I love a good video game redemption story, as I have emphatically expressed in the past when discussing the journey which Hello Games and No Man’s Sky went on. While of course it would be preferable that a game is released in a perfect state – representing the exact vision that the development team had for it – one of the next best things is for a title to scrounge its way out of a pit of unfulfilled promises and redeem itself through dedicated care and support.

Given enough time and effort, a team with a cohesive vision, will and the creative freedom to do so can turn even the most disappointing game into the masterpiece which it had intended to be. Here’s the thing though, in order for such rare occurrences to take place, the team in question above all else must have a concrete vision for the identity of their game – even if the launch result was not able to represent it.

This is the problem with Ubisoft. Known for their middle-of-the-road output, the publisher has in the past and present shown a commitment to making sweeping changes to its games post-launch in order to craft an overall improved experience in the long-term. Unfortunately, Ubisoft appears to have neither the vision – nor its games the sense of identity – in order to elevate them beyond just being “another Ubisoft game.”

Before going ahead, I want to briefly give Ubisoft some credit. While not applicable to every release, the publisher has in recent years shown a greater dedication to the long-term support for its games. Though this comes in various shapes, sizes and timelines, the ever-increasing fiscal danger which the publisher has found itself in has seemingly forced them to commit to a more rapid and reactive response to player feedback with its games.

The poster child for this is none other than 2024’s Star Wars Outlaws. Marketed as being the first open-world Star Wars game, Ubisoft had a lot riding on the success of this licensed title – not only due to the likely-exorbitant fees required from such a partnership with Disney – but also thanks to a number of previous high-profile disappointments. And so, when Star Wars Outlaws released and its lukewarm sales figures were only matched by its critical reception, Ubisoft had to act.

Thus would come what is perhaps one of the most clear examples of a game creator seemingly going directly against their own vision. While ultimately for the betterment of the title itself, even just a couple notable alterations to a game’s design can fundamentally change it – and Ubisoft introduced star destroying levels of changes; so much so that it is quite clear that whatever vision the team had for the game was fleeting.

As mentioned, Star Wars Outlaws launched to a rather lukewarm reception, with criticism surrounding the game involving discussions of insta-fail stealth sections; limited gunplay and stretched out checkpoints. All this, and much more, created a particular sense of identity and vision which the team at Massive Entertainment were clearly going for. Even prior to release, they said it themselves: you are not a superhuman jedi nor a Sith lord. Instead, you are Kay – an outlaw whose relative lack of firepower requires them to sneak around; hoping that they don’t encounter any enemies.

In many ways, it was clear that this sense of atmosphere and style of gameplay was an intentional part of the game’s design. Unfortunately, fans didn’t like the vision which Ubisoft presented. So what did they do? They changed it completely.

Starting with the very first title update, Star Wars Outlaws was already backtracking on its design philosophies introducing “tweaks and improvement on some challenging stealth moments”. Considering the fact that stealth was advertised as a core part of the game’s experience, already changing how it functions does not give the greatest sense of confidence in the world.

This was just the beginning however. When it came to stealth, each update introduced further sweeping changes, including but not limited to:

• Reducing your detection while rolling
• Tweaked the overall stealth experience by adjusting AI detection, the number of NPCs and their positioning, patrol pathing, camera detection and highlighting environmental opportunities to reduce player friction
• Reduced detection chances when using cover
• Implemented stealth changes to ‘False Flag' and other missions to give players more flexibility in how they approach situations without the risk of failing
• Improved enemy detection
• Improved detection signs and feedback of cameras
• Added visual indication of when an NPC starts detecting the player
• Made it clearer whether a takedown could trigger combat

While in and of themselves enough changes to drastically impact Outlaws’ stealth experience, compounding with other gameplay; economy; traversal and combat changes and Star Wars Outlaws today is a wholly unrecognisable and different beast – with just some of the combat changes being as followed:

• Added a quick throw button for using grenades
• Improved NPC combat behaviour
• Scaled ‘Wanted' difficulty based on player progression
• Removed autosave restrictions for combat/detection
• Improved enemy AI and combat behaviour
• Improved enemy tactical decision-making in combat to encourage more active management of their positioning
• Decreased enemy damage per shot while increasing the damage cadence increase over time
• Enabled the use of combat in parts of syndicate districts
• Added weak points to various enemies
• Adjusted weapon aiming (spread, recoil, etc.) to allow for more precision and management
• Updated weapon damage values for Kay for all weapons
• Increased headshot damage when hitting enemies
• Added enemy stagger to explosions
• Improved NPC cover usage during combat
• Improved camera when shooting, aiming down sights, and moving aim
• Improved enemy AI when detecting grenades and when Kay is hidden in smoke
• Improved detection when ‘in-combat' state
• Improved shooting when behind cover to prevent hitting the environment
• Improved enemy AI when moving to cover/being suppressed

Pretty much all of these changes sound positive, with Ubisoft seemingly addressing many of the biggest complaints which players had with the game. Here’s the thing though, each of these singular patch notes could alone be enough to alter the game’s original experience. When a game creator has vision, every decision, design choice and compromise is made in alignment with said vision.

For a game which is stealth focused, wanting you to feel somewhat underpowered in order to force you sneak around, even just one of the changes listed above could wholly impact the overall experience, pacing, and identity. For example, a seemingly mild change such as “Adjusted weapon aiming (spread, recoil, etc.) to allow for more precision and management” is enough to displace the game’s original intent. Making players a more accurate marksman immediately affects the sense of tension, danger and risk during any stealth sections as one missed shot could alert everyone around you. Now, with the ability to pop a clean headshot from far away, that sense of danger, risk and fear is gone.

That is just looking at a single patch note and its impact on the experience. But game design decisions are not made in isolation. Every single one of the changes above make an increasing and exponential impact on Outlaws’ identity – from the increased headshot damage to the amount of camera sway, and even the choice to switch from Performance to Quality Mode as the default on console shows a wavering sense of vision.

While of course the choice in graphical fidelity is welcome, most casual players are unlikely to even open the options menu, meaning the default experience needs to be well thought out, balanced and designed with intent. Opting for the 30fps mode as default makes sense for a game like Star Wars Outlaws, with its emphasis on using high-end rendering techniques, cinematic flair and even lens distortion which replicates that of the original trilogy of films. For some reason however, the team decided to ship the game out with performance mode as the default – only to quickly change it around post-launch. Similarly, while the game was also almost entirely advertised in an ultra-wide cinematic aspect ratio, Outlaws didn’t even fully support the format at launch.

All the above is still far from the complete list of alterations made in the months following Outlaws’ launch. Other miscellaneous – yet equally as impactful – changes, this time for general gameplay and traversal, include:

• Improved the speeder's response and reaction when called
• Improved speeder collision with the environment to reduce being knocked off the speeder
• Improved speeder travel by reducing collisions with objects in the environment
• Kay now holsters a two-handed weapon in more situations such as when climbing, grappling or using the speeder
• Added the ability to free fire Kay's blaster while riding the speeder
• Kay is now thrown off the speeder when hit by a melee attack
• Added the ability to press jump twice when near a grapple point to activate it
• Improved attaching and releasing input when using the grappling hook
• Increased spawn rates for speeder races
• Miyuki Traders have been upgraded to full vendors and now sell passive system upgrades in addition to previous resource items
• Added new space contracts for all players that include multiple challenge types

Once again, these seemingly small tweaks have an overall major impact on Outlaws’ ‘intended’ experience. Once a somewhat clunky and risky mode of traversal for escape, requiring a meter build up in order to fire at the enemies, Kay can now easily blast any adversaries around her at any time, all the while maintaining a greater sense of control of the speeder. This fundamentally changes the way that a player will interact with the world around them.

