Shift Up’s community manager has confirmed on the game’s Discord server that a PC demo for Stellar Blade will be released on May 31st. This demo will let you try the game before purchasing it. In Stellar Blade, you will play as Eve. Eve is on an important mission to save what’s left of Earth. … Continue reading Stellar Blade PC demo to be released on May 31st →
The post Stellar Blade PC demo to be released on May 31st appeared first on DSOGaming.
In 1996, 30 years after the Mission: Impossible TV series first aired on CBS, Paramount Pictures recruited Tom Cruise to bring the franchise to the big screen. In the 27 years since, Cruise has led the franchise through a total of eight spy films and well over $4 billion USD box-office haul to rest comfortably among the best action franchises of all time.
Now that what could possibly be the final movie in the franchise is in theaters everywhere, we've compiled a spoiler-free* list of every Mission Impossible movie ordered by narrative chronology and release date, from oldest to newest, so you can watch or re-watch the movies in their proper order.
Jump to:
There have been eight Mission: Impossible movies released since the series’ inception in 1996. An eighth is set to release next year as well. See our guide on where to watch all Mission Impossible movies for streaming info on every film.
Following the Mission Impossible chronology is as easy as watching the movies in the order they were released: the narrative chronology follows the release order from 1996’s Mission Impossible to The Final Reckoning in 2025.
The list below outlines the definitive order in which to watch the Mission Impossible movies. We've added broad plot overviews and information on each movie’s critical and commercial reception.
*The blurbs below contain character/actor names and broad plot overviews.
1996’s Mission: Impossible introduced us to Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt, a highly capable agent within the elite Impossible Mission Force (IMF) espionage agency. Hunt, believed to be a mole within the IMF, flees and sets out to discover the traitor’s true identity.
Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Béart, and Henry Czerny star alongside Cruise, as does the series’ most recurring support actor, Ving Rhames (Luther). It’s the only film in the franchise directed by Brian De Palma (Scarface).
Ethan Hunt returned four years later for Mission: Impossible 2, a sequel that tasks the agent with recovering a dangerous bioweapon and its cure from the hands of a nefarious pharmaceutical company and its lackeys.
The sequel weaves another spy-thriller plot through explosive stuntwork, chase scenes, and the drama of blackmail and stolen identity. It’s the only movie in the series directed by action-film legend John Woo.
Mission: Impossible 3 introduces a love interest for Ethan in Michelle Monaghan’s Julia Meade. The plot sees Julia unwittingly mixed up in Ethan’s espionage work, which once again focuses on the recovery of a bioweapon.
Ving Rhames again reprises his role as Ethan’s trusted colleague Luther. Other cast members include Philip Seymour Hoffman, Billy Crudup, Keri Russell, Simon Pegg, and Laurence Fishburne.
Mission: Impossible III was J.J. Abrams’s feature-film directorial debut. It’s the only movie in the franchise he directed.
The first of the more-modern Mission Impossible movies, Ghost Protocol was a big success for Paramount, grossing nearly $700 million USD worldwide and earning 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Another tale of deception with potentially earth-shattering consequences, Ghost Protocol tasks Ethan and co. with tracking down Russia’s stolen nuclear codes. The movie ends by setting up The Syndicate terrorist network as the next film’s big bad.
Ghost Protocol was directed by Brad Bird (The Incredibles). Cruise and Pegg returned from M:I 3 and were joined by newcomers Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton.
Christopher McQuarrie took over the franchise’s directorial duties with Rogue Nation and has held onto them since. A frequent collaborator of Tom Cruise’s, McQuarrie has made the two most critically acclaimed M:I movies and two of the three highest-grossing.
Rogue Nation is another globe-trotting spectacle filled with stuntwork and sabotage. This time around, Ethan Hunt faces off against The Syndicate, a shadowy terrorist organization set up at the end of Ghost Protocol.
Joining Cruise, Pegg, Renner, and Rhames in Rogue Nation are Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, Simon McBurney, and Alec Baldwin.
The previous new Mission Impossible entry is the franchise’s most critically and commercially successful film. Fallout features healthy servings of M:I’s staple ingredients — government conspiracies, double-crosses, bombastic set-pieces — but as stated in IGN’s review, the main draw is watching “Tom Cruise do his death-defying thing.”
The Syndicate, rebuilt as The Apostles, returns as the antagonist organization in Fallout. Ethan Hunt, accompanied by Henry Cavill’s August Walker, is tasked with recovering three plutonium cores to prevent the detonation of three nuclear bombs.
Cruise, Pegg, Rhames, Monaghan, Ferguson, Baldwin, and Harris all return from the series’ past, while Cavill leads a group of newcomers that includes Angela Bassett, Wes Bentley, and Vanessa Kirby.
