Games

In a strange turn of events for the video game industry these days, the next big Nintendo Switch RPG is getting its release moved up. After the announcement trailer hit back during the massive February Direct presentation, Nintendo announced the next adventure in the Monolithsoft-developed Xenoblade saga would be arriving in September 2022.  But according to an official tweet from the Nintendo Twitter account today, the game will now be arriving this summer with a special edition package coming via the Nintendo Store. Head below for more details and a look at today’s new launch trailer. 

Back in September of last year rumors surfaced that Nintendo was readying some of its classic handheld games to appear on its current-generation console, and now new leaks seem to suggest a potential Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy service is still in the works. Last fall it looked as though Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles were headed to Nintendo’s Online service, but soon after that it announced the new Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis Expansion tier instead. And now, it appears the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles you were waiting for might still be on the way. More details are below. 

Square has unleashed a new Final Fantasy VII collectible in the form of Cloud Strife’s Buster Sword. Aligned much like it is on the iconic game’s title screen, this new Final Fantasy VII collectible alarm clock is designed to sit among your other Final Fantasy swag or on the nightstand and specifically takes the shape of Cloud’s main weapon from the more recent remake of the beloved Square Enix role-playing game. Head below for more details and a closer look at the launch video. 

Today, Hello Games is introducing one of No Man’s Sky’s biggest updates to date with Outlaws. This DLC is free to everyone who owns the game already and includes quite a few changes, including outlaw space stations, smuggling, a new ship, and even the ability to own more ships. What else can you do in No Man’s Sky Outlaws? Let’s take a closer look.

What was once a PlayStation-exclusive title comes to Xbox via Game Pass starting April 28. That’s right, Bugsnax, which was a launch title for the PlayStation 5, is making its way to quite a few new platforms later this month, including Microsoft’s Xbox One / Series lineup, Nintendo Switch, and even PC via Steam. This comes alongside a free update called The Isle of Bigsnax, so let’s take a look at all that’ll be coming to Bugsnax on April 28.

The fine folks at Unknown Worlds are hiring a “senior narrative designer” whose goal is to help the team “shape the next game in the Subnautica universe.” As a fully remote studio, Unknown Worlds is open to many different types of applicants, but the job itself gives a little insight as to what we can expect from this upcoming expansion of the Subnautica universe.

As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, Square Enix has now unveiled Kingdom Hearts 4 and a new Kingdom Hearts mobile game known as Missing-Link. The beloved Disney and Square Enix crossover franchise is celebrating 20 years in the game this year the right way with a new entry in the mainline franchise and the upcoming iOS (and Android) title with an all-new original story. Head below for more details on the latest coming from the world of Kingdom Hearts and the debut trailers.

It’s that time – Hello Neighbor 2 is officially ready to play, though the full release won’t happen until December 6. In the meantime, the game is available to enjoy in beta form for all those who pre-order the game on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. Curious where Hello Neighbor 2 picks up from the previous game and how it continues the story? Well, it’s quite interesting, so let’s break it down below.

Xbox Game Pass continues to be the best value in console or desktop gaming, especially now that Sony launched a competing service that’s both more expensive and less feature-packed. Well, Game Pass is about to become an even better value as the rumored family plan is, in fact, real. While we don’t know exactly what it’ll cost or when it’s launching, we do know a few specifics about how it’ll work, so keep reading to find out more on the Xbox Game Pass Family Plan.

After seeing a rare price drop on new condition OLED model Switch consoles this morning, Nintendo has now unveiled some NES and new SNES Switch Online games. Nintendo has been focused on adding value to its newer N64 and SEGA libraries as of late – we saw F-Zero X and some new Genesis titles this month after Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask launched in February – but it is now ready to bring some new classics to the entry level tier for the rest of us. Head below for a closer look and more details. 

The Nintendo Switch game lineup was primed to have one of its most exciting years to date, but it looks like the Zelda Breath of the Wild sequel release date is going to slip. Having already dropped Pokémon Legends: Arceus and with the Gen 9 Pokémon Scarlet and Violet titles on the way, among others, 2022 was set to be massive year for Nintendo’s biggest franchises. And while it will still be quite a notable lineup, arguably the most anticipated title of all has now been confirmed for a 2023 release. Head below for more details. 