Similarly, though admittedly done in a rather poor manner, Outlaws’ limiting of your weaponry – in having you constantly drop the guns which you’ve picked up off of enemies – served a function. Seemingly inspired by the likes of Uncharted, Outlaws’ gunplay was intended as a sort of continuously moving and somewhat hectic affair in which you would be constantly and consistently picking up other guns, expending their ammo and then picking up another.

The limited ammo and inability to hold onto these guns purposefully pushed players to use the tools given to them, instead of hoarding them for later “just in case”. This system has of course been turned on its head as a result of these tweaks. Even the changes made to trading can have a notable impact on the game’s economy – affecting all elements from progression to the vibes.

These are all design decisions which Ubisoft would have considered during the earliest days of Star Wars Outlaws’ development – or at the very least they should have considered. Am I being a bit harsh? Absolutely. With the typical developer/publisher relationship in mind, what likely took place was that the creatives at Ubisoft had a vision for Star Wars Outlaws – that being a somewhat challenging, stealth focused game with a mix of pre-planning, and flexible emergent gameplay when all hell inevitably breaks loose.

Be it due to a lack of time, budget, mismanagement or simply a failure to execute on the vision, reception towards Outlaws was mid, and so too were its sales. The higher-ups at Ubisoft likely saw this and panicked, with even the power of the Star Wars IP failing to keep the game floating above water. With neither care nor concern for the original game’s vision, those at the top then took their golden executive lift down to the offices of the ‘workers’ with one simple command: “fix the game.”

What does this mean? Who knows exactly, and so the dev team opted to address the game’s various complaints one at a time. The insta-fail sections are annoying? Get rid of them. The game doesn’t look as good as the pre-release material? Change the default graphics mode. The weapons feel discouraging to use? Turn them into laser beams. Bit by bit, with each change and alteration made, the original identity of Star Wars Outlaws was stripped away from it. Now, what you're left with is a game which while admittedly objectively better, feels more generic, sanitised and somewhat vision-less.

The buck doesn’t stop with Star Wars Outlaws however. While one of the more clear examples in years, the early changes made to the more recently-released Assassin’s Creed Shadows seems to indicate them once again heading in a similar familiar direction. While the launch reception towards Assassin’s Creed Shadows was certainly more positive than Outlaws’, its overall experience still remained far from perfect. 

The 4th entry in the series’ RPG-styled AC offerings, Assassin’s Creed Shadows managed to improve greatly over 2020’s Valhalla. Even so, in the immediacy following its release, Ubisoft committed to making a ton of changes (mostly for the better). Though far less extensive when compared to Outlaws (due to being a more recent release), some of the biggest changes coming to Shadows over the course of the next year include:

• New Ally, abilities, activities, and additional backstory that will permanently impact the game
• Multiple parkour updates, stating with:
  • Height-gaining back-ejects
  • Height-gaining side-ejects
  • Vertical Ledge Jump allowing both characters to jump and grab onto awnings and lower overhangs
• Horse-auto follow and faster speeds
• Speed improvements
• Mastery nodes reset
• Can turn off weapon glints
• expanding the Alarm System and are bringing it to the Open-World to give you even more challenge! 
• Investigation board shortcut

As mentioned, Shadows only released relatively recently, and so Ubisoft has not yet had the chance to wholly alter its identity. Still, as was the case with Star Wars Outlaws, each of the above patches could fundamentally change the way you play and experience the game.

Horse auto-follow makes traversal trivial and mindless – making the strongest aspect of Shadows, its environmental visuals more easily ignorable. Similarly, while the mastery node reset is a welcome addition as it allows for more experimentation, this now removes the careful considerations which players needed to make and plan for previously in order to more directly role play in this RPG.

Parkour in Shadows was designed in a way to discourage the practice when playing as Yasuke due to his relative lack of skills and heavier build in this regard compared to Naoe. Assuming the aforementioned parkour improvements come to both Naoe and Yasuke, then Ubisoft will have once again sanitised one of the game’s biggest design decisions.

As a champion of accessibility, I welcome changes which can make any game more approachable and available to as many people as possible – so long as it does not clash with the creator’s original intent. Pretty much all of these changes made are seen as being positive, ultimately making for a more agreeable experience. The issue isn’t in that these features exist at all, but that they have come (or are arriving) long after launch and in direct contrast with the game’s original experience.

Am I more likely to play Assassin’s Creed Shadows once all the updates have been released as compared to its launch state? Of course, and in this regard, Ubisoft has done the correct thing in wanting to improve the game post-launch. The thing is, with so many drastic changes released in a sporadic and seemingly disconnected manner to the rest of the game, it feels less like Ubisoft are shooting for the stars, missing and then trying to correct for the missed trajectory.

Instead, the company appears to have just needed to get the game off the ground first – and would then worry about any issues as and when they encountered it. Or in the worst case, Ubisoft were shooting for the stars, they missed, and so the executives told them to aim at the sun instead; changing the mission statement all the while.

Ubisoft is a weird company. Anytime a new game is announced from the publisher, it is presented with a strong sense of direction, vision and identity. Unfortunately, this vision is rarely met come the game’s official launch day – leading to a response from the team which ultimately undoes many of the design decisions that made the game what it was. This is why Ubisoft has no vision – and its games lack identity.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Ubisoft’s output in recent years? Would you rather they stick to their guns when it comes to game design principles, or do you appreciate how reactive they are to critical reception? Let us know down below.

The post KitGuru Games: Ubisoft Has No Vision And Its Games Lack Identity first appeared on KitGuru.

Lian Li has launched the new Uni Fan SL-Infinity Wireless, a fan series designed for extensive customisation. It features three independently controllable lighting zones and distinct dual-layered infinity mirror patterns on both sides, offering two different visual styles.

The fans feature L-Wireless Sync 2.4 GHz technology, enabling wireless control of ARGB lighting (58 LEDs per fan) and fan speeds. This technology reduces cable clutter by eliminating the need for a central hub, giving your system's internals a cleaner aesthetic. The receiver can connect to either side of the fan for easy installation. An updated 4-pin cable ensures the fans are recognised as PWM devices in the BIOS, and a built-in tail PWM cable provides additional power. Lighting effects can be fully customised with the upgraded L-Connect 3 software.

All fan models use an embedded fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) for additional durability and low-noise operation. However, there are differences in their specs, with the standard model rotating between 200 and 2300 RPM and pushing up to 67 CFM of air with a static pressure of 3.4 mmH₂O at a noise level of 29.2 dB(A). The reverse models also rotate between 200 and 2300 RPM and can push up to 69.7 CFM of air with a static pressure of 2.2 mmH₂O at a noise level of 32.2 dB(A).

The Uni Fan SL-Infinity Wireless fan series is available in black and white, with conventional or reverse airflow options. It costs $104.99 for a 3-pack and $31.99 for a single unit. Pre-orders are now available.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Lian Li's decision to have various side designs for its new fans? Do you think other brands should follow the example, or is a single-sided design the way to go?

The post Lian Li introduces Uni Fan SL-Infinity Wireless with dual side design first appeared on KitGuru.

Kojima Productions is set to host a “game premiere” presentation for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach with Geoff Keighley on the Summer Game Fest main stage. This event will occur on Sunday, June 8/9th, at 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST, concluding this year's Summer Game Fest schedule.