As the previous film where the Reckoning began in the Mission Impossible series, Dead Reckoning Part 1 brings new stunts, cast members, and all of the action you'd expect. Directed by Christopher McQuerrie and led by the ridiculous stunts of Tom Cruise, it's one of the best movies in the series to date.
The story follows Ethan Hunt and his team embark on a dangerous mission to track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity. Confronted by a mysterious and all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to weigh the importance of his mission over the lives of the people he cares about most.
The new cast members added to Dead Reckoning include Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, Shea Whigham, Esai Morales, Indira Varma, Cary Elwes, and Mark Gatiss.
The latest, and allegedly final Mission Impossible movie is now playing in theaters. The Final Reckoning had a solid initial launch at the box office and is potentially on track to become one of the biggest in the franchise. IGN's Clint Gage had the chance to review the film and called it "just out of reach of greatness", giving it a score of 6 out 10.
While this was meant to be the final Mission Impossible movie in theaters, then ending of the film seemingly leaves an opening for more. If it can continue to do well at the box office, it is perhaps not the final, final reckoning just yet.
The Final Reckoning was marketed as the conclusion of the Mission Impossible series, but the movie itself has been left open-ended. So while there aren't any confirmed plans for more of these movies, there's really know reason to expect Paramount won't just greenlight more.
Though there have yet to be any confirmed plans we already know that director Christopher McQuarrie has explored the idea of further sequels beyond The Final Reckoning. Seeing as many of the main characters are still alive, it seems possible we could see smaller spin-offs take shape after Final Reckoning finishes up its box office run.
Jordan covers games, shows, and movies as a freelance writer for IGN.
© Future
© Kepler
Another Friday, another fresh drop of game deal delights, and this one's stacked with hefty discounts and fascinating gems. Whether you’re craving a bit of retro reinvention or eyeing something that’s 100% free (yes, really), there’s plenty to tempt across every major platform. Until I see you on Monday, stay safe and save often (as in "to SSD" as well as money-wise).
In retro news, I'm celebrating the 12th birthday of GRiD 2, a weirdly capitalised racer that nonetheless delivered. Codemasters popped the hood on this sequel and bolted in a new 'TrueFeel' handling system, hoping to hit the apex between realism and accessibility. Personally, I remember it having Bathurst DLC, lacking a cockpit view, veering more arcadey than I liked, and featuring pretty kick arse terminal damage crashes. Oh, and it also had a literal Easter Egg—setting your date to Easter would prompt the narrator to ask you to not get chocolate on your steering wheel.
Aussie bdays for notable games
- Resident Evil 2 (GC) 2003. Remake
- GRiD 2 (PS3,X360) 2013. eBay
- Splatoon (WiiU) 2015. Sequels
Contents
On Nintendo Switch, Golf Story swings in at just $2.20. It's a charming Aussie-made RPG that merges golfing with offbeat storytelling, made by a two-person dev team based in Queensland. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope also lights up the fairway, offering tactical mayhem and an unlikely alliance, a concept Ubisoft had to repeatedly pitch to Nintendo before getting the green light.
Expiring Recent Deals
Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.
Xbox Series X players can descend into dread with the Dead Space remake, now just $21.90, and it even includes a tribute to late sound designer Jason Graves, whose original work was re-orchestrated here. Or suit up in Gotham Knights, where the Belfry hideout hides dozens of subtle nods to past Bat-media.
Xbox One
Expiring Recent Deals
Or just invest in an Xbox Card.
Over on PS5, Ghost of Yōtei makes its debut at $99, with dev interviews revealing the titular mountain setting was inspired by actual treks up Hokkaido’s Mount Yōtei. Elden Ring Nightreign adds flair with new lore penned by Miyazaki and fellow worldbuilder George R.R. Martin (who once joked that FromSoft still hasn't told him how the game ends). Spoiler George, for some of us it ends in death. Repeated death. Followed by an angry trade-in.
PS4
Expiring Recent Deals
PS+ Monthly Freebies
Yours to keep from May 1 with this subscription
Or purchase a PS Store Card.
And on PC, three absolute belters — Limbo, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, and a Hitman Sapienza level — are all free. Yes, free. A trio of perfect pickups if you fancy haunting shadows, chaotic fantasy, or sunlit assassination in coastal Italy.
Expiring Recent Deals
Or just get a Steam Wallet Card
Expiring Recent Deals
Audiophilia for less
Do right by your console, upgrade your telly
Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.
The Trump administration’s tariffs are just beginning to affect U.S. consumers, and the worst may still be ahead. When the tariffs were first announced in March, analysts quickly warned that prices could rise and supply chains could be disrupted, impacting everything from video game consoles to physical games and accessories.
