Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 is one of the premier consumer brand VR headsets.

With a price starting at just $399, this is the headset that will inevitably introduce a lot of people to the world of VR.

And the Quest 2 is a pretty versatile device. The base model was previously upgraded to feature a 128GB hard drive, unlike the original 64GB.

And it’s standalone, which means you don’t need to hook the headset up to any other hardware to enjoy what it offers.

Although the Oculus Quest 2 is a standalone device, it doesn’t have to be confined to its own capabilities.

What about VR games and apps on other platforms? Does the Oculus Quest 2 work with Steam?

Can you play Steam games with the Oculus Quest 2?

Short answer: Yes

Yep, you can play SteamVR games using your Oculus Quest 2. Oculus has a feature called Air Link that lets users wirelessly tether their headset to their PC.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 require a PC?

If you’re not into the idea of using your Oculus Quest 2 wirelessly with your computer, there’s always the option of connecting it with a wire via the Oculus Quest Link Cable or any standard USB-C cable.

That way, you can still enjoy all the same features without relying on a wireless connection

How to use the Oculus Quest 2 with Steam

If you want to use your Oculus Quest 2 with Steam, first, you’ll need to install the SteamVR app on your Quest 2.

While you’re at it, install the Quest 2 desktop app on your PC if it’s not installed already.

Once installed, connect your headset to your computer using the Quest 2 Link Cable. If you’re connecting wirelessly, skip ahead.

With your headset connected to your PC, launch the SteamVR app from the Quest 2 Home screen.

Launch Steam on your computer and click on the “VR” icon in the top right corner of the Steam window.
Then, follow the prompts to set up your VR headset and controllers.

Once you get your Oculus Quest 2 hooked up to your computer via Air Link or the Link Cable, you are ready to start experiencing what SteamVR offers on your Quest 2.

So whenever you’re ready, select any VR game from your Steam library and dive in.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 support quick charging?

Important to point out: make sure your gaming rig is up to snuff. After all, you’ll rely on your PC to run the games, not Quest 2.

So, make sure your machine has the horsepower to handle the load.

Oh, and don’t forget to have a Steam account, too – you’ll need it to access your Steam library and play VR games.

Step up your VR game: play Steam games on Oculus Quest 2

So there you have it; it is definitely possible to play Steam games on the Oculus Quest 2. All you need is the SteamVR app, a compatible PC, and a Steam account.

Just keep in mind that not all Steam games are compatible with Quest 2, so be sure to check the system requirements before you buy.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can you buy a replacement controller for the Oculus Quest 2?
• Does the Oculus Quest 2 have expandable storage?
• Which Oculus Quest 2 should you buy?
• Are Oculus Quest 2 controllers rechargeable?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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The Oculus Quest 2 is immensely popular and could become the hardware that finally pushes VR mainstream.

Now, you might be wondering if you’ll be able to charge your headset quickly.

With upgraded specs and immersive experiences, you’ll want the battery to last so you can keep playing, right?

Quest 2 quick charging would help, so it’s easy to think that would be an option with the Oculus Quest 2 headset, right?

Well, we have some bad news.

Does the Oculus Quest 2 offer a fast charge?

Short answer: No

How long does an Oculus Quest 2 take to charge?

According to Meta and confirmed by our testing, the Oculus Quest 2 takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge from an empty battery.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 require a PC?

Oculus Quest 2 charger wattage

Quest 2 charger wattage runs at 5V, 2A, which works out to 10W max power charging.

A helpful Redditor on the r/OculusQuest subreddit did some testing and found the max power the Quest 2 draws is 9W.

KnowTechie also confirmed this in our testing. But, sadly, that’s far from a quick charge.

READ MORE: What’s the Oculus Quest 2’s battery life?

With Meta seemingly capping the power input, there’s no point utilizing a higher-wattage charger.

In fact, using an aftermarket Quest 2 adapter or charger might even damage your device, which is what Meta refers to in its support pages.

So there you have it, the Oculus Quest 2 does not offer any fast or quick charging. Maybe we’ll see that in the Meta Quest Pro?

READ MORE: A Quest 2 Pro VR headset might be coming later this year

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can I use the Oculus Quest 2 with Steam games?
• Where do I find the serial number of my Oculus Quest 2?
• Can Oculus Quest 2 controllers be used on the original Quest?
• Apple’s anticipated AR/VR headset might not arrive until the end of 2022 now

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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So, what is Dolby Vision? Dolby Vision is an HDR standard that uses dynamic metadata to offer “brighter highlights, sharper contrast, and more vibrant colors.”

In other words, paired with a compatible TV, Dolby Vision offers incredible visuals that will take your Xbox Series X|S to the next level.

There’s also a limited list of games that take advantage of Dolby Vision, but that’s something that Microsoft said it is working on.

If you meet the required qualifications, you’ll want to know how to enable Dolby Vision on the Xbox Series X|S as soon as possible.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, we’ll walk you through each step to set it up. Ready to jump in?

How to enable Dolby Vision on the Xbox Series X

First, you’ll want to ensure your television is compatible with Dolby Vision.

You can check your TV’s capabilities within your Xbox by heading to the 4K TV details menu:

1. Select Settings and then General

2. Navigate to the TV & display options

3. Select 4K TV Details

4. Under Playing Games, confirm that your TV supports Dolby Vision

Once you’ve confirmed that your TV is capable of Dolby Vision gaming with your console, we’ll show you how to get Dolby Vision on Xbox Series X.

And there you go, now you know how to set up Dolby Vision on Xbox Series X or Series S.

Is Dolby Vision not working on your Xbox Series X or S?

If you’re having trouble getting Dolby Vision to work on your Xbox Series X or Series S, here are some things you can try:

1. Confirm if your TV or display is Dolby Vision-compatible and properly connected to your Xbox.
2. Enable Dolby Vision in the “Video modes” settings on your Xbox.
3. Check that the game or app you’re trying to play supports Dolby Vision and is updated to the latest version.
4. Check the HDMI cable connecting your Xbox to your TV or display for any damage or loose connections.
5. Restart your Xbox and TV or display to see if that fixes the issue.
6. Check for any system updates or patches for your Xbox.

If none of these steps help, you might try contacting Xbox Support or the manufacturer of your TV or display for further assistance.

Dolby Vision enhances your HDR viewing experience

Dolby Vision HDR standard allows creators to add enhanced color, contrast, and depth to create more dynamic and clear images on-screen.

With Dolby Vision-enabled games on your Xbox Series X or Series S, you can experience breathtaking visuals and immerse yourself in worlds like never before.

