Hey, hey, Geekly Gang! Kyra Kyle here with another week of Geek News. We missed the past couple of weeks; I’ve been busy getting my board games more polished. How have you been these past few weeks? I’ve been tired. Sheesh! My board games are better, but they can always be improved. Getting back to Geek News, we have a handful of new board games and video games this past week, and we’ll get to them soon enough, but let’s catch up on some headlines.

We’ll begin our headlines with PlayStation 6 news. We had quite a few, and we’ll discuss both major ones (backward compatibility and the number of PlayStation 6s we should expect to see), but we’ve been discussing console news for some time. Let’s talk about Bethesda. Ah, Bethesda, the answer to which AAA video game developer releases games with the most bugs.

Starfield Update 1.000.003 Fixes PS5 Bugs?

Bethesda released Starfield earlier this month. Has it really been less than a month? Yikes! Immediately, PlayStation fans unearthed numerous bugs and crashes. Typical Bethesda Softworks. One would think Bethesda would’ve had enough time between Starfield’s Xbox-exclusive release last year and its PlayStation 5 release this year to iron out any bugs, but that isn’t the case. Sony has always had a more difficult coding language, increasing the time needed to release a game on the console, and since Bethesda released Starfield on the Xbox Series S/X in a broken state, the company sank all of its time fixing the Xbox bugs and developing expansions for the new title that the company dedicated little, if any, time to making sure the same bugs didn’t plague the PlayStation 5 release.

Turns out Starfield found new bugs with the PlayStation 5. Reported crashes abound. Players couldn’t save their games. So, Bethesda released Starfield Update 1.000.003 to fix the reported crash issues, but there’s a catch. The patch only fixes issues on the PS5 Pro. If you have the base console, you’ll need to wait longer. As of writing this post, Bethesda has yet to release a patch that will fix the base console PlayStation 5. Maybe the fix drops within the next twenty-four hours, and this is an old news post. But PlayStation 5 owners will still experience plenty of bugs. Update 1.000.003 only fixes some of the bugs. It makes the game playable, but not enjoyable.

And even if Bethesda releases a patch for the baseline PlayStation 5, Starfield’s PS5 release marks the direction the company appears to have taken. Release a new game on Xbox. Give Xbox a year of exclusivity. Spend the entire year fixing the Xbox version of the game because they didn’t release the game in a playable state. Then, when PlayStation owners finally get their copy of the game a year later, repeat the process on the other system. This doesn’t look good for PlayStation owners for Elder Scrolls VI or Fallout 5. If this trend persists, PlayStation owners will have to wait one and a half to two years for the next game in those series. Exclusivity is one thing, but we’ll need to keep an eye on when Starfield becomes an enjoyable experience on PlayStation 5.

PlayStation 6 News

We’ll begin with the definitely good news if true for the PlayStation 6. According to Tom from Moore’s Law Is Dead (MLID), a leaked Sony document with the codename “Canis” states the new PlayStation 6 will support backward compatibility with PS4 and PS5 games. The rumored handheld variant, more on that in a bit, will also run PS6, PS5, and PS4 games. Sony has not confirmed these PS6 backward compatibility claims, and the leaked document is described as “years old,” meaning Sony’s plans may have changed.

If true, this is great news. But I can’t stress enough that this document is described as “years old.” A lot can change in a handful of months. Just ask Bethesda, star of our last segment. Regardless of whether the PlayStation 6 is compatible or not with PS4 and PS5 games, another document, also leaked by MLID, suggests we won’t need to wait long for the PlayStation 6. At one point, possibly “years ago,” Sony intended to release the PlayStation 6 next year (2027). I don’t know how I feel about the PS6 releasing next year. Late last year or early this year (I forget) Sony closed down the PlayStation 4’s online store. Typically, Sony does this to make way for a new console. So, the release date of 2027 makes sense based on Sony’s actions.

But the pandemic slowed down the manufacturing of the PS5, and developers have yet to dig deep with the current console’s features. The PS6 releasing next year seems too soon. It also doesn’t bode well that the PlayStation 5 is the first console to go up in price toward the end of its run. Sony may need to figure out the memory chip crisis. (Thank you, AI, for gobbling up the memory chips.) Personally, I could wait an additional year or two. But what do you think? Let us know in the comments. Would you be excited if the PS6 were released in 2027?