In April, the White House introduced a 10% universal tariff on imports from all countries, followed by a wave of so-called "reciprocal tariffs" on more than 50 nations. At one point, the tariff on Chinese imports reached 145% before being paused and temporarily reduced to 30% in May.
The current tariff situation is constantly shifting and often difficult to track, but one thing is already clear: it is starting to reshape the gaming industry. Major companies including Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are looking at adjusting prices, reevaluating supply chains, and preparing for an uncertain year.
Major gaming brands like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo may be best positioned to weather the tariff storm thanks to deep cash reserves and flexible supply chains. But if the tariffs drag on, price hikes for consumers will become increasingly difficult to avoid.
Sony has been suspiciously quiet in response to the latest round of U.S. tariffs. Despite a sharp single-day drop in stock following President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs on April 5, PlayStation’s parent company has yet to announce any price hikes for its products in the U.S.
That said, the writing may already be on the wall. In April, Sony raised prices on PS5 consoles in Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, citing “a challenging economic environment, including high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates.” In a recent interview, Sony CFO Lin Tao stated that the company is closely watching “the market trend” and may ultimately “pass on the price and also shipment allocation” to consumers. Tao anticipates tariffs may impact Sony's overall business by as much as $685 million.
While most PlayStation consoles and accessories are manufactured in China, Sony says it's actively working to diversify its supply chain and is even considering U.S.-based production. Tao also revealed that Sony has stockpiled a three-month supply of PS5 units in the U.S. to help buffer against short-term tariff impacts.
With the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series models pushing the average console price higher, the PS5 Pro is suddenly starting to look like a good deal. But if tariffs on Chinese imports remain in place, it’s likely Sony will raise prices across the board on its consoles, games, and accessories to offset the increased costs.
In the meantime Sony is having its annual PlayStation Days of Play sale and has temporarily discounted consoles, controllers, and games.
Microsoft wasted no time reacting to the new tariffs. On May 1, the company raised prices across its entire Xbox hardware lineup, with the Xbox Series X now retailing for $600. Since most Xbox consoles and accessories are manufactured in China, Microsoft is facing higher import costs and is building those costs directly into the new pricing to protect its margins.
That said, Microsoft may be the best positioned to adapt. The company already uses a facility in Guadalajara, Mexico for final assembly of many U.S.-bound Xbox products. Some users have even reported purchasing Xbox Series S consoles manufactured in Vietnam as early as 2023, signaling that Microsoft has been shifting production away from China for some time.
The company also confirmed that Xbox game prices will rise this holiday season, with first-party titles jumping to $79.99. While pricing remains unchanged for Nintendo and PlayStation for now, analysts expect others to follow Microsoft's lead.
Accessories like controllers and headsets, which are still primarily produced in China, are also affected by the tariffs. As long as those tariffs remain in place, the higher prices will likely stick. Microsoft’s broader hardware lineup, including Surface laptops and tablets, faces similar challenges. Although some production moved to Thailand and Vietnam as early as 2020, China remains a key manufacturing hub for many of its products.
Nintendo had the unfortunate timing of revealing the Nintendo Switch 2 just days before the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs took effect. The announcement sparked immediate backlash from fans who felt the $449 price tag was too high. In response, Nintendo delayed U.S. preorders, with Canadian preorders following shortly after, citing a need to "assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions."
Not long after, Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2’s price would remain unchanged in the U.S., holding steady at $449 for the base model and $499 for the Mario Kart World bundle. Instead of adjusting console prices, the company opted to raise the cost of all Switch 2 accessories, with most items increasing by $5 to $10.
While the majority of Nintendo's hardware and accessories are still manufactured in China, the company began shifting some production to Vietnam back in 2019. Earlier this year, more than one million Switch 2 consoles arrived in the U.S. as part of an effort to stockpile inventory ahead of the June 5 release and mitigate the impact of the tariffs.
Roughly one-third of Switch 2 consoles are now produced in Vietnam, but the bulk of Nintendo’s supply chain remains in China. With accessory prices already rising in the U.S. and some first-party titles hitting $80, further increases could be on the horizon if the tariffs persist.
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa recently voiced concern about the impact of tariffs in the U.S. noting that consumers "will have less money to spend on game consoles" if the cost of daily necessities like food continues to rise. Despite the uncertainty, Nintendo is forecasting 15 million Switch 2 units sold in its first year.
Razer is one of the largest gaming accessory brands in the world and currently operates dual headquarters in Singapore and Irvine, California. Known for its iconic RGB-infused gaming peripherals, Razer manufactures a wide range of gear for gamers including mice, keyboards, headsets, microphones, gaming chairs, and much more.
In addition to accessories, Razer also produces one of the best gaming laptops on the market, the Razer Blade, that masterfully blends performance and portability.