After rumors surfaced back in February of the new Sony Game Pass competitor, Sony has now unveiled the new PlayStation Plus. Taking to the official PlayStation Blog this morning, Sony has now confirmed much of what we saw last month with its new subscription service that essentially combines PS Plus with PS Now on-demand game streaming functionality. The new PlayStation Plus Game Pass competitor is set to launch in June 2022 with 700+ titles for subscribers. Head below for a closer look.

Happy Kirby and the Forgotten Land launch day folks! It has been a long time coming for Kirby to truly get the 3D AAA treatment on Nintendo hardware, but the wait is finally over. Forgotten Land does all that and more with positive reviews on the pink hero’s latest adventure hitting all over the net. You can still score a copy of the game on sale via Amazon, not to mention the FREE demo if you’re still on the fence. Or you can go full price with some extra goodies at Walmart and GameStop. We are also seeing some of the regularly hard-to-get Kirby amiibo collectibles (that also work in Forgotten Land) in stock and have rounded up some of the best and most adorable collectibles to celebrate Kirby’s latest. Head below for a closer look and a mouthful of adorable Kirby trinkets. 

The latest system update for Sony’s home gaming consoles has now been rolled out with the previously in-beta PlayStation voice commands, and more. There were several reports suggesting the update came along with some serious network issues – some folks were unable to access PlayStation Plus content as well as online services in games like Elden Ring and others – but it seems that has been corrected at this point, mostly. Head below for more details. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to create folders on Switch, Nintendo has now finally made it possible. The latest Nintendo Switch system update has arrived with few nice quality-of-life features including the ability to finally organize your games and apps properly. Some five years after the release of the original hybrid console and six months after delivering proper Bluetooth support, Nintendo has now issued the latest Switch update that brings a groups organization feature to the UI alongside enhancements of the newfound wireless audio system. Head below the fold for a closer look at the update and how to create folders on Switch with the new “Groups” feature.

CD Projekt Red took to its official Twitter page today to announce the new Witcher game. The original trilogy of games that started on PC years ago culminated in one of the best fantasy RPGs in history with the Witcher 3 Wild Hunt. Now, after a lengthy hiatus and what could only be described as a very rough launch with its follow-up project, Cyberpunk 2077, it is diving back into the world of The Witcher. More details below. 

Update 12/7: Nintendo has now unleashed Wave 3 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass bringing the current the total to 24 new tracks. You can “access the courses at no additional cost with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.” Find out more details below and right here. 

Update 8/4: The Wave 2 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass is now live including Kalimari Desert, Waluigi Pinball, Mushroom Gorge, and more. More details here.

Update 7/28: Nintendo has now taken to its official Twitter page to announced the Wave 2 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass will arrive on August 4, 2022. “Available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members at no additional cost, or on its own as paid DLC.” More details and video below.

Update 3/18: Wave 1 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is now live starting today! All of the details you need on how to access them can be found below and on this Nintendo landing page. 

Nintendo made some major announcements during yesterday’s Direct showcase, not the least of which were the 48 new Mario Kart courses coming to the latest iteration of its beloved kart racer. New FREE Metroid DLC, Earthbound coming to Switch Online, the new Mario Strikers Battle League, and the upcoming Switch Sports were all exciting to say the least, but Nintendo also announced a sizable new injection of content with the new Mario Kart courses that will run right through until the end of 2023. So it’s time to dive into the details, what this might mean for the rumored Mario Kart 9, and how to get the new Mario Kart courses to upgrade your existing Switch kart racing experience. Head below for a closer look.

Update: While Amazon’s listing is temporarily out of stock, Best Buy is offering $10 gift cards with pre-orders on Hogwarts Legacy across all platforms. 

It’s finally time to get our first look at Harry Potter gameplay from the upcoming Avalanche Software RPG. Sony announced earlier this week it would be dedicating an entire State of Play showcase event – not something we see very often – to the game for its first gameplay blowout, and it has finally arrived. The teaser trailer we got about a year ago got nearly 30 million views, so let’s hope the folks at Sony come through with an exciting demo this afternoon. Head below to follow along with today’s Harry Potter gameplay showcase for the upcoming Hogwarts Legacy.

