الوسم: PS5

Microsoft hosted its 2026 Xbox Developer Direct today, revealing release windows for three of its top first-party titles. As anticipated, these games will also be available on the PlayStation 5 in 2026, competing beyond the Xbox ecosystem.

The showcase opened with the highly anticipated open-world racing game, Forza Horizon 6. While the game was previously announced, developer Playground Games provided a deeper dive into new features and showcased the game’s Japanese setting. The game is scheduled to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC on May 19, and it will arrive on PS5 later in 2026.

Next up was an unexpected reveal. Double Fine, known for its quirky and creative titles, announced a team-based multiplayer party brawler called Kiln. Set to release in spring 2026, Kiln allows players to craft pottery, which is then used in mythical battlefields to go head-to-head with other players’ creations. The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.

The event wrapped up with the much-anticipated return of the Fable RPG series. While news of the game had been teased before, this was the first time Playground Games provided detailed information and a look at extended gameplay footage. Fable is scheduled for release on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC in the fall of 2026.

Additionally, a game not developed by an Xbox first-party studio was showcased. Created by Game Freak, the studio famous for Pokémon, Beast of Reincarnation is an action-RPG centered on Emma and Koo’s quest to confront the mysterious beast. It is set to launch in summer 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.

The PlayStation Store has recently released several new free AAA games for PS5, and more titles are on the horizon. There’s a wide variety of genres available, including action, role-playing, fighting, and sports, ensuring there’s something for every gamer.

Right now, PS5 users can download three major AAA titles at no cost: the action RPG Arknights: Endfield, the fighting game inspired by League of Legends called 2XKO, and Sega Football Club Champions, a fresh entry in the long-running SakaTsuku series.

These titles don’t require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play, although additional content and add-ons may need to be purchased separately.

Of the three, only Arknights: Endfield is optimized for PS5 Pro. Additionally, PS Plus Premium members can stream Sega Football Club Champions via the cloud.

Gamers should also keep an eye out for an upcoming free title, as announced during The Game Awards 2025. The multiplayer first-person shooter Highguard is set to launch on January 26, and anticipation is high.

There was some uncertainty about a potential delay after developer Wildlight Entertainment went quiet following the awards show, but a recent online leak of a trophy list suggests that Highguard remains on schedule for release.

At the moment, the game isn’t yet available on the PS Store, so fans are awaiting an official announcement regarding its launch date.

Sony has quietly revised the list of games departing from PS Plus Extra and Premium in February 2026, and the reason behind it isn’t what you might expect. Just a day ago, we noted that several titles had mysteriously disappeared from the catalog—an issue that gained attention when it was discovered that two of the games on the upcoming removal list had been missing for some time. Now, Sony has addressed the situation.

After players observed that both Carto and Spirit of the North had been removed from the library without any prior notice (with the latter already taken out last year), some users reached out to PlayStation Support for clarification. Instead of providing an explanation, Sony simply removed these titles from its “Last Chance to Play” section.

As previously mentioned, the removal of these games wasn’t intentional. Players who had already downloaded them still have access, but new players are being prompted to purchase instead. Sometimes, Sony updates the SKU for a game on the PlayStation Store, temporarily pulling it from PS Plus. In some cases, the game is eventually re-added to the catalog, but other times, like with Spirit of the North, it isn’t.

Given that these titles are now gone from the “Last Chance to Play” list, it seems unlikely they’ll return to the catalog. Those who still have access will probably lose it after February 2026, which was the original planned removal date.

Ubisoft has made a disappointing announcement for Prince of Persia enthusiasts: their highly anticipated Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake has been officially canceled, along with five other titles. One of the rumored remakes might also be facing a potential delay.

In a recent statement, Ubisoft revealed that it is undergoing a significant reorganization of its operations and game portfolio, aimed at steering the company toward sustainable growth and stronger cash flow. As part of this strategic shift, six games were cut from their upcoming lineup—this includes the Sands of Time Remake and four other unannounced projects, which involve three new intellectual properties and a mobile game.

### Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake Canceled

Ubisoft also mentioned that seven other games have been pushed back to ensure they meet higher quality standards and deliver better value. Among these delays is an unannounced title originally slated for release in fiscal year 2026, now shifted to FY 2027.

According to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier in a Bluesky post, one of the delayed titles was the rumored Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag remake.

