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Easily the biggest news to come out of Star Wars Celebration 2025 was the reveal that Deadpool & Wolverine’s Shawn Levy is directing Star Wars: Starfighter, a new standalone, live-action film starring Ryan Gosling. Starfighter is shaping up to be the next Star Wars film released after 2026’s The Mandalorian and Grogu, with production starting this fall for a May 28, 2027 release.
But beyond those basics, we know very little about the plot of Starfighter right now. Lucasfilm only revealed one crucial detail - the film is set about five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. That places Starfighter further down the Star Wars timeline than any Star Wars movie or series to date.
What do we know about this period of Star Wars lore? Not a whole lot, frankly. That said, we can certainly speculate based on how The Rise of Skywalker ends and how the pre-Disney Legends universe handled this era. Let’s take a closer look at the big questions that linger after The Rise of Skywalker and how Starfighter may address them.
First, we’d be remiss if we didn’t touch on the fact that Star Wars: Starfighter shares its name with a short-lived series of games from the PS2/Xbox era. The original Star Wars: Starfighter was released in 2001, followed by the sequel Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter in 2002.
The new movie might share a name with these two games, but we wouldn’t expect it to borrow much, if at all, from the games in terms of plot. The original Starfighter game is set during Episode I, showcasing some of the other heroic pilots before and during the Battle of Naboo. Jedi Starfighter, meanwhile, takes place during Episode II, focusing on Jedi Master Adi Gallia and Nym, a pirate character introduced in the first game. The new movie is set many decades after the two games, making it very unlikely it’ll adapt plot points from either one.
That being said, it’s always possible that the Starfighter movie could take a page from Jedi Starfighter in terms of its ship-to-ship combat. Jedi Starfighter was notable for introducing Force powers into the mix, allowing Adi to supplement her ship’s traditional weapons with abilities like a Force shield, lightning, and a shockwave. Could the movie do something similar? Is Gosling’s character a Jedi and a hotshot pilot? It’s certainly possible, and it would be one way of spicing up the fight scenes in the movie.
The Rise of Skywalker may end with a final victory over Emperor Palpatine and his Sith Eternal, but the movie doesn’t really give us much insight into the state of the galaxy after the Battle of Exegol. The fate of the New Republic after the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens remains unclear. In the first chapter of the Sequel Trilogy, we see the First Order unleash its Starkiller Base superweapon, destroying Hosnian Prime and killing off the heads of the New Republic in one fell swoop. Most of the Sequel-era Star Wars projects have focused specifically on the conflict between Leia’s Resistance and the First Order, meaning we don’t have much insight into what became of the New Republic after its leadership was lost.
It’s possible that the New Republic still exists in the time of Star Wars: Starfighter, but we’d imagine it’s been greatly weakened. As it is, the Republic was already struggling prior to the rise of the First Order. As seen in the novel Star Wars: Bloodline, the New Republic government is eventually racked by conflict between Populists (who believe individual member planets should remain sovereign) and Centrists (who favor a stronger government and a larger military). That conflict may well carry over as the New Republic struggles to regroup and rebuild.
It also remains to be seen if some remnants of the First Order still persist five years after Palpatine’s defeat. Certainly, it’s not as if the Empire was wiped away after the Battle of Endor. It took years of fighting until the Rebellion finally conquered the Empire, and even then, they had the Imperial Remnant and Grand Admiral Thrawn to worry about. We may find that some traces of the First Order remain and have rallied around a surviving figurehead following Supreme Leader Kylo Ren’s death.
And that’s not even getting into the galaxy’s pirate problem. As seen in The Mandalorian and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, piracy is a real threat in the chaotic years after the Empire’s fall. As the New Republic struggles to establish a foothold, many pirates and smugglers take advantage of the lawlessness on the fringes of the galaxy. We have to assume that this problem has only grown in scope after The Force Awakens.
All of this is to say that there’s likely to be a power struggle in the galaxy during the era of Star Wars: Starfighter, leaving ample room for the sort of epic space battles fans have come to expect. Gosling could be playing a New Republic pilot fighting to restore law and order to a chaotic galaxy. In that sense, Starfighter could potentially be a replacement for Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron movie. Gosling’s character could also be a homegrown defender of a world trying to defend itself without the Republic’s protection. For all we know, he could be an ex-First Order trooper like John Boyega’s Finn.
Given that Starfighter is being billed as a standalone movie, we don’t necessarily see it being the one to establish the next overarching Rebels vs. Empire or Resistance vs. First Order-style conflict for the franchise. More likely, it’ll explore the lingering fallout of the conflict in The Rise of Skywalker, centering around a villain taking advantage of the current power vacuum in the galaxy.
Luke Skywalker began the New Republic era with high hopes, seeking to rebuild the Jedi Order that Palpatine destroyed and mentor a new generation of Force-sensitive pupils. For a while, his plans worked. We see Luke building his new Jedi Temple in The Book of Boba Fett, and we know from various books and comics that Luke established a decent-sized school over the years.
Unfortunately, it all went to hell when the Skywalker family curse struck. Corrupted by Supreme Leader Snoke/Palpatine and spurred on by Uncle Luke himself, Ben Solo lashed out and destroyed Luke’s temple, killing many students in the process. He then joined up with the Knights of Ren and became Kylo Ren, chief enforcer of Snoke’s First Order. His Jedi Order in shambles, Luke retreated to Ahch-To to live out the last of his days as a cranky, milk-guzzling hermit.
So what’s become of the Jedi? Many died in Ben’s attack on the Temple, but we can’t imagine all of them were killed, any more than Order 66 successfully purged every last Clone Wars-era Jedi. There’s still the question of what’s up with Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka Tano and if she’s alive and active during the Sequel era. Don't forget, her voice is heard among the Force ghosts at the end of The Rise of Skywalker, but Dave Filoni has also hinted that Ahsoka isn’t dead.
We know that Daisy Ridley’s Rey Skywalker is setting out to rebuild the Jedi Order (again) and carry on Luke’s legacy. That’s going to be the focus of the New Jedi Order movie directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. However, that film is set 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, putting it a full decade after the events of Starfighter.
It remains to be seen whether Starfighter will address the current state of the Jedi at all. It may depend largely on whether Gosling’s character is Force-sensitive or not. If he is, we could see Ridley playing a small role in the film as Rey reaches out to this promising pilot. But if not, it may be that Starfighter is like Rogue One and Solo: A Star Wars Story - the rare Star Wars film that mostly ignores the Jedi in favor of ordinary heroes.
Just as we’re waiting to see what the state of the Jedi Order is post-The Rise of Skywalker, there’s also the question of whether there are any Sith characters still active in the galaxy. That movie cemented Ian McDiarmid’s Palpatine as the central villain of the entire Skywalker Saga, revealing he cheated his apparent death aboard the Death Star and was the secret hand pulling Supreme Leader Snoke’s strings. But with Palpatine dead and gone for real now (presumably), is there anything left of the Sith? Or did this ancient order finally die out along with him?
If the classic Expanded Universe is any indication, Palpatine won’t be the last Sith Lord. The various Star Wars Legends novels chronicled many conflicts in the years and decades after Return of the Jedi. Meanwhile, Dark Horse’s Star Wars: Legacy comic dealt with the rise of Darth Krayt and his army of Sith loyalists more than a hundred years after the events of the movies. There are always those hungry for power and ready to be seduced by the Dark Side.
This is definitely not the last time the galaxy will be threatened by a villain skilled in the ways of the Dark Side, whether or not they specifically call themselves Sith. As much as the Prequel movies hammer home the idea that the Sith follow the Rule of Two, the Clone Wars animated series showed us that Palpatine had multiple Dark Side rivals, including the Nightsisters of Dathomir and his former apprentice, Maul. It stands to reason that there are other players out there who might see an opportunity now that Palpatine is gone. Maybe he had another apprentice. Maybe there are surviving members of the Knights of Ren. Maybe another of Luke’s pupils has turned to the Dark Side.
Again, though, the real question is whether Star Wars: Starfighter is going to dive into any of this. If Gosling isn’t playing a Jedi character, there may be no reason to touch on the current state of the Sith in Starfighter. We may have to wait for the New Jedi Order movie or Simon Kinberg’s Star Wars trilogy instead.
Star Wars: Starfighter features a brand new lead character and is set in a period we haven’t seen in the movies or shows yet. It’s also a standalone movie, meaning we shouldn’t necessarily expect tons of familiar faces to show up and fight alongside or against Gosling’s character. Still, this is Star Wars. The movies rarely waste an opportunity to throw in cameos and callbacks. If we got a Darth Maul cameo of all things in Solo: A Star Wars Story, then surely someone from the Sequels is bound to show up in Starfighter, right?
Oscar Isaac’s Poe Dameron seems like the most likely candidate. He’s probably the best pilot in the galaxy now that Han Solo is dead, and he’s a decorated hero who survived many run-ins with the First Order. We have to assume Poe has some part to play in rebuilding the galaxy and restoring the New Republic, meaning he’s in a great position to lend a helping hand in whatever predicament Gosling’s character finds himself.
We could also see everyone’s favorite Wookiee making a return appearance. What is Chewbacca up to these days? Is he still Rey’s copilot, or have they parted ways now that she’s focused on rebuilding the Jedi? What if Gosling’s character, through a twist of fate, finds himself piloting the Millennium Falcon alongside Chewbacca? It would certainly be comforting to have that tether to the Skywalker Saga movies.
There’s also room for Boyega to return as Finn, especially if the film specifically deals with a conflict involving remnants of the First Order. Finn was frustratingly underutilized in The Rise of Skywalker, but that film did hint that he’s become a bit of a folk hero to those Stormtroopers deserting their posts and rebelling against the First Order. Has Finn continued to seek out like-minded soldiers and help them overcome their conditioning like he did? What if Gosling’s character is one of those troopers?
And then there’s Rey. As we’ve already discussed, whether or not she appears in Starfighter may largely depend on whether Gosling’s character is revealed to be a Jedi or not. Lucasfilm clearly has plans for Rey going forward, but Starfighter may not be part of those plans.
Which surviving character from The Rise of Skywalker would you most like to see in Star Wars: Starfighter? Cast your vote in our poll and let us know in the comments below.
For more on the future of the Star Wars franchise, find out why Lucasfilm needs to stop announcing movies and just make them, and brush up on every Star Wars movie and series in development.
Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on BlueSky.
Sigourney Weaver was a big part of The Mandalorian & Grogu panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 and IGN had the chance to speak with her about her new character, how she hadn’t watched an episode of The Mandalorian before being cast, how Grogu stole her heart, and even if she thinks Grogu is more powerful than a Xenomorph.