The PS6 release date wasn’t the only thing divulged in a series of leaked documents. Sony plans to move away from a single-console-at-a-time strategy and intends to release three unique versions of the PS6. And we get suggested prices for these systems. Keep in mind, this leaked document was “years old,” which could mean these prices were based on figures before the memory chip crisis. (Screw you, AI.) The flagship console PlayStation 6 could be as little as $999. Yikes! A PS6 Handheld could range between $499 and $699. And a budget-friendly, watered-down PS6 Series S or Lite could range in price between $349 and $549. There’s a lot to unpack.

I don’t have too many notes for the PS6 Handheld. $499-$699 is in line with high-end handhelds. I’d imagine a PS6 Handheld will be more powerful than the Nintendo Switch 2, which hovers just shy of that range. But again, the prices could increase. Speaking of increasing prices, leaker MLID believes the flagship PS6 could be as much as $1199 with rising prices. Double yikes! And then we get to the odd duck of the bunch, the PS6 Lite. We’ll go with Lite.

The Xbox Series S/X has proven the dangers of producing two consoles with the same name but differing capabilities. It’ll be difficult for a PS6 Handheld to work at the same level as a flagship PS6, but that’s to be expected. That’s forgivable. Two home consoles of differing capabilities cause frustration and confusion.

Do you release a title on the flagship PS6 and not for the PS6 Lite because the game requires too much computing power? That would leave PS6 Lite owners feeling like they don’t own a PS6, so what would be the point of owning a PS6 Lite? Do developers code toward the flagship PS6 and short shrift the PS6 Lite? Bethesda did just that in our other segment, favoring the PS5 Pro over the base PS5. Technically, both consoles received the game, but one gets a playable version of the game and the other doesn’t. Or do developers code for the lowest common denominator and favor the PS6 Lite? This would render an upgrade to the flagship PS6 meaningless. $999 (or $1199) is a lot to drop on a meaningless console upgrade. Each developer will make their own choices. The choices will differ. And the result is bedlam.

Again, this leak comes from a dated (years-old) document. Sony’s plans might have changed, but I’ll also remind readers that Sony shut down the PS4 store, meaning the company intends to release the PS6 sometime soon (with its store only servicing PS5 and PS6 owners). And again, I’ll advocate for Sony and Xbox waiting to release their new consoles until after the memory chip crisis resolves. The only reason Sony intends to release a flagship PS6 and a PS6 Lite is that memory chips are so expensive. $999 as the low-end for a new system could price out countless gamers. I don’t know if I’m ready to drop $1199 on a console. I may return to retro gaming. Yowza!

This is a developing story. We’ll keep you posted if Sony confirms or denies any of these leaks.

Reactor Rescue Launches on KickStarter

In Reactor Rescue, players take on the role of engineers whose spacecraft have malfunctioned while en route to fix a failing reactor in the city of Electra. Each player must repair their own vehicle by building real electronic circuits, before returning to the city. Only one engineer will complete their mission.

To make repairs, players must collect electronic component cards that represent real electronic parts such as a LED, buzzer, switch, motor, sensors etc. These parts are then used to build actual working circuits using modular, magnetic Labbox blocks.

There are three level of circuit cards, that represent specific circuit blueprints, that players need to complete by managing scarce resources.

Gameplay involves strategic card management, circuit-building, and a strategy to fix your vehicle first. Players can lock in components for future use, swap cards from the deck, and physically test whether their circuits function as required. The first player to complete all their vehicle’s circuit repairs wins the game.

Thank you for the description, HaPe International and Labbox (Reactor Rescue’s publishers). Reactor Rescue has massive toy factor. The game also looks great on the table, so phenomenal table presence. Reactor Rescue is one of those games passersby can’t help but pause and watch for a few rounds. While the game length (1-2 hours) gives me pause, the mechanisms and the game’s description above make me think individual turns won’t take too long.

