Author: dpugh007

The early access of Red Dead Online is kicking off this week. But with such a massive open-world to explore in Red Dead Redemption 2‘s single-player story, why should you be excited about the game’s online mode?

Rockstar’s open-world Western game, a prequel to 2010’s Red Dead Redemption, was released to wide critical acclaim and is basically all anyone in our office – or yours, probably – has been talking about for weeks.

While you might expect an online mode to be live from the game’s launch, it makes sense for Rockstar to want you to focus on the main story – and boy is there a lot of it – before waltzing into a less narrative-driven multiplayer experience in Red Dead Online.

[Update: Red Dead Online beta has now launched, although it’s rolling out at different times depending on when you picked up the game – and which version you’ve been playing. 

Rockstar is rewarding those who bought Red Dead 2: Ultimate Edition with access from Tuesday 27 November, while those who started playing the regular version of the game in the first few days come next on November 28 and 29. Everyone else has the saloon doors opened to them on Friday 30 November. Check below for exact details.]

• Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC: could it happen?

Rockstar has proved itself at converting a massive single-player game into a lively online experience, as shown in the launch of GTA Online in 2013, which has become almost as massive a phenomenon as the mainline GTA V game it spun off from.

So what can you expect from Red Dead Online, and when does the beta actually start?

Cut to the chase

• What is Red Dead Online? The online component of Rockstar’s open-world Western
• What can I play it on? PS4 or Xbox One
• When can I play it? The beta launches November 26-30, depending on when you played the game and what edition. Full release is expected some time in 2019

Red Dead Online beta access

Yes, Rockstar are easing in with a Red Dead Online beta – the company warns to expect “turbulence” at launch while optimizes the gameplay – but it’s a public beta, and we’re going to get our first good look at what this means very soon.

Originally we were given a rough beta launch window of late November, that anyone with a PS4 or Xbox One copy of the game would be able to access. We’ve since learned via GamesRadar more precise dates, with the beta rolling out first to priority players – those who bought the Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition and those who started playing in the first few days after release.

We have the exact rollout schedule below, and are expecting a full launch of Red Dead Online to come some time in early 2019.

Beta release schedule

• Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition owners – Tuesday 27 November
• Started playing on October 26 – Wednesday 28 November
• Started playing October 27-29 – Thursday 29 November
• All Red Dead Redemption 2 owners – Friday 30 November

Red Dead Online multiplayer

So what does Red Dead Redemption 2 Online look like? 

An official announcement for the online service read: “Using the gameplay of the upcoming Red Dead Redemption 2 as a foundation, Red Dead Online will be ready to be explored alone or with friends, and will also feature constant updates and adjustments to grow and evolve this experience for all players.”

There’s not much else to go on until we all start getting access this week, other than the online mode from Rockstar’s other massive open-world property. If Red Dead Online is anything like GTA Online, we’re going to see targeted quests and missions in an alternative game world, with freer customization and actions without the same long-term narrative consequences. 

Playing with friends or matchmaking with strangers is a given, though we could see servers restricting player numbers below GTA Online’s 30 for a more curated feel.

We imagine Red Dead Online will stay comparatively grounded, and not veer too much from the central game experience. We can envisage saloons where you play poker and start fights with other players, and we can see quickly descend into bottle-over-the-head chaos.

The option of challenging players to quick-fire duels, or pulling heists and train robberies with your posse – with new missions like these added with regular updates – is likely to form a big part of the appeal too.

Red Dead Online: what we want to see

Character customization

Red Dead Redemption 2’s protagonist Arthur Morgan already allows an immense level of detail in how he dresses and styles his appearance. Opening up a character creation tool for Red Dead Online seems like a natural step, meaning you can make a cowboy avatar that truly feels like you. The option to play as a woman seems like a no-brainer, too.

All the minigames

We definitely hope the minigames will be playable online with your friends – card games, knife games, drinking games, and all that other wholesome fun you cowboys get up to.

• Red Dead Redemption 2 mini-game guide

A slow, slow pace

One of the things we love about Read Dead Redemption 2 is the thoughtful pace – so we’re hoping the online mode doesn’t go too octane for the rustic cowboy setting. We want to take a slow trot to the saloon before beating our friends at poker, or lying in the undergrowth while we wait to rob an incoming train – not a 6v6 deathmatch on flaming ponies.

