Here are the free PlayStation Plus games for February 2017

Each month, a new range of free downloadable games becomes available to North American, European and Australian PlayStation Plus subscribers, with titles across PS3, PS4 and PS Vita.

We suggest you grab these games while they're free, as you'll then be able to play them as long as you have an active Plus subscription.

As the free games are refreshed monthly, we've taken the liberty of keeping you updated on the titles that are being offered.

Here are your free PlayStation Plus games for February 2017, which will be available to download from February 7 until the end of the month.

February's free game lineup

LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4) – Sackboy is back! Only this time, he's brought some friends along for his latest adventure. Not interested in pre-made levels? Then why not create your own? 

Not a Hero (PS4) – From the makers of OlliOlli comes Not a Hero, a pixelated, shooter that has you violently dispatching members of the criminal underworld. Think of it like a side-scrolling Hotline Miami.

Starwhal (PS3 / cross buy with PS4) – a hilarious couch-multiplayer classic, the retro-styled Starwhal lets you and your friends partake in an epic Narwhal battle in space. Use your huge tusk to barge into your opponents – that is, if the game's deliberately wonky controls will let you!

Anna — Extended Edition (PS3) – A psychological horror game set in a sawmill in the Italian hills, you must gather clues and solve a number puzzles in order to unlock the main character's dark past.

Ninja Senki DX (PS Vita / cross buy with PS4) – A retro NES-style game in the vein of Mega Man, Ninja Senki DX has you running, jumping and shooting your way through a number of ninja-themed level in order to complete lead character Hayate's quest for revenge.

TorqueL (PS Vita / cross buy with PS4) – Navigate your way through 50 chambers in this indie physics-based puzzler that see's travel around inside a square with different colours on each side.  

For a discounted PlayStation Plus subscription, be sure to check out the PlayStation Plus deals at CDKeys.com.

Join us next month as we update you on March's free PlayStation Plus games!

February 02, 2017 at 07:06AM
Stephen Lambrechts

PlayStation VR's launch bundle is back to get you set up for less

Been holding out on the PlayStation VR until a good deal showed up? Maybe Resident Evil VII changed your tune and sold you on Sony's virtual reality headset? 

Well, you're in luck: Sony is bringing back its original launch bundle with a twist for those ready to jump into VR for less.

Originally a preorder-only deal, the PlayStation VR Bundle hits stores next week and includes the PSVR headset, PlayStation Camera, two PlayStation Move motion controllers, a PSVR demo disc, and a copy of PlayStation VR Worlds for $499. 

For those who'd rather play something a little edgier, Sony is offering a second bundle at the same price that swaps out PlayStation VR Worlds for Until Dawn: Rush of Blood. The Rush of Blood version of the PSVR bundle will be an exclusive at participating GameStop and EB Games stores.

Is this bundle worth it?

The "core" version of PSVR with just the headset and demo disc retails for $399, meaning the bundle nets owners a game, PlayStation Camera, and two controllers for just an extra Benjamin.

Considering the price of two Move wands separately is already $99.99, this is decent way to save while getting the most out of Sony's VR system.

Of course, you'll still a PlayStation 4  to play PSVR, with both the regular model and 4K-capable PS4 Pro being compatible with the headset - though those serious about VR may find the powered-up Pro better optimized for the task.

• Check out the best PlayStation VR deals of the month

February 02, 2017 at 05:58AM
Parker Wilhelm

Nintendo Switch’s online service might not be as expensive as you feared

The Nintendo Switch has us mostly brimming with excitement, but one of the more worrying aspects of its announcement was the reveal of a paid subscription for multiplayer functionality.

While some fans are reasonably wary of Nintendo's new service, given the company's historically leery-eyed view of the internet, it thankfully appears that the online subscription may not break the bank of those who make the Switch.

Nintendo's upcoming online service likely cost users only 2,000-3,000 yen annually, or about $18-$24/£14-£19/AU$24-32 according to The Nikkei. 

Though the Nintendo Wii U and 3DS have been able to do online for free,  Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima comments in the report that, "with paid [services], we will be able to fully commit to customers." 

By contrast, competing premium online services like Xbox Live Gold and PlayStation Network Plus cost $60/£40 (about AU$80) a year, showing a significant discount on Nintendo's part compared to Microsoft and Sony's fees.

Worth the Switch?

That said, Xbox Live and PSN does offer its premium subscribers various substantial perks such as discounts on their respective storefronts and free games every month.

