Sony has issued an update on the classic PlayStation, PS2, PS3, and PS4 limited-time console themes for PS5, as well as the prospect of more themes coming to the console.
In a tweet, Sony confirmed that the much-loved classic themes leave tomorrow, January 31, 2025. However, it also confirmed that they will return at some point, which is certainly good news for PS5 users who’ve enjoyed those nostalgia-fueled boot-up sounds whenever they turn their consoles on.
“Thank you for the fantastic response to the classic PlayStation, PS2, PS3, and PS4 limited-time console themes, which will be leaving tomorrow,” Sony said. “Due to the positive response on these 4 themes, we’re doing some work behind the scenes to bring these special designs back in the months ahead.”
Your PS5 now has themes that use imagery and sound from previous PlayStation consoles! pic.twitter.com/5UAwEplcwX
That’s the good news. Now for the bad news. In a follow-up tweet, Sony said it has no plans to release more themes in the future. Here’s the statement:
“While there aren’t plans to create additional themes in the future, we’re excited to keep celebrating legacy PlayStation hardware with you all.”
Fans were quick to express their disappointment at the news. Sony has yet to add themes to the PS5 despite it being a feature of previous consoles, and based on this statement, it’s not happening at lease with this console generation.
The nostalgia themes let PS5 users style their home screen and menus after the PSOne, PS2, PS3, and PS4 in celebration of the 30th anniversary of PlayStation on December 3, 2024. The PSOne theme adds the classic console to the home screen background, the PS2 theme adds its menu shapes, the PS3 theme adds its wave background, and the PS4 theme similarly adds the wave patterns seen in the background of the previous generation of PlayStation. All themes also add each console’s sound effects.
Image credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
The last Minesweeperalike I wrote up was a sparkling slurry of mind-altering pop-ups and resinous AI cleavage. It was David Cronenberg’s Minesweeper: The Substance Edition, and I was sincerely worried that I’d put you all off Minesweeper for life. But before you mop your last munition and turn in your index finger for good, give Dragonsweeper a try. It’s Minesweeper with an altogether less atrocious twist which you can hopefully deduce from the name.
The ‘Casey Jones & The Junkyard Jam’ DLC is set to land on Switch on 5th February, bringing with it the Turtles’ hockey-mask-wearing pal, a new stage and a fresh wave of enemies to take out along the way.
Xbox Free-To-Play Frenzy: More Games, More Wins, More Adventures!
Meredith IngersollXbox Partner Marketing
Xbox is your ultimate destination for free-to-play excitement! From January 28 through February 10, join the Free-To-Play Frenzy and immerse yourself in thrilling worlds, epic quests, and intense battles with millions of players worldwide. Take advantage of fantastic discounts and special Perks offers to elevate your gaming experience (perks and offers may vary by region and title. Check the Xbox console or app for the latest details).
Whether you’re into international pop stars, exploring expansive mountain ranges, or flushing out enemies, Xbox has the perfect free-to-play game for you. But don’t wait—the collection is only available until February 10! Enjoy new experiences in popular titles like Genshin Impact,Fortnite FestivalandValorant. Here’s what’s new in each game:
Genshin Impact: Version 5.3, “Incandescent Ode of Resurrection”, is now available! Fight for Natlan’s future alongside Mavuika and Citlali, and welcome Teyvat’s new year with the joy and tradition of Lantern Rite!
Fortnite Festival: Mikufans, it’s time to grab your glowsticks (or should we say leeks?!). Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), one of the biggest virtual pop stars in the world, is bringing her futuristic sounds to Fortnite as the Icon for Festival Season 7!
Valorant: Say hello to our newest Agent, Tejo, who’s joining the roster from Colombia. As part of the Initiator class, Tejo specializes in flushing out enemies. Tejo, like all Valorant Agents, is unlocked with a Game Pass membership. Learn more about his abilities on Xbox Wire.
Exclusive Perks for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Members
Level up your gaming with exclusive Perks for games like Throne & Liberty,War Thunder andCrossout. From bonus loot to unique skins, these rewards will enhance your gameplay experience. Visit the Perks gallery on your Xbox console or app to claim these exciting offers.
Throne & Liberty – Lottie and Percy Bundle (Xbox Exclusive): Join the Resistance in this Xbox exclusive colored Lottie Outfit and get a Fuzzy Percy Amitoi to tag along on your adventures.