Maybe some zombies though

Okay, as much as we love the core Read Dead experience, the last game’s Undead Nightmare DLC was a fantastic adventure in its own right, raising the dead in what felt like a serious Western blended with a camp horror movie. It was too good an experiment not to resurrect this time around – we hope.

Cross-platform play

We haven’t seen cross-platform play for a Rockstar game before, though the CEO Strauss Zelnick has been open about his desire to overcome traditional console distinctions for online play. 

We’d love to see PS4 and Xbox One owners play together in Red Dead Online’s wild west, though Sony have also proven themselves a stickler on this point in the past – even if it eventually succumbed to pressure on Fortnite cross-platform play.

• Red Dead Redemption 2 release date, character list and reviews
• Red Dead Redemption 2: easter egg guide
• Red Dead Redemption 2: weapons guide

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If you’re looking for the best Nintendo 3DS prices or New 2DS XL deals, you’ve come to the right place. This is a fantastic time to get a cheap 3DS as retailers continue to unleash discounts as gamers snatch up the Nintendo Switch deals too. We check the prices from all reliable online retailers every few hours to make sure the prices are up to date!

Nintendo has long been boss of the handheld market, but the fact it continues to be so successful in a market now dominated by smartphones is impressive and we’re bound to see it rock the handheld scene with some seasonal deals too. The 3DS software lineup features some of the best first-party Nintendo titles ever and you can always check out our pick of the best Nintendo 3DS games.

Nintendo’s latest handheld, the ‘New 2DS XL’, is a welcome no nonsense handheld. On this page we’re displaying the best 2DS XL, 2DS and new 3DS XL deals around. Older models are very hard to get a hold of nowadays and prices have shot up disproportionately.

A note on chargers

For reasons known only to Nintendo, most 3DS consoles do not come with a mains charger. So if you’re in the market for 3DS and don’t already have a compatible charger (for an older model maybe?) then you’ll need to buy a new one. This is especially important if you’re buying a 3DS as a Christmas gift. 

On the plus side the New 2DS XL and older slate-styled 2DS do come with a charger. We’ve included some handy links to some 3DS charger deals below (don’t forget to check it’s compatible with your type of 3DS).

• 3DS charger deals at Amazon – UK
• 3DS charger deals at Amazon – US

The best Nintendo New 2DS XL deals

This is the newest member of Nintendo’s Nintendo’s wildly popular handheld. Unlike the original 2DS’ wedge-like design, the clamshell form returns, which should be much more appealing to older gamers. The 3D tech has been dropped, but you’re getting the fantastic XL screen along with the upgraded tech of the ‘New’ 3DS models. This is considerably cheaper than the New 3DS XL too.

The best Nintendo New 3DS XL deals…

If the standard New 3DS is a bit small for you, then take a look at the New 3DS XL which is perfect for gamers with larger hands or anyone that fancies a larger screen. Look out for some special edition New 3DS XL models listed below this comparison chart too.

The best Nintendo 2DS deals…

If the 3D aspect and the clamshell look isn’t for you you can get a Nintendo 2DS for cheaper. The 2DS is a great way of entering Nintendo’s handheld family without spending much money, but we’re really talking to kids and parents here. Parents of clumsy children have praised the flat design that removes the need for those pesky breakable hinges of the original models.

It’s that excellent lineup of games that makes it even easier to recommend the 2DS. With a generation of kids familiarising themselves with quick and easy games like Angry Birds, it’s important for Nintendo to show them how much better gaming can be. The 2DS is a hell of a lot sturdier than a smartphone or tablet too.

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If you’ve already gotten a great PS4 deal, now is the time to find a super cheap PS4 controller price so you always have an extra DualShock 4 controller handy. This is crucial if you plan on long gaming sessions and need a backup controller that’s charged up and ready. Plus, you always want to have one available for a little local multiplayer action. 

The PlayStation and the DualShock controller stories are intertwined, with the controller being around since almost the beginning of the PlayStation brand. Instead of constantly fiddling with the design and features of the DualShock, Sony has kept much of the dual analog design the same. Now, we’re treated to an iconic controller that’s achieved near perfection.

Over 75 million PlayStation 4 consoles have been sold so far, but most bundles give you just one DualShock 4 controller in the box. Of course, in order to partake in local multiplayer games, you need more than one controller. Plus, having a spare is a good idea to always have one charged for those lengthy gaming sessions.