Though we don't know the whole story behind Nintendo's proposed online service, we know it will allow discounts on select games and a free classic NES or SNES game each month...that can only be played that month before going away.

The Switch's crack at paid online functionality may not offer much compared to the likes of Xbox and PlayStation, but the significantly lower annual fee could help take the sting out for those itching to play Splatoon 2 over the 'net.

Those still not sold on the service can also try it free when the Nintendo Switch launches this March, as Nintendo doesn't plan on formally launching the subscription model until later this fall.

• Opinion: Why the Nintendo Switch's new online service is worrying

February 02, 2017 at 03:17AM
Parker Wilhelm

The best Oculus Rift deals in February 2017

The Oculus Rift virtual reality headset has been years in the making, but it's finally in stores, eagerly awaiting your face.

Online retailers are now selling the finished version, complete with all the required cables, a compatible Microsoft controller and the Oculus Rift headset itself.

The deals listed on this page are for the finished retail version of the Oculus Rift. So don't worry about ending up with a dev kit version (Dk1 or Dk2) early builds. You can find a few of those around the net, especially on eBay, but be warned, many of these are the earlier versions, made available to early adopters or developers. We'd stay away from them as they're not the refined finished product available at your favourite retailers and they probably don't come with the Microsoft controller either.

Oculus Touch controller deals?

Oculus Touch is a pair of motion-controllers with buttons that will provide a more intuitive way of interacting with select games. With hand-tracking technology, it's possible that you'll be able to see a digital representation of your own arms and hands in-game, making for an even more immersive experience. Some stores are taking orders now for the December 6th release data and you'll find the best ones below. Expect them to cost around £190/$199 for the pair, essentially bringing the overall cost much closer to the HTC Vive VR setup.

How much does the Oculus Rift cost?

In the UK, the recommended price is £549 and it's $599 in the US. Don't expect many cheap Oculus Rift deals for a while as this retail version has only just launched. Feel free to bookmark this page though to keep an eye on the price as these prices are updated daily to reflect the best online Oculus Rift deals out there.

Will my PC run Oculus Rift?

That's a good question, and certainly one to ask before splurging out on the virtual reality lid for your rig. Handily, there's a neat Oculus Rift compatibility tool you can try via our very own Downloads section.

• Oculus Rift compatibility tool download

If you're starting out from scratch and want to build your own Oculus Rift ready rig, check out Techradar's article below.

• How to build a PC ready for Virtual Reality

Can I use the Oculus Rift on the PS4 or Xbox One?

No on both so far. Sony has its own headset with PlayStation VR for the PS4, so we're not expecting Oculus Rift compatibility any time soon. As for Oculus Rift on the Xbox One, it's also a no, but with a potential 'maybe' further down the line. Oculus teamed up with Microsoft to include a PC/Oculus-compatible Xbox One controller with the retail release of the headset, so there's already a relationship to potentially build on. Microsoft's Hololens VR/Augmented reality headset has been very quiet of late and hasn't really been pushed as an Xbox One headset, leaving plenty of room for speculation that the Oculus Rift will make it's way to the Xbox One.

Can I use Oculus Rift on my phone?

Get out. Oh, you must be confusing the Oculus with the Samsung Gear VR. Samsung's headset is far cheaper and is made for mobile apps, rather than full-fat PC experiences. Well worth a look though if you have a compatible Android mobile phone. As things stand, your phone would probably melt faster than the sets-on-fire-for-fun Galaxy Note 7 if you tried convincing it to even look at an Oculus Rift.

February 01, 2017 at 10:16AM
Brendan Griffiths

The best PS Vita deals in February 2017

So you're looking for a cheap PS Vita deal? Well, it would seem that Sony has unofficially ceased production in the West for the PS Vita as we rarely spot any brand new stock at RRP. Many places are charging a small fortune or only selling preowned/refurbished models. We regularly sweep the net though to find the best prices around so check out our comparison chart below to find the best price on a PS Vita. 

The PS Vita is a brilliant handheld gaming console, certainly the most powerful and graphically impressive handheld ever. It can even be used to stream games from your PS4. 

Hardcore gamers with cash to spend should feel confident in snapping this monster up and fire up some of the big launch games with great haste. For anyone else, it's a case of working out if you think it's worth it. If you just want to play 99p puzzle games, by all means stick to your mobile phone or tablet. But don't be fooled into thinking that your iPod is anywhere near capable of what the Vita can offer, because it's not. Vita is one of a kind.

