PlayStation is giving away a FREE Call of Duty game upgrade – and fans have just hours left to claim
PlayStation Plus members, Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can get a FREE in-game bundle for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 with this one-time offer.
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PlayStation fans only have until midnight on May 12 to claim their free upgrade
As an extra bonus, the deal also extends to a free upgrade for Call of Duty: Warzone.
You can claim your free upgrade
on
But the clock is ticking.
Fans only have until midnight on Monday May 12 to claim the offer.
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After that, users will be unable to download the upgrade.
It's certainly worth upgrading, with PlayStation unveiling a host of new content in this offer.
The free pack includes the following updates:
2x Operator Skins
4x Weapon Blueprints
Finishing Move
Emote
2x Weapon Charms
Loading Screen
Spray
2XP Token (1 hour)
2WXP Token (1 hour)
Most read in Gaming
It's worth keeping in mind that Activision may update, replace, or remove this in-game content at any time after you download it.
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Darts star Michael van Gerwen reveals love of Call of Duty before being called out by Olympic hero
Call of Duty received an unexpected marketing boost recently after darts hero Michael van Gerwen revealed playing it is his favourite hobby.
The three-time PDC world champion, 35, told an audience he enjoys some downtime playing Call of Duty away from the oche.
News of the free upgrade comes as gamers
But it will now come out on May 26, 2026.
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Gamers have waited more than 10 years for a new main title in the hugely successful series which has sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide.
Rockstar first released a trailer for GTA 6 in 2023, after it was leaked early online.
Fans of the game have been fearing a delay might be on the cards for sometime due to a lack of updates from the company.
However, elsewhere in the sector the retro gaming market is thriving – and some long-forgotten treasures could fetch a tidy sum.
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Call of Duty Warzone is one of PlayStation's most popular games
A sealed, first-print Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) achieved a £1.5million sale in 2021, setting a record as the most expensive video game ever sold.
While a gold Nintendo World Championships 1990 cartridge sold for over £160,000 last year as fewer than 20 confirmed copies exist.
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However, some of the rarest and most valuable games out there aren't necessarily the ones you'd expect.
Read more on the Irish Sun
Karlo Čičko, tech expert and software developer at GameBoost, said: "One thing I've learned from working at GameBoost and spending time around serious collectors is that it's not always about Mario or Zelda.
"Some of the real unicorns are tied to obscure
competitions
, tiny production runs, or even developer mistakes."
How to store your retro video games
IF you are keeping hold of old consoles and video games hoping they could one day be worth a small fortune, following these five tips can make sure they stay in top condition to maximise their value...
Clean everything thoroughly before storing it.
Use appropriate, non-abrasive cleaning solutions and tools tailored to the specific materials (plastic, metal, labels, etc.). Dust, grime, and even fingerprints can degrade surfaces over time — proactive cleaning minimises long-term damage.
Keep an eye on the temperature and humidity in your storage space.
Avoid storing them in attics, basements, and garages where these variables are often extreme. The ideal conditions should mimic a living space — stable temperatures and moderate humidity. This prevents warping, corrosion, and label damage.
Use proper packaging to protect your items from bumps and scratches.
The original packaging is ideal (and also adds value to the game), but sturdy boxes with ample will also work.
Organise and label everything so you can easily find what you're looking for.
A spreadsheet or database can be helpful for cataloguing your collection.
