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Reçu aujourd’hui — 16 juillet 20253.3 🎲 Jeux English

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Patch 1.2 Is Now Available on All Platforms

16 juillet 2025 à 22:03

Bethesda has just released Title Update 1.2 for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered on all platforms. This patch came out on PC in the form of a Beta Update on July 9th. And now, one week later, it has been fully released to everyone. The devs added some new difficulty settings. Now, players can … Continue reading The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Patch 1.2 Is Now Available on All Platforms

The post The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Patch 1.2 Is Now Available on All Platforms appeared first on DSOGaming.

Persona5: The Phantom X Review

16 juillet 2025 à 21:00

As far as game pitches go, an endless Persona 5 spin-off sounds like a pretty solid idea. What’s not to love about turn-based RPG battles, complex villains, and a plethora of sumptuous social links? Enter Atlus’s latest genre-flipping addition to the series, Persona5: The Phantom X, a gacha-fied adventure that boasts all the hallmarks of its iconic source material, from beautifully animated cutscenes to goosebump-inducing needle drops. What’s the catch? Oh, just a boatload of confusing currencies to juggle and a grind-heavy gameplay loop once you escape its inviting early game. It’s a shame, because if you look past the persistently lurking gacha baggage, The Phantom X is a peachy pastiche. But after 35 hours, its charms have more than worn thin as a result of this framework, leaving behind a flattering but deeply compromised imitation of Persona 5.

The Phantom X might be a Persona 5 spin-off, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be playing as Joker and the crew. Instead, you embody a Nagisa Kamisiro (though you can still pick your own name) in an alternate timeline version of Persona 5’s story. A seemingly average student, Kamasiro’s life changes when an adorable owl called Lufel calls on them to fight back against the misery and hopelessness enveloping the world, and to turn the tables against the great despair that clouds the hearts of the public. Unable to refuse, Kamasiro learns to wield their inner Persona and travels to the shadow world to help clear out the collective unconscious, one monster at a time. As with Kamisiro, there are more Tokyoites to meet and awaken as you progress, with each new character’s arc nestled nicely into the overarching story. If you’ve played Persona 5, you’ll quickly notice that The Phantom X is following its formula to a tee.

To fight off the aforementioned evil, you’ll bounce between a handful of beautifully recreated Tokyo neighborhoods and the monster-filled Metaverse – though what you do in either place is now limited by various time- or money-gated resources rather than a rigid calendar marching ever forward. As The Phantom Thieves, you’ll eek out misbehaving fiends and infiltrate their minds while learning to master the series’ trademark turn-based combat that centres around elemental weaknesses. And because Kamisiro is a teen, you’ll also have to balance studying, part-time work, and a social life, too. With all of its obvious derivations, The Phantom X struggles to conjure fresh ideas or immediate excitement in the shadow of a nearly decade-old masterpiece, but it at least manages to clone the Persona formula fairly well, and that will be enough for some.

No matter how familiar the core gameplay mechanics feel, a diverse cast of supporting characters provides much-needed levity and heart to the world. I’ve fallen in love with Anderson, a gym rat with a heart of gold, Yaoling Li, an energetic foreign exchange student struggling with her studies, a cautious nurse-to-be named Minami Mitashita, and plenty more. With energetic voice acting to back up their emotive and often humorous dialogue, it’s clear there’s been an effort to give the NPCs a sense of self, and, similar to Persona 5, the more time you invest in them, the more you can unravel their heartfelt stories.

You don’t really have to fret over spending time with one NPC or another.

Helping out the locals doesn’t just reward you with some juicy plotlines to pull at, it can lead to benefits in combat and day-to-day tasks, too. For example, if you choose to keep helping Yaoling Li acclimate to her new life in Japan, you’ll learn key recipes that you can cook to buff your stats in battle. Alternatively, completing small side missions for characters like Minami will reward you with upgrade currencies and special items for your home. These social interactions also expand the variety of Kamisiro’s day-to-day tasks and provide bespoke options like working out at the gym alongside the carousel of regular activities, such as studying for school in local cafes, working at the Konbini for cash, or buying seeds that you can plant in your garden at home. How you spend your time will also feed into your Social Stats (Guts, Knowledge, Proficiency, Kindness, and Charm), which can impact how friendly you can get with certain NPCs, as well as what items are available to buy at the local stores. The healthy combination of social endeavours and solo tasks feed into each other nicely and creates an approachable system that enriches Kamasiro’s initially quiet life (while buffing their skills in the process).

Unlike Persona 5, how you choose to spend your time in The Phantom X is governed by recoupable Action Points instead of a limited daily schedule. This means you don’t really have to fret over spending time with one NPC or another because you can just wait for those points to add back up naturally and not miss out on either. I can appreciate that this system is much more forgiving than the rigid structure the Persona series is known for. However, without that all-important time pressure, The Phantom X fails to hit on how profound these decisions could and should feel. It makes sense in the context of the Gacha setting, but this free-for-all approach makes it a little too easy to flit between NPCs without fully investing in their well-written backstory and considering how they might help you if you choose them instead of some other character.

It’s not all errands and acquaintances, though, and when you’re finished playing above ground, you’ll eventually move on to combat expeditions, which you can launch any time from the Metaverse app located on Kamisiro’s phone. Similar to the system used to govern social activities, your time in combat is partially ruled by an auto-refreshing currency, this time called Stamina. And as you battle, you’ll need to spend it to reap the rewards. The Phantom X bases its combat system on Persona 5, meaning it's turn-based with engaging reactive elements like chaining together One Mores to be as efficient as possible. When you roll up on a baddie, you’ll cycle through your party one member at a time, choosing between melee attacks, ranged attacks, and special Persona abilities. Similar to Pokémon, the enemies you’ll face and the Personas you deploy, all have elemental strengths and weaknesses (like fire or ice) that can be exploited for extra damage.

You'll eventually hit an expected but utterly disappointing credit card-shaped roadblock.

It’s a tried-and-tested system with enough diversity in its moveset to keep battles fresh, and even if you are starting to tire of it, the imagination-stoking enemy designs pull a good amount of weight throughout. What makes Persona combat truly unique, though, is the series’ bold interface design and legendary battle themes, which have been lovingly recreated here. I promise, no matter how many times you’ve already heard Persona 5’s Last Surprise, it just doesn’t get old.

Sadly, no amount of vocal flair from singer Lyn Inaizumi or introspective dialogue makes up for the sizable array of gacha systems and currencies you need to balance in The Phantom X. Within the first 20 hours or so, there aren’t many barriers in the way of progression, letting you clear out baddies and jump between main and side stories with relative ease. Inevitably, though, as you get deeper in, level barriers paint a clearer picture of what progression actually feels like long term. Once you run out of side quests and main story content to fuel your climb (which can happen fairly quickly), the next best way to earn the XP needed to unlock more is doing random fights in the Metaverse… but in order to do that, you need to spend Stamina. If you’re out of Stamina, you have two choices: purchase boosting supplements with real cash or wait a painstaking amount of time for it to reload on its own. I’m not opposed to grinding out materials, especially when The Phantom X’s combat is so moreish and the stories attached are compelling. It’s rather that this credit card-shaped conclusion was a totally expected but utterly disappointing roadblock to smash into. It was particularly painful to be reminded that I could simply pay via the in-game shop pop-ups every few minutes, too.

Thankfully, not all the Gacha systems in The Phantom X are so frustrating. While there are characters and Personas you can unlock through the story, the quickest way to bolster your team is to engage in the lucky dip Contracts menu. In line with most other Gacha games on the market, you can earn the currencies you need to pull by grinding, or cut to the chase and pay to get an instant boost. Thankfully, it didn’t take me too long to invest my hard-earned Gacha currency and unlock my beloved Persona 5 fave Ann Takamaki without having to reach for my wallet. A ton of new characters are introduced via this system, and Shigenori Soejima’s striking character designs just don’t quit, which sweetens the pot somewhat. While I love all my Gacha children equally, I was particularly enamoured with the icy-haired Kotone Montagne, whose visual style landed somewhere between Joan of Arc and Swan Lake.