The Mandalorian & Grogu is set to be released in theaters on May 22, 2026, and we hope this interview will help with the wait and give you some insight into one of the newest characters to join that beloved galaxy far, far away.
IGN: Sigourney, thank you so much for joining us! We were thrilled to see your character in The Mandalorian & Grogu panel, and it looks like she was maybe wearing a Rebel pilot uniform? What can you tell us about your character at this point?
Sigourney Weaver: Well, she was wearing a rebel pilot uniform, and that's how she came up. And now, of course, she's still a pilot and is one of the people working to protect the New Republic. She's actually out in the Outer Rim where there are vestiges of the Empire, so she needs someone like the Mandalorian and his faithful companion.
IGN: We heard that your love of Grogu was one of the reasons you decided to take on this role, so what was it like to actually work with him?
Weaver: Grogu is very mischievous. I'm sure that won't surprise you. It's funny because, in every scene with Grogu, there were several puppeteers who each helped him do a different thing. However, no matter how many puppeteers were around him, all I saw was Grogu. I still think he's real.
IGN: You’ve worked with a lot of different kinds of aliens in your career, from Xenomorphs to Na’vi. What was it like working with those in comparison to Grogu?
Weaver: He's definitely the cutest. I mean, if Xenomorphs are somewhere here and Slimer is over here, Grogu is way over the line. I think the Japanese call it Kawaii!
IGN: So, you said in the panel that you hadn't seen The Mandalorian before you started working on this. That means I have to ask, what was it like finally watching all those episodes?
Weaver: I feel so lucky because Jon Favreau wasn't like, ‘You've got to start watching this!’ I was just thrilled to do it and work with Jon on a Star Wars project. And even from the first episode, I felt that it was a great concept. It was a really good old Western with a few surprises, and I just found it charming and a great way for me to kind of re-enter the Star Wars world because there've been different projects and I get confused about what goes where.
So, this was a great sort of standalone story that kept building and building, and I found Din Djarin and the little fellow to be wonderful characters alongside great bad guys like Werner Herzog. The whole time, I was like, ‘What was he going to do to the little creature?!’ We don't even want to think about it.
IGN: Love it. Now, looking forward, you're certainly in the footage that we saw this morning. We saw you sharing a scene with Grogu and him using his Force powers to try to steal… was it like a dish of food or something?
Weaver: Yes. It's a little bowl of snacks that were mine, and he's doing his little Force gestures, and I'm just lucky I got them back. I had to be quite forceful.
IGN: Speaking of which, do you get to see Grogu use his Force powers in all their glory in this movie?
Weaver: Well, he's always trying to do something. So, to the extent that I get to be with him, I get to sort of see what he does when he's more relaxed at the home base. However, I feel like Grogu was sort of transitioning from a little learning creature to someone who has real skills. And indeed, he is the apprentice now, and I felt that I could see a big difference between that in the series.
IGN: I'm still very interested in how you came to this project and your experience with Star Wars in general, dating back to the very first movie. Going through all of what we've seen so far. Do you have a favorite movie from the series?
Weaver: Yeah. I think Rogue One. I really liked Felicity Jones's character, and I'm glad that was the one I saw because I think of my generation as a member of The Rebellion. I saw the other ones quite a while ago and, I mean, it was wonderful to watch them again because you're kind of going back to your childhood. It shows there's a way in for everybody back into Star Wars, and you can keep it going. It goes in all directions. It's quite an amazing thing.
IGN: Last question. Who is the most powerful being in the universe? Grogu or a Xenomorph?
Weaver: Well, it’s not that I don’t believe in him, but I’m afraid it’s a Xenomorph.
IGN: Why do you think that is?
Weaver: Because he can’t help himself. He just has to take over and destroy and promote his group. And, what I know and remember of Yoda is that he is too wise to do all of that. He’s not a destructive being. He’s on the side of good and I think Grogu is too, obviously.
IGN: And he’s just too cute to be all that threatening, right?
Weaver: Well, listen, if he stayed with Werner Herzog, who knows what he would have become?
For more, check out our recap of all the biggest moments from The Mandalorian & Grogu panel, including that Ryan Gosling has officially been cast in 2027’s Star Wars: Starfighter film.
Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.
The Secretlab Easter Sale is happening now with savings of up to $119 off the popular Titan line of gaming chairs, Magnus gaming desks (including the Magnus Pro electric standing desk model), and accessories like the Secretlab Skins upholstery covers, desk mats, cable management, and more.
It's no secret that we love our Secretlab gaming chairs. Two of the six chairs in our best gaming chair roundup are Secretlab models. Of all the gaming chairs we covered in our "Budget to Best" roundup video earlier this year, my colleague Akeem Lawanson considered the Secretlab Titan Evo to be the most comfortable. No good chair comes cheap and Secretlab chairs definitely cost a premium, but we think the craftsmanship, materials, and customizability are worth it.
You can quickly browse through all of the listed products on sale above. For more information on each product and why they are worth your consideration, read through below.
The Titan Evo starts at $519 during the sale. This is Secretlab's flagship chair and it's available in small, medium, and large sizes. Upholstery options include Neo Hybrid leatherette, SoftWeave Plus fabric, or premium Napa leather. The chair features cold-cure foam upholstery for the seat, a supportive four-way lumbar system, full length backrest with 165 degrees of recline, full metal 4D armrests with magnetically attached PU cushions, and a memory foam headrest pillow.
Aside from the build quality, the Titan Evo also stands out thanks to the sheer number of officially licensed designs from popular video games, TV shows, and more. Some of the more popular examples include The Witcher, Overwatch, Attack on Titan, League of Legends, World of Warcraft, and Game of Thrones. They generally cost more than the standard colors, but they're worth it if you're looking for that extra personal touch.
In our Secretlab Titan Evo review, Chris Coke wrote that "after two years of daily use, the Secretlab Titan Evo has proven that it can stand the test of time and still be one of the best gaming chairs you can buy. Meaningful ergonomics paired with Secretlab’s wide selection of designs, it remains a fantastic option, especially for fans of bright colors or designs."
The prior model Titan 2020 gaming chair is available for $474, which is $45 less than the base model Titan Evo. The Titan 2020 is still an excellent chair and not much different than the current Evo model. In fact, outside of an upholstery change (the PU leather has been updated with Neo Hybrid Leatherette), the changes are mostly cosmetic. You are limited to fewer design options, so if you want to build out something that's truly unique, you might want to splurge a bit extra for the current generation Titan Evo model.
Among the Titan chairs, the Evo Lite is definitely the best value with its starting price tag of $419, or a full $100 less than the base model Titan Evo. It's built upon the same frame as the Titan Evo and has the same core features like the cold-cure foam cushioning, lumbar, 165 degrees of recline, and 4D armrests. What it compromises on is customization, with "only" two upholstery options, two sizes, and five colors, a non-adjustable lumbar system, simpler arm rests, and no included head rest. If none of these tradeoffs bother you, then you'll be saving quite a bit of money.
Although the Titan Evo Nanogen Edition isn't on sale, it deserves mention simply because this is our top pick for the best gaming chair. In our Titan Evo Nanogen Edition review, Chris Coke wrote that "the Secretlab Titan Evo Nanogen Edition deserves every bit of the overwhelming praise I’ve given. Granted, at $799 it’s significantly more expensive than the original and not far off from an entry-level Herman-Miller. But the return it offers in comfortable, supportive gaming is well worth the extra cost thanks to dramatically improved materials in both the fabric and multi-layered padding. The Titan Evo Nanogen Edition is class-leading, and is hands-down the most comfortable gaming chair I’ve ever used."
Secretlab's new recliner add-on is available for anyone who already owns the Titan Evo chair. In our recliner add-on review, Chris Coke wrote that "while both comfort and value are subjective things, the recliner is able to take the Titan Evo and transform it from one of the best racing style gaming chairs to standing head and shoulders above the competition at its price point. It’s novel enough that I wouldn’t be surprised to see other brands following suit in the near future. If you don’t mind paying for it, it’s an absolutely killer upgrade for your gaming chair."
The Magnus and Magnus Pro are also on sale during Cyber Monday. The Magnus is a traditional fixed-frame gaming desk while the Magnus Pro ups the ante with a custom designed electric standing desk frame for an additional $250. Both desks feature an all-metal desktop surface, solid steel legs and cleverly thought out areas for cable management, but the Magnus Pro has some really unique features including a power cable that runs internally inside one of the telescoping legs and an in-line control panel that you won't bump into.
In our Secretlab Magnus Pro review. Mark Knapp writes that "the Secretlab Magnus Pro is a fantastic desk, bringing the brilliant cable management solutions of the original Magnus to a fast, quiet, and wide-ranging motorized standing desk. The desk is built well and proves an excellent platform for work and play alike. It’s an expensive desk though, and for the money, it would have been nice to see a smarter safety mechanism for the motors and the desk mat included. Still, the overall quality you get is a big step up from cheaper standing desks, and the optional accessories truly enhance the experience. Anyone who’s not committed to a standing desk should save their money and go for the standard Magnus if everything else about this model sounds good, but for gamers who love a tidy desk and want the flexibility of a standing desk, the Magnus Pro should be the first they consider."
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Here’s some good news for LEGO fans: Barnes & Noble, a company typically known for bookselling, is running a big sale on LEGO sets right now. You can save 25% off a whole bunch of sets, including some super popular ones among the IGN audience. That includes the lowest price yet on the Dune Ornithopter set, which is detailed and huge and comes with a bunch of awesome minifigures.
The Ornithopter deal may be the cream of the crop in the sale, but there are plenty of other excellent prices on sets to go around. Some of the Star Wars LEGO sets are really cool and rarely get discounts. My personal favorite of these is the New Republic E-Wing vs. Shin Hati's Starfighter set, which has you build two fighter ships that can duke it out in zero gravity. Another (more modestly priced) set is BARC Speeder Escape, which is also pretty neat.
A handful of Disney LEGO sets are also on sale. One cool one is a set celebrating the company’s 100 year anniversary that has you piece together stylized versions of classic Disney characters’ faces, from Dumbo to Jasmine. There’s also a Disney castle in the LEGO Friends series, as well as a mood cube situation from Inside Out 2.
The sale ends on April 21, so you have the weekend to make your choices if you want to pick any up. If you’re interested in other kids of sets, check out our picks for the best LEGO Architecture sets, as well as the best LEGO Technic sets.
Chris Reed is a deals expert and commerce editor for IGN. You can follow him on Bluesky @chrislreed.com.