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The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Full list of games CLOSING in 2025 with hundreds of millions of players locked out on Xbox, PlayStation & PCs in weeks
The 'closure' of the final entry on this list is especially tragic LOGGED OFF Full list of games CLOSING in 2025 with hundreds of millions of players locked out on Xbox, PlayStation & PCs in weeks GAMERS beware: a load of titles are shutting down in one way or another this year. If you're the proud owner of an Xbox, PlayStation or gaming PC, you might be cut off some iconic games in 2025. Advertisement 5 MMO sci-fi fantasy game Skyforge is being killed off Credit: Skyforge 5 Wrestling fans are also set to lose out Credit: WWE 2K24 / 2K Here are five titles affected by closures this year. GAME #1 – Skyforge If you haven't heard of it, Skyforge is an massively multiplayer RPG set in a sci-fi fantasy world. It launched back in 2015, but is finally going offline after 10 years. "It is incredibly difficult for us to share the following news," the game creators said. Advertisement Read more on video games WIN-TENDO! I played Nintendo Switch 2 BEFORE release and I'm obsessed with Mario Kart mode "Unfortunately the Skyforge project is going to be closed, and its servers in Europe and America shut down." Payments have already been disabled on the game, and it'll switch off for PC players on September 3. That'll be followed by a console closure across Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The console closure date is set later, on October 29. Advertisement GAME #2 – WWE 2K24 Wrestling fans are also facing a closure: this time it's WWE 2K24. The wrestling title – published by 2K – came out on March 8, 2024. Hit Rust game gets 'next-gen' upgrade revealed in new trailer But the game's online servers are due to be closed down on September 30, 2025. The core game will still be playable, so your money isn't entirely wasted. Advertisement But you'll lose access to online matches as well as the Community Creations feature. GAME #3 – Madden NFL 22 Then there's another blow to sports fans who snapped up Madden NFL 22. 5 Madden is shutting down online services for a popular game Credit: EA / Madden / PlayStation / Amazon The American Football came was released on August 20, 2021, with Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady starring on the cover. Advertisement But on October 20, 2025, the game's online services will switch off. That means you won't be able to access any of the online multiplayer modes. GAME #4 – Rust: Console Edition Multiplayer survival game Rust is also getting killed off – at least on certain consoles. WHY DO GAMES SHUT DOWN? By The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach... It's simple: money. When a game is entirely online – or has online features – then there's a cost associated with that. The game developer is having to pay to run servers so you can play. And they'll need developers working on fixing bugs, staff catching cheaters, customer support staff, and more. Over time, as player counts dwindle, it becomes less economically viable to offer these services. That's especially true for sports games where newer versions come out – drawing away players from the older titles. In those cases, it's usually just the online service that is pulled. But some games – like MMORPGs – are entirely online. There's no offline mode to fall back on. In those cases, the games are often shut down entirely. In some cases, players will set up their own private version of the game to let it live on. But dwindling players for an MMO is a bad sign – and usually means the game isn't far from its own doomsday. Other times, a game closes due to an overall studio shutdown. But generally, it's because the cost of supporting the game is too high versus the money coming in from players. Picture Credit: Sean Keach Rust first launched in 'early access' back in 2013 before an official release in 2018. Advertisement But the "old-gen" version of Rust is being binned – that's the one made for PS4 and Xbox One. The game became unavailable to download as of May 29, 2025. And it'll eventually become totally unplayable in October. 5 Epic survival game Rust is being sunsetted on older consoles Credit: Rust / Double11 Advertisement If you want to keep playing, you'll need to upgrade to the next-gen version – built for the newer Xbox Series X/S and PS5 consoles. That upgrade will be available for free, but it's only out on the new consoles – not the old ones. GAME #5 – Fifa 23 It's not just American Football getting a closure – regular footie is also facing a chop. Fifa 23 will have its online servers shut down on December 12, 2025. Advertisement 5 Fifa 23 will soon lose access to online services Credit: Fifa / EA That'll affect players on PS4 and PS5, all Xbox models, PC, and the Nintendo Switch. It means the game's online features will be switched off, blocking all multiplayer. This was notably the last EA Fifa game, before the publisher switched to EA Sports FC – so it's an extra tragedy.
