Mike Flanagan’s TV series seemed an odd choice, but shines in its portrayal of Carrie and her mother
Amazon Prime’s Carrie Has Flaws, But Makes Wonderful Additions To Stephen King’s Original


Mike Flanagan’s TV series seemed an odd choice, but shines in its portrayal of Carrie and her mother

The Steam Frame, unfortunately RAM shortage-ravaged as it is, is unique among virtual reality headsets for its ability to run Steam games – VR or ‘flat’ alike – entirely on its own, internal compute hardware. It is, in effect, a SteamOS PC for your face. Yet as I waxed about in our review, this feature’s impact could extend far beyond the Frame itself, as it’s based on new compatibility tech that Valve now hope to bring to a broader range of PCs and laptops. Potentially, according to staff speaking with RPS, making bonafide gaming systems out of previously unfriendly computers.


**Bradley Cooper Enters Paramount’s Live-Action G.I. Joe Reboot as Duke**
Actor and filmmaker Bradley Cooper, known for his roles in *The Hangover* and *A Star Is Born*, has officially committed to take on the legendary team leader Duke in Paramount’s forthcoming live-action remake of *G.I. Joe*. This casting choice reflects a larger trend in Hollywood where classic toys and comic book figures are being adapted into films, a trend that seems to be gaining steam.
On October 1, *Deadline* disclosed that Cooper had reached an agreement after a few weeks of talks concerning his participation in the project. Director Danny McBride has always pictured Cooper as the protagonist in this reboot, stressing his wish for the actor to embody the role of Duke. Although there were worries about Cooper’s busy timetable, it appears that reading the screenplay and engaging in conversations with McBride sparked his excitement for joining the film, along with likely financial benefits.
Cooper and McBride have a professional relationship, having worked together on the HBO series *The Righteous Gemstones*, where Cooper had a guest role. Presently, Cooper is also involved in writing, directing, and acting in a prequel to *Ocean’s Eleven*, which remains in production.
Information regarding the storyline is limited, but McBride has hinted that the film will focus on Duke and his team as they battle Cobra in their hometown of Springfield. Notably, he has clarified that this version of *G.I. Joe* will not be a comedy, departing from the lighthearted tone of earlier adaptations.
Moreover, *Deadline* has verified that this upcoming film will not include a crossover with the *Transformers* franchise, which was alluded to in the latest *Transformers* movie. It will also distinguish itself from the previous live-action versions released in 2009 and 2013, as well as the 2021 origins film *Snake Eyes*, which has seemingly faded from public consciousness. McBride’s vision for *G.I. Joe* marks Paramount’s third effort to revive the franchise, and many are optimistic about its potential success.
As the development progresses, fans of the franchise and Cooper’s projects will be keen to witness how this new adaptation of the cherished toy comes to life on the big screen.


**Expectation of Console Scarcity Ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6 Launch**
The enthusiasm surrounding the imminent launch of *Grand Theft Auto 6* is leading to concerns about possible console shortages. As players yet to enhance their setups scramble to acquire new devices ahead of the game’s release in November, supply chains already strained by various factors, including the AI competition, are under considerable pressure. At present, the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) is the console most challenged to meet this escalating demand.
In reaction to the substantial interest, Sony Japan has implemented a purchasing limit and lottery system to guarantee equitable distribution of the PS5 Pro. This new initiative, which applies solely to transactions at the official Sony Store, requires participants to possess a Sony account with at least 60 hours of verified playtime on PS4 or PS5 consoles between September 27, 2024, and September 27, 2026. Eligible gamers can submit an application to acquire one unit of the hardware by October 7, with outcomes revealed by October 26, ensuring delivery in early November, perfectly timed for the eagerly awaited launch of *GTA 6*.
Lottery systems are well-known in Japan’s gaming scene, as shown by comparable measures during the unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2, which featured pre-order lotteries leading to the console’s release. A key point here is that PlayStation sales in Japan have fallen behind those of Nintendo in recent years, primarily due to the elevated costs linked to PlayStation hardware. Although Sony made efforts to mitigate this with a region-locked, lower-priced version for Japan, the success was limited.
The spike in demand for the PS5 Pro, driven by the impending *GTA* debut, underscores a significant shift in consumer preference towards PlayStation’s newest offerings, while regular PS5 units remain sufficiently available. The lottery system may provide a fairer approach to allocating the limited supply, prioritizing engaged gamers on the platform rather than permitting random purchasers to monopolize the inventory.
Additionally, the introduction of this lottery signifies a positive rebound in interest for PlayStation products, potentially boosting sales in Japan amidst fierce competition. Gamers are keen to experience the premium version of *GTA*, with Sony highlighting exclusive enhancements for the PS5 Pro. This scenario also presents a compelling argument for more markets to consider the implementation of a lottery system when addressing shortages of gaming hardware and accessories in the future.