For a limited time, Walmart has dropped the price on an excellent higher-end Sony TV. Right now you can pick up a massive 75" Sony Bravia XR X93L 4K Mini-LED Smart TV for just $1198 with free shipping. That's $2,000 off one of the best Sony non-OLED TVs and hundreds (even thousands) of dollars cheaper than getting a 75" OLED TV. It's also sold and shipped by Walmart direct, not a marketplace vendor.
The Sony Bravia XR X93L was released back in March of 2023. This was the second highest end non-OLED TV in Sony's lineup at the time, right behind the X95L (which was only available in an 85" screen size in the United States). The X93L incorporates Mini LED technology, which excels in HDR content. LED-backlit panels, like its name suggests, consists of an array of LEDs that can independently turn on and off, thus improving black levels and contrast ratio. In a Mini-LED panel, the LEDs are smaller and more numerous, which allows for finer control of brightness levels within the same scene.
The X93L also makes a great gaming TV. It has four HDMI ports, two of which are HDMI 2.1 spec. HDMI 2.1 enables 4K output at up to 120Hz refresh rate, which is perfect for current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The new Switch 2 will be capped at 60fps in 4K when docked, so you don't need HDMI 2.1 for that system.
If you're an Android smartphone user, then you'll appreciate the fact that Sony uses the tried and true Google TV smart interface. It's simple, it works, and you can even use your Android device as a remote.
For more options, check out the best TVs for gaming.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
With the release of a new behind the scenes video today for "Superman Day," Warner Bros. and DC Studios have provided fans with a bunch of fresh new imagery from James Gunn's upcoming movie. That includes new looks not just of David Corenswet's Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor, but also various other heroes and villains from this summer's impending blockbuster.
You can watch the video at the top of the page here, but also check out the slideshow of images below for some highlights, including Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. (last seen in animated form in Creature Commandos), and much more:
There's also plenty of footage of Gunn directing the film, including the scene from the trailers where Superman is, shall we say, down on his luck and face-down in the snow near the Fortress of Solitude. We get a good look at the Daily Planet crew (Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, and Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant), lots of cool Superman poses, and Gunn high-fiving one of Superman's robot pals.
Superman will be released on July 11, 2025, and is the first live-action movie in Gunn's new DC Universe. For a rundown on all the upcoming DC movies and shows in the works, follow the link. And vote in our poll below to let us know what you think of the Superman roster so far...
Nintendo has officially unveiled the Switch 2 in a 60-minute Nintendo Direct. While preorders were originally set to open in early April in the US, tariff-related uncertainty caused Nintendo to delay the preorder date to April 24. During the delay, Nintendo kept the price of the Switch 2 console and games the same, but raised prices on most Switch 2 accessories.
However, Nintendo said the tariffs won't affect the Switch 2's launch date, which is still scheduled for June 5, 2025. The upcoming console will cost $449.99 alone, or $499.99 bundled with Mario Kart World (a game that will retail for $79.99 if bought separately).
If you’re hoping to secure a Switch 2 on day one, you’ll have a few options (assuming you're ready when they go live and there's enough stock to go around). Nintendo is offering a registration system through My Nintendo Store, where invites to purchase will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will go to Nintendo Switch Online members with at least 12 months of paid membership and 50+ gameplay hours as of April 2, 2025.
All major retailers are also expected to open up preorders on April 24, 2025, as well. With demand expected to be high, here are some key tips from the IGN commerce team to improve your chances of getting a Switch 2 at launch.
Even though we know Switch 2 preorders are supposed to go live on April 24, that doesn't mean they'll go live everywhere simulatneously. While Target has announced preorders begin at 12am ET, other retailers could push preorders live at any time on the 24th.
Plus, when a major piece of gaming hardware goes up for preorder at a retailer, there’s no telling how long it will be available. We’ve seen sought-after hardware sell out in seconds. The best and most reliable way to know when a listing goes live is to follow IGN Deals on X or Bluesky and keep an eye on those accounts in real time. (Wario64 and CAG are also reliable sources of real-time information).
From now through the launch on June 5, 2025 and beyond, we’ll keep followers posted on any preorder news. And when preorders do go live, we'll post links the moment they become available.
There’s no point in clicking a live preorder link early if you’re not logged in. The precious seconds it takes to enter your login name and password could make the difference between you getting a Nintendo Switch 2 at launch and not. The retailers below are all likely to have Switch 2 preorders, so create an account if you have to, and make sure you’re logged in and ready before Switch 2 preorders go live.
Note: It doesn't look like Amazon will get the Switch 2 in stock at all. For whatever reason, Nintendo and Amazon have been on the outs for the past couple of years, with Amazon not getting any first-party Nintendo hardware or software in for preorder. We'll update this if that changes for Switch 2.
The next step is to make sure your credit card info is entered in at the above retailers so you don’t have to type numbers with your excited fingers as everyone else on the planet buys a Switch 2 before you can.
With big ticket items like the Switch 2, the preorder links rarely go live at the same time across all the retailers. Often, Best Buy's link goes up first, followed a few minutes later by GameStop and Walmart. Amazon is usually the wild card of the bunch, sometimes going live hours (or even days) later. So if you miss the chance to preorder from one retailer, stay tuned to see if others will have Switch 2 preorders in stock a little later.
There's even a chance a given retailer will get additional preorders after its initial stock has run out. And even if you miss out preordering at all of the retailers, local brick-and-mortar stores may get stock on launch day. And failing that, even if stock is scarce at launch, Nintendo will catch up with demand at some point, so remain steadfast.
Anytime a hard-to-buy piece of gaming hardware goes up for preorder, out come the opportunists. You can bet shady sites and resellers on eBay will be primed and ready to capitalize on this moment. Some sites will make their original Switch stock seem like Switch 2 stock. Others will take their actual Switch 2 preorders, crank the price sky high, and re-sell them at a massive profit. If you fail to secure a Switch 2 preorder at a legit retailer when they go live, please don’t pay large sums of money to these people looking to make an easy buck. It’s almost always better to wait until more stock becomes available at a site you trust.
In case you missed it, here's the full rundown of what was announced at the latest Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 1st:
Highlights from the stream included:
Chris Reed is a deals expert and commerce editor for IGN. You can follow him on Bluesky @chrislreed.com.
Nintendo revealed all of the juicy details about the Switch 2 during its April Direct and we have since been waiting for preorders to go live in the U.S. The price of the new console wasn't too much of a surprise, but the reveal of the cost of first-party Switch 2 games at launch was definitely an eyebrow raiser. Most notably, Mario Kart World is going to cost $80 on its own at launch. In addition to that, Nintendo is launching a new line of Switch 2 accessories that have gotten similar price increases compared to the original Switch. They've even gotten more expensive since the original announcement.
The only Switch 2 accessory I was concerned about was the new Switch 2 Pro controller, which is now priced at a whopping $85. I already have multiple Switch Pro controllers at home and would prefer not to have to buy a new version. Thankfully, Nintendo confirmed in its developer interview that the original Switch Pro controller will be compatible with Switch 2.
While many folks will choose to opt for the newer Switch 2 Pro controller, it's not going to be necessary for most games. If you already have a Switch Pro controller, you should be fine holding onto that so you can save $80 to spend on new games. If you don't already have a Pro controller and are planning on buying the Switch 2, the standard Switch Pro controller is still a cheaper option right now at $69.99.
It's possible these older controllers could sell out before the Switch 2 arrives to make room for the newer controller. Amazon already has a signifcant lack of stock and is currently only offering third-party alternatives. Alongside compatiblity for the regular Switch Pro controller, Nintendo has also stated that the original Joy-Con controlllers will also be compatible – though we generally recommend the Switch Pro controller over Joy-Con for most games.
If the only accessory you really care about getting your hands on is the new Switch 2 Pro controller, you're going to have to wait until the console launches. The new controller will be officially available alongside the launch of the Switch 2 on June 5. You should be able to preorder the new console starting on April 24, which is likely when the official accessories will also become available for preorder. The Switch 2 Pro controller will only be compatible with the Switch 2, however, so you won't be able to use it on the standard Switch.
Listings for the Switch 2 Pro controller have already started to go live at Walmart and Best Buy, but with no preorder date shown. Walmart also includes listings for the Switch 2 games you'll be able to preorder soon.
Looking for more info about the new Nintendo console? Check out our guide to everything announced at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
YouTube’s ‘Cycu1’ has shared a video that compares the upcoming remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion with its original 2006 version. This early graphics comparison is based on the leaked screenshots that surfaced online a few days ago. Now the cool thing here is that Cycu1 used identical scenes under the same weather conditions. … Continue reading Oblivion Remastered vs Original Early Graphics Comparison →
The post Oblivion Remastered vs Original Early Graphics Comparison appeared first on DSOGaming.
© Capcom
Need a handy USB charging solution for your car but don't want to deal with a rat's nest of pesky cables in your glovebox? For a limited time, Amazon is offering this Lisen 69W Retractable Car Charger for only $14.94 after you apply coupon code "12ZYRGF8" during checkout. This little car charger plugs into a standard 12V vehicle socket and can charge any iPhone (including both new and legacy models). It comes with retractable cables so you don't have to supply your own cable.
The Lisen 69W car charger is relatively compact, measuring in at 5.9" x 2.64" x 1.38". It plugs into a standard 12V vehicle socket and can be rotated for optimal positioning. That's especially handy if your 12V socket is right next to your gear selector. There are a total of four ports. Two of the ports - a USB Type-C port and a Lightning port - are retractable cables that pull out to about 2.5 feet. They're useful for pretty much any Apple iPhone model, since you have a USB Type-C cable for the newer iPhone 15 and 16 and the legacy Lightning cable for the iPhone 14 and older.
Note that although the charger is marketed as 69W of charging, that is the total charging output across all four ports. The charging output of each individual port is as follows:
If you have an Apple iPhone with USB, then the USB Type-C port with PD will charge it at its fastest rate. ChargerLAB has shown that the maximum charging rate caps at about 30W, even for the Pro Max model.
Alternatively, the newer Lisen 96W Retractable Car Charger is also on sale for $14.95 after you apply coupon code "40275KAM" during checkout. Technically this is a better deal since it is a newer 2025 model with a higher 96W power rating (and more powerful individual outputs as well), a digital display, and a smaller footprint. So why did we put this deal second? For one reason or another, this item has fewer reviews and is marked "Frequently Returned".
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
© Larian
© Bethesda
The Disney/LEGO partnership goes back a long way, and it encompasses a wide variety of sets. Some of these are meant to appeal mostly for kids. Others are bigger and more complex builds meant for display rather than play, and can easily be appreciated by adults. In any case, here are the 10 best LEGO Disney sets that you can buy in 2025. To make this guide specific and helpful, we are classifying "LEGO Disney" as the sets inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Parks.
