For Microsoft, the launch of the new Xboxes has been a feather in its cap as Xboss Phil Spencer revealed on Twitter that “more Xbox consoles had been sold, in more countries, than ever before” this week. Spencer’s definitely right about the number of countries that got their hands on the chunky unit: A grand total of 37 including us here in sunny South Africa were launch day ready, which is a heck of a lot better than the paltry 13 regions that the Xbox One rolled out in back in ye older gaming days.

The only Xbox Series S size comparison that truly matters.

Verily! The lands of ye olde England is home to some fantastic beasts and danger, but there’s one other Nordic influence to be felt in those lands: The Thunder god’s leftover gear. If you’re looking to call down lightning and wield the Odinson’s fabled hammer, you’re in for a heck of a quest in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. It’s impossible, but it’s lengthy as heck and is reserved for endgame content. Here’s how you can get Thor’s hammer and armour.

There’s a simple formula to Pokemon games: Nintendo announces one, I throw money at my screen and for several months I refuse to shut up about my undying hatred for Bidoof. There’s also another simple formula regarding the release structure of these games: Two versions will be released, each one will contain Pokemon unique to them like Cha-Chingmon, and eventually there’ll be a third game to complete the trilogy.

More than just a tech demo for the DualSense controller, Astro’s Playroom is a stunning showcase for the PS5 and the very first game that you have to try out on the next-gen system. Fine-tuned for maximum haptic feedback fun, Astro’s return is a marvel that celebrates the past and the future of the PlayStation.

Sony’s kicking off its PlayStation 5 era with a remake of Demon’s Souls, but it’s not the next-gen console manufacturer on the block that has a FromSoftware RPG as an attention-grabber. Announced a while back, Microsoft’s also venturing into those die-and-try-again waters with Elden Ring, a game that is being headed up legendary developer Hidetaka Miyazaki and features some world-building lore from celebrated pirate George Arr Arr Martin. I think, I’m not big on fantasy.

While that appears to be an Xbox Series X testing out next-gen campfire technology, it’s actually a cheeky ruse that’s easy to pull off provided that you’re fond of puffing out self-righteous hipster smoke at a level that would raise even the eyebrows of your local Bob Marley fan club.

At key points in the game though, you’ll need to make a decision that decides which ending you get treated to by the time the campaign is done. I won’t spoil what the endings are, but I will provide moderately-spoiled directions on how you can get the best one.