Plus, the stunning graphics and rich, vibrant colors make for a truly next-level gaming experience that you won’t want to miss

Restarting your console isn’t necessarily required to enable the feature. But it’s always a good idea to do a quick reset when changing big settings like these.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can the Xbox Series X play DVD movies?
• Do you need an Xbox to use xCloud game streaming?
• How to enable text-to-speech and speech-to-text on Xbox
• Can Xbox Series X and PS5 gamers play together?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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Ars Technica reports that the gamers’ lawsuit “echo[es] many of the FTC’s concerns.” Those include reducing the competition in the gaming market, consumer choice, and raising prices.

The last point we’re not so sure about. Xbox has been putting every game from its studios onto Game Pass as part of a monthly subscription fee.

Even if you want to purchase the games outright, most Xbox releases are still $60. PlayStation 5 titles are $70 at launch.

Ars uploaded a copy of the complaint, and we immediately found it striking that eight of the ten gamers in the lawsuit play on PlayStation, and only two say they own an Xbox.

Are Sony stans worried about losing access to Call of Duty?

Why is Microsoft the only one getting sued?

While Microsoft purchasing Activision-Blizzard would be the biggest gaming merger in history, it’s simply the latest link in a long chain.

The gaming industry is full of developer acquisitions, including the ones Activision made to get its market position.

CEO Bobby Kotick took control in 1990 and built Activision’s developer portfolio.

The first significant purchase was Raven Software, developer of Heretic and Hexen: Beyond Heretic.

Then came the two studios that made most of the Call of Duty series, Treyarch Invention and then Infinity Ward.

Activision then merged with Blizzard without any outcry about becoming one of the biggest game companies.

Nobody blinked when the merged companies bought King Digital in 2016 for $5.9 billion.

Sony has also been on a buying spree, with more studio acquisitions planned. Isn’t that what Microsoft is doing by buying Activision-Blizzard? Sony tried and failed to do the same.

The other thing is that many Sony studios only make games for PlayStation. So far, Microsoft’s purchases are still making multiplatform titles.

This probably won’t be the last lawsuit

The Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 allows any American to file a lawsuit against a company they believe is engaging in anticompetitive behavior.

Even if this lawsuit against Microsoft fails, any American citizen could potentially bring their own suit against the company.

It’s possible that this merger could be tied up in court for years, which could potentially benefit Sony as it would be able to continue to grow and release first-party exclusives uninterrupted.

As for this specific lawsuit, it’s now awaiting its day in court.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Sony’s new DualSense Edge falls short with poor battery life
• Sony reportedly working on modular PlayStation 5
• Could Netflix be Microsoft’s next acquisition target?
• Microsoft is exploring an ad-supported Xbox Game Pass tier

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If you need to download a game on your Xbox One but don’t want to leave the console running, you have options.

You may have heard that your Xbox can supposedly download and install games while you’re not using it, but the first time you tried – you woke up to the same install percentage as the night before.

What gives?

With this in mind, you might wonder, “do games still download when the Xbox One is off?”

The answer is yes, they do. But your console probably isn’t set up to allow downloads when it isn’t in use. So, let’s fix that.

Do games download when the Xbox One is off

Short Answer: Yes (but you’ll need to dive into the Settings menu to enable it)

Your Xbox One needs to be set to Instant-on to download games while it’s off. That keeps it in a low-power state, ready to switch on at a moment’s notice.

It also keeps the network connection and hard drives running. Here’s how to enable it.

How to download games while your Xbox One is off 

You’ll first need to set your console to Instant-on mode to get your Xbox One to download games while it’s off.

READ MORE: The best Xbox controllers

Doing this, the console is in a low-power state and keeps the network connection and hard drives running, so it can quickly switch on when needed. Here’s how to turn it on.

Grab your controller and do the following:

That’s all you need to do. Now when you turn your Xbox One off via the controller or it goes to sleep after inactivity, it’ll keep downloading games to install or update.

Download games while your Xbox One is off with the right settings

Once you have the correct settings, your Xbox One console will download games while it’s off.

This is a great way to download your games without keeping your console on the entire time. Just start a game download, and you can let the console go to sleep or turn it off yourself.

When you return, the game will either still be downloading or finished, so you can hop in and start gaming.

And yes, you can still play games while they’re downloading on the Xbox One, just in case you were wondering.

What do you think? Plan on using this feature on your Microsoft console? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can the Xbox One play Blu-ray movies?
• How to connect PS4 or Xbox controllers to the iPhone
• Can you speed up an Xbox One’s loading time with a new hard drive?
• How to expand your Xbox One’s game storage

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. Click here for more.

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The recently settled lawsuit from the FTC claims Epic breached the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

The commission also says the company used dark patterns to trick users into making unwanted purchases.

As part of the record-breaking $520 million settlement, Epic Games is required to allocate $245 million for customer refunds. And you could be one of the people eligible for a refund.

Who is eligible for a Fortnite settlement refund?

If you’re hoping to get a refund from the Fortnite settlement, the FTC says you might be eligible if you fall into one of these three categories:

You’re eligible for a refund if you fall into any of those categories. So, keep your eye on your email inbox for more details.

How to claim your Fortnite settlement refund

The FTC has yet to set a method for refunding users’ money. The commission will continue to update its website here as it has more information on refunds.

It also says that it will send email notices to eligible customers with any updates regarding the settlement.

The FTC warns against potential scams that could arise surrounding the Fortnite settlement. Namely, the commission will never as for a fee to file a claim or get a refund as part of this settlement.

So watch out for potential email scams over the next few weeks.

Keep your eye on the FTC website for more information

Epic Games has agreed to the FTC’s settlement request, but there will still be some time to sort out all the refund process details.

Keep your eye on the FTC’s Fortnite settlement page for any updates. Likewise, you can sign up for email updates from the FTC here.

If you don’t sign up for the alerts, keep an eye out for any emails from the FTC regarding Fortnite in-game purchases soon.

With all this in mind, do not pay anyone who claims they can file your FTC refund claim. It’s one of the oldest scams on the internet, so keep a vigilant eye.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple will have to cough up to $500 million to cover its lawsuit over slow iPhones
• Meta has to pay $90 million for tracking users even after they logged off
• How to request a refund for Google Stadia
• Here’s how to claim your $12 from the Google+ security settlement

The post How to get your money back from Epic Games’ Fortnite settlement appeared first on KnowTechie.

Earlier this week, TechRadar got its hands on the new controller more than a month before its January 26 release date.

For a quick refresher, the DualSense Edge is a lightweight and customizable premium controller designed with professional and competitive gamers in mind.

But one thing Sony didn’t address is the controller’s lackluster battery life.

The original DualSense controller featured a relatively weak battery, with just 12 hours of life on a single charge.