We built this set for its launch, and we loved looking at all the little, thoughtful details packed into every inch. In addition to the expected minifigures, there's the entire roster of magical household objects. There's a ballroom, a dining room, a study, and the infamous West Wing. The castle is perfect for re-enacting and posing classic scenes.
It's hard to get cuter and more precious than this BrickHeadz model of Dumbo. Just look at those big ears. That tiny trunk. Those sparkling eyes. Get this if you need a little display for your work desk or your car dash.
If you want a Disney Parks castle, but you don't have an extra $400 lying around to afford the big one, give this smaller, miniature version a try. Note: this is a model of the the original Disneyland Sleeping Beauty Castle out in California. It's pinker, shorter, and stouter than the Cinderella's Castle in Florida, which typically gets all the attention.
We reviewed this set for its launch, and it has the perfect amounts of whimsical and weird. It's three builds in one – Halloween Town Hall, Jack Skellington's House, and Spiral Hill – rendered in Burton's trademark, off-kilter style, with impossible-looking, angled walls. They're perfect display pieces for a delightful Halloween or a morbid Christmas.
IGN built this set for its launch, and although it's a bit smaller than you might have hoped, it's got the right price point at $60, and it's got some beautiful details in the living room space. Just manage your expectations – this is more a keepsake than a 'definitive edition' – and you'll be happy with what you get.
You build a vintage movie camera, and it comes with a film reel which contains LEGO-ized stills from Disney's classic and modern canon. It also includes five Minifigures: classic black-and-white Mickey Mouse, classic black-and-white Minnie Mouse, Dumbo, Bambi, and of course, Uncle Walt himself.
Brightly colored and extremely cute, this LEGO Stitch wears a Hawaiian shirt and comes with two accessories: a flower tucked behind its ear and an ice cream cone in its paw. Its ears are articulable, and even though the age range is 9+, an adult would have a great time building and displaying a set like this one.
Nearly a foot tall, this recreation of a young Simba has a big smile and a rounded, cute appearance, with its haunches coiled like he's ready to pounce. It reminds me a bit of those composite mosaic photos, where when you look closer at one, you realize that it's hundreds of little pictures that combine to form a large image. Similarly, this build is such a good fascimile that it looks seamless from a distance. It's only when you get closer that you see its LEGO.
We built and photographed this set for its launch. It is fun to build, and the final result is detailed, colorful, and well-designed, with Minifigures of all seven dwarfs. Thanks to the high piece count, both the exterior and the interior of the cottage remain faithful to the movie that inspired it, and are perfect for staging classic scenes. It even made our list of the best LEGO sets you can find right now.
This is a massive model of Walt Disney World's Cinderella's Castle in Orlando, Florida, and it's been updated from its prior iteration. The latest set uses pink hued bricks, instead of gray or white ones, for its upper spires. This happened to the real castle in 2020, when the Disney Imagineers decided to give the castle a facelift ahead of its 50 anniversary. The set comes with eight Minifigures: Cinderella, Prince Charming, Snow White, Prince Florian, Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Rapunzel, and Flynn Ryder.
According to LEGO's official store, 69 LEGO Disney sets are available for purchase as of April 2025, across multiple age groups and skill levels. Give the entire catalog a look if none of these sets do it for you.
LEGO and Disney are a terrific match, in the sense that both companies cast a wide, welcoming net. Disney is not in the business of making children's entertainment; Disney is in the business of making family entertainment. That distinction is crucial, because the implicit intent is for everyone, regardless of age or maturity, to enjoy Disney at the level they are cognitively able.
A small child might like the bright colors and funny characters. An older kid might like the subversion of expectations. And an adult might enjoy Disney as a piece of nostalgic Americana, through which they can revisit their childhoods. Disney is cross-generational, because it appeals to everyone through common, shared experiences.
And LEGO, meanwhile, has nostalgia built into its very ethos. The "System" – the idea that every new brick fits with the old bricks from 50-60 years ago, ensures that bricks and sets and models can pass down, constituting a hobby that moves from parent to child. And now that LEGO, like Disney, is directly appealing to adults as much as kids, the company is more successful than ever.
In related news, check out our picks for the best LEGO Marvel sets (Disney acquired Marvel in 2009), as well as the best LEGO Star Wars sets (Disney acquired Star Wars in 2012). And in semi-related news, take a look at our picks for the best LEGO sets for kids.
Kevin Wong is a contributing freelancer for IGN, specializing in LEGO. He's also been published in Complex, Engadget, Gamespot, Kotaku, and more. Follow him on Twitter at @kevinjameswong.
Warning: this review contains spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again season 1.
Daredevil: Born Again brings back Matt Murdock as the costumed protector of Hell’s Kitchen after an overly long absence and does a mostly solid job of capturing what made the original 2015-2018 Daredevil series on Netflix so good. Essentially acting as a fourth season of that show, Born Again has the same excellent lead actors, gritty drama, and hardcore fight scenes that the series made its name on, and all of that works as well as ever when it’s firing on all cylinders. However, there are times during its nine-episode run when it’s clear that this revival is missing a few of the key ingredients that made those first three seasons such standout superhero TV. Much like the Man Without Fear swinging from New York City rooftops, Born Again has its ups and downs, but thankfully in the end it manages to land on its feet.
Reprising their roles as hero and villain are Charlie Cox’s charming and guilt-ridden Matt Murdock/Daredevil and Vincent D'Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, who speaks with an imposing voice as coarse as a limestone boulder and stands just as tall as one. Born Again offers a fresh spin on their classic rivalry that supercharges the story with an endless supply of juicy drama. The shocking assassination of Murdock’s best friend Foggy Nelson causes him to give up being Daredevil and fully dedicate himself to doling out justice with his lawyering skills instead of his fists, but hanging up the horns for good proves impossible when Wilson Fisk makes a surprise return and becomes the new mayor of New York City. (There was a time when a convicted felon winning a major political office might’ve seemed unrealistic, but today it’s maybe a tad on-the-nose.)
An early scene between the pair has them taking stock of the other’s new status quo and delivering veiled threats about what might happen should they slip back into their old ways. Though they’re just sitting in a cafe, it may as well be an active battlefield. Born Again is at its best when it pits these bitter enemies against one another as lawyer and mayor with the vigilante and villain just under the surface, forcing them to pursue their ambitions in new ways, all while struggling with their true selves starting to bubble up. Even during a rough patch of mid-season episodes, this marvelous core remains rock solid.
There are several other highlights of the early episodes worth mentioning: Clips from BB Urich’s people-on-the-street social media news show, The BB Report, give us a rare glimpse at how the common people of the Marvel Cinematic Universe feel about all the crazy superhero happenings in their city. That adds a much-needed personal texture to a world where bystanders are usually little more than collateral damage. A standalone episode in the middle of the season about Murdock cleverly foiling a bank robbery (without becoming Daredevil) is a pure delight from start to finish, even if it occupies a precious slot in a short season without moving the main plot forward. And as Murdock’s new love interest, Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva), becomes dangerously entwined in his life, her therapist skills ensure she’s always ready with a piercing commentary on his masked persona (without even knowing she’s doing it). Meanwhile, Fisk reuniting with his beloved wife Vanessa and contending with the crime lords he left behind to enter politics leads to some of the season’s most vicious moments that feel ripped from your favorite mob movie.
It’s a good thing Born Again has such a sturdy foundation, because it allows the overarching story being told across the entire season to remain strong even while it frustrates with how reluctant it is to give starved fans the full-blown return we’d waited so long for. Murdock spends almost half of the season without actually suiting up, and when he finally does there are a few action scenes where Daredevil is briefly rendered in unconvincing, Gumby-like CGI. That’s a worrying error to make on a show that originally earned acclaim for its impressive, mostly practical fight sequences, but fortunately it’s not too pervasive; most of the fight scenes are appropriately intense, crunchy, and extra violent compared to what Disney+ has served up in its Marvel TV era. In fact, the season starts with a jaw-dropping brawl between Daredevil and Bullseye that should by all rights go down as one of the best superhero/supervillain fights the MCU has to offer.
Fans of the Netflix Daredevil series will definitely be feeling the absence of Murdock’s two closest allies, Foggy Nelson and Karen Page. With Foggy dead and Karen’s grief causing her to move away, a new cast of supporting characters are introduced, but they’re a hit and miss bunch that can’t fill the hole left by two thirds of Nelson, Murdock & Page. The aforementioned Glenn and BB (Genneya Walton) are great, as is the blunt Commissioner Gallo (Michael Gaston), who stands as the sole example of a law enforcement officer with integrity by standing up to Fisk and his detestable boot-licker Danny Blake (Michael Gandolfini). Then we have Murdock’s detective ally Cherry and Fisk’s right-hand man Buck, who are so forgettable that you may not know who I’m referring to even if you’ve seen the show. And while there was plenty of potential in the murderous mural painter Muse, who was the threat of a two-episode arc, he wound up being as developed as a rough pencil sketch.
Looking at the season as a whole, it sticks out that the first and last two episodes are a cut above the rest in quality. They’re shot with more style and creativity, and they’re scripted and executed so well that it almost feels like they’re from a different show. Turns out there’s a good reason for that: Born Again was given a massive creative overhaul midway through production that resulted in new episodes being shot. That may explain the uneven nature of the season, where it starts with a banger, meanders through the White Tiger- and Muse-centric episodes, and then springs back to life for a big finish. It’s impossible to know how it would’ve gone without that reworking, but from where we’re sitting on the outside looking in, the final result got the job done despite a bit of a patchwork feel.
A big part of that is that, for all its flaws, it at least ends on a very, very high note that inspires confidence season two will be more consistent in that regard. In particular, a return appearance from Jon Bernthal’s Punisher in the finale injects the story with an extra big dose of adrenaline and chaos, treating us to another polarized team-up with “Red” and showcasing the chemistry between Bernthal and Cox. Even when Frank Castle is not on screen throughout the season, his presence is felt thanks to Fisk’s anti-vigilante squad of brazenly corrupt cops appropriating his skull symbol—a commentary on a misguided real-world practice that the show tackles head-on.
You know things are bad when the Punisher shows up, and, indeed, the last episode leaves Daredevil on what may as well be his own personal Hell on Earth, all thanks to Mayor Fisk enacting his master plan. It’s a doomsday scenario so uniquely tailored to Matt Murdock’s character with its mix of legal maneuvering and criminal masterminding that it’s a little less preposterous that a super-powered Avenger doesn’t swoop (or swing) in to save the day than it might’ve been.