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- RTÉ News
The best video games of the decade (so far)
As we hit the halfway mark of the decade, it's time to take stock of the amazing few years of video games we've all had the pleasure of playing. Across all genres, studios have spoiled us with incredible stories, incredible gameplay, and incredible performances. Looking for something great to play? Well, below are just snippets of the magic the last few years have provided: Astro Bot (PS5) Winning Game of the Year in 2024, Astro Bot is a game of pure delight and has quickly risen in the ranks as one of the best platformers ever made. You'll have a permanent smile on your face from beginning to end as you guide the titular little robot across over 90 levels of fun and whimsy. The magic of Astro is that each level you venture into is brimming with interactivity, prompting you to explore every crevice possible. Simple platforming gameplay is transformed by a variety of suit abilities, and the wall-to-wall nostalgia from PlayStation's back catalogue of hits across the galaxy makes this little gem an absolute blast to play, play, and play again. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, PC) Released back in 1997, Final Fantasy VII is regarded as one (if not the) best games ever made. And so the decision to remake a masterpiece into an ambitious trilogy was always going to be met with equal levels of anticipation and anxiety. Could the magic survive a modern revamp? The answer is absolutely. FFVII Rebirth is the second instalment of the series, taking all the magic, nostalgia, and emotional impact of the original, but with a distinct modern flair. This is the game of your childhood, with breathtaking visuals, high-octane combat, and a renewed focus. The game's only fault? That it makes the wait for the third and final instalment all the more agonising. Returnal (PS5 & PC) Released back in 2021, Returnal is a third-person shooter that is as challenging as it is utterly addictive. You play as Selene Vassos, a space pilot who crash-lands on the hostile planet Atropos ,following a signal that is calling to her. Unfortunately for players, everything that lives on the planet wants her dead. Great. This game has roguelike elements, making death a central game mechanic. You will die repeatedly. Each time you fail, you'll restart your journey anew, equipped with only the knowledge of the dangers that lie before you. Throughout your play, your screen will be a constant sea of fluorescent bullets, as Selene dips, dives, and shoots everything and anything that dares move. It is an adrenaline-inducing tour de force. Baldur's Gate 3 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac) Words can only do so much to describe how fun, how creative, and utterly engrossing Baldur's Gate 3 is. Winning Game of the Year in 2023, and no doubt Game of the Decade come 2030, it is a masterclass in high-fantasy, where every single second of your epic journey across Faerûn is of your own making. From complex combat and levelling, to intricate branch narrative storytelling, this game is the perfect introduction to Dungeons and Dragons, where decisions you make seconds into the game can come back and help or haunt you hundreds of hours later. As such, every single quest you embark on can feel like its own epic adventure. Stray (PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC) Blending puzzle and adventure with…well…cat simulator, Stray is a beautiful game that will pull, tug and scratch at your heartstrings throughout with its dynamic storyline and captivating environment. You play as a nameless cat who stumbles from a peaceful life above ground into a dark, dystopian underworld filled with dangerous monsters and adorable robots. 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Elden Ring (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC) Selling over 30 million copies and winning too many awards to count, Elden Ring is an action role-playing game that has revolutionised the gaming landscape since its release in 2022. It is colossal in size, brutal in its difficulty, and promises endless lore for any player to get lost in. The game is set in the desolate place known as The Lands Between, where you play as the Tarnished, an exile brought back to help restore order. But in truth, the map is your oyster, and where you go and what you do with your time is ultimately up to you. Expect ferocious challenges and never-ending exploration before you. It Takes Two (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC) It Takes Two is a puzzle adventure game that has revolutionised the genre of co-operative gaming. 