Throw in some STEM elements, and Reactor Rescue is one of those educational games I wouldn’t have mind playing when I was young. That being said, Reactor Rescue skews toward the younger side with its demographics. Still, I would say no to a round or two of Reactor Rescue. It looks engaging. I could find enjoyment connecting the circuits to one another. In short, Reactor Rescue looks cool. Its pledge levels run a little on the high side, ranging from $75-$291, but I don’t know too many people, outside of educators, who would want the nearly three-hundred-dollar version of Reactor Rescue. You’ll find plenty at the $75 level. If you’re interested in Reactor Rescue, check out its KickStarter page.

Button Shy Micro Games: Spring 2026 Arrives on KickStarter

Button Shy releases their first collection (for 2026). That’s right. Button Shy Micro Games has released their Spring 2026 collection. A few reprints (Rove: Results-Oriented Versatile Explorer, Aqua Rove, and a secret reprint) join newcomers Astro Rove, The Rise of a Jarl, Everything Machine, and Shaper. We won’t discuss the reprints too much, they’re previous versions of one of the new games (Astro Rove), anyway, so let’s get to the new stuff. Bring on Astro Rove.

Astro ROVE is a solo spatial puzzler. The player must complete missions by using their movement cards to align ROVE’s modules in the proper pattern. As ROVE travels further, efficient use of movement points and module abilities becomes paramount to success. Thanks for the description, Button Shy.

I’ve never played ROVE, but the concept sounds great for a solo game. Clearly, the game has fans. Astro ROVE may be the twelfth or fifteenth entry in the series. I don’t count as well whenever I have to take off my shoes to count toes. This proves ROVE has plenty of fans, and I may have a new series to explore.

Build up your Viking civilization through resource management, balancing expansion with defense to protect your gains. Devote your efforts to long-term innovations or focus on accumulating wealth and increasing your population. Forge your own path through the Viking Age and leave your mark on the known world.

I’ll say thank you to Button Shy again for the description for The Rise of a Jarl, but that’ll be a blanket thank you. All future descriptions of Button Shy Games will be by the publisher. The Rise of a Jarl intrigues me. I don’t know of too many 4X solo games. It’s also an engine-building game with options. If multiple paths are equally valid for winning, sign me up. And the artwork for the games in this collection are what we’ve come to expect from Button Shy. Top notch.

Each turn, the team of engineers queries a row or column of the grid, and the Machine player provides a clue that fits all of the hidden attributes of the queried cards. As the Engineers guess, cards are revealed or removed from the grid. Final scoring is determined by the total number of turns required as well as incorrect guesses, so move quickly and accurately to earn the best score.

Oh, my! Everything Machine is one of those games I would like to play, but would stink at playing. Speed could make Everything Machine trickier than most games of this ilk. In the example above, “natural” and “bright” are the two clues on the back of the card, so in this example, the clue giver (the Machine) says, “sun,” because the sun is natural and bright. It fits both criteria. I don’t know how I feel about blurting out answers to beat opposing players, but I do like quick and easy word games.

Create unique images to communicate your secret clue in this cooperative picture-making game. Take turns channeling your inner artist to complete all the clues and win.

We go from a word-guessing game in Everything Machine to a picture clue-making game in Shaper. I like the concept of abstract art cards being used to create shapes. Shapers sounds like a more interactive Dixit. I’d definitely give this one a try.

And those are all the new games in Button Shy’s Spring 2026 collection. I do wonder when a wallet game (a game that fits inside a wallet) can still be considered a wallet game with a dozen or more expansions. I’m looking at you, ROVE. Still, I’m always interested in new Button Shy releases. The company has a great track record for fantastic games that take little table space. If only one game strikes your fancy, you may pledge $15. Or you could get all the games for $54. If you’re interested in Button Shy’s Spring 2026 collection, check out its KickStarter page.

Yotei Launches on KickStarter

Set in Niseko, a breathtaking region on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, this board game brings the local scenery, people, and wildlife to life. We’ve paid special attention to environmental sustainability by using Hokkaido-sourced wood for the tokens, while the artwork—created by a talented Japanese illustrator—is based on real people, landscapes, and events from the community.

