- Marvel’s Wolverine (Insomniac Games) finally resurfaced with a brutally violent first gameplay trailer, confirming a Fall 2026 launch window on PS5 [1] [2]. The footage showcased Logan’s ultra-bloody combat (dismemberments included) and teased familiar X-Men characters like Mystique and Omega Red [3] [4].
- Saros, a new PS5-exclusive sci-fi shooter from Housemarque (creators of Returnal), was revealed in an extended demo. It follows hero Arjun Devraj on a shape-shifting alien planet and features abilities like a projectile-absorbing shield and power-arm weapon. Release date: March 20, 2026 (enhanced for PS5 Pro) [5] [6].
- Disco Elysium studio ZA/UM unveiled Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, a narrative detective RPG. A brief trailer showed unconventional investigation mechanics and dialogue options. Release: 2026 on PS5 (and PC) [7] [8].
- Major third-party titles got updates: Battlefield 6 (multiplatform) debuted a campaign trailer and launches October 10, 2025 [9]. A Deus Ex remaster is coming Feb 5, 2026, celebrating the cyberpunk classic’s 25th anniversary [10]. Nioh 3 (Team Ninja) is confirmed for Feb 6, 2026 [11], and Code Vein 2 for Jan 30, 2026 [12]. Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered drops Mar 19, 2026 [13].
- New games and expansions spanned genres: IllFonic’s Halloween: The Game (asymmetrical horror set in Haddonfield) arrives Sept 8, 2026 [14]. Stylish 2D adventure Chronoscript: The Endless End traps players in a living storybook (coming 2026) [15]. Cult-favorite Let It Die returns with Let It Die: Inferno, an “extraction” roguelite launching Dec 3, 2025 [16]. Action RPG Last Epoch is coming to PS5 in 2026 alongside its major Orobyss expansion [17].
- Even more announcements: Seven Deadly Sins: Origin (anime RPG) hits PS5 on Jan 28, 2026 [18]. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 lands on PS5 Dec 8, 2025 – a noteworthy Xbox title crossing over – with PS VR2 support planned post-launch [19]. Sega’s Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is getting a crossover DLC adding Mega Man characters in 2026 [20].
- Sony revealed new PlayStation hardware: the Pulse Elevate wireless desktop speakers (for PS5/PC/Portal) will launch in 2026, promising 3D Audio support and ultra-low latency for gaming [21]. Also announced was a limited-edition God of War 20th Anniversary DualSense controller – an all-white pad with Kratos’s red tattoo stripe – coming in October 2025 [22] [23].
- PlayStation Plus updates: The Last of Us Part II joined the PS+ Game Catalog on Sept 26, 2025, and the October 2025 lineup will feature Alan Wake 2, Goat Simulator 3, and Cocoon [24]. Sony is also bolstering its Classics library with Tekken 3, Soulcalibur III, and Tomb Raider: Anniversary later in 2025 [25]. Additionally, Gran Turismo 7 is getting a free “Spec III” update in Dec 2025 – adding new cars, tracks, and features – as the franchise celebrates over 100 million units sold [26].
Wolverine and a New Exclusive Steal the Show
Sony capped the event with its most anticipated first-party title: Marvel’s Wolverine. The new trailer gave fans a grisly first look at Insomniac’s take on Logan, featuring “fast, fluid… attacks and techniques that’ll dismember or break anyone who gets in his way,” as the developers embrace the character’s savage combat [27]. Set for a Fall 2026 release on PS5, the game will take Wolverine from the frosty Canadian wilderness to the neon streets of Madripoor and beyond [28]. The footage even teased iconic adversaries like the mutant Mystique and villainous Omega Red lurking in the narrative [29]. Insomniac confirmed Australian actor Liam McIntyre as the voice of Logan, and promised a level of gore and detail surpassing their Spider-Man games (blood visibly coats Wolverine’s claws in the demo) [30] [31]. This ultra-violent tone answered the big fan question of whether a Wolverine game would go as “violent and visceral as the comics” – a resounding yes, according to the studio [32] [33].