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Released back in 2021, the game has since catapulted many of its villains to international stardom. From a 9ft 6' vengeful vampire to sadistic puppets and macabre mermaids, Village has no shortage of nightmares you can't help but become obsessed with. God of War Ragnarök (PS4, PS5, PC) Released back in 2022, God of War Ragnarök sold over 5.1 million copies in its opening week alone. As the ninth instalment in the series, the game continues the epic, fierce, and complicated story of the father-son pairing, as they battle the elements and ferocity of Fimbulwinter. Neither seems capable of escaping whatever prophecies and drama the old Norse Gods have cooked up, either. Equipped with his trusty Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos, the ferocity of Kratos is realised like never before. Include life-like visuals, and a haunting soundtrack into the mix, and you have a gritty, vengeful and utterly unmissable reimagining of mythology to experience. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch, Switch 2) Tears of the Kingdom is a landmark game in the Zelda franchise. Building on the magic of its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, it promises an expanded world to explore, brand new abilities, and a compelling story of immense scale. What more could you want? Playing as the stoic Link, the sprawling lands of Hyrule, complete with sky islands and caves, are now yours to explore. All the while, you'll learn abilities that exude creativity, where the only limit to gameplay is your own imagination. And with a recently released Switch 2 edition, players looking to jump into the game now can expect even more gaming magic ahead of them. Death Stranding 2 (PS5) Released only a few weeks ago, Death Stranding 2 has already amassed critical acclaim from legions of gamers worldwide, blending action and adventure, with a sprinkling of chaos for good measure. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players take on the role of deliveryman Sam Porter Bridges, who must reconnect pockets of civilisation back to a communal network. But the world is a harsh place, with environmental hazards and dangerous monsters everywhere to be seen. Every step you take is carefully considered. Every weapon you discharge is measured. All the while, you're trying to make sense of an engrossing story that asks more questions than it ever answers. Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) I've already talked at length about the absolute magic that is Clair Obscur Expedition 33, but it warrants mentioning one last time (promise!) The game is the very definition of a masterpiece and continues to be the hotly favoured contender for Game of the Year 2025. Released earlier in the year, Clair takes a modern approach to traditional gameplay mechanics and delivers an emotional story that lingers with you long after the closing credits. With a mesmerising soundtrack, a star-studded voice cast, and wearing its French roots with pride, the game will no doubt continue to inspire and dominate the industry for years to come. Play it now. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (PS5 & PC) Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is proof, in my view, that the future of superhero entertainment lies in video games. It has everything a fan could ask for, balancing an enthralling narrative with picture-perfect exploration and interactive combat. Prepare to get lost in the finest recreation of New York City to date. The story features both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, who try earnestly to live everyday lives in New York City. Thankfully for players, life has other plans, as both Spideys undertake daring rescues to protect super-powered people from the sudden appearance of Kraven The Hunter. But Kraven pales in comparison to the game's main event, Venom. And it's through his long-awaited appearance that the game tackles hefty plot lines and pushes the boundaries of what we can expect from the superhero genre. Cyberpunk 2077 (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC) Despite a disastrous launch with poor optimisation, Cyberpunk 2077 is proof that with the proper support, care and attention, wrongs can be made right. And in its present form, it remains one of the most captivating action-roleplaying games you can play this decade. Set in the dystopian megacity known as Night City, the lines between humanity, technology and body modification are at a crossroads. From fashion to combat, the game gives players immense freedom to craft their own hero and their own world around them. Seemingly endless content throws you into the crosshairs of the city's power struggle, paving the way for one of gaming's most ambitious and well-deserved comebacks. Honourable mentions... In truth, this list could easily go on and on until the end of time, such has been the calibre of games made. Honourable mentions go to the following titles, each of which has also contributed to the magic of the last couple of years: -Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart -Metaphor: ReFantazio -Final Fantasy XVI -Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin -Senua's Saga: Hellblade II -Horizon Forbidden West -Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time -Super Mario Bros. Wonder -Mario Kart World -Pokémon Legends: Arceus -Tekken 8 -Street Fighter 6 -Split Fiction -Dredge -Unpacking -Hades -Alan Wake 2 -Dave The Diver -Helldivers 2 -Animal Well -Blue Prince -Balatro Take a deeper dive into our gaming section here