Outside of the inclusion of the premium currencies, perhaps my biggest gripe with The Phantom X so far is that it feels more like an uncanny reflection of Persona 5, rather than a unique take on its established lore. Other spin-offs like Persona 5 Tactica or Persona 5 Strikers feel like strong additions to the series that come at or expand upon it from a different angle, whereas The Phantom X is more of a well-executed imitation. It’s not that I’m bored, as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both its combat and getting to know the wide array of quirky characters I’ve met. Plus, the 35 hours of missions I’ve played so far are well-written, appropriately shocking, and do well to frame the villains as complex, fractured souls. But The Phantom X’s “do-over” take on the story of The Phantom Thieves, isn’t a new enough experience to warrant the amount of time (or possibly money) I’ll need to invest if I want to see it through to its lengthy end (the specific details of which are yet to even be revealed) – especially when Persona 5 and its predecessors are readily available and feel far more curated and engaging.

Fantastic Four: First Steps Will No Longer Feature John Malkovich as Red Ghost, Director Says

16 juillet 2025 à 20:57

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will finally introduce a handful of big names to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but director Matt Shakman says John Malkovich’s Red Ghost won’t be one of them.

Details regarding Malkovich’s removal from the final cut of the new Fantastic Four movie come from an interview Variety conducted with Shakman ahead of the Marvel film’s premiere later this month. He says moments centered on Malkovich’s villain character were some of the many scenes that “ultimately ended up hitting the cutting room floor.”

“When we were building a ’60s retro-future world, introducing all of these villains, introducing these four main characters as a group, as well as individually, introducing the idea of a child — there was a lot of stuff to balance in this movie and some things had to go ultimately in terms of shaping the film for its final version,” Shakman said.

Malkovich’s presence as Red Ghost has remained shrouded in mystery for months, but the role wasn’t exactly kept a secret. While fans weren’t quite sure how much screen time the Burn After Reading actor would get in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, he at least appeared sporting long, white hair and a scraggly beard in its first teaser trailer in February. He’s been absent from most promotional material since, though, leading to rumors that Marvel may have moved to cut Malkovich and Red Ghost from the film entirely. Now, we know that this is indeed the case.

It was heartbreaking not to include him in the final version of the movie because he’s one of my very favorite humans and one of my biggest inspirations.

“It was heartbreaking not to include him in the final version of the movie because he’s one of my very favorite humans and one of my biggest inspirations,” Shakman added. “As a person who walks the line between theater and film and television, there’s no one who is more inspiring than the founder of Steppenwolf Theater Company. What he’s done on stage as an actor and what he’s done as a director in theater as well as in film, and as just a film actor of incredible ability — I was honored he came to play.”

Shakman says fans would have been able to catch Malkovich in The Fantastic Four: First Steps during a sequence detailing the early days for Marvel’s First Family. Specifically, the moment involved a battle between the superpowered group as they fought against Red Ghost and his Super-Apes. It’s unclear if we’ll ever get to see how Malkovich almost fit into the MCU, but for now, Shakman at least says that he “was brilliant in it, and gave it his all.”

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has a July 25, 2025, release date and features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Other names set to appear in the film include Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson, Sarah Niles, Natasha Lyonne, and Paul Walter Hauser.

For more, you can read up on why Tom Holland Spider-Man director Jon Watts ultimately decided to leave the project early on. You can also check out everything we know about Sam Raimi's canceled Spider-Man 4 movie, which also would have featured Malkovich as an iconic Marvel villain.

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).

Absolute Evil Is DC's First Absolute Universe Crossover

16 juillet 2025 à 20:27

October 2025 marks the one-year anniversary of DC's hugely successful Absolute Universe line. To celebrate the occasion, DC is giving readers the first proper Absolute Universe crossover in the form of Absolute Evil #1. This universe may not have a Justice League, but it looks to be gaining its own version of the Legion of Doom.

Each of DC's Absolute titles in October will be extremely important to the future of this shared universe, with key developments like Superman's showdown with Ra's al Ghul and the debut of Absolute Catwoman. Read on to see all of the Absolute books releasing in October 2025 and why they're so important.

Absolute Evil #1

Creative Team: Al Ewing, Giuseppe Camuncoli, & Stefano Nesi

Release Date: October 1

In Absolute Evil, Ra’s al Ghul, Veronica Cale, Hector Hammond, Elenore Thawne, and the mysterious Joker are no longer working at cross-purposes. Together, they’re aligned, united, and dangerous. But an insidious betrayal from within threatens to unravel everything they’ve built.

This one-shot special issue features the introduction of not one but two major Absolute characters who will change the course of the Absolute Universe in its second year, and is unmissable for all fans of this red-hot publishing line!

Absolute Batman #13

Creative Team: Scott Snyder & Nick Dragotta

Release Date: October 8

Batman’s final confrontation with Bane threatens to trap him in Ark-M forever. In the aftermath, a new figure steps onto Gotham’s stage. Oh...and Absolute Catwoman debuts in this pivotal issue!

Absolute Batman Annual #1

Creative Team: Daniel Warren Johnson, James Harren, & Meredith McClaren

Release Date: October 29

How did Bruce acquire his Batmobile? What happened when Black Mask’s crew tangled with the Bat in those first few days? DC’s Absolute Batman 2025 Annual delivers insight into the raw, formative chaos from Absolute Batman’s earliest days.

Absolute Wonder Woman #13

Creative Team: Kelly Thompson & Matías Bergara

Release Date: October 22

In Gateway City, Diana uncovers lost history as Barbara reveals fragments of the myth of the Amazons. But as supernatural attacks erupt across the globe, Diana and Etta race to find a pattern—only to discover that the answer strikes closer than imagined.

Absolute Superman #12

Creative Team: Jason Aaron & Rafa Sandoval

Release Date: October 1

Superman must choose: bend to Ra’s al Ghul’s will and accept his place as the Son of the Demon—or see Smallville suffer. As the Lazarus Corp descends, the invasion of Kansas begins.

Absolute Flash #8

Creative Team: Jeff Lemire & Travis Moore

Release Date: October 15

The origins of Fort Fox and Barry Allen’s experimental tech finally surface, but what they reveal will challenge everything Barry knows about speed, consequence, and the foundation of the Absolute Universe itself.

Absolute Green Lantern #7

Creative Team: Al Ewing & Jahnoy Lindsay

Release Date: October 1

The Blackstars are coming—and Earth is in their path. Only Tomar Re stands between their cosmic ambition and the final unraveling of what remains of Absolute Oa.

Additionally, DC has revealed that Absolute Martian Manhunter will end its current hiatus and return with issue #7 in December 2025.

For more on the Absolute Universe, find out why it's the most exciting DC launch in years and get the full scoop from the Absolute Batman creative team.

Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on BlueSky.

Uncaged Fury: Enjoy This Fake Movie Trailer Starring Mortal Kombat II's Johnny Cage

16 juillet 2025 à 20:15

Although the official trailer for Mortal Kombat II won't drop until Thursday, July 17, Warner Bros. has released a fake movie-within a-movie trailer for Uncaged Fury, a faux 1990s action movie starring Johnny Cage (played in that film by Karl Urban).

You can watch that trailer via the player above or the embed below.

The trailer is in the style of the kind of cheesy ‘90s action movies that might have starred the likes of Steven Seagal, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Gary Daniels, Jeff Speakman or Michael Dudikoff.

The overly serious voiceover tells viewers “They pissed him off … They fucked with his shades … They should have brought more guys.”

We see logos for Johnny Cage’s other ‘90s films: Cool Hand Cage, Hard to Cage, and Rebel Without a Cage.

And in a nice touch, those three fake movies and Uncaged Fury were all made by New Line Cinema, the real-life studio behind the Mortal Kombat movies of the ‘90s (and the 21st century reboot and its upcoming sequel).

The trailer depicts a martial arts melee inside a warehouse between Cage and some goons (who are dressed in true ‘90s fashion). There are flips and kicks and Johnny Cage utters “showtime!” right before he fights.