Crossout – Midgar 2.0 Bundle: Get a unique armored car, “Fenrir 2.0”, a character portrait, “Wotan”, a paint can: “Red grid”, 1500 in-game coins, and a premium account for 21 days.
War Thunder – Year of the Snake Bundle: Celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Snake with a mighty tank, the Sherman Jumbo “Cobra King”, and a versatile fighter plane, the P-63C-5 “King Cobra”.
Get Ready for Non-Stop Fun
Xbox Free-To-Play Frenzy is your gateway to endless adventures. Whether you’re trying new games, revisiting old favorites, or creating your own stories, there’s something for everyone. Grab your controller, hit play, and let the fun begin!
Gran Turismo players! This month’s Gran Turismo 7 update delivers a wide range of cars, from the original Gran Turismo F3500-A formula car to the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N ’24. Be sure to experience the next-generation racing AI agent, Gran Turismo Sophy is now available on Autodromo de Interlagos and Mount Panorama Circuit.
Update 1.55* for Gran Turismo 7 is available as of Wednesday, January 29 at 10:00pm PT / January 30 at 6:00am GMT / 3:00pm JST.
*Internet connection and Gran Turismo 7 game required for update.
4 new cars added this month
Gran Turismo F3500-A (Can be purchased from Brand Central)
An original formula car created in the image of classic F1 cars.
The F3500-A is a Gran Turismo original formula machine born from a deep admiration for early 1990s F1 cars.
Looking at its construction, the chassis is made from negative molded carbon fiber which was the style at the time. The suspension arrangement also uses a classic layout, featuring horizontally mounted shock absorbers actuated by pushrods and bell cranks.
The power unit is a light and compact 3.5L naturally aspirated V12. Using pneumatic valves, it can reach 15,000 rpm, and variable length funnels on the intake system ensure ample torque across the rev range.
The screaming sound of the exhaust at high RPMs is a unique quality of naturally aspirated systems that cannot be recreated with turbochargers. The transmission is a 6-speed semi-automatic box with paddle shifters, which has been mounted laterally to avoid any interference with the shape of the rear diffuser.
Looking towards the aerodynamics, the monocoque uses a high nose design. Unlike modern front wings which tend to hang down from struts, this one uses an anhedral design where the wing spreads out diagonally from under the nose. There are several different wings, both front and rear, as well as engine cowl shapes available, allowing you to customize the car to your personal tastes.
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Honda Civic Si Extra (EF) ’87 (Can be purchased from Brand Central)
A dominating force on the touring car circuit, this 4th generation Civic features the famous ZC engine.
In 1987, the Civic received a full model change, bringing the series into its fourth generation. Often known as the ‘Grand Civic’ or simply by its model code ‘EF’.
The exterior retains the broad strokes of the previous model while adding modern touches to the slightly larger body. One of the largest changes was the overhauled platform which brought with it a new 4-wheel double wishbone suspension setup. The wheelbase was also lengthened significantly, allowing drivers to enjoy the car’s sporty handling with more stability.
The lineup retained the same 4 body variations as before, a 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and a 5-door shuttle along with the ‘Pro’ commercial model. Another carryover from the previous generation was the ‘Si’ sport models featuring 1.6L DOHC inline-4 engines. Additionally, this generation saw the introduction of the ‘Si Extra’ grade, which added a rich suite of equipment to the Si formula.
The ZC engine received extensive tuning to increase the compression ratio, reduce airflow restriction on intake and exhaust, and reduce piston friction among other improvements. The result was a maximum power output of 128.2 BHP and 14.7 kgfm torque net. The previous ‘Wonder Civic’ era boasted 133.1 BHP and 15.5 kgfm however these were gross figures. Net figures are typically 15% less than gross, which means that the new ZC unit was more powerful.
The Si and Si Extra models also saw extensive use in arenas like the Japan Touring Car Championship (JTC). Starting from the 1988 season, the car would receive its first race victory in Round 3 before going on to win the drivers title and manufacturers title. The car would prove its strength once again in the 1989 season where it would take the manufacturers title again.
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Hyundai IONIQ 5 N ‘24 (Can be purchased from Brand Central)
A fearsome driving machine that challenges the preconceptions of BEVs.
The IONIQ 5 debuted in 2021 as Hyundai’s first electric only model. The car already had a clean modern look and excellent usability, but the real star of the lineup would come in 2023 with the introduction of the N model.
