Readers share their thoughts on the rumored PS5 Pro, celebrate the 20th anniversary of Katamari Damacy, and reflect on 30 years of Super Metroid.

Birmingham's Wednesday letters page shares nightlife suggestions for gamers, with one reader excited for the upcoming chaos of GTA 6.

March 20th 2024.

Readers share their thoughts on the rumored PS5 Pro, celebrate the 20th anniversary of Katamari Damacy, and reflect on 30 years of Super Metroid.
Is it a good idea to release the PS5 Pro? That's the question on many gamers' minds, as they eagerly await the latest tech breakdowns and reviews. One reader even shares their excitement for the upcoming release of GTA 6.

However, after reading about the specs of the PS5 Pro, it seems that the upgrade may not be as significant as initially thought. This may not come as a surprise to those who have already purchased the PS4 Pro, as the hype around "50% more powerful" upgrades often falls short in reality.

It's disappointing to see that even on paper, the PS5 Pro may not live up to expectations. And for those who are considering upgrading from their current console, it may not be worth the investment. It's clear that the focus should be on creating new games, rather than releasing unnecessary hardware upgrades.

In fact, the release of the PS5 Pro may make more people question their console choices. With the possibility of new consoles from all three major companies this Christmas, the delay of the Switch 2 may be a blessing in disguise. But it's a shame that the focus is on hardware rather than software, which is where the real profit lies.

It's perplexing to see such a strong emphasis on hardware from companies, rather than investing in new games. And even with the release of the PS5 Pro, it's unclear what games we are supposed to be playing on it. The lack of significant titles to launch alongside the upgrade only adds to the confusion.

Moving on from the topic of the PS5 Pro, readers share their recommendations for things to do in Birmingham for fellow gamers. From the Birmingham Gaming Market to retro arcade bars, there are plenty of options for entertainment.

One reader even shares their enthusiasm for the game "Sneaky Sasquatch" on Apple Arcade, which has received rave reviews from both kids and adults alike. And with the 20th anniversary of "Katamari Damacy" approaching, readers reflect on the unique and quirky game and its impact on the gaming industry.

It's a reminder of a time when major publishers were more willing to take risks and release unconventional games, without the pressure of needing to be a massive hit. It's a sentiment that many readers miss and hope to see return in the future.
Is the PS5 Pro a good idea?

As I was browsing through some tech articles, I stumbled upon some discussions about the highly anticipated PS5 Pro. From what I gathered, it seems that the new console may not be as impressive as we were led to believe. This may not come as a surprise to those who have already purchased the PS4 Pro, as marketing hype often exaggerates the improvements of new technology. But for those who were hoping for a significant upgrade, this may be a disappointment.

Even on paper, the PS5 Pro may not live up to expectations, let alone in reality where it will be difficult to notice any major differences from its predecessor. While it may still be the go-to choice for those who have not yet invested in a PlayStation 5, for those looking to upgrade, the new console may not be worth the investment. Personally, I have decided against purchasing the PS5 Pro.

It's concerning that, in a time when the future of consoles is being questioned, the solution presented by companies is to release a seemingly pointless upgrade at a high cost. Especially when compared to the more affordable option of upgrading a PC. The PS5 Pro goes against what is truly needed at this time and may make consumers rethink their platform choices. I am puzzled as to who is making these decisions at PlayStation, as they have not announced any leadership, and they should reconsider their strategy.

Speaking of new consoles, it's worth noting that we could have seen releases from all three major companies this Christmas, if not for the delay of the Switch 2. While I can't fault Nintendo for planning a new console, it is unnecessary for both the PS5 Pro and the Xbox Series X, which I've heard described as an Xbox Series X Slim. Instead of focusing on new hardware, companies should prioritize creating new and exciting games. After all, software is where the profit lies, not hardware, which is often sold at a loss.

Moving on to a different topic, the letters page on Wednesday shared some great recommendations for nightlife in Birmingham for gamers. I am particularly interested in the Birmingham Gaming Market happening in Digbeth on April 6th. I've been before and it's definitely worth a visit, however, it can get quite crowded making it difficult to explore all the stands. While there may not be any arcade machines there, I discovered a retro arcade/bar called NQ64 nearby that has some classic games. Additionally, a walk into the city centre will lead you to Tilt, a pinball bar, and F1 Arcade, a bar with F1 simulators.

On a lighter note, I recently came across a game called Sneaky Sasquatch on Apple Arcade. Set in a woodland town, players take on the role of a Sasquatch trying to avoid park rangers by blending in. The game starts off with simple tasks like finding food and clothing to survive, but quickly escalates into more exciting challenges such as running for mayor and racing go-karts. My kids absolutely love it, and it receives frequent updates with new tasks. I highly recommend it for all ages.

Finally, I was shocked to realize that Katamari Damacy is celebrating its 20th anniversary next week. This game holds a special place in my heart for its unique and surreal gameplay, and its message that truly resonates. It also marks a time when major publishers were still willing to release indie games without the expectation of huge profits. I even imported it at the time, which made it feel like a special and sought-after item rather than just another popular game. I hope we can return to a time when mainstream companies are willing to take risks and release more unconventional games. I look forward to seeing how Bandai Namco will celebrate this milestone.

[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]

 0
 0