If you've decided to buy one, you've come to the right place because we've got all of the cheapest PS Vita deals all in one place. We check the prices of millions of products several times a day so these Vita deals will always be up to date!

1. Sony PS Vita Slim (2014) deals

The most recent PS Vita model is slimmer and has better battery life

The latest model of the PS Vita is 2014's 'Slim'. Sony made some subtle changes with this model, both internally and externally, but they're mostly welcome improvements. The design tweaks make for a more portable, comfortable system, although it does come at the expense of the OLED screen which has now been replaced with an LCD. The console is around 20% slimmer (about 3mm) than the original, bringing it down to 15mm. It's also 42g lighter, which is the most immediately noticeable thing when you pick the Vita Slim up.

2. Sony PS Vita (original) deals

The original PS Vita has a better (OLED) screen

There are a few reasons why you might opt for the 2012 original PS Vita over the 2014 redesign. Firstly, if you can find a great deal there's absolutely no reason not to pick one up. It's every bit as powerful and plays all the same games. Plus, this version has a much-vaunted OLED screen which is better than the LCD unit in the 2014 model. Admittedly this older model doesn't have the same impressive battery life, but it all comes down to price. If the current deals are just as good on the 2014 model we'd recommend you go for that one. If you can see a super cheap original model, go for it!

February 01, 2017 at 08:17AM
TechRadar deals

Star Wars Battlefront 2 release detailed as EA outlines future plans

EA’s recent financial call contained a wealth of information about its upcoming lineup, but the most exciting details concerned Star Wars Battlefront 2, the upcoming sequel to the 2015 multiplayer shooter. 

Thanks to past earnings calls, we’ve known that Battlefront 2 would be coming in late 2017 since November last year, but the most welcome news was confirmation that this release would include a single player campaign. 

Development duties for the new game are apparently being split across DICE (the original’s developer), Motive (the new studio headed by ex-Uncharted and Assassin’s Creed developers) and Criteron. 

More VR

Criteron’s inclusion is particularly interesting, since it was the lead developer on Battlefront’s X-wing VR mission. We’re hoping its work on Battlefront 2 means that more VR missions are in the works for the new game. 

Outside of the Battlefront 2 discussion, the call also discussed Bioware’s new IP. According to EA’s CEO Andrew Wilson, the new game will arrive in early 2018 and is more of an action adventure rather than an action RPG (as the studio’s previous games have been). 

These games will almost certainly see a reveal at the upcoming E3 2017, so stay tuned for more information soon. 

• Check out everything else we know about E3 2017.

February 01, 2017 at 04:52PM
Jon Porter

Nintendo confirms the 3DS has plenty of life in it yet

Good news Nintendo 3DS owners – Nintendo has reiterated its promise that it will continue to support the 3DS console even after the release of the Nintendo Switch. 

The company’s president Tatsumi Kimishima said in a recent investor briefing that though the handheld is approaching its sixth year and it’s a “common assumption” that it’s entering its final stage the plan is to “continue to introduce new titles that players can enjoy for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.”

All the way back in 2015 when the Switch was still known as the NX, Satoru Iwata said that Nintendo did not consider the Switch a “simple replacement” for the Wii U or the 3DS. 

Strength to strength

Now that Wii U production has come to an end in Japan ahead of the Switch launch, it’s understandable that there have been rumors the 3DS could soon be put to bed too – the Switch does, after all, fulfill both the home and handheld needs of players.

Kimishima has said, however, that though Nintendo is aware of the speculation that the Switch will replace the 3DS as both can be played outside the home, the “Nintendo 3DS has unique characteristics that differ from those of Nintendo Switch.” 

Not only that, “the price points and play experiences offered by the two systems are different and [Nintendo does] not see them as being in direct competition.”

The 3DS’ continued lease of life is also helped by the fact that its hardware sales have continued to rise to over 62 million (unlike the Wii U) and the sheer success of Pokemon Sun and Moon have proven the power of good software in driving sales and maintaining consumer interest.

So, while the Wii U might be bowing out to let the Nintendo Switch take center stage in the home, Nintendo says that it will have “several follow-up titles from popular franchises on Nintendo 3DS” as well as “many other unannounced titles to continue to enrich the software lineup going forward.”

• These are our picks of the best games on the Nintendo 3DS

February 01, 2017 at 04:50PM
Emma Boyle