For Hyundai, the N stands for the two facilities where this car was developed, Namyang in Korea and the Nürburgring in Germany, which speaks for the car’s performance. With the addition of this name, the IONIQ 5 was transformed into the embodiment of driving pleasure.
The drivetrain is a four-wheel drive system with motors on each of the front and rear axles. These provide a combined power output of 478 kW (641 BHP) / 770 Nm (78.5 kgfm) in overboost mode. Additionally, the system allows for adjustment of the front-to-rear power distribution, which makes it possible to drift the over 2 ton body when set to a rear power bias. A virtual dual-clutch transmission is also provided using regenerative braking power, with further driving euphoria provided by simulated exhaust sound.
The IONIQ 5 N also features a multitude of exclusive furnishings on both interior and exterior. This monster of a car pushes the boundaries of what is possible for BEVs.
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Toyota C-HR S ’18 (Can be purchased from Brand Central)
The unconventional crossover SUV that took on the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Toyota has produced a number of world cars, such as the Corolla and the Yaris. In 2016, Toyota released a new global car developed for the 21st century, the C-HR.
The car’s most notable feature is its compact crossover SUV design. In order to meet the needs of people’s various lifestyles, Toyota developed an all-new model that combines the comfort and space of an SUV with the active character of a coupe.
The origins of this model lie in Toyota’s new generation TNGA platform which was first employed in 2015 on the 4th generation model Prius. The suspension features a newly developed strut system on the front end, with a double wishbone setup on the rear. On top of this, sits a coupe style body featuring a complicated series of faceted surfaces.
For the power unit, the car is available with the same 1.8L hybrid engine as the 4th generation Prius or a downsized 1.2L 4- cylinder turbo engine. The former is provided as a front-wheel drive powertrain and the latter as four-wheel drive. The S model featured here is hybrid entry grade model for the Japanese market which features 17-inch wheels.
Exactly as Toyota had planned, the C-HR found support in areas all over the globe, and soon became a bestseller. An unconventional crossover SUV, though popular for its economy and ease of use, it also found a place within motorsports, with a prototype car competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
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Café / Extra Menus
The following Menu has been added to the Extra Menus section:
Extra Menu No. 43: Group C (Collector Level 47 and above)
World Circuits (Event)
The following new events have been added to World Circuits:
Sunday Cup: Kyoto Driving Park – Miyabi
Japanese FF Challenge 450: Sardegna – Road Track – C
World Touring Car 600: Autódromo de Interlagos
Gran Turismo Sophy
The next-generation racing AI agent, Gran Turismo Sophy is now available on the following courses. Look for the GT Sophy icon in the Quick Race menu on each track to test your skills against Sophy.
Autódromo de Interlagos
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Download the image
Mount Panorama Circuit
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Scapes
Chromatic Drive has been added as a featured Curation in Scapes.
We hope you enjoy all that’s in store with Gran Turismo 7’s update 1.55, available now.
General manager Gary McKay said the studio is “taking this opportunity between full development cycles to reimagine how we work.”
“Given this stage of development, we don’t require support from the full studio,” McKay continued. “We have incredible talent here at BioWare, and so we have worked diligently over the past few months to match many of our colleagues with other teams at EA that had open roles that were a strong fit.”
IGN understands that EA has already placed an unknown number of developers from BioWare into other, equivalent roles within the company. But a smaller number of Dragon Age team members are also seeing their roles terminated, and are being offered time to apply to other roles within the company if they so choose.
Following the announcement, a number of BioWare developers took to social media to say they were now leaving the studio. Editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer and lead writer on Dragon Age: The Veilguard Trick Weekes, and editor Ryan Cormier all said they were looking for work, with producer Jen Cheverie and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm also confirming their exit.
IGN asked EA for specifics on how many individuals at BioWare were being impacted by this latest change, how many face potential layoffs, and how many remain at the studio, but EA’s response was vague:
“The studio’s priority was Dragon Age. During this time there were people continuing to build the vision for the next Mass Effect. Now that The Veilguard has shipped, the studio’s full focus is Mass Effect.
“While we’re not sharing numbers, the studio has the right number of people in the right roles to work on Mass Effect at this stage of development.”
