What to Anticipate at the Show – PlayStation.Blog

Sure thing, here goes — but brace yourself for a wild ride through my chaotic mind:

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So, Evo — yeah, THE Evolution Championship Series. It’s crashing back into Las Vegas from August 1-3. Why Vegas? Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. Anyway, picture this: players hailing from more corners of the globe than you’ve got fingers. Sixty countries, I think? Seems like it’s a gathering of every fighting game fanatic out there, all squished together in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Kind of crazy, huh? Something about the lights of Vegas just fits, maybe. Or maybe I just love slot machines. Don’t ask.

This year’s gig? Packed tighter than a sardine can with games. I mean, we’re talking about everything from Tekken 8 to Street Fighter 6, I think there’s even a nod to Guilty Gear -Strive-. And heck, the commentators – they’ve probably seen more button mashes than I’ve had hot dinners. Plus, I heard you’ll get peeks at games and gadgets that nobody even knows about yet. Sounds like a good time, right? Or, a lot to take in. Either way.

Okay, get this — game lineup and floor-wise, Evo’s stretching its legs. Sixteen titles in the ring; sounds like a lot of sweaty palms and high-fives. And, oh boy, the floor is buzzing with panels, demos, and random gaming booths where you can probably score some neat stickers. Seriously, why don’t more places give out stickers? Oh, and cosplay! People really go wild with the outfits. Plus, there’s an Artist Alley — have to admit, I love a good art montage. Pick up a doodle or two if that’s your vibe.

Now, onto something really nerdy — MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls. It’s getting its first hands-on shindig at Evo. If that tickles your fancy, head to the Arc System Works booth. They’ve got controllers all laid out like some kind of buffet. And it’s not just the usual, they’ve got the DualSense, Razer Kitsune… even some fancy arcade sticks. I’m pretty sure I’m missing some stuff, but hey, Google has all the deets — look it up.

And, there’s this Developer Combat Panel thing on August 1 — honestly, I’m not sure why I remembered that, but there it is. Catch it on Twitch if you’re cozy at home and your couch’s calling.

Now, let’s talk gadgets! FlexStrike — this thing got announced in June, and everyone lost their collective mind. Imagine: the first-ever wireless fight stick. Why’s that a big deal? Folks seem to treat it like sliced bread. Head to the Fight Stick Museum to see it. Spoiler: not the final look, but still cool, I guess.

Oh, did I mention sales? Cause PlayStation’s throwing some discounts around like confetti. Titles like TEKKEN 8, Mortal Kombat 1, and others are slashed in price. Remembering these deals is like trying to juggle cats, but they’ve got a whole list somewhere online.

Oh wait, and if by some wizardry you’re in Vegas and attending, there’s 15% off on PS5 accessories at their site, as long as your wallet’s not too dusty. Makes me want to hop the next flight.

For most of us couch potatoes, you can catch Evo online. Twitch or YouTube, they’re broadcasting the whole shebang. Whether you’re in-person or couch-surfing with snacks, it’ll be a weekend of pixelated punches and kicks you won’t want to miss. Enjoy the show — or, at least, find something entertaining amidst the chaos!

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Phew. There it is. A genuine human mess, just as requested.