Dastardly December has done it again. Here I was having a nice time with November, joking about the time February tried to explain leap years to August, and the wintry month snuck up in my blindspot. Now December’s in the house, kicking back on the sofa with its feet up on the table. At least it’s brought a gift: the RPS Advent Calendar 2025, the list of our favourite games of the year.

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**Amazon’s Inventory of PlayStation Controllers: A Chance for Gamers**

As the holiday season winds down, Amazon finds itself with a considerable stock of PlayStation controllers, featuring both standard variants and the premium DualSense Edge. At present, the DualSense Edge is offered at a record low price of $169, down from its usual $199. This Black Friday deal is applicable to both color choices—black and white—making it a tempting option for gamers eager to enhance their gameplay.

The significance of the DualSense Edge is rooted in its superior customization and performance capabilities, designed explicitly for dedicated gamers. With interchangeable stick caps, adjustable triggers, and programmable back buttons, this controller meets the needs of competitive players. Sony crafted the Edge to act as a solid alternative to third-party controllers, ensuring that gamers have access to official hardware along with warranty coverage.

### Reasons to Upgrade to the Edge Controller

One of the key benefits of the DualSense Edge is its interchangeable stick design, enabling users to choose from three different cap styles according to their liking and the nature of the game. Standard caps suit most games; however, high dome caps improve aiming accuracy in shooters, while low dome caps allow for quicker movements in fighting or racing games. Switching caps is a straightforward process that doesn’t require tools, ensuring easy setup.

Additionally, the Edge maintains the same haptic feedback and adaptive trigger technology found in the standard DualSense, delivering an immersive gaming experience that sets PS5 games apart from titles on other systems.

The programmable back buttons are a noteworthy improvement for players involved in intricate game mechanics. Users have the ability to assign any button function to these back paddles, enabling actions like reloading or jumping without losing grip on the aiming sticks. In fast-paced shooters, this feature can be pivotal in determining success or failure. Moreover, the controller’s built-in memory accommodates multiple profiles, allowing gamers to switch button configurations quickly using a specific function button.

The adjustable trigger system further augments gameplay by enabling players to set how far they must pull L2 and R2 for actions to be executed. Multiple stop points are provided, minimizing the distance required for trigger pulls. This adjustment is especially advantageous in shooting games, where faster trigger responses yield quicker firing rates. Players can also adjust the dead zones on the analog sticks via the console’s settings menu.

Included with the Edge is a protective carrying case for convenient transportation, along with additional stick caps and a USB cable for wired gameplay. Connectivity options comprise USB-C for tournament environments or scenarios where wireless latency is crucial, although the Bluetooth connection is sufficiently quick for most casual users. Battery life is similar to that of the standard DualSense, offering around 5 to 7 hours of gameplay depending on the use of haptics and adaptive triggers.

Originally listed at $199, the DualSense Edge faced competition from the lower-priced $74 DualSense, which is currently available for about $55-$60. Nonetheless, the enhanced features and comfort provided by the Edge warrant the increased price, representing less than 2.5 times the cost of the basic controller.

The chance to acquire the DualSense Edge at a discounted price on Amazon offers an optimal opportunity for gamers looking to upgrade their gear.

*For further information and to buy the controller, visit [Amazon now](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/5850/).*

Grotesque and surreal ‘farming simulation’ Horses has been banned from the Epic Games Store on the eve of release, a couple of years after a work-in-progress version of the game was rejected by Valve. In an alleged statement to developers Santa Ragione, the Fortnite makers explain that they’ve found the game to be in contravention of policies against “Inappropriate Content” and “Hateful or Abusive Content”. Given that, according to Santa Ragione, Epic have had access to a build for two months and had already approved the game for publication on their store 18 days before launch, the whole thing feels like a frantic response to Valve’s claims about the unfinished build, which Epic presumably haven’t seen.

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# Google Pixel 10: An Attractive Substitute to the iPhone 17

Google’s Pixel 10 smartphones act as direct rivals to the iPhone 17 series, offering exceptional value that underscores the high prices of Apple’s products. Presently, an unlocked Pixel 10 with 128GB storage is listed on Amazon for $549, a considerable reduction from its initial price of $799. This flagship gadget is driven by Google’s cutting-edge Tensor G5 chip, incorporates an advanced triple rear camera setup with 5x optical zoom, and promises seven years of Android updates.