These cancellations and delays are part of Ubisoft’s strategy to refocus their efforts over the next three years, mainly emphasizing open-world games and games-as-a-service experiences.

As Ubisoft stated, “In light of a more selective market, and following a comprehensive review of their content pipeline conducted throughout December and January, the company decided to strategically refine its project slate. This includes reallocating resources and revising the roadmap to prioritize delivering high-quality open-world adventures and GaaS experiences—such as the recently acquired project, March of the Giants. This new portfolio structure aims to better position the company’s creative teams for future success.”

Back in November, there was speculation that the Sands of Time Remake was nearing release, but unfortunately, that is no longer the case for fans of the classic franchise.

A 2024 single-player game for PS5 and PSVR2, developed by Fun Train, is receiving a major discount on the PS Store before it’s taken off shelves. The game, Tarzan VR, is in the process of being delisted, and the developer wants to give players a final chance to enjoy its fun-filled adventure before it becomes unavailable.

Tarzan VR is now priced at just $7.49 on the PS Store. PS Plus members can enjoy an additional discount, bringing the price down to $6.74. While the PS Store indicates the sale ends on February 5, Fun Train has clarified that players have until the end of January to purchase the game.

The reason behind the delisting is that, despite the company’s focus on VR, Fun Train notes that the current VR market makes it increasingly difficult to renew Tarzan VR’s licensing. The developer explained, “At this stage, renewing the license for this IP is simply not commercially viable,” citing recent widespread studio closures and layoffs across the industry as contributing factors.

Additionally, there is a different Tarzan VR game listed on the PS Store for PS4 and PSVR, developed by Jungle Games Inc. and released in 2021. However, this version is separate, and it appears that the PS4 game will remain available and not be delisted.

Ubisoft is releasing free PS5 updates for three of its most popular PS4 titles that are also available through PS Plus. As teased earlier, players can now enjoy Far Cry 3, its spin-off Blood Dragon, and Far Cry Primal at 60 frames per second on PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles.

Ubisoft has earned commendation for its consistent effort in providing free PS5 upgrades for its older games. These updates are accessible to all players who own the titles, including PS Plus subscribers. Below are trailers showcasing each game’s enhancements:

YouTube Trailer 1

YouTube Trailer 2

YouTube Trailer 3

While Ubisoft’s reputation has been mixed at times, its dedication to upgrading its classic titles for PS5 has garnered universal praise. The company has maintained a steady commitment to supporting its older games, whether through free content updates or essential patches for the new console.

Ubisoft describes Far Cry Primal’s update as an invitation to “return to the Stone Age, a time filled with constant danger and endless adventure, where mammoths and saber-toothed tigers roam the land.” For Blood Dragon, they highlight “an 80s-inspired vision of the future set on a strange open-world island teeming with evil,” now enhanced with a free 60 FPS patch. Lastly, the update for Far Cry 3 invites players to “revisit an open-world island full of danger and discovery” on PS5.

Every week, Sony offers new content, add-ons, games, and more for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR, and PlayStation Plus members. Below is the latest global update for the PlayStation Store. PlayStation LifeStyle tracks the store updates in key regions around the world. Visit every Tuesday to stay current with the weekly PlayStation Store Update.

North American Update

January’s PlayStation Plus Essential Lineup

• Core Keeper (PS5)
• Disney’s Epic Mickey Rebrushed (PS5)
• Need for Speed Unbound (PS4/PS5)

PS4 & PS5 Games

• 2XKO
• Anime: Fantasy Uni 2
• Apartment No 129
• Arcade Archives 2 BOMB JACK TWIN
• Battle Puzzle 2048 – Queens of the Abyss
• Big Adventure: Trip to Europe 9 Collector’s Edition
• Bomboban
• Bread & Fred
• BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW
• Car Dealer Garage Simulator 2026
• Cats Around Us: Giant Cat
• Clutter Puzzle Magazine Vol. 16 #2 Collector’s Edition
• Crabwave
• Direction Quad
• Dreamscapes – Nightmares Heir
• Elon and the Divine Proof
• EmyLiveShow: Demons and Mistresses Tale
• Fill The Cup 3: Frost
• Ghostly Whiskers
• God Bless, or Goddess
• Holiday Eye Spy 2
• KEJORA
• Lantern Push
• The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon
• Liminal Tower
• Loan Shark
• Lonely Hospital
• Lust Anime Girls
• Mars Kitchen VR
• Milo’s Dream
• MIO: Memories in Orbit
• Mole Cart Mining
• Nature Escapes 5 Collector’s Edition
• OneTry
• Pixicharm – BitPew
• Pixicharm – Zippyron
• Port Logistics Simulator: Dockside Harbor Handling
• Reloadian
• RIDGE RACER
• Scream and Steel – Horror Story Shooter
• Space KaBAAM: Dagger
• Speedway Turbo: Car Racing Challenge
• Street Combat Fighting
• Sumorbit
• Zumba – The Dragon’s Marble Trial

