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How Playstation 5, Xbox Series X Brought Sony-Microsoft Rivalry To A New Generation

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Interestingly, the next generation of video game consoles is now here. Both Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Sony’s Playstation 5 hit stores this week — the newest chapter in an ongoing face-off between Microsoft and Sony.

The Xbox Series X Has Arrived

 

At the start of the 21st century, Sony was in control of the video game market, with fans lining up in packed stores to buy the Playstation 2. But less than a year later, Microsoft would release its first ever video game console. The Xbox was big, ugly and powerful; the commercials advertised a new dimension to console gaming: An emphasis on online multi-player and connectivity.

 

 

None of this was enough to topple Sony’s reign at the time, but the Xbox did announce the arrival of a new competitor. And since then, the battle between Microsoft and Sony has been a hotly contested one.

This year, both corporate titans are releasing their new consoles at a strange time: during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

 

“Gaming has really reached a lot of new audiences,” says Carter Rogers, an analyst at Nielsen’s SuperData. He adds that despite all the economic insecurity brought on by the pandemic, video games are just as popular as ever, and are facing less competition from other entertainment, like movies and live sports. Earlier this year, the Nintendo Switch console saw hardware shortages as games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons posted record sales number
 “Gaming has really reached a lot of new audiences,” says Carter Rogers, an analyst at Nielsen’s SuperData. He adds that despite all the economic insecurity brought on by the pandemic, video games are just as popular as ever, and are facing less competition from other entertainment, like movies and live sports. Earlier this year, the Nintendo Switch console saw hardware shortages as games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons posted record sales number

“For the next few months at least, it’s mostly a question of how many devices can be shipped out. Demand certainly won’t be an issue in the near future,” Rogers says.

 

 

Chris Plante reviewed Microsoft’s new Xbox Series X for the website Polygon. He says that during the last console generation, Microsoft went on all in on the Xbox being an all-in-one entertainment device: “Infamously, during their big reveal event, they spent the majority of an hour talking about everything but video games.”

 

 

 

But Microsoft’s tune has now changed. Central to the plan this time around are lots of games, presented at an affordable price.

“I think the biggest thing on Xbox right now is Game Pass. Which is their version of Netflix for video games, effectively,” Plante says.

For around ten dollars a month, Xbox offers access to a constantly updated library of over 100 games, including big name franchises like Halo and Gears of War.

 

 

 

However, there aren’t many new games to play — something that might change as the generation wears on. Microsoft recently acquired Bethesda Softworks, makers of the Fallout series. They also acquired Double Fine Productions, Tim Schafer’s iconic development studio.

 

 

 

“They are just gobbling up studios,” Plante says. “People who like games like Fallout or Elder Scrolls, those games will be part of Game Pass moving forward.”

 

 

So while Microsoft’s strategy might feel less ambitious this time around, Sony is turning some heads with the Playstation 5.

That starts with the look of the console itself — it has a mostly-white exterior and is one of the heaviest game consoles ever, making it the subject of many a meme.

 

 

 

“There have been some funny comparisons online,” says Elise Favis. “I think my favorite is comparing it to a stormtrooper.”

 

 

 

Favis calls the console a “sensory experience.” That experience starts with its innovative new controller. “It has haptic feedback. Which is basically a more sophisticated range of vibrations and sensations that you will feel in the palm of your hand. So for example, you can feel the pitter patter of rain drops.”

 

 

 

 

The system also features an impressive line-up of new games, including Spider-Man: Miles Morales and a remake of Demon Souls.

But Chris Plante reminds us that if you can’t get your hands on a new console, you’re not necessarily missing out just yet.

 

 

 

“I think the marketing machine of video games has broken our brains. There are great games coming out this fall, they’re gonna look amazing on the new consoles. But you can play them on your older console too.”

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

Fashion/Lifestyle

Nigerian Travel Creator Alma Asinobi Falls Short of Guinness World Record Due to Visa Delays

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Nigerian Travel Creator Alma Asinobi Falls Short of Guinness World Record Due to Visa Delays

Nigerian Travel Creator Alma Asinobi Falls Short of Guinness World Record Due to Visa Delays

Nigerian travel content creator Alma Asinobi may not be setting a new Guinness World Record for the fastest journey across all seven continents after visa-related delays prevented her from reaching Sydney, Australia, within the required time.

In an Instagram update on Sunday, Asinobi, who is still en route to Sydney, confirmed that her total journey time would be 71 hours and 35 minutes, falling short of the current record of 64 hours, set in February 2025 by American veteran Johnny Cruz Buckingham.

Reflecting on her attempt, she noted that had she been competing against the previous record of 73 hours, set by Indian travelers in 2022, she would have surpassed it. However, multiple setbacks meant that by the time she made her announcement, she had already spent 63 hours, 54 minutes, and 33 seconds traveling, making it impossible to surpass Buckingham’s 64-hour record.