BioWare’s work on Dragon Age: The Veilguard was brought to an end last week with what sounded like its last major update.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard was the first new game in the fantasy RPG series in 10 years, but it came and went not with a bang but a whimper. Amid the launch BioWare confirmed Dragon Age: The Veilguard wouldn’t get any post-launch DLC, shocking fans who had hoped for expansions as previous Dragon Age games had received.
As for Mass Effect, EA said a “core team” at BioWare is developing the next Mass Effect game under the leadership of veterans from the original trilogy, including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, Parrish Ley, and others.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
The layoff train has come for BioWare. A number of Dragon Age: The Veilguard staff are leaving the celebrated RPG company in the course of plans to become “a more agile, focused studio”, as BioWare move ahead with the next Mass Effect game. Posting on Bluesky, senior systems designer Michelle Flamm, producer Jen Cheverie, editor Karin West-Weekes, lead writer Trick Weekes and narrative designer Ryan Cormier have all announced that they’re looking for work.
All of which feels like it warrants a mention in general manager George McKay’s recent blog about BioWare’s future, but he comments only that they’re “taking the opportunity to reimagine” how BioWare operate between projects, and “have worked diligently over the past few months to match many of our colleagues with other teams at EA that had open roles that were a strong fit.” Which is a very slippery way to say that you’re making a load of people redundant.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has today received its next major update and first full set since launch as the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl-themed Space Time Smackdown expansion is now available.
This set, which comes in two booster packs themed after Dialga and Palkia, includes a total of 207 cards and is therefore significantly smaller than Genetic Apex’s 286. That being said, 52 of these are the alternate art, Star and Crown rarity cards, and as Genetic Apex had 60 of these, there is a higher percentage of rare pieces to collect.
Space Time Smackdown’s official card count therefore comes to 155, as alternate arts aren’t included in the overall collection number. Included in this count are 10 ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky.
Every Pokémon type therefore has a new ex Pokémon with the exception of Dragon, and the Darkness type gained two.
Space Time Smackdown’s biggest addition is perhaps in the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards, however. These are items which can be attached to the active Pokémon to give it extra benefits in battle, and three have arrived in the new set.
These include Giant Cape, which gives the Pokémon an extra 20 Hit Points; the Rocky Helmet, which does 20 HP to the opponent’s Pokémon whenever the active trainer takes damage; and the Lum Berry, which removes conditions such as Poison from the Pokémon.
Battles
As is the case with every new set release, the addition of Space Time Smackdown has brought new Solo Battles to Pokémon TCG Pocket. Eight new battles are available in the Intermediate tier, nine are available in the Advanced tier, and eight are available in the Expert tier, though none have been added to the simplest Beginner tier.
These focus on Pokémon introduced in the set such as Dialga ex and Palkia ex but also the likes of Togekiss, Bastiodon, Glacion, Magmortar, Magnezone, Rampardos, Tortrerra, and more.
As for multiplayer, it’s too early to tell exactly what will shake up the meta but many of the Space Time Smackdown cards have great potential to. Infernape ex, for example, can do 140 damage for just two Fire Energy, and while it discards both of these on impact, this is still an incredibly powerful and quick move that can one hit knock out all but the strongest ex Pokémon.
Palkia ex also poses a threat given its resemblance to Mewtwo ex. It similarly does 150 damage for four Energy, though also does 20 damage to each benched Pokémon at the cost of losing 3 total Energy. Weavile ex, meanwhile, has a single one Energy attack that does 30 damage or 70 if the defending Pokémon has damage. Perhaps the biggest boost will come to Steel type decks though, as Dialga ex and a wealth of other cards join the likes of Melmetal and Bisharp which are already available.
Missions and Rewards
Myriad new missions have joined Pokémon TCG Pocket alongside Space Time Smackdown too, though these are relatively similar in structure to what players are used to. Collecting signature cards will unlock rental decks as usual, for example, while piecing together the entire set slowly but surely will unlock Dialga and Palkia icons.
Museum missions have returned too, including two for collecting each 1 Star card and another two for collecting each full art 2 Star card. The final secret mission is called Champion of the Sinnoh Region and is awarded for collecting the full art Cynthia card alongside 1 Star cards of her four key Pokémon: Gastrodon, Lucario, Spiritomb, and Garchomp.
Missions, as usual, award Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, Emblem Tickets for the shop, and more, though notably none of the controversial Trading Tokens. Developer Creatures Inc. did give players a free 500 of these to celebrate trading’s addition to the game though.