For this weekend only, Lenovo has dropped the price of its powerful Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 8 RTX 4080 Super gaming PC to $2,346.99 after coupon code: "EXTRAFIVE". In our recent Legion Tower 7 review (the sample we received wasn't as powerful as this one), Jacqueline Thomas wrote that "The Legion Tower 7i is an incredibly powerful gaming PC, especially for the money you’re likely going to be paying for it. If all you want is a powerful, upgradeable machine without having to go through the trouble of building it yourself, it’s hard to find many gaming PCs better than this one."
The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 8 is equipped with an Intel Core i9-14900KF CPU, GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER GPU, 32GB of DDR5-4000MHz RAM, and a 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD. The unlocked 14th gen Intel Core i9-14900KF Raptor Lake "Refresh" CPU boasts a max Turbo clock of 6GHz with 24 cores, 32 threads, and a 36MB cache. It's still one of the most powerful Intel CPUs available (in many cases it even beats out the new Intel Core Ultra 9 285K). The processor is cooled by a 360mm all-in-one liquid cooling system that rivals many enthusiast setups.
The RTX 4080 Super is Nvidia's second most powerful RTX 40 series card. You'll be able to handle any game in 4K at high frame rates, even with ray tracing enabled. It's 5-10% faster in performance than the RTX 4080 thanks to its higher base clock speed, higher CUDA core count, and higher memory bandwidth. It trades blows with AMD's most powerful GPU, the Radeon RX 7900 XTX, but the RTX 4080 Super pulls ahead in ray tracing performance and where DLSS 3.0 is supported.
Although the GeForce RTX 4080 Super is a generation old, it's still one of the most powerful cards out there. It handily outperforms AMD's new RX 9070 and 9070 XT GPUs and Nvidia's RTX 5070. It's pretty much identical in performance to the RTX 5070 Ti and loses only about 10% to the RTX 5080.
Lenovo is also offering another Lenovo Legion Tower 7i configuration, this time equipped with an RTX 4070 Ti Super graphics card and 1TB SSD (rest of the specs remain the same), for $1985.49 after coupon code "EXTRAFIVE" is applied. That's about $350 less than the 4080 Super configuration and a better deal if you plan on gaming at 1080p or 1440p.
The GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super is a great card for gaming at any resolution, from 1080p all the way to 4K. At 1080p and 1440p you'll be able to achieve 144fps or beyond in most games, so it pairs best with FHD or QHD monitors with high refresh rates. 4K is a much more demanding resolution, but you should still be able to run most games at a consistent 60fps. Compared to the new Blackwell cards, the RTX 4070 Ti Super is significantly more powerful than the RTX 5070 and only about 10%-15% less powerful than the RTX 5070 Ti. The RTX 4070 Ti Super also has the same amount of VRAM as the RTX 5070 Ti and 5080, although it does use older generation GDDR6 instead of GDDR7.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
To cap off two weeks of questions, confusion, and occasional answers about Nintendo Switch 2 pricing, pre-orders, DLC, Switch 2 Edition upgrades, controllers, and more, here's another weird scenario to add to the pile. According to an FAQ from Marvelous on the upcoming game Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, at least some Nintendo Switch 2 physical cartridges will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 1.
This comes from this Marvelous FAQ, which includes the following:
What is the physical "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition"?
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a red 64GB game card that includes, in full, the Nintendo Switch game and the Upgrade Pack.
There’s no need to download the full game: simply insert the card into either a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, and the correct version will launch automatically.
Like most modern titles, there may be small updates or patches available at launch to provide minor fixes and improvements, but rest assured: the complete game is on the game card, ready to play from day one.
This suggests you can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Guardians of Azuma, and slot it into a Nintendo Switch 1 to play the Nintendo Switch 1 edition of the game if you so choose. If this is indeed the case, this is the first time we're hearing of the ability to play certain Switch 2 cartridges on the Switch 1.
We've known for a while that most Switch 1 games will be compatible with Switch 2. We also know that games that are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 (Mario Kart World, for instance), or Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of Switch 1 games (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition, with all the upgrades), won't be playable on the Switch 1. But the question of whether you can just take Switch 2 cartridges and plug them into the Switch 1 to get the Switch 1 version of the same game has been up in the air so far. Some players have spotted an image in the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour that suggested a tiny "notch" in the plastic of Switch 2 cartridges might prevent that from being the case, but whether that notch is preventative or not remains to be seen.
It's also unclear as to how exactly many games this will apply to. We know that first-party and some third-party physical Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will include both the base game and the Switch 2 Edition upgrades on the cartridge, while other third-parties may choose to release Switch 2 Edition games as download codes in physical packaging. Additionally, some boxed Nintendo Switch 2 games will not actually have the game on the cartridge, but instead will contain a game-key card that will allow you to download the game once you insert it.
So essentially, when you purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 boxed game at retail, you might be getting any of the following:
If all this has your head spinning, you're not alone. It's been a confusing ride trying to sort out what, exactly, you'll be purchasing when you buy boxed Nintendo Switch 2 games, and Nintendo has been hesitant to step in and clarify things just far. We reached out to Nintendo for comment on Marvelous' FAQ, specifically asking if it's true that some Switch 2 cartridges will be playable on Switch 1 and if so, which. We'll update this story if more information surfaces.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.
Update: Switch 2 preorders in the US will go live on April 24.
Nintendo said "Retail pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 will begin on April 24, 2025. At launch, the price for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will remain as announced on April 2 at $449.99, and the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle will remain as announced at $499.99. Pricing for both physical and digital versions of Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) will also remain unchanged at launch."
Target has announced preorders will go live at 12am Eastern Time on April 24, which means you'll likely have to be online then to have a chance at getting one. Other retailers haven't gotten into specifics about when their links go live, but we'll update this article if/when that changes.
Nintendo previously announced that Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. would open on April 9, but with the delay, the new date is now TBD. Meanwhile, preorders in the U.K. are already live. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, at a retail price of $449.99 (subject to change), and £395.99 in the UK
A Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle will also be available for $499.99, including the console and a download code for Mario Kart World, both launching on June 5. For those purchasing Mario Kart World separately, Nintendo has set the price at $79.99. Preorder listings for various Switch 2 launch titles have already started appearing at major retailers like Walmart.
You can currently register your interest with Nintendo to be notified about preorders for Nintendo Switch 2 and accessories from My Nintendo Store. Invitations to purchase will be sent via email on a first-come, first-served basis, prioritizing users with a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership and at least 50 gameplay hours as of April 2, 2025.
Once priority users receive invites, remaining eligible registrants will be considered. Invitations are non-transferable and valid for 72 hours. Purchases are limited to one system and one of each accessory per account. All major retailers are also expected to open up preorders on April 9, 2025, as well.
You can catch up on everything from today's Nintendo Direct right here, and read our full guide on how to secure your preorder for the Nintendo Switch 2.
It was also confirmed that the Switch 2 will only be compatible with microSD Express Cards. This means that you won’t be able to bring your old standard microSD storage cards over when you pick up the console this summer. Albeit, some Switch 2 game sizes are looking smaller than expected.
Still, this means that you won’t be able to bring your old storage cards over when you pick up the console this summer. To eventually expand your storage, you'll need to check out the cards that SanDisk and Lexar have listed on Amazon, and that we've linked to below, alongside GameStop, which is producing its own line of cards. This currently includes 128GB ($44.99), 256GB ($49.99), 512GB ($84.99), and 1TB versions ($149.99). Note: These cards have also already started to sell out at various retailers.
The games that are featured in these listings are a mix of brand-new and Switch 2 upgrades. The most popular new games like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World are listed here, but there's also the Switch 2 edition of Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom.
Some of these games will arrive on the Switch 2 launch date of June 5 if you preorder them, but there are more to come at a later date. Donkey Kong Bananza doesn't come out until July 17, about a month after the launch of the new console.
Why is everything so expensive? Asked Rebekah Valentine in her column for IGN. And it's a fair question. Since its reveal, the conversation surrounding the Switch 2 has transfomed into a headache inducing question of price. Not only for the system itself, but also for the games and accessories you're going to need alongside it as well.
When a major piece of gaming hardware goes up for preorder at a retailer, there’s no telling how long it will be available. We’ve seen sought-after hardware sell out in seconds. The best and most reliable way to know when a listing goes live is to follow IGN Deals on Twitter/X or Bluesky (IGN UK Deals on Twitter as well) and keep an eye on those accounts in real time. When preorders go live, we'll post links the moment they become available.
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Senior Editor, Commerce, for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter/X or Bluesky.
Nintendo has confirmed the pre-order date and price for the Nintendo Switch 2 console and its accessories. While the console's price hasn't changed, the cost of accessories has shifted across the board, and initial reactions indicate this might change early adopters' pre-order plans.
The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 is still $449.99 for the base model, and $499.99 for the bundle with Mario Kart World. The kart racer remains a $79.99 standalone game, while Donkey Kong Bananza will cost $69.99.
When it comes to accessories, though, prices have broadly gone up across the board. Here's a point-by-point rundown:
In the announcement on its site, Nintendo confirmed Switch 2 accessories would "experience price adjustments from those announced on April 2 due to changes in market conditions." For the big ticket items, like a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, a Switch 2 Pro Controller, or a camera, a $5 bump seems to be the common thread. The Switch 2 Dock Set, meanwhile, got a $10 bump, up to $119.99 from its previous $109.99.
As fans were quick to note, an additional pair of Joy-Cons is now a fairly expensive proposition. A Joy-Con 2 Pair is now $5 short of a triple-digit price tag, and prospective Switch 2 buyers certainly seem baffled by the expense.
Alongside the complaints about pricing, though, there are frequent reminders that many Switch 1 accessories will still be compatible with the Switch 2. As detailed on its support site, several accessories can be paired with the Switch 2, including the original Joy-Con controllers and the Nintendo Switch 1 Pro controller. The former cannot be directly attached, but both can be wirelessly paired. Others, like the Super Nintendo and N64 controllers, will still be pairable and playable with compatible games.
Still compatible bbyyyy pic.twitter.com/lbPJiF1ARO
— Pokmar (@Pokmar03) April 2, 2025
Many users are posting about Switch 1 accessory compatibility, or even talking about utilizing third-party controller options. While these won't have all the same functionality as a Switch 2 controller, including the C-button or waking up the console, that might be worth saving the extra cash for some Switch 2 buyers.
The price may still fluctuate in the future, as Nintendo warns in its announcement: "Other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future depending on market conditions." But as the prices seem a little high for some, it's some comfort to know that those with a Pro controller still around can make use of it on the Switch 2.
Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 go live on April 24, 2025.
Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.