On the new IP front, Housemarque’s Saros made a splash with an extended gameplay reveal. This PS5-exclusive sci-fi action title is the studio’s first major project since Returnal (2021), and it appears to evolve that formula in exciting ways. The demo followed protagonist Arjun Devraj on the alien planet Carcosa, where environments literally shift each time he dies [34]. In classic Housemarque style, the action is fast and intense: Arjun’s advanced Soltari combat suit lets him dash, double-jump, melee, and wield both human and alien weaponry [35]. One standout mechanic is the Soltari Shield that absorbs enemy bullets, which Arjun can then fire back via an arm-mounted Power Weapon blast [36]. The developers call Saros their “dream project, by a dream team,” now slated to launch on March 20, 2026 exclusively on PS5 (with enhancements for the new PS5 Pro hardware) [37]. Notably, the gameplay shown was captured in Unreal Engine 5 at 60fps on a PS5, indicating a visual showcase that will only improve by release [38]. With its rogue-like “death changes the world” premise and Housemarque’s signature bullet-hell combat, Saros is shaping up to be one of Sony’s big 2026 titles to watch.
New Games Galore: Horror, RPGs, and More
PlayStation’s September showcase wasn’t just about its own studios – a wide array of third-party games and indie projects were on display, ensuring something for everyone. One notable reveal was Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, the latest narrative RPG from ZA/UM, the acclaimed team behind Disco Elysium. This espionage-tinged adventure (first glimpsed at Gamescom 2025) received a new trailer spotlighting the game’s offbeat detective gameplay, including some unconventional investigation techniques and dialogue choices [39]. Set in a Cold War spy milieu, Zero Paradesaims to blend noir detective work with the rich storytelling ZA/UM is known for. It’s slated for release in 2026, and notably will launch on PS5 and PC, reflecting Sony’s openness to multiplatform collaborations even within its showcase [40].
Horror fans got a treat as IllFonic – known for Friday the 13th: The Game – unveiled Halloween: The Game, an asymmetrical multiplayer horror title based on the classic slasher franchise. The game is set in the eerie town of Haddonfield and lets players experience the terror from both sides [41]. IllFonic confirmed a September 8, 2026release, meaning Michael Myers won’t be stalking consoles this Halloween, but next. The trailer teased that Halloween: The Game will feature a narrative-driven single-player component alongside the 4v1 multiplayer mayhem, a welcome addition for fans of the series’ lore [42]. With IllFonic’s pedigree in multiplayer horror and the iconic license in hand, this game hopes to challenge the likes of Dead by Daylight in the horror arena.
For fans of unique indie adventures, Chronoscript: The Endless End stood out with a striking concept and art style. This newly announced 2D action-adventure has players trapped “within the pages of a manuscript” – essentially a mystical storybook world [43]. The brief reveal showed black-and-white, hand-drawn visuals reminiscent of a moving manga or woodcut illustration. According to the developers (Shueisha Games), Chronoscript explores the theme of “endless stories,” suggesting a narrative with meta elements about tales that never end [44]. It’s scheduled for 2026 and could be a sleeper hit for fans of artsy platformers and narrative-driven games.
Another surprise announcement came for Let It Die: Inferno, a follow-up in the cult-favorite Let It Die series. Described as an “extraction-action” roguelite, it shifts the franchise from the original’s tower-climbing death game into a new format [45]. Players will create customizable “raiders” who venture into a massive crater teeming with monsters, seeking treasure and upgrades – and presumably trying to survive long enough to extract with their loot. The trailer highlighted over-the-top weapons and the return of the series’ darkly comedic tone. Inferno is set to launch on December 3, 2025, making it one of the few newly revealed titles in this show that will actually arrive before year’s end [46]. Given that the original Let It Die (2016) garnered a cult following for its bizarre style and extreme challenge, Inferno’s new direction will be interesting to watch.