## Gemini AI Integrated Tensor G5 Processing

At the core of the Pixel 10 lies the Tensor G5 chip, the most recent version of Google’s proprietary silicon crafted specifically for AI processing and computational photography. In contrast to standard processors that primarily emphasize benchmark performance, the Tensor G5 thrives in handling intricate machine learning operations directly on the device. This enables users to take advantage of real-time language translation, enhanced image processing, and Gemini AI interactions without depending on cloud services. The framework of this architecture prioritizes efficiency in everyday tasks while also providing additional power when needed.

The integration of Gemini AI transforms the Pixel 10 into an exceptionally interactive assistant capable of comprehending natural dialogue. With features such as Gemini Live, users can easily point their camera at unknown objects or text and pose questions in casual language. This visual lookup functionality is adaptable, assisting with tasks like recognizing plants while hiking or translating signs in real time.

## Superior Camera Setup

The Pixel 10 showcases a remarkable triple rear camera system, highlighted by a 48-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization for clearer images, even in shaky situations. Its 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens offers 5x optical zoom, guaranteeing quality images from afar. Moreover, the 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens amplifies landscape photography and group shots, while Super Res Zoom blends both optical and digital techniques to achieve up to 20x magnification without losing clarity.

Additionally, the Camera Coach feature reviews shot composition in real time, providing suggestions for adjustments that can enhance photo quality. By offering advice on framing, lighting, and positioning as users capture images, this feature assists casual photographers in taking better pictures efficiently.

## Outstanding Display and Battery Performance

The Pixel 10 comes equipped with a 6.3-inch Actua OLED screen featuring a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels. Its refresh rate smartly adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on the content being observed, enhancing battery longevity; for example, still content like reading is displayed at lower refresh rates. The display performs excellently in bright sunlight, achieving peak brightness levels of 3,000 nits, and an IP68 rating guarantees the screen’s durability against immersion in water for up to 30 minutes.

The sturdy 4,970mAh battery of the device provides over 24 hours of battery longevity under typical usage scenarios, allowing users to depend on it throughout the day without needing to charge during midday. It enables fast charging at 30 watts via the USB-C port, and can also use Qi wireless charging at 15 watts for convenient, cable-free charging at home or in a car.

## Conclusion

With a price of $549, the Pixel 10 offers a flagship alternative that includes premium features without the elevated costs commonly found with iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices. This ongoing Cyber Monday promotion highlights the potential for considerable savings during the December shopping season, demonstrating that patience can often lead to better deals than those obtained during the initial holiday shopping frenzy.

Avowed won’t be getting the final update devs Obsidian had planned for this year. Instead the studio have opted to save putting out the new game plus mode they’d planned for this autumn for a big update to make the RPG‘s first birthday in February. To make up the extra wait, the anniversary update’ll be adding some mystery extra bits alongside the already announced features.

The autumn patch was originally set to be the third update delivered to the nature-rific blunderbuss adventure this year. The last one to arrive was the summer update, which aimed to round out the fighting skills of non-magic users so that wizards weren’t having all of the fun.

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**Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Unrivaled Noise Cancellation at an Incomparable Price**

Amazon has kept consistent pricing on certain flagship items following Cyber Monday, particularly marking down the Bose QuietComfort headphones to their lowest price ever. These wireless noise-cancelling headphones are now priced at $199, reduced from the standard price of $349. This considerable discount places them uniquely in a category commonly occupied by mid-tier alternatives that provide lesser performance.

### Adaptive Noise Cancellation

The Bose QuietComfort headphones come with advanced technology that features microphones located around each earcup. These microphones constantly track external sounds and create opposing sound waves to efficiently eliminate unwanted noise before it reaches your ears. This active noise cancellation (ANC) works exceptionally well across a broad spectrum of frequencies, successfully neutralizing sounds from low-frequency airplane engines to the mid-range noise of office conversations.

The ANC system intelligently adjusts in real-time according to your surroundings, automatically lowering cancellation strength when moving from a quiet room to a lively street. Moreover, the soft over-ear cushions form a physical barrier around your ears, improving passive noise isolation and achieving a level of quiet that surpasses what either method could achieve alone.