To help you get the most out of your PlayStation, we’ve rounded up the cheapest PS4 controller prices right here. We’ve picked out the best deals for the various different colors too.

Cheapest PS4 controller prices by color:

One of the highlights of the DualShock family is that a wide variety of awesome colors available. We’ve curated a list of the more tempting DualShock 4 deals for the various color variations below too. Naturally, these cheap PS4 controller prices are correct at time of writing.

More of the best DualShock 4 prices – USA

Gray/Blue DualShock 4: This will be your best bet then if you already own a PS4, and it’s close to the same color controller as the one in the Uncharted 4 Special Edition console bundle. It’s shot up in price in recent weeks and you can save money by opting for a different color. If you’ve gotta have it though, Amazon is the cheapest today at $60.83 (used).

Urban Camo DualShock 4: This model is a bit of a rare find at most retailers so expect higher prices than most models. Today’s best price for the Urban Camo DualShock 4 is $74.99 at Amazon.

Crystal DualShock 4: The clear Crystal DualShock 4 finally has an official US release. We’ve searched around for the best price and that’ll be  $79.95 at Amazon.

Blue Crystal DualShock 4:This new see through blue DualShock 4 controller is a Walmart-exclusive in the US. So you won’t find any other retailers officially selling it outside of places like eBay or Amazon Marketplace. Today though, it’s cheapest at $59.94 at Walmart.

More of the best DualShock 4 prices – UK

Urban Camo DualShock 4: This one is a bit of a rare find at most retailers so expect higher prices than most models. Today’s best Urban Camo price is £75 at Amazon.

Crystal DualShock 4: Crystal? Well, it’s see through. It’s also an Amazon exclusive apparently. Your new Crystal DualShock 4 is now £51.96 at Amazon.

Grey/Blue DualShock 4: This looks like the same colour controller as the one in the Uncharted 4 Special Edition console bundle. This will be your best bet then if you already own a PS4. We’ve seen this for as low as £45, but sadly the best deal today is a rather untouchable £84 at Amazon.

What’s the difference between the original and new V2 DualShock 4 controller?

If you’ve seen mention of a ‘New’ or ‘V2’ DualShock 4 controller while looking for a new pad, you may be scratching your head. What separates these two controllers? 

Here’s the difference: the new/V2 DualShock 4 was released alongside the PS4 Slim and features a few improvements over the original.

Some listings are a bit vague, but the clearest visual indicator to look out for is the new light bar on the DualShock’s 4 trackpad. This thin slit wasn’t on the original, so just look for the dimly illuminated blue line on the product listing’s image gallery. The original blue/red/gold controllers had black plastic on the back half of the controller, but the V2 versions feature matching colors, albeit a shade darker.

Other improvements include USB functionality, allowing gamers to plug the controller in for lag-free gaming (it simply charged the original), which could give you the edge in online shooters or games like Street Fighter V. You’ll also be able to use this enhanced connectivity to use the DualShock 4 on a PC without paying for the Bluetooth adapter. The rubber on the analogues has been improved (again) to prevent it wearing away so much too.

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There’s nothing quite like the best PC games, but no one wants to walk away from them crouching over like Igor from Young Frankenstein. If you really want to bring your gaming and sitting experience to a new level, you can kick back and get comfy in one of the best PC gaming chairs. Because, at the end of the day, if you’re immersed in your favorite RPG, saving the world and everything – you should be comfortable while you do it.

That’s why we set out to compile a list of the best PC gaming chairs you can buy today. While some might look like your dad’s office chair, with all black ‘real leather’ designs – others fully embrace the gamer aesthetic with RGB lighting and loud, clashing colors, making you look like a cybernetic race car driver.

There’s never been a better time to find the best gaming chairs, especially now that Cyber Monday has finally arrived. So, we’ll help you find the best PC gaming chair right here so you can spend more time hunting down all those sweet Cyber Monday gaming deals. Because, we don’t mean to brag, but we’ve done our own fair share of sitting, and have become intimately familiar with the best PC gaming chairs. So, sit back and relax – we’re about to dive into all the best gaming chairs on the market today. 

It’s no exaggeration to call the Noblechairs Epic Real Leather the best gaming chair. From the cross-thatched embroidery to the real leather of its namesake, if you’re looking for a no-compromises gaming throne, this is it. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to set up. And, once the set-up is complete, the Epic Real Leather is a dream to sit on – and you can customise your position however you want. Just do us a favor, and read the instructions while you’re setting it up.