The presentation is described as an “exclusive look” at the game and will feature special guests alongside Kojima and Keighley, likely including core cast members.

This presentation marks the beginning of a “world tour” for Death Stranding 2 that will continue until November. The tour itinerary is as follows:

• June 8th: Los Angeles (Summer Game Fest)
• June 14th: Sydney
• June 26th: Tokyo
• June 28th: Paris
• June 30th: London
• July 4th: Seoul
• July 6th: Taipei
• July 9th: Hong Kong
• July 12th: Shanghai
• August: Riyadh
• October: São Paulo
• November: Lucca

Additional details regarding each stop on the tour have yet to be announced. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will be released for PlayStation 5 on June 26th, 2025.

KitGuru says: Are you interested in Death Stranding 2? Are you planning on going to any of the world tour events?

The post Death Stranding 2 will have its live “Game Premiere” at Summer Game Fest first appeared on KitGuru.

FromSoftware and Bandai Namco's Elden Ring Nightreign has rapidly surpassed 2 million players within a day of its release and amassed over 300,000 concurrent players on Steam. 

Notably, Elden Ring Nightreign is unavailable on subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, suggesting that the 2 million player count closely reflects copies sold. The game also reached over 310,000 concurrent users on Steam (according to SteamDB), though player feedback has been mixed (66% on Steam user reviews). Still, the number of concurrent users will likely be beaten during its first weekend.

Common criticisms to the game include a perceived lack of options for solo players and the absence of crossplay, which is often expected in modern multiplayer titles. Despite these complaints, reviewers have praised it as being quite fun, featuring many of what made the original Elden Ring a great game. The game currently has an OpenCritic score of 80, with 79% of critics recommending it.

KitGuru says: Have you already bought Elden Ring Nightreign? What do you think of From Software's new take on the soulslike genre?

The post Elden Ring Nightreign sells 2 million copies in first 24 hours first appeared on KitGuru.

Intel's next-generation desktop CPU socket, LGA-1954, is rumoured to retain the same physical dimensions as its predecessors, LGA-1851 and LGA-1700. This news, surfacing from recent shipping manifests and various industry reports, suggests a potential silver lining for enthusiasts looking to upgrade their systems in the future, as they can retain their cooling solutions. The LGA-1954 is expected to be the platform for Nova Lake-S processors, which are slated for a 2026 launch following the reported Arrow Lake Refresh later this year.

Based on the manifest shared by Ruby_Rapids (via VideoCardz), the LGA-1954 socket measures 45mm x 37.5mm, identical to both LGA-1851 and LGA-1700. The LGA-1954 socket's footprint strongly indicates that many existing CPU coolers designed for these older platforms will remain mechanically compatible, potentially saving costs for builders. Despite the identical dimensions, the LGA-1954 significantly increases the pin count to 1,954, most likely to accommodate enhanced power delivery for Intel's increasingly complex CPU designs.

Note, however, that mechanical compatibility doesn't guarantee optimal thermal performance. Modern Intel desktop CPUs, being non-monolithic designs, often feature shifted heat hotspots. For instance, the LGA-1851 has a hotspot positioned slightly towards the northeast of the TIM. Nova Lake-S will likely present similar challenges, meaning existing coolers might not perfectly align with these new hotspots. While a complete cooler replacement might not be necessary, specialised mounting hardware, such as offset bars, could still be required to ensure proper cooler alignment. Future Nova Lake-S CPUs may also feature higher TDPs, meaning current solutions might not offer enough cooling power to handle the upcoming CPUs.

Despite the potential for cooler reuse, transitioning to LGA-1954 will still require a new motherboard, as the current LGA-1851 motherboards will remain exclusive to Arrow Lake and its refresh. Hopefully, the LGA-1954 will have a longer lifespan than the LGA-1851.

KitGuru says: Changing the socket yet again won't do Intel any favours, as consumers will likely not be too happy about buying a new motherboard. However, if the performance of the upcoming CPUs is good, consumers may give the company a pass.

The post Intel Nova Lake-S socket may be compatible with older and current CPU coolers first appeared on KitGuru.

Earlier this week, EA revealed that it has closed down one of its single-player studios, Cliffhanger Games, and cancelled its Black Panther title. This game was one of three planned Marvel game projects and despite its cancellation, EA says there will still be three games on the way.

EA and Marvel Games had a deal in place for three major video game releases. The first was Iron Man, by EA Motive and the second was the Black Panther game. Black Panther has been cancelled, but Iron Man is still in the works at EA Motive. It would seem that while Black Panther was cancelled, EA still plans to deliver three Marvel games in the years ahead.

In a statement sent to IGN, EA said that the relationship between itself and Marvel was still “strong” and that the previous deal between the two companies is still ongoing: “The multi-title, long-term relationship between Marvel Games and EA, a creative collaboration focused on original storytelling with various, beloved Marvel characters, remains strong. Development of our console and PC titles, beginning with Marvel's Iron Man, is led by Motive Studios”.

The last part of that statement makes it sound like EA Motive will now be responsible for all three Marvel games. Whether EA has pivoted to an Iron Man trilogy, or plans to develop three separate, unconnected games with different characters in each, still remains to be seen.

KitGuru Says: I'm looking forward to the Iron Man game, but with EA shutting down two single-player game studios in back-to-back years, I wouldn't take this as confirmation that we will definitely see all three of these games come to fruition.

The post EA says its three-game partnership with Marvel is ‘still strong’ after Black Panther cancellation first appeared on KitGuru.

Ahead of The Witcher 3's launch in 2015, CD Projekt Red promised mod tools as a free DLC post-launch. The mod kit for the game ended up being fairly minimal, offering users ways to edit textures but not much else. Fortunately, CD Projekt Red released a far more comprehensive set of modding tools in 2023, allowing users to create genuinely new content for the game, like custom quests. Now, mod support is heading to consoles.

As part of CD Projekt Red's Witcher 3 10-year anniversary celebration, the company has now announced cross-platform mod support for the game. Not only will this bring mod support to The Witcher 3 on Xbox Series X/S and PS5, but it will also enable an in-game mod browser for the PC version too.

Like the cross-platform mod support in Baldur's Gate 3, The Witcher 3 will use the mod.io platform, which in itself is quite similar to Bethesda's Creations store. Users can browse, download and enable mods all from an in-game menu, removing the need to use external websites and download/install mods manually.

This all follows the release of a new mod editor for The Witcher 3, which released last year. The new tools allow users to make entire new questlines, introduce custom scripts, or edit existing content in the game.

KitGuru Says: Despite new mod tools being available, we've yet to hear about any fan-made expansions for The Witcher 3 like we see in Skyrim. However, a few creators have added some small new questlines, including ports of quests from The Witcher 1. 

The post The Witcher 3 is getting cross-platform mod support first appeared on KitGuru.

For years, Games for Windows Live (GFWL) was seen as a blight on PC gaming. Fortunately, Microsoft ditched it, but in the process, some games were left inaccessible. A number of major games have been updated since to remove all traces of GFWL, but it was only in 2024 when Capcom decided to finally start the process. Now over half a year later, Lost Planet 2 has been revived.

When Games for Windows Live shut down, Capcom had to delist a number of titles from PC storefronts like Steam. This week, Capcom revealed that its work has finished for Lost Planet 2, the second game in an excellent trilogy of survival shooters.

