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Magic the Gathering: Full Release Schedule for 2025

22 mai 2025 à 12:34

From soaring with dragons to facing off against Sephiroth and Aang, Magic: The Gathering has a packed year ahead. 2025 marks the first full cycle under Wizards of the Coast’s new release strategy, which splits the calendar evenly between the more classic Magic-original sets and the wildly popular "Universes Beyond" crossovers.

Most of the year’s main sets (aside from Avatar: The Last Airbender) are already available to preorder or buy on Amazon. That said, please also consult your local game store to find out when they're accepting preorders as well.

MTG: 2025 Release Calendar - At a Glance

Here’s your set-by-set guide to what’s dropping in 2025, breaking down release dates, when you can get your hands on everything, where you can preorder, and even includes a running list of every Secret Lair drop so far this year. We're starting off with a quick glance over the 2025 release calendar, but let's jump into a more in-depth look as well.

Universes Beyond: Final Fantasy - Jun. 13

Already revealed to be the best-selling Magic set in the game's almost 35-year history, and it isn’t even out yet, the Universes Beyond Final Fantasy set is a love letter designed by fans of RPG for fans.

Featuring a larger set than normal, the cards here will showcase each of the 16 core entries featuring their iconic heroes, villains, creatures, and locations.

Each of the four preconstructed Commander decks is based around specific games, including VI, VII, X, and the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV, each of which is available as both standard and collector versions.

This release looks to be one of the biggest launches this year, so grab your gunblade and get ready. We also recently explored our top ten picks to keep an eye out for when ripping open your sealed boosters in a few weeks.

While most of the commander decks and various other bundles are currently out of stock at major retailers, here's the pages to bookmark come June 13 in case anywhere restocks on the day. It's also worth bookmarking this page, and following @IGNDeals on Twitter/X and Bluesky for further updates on restocks in the coming weeks.

Rare Cards to Look Out For on Release Day

With nearly 700 cards in the Final Fantasy set, including Extended Art, Borderless, and Surge Foil variants, there’s a lot to track. But a few standout rares are already turning heads ahead of launch on June 5.

Buying before release day is always a risk, as prices can drop fast once the full set hits, so holster that gunblade, and simply observe for now. Still, if you’re watching the market or planning your pulls, these are the biggest rare cards to keep an eye on right now.

Secret Lair X Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy is also getting its very own Secret Lair release as well on June 9, costing $399.99.

These drops will go on sale as part of our Summer Superdrop on June 9, 2025, at 9 a.m. PT (June 10 at 1 a.m. JST), exclusively at MagicSecretLair.

These drops are available in limited quantities. Here's everything in the set.

  • Secret Lair x Final Fantasy: Game Over (Jun 9) - 5 cards
    • Spira’s Punishment (Day of Judgement)
    • Absorb into Time (Temporal Extortion)
    • Merciless Poisoning (Toxic Deluge)
    • Unseat the Usurper (Praetor’s Grasp)
    • Meteorfall (Star of Extinction)
  • Secret Lair x Final Fantasy: Grimoire (Jun 9) - 5 cards
    • Yuna’s Holy Magic (Prismatic Ending)
    • Hope’s Aero Magic (Cyclonic Rift)
    • Noctis’ Death Magic (Damn)
    • Vivi’s Thunder Magic (Lightning Bolt)
    • Aerith’s Curage Magic (Heroic Intervention)
  • Secret Lair x Final Fantasy: Weapons (Jun 9) - 5 cards
    • Yuna’s Sending Staff (Staff of the Storyteller)
    • Clive’s Invictus Blade (Blade of Selves)
    • Cloud’s Buster Sword (Umezawa’s Jitte)
    • Gaia’s Dark Hammer (Colossus Hammer)
    • Tidus’s Brotherhood Sword (Sword of Truth and Justice)

Edge of Eternities - Aug. 1

Space, the final frontier. This is the theme for Edge of Eternities, the Summertime Magic set. Its mission, to introduce space-fantasy into the realm of Magic: The Gathering, explore strange new worlds, and to seek out new planeswalkers and combos, to tap things that have never been tapped before.

This will mark the first time that Wizards is taking players into a more space-fantasy landscape, including slinging spells against aliens. It remains to be seen if there will be space wizards with swords made of light, however.

Marvel’s Spider-Man - Sept. 26

The debut set of the Marvel and Wizards of the Coast partnership features Spider-Man and will be swinging onto shelves this fall!

Players can expect to see cards based around not only Spidey himself but also members of his rogues gallery, including the Green Goblin, Doc Oc, and even the winner of 1988’s “Best Tongue Award”, Venom. Unfortunately, this set won’t see any preconstructed decks.

This set will be getting a special type of product, however, with the Scene Box. Along with three play boosters, this set will give you six special borderless art cards that can be positioned to form a single action-packed scene that looks like it was pulled straight from the comics, featuring Spidey fending off villains, which can be displayed on the included paper easel.

Players on Wizards’ digital MTG client, Magic Arena and Magic Online, will also see Spider-Man set, albeit without Spider-Man. Wizards has opted to create a duplicate Marvel-free set that is functionally identical but without any of the characters or imagery, referred to as “Through the Omenpaths” as a digital-only release.

Universes Beyond Avatar: The Last Airbender - Nov. 21

Closing out the year will be Aang and company with Universes Beyond - Avatar: The Last Airbender. Currently, outside of its existence, very little is known about this set, including what products will be released for it.

All we know is that we players can expect their favorite characters to show up, beautiful artwork, and an elemental showdown. But, if Wizards of the Coast nails the artwork and card mechanics, this could be one of the coolest Universes Beyond sets we have ever seen. Stay tuned for more news.

Every MTG Set Released So Far in 2025

Here's every Magic: The Gathering set released in 2025 so far, ordered from most recent release (Tarkir Dragonstorm), all the way to the first release of the year (Innistrad Remastered).

Tarkir Dragonstorm - Apr. 11 2025 (Out Now)

Tarkir Dragonstorm returns players to the plane of Tarkir, which was last seen back in 2014, and once again features not only a ton of powerful dragons but also the various clans that rule this land.

The five clans, the Abzan Houses, the Jeskai Way, the Sultai Brood, Mardu Horde, and the Temur Froniter, each are built around different slices of the color pie, and this uniqueness is further expanded on with Dragonstor, with each clan, along with the dragons themselves, featuring new specialty mechanics tailored to their playstyle.

Big creatures, cool abilities, and more dragons to cram into your Ur Dragon EDH deck are here for fans, and on the topic of Commander, this set also features five different precon decks, with each one made for each clan.

Aetherdrift - Feb. 14 2025 (Out Now)

If you were to summarize Aetherdrift as “Magic with racecars,” you would be a good 80% there. A large, multiversal race, known as the Ghirapur Grand Prix, is taking place in Avishkar, and racers from planes including Duskmourn and Amonket, among others are in attendance.

One of the special mechanics unique to Aetherdrift is “Speed,” where cards can get better, the more of these speed tokens they have, and along with the special showcase art cards, which resemble ’80s racing posters, really help the “professional racing” aesthetic land with this set. It also has Chandra the Planeswalker doing the Akira slide on a card.

Innistrad Remastered - Jan. 24. 2025 (Out Now)

Innistrad is Magic’s original Gothic Horror plane that first dropped back in 2011. These Remastered sets are special releases that include beloved card reprints and mechanics with some updates sprinkled in.

Innistrad Remastered started out the year giving players a new chance to get fan-favorite cards like Edgar Markov, Liliana of the Veil, and Archangel Avacyn. This set is a great way to introduce newer players to some of the game’s fabled history.

Secret Lair Releases - 2025 So Far

  • Featuring: Jack Teagle (Feb. 3) - 5 cards
    • Mulldrifter
    • All Will Be One
    • Benevolent Hydra
    • Forgotten Ancient
    • Animar, Soul of Elements
  • Artist Series: Jesper Ejsing (Feb. 10) - 5 cards
    • Llanowar Elves
    • Sun Titan
    • Breeches, Eager Pillager
    • Deflecting Swat
    • Llanowar Elves
  • Lorwyn Lightboxes (Feb. 10) - 5 cards
    • Ancient Amphitheater
    • Auntie’s Hovel
    • Gilt-Leaf Palace
    • Secluded Glen
    • Wanderwine Hub
  • City Styles 2: Dressed to Kill (Feb. 10) - 5 cards
    • Karmic Guide
    • Ninja of the Deep Hours
    • Captain Sisay
    • Selvala, Explorer Returned
    • Veyran, Voice of Duality
  • Arcade Racers (Feb. 10) - 5 cards
    • Big Score
    • Final Fortune
    • Heat Shimmer
    • Roiling Vortex
    • Wheel of Misfortune
  • Aether Drifters (Feb. 10) - 6 cards
    • Parhelion II
    • Mechtitan Core
    • Peacewalker Colossus
    • Reckoner Bankbuster
    • Smuggler’s Copter
    • Mechtitan
  • Featuring: Mitsuhiro Arita (Feb. 10) - 4 cards
    • Light-Paws, Emperor’s Voice
    • Murktide Regent
    • Lightning Bolt
    • Shorikai, Genesis Engine
  • A Devastation of Dragons (Feb. 21) - 4 cards
    • Kokusho, the Evening Star
    • Skyline Despot
    • Niv-Mizzet, Parun
    • Scion of the Ur Dragon
  • Dogs are Better Than Cats (Mar. 17) - 6 cards
    • Spirited Companion
    • Escape to the Wilds
    • Rip Apart
    • Titanic Ultimatum
    • Arcane Signet
    • Basilisk Collar
  • Cats are Better Than Dogs (Mar. 17) - 6 cards
    • Helpful Hunter
    • Escape to the Wilds
    • Rip Apart
    • Titanic Ultimatum
    • Arcane Signet
    • Basilisk Collar
  • Spongebob SquarePants: Legends of Bikini Bottom (Mar. 24) - 7 cards
    • Plankton, Tiny Tyrant (Skrelv, Defector Mite)
    • Mr. Krabs, Penny Pincher (Charix, the Raging Isle)
    • Squidward, Sarcastic Snob (Grazilaxx, Illithid Scholar)
    • Gary, the Snail (Toxrill, the Corrosive)
    • Sandy Cheeks, Martial Astronaut (Toski, Bearer of Secrets)
    • Patrick Star (Barktooth Warbeard)
    • SpongeBob SquarePants (Jodah, the Unifer)
  • Spongebob SquarePants: Lands under the Sea (Mar. 24) - 6 cards
    • 5 basic lands
    • Command Tower
  • SpongeBob SquarePants: Internet Sensation (Mar. 24) - 9 cards
    • Counterspell
    • Daze
    • Inevitable Betrayal
    • Force of Despair
    • Night’s Whisper
    • Food token
    • Smothering Tithe
    • cOuNTeRspELl
    • Dismember
  • Twisted Toons (Mar. 24) - 5 cards
    • Silence
    • Winds of Abandon
    • Culling the Weak
    • Fatal Push
    • Young Wolf
  • Tragic Romance (Mar. 24) - 4 cards
    • Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon
    • Kaalia of the Vast
    • Angel of Despair
    • Master of Cruelties
  • They Grow Up So Fast (Mar. 24) - 5 cards
    • Dragonlord Atarka
    • Dragonlord Dromoka
    • Dragonlord Kolaghan
    • Dragonlord Ojutai
    • Dragonlord Silumgar
  • Secret Lair: Class of ‘87 (Mar. 24) - 4 cards
    • Aesi, Tyran of Gyre Strait
    • Anje Falkenrath
    • Chulane, Teller of Tales
    • Radha, Heart of Keld
  • Pick’em and Stick’em (Mar. 24) - 10 cards
    • 5 sticker cards
    • Thalia, Heretic Cathar
    • Clever Impersonator
    • Hedron Crab
    • Pitiliss Plunderer
    • Treasure token
  • Garden Buds (Mar. 24) - 5 cards
    • Ashaya, Soul of the Wild
    • Elvish Reclaimer
    • Harrow
    • World Shaper
    • Horn of Greed
  • Oishi! Tokens (Mar. 26) - 4 cards
    • 4 Food tokens
  • Secret Lair X Marvel’s Deadpool (Apr. 1) - 7 cards
    • Harmless Offering
    • Blacker Lotus
    • Deadpool, Trading Card
    • Deadly Rolick
    • Saw in Half
    • Blasphemous Act
    • Vandalblast
  • Adventures of the Little Witch (Apr. 22) - 4 cards
    • Secret Rendezvous
    • Serenity
    • Esika’s Chariot
    • Realms Uncharted
  • VROOOOOMMMMMM! (Apr. 28) - 5 cards
    • Lava Dart
    • Monastery Swiftspear
    • Soul-Scar Mage
    • Underworld Breach
    • Mishra’s Bauble
  • Everything Is On Fire (Apr. 28) - 5 cards
    • Chain Lightning
    • Dragon’s Rage Channeler
    • Lava Spike
    • Rift Bolt
    • Skewer the Critics
  • Featuring: Jay Howell (Apr. 28) - 5 cards
    • Agent of Treachery
    • Priest of Forgotten Gods
    • Treasonous Ogre
    • Uncivil Unrest
    • Marchesa, the Black Rose
  • Secret Lair X KEXP: Where the Music Matters (Apr. 28) - 6 cards
    • 5 basic lands
    • Command Tower
  • Secret Lair X KEXP: You Are Not Alone (Apr. 28) - 6 cards
    • Cultural Exchange
    • Folio of Fancies
    • Concordant Crossroads
    • Rites of Flourishing
    • Font of Mythos
    • Minds Aglow
  • Everyone’s Invited! (May 12) - 15 cards
    • Morophon, the Boundless
    • Raise the Palisade
    • Bitterblossom
    • Taurean Mauler
    • Avenger of Zendikar
    • Kindred Summons
    • Tendershoot Dryad
    • Coat of Arms
    • Maskwood Nexus
    • Sol Ring
    • Rin and Seri, Inseparable
    • 4 Shapeshifter tokens
  • Slay the Day (May 19) - 4 cards
    • Marwyn, the Nurturer
    • Liesa, Shroud of Dusk
    • Oloro, Ageless Ascetic
    • Sythis, Harvest’s Hand
  • Secret Lair x Final Fantasy: Game Over (Jun 9) - 5 cards
    • Spira’s Punishment (Day of Judgement)
    • Absorb into Time (Temporal Extortion)
    • Merciless Poisoning (Toxic Deluge)
    • Unseat the Usurper (Praetor’s Grasp)
    • Meteorfall (Star of Extinction)
  • Secret Lair x Final Fantasy: Grimoire (Jun 9) - 5 cards
    • Yuna’s Holy Magic (Prismatic Ending)
    • Hope’s Aero Magic (Cyclonic Rift)
    • Noctis’ Death Magic (Damn)
    • Vivi’s Thunder Magic (Lightning Bolt)
    • Aerith’s Curage Magic (Heroic Intervention)
  • Secret Lair x Final Fantasy: Weapons (Jun 9) - 5 cards
    • Yuna’s Sending Staff (Staff of the Storyteller)
    • Clive’s Invictus Blade (Blade of Selves)
    • Cloud’s Buster Sword (Umezawa’s Jitte)
    • Gaia’s Dark Hammer (Colossus Hammer)
    • Tidus’s Brotherhood Sword (Sword of Truth and Justice)