The new controller, however, is even worse than that. Sony confirmed to TechRadar that the battery life on the new DualSense Edge is “moderately shorter” than the original DualSense.

Sony justifies this with all the other upgrades it added to the controller. But for $200 per controller, you would think they could’ve added a better battery.

Compare the DualSense Edge to Microsoft’s premium Xbox controller, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and we see a large discrepancy.

The Xbox Elite controller is rated for up to 40 hours of gameplay on a single charge. That’s almost four times the battery life of Sony’s new controller.

So what’s Sony’s take on this? Surprisingly, their only solution is to keep the controller plugged in.

We’ll know more about the unimpressive battery life of Sony’s DualSense Edge controller when it launches on January 26, 2023.

With a price tag of $199.99 and a weak battery life, the controller will likely be ideal only for the most competitive PlayStation gamers.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to connect a PS5 DualSense controller to an iOS device
• Gifting a console? What you should know before wrapping it up
• Sony reportedly working on modular PlayStation 5
• Can the PlayStation 5 play DVDs?

The post Sony’s new DualSense Edge falls short with poor battery life appeared first on KnowTechie.

The Oculus Quest 2 is a versatile VR headset at a pretty affordable price. It features hundreds of games that you can play without the help of any additional hardware.

But you can also use the Oculus Quest 2 with the help of a PC to play games that might not have their own Quest 2 version.

You can hook the headset up to your PC to play Steam games and other PC VR games wirelessly with Air Link or via the Oculus Link cable.

But what about other platforms? For instance, can you hook the Oculus Quest 2 up to your Xbox? Here’s everything you need to know.

Does the Quest 2 headset work with Xbox?

Short answer: Sort of, but you’ll need a PC as a workaround.

There aren’t any official ways to connect your Oculus Quest 2 headset to an Xbox. And that makes sense, as there aren’t Xbox-specific games or apps that take advantage of VR.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 have expandable storage?

However, there is a workaround if you want to play Xbox games with the headset. This doesn’t work in the reverse. You cannot play Oculus Quest 2 games on Xbox.

The method involves streaming your Xbox to a PC and is pretty complicated, so we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process:

So there’s a pretty complex way to get your Xbox games on your Quest 2 headset. At present, there’s no way to connect the Quest 2 to Xbox without a PC.

Another option is to stream games on your PC using Xbox Cloud Gaming and then follow steps 3-5. Again, this method is pretty complicated, and you’re not gaining much by doing it.

Xbox and Quest 2 don’t play well together

Xbox consoles don’t offer any VR gaming optimization. That means you will just be mirroring your screen onto your Oculus Quest 2.

Because of this, there’s really no point in tying the two systems together at this time. Could that change in the future? Possibly, but we wouldn’t count on it.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Does the Oculus Quest 2 have quick charging?
• What’s the battery life of the Oculus Quest 2?
• Can I use my Oculus Quest 2 with my PlayStation?
• Where do I find the serial number of my Oculus Quest 2?

The post Can I use my Oculus Quest 2 with my Xbox? appeared first on KnowTechie.

For several years now, Nintendo has been the king of handheld gaming consoles with its Nintendo Switch.

The Switch is a versatile console you can take with you on the go or dock it at your television and game on the big screen.

When the console was originally released in 2017, there was only one real option. Your only choice was the color of the Joy-Cons.

The original Switch stood by itself for a while before the company finally released different console versions.

The Nintendo Switch Lite was introduced a couple of years after the original console was released. Then, two years later, Nintendo came out with the improved Nintendo Switch OLED version.

READ MORE: How to turn on dark mode on Nintendo Switch

For those looking to get their hands on a Nintendo Switch console, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Check out the different Nintendo Switch versions below:

Nintendo Switch vs. the OLED Nintendo Switch

The two versions of the console that are the closest are the original Switch and the OLED version, released in 2021.

Both of these versions of the console feature a screen with detachable controllers that can be docked for use with a television.

And now for the differences: The OLED version of the Switch features a few upgrades (as well as an upgraded price).

First, the dock on the OLED switch features an ethernet port, so you can plug in straight to the internet for better download speeds.

But probably the more important difference has to do with the console itself. As the name implies, the OLED version features an upgraded 7″ OLED screen.

Compared to the 6.2″ LCD screen on the original version, the OLED option is a pretty decent upgrade.

The OLED version is also fitted with a larger 64 GB hard drive compared to the 32 GB drive on the original Switch.

While this is definitely an improvement, it’s still not going to be enough to load up a bunch of games.

You’ll likely have to take advantage of the microSD expansion slot (found on all versions of the Nintendo Switch).

The OLED switch retails for $349.99, while the original version still sits at its original price of $299.99.

Difference between Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite

And, of course, we can’t forget about the Switch Lite. The Lite version of the console was designed as a handheld-only option for gamers that aren’t interested in gaming on their TVs.

The Switch Lite features the smallest screen in the Switch lineup, at just 5.5 inches. It doesn’t come with removable Joy-Con controllers.

If the infamous Joy-Con drift happens to you, you’ll need to send the unit in for repair.

The console is essentially the same as the original Switch, except for these minor differences and the inability to play the console on your TV.

The Nintendo Switch Lite retails for just $199.99, so it is, by far, the most affordable in the Switch lineup. However, it also features the least amount of versatility, so that’s something that you’ll definitely want to consider.

So which Nintendo Switch is best for you?

Short answer: It depends on how you plan to use the console

Looking at the specifications, the biggest difference in Switch consoles lies between the Lite and the other two versions.

If you are looking for a console to use strictly for handheld gaming, then the Nintendo Switch Lite is perfect.

You won’t be able to use it on your TV, but you’ll be able to save a good amount of money by snagging the Lite.

As for the other two options, it really comes down to preference. I don’t think there’s enough of an upgrade between the original Switch and the OLED version to justify the $50.

But, if you want that bigger, better screen with a little more storage and the option to hardwire your internet when docked, then the Switch OLED version is the one you will want.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Here are the best-selling and most-played games on Steam in 2021
• PlayStation 5 Standard vs. Digital Edition – which is best for you?
• When does the Steam Deck come out?
• Which Xbox Series X|S games have Dolby Atmos support?
• How to add friends on your Nintendo Switch

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Which Nintendo Switch is best for you? appeared first on KnowTechie.

If you ever want to play Steam games without notifying your entire friends list, you’ll want to know how to appear offline in Steam.

In addition to acting as a library for a massive number of games, Steam offers its users several other things.

Through Steam, gamers can build up friends lists, send invites to online games, and even track their success in games through achievements.

But with everything being so online these days, it can be hard to get some peace when you’re trying to sit back and play some games.