After Johnny takes care of the guys, a lady in a red dress shows up with a rocket launcher and fires at him. Johnny does an absurdly high leap, with the missile soaring just under his crotch and then, defying physics based on the angle it was fired, curling upwards and taking out a helicopter.

The only real hint at Mortal Kombat itself is the franchise logo that quickly flickers in and out over the closing title for Uncaged Fury.

Mortal Kombat II opens in theaters on October 24, 2025.

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers Gets Final PC Requirements

16 juillet 2025 à 19:48

505 Games has revealed the final PC system requirements for its upcoming soulslike, action RPG, WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers. So, let’s see what PC system you’ll need in order to run it. WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers takes place in the land of Shu during the late Ming Dynasty. The world is full of factions fighting each other, … Continue reading WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers Gets Final PC Requirements

The post WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers Gets Final PC Requirements appeared first on DSOGaming.

New Report Reveals Alleged Superman Salaries for James Gunn, David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, Claims Wonder Woman Fast-Tracked Over Superman 2

16 juillet 2025 à 19:38

A new report into Superman has allegedly revealed the salaries of its top stars as well as writer and director James Gunn, and offered a hint at where DC Studios is headed next.

Variety said Gunn earned 20 times more than David Corenswet, the relative newcomer who played Superman / Clark Kent, and Rachel Brosnahan, who played Lois Lane. Corenswet and Brosnahan each earned $750,000, with Gunn taking home $15 million. This is reportedly in addition to Gunn’s seven-figure salary as co-CEO of DC Studios. The more established Nicholas Hoult, however, earned $2 million from playing Lex Luthor.

The relatively modest salaries of its stars was cited by some as helping keep Superman’s production budget down. Variety reported that Superman cost $225 million to make and $125 million to market globally, for an approximate total spend of $350 million.

The question now is, is Superman a success for parent company Warner Bros.? Given the movie only launched last week, it's too early to say. Domestically, Superman powered to $122 million at the box office during release weekend, which was enough to make it the biggest domestic launch ever for a solo Superman film, not adjusted for inflation.

Superman’s strong North American launch is the biggest superhero movie opening weekend since last summer’s billion dollar blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine, which hit $211 million domestically. That means Superman launched bigger than Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts* / The New Avengers. It’s also the biggest DC movie in a long time, and the first to hit a $100 million domestic box office launch since Wonder Woman’s $103.3 million in 2017.

However, internationally, Superman launched soft with $95 million, which some analysts are calling a disappointment. As Variety noted, Warner Bros. expected this because Superman is linked to the character’s long-standing motto, "Truth, Justice, and the American Way."

It’s also worth noting that Superman’s global weekend take of $217 million is actually less than Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel's when adjusted for inflation. Like Gunn's Superman, Snyder's Man of Steel rebooted the DC cinematic universe.

So, what happens next? According to Variety, Warner Bros. is fast-tracking its already announced Wonder Woman movie, and is excited by Matt Reeves’ recently submitted screenplay for The Batman 2, due out in October 2027.

Will we see Superman 2 at some point? Warner Bros. has sequel options on Corenswet and Brosnahan, Variety reported, but a sequel announcement "does not appear to be imminent."

There are of course other DCU movies confirmed to be in the works. Both Supergirl and Clayface launch in 2026, and Gunn is also working on a Batman movie of his own, although it doesn’t have a release date.

Check out IGN’s Superman review to find out what we think, and then head over to our Superman Ending and Post-Credits Explained to find out what it all means.

Photo by Maya Dehlin Spach/Getty Images.

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.

NBA 2K26 Gets Official PC System Requirements

16 juillet 2025 à 19:09

2K Games has revealed the official PC system requirements for the next part in the NBA 2K series, NBA 2K26. So, let’s see what PC system you’ll need to run it. According to the PC specs, PC gamers will at least need an Intel Core i3-9100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 with 8GB of RAM … Continue reading NBA 2K26 Gets Official PC System Requirements

The post NBA 2K26 Gets Official PC System Requirements appeared first on DSOGaming.

Some of the Best Deals on Games After Prime Day Are Actually at GameFly

16 juillet 2025 à 19:17

GameFly is running an impressive sale right now on PS5 and Xbox Series X games, plus Blu-ray movies. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking to save money on recent AAA games. You can get PS5 deals like Elden Ring Nightreign for $27.99 and Doom: The Dark Ages for $39.99. You’re not likely to find those kinds of discounts anywhere else for quite a while on new copies of those games, especially after Prime Day.

The caveat is that all of the games are pre-played (more info on that below). You can shop the whole sale here, or read on for our picks.

Save Up to 50% Off Pre-Played Games at GameFly

Elden Ring Nightreign is a fun twist on the From Software formula perfected in the original Elden Ring. It turns the game into a three-player co-op roguelite. It might not be for everyone (see our review for details), but $27.99 makes it much more palatable.

Doom: The Dark Ages may be available for Xbox players on Game Pass, but that doesn’t apply to PS5 owners. So this is a great way to play through it at significantly less than the new game MSRP. Check out our 9/10 Doom: The Dark Ages review for more info on that.

Also on sale are Civ 7, Monster Hunter Wilds, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and many more. You can even save cash on Blu-rays like Mickey 17 and Mufasa: The Lion King. Lots of savings to go around.

Is GameFly a Good Place to Buy Used Games?

Everything you buy from GameFly is “pre-played,” meaning it’s been sent out to GameFly customers. That said, everything GameFly sells in these sales is in good condition. It also comes with brand-new new cases and inserts where applicable. I’ve bought games in previous GameFly sales, and I never would’ve guessed they were used, aside from arriving without shrink wrap.

All of these games are also “100% guaranteed,” so if you have any problem with them, you can get a full refund. Buying pre-played games is a good way to pick up recent games at way cheaper than new pricing. And this sale knocks even more money off the pre-played discount, which is essentially stacking a deal on a deal.

Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Bluesky.

Deals for Today: Switch 2 Invites Open Up On Amazon And Destined Rivals Is Now Below Market Value

16 juillet 2025 à 19:00

Amazon just reopened invite requests for the Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World Bundle at $499.99. Switch 2 upgrades the now-classic hybrid console with a larger 7.9-inch HDR touchscreen, 4K dock output, and GameChat voice and video chat. If you've been holding out for the newest Switch, now is a good time to request an invite before stock dries up again.

TL;DR: Deals For Today

You can also grab the Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box for $88.95, which is slightly below market value. It includes nine booster packs, a full-art promo card featuring Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet, and plenty of extras like card sleeves, dice, and a collector’s box. I've got more deals comming your way too. Including the INIU 10,000mAh 45W Power Bank for $12, a 5-pack of six-foot USB-C charging cables for $6.99, the Superman 2025 Steelbook 4K Blu-ray, and TCL’s 55-inch QM6K Mini LED Smart TV for $449.99, $350 off its usual price. Let's get into it:

Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box

Whilst this ETB is out of stock currently on TCG Player, the current pricing on Amazon is a full dollar below market value. Granted, its above MSRP, but if you want this ETB sealed for your collection or to rip it open right now, this is the going rate.

Where To Buy Japanese Pokémon Cards

Japanese Pokémon TCG booster boxes have far better odds at pulling chase cards, have far less bulk and are often half the price of English booster boxes. This also mean said chase cards are worth significantly less, but Japanese cards are far easier to get perfect grades in given they're always busting out of booster packs in perfect condition. Want a Pokémon card collection on a budget? Go for Japanese cards.

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Preorders

This is it, the beggining of a new expansion for Pokémon TCG. Best Buy have gone live with their preorder allocation for Mega Evolutions today, which mean Target and Walmart won't be far behind. Here's all the links you need and good luck trainers!

Pokémon TCG Price Updates

I can't believe I'm writing this, but Amazon has quite a bit of sealed Pokémon TCG product for under market value. Whilst that unfortunately means it's still way above MSRP, some of these sets are at the best prices they've been in the last month.