Product Key - What to Buy?

Here is a breakdown of the standard types of products that sets release with and what they include.

Play Boosters

These are standard bread-and-butter 15-card packs of random cards. Each pack is composed of 7 common cards, 3 uncommon cards, 1 rare or mythic rare card, 1 basic land, 1 non-foil wild car, 1 foil wild card, and 1 ad, token, helper, or art card.

Most booster boxes contain 30 of these 15-card packs, though some special sets may contain fewer (usually 24).

Collector Boosters

Much like the Play Boosters, Collector Boosters also have 15 random cards in the pack. Still, these special packs contain more cards of higher rarities, special foiling, unique art or bordered cards, double-sided tokens, and potentially other bonuses.

These packs are also far more expensive than a typical Play Booster, and Collector Booster Boxes also only contain 12 packs of these elusive cards.

Commander Decks

The Commander format may have started as a community-driven format, but Wizards of the Coast has adopted it and now releases its own preconstructed 100-card Commander decks.

Each deck comes with two possible cards that can serve as the deck’s commander (Commander creatures have to be a Legendary creature, and whose color identity dictates the color cards that can be included in the deck.)

Each deck contains any required tokens for the deck, a 2-card Collector Booster sample pack, a strategy insert explaining its respective deck, and a reference card.

Collector’s Edition Commander Decks

Similar to Collector Boosters, these special Commander decks are functionally identical to their standard version counterparts, except with some special art and foiling for collectors.

Their prices are also far higher, and their lower print runs make them tough to get.

Bundle

Bundle products are great options for gifts, or if you want some packs of cards but also some nifty extras, too. Each bundle comes with 9 Play Booster packs, a bunch of basic land cards (unique to the given set), a pretty dice (usually a d20), and a storage box.

If you and each friend get a bundle, it can make for a fun draft experience, too.

Gift Bundle

The Gift Bundle is nearly identical to the standard bundle except for two things—it comes with a Collector Booster in addition to the standard nine play boosters, and the storage box has a bit more flair and foiling.

Prerelease Packs

Prerelease packs are special releases that you can get at your local game store during a set’s Prerelease launch event, containing six play boosters, a special promo card, and a special life counter - everything you need to create a small 40-card deck to compete against other attendees.

There tend to be various themes of these packs for players to pick from, with some cards that are more tailored to that specific faction or color combination.

Starter Kit

The Starter Kit is a product designed to introduce the game to new players. It contains two 60-card decks, boxes to store them, and instructional aids to help walk the two players through their first games.

As an added bonus, these also tend to include redemption codes to unlock the decks on Magic Arena, the digital Magic: The Gathering platform.

Released Sets of 2024: A Look Back

Magic: The Gathering Foundations – November 15, 2024

Capping off the year, Foundations arrived as Magic’s new entry-level product aimed squarely at newcomers. With simplified cards, curated reprints, and a structure reminiscent of Jumpstart, it was designed to make onboarding smoother than ever.

It’s the clearest sign yet that Wizards wants to bolster Magic’s long-term future by making the game more accessible without sacrificing its core identity.

Duskmourn: House of Horror – October 2024

Halloween season brought with it Duskmourn: House of Horror, one of the boldest thematic swings Magic has taken in years. Set entirely within a haunted mansion, it channeled modern horror vibes through its claustrophobic design, disturbing card art, and jump scare flavor. Instead of the usual plane-spanning scope, this set kept things intimate and creepy — and it worked.

Bloomburrow – August 2, 2024

If Duskmourn was the year’s most terrifying set, Bloomburrow was its most adorable. Set on a plane with no humans, it introduced a cast of heroic woodland critters — squirrels, frogs, bats, and more — banding together to defend their home. With its storybook aesthetic and approachable mechanics, Bloomburrow offered a lighter, friendlier take on the game that still held plenty of strategic depth.

Secret Lair: Monty Python and the Holy Grail – July 29, 2024

A standout among this year’s Secret Lair drops, the Monty Python and the Holy Grail collaboration leaned fully into the absurd. Split across two releases, it packed classic Magic cards with deeply specific Python references — from coconuts-as-horses to the European vs. African swallow gag — making it a bizarre, quotable delight for fans of the 1975 film.

Universes Beyond: Assassin’s Creed – July 5, 2024

July also saw the release of Magic’s crossover with Assassin’s Creed, adding another chapter to the Universes Beyond initiative. Sold in Beyond Boosters rather than traditional draft packs, the set emphasized thematic resonance over gameplay structure. Featuring major characters like Ezio, Altair, and historical icons like Leonardo da Vinci, it managed to blend stealth and strategy while staying Modern-legal.

Modern Horizons 3 – June 14, 2024

The third Modern Horizons entry didn’t hold back. Released in June, it introduced powerful new cards, format-defining reprints, and returning mechanics like Energy. Double-faced planeswalkers made a triumphant comeback, echoing Magic Origins, and familiar worlds like Zendikar and Theros helped inject a nostalgic punch. The draft format, meanwhile, was one of the deepest of the year.

Outlaws of Thunder Junction – April 19, 2024

Magic went full Western in April with Outlaws of Thunder Junction, a stylish and surprisingly villain-centric set. This was a rootin’-tootin’ showcase of bandits, bounty hunters, and black hats, complete with new mechanics like Plot and Spree. It pushed flavor to the forefront, giving Magic one of its most cohesive and playful settings in recent memory.

Universes Beyond: Fallout – March 8, 2024

March gave Commander players a radioactive treat with Universes Beyond: Fallout. The set delivered four thematically distinct Commander decks, tapping into iconic factions and characters from the Fallout games — Brotherhood of Steel, Super Mutants, Vault Dwellers, and more. With its retro-futuristic flair and solid deck construction, it proved a strong crossover effort.

Murders at Karlov Manor – February 9, 2024

Murders at Karlov Manor reimagined Ravnica through the lens of a murder mystery, complete with suspects, disguises, and evidence to collect. It introduced new mechanics to match the whodunit theme and even crossed over with Clue for an extra meta twist. It was a narrative-forward set that let Magic flex some genre muscles outside of its usual fantasy fare.

Ravnica Remastered – January 12, 2024

The year opened with a love letter to one of Magic’s most beloved settings. Ravnica Remastered compiled highlights from the city-plane’s long history, featuring cards from across its three blocks with updated art and retro-frame treatments. From powerful shock lands to fan-favorite guild cards, it was a nostalgia-rich start to the year for both collectors and players alike.

Scott White is a freelance contributor to IGN, assisting with tabletop games and guide coverage. Follow him on X/Twitter or Bluesky.

Includes contributions from Christian Wait and Robert Anderson.

That Scrubs Reboot Is Really Happening — and Now Zach Braff Has Joined the Cast

22 mai 2025 à 12:29

In television, nothing good can ever stay dead — and in a year that's seen new projects from universes as disparate as The Office and Buffy the Vampire Slayer re-enter production, beloved 2000s hospital sitcom Scrubs is next.

It's been 24 years since Zach Braff's character, junior doctor JD, first began his time at Sacred Heart Hospital. Now, Braff has agreed to reprise the role in ABC's upcoming Scrubs reboot, which is expected to feature a mix of new and returning faces.

If this concept sounds familiar, it's because ABC tried the idea before as part of Scrubs' ill-fated ninth season that featured Braff and other series regulars handing over the baton to a new, younger cast. The idea was not popular, and the season was canned after just nine episodes.

Now, almost two decades later, ABC is trying again. Scrubs' original creator Bill Lawrence is behind the return, with plans that it will act as a reboot/revival hybrid.

With Braff's deal signed, Entertainment Weekly reports that it is likely other returning cast members will follow.

"We've been talking about a lot, and I think the only real reason to do it is a combo," Lawrence previously told Deadline.

"A: people wanting to see what the world of medicine was like for the people they love, which is part of any successful reboot. But B: I think that show always worked because you get to see young people dropped into the world of medicine, knowing young people that go there are super idealistic and are doing it because it's a calling."

Scrubs originally aired 182 episodes between 2001 and 2010. There's no word yet when more episodes of Scrubs will begin filming.

Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic.

Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

Borderlands 4 Boss Randy Pitchford Addresses ‘Real Fans’ Tweet Controversy: ‘Nobody Likes Being Taken for Granted and It Was Not My Intent’

22 mai 2025 à 12:27

Randy Pitchford has addressed the backlash to his controversial Borderlands 4 $80 ‘real fans’ tweet after someone ran it through a Handsome Jack AI.

Pitchford sparked the backlash in responding to a fan who had expressed concern about the prospect of paying $80 for Borderlands 4, saying: “if you’re a real fan, you’ll find a way to make it happen.”

Here’s the exchange:

"Randy, this game better not be 80 dollars. Don't take that risk, a lot of gamers aren't gonna pay 80 dollars and feed this notion of constant increase of the price tag. You are the CEO, you have some say with the price when it comes to your publisher."

And here's Randy Pitchford's response:

"A) Not my call. B) If you’re a real fan, you’ll find a way to make it happen. My local game store had Starflight for Sega Genesis for $80 in 1991 when I was just out of high school working minimum wage at an ice cream parlor in Pismo Beach and I found a way to make it happen."

The response to Pitchford’s tweet has been mostly negative. “I am going to pirate Borderlands 4,” said one X / Twitter user. “Please stop. Just apologize and move on. This isn't fair on your developers. If you care about them, just do the right thing dude,” added another. “Randy we are begging you to stop. BL4 had so much hype and it’s being ruined in a day. Let people want to like and support the game and all the amazing people who made it,” said one commenter.

While Pitchford has yet to apologize directly for his comments, he did point to a recent answer he gave on-stage at PAX East on Borderlands 4's price, saying: “If you want the truth, here it is.”

And now, Pitchford inched closer to an actual apology after Borderlands streamer Moxsy tweeted dialogue from a Handsome Jack AI prompted by a user called Duke_Newcombe who fed it Pitchford's original tweet.

(Handsome Jack is the main antagonist of Borderlands 2 and self-appointed dictator of Pandora.)

Ohhh boo-hoo, $80 for Borderlands 4? Let me break out the world’s tiniest violin—crafted from Eridium and oiled with the tears of whiny Vault Hunters.
Listen, cupcake, you’re not buying a game. You’re investing in a premium, galaxy-shattering experience personally engineered to blast your sad little dopamine receptors into orbit. You think quality loot and chaotic mayhem just code itself? You want guns that sprout legs, sing sea shanties, and explode into loot goblins without paying top dollar? Grow up.
Back in my day, I built an entire moonbase with my own two hands (and a metric ton of disposable Hyperion interns), and you’re crying about spending a few bucks more to virtually murder skags with style? Puh-lease.
But hey, if $80 is too steep, there’s always a solution: just don’t buy it. More legendary drops for the rest of us, and fewer mouth-breathing freeloaders clogging up my loot pools. Win-win.
Stay broke, hero.
•⁠Handsome Jack President of the Galaxy, CEO of Hyperion, and your personal nightmare

“Boy howdy, JackGPT, is that how I sound? My bad, but cheers to Duke_Newcombe and @MoxsyOG for the funniest thing I’m going to read today!” Pitchford tweeted.