However, the majority of Razer’s products are manufactured in China, with only a small number made in Taiwan. As a result, the company is heavily impacted by international trade tariffs. Shortly after the reciprocal tariffs took effect in April, and the rate on Chinese goods increased to 145%, Razer announced it would temporarily halt the sale of some products in the U.S., including the new Razer Blade 16.
Razer products already command premium prices due to their reputation for quality and design. If high tariffs persist, prices could climb even higher, pushing its gear further out of reach for budget-conscious gamers.
Dell, which also oversees the Alienware line of gaming computers and accessories, is heavily affected by tariffs due to its significant manufacturing presence in China. Fortunately, Dell’s global footprint includes facilities in Brazil, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, and Vietnam. This broader network may help offset some of the financial impact, depending on where individual products are made.
Like most electronics companies, Dell depends heavily on semiconductors, the majority of which are produced in Taiwan by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). When the Trump administration implemented reciprocal tariffs in April, a 32% duty was initially placed on imports from Taiwan, which would have significantly disrupted the electronics industry. Thankfully, semiconductor products received a temporary exemption, although that protection may not last.
In response to the global supply chain uncertainty, Dell, like many other companies, began shipping large quantities of products to the U.S. and stockpiling them in warehouses to get ahead of the tariffs. While the reciprocal tariffs were paused for 90 days against most countries, that temporary relief is set to expire on July 8, and it's unclear what is going to happen after that date. For now, it's best to purchase what you need before any potential price increases.
Like the biggest accessory makers, these companies rely heavily on Chinese manufacturing and are expected to feel the effects of tariffs in the near future.
8BitDo, known for its retro-inspired gaming peripherals, is headquartered in and manufactures its products in China. It recently announced it would be halting all shipments from China, relying solely on its inventory in the U.S. to meet demand in the interim.
ASUS, known for its gaming computers, peripherals, and Republic of Gamers (ROG) line, primarily manufactures its products in China and Taiwan, with some assembly handled in Vietnam.
Corsair, which includes SCUF and Elgato, primarily manufactures its products in Taiwan, but also builds many of its products in China, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Gigabyte manufactures its gaming computers and peripherals in China and Taiwan.
HORI products are manufactured in China.
HP products, including HyperX and its HP Omen gaming computers, are primarily manufactured in China, although it has additional facilities in Mexico, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Logitech, which includes ASTRO Gaming, primarily manufactures its products in China, but also produces some items in Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
PowerA products are manufactured in China.
Samsung is one of the larger brands on this list as it manufactures just about everything from smartphones to TVs to home appliances. Because of its global presence and wide swath of products, it has primary manufacturing facilities in China, Mexico, the Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam.
SanDisk manufactures its flash memory like SD cards in China, Japan, and Malaysia, while its SSDs are primarily made in China and Thailand. With the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusively using MicroSD Express cards, the prices are likely to increase.
Secretlab manufactures its gaming chairs in China.
Most of Steelseries' products are manufactured in China, although its mousepads are made in Taiwan.
Turtle Beach products are manufactured in China.
Valve, the parent company responsible for Steam, manufactures its products like the Steam Deck and Valve Index VR headset in China.
Matthew Adler has written for IGN since 2019 covering all things gaming, tech, tabletop games, and more. You can follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.
© Sloclap
LEGO hasn't been just for kids for a while now. There are countless "adults welcome" LEGO sets that are perfect for offices, game rooms, or to mount on your walls. Sure, most of these sets are nerd-adjacent, from Star Wars display models to an enormous Lord of the Rings Rivendell set, but they are a testament to just how much the toy brand has changed over the years. Some of the biggest upcoming LEGO sets are 18+ builds specifically targeted at adult collectors this year. And If you're both an avid reader and huge LEGO fan like me, the three new themed book nooks in early June are abolutely worth checking out. These book nooks are an entirely new type of LEGO set made to fit perfectly on your shelf and live amongst your book collection.
All three of these LEGO book nooks are available for preorder now and release on June 1, 2025. They're all riddled with detail and Easter eggs from their respective series and are modular; there's the folded in book nook style and the "unfolded" view. The unfolded mode offers a great display of famous scenes like the Harry and Ron finding Platform 9 3/4 or Gandalf facing off against the Balrog. The modularity makes these sets not only serve their purpose as book nooks well but also as standalone LEGO display pieces for your shelves or coffee tables.
The Lord of the Rings LEGO Book Nook includes a super detailed Gandalf minifigure with his sword and staff and a buildable, fully posable Balrog figure. It recreates the iconic scene on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm in the Fellowship of the Ring, with a plaque stating "you shall not pass!" front and center. It's 1,201 pieces and is sure to be a fun build, especially if you have the movie playing in the background!
As a book nook, this set would also go great alongside a collection of Lord of the Rings books.