Next Page: European Update

Several titles in the PS Plus Extra catalog have mysteriously vanished without any official announcement, likely due to a glitch Sony hasn’t addressed. These aren’t typical removals; instead, these games were never meant to be taken down, and they remain accessible only to players who previously downloaded them.

Over the past year, PlayStation LifeStyle has highlighted this issue, but it’s become more evident recently. Two games Sony states will leave PS Plus in February 2026 are already gone—if you try to download them now, you’ll be prompted to buy them instead.

However, if you previously claimed or downloaded these titles through the Extra catalog, you probably still have access to them, suggesting they weren’t actually meant to be removed. For example, Sony indicated that Spirit of the North: Enhanced Edition would exit the service in February, yet the game has been absent since last year. Back in November 2025, I reported that both Spirit of the North and Totally Reliable Delivery Service had been removed from the catalog without warning, and they haven’t reappeared since.

Similarly, Sony announced that Carto would leave PS Plus in February, but it’s no longer visible in the catalog, and no one knows exactly when it was pulled.

On January 9, I was the first to report that Sega’s Endless Dungeon disappeared without notice, and it’s still nowhere to be found—only players who already have it downloaded can play.

This issue appears to be linked to a glitch in the PlayStation Store, likely caused by Sony updating SKUs. Unfortunately, these glitches aren’t always fixed promptly, which means members may lose access to games they’re supposed to have. Given the hundreds of titles available, it’s probable that more games are missing than those currently known, but many users haven’t caught on yet.

The only time Sony seemed to successfully fix this glitch was with Sayonara Wild Hearts.

Hopefully, Sony will provide some clarity soon or develop a proper solution.

A highly acclaimed PS4 action game from 2020, which was also offered as a free download to PS Plus members, is set to disable some of its multiplayer features. Arc System Works has announced that it will be reducing online functionalities for Granblue Fantasy: Versus, making several of its trophies impossible to unlock.

Beginning on April 20, 2026, the game will no longer support the following online features:

Journal:

• Uploading and downloading replays

Game modes:

• Ranked matches (which will switch to Casual Match in the menu)
• Online lobby
• Leaderboards and rankings

Customize menu:

• Various online customization options

Announcements:

• All banners and text will show as if the game is in Maintenance Mode (some remaining text related to Ranked Match might still appear)

As a result of these changes, the following trophies will no longer be attainable:

• “Now the Real Fight Begins!”: Unobtainable because tutorial matches can no longer be completed
• “Hot Enough for You?”: Cannot be earned as online battle results will no longer be recorded
• “Platinum Sky”: Cannot be acquired unless the above two trophies have already been unlocked

Online features such as RPG mode (online backup requests), Versus, Arcade modes, and Room Matches will continue to be available for the foreseeable future. It is currently unknown whether and when the game will be removed from the PS Store after these updates.

For additional information, see Arc System Works’ full announcement here.

The PlayStation Store has announced the initial list of games set to leave PS Plus Extra and Premium in February 2026, as the January 2026 lineup begins to roll out in certain regions. As expected, Square Enix’s RPG SaGa Frontier Remastered is among the titles scheduled to depart next month.

The confirmed list of games leaving includes:

– WWE 2K25
– SaGa Frontier Remastered
– The Ascent
– Spirit of the North
– Cult of the Lamb
– Super Neptunia RPG
– Carto
– Rez Infinite
– New World: Aeternum (removed)

Keep in mind, this list isn’t finalized; Sony sometimes adds additional titles or removes games without prior notice.