If you own Lost Planet 2 on Steam already, you can now download the latest version of the game, which removes all traces of the defunct (and awful) Games for Windows Live system. It isn't all sunshine and rainbows though, as the update did also break online multiplayer and well, if you had a Lost Planet 2 save, it might now be busted.

Fortunately, Lost Planet 1 and Lost Planet 3 both escaped the curse of Games for Windows Live, so those games did not require a new update.

KitGuru Says: I was a big fan of the Lost Planet trilogy back in the 360-era, but I've never tried the PC versions. Do you own these games on PC? Are you glad to see GFWL removed from Lost Planet 2?

The post Lost Planet 2 update finally removes Games for Windows Live first appeared on KitGuru.

Mundfish, the developer behind the 2023 hit Atomic Heart, is leveraging its debut title's success to expand into a new strategic venture within the gaming industry. As the title just reached 10 million players, the studio has officially launched Mundfish Powerhouse, a new publishing initiative to support developers and investors.

Atomic Heart has surpassed 10 million users across all platforms since its launch in February 2023. Building on this achievement, Mundfish (via Push Square) describes Powerhouse as more than a traditional publishing arm; it aims to be a full-scale creative and operational partner. The new label promises to provide its partners with production expertise, high-end tools, a proven and scalable development pipeline, and hands-on support from concept through to launch.

Mundfish CEO Robert Bagratuni articulated the selective criteria for Powerhouse's collaborations, stating, “Powerhouse will only partner with projects where we see great potential to make noise. Not just a handful of indie hits, but big, bold games that can set a new standard for quality and creative risk”. Mundfish confirmed that Powerhouse is already working behind the scenes with new partners, with more details to be revealed.

While Atomic Heart proved highly popular with players, its critical reception was somewhat mixed, with a Metacritic score of 70. Nonetheless, the game resonated with a large player base, demonstrating its appeal despite its flaws.

KitGuru says: Did you play Atomic Heart? How was your experience with it?

The post Atomic Heart players reaches 10 million players first appeared on KitGuru.

Recent reports indicate a possible shift in Microsoft's strategy for the portable gaming market. Microsoft's long-rumoured first-party Xbox handheld is now said to be facing delays, as Microsoft has realised that Windows still needs a lot of work on the power management front to catch up to alternatives like SteamOS. 

According to Windows Central, Microsoft has prioritised improving Windows 11 gaming performance, specifically for third-party devices like Asus's “Project Kennan”, an Xbox-themed handheld. This decision is reportedly influenced by the threat posed by SteamOS, which often delivers superior gaming performance compared to Windows 11 on handhelds. Just this week, tests of the Lenovo Legion Go S running Windows 11 and SteamOS proved that.

While Microsoft continues to affirm its desire to build its own Xbox handheld in the future, it seems the company is now focusing on optimising the underlying OS and fostering a stronger ecosystem for partner devices. As recently as last November, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer hinted that the company was working on something portable, possibly still in the prototype stage. Jason Ronald, Microsoft's VP of Next Generation, further suggested the device would blend the “best of Xbox and Windows” and be more PC-oriented, functioning as a stand-alone device capable of running Xbox games natively, unlike the streaming-only PlayStation Portal.

We may hear more official news on Xbox's strategy for third-party handhelds and the supposed Xbox portable console at the upcoming Xbox Showcase, which is slated for June 8th.

KitGuru says: Hopefully, the optimisations targeting Windows 11 handhelds will also benefit the gaming experience on laptops and desktops.

The post Microsoft reportedly delays Xbox handheld in favour of optimising Windows 11 first appeared on KitGuru.

If you’re looking for an upcoming kart racer that isn’t Mario Kart World, SEGA has you covered, with Sonic Racing CrossWorlds set to launch some time this year. Taking inspiration from the much-loved Sonic and SEGA All-Star Racing Transformed, the upcoming racer looks set to include much more than just Sonic characters – with a new leak claiming that both SpongeBob and the TMNT could make an appearance in-game.

As reported by the same leaker who detailed CrossWorlds ahead of its official announcement, the upcoming Sonic Kart racer will seemingly feature characters outside of SEGAs own repertoire – with both the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as well as SpongeBob Square Pants said to be included in the roster.

Further details surrounding their inclusion has not been shared, meaning it is unknown whether they will be featured in the base game, or as part of a paid DLC pack.

Regardless, thanks to the success of the Sonic films, SEGA and Paramount do have a rather strong business relationship and so such an inclusion does make sense – especially as SpongBob himself has featured in multiple Nickelodeon racing titles in the past.

Currently, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds has yet to receive an official release date, with the game still slated for some time in 2025. That said, with SEGA confirmed to be present during the upcoming Summer Game Fest Showcase, it’s possible we might get new details on the upcoming title sooner rather than later.

KitGuru says: Are you excited for Sonic Racing CrossWorlds? Does it have the potential to be as good as Transformed? What other external characters would you like to see added to the roster? Let us know down below.

The post SpongBob and the TMNT reportedly coming to Sonic Racing CrossWorlds first appeared on KitGuru.

As a publisher, SEGA has been pretty good when it comes to supporting mobile platforms, with the company releasing both original titles to both Android/iOS as well as bringing ports of their classics to smartphones. Unfortunately, many classic SEGA titles have now been updated with a message announcing their end-of-service.

As reported by Wario64 via BlueSky, a number of SEGA published games have been updated on the Google Play Store with a message which states: “Support for this game will be discontinued, but you can continue playing offline!”

So far, the list of games which have been updated with such a message include Sonic CD Classic; Sonic 4 Episode 2; Super Monkey Ball; Virtua Tennis and Crazy Taxi – among many others.

These titles join the list of other SEGA classics which were discontinued back in 2023 (including the likes of Ristar; Vectorman; Comix Zone and a dozen more). As of now, it appears as though pretty much all ‘SEGA Forever’ mobile ports are being delisted – with the only games yet to receive the update being Sonic 1 and 2.

Though it is possible that the delisting is due to updated APIs (which has in the past caused many games to no longer work on newer versions of Android / iOS), what is equally as likely is that SEGA is preparing for some sort of mobile-based game subscription service. We will have to wait and see, but hopefully these titles do find their way back onto mobile storefronts sooner rather than later.

KitGuru says: What do you think is going on here? Will SEGA bring these games back to mobile? If so, what do you think their plans are? Let us know down below.

The post Multiple SEGA games are being removed from mobile stores first appeared on KitGuru.

The UK retailer GAME is in many ways a shell of its former self, with the past 5 or so years seeing the brand shutter stores, end many of its services, and more. In an unfortunate and unexplained move, GAME has cancelled a number of pre-orders for the upcoming Switch 2 – just one week out from its launch.

Releasing the surprise statement to Twitter, the official ‘GAMEdigital’ page announced the following:

“We sincerely apologise for the recent cancellation of some Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders. We understand how disappointing this is, especially for those who have been eagerly awaiting their order. We're currently working hard to reinstate as many affected pre-orders as possible. If your order was impacted, please know that we are doing everything we can and will be in touch with further updates and next steps.”

The statement concludes with “Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to resolve this. We truly appreciate your support.”

While already a major blow to those who pre-ordered the system, what is perhaps more confusing is the lack of any explanation as to why these cancellations took place. Without any official reason being offered, fans are left to speculate. Was it a case of GAME offering more units than they were allotted? Was there a glitch in the system? Unfortunately we don't know.

All that said, and as unlikely as it seems, hopefully GAME are able to honour all of their pre-orders – and get them in the hands of players on day-one. We will have to wait and see.