“In seriousness though, nobody likes being taken for granted and it was not my intent. I’m humbled by the love and support everyone has shown the team as we push hard to get this amazing game in your hands. They’re crushing it, and I can’t wait for everyone to play what’s going to be the best Borderlands ever! Regardless of where the price lands, it’s going to be worth it and then some. Back to work for me!”

Pitchford, clearly, would like to draw a line under this week’s self-inflicted drama, but it seems likely the debate about Borderlands 4’s price will resurface as soon as pre-orders go live. At that point, publisher 2K Games will have to announce the price of the game, and whether it’s $80 or $70 or something else, it will be a bigger talking point now than it might have been.

Photo by Monica Schipper/WireImage.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Dystopian Google AI Video Generator Generating Fake Fortnite Clips, and It's Tough to Tell the Difference

22 mai 2025 à 11:50

Google has launched an advanced AI video generation tool capable of creating Fortnite gameplay clips that look almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

Veo 3 launched this week and has already raised eyebrows for its dystopian ability to create life-like video clips from simple text-based prompts and include realistic-sounding audio.

Other generative AI programs, such as OpenAI's Sora, have been doing similar for some time — but the ability for Veo 3 to include lifelike audio really is a remarkable, if chilling, step forward.

Veo 3 users are still testing out what the tool is capable of, but within two days have begun producing Fortnite gameplay with a fake streamer commenting over the top. The quality is good enough that, while scrolling on social media, you'd think it was a legimate clip from YouTube or Twitch.

Technically, Veo 3 should not be infringing on anyone's copyrighted material — and it's safe to assume Fortnite developer Epic Games did not sign this one off. But clearly the AI tool has had access to the millions of hours of Fortnite gameplay posted online, and is now able to reproduce a convincing representation on command.

One clip, showing a streamer celebrating as they win a match using only their pickaxe, was apparently created within Veo 3 using a text-based prompt of nine words: "Streamer getting a victory royale with just his pickaxe".

Uhhh... I don't think Veo 3 is supposed to be generating Fortnite gameplay pic.twitter.com/bWKruQ5Nox

— Matt Shumer (@mattshumer_) May 21, 2025

In writing this prompt, Veo 3 has not been told specifically to create Fortnite gameplay. Still, it understands from the context what game the user is referring to.

Veo 3's abilities throw up all sorts of questions, and far more pressing ones than simple copyright concerns. The ability to create footage like this undoubtedly aids users looking to fool others with disinformation, and in so doing undermine trust in legitimate footage.

"I can not tell if this is real or not," reads one reply. "We're cooked," reads another.

"The only way this is possible is if Veo 3 was trained on an enormous amount of Fortnite content," a third reply reads. "Wouldn’t be surprised if everything that gets uploaded to YouTube is now being trained on despite copyright laws."

IGN has asked Epic for comment.

For a better look at what Veo 3 is capable of outside of video games, here's a clip of the algorithm creating a fake news report on an automobile trade show that doesn't exist, with fake interviewees answering fake questions.

Before you ask: yes, everything is AI here. The video and sound both coming from a single text prompt using #Veo3 by @GoogleDeepMind .Whoever is cooking the model, let him cook! Congrats @Totemko and the team for the Google I/O live stream and the new Veo site! pic.twitter.com/sxZuvFU49s

— László Gaál (@laszlogaal_) May 21, 2025

Microsoft has been interested in creating its own AI-generated footage of video games, and recently unveiled the early results of its Muse program, which it said it had trained on countless hours of Xbox shooter Bleeding Edge. Xbox boss Phil Spencer suggested Muse could be used to help ideate game concepts in the future, and even somehow aid in game preservation.

But Muse's reveal, quickly followed by the reveal of more fake gameplay footage generated by Muse of the classic shooter Quake 2, has prompted further debate — and raised questions over whether the tool would remove work or replace human creativity from existing employees.

Fortnite is no stranger to AI itself, of course. Last week, the game added the ability to chat with Star Wars' Darth Vader, who will reply using generative AI trained on the voice of the late James Earl Jones. Jones' voice is officially licensed (and was previously used to create dialogue for Disney's own Obi Wan Kenobi TV series) and sanctioned by both the late actor and his family, but the addition still prompted swift condemnation and an unfair labor practice charge from acting union SAG-AFTRA.

Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

Deals For Today: More MTG Marvel's Spider-Man Preorders Drop

22 mai 2025 à 11:29

The biggest news today is that Magic The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man preorders are back at Amazon. That includes the Play Booster Box, Scene Box, and full Bundle, all listed at standard retail with Amazon’s preorder price guarantee still in place.

That’s a breath of fresh air considering Pokémon TCG prices are still misbehaving. The Prismatic Evolutions Super Premium Collection is sitting at $259.95 on Amazon, while the Slashing Legends Tin is now $29.87.

Unless you absolutely need that Koraidon ex promo, you’re better off grabbing singles from Journey Together or Prismatic Evolutions on TCG Player while prices are still dropping.

TL;DR: Deals For Today

Elsewhere, the Sabrent SD Card Reader is down to $8.99, and INIU’s excellent lineup of power banks has multiple deals across sizes and wattages. The 10000mAh 5V model is now $15.98, while the 27000mAh 140W version is $71.99. IGN Store also has two Assassin’s Creed Shadows vinyl soundtracks up for preorder, with the Original Score 2LP at $42.00 and the full 4LP Soundtrack Collection at $98.00. Over on Humble, the Xbox Game Studios Bundle is still a solid pickup for $10, and the Learn to Program 2025 Bundle is a great value for anyone who wants to dive into Python or C++ without spending triple digits.

MTG: Marvel's Spider-Man Preorders

Spidey is slinging his way to Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond later this year, completing an epic lineup of licenced sets that are bound to breakdown the entry barrier of MTG for most.

Suprisingly, the Play Booster Box and Spidey's Spectacular Showdown Scene Box are back up for preorder. The Spidey Bundle has also just popped up for preorder again with Amazon's pre-order price guarantee, meaning we shouldn't see the incredibly jacked prices other TCG products have been experiencing with big box retailers.

It's a dream set for Marvel fans, who should get on this set early before prices on single cards goes through the roof.

MTG Final Fantasy Preorders

Meanwhile preorders for Magic the Gathering: Final Fantasy are still up at Walmart and Amazon, specifically the Bundle and Starter Kit for retail pricing.

This is set to be the biggest MTG set in the history of the trading card game, so it's a wise choice to preorder now. You can also preorder single cards at the moment too:

MTG FF Single Card Prices Before Launch

I've focused on some of the more popular character appearances here, but there's plenty more to secure with this set having nearly 700 cards including Extended Art, Boarderless and Surge Foil variants.

The worst thing you can do as a Magic or FF fan is to sleep on this set, it's going to explode. These are the current biggest cards in the set before launch on June 5.

Bear in mind it's mega risky to buy before release day, as prices could plummit in the meantime. Still, it's worth keeping an eye on what's hot, and what's not!

More MTG Sealed Products

Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories Sale

Did you manage to grab a Nintendo Switch 2 preorder in? If so you'll want to protect that tarrif-dodging investment at all costs. Luckily I've got the best cases, screen protectors and thumb grips on the market right now.

TZGZTs case and screen protector bundle is great value for money at $12.84 and is a consistent best seller.

Looking for cases that will fit inside a Switch 2 dock? JSAUX has us all covered with some option alongside some premium cases and hardshells.

I've included JSAUX as i've been hands on with the products above and can't reccomend them enough.

AC: Shadows Original Score

Assassin’s Creed fans looking to soak in the sonic atmosphere of feudal Japan ahead of launch can now preorder the Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Original Score – 2LP Vinyl via the IGN Store. Priced at $42, this limited edition set features 29 tracks from Ubisoft’s 2025 open-world RPG, composed by The Flight. Their score blends traditional Japanese instruments with modern orchestral and electronic elements, giving both protagonists (Naoe and Yasuke) their own distinct sound. Expect whispers, tsuchibue, shamisen, and some beautifully moody orchestration, all pressed onto heavyweight black vinyl.

INIU Power Bank Sale

Amazon is running a solid range of discounts on INIU power banks, covering everything from ultra-portable 10,000mAh models to heavy-duty bricks that can charge your laptop. The compact 10000mAh 5V/3A model is just $15.98 (was $21.99), and the sleek 22.5W 10000mAh version — marketed as the smallest in its class — is down to $22.99.

For more power, the 22.5W 20000mAh option is $29.99, and the MagSafe-compatible 45W 10000mAh model has dropped to $35.99 from $49.99.

Need something serious? The 27000mAh 140W bank is $71.99 (was $99.99), and the 25000mAh 100W version is $48.58 with an on-site coupon.

There’s also a handy 2-pack of 10000mAh banks for $35.99, or a great mid-range 20000mAh 65W model for $35.99. If your current battery pack is on its last leg, or you want one for every bag, these are easy recommendations.

Xbox Game Studios Bundle

The latest Xbox Game Studios bundle on Humble is a must for anyone who wants to pad their Steam library with some critically acclaimed bangers, no Xbox console or subscription required. For just $5, you’ll get hits like Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Wasteland 3, and Battletoads, with more games unlocking as you increase your donation. It's a killer lineup worth over $200, and it’s all in support of Gameheads, a nonprofit that helps train the next generation of diverse game developers.

Sabrent SD Card Reader (USB-C)

If you're constantly juggling memory cards from cameras, GoPros, or 3D printers, the SABRENT SD Card Reader is a small but mighty upgrade for your workflow.

Down to just $8.99, this USB-C and USB-A reader supports blazing fast transfer speeds up to 5Gbps and features dual slots for simultaneous SD and microSD access. It works across Windows, macOS, and Android, and even includes a built-in LED indicator to confirm your transfers are running smoothly.

The compact design makes it easy to toss in your gear bag, and it's plug-and-play with no software required. If you're after a fast, reliable way to move media without the usual adapter headaches, this is a no-brainer.

Prismatic Evolutions SPC

Amazon is back on top for the worst pricing in Pokémon TCG at the moment, with Prismatic Evolutions Super Premium Collections rocking a price tag around three times the MSRP.

TCG Player is valuing this at around $224.43 right now, saving trainers over $30. That's great, but still a tall order if you're not interested in the Eevee deck box and promo.

There's 15 booster packs in the SPC, which also means you could buy a couple of Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundles from TCG Player instead for $137.98 to snag 12 booster packs, or 18 booster packs for $206.92. It's still not ideal, but that's the value of them right now.

Buying from a dedicated Pokémon TCG secondary market is cheaper than big box stores these days. Don't want to put that much money down on chance? Prismatic Evolutions single cards are nose diving right now:

Prismatic Evolutions Single Cards Are Crashing

This Weeks Crashers And Climbers

It's becoming abundantly clear that buying up singles on the Pokémon TCG collector market is the way forward for trainers right now.

Some chase cards that have crashed recently are cheaper than some overpriced booster bundles currently.

Some of the prices above look crazy, but some of them we're nearly double just a couple of weeks ago, with the latter 5 cards climbing higher and higher.

If your heart is set on ripping open booster packs, let's get into the best way to do just that without destroying your life savings (much).

More Pokémon TCG Sealed Products

If you're desperate for some big box retailer products, here you go.

Just make sure to be savvy before buying, as 9 times out of 10 TCG Player will be cheaper in this climate.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Soundtrack Collection 4LP Vinyl

Assassin’s Creed fans and vinyl collectors alike will want to move quickly on the Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Soundtrack Collection – 4LP Vinyl, now available for preorder via IGN Store.

Priced at $98, this deluxe set includes 44 tracks spread across four heavyweight black LPs, featuring music from three distinct albums: The Flight’s brooding original score, TEKE::TEKE’s surf-rock spin on stealth moments, and Thunderdrum’s East African-infused soundscapes for Yasuke’s storyline.

The packaging itself is a collector’s dream, with a rigid slipcase and bespoke sleeve artwork straight from Ubisoft. Whether you’re chasing down targets in feudal Japan or just need something immersive on your turntable, this set captures the soul of Shadows before the game even launches.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

If you’ve been waiting for a proper return to brutal, gory, no-nonsense action in the Warhammer universe, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 for PlayStation 5 is finally here with a deal worth grabbing.

Down to just $39.99 (from its $69.99 list price), this third-person action game drops you into the armor of Space Marine Titus as he leads the charge against Tyranid swarms.

It’s unapologetically chaotic, refreshingly fast, and deeply satisfying whether you're purging in solo mode or with friends in 3-player co-op.

This standard edition also includes the Macragge’s Chosen DLC, featuring custom cosmetics for your Bolt Rifle, Chainsword, and Power Armour.

Pearson Learn To Program 2025 Bundle

If you're looking to level up your coding skills or finally learn the difference between Python and C++, the Humble Learn to Code Bundle is a seriously smart pick. For as little as $1, you can unlock a portion of this 26-item programming library, or go all in for $40 to get the full $940 value.

Courses cover everything from Python and JavaScript to SQL, C, and C++, with guides like Learn Python the Hard Way and Captain Code included. Everything’s in DRM-free PDF format, so you can learn at your pace on any device. Proceeds support Girls Who Code, making this an excellent opportunity to sharpen your own skills while backing the next generation of programmers.

