Steam hit a new all-time concurrent-player high of over 42 million, underscoring booming PC gaming and intensifying competition for Microsoft and Sony. Valve also plans to revive the Steam Machine, a Linux-based console-style device, which could erode Xbox and PlayStation market share by bringing more players into Steam. In markets, MSFT and SONY stocks dipped after the news, with analysts showing MSFT as a stronger-rated stock but Sony offering higher upside.
Sony and Honda's joint venture, Sony Honda Mobility, announced that their $90,000 Afeela 1 electric vehicle will begin customer deliveries in the US in late 2026, with a new SUV concept also shown that could lead to a 2028 production model. The company has started trial production and plans phased demo drives for early reservation holders, expanding sales to Arizona and California in 2027, with Japanese deliveries starting early 2027.
The first Afeela electric vehicle has begun trial production at Honda's Ohio plant, with a midyear debut planned. Despite modest specs and a crowded market, the vehicle emphasizes safety and entertainment features, including a built-in PlayStation 5, aiming to differentiate itself. However, its competitive specs and market positioning raise questions about its potential success.
The article discusses the significant regional price differences for the PlayStation 5, highlighting the newly announced Japan-exclusive PS5 Digital Edition, which is cheaper due to regional pricing strategies, currency fluctuations, and market considerations, raising concerns about fairness and consumer impact.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones are currently at their lowest price ever, matching their Black Friday deal, and are highly recommended for their excellent sound, noise cancellation, and comfort. Other Sony headphones, including the older XM5s and bass-heavy models, are also on sale at significant discounts.
Sony has released a new model of the PlayStation 5 Pro, the CFI-7100B01, which addresses overheating, noise, and power consumption issues of the previous version without sacrificing performance, indicating ongoing improvements and hints at future console developments.
Sony continues to lead in noise-cancelling headphones with its new WH-1000XM6 model, featuring improved sound quality, enhanced noise cancellation, a faster processor, and practical design updates like foldability and simultaneous charging and listening, maintaining its reputation for industry-leading audio and comfort.
Amazon is offering the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones at a record low price of $248, down from $399.99, making it an excellent deal for high-quality sound, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable design, suitable for various listening needs and travel.
Memory shortages caused by AI-driven demand are prompting Sony to consider delaying the PlayStation 6's release, originally planned for November 2027, due to rising RAM prices and supply issues, with a potential delay to allow supply to stabilize.
Former Sony executive Shawn Layden proposes creating a unified gaming format through a consortium, similar to VHS or Blu-ray, to expand the console market and overcome industry stagnation, advocating for a single, license-based gaming platform to increase accessibility and market size.
The launch of next-generation Xbox and PlayStation consoles, originally scheduled for 2027 or 2028, may be delayed due to ongoing RAM shortages and rising prices, as manufacturers like Samsung shift production to meet demand, impacting hardware availability and pricing.
Sony has patented an AI system called 'AI-Generated Ghost Player' that could create AI-powered in-game assistants to help players with gameplay, raising concerns about AI's effectiveness and impact on gaming experiences.
Sony's stock price declined ahead of upcoming changes to the PlayStation Plus service scheduled for January 2026, reflecting investor concerns or market reactions to the upcoming adjustments.
Sony accidentally made Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun free on PlayStation Store in October due to a glitch, allowing users to download and keep the game for two months before revoking the free access and returning it to full price, with Sony not explaining the delay or compensation details.
Sony has revoked licenses for the free PS5 port of Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, which was accidentally made free due to a glitch in October 2025, and has notified players to purchase the game if they still want to play it.