This Weeks Crashers and Climbers

Scarlet and Violet base set prices have been shifting noticeably ahead of the final sets Black Bolt and White Flare, with Psychic-type Illustration Rares like Ralts 211/198 and Kirlia 212/198 each climbing 28 percent this month while Gardevoir ex 245/198 now sits at $54.99 after a 25 percent jump. Miraidon ex and Koraidon ex are both trending upward as well, holding value around $23.99 each. At the same time several cards are sliding down as Fidough 213/198 dropped 15 percent, Armarouge 203/198 is down 11 percent, and Pachirisu 208/198 fell 19 percent. The steepest dips hit Dondozo 207/198 and Starly 221/198, now around $9.99 each after dropping 30 percent and 37 percent respectively, reflecting a market that is narrowing in on long-term playability and collector interest.

Last Weeks Crashers and Climbers

As newer Pokémon TCG sets grab the spotlight, Paradox Rift is seeing its high-rarity SIR ex cards drop in value while several Illustration Rares quietly climb due to shifting collector interest and low inventory. Cards like Altaria ex, Gholdengo ex, and Steelix have dropped between 16% and 25%, while Illustration Rares including Morpeko, Plusle, Minun, Groudon, and Iron Valiant ex are climbing fast, with Morpeko leading at a 43% increase. This mirrors earlier trends where less flashy cards gain traction as availability tightens.

MTG Edge of Eternities Preorders

Magic: The Gathering’s next set, Edge of Eternities, officially launches August 1 with preorders now live on Amazon for bundles including Play Booster Boxes, Commander Decks, and Collector Booster Boxes. Blending Magic’s iconic gameplay with science fantasy themes such as flying space whales and alien races, Edge of Eternities introduces four new mechanics: Void, Warp, Station, and Lander Tokens. Fan-favorite tribes like Eldrazi and Slivers return alongside reprints of coveted Shock Lands. Wizards of the Coast is gradually revealing more details, with a full card gallery arriving July 18 and prerelease events happening July 25 through 31, so now is the time to lock in your preorder if you want first access.

MTG Pricing Updates

It's a bit of a mixed back for Magic: The Gathering prices this week, so it's always worth double checking eBay before TCG Player and Amazon for a last minute bargain. Also, whoever thinks a Theros Beyond Death booster is worth north of $700 needs to have a word with themselves.

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle

Still struggling to get your hands on Nintendo Switch 2? The Mario Kart World bundle is available on Amazon right now, but it's invitation only. Make sure to request one, you've got nothing to loose. Unlike most invitation only products, Amazon was quite responsive when preorder invitations rocked up, so fingers crossed this is your golden ticket.

SanDisk® 512GB GamePLAY microSD Express Card

A $35 saving on a Micro SD card is a cracking deal right now, and will come in handy whilst trying out your OG Switch library on your brand new Nintendo Switch 2. These cards also guarantee fantastic performance playing Nintendo Switch 2 games, so it's a win-win.

Superman (2025) (4K Ultra HD Steelbook)

Superman 2025 is arguably DC movies returning back to form, not to mention Krypto being a good boy. It's already sold out once on Amazon, so get your preorder in whilst it's still available, I think this will be a gem in anyone's steelbook collection.

USB Type-C to A Cable 5 pack

More than 50% off a pack of five USB a to C cables? Yes please. These are always handy to have around, and no one wants to pay out of the nose for USB cables.

INIU Portable Charger 10000mAh 45W

This is ideal for carrying around when you've forgot to stick your phone on charge overnight, 45W is more than enough power to charge anything whilst using it, from phones to Nintendo Switch 2. So who can argue for $12?

TCL - 55" QM6K Series

144Hz refresh rate on a 4K HDR QD Mini LED 55" screen for under $450? There you go, that's all the selling this TV needs. TCL have a hell of a reputation for undercutting big brand TV names, and this deal is no different.

INIU 140W Power Bank

Need serious power on the go? INIU’s 140W PowerNova Power Bank delivers laptop-level charging with a massive 27,000mAh capacity that is airline approved. Charge up to three devices at once via two USB-C ports and one USB-A, including a dedicated 140W PD 3.1 output to top off a MacBook Pro 16" to 59% in just 30 minutes. The smart LED display shows real-time battery status, so you’re never guessing. Includes a USB-C cable, travel pouch, and INIU’s industry-leading 3-year warranty.

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker

The Fitbit Charge 6 makes tracking your health and workouts easier and more connected than ever, with 40+ exercise modes, built-in GPS, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and YouTube Music controls. Link it to compatible gym equipment to see your stats live as you move. It comes with both small and large bands, a sleek porcelain and silver finish, and a 6-month Fitbit Premium membership for deeper insights. Charge 6 works with both iOS and Android, and pairs perfectly with other Google products like Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Personal Fan with LED Display

Stay cool anywhere with TUNISE’s wearable neck fan, featuring a whisper-quiet motor and three adjustable speeds up to 4100 RPM. Its 5200mAh battery delivers up to 12 hours of cooling, while the clear LED display keeps tabs on battery life and fan speed. With a foldable, adjustable-angle design, this bladeless fan is as portable as it is stylish.

9-Outlet Anker 332 USB C Power Strip Surge Protector

Simplify your workspace with Anker’s 332 USB C Power Strip, packing six outlets, USB-C 20W Power Delivery, and Anker’s signature 8-Point Safety System. It protects against surges, fire risks, and overloads while keeping your devices topped up. The 5-foot cord and compact three-sided outlet design make it easy to fit anywhere in your home or office setup. Reliable charging meets smart safety in one sleek package.

INIU USB C Charger Block x 2

Charge two devices at once with INIU’s 30W dual-port USB-C charger set. Featuring GaN tech for cooler, safer charging, each block is 30% smaller than standard chargers and comes with foldable plugs for easy travel. Power up an iPhone 16 to 71% in just 30 minutes or juice up a MacBook Air with ease. This set includes two 60W USB-C cables, a user manual, and INIU’s industry-leading 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection (Switch)

I picked up the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection for Switch and it’s been a solid throwback to the old Duel Monsters days. I grew up playing these games, so jumping back in with the ability to duel online and unlock classic cards feels pretty great. The save-anywhere feature makes it easy to squeeze in a match during a break and come back to it later. I also like that you can rewind or fast forward during duels which makes testing out new strategies a lot more flexible.

Superman (Blu-ray + Digital)

I was hoping to grab the steelbook edition of Superman but it looks like that’s already sold out. The standard Blu-ray is still available though if you’re just looking to watch the movie without the collectible packaging. James Gunn delivers a Superman story that feels fresh while staying true to the character. There’s a solid balance of action, humor, and heart, and it sets a strong tone for what’s next in the DCU. If you’re into superhero movies that keep things grounded while still feeling big and cinematic, this one’s worth picking up.

Split Fiction (PS5)

I grabbed Split Fiction on PS5 recently and it’s been a great pick for co-op sessions. We gave it a 9 out of 10 and after playing it I can see why. It focuses on split-screen teamwork where you and a partner have to sync your actions to clear each challenge. I really like how each level introduces new mechanics and switches between sci-fi and fantasy settings so it never feels repetitive. Mio and Zoe’s story adds some extra depth too since they do not get along at first but that dynamic makes the whole adventure feel more personal as things ramp up.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

AirPods Pro 2 are one of those earbuds I keep noticing for their mix of sound quality and thoughtful features. At $199, they offer a strong balance of value and performance. The active noise cancellation blocks out a lot of background noise while adaptive audio automatically adjusts based on your surroundings. You get four sizes of silicone tips for a customizable fit, and once those are set they stay comfortable even through longer listening sessions. The personalized spatial audio and hearing aid features add extra depth, giving them more flexibility than just a standard pair of wireless earbuds.

DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake (Switch)

DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake caught my attention for how it brings that classic RPG feel into a modern format. At $34.99, it’s a pretty big discount compared to the usual price, which makes it an easy pick if you’ve been waiting to try it. The HD-2D visuals really stand out with that mix of pixel art and depth that makes the world feel fresh but still familiar. Battles stick to the traditional turn-based system but with small updates like adjustable speed and auto-battle, so it doesn’t feel stuck in the past. The soundtrack ties it all together with that same timeless vibe DRAGON QUEST fans already know.