These games are expected to be unavailable after February 17, when next month’s PS Plus Extra and Premium lineups are integrated into the catalog. We’ll keep updates coming if more titles are added to the PS Store’s Last Chance to Play section.

The new lineup replacing these titles has been well-received by Extra members. However, Premium and Deluxe members may be a bit disappointed, as only one classic game has been added to the catalog this time around.

PS Plus Extra and Premium games for January 2026 are now being released, starting in Japan and Asia where it’s Tuesday, January 20. Players in other regions will start seeing the new titles appear on the PlayStation Store around noon local time on the same day.

The following games are available to play this week until they are removed from PS Plus:

Extra:

• Resident Evil Village | PS5, PS4
• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | PS5, PS4
• Darkest Dungeon II | PS5, PS4
• A Little to the Left | PS5, PS4
• Expeditions: A MudRunner Game | PS5, PS4
• A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead | PS5
• The Exit 8 | PS5, PS4
• Art of Rally | PS5, PS4

Premium:

It’s still unclear whether Ridge Racer on PS Plus Premium will include trophies. Bandai Namco classics on PS Plus often don’t support trophies, but there’s already an Arcade Archives version of Ridge Racer that does. If the Premium version doesn’t get trophies, it might be disappointing.

A list of games leaving the service soon has been provided. Users in regions where the catalog hasn’t been refreshed yet have one last chance to finish their progress before the titles are removed.

Keep an eye out for the February lineup, as that list has been shared separately.

A highly acclaimed, award-winning RPG for PS5 and PS4 in 2024 is currently half off on the PlayStation Store, but this deal ends later this week. Sega’s Metaphor: ReFantazio has received rave reviews and snagged multiple Game of the Year awards.

The cross-buy version of Metaphor: ReFantazio is priced at just $34.99 until January 22, making it a great deal. If you’re unsure about the game, there’s a free PS5 prologue demo available to try out first.

PS Plus Premium members can enjoy a five-hour full-game trial as part of their membership. The game can also be streamed via the cloud on PS5.

Developed by the team behind popular Persona titles, Metaphor: ReFantazio is set in a fantastical world where the main character embarks on a quest alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift a curse from the kingdom’s missing prince. The official description encourages players to take control of their fate, confront fears, and unlock dormant magical “Archetype” powers lying within.

On PS5, Metaphor: ReFantazio boasts an impressive average Metacritic score of 94/100, with the PS5 and Xbox versions slightly behind at 92/100.

Regarding downloadable content, players can purchase cosmetic packs in the PlayStation Store. However, there are no story expansions or additional content beyond these cosmetic items.

PS Plus Premium users are frustrated because a key benefit—PS3 game streaming—has been unavailable for several days. Currently, players can only stream games that are already in their library, and trying to launch any new PS3 titles that aren’t already added results in nothing happening.

PS3 streaming is restricted to regions where Sony supports cloud streaming, with the equivalent service in countries without streaming options being called PS Plus Deluxe.

Over the past week, many users have reported that numerous PS3 titles in the catalog, which are limited to streaming, won’t start when they hit the Stream button. Only games they’ve previously added to their library will load. Despite these reports, Sony has not publicly acknowledged the issue, and support channels have only confirmed that they’re aware but have no estimated timeline for fix.

Some players have identified workarounds, such as adding the desired game to their PlayStation Store wishlist. From the wishlist, they can access the game page, hit the Stream button, and the game will launch.

Another method involves using the PS Plus app on a PC to add PS3 titles to the library. Attempting to play games through the PC app automatically adds them to the console’s library, circumventing the streaming bug.

While these fixes have helped many, they’re not universal solutions. If they don’t work, fans will need to wait for Sony to resolve the issue.

A popular and charming adventure game for PS5 and PS4 is currently available at a 67% discount through a limited-time deal on the PS Store, so it’s definitely worth a look. Developed by Awaceb and published by Kepler Interactive, Tchia follows the story of a girl on a quest to rescue her kidnapped father.

The game is priced at just $9.89 on the PS Store until January 22. Additionally, its cosmetic DLC pack is half off, costing only $3.99. After the promotion ends, the game will go back to its regular price of $29.99, and the DLC will be $7.99.

