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August 2020

Power Button - Episode 314: Avengers Beta, Assemble!

Power ButtonHave you heard about this new Marvel's Avengers game coming out soon?  We certainly have, and on this week's podcast we're discussing the beta version of the game that has been available on and off for the past few weeks.  Corey is back with us this week to help us pick it apart, put it back together, and look ahead to the finished version of the game and beyond to the datamined list of future playable characters.  Excelsior, and all of that stuff! Download this week's episode directly from PTB, listen with the player below, find us on Stitcher, subscribe via iTunes and Google Play, toss this RSS feed into your podcast aggregation software of choice, and be sure to catch up on past episodes if you're joining us late. Remember that you can reach us via , you can leave a message on the Power Button hotline by calling (720) 722-2781, and you can even follow us on Twitter at @PressTheButtons and @GrundyTheMan, or for just podcast updates, @ThePowerButton. We also have a tip jar if you'd like to kick a dollar or two of support our way. 


Power Button - Episode 313: Paper Mario, The Origami Killer

Power ButtonWe can't resist a new Paper Mario title (except for when we do), so on this week's episode of the podcast we're discussing the first half of Paper Mario: The Origami King for the Nintendo Switch.  There are lots of spoilers in here for the red and blue streamer areas plus a little bit beyond, so hold off on joining us for this one until you reach the Monty Mole village if you are concerned about spoilers.  We'll pick up the second half of the adventure when Blake gets around to finishing it. Download this week's episode directly from PTB, listen with the player below, find us on Stitcher, subscribe via iTunes and Google Play, toss this RSS feed into your podcast aggregation software of choice, and be sure to catch up on past episodes if you're joining us late. Remember that you can reach us via , you can leave a message on the Power Button hotline by calling (720) 722-2781, and you can even follow us on Twitter at @PressTheButtons and @GrundyTheMan, or for just podcast updates, @ThePowerButton. We also have a tip jar if you'd like to kick a dollar or two of support our way. 


Williams Pinball: Vol. 6 Coming To Pinball FX3

Williams Pinball Volume 6Zen Studios has gone quiet over the past few months when it comes to new pinball table announcements for Pinball FX3, but the company is back on track with the upcoming Williams Pinball: Volume 6 which includes three more classic Williams tables coming to the usual platforms Sony PlayStation 4, Microsoft Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows 10, and Steam. Mobile users can play through the Williams Pinball app on iOS and Google Play.  This pack includes 1990's infamous FunHouse (with Rudy!),  1987's Space Station, and 1990's Dr. Dude and His Excellent Ray.  There's no announced release date yet, but the tables will include the usual FX3 features including challenge modes and leaderboards.  You know, the usual.  If it ain't broken, don't fix it.  Check out the trailer.


PS5 To Be Compatible With Some PS4 Accessories, But Not All

DualSenseAllowing a previous console generation's accessories to be compatible with a new generation of hardware can be a double-edged sword.  On the one hand, it's great for players if those nice arcade sticks, steering wheels, and cameras bought last generation work with the next one because there's no need to replace perfectly functional equipment.  On the other hand, forcing a clean break with accessories allows the console manufacturer to better control their messaging and draw a line in the sand regarding what does and does not work with the new hardware.  I'm reminded of when Nintendo made their Wii controllers compatible with the Wii U which sounded like a great idea at the time but ultimately confused customers in just what accessory worked with what piece of hardware.  Now with Sony preparing to launch its new PlayStation 5, players are wondering if anything from the PS4 era will carry forward.  This morning the company clarified that information

Which existing PS4 peripherals/accessories will work on PS5?

  • Specialty peripherals, such as officially licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks, will work with PS5 games and supported PS4 games.
  • The Platinum and Gold Wireless Headsets, as well as third-party headsets that connect via USB port or audio jack, will work on PS5 (the headset companion app is not compatible with PS5).
  • The DualShock 4 wireless controller and PlayStation officially licensed third-party gamepad controllers will work with supported PS4 games. 
  • Both the PS Move Motion Controllers and the PlayStation VR Aim Controller will work with supported PS VR games on PS5.

Please note, not all PlayStation officially licensed or third-party peripherals/accessories may work on PS5. We recommend checking with the manufacturer to confirm whether a product will work on PS5 and specific titles. 

Will DualShock 4 work with PS5 games?

No, we believe that PS5 games should take advantage of the new capabilities and features we’re bringing to the platform, including the features of DualSense wireless controller.

Is the PlayStation Camera for PS4 compatible with PS5?

Yes, PlayStation Camera will work with PS5 for playing supported PS VR games. It will require a PlayStation Camera adaptor that will be provided at no additional cost to PS VR users. More details on how to get the adaptor will be announced at a later date.

I'm very glad that most of my PS4 gear will work with the PS5, particularly the PS VR equipment.  It's also above and beyond for Sony to send out free adaptors for the PS Camera, so that is greatly appreciated.  As for the DualShock 4 controller, I understand why that will not work with PS5 games.  Sony is showcasing new technology in the DualSense controller that comes with the PS5 and players may be unable to properly play those new games with a controller not built to support them.  Just imagine playing a PS4 game with a DualShock 3 controller from the PlayStation 3 era.  Sure, you'd have your basic buttons, but add-ons like the touch pad, light bar, and audio jack would be missing, and regardless of how you feel about those features, some PS4 games require them and will assume you have them on the controller.  Sony is not going to allow players to use older controllers that will negatively impact the experience of their new console, particularly in the launch window when people will show off their new purchases to friends and family.