The Lord of the Rings Illustrated (Tolkien Illustrated Editions)

The Lord of the Rings Illustrated Edition feels like more than just a regular hardcover. At $30.07 it is a big drop from the usual $90 which makes it a sound deal. What really sets this edition apart are the illustrations with Tolkien’s own drawings maps and sketches included throughout. The full text is printed in red and black ink and there are details like sprayed edges and a ribbon bookmark that make it feel more like a collector’s item.

Suikoden I & II HD Remastered (Switch)

Suikoden I & II HD Remastered at $48.31 for the Day One Edition is an essential pickup for JRPG fans. The updated pixel art looks sharp without losing the original style and the new environmental sounds add a little more atmosphere as you move through towns and dungeons. Fattle fast forward and auto-save features make revisiting these games more modern and easier to play in shorter sessions.

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.

PS Direct’s Summer Sale Has Some of the Best PS5 Console & Game Deals I’ve Seen in Ages

16 juillet 2025 à 18:23

Amazon has had its time selling us cheaper video games and hardware during Prime Day last week, and now it's PlayStation’s turn with the launch of the PS Direct Summer Sale ‘25.

Live right now at PlayStation Direct until July 29, the Summer Sale is cutting up to 60% off select games, PS5 consoles, and bundles.

Price drops on the PS5 Pro have not been included this time around, but this is the perfect time to grab a reduced PS5 Slim and jump into this console generation if you haven’t already.

If you have, you can simply sift through the deals on physical PS5 games below and tick some off your ‘need to buy’ backlog.

PS5 Console Deals for Summer Sale 2025

There’s quite a variety of PS5 console SKUs you can buy, depending on what you’re after, but the Digital Edition PS5 Slim is the highlight at £90 off its price at £339.99 from £429.99.

The standard PS5 Slim with disc drive included has been dropped to £434.99 from £479.99, but you could save an extra £20 by just grabbing the Digital Edition and buying the disc drive separately for £69.99.

If you want an extra DualSense Wireless controller, either as a spare or for co-op games like Split Fiction, the Summer Sale also has deals on the PS5 console controller bundles: costing £389.99 for the Digital Edition console and £484.99 for the disc drive console.

Arguably the biggest money-saving deal, though, is the PS5 Slim (with disc drive) bundle with 24 months of PlayStation Plus Premium for £634.99. That’s a £45 price cut from its £679.99 to start.

Then, with two years of PS Plus Premium valued at £239.98 (£119.99 for each 12 months), you’re essentially getting the PS5 Slim with disc drive for only £395.01 — an added saving of £39.98 compared to the standard SKU above, whilst giving you access to PS Plus Premium's full catalogue of over 700 PS5, PS5, PS4, PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP games.

Physical PS5 Game Deals for Summer Sale 2025

Speaking of games, the PlayStation Direct Summer Sale has quite a few gems on offer. While some of these deals bring them more in line with price tags at other retailers, others are unique bargains you won’t find elsewhere.

For example, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered has been reduced to £25.99 from £44.99, whereas the cheapest elsewhere is Amazon for a much higher £34.95.

The very fun Stellar Blade, new physical copies still going for around £59.99 at most major UK retailers like Argos and Currys, had been cut to £51.99 at PS Direct.

Another standout is the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for only £17.99, which is almost £8 cheaper than at Amazon. Containing both Uncharted 4 and Lost Legacy, that’s a great deal for two PS5 ports of some solid PS4-era adventures.

Take a look through the full catalogue containing everything in the sale I laid out above and see if anything takes your fancy. Although this sale’s going on until the 29th, some games in the sale — like The Last of Us Part 1, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, and Sackboy: A Big Adventure — all dropped to their lowest prices, have sold out already.

We’re assuming any consoles or games that sell out won’t be restocked until after it ends, so I’d recommend grabbing any of the best deals now if you’re considering them.

That said, we'll still be going back to the PlayStation Direct Sale page each day to check if any out of stock games or consoles have been restocked, and we'll update this article accordingly if they do end up being re-added.

Beloved Animated Web Series Murder Drones Makes the Jump to Comics | Comic-Con 2025

16 juillet 2025 à 18:00

One of the biggest web series in the world is making the jump to comics, as Oni Press reveals a new Murder Drones graphic novel. The comic, which debuts on Kickstarter in September 2025 and in comic shops in February 2026, will adapt the first season of the hit animated series.

Murder Drones is a collaboration between Oni and animation Studio Glitch Productions. The graphic novel is written by Wyatt Kennedy (Nights, Marvel United) and drawn by Jo Mi-Gyeong (Eve, Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance), with cover art by Alessio Zonno (I Heart Skullcrusher!).

Murder Drones was created by writer/director Liam Vickers and produced by Glitch co-founders Kevin & Luke Lerdwichagul. The series ran from 2021 to 2024 and earned two Webby Awards for Best Animated Video. Here's the official description for the graphic novel:

From the twisted mind of creator Liam Vickers and Glitch Productions comes a heart warming story of “destroy all humans. In the far future, a natural disaster has flash-frozen humanity’s remote mining exoplanet, Copper 9. Only now the “worker drones” – built by humanity and eventually outlived by them – have to rebuild society from the frozen ashes... An endeavor complicated by the appearance of “disassembly drones,” vampiric robot counterparts hell-bent on wiping mechanical life from the planet and an unsettling virus known as the "Absolute Solver.”

"The team at Glitch Productions are fiercely independent and deeply creative, and what they've built is wildly inspiring to witness. It's an honor for Oni to be welcomed into their fold to help expand Glitch's footprint into the world of comic book storytelling for the first time," said Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson in a statement. "From Invader Zim to Rick and Morty to Cult of the Lamb, Oni Press has always been at the forefront of bringing cutting-edge properties at the forefront of pop culture to comics in daring new ways, and Murder Drones is the perfect next extension of that tradition. Whether you're already a dedicated fan or set to experience these characters for the first time in comics form, we can't wait to share what Wyatt Kennedy and Jo Mi-Gyeong – two wildly talented creators in their own right – are bringing to this darkly fascinating and instantly engrossing mythology."

Murder Drones fans can visit the pre-launch page for the Kickstarter campaign to be notified when the campaign goes live in September. Glitch is also hosting a Comic-Con panel on Friday July 25 from 6 to 7 PM PT in Room 6A.

In other comic book news, Cult of the Lamb is returning to comics for the new Schism Special, and Marvel introduced David Colton, the forgotten post-9/11 Captain America.

Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on BlueSky.

I Know What You Did Last Summer Review

16 juillet 2025 à 18:00

About midway through the new I Know What You Did Last Summer, survivor of past hook-handed murder sprees and former teen with a guilty conscious Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr.) responds to a new rash of deaths in his coastal hometown: “There’s a lot of similarities to 1997.” Well, yeah. We all know why we’re here, and why a now gray-bearded Prinze is once more playing Ray in this kinda sequel to/kinda reboot of the first I Know What You Did Last Summer: To see if there are any new frights (and any lingering goodwill) to be squeezed from a slasherfied take on Lois Duncan’s YA bestseller about the consequences of covering up vehicular manslaughter. And while Ray is right – this movie does share a lot of similarities with its predecessor – it’s not quite enough to make it a horror classic on its own.

The cast is a cross-generational mix of notable up-and-comers (Outer Banks’ Madelyn Cline, The Studio’s Chase Sui Wonders) and returning favorites (Prinze, Jennifer Love Hewitt ), but the plot is more or less the same: An unknown assailant starts picking off a group of young adults one by one a year after they hid their involvement in a violent death. Normally, the identity of the killer – fashioned after a one-handed urban-legend boogeyman who’s haunted amorous youngsters for decades – would be I Know What You Did Last Summer’s central mystery. But co-writers Sam Lansky and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (the latter pulling double duty as director) barely have any time for that, convinced as they are that their movie must tie all of its threads back to the Southport massacre of ’97 film whether it truly makes sense to do so or not. The things that happen in I Know What You Did Last Summer happen because something must continuously move the plot forward, not due to any sense of internal logic.

