wireless experience is a 2000 mAh battery that delivers up to 250 hours of playback.

Processing is handled by a 32-bit dual-core DSP, which enables onboard virtual 7.1 surround sound and toggleable audio profiles. Users can cycle between dedicated modes for music, cinema, and FPS gaming directly on the headset. For voice capture, there's a detachable unidirectional microphone featuring environmental noise cancellation, designed to filter out approximately 20 dB of ambient room noise. The microphone itself connects via a gold-plated 3.5mm jack to maintain signal integrity during intense sessions.

Physically, the Verge Gaming Headset focuses on an understated aesthetic using CNC-machined aluminium arms for the headband adjustment, finished with a sandblasted texture to balance structural rigidity and weight. At 270 grams, it sits comfortably in the lightweight category. The headset is available for £54,00/$73.00/€73,79 (Early Bird price) in three colour options: black, white, and black and red.

KitGuru says: Although not as cheap as other Akko headsets, the higher-end feature set and simple design make the Verge worth checking out.

The post Akko expands its audio lineup with Verge gaming headset first appeared on KitGuru.