Invincible: The Dice Game is 44% off at Amazon right now. The push your luck card and dice game by Mantic Games is a fun, pick-up-and-play experience for two or more players. It comes in a relatively small box, making it a good small gift or game to take on camping trips to pass the time. With season 3 of Prime Video's Invincible animated show now over, this sale is the perfect opportunity to spend more time with these characters and the Invincible universe.
Players are looking to join the Guardians of the Globe by assuming the role of new recruits, taking on other heroes and fighting various villains. Earn enough reputation points, and you win. Be warned, however: your resources are limited to the amount of dice available in your pool, so strategy is the name of the game. Rounds go by fast, giving you ample opportunity to try out every path to victory!
In our review of Invincible season 3, we said "Invincible’s third season makes for a fun and interesting, but not always satisfying, watch. A lot happens in these episodes – Mark wrestles with the ethics of killing, other characters die or nearly die, and new villains arrive from other galaxies or dimensions – even though little of it feels conclusive. The door is left open to several possible developments – especially when it comes to Mark’s evolving morality." Season 4 of the popular Image comics adaptation will likely arrive in 2026.
Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.
The newest Apple Watch has dropped down to the lowest price we've seen. For a limited time, you can pick up a 42mm Apple Watch Series 10 for only $299 - 25% off its $399 list price - or the bigger 46mm model for $329 - 23% off its $429 list price. If you own an iPhone, the Apple Watch is indisputably the best smartwatch for you. It's stylish, boasts excellent build quality, excels as both a fitness tracker and smartwatch, and seamlessly integrates with your iPhone.
The Apple Watch Series 10 is the newest generation mainstream model (the Watch Series 11 isn't expected until September of this year). Improvements over the Apple Watch Series 9 include a bigger OLED Retina display, a new S10 processor (that isn't faster but it's thinner, which allows the watch itself to have a slimmer profile), a slightly larger base model size (42mm vs. 41mm), and some admittedly trivial features like a water depth gauge. If you do already own an Apple Watch Series 9, there's probably not enough reason here to upgrade. But if this is your first time purchasing an Apple Watch, the Series 10 is definitely the best Apple Watch for most people.
Compared to the Apple Watch SE, the Apple Watch Series 10 boasts a larger size (42mm vs. 40mm), a bigger display with Always-On functionality, a 30% more powerful processor, double the storage, more advanced fitness tracking and body monitoring sensors, double-tap gesture support, and faster charging. The Apple Watch SE is substantially more affordable at $199 currently on Amazon, but I think the upgrades are more than worth it for most people.
Although it's technically possible to use an Apple Watch with an Android phone, we wouldn't recommend it. Apple made it so that a lot of the functionality of the Apple Watch requires a smartphone with an iOS operating system. There are some workarounds to implement some of the features, but for the average person, the hassle isn't worth it. If you're absolutely intent on getting an Apple Watch, then getting an iPhone first would be the best option. For those of you quite happy with your Android smartphone, there are plenty of Android smartwatches that would be a better fit than the Apple Watch.
Plenty of Apple products are on sale right now, including several generations of AirPods. Otherwise, one of the most popular deals in the sale is Amazon's "Buy 3 for the Price of 2" on books, vinyl, and physical movie releases.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
iPads are consistently the best tablets you can buy, and pairing a few accessories with one can make it an even better machine. Sure, the new iPad Air and 11th Gen iPad models are the most powerful the iPad has ever been, but they’re also somewhat limited when you first take them out of the box. Adding a keyboard or stylus to the mix could make them viable laptop replacements or the perfect partner for creatives. That’s just the start of how you can accessorize these capable tablets.
Accessories and peripherals help you get the most out of the best iPad models. Although there’s no shortage of attachments and add-ons out there, it may be tough to know which are more essential than others. We’ve picked 10 great iPad accessories to get you started. Whether you’re after extra protection for the pricey device with a cover and screen protector, you want to escape with some great wireless earbuds, or you’re looking to extend your iPad's battery life, we’ve got you covered.
Additional contributions by Rudie Obias
In our review of the iPad Pro M4, we were huge fans of its impressive processing power. By snapping a keyboard onto the tablet, it could be a viable laptop replacement and Apple’s Magic Keyboard is the go-to option. Yes, it’s expensive but worth the investment given all the capabilities, especially with the few upgrades this model has gotten over previous iterations.
When in use, Apple’s tablet “floats” above the keyboard magnetically attaching to the case using a series of powerful magnets and it's slightly adjustable for better viewing angles. When not in use, it acts as a great iPad case, helping keep the tablet pristine, clean, and easy to transport.
The keyboard has responsive and smooth scissor keys with a backlight and feel similar to a MacBook keyboard. The trackpad’s size is boosted with this model and offers haptic feedback and Multi-Touch gestures, making it easier to select text and more. The magnetic Smart Connector technology means the Magic Keyboard draws energy from the iPad when it’s being used, but the keyboard doesn't block the iPad's charging port. The only major downside is that it's only compatible with the newer iPad Pro and Air models.
Although all of the current iPad models still come with a wall charger (unlike the iPhone), it's never a bad idea to pick up another one – especially if you want something better suited for traveling or working from a coffee shop. Why bring three separate wall chargers when you can just take one? The Ugreen USB-C Charger can fast-charge up to three devices at the same time, like an iPad, a MacBook Air, and an iPhone, with 65W of power. It comes with two USB-C ports and one USB port. The prongs also fold up so you can toss it into a bag without risking the integrity of the plugs.
If you’re looking for a screen protector that will make writing or drawing with an Apple Pencil feel more natural, then the Paperlike 2.1 is your best bet. Its matte screen recreates the experience of using pen on paper, but with a stylus on the iPad. It's not an exactly one-to-one replicated experience, but the extra friction the Paperlike adds, plus the light ASMR scratchiness, gets pretty darn close. It won’t interfere with the iPad’s FaceID, so you can still unlock your Apple tablet that way. It also comes in a two-pack in case you scuff up the first one.
It’s always a good idea to keep a portable power bank handy. The Anker 537 PowerCore 24K Portable Charger will charge up to two devices at the same time with its dual USB-C ports. You'll need cables since this is just a brick, but Anker does include a nearly 2-foot USB-C to USB-C cable. It’s ideal for traveling and working on the road.
Maybe you’re looking to use the iPad with a Bluetooth keyboard or want the perfect camera positioning during a Zoom meeting. The Twelve South HoverBar Duo is an iPad stand that can make all that happen regardless of where you want your iPad to sit.
An adjustable clamp holds every generation of the iPad even rocking a case. That clamp attaches to a clip that adjusts the viewing angle of the iPad. From using the tablet as a secondary monitor to making video calls, a desktop stand weighing over 2.5lbs keeps the device securely in place when resting on a tabletop, and it can raise the device up to 2 feet for an ideal position. It’s not exclusively a desktop stand either – another clamp can mount the stand from a cabinet, shelf, orr other ledges. It's simple to swap from the desktop to the clamp with a quick-release feature.
Digital creators and note-takers will absolutely love Apple’s Pencil Pro, building on what the second-generation Apple Pencil started. On appearances alone, this updated stylus looks much like its predecessor, designed with a flat side that attaches magnetically to the iPad for pairing and charging. Now there’s a Find My feature for those prone to misplacing the accessory.
The Apple Pencil Pro holds like a heavy pen and easily glides across the tablet, making accurate and instant markings on the display. Tilt and pressure sensitivity are especially useful to artists, but the highlight has to be the stylus’ “Squeeze” feature. When squeezing the Pencil, a palette full of useful tools pops up, like line weight and delete. There’s also a gyroscope and haptic feedback on board for more functionality. The biggest downfall though is the Pro Pencil only works with newe iPad models.
The Apple Pencil (USB-C) is a great stylus for most iPads due to its low cost, solid performance, and excellent compatibility. Given that Apple has made it slightly complicated to figure out which Pencil model works with which iPad, the USB-C option is a slightly more universal option that can work with the majority of iPads.
Even with the budget price, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) works well, providing excellent precision with each input instantaneously reflecting on the tablet’s display. A tilt sensitivity also comes in handy for drawing or activating other effects. Unfortunately, pressure sensitivity is missing on this budget-conscious stylus. Still, it glides smoothly across the tablet for an enjoyable writing experience.
Design-wise, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) looks similar to other Pencil models and offers a comfortable and natural grip for long periods. A flat side helps prevent rolling and can also magnetically attach to most current iPads. However, there’s no wireless charging, so the Pencil will need to be plugged into a USB-C when the battery runs low.
Want to step away from Apple’s offerings? Check out the best Apple Pencil alternatives.
Keep the latest 11th-generation iPad safe in style with Apple’s classic Smart Cover. Versions of this folio-type cover have been around for over a decade, and there’s a reason for its staying power. First and foremost, this case protects the tablet’s Liquid Retina display from scratches and bumps when not in use. Unfortunately, it only provides coverage for the screen, so the less fragile body of the iPad won’t enjoy the same protection.
The Smart Cover magnetically attaches to the iPad – those magnets are shockingly strong, so the cover should never fall off the device unless it’s intentional. With the wake feature, the iPad will turn on as soon as the cover is lifted from the screen The iPad will enter sleep mode again when it’s closed. A folio design also allows the cover to be folded and used as a stand in various ways to make writing, typing, or viewing the screen even easier.
Best Portable External Hard Drive for an iPad
The Samsung T7 is one of the best external hard drives that goes great with iPad models with USB-C ports. It comes in various storage capacities up to a whopping 2TB and also features fast read and write speeds that won’t slow down your workflow.
This hard drive is tiny at about 3 inches long and about 2 inches wide with a lightweight design, weighing in at about 2oz. The Samsung T7 is small enough to keep in a backpack, a pants pocket, or even a purse, while it comes in three colors: blue, red, and titan gray.
Best Wireless Earbuds to Pair With an iPad
One of the best accessories are Apple AirPods, and we love the Pro model because of their excellent audio quality, seamless syncing via iPadOS, and high-end design. If you want an immersive experience, then the AirPods Pro are ideal, thanks to spatial audio that makes it feel as if audio is surrounding you (think of it as virtual surround sound) and premium noise-canceling to block out background noise from the outside world.
They come with multiple eartips, so you can get the best fit. Heck, the AirPods Pro can even analyze your ear canals with iPadOS’s “Ear Tip Fit Tests,” so it can recommend a good pair that’s specific for you.
Want a cheaper alternative? IGN expert Nick Woodard did some hands-on testing of the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, giving the headphones an 8/10, writing that the earbuds “go head-to-head in several categories with the AirPods Pro 2,” making the AirPods 4 a great lower-cost option that still seamlessly works with Apple products.