One way to avoid interruption during those gaming sessions is to appear offline to other users on Steam. Here’s how to set it up.

How to appear offline on Steam

READ MORE: How to get free Steam credit by selling Steam Trading Cards

You can appear offline when you want to play a game on Steam.

This is great when you want to play in peace, without friends seeing your activity or inviting you to play other games.

The process is pretty straightforward, and you can change back and forth as much as you want.

That’s all you have to do to appear offline on Steam. Be aware that the ‘offline’ option in that list will also make you appear offline.

But it won’t let you send or receive any messages from your friends until you change to a different option. So, ‘invisible’ is typically better to use.

Use the ‘invisible’ option to keep using Steam as normal

The ‘invisible’ option makes you invisible to your friends. But everything on your end acts the same as when you choose the ‘online’ status.

You can also manually choose the ‘away’ status, which Steam shows when you have been away for more than 15 minutes.

READ MORE: Can you appear offline on Epic Games?

Any of these statuses can be changed at will, so you can easily go from showing as offline to back online just in time to join your friends for some multiplayer gaming.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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The post How to appear offline on Steam appeared first on KnowTechie.

The company will have to pay the sum after allegations that it violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Additionally, the FTC says the company used dark patterns to trick millions of users into unintentional purchases.

Epic’s settlement is broken out into two separate, record-breaking payments. First, the company must pay a $275 million monetary penalty for breaking COPPA.

The additional $245 million will be allocated to refunding customers affected by its “dark patterns and billing practices.”

In addition to monetary settlements, the FTC requires that Epic adopt stronger privacy settings by default.

That means voice chat, text chat, and other social features will be turned off by default and require parental consent to turn on.

The FTC also says Epic must change its purchasing systems, so they are no longer confusing, with shifting layouts designed to mislead.

What rules did Epic break?

The FTC goes into further detail on the broken rules and regulations that led to this settlement with Epic. The violation of COPPA involves gathering children’s data without parental consent.

COPPA requires parental consent before a company can collect any personal data on children. Epic also allegedly made it difficult for parents to have their children’s personal data deleted.

The accusations of dark patterns are solely related to Epic’s in-game Fortnite shop. The company is accused of having misleading, ever-changing menus that lead to unintentional user purchases.

Until 2018, Epic also let users make V-Bucks purchases with just the press of a button, requiring no authorization for the saved credit card. As you can imagine, this cost many parents a lot of money.

A long list of infractions led to this massive $520 million settlement. And these will be things that Epic will surely clear up as soon as possible to avoid potential problems in the future.

But $520 million is pocket change for Epic Games. Fortnite made the company around $5.8 billion last year, so it can handle this settlement with little trouble.

Still, Epic will want to avoid any settlements like this going forward. Expect Fortnite to become safer for kids and less deceitful in its shop soon.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can you appear offline on Epic Games?
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• Microsoft is exploring an ad-supported Xbox Game Pass tier
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The post Epic to pay $520 million settlement for tricking Fortnite gamers appeared first on KnowTechie.

The survey, discovered by Windows Central, was found in a ResetEra forum thread late last week.

The alleged survey asked Xbox gamers how they would feel about an additional tier of Xbox Game Pass at a much lower cost of around 3 euros per month (~$3).

Of course, that lower cost comes with a couple of limitations. First, it would still give users access to a vault of Xbox first-party games, though it would make users wait six months before accessing new games.

The main caveat to this purported new tier would be the addition of advertisements. Users would see personalized ads whenever they open up a Game Pass game that they want to play.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard Microsoft explore the idea of ads on Xbox. The company recently filed a patent for technology that could add personalized ads inside some games.

According to the survey, the new ad-supported tier would include access to Xbox Live Gold. That presents a puzzling situation, considering the price of the service.

Xbox Live Gold costs $60 per year or $5 per month. That cost alone is more expensive than the supposed ad-supported tier, making the new system undercut Xbox’s current prices.

This could represent a change in price for a yearly Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Either way, this is all just speculation at this point. Microsoft hasn’t said anything official about an ad-supported Game Pass tier yet.

But we wouldn’t be surprised to see something like this come to light. More companies are adopting ad-supported options, so this is definitely a possibility.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Sony reportedly working on modular PlayStation 5
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• Valve plans screen and battery improvements on Steam Deck 2
• Streamer tackles seemingly impossible Elden Ring challenge

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Microsoft is exploring an ad-supported Xbox Game Pass tier appeared first on KnowTechie.

The game will be a “single-player, narrative-driven experience.” That is refreshing to hear, as every other game studio seems to be moving to the live-service model.

Crystal Dynamics has been working on the new Tomb Raider game since at least April this year. At that time, the studio announced it would use Unreal Engine 5. It will also be multiplatform on release.

While we didn’t get any setting or story details, expect more of the gameplay that made the last three games great. That includes “mind-bending puzzles,” “exploration and creative pathfinding.”

The announcement didn’t mention a development timeline. We can guess who is at the helm, however, as Jeff Ross (director on Days Gone) joined Crystal Dynamics as Design Director earlier this year.

There’s always a chance Ross joined to work on an unannounced game, but it’s slim. He already knows how to craft a coherent single-player experience.

This is the first Crystal Dynamics game announced since the sale to the Embracer group earlier this year.

Crystal Dynamics is just one studio Amazon Games is working with. Amazon is also working with Bandai Namco on Blue Protocol, an anime-style multiplayer RPG.

That game will have a closed beta in 2023, so it’s already further in development than Tomb Raider.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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• Valve plans screen and battery improvements on Steam Deck 2
• Here are your free PlayStation Plus games for December 2022
• Streamer tackles seemingly impossible Elden Ring challenge

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Amazon Games set to publish new Tomb Raider game appeared first on KnowTechie.

Steam Deck designers Lawrence Yang and Pierre-Loup Griffais spoke with The Verge about the device.

One of the topics discussed was Steam Deck 2 and the improvements the company expects to make.

Both designers agreed on two major improvements the company would like to see: screen and battery.

The company has confirmed that Steam Deck will be multi-generational

And the biggest improvements we can expect soon will be in the screen and battery.

Currently, the company focuses on keeping Steam Deck’s performance universal so everyone on the platform can play the same games.

But Valve doesn’t have to improve performance when it adds a better battery and screen.

We’ve already seen Nintendo present a similar upgrade with the Nintendo Switch OLED Model. Griffais added:

“We’ll opt to keep the one performance level for a little bit longer, and only look at changing the performance level when there is a significant gain to be had.”

That stance makes sense from a console perspective.

There are typically seven or eight years between major console releases from the big dogs like Sony and Microsoft.