Windone Electric Scooter

For a limited time, you can grab the Windone Electric Scooter for just $239.99, making it one of the better commuting scooter deals we’ve seen under $250. With a 430W peak motor, this foldable ride hits speeds of up to 19MPH and covers up to 17 miles on a single charge.

The 10-inch tires help smooth out bumpy roads, while dual braking (drum and eABS) keeps you safe on sudden stops. It folds down in seconds and only weighs 37.8 pounds, so it’s easy to stash in a trunk or carry onto public transport. You also get UL 2272 safety certification and a year-long warranty, which is nice peace of mind if you’re planning to swap your morning drive for something more compact.

4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill

If you're looking to upgrade your backyard setup this summer, the Tufons 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner is a serious contender at $299.99 (down from $409.99). It packs in 46,500 BTUs of total cooking power across four main burners and one side burner, all individually ignitable with piezo control. With 457 square inches of cooking area, cast iron grates for even heat, and a handy warming rack, it’s ready for anything from slow-cooked ribs to quick burgers. The stainless steel body is built to last, and cleanup is a breeze thanks to the full-size grease tray and removable cup. There's even built-in storage and a prep table, making this one of the best full-featured grills you can snag under $300 right now.

NordicTrack T Series

NordicTrack T Series treadmill bundle just dropped to $1,295.98 (down from $1,695), and it includes a full year of iFit Pro membership. That means you’re not just buying a treadmill — you’re unlocking guided global workouts, live studio classes, and training sessions led by Olympians and pro athletes. With a 3.6 horsepower motor and built-in streaming display, it’s designed to keep you moving and motivated. Plus, iFit’s real-time trainer control feature can automatically adjust your incline and speed. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to upgrade your home gym, this is it — and you’re saving nearly $400 while you’re at it.

TP-Link Quad-Band WiFi 7 BE33000

If you're building a high-performance home network that can handle serious demands, the TP-Link BE33000 WiFi 7 Deco BE95 Mesh System is the future-proof upgrade to beat. This 3-pack delivers jaw-dropping quad-band speeds with WiFi 7 support, capable of serving over 200 devices without breaking a sweat. With dual 10G WAN/LAN ports, 2.5G Ethernet, and AI-driven seamless roaming, you’re getting enterprise-grade features with plug-and-play simplicity. And thanks to HomeShield security, your devices stay protected without needing extra subscriptions.

Unlock Pro 3D Modeling Skills With Blender

If you're looking to level up your Blender game or break into 3D modeling without breaking the bank, Humble's latest Blender software bundle is worth a serious look. Starting at just $1, this massive collection includes 25 Blender-focused courses and guides valued at over $2,700, covering everything from procedural textures and geometry nodes to environment design, game asset workflows, and Unreal Engine integration. For just $18, you’ll unlock the full lineup, including standout tutorials like Blender 4 Geometry Nodes Workshop - Jungle Vines, Material Fundamentals - Procedural Textures in Blender 4.4, and Blender to Unreal Engine 5: The Complete Beginners Guide.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold 256GB

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (256GB, Unlocked) is now $1,499, down from $1,799 for a limited time. This is Google’s most powerful foldable yet, with a massive, silky-smooth display, a refined matte finish, and a triple rear camera that makes the most of its bendable form. It comes loaded with Gemini AI and includes a free year of Gemini Advanced (worth $239), letting you try Google’s full suite of AI tools. If you’ve been eyeing a foldable that doesn’t bulk up your pocket or compromise on camera quality, this is the one to watch.

SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 512GB

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (512GB, Unlocked) is down to $1,169.99, saving you $250 off the regular $1,419.99 price. This 2025 flagship is loaded with Samsung's most advanced AI features yet, including a portrait-ready camera that cleans up noisy audio in low-light videos and a multitasking assistant that can Google and message in one go. It also ships with Android 15, 12GB RAM, and a huge 6.9-inch display. Titanium Silverblue is in stock now, but it might not stay that way.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 + Smart Tag

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (44mm LTE) is currently $299.99 and comes bundled with a free SmartTag2—a solid 27% off the usual $409.98 price. This latest model features enhanced heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and Galaxy AI-powered performance insights, including a daily Energy Score and personalized Wellness Tips. With LTE connectivity and the new SmartTag2 included, it’s built for fitness, productivity, and finding your keys. Deal ends June 30.

Bose QuietComfort

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones are down to $229 at Amazon—a rare 34% off their $349 price. This limited edition Twilight Blue model brings signature Bose noise cancellation, plush comfort, and a full 24 hours of battery life. You get punchy sound with customizable EQ, plus the option to switch between full noise cancelling or ambient-aware modes. Multipoint Bluetooth makes it easy to jump between devices, and there's a wired option when you need it.

DOOM: The Dark Ages Limited Edition A3 Art Print

This hand-numbered A3 art print is limited to 995 copies and features Slayer in all his demon-destroying glory.

It’s printed in the UK on high quality paper, includes a certificate of authenticity, and ships in July 2025.

If you’re already excited for DOOM The Dark Ages, this is the first official piece of merch up for preorder.

Cooler Master NR2 Pro Mini ITX

Cooler Master’s ultra-compact NR2 Pro Mini ITX system packs serious specs into a case roughly the size of a shoebox. This build includes an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, RTX 5080 GPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD. It runs quiet thanks to a 280mm AIO cooler and even supports glass or mesh panel configurations. At 10 percent off, it’s a rare price drop for one of the most powerful small form-factor PCs you can buy.

Skytech Chronos Gaming PC

This high-performance Skytech Chronos build features a Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor and RTX 5080 graphics card, giving you 4K-ready gaming with no thermal compromise. It’s cooled by a 360mm AIO and comes loaded with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2TB Gen4 SSD. It also includes a free gaming keyboard and mouse. With a 14 percent discount, it’s a great option if you’re looking to upgrade for modern triple-A performance.

ASUS TUF F16

Down to $1099.99, this F16 laptop includes an i7-13650HX processor and RTX 4060 GPU. Its 165Hz display runs at a 16:10 aspect ratio with 100 percent sRGB coverage for better color accuracy and smoother gameplay. It’s also MIL-STD-810H certified, meaning it’s built to handle everyday bumps and travel. You get strong cooling features, 512GB of Gen4 storage, and a subtle, clean design that doesn’t scream gamer when it’s closed.

Google Pixel 9 Pro 1TB

Pixel 9 Pro is Google’s most powerful phone yet, and today’s deal brings the 1TB model down to $1149. That includes the new Super Actua display, upgraded triple-camera system, and a full suite of Gemini-powered AI tools. From photo editing with Magic Editor to real-time help from Gemini Live, it delivers Google’s best features with premium hardware and a slick, matte finish. It’s also unlocked for all major carriers.

Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.

GeoGuessr Pulls Out of Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia After Fan and Creator Backlash: 'When You Tell Us We’ve Got It Wrong, We Take It Seriously'

22 mai 2025 à 11:29

GeoGuessr has withdrawn from the Esports World Cup after players and map creators slammed the team for participating in the event that, controversially, will be hosted by Saudi Arabia later this summer.

GeoGuessr is tremendously successful, boasting 85 million users in a geography game that drops players in random places around the world and asks them to work out where they are. There's a whole host of developer and community-made customization options that let players tailor not only who they play against, but also what maps will spawn, if they'll be dropped into an urban or rural setting, restrict spawns to certain geographical regions, toggle the ability to move, pan, or zoom — or not move, pan or zoom (NMPZ) — and more, including a smorgasbord of fantastic community-made custom maps. It's long been an esports staple.

However, yesterday (May 22), Zemmip — posting on behalf of "creators of a considerable share of GeoGuessr's most popular maps" — staged a "blackout," making its maps unplayable in protest at the "company's decision to host a World Championship wildcard tourney at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh."

"Groups targeted by the government include women, LGBTQ people, apostates and atheists, political dissenters, migrant workers in the Kafala system, religious minorities, and many others," Zemmip said on the GeoGuessr subreddit. "The subjugation of these groups is extensive and pervasive. Members of these groups are routinely subjected to discrimination, imprisonment, torture, and even public executions. These severe human rights violations are well-documented and indisputable.

"By participating in the EWC, GeoGuessr is contributing to that sportswashing agenda, which is designed to take attention away from Saudi Arabia's human rights violations," the statement added.

The blackout included dozens of creators and their maps, "including a supermajority of the most popular competitively relevant world maps." The organizers said the blackout would continue until "GeoGuessr cancels its wildcard event in Saudi Arabia and commits to not hosting any events there as long as it continues its oppressive regime."

"You don't play games with human rights," the statement concluded.

After dozens of messages popped up on the subreddit and social media from confused fans wondering why their maps were blacked out, GeoGuessr posted a statement first this morning (May 22), stating it had listened to its community and would be withdrawing from the event.

"We will not participate in the EWC," the statement from CEO and co-founder Daniel Antell read. "I’ve seen your reactions over the past few days regarding our decision to participate in the Esports World Cup in Riyadh.

"When we made that decision, it was with positive intentions. To engage with our community in the Middle East and to spread GeoGuessr’s core mission of let everyone Explore the World. Since Erland, Anton, and I founded GeoGuessr in 2013, we’ve always strived to be a community-first game. Everyone here at the Stockholm office is a passionate GeoGuessr fan, doing our best to build something meaningful, with you and for you.

"That said, you — our community — have made it clear that this decision does not align what GeoGuessr stands for," the statement continued. "So, when you tell us we’ve got it wrong, we take it seriously. That’s why we’ve made the decision to withdraw from participating in the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. We will come back with information on how the wildcards will be distributed as soon as possible. Thank you for speaking up and sharing your thoughts."

The top reply on the GeoGuessr subreddit currently reads: "Now that's a 5K" — 5K is the very top score you can achieve when finding an exact location in the game.

"The community came together, they fought for what the[y] wanted, and they got it done," added another.

IGN has asked the Esports World Cup for comment.

There are still dozens of games and publishers participating in the event in July, however, including Dota 2, Valorant, Apex Legends, League of Legends, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Rainbow Six Siege, as well as many others.

GeoGuessr released on Steam last week, debuting as the second-worst-rated game of all time (although it's since improved, moving to the seventh-worst-rated game on the platform). Fans took issue with missing features on the ostensibly free-to-play title, including the fact you cannot play alone, not even to practise and improve. The free amateur mode seems to be full of bots rather than real-life players. And perhaps most surprisingly of all, even if you pay to unlock the features on the browser version, this does not carry over to Steam.

Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

Dead Spells Codes (May 2025)

22 mai 2025 à 11:26

Looking for codes for Dead Spells? IGN has you covered. We've jumped into the game and checked for all the newest and working codes for the Dead Rails inspired game. This fantasy survival game allows you to play as various classes including Gnome, Mushroom, and Goblin as you set off on expeditions.

Working Dead Spells Codes (May 2025)

  • 10Klikes - 100 Burgers
  • 1MVisits - 50 Burgers

Expired Dead Spells Codes (May 2025)

As of this month, these codes have now expired:

  • 5000!

How to Redeem Dead Spells Codes

You'll need to find blue lizard in Dead Spells in order to redeem codes, so to find it and get your rewards, follow these steps:

  1. Launch Dead Spells on Roblox
  2. When you log into a server, go straight ahead past the water fountain.
  3. Then, look for the blue lizard wearing a monacle near the noticeboard. It will say Enter Codes above it
  4. Approach the lizard and interact with it to enter codes
  5. Enter the code into the box and hit claim

How to Redeem Codes for Dead Spells

We check for new codes every day, so the best way to find out about the latest Dead Spells code is to save this article and keep checking back. You can also hunt for codes in the dediated Discord server, where codes are also announced.

Why Isn't My Dead Spells Codes Working?

If your code for Dead Spells isn't working, it's likely for one of two reasons:

  1. The code has been entered incorrectly
  2. The code has expired

If a code is not accepted in Dead Spells, it will say "code does not exist or is expired." It doesn't make it clear what the problem is, you'll just know the code hasn't worked. The good news is, if you use our article, we'll move codes into expired when they stop working, so you can tell the difference. If a code is in the active and working list, however, be sure to copy and paste it exactly as you see it here. We test each of the codes before uploading them, and Roblox codes are often case-sensitive, so it's important that it's exact.

New Resident Evil 3 Mod overhauls all pre-rendered backgrounds

22 mai 2025 à 10:17

Modder ‘SonicB00M’ has released a new HD Texture Pack for Resident Evil 3 that overhauls all of its pre-rendered backgrounds. This mod is a must for everyone who wants to replay this classic RE game. So, let’s take a closer look at it. To enhance the pre-rendered backgrounds, SonicB00M used AI tools. Moreover, he made … Continue reading New Resident Evil 3 Mod overhauls all pre-rendered backgrounds

The post New Resident Evil 3 Mod overhauls all pre-rendered backgrounds appeared first on DSOGaming.

Kieran Culkin Confirmed to Play Caesar Flickerman in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

22 mai 2025 à 04:08

Succession star Kieran Culkin has secured the part of a young Caesar Flickerman in Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie adaptation, following months of rumors.