The LEGO Sherlock Holmes Book Nook is the biggest of the trio, coming it at 1,359 pieces, and definitely has the most Easter eggs — fitting for our favorite detective. When folded in nook form, the outer cover has the iconic silhouette of Sherlock and his magnifying glass from the actual Arthur Conan Doyle books. This set also comes with five detailed minifigures: Sherlock, Dr. Watson, Moriarty, Irene Adler, and seemingly a member of the Baker Street Irregulars. When unfolded, it's a detailed recreation of 221B Baker Street in London where Sherlock lives.
The LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Book Nook should be familiar to longtime LEGO fans, since the iconic red train has seen many iterations over the years. Of the three, I'd prefer to have this unfolded as it seemlessly splits the scene between King's Cross station in London and the magical Platfrom 9 3/4. It looks a bit silly folded in book nook mode in my opinion, but it still works. At 832 pieces, it's the smallest of the three, but included are Harry Potter and Ron Weasley minifigures along with their trolleys, Hedwig, and Scabbers. If you're looking for a set of bookends for your Harry Potter book collection, this is a great gift idea for any Harry Potter fan.
If you've never actually preordered anything from Amazon before, it's worth noting that if you purchase this LEGO set at Amazon, it includes a preorder price guarantee. According to Amazon's own help page, this means that if the price decreases between now and when the item ships, you'll pay the lowest price.
This is one of the reasons Amazon is overall one of the best places to buy LEGO sets before they actually release. Although most popular LEGO sets won't receive discounts before their release date, it's generally nice having a guarantee you could potentially get one even if you lock in your preorder now..
Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.
Elden Ring movie director Alex Garland is reportedly looking at reuniting with his Warfare star Kit Connor for A24 and Bandai Namco’s adaptation of the 2022 RPG hit.
News of the potential reconnection comes from Deadline, which says Garland is interested in bringing Connor on to star in the Elden Ring movie in some capacity. Variety corroborated the report, adding that no formal offer has been made yet.
Connor most recently worked alongside Garland on last month’s Warfare, a nail-biting war story that follows a group of U.S. Navy SEALs after they come under fire in Iraq.
Connor's other screen credits include Heartstopper, His Dark Materials, and Rocketman. He’s also voiced roles in video games like A Plague Tale: Requiem, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and Dreams.
It’s unclear how Connor's character would fit into the movie version of Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R. R. Martin’s dark fantasy universe, as details related to its plot have yet to be shared.
Garland was announced to spearhead an Elden Ring movie last week. In addition to his directing duties, the Ex Machina and Civil War filmmaker will also write the screenplay.
Martin is back to work on the world of the Lands Between as a producer and will be joined by DNA’s Peter Rice, Andrew Macdonald, and Allon Reich.
We have some waiting to do before we find out who Connor might play in the Elden Ring film, and it’ll be an even longer wait for its premiere as there's no release date yet.
In the meantime, you can see how fans of FromSoftware’s video game reacted to the movie’s announcement.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
Many have tried, but few filmmakers have crafted a style as instantly recognizable as Wes Anderson's. Exaggerated color palettes, a touch of surrealism, and a satisfying amount of symmetry make any of the director's films recognizable in a heartbeat. While I’m sure you already have a favorite Wes Anderson movie (personally The Royal Tenenbaums, no question), the director’s approach to storytelling maintains its freshness and charm across his entire filmography.
In my opinion, there’s no such thing as a bad Wes Anderson movie. Even if there is, you’re probably still inclined to watch it and find out for yourself. Unfortunately, streaming licenses make that task a bit challenging. To help you watch or rewatch your favorite movies from the director, we put together this guide on where to stream every Wes Anderson movie online – aside from his most recent, The Phoenician Scheme, which you can watch in theaters.
Wes Anderson has directed 12 movies as well as one anthology short film, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More. The majority of his early work is streaming on Hulu, while both stop-motion animated movies are on Disney+, making the joint bundle of those services one of the best streaming deals for Wes Anderson fans.
Some of the director's more recent films, like Moonrise Kingdom and Grand Budapest Hotel, are only available to rent or buy digitally, while his most recent short film is a Netflix exclusive.
These movies tend to switch streaming services relatively frequently, and plenty of them aren’t available to stream in the first place. Fortunately, all of the director’s movies are available as physical releases that typically cost around the same as buying any of them digitally. Most Wes Anderson movies have also gotten special editions from The Criterion Collection, including a brand new 10 film box set that includes digital 4K remasters of Bottle Rocket, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Darjeeling Limited, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Isle of Dogs, and The French Dispatch. That'll be out September 30.
The next Wes Anderson movie is just around the corner: The Phoenician Scheme is out now in theaters. The movie stars Benicio Del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda, a wealthy businessman who taps his daughter, a nun, to help run the family business. Long-time collaborator Roman Coppola worked alongside Anderson on the script, while Bruno Delbonnel leads cinematography, a new collaboration for the aesthetically inclined filmmaker.