Yet, those companies are known for delivering mid-generation improvements like the PS4 Pro and Xbox One S.

Valve could ship a Steam Deck model with an improved battery and screen in the next few years.

But we’ll likely wait a while before seeing any significant boosts to the Steam Deck’s performance.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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• Thousands of gamers are watching ducks float in viral Steam game
• Here are your free PlayStation Plus games for December 2022
• The best Xbox controllers

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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PlayStation offers these deals to its subscribers on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 monthly.

Even if you only subscribe to the PlayStation Plus Essential tier, you can claim these games for free during the month.

The PlayStation Plus free games for December go live on December 6, and you’ll have until January 2 to claim them. Let’s see what’s up for grabs this month.

Free PlayStation Plus games for December

PlayStation is kicking off December’s free games with the classic RPG remaster of the entire Mass Effect trilogy.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition revamps the graphics and gameplay of the iconic series following Commander Shepard in his trek through space.

Next up for grabs is Divine Knockout: Founder’s Edition.

This multiplayer arena battle game is launching directly to PlayStation Plus. Play as powerful gods as you knock your opponents out of the arena in this brawler.

Finally, PS Plus subscribers can get Biomutant for free in December.

Biomutant is a colorful RPG where you build your own character and take on increasingly difficult enemies in action-packed kung-fu-like combat.

That does it for December’s free PlayStation Plus games. All of the games are available on PS4 and PS5 through backward compatibility.

Remember, you can claim these games on December 6, and you’ll have until January 2 before they’re gone.

Once you claim them, they’re yours to play forever. Well, for as long as you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription.

PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra game catalog additions

In addition to free games every month, PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers have a couple of extra benefits.

Extra and Premium subscribers also get access to a rotating list of PS4 and PS5 games that they can play for free whenever they want.

On December 20, the platform is adding several games to the Game Catalog:

Like Xbox’s Game Pass, PlayStation adds new games to the list every month, with this month’s batch coming on December 20.

One of the games joining the catalog is Far Cry 5, the story of a brutal doomsday cult in Hope County, Montana.

Gamers will also get to try out Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Yakuza: Like a Dragon puts you in the role of a low-ranking grunt in a crim family in Tokyo.

Players can also revisit the world of Lord of the Rings in Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-Earth Shadow of War.

Plus, enter the ring as your favorite wrestler in WWE 2K22, which makes its way to the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalog on January 3.

Full list of games coming to the PS Plus Game Catalog on December 20:

All of these games are available on PS4 and PS5 through backward compatibility.

You’ll be able to play any of them for free as long as you are a PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium subscriber.

And if you’re a Premium subscriber, you get one additional benefit: the Classics catalog.

PlayStation is adding four more games to its Classic catalog for Premium subscribers this month:

The Classics catalog from PlayStation Plus Premium is incredibly nostalgic, filled with titles that longtime gamers will love revisiting.

Be sure to check out the new PlayStation Plus games

The PlayStation Plus subscription service offers many different benefits across its three tiers.

Whether you go all out with Premium or stick to the Essential tier, there are perks for you to enjoy.

Be sure to check the PlayStation Store on your console regularly.

The platform constantly updates the rewards for all three tiers, and you don’t want to miss out on anything.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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• Sony says its EV will be built around the PlayStation 5
• Can the Nintendo Switch connect to Bluetooth headphones?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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And now, many video game developers and entertainment producers are turning some of the most beloved game franchises into TV shows.

After the success of shows like The Witcher and Riot’s Arcane (based on League of Legends), there are plenty of others looking to bring video game stories to television platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

We’ve scoured the web in search of all the popular video games that are rumored or revealed to be currently in the works. Check out some of our favorites below.

These video games are being turned into a TV series

There’s a big list of iconic game series being turned into TV shows, so buckle up and let’s get into it.

God of War

Rumors of a God of War television series circled around Amazon for a few months ahead of the release of 2022’s God of War Ragnarök.

Now, a month after the critically acclaimed sequel to 2018’s God of War was released, Amazon has confirmed that a God of War show is in the works.

The God of War show will be part of Amazon’s Prime Video service. It’ll cover the events of 2018’s God of War, seeing Kratos take on the gods of Norse mythology.

We don’t know too much about the upcoming show yet. We know that Rafe Judkins, the showrunner for Amazon’s The Wheel of Time adaptation, will take the reigns for the God of War show.

God of War is known for its brilliant story and character development, which could transfer wonderfully to a television adaptation. We’re looking forward to checking this one out when it makes its way to Amazon Prime Video.

Horizon Zero Dawn

In May of 2022, Sony revealed that its hit RPG Horizon Zero Dawn was making its way to TV screens via Netflix.

The post-apocalyptic story littered with terrifying robotic beasts was a major success for PlayStation, and it could translate well to the TV screen.

A few months after the original announcement, we learned who would handle the show-running duties for the upcoming show.

Umbrella Academy’s Steve Blackman is joining in alongside Michelle Lovretta, who’s known for two SyFy shows, Lost Girl and Killjoys.

We don’t have a lot in the way of details about the upcoming Horizon Zero Dawn show quite yet.

However, the apocalyptic world could make for some good television. We can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Resident Evil

Next, we have the upcoming Resident Evil series coming to Netflix. And this show’s actually coming pretty soon, with a release date of July 14 this year.

The Resident Evil TV series follows the Wesker kids and their journey into New Raccoon City.

Resident Evil has seen its fair share of screen time through movies. But this is the first time the popular video game franchise will get its own TV show.

The Last of Us

Next up, there’s the highly anticipated series based on the incredibly popular The Last of Us franchise from Naughty Dog.

The show will follow the series’ main protagonists, Joel and Ellie, as they rely on each other to traverse the post-apocalyptic United States.

HBO plans on launching The Last of Us TV series sometime in 2023.

As far as video games go, The Last of Us has a seemingly great plot for a TV show. So we have some high hopes for this one.

Gears of War

Gears of War is one of the biggest franchises in Xbox gaming history, and Netflix has decided to bring the series to Hollywood.

The streaming giant shared a tweet in November 2022 announcing the big news.

This adaptation will reportedly include a live-action film initially. The plan after that is to continue the story with an adult animated TV show.

Beyond that, Netflix didn’t share any details about the upcoming projects other than it is teaming up with The Coalition, the game’s creators and developers.

One thing we do know, however, is they’re going to have to find some big bodies to fill the pants of Gears of War characters.

Assassin’s Creed

Netflix announced its plans for a TV series based on the popular Assassin’s Creed video game franchise back in October 2020.

Like many shows on this list, the COVID pandemic caused a delay in this project. And it’s unclear when it will make its way to the streaming app.