“Journey with Tchia through a tropical open-world landscape as she attempts to save her father from the tyrannical Meavora, who rules the archipelago,” an official description states. “Climb, glide, swim, and sail across stunning islands in a physics-driven sandbox. Encounter fabric soldiers created by Meavora in open battles, where your ingenuity and resourcefulness give you the upper hand.”

Tchia is an offline single-player experience. PS Plus Premium subscribers can stream it via the cloud.

On the PS Store, the game holds an average rating of 4.04 out of 5 stars based on nearly 3,000 verified reviews. It has received widespread praise for its engaging exploration and innovative gameplay mechanics.

Check out the trailer below:

YouTube Trailer

Today, unexpected news emerged as PS5 and PS4 players can now access re-releases of beloved 1990s classics. The Earnest Evans Collection, originally released on Sega platforms in the ’90s, has been upgraded for current consoles and is now available on the PlayStation Store.

The collection features three highly regarded titles: Earnest Evans (offered in both CD and cartridge versions with different storylines), El Viento, and Annet Returns. The PS5 edition is priced at $30.95, while the PS4 version is available for $29.95. Notably, these versions are not cross-buy, and the reason for the price difference remains unclear.

According to Limited Run Games, “This collection showcases stunning animated cutscenes in Earnest Evans and Annet Returns, crafted by MADHOUSE, the studio behind titles like Trigun and Cardcaptor Sakura.” They also highlighted gameplay features such as the ability to rewind at any time with a simple button press and the convenience of saving progress anywhere from the in-game menu.

Originally developed by Wolf Team—a studio that later became Namco Tales Studio, known for the renowned Tales of series—this trilogy was fully merged into Bandai Namco Entertainment in 2012.

The MMORPG New World: Aeternum has been removed from the PlayStation Store as of January 15, 2025. Amazon Game Studios, the game’s developer and publisher, announced that servers will be shut down in 2027.

New World: Aeternum‘s servers will go offline on January 31, 2027, giving players who purchased the game an additional year to enjoy the MMORPG. After that date, access will be cut off on all platforms, including PS5. The current Nighthaven season will be extended until the server shutdown, as this will be its final season.

Players can still buy in-game currency, such as Marks of Fortune, and other items until July 20, 2026. Refunds for Marks of Fortune purchases will not be issued. Those who recently bought the game and seek refunds should contact their platform’s customer support.

The developer has confirmed there will be no further updates, new content, or server maintenance. However, they will continue to monitor bugs and performance issues.

In an official statement, Amazon Game Studios expressed gratitude:

“We want to thank the players for your dedication and passion. We are grateful for the time spent crafting the world of Aeternum with you. Together, we built something special. While it’s sad to say goodbye, we’re honored to have shared so much with the community.

“It has been our pleasure to develop New World: Aeternum and evolve this unforgettable adventure with you all. We look forward to one last year together, and we plan to send off this legendary journey with the respect it deserves. From all of us, thank you for sharing this world with us.”

Initially, Amazon Game Studios announced support for New World: Aeternum would end in October 2025, without specifying an exact shutdown date.

The studio also shared:

“Players of Aeternum, your dedication and enthusiasm have made this journey truly remarkable. We’re deeply grateful for every moment you’ve spent helping us build this extraordinary world. It’s been an honor to share Aeternum with you, and your support has made this game something truly special.”

A highly anticipated PS5 action game has unexpectedly released a free demo on the PlayStation Store, with players earning a special reward upon completion. BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is a sleek, stylish action title set within the BlazBlue universe, now available to try out at no cost.

Free Demo for the Upcoming PS5 Game BlazBlue Entropy Effect X Now Available on PS Store

The demo for BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is PlayStation 5 Pro enhanced, indicated by a dedicated Pro enhancement tag. While a PlayStation Plus membership is required for online multiplayer, there’s currently no option to stream the demo for Premium members.

As an added incentive, developer 91Act has teased “a mysterious bonus” that players will unlock with the full game, which is scheduled to launch on February 16. The studio has also mentioned that some elements of the demo might differ from the final version of the game.

The official description states, “Set in a strange domain called ‘the Lab,’ a team of elite researchers races against time to prevent a world from collapsing. Despite their efforts, Dr. Mercurius, the lab’s leader, warns that destruction is still imminent. In a desperate bid, the Research of Possibility initiative aims to gather Shards of Possibility—special fragments of the world that could potentially halt the impending doom.”