Rewards can be used to unlock some new items in the shop too, including Dialga and Palkia album covers and the Lovely Hearts backdrop. A new Poké Gold bundle has replaced the previous Gardevoir one too, this time focusing on Cynthia.
Trading
Creatures Inc. still hasn’t commented on the controversial trading update since its release yesterday, with its social media accounts and the game itself only really focusing on Space Time Smackdown. The aforementioned “Trade Feature Celebration Gift” did arrive with 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses (the former of which is enough to trade a single ex Pokémon), but the developer has otherwise remained quiet on fan complaints.
Trade Tokens are at the centre of the controversy, as these are required for trading any card at 3 Diamonds or higher. 120 Trade Tokens are required to trade a 3 Diamond card, 400 are required to trade a 1 Star card, and 500 are required to trade a 4 Diamond card, meaning an ex Pokémon.
They can only be obtained by essentially selling cards. Players can delete from their collection a 3 Diamond card for 25 Trade Tokens, a 1 Star card for 100, a 4 Diamond card for 125, a 2 Star card for 300, a 3 Star immersive card for 300, and a Crown gold card for 1500. Cards of lower rarities are worthless, though require no Trade Tokens to trade either.
This means players must sell, for example, five ex Pokémon before they can trade one ex Pokémon, or five 1 Star card (the rarest available to trade) before they can trade one 1 Star card. What’s more, selling one Crown rarity card, which are the rarest in the game and may not be obtained even after months of playing, will only net players enough tokens to trade three ex Pokémon.
Fans have called it “hilariously toxic” and a “monumental failure,” and lamented that a “safe way for the community to connect more” was sacrificed for something “so laborious.”
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
Nintendo has announced that the Japanese Switch eShop will soon no longer accept overseas credit cards or PayPal accounts as valid payment methods.
As reported by VGC, the change will come into effect from 25th March 2025, with Nintendo citing “fraudulent use” as a main contributing factor behind the decision. It has not elaborated beyond this, but it’s well-known at this point that many overseas Switch owners like to utilise the Japanese eShop for games that either aren’t available elsewhere, or perhaps might be cheaper than their regional equivalent.
The developer of the Path of Exile games has apologized to fans of the first game after putting a new update on hold until a crucial update for Path of Exile 2 is out the door.
Grinding Gear Games had promised fans that it would continue to update action RPG Path of Exile 1, which has been running for over 10 years now, through the release of Path of Exile 2 in early access and beyond.
However, Path of Exile 1’s 3.26 update, which was originally planned for release late October before the Path of Exile 2 launch, then planned for mid-February this year, is now delayed further, with all hands on deck sorting out Path of Exile 2’s problems. Path of Exile 1’s last league release was Settlers of Kalguur in July 2024.
In a video message, Path of Exile 2 game director and GGG co-founder Jonathan Rogers explained that the studio brought the Path of Exile 1 team across to help get Path of Exile 2’s endgame into shape ahead of the December launch, but thought that they would be able to return to get 3.26 ready for its mid-February launch.
It turned out that was impossible, given the myriad problems Path of Exile 2 has. “We were fooling ourselves,” Rogers admitted. Not only was Path of Exile 2 itself delayed a few weeks, but it suffered from crashes and balance problems that needed to be addressed immediately.
“How could I justify taking some of the most experienced developers we have off PoE2 when it’s on fire?” Rogers said.
The upshot is the Path of Exile 1 team is still working on Path of Exile 2, and will continue until Path of Exile 2 0.2.0 has shipped and probably a couple of weeks after that. “Unfortunately, I just can’t promise a date right now,” Rogers added. Path of Exile 2 is currently at 0.1.1.
“I’m really sorry for how this went down,” he continued. “Honestly, I should have predicted the fact that taking the Path of Exile 1 team off Path of Exile 1 would lead to this outcome, and I probably should have resisted doing it. But at every stage I just kept thinking, we still have time, we still have time. And then we didn’t have time any more.
“We still have a lot to learn about how to run two games simultaneously. We were overconfident. We still need to work out how to structure our studio to make this possible. But we do have a solid plan for what we want to do with 3.26.”
The long wait for the Path of Exile 2 early access launch finally came to an end when it released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S on December 6, 2024. It saw massive success, securing its place as the 15th most-played game Steam game ever.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