The original deal between the two companies was for one live-action show, one animated show, and one anime series based on the franchise.

But it’s unclear if all three of those will come to fruition.

Pokémon live-action

Following the success of the 2019 film Detective Pikachu, Netflix reportedly scooped up a deal to create a live-action TV series based on the incredibly popular video game franchise.

Not much is known about the upcoming series other than the identity of the show’s writer and producer.

Joe Henderson, the frontrunner for another Netflix show, Lucifer, will take up the mantle of writer and producer in the Pokémon TV series.

Twisted Metal

Next up on the list is a wacky concept that I certainly didn’t expect.

In February of 2021, it was revealed that a show based on the vehicular combat classic Twisted Metal was in the works at Sony.

Initially, I wasn’t too excited about a Twisted Metal show. Video game TV shows tend either hit or miss, and Twisted Metal seems like a strange premise for a show.

But it’s said to be an action-comedy starring Anthony Mackie, so there could be potential for a successful show there.

There isn’t a lot of information about the show other than a recent revelation that it will be available on Peacock.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

After the turbulent release of CD Projekt Red’s latest title, Cyberpunk 2077, the company announced plans to release an anime spinoff based on the game.

The series will revolve around a teenage “edgerunner,” or mercenary outlaw, who does what they must to survive.

CD Projekt Red announced the upcoming show in 2020 alongside the game’s release. Cyberpunk Edgerunners is still slated for a Netflix release in September 2022.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon

Adi Shankar, the creator of the popular Castlevania series adaptation on Netflix, announced another video game adaptation for the platform.

Captain Laswerhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix is based heavily on the Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon expansion from 2013.

The show is in an alternate universe filled with automation and a tyrannical massive tech company, Eden.

Shankar originally revealed Captain Laserhawk in 2019, and Netflix hopped on board a couple of years later in 2021.

There’s still no official release date for the show, but it will span six episodes and be filled with characters familiar to Ubisoft games.

Castlevania: Nocturne

Castlevania has already had a successful run on Netflix, and it’s coming back for another new series. Castlevania: Nocturne was revealed at Netflix’s Geeked Week in 2022.

The new series takes supposedly takes place many years after the original series if it follows the video game’s lore.

The main character, Richter Belmont, is a descendant of characters in the previous series. Kevin Kolde will be the showrunner for Castlevania: Nocturne, having worked on the original Netflix series.

There’s no official release date yet, but some estimate it could be coming in the summer of 2023.

Devil May Cry

Adi Shankar is back once again with yet another animated series for Netflix. This time, they’ll be taking on the Devil May Cry series.

Devil May Cry: The Animated Series is an adaptation of the popular action-adventure series coming to Netflix.

It will feature many characters familiar to those who played the game, such as Dante, Vergil, and Lady. The initial season will take place over eight episodes, but Shankar says the story doesn’t stop there.

The plan is for Devil May Cry: The Animated Series to take place over multiple seasons.

We don’t know exactly when the show is coming, but the show has been in the works for a couple of years.

Knuckles spinoff

The sequel to the 2020 film Sonic the Hedgehog is set to hit theaters soon.

In a trailer for the movie, Knuckles, a familiar character for fans of the series, makes his debut as a new villain for Sonic.

And the show’s creators have confirmed that Knuckles will be getting his own TV series on Paramount+.

The studio revealed its plans for the series in a tweet a few months ago. It will star Idris Elba, who plays the antagonist in the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 2 movie.

It has a scheduled release date of 2023 on Paramount+, but we all know how planned release dates work these days.

Splinter Cell

Netflix surprised fans of the Splinter Cell series with the reveal of an upcoming animated series based on the video game back in June 2021.

We don’t know much about the series except that the show’s frontrunner will be Derek Kolstad, who created the John Wick series.

Like many TV shows mentioned in this list, it’s unclear exactly when the Splinter Cell show will make its way to our screens.

Fallout

One video game franchise that has long deserved a TV adaptation is Bethesda’s Fallout. And Amazon Studios will be the one to make that finally happen.

The Fallout TV series is currently in production at Amazon. We still don’t know anything about the plot or setting of the show or when we could expect a release date.

What we do know is that Amazon Studios has its work cut out for it developing one of the most beloved gaming franchises into a TV series adaption.

Dragon Age: Absolution

In June of 2022, Netflix announced Dragon Age: Absolution alongside a trailer for the upcoming animated show.

The show features an ensemble cast of characters straight out of Dragon Age lore, including elves, knights, mages, and more.

It’s planned to be a six-episode series set in the empire of Tevinter, a familiar Dragon Age location.

Dragon Age: Absolution is coming to Netflix in December of 2022.

The Witcher: Blood Origin

Following the initial success of The Witcher series on Netflix, the company signed on to develop a spinoff of the series.

The Witcher: Blood Origin gives an origin story of the Witcher brotherhood. It will be set 1,200 years before the story of Geralt of Rivia.

The Witcher TV show proves that this video game franchise is great for television. Hopefully, The Witcher: Blood Origin has the same feeling.

Like the original series, The Witcher: Blood Origin will be based on the fantasy novel series by Andrzej Sapkowski.

Although, the television adaptation will surely have its own spin. Netflix plans on releasing the series sometime in 2022.

Tomb Raider

Lara Croft is no stranger to the big screen. Tomb Raider was first introduced on the big screen more than 20 years ago. Since then, the franchise has seen several games, including a recent trilogy.

That trilogy is the groundwork for an upcoming animated Tomb Raider TV series adaptation on Netflix.

The developers of the latest trilogy, Crystal Dynamics, are teaming up with Legendary Television to bring an anime-style program to Netflix.

The show will pick up where the latest trilogy left off, with events following shortly after.

Like most of the entries on this list, we don’t know exactly when this show is coming, so keep your eyes peeled.

Sonic Prime animated

And to close out our list of upcoming video game TV shows, we have the upcoming Sonic Prime animated series set to hit Netflix sometime this year.

After the success of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie revitalized the franchise on the big screen in 2020, Netflix penned a deal to bring a new animated show, Sonic Prime, to its platform.

We don’t know exactly when the show will come out. But Netflix says it will be coming sometime in 2022.

And many more

And several other video game-based TV shows are in the works currently. There’s a live-action show in the works based on Ubisoft’s upcoming pirate game, Skull and Bones.

And the classic shooter, Brothers in Arms, is getting its own TV show, though details are still pretty limited.

Additionally, some classic RPGs could be making their TV debut soon. Sony revealed an upcoming live-action Final Fantasy TV series a couple of years ago.

Bioware’s beloved Mass Effect franchise is also getting its own show on Amazon.