RPG enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to as well. Code Vein II made its debut in the State of Play, with Bandai Namco confirming the sequel’s long-rumored existence. The original Code Vein (2019) was an anime-styled action RPG often described as “anime Dark Souls,” and its sequel looks to up the ante. The new trailer showed off fresh gameplay, including a wild weapon that manifests as wolf heads on the protagonist’s shoulders, biting enemies mid-combo [47]. It was a brief but flashy teaser, ending with a firm release date: January 30, 2026 [48]. Alongside it, Koei Tecmo officially announced Nioh 3, confirming a leak that had spilled just hours before the event. The samurai action RPG series has a devoted fanbase, and Nioh 3’s trailer revealed the game’s launch date as February 6, 2026, while showcasing the expected mix of punishing swordplay and supernatural foes [49]. Both Code Vein IIand Nioh 3 bolster an already crowded early-2026 lineup for action RPGs on PS5.
Beloved classics are being revived too. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the original Deus Ex (2000) is getting a fully remastered edition for modern consoles. The State of Play trailer for Deus Ex Remastered confirmed the cyberpunk immersive-sim landmark will hit PS5 on February 5, 2026 – complete with updated visuals and some new features exclusive to this edition [50]. Longtime fans were advised to “proceed with caution,” a cheeky nod to one of the game’s famous lines [51], as they prepare to relive (or newly discover) JC Denton’s conspiracy-filled adventure. In a similar vein, Koei Tecmo isn’t just working on new titles – they’re also reaching into the vault. Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered was unveiled, bringing back the classic 2000s hack-and-slash in polished form. It’s set to launch on March 19, 2026, aligning with that series’ 25th anniversary as well [52]. The return of Dynasty Warriors 3 is sure to delight nostalgia-loving players who spent hours mowing down armies on the PS2.
The showcase also delivered updates on previously announced projects. Crimson Desert, the ambitious open-world action RPG from Pearl Abyss (Black Desert fame), got a new story trailer and a concrete release date. The video showcased the player-character adventuring with various warriors across vast medieval landscapes, emphasizing the game’s blend of epic fantasy combat and narrative. Pearl Abyss confirmed March 19, 2026 as the release date for Crimson Desert, putting it in direct calendar proximity to other big titles that month [53]. Meanwhile, Microsoft made a surprise appearance in Sony’s event: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is officially coming to PS5. The acclaimed flight sim had been an Xbox/PC staple, but on December 8, 2025, PlayStation players will finally get to take to the skies in it [54]. The announcement noted that PlayStation VR2 support is in the works for Flight Sim as well, expected to roll out sometime in 2026 [55]. It’s not every day that an Xbox Game Studios title headlines a PlayStation show, and this move underscores the increasingly cross-platform nature of today’s game industry.
In the realm of free-to-play and live-service games, a few notable items emerged. The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin, based on the popular manga/anime franchise, is coming to PS5 courtesy of Netmarble. Slated for January 28, 2026, this open-world action RPG will let players adventure in the world of Britannia as characters from the Seven Deadly Sinsseries [56]. While the title had been announced for mobile/PC before, its inclusion here confirms a console release and indicates Sony’s continued interest in anime-themed games (which often have strong audiences in Asia). Additionally, action RPG Last Epoch was confirmed for a PS5 release. This indie ARPG (currently on PC in Early Access) will arrive on PlayStation alongside its first major expansion, Orobyss, when it launches on consoles [57]. Last Epoch combines time-traveling storylines with Diablo-like loot hunting, and bringing it to PS5 will broaden its reach considerably. And for something a bit lighter, Sega is giving Sonic fans a fun crossover: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is getting a Mega Man DLC pack. The add-on, due in 2026, adds Mega Man and Proto Man as playable racers, along with a Wily’s Fortress-themed course, injecting some Capcom nostalgia into the arcade racing title [58]. It’s an unexpected but charming collaboration that got a nod during the show.