Even the fun nods to the modern day, meant to set this movie somewhat apart from its predecessor, feel ho-hum. Characters reference a couple of online memes. Model/musician Gabbriette shows up as the host of a murder podcast. Hewitt’s recovering final girl Julie James is saddled with defining “trauma” in a scene that, assuming it hasn’t made your eyes roll right out of their sockets, could be read as a parody of Jamie Lee Curtis’ press tour for 2018’s Halloween.

That said, every now and then there are moments of true inspiration that pop amid the overriding paint-by-numbers feeling. Many of them involve Cline, who capably inherits the mantle of I Know What You Did Last Summer prom queen from Sarah Michelle Gellar. An early scene gives us the memorable image of her character soaking in a bathtub with a blood-red bath bomb, and one dream sequence involving another beloved character had me howling in the theater.

It made me wish that there was more of that wink-wink goofiness, more nods to I Know What You Did Last Summer’s rebooquel nature and the inherently silly sea of horror-movie staples waded through by Cline and her co-stars. After all, there’s really only so much self-seriousness a movie about a killer fisherman can conjure. At this endlessly self-referential point in modern pop culture, where the things we loved when we were young are resurrected for our entertainment in forms identical and strange, even a little acknowledgement of what the whole project is all about is nice.

The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Deals for July 2025

16 juillet 2025 à 17:59

Today's a big day for Nintendo Switch 2 owners, as Donkey Kong Bananza reviews are finally dropping (and we gave it a glowing 10/10!). If you've already picked up the game to play tomorrow and are searching for some good Switch 2 deals to take advantage of next, we're here to help. Here, we've gathered up some of the best Switch 2 deals that have crossed our radar lately. These range from sturdy carrying cases to keep your new Switch stored in, to screen protectors and a selection of accessories to stock up on.

If you're in the Switch shopping mood, now is a good time to pick up some of these items with great discounts available. Have a look through the latest Switch 2 deals we could find below.

TL;DR - The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Deals

Nintendo Switch 2 Invites Are Being Sent Out by Amazon

Before we get into the deals, it's worth pointing out that you cannot simply just add a console to your shopping cart at Amazon. If you want to buy a console from the retailer, you'll need to request an invite first. The good news is that Amazon has started opening up invite requests for both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle. While it's unclear when these invites will be sent out or what the stock situation is, we at least know that invites are now available. For more updates on stock and availability, check out our Nintendo Switch 2 buying guide.

Save on the SanDisk 512GB GamePLAY microSD Express Card

If you've been looking to stock up on storage for your Switch 2, Walmart's here with some good news: there's a 512GB SanDisk microSD Express Card in stock there for $78, which is by far the best price we’ve found for a card of this size that you can buy right now.

Walmart does have a 512GB onn microSDXC Express Card that's slightly cheaper, but it's been out of stock for a little while now. This makes the SanDisk option the best pick to go for at the moment. Walmart also has a 256GB onn micro SDXC Express Card available for $35.77, if you'd prefer a smaller amount of storage.

Switch 2 Carrying Case Deals

If you're planning on taking your Switch 2 out on any trips or adventures you have planned this summer, a carrying case is a very wise investment. Thankfully, there are plenty of great deals to check out right now on a variety of different case styles, whether you want something slimmer or with a very sturdy build. We're particularly fond of the tomtoc slim carrying case, which is discounted right now.

Best Switch 2 Screen Protector Deals

Once you've picked up your new Switch 2, it's important to find some extra protection for it. Screen protectors are a worthy investment and, thankfully, there are plenty of deals available right now. Even though these items are usually pretty affordable on their own, the discounts are a nice little treat to take advantage of while they're available.

Switch 2 Accessory Deals

If you've picked up your Switch 2 console and are now on the hunt for some accessories, there are a few deals worth checking out right now. From thumb grips to a protective case that can be wrapped around your Switch 2 in handheld mode, we've included some of our favorite deals above that are available at the moment.

Best Switch 2 Power Bank Deals

And lastly in our list of Nintendo Switch 2 deals for right now, you'll want to make sure you've got plenty of power to keep you going once you start playing on your new console. If you've been looking for a new power bank to have for when you're on-the-go, we've included a few great deals above that are worth checking out.

Where to Buy Official Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories

If official Nintendo Switch 2 accessories have been on your radar, we've included where you can buy those as well. Some of these have been going out of stock quick, though, so if something that catches your eye is still in stock you'll want to be quick to scoop it up while it's still available.

Where to Buy Nintendo Switch 2 Games

Most importantly: the games. If you're looking to fill up your Switch 2 library with some brand new games, or Nintendo Switch 2 editions of your favorites, we've included a wide variety of Switch 2 games that are available to preorder or buy above. Again, be quick to grab your favorites while they're still in stock.

Where to Buy Nintendo Switch 2

As mentioned before, if you've been hoping to buy the Nintendo Switch 2, the biggest news recently is that Amazon has put up listings for both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle with a "Request Invite" button. You'll need to obtain an invite from Amazon before you can purchase one, so submit a request if you're looking to buy. And, as always, keep an eye on our Nintendo Switch 2 buying guide for more updates on restocks and availability.

Even more Switch 2 deals are sure to pop up in the weeks to come. We'll make sure to update this when more noteworthy discounts appear.

In the meantime, if you're curious to see what's on offer for other consoles, have a look at our roundups of the best PS5 and Xbox deals.

We also have an overall roundup of the best video game deals that highlights our favorite discounts at the moment that we've found across each platform, including PC.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.

Cyberpunk 2077 Patch 2.3 Contents and Release Date Confirmed, Although Nintendo Switch 2 Owners Will Have to Wait

16 juillet 2025 à 17:08

Cyberpunk 2077 update 2.3 launches on July 17, CD Projekt has confirmed, across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S — but not Nintendo Switch 2.

In a livestream, CD Projekt developers said the studio needs more time to work on patch 2.3 for the Switch 2 version of the game. No release date was mentioned, but it was said it will release "soon after." Patch notes, per the Cyberpunk website, are below.

Paweł Sasko, Cyberpunk 2 Associate Game Director, said this patch focuses on vehicles and customization. Adrien Jouannet, Lead Designer at support studio Virtuos, which has helped CD Projekt with Cyberpunk 2077 updates, confirmed 2.3 adds three new cars (including the brand-new Yaiba Semimaru from the Cyberpunk 2077: Kickdown comic) and one new motorcycle, which is the first customizable motorcycle in the game. The new vehicles are each unlocked by completing a small quest. Sasko said it will be "intuitive" to trigger the quests. The new quests do not contribute to 100% completion for achievement hunters.

Elsewhere, update 2.3 adds the new AutoDrive feature, which lets you drive vehicles hands free. In-universe, AutoDrive hits all the vehicles in the game via a software update. You can set a marker, sit back and let the car drive there for you. It's worth noting to use AutoDrive you have be driving on a road, and it follows traffic rules, so expect to stop at red lights.

If you're attacked, AutoDrive stops automatically so you can deal with combat. Sasko said CD Projekt has fine-tuned the feature to make combat unlikely, so it sounds like you'll need to actively drive into combat to trigger it.

There's also a wandering mode, where the vehicle will drive automatically endlessly in free roam, which sounds fun for explorers. Helpfully, the Delamain AI taxi company can be hired for AutoDrive, so he can just drive you around if you'd like.

This, accompanied with the cinematic camera you can activate while driving, will let you see Night City in a much more cinematic way. This, Sasko said, was inspired by fan-made videos of driving around Night City for hours on end. You can use Photo Mode while using AutoDrive.

Speaking of Photo Mode, there's a lot of new features with 2.3. You can now change the time of day and the weather for the scene. There are 27 new NPCs for Photo Mode, too, as well as new outfits and natural poses for the main characters. CD Projekt teased a new Photo Mode contest for fans.