KitGuru says: What do you think of GAME in 2025? Would you trust them with any future pre-orders? What do you think the reason for the cancellations was? Let us know down below.

The post GAME cancels Switch 2 pre-orders with no explanation first appeared on KitGuru.

Each week, the Epic Games Store gives away a game or two for free to all those with an EGS account. Available right now to claim, this week’s free offerings include Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands and the excellent indie puzzle-platformer LIMBO from Playdead.

Available to claim for free from now until the 5th of June at 4PM UK time, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a spin-off of the popular looter-shooter series Borderlands, trading the Mad Max-like world for a Dungeons and Dragons inspired experience. Though ostensibly still a Borderlands game, the switch-up in weaponry does enough to make the experience worth a try.

LIMBO meanwhile is a highly evocative and unique horror-puzzle-platformer from Playdead – the team behind the equally as excellent ‘Inside’. Released back in 2010, LIMBO represented one of the first big indie games to arrive as a digital-only experience on the 7th-gen consoles; receiving near-universal acclaim. If you have not played LIMBO before, you’ll want to carve out a few hours to give it a go.

Both LIMBO and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands are available to claim for free until the 5th of July – at which point they will be replaced by two as-of-yet-unknown offerings.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this week’s offerings? Have you played LIMBO before? Do you prefer it or Inside more? Let us know down below.

The post Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is free on the Epic Games Store first appeared on KitGuru.

Just ahead of its launch, AMD's mid-range Radeon RX 9060 XT graphics card, specifically the 16GB variant, has appeared in Geekbench benchmarks. While Geekbench is a synthetic benchmark and not a direct indicator of real-world gaming performance, it can offer an early glimpse into compute capabilities.

Based on the Geekbench entry shared by Benchleaks, the RX 9060 XT 16GB scored 109,315 points in the OpenCL test and 124,251 points in the Vulkan API test. These results were obtained on a test bench featuring an Aorus X870E Master motherboard and an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU.

Comparing these figures with those of its predecessor, the RX 9060 XT appears to be a significant upgrade, showing a performance increase of over 25%. However, it doesn't seem to have what it takes to surpass the RX 7700 XT in these benchmarks, with the previous-generation model remaining faster in both tests. Compared to Nvidia's counterparts, the RX 9060 XT slightly edges out the RTX 5060 in Vulkan but trails in OpenCL. Compared to the RTX 5060 Ti, it falls behind Nvidia's mid-range GPU in both benchmarks.

The Radeon RX 9060 XT is confirmed to feature a PCIe 5.0 x16 interface, 32 CUs (2,048 Stream Processors) and a 128-bit memory bus. It has a boost clock of up to 3.13GHz and 20 Gbps GDDR6 VRAM.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: How do you think the Radeon RX 9060 XT will fare in gaming scenarios compared to its predecessors and Nvidia's counterparts?

The post AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT benchmark shows 25% performance uplift over RX 7600 XT first appeared on KitGuru.

This week, EA made the surprise announcement that it was shutting down one of its newest studios, Cliffhanger, and cancelling their in-development Black Panther game. Moving forward, EA says it will be slimming down its portfolio to focus on a few select franchises. 

Naturally, these franchises are all the big money makers – Battlefield, The Sims and Apex Legends. EA Entertainment president, Laura Miele, also added Skate to that list, so expect the revival of the skateboarding sports game to be full of cosmetic microtransactions. I have no doubt in my mind EA will be charging us for sneakers, board patterns, probably even wheels too.

While EA is looking to focus the bulk of its efforts on these franchises, IGN revealed that the company does still plan to support EA Motive's upcoming Iron Man game, as well as BioWare's new Mass Effect title and Respawn's next Star Wars: Jedi game.

If Mass Effect doesn't take off, BioWare could well be on the chopping block, as clearly, EA is reconsidering its single-player efforts. Last year EA also shut down Ridgeline Games, a new studio under EA founded to work on single-player Battlefield campaigns.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: EA finally seemed to be turning a corner on single-player games but that appears to have come to an abrupt end now, with two single-player focused studios closing down in back-to-back years. 

The post EA is backing off single-player games again first appeared on KitGuru.

Over the past couple of years, CD Projekt Red has been building a new US-based development studio and quietly laying the groundwork for Project Orion, the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. Now, CD Projekt Red has dropped the codename, referring to the project openly as Cyberpunk 2, as the project has entered pre-production. 

In an update this week, CD Projekt Red announced that Cyberpunk 2 has reached a new milestone. The game is now in pre-production, the earliest phase of game development where prototyping begins. Once the team has a foundation in place, the team will scale up over time and the game will enter full production.

The time a AAA project spends in pre-production varies quite dramatically, but for a game the size of Cyberpunk, it is likely to be a multi-year effort. For The Witcher 4, CD Projekt Red began pre-production in 2022 and entered full production in late 2024.

With all of that in mind, it is going to be a long time before Cyberpunk 2 is ready for any kind of public reveal. The game will be releasing after The Witcher 4, which is already confirmed to not be launching until at least 2027, and that is at the earliest, making it an unlikely release window.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: We're still a long ways off from Cyberpunk 2, which is why it is a huge shame we don't have a more comprehensive set of modding tools for the game. In the interim, modders could have been adding new gigs and mini storylines to Night City to tide fans over and keep them engaged with the IP. 

The post Cyberpunk 2 now in pre-production, CD Projekt Red confirms first appeared on KitGuru.

There has been a resurgence in TMNT video games in recent years. From the fantastic arcade collection to new action games like TMNT: Splintered Fate. Now, we are getting a TMNT VR game for the first time. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City has just been announced for virtual reality platforms. The game will be available on both the Meta Quest 3, as well as on Steam, so you can hook up any PC VR headset and get to playing.

Unfortunately, the reveal trailer shows us …. nothing. We see some 3D models of the various weapons used by the turtles, and their hands reaching for pizza slices and that is it. As this is a VR title though, we can expect a heavy focus on melee combat using VR motion controllers.

TMNT: Empire City is planned to release in 2026, so we've got a long ways to go before we'll be able to pick this up and try it for ourselves.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Do you own a VR headset? What was the most recent VR game you played? 

The post The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are heading to VR first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer has provided the first glimpse into the specifications for Nvidia's upcoming GeForce RTX 5050 laptop GPU. While details remain limited to the mobile variant (with no news on a potential desktop version yet), Acer has confirmed the clock speeds and Total Graphics Power (TGP) configurations for the entry-level Blackwell mobile GPU.

While Nvidia has yet to confirm the GPU die and CUDA core count, early specs from Acer show a good part of the memory configuration. According to Acer's gaming laptop spec sheet (via VideoCardz), the RTX 5050 Laptop GPU will feature 8GB of GDDR7 VRAM, a notable upgrade over the rumoured GDDR6 it was expected to employ. If accurate, this would mean the GPU's core count will be the primary differentiator compared to the RTX 5060.

Acer has confirmed at least five distinct TGP configurations for the RTX 5050. The lowest TGP starts at 50W (with up to 60W dynamic boost) for clock speeds up to 1500MHz (or 1600MHz with Acer OC). Mid-range options include 60W (up to 75W) at 1905MHz, and 70W (up to 85W) or 80W (up to 95W) options, both at 2212MHz (with Acer OC up to 2313MHz). The highest TGP configuration hits 100W (up to 115W), pushing clock speeds to 2550MHz (or 2650MHz with Acer OC).