Blythe (she/her) is an SEO Coordinator at IGN who spends way too much time in character customization screens and tracking down collectibles.
HP just launched a belated budget gaming laptop deal as part of its Memorial Day Sale. Right now, you can pick up an HP Omen 16 GeForce RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop for only $959.99 shipped ater you apply 20% off coupon "LEVELUP20" in your shopping cart. Nowadays it's getting harder to find a competent gaming laptop for under $1,000, but this laptop should serve you well with its Intel Core i7 CPU and RTX 4060 GPU.
The HP OMEN 16 gaming laptop gives us pretty much everything we could ask for in a sub-$1000 package. It's equipped with a 16" 1080p 165Hz IPS display, Intel Core i7-14700HX CPU, GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of DDR5-5600MHz RAM, and a 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD. The 14th gen Intel Core i7-14700HX processor has a max turbo frequency of 5.5GHz with 20 cores and 28 threads. In fact, in gaming, it's more powerful than the newer non-HX Intel Core Ultra 7 and 9 processors.
The GeForce RTX 4060 pairs well with the native 1080p (FHD) display. The GPU dishes up enough horsepower to run pretty much any game smoothly at this resolution, especially if the game supports DLSS. You also get a generous amount of memory and storage space. At this price point I usually expect a 512GB SSD, but you get double that amount.
The OMEN 16 features a plastic composite chassis and aluminum lid. It's solidly built and it's not too heavy for a gaming laptop, weighing in at about 5.3 pounds. HP includes plenty of connectivity options like two USB-C ports with Power Delivery, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and even an RJ-45 ethernet port. The 6-cell 83Whr battery supports fast charging, meaning it will charge up to 50% from empty after only 30 minutes.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
When it comes to enjoying your PS5 or PS5 Pro, a lot of people think you just have to connect it to a big TV, but don’t overlook gaming monitors. In fact, a high-quality monitor is actually the better choice for a lot of console players. If you’re looking for something that saves space, delivers top-tier performance – especially when it comes to features like Variable Refresh Rate – and can double as a PC monitor, you really can't do any better.
One of the biggest perks of opting for a gaming monitor instead of a TV for your PS5 is the emphasis on performance. Many gaming monitors are designed with high refresh rates, which means they can take full advantage of the PS5 and PS5 Pro's ability to hit 120fps at 4K. This leads to buttery-smooth gameplay that feels responsive and fluid – perfect for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. Plus, with the lower latency that comes from a higher displayed frame rate, you can take better advantage of the PS5 accessories that are meant to give you a competitive edge.
Another reason to go with a gaming monitor is the practicality of saving space. TVs can be large and take up a good chunk of your living room or bedroom, but a monitor is far more compact. If you're working with limited space, or if you just prefer a more streamlined setup, a monitor can be a more convenient option. Not to mention, there are plenty of budget gaming monitors available that will still offer an immersive gaming experience without spending a fortune.
Want to save on a PS5 monitor? Check out the best gaming monitor deals.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Georgie Peru
The original Sony InZone M9 we reviewed was basically purpose-built for the PS5, with auto HDR tonemapping that worked with the console to dial in the picture. However, it was using a limited LCD panel that, while beautiful for its time, has started to show its age. Luckily, Sony followed it up with the InZone M9 II, a gaming monitor with a much better Full Array LED display that also adopts all the game-changing features of the original monitor.
When I reviewed the Sony InZone M9 II, I was surprised by how different it looks from the original version. The old M9 took the color scheme of the PS5, with a divisive black-and-white stand that looked garish on most desks, especially if you've changed out your PS5 faceplates. The InZone M9 II, however, has a modern rotating stand that all but fades into the background. Plus, thanks to a rotating disc on the bottom of the stand, it can fully rotate, making it easy to place your monitor just where you want it. You can even raise, lower, and tilt the monitor to your heart's content – the InZone M9 II is truly an ergonomic dream.
Just like the original M9, the InZone M9 II is a 4K gaming monitor, but it actually has a faster refresh rate, clocking in at 160Hz. For the PS5, this is a bit overkill, but it will be capable of running at 120fps in the games that support it. If you have a gaming PC attached to it, the higher refresh rate means you get even smoother gameplay out of the monitor.
It is a bit more expensive, coming in at $799. But with a display as bright and colorful as the Sony InZone M9 II, it's worth shelling out for the perfect companion to your PS5 or more powerful PS5 Pro.