On the technical side, PC gamers can expect AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 3.1 (FSR 3.1) Frame Generation and Intel XeSS 2.0 support from the release of 2.3 tomorrow. Cyberpunk 2077 will support FSR 4, Sasko said, but it will arrive alongside a future AMD driver release. HDR10+ gaming is now properly supported, however. VRR is coming to the console versions of Cyberpunk 2077, too.

And finally, CD Projekt talked about the already-announced Mac version of Cyberpunk 2077, which launches alongside 2.3 tomorrow, July 17. There was no mention of the much-wanted New Game Plus, nor are there significant new quests or characters.

Is 2.3 the final update for Cyberpunk 2077? CD Projekt has said previously released patches drew a line under the near five-year-old game, so perhaps there is more to come. During the livestream, Sasko didn't say either way. Could Cyberpunk 2077 go out with a bang this December with a new update to coincide with its five-year anniversary?

In the longer term, CD Projekt recently confirmed Cyberpunk 2 has moved into the pre-production phase of development. But don’t hold your breath — the developer has suggested it won't release until late 2030 or even early 2031.

Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.3 Patch Notes:

Vehicles

Added 4 new vehicles, including several Side Jobs tied to acquiring them:

  • Yaiba ARV-Q340 Semimaru

Reward from a new side job (to unlock, complete The Hunt and The Beast In Me).

An additional side job unlocks the CrystalCoat™ feature for it.

  • Rayfield Caliburn "Mordred"

Reward from a new side job (to unlock, complete The Beast in Me: Badlands, The Beast in Me: Santo Domingo, Transmission, and Search and Destroy).

  • Yaiba ASM-R250 Muramasa

Reward from a new side job (to unlock, purchase 1 Yaiba vehicle, purchase at least 3 vehicles through AUTOFIXER, and complete Reported Crime: You Play with Fire...).

If you fail the side job, the vehicle can later be purchased through AUTOFIXER.

  • Chevillon Legatus 450 Aquila

Available for purchase on AUTOFIXER.

  • Introducing AutoDrive! This cutting-edge, autonomous driving feature will take you to your chosen destination (i.e. job objective or placed pin on the map). If you have no set destination, it will take you on a leisurely ride through the streets of Night City. Simply hop in any of your vehicles, make sure you're on a road, and hold H (PC) / Left Stick (consoles) to activate. This feature is disabled when you enter combat or when your vehicle is heavily damaged.
  • Implemented Cinematic Camera for AutoDrive. Hold Q (PC) / D-Pad Right (consoles) to activate. Sit back and enjoy cinematic views of Night City as you cruise toward your destination.
  • Self-driving Delamain cabs are now available on demand! Simply open the menu to call vehicles, then select "Delamain Cab" from the list to request a ride. This feature unlocks after completing the job Don't Lose Your Mind (regardless of outcome) and receiving a message from Delamain.
  • Rayfield's CrystalCoat™ is now available for vehicles from partner brands, including motorcycles. Additionally, the infamous hacker known as Cosmetic_Troll exploited a vulnerability and created a cracked version of Rayfield's CrystalCoat™ technology for lower-end vehicles. Please note, however, that some models do not support the technology, such as heavily modded nomad vehicles and job-related vehicles.
  • Fixed an issue where unique color schemes did not work properly on the Mizutani Shion MZ1 and MZ2.
  • Fixed an issue where unique color scheme could not be applied properly to the Villefort Deleon "Vindicator".

Photo Mode

  • Added 27 new NPCs that can be spawned in Photo Mode, including Rita Wheeler, the Cassel twins, fixers, Dum Dum, the iguana, Brendan, and more.
  • You can now switch between alternative outfits for NPCs spawned in Photo Mode.
  • You can now switch between V's saved Wardrobe outfits in Photo Mode.
  • Added a confirmation pop-up when exiting Photo Mode to prevent accidental exits after setting up the perfect shot.
  • Added more customization options to the Look-At Camera feature, including an option for only the character's eyes to turn toward the camera instead of their entire body.
  • Lights now spawn around the camera instead of the player character.
  • Added an outline to the spotlight mesh and an indicator when it's off-screen for better visibility.
  • Improved light movement speed on controllers.
  • Added multiple new stickers and frames, including iconic quotes and stylish overlays that let you turn your screenshots into Night City postcards – perfect for sharing memories from the City of Dreams.
  • Improved Depth of Field and moved it to the Camera tab.
  • Added a new Color Balance tab, allowing you to create your own custom filters.
  • Weather: includes rain, acid rain, fog, sandstorm, pollution, and sunny.
  • Time of Day: changes the time of day within Photo Mode.
  • Frame Forward: advances through an unlimited number of frames to capture the perfect shot.
  • Game Speed: allows in-game time to progress while in Photo Mode.

Quality of Life & Accessibility

  • The game will now detect if the player is using inverted mouse button settings and automatically adjusts in-game button prompts accordingly.
  • Added an option to toggle aiming down sights in Settings → Controls.

Jobs & Open World

  • Cyberpsycho Sighting: Bloody Ritual - the "Crack the ritualist's shard" objective now properly disappears from the Journal after completing the objective.
  • Sex on Wheels - now properly appears in the Journal after receiving the message from Jake Estevez.
  • Shot by Both Sides - fixed an issue where selecting a specific dialogue option in the conversation with Bree created a nameless, iconless item in the player's Inventory.
  • Shot by Both Sides - fixed an issue where the button to go to the lower level didn't appear on the elevator panel.

Gameplay

  • Fixed an issue where, when using a controller in Trauma Drama, the controllable character would default to shooting upwards instead of forward.
  • Players can now drop more Cyberware Capacity Shards if some within the intended drop limit were previously missed.
  • Fixed an issue causing automatic weapons to fire slower than intended.
  • Fixed an issue where the Official BARGHEST Tac Vest didn't drop from the scripted Airdrop as intended.
  • The level 60 Engineer perk no longer activates the EMP blast outside of combat or after entering a vehicle.
  • Added an option to replay the gameplay tutorial at any time via Settings → Controls.

Miscellaneous

  • Added an option to tell Johnny to go away after you look at him for a short while when he appears in the passenger seat. He takes the hint and disappears as a passenger for a couple days.
  • Fixed an issue where the sound of V's Radioport could be randomly interrupted by the Radioports of nearby NPCs.
  • Fixed an issue where History by Gazelle Twin and Trash Generation played too loudly compared to other songs on the radio.
  • Improved the HDR Setting screen: fixed the HDR calibration preview so it correctly reflects the chosen settings, and clarified the description of the "Tone-Mapping Midpoint" setting.
  • Updated the End User Licence Agreement. You will be asked to accept it again when you load the game after updating.
  • Fixed several visual issues with missing, clipping, or floating textures.
  • Fixed several localization issues in various languages.

PC-specific

  • Added support for AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 for compatible AMD GPUs. IMPORTANT: The FSR 4 option will not be available in the in-game settings until the supporting AMD driver is installed. Please note that the driver will be released at a later date.
  • Added support for AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution Frame Generation 3.1 for compatible hardware. It can now be used in combination with any upscaler.
  • Added support for ​Intel XeSS 2.0, with XeSS Frame Generation available on compatible hardware.
  • Added support for HDR10+ GAMING certified Intel GPUs. To enable this feature, your display must support the technology (Find My Display) and have "Game Mode" enabled. The HDR10+ GAMING toggle can be found in Settings in the Video tab.
  • Fixed an issue where the DLSS Super Resolution Preset would invisibly revert from the CNN model to the Transformer model after restarting the game, even though the UI still displayed the CNN model as active.
  • Added more detailed information to the DLSS Super Resolution Preset tooltip in Settings to help players choose the best option for their setup.
  • Added the ability to move the mouse cursor to a different display while in Windowed Borderless mode.
  • Increased the maximum save size from 12 MB to 15 MB.
  • It will now be possible to rebind the key used to jump out of vehicles with the Stuntjock perk.

