It’s been just over a year since “Hogwarts Legacy” was released, but the Harry Potter video game is already getting a major revamp.
Initially launched in February 2023, the immersive role-playing game quickly became a favorite among fans of the Harry Potter universe. Set in the late 1800s, it lets players explore a rich open world – plus experience Hogwarts Castle and other iconic locations such as Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest, learn magic (and the Dark Arts), get sorted into a Hogwarts House, and forge relationships with other Hogwarts students along the way.
Before its release, there were calls to boycott the game in light of the drama surrounding JK Rowling. The author has generated endless controversy in recent years after repeatedly criticizing (if not outright antagonizing) the transgender community with her views on gender identity.
Portkey Games, the video game label of Warner Bros. Games responsible for the game, even featured a small statement on its website distancing itself from the author. “JK Rowling was not involved in the creation of the game,” it clarified, before adding that “as creator of the wizarding world and one of the world’s greatest storytellers, her extraordinary body of writing is the foundation of all projects in the Wizarding World.
This is not a new story from J.K. Rowling. However, we have collaborated closely with her team on all aspects of the game to ensure it remains in line with the magical experiences fans expect.”
Regardless, the game ranked as the biggest-selling game of 2023, outperforming video game behemoths such as Call of Duty.
It should come as no surprise that there’s already plenty of talk about a potential sequel. However, before that day comes, we have more “Hogwarts Legacy” content to come from an upcoming remake – well, of sorts.
Earlier this week, Sony unveiled the PlayStation 5 Pro. As part of its launch, “Hogwarts Legacy” is set to receive an upgrade as part of its lineup of PS5 Pro Enhanced games, which also includes the PS5 Pro Enhanced lineup include “Alan Wake 2,” “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2,” “The First Descendant,” and the upcoming “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.”
The Pro Enhanced version of the game will take advantage of the PS5 Pro’s improved ray-tracing capabilities. That means your spells will be smoother, the reflective surfaces shinier, the shadows deeper, and the all-round finish of the game’s graphics will hit that little bit harder.
First impressions of those who’ve played the updated version of “Hogwarts Legacy” have been extremely positive, so if you’re really into Harry Potter and gaming, it’s certainly worth your time. Just remember that it’s the exact same game (and Unforgivable Curses will remain just as hypocritically forgivable) regardless of whether it’s “Pro” or not.
But of course, the real question is if it’s worth your money. Playing this new and updated version of the game won’t come cheap. The PS5 Pro will cost you $699 – $825 with a disk drive – when it launches on November 7, 2024. That makes it the most expensive video game console since… Well, ever.
If you’re looking for a brand-new Harry Potter video game fix, “Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions” was released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S earlier this month. The game’s garnered pretty average critical reviews so far, but it has our stamp of approval for absorbable, cozy fun.
What are your thoughts on “Hogwarts Legacy”?