The iPad is a mighty tablet that’s simple to use. Although it’s speedy and powerful already, there are a lot of attachments and add-ons that can help unlock its true potential as a casual and professional mobile device. From what works best, who makes them, and how much they should cost, here's what to consider in any new iPad accessory.
Function
For professional use, the iPad (namely the iPad Pro) can be turned into a full-fledged laptop replacement. However, you’ll need to add an attachment like a keyboard and mouse (or trackpad) through Bluetooth to get that kind of functionality. There are case covers that combine a keyboard, trackpad, and protective case all-in-one to make it more convenient and easier to sync with the iPad.
For creatives, all models are compatible with a stylus for taking handwritten notes or sketching, while special screen protectors can make it feel like you’re writing or drawing on a sheet of paper instead of glass.
If you’re a casual user, then there are tablet stands that can prop it up on a flat surface for watching movies and TV shows, while cases keep Apple’s tablet protected and safe from wear and tear or an accidental drop.
Meanwhile, there are boatloads of wall chargers, charging cables, and power banks out there to keep it charged and ready for use. You shouldn’t forget about these types of add-ons either. While they’re not the big ticket items, they do keep your Apple tablet working when you need it most.
Compatibility
Since there are multiple models, not all attachments and peripherals are compatible with all models. While there’s definitely overlap – like Apple AirPods Pro, various wall chargers and charging cables, and power banks – accessories made for the iPad Mini won’t work for the iPad Pro and vice versa. It’s important to pay attention to your model and if it’s compatible with a particular accessory.
This comes in handy with the Apple Pencil because there are two versions that work with specific models. Here’s the breakdown: The 2nd generation Apple Pencil works best with the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, while the 1st generation works with the 9th and 10th generation models.
Third-party accessories
Although Apple makes its own add-ons and attachments for their own devices, there are a lot of great third-party manufacturers – such as Anker, Belkin, Logitech, and others – that make high quality accessories at affordable prices. In fact, Apple even works with some of these companies to make peripherals that are certified to work with the iPad.
It’s recommended to steer clear of cheap, bottom-of-the-barrel attachments and add-ons that might harm your Apple tablet in the long run. Pay attention to shopper ratings for bad reviews and low scores, and use web browser extensions like FakeSpot to sort and identify the bad actors on popular retail sites.
Price
While prices vary, accessories like cases, covers, and keyboard combos, range anywhere from $50-$300 depending on the manufacturer. While cables and wall chargers are on the lower end of the price scale, you’d want to pay at least $15 for these items. Anything lower, you might run the risk of picking something up that’s cheap, poorly made, and may completely fry your device.
If you’re a professional or creative, then there’s a lot of add-ons that will make the tablet more useful for accomplishing tasks or creating something brilliant and unique. If you’re a casual user, then there’s also attachments to help watching videos and browsing the web easier and more enjoyable. Overall, the best accessory for the iPad is the one you’ll get the most use out of it at an affordable price.
All existing models of the iPad come with a 1-meter USB-C charging cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter. Any additional accessories, including the Apple Pencil, must be purchased separately.
There’s been pretty consistent debate over whether the iPad and keyboard combo will take the place of the laptop. The improved file management systems on more recent iPad models mean that, yes, for many people, an iPad is a suitable replacement for daily tasks, such as handling e-mails, taking notes, and managing your schedule. Multiple apps can be opened simultaneously and split across the screen, providing an experience on even footing with windows and tabs. Creative professionals will also get a pretty seamless experience using Final Cut Pro or stylus features for Procreate.
For gamers, you'll be limited to Apple’s iOS, so you won't be able to replicate the full PC experience. That said, Xbox and Playstation have both released Remote Play apps that allow you to access games you own on their consoles on iOS devices. Still, the best budget gaming laptops offer more storage alongside higher-quality GPU and CPU specs. With the combination of traditional operating systems and portability, the best laptops likely aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
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Marvel is suiting up for another Swimsuit Special comic book release, and it looks like NetEase Games’ Marvel Rivals will join in on the summer fun with some of its own swimsuit skins.
Details on what could eventually result in the arrival of long-awaited Marvel Rivals swimsuit cosmetics were shared in a recent post on the Marvel website. It promises that Marvel will return to the fan-favorite series come July 9 with Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes, and Rivals #1. The story will give Earth’s Mightiest Heroes a much-needed break from the stresses of saving the world, but more importantly, the comic book giant teases that the run will include a sneak peek at designs for Marvel Rivals.
“Roxxon Comics is at it again when they release their own UNAUTHORIZED SWIMSUIT SPECIAL,” a description for the Marvel Swimsuit Special says. “Wasp is on the case and seizes the opportunity for Marvel’s heroes to do their OWN swimwear fashion shoot all over the world! But fear not, True Believers, we know what you’re REALLY here for! This super-sized special features splash page after splash page of gorgeous art, but with a story so you can pretend you’re ‘reading it for the articles…’”
Unfortunately, Marvel doesn’t share much about when these summer designs will launch or which characters will be included in the collection. It’s also important to note that today’s post doesn’t outright confirm that these skins will specifically be part of a swimsuit set, but considering the special’s subject matter, it would make sense to at least see some summer cosmetics included. We’ll learn more about the Marvel Swimsuit Special in the months ahead, so let’s hope future news comes with more information about how it ties into Marvel Rivals.
Marvel Rivals launched in December and quickly became a popular distraction for multiplayer fans across PC and consoles. Its competitive nature and vast character pool have had players scheming up new ways to rise through the ranks, but while many focus on improving their performance, others are far more concerned with NetEase’s plans for post-launch support. One idea that has attracted the attention of armies of fans is the hope they may one day see a Marvel Rivals swimsuit collection come to the game, and now, we know that their prayers will likely soon be answered.
Regarding launch timing, there are a few clues we can look at when guessing when swimsuits may be included. We know that Marvel Rivals Season 2 brought Emma Frost and the Hellfire Gala to the hero shooter experience just last week. With the season set to end in about three months, we can guess that the new outfits should launch with Season 3 sometime around July or August. It’s a window that makes sense based on both NetEase’s previously promised schedule while letting fans soak up the sun just before summer comes to an end.
Also launching alongside Season 3 is NetEase’s new post-launch plans. Instead of three-month seasons, Marvel Rivals fans can look forward to snappier seasons that last only about two months. That means at least one new playable hero will be included every month for the foreseeable future. For more on Marvel Rivals, you can read up on the April Fools' Day emote that let Venom twerk. You can also click here to learn more about how NetEase made an infamous Moon Knight meme canon.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
Star Wars collectors are getting a real feast out of Star Wars Celebration 2025. We already got an exclusive first look at Hasbro's new The Mandalorian figures, but those were just some of the new toys revealed during the company's Celebration panel.
From the return of Expanded Universe fan-favorite Dash Rendar to an impressive lineup of figures based on Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, check out the slideshow gallery below to see everything revealed at the Hasbro panel:
Dash Rendar was easily the highlight of the panel, proving that Hasbro isn't shy about revisiting the Legends timeline now and then. In the past, they've also tackled characters like Jaina Solo and several characters from the Knights of the Old Republic series. Dash Rendar will be released as part of the 6-inch Black Series line.
As for Jedi: Survivor, fans can look forward to a Nightsister Merrin figure and a three-pack of Cal Kestis, Turgle, and Skoova Stev, both in the Black Series line. Hasbro is also releasing a new Merrin figure and a Rocket Launcher Trooper in the smaller 3.75-inch Vintage Collection line.
Other highlights include new Black Series figures of Han Solo and Chewbacca based on their Episode IV looks and a Vintage Collection playset that features a Tusken Raider and a full-size Bantha.
Hasbro also used the panel to show off their exclusive Celebration release, a Black Series figure of Star Wars: Visions' The Ronin and his droid R5-D56. The two come packaged inside a deluxe box with watercolor artwork and a slipcover. This set is being sold exclusively at Celebration, though if past exclusives are any indication, small quantities may go up for sale on the Hasbro Pulse website after the show.
Update - The Ronin is currently available for purchase on Amazon.
Apart from The Ronin, all of these figures are slated for release in Summer 2025, with preorders opening on April 18 at 12pm PT.
In other Star Wars Celebration news, we got early details on Shawn Levy's upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter. You can also check out everything announced at The Mandalorian and Grogu panel.
Romeo & Juliet is one of the most famous and beloved stories ever written, but it's safe to say you've never experienced that story quite like it's being told in the new graphic novel Romeo vs. Juliet: A Kill Shakespeare Adventure. This bold reimagining is hitting stores just in time for World Shakespeare Day, and IGN has an exclusive preview.
Check out the slideshow gallery below for a closer look at Romeo vs. Juliet:
Romeo vs. Juliet is written by Anthony Del Col and illustrated by Stefan Tosheff and is published by Gemstone Publishing. The book acts as a loose sort of sequel to the original Shakespeare play, though it takes quite a few liberties with the source material as it reimagiens the two characters (and other Shakespeare icons) for a fantasy Western setting.
Here's Gemstone's official description of the book:
In this Shakespearean Western, warrior-for-hire (and pregnant) Juliet Capulet is hired to protect a border town nunnery from the evil forces led by her ex Romeo. As they prepare, she reluctantly reunites with her old allies, including Hamlet, Othello, Puck (a “Magnificent Shakespeare Seven”) but they soon discover something rotten in the state of the nunnery and a magical force that dreams are made on… all while Juliet must determine if the father of her child is Hamlet… or the man she must kill, Romeo.
“No matter where someone’s from, or what language they speak, they know Romeo and Juliet as the world’s greatest lovers. Well, Romeo vs. Juliet provides the ultimate twist to that story,” said Del Col in a statment. “In our 'Shakespearean Western' they find themselves on opposite ends of a cause, forcing them to become rivals and culminating in a high noon-style showdown between the two.”
Del Col continued, “I enjoy the process of playing with well-known characters, peeling them and their stories down to their very core and then building upon that.”
Romeo vs. Juliet: A Kill Shakespeare Adventure will be released on April 22, 2025. You can preorder the book on Amazon.
This isn't the only comic that'll be remixing and reimagining Shakespeare for a modern audience in 2025. We recently got an early look at Disciple, a Hamlet-inspired series that will be the first release from Joe Quesada's Amazing Comics.
Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on BlueSky.
Nintendo has announced that Switch 2 pre-orders will begin in the U.S. on April 24, 2025, and that the original price of $449.99 and launch date of June 5 will remain the same.
Nintendo shared the news on its website while also confirming Switch 2 accessories will "experience price adjustments from those announced on April 2 due to changes in market conditions." It also notes "adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future depending on market conditions."