Console-specific

  • Added VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
  • Fixed an issue where foliage was not properly affected by weather conditions on PlayStation 5.

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.

The Best Jigsaw Puzzle Brands for Quality Puzzling in 2025

16 juillet 2025 à 15:30

Piecing together a puzzle is a great way to relax. Whether you enjoy the hobby on your own or with others, there's quite a few different formats to choose from these days, too. There are some puzzles that offer fun 3D builds that bring your efforts to life and some even tell a story with a secret ending that ties it all together. If you don't frequently build puzzles, though, finding a good option like the ones previously mentioned means tracking down a reliable brand first.

One visit to Amazon will show you that there's an abundance of companies offering different puzzles, which can feel quite overwhelming. We're here to help, though. In this list, we've gathered up some of our favorite puzzle brands that we believe are worth dropping money on and noted some puzzles from each that we highly recommend. If you've been itching to pick up something new to get stuck into, have a look at our collection of the best puzzle brands below.

Ravensburger

Ravensburger is a brand that's been around for a while, offering a wide range of puzzle sizes from smaller 500-piece options - and even lower, if you prefer - to one of the largest puzzles with 40,000 pieces. Yes, really! The puzzle pieces are cut to fit neatly into place, with the company stating on its website that its "puzzles are made using custom-built tools and steel strips, handcrafted by skilled artisans. This meticulous process ensures each piece fits perfectly, providing a flawless puzzle experience without any false fits." The company also notes that each puzzle goes through quality checks, so you know you're getting a product that'll last. It's also worth noting that Ravensburger puzzles are even used in the world jigsaw puzzle championship.

Below you can find some Ravensburger puzzles we'd recommend in a wide range of sizes. Starting from just 500 pieces and going up to a whopping 5,000, there's a puzzle for every challenge level available. We've even included a couple of their 3D puzzles if you want a finished product that you can set up afterward. Ravensburger also has many officially licensed puzzles from franchises like Harry Potter, Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings.

Recommended Puzzles From Ravensburger

Magic Puzzle Company

The Magic Puzzle Company really lives up to its name. Its magical puzzles combine a "traditional jigsaw puzzle experience with ideas from the worlds of tabletop games and magic," according to its website. It's become a very beloved brand as well, with its Kickstarter boasting 62,284 backers from when it was last updated. Each of its 1,000-piece puzzles features over 50 easter eggs for you to find, but the coolest part about them is the special secret ending you get after finishing the first part of the puzzle. This important element helps tie together the story from the first set of pieces in the box, making it even more satisfying to finish. There are now a total of four series' releases of these puzzles with series four arriving at Amazon earlier in 2025.

Each puzzle from the Magic Puzzle Company offers a unique experience with original art, to boot. We've included a few of our recommended puzzles below that each have something interesting to bring to the table, from the magical Mystic Maze to the colorful Gnomes' Homes.

Recommended Puzzles From Magic Puzzle Company

Springbok

Springbok is another well-regarded brand that's been around for a very long time - since 1963 to be exact. The company offers a variety of different puzzles to choose from so you can find an option that best suits your personal tastes and skill level. Each one is made with a lot of love, too. The company prides itself on creating quality puzzles, stating on its website that, "The quality of our dies and above average thickness of our chipboards ensures the interlocking pieces will come together flawlessly multiple times."

From piecing it together to admiring the final work and all of the details within it, Springbok's puzzles will keep you busy for quite a while. Below we've included a few fun puzzles from their collections, from a selection of sweet treats to a puzzle paying homage to some excellent films.

Recommended Puzzles From Springbok

Heye

Heye's puzzles come in a fun variety of unique designs and ones with incredible amounts of detail. On its website, you can find the 'Puzzle' category broken down into five sections: Art Lab, Cartoon, Fantasy, Fine Art, and Photo Art. Each of these is further broken down into more sections so you can explore the many different styles of puzzle that are available. Not only that, but Heye also offers a range of puzzle sizes, from 500 pieces to 6,000, so you can easily find one that fits the challenge level you're looking for.

On top of its creative puzzle designs, the company also notes on its website that, "HEYE puzzles have been successively converted to plastic-free production without plastic bags and shrink wrap." That's a very big win for sustainability. Below you can find just a few of our recommended puzzles from Heye.

Recommended Puzzles From Heye

Rokr

Not all puzzles come in a 2D format. If you're looking for something a little different to work with, Rokr offers a great collection of 3D builds that can up your puzzling game with their intricate designs. With 10 years of experience and, according to its website, 4,190 Happy Members, Rokr is a reliable brand for those looking to expand on their puzzling skills. Its models are built to last, too. On its website, the company states that it prioritizes, "the use of durable, child-safe materials to ensure that our products not only withstand the rigors of play but also provide a reliable and secure play environment."

Below we've listed just a few of our favorite puzzles from Rokr, from an illuminated globe to a miniature pinball machine. These come with varying amounts of puzzle pieces as well, so there's a little something for every challenge level here. If you're looking for a good LEGO alternative, we recommend starting witht his brand.

Recommended Puzzles From Rokr

Buffalo Games

Buffalo Games is another brand that's been in the game for a while, since 1986. The company has crafted numerous puzzles since then, with care for their construction at the forefront of its mind. According to its website, the company states that, "With a careful eye for quality and sustainability, our puzzles use the thickest graphic board, premium paper, and sturdy set-up boxes." Each puzzle is also "manufactured using a precision cutting technique that guarantees every piece snaps into place with our signature Perfect Snap™ technology."

Whether you want a puzzle with a scenic view or one that captures your favorite piece of entertainment, Buffalo Games has quite a few options to choose from. We've included just a few of our favorites below in varying sizes, from 300 to 2,000 pieces.

Recommended Puzzles From Buffalo Games

How Do You Know if a Brand Has Quality Puzzles?

It's always worth researching a brand when you come across a puzzle that interests you to learn more about them. Quite a few companies will have further details about them on their website to read so you can have a better idea about who you're buying from. Another great way to learn more about a brand is by reading reviews or comments from fellow puzzlers online who have bought from the brand previously. Doing this can help you make a good judgement call about a brand and if they're worth your time and money.

Jigsaw Puzzle FAQs

What is the best piece count for puzzles?

Puzzles come in a pretty wide variety of piece counts, but some of the most common are 300, 500, and 1000-piece puzzles. Choosing what piece count is right for you depends on a mixture of how good you are at puzzles, how much time you have, and whether or not you have a dedicated space to do puzzles. Lower piece counts are usually better for casual puzzlers and kids, but higher piece counts are better for adults and challenge seekers. That being said, the most common piece counts you'll see from the best jigsaw puzzle brands are 500 and 1000-piece puzzles.

What type of material is good for quality puzzles?

For most quality jigsaw puzzles, a sturdy cardboard base is what you'll find used as the material. You can usually judge a puzzle's quality by just how sturdy and thick the cardboard is. Puzzle cardboard (also known as chipboard) comes in a pretty wide variety of thicknesses and this can affect how easily the puzzle fits together. Lower-quality puzzles will usually use thinner base coardboard resulting in flimsier pieces that don't have that same 'click' when you put them together. Outside of cardboard, wood can be a good material for puzzles. However depending on the type of wood used you might end up with chipped or splintered pieces. Most of the time high-quality cardboard is what you should be looking for.

3D Puzzles vs. 2D Puzzles

In the world of jigsaw puzzles, there are multiple dimensions in which you could be working with. 2D puzzles are the standard flat versions most folks are used to, but the 3D variety brings the puzzle into model kit territory. If you're trying to choose which type of puzzle to buy, it really just comes down to whether or not you want to display the end result. 3D puzzles are great if you're looking to build something to keep on a shelf or a desk, whereas 2D puzzles are great for framing and hanging on your wall. If you're just looking for a jigsaw puzzle to put together at your leisure and then stuff back in the box, 2D is the way to go.

If you're interested in 3D puzzles, we recommend you check out some of the coolest book nook kits for adults. These are designed to sit on your shelf among a book collection.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.

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