Lionsgate confirmed the news on X/Twitter today, confirming that Culkin would indeed appear as The Hunger Games’ colorful and eccentric TV host in next year’s book-to-movie adaptation. The mystery of who would play Caesar Flickerman has had readers’ heads spinning since rumors began to swirl earlier this year. Now that the fancast has been officially confirmed, all eyes are on Lionsgate to bring its prequel to life.

Sunrise on the Reaping is yet another prequel adaptation for eager Hunger Games readers. It takes place after 2023’s The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and long before the events of the Jennifer Lawrence-led Hunger Games movies that premiered throughout the 2010s. Stanley Tucci was prominently featured as Caesar Flickerman in the film series that finished its story in 2015, leaving Culkin with big shoes to fill as he preps to play a younger version of the character.

“Kieran’s scene-stealing presence and undeniable charm are perfect for Caesar Flickerman, the sickeningly watchable host of Panem’s darkest spectacle,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman said in a statement. “Stanley Tucci made Caesar unforgettable—and now Kieran will make the role entirely his own.”

Caesar Flickerman.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/hggGysk4Nd

— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) May 21, 2025

Culkin has left a massive mark on TV and film in the last few years thanks to his roles as characters like Roman Roy in Succession and Benji Kaplan in last year’s A Real Pain (which won Culkin a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award). Movie fans may also recognize Culkin from his time as a child actor in films like 1991’s Father of the Bride as well as 1990’s Home Alone, where he appeared alongside his brother, Macaulay Culkin. Kieran’s recent time in the spotlight has seen him build a career off of his quick wit, making his casting as The Hunger Games’ dystopian TV host in Sunrise on the Reaping feel like a match made in heaven.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’s release date is currently set for November 20, 2026. When it brings Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name to the big screen, viewers can expect to see Culkin star alongside Ralph Fiennes (Conclave, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) as President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning (Super 8) as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons (Civil War, Breaking Bad) as Plutarch Heavensbee, Joseph Zada (Total Control) as Haymitch Abernathy, and more.

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).

AU Deals: Top Deals on Turtle Beach Controllers, Nightreign, Outlaws, Hogwarts, Kingdom Come 2, and More!

22 mai 2025 à 03:38

There’s a healthy swarm of discounts buzzing across every platform today, from indie gems to AAA heavy-hitters. Whether you're into sword-swinging epics, musical dungeon crawlers, or cosmic cowboy chaos, there’s something here worth chucking onto your backlog. Let's dig into the weird, wonderful, and wallet-friendly highlights for this very rainy Thursday.

This Day in Gaming 🎂

In retro news, I'm celebrating the 28th birthday of Fighters Megamix, the Sega Saturn's answer to Smash Bros before that was even a thing. Sega of the '90s was especially 3D fightin' obsessed, so the concept here was simple—smoosh a bunch of brawlers from the Virtua Fighter series, Fighting Vipers, and other games into one punch-a-rrific package. I remember being particularly stoked with the ten weirdo unlockable characters, like some Sonic the Fighters contestants, the palm tree from AM2's logo, a gun-packing Janet from Virtua Cop, and a *double checks memory* Daytona USA NASCAR.

Aussie bdays for notable games

- Fighters Megamix (SAT) 1997. eBay

- Planetside (PC) 2003.

- Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (DS) 2008. Get

- Klonoa (Wii) 2009. Remake

- Ratchet & Clank: QForce (PSV) 2013. eBay

Contents

Nice Savings for Nintendo Switch

Nintendo kicks things off with Hogwarts Legacy for A$59. The game includes a sly nod to the Harry Potter films with the moving staircases built from the same blueprints as the original set. Meanwhile, Crypt of the NecroDancer is just A$6.00, a steal for a rhythm-based roguelike whose composer Danny Baranowsky hid a remixed Zelda-style theme deep in the soundtrack.

Expiring Recent Deals

Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.

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Exciting Bargains for Xbox

On Xbox Series X, Resident Evil 4 slashes its price to A$31.40. This remake revives the fan-favourite inventory “attache case” system, which was originally inspired by Tetris. Mass Effect Legendary Edition, now just A$9.90, lets players romance aliens and punch annoying reporters, something BioWare gleefully leaned into after memes flooded the fandom.

Xbox One

Expiring Recent Deals

Or just invest in an Xbox Card.

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Pure Scores for PlayStation

Over on PlayStation 5, Elden Ring: Nightreign may only be 9% off at A$64.00, but it’s a fresh and massive sandbox filled with my kind of masochism and regret. Meanwhile, Star Wars Outlaws is A$40.00 and features a BD-unit droid originally designed for The Mandalorian but scrapped due to budget constraints.

PS4

Expiring Recent Deals

PS+ Monthly Freebies
Yours to keep from May 1 with this subscription

  • Ark: Survival Ascended (PS5)
  • Balatro (PS5/PS4)
  • Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (PS5/PS4)

Or purchase a PS Store Card.

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Purchase Cheap for PC

Finally, PC players can snag Red Dead Redemption 2 for A$22.40, a game so detailed it tracks horse testicle shrinkage in cold weather (yes, really). Or saddle up with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown at A$29, a criminally under-bought platformer.

Expiring Recent Deals

Or just get a Steam Wallet Card

Laptop Deals

Desktop Deals

Monitor Deals

Component Deals

Storage Deals

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Legit LEGO Deals

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Hot Headphones Deals

Audiophilia for less

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Terrific TV Deals

Do right by your console, upgrade your telly

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Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.

These Amazon Memorial Day Sales Are Worth Shopping Before Prime Day Deals

22 mai 2025 à 00:15

The Amazon Memorial Day sale kicked off last Friday, but all of the other retailers have since come out with their own competing Memorial Day sales. Amazon has remained the most popular sale, however, so I decided to do some digging into what discounts are actually worth shopping right now and what you can probably hold off on buying. With Prime Day on the horizon, I've been on the hunt for only the absolutely best prices possible and have handpicked some deals I think are worth a look.

The full Amazon Memorial Day sale includes a lot of discounts, but not everything that is currently discounted is that good of a deal. If you're trying to save as much money as possible, I'd recommend looking at the price history of that item on Amazon to make sure it is actually a good value. I've gone ahead and done that already for all of the deals listed below to save you some time.

Amazon Memorial Day Sale - The Best Deals Today

Like I mentioned above, all of the deals I've listed here are at the lowest prices we've ever seen on Amazon. I took advantage of the CamelCamelCamel website to check the current prices against historical pricing on Amazon to make sure I'm only recommending actually good deals. The first major sale I recommend here is the 65-inch LG C4 OLED TV that's on sale. This is one of the overall best TVs you can buy right now and it very recently dropped to this new low price for the sale. The latest iPad model is also down to its lowest-ever price again after getting temporarily marked up. It's only been out for a few months, so any discount at all is noteworthy.

Outside of the more expensive tech purchases, there are also some pretty decent Memorial Day video game deals within this sale. The one I've highlighted here is Kingdom Come: Deliverance II which only just came out this year and is already in the running for best game of 2025. A $20 discount may not seem like much, but it's a great price for a relatively new game that has already sold pretty well at full price. For more physical media, we've also found a few decent 4K movie deals not featured here as well as a new low on the Throne of Glass books.

Finally, there are some noteworthy grill deals I couldn't help but include. Memorial Day sales are one of the best times of the year to save money on a grill and I've been looking to buy a new one myself. There's the standard Charbroil grill that comes in at a relatively reasonable price point that I'd recommend for anyone just looking for a decent backyard grill. Then there's the more impressive Traeger electric smoker grill that is great if you're looking to really get into cooking meats this summer. Both grills are currently at their lowest-ever prices on Amazon today.

Should You Wait for Amazon Prime Day to Shop?

The Amazon Memorial Day sale is tempting for anyone looking to save money right now, but it definitely isn't the biggest Amazon sale of the year. The retailer just recently confirmed that Prime Day will be taking place in July once again this year, and we expect that there will be much better discounts for that sale than there are now. So the question is: Should you shop now or wait for Prime Day 2025 or any of the other biggest upcoming sales?

Unfortunately, it's hard to have an accurate read on what prices will be like even two months from now. The CEO of Amazon admitted last month that some prices may rise due to tariffs, but only on some products. It's unclear if that will still be the case in July and for what products specifically, but it's definitely something to consider right now if you're looking to save as much money as possible in 2025.

It's also worth noting that Amazon Prime Day is really only available to Amazon Prime members, whereas the Memorial Day sales are open to all. If you don't plan on having a Prime Membership in July, now is still a good time to find deals.

More Memorial Day Sales Live Now

If you're planning on doing some shopping outside of Amazon, there are plenty of other sales to choose from. I'd recommend checking out the Best Buy sale if you're looking for tech deals specifically, but they also have some great savings on appliances. There's also the Wayfair Memorial Day sale going on now that has an overwhelming amount of furniture discounts. Here are some of the biggest sales to check out right now:

Always Keep a Light Source on Hand With This Tiny Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight for Just $14

22 mai 2025 à 00:15

It's smart to have a light source on hand for emergencies, especially since everyday carry flashlights can be had for a throwaway price. Right now, Amazon is offering the Olight IMINI2 Keychain Flashlight for just $13.99 after a 30% price drop. This flashlight is tiny, easily accessible, rechargeable, and at this price, not the end of the world if you misplace it.

Olight IMINI 2 Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight for $14

The Olight IMINI 2 measures only 2 inches long, weighs a little more than half an ounce, and features a durable anodized aluminum shell. The light source is a single white LED bulb with a 50 lumen output. The flashlight consists of two separate pieces; a base that attaches to your keychain and the actual flashlight. They're magnetically attached so that when you need to use your flashlight, you just pull it off its base with a bit of force. That eliminates any fiddling with the keychain in the dark and your flashlight is ready for action at a moment's notice. You can also attach the flashlight to any magnetic metal surface for hands-free operation. The flashlight's base has an integrated USB Type-A plug for recharging, and a protective cap is included as well. The battery lasts for up to 60 minutes on a single charge. Obviously don't expect the IMINI 2 to light up your entire backyard, but then again you rarely need that kind of power.

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.

This $7 Micro SD Card Reader Works With Both USB Type-A and USB Type-C Ports

22 mai 2025 à 00:10

Need a quick way to transfer files and images from your SD or Micro SD cards to your PC? Right now Amazon is offering Amazon Prime members the Sabrent USB 3.0 OTG Card Reader for just $7.01 after you apply coupon code "NTCIF4MK" during checkout. This tiny little stick features both USB 3.0 Type C and USB Type-A ports for maximum compatibility.

Sabrent USB 3.0 OTG Card Reader for $7.01

This Sabrent OTG card reader is no bigger than a standard USB flash drive. One end has a USB 3.0 Type-C port and the other end has a USB 3.0 Type A port. Both sides include caps so they're protected when not being used. The USB 3.0 interface boasts theoretical speeds of up to 5Gb/s or 625MB/s (actual performance is determined by the speed of your card). The card reader has slots for both Micro SD/SDXC and full-sized SD/SDXC cards.

Using the card reader is as simple as inserting it into one of your spare USB ports. It requires no new drivers, so it's literally plug and play. Because it can plug into both USB Type-A and Type-C ports, it will work with pretty much any laptop or PC built in the past decade. I've owned this exact card reader for a few years now and often transfer images and videos from my DSLR to my PC, and I've never experienced any issues with it. Sabrent card readers collectively have over 13,000 positive reviews with a decent Fakespot "B" rating, and for what it's worth, Amazon even states on the page that "this product has fewer returns than average compared to similar products."

You might find these USB-A to -C adapters useful as well

USB Type-C might be the new standard, but what if your PC or laptop simply doesn't have enough of those ports? Here's a cheap and easy solution as long as you have older USB Type-A legacy ports. For a limited time, Amazon is offering a 4-pack of Elebase USB Type-A to USB Type-C Adapters for only $3.99 after you apply a $5 off coupon code "KLIMVVIG". That comes out to only $1 per adapter. The Elebase USB adapters collectively have nearly 55,000 reviews on Amazon with a 4.6/5 star rating and a respectable Fakespot "A" grade.

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.

The Best Dell & Alienware Deals and Coupons: Gaming Laptops, PCs, Monitors, and More

22 mai 2025 à 00:00

Not everyone is the DIY type. If you're in the market for a prebuilt gaming PC, Dell is one of the best brands we'd recommend. Alienware desktops and laptops feature solid build quality, top-of-the-line gaming performance, excellent cooling (further improved on the newer models), aggressive styling, and pricing that is very competitive with other pre-built options. Best of all, there are plenty of sales that happen throughout the year, so it's not difficult to grab one of these computers at considerably less than their retail price. This page includes all of the best deals that are currently available.

Dell and Alienware Coupons

Dell and Alienware Gaming PC Deals

Dell and Alienware Gaming Laptop Deals

You can quickly browse through all of the listed products on sale above. See below for our favorite picks.

Alienware Area-51 RTX 5090 Gaming PC

If you're seeking the absolute best of the best in PC gaming performance, look no further. Dell has dropped the price of its flagship Alienware Area-51 prebuilt gaming PC, equipped with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card, for the lowest price I've seen. This particular model normally retails for $5,499.99, but a new $600 instant discount drops it to $4,899.99 with free shipping. The RTX 5090 is undisputedly the most powerful graphics card on the market.

Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 5080 Gaming PC

Dell has one of the best prices on an RTX 5080 equipped prebuilt desktop computer. Right now you can pick up an Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 5080 gaming PC starting at $2,349.99 shipped. This is a good price for a well-engineered (and warrantied) rig that can handle 4K gaming at high frame rates. In the current market, buying a prebuilt gaming PC is the only way to score an RTX 5080 GPU without paying an exorbitant markup. If you were to try to find a 5080 GPU for your diy PC build, you'll probably spend nearly as much for the GPU as you would for an entire system.

Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 5070 Gaming PC

In our Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 review, Jackie Thomas wrote that "The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 is complicated. It does what it says on the tin: play games at 1440p at a high frame rate. But the problem is that it doesn’t necessarily do that better than the RTX 4070 Super, or any other graphics card in this price range. It does add Multi Frame Generation, which is nice to have for anyone with a high-refresh monitor, but that alone isn’t worth the upgrade."

New Releases: Alienware Aurora 16 and 16X Gaming Laptops

Earlier this month, Alienware announced its new mainstream lineup of 2025 gaming laptops, dubbed the "Alienware Aurora". The first 16" models are now available for pruchase at Dell. The Alienware Aurora 16 (not to be confused with the desktop) is the less expensive model, featuring an Intel Core Ultra Series 2 i9-270H CPU and GeForce RTX 4050 GPU with 85W TGP, for $1,949.99. The Alienware Aurora 16X is the higher end model, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and GeForce RTX 5070 GPU with 115W TGP, for $2,299.99. These are expected to start shipping out in mid June. Both models also have the option to be equipped with RTX 5060 graphics, however those are currently on preorder status with no shipping ETA since the RTX 5060 hasn't actually been released yet.

Up to $300 Off Alienware Area-51 Gaming Laptops

Alienware's new flagship gaming laptop - the Alienware Area-51 - brings to the table a host of upgrades including a sleeker redesign, current generation components, and better cooling potential. They can be equipped with the new Nvidia GeForce Blackwell cards in RTX 5070, 5080, and 5090 variants.

Alienware x16 R2 Gaming Laptops

The Alienware x16 gaming laptop is a slimmer and lighter redesign of the traditional m-series laptop. It's the thinnest 16" Alienware laptop ever and compares in build quality and performance to other high-end ultra-thin laptops like the Razer Blade. This Alienware x16 R2 laptop is built with premium materials, like a magnesium alloy chassis and palm rest, anodized aluminum lid, stainless steel keyboard tray, and Micro LED RGB accent lighting. It's only 0.73" thin and weighs in at 6 pounds. That's impressive considering the fact that this laptop can be equipped with the most power NVIDIA GPU.

Not all laptop GPUs are the same, even if they share the same name.

There are two important tidbits that deserve mention concerning graphics cards found in laptops. First, mobile GPU variants are not as powerful as their desktop counterparts. For example, a mobile RTX 4060 doesn't perform as well as a desktop RTX 4060. The mobile versions are generally about one to two tiers lower in performance. Using the same example, the mobile RTX 4060 performs more similarly to a desktop RTX 4050.

Second, not all laptops feature the same performance out of the same GPU. For example, the RTX 4060 found in the Alienware m16 will be more powerful than the RTX 4060 found in the Alienware x14. In order to roughly tell how good a GPU will be, you can look at the TGP rating. That's basically the amount of power supplied to the GPU. A higher TGP rating means more power will be delivered, equating to stronger performance, however the wattage consumption and heat generated will be higher. Here are the maximum TGP rates for the RTX 40 series graphics cards:

  • Mobile RTX 4050: 115W
  • Mobile RTX 4060: 115W
  • Mobile RTX 4070: 115W
  • Mobile RTX 4080: 150W
  • Mobile RTX 4090: 150W

Dell just dropped the price of one of its best gaming monitors to the lowest price ever, better than even Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Right now you can pick up an Alienware AW3423DWF 34" QD-OLED gaming monitor for only $552.49 after 15% off coupon code "MONITORS15". This is one of Alienware's highest end monitors, with a gorgeous QD OLED panel, WQHD resolution, and a respectable 165Hz refresh rate.

Why pick a Dell or Alienware gaming PC?

If you're in the market for a prebuilt gaming PC, Dell is one of best gaming brands we'd recommend. The Alienware gaming desktops offer a staggering array of options, all built into a custom chassis. Alienware gaming laptops in recent years have been redesigned to be thinner and lighter while still offering the same immense power under the hood. Consistent build quality, available inventory, frequent sales, and solid customer service are the main reasons why Dell is at the top of our buying list for gaming laptops and PCs.

Some other resources you might be interested in:

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 Where the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Is Up for Preorder Right Now

21 mai 2025 à 23:35

Have you won the battle to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 preorder? Well, now it's time to set your sights on the new Pro Controller, which is also available starting today. It's currently orderable via Target, Walmart, Gamestop, and Best Buy for $84.99 with a release date of June 5. Just like the Switch 2 console itself, we expect this item to become much harder to find and possibly more expensive if tariffs go back up, so this may very well be the best opportunity to secure one.

Preorder the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

It's important to note that the original Switch Pro controller is, for the most part, still compatible with the new Switch 2. However, the new Pro controller brings a host of improvements to the table, including:

  • Updated HD Rumble 2 (haptic) vibration
  • A new "C" button for GameChat (new to Switch 2)
  • New rear mappable GL and GR buttons
  • Up to 50% faster charging speed
  • A headphone jack

The only disadvantage is that the Switch 2 Pro controller is not backwards compatible with the original Switch console. However, if you prefer a gamepad-style controller over the Joy-Con for the Switch 2, then there isn't any other controller you can order that will match the Pro controller's ergonomics and functionality. It's also nice that supply seems to be pretty stable at the moment, although that might not be the case forever.

Check out more Switch 2-related preorder guides

The Switch 2 went up for preorder today along with most of the first party accessories and games. If you're still hunting for a Switch 2 console, or just looking to pick up a new case, memory card, or video game in time for your Switch 2 delivery, then check out our guides below.

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.

Ranking the Best Live-Action Disney Remakes

21 mai 2025 à 23:00

Disney dabbled in live-action remakes of its classic animated movies in the '90s -- see: 101 Dalmatians and 102 Dalmatians -- but once the House of Mouse struck gold with 2015's Cinderella and 2016's The Jungle Book, there was no going back. And then when 2017's Beauty and the Beast remake crossed a billion? Forget about it.

With Disney's latest live-action re-do -- the beloved (and merchandise windfall) Lilo & Stitch -- hitting theaters this week, and right on the heels of Snow White too, we decided to paint the roses red with our own list of the Best Live-Action Disney Remakes.

To some Disney die-hards, these live-action remakes are a hard pass. And regardless of how many feel about the "cashing in" aspects of these films, or whether or not you think they're soulless compared to the original animated version, there are some gems in the bunch. There are also some directors behind these films who have reverence for the material and actually bring the stories to life in new, poignant ways. What's your favorite live-action Disney remake? Did it make our list? Vote in our poll and find out below...

(Oh, and this list is for remakes only -- not prequels, sequels, or re-imagined takes on characters like your Maleficents, Cruellas, Christopher Robbinses, etc.)

10. Aladdin (2019)

2019's Aladdin -- which features Will Smith as the Genie in the magically manic voice role owned by the legendary Robin Williams -- sits here at 10 on our list as the official wall separating decent to great live-action Disney remakes and the dregs. Aladdin didn't offer up much new, but it was still better-than-people-thought-it-would-be, which sort of becomes the gold standard after a movie fad or franchise goes on long enough. Aladdin, directed by Guy Ritchie, played the hits while also offering up more interesting material for Jasmine and the Genie. It was lively and colorful and, for the most part, harmless.

9. 101 Dalmations (1996)

Disney had a runaway hit on its hands in the mid-'90s when Oscar-winner Glenn Close donned black and white hair as crazed canine coveter Cruella de Vil for a 101 Dalmatians remake. Using early-stages CGI to enhance this doggone adventure (but without making the dogs talk like in the original movie), 101 Dalmatians was the toast of the holiday movie season in 1996. Geared more for kids, making it a bit of a grind for grownups, 101 Dalmatians was a slapdash display of slapstick upgraded by Close's kooky go-for-broke (Golden Globe-nominated) performance.

8. Mulan (2020)

The Mulan remake hit its mark with an epic scale, some spectacular action, and a dynamic lead in Liu Yifei. It honored the spirit and fun of the original while also making distinct changes (like ditching dragon pal Mushu, removing the songs, changing the love interest, etc.). These tweaks and turns actually help the 2020 Mulan feel like a confident retelling, with impactful messaging and meaning, rather than a retread of old hits. By grounding the saga a bit more, this Mulan truly became a girl worth fighting for.

7. Alice in Wonderland (2010)

If any classic Disney animation was going to get the Tim Burton treatment, Alice in Wonderland was the optimal candidate (while history has taught us that 2019's Dumbo was the least ideal). The end result was not only a uniquely Tim Burton display of oddball wonders but also a billion-dollar hit about five years before Disney would fully unleash the floodgates with these big live-action reworkings. Bringing some key members of the Burton Brigade with him -- namely Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and composter Danny Elfman -- Burton blended elements of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and sequel Through the Looking-Glass (just as the 1951 animated movie did) and unleashed a lush, subversively witty odyssey through a strange, strange land.

6. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

As one of the most initially daunting projects of this remake era, Beauty and the Beast was always going to have big, beastly shoes to fill. Not only was the original movie the first-ever animated feature to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, but the deep fan love for this story -- far surpassing fandoms for Jungle Book and Cinderella and the remakes that came before it -- was always going to cast a massive shadow. Fortunately, thanks to the direction of Bill Condon and terrific performances from a game cast -- namely Emma Watson and Dan Stevens -- the Beauty and the Beast remake is an enchanting movie that includes the many elements fans of the animated classic would hope to see, while also introducing some new aspects that work really well.

5. The Little Mermaid (2023)

2023's The Little Mermaid met us in a very different pop-culture world and media landscape than the previous remakes. It was the first Disney live-action remake to get wide theatrical release post-pandemic (Mulan, Pinocchio, and Peter Pan & Wendy were all released on Disney+, though Mulan was supposed to be released in theaters) and so not only did it need to carry the burden of being a blockbuster during times when movies just don't (sort of automatically) make a billion dollars anymore, but it also had to suffer from internet toxicity. Despite all of that, The Little Mermaid had us all riding high on a warm wave of nostalgia, dazzled by a brilliant, vulnerable performance by star Halle Bailey.

4. Cinderella (2015)

Kenneth Branagh's excellent, charming Cinderella remake -- starring Lily James, Cate Blanchett, and Richard Madden -- never exactly leads the charge in conversations about Disney remakes. It might be because more focus is given to the 1990s "Disney Renaissance" movies than to the classic movies that came out in the '30s through the '60s since, generationally, they target the modern movie-going public more. Or it could also be because Cinderella is very old school when it comes to gender norms, centering a story around a woman pining to be rescued from her life by a prince. All that aside though, this version of Cinderella is wonderful, maintaining a harmony between honoring the classic Disney rendition and grounding the film just enough for it to work with a modern audience.

3. Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)

The Disney live-action remakes have brought out award-caliber directors -- from Rob Marshall to Bill Condon to Jon Favreau -- but, as fate would have it, the visionary who's best at these modern revampings is The Green Knight's David Lowery, who's landed two films on this list: two films that have flown severely under the remake radar. The first is released-to-streaming Peter Pan & Wendy, a whimsically morose take on Peter Pan that zigs when you think it should zag. Instead of being a boisterous family adventure, it's a masterfully moving tale about loss with a gorgeous backdrop. Jude Law, perhaps previewing a bit of what he'd also deliver on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, plays Captain Hook in this incredible film about accepting life's tragedies.

2. The Jungle Book (2016)

Seen as a movie that kicked off the decade of Disney remakes, Jon Favreau's The Jungle Book is a wild, heartfelt adaptation that some even feel surpasses the original (and it's one of the few films on this list to be able to tout that). Using all the CGI in the world to populate its jungle, opening up a discourse about what actually constitutes "live-action," The Jungle Book boasts voices from Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, and Christopher Walken. It's a stunning achievement that's fun for all ages, and before the consensus started leaning negative toward these remakes, The Jungle Book had everyone believing.

1. Pete's Dragon (2016)

Ok, number one is a bit of a cheat since the original 1977 Pete's Dragon was a live-action/animation mix, but David Lowery's modestly seen Pete's Dragon from 2016 is a sweet, beautiful look at two vulnerable souls caring for one another. It's hopeful, heartfelt, and full of wonder. Was this entire list written just so we could recommend Pete's Dragon to you? Who can say? But this Pete's Dragon finds magic where the original one may have faltered. It's a true re-imagining that improves upon the previous material. Bryce Dallas Howard, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban, and a young Oakes Fegley star in this exceptional offering.