New Hardware and Celebrations
Beyond the games, Sony had a few hardware surprises up its sleeve. The company introduced the Pulse Elevate wireless speakers – Sony’s first-ever official desktop gaming speakers – expanding the PlayStation audio accessory lineup [59]. These compact speakers are designed to bring 3D spatial sound to your PC or PS5 setup without a headset. They leverage the same PlayStation Link wireless tech found in Sony’s headsets for ultra-low latency, lossless audio connectivity [60]. Each speaker even includes a built-in microphone with AI noise reduction, enabling clear voice chat for gaming sessions without needing a separate mic or headset [61]. Sony touted the Pulse Elevate’s “lifelike” sound via planar magnetic drivers – the same advanced driver tech used in its Pulse Elite headset – promising that gamers will hear every detail “exactly how developers intended” with accurate placement of 3D Audio cues [62] [63]. The speakers can connect simultaneously to a PS5 (or PlayStation Portal handheld) and a Bluetooth device, allowing players to mix game audio with music or chat from a phone [64]. Available in matching PS5 white or Midnight Black, Pulse Elevate speakers are scheduled to launch in 2026, with pricing and exact date to be announced [65]. For players who prefer a sound system over headsets, this is an intriguing new option that integrates tightly with the PlayStation ecosystem.
Sony also took a moment to commemorate a milestone for one of its most iconic franchises. To mark the 20th anniversary of God of War, a limited edition DualSense Wireless Controller was revealed [66]. The controller is almost entirely matte white, as opposed to the usual two-tone, save for a bold red splash across the right side – a design meant to evoke Kratos’s red war-paint tattoo from the games [67]. It’s a subtle yet striking homage to the Ghost of Sparta. This God of War 20th Anniversary DualSense is set to release in October 2025 (with pre-orders opening early in the month) [68]. Notably, no new God of War game was announced – this is purely a celebratory accessory – but fans of the series can at least add a unique controller to their collection. And racing game aficionados have something to celebrate too: Gran Turismo has officially crossed 100 million copies soldlifetime [69]. In honor of the occasion, Polyphony Digital is releasing a substantial “Spec III” update for Gran Turismo 7. Due in December 2025, this free update will add two new race circuits, eight new cars, and other featuresto the PS5’s flagship sim racer [70]. The State of Play segment highlighted the continued post-launch support for GT7, which first released in 2022 and remains a cornerstone of PlayStation’s lineup. It’s not often a console racing franchise reaches the 100 million mark – Sony took a moment to trumpet that achievement, reinforcing the enduring popularity of Gran Turismo over the past 25 years.
PlayStation Plus Expands Its Library
The September State of Play also served up good news for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Sony detailed the upcoming additions to both the monthly games lineup and the Game Catalog (for Extra/Premium members). Headlining the PlayStation Plus October 2025 offerings is the critically acclaimed Alan Wake 2, which will join the service on October 7, 2025 [71]. This means subscribers can dive into Remedy Entertainment’s new horror-thriller at no extra cost just a week after its launch – a significant value add, given Alan Wake 2’s buzz as a Game of the Year contender. Accompanying it are the wacky farm-animal mayhem of Goat Simulator 3 and the acclaimed indie puzzle-platformer Cocoon, rounding out October’s free games selection [72]. Meanwhile, the PS+ Game Catalog (the library of downloadable titles for Extra/Premium members) is getting a boost from one of Sony’s own: The Last of Us Part II. Naughty Dog’s blockbuster sequel became available in the catalog on September 26, 2025 [73], allowing any subscriber who missed this PS4/PS5 masterpiece to play it on demand. Sony adding one of its premier first-party titles to the service signals a continued strategy of leveraging older exclusives to entice subscribers – in this case, tying in nicely with the recent TLoU HBO show success and keeping interest alive for any future franchise entries.
PlayStation Plus Premium members (the top tier) aren’t left out either – new retro classics are on the way. Sony announced that three beloved titles will join the PS Plus Classics library by the end of 2025: Tekken 3 (1998) and Soulcalibur III (2005), two of the greatest fighting games from the PS1/PS2 era, and Tomb Raider: Anniversary(2007), Crystal Dynamics’ modern remaster of the original Tomb Raider [74]. Adding Tekken 3 and Soulcalibur III is a nostalgic nod to fans of 90s and early 2000s fighters – it’s a chance to relive the arcade glory days of Yoshimitsu, Heihachi, and Ivy on modern consoles, complete with save states and other emulation enhancements. Tomb Raider: Anniversary, on the other hand, lets players experience a young Lara Croft’s adventuring origins with updated graphics (not to be confused with the even newer remake currently in development). All of these titles bolster the Premium tier’s value for retro enthusiasts. Overall, the State of Play’s PS+ segment reinforced Sony’s commitment to growing its subscription library with both fresh releases (like Alan Wake 2) and classic fan favorites, keeping PlayStation Plus competitive in the content-rich landscape of gaming subscriptions.