The Sniper Elite series has long been my favorite whenever I’m in the sniping mood – the realistic shot patterns, the X-ray vision when a bullet lands, and the fact that you have to sneak around make it through a mission. Well, Sniper Elite 5 is finally almost here, and we now have a solid launch date for the game: May 26. It’s available to pre-order now for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, but we also got a new trailer that “gives all our well-trained recruits a glimpse of the action-packed storyline and main characters” that Sniper Elite 5 brings to the table.

Well it might not be the original Sonic or Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, but Nintendo has just brought some new Genesis games to its Switch Online Expansion Pack. Last night Nintendo announced the three latest titles for the subscribers of its top-tier online suite, and while they certainly aren’t prime time games, there’s some great new stuff here. Nintendo continues to bring new titles to the Expansion Pack to sweeten the value proposition with the latest coming in the form of Alien Soldier, Super Fantasy Zone, and Light Crusader. Head below for more details and the launch trailer. 

We got some new details on the highly-anticipated next Bethesda RPG today. Starfield is primed to be the studio’s next massive role playing experience, taking the formula pioneered by Elder Scrolls and the post-apocalyptic Fallout series to the skies and beyond. Pending any unfortunate potential delays, the sci-fi game is set for release later this year despite being almost entirely hidden away in a cryo chamber somewhere. We are yet to see any major gameplay reveals or really anything at all outside of last year’s cinematic trailer, some interesting concept art, and a teaser for what appears to be the game’s companion real-world smartwatch. Today, director Todd Howard uploaded the next episode for its “Into the Starfield” video teaser series with some new details on the next Bethesda RPG. Head below for a look and more details. 

It’s not often an Early Access game on Steam has record-breaking sales in the first week, let alone launching to “very positive” reviews with thousands of pleased gamers, but that’s just what Core Keeper did. Originally launched on March 8, just eight days ago, the game amassed over 250,000 sales in under a week and is now a top seller on Steam. Could this be the adventure game I’ve been waiting for? Let’s take a closer look at whether or not Core Keeper could be your next platformer.

After millions of views on the teaser reveal trailer, Sony and developer Avalanche are finally ready to showcase gameplay for the upcoming Harry Potter RPG, Hogwarts Legacy. We got a relatively quick look at the game during a PlayStation showcase back in September, but Sony took to its official blog today to announce an upcoming State of Play solely dedicated to Hogwarts Legacy. Head below for more details on this week’s presentation and the upcoming Harry Potter RPG. 

We just recently took a hands-on look at the 1/16 scale 1942 RepliCades from New Wave Toys, but now it’s time for the brand’s new mini arcade machines. Today out of Los Angeles, New Wave is announcing the latest additions to its growing lineup of collectible and very much playable mini arcade machines with the new Space Ace x RepliCade models and a special edition Dragon’s Lair cabinet. Now up for pre-order with special early discounts, head below for more details. 

Update 3/22: The FREE co-op and endless challenge mode Returnal DLC launches today and is available now after downloading the sizable 3.0 update. More details below.

Update: The new FREE demo for Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is now live on PS4, PS5, and Xbox ahead of next week’s release. 

Sony is set to kick off the next State of Play showcase event right now with latest details on new PlayStation games. After taking to the official PlayStation Blog earlier this week, Sony is ready unleash the latest “reveals and eye-catching updates for PS5 and PS4 titles.” The show is set to clock in at around 20 minutes or so, and everything is going to kick off right now. Follow along with us on today’s State of Play showcase below for all of the latest new PlayStation games and more. 

Update: 8Bitdo has now introduced a new pink colorway of its latest Xbox controller. You’ll find the black and white models up for pre-order on Amazon and the pink option at $45 right here. The Amazon “Pre-order Price Guarantee” applies to all three, ensuring you get charged the lowest price between now and release no matter when you purchase it.

Today we are taking a look at the new 8Bitdo Xbox Controller. While we have seen 8Bitdo models that work nicely with Microsoft consoles, like the customizable Pro 2, this marks the first time the brand has specifically designed a gamepad with that traditional asymmetric Xbox look and feel. There are certainly more affordable wired options out there from brands like PowerA and the like, but some folks swear by the 8Bitdo gamepads and now there’s one specifically designed with Xbox diehards in mind. Now available for pre-order at Amazon, head below for a closer look at the new 8Bitdo Xbox Controller. 