Alongside the base console price remaining the same, Nintendo did confirm the Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle will remain at $499.99 and pricing for both the physical and digital versions of Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) will not change at launch.
Nintendo also shared a list of pricing for the console, games, and accessories as of April 18, and you can check them out below;
Nintendo had originally planned on opening pre-orders for Switch 2 on April 9, but it made the decision to delay them as it needed time to "assess the potential impact of tarrifs and evolving market conditions."
For more on the Switch 2, check out our hands-on impressions, everything that as announced during the big Switch 2 direct, and how Switch 2 looks to be a major leap forward for Nintendo's accessibility design.
Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.
"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in."
"Say hello to my l'il friend!"
"This entire courtroom is out of order!"
Very few actors have uttered, or shouted, as many quotable movie lines as Al Pacino.
An icon of cinema, one who helped redefine the American movie and bust the archetype of the leading man, Al Pacino's long, storied career has crackled with both intensity and charisma. Whether he's a cop, a crook, or a combination of the two, Pacino has always delivered powerhouse performances, bellowing lines with incredible quotable gusto.
A "G" short of an EGOT, Pacino's landmark work in the '70s made him an acclaimed household name, one that allowed him to remain at the top of his game, and at the peak of Hollywood royalty, for decades. The Godfather, Dog Day Afternoon, Heat, Donnie Brasco - Pacino is the perfect combination of subdued and wild. Calm and explosive.
We've compiled a short list of Al Pacino's 10 Best Movies, from Mafia bosses to compromised detectives to short-tempered Army vets to... Carlitos? It keeps us sharp, on the edge, where we gotta be.
Warren Beatty's bizarre passion project -- a wildly colorful live-action adaptation of 1930s comic strip Dick Tracy -- has gained a retro-appreciation over the past few decades, becoming a bit of a cult classic (for a large-budgeted IP grab). It didn't quite crack this list but we wanted to shine a spotlight on it for Pacino, who isn't usually one for comedy. Pacino grabbed his seventh Oscar nomination for his mirthfully manic portrayal of crime boss "Big Boy" Caprice. The actor was able to chew up the scenery in a different way, cartoonishly poking fun at his cold, calculating Godfather persona while going in a vastly different direction.
Between the two violent Brian De Palma crime operas where Al Pacino plays a latino, we're going with Carlito's Way.
Sure, there are plenty of Scarface lovers out there. Spencer Gifts is still in business for a reason. But Carlito's Way is the better film choice, following Pacino's Puerto Rican career criminal trying to escape his past after getting released from prison. Carlito's quest to tie up loose ends and skip town becomes a ticking-clock odyssey that's suspenseful and emotional, allowing Pacino to play a tough guy who's out of time. The '90s gave us Pacino in roles of redemption, crooks (even an aged Michael Corleone!) trying to get right and repent. Carlito's Way was the most stylish of the bunch, with some amazing De Palma set pieces. Sean Penn, Penelope Ann Miller, and John Leguizamo co-star.
Al Pacino finally took home an Oscar -- after nine nominations over the course of 20 years -- for Martin Brest's Scent of a Woman, in a performance that would become a go-to for all Al Pacino impersonators in the decades following.
As the irritable, blind Army lieutenant colonel Frank Slade, Pacino's acting style would dial upwards, developing into an abrupt, occasionally over-the-top take on his usual trademark ferocity. This specific type of bellowing would follow him through the rest of his career, notably showing up in movies like Heat, The Devil's Advocate, and Any Given Sunday. Pacino had always been a formidable yeller, but Scent of a Woman took things to a whole new level.
Paired with Chris O'Donnell's anxious prep school student, Charlie, Frank becomes a whirlwind in the young man's life, giving him lessons in confidence, respect, and love. All with an errant "hoo-ah" or two.
Pacino re-teamed with Heat's Michael Mann for the biographical conspiracy The Insider, about Big Tobacco whistleblower Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe). The actor would play tenacious CBS producer Lowell Bergman in this universally acclaimed '90s flick that's equal parts absorbing and infuriating. Pacino gives a dynamite performance as a dogged crusader for justice, a blinding beacon of speaking truth to power. It's not just one of Pacino's best, but also one of Mann's, as the two seem to bring out the best in each other. The Insider cleaned up at the Oscars on the nominations front, but it got beat out in the major categories by American Beauty. Still, it stands as the better film, then and now.
Al Pacino and Christopher Nolan collaborated only once, for Nolan's only film remake (adapting the 1997 Norwegian film of the same name, starring Stellan Skarsgård), but it was a masterful retelling, with Pacino leaning in on a morally compromised cop facing his demons while working an out of town case in the sun-never-sets city of Nightmute, Alaska. Insomnia pits Pacino' sleep-deprived detective Will Dormer against a blackmailing killer played by Robin Williams (who does tremendous work as well) and it's a cat and mouse game that could bring Dormer's entire world down around him. It's an Oscar-winners trifecta, as Hilary Swank also co-stars. This was Nolan's first jump to studio filmmaking (and his first for Warner Bros.) and Pacino delivered a career best.
Al Pacino followed up his star-making role in The Godfather with Sidney Lumet's classic cop vs. corruption case, based on NYPD detective Frank Serpico's real life whistleblowing on his dirty racketeering peers.
A critical and commercial success, Serpico won Pacino a Golden Globe and cemented him as one of his generation's most talented performers. Gritty and thought-provoking, Serpico is teeming with social realism, all anchored by Pacino and his riveting achievement as a cop on the edge, obsessed with putting things right.
Featuring an excellent, subdued performance by Al Pacino as aging bagman "Lefty" Ruggiero, Mike Newell's Donnie Brasco is a nuanced portrait of organized crime. Based on the real life exploits of undercover FBI Agent Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp), the film resists most gangster cliches and instead shows us a flailing Pistone, drowning under the pressure of living two lives, and a hopeful Lefty, who sees this new "Donnie Brasco" kid as his ticket back into a higher rung on the ladder.
The two form an unlikely, and doomed, friendship while Pacino proves that he can dial it back and break your heart with a stealthily graceful performance. In fact both leads, known for going over the top, play it rare and real here.
Al Pacino's run of films in the early 1970s is a thing of beauty. He followed up The Godfather Part II, re-teaming with director Sidney Lumet, with the brilliant, bravura Dog Day Afternoon. Chronicling the real-life Brooklyn robbery and hostage situation led by John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile in 1972, Dog Day Afternoon is an erratic, emotional gut-punch of a movie with a quirky sense of humor. Pacino is a roller coaster of energy and panic, giving an outstanding performance that would stand in stark contrast to his reserved machinations in The Godfather movies. Dog Day Afternoon is dramatic, slapstick, and revelatory all in one crazed package.
With Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather, Al Pacino became an instant movie star, with the film itself becoming one of the most acclaimed and important genre-defining films in history. It redefined the modern gangster movie and the templates and tropes established within its near three-hour runtime are still used today. Easily transcending both crime stories and family dramas, The Godfather is a captivating, brutal chronicle of American life featuring Pacino's slow burn transformation from reluctant family outsider to full-fledged Mafia boss.
A true sensation when it opened, The Godfather garnered Pacino his first Oscar nomination and a fast track to stardom. Young Michael Corleone was never supposed to inherit the family business from patriarch Vito and it's that abhorrent ascension that creates an unquestionably great saga.
Though both Al Pacino and his exceptional contemporary Robert De Niro were both in The Godfather Part II, it took Michael Mann's Heat to bring them together. Even if it was just for one memorable clarification-slash-confrontation.
The story of a hero cop too obsessed with catching crooks to hold down a decent home life and a master thief who's starts realizing, perhaps too late, the value of love and interpersonal connection, Heat is a hypnotic, action-packed journey into the hearts and minds of tough guys driven by codes, honor, revenge, and other masculine intangibles that prevent them from achieving true happiness. Pacino, as LAPD Lieutenant Vincent Hanna, is a pit bull of explosive energy, refusing to let up in any aspect of his professional career. Especially when he's pitted against heist-master Neil McCauley (De Niro). Heat is a phenomenal watch with a talented ensemble. Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Amy Brenneman, and Diane Venora also star.
We've arrived at yet another bonafide masterpiece of cinema here with The Godfather Part II. There's some debate, among FatherFans, over which of the first two Godfather films is the best, but Part II is usually seen as a fuller film experience, with Pacino's Michael Corleone now in absolute control of his crime empire while having to still deal with violence, betrayal, and heartbreak. He's a man pressured to act and yet haunted by his choices, forever with his immortal soul in peril. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and Pacino lets us feel it all here.
One of the greatest American movies ever made, and a prime example of how a sequel (that's also part-prequel) can match, or surpass, the original, The Godfather Part II is a pioneering triumph that stands as Al Pacino's greatest film.
What is your favorite Al Pacino movie? Did we list it? Did we leave it out? Vote in our poll and let's talk below! Hoo-ah!
If you're looking for Infinity Nikki codes, IGN has you covered! In this article, you'll find a list of active and working Infinity Nikki codes that you can redeem for free rewards and bonuses in April 2025, including Diamonds and Energy Crystals.
Below, you'll find all the active and working Infinity Nikki codes in April 2025, the free rewards you get for redeeming them, and their expiry date (if known):
The Infinity Nikki codes listed below have expired and are no longer working as of April 2025:
To redeem Infinity Nikki codes, follow the steps below:
If the Infinity Nikki code that you're trying to redeem isn't working, it's likely due to one of the following reasons:
When inputting a code into Infinity Nikki, make sure there are no typos (Os instead of zeroes, capital Is instead of lowercase Ls, etc.) and that there are no accidental spaces before or after the code. If your Infinity Nikki code still doesn't work, it's probably expired and can no longer be redeemed.
The best way to get more Infinity Nikki codes is to join the official Infinity Nikki Discord server. Once you're in, head to the #self-assign-roles channel and opt-in for the Redeem Code role. You'll receive a notification when a new code is released so you can receive your free rewards ASAP!
Alternatively, bookmark this Infinity Nikki Codes article, as we update it each time a new code comes out. The Discord server has missed a couple of codes posted to other channels, so we'd recommend checking our article every so often.
Developed by Infold Games, Infinity Nikki is a cozy, open-world RPG. You play as Nikki, as she's whisked away to the world of Miraland, a place where people make Wishes with the help of Stylists. You'll find and create a plethora of outfits and accessories, take on quests, and gather many types of collectibles with the help of Momo, Nikki's adorable feline companion.
Meg Koepp is a Guides Editor on the IGN Guides team, with a focus on trends. When she's not working, you can find her playing an RPG or making miniatures.
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