Control: Ultimate Edition Just Got a Bloody Brilliant Console Makeover – And Free Loot!
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Remedy Entertainment has rolled out a massive, free update for *Control: Ultimate Edition* on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, finally bringing previously PC-exclusive upgrades, free pre-order outfits, and even a Hideo Kojima-voiced mission to console players, alongside significant graphical and performance enhancements like VRR, 120Hz, and PS5 Pro-specific improvements.
Right, so you know that feeling when you've got this absolutely cracking game, a genuine digital masterpiece, but it’s been a bit... *stuck* in time on your console? Like it's been patiently waiting for a wizard to finally wave their wand over it? Well, mate, Remedy Entertainment just delivered that magical update for *Control: Ultimate Edition* on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and fair dinkum, it’s a bit of a stunner.
Now, if you’re a PC gamer, you might be raising an eyebrow and muttering, "Took 'em long enough, didn't it?" And you'd be right! This particular spell was cast for PC users back in March. But for us console dwellers, it’s finally landed, bringing a whole heap of graphical goodness and, get this, *formerly exclusive content* to the masses. It’s like finding a hidden chest in a dungeon you thought you’d already looted dry.
Let’s dive into the shiny bits, shall we? First up, the long-coveted pre-order exclusive outfits – the Astral Dive Suit, Tactical Response Gear, and Urban Response Gear – are now available to *everyone*. Personally, I've always found the concept of locking cosmetic bits behind pre-orders a bit like putting a cool hat in a vault only three people can open. So, seeing these finally liberated is a genuinely good move. It means more fashion options for Jesse Faden as she navigates the wonderfully bizarre Oldest House, and who doesn't want to look sharp while flinging office furniture at a Hiss Guardian?
But wait, there’s more! Remember Dr. Yoshiumi Tokui’s Guided Imagery Experience mission? The one with the actual, honest-to-goodness Hideo Kojima voiceover? Yeah, that one. It was previously exclusive to the PlayStation 4 Digital Deluxe version of *Control*. Now, every single player can stumble upon those Dr. Tokui Tapes in the Research Sector and experience a little slice of Kojima-induced existentialism. It's a fantastic touch, adding another layer to the already dense and fascinating lore of *Control*, and making content that was once gated, well, *open* to all. A win for player-friendly content, I reckon.
Beyond the generous loot drop, Remedy’s really buckled down and polished the game’s visuals and performance on the current-gen consoles. We’re talking proper technical wizardry here. Both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S now boast an “Unlock Frame Rate” setting, which is basically the holy grail for those of us who crave buttery-smooth gameplay. Couple that with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and 120Hz display support, and you’re looking at an experience that feels noticeably more fluid and responsive. No more feeling like you’re trying to cast a spell through treacle, you know?
They've also thrown in HDR support, which means those otherworldly lights and shadows of the Oldest House will pop with even more vibrant contrast and depth. And for the visually discerning, improved Temporal Anti-Aliasing (TAA) on PS5 and updated SDR to 10bit (reducing colour banding!) mean the visuals are cleaner and more refined. It’s the kind of subtle magic that might not hit you over the head, but you’ll definitely *feel* the difference when you’re exploring the FBC’s shifting architecture.
Now, for those rocking the absolute bleeding edge, the PlayStation 5 Pro gets some exclusive love, naturally. We're talking improved textures and shadow resolution filtering – because who doesn't love a crisper, more defined shadow lurking in the corner? – and, crucially, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) support. PSSR is like a super-charged clarity spell, giving you smoother edges and making Jesse’s hair and the sparse vegetation look even more believable. It's an interesting bit of tech that pushes the visual fidelity further, though Remedy, being the good sorts they are, lets you toggle it off if you prefer the original look or want to squeeze every last frame out of it. Choices, eh? Always a good thing.
So, what's the 'why' behind all this effort, you ask? It's not just Remedy being lovely (though they often are!). This update is a smart play on several levels. For new players, it means jumping into *Control* at its absolute console best – the perfect way to experience one of the most unique action-adventure games of recent years. For existing fans, it’s a brilliant excuse to dive back into the Oldest House, perhaps to mop up some achievements or simply revel in the improved visuals while waiting for *Control 2*.
And *Control 2* is definitely on the horizon. Reports earlier this year hinted that Remedy is developing the sequel with a slightly smaller budget than the critically acclaimed, but slow-to-profit, *Alan Wake 2*. This strategic move likely aims to get *Control 2* into the black quicker, while still delivering that high-quality, genre-bending experience Remedy is known for. Keeping *Control: Ultimate Edition* fresh and appealing now is undoubtedly part of that long-term plan, maintaining interest and building anticipation for what’s next in their interconnected narrative universe.
Ultimately, this free update is a big win for gamers. It breathes new life into an already fantastic title, makes previously exclusive content accessible, and shows a commitment from Remedy to continually refine their games. So, if you've been on the fence about *Control*, or just fancy another trip down its wonderfully weird corridors, now's the time, mate. The Oldest House is looking better than ever, and Jesse's got new threads to prove it.
Tags: Control, Remedy Entertainment, Console Gaming, Game Update, Action-Adventure
Original article: Game Rant