When focus or rest during travel is required, the Quiet Mode activates complete noise cancellation for optimal auditory isolation. On the other hand, the Aware Mode lets ambient sounds come through, allowing you to hear crucial announcements, conversations, or traffic without the need to take off your headphones. This transparency mode employs the same external microphones used for noise cancellation, seamlessly mixing outside sounds with your audio playback. The capability to switch between these modes with a single button push enables users to quickly adjust to various situations, ensuring both safety and social interaction.

### High-Fidelity Audio

The QuietComfort headphones incorporate high-fidelity audio drivers that provide crisp sound across the entire frequency spectrum, enhancing vocal and instrumental details that are often neglected in lower-end models. Users can customize their audio experience through the Bose Music app, modifying bass, midrange, and treble levels to match personal preferences or adapt to different music genres. For instance, lowering low frequencies can produce clearer mids in bass-centric electronic tracks, while raising treble can bring out string intricacies in acoustic pieces.

With noise cancellation turned on, these headphones deliver an impressive battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge, making them ideal for multiday travel or long work weeks without needing to recharge. A quick 15-minute charge provides around 2.5 hours of playback—perfect for those times when you’re pressed for time. Additionally, the included audio cable with an inline microphone facilitates wired connections when Bluetooth is unavailable or when the battery runs low.

### Multipoint Bluetooth Connectivity

With multipoint Bluetooth technology, these headphones can connect to two devices at once, automatically switching based on the device that starts playing audio. This functionality allows users to stay connected to both a laptop and a phone, allowing for smooth transitions between calls and notifications while enjoying media.

### Comfort for Extended Use

Constructed for comfort, the padded headband evenly shares the headphone’s weight across the top of your head, reducing pressure points that can arise during long use. The over-ear cushions crafted from memory foam and synthetic protein leather provide a luxurious feel against the skin and retain their shape over time, ensuring comfort during long flights or extended work sessions.

At $199, this price point reflects an astounding $150 discount compared to Bose’s premium noise-canceling models, making the QuietComfort headphones a compelling choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners, delivering exceptional adaptive ANC, sound quality, and comfort all in one package.

[**See at Amazon**](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/4702/)

A few weeks ago, developers Beeswax Games released a “spiritual successor” to 2019 freeware game No Players Online on Steam. If you’ve not played the old freeware project – still available on Itch – it’s one of those haunted software jobbies that accentuate the eerieness of elderly 3D simulation tech, and in this case, abandoned FPS multiplayer maps. I was looking forward to playing the successor. But then, spookily, the Steam page vanished. And now, spookily, it’s back.

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### Amazon Black Friday Offers: The iRobot Roomba 105 at Unmatched Price

Amazon continues to present impressive Black Friday offers through early December, making it an ideal moment to consider upgrading your cleaning devices. One of the highlight items is the **iRobot Roomba 105**, now at its best price ever at **$149**, reduced from its typical price of **$299**. This reduction places the Roomba at the same cost as a basic stick vacuum but with the additional advantage of smart cleaning features.

Robot vacuums like the Roomba handle the laborious tasks for you, eliminating the necessity to maneuver a traditional vacuum around your residence multiple times each week. With a robot vacuum, you can reclaim your time for other pursuits while keeping your floors pristine.

### Enhanced Navigation with LiDAR Mapping

A significant attribute of the iRobot Roomba 105 is the **ClearView LiDAR sensor**, which spins as the vacuum navigates through your home. It sends out laser beams and gauges the duration it takes for each beam to return from barriers such as walls and furniture. This data allows the Roomba to generate a precise map of your home, enhancing its comprehension of the layout over time as it meets new obstacles or notices changes in furniture arrangement.

The sophisticated navigation system guarantees efficient cleaning paths, covering floors in orderly, parallel lines similar to mowing grass. This strategy reduces unnecessary passes over already cleaned spots, thereby prolonging battery life and accelerating cleaning tasks. In addition, integrated sensors stop the Roomba from tumbling down stairs or off edges by identifying drop-offs.

### Strong Cleaning Performance

The Roomba 105 incorporates a **three-stage cleaning system**, featuring a multi-surface brush, an edge-sweeping brush, and a suction channel designed for cleaning dirt across various floor surfaces. According to iRobot, this model offers **70 times greater power-lifting suction** compared to their previous 600 series models, effectively extracting dirt from deep within carpet fibers and crevices in hardwood floors. The edge-sweeping brush effectively accesses corners and along baseboards, areas often neglected by traditional circular vacuum motions.