Asinobi faced numerous obstacles throughout her attempt, particularly due to visa restrictions associated with her Nigerian passport. One of the major setbacks occurred when she was denied boarding on her flight to Perth, Australia, forcing her to rebook on a later flight to Sydney.

In her Instagram post, she reflected on the challenges she encountered, including unexpected disruptions such as the Heathrow Airport fire that further complicated her travel plans.

“So close, but so far away. I may not have won this one, but we can sure win the next one together,” she wrote. “My eyes may be swollen from all the tears I’ve cried, but I promise to find moments of laughter in between.”

Despite the setback, Asinobi emphasized that her journey was about more than just breaking a record. She expressed hope that her attempt would inspire others to take on challenges, regardless of the limitations they face.

“When I land, we will catch up on lives and pour our hearts out to each other. For now, let’s finish this! I really hope this attempt was worth something for a Nigerian out there,” she added.

Now shifting her focus to her homecoming event on March 30, Asinobi aims to set another record by gathering Nigerians to sign a national flag in solidarity.

“We still have one more record to break at the homecoming event on March 30, where we will make history by signing our Nigerian flag,” she wrote. “I can’t wait to see you all there. I totally and physically cannot do that one without you, so please show up for me.”

Throughout her journey, Asinobi has been vocal about the difficulties Nigerian passport holders face, including complex visa requirements, expensive travel arrangements, and last-minute flight cancellations. Her experience has sparked widespread discussions on passport inequality and the barriers restricting global mobility for citizens of certain countries.

While she may not be taking home the Guinness World Record, Asinobi’s attempt has garnered widespread support, with many rallying behind her efforts.

“You did win! A personal win, a win for Nigerians, a win for me as a fellow Black girl navigating the world without passport privilege,” one supporter commented on her post.

Despite the challenges, Asinobi remains determined to continue making history and inspiring others to push beyond their limitations.

 

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Fashion/Lifestyle

Those who wronged you may never say “I’m sorry” – Prudent Ludidi

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Those who wronged you may never say "I'm sorry" - Prudent Ludidi

Those who wronged you may never say “I’m sorry” – Prudent Ludidi

 

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, I want to talk about something that can be difficult to accept, those who wronged you may never say “I’m sorry.”

 

Those who wronged you may never say "I'm sorry" - Prudent Ludidi

We’ve all been hurt by someone at some point in our lives. And often, we hold onto that hurt, and hope in waiting for the person who wronged us to acknowledge their mistake and apologize.

But the truth is, that apology may never come.

It’s hard to accept because we feel like we deserve closure. We deserve to hear that the person who hurt us regrets their actions.

But closure is not something someone else gives you. Closure is something you give yourself.

You have the power to choose:

Choose to heal, even if they never acknowledge their wrongdoing
Choose to move forward, even if they never make amends

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting what happened. Forgiveness means releasing the hold that person has on you.

Forgiveness means taking back control of your life.

You don’t need someone else’s apology to move on. You don’t need someone else’s validation to heal.

You are strong enough to do it on your own.

And when you do, you’ll find peace. You’ll find freedom.

Remember, holding onto anger and resentment only hurts you. It doesn’t change the past.

But forgiveness can change your future.

So, don’t wait for someone else to say “I’m sorry.” Say it to yourself: “I’m sorry that happened to me, but I’m moving forward.”

Say it loud and clear: “I deserve to heal. I deserve to be happy.”

Take back your power. Take back your life.

Move forward with courage and faith.

You got this.

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Fashion/Lifestyle

LSACA, HEFAMAA,NAFDAC ,AVILA NATURALLE,OTHERS SET TO RECEIVE AWARDS AT THE WEST AFRICA SPA AND COSMETOLOGISTS RECOGNITION AWARD 2024

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LSACA, HEFAMAA,NAFDAC ,AVILA NATURALLE,OTHERS SET TO RECEIVE AWARDS AT THE WEST AFRICA SPA AND COSMETOLOGISTS RECOGNITION AWARD 2024

 

The west Africa Spa and cosmetologists recognition Award ,the first of its kind in Africa an event collaboration with Ghana Cosmetics Association holds at the prestigious Oriental Hotel lagos

An industry based award to honor legends ,stakeholders and cosmetologists in the beauty Industry ,Regulators and health Agencies

The organisers of the programme is poised with the development of this sector within the west Africa region using quality , safety and Professionalism as a watchword in the quest for products promotion and distribution.

The award will be used to promote individuals and brands in the Beauty Sector who have given their best in the development of beauty in west Africa.

As the drive for continental free trade Area hots up ,the founder of the programme Mr Chukwumah Emmanuel a Public Health Practitioner and the National President of Professional Association of Spa and Cosmetologists in Nigeria says that the perspective of this event is centered on encouragement and Networking within the sub region.

Other awardees for this event include Lagos Safety Commission, Beauty West Africa,and America Nigeria chambers of Commerce

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