The RTX 5050 will succeed the RTX 4050 and feature in various Acer Nitro gaming laptops. While Acer has not yet announced a launch date for systems featuring the new GPU, they're expected to be released soon.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you planning on buying a new entry-level laptop? Will you wait for the new models featuring the Nvidia RTX 5050 Laptop GPU or buy whenever you find a good deal?

The post Nvidia RTX 5050 Laptop GPU specifications leak first appeared on KitGuru.

MSI has launched a new power supply unit series, the MAG A-GLS PCIE5. Designed for contemporary PC builds, these ATX 3.1 PSUs are available in four wattages: 1000W, 850W, 750W, and 650W.

All MSI MAG A-GLS models in the series fully comply with the latest ATX 3.1 standard and can handle up to 220% total power excursion, ensuring stability during high loads. They also boast triple Gold efficiency certifications from 80 Plus, Cybenetics, and PPLP, guaranteeing reliable and efficient power delivery.

The “S” in the GLS moniker stands for Silent. MSI highlights improved acoustic design compared to earlier MAG (GL) PSUs, featuring a 135mm FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) fan and optimised fan curves for quieter operation. Even the highest 1000W model achieved a Cybenetics “A” sound certification with a 230V input, inheriting silent-focused design principles from MSI's higher-end series.

Designed for safety and long-term use, these MAG power supplies have UL-certified cables and nickel-plated connections to resist oxidation. Built-in security features, such as Over Current Protection (OCP) and Over Temperature Protection (OTP), further help keep your entire system running safely and smoothly. MSI has also improved the DIY build experience, including embossed jacket modular cables that offer enhanced flexibility and bendability, simplifying cable routing and management within the case. A pre-installed cable organiser further assists in creating a cleaner build. All models are backed by a 7-year warranty.

KitGuru says: How much importance do you give to a PSU's noise levels? Based on the Cybenetics noise certification process, do you think an “A” rating would be enough to meet your demands?

The post MSI introduces new MAG A-GLS ATX 3.1 PSUs first appeared on KitGuru.

We are one week away from the Nintendo Switch 2 launching worldwide. Nintendo has promised backwards compatibility with the vast majority of the Switch 1 game library, with just a few notable exceptions. So far, around 75% of the Switch 1 library has been tested. 

Nintendo had already confirmed that certain games that rely on external peripherals, like Ring Fit Adventure and the Nintendo Labo games, will not work on Switch 2 due to changes to the console and Joy-Cons. However, as testing has gone on, Nintendo has revealed more detailed information. The company now claims to have tested 75% of the Switch 1's total library, which spans over 15,000 titles, in part due to Nintendo's relaxed eShop publishing requirements, which led to plenty of ‘shovelware' being added to the store.

Of the titles tested so far, Nintendo has found that 118 games have start-up issues on Switch 2. Around 50 titles have been discovered to contain in-game compatibility issues after start-up. Another 50 titles with issues are already due to get updates at, or shortly after, the Switch 2's launch next week.

Most of the games with issues launching on the Switch 2 are smaller third-party title. For instance, publisher ‘Hamster' has around 22 arcade games listed on the eShop and none of them currently start up properly on the Switch 2. That is a good percentage of the list right there.

As far as notable titles go, games like Darksiders Genesis, Final Fantasy 1, GRID Autosport, NBA 2K18, Nier Automata, Rocket League, South Park: The Fractured But Whole and Star Wars Episode I: Racer are listed amongst the titles with start-up issues. In the case of NBA 2K18, it is unlikely that the game will be updated, as the game heavily relies on online play and the online servers have long been shut down.

Certain streaming apps, like Crunchyroll and Hulu, will also not support the Switch 2 at launch. Given that streaming apps didn't really take off on the Switch 1 to begin with, it is unclear of these apps will later be updated for the Switch 2.

You can find Nintendo's full Switch 2 compatibility testing breakdown, HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you thinking of upgrading to the Switch 2? Are you worried about backwards compatibility at all? 

The post Nintendo has tested 75% of Switch 1 library on Switch 2, some notable titles have issues first appeared on KitGuru.

It has been a while since we last had an update for the GeForce Now app on Steam Deck. This week, that is finally changing, with GeForce Now for SteamOS getting a major upgrade. On top of that, six more games are joining the GFN cloud gaming library this week.

The Steam Deck makes for a fantastic streaming device. I've been using GeForce Now on my Steam Deck for over a year at this point. Thanks to the Stean Deck's 720p resolution, you don't need as much bandwidth to achieve a solid stream and in my experience the RTX 4080 tier on Steam Deck feels just as good as native, but with better graphics settings and frame rates for AAA titles, versus trying to run them locally. The new version of the GeForce Now Steam Deck app is now available, with full support for the Deck's controller, including the touchpads.

This week's GeForce Now announcements also include confirmation on six new titles joining the library, including:

• Nice Day for Fishing (New release on Steam, May 29)
• Cash Cleaner Simulator (Steam)
• Tokyo Xtreme Racer (Steam)
• The Last Spell (Steam)
• Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon (Steam)
• Torque Drift 2 (Epic Games Store)

From now until July 6th, Nvidia is also holding the GeForce Now summer sale, offering 40% off on six-month Performance tier memberships.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Cloud gaming today is leagues better than it was even just a few years ago in my experience. Have you tried cloud gaming at all over the past year? How was your experience?

The post GeForce Now for Steam Deck gets major update first appeared on KitGuru.

The original Lian Li HydroShift AIO is currently sat at the top of our performance charts, but now the company is launching the HydroShift II LCD-C with a new smaller dimension radiator only 22 mm thick. It comes with a choice of two different fan configurations or a completely fanless version so users can add their own fans. But does this new smaller dimension HydroShift AIO still offer the same chart topping performance as its predecessor? Let’s find out.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:48 Meet the HydroShift II
01:51 New features, specs and compatibility
02:35 Differences vs the original
04:25 Radiator + tubing details
06:32 Closer look at the CPU Block + screen
08:41 Wireless fans explained
10:56 Installation process
13:15 James’ thoughts so far
15:42 Thermal and noise results
17:34 James’ closing thoughts

Features:

• Compared to its predecessor, the HydroShift II LCD-C features a reduced-size radiator to increase case compatibility, as well as a sliding tube clamp for precise alignment.
• It's equipped with a 2.1-inch circular IPS LCD screen with 480×480 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness. With three modes of control, including offline, USB and wireless.
• It also features an improved CPU block mounting mechanism, a choice of two different fan configurations or even a completely fanless version and they all come with a 6-year warranty for peace of mind.

Specifications:

• CPU Socket Compatibility:  Intel LGA1700, LGA1851, AMD AM4, AM5
• Radiator Material: Aluminium
• Radiator Dimensions: 400 x 122 x 22mm
• Radiator Tube Length: 450mm
• CPU Block/Pump Dimensions: 88 x 88 x 69mm
• Pump Speed: 2000-2400 RPM
• Cold Plate Material: Micro-Skived Copper
• Pump Connector: N/A
• VRM Fan: N/A
• Fan Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 28mm
• Fan Speed (PWM): 200-2600 RPM (Zero RPM mode)
• Fan Max Airflow: 71 CFM
• Fan Max Air Pressure: 3.97 mmH2O
• Noise (dBA): 33 dBA
• Fan Bearing: Fluid Dynamic bearing
• Fan Connector: Wireless / 4-Pin Power, USB Header
• LCD Screen: 2.1” IPS 480×480
• Warranty: 6-Year

The post Lian Li HydroShift II LCD-C 360TL AIO CPU Cooler Review first appeared on KitGuru.