In this game, you’ll craft the most enchanting Hokkaido town. Your currency? Potatoes. Bid with them, unearth more when you run short, and welcome the delights of the north: savory ramen, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu, delicate sushi; wild trout, mighty Ezo-bears, curious red foxes; and iconic developments from snowy ski resorts to serene hot-spring villages. With evolving tactics each round, the game stays fresh and captivating from start to finish.

Play this game to experience an authentic slice of life in Hokkaido. Despite the adorable “kawaii” illustrations, it’s a highly strategic, heart-pounding contest that will leave you eager for “just one more round.”

Thank you, Kumagera Seisaku G.K., for the description. Yotei looks amazing. I love the bits. Those pawns (pictured above) look adorable. They play well with the 3D wooden pieces. I can’t believe Yotei fits so much game into a small box, or at least a smaller box. Games only last 30-60 minutes. The publisher using the phrase “just one more round” in its description rings true if games of Yotei don’t take too long. The theme screams life in Hokkaido. I know Season would want to get her hands on this title. I don’t blame her. With multiple paths to victory, Yotei is on my radar. If you’re interested in Yotei, check out its KickStarter page.

Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors Releases

From the creators of Vampire Survivors comes a turbo-charged, turn-based roguelite deckbuilder. Deal world-ending combos, blitz through infested dungeons, and master the Turboturn to obliterate hordes of familiar foes with a chaotic hand of cards. Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors is a way too long title for a video game. Let’s shorten it to Vampire Crawlers. Even though Vampire Crawlers is set in the same universe as Vampire Survivors, players don’t need to have played the previous game to play this one. Vampire Crawlers has also received overwhelming praise.

Vampire Crawlers channels its inner Slay the Spire, but it’s so much more than that. I’ve said it before, and I’m saying it again, roguelites are having a moment this past year to year and a half. Vampire Crawlers is just the latest in this trend. And with a suggested MSRP of around $10, Vampire Crawlers has an attractive price point. Why not give the latest, hot roguelite a shot? Vampire Crawlers is available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch.

Tides of Tomorrow Releases

From the makers of Road 96 comes a groundbreaking narrative adventure. Your choices shape the story for other players. Follow in your friends’ footsteps, face the consequences of their actions, and choose the fate of this plasticpunk world. Thank you for the description, THQ Nordic. Tides of Tomorrow sounds groundbreaking. My actions will impact my friends. What? Tides of Tomorrow’s promotional video also suggests following in the footsteps of your favorite online creators. While that also sounds amazing, I can see parasocial relationships deepen with games like Tides of Tomorrow. Potential consequences aside, Tides of Tomorrow sounds amazing.

Tides of Tomorrow has received great reviews. It hasn’t received as many reviews as I would like in certifying the game as having amazing reviews, but still, the reviews I have seen have touted Tides of Tomorrow. The biggest issues I’ve seen (from critics and gamers alike) echo some of the ones I mentioned above. If you can affect the game for others, griefers can–and will–have a field day. Yowza! I didn’t even think about griefers. But Tides of Tomorrow does give players the option of who to follow. If you want the best game experience, choose wisely. So, I’m thinking I don’t follow Dr. Disrespect’s storyline. LOL Tides of Tomorrow is available on PC and PlayStation 5.

Kiln Releases

Grab your friends to assemble a team of colorful spirits, then sculpt ceramic battle armor on a pottery wheel. The size and shape of your pots determine their play-style and abilities—work together to douse the enemy’s kiln. From Double Fine Productions (the same publishers of PsychoNauts and Brutal Legend) comes Kiln. Don’t look now, but we have three new video game releases that have good to great reviews. And we have another game with innovative mechanisms. In Kiln, players construct their own armor and weapons on a massive pottery wheel and unleash them on the enemy team.

I love Kiln’s graphics. They’re equal parts whimsical, adorable, and impressive. I hope the gameplay matches the frenetic energy of the angry pot, picture above. Kiln knows what it is. It’s a party game and doesn’t try to be anything else. Something tells me that I won’t mind losing in a game like this. Kiln has the vibe of a game that doesn’t take itself seriously, so why should players take the outcome of the game too seriously? I can’t wait to sculpt ceramic battle armor. Rawr! Kiln is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X.

And that’s all the Geek News we have for this week. Which games are you most interested in playing? Let us know in the comments. Thank you for reading, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a great day.