This Week in PC Games: New Hooded Horse City-Builder, PS2-Style Horror Experience, School-Day RPG, and Notable Catfish Encounter

### Apple AirPods Pro 3: An In-Depth Recap

Apple officially unveiled the AirPods Pro 3 in September 2023, signifying an exciting advancement in its lineup of wireless earbuds. With a price tag of $249, these earbuds have swiftly attracted attention not only for their sound performance but also for their cutting-edge features. Currently, a promotion has dropped the price to $199 on Amazon, the lowest price ever seen for this model.

#### Price Reduction and Holiday Deals

The AirPods Pro 3 are now offered at a 20% reduction on Amazon, presenting an ideal opportunity for potential buyers. With complimentary shipping included, ordering now guarantees delivery of these earbuds before the holiday season, making them a fantastic gift for audio lovers or a personal upgrade for those seeking an enhanced listening experience.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6363/)

#### Upgraded Audio Experience

At first sight, the AirPods Pro 3 bear similarities to their predecessor, the AirPods Pro 2, yet they feature a subtle redesign with new foam-infused silicone ear tips for improved comfort. The enhancements in acoustic design significantly elevate sound quality, delivering rich and deep audio. Users can anticipate intricate clarity that brings every instrument and vocal to life, rendering this meticulously crafted audio experience truly pleasurable.

#### Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

A prominent feature of the AirPods Pro 3 is their superior Active Noise Cancellation. These earbuds can eliminate up to twice the unwanted noise when compared to the previous version, making them perfect for immersive listening in various settings, whether in a lively café or a busy office. For moments when users wish to remain aware of their environment, the Transparency mode allows ambient sounds to come through, providing a well-rounded listening experience.

#### Tailored Sound and Hearing Health Tools

The AirPods Pro 3 employs next-generation Adaptive EQ to tailor sound according to the unique structure of each user’s ear, ensuring a customized audio profile. Additionally, they come with several tools designed to safeguard hearing health. Users can perform an at-home hearing assessment and use the earbuds to enhance surrounding voices as needed, offering a supportive feature for those in loud settings. Other significant health attributes include heart rate tracking and monitoring of calories burned over 50 different workout types.

#### Real-Time Translation Feature

Utilizing Apple Intelligence, the AirPods Pro 3 boasts a distinctive Live Translation function that facilitates real-time translation for face-to-face dialogues. This capability allows users to communicate with speakers of foreign languages effortlessly, with immediate translation, simplifying interactions for travelers and multilingual exchanges.

#### Outstanding Battery Life

The battery longevity of the AirPods Pro 3 is impressive, providing up to 8 hours of uninterrupted listening with ANC engaged and up to 10 hours with Transparency mode and Hearing Aid functionality. This duration is perfect for extensive use throughout the day.

#### Conclusion: A Timely Purchase

The current price of $199 for the AirPods Pro 3 highlights a substantial drop for a recently launched product. With the holiday season on the horizon, this is the perfect time to acquire these advanced earbuds, taking advantage of both their sophisticated features and the appealing price point.

[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6363/)

Sony are breaking up with PC, reportedly! The PlayStation creators will no longer release big PS5 singleplayer games on things that are not actual PlayStations, according to “people familiar with the company’s plans”. In the short term, Sony will no longer publish a PC port of Ghost of Yōtei, sequel to windblown action samurai game Ghost of Tsushima.

It’s all part of a pivot back towards the simpler days of console exclusivity, the insiders claim, and forms a stark contrast with rival Microsoft’s wheedling ambition to treat every piece of hardware like an Xbox.

Read more

# The Lasting Impact of The Simpsons: Hit and Run

There was a period when the gaming world boasted thrilling releases inspired by *The Simpsons*. Although not every title was a success, similar to the episodes of the celebrated animated show, there was a unique joy in navigating the realm of Springfield through different interactive formats. Nonetheless, in recent times, new releases have dwindled, leading to noticeable frustration among fans. Still, the legacy of one seminal game—*The Simpsons: Hit and Run*—persists, providing fans with multiple avenues to revisit its open-world escapades.

## The Ultimate Way to Experience *The Simpsons: Hit and Run*

The best method to savor *The Simpsons: Hit and Run* today is via Donut Team’s custom PC launcher. This dedicated modding team has spent over ten years refining the original, often flawed PC version. Their work enables contemporary users to enjoy the game effortlessly while adding new features, bug fixes, and mod support.

To begin, players need a digital copy of *The Simpsons: Hit and Run* for PC, which can prove difficult due to its scarcity and price. Current eBay listings show sealed copies fetching prices over $70. While there are other online means to obtain the game, details on those methods are best kept private.

Once you secure the game, installing the modified launcher involves downloading it from Donut Team’s official website, directing it to your current installation, and in no time, you’ll be back in the lively streets of Springfield. This updated version supports modern controllers and enhances the visuals, making the experience feel revitalized even years after its launch.

Additionally, the excitement continues; players can navigate a broad array of mods from Donut Team that introduce new vehicles, missions, and even elements from other *Simpsons* games, ensuring a vibrant and continuously evolving gameplay experience.

## How to Play *The Simpsons: Hit and Run* on Steam Deck

Donut Team’s work extends to more than standard PC environments, as their launcher and mods are compatible with the Steam Deck. While using a physical disc version on the device isn’t feasible, the community has shared methods to run the game on this portable console, as presented in various online tutorials. Although it does necessitate some technical proficiency to transfer files and access desktop mode, the rewards are significant.

Players who have set up *Hit and Run* on their Steam Deck have remarked on the convenience of engaging with this nostalgic title anywhere at any time. With some additional adjustments, the gameplay can be further optimized, and adding mods breathes new life into the experience that resonates with long-time enthusiasts.

## Playing *The Simpsons: Hit and Run* through Emulation

For those seeking a more traditional console-like feel, emulation offers another path. Programs such as PCXS2 and Dolphin allow users to run *The Simpsons: Hit and Run* on PC, effectively mirroring its original gameplay. However, there are compromises; the visual quality may not align with the enhancements available in Donut Team’s launcher, and the nostalgic essence may differ from the modded experiences.

Although many nostalgic gamers tend to emulate less frequently nowadays, the appeal of recalling when they first played the game on PlayStation 2 or GameCube remains potent. Emulating provides a viable option for players aiming to relive those early experiences.

## The Least Favorable Way to Play *The Simpsons: Hit and Run*

Out of all options, playing *The Simpsons: Hit and Run* on original hardware, such as the PlayStation 2, offers the least enjoyment in 2026. While the idea of rekindling that nostalgia can be enticing, the challenges of setup—locating a working console, connecting everything, and managing outdated technology—render it less convenient compared to current alternatives.

Though the nostalgia of gathering friends for a late-night gaming session is undeniable, the ease and enhancements offered through modern systems overshadow the experience of original hardware, making it the least preferred choice.

In summary, even though *The Simpsons: Hit and Run* was launched years ago, the enthusiasm of the community and technological innovations ensure it remains a cherished game. Whether through Donut Team’s launcher on PC or emulation approaches, fans have numerous ways to enjoy this classic title that continues to occupy a significant place in gaming history.