Back in January, we finally got an official release date for the upcoming LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga game, which was previously delayed multiple times. The game will release on April 5, which is under a month away at this point. However, we now know the characters which the DLC packs will contain, including Grogu (though not playable, sadly), young Han, Jyn Erso, Boba Fett, and many more. Curious what all characters will be available in the LEGO Star Wars Skywalker Saga DLC? Keep reading for a full list.

Age of Empires IV is going through some major changes as we start 2022 with the game’s first update coming soon. Pivoting away from traditional seasons, like summer, spring, winter, and fall, the game is now moving to a season-based numbering release schedule, which means that updates will make sense for those in all corners of the globe now. Curious what updates Age of Empires IV Season One will bring? Keep reading for more.

A FREE Kirby and the Forgotten Land demo has arrived. While we await more of the 30th anniversary content from Nintendo and the official March 25, 2022 release date of Kirby’s next adventure, Nintendo Switch owners can now jump in to Kirby and the Forgotten Land for FREE as part of a just-released demo. The game is already up for pre-order in its complete form with a notable $5 price drop on Amazon, but this is great chance to get hands-on to see what all of the new copy and transform abilities have in-store. Head below for more details and look at today’s brand new overview trailer from Nintendo.  

While we first heard about playing Flight Simulator on the Xbox One through Xbox Cloud Gaming back in June of last year, the time has finally arrived. Launching as one of the March Game Pass updates, Flight Simulator, alongside several other titles, are now available to play on the Cloud. This means that even the original Xbox One, or any other Xbox Cloud-enabled device, can now take to the skies in Flight Simulator 2020. What all devices are compatible and what other updates are coming to Game Pass? Keep reading for more.

Today we are taking look at the new NES console meets synthesizer from artist Love Hultén. We have featured a number of Hultén’s wild designs over the year, not the least of which is this custom retro gaming coffee table, but today it’s all about the new NES-SY37. This is a one-off conceptual piece, and, much like the rest of the Hultén creations, is a sight to behold, combining retro aesthetics with clean lines to create a one-of-a-kind NES synthesizer and console. The wooden design takes cues from Nintendo’s storied home console as well as the Commodore SX-64 portable to deliver what only could be described as a must-see creation. Head below for more details and a closer look in the demo video. 

A collection of private data from NVIDIA has hit the internet as part of a recent cyberattack suggesting Nintendo Switch 2 might already be in development in some way, shape or form. That Nintendo Switch Pro rumor that surfaced several times last year and even before that never quite came true, yet. The new OLED model of Nintendo’s hybrid console that was unveiled last summer before hitting store shelves in October brought with it an impressive new display alongside some other light enhancements over the base model, but it wasn’t quite the Pro model or Nintendo Switch 2 some gamers were hoping for. And while we don’t have direct confirmation at this time that a new machine is even in the works just yet, a recent NVIDIA data leak might suggest it is. Head below for more details. 

Turtle Beach is out with a new pair of wireless gaming headsets that boast up to 48 hours of use per charge. This would put the latest Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 headsets in a category almost on their own for battery life. There are two models being announced here, including the MAX and the USB, depending on what you need. Both headsets offer 3D spatial surround sound, “unmatched comfort,” and more. Keep reading for additional information on the latest Turtle Beach headsets..

PowerA’s new Xbox Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands controller is now up for pre-order ahead of this month’s release. It will begin shipping just one day before the launch of the game it is designed after, when the upcoming Borderlands spin-off, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, releases on March 25, 2022 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series S|X, and more. A perfect collector’s item for folks excited to jump into the new looter-shooter meets fantasy world Gearbox game, PowerA has delivered an eye-catching design to its new Enhanced Xbox Wired Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands controller. Head below for a closer look. 

Microsoft’s Game Pass is likely one of the most subscribed-to game services in history, with millions of players across Xbox and PC. Well, the main problem with Game Pass on PC is that it requires use of the Xbox app and Microsoft Store, two things that most gamers likely don’t visit often. However, that could change with Gabe Newell’s latest statement, so let’s break down whether or not we could see Game Pass on Steam in the future.

More details on Sony’s Game Pass competitor have surfaced. As reported by Bloomberg back in December, Sony is planning to rival Microsoft’s Game Pass ecosystem with a new service of its own that combines PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now, which is internally known as Spartacus. The folks over at GamesBeat have now uncovered some particulars about the supposedly upcoming service including pricing and what each of the three subscription tiers will include. 