If you think the Sony InZone M9 II’s picture sounded great, wait till you lay your eyes on this beauty. We had the chance to do some hands-on testing of the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM. Its sizable 32-inch display features a QD-OLED panel that controls the brightness of each of the 8.2 million pixels. The result is deep, true blacks and incredible dynamic range for absolutely stunning visuals. Color performance isn’t too shabby either; they’re vivid and accurate with 10 bits of color depth and 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space. However, similar to other OLEDs, its brightness in SDR mode is nothing to write home about. Luckily, the monitor shines with HDR content.
With a 4K resolution and wild 240Hz refresh rate, this OLED monitor far exceeds the limits of the PS5. Add in VRR support and 0.03ms response time, and it’s hard not to notice how buttery smooth and snappy this monitor is. Asus packed in plenty of connectvity with two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, a USB Type-C port with DP capabilities, and a full USB hub. So beyond slotting in your PS5, you can use other systems and a wealth of peripherals without ever having to unplug.
Just because you want the 4K/120Hz specs that the PS5 delivers doesn’t mean you need to empty your wallet when finding a monitor. We tested and reviewed the budget-friendly Acer Nitro XV282K monitor, which features a speedy 144Hz refresh rate, a sharp 4K resolution, and two HDMI 2.1 ports – ensuring you get to use the PS5 to its full potential.
This 27-inch gaming monitor has an IPS panel, which means top-notch viewing angles whether you’re on the couch or at your gaming desk. Outperforming many other IPS displays, Acer’s monitor takes on contrast like a real champion. When you turn on HDR, things get better and colors will be even more vibrant. However, a major flaw when console gaming with this option is the inability to switch between user modes. You’re limited to HDR mode here, leading to some wonky visuals in certain games. You can check our out guide to more budget gaming monitors for additional picks.
In our hands-on review of the LG UltraGear 48GQ900, we found this gaming monitor to be a jack-of-all-trades display that works perfectly for PS5, PC gaming, and your favorite TV shows or movies. It puts a massive 47.5-inch 4K OLED display in front of you for easy viewing from your gaming desk or couch. The OLED panel is ultra crisp and vibrant with infinite contrast but struggles with brightness in SDR mode. Still, your average LCD panels pale in comparison. Colors pop while blacks are truly black, especially in HDR mode – but weirdly enough, this monitor has no VESA HDR certification.
When it comes to playing with your PS5, the sharp 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, VRR, and 0.1ms response time of this monitor deliver smooth, blur-free action in all your games. If you want to swap between gaming on your console to PC, it’s made simple thanks to the inclusion of a DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI ports. Two user-configurable game modes even make it possible to skew the screen exactly to your liking. All that functionality is packed into a sturdy, thin frame with customizable RGB light strips.
The best TVs for gaming have all but left curved screens in the past, so if you want an immersive display that wraps around your field of view when playing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Spider-Man 2, grabbing a great curved monitor is the only way to go. The Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 features a lovely 1000R curvature display with a 4K resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, and VRR, making it an absolute gaming beast. Silky smooth action is guaranteed thanks to a quick response time and low input lag, while a host of connectivity options let you keep your PS5, Xbox, and gaming PC ported for easy input swapping.
Besides a healthy curve, Samsung’s 32-inch monitor uses Quantum Mini-LED backlights for commendable local dimming and a high native contrast ratio. Anyone will appreciate the wide color gamut support, deep blacks, and crisp whites. Where the monitor truly shines is in HDR mode, the VA panel hits a wild 2,000 nits of brightness, surpassing all the other monitors on this guide. Just be prepared for blooming around bright objects in dark scenes.
Although we haven't had the chance to review the Neo G7, we did go hands-on with the Samsung Neo G9 and generally recommend this line of monitors to console gamers.
The Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDP stands out as one of the best gaming monitors for the PS5 thanks to its remarkable combination of high-end features. It's designed for serious gamers, offering a powerful blend of speed, visual quality, and functionality. The monitor supports both 4K resolution at 240Hz and 1080p at 480Hz, making it a dream come true for competitive players who need ultra-fast response times and crisp motion clarity.
Unlike QD-OLEDs, WOLED panels use a dedicated white LED, which helps with heat management and durability over time. While WOLEDs are sometimes criticized for lower brightness and color accuracy, the PG32UCDP defies this stereotype with excellent brightness and spot-on color reproduction. This makes it a great option for gamers who want rich visuals alongside high performance without compromising on either front.
The monitor is also packed with features that enhance the gaming experience, like an AI Assistant that dynamically adjusts settings like shadow boosting and reticle color so your visuals stay sharp and clear in every game situation. Additionally, its connectivity options are top-notch with HDMI 2.1 ports, a USB hub, and a clever SmartKVM feature that allows seamless switching between different systems – a big win for gamers who use multiple devices.