Microsoft is expanding its AI-powered initiatives into gaming, launching a beta version of Copilot for Gaming on mobile devices starting today. The new digital assistant will be capable of offering tips for in-game tactics, or help you find something new to play. 

Designed to act as a second screen while playing on Xbox, Copilot for Gaming allows users to ask questions regarding in-game tactics and controls via voice and text. Players can also request game suggestions or detailed information about their Xbox accounts and subscriptions. Taylor O'Malley, the Xbox principal program manager, explained that the companion is aware of the game being played and the user's Xbox activity, enabling it to provide contextual answers, web links for more information, or insights based on account history and achievements.

This early preview of Copilot for Gaming will be accessible in over 50 regions through the Xbox app's beta edition. Android and iOS users who've already downloaded the Xbox app beta can provide feedback by rating responses and highlighting inaccurate replies. Android users who haven't previously downloaded the Xbox app beta can do so via the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, iOS users who do not already have the Xbox beta app cannot download it.

Looking ahead, Microsoft confirmed that a Copilot for Gaming test will soon be available in Game Bar on Windows PCs, with broader distribution planned for the entire Xbox platform.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Will you try Copilot for Gaming, or are you not interested in a gaming-focused digital assistant?

The post Copilot for Gaming is now available on Xbox app for mobile first appeared on KitGuru.

Back in late 2022, it was announced that a film adaptation of Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding was in the works. Since then, we’ve gotten quite a few updates, including news on its writer/director, distributor and even a release window. In a surprise announcement Kojima revealed that not only is the aforementioned film in the works, but so too is a Death Stranding anime.

In an interview conducted by Vogue Japan (translated by VGC), Hideo Kojima spoke on Death Stranding, its sequel and the upcoming A24 film. In discussing the live-action film, Kojima had this to say:

“I am currently working with A24 on a live-action film adaptation of Death Stranding. When it comes to adapting games into visual media, there are works like The Last of Us, which stays true to the original storyline, and films like The Super Mario Bros Movie which are more of a service to fans of the game.”

He continued, “While these works have their own merits, as a film enthusiast, I want to pursue the expressive potential of cinema. I aim to create a Death Stranding that can only be realised through film, one that could win awards at festivals like the Cannes Film Festival or the Venice Film Festival.”

In a surprising revelation, Kojima confirmed that another DS project is in the works, saying “In fact, we are also currently working on an anime adaptation.”

Little else has been shared regarding this newly announced project, however this isn’t the first time that Kojima has made reference to a Death Stranding anime, with the creative telling Variety last year “What comes next are different forms of media – movies, anime, TV dramas, etc. Basically, expanding the game IP to other media. That’s the second phase. That’s what we’re aiming for next” – in reference to Death Stranding.

It was already a question as to what Kojima has planned for the Death Stranding film, how closely it’ll tie in to the game, and whether the actors will reprise their roles in the film.

With an anime now also in the works, Kojima’s plans for the world of Death Stranding have become even more curious. We will have to wait and see what is in store. Fortunately, we’ll have Death Stranding 2: On the Beach to look forward to in the meanwhile.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Kojima’s statements? Would you prefer a film or anime adaptation? Will either of these projects connect directly to the game? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post A Death Stranding anime is also in the works, according to Kojima first appeared on KitGuru.

10 years ago, CD Projekt Red released The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to universal acclaim. For many, this game put CDPR on the map, pushing them to become one of the most loved studios around currently. While fans eagerly await the team’s next game, The Witcher 3 continues to sell like hotcakes, having now surpassed 60 million total units sold.

As part of the company’s latest fiscal earnings / investor relations report, CDPR offered updates on their current ongoing projects – including the fact that almost 60% of the company’s developers are currently working on The Witcher 4.

Speaking of The Witcher, CDPR also offered some updates on its games’ sales figures, revealing that as of the 28th of May 2025, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has sold over 60 million copies. This makes it the 12th best-selling game of all time so far – currently sitting between the original Super Mario Bros. (58 million) and Terraria (65 million).

Despite releasing back in 2015, The Witcher 3 has only increased in its adoption rate over time, with the game selling 10 million units between 2022-23 to push it to 50 million. Though slightly slower than the previous milestone, selling a further 10 million in the following 2 years (bringing total units to 60 million) is still rather remarkable.

Of course, The Witcher 3 has seen a ton of support since its launch a decade ago, with the game receiving two substantial and critically acclaimed expansions – alongside the more recent release of its ray-tracing upgrade (and even a Netflix show or two).

By the time The Witcher 4 officially arrives, Wild Hunt could very well have entered the top 10 best-selling games of all time. We will have to wait and see.

KitGuru says: Are you surprised by The Witcher 3’s continued success? Will its sequel perform just as well? What do you think The Witcher 3’s final milestone sales figure will be when all is said and done? Let us know down below.

The post The Witcher 3 surpasses NES Mario with 60 million copies sold first appeared on KitGuru.

In the days following last year’s Summer Game Fest, the show’s creator Geoff Keighley confirmed that SGF would be returning in 2025. Sure enough, with this year’s Summer Game Fest set to go live in a little over a week, the extensive list of partner publishers has been revealed – including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo and dozens more.

Ahead of the official start of Summer Game Fest on the 6th of June, Keighley and his team have shared their initial list of partner publishers who will be present at the showcase, taking to Twitter to say: “We’re proud to welcome a record-setting 60+ partners for #SummerGameFest 2025, a global celebration of video games in Los Angeles this June.”

The full list of attendees has not yet been shared, but we already have a massive list of confirmed publishers/partners, including but not limited to:

• Sony
• Microsoft
• Nintendo
• Steam
• Square Enix
• SEGA
• CD Projekt
• Capcom
• 2K
• 505 Games
• Bandai Namco
• Techland
• Epic Games
• Focus Entertainment
• IOI
• Devolver Digital

As mentioned, this is but a taste of the full list of publishers set to make an appearance at the show. Of course, Summer Game Fest is typically a rather long showcase which features new exclusive announcements alongside more typical paid advertisements.

As such, while each of the listed publishers may not be bringing their latest and greatest to the show, expect still a strong line-up of new announcements, gameplay reveals, release dates – and more. Summer Game Fest 2025 kicks off on the 6th of June.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the list of attendees so far? Are there any notable studios missing? What are your expectations for this year’s SGF? Let us know down below.

The post Summer Game Fest to include over 60 partner publishers first appeared on KitGuru.

Back in 2023, EA officially announced that they were working on a brand new game based on Marvel’s Black Panther IP. In order to make this project a reality, the publisher founded a brand new studio – Cliffhanger Games. Since then, we’ve heard a number of details surrounding its genre, gameplay and more. Unfortunately, all this work was ultimately for naught, as not only has the Black Panther game been cancelled, but Cliffhanger Games has been shut down.

As reported by IGN, EA recently sent an email to the staff at Cliffhanger Games, informing them that the Black Panther game has been cancelled – and as a result the studio is being shut down.

According to the email, this was done in order to “sharpen our focus and put our creative energy behind the most significant growth opportunities.”

In one small piece of silver lining, a number of the affected employees will be transferred to other areas at the company, with EA Entertainment president Laura Miele writing: “These decisions are hard. They affect people we’ve worked with, learned from, and shared real moments with. We’re doing everything we can to support them – including finding opportunities within EA, where we’ve had success helping people land in new roles”. That said, lay-offs will still be taking place, though no exact figure was shared.

