Today’s Item: Sony PlayStation 5

Ever since the PS5 was launched in late 2020, I wanted to get my hands on it but due to the massive waitlist and chip shortages, I couldn't grab my hands on it on Day One but since I've been patient long enough, I've been given the chance to lay my finger on Sony's newest masterpiece.

Unlike the Xbox Series S that I've experienced several months ago, this PS5 has a disc drive and it's capable to play most of the old PS4 games I have on my shelves. Although this variant can massively break a grown man's bank account, it's money well spent for the latest evolution of the PlayStation.

The box contains the quick start guide, the safety guide, an HDMI cable, USB Type C cable, an electrical plug, a DualSense controller, a base, and of course, the PlayStation5.

First impressions are somewhat a nervous one because when you try to position your very own PS5, you will notice that in its horizontal position, it feels wobbly and unstable, perhaps this is the main reason why the base is included so you can add stability to its horizontal position. When you position the PS5 vertically, it's fine and you don't need a base because when you use it, it feels like it's about to slide down. On the plus side, you can stow your controller.

As you turn it on for the very first time, you are prompted to do some settings as well as logging in with your PlayStation Network account and apply updates, not to mention transferring data from your PS4, which can take almost a day to complete the process, mind you.

After a lengthy setup, your PS5 is now operational. You can roam around through its home screen or if you want to find out just how good this new console is, you can play a game titled Astro's Playroom, which comes free on this console. This cute complimentary game included in the PS5 demonstrates the DualSense controller's capabilities.

The DualSense controller is unlike any other controller from PlayStation's pasts. The vibration feels like you're living in the game and the L2+R2 triggers are feeling heavy to press, which is rather unique for a new kind of controller. The downside is the part where you'll have to blow through the built-in microphone located below because, by the time you're done, you'd better clean it up because you spew a little saliva on it while blowing through the microphone, mind you.

There is of course another downside to the PS5. You know the part where some of your favorite PS4 games, including your Demon Slayer game you've spent hours playing, come with a PS5 upgrade? There's the problem; progress from your PS4 version cannot be carried to the PS5 version. It might be better if you're playing the PS4 version of your game on your PS5 if you care about your saved data. Ouch.

Despite downsides, I'm glad I got the chance to try the PS5 and looks like I'll be spending the rest of my life playing with it within the long term. I guess those who are lucky enough to have one experienced such problems from the beginning but got on with it anyway. With respect to them.

As the saying goes, Number 5 is alive! Let's go!

Today's Item: Xbox Series S

Welcome to another installment of Today's Item where I'm showcasing my recently obtained items for you to see and today's item went a bit minimal because the gaming console that I just bought is not what I've expected to be.

You're looking at the Xbox Series S, the digital-only variant of the recently launched Xbox Series X gaming console. Priced at less than three hundred dollars plus additional costs, the Series S offers the same strengths as the Series X but without the disc drive. It's powerful, fast, and can play games in 4K or better. It can even play old Xbox games that you've bought it digitally, well almost.

I've heard a lot of horror stories about the contents inside the box because some say, what's inside the box is only the console for minimalist purposes. Close enough because what I found in the box aside from the console are the HDMI cable to plug it on your 4K TV, an electrical plug to plug it in, and a controller with two AA batteries included. That's all.

After several setups later, I've finally got the new Xbox up and running. The menu feels a bit like the one from the Xbox One's by the way.

Thanks to the fact that my digital Xbox game library's still intact, I've managed to install some of my frequently played games on this console, including Forza Horizon 4, which is now enhanced for Series X and S owners. Thanks to its powerful and fast specs, the loading times have been sharply cut and the graphics never felt so alive even in 4K.

As you may be noticed, the new Xbox controller comes with a new share button in the middle. Press it during gameplay and a snapshot is made. Hold the share button and a gameplay clip has been recorded. Simple as that.

Thoughts about the Series S that I have? Well, it's not what I've expected but it works rather well. Thanks to such capabilities, it sharply cuts loading times and it delivers clear and livelier graphics compared to the Xbox One range.

To be honest, I was originally going to buy the Series X by the time a certain store said they have limited stocks but sadly, I was too late and I was forced to buy the Series S instead.

Bad luck truly hit me but don't worry, by the time the Series X gets a facelift very soon, I swear that I will buy it. You can count on it. But in the meantime, I might as well make do with the digital-only Series S variant.

Case closed.

Today's Item: GSC SSSS.GRIDMAN Primal Accepter

Welcome to our new segment titled "Today's Item", where I will show you some new items that I got recently and then show it to you just to see what is like and how it works.

For today's installment, with the upcoming SSSS.DYNAZENON, the latest TV anime from the world of Gridman, is around us, it might be a better time to binge watch the TV anime that started it all; SSSS.GRIDMAN. As the world waits for the next chapter of the Gridman universe, the replica of the item the SSSS.GRIDMAN main character Yuta Hibiki had, the Primal Accepter, has arrived and I got the chance to show it to you.

Here it is, the replica of the Primal Accepter as seen in the TV anime, made possible by our friends from Good Smile Company. Before opening it, let's take a moment to appreciate the illustration in the front of the box, which is surprisingly dramatic and awesome in every way. Anyway, no time for words, let's unbox it.

Inside, there's the said replica and a strap to put it on.

Styled just like in the anime series and it only needs three AAA batteries to operate it. Like most toys, you had to take the screw off to remove the battery cover in order to place the required batteries and then put it back. What a pain in the butt.

With the strap on, your Primal Accepter replica's ready for action and oh, in case you are working for the Yuta Hibiki cosplay, it's best to position it on your left arm.

Switched on, you have a chance to press two different buttons. The red button goes for the sound effects with the third one really rocked me. It's the Grid Beam SFX and best to stand well back because this sound effect blows you away. The blue button, meanwhile, triggers dialogues from Gridman, as heard from the TV anime, and when you hold the blue button, you can trigger in-anime BGMs including the TV-sized version of the anime's opening theme song.

...and there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. The fully-working replica of the Primal Accepter as seen on the SSSS.GRIDMAN TV anime series. It triggers lights and sounds just like the real thing and it's a must-have item for cosplayers trying to cosplay as Yuta Hibiki from the anime so they can have something to say "ACCESS FLASH" with it!

Enjoy your new toy...and don't tell Akane Shinjo about this.