What are your favorites? Let's discuss in the comments!

index.feed.received.yesterday — 21 mai 20253.3 🎲 Jeux English

This Star Wars Mandalorian Helmet Is the Best LEGO Deal in Amazon's Memorial Day Sale So Far

21 mai 2025 à 22:35

As part of Amazon's big Memorial Day sale, you can pick up the LEGO Star Wars Mandalorian Helmet (#75328) for $55.99 (20% off). This collectible display set is the perfect gift for any Star Wars fan and looks great on bookshelves. I would know, I have one and it fits my aesthetic perfectly! There are a handful of other LEGO Star Wars helmet displays on sale as well, like Darth Vader and Captain Rex which we've included below.

For more LEGO Star Wars, be sure to pick up this awesome LEGO R2-D2 set before it's retired for good.

LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian Helmet Is On Sale

This 584-piece set is a detailed recreation of Din Djarin's helmet from the Disney+ series the Mandalorian and comes with a display stand and official Star Wars LEGO plaque. This and the other model helmets are very fun builds, and the finished products are great mantle pieces or bookends. The silver and grey pieces pop surprisingly well, and the to-scale shape of the helmet is fairly screen-accurate.

See more LEGO Star Wars sets on sale today

The Mandalorian finished its third season in 2023, setting the stage for the future of the beloved characters. We gave season three a seven overall, saying "this season felt pulled in too many directions as the focus shifted from Din Djarin and Grogu to Bo-Katan and her quest to retake Mandalore." Din and Grogu make their big screen return in 2026 in Jon Favreau's The Mandalorian & Grogu movie and will feature new and returning characters, like Zeb from Star Wars: Rebels.

You can pick up a handful of other LEGO Star Wars sets as part of Amazon's Memorial Day sale, like some of the other collectible helmets, a sweet Droideka from the Prequel Trilogy, and a Millennium Falcon with display stand.

More Memorial Day Sales to Check Out

Although the Amazon Memorial Day sale is certainly the most popular sale going on right now, there a ton of other sales live ahead of the weekend as well. Below is a quick list of some of the biggest sales events going on right now across the web.

Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.

The Surrender Review

21 mai 2025 à 21:41

It’s a real feat to create a movie that gets less interesting once occult stuff starts going down, but Shudder’s newest original movie manages to do just that. The Surrender covers an ambitious amount of ground for a story set in one location, but its compelling, character-driven plot gets so lost in paranormal drivel that it ultimately feels pointless.

The feature debut of writer-director Julia Max is half family drama, half supernatural horror, and that first half is actually quite strong. The Boys star Colby Minifie brings a sort of feral rage to Megan, an only child navigating in-home palliative care for her father, Robert (Vaughn Armstrong), alongside her overbearing mother, Barbara (Kate Burton). You can tell that Max has lived through the slow and painful loss of a parent: The Surrender was inspired by the death of her stepfather, and Robert’s fictional demise is grounded and specific as Megan and Barbara navigate medication schedules and adult diapers. The movie is strongest when it’s focused on the relationships between its characters. There’s an obvious power struggle unfolding between Megan and Barbara, as they bicker about medicine and family money and reignite old grievances. When Robert finally dies, Megan and Barbara are briefly, beautifully united by grief.

And then the supernatural horror kicks in. Turns out Barbara, swayed by her anti-vax yoga teacher, has hired a nameless man to resurrect Robert via occult ritual. (Classic mom stuff!) Megan, who up until now has been compulsively incapable of not arguing with her mother, is weirdly amenable to this plan – or at least amenable enough to keep the plot loping along. As the ritual unfolds and the women’s journey grows more perilous, The Surrender completely loses its footing, yanking Megan out of a reality ruled by the striking mundanity of grief and into a metaphysical realm defined by blood and nonsense.

This type of thing can certainly coexist with a realistic onscreen depiction of loss: Hereditary, The Babadook, The Descent, The Invitation – if you want horror movies that grapple with the existential dread surrounding death, there’s your watch list. But it’s a matter of striking the right balance, and The Surrender is noticeably off-kilter. It speeds through Robert’s death – and all the excellent, nuanced material surrounding it – then becomes slow and stale once Barbara reveals her plan to bring him back. It takes forever for the ceremony to get underway, and once it does, all the wailing and bloodshed that ensues is far less chilling than Robert’s actual death. As The Surrender stutters to a close, the pacing becomes even more erratic. Major events fly by quickly and without fanfare, but get ready to sit through multiple insipid flashbacks to Megan’s childhood.

Max shows promise as a director, even if she mismanages the extra time. She and production designer Tahryn Smith make excellent use of their indie budget by turning Robert and Barbara’s house into the ultimate pressure cooker. A massive library and open-concept kitchen make the couple’s wealth apparent, but they also become the staging grounds for devastating arguments and dark deeds. Some of the scares are well-crafted, too, like one sequence where Megan sees ghostly eyes behind her in a mirror.

Ultimately, though, The Surrender’s fatal error is that it mistakes freakishness for scariness. A successful horror movie about grief doesn’t pile a bunch of horrifying stuff on top of the loss – it amplifies the terrifying feelings that already come with it. While we’re taken slowly and monotonously into a darker, less human world, Megan and Barbara’s grief is sidelined. As a result, this is a horror movie where the horror elements feel redundant. The Surrender pulls off a few fun visual tricks, but it’s moments like Megan and Barbara teaming up to close Robert’s mouth before rigor mortis sets in that really linger.

Amazon Drops the Popular Throne of Glass Hardcover Book Set to Its Lowest Price Ever

21 mai 2025 à 20:41

The Throne of Glass hardcover box set is currently available on Amazon at its lowest price ever for its Memorial Day sale. You can pick up Sarah J. Maas' bestselling fantasy saga for just $97.92, a whopping 60% off. Sarah J. Maas has quickly risen to the top of many fantasy fans' personal Mt. Rushmore of authors with the Throne of Glass series and her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, another fantasy romance saga. According to Forbes, Maas has sold 3.1 million print books in 2024 alone and was given prominence thanks to the "BookTok" TikTok community.

Get the Throne of Glass Hardcover Box Set For 60% Off

The Throne of Glass series follows a the assassin Calaena Sardothien on a quest to win back her freedom from a cruel king. Check out the official synopsis from the author's website:

"When magic has gone from the world, and a vicious king rules from his throne of glass, an assassin comes to the castle. She does not come to kill, but to win her freedom. If she can defeat twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition to find the greatest assassin in the land, she will become the king’s champion and earn her freedom. Her name is Celaena Sardothien – beautiful, deadly, and destined for greatness."

Here's what you get in the box set:

  • Throne of Glass
  • Crown of Midnight
  • The Assassin's Blade
  • Heir of Fire
  • Queen of Shadows
  • Empire of Storms
  • Towers of Dawn
  • Kingdom of Ash

Fans have debated the reading order for some time, with some starting with the Assassin's Blade before Throne of Glass or reading Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn concurrently. Bloombury, publisher of Throne of Glass and Maas' other books, recommends reading the series in publication order, starting with Throne of Glass first and then reading the prequel novella the Assassin's Blade third after Crown of Midnight.

Maas also pens the A Court of Thorns and Roses series and the adult fantasy books Crescent City, which saw a third entry release in January of 2024. All of these are on sale on Amazon as well, so it's the perfect to experience Sarah J. Maas' entire collected works.

More From Sarah J. Maas

Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.

How to Watch the Europa League Final for Free: Tottenham Hotspur v. Manchester United

21 mai 2025 à 20:00

Has there ever been a more climactic end to a woeful football season? Both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have endured a torrid few months domestically, with the two clubs sitting in low league positions.

Thankfully, there’s a chance for at least one of them to emerge with some credibility this season, with the Europa League trophy up for grabs. The final, which will be played in Bilbao, Spain, will host the all-English affair.

Not only is the trophy itself to be coveted, but the winner will also snag another chance at the Champions League next season. With that comes added pull for what’s likely to be a hectic summer for both teams, as well as a chance to play against the best teams in Europe, so there’s a lot at stake.

How to Stream the Champions League Final in the US

We've spoken before about how Paramount+ is one of the best streaming services for sports at $7.99 minimum, and it's been no different for the Champions League.

If you are eligible for a free trial, however, make sure that you turn off your auto-renew so you don't get charged at the end of the week if you don't plan on using the service afterwards.

How to Watch the Europa League Final for Free

The Europa League final kicks off at 8pm BST / 3pm ET on May 21, and will be shown for free on Discovery+ in the UK, and subscribers-only on Paramount+ in the US ($7.99/month).

If you're in the US (or anywhere else globally) and own a VPN, then you should be able to use it to get around the geo-blockers and make use of the other country's service where the match will also be available (Discovery+ for example in the UK).

Using a VPN (like those we've shown above) to change your location to London, you can simply log into your discovery+ account, and enjoy the Champions League final for free.

If you aren't yet a free member, you will need to register your information, though, so be sure to do that in advance so you’re not scrambling around with seconds before kickoff.

“Viewers without discovery+ simply need to download the app on their mobile device, web or access via their TV, register their details online, kick back and enjoy the game for free,” TNT Sports explained for those in the UK.

Spurs v Man United Record: Did You Know?

Spurs have already beaten United not once, not twice, but three times this season. Does that give them a psychological edge? It’s hard to say, but it’ll be interesting to see if they can make it four from four. In fact, between the two sides, they’ve lost 39 matches in the Premier League this season.

Includes Contributions from Ben Williams.

Dozens of Games Are on Sale for Just $15 at GameStop Right Now

21 mai 2025 à 19:51

GameStop currently has over 300 physical games on sale for just $15. As part of their Quick Saves deal, select PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch titles are available at super low prices. Sales like this typically only offer shovelware titles most people wouldn't be interested in, but GameStop's Quick Saves deal has countless indie and AAA games that are absolutely worth picking up now if you've missed them. Say sorry to your backlog, I know I will be.

Some collector's and deluxe editions are also available, as well as a small amount of LimitedRun games like Worms. You can also grab a couple of Blu-rays, too!

For more sales like this, make sure to check out our full roundup of Memorial Day video game deals going on right now.

Physical Games for Just $15 at GameStop

This GameStop sale has a ton of critically successful titles, including games from years passed and recent releases. If you're an FGC fan, Tekken 8 is available and is one of the series' best entries according to our review. Then there's Persona 5 Tactica, a tactical RPG set in the middle of Persona 5. With all of these and more at just $15, it's the perfect time to stock up for a rainy day.

Save on Deluxe, Premium, Limited, and Collector's Editions

This $15 sale extends to massive collector's and premium edition box sets of some games. You can pick up the massive Dead Island 2 HELL-A Edition that typically goes for $99.99 MSRP, which comes with the game disc and steelbook case, the expansion pass, badges and pins, and a foldout map of Venice Beach. Then there's Dragon Age: The Veilguard Deluxe Edition, usually $69.99, that includes a variety of weapon and armor skins.

Save on Select Blu-Rays

Finally, you can buy a handful of Blu-rays as part of this $15 sale. The selection is a bit sparse, but you can pick up season 1 of HBO's The Last of Us to catch up before season 2 ends this Sunday. I recommend grabbing the Super Mario Bros. Movie Blu-ray before its sequel is out as well. The next movie's title leaked, and I'm excited to see how the next film pays homage to a retro classic.

Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.

The Best VPNs for Streaming Netflix from Anywhere

21 mai 2025 à 19:28

Not every streaming platform is available in every country. Fortunately, that’s not the case for Netflix – in fact, it’s harder to find a country in which Netflix isn’t offered. This means that you can always find some version of Netflix regardless of the country you’re in. Well, unless you travel to China. The trouble is that, Netflix originals aside, the available content varies by country.

If you travel outside the U.S., you may not be able to stream your preferred TV shows and movies. Even if you try to access US Netflix from abroad, you’ll be redirected to your current location's library or face some sort of geo-blocking or error message. The good news is that through extensive testing, I’ve identified the best VPNs for Netflix to get around this.

TL;DR: These Are the Best VPNs for Netflix US

So what is a VPN and how exactly does it work? A VPN is a service through which you connect to a server in your preferred location. The VPN then routes your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to your chosen VPN server. Not only does this secure your data from prying eyes, it essentially spoofs your location so you can bypass geographic blocks on content.

1. NordVPN

Best VPN for Netflix

NordVPN boasts one of the largest server networks of any VPN provider, made up of more than 7,000 servers in 118 countries. Close to 2,000 of these servers are in the U.S., making it easy to find a suitable VPN server for streaming Netflix US. I’ve also tested NordVPN with the likes of Amazon Prime Video and Hulu and found it to be a highly consistent unblocker. Streaming is seamless thanks to NordVPN’s fast proprietary protocol, NordLynx, which is built around WireGuard.

With NordVPN, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. It also has excellent app support, providing apps for Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV and allowing you to stream US Netflix on almost any device. Along with Surfshark, NordVPN is one of the most feature-heavy VPNs around, adding extra security in the form of an ad blocker and password manager. Still, its clunky server app means its apps aren’t quite as easy to navigate as ExpressVPN, my next pick.

2. ExpressVPN

Best VPN for Streaming

ExpressVPN is my best VPN for streaming, so it should come as little surprise that it has no trouble with the U.S. version of Netflix. It has long been my go-to for bypassing stubborn geo-blocks on streaming platforms, capable of working with almost everything I throw at it. It helps that it has servers in 105 countries and 18 U.S. cities. ExpressVPN proves popular with streamers thanks to highly consistent connections, helped by its very efficient Lightway protocol.