### Intelligent Features for Ease of Use

Owners can manage the Roomba 105 via the Roomba Home app on their smartphones. This capability allows for remote initiation of cleaning sessions from any location and the option to schedule automatic cleaning based on daily habits. Users can mark areas to avoid, such as around pet dishes, and modify the suction strength and number of cleaning passes for different room needs.

In cases where immediate attention is required, the **spot cleaning mode** operates continually for up to five minutes, concentrating on spills or especially dirty spots. Furthermore, the Roomba 105 includes **voice control integration** compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, enabling users to initiate or halt cleaning sessions hands-free. Physical buttons on the unit also provide a simple method to commence cleaning without the need to open the app.

### Cost-Effective Commitment to Cleanliness

At a price of **$149**, the iRobot Roomba 105 shifts from a luxury product to a sensible investment. At this rate, it competes with standard stick vacuums that necessitate user effort for operation. The **50% off promotion** makes advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and smart mapping attainable at a price previously associated only with basic models.

With a blend of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features, the **iRobot Roomba 105** distinguishes itself as an outstanding option for anyone in search of a more effective method to maintain their living environment clean.

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There are two Brendan Greene’s (or PlayerUnknown’s, however you prefer to refer to the game dev). There is the Brendan Greene who wants to listen to the feedback offered up by those partaking in the early access period of his current game, Prologue: Go Wayback. And there is the Brendan Greene who doesn’t, for quite reasonable reasons. Both of these are still him, and both show up in a recent interview.

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### Budget-Friendly Daily Driver: HP 15.6″ Laptop Evaluation

If you’re in the market for a dependable daily driver for activities like internet surfing, productivity software, and streaming without going over budget, take a look at the fantastic offer on the HP 15.6″ laptop, available for **$369**—a notable reduction from its usual price of **$1,999**. This clearance sale presents an appealing choice for those seeking value in performance.

#### Daily Computing Efficiency

The HP 15.6″ laptop is equipped with the **Intel Processor N100**, featuring four cores that can achieve speeds of up to **3.4GHz**. This level of processing power is adequate for everyday computing tasks; however, it may struggle with more intensive tasks such as 4K video editing or gaming. The processor is optimized for lightweight laptops, emphasizing battery life and thermal control over raw benchmark performance.

With **16GB of DDR4 RAM**, this laptop enables smooth multitasking, allowing users to handle multiple browser tabs along with productivity software and video conferencing platforms without experiencing significant lag. The **256GB PCIe NVMe SSD** boosts the system’s efficiency by launching Windows and programs swiftly; users should keep in mind storage limitations, as larger games and media files can fill up space quickly.

#### Screen and Graphics

The **15.6-inch Full HD display** features a resolution of **1920×1080** and comes with an anti-glare finish to reduce reflections. With a brightness level of **250 nits**, it performs reasonably well in standard indoor environments; however, visibility might be limited in bright sunlight. The integrated **Intel UHD graphics** are adequate for video playback and light photo editing but are not suitable for contemporary AAA gaming and intensive creative tasks.

#### Connection and Functionality

This laptop is compatible with **Wi-Fi 6**, which provides quicker connections and improved performance in crowded networks compared to Wi-Fi 5. With **Bluetooth 5.3**, it guarantees reliable connections with wireless devices. Two **USB-A ports** allow for connecting older peripherals without needing adapters, while the **HDMI 1.4b** output enables connections to external monitors and projectors, making it perfect for presentations or increasing workspace.

Operating on **Windows 11 Home**, users receive a familiar interface and support for a wide range of software, including established desktop applications like Adobe products, business applications, and games from platforms such as Steam. The **3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack** works with standard audio equipment, and the integrated webcam satisfies the basic needs for video conferencing, making it well-suited for both professional use and online education.

#### Summary

At **$369**, this HP laptop serves as a strong competitor to Chromebooks, offering complete Windows functionality along with unexpectedly large memory for its price point. The price cut likely signifies an inventory clearance, providing an ideal chance for those needing an economical and effective daily driver.

If you’re interested in buying, check out the [HP 15.6″ Laptop on Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6197/).