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Must-have tech that'll keep kids entertained this summer WITHOUT an iPad & boredom buster games that won't cost a penny
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. My games console alternative is less than HALF the price of Sony's new PlayStation, says The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach FREE-SY DOES IT Must-have tech that'll keep kids entertained this summer WITHOUT an iPad & boredom buster games that won't cost a penny IT'S no secret that a tablet will keep a kid entertained for hours – but there are loads of other tech-y options out there for children and teens. If you want something that isn't just an Apple iPad, try out these brilliant toys, fun free apps and games, and even some gadgets that you'll want to use just as much as your child. You'll even save hundreds versus buying a posh tablet. 12 The Sphero Mini is a robotic ball that you can control (and program) using a phone app Credit: Sphero / Amazon 12 It'll whiz around your floor – great fun, but try not to trip over it! Credit: Sphero / Amazon 12 The Toniebox is another top gadget for kids – and they won't need to touch a screen Credit: Toniebox Sphero Mini – £50 First up is the Sphero Mini, which is a robotic ball. It's currently available on Amazon for about £50 and you can race it around the floor at lightning speed using a phone app as the remote control. Sphero Mini, £51.55 Even if that's all this did, it would be great fun. I've used Sphero balls and they're very easy to control if you just want to roll around – but you can go much deeper. But you can use the robotic ball and the app's Blocks mode to learn to code. So if you have a computer whiz at home, this is a great option. You can give the robot commands (assigned by dragging and dropping from preset code) that it can carry out. You can even go further with Sphero's official education software, which lets you properly program the ball. Toniebox – £77 For younger kids, look no further than the Toniebox. This fun mini-speaker has earned rave reviews for entertaining (and educating) kids without any screens. The idea is that you buy little figurines called Tonies, and place them on top of the box. Different Tonies have their own audio – like unique stories and songs – that get downloaded to the Toniebox so you can play it through the speaker. So to get more content, you're meant to collect Tonies. There are more than 200, so you won't run out anytime soon. Toniebox, £76.99 The Toniebox itself is £77, and then you'll bag some Tonies separately. For instance, there's a Paddington Bear Tonie loaded with audiobooks that costs £15 – or you could grab The Tiger Who Came To Tea. There's even a Disney collection of Tonies featuring the Lion King, Aladdin, Jungle Book and more. You can also get some free Tonies content. Google Gemini – FREE OK, this one will need a phone or tablet – but it's brilliant fun, is very interactive, and you don't actually need to stare at the screen. 12 Gemini Live is a special Google Gemini feature that lets you have conversations out loud with a chatbot 12 You can download Google Gemini for free on your iPhone or Android Credit: Google / Apple / The Sun And you can do it together, which makes it even better. If your youngster is older than 13, they're allowed to use a feature called Google Gemini. It's Google's official chatbot, which you'd normally type to. But it also has a free feature called Gemini Live for out-loud conversations. Gemini will speak to you just like a real person would, and you can answer back in real time or even interrupt. One great way to use this feature is to create your own choose-your-own-adventure or Dungeons & Dragons-style game. Part of the fun can be setting up the game. You can ask Gemini to run the game, tell it what sort of story you'd like and the character you'd like to play, and that it should be age-appropriate. Then you can start playing, with Gemini setting the scene and you telling the chatbot what you'd like your character to do next. You could play alone or as a family (just ask Gemini to take it in turns with the different characters) for hours. And because it's all being created in the moment, based on your own ideas, every game will be different. And you don't need any gear – just a phone or tablet, and you're good to go. Lego Technic and Lego Powered Up – £55 Obviously, kids love Lego. I'm not here to tell you that. But it's easy to forget that Lego isn't just those eye-catching Harry Potter, Marvel, and Peppa Pig sets. You can grab something that is a little more educational – and potentially create a budding engineer in your own home. Then, when they're older, they'll rake in a giant salary designing bridges on the Moon, remember your thoughtful Lego gift that started it all, and buy you a bungalow near a beach as thanks. Hopefully. There are two great ranges that you want to look at. The first is Lego Technic, which has moving parts and more complicated designs. Several models are rated fine for nine and ten-year-olds. There's even a Ferrari for £55 that'll easily keep car fanatics busy. 12 The Lego Ferrari is made up of nearly 900 pieces, so it'll take a while to put together Credit: Lego Lego Technic Ferrari FXX K, £54.89 If you want to get even fancier, there's the Lego Powered Up series. These are motorised products that let you bring your creations to life: think cars, trains, and cranes. Does that sound like a clutter nightmare? One savvy way around this is to bag something from Lego's non-tech Botanicals range instead. 