About:

Ravi Hiranand is a tech journalist with 20+ years experience, focusing on video games and consumer devices, formerly Deputy Editor at Rest of World and CNN producer.

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Interests:

Technology Video games Consumer devices Chinese consumer tech News media

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The blog post discusses the initial reactions to the Super Mario Odyssey trailer, highlighting the contrast between Mario's cartoonish design and the realistic environments of the game. It explores how the game deviates from tradi...
Nintendo Direct captivates audiences through a well-crafted format that balances excitement, pacing, and audience engagement, setting it apart from other gaming showcases.
Phil Spencer's leadership at Xbox was marked by optimism but ultimately failed due to a lack of clear vision and consistent execution, leading to his exit.
The Xbox 360, despite being the lowest-selling console among its contemporaries (Wii and PlayStation 3), significantly influenced modern gaming consoles. It introduced a dynamic dashboard interface, online connectivity, and a vibr...
The article argues that while the PlayStation 5 is often blamed for the decline of the Xbox, the real culprit is the rise of smartphones. It traces the history of the Xbox, highlighting Microsoft's initial fears of Sony's PlayStat...
The blog post discusses the impact of sequels in video games, particularly focusing on the Pokémon series. It highlights how Pokémon Legends: Arceus innovated the catching mechanics, making it a skill-based experience, while its s...
The blog post discusses the upcoming game 'Pokémon Champions,' set to release in 2026, which focuses solely on Pokémon battles without the traditional adventure or story elements. It highlights the potential of this game to enhanc...
Microsoft has announced the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, handheld gaming devices that are not true Xbox consoles, as they are made by Asus and do not support all Xbox games. The article draws parallels to Apple's failed coll...
The blog post discusses the game 'Ghost of Yōtei,' a sequel to 'Ghost of Tsushima,' highlighting its lack of tutorials and context for gameplay mechanics, particularly the grappling hook. While the absence of tedious explanations ...
The author discusses the importance of enjoyable character movement in video games, using Super Mario 64 as a prime example of a game that excels in this area. The text contrasts this with Driver, a 1999 driving game that, despite...
Mario Kart World introduces a large open world where circuits are interconnected by roads, allowing for exploration and challenges. However, the game feels hollow as many locations appear significant but lack depth or rewards. Whi...
The author expresses a growing disinterest in tech gadgets, particularly in Apple's WWDC keynote, which they used to eagerly anticipate. They reflect on a broader sense of malaise regarding technological innovation, noting that ma...
In 2025, the author favored comfort games over variety, sharing their personal favorites while reflecting on the gaming experiences that resonated with them.
The author recounts their experience of traveling to Japan to watch Liverpool Football Club play for the first time in twenty years. They unintentionally booked a hotel where the team was staying, leading to several memorable enco...
The blog post reflects on the long-term implications of early tech decisions, particularly regarding digital accounts and purchases. The author shares personal experiences with the iTunes Music Store and how initial choices have l...
The blog post reflects on the emotional impact of football, particularly focusing on Diogo Jota, a Liverpool player who recently passed away in a car crash at the age of 28. The author recounts Jota's journey to Liverpool, his ini...
The article discusses Microsoft's announcement that the next-generation Xbox will likely function as a Windows PC, highlighting the shift from console gaming to PC gaming. The author expresses frustration with this change, arguing...
The author discusses the relationship between depression and gaming, particularly focusing on the concept of 'grinding' in video games. They explain how grinding—repetitively performing simple tasks to accumulate rewards—serves as...
The blog post discusses the evolution of multiplayer gaming as a social activity, highlighting how players use games like Destiny and the new GameChat feature on Nintendo Switch 2 to connect with friends. The author reflects on a ...