If you don’t have much experience with VPNs, you’ll appreciate ExpressVPN’s apps which are about as easy to navigate as they come. ExpressVPN makes it straightforward to set up on your router with the availability of custom firmware. Having got in touch with the 24/7 live chat and email support during testing, I can safely say it’s among the best I’ve experienced. ExpressVPN operates a no-logs policy and even includes a password manager.

3. Surfshark

Best VPN for Extra Features

Surfshark has servers in 22 U.S. cities – far more than most VPNs. This is useful not only when you’re traveling, but when you’re home and looking to connect to a nearby server for the fastest speeds. Overall, a little over 3,000 servers can be found in 100 countries, which include Canada, the UK, and Australia. In my experience, Surfshark is able to securely access more Netflix libraries than many rivals. The fast speeds allow for lag-free streaming even in 4K resolution.

With subscription prices starting at $2 a month (though one month subscriptions are expensive), Surfshark’s many features are all the more impressive. Even the base tier includes ad blocking, access to MultiHop servers, and a new Alternative ID feature for generating data on websites to protect your real information. Upper tiers benefit from antivirus protection.

4. CyberGhost

Best VPN With a Free Trial

CyberGhost makes it super easy to find the right server for accessing US Netflix and other popular streaming services. That’s because you’ll find a list of streaming-optimized servers available in its apps, saving you from having to try multiple servers each time. CyberGhost uses the lightweight and speedy WireGuard protocol, resulting in testing with streaming that was consistently lag- and buffer-free. Servers cover 100 countries and 11 U.S. cities.

It’s fair to say that CyberGhost is particularly confident in the service it offers, as evidenced by its lengthy 45-day money-back guarantee. Most VPNs offer just 30 days in comparison. I tried this for myself and received a full refund with no issues. Yet CyberGhost is also the best free trial VPN thanks to a unique 24-hour free trial on Windows and MacOS with no credit card required. The only real downside to this no-logs VPN is that it doesn't offer as many features as services like NordVPN and Surfshark.

5. IPVanish

Best VPN for Unlimited Devices

IPVanish made significant improvements in 2024, not only in terms of speed and unblocking, but in expanding its server network and adding multiple new features. It’s now one of the best VPNs you can use with Netflix US. I was also able to access libraries including Canada and the UK, but Australia was a struggle. IPVanish now has over 2,400 servers, some 1,400 of which are in the U.S. in 20 different cities. Though not quite as fast as Surfshark, it’s no slouch either.

When it comes to security, IPVanish ticks every box with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. New additions to IPVanish’s features include a secure browser and cloud storage. It’s just a shame that these are only available as part of the more expensive Advanced subscription tier. Still, there’s a generous unlimited simultaneous connection allowance, and you’ll also have access to 24/7 support via live chat and email.

Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, IGN's parent company.

6. Proton VPN

Best VPN With a Free Tier

Proton VPN is unique in that, unlike most VPNs on the market, it operates a very strict no-logs policy and lets you pay anonymously in cash. These are just some of the reasons why it, alongside Mullvad VPN, has proven to be such a popular choice among privacy enthusiasts. Yet Proton VPN is much more than this. It has a huge network of approximately 10,000 servers in 117 countries. Some 3,000 of these are in the U.S., which is more than any other VPN in this list.

As for speed, Proton VPN remains one of the fastest VPNs available today. It uses the WireGuard protocol, has 10 Gbps-capable servers, and boasts a VPN Accelerator feature that maximizes the efficiency of your connection. Not only are the speeds fast enough for watching US Netflix online in 1080p HD and 4K, they also make this one of the best VPNs for gaming. Though setup and navigating the apps is easy enough, it’s a shame live chat support isn’t available 24/7.

7. PrivateVPN

Best VPN for Unblocking

PrivateVPN is a smaller, lesser-known VPN provider but that’s arguably its strength. The consistency with which I’ve been able to access US Netflix and international streaming services such as BBC iPlayer suggests that PrivateVPN IP addresses tend to fly under the radar. Some may be put off by the small network of just over 200 servers (albeit in more than 60 countries), but it’s important to remember that PrivateVPN serves far fewer users than VPN giants like NordVPN.

This is one of the more affordable VPNs to use with streaming services. With a single-month subscription costing less than $10 and a three-year plan that works out to $2 a month, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a VPN on a budget. PrivateVPN is limited in terms of extra features. Unlike some rivals, there’s no ad blocker included. However, you’ll still have all of the security essentials (encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch) plus port forwarding. It also lets you connect 10 devices at once.

How We Picked the Best VPN for US Netflix

It’s fair to say that we’re not short of VPNs to choose from. The competition in the VPN market is so fierce that some very solid VPN services, Private Internet Access included, narrowly failed to make the cut. Yet I have to whittle down the many options one way or another, and I do this by running each VPN through a series of tests.

Here’s what I’m looking for when testing for a great VPN to access US Netflix:

  • Unblocks Netflix USA: Needless to say, I’m looking at each VPN’s servers and putting them up against Netflix US. Ideally, I’m looking for successful unblocking at the first time of asking. Multiple failure leads to a VPN service being ruled out.
  • Servers worldwide: Although the primary aim is accessing US Netflix, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have access to servers in countries such as Canada or the UK. This provides more flexibility when it comes to accessing region-locked content.
  • Fast server speeds: I connected to the U.S. servers of each VPN and streamed US Netflix to make sure they’re up to the task. Just remember that the speed you get is determined by various factors, including your base connection.

Best VPN for US Netflix FAQs

Does Netflix detect VPNs?

Yes, Netflix detects and blocks many VPNs, making many VPN services unsuitable for accessing US Netflix. When it detects many users accessing its service using the same VPN IP address, it flags and blacklists it. Netflix can also detect when your IP address doesn’t match other data like DNS queries. The best US Netflix VPNs are simply more consistent in getting around restrictions.

Can I use a free VPN with US Netflix?

Unfortunately, even the best free VPNs don’t work with US Netflix. In fact, they’re not compatible with any version of the popular streaming platform. That’s largely because they offer very few servers and locations. Free VPNs attract a lot of users, and the limited number of IP addresses are quickly identified and blacklisted as a result. Besides, free VPNs usually limit your data and bandwidth. This makes them far too slow for streaming US Netflix anyway.

Instead of a free VPN, you can always take advantage of testing the VPNs listed above, which come with generous money-back guarantees so you can try them risk-free, or others with with free trial periods.

Will a VPN slow my Netflix US streaming?

It’s normal for a VPN to slow your connection slightly due to the VPN encrypting your data and routing it to its server. However, some VPNs use lightweight protocols such as WireGuard which makes them much faster than others. I’ve only recommended VPNs that are fast enough for streaming Netflix US. If you’re suffering ISP throttling, these VPNs may even improve your streaming speeds.

Mark Gill is a freelance VPN writer for IGN, bringing over five years of dedicated experience from Comparitech, where he delves deep into the intricacies of VPNs. When he’s not testing VPNs, Mark is an avid gamer with a soft spot for the Sega Mega Drive, reliving the classics for a dose of nostalgia.

The Wayfair Memorial Day Sale Has Great Deals on Bookshelves for Your Growing Media Collection

21 mai 2025 à 19:00

Despite the media world moving to digital, I find myself with a surprising amount of physical media in my home with nowhere to put it. I've got books, video games, LEGO sets, and even some old DVDs just laying around in different bins in the closet. All of these items are important to me in some way, but I just don't currently have a good enough storage option to properly display everything. I am in desperate need of a good bookcase that can fit both my style and my budget, so I've found myself browsing Memorial Day sales looking for furniture deals.

There are a lot of furniture deals going on right now at pretty much every retailer, but for bookshelves and bookcases I've found that Wayfair is the easiest place to browse. Amazon and Target also have Memorial Day sales on furniture going on right now, but for this specific need, Wayfair seems to have the most options at affordable prices. Below, I've gathered a few cool options that I've found so far, but there is a whole section of deals on bookcases across all price points to look at.

Wayfair Bookcase Ideas on Sale Now

Like I mentioned above, there are literally pages and pages of bookshelves in this sale. If you're just going straight into it, I'd suggest using the filters on the site. You can adjust the dimensions of your search based on what size bookshelf you're looking for, choose the frame or shelf material, and sort by price. If you don't like any of the options I've featured above, narrowing down your search will save you a ton of time browsing the options available.

The deals I did feature are just a few of my favorite options I'm considering. The two geometric cases offer the coolest design, but not nearly as much storage as the much larger options. The Trivette Geometric bookcase seems like a really cool video game storage idea, but I'm not sure it would work as well for my book collection as the Steel Geometric Bookcase. There's also the kids bookshelf that would be great for including all of my son's baby books, but he will eventually grow out of those. All in all, there's plenty to consider.

See the full Wayfair Memorial Day sale

Wayfair has the biggest overall Memorial Day furniture sales you can find online. If you're looking for storage options, a new couch, or outdoor furniture, there's discounts on just about everything right now.

Tips for Choosing a Bookcase for Your Home

I'm certainly no expert on interior design, but my wife is actually an interior designer so I've learned a few things about choosing furniture that may be helpful to you. While style is of course a big consideration, there are a few more logical things you should think about before you buy. Here are some quick tips if you don't know where to start.

Figure out where you want to put it

The first and most important thing to consider before buying any type of furniture is where it's going to go. This will help you narrow down the specific dimensions you'll need to look for, as well as what design will practically and aesthetically fit the space. For example, if you are currently living in a tiny apartment, a giant bookcase that will take up half the room probably isn't a smart choice. And if it's going into a room with wood floors, you may want to avoid picking a slightly different color wood shelf that will directly clash. Understanding where you plan on putting a bookshelf can help you visualize what will work best.

Figure out what you want to display

Once you have a space in mind, the second most important thing to think about is what exactly you'll be putting on those shelves. Are you only going to be using it for your book collection, or will it be primarily for your 4K movie collection? You'll also need to decide if you are planning on adding other knickknacks or if you'll only be using it for media. This may affect the type of shelving heights you're shopping for.

Check the assembly options

My final tip is to make sure you can actually build the thing yourself before you make your purchase. I spent about a year earlier in my career working at a furniture delivery company and was always surprised how often people expect things to show up fully assembled. Bookcases tend to be fairly straightforward to put together and will usually come with all of the tools to do so yourself, but it's worth checking the reviews to see how difficult assembly actually is before you buy. Wayfair also offers an option to have someone assemble it for you for an extra fee.

Jacob Kienlen is a Senior SEO Strategist and Writer for IGN. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he has considered the Northwest his home for his entire life. With a bachelor's degree in communication and over 8 years of professional writing experience, his expertise ranges from books and games to technology and food. He has spent a good chunk of his career writing about deals and sales to help consumers find the best discounts on whatever they may be looking to buy.

How to Watch the 2025 Warhammer Skulls Showcase

21 mai 2025 à 19:00

Summer is fast approaching, which means it’s time for Warhammer Skulls. The ultimate showcase of Warhammer video games is back for its ninth year, hosted for the third time by actor and superfan Rahul Kohli. There will be world premieres, exclusive reveals, and update announcements, and you can watch it all live.

Showcase Date, Time, and Where to Watch

The festivities will begin on May 22 at 5:00 p.m. BST, which means 12:00 p.m. Eastern / 11: 00 a.m. Central / 9:00 a.m. Pacific. You can see times for other regions in the graphic at the bottom of this page. IGN will livestream the full event, which will be around 50 minutes long. You can tune in on any of these channels:

IGN.com (our homepage)

IGN’s Facebook

IGN’s Twitter

IGN’s Twitch

IGN’s YouTube

If you’re not able to watch the showcase live, no worries. We’ll post the whole event on YouTube after it’s finished, like we did for last year’s show.

What to Expect from This Year’s Showcase

As usual, this year’s showcase will feature exciting world premieres, reveals, and updates for several games. You can count on updates for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, since we know Patch 8 and Horde Mode (or whatever it ends up officially being called) are on the horizon. Publisher Focus Entertainment previously gave an overview of Horde Mode, saying you can play with three players (or bots replacing the other players) and that the map will be in Kadaku. However, we don’t have a release date or know everything else that’s coming in Patch 8.

That’s the game we can be most confident in being part of the show, but there are several others that should be in line for updates and new info too. There’s Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II, which was announced with a trailer at last year’s Warhammer Skulls. There’s Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, which as of December is now available on PS5 in addition to Xbox Series X/S and PC. Now that it’s established itself across platforms, there will be new content coming.

We know there’s DLC coming for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, but so far only know it’s planned to release in the summer. And there are plenty of other games that could see updates or new content — like Total War: Warhammer 3, Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus, Warhammer: Vermintide 2, Warhammer 40,000: Warpforge, and Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector. Plus, there’s sure to be brand-new premieres and announcements nobody could predict.

On top of all that, the showcase on May 22 also marks the beginning of a week-long celebration with marked down prices and freebies. During that week, you can get up to 90% off Warhammer titles, and there will be new content, DLCs, and free updates across several platforms, including Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, GOG, and Geforce Now.

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