As you can see, tons of video games are currently being adapted into TV series.

Like many other industries, the COVID pandemic hit the television industry hard. So, the current state of many of these titles is still up in the air.

We all know it’s pretty easy to turn a video game into a pretty abysmal representation on the TV screen.

Hopefully, some of these shows remain true to their core and deliver an entertaining experience for gamers who love these games.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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• Microsoft is reportedly adding a family plan to Xbox Game Pass

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post All the video games being turned into TV shows appeared first on KnowTechie.

MissMikkaa is known for her outrageous dance pad challenges. But now, she’s taking things a step further (literally) as she tries to beat the game on a dance pad and controller…at the same time.

MissMikkaa became popular in the Elden Ring community thanks to her unique playstyle. Instead of a controller, she plays through the game using a dance pad from Dance Dance Revolution.

She became quite skilled at the game with the dance pad, even beating what many consider the hardest boss in the game at level one.

With this new challenge, the difficulty is ramped up tremendously, allowing for some truly awesome gameplay.

MissMikkaa is calling this her Ultimate Challenge Run on Elden Ring. She’s playing through the game on the PS5 using a controller and on PC with a dance pad.

There are a couple of rules that MissMikkaa is making herself follow throughout this challenge. Mainly, she’s required to start and fight any boss fights simultaneously on both platforms.

As you can see from her latest YouTube video, MissMikkaa has already defeated some of the game’s difficult early bosses.

The challenge is still ongoing, and she still has a long way to go. But I expect to see MissMikkaa complete her challenge, as gamers like her never cease to impress.

If you want to watch some of this incredible Elden Ring challenge in progress, check out MissMikkaa’s Twitch channel.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Streamer tackles seemingly impossible Elden Ring challenge appeared first on KnowTechie.

Sony isn’t messing around when it comes to the PlayStation 5. The ninth-generation console is a beast, with 4K gaming and access to a huge library of games.

The console is also a full-on media device, letting you watch movies and television through streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus.

But with everything seemingly moving towards a more digital age, what about older forms of media?

Most people stream and receive their content digitally these days, but some of us still have physical collections. So, can the PS5 play those old DVDs piled up in the closet?

Can you watch DVDs on the PS5?

Short answer: Yes, the PS5 can play DVDs if you have the right version of the console

Not only does the PlayStation 5 feature an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive capable of playing Blu-rays, but Sony also didn’t forget about the older DVD format. The console also doubles (triples?) as a DVD player.

But all PlayStation 5 consoles are not created equal. This is important if you are still in the market for a new console.

The Standard Edition PlayStation 5 includes the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive. You’re going to need that to play DVDs.

READ MORE: Can the PlayStation 5 lay on its side?

The PS5 Digital Edition doesn’t come with a disc drive, so get a Standard Edition if you want to play any physical media.

How to play DVDs on the PS5

Playing DVDs on your PS5 can be done in a snap. Simply connect the console to the internet to download the latest updates.

After that, insert the DVD into the disc drive of your Standard Edition PS5. A new menu option (shown above) will pop up. Select that to start your DVD.

Final notes

Playing DVDs on PlayStation 5 is definitely possible.

Just remember that you’ll need the Standard Edition with the disc drive to play them. The Digital Edition does not contain the functionality.

Additionally, you will not be able to play DVDs from other regions, only movies that match your console’s region. But, that shouldn’t be an issue for most users.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Can the PlayStation 5 play DVDs? appeared first on KnowTechie.

This simple, relaxing game has come out of nowhere to grab a stellar, Overwhelmingly Positive user rating on Steam. More than 3,600 people have rated the game, with 98 percent leaving a positive review.

The funny thing? The game has very little interaction from the player. Placid Plastic Duck Simulator is, as its name suggests, a toy duck simulator.

And if you remember the toy ducks you used to play with in the bath as a kid, you’ll know they don’t really do much.

Placid Plastic Duck Simulator transports you to a nice-looking pool with a single, modest plastic duck floating around. Over time, more ducks with unique colors and designs enter the pool, creating extra variety.

And that’s really all there is to the game. You’re simply meant to enjoy the view as more and more ducks continue to enter the pool.

A day and night cycle also complements the beautiful graphics in-game. And the ambiance, complete with birds chirping and wind blowing, creates a truly relaxing experience that gamers seem to love.

“These ducks cured my depression,” reads one Steam review of Placid Plastic Duck Simulator.

Another reviewer says, “the only thing missing is a dedicated button to make the duckies squeak.” Maybe that’s coming in a future DLC.

Every time a game like this gets popular on Steam, I’m truly blown away by the variety in video gaming and the number of people who enjoy things like this.

But you can’t argue with Steam reviews, and a 98 percent rating with more than 3,600 reviews is an impressive feat for any game.

Plus, at just $1.99 (currently on sale for $1.69), Placid Plastic Duck Simulator sounds like a game that we should all check out.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Gifting a console? What you should know before wrapping it up
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The post Thousands of gamers are watching ducks float in viral Steam game appeared first on KnowTechie.

Whether that’s the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or the Switch OLED – any gamer on your list will be thrilled to receive one of these game consoles this year.

Keep in mind server issues or slow internet could take the holiday cheer out of your gift. Setting up the console beforehand will reduce the time getting that new console up and running.

We’ll show you what you need to know and what preparation you can take to ensure the gamer on your list is ready to play on unwrapping day.

Do these things before you gift a new console

Modern consoles are closer to PCs than ever before. You can’t just take them out of the box and start playing immediately.

First, you’ll need to update them to the latest operating system. But it doesn’t stop there.

There are system and controller firmware updates. And if any games come with the console – install and update those too.

Console updates can take a while and might even take overnight to complete, depending on your internet speed. And that’s without factoring in the time to download and patch any games.

If you plan on doing this right, you have your work cut out for you.

Pick the right console for the right person

One thing you need to do before you even purchase a console is to make sure you’re getting the right one. The last thing you want is to give them the wrong console.

A few factors make picking the right console important. Most gamers have a preferred console of choice that they’re looking for.

Additionally, you want to make sure you get the right generation. The latest consoles available from the three major manufacturers are the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch.

If you’re looking to gift a PlayStation 5, there are two options to choose from. The standard PlayStation 5 lets you play both physical and digital games.

But there’s also a PlayStation 5 Digital Edition with no disc drive that costs a little less.

The Xbox Series X|S is essentially the same. An Xbox Series X has a disc drive, and an Xbox Series S does not. The Series X also has slightly improved specs but costs more than the Series S.

The Nintendo Switch has three options to choose from. The middle-of-the-road Nintendo Switch is the classic, handheld plus docked Nintendo experience.