If you want to play games all day in comfort, but you don’t want a chair that looks like you’re playing games all day, the Autonomous ErgoChair 2 is for you. Marketed as an office chair, the ErgoChair 2 has a very modern and stylish aesthetic to it that will appeal to anyone that doesn’t use RGB as a personality trait. It’s not all style either, as the ErgoChair lets you adjust basically every part of the chair, so that no matter how your body is built, you’re guaranteed to be comfortable while gaming.  

• This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Respawn 115 

Leather and fabric have their advantages, namely to comfort and texture, but sometimes a mesh office chair is best – especially if you live in a warmer climate, where breathability is of utmost importance. The Respawn-300 combines the racing-seat design and lumbar support and mesh material from some high-end office chairs. It really does take comfort to another level and is one of the best PC gaming chairs you can buy today. 

• This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Noblechairs Epic Real Leather. 

Corsair is known for making popular and high-end PC components and gaming peripherals. It’s only fitting, then, that they dip their toes into the gaming chair game – and they may have made one of the best gaming chairs yet. Covered top to bottom in breathable PU leather with neck and lumbar pillows wrapped in microfiber, you’ll be able to game both in comfort and style. And with its rollerblade-style wheels, you’ll be able to move it around on any surface without having to worry about scratching up your floor. 

Noblechairs is well known for crafting some of the best gaming chairs out there – and the Noblechairs Icon makes it clear why. While it’s more affordable than the flagship Epic Real Leather, it’s still extremely comfortable and one of the best PC gaming chairs out there. This is thanks to its nice lumbar pillow, which you can easily remove if you don’t like it.  

The Edge GX1 is a gaming chair that actively avoids the popular racing style that is increasingly popular with modern gaming chairs. The company behind the Edge GX1 goes as far as to say that racing-style bucket chairs actually negatively affect gamer’s performance, with their designs limiting movement and comfort. It sort of makes sense, as those styles of chairs are based off designs for racing cars, where limiting movement for the driver is a priority. Instead, the Edge GX1 aims to give an ergonomic experience where comfort is key, while also offering a premium gaming chair. And when we say premium, we mean it, with the Edge GX1 costing £800, a huge amount for a gaming chair. It’s hand-crafted in the UK, and there’s some great touches, such as inflatable lumbar support. It’s a huge asking price, but we’ve been using it for a while now, and it is very comfortable. You need to adjust it a bit to suit your needs, but once you have it set up just how you like it, the ergonomic benefits of the chair really help justify the price. This ships worldwide from the UK, but be warned that shipping costs will add to the price if you’re in the US or Australia.

You can only buy this chair direct from Edge

There’s a certain subset of the PC gaming community that needs to have the absolute best of everything, at whatever the cost. These people are going to be absolutely enamored with the Vertagear Triigger 350 SE. It features over 350 individual components with a mix metal, mesh, leather and high-end plastics to create the ultimate PC gaming chair. If you have the money to spare, and you can’t stand to have anything less than the best, you might want to give this chair a look. 

Another day, another Noblechairs gaming seat – and the Noblechairs Epic is the best gaming chair for the classier gamer. It features a faux-leather covering inspired by car seats, combining both comfort and a high-end design to make it one of the best gaming chairs you can buy today. And, if you’re the type that shies away from the ‘gamer aesthetic,’ the Epic’s subtle black design is far more elegant than some of the more brightly-colored seats on this list.

For the gamer looking for some extra room in their seat, the Vertagear Racing Series PL6000 is a must-have. Specially designed to provide both added width and height, this is the best gaming chair for anyone with a larger frame – no matter how tall you are, the adjustable headrest means you’ll never experience discomfort. However, this is a complicated chair to assemble, so use the buddy system to build this masterpiece.

The Nitro Concepts C80 is a gorgeous, comfortable gaming chair that could easily blend in in an office environment – it looks more expensive than it is. Nitro Concepts made one of the best gaming chairs by keeping the price down, while keeping compromises to a minimum – like using polyurethane instead of leather. And, no compromises were made in the build quality, either – this is an impressively sturdy gaming chair. Just make sure you get a friend to help you put it together – constructing this thing had us tearing our hair out.

• This product is only available in the UK at the time of this writing. US and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the noblechairs Icon 

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