Event Context: A Packed Fall of Reveals
This September 2025 State of Play arrived amid a flurry of gaming events and updates from all corners of the industry. Notably, it was Sony’s second State of Play this month – the first, earlier in September, was a smaller showcase dedicated entirely to one title (007: First Light, an upcoming Bond game from IO Interactive) [75]. By contrast, the September 24th broadcast was a broad 35-minute presentation featuring dozens of games. The timing was no accident: Tokyo Game Show 2025 was just kicking off in Japan, and Sony used the opportunity to drop news ahead of the TGS buzz. “As TGS approaches, PlayStation started the week with a bang,” noted GameSpot, “bringing a whole bunch of news on previously announced games as well as all-new announcements.” [76] Indeed, aligning the State of Play with TGS allowed Sony to capitalize on the heightened attention from core gamers this time of year. Many Japanese-developed titles (like Nioh 3, Dynasty Warriors, and Final Fantasy Tactics’ remaster) fit perfectly alongside the TGS hype, underscoring the show’s strategic timing.
Sony’s showcase also comes on the heels of a major Nintendo Direct earlier in the month, making September 2025 a particularly exciting time for gaming news. Nintendo’s September 12, 2025 Direct was a massive 60-minute presentation that spotlighted upcoming Switch and “Switch 2” games (with Nintendo even teasing its next-gen hardware lineup) and celebrated Mario’s 40th anniversary in style [77]. Compared to Nintendo’s first-party-heavy extravaganza – which featured new Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon updates – Sony’s State of Play took a more eclectic approach, mixing its biggest first-party reveals (like Wolverine and Saros) with a diverse slate of third-party projects. Both approaches have merit: while Nintendo leaned on nostalgia and its core franchises, Sony’s event showed the breadth of the PlayStation ecosystem, from big-budget Marvel mayhem to niche indie art games, all in one show.
The reception to this State of Play has been generally positive, though with some mixed sentiments among fans. The inclusion of heavy hitters like Wolverine and a new exclusive IP in Saros satisfied those craving marquee PlayStation Studio content. Industry commentators noted that Sony delivered on its promise of updates for major titles – “release windows and dates for heavily anticipated titles, including Saros and Wolverine,” as GameSpot observed [78]. At the same time, a significant portion of the announcements were for 2026 releases, leaving the remainder of 2025 looking a bit light aside from third-party releases. As one outlet pointed out, this State of Play “was mainly focused on updates for already-announced games,” with relatively few brand-new game revelations [79]. Many of the games featured – Alan Wake 2, Flight Simulator 2024, Nioh 3, Code Vein II, etc. – were either known quantities or sequels/remasters rather than surprises. For some viewers, the show “got the scraps for third-party trailers” and lacked a megaton new announcement, especially from Sony’s own studios beyond Insomniac [80]. There was no word on expected projects like a new Uncharted or The Last of Us multiplayergame, for example. However, others appreciated the diverse lineup. With horror, fighting, racing, RPGs, and action all represented, “whether you are into action, role-playing, immersive sims, or vehicle simulators, there was something for you during this presentation,” as GameSpot’s recap put it [81].