12 Lego Botanicals are aimed at adults (hence the 18+ branding) but they're simple to build, even for kids, and you can make them together Credit: Sean Keach These are pretty sets of Lego flowers that your child can build, and won't look naff on the windowsill. They're happy and engaged, and you end up with a lovely ornament. Everyone's a winner. The best part? There are loads that won't break the bank. You can buy cherry blossoms from Boots for £13, orchids at The Entertainer for £19, and a wildflower bouquet at Tesco for £15 at current pricing. Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World – £429 Arguably the must-have gadget right now: the Nintendo Switch 2. 12 The Nintendo Switch 2 is this year's big console – and it'll be a hit with the kids over summer Credit: Nintendo It's the new Nintendo console, now just a few months old. The blockbuster launch title is Mario Kart World, an immensely fun racing game that almost needs no introduction. It's brilliant and easy to pick up, even if you're new to gaming. The bundle with the console and game comes to £429. I also recently tried out Super Mario Party Jamboree, which is another great multiplayer option. This is a gadget for the whole family – not just your child. FREE GAMES GALORE! Want to enjoy some games without paying extra? You might find you're already owed some freebies... For a start, your Netflix subscription includes free games. Some of them can be played on the TV with your phone working as the controller. And others can be downloaded for free on your mobile phone or tablet. Sky TV also includes loads of child-friendly free games. Just look for the Games by app and you'll be able to unlock hours of fun. Third, Amazon Prime subscribers can get free games in two ways. The first is through Prime Gaming, which gives you a rolling monthly roster of free games to unlock and keep. And the second is Amazon Luna, which is a cloud gaming service. This lets you stream top-tier games to your TV without a console – a bit like Netflix, but for gaming. Normally it would cost you £8.99 a month for Luna+, but Prime members get access to a rolling selection of games for free – including Fortnite. Just download the Luna app on your Fire TV or Fire Stick, or LG or Samsung telly. Then you can connect a Bluetooth gaming controller and away you go. Picture Credit: Netflix / The Sun The Nintendo Switch 2 is a brilliant pick because it's so versatile. You can plug it into your TV, sure, but you can also undock it and carry it around as a portable gaming machine. And it also has a kickstand. So if you're on a train or aeroplane, you can plonk it down on the tray table, and play together – you just each need to grab one of the two Joy-Con controllers attached to the side of the machine. Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World, £429.99 12 You can grab the Joy-Cons and use them for multiplayer gaming if the Nintendo Switch 2 is on its kickstand (or connected to the TV) Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun 12 Mario Kart World is fun for all the family – and has a new mode where you can explore the vast world between the race courses Credit: Nintendo Just keep the volume down if you're playing in public! Meta Quest 3 – £279 Virtual reality headsets were once enormously expensive. Not only that, you previously needed to plug them into a similarly costly gaming PC. Ouch. Now? They're not so bad at all. In fact, there's a brilliant one that's cheaper than most consoles. It's called the Meta Quest 3S, and it costs £289. That's less than most consoles. It's cheaper than the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Xbox Series X. You could buy two of them and have money to spare versus a £700 PS5 Pro. 12 The Meta Quest 3S immerses you in virtual worlds – with handheld controllers that let you interact as if it was real Credit: Meta This headset lets you step into imaginary worlds, play virtual reality computer games, visit far-off places and more. You can roleplay as Batman, slash and dance your way to rhythm-action glory in Beat Saber, and play shockingly realistic table tennis or golf without leaving your living room. Unless you have two headsets, the person playing is mostly isolated – but you can beam their view to the TV to get everyone involved. It's incredibly cheap for what you get. 12 The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach testing out the Meta Quest 3S last year at Meta HQ in Silicon Valley Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun The only catch? Meta recommends that the headset only be used by those aged 10 and up, so this isn't for very young children. Meta Quest 3S, £289 Meta offers guidance for parents on how to manage play sessions, so it's worth following the safety advice on the Meta Quest 3S website. All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.
