As of November 22, 2024, the gaming industry is bustling with updates and releases from PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, offering a plethora of options for enthusiasts this holiday season.
PlayStation
Firmware Updates and Features:
- PlayStation Portal Cloud Streaming: A recent firmware update has introduced limited cloud streaming capabilities to the PlayStation Portal, allowing users to play select PlayStation 5 games on the handheld device without needing the console. This feature is currently in beta and available exclusively to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers, offering access to approximately 150 games from the PlayStation Plus catalog.
New Products:
- PlayStation 5 Pro: Released earlier this month, the PS5 Pro offers enhanced features such as ray tracing, AI-enhanced 4K resolution, improved frame rates, and a 2TB storage capacity. Retailers like Argos have already reduced its price from £700 to £659.99, marking the first price cut since its launch.
Upcoming Games:
- Lego Horizon Adventures: Launching on November 14, 2024, this game reimagines the events of Horizon Zero Dawn in a Lego-themed environment, offering a family-friendly twist to the original story.
- Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind: Scheduled for release on December 10, 2024, this side-scrolling action beat ’em up game allows players to battle against a robotic reincarnation of Rita Repulsa.
Xbox
Firmware Updates and Features:
- System Software Enhancements: Xbox continues to roll out regular firmware updates aimed at improving system performance and introducing new features. While specific details of the latest updates are not provided, users can expect enhancements that contribute to a smoother gaming experience.
New Products:
- Xbox Handheld Console Development: Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, has confirmed that Microsoft is developing prototypes for a handheld console. However, this project is still in the early stages of research and development, and a release is expected to take several more years.
Upcoming Games:
- Funko Fusion: Set to release on November 15, 2024, for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, this action-adventure game features characters from various franchises, including Jurassic World and Back to the Future.
- Cat Quest III: Released on August 8, 2024, this action role-playing game offers players a pirate-themed adventure with cooperative multiplayer modes.
Nintendo
Firmware Updates and Features:
- Nintendo Switch Online Expansion: Nintendo has added “Donkey Kong Land” to the Nintendo Switch Online library, enhancing the service’s value with nearly 300 classic games from the NES to the N64 era. This addition is available immediately to subscribers.
New Products:
- Nintendo Switch Successor: While no official announcement has been made, industry analysts anticipate that Nintendo may reveal a successor to the Switch console soon, aiming to rejuvenate its hardware lineup.
Upcoming Games:
- Mario & Luigi: Brothership: Launching on November 7, 2024, this new entry in the Mario RPG series features turn-based combat and environmental puzzles requiring both Mario and Luigi to solve.
- Super Mario Party Jamboree: Set for release on October 17, 2024, this game promises to be the biggest Mario Party installment to date, with classic and new party boards, new characters, and numerous new minigames.
As the festive season draws near, gamers have a plethora of new experiences to anticipate across all major platforms. Whether it’s exploring new game worlds or enjoying enhanced console features, there’s something for everyone to look forward to this Christmas.


Can you play a Switch and not be connected to the internet? I know I gave up on both xbox and ps when they made an internet connection mandatory to even power up the bloody thing.
The Nintendo Switch is much more user-friendly when it comes to offline play. You don’t need an internet connection to power it up or start playing. During the initial setup, you can skip connecting to Wi-Fi entirely. Physical game cartridges work right out of the box, so you can enjoy single-player games or local multiplayer without ever going online.
That said, an internet connection might be needed down the road for certain things, like downloading system updates, digital games, or patches for specific titles.
Thanks. I have zero interest in netconnected stuff, as I’ve seen just what happens. I want control over the “stuff” I buy. Its why I use calibre and the dedrm plugin for all my ebooks…
Totally get where you’re coming from, and you’re welcome! 😎