Ultimately, Sony’s September 2025 State of Play painted an exciting picture of the PlayStation 5’s future. It balanced big-budget exclusives and cross-platform collaborations, new IP and fan-favorite franchises, game trailers and hardware reveals – all condensed into a single event. This strategy of frequent digital showcases (two in one month, in this case) keeps the hype momentum going as the PS5 heads into its mid-life period. With Marvel’s Wolverine anchoring Fall 2026, Saros and others targeting early 2026, and plenty of content in between, Sony is clearly stocking up its pipeline. And by comparing notes with Nintendo’s concurrent moves and even borrowing an Xbox crown jewel (Flight Sim), Sony showed it’s playing the long game on multiple fronts. If you’re a PlayStation fan, the message was clear: buckle up, because the next year and beyond are going to be packed with games. As one journalist quipped, Fall 2026 especially “is going to be very exciting.” [82] Between now and then, there’s a lot to look forward to across the PlayStation universe – and likely a few more State of Play streams to come, as Sony continues to drip-feed announcements in this post-E3 era of year-round digital events.
Sources: PlayStation Blog [83] [84] [85]; GameSpot [86] [87] [88]; TwistedVoxel [89] [90] [91]; Push Square [92] [93]; Windows Central [94] [95]; GamesRadar [96] [97]; Nintendo (Direct announcement) [98].
References
1. blog.playstation.com, 2. twistedvoxel.com, 3. blog.playstation.com, 4. twistedvoxel.com, 5. blog.playstation.com, 6. www.gamespot.com, 7. www.gamespot.com, 8. www.windowscentral.com, 9. www.windowscentral.com, 10. www.gamespot.com, 11. www.gamespot.com, 12. www.gamespot.com, 13. www.gamespot.com, 14. www.gamespot.com, 15. www.gamespot.com, 16. www.gamespot.com, 17. www.gamespot.com, 18. twistedvoxel.com, 19. twistedvoxel.com, 20. www.gamespot.com, 21. twistedvoxel.com, 22. twistedvoxel.com, 23. www.gamespot.com, 24. twistedvoxel.com, 25. twistedvoxel.com, 26. twistedvoxel.com, 27. blog.playstation.com, 28. twistedvoxel.com, 29. twistedvoxel.com, 30. www.gamesradar.com, 31. www.gamesradar.com, 32. www.gamesradar.com, 33. www.gamesradar.com, 34. blog.playstation.com, 35. blog.playstation.com, 36. blog.playstation.com, 37. blog.playstation.com, 38. blog.playstation.com, 39. www.gamespot.com, 40. www.windowscentral.com, 41. www.gamespot.com, 42. twistedvoxel.com, 43. www.gamesradar.com, 44. www.gamesradar.com, 45. www.gamespot.com, 46. www.gamespot.com, 47. www.gamespot.com, 48. www.gamespot.com, 49. www.gamespot.com, 50. www.gamespot.com, 51. www.gamesradar.com, 52. www.gamespot.com, 53. www.gamespot.com, 54. twistedvoxel.com, 55. twistedvoxel.com, 56. twistedvoxel.com, 57. www.gamespot.com, 58. www.gamespot.com, 59. twistedvoxel.com, 60. blog.playstation.com, 61. blog.playstation.com, 62. blog.playstation.com, 63. blog.playstation.com, 64. blog.playstation.com, 65. blog.playstation.com, 66. twistedvoxel.com, 67. www.gamespot.com, 68. www.pushsquare.com, 69. www.gamespot.com, 70. www.gamespot.com, 71. www.gamespot.com, 72. twistedvoxel.com, 73. twistedvoxel.com, 74. twistedvoxel.com, 75. www.windowscentral.com, 76. www.gamespot.com, 77. www.nintendo.com, 78. www.gamespot.com, 79. www.windowscentral.com, 80. www.pushsquare.com, 81. www.gamespot.com, 82. www.gamesradar.com, 83. blog.playstation.com, 84. blog.playstation.com, 85. blog.playstation.com, 86. www.gamespot.com, 87. www.gamespot.com, 88. www.gamespot.com, 89. twistedvoxel.com, 90. twistedvoxel.com, 91. twistedvoxel.com, 92. www.pushsquare.com, 93. www.pushsquare.com, 94. www.windowscentral.com, 95. www.windowscentral.com, 96. www.gamesradar.com, 97. www.gamesradar.com, 98. www.nintendo.com
