The announcement of the the Ryzen 5000 series of chips earlier this month heralded a new day for gamers. After taking the lead in most multi-threaded application with the previous generation of chips, AMD has signalled that they are ready to supplant Intel at the summit of Mt Gaming with this new release. READ MORE: First PlayStation 5 Console Unboxings Arrive Online Making the chips even more attractive for gamers is the fact that the Ryzen 5000 series will not bring with it a new socket, making it possible for gamers to simply swap out their older Ryzen CPUs for the new ones. These days a penny saved is a penny earned more than ever and such a budget-friendly policy is tempting me to switch to AMD for my next build. The process though is not that simple; if you have an existing Ryzen system you have to update the BIOS and anyone who's done that knows that it is a nerve-wracking prospect as loadshedding at the wrong time could brick your board. But to save a few thousand Rand, the risk is worth it, just make sure to check your schedules. Eskom woes aside, Gigabyte have just announced that the first batch of motherboards can be updated via @BIOS or Q-Flash, you just have to go to the Gigabyte site and download the new files. For those that remember the last round of BIOS updates required and AMD lending buyers an older Ryzen CPU so as to enable them to flash their BIOS', no need to worry, Gigabyte's Q-Flash Plus allows you to flash the BIOS without a CPU, memory or GPU. If you have the following chipsets you can pick up the corresponding updated BIOS files from their site: Chipset : BIOS Version X570 : F31 B550 : F11 A520 : F11 If you own a B450 or X470 board you will have to wait a little longer as Gigabyte is still working on Ryzen 5000 support for those chipsets. According to AMD they believe that the compatible AGESA Code is likely to be ready for release to the board manufacturers sometime in the next couple of months, meaning that updated BIOS' for Ryzen 5000 are likely to release in January 2021.

Following the news that selected US media outlets had already received early PlayStation 5 units, it seems like the embargo has been lifted for unboxing videos and comparisons to arrive online. The video we'll be showcasing here is courtesy of IGN, who provided a thorough unboxing of the PS5, showing its size, how to attach the stand horizontally and vertically, as well as a closer examination of the various ports and angles. The PS5 console is reportedly a weighty next-gen piece of hardware, as many other media unboxings have also pointed out, but it comes with a striking beauty. READ MORE: God of War to Run at 60FPS on PS5, Saves Will Be Transferred Over IGN revealed the PS5 in a recent unboxing video showing everything you get when you purchase Sony's next-gen console. The first thing you'll notice is the box-within-a-box approach to protecting the PS5, with the DualSense controller, instruction manual, HDMI 2.1 chord, and the power chord slotted into the top compartments. The PS5 is protected by firm cardboard holdings as you remove it from the box. Inside the box, you'll find the PS5 stand which allows for users to lay it horizontally and vertically - vertically will involve finding a screw in a hidden compartment in the stand. Otherwise, it's as simple as clipping the console onto the stand with little to no signs of shaking or wobbling. Apart from the early unboxings, we also got a variety of early impressions from media outlets. Jason Schreier praised the DualSense controller, saying it feels more "next-gen" than any graphical improvements we've seen yet. The Verge compares the size of the PS5 next to both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X, showing the console's towering presence over Microsoft's next-gen hardware. From what we've seen so far, at least aesthetically, the PS5 is a very attention-demanding console when it sits in your living room. The futuristic design is eye-catching and steals a lot of thunder from Xbox's more minimal design approach, though it also depends on personal preference at the end of the day. Images below courtesy of The Verge: Stay tuned to Nexus Hub as we'll bring you more coverage over the next few weeks!

As we draw closer to the launch of next-gen consoles, developers have been teasing the potential of next-gen games looking and playing vastly better on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. With free next-gen upgrades being offered from most developers and publishers, it looks like Ubisoft is also embracing that next-gen power as they announced that a large majority of their new titles will get a great amount of benefits. From Far Cry 6 and Immortals Fenyx Rising to Assassin's Creed Valhalla and For Honor, here's everything you can expect from the next-gen versions of these titles and more. READ MORE: Review: FIFA 21 Assassin's Creed Valhalla - Xbox Series X: Take in the mysterious Northern Lights of Norway or the majesty of England’s Stonehenge in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second on Xbox Series X. - PlayStation 5: PS5 players can immerse themselves in the stunning open world with the power of the Tempest 3D Audio Engine to hear the environment around them, along with detailed 4K and 60 frames per second visuals. Immortals Fenyx Rising - Xbox Series X: Explore a stylised open world rendered at 60 frames per second in 4K ultra high definition resolution on the Xbox Series X, using High Dynamic Range technology for richer and deeper colours on compatible screens. - PlayStation 5: Immerse yourself in a beautiful open world and feel the environment like never-before thanks to the Tempest 3D Audio engine and PS5 DualSense haptic feedback. Experience stunning 4K graphics and smooth action-packed 60 frame per second gameplay. Far Cry 6 Far Cry has never looked so stunning, with luscious tropical vistas rendered at 60 frames per second and 4K resolutions on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Riders Republic - Xbox Series X: With the power of the Xbox Series X you can bolt through the open world by ground or air in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, letting you experience the rush of every race, jump and trick. - PlayStation 5: Race through the National Parks of the United States in 4K and 60 frames per second. Rainbow Six Siege Rainbow Six Siege is coming to next-generation devices, and you’ll be able to play in 4K resolution at 120 frames per second for the best Siege experience on console. For Honor 4K resolution on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, and 1080p resolution for the Xbox Series S. The team is also happy to confirm that 60 frames per second gameplay will be available for all next gen consoles in early December for the start of For Honor’s upcoming season.

Santa Monica Studio's groundbreaking PlayStation 4 title God of War made a splash in 2018, not only earning itself Game of the Year but also topping the lists of best games of the generation and decade. The decision to deviate from Kratos' bloody past and instead focus on his turbulent relationship with his son proved to be an emotional rollercoaster, alongside the game's massive action set pieces and stunning visuals. Two years later, and players will get to experience God of War again on PS5 as Sony has announced some big upgrades to the next-gen version, including 60FPS and transferrable save files. READ MORE: Destruction All-Stars Gets Pushed to February 2021, Launches on PS+ Santa Monica Studios announced on Twitter that God of War, much like Sucker Punch's Ghost of Tsushima, will receive a significant boost on PlayStation 5. The game will now run up to 60 frames per second on Sony's next-gen console with the newly added "Favor Performance" option in the game's settings. If you played God of War extensively on PS4, then you'll also be able to carry your save data over to PS5 as well. This will surely make return visits to the game much more striking at 60FPS, as the game's gorgeous presentation and graphics will pop on next-gen hardware. Additionally, the upgrade to PS5 is free of charge, so fans will be able to enjoy the game once again at no extra cost to upgrading. Meanwhile, Santa Monica Studio announced in Sony's PS5 event in September that the game's sequel, God of War: Ragnarok, is well in development and will launch sometime in 2021. So far, little is known about the sequel other than the setting being the apocalyptic Norse times of Ragnarok, but there's been plenty of speculation about where it could possibly go in terms of story and characters. Kratos' son, Atreus, will definitely return to potentially take center stage at some point. The connection shared between Kratos and Atreus was the driving emotional force behind the 2018 game, and we can't wait to see how Santa Monica Studio and director Cory Barlog flesh out that relationship once again. God of War is now available for PlayStation 4, with next-gen benefits arriving for PS5's upgrade.