Set a budget. If you want to make the most of what the PS5 can offer graphically, a 4K/120Hz monitor offering VRR is the way to go. Unfortunately, these tend to be pricier than the best 1080p monitors and 1440p displays. You’ll still find a few great 4K options for under $500, but most seem to hover between $500 and $1,000. A monitor is a bigger investment than many other PS5 accessories. Still, you get more bang for your buck with a monitor over a gaming TV.
Figure out the best size for your space. By going for a 4K resolution, pixel peeping will be less of an issue, so feel free to get a larger-sized monitor. Are you planning on this display becoming a TV replacement? Grab a massive screen like the one offered on the LG UltraGear 48GQ900. For an option that lives on a gaming desk, a 27-inch monitor should satisfy the average gamer, while a 32-inch or curved screen can provide a more immersive viewing experience. As for the aspect ratio of said display, we’d recommend sticking with the traditional 16:9 that the PS5 is optimized for. Going ultrawide may make it harder for the display to hit and maintain higher frame rates.
Know your preferred type of display panel. This is important to the quality of the image, and each type of panel exceeds in certain areas over others. TN panels are the most basic with speedy response time at the cost of rich colors and viewing angles. IPS panels deliver excellent contrast and colors with slower response times. VA panels basically split between TN and IPS, offering a solid picture and response times. There’s also been an emergence of OLED panels – which are more common in TVs. OLEDs have excellent contrast, color, and vibrancy.
Figure out what monitor tech is most important to you. The refresh rate is how often your screen can display a new image, and the PS5 is capable of hitting up to 120Hz, no matter the resolution. There’s no need to seek out a higher refresh rate in your monitor if you’re only planning on using it with your console. But if you’ve got a high-end gaming PC capable of hitting higher frame rates in 4K (or just want a future-proof option), by all means, grab a faster monitor. It’s important to note that some PS5 games may not be able to hit 120Hz in 4K, so dropping down to 1440p or 1080p could lead to smoother action.
Just like how your gaming PC uses either Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync, the PS5 added support for a variable refresh rate (VRR) a couple of years after its initial release. This technology synchronizes the frame rate of your monitor and the console to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. Another handy feature is auto low latency mode (ALLM), helping reduce the latency between your button presses on PS5 controllers, ensuring it matches up with what’s happening on screen. Both technologies are absolute game changers that can give you an edge over opponents. The PS5 also supports HDR. So, for a brighter and richer picture quality, find a monitor that offers HDR.
If you’re looking to play competitive shooters or MOBAs on your PS5, you’ll want a monitor offering a speedy response time of 1ms or less. Most other games should play absolutely fine with a response time below 5ms.
Figure out how many ports you'll need. At least one HDMI 2.1 port is a must to enjoy 4K/120Hz. It’s handy to have multiple HDMI ports and HDMI cables to hook up another console and a DisplayPort for your gaming PC, so you don’t need to worry about swapping around cables depending on what you're playing.
The top resolution supported by the PS5 and PS5 Pro is 4K, aka UHD or 2160p, at up to a speedy 120Hz refresh rate. The problem with that refresh rate at such a sharp resolution is not all games can run frames that high. Dropping down to 1440p or 1080p – both resolutions are supported by PS5 and offer up to a 120Hz refresh rate – may lead to smoother action in certain games.
It’s a matter of personal preference. TVs tend to pull ahead in size, image quality, and HDR performance. If you’re looking to game on your couch over a desk, a TV is the way to go. Monitors, on the other hand, have a huge edge over TVs when it comes to input lag and high refresh rates, though the latter may not be as important given the PS5 maxes out at 120Hz. Still, if you want a responsive display, monitors are the way to go. For more info, be sure to give our guide to gaming monitors vs. gaming TVs a read.
Annual sales events are the most dependable time for finding a high-quality PS5 monitor at a lower price. Prime Day and Black Friday usually see the biggest discounts on gaming monitors, but Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend are worth paying attention to. Clearance sales (usually at the start of the year) can also include some great PS5 monitor deals.
Some of the best gaming monitors on the market right now are using some kind of OLED display, so it can be confusing to figure out what the difference between any two of them is. While the gist of the technology is the same across the board, different types of OLED displays work in surprisingly disparate ways. For instance, a QD-OLED display is going to be much better at displaying colors, while WOLED displays are much better for brighter environments. If you really want to dive into the nitty-gritty, there's a lot to talk about when it comes to the different OLED display types, but they're all pretty great for their own reasons.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra
Epic Games and Gearbox are giving away a free copy of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands for PC players. This is a limited-time offer, so if you want the game, make sure to grab it before the deal ends. From today until June 5th, you can visit Epic Games Store, go to the page for Tiny Tina’s … Continue reading Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands & LIMBO are free on Epic Games Store →
The post Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands & LIMBO are free on Epic Games Store appeared first on DSOGaming.
© FromSoftware
© Powerhoof
© Funcom
© Goodwill
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
© FromSoftware
Connexion