According to sources familiar with the matter, next year’s Call of Duty release, which is set to be developed by Treyarch, is delayed until 2024. However, things are still on schedule for 2022’s Modern Warfare 2 release, but what could this mean for our beloved FPS title that has had a new launch every year since 2005? Let’s break it down below.

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen is launching today as the game’s latest expansion and honestly, it looks pretty great. The theme of this season is “Take Back the Light.” The Witch Queen looks mystical, scary, and intriguing all at the same time. This expansion marks Destiny 2’s Year 5 and has plenty of content for both new and returning gamers. You’ll be able to try out a new crafting system, pick up the new Glaive to upgrade your arsenal, and more all from just the first two missions. Want to find out more? Keep reading for additional information on Destiny 2 The Witch Queen.

We are getting some new Pokémon Nintendo Switch accessories from PowerA with the now available Snorlax & Friends line. PowerA is well known around these parts for its popular Switch accessories and with Pokémon Legends: Arceus now out in the wild, it’s time to take a look at the new Snorlax & Friends controller and case for Nintendo’s current-generation consoles. Head below for more details and live pre-order links to the new Pokémon Nintendo Switch PowerA gear. 

Today we are getting our first look at the actual PlayStation VR2 headset. After Sony teased specs on its upcoming next-generation VR rig back in January alongside the Horizon Call of the Mountain launch title, it has taken to the official PlayStation Blog to unveil the actual hardware. Today’s reveal is described as the “reveal [of the] stunning new design of our next generation VR headset, PlayStation VR2, together with an updated and final design image of our PlayStation VR2 Sense controller.” Head below for a closer look. 

We have spotted some Nintendo 3DS game deals alongside some eShop exclusives and freebies you might want to consider grabbing now. Nintendo will sadly be closing the 3DS eShop come March of next year, alongside disabling the ability to add funds to these accounts starting in May of 2022 (more details on that right here.) Not only does that leave a wealth of titles out in the cold only to be found in rare physical form across the interwebs and retail bargain bins, but that also means your 3DS library will soon be frozen in time, so to speak, with no way of adding new digital titles from Nintendo’s eShop. While there are third-party sellers that will carry the bigger name titles for what will likely go beyond the March 2023 cut off date, that could mean some of the standout eShop exclusives might be lost forever. So let’s take a look at some of the 3DS titles that are currently on sale via the eShop as well as some freebies and standout exclusives you might want to scoop up now. 

Sea of Thieves is getting its first-ever narrative-driven Adventure, dubbed Shrouded Islands. It’s only available from today through March 3, so you’ll need to play during the limited timeframe in order to meet Belle and “investigate the mysterious fog covering Golden Sands Outpost.” What does Shrouded Islands bring to the shores of Sea of Thieves? Let’s take a closer look below.

No Man’s Sky originally released in August of 2016, which is almost six years ago. The game, which launched to many problems and was ridiculed by the community, has since redeemed itself through numerous updates, all at no cost to gamers who own the game. Well, the infamous space exploration title just got updated yet again, this time with a total overhaul of the weapons system, new lore and stories, new Sentinels, and…the ability to reprogram and adopt your own friendly AI drone? There’s a lot to unpack here, so keep reading to find out all the details for the No Man’s Sky Sentinel update.

It’s time to start thinking about shoring up your Wii U and 3DS game libraries. Nintendo’s beloved 3DS consoles still remain in the hearts and hands of gamers everywhere, despite the Switch taking over portable supremacy in the Mushroom Kingdom. But Nintendo has now announced the inevitable closure of its eShop Wii U and 3DS digital game stores and while it might not be until next year, it will all be gone before you know it. Head below for more details. 

We are now tracking the first notable discount on physical copies of the new Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Everyone’s favorite transforming pink puff is set to make triumphant return in true AAA fashion on Nintendo Switch come March 25, 2022, and you can now lock-in a pre-order at Amazon for $54.99 shipped. Regularly $60, this is the lowest total we have tracked on upcoming 3D platforming adventure after seeing it on full display in the latest Nintendo Direct presentation. It also ships with Amazon’s pre-order price guarantee which ensures “you’ll receive the lowest price” it drops to between now and release anyway. More details below.