If you only want the handheld version, you can save some money and get the cheaper Nintendo Switch Lite.

Finally, there’s the Nintendo Switch OLED Model. This version offers an improved screen, more storage, and various other improvements over the original model. But, of course, it’ll cost you a little extra.

Update the console

Nobody wants to spend Christmas Day staring at a console’s update screen.

To prepare for this, you’ll need to plan ahead. This is especially important if your internet is frequently congested with streaming video and other tasks.

How to set up a new console

Like any other electronics, you want to be careful when you set up a new console for the first time. The process is relatively easy and straightforward if you follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the console box carefully. Make sure not to rip anything, and carefully cut the security sticker with a sharp knife.

Leave the two halves on. The last thing you want to do is accidentally peel off some of the box when peeling the sticker. You can even replace it with a new security sticker when you’re done.

Step 2: Plug in the console and follow all instructions to update to the latest operating system. We recommend using an Ethernet cable for this step, as it enables the fastest download speeds.

You can also use this time to enter any WiFi details if you know them. That’ll save time when your recipient unwraps their console.

Once you’re finished updating the console and installing any games, you can repackage the console.

If you want to go a step further, get a replacement security seal sticker from Amazon. That way, you can replace the sticker you cut earlier and give your loved one the full unboxing experience.

How to update a new console

You might already own the console you’re gifting, which means you know how to update them. For everyone else, here are instructions from all three major manufacturers on how to update:

• Nintendo Switch (and Switch Lite and Switch OLED)
• Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S (and their controllers)
• PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Creating a temporary login is probably best, and you can delete it afterward. It takes an hour or more to update a console.

You’ll also feel pretty good that you did it early before the millions of other people updating their consoles for the first time as that can sometimes cause issues.

You don’t need to create a temporary log-in if you’re gifting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S.

Instead, the console will ask you to update the firmware before it asks you to sign in. But you will need one to update a Nintendo Switch.

Also, make sure to charge the controllers. The PlayStation’s DualShock 4 uses a micro-USB to charge. The DualSense controllers for PlayStation 5 use USB-C.

Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controllers need AA batteries unless you buy the Charge n Play accessory, and Switch controllers charge wirelessly when they’re attached to the main console.

Wrapping a new console

If you want to know how to wrap an Xbox (or any other console), the best way to do this is in the box. Otherwise, the wrapping job is probably going to look pretty awkward.

You can use traditional methods when wrapping a console or any physical game. If you need a refresher, the video above offers a great explanation on how to wrap a box.

What to do with games for a new console

If the console came with digital downloads, you’ll need the recipient’s account details to download them. You wouldn’t want to attach the games to another account.

You might not feel comfortable asking, or if this is their first console from that manufacturer, it’s better to leave this unclaimed so they can install them once they decide on a username.

We recommend you buy any games as disc versions, so they can return them if it’s not a game they’ll play. Read the vendor’s return policy fully. Here are the policies for Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.

We like giving gift cards for the console instead of digital download keys. That way, they can pick the titles they want to play.

Make sure you give more than the cost of one game for the latest consoles. That’s $70, to be on the safe side.

If you bought a bundle with Blu-ray-based games, you could install those ahead of time so they can play something while the digital ones download.

Stick them in the drive, let it transfer data onto the hard drive, and start any updates for the game over the internet. That could take hours, so leave the console plugged in and connected to the internet.

How to install physical games on a console

Now you can think about installing any physical games that you got to join the console gift. Depending on which console you’re gifting, that process might differ slightly.

Nintendo Switch

Physical games for the Nintendo Switch come as small cartridges. They should work right out of the box. You can even play many of them while any updates are downloaded.

You can safely leave them in the shrink-wrapped box, so your recipient gets all the joy of tearing them open. It won’t take long for them to get into the game once they pop the cartridge in the console.

Remove that shrink wrap carefully if you want to go the extra mile. Lift the two tabs on one short side and slide the shrink wrap off.

Then do the same on the other side once you’re done. You can even reseal it with a dab of glue.

Connect the Switch to the internet, then place the cartridge into the console. Follow the instructions that will pop up for updating and installing.

Then pop the cartridge out and back into the box once it’s finished updating.

PlayStation

Many games for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 can be played without an update. But some will require an update first.

As a responsible gift giver, it’s worth preinstalling and checking for updates. Important bug fixes or added content could be part of those updates.

You can update games without having to sign into a PSN account. Carefully remove the shrink wrap, so you can reuse it to seal the box again when you’re done. Insert the disc into the drive and follow the prompts.

Once the installation is done, run the game once. That lets it connect to the internet to download any updates. Eject the disc, put it carefully back in the box, and put the shrink wrap back on.

Xbox

Unlike PS games, most Xbox One and Xbox Series X games need to be installed on the internal hard drive. Most of the time, they also need an update before they load.

First, you need to sign in with an Xbox account. Create one just for this process, then sign in. Open the shrink wrap carefully, and slide the disc into the slot. Install it as prompted, then get ready to update everything.

Press the Xbox Guide button on the controller, then select My Games and Apps > See all. On the next screen, scroll down to Manage > Updates and update every game you see in the list.

Wait for them to finish updating, then you can remove the temporary account you created earlier.

That will load all the games and content onto the Xbox but make it so your recipient can sign into their own Xbox account when they unwrap their present.

Throw in an extra controller (or two)

Another good idea to consider is throwing in an extra controller or two. That way, the person you’re gifting doesn’t have to play alone.

Of course, if you’re gifting this console to someone who only plays alone or online, they might not need an extra controller.

But it’s nice to have more than one when there’s going to be more than one person gaming on the console.

The Nintendo Switch comes with detachable controllers that can be split up and used by two people. However, you can snag an extra pair of JoyCons for party gaming with up to four people on one console.

PlayStation and Xbox consoles typically come with one controller unless you get a special bundle that states otherwise. That makes them a great candidate for snagging an extra controller to add to the gift.

For the PlayStation 5, the latest controller available is the DualSense Wireless controller starting at $69. Microsoft also improved its controller for the Xbox Series X|S, available starting at $49.

Wrapping it all up

So, there you have it. That’s all you should do if you plan to gift a console or game this holiday season.

It’s important to remember; today’s consoles are closer to PCs than ever. You can’t just take them out of the box and immediately start playing.

Doing all this legwork will ensure whoever you’re gifting a console lets them play right on day one.

What do you think? Gifting a console this year? Plan on taking this advice? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The KnowTechie 2022 Holiday Gift Guide
• Microsoft commits to 10 years of Call of Duty on Nintendo
• The Game Awards 2022: What to expect and how to watch
• Does Sony let you gift games on PS4?

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