The cancellation of the Black Panther game represents a fearful moment for other Marvel video game projects – in particular Iron Man, which is currently in development at EA’s Motive Studio.

Aside from the announcement of its existence, little else was known officially about the Black Panther game. That said, based on leaks and rumours, it appears as though the project was planning to feature an open-world, RPG elements and even multiple protagonists.

While certainly a shame to see the project ultimately cancelled, fans will HOPEFULLY be able to play as Black Panther in Skydance’s Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra – assuming it too doesn’t get canned.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this cancellation? Are you disappointed? Between this, Marvel 1943, Iron Man and Wolverine, which Marvel game were you most looking forward to? Let us know down below.

The post EA cancels its Black Panther project and shuts down Cliffhanger Games first appeared on KitGuru.

Over the past 15 years or so, FromSoftware has gone from strength to strength. Starting with 2009’s Demons Souls, the studio has had a generational run with each new game receiving an increasing number of sales and accolades – culminating with Elden Ring as one of the highest rated games of all time. Though seemingly still a good game, the studio’s upcoming Elden Ring: Nightreign has become the lowest-rated FromSoft title since 2018’s VR exclusive Deracine.

Ahead of its official release on the 30th of May, the review embargo for Elden Ring: Nightreign has been lifted, with critics now sharing their thoughts and opinions on the co-op multiplayer spin-off.

With a Metacritic score of 78 and an OpenCritic rating of 80, Nightrein is far from a critical failure (and is in fact the 18th highest rated game of the year so far). That said, compared to the original Elden Ring’s score of 95 (and Shadow of the Erd Tree’s 94), Nightreign represents a major step down in critical consensus.

While reviewers seem to agree that the co-op aspect of Nightreign is solid, criticism surrounding the game ranges from a relative lack of replayability, its focus on one subsect of the Elden Ring community, and a somewhat contrasting game design philosophy which “completely break the magic of FromSoftware's formula.”

Of course, being a multiplayer title, the game could see improvements over time. So far, FromSoftware have already addressed some early concerns, including the game’s lack of a two-player option. Beyond this, the team promised that future updates will introduce additional bosses, foes, classes, and other features.

Though perhaps not the greatest start for Elden Ring Nightreign, more important will be the response from fans – and given that the base Elden Ring has sold over 30 million copies, there should easily be a solid few million who find Nightreign’s gameplay loop alluring. We will have to wait a couple more days to find out what the rest of the community thinks.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Nightreign’s early reviews? Are you concerned for the launch state of the game? What was your favourite aspect of Elden Ring? Let us know down below.

The post Elden Ring Nightreign is FromSoftware’s lowest rated game in years first appeared on KitGuru.

AGON by AOC is getting another excellent addition to its premium gaming monitor line-up. The new AGON PRO AG276UZD utilises a 3rd-Gen QD-OLED panel, offering 4K resolution at up to 240Hz refresh rate, with ultra-low 0.03ms response times.

The new AGON PRO AG276UZD gaming monitor delivers a peak HDR brightness of 1000 nits paired with the virtually infinite contrast ratio inherent to OLED technology. These specifications ensure perfect blacks and bright highlights, creating a fantastic viewing experience with a high level of colour accuracy. Specifically, this monitor has 10-bit colour support and covers 99.3 percent of the DCI-P3 gamut, and 96.5 percent of the Adobe RGB colour space, making it great for gaming and for work like video and photo editing, design, illustration, etc.

César Acosta, Gaming Product Manager at AGON by AOC, said that with this launch, they are “giving gamers exactly what they've been asking for”. There has indeed been huge demand for more OLED gaming monitors on the market, as the visual benefits far surpass a lot of LCD-based monitors. OLED monitors also tend to support very fast refresh rates at very low latency, making them ideal for gaming.

The AG276UZD comes equipped with future-proof connectivity, including 2x HDMI 2.1 ports, 1x DisplayPort 2.1 with UHBR 20 support (offering a bandwidth of up to 80Gbps), and USB-C with 65W Power Delivery and DP Alt mode – ideal for connecting both high-end gaming PCs and laptops. The DisplayPort 2.1 interface is particularly noteworthy as it ensures that the monitor can handle high refresh rates at 240Hz at its full 4K resolution with 10-bit colour depth without compression, future-proofing the display for upcoming GPU generations.

The ergonomic stand provides 130mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot functions to reduce strain during long gaming sessions or workdays. Like other OLED monitors in the AGON PRO range, the AG276UZD includes comprehensive OLED Care features and is backed by a 3-year warranty covering burn-in.

If you are in need of a 27-inch 4K monitor with no compromises in visuals or speed, then the AGON PRO AG276UZD will be available from June 2025 at an MSRP of £719.00.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you thinking of making the leap to an OLED gaming monitor this year? 

The post AGON by AOC launches 26.5-inch 4K/240Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor first appeared on KitGuru.

Fans of classic RPGs have a date to mark on their calendars: the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake will launch on October 30th, 2025. This highly anticipated remake will be available across various platforms, including PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store on Windows, alongside Nintendo Switch, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

This project reimagines the first two Dragon Quest titles, updating them to modern standards with the HD-2D graphical style that has garnered acclaim in games like the Octopath Traveler series and Triangle Strategy. Players will revisit the legendary world of Alefgard, picking up the mantle as a descendant of Erdrick to once again confront the wicked Dragonlord and save the land.

For those wondering why this remake arrives after the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, Square Enix explains that it's because it's the chronological order. Dragon Quest III is set several years before the first game, making its earlier release narratively logical as the beginning of the ‘Erdrick Trilogy'. However, each game within the trilogy features a mostly isolated, self-contained story, allowing players to jump in with any title.

For eager fans, presales for DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake are already live. Preordering secures players a “Trouble-Free Travel Kit”, which includes in-game items like Elevating Shoes and multiple Seed consumables (Agility x3, Magic x3, Defence x3, Strength x3, Life x3) to aid in their adventure. Additionally, players who already own and have a save file for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake on the same platform will receive a unique Dog Suit for Dragon Quest I and a Cat Suit for Dragon Quest II.

KitGuru says: Are you a Dragon Quest fan? Are you planning on getting the Dragon Quest I and II HD-2D remake?

The post Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D releases for PC, Switch, PS5 and Xbox in October first appeared on KitGuru.

It has been almost two years since Starfield first launched. The game just received its latest major update and while there are rumours of incoming DLC announcements, it seems that first, Bethesda will finally be putting the game on PS5. 

According to known insider Nate The Hate, Starfield is heading to PS5 and Bethesda should make the announcement this year. The official announcement is likely to coincide with the reveal of the game's next major DLC.

In recent months, other Bethesda-published games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and DOOM: The Dark Ages have also come to PS5. This past week, Microsoft also announced plans to bring Hellblade 2 to PlayStation consoles. Once the Switch 2 launches next week, we expect to see even more multiplatform game announcements from Microsoft. In particular, this year's Call of Duty could end up landing on a Nintendo platform for the first time in over a decade.

Future Xbox games like Fable and Perfect Dark are reportedly being considered for day-one availability on PS5 alongside Xbox and PC.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Given the direction Microsoft has gone since early 2024, the decision to bring Starfield to PS5 should have been made a long time ago. 

The post Starfield finally coming to PS5, insider claims first appeared on KitGuru.

This week, we learned that Apple has acquired its first game studio, after years of focusing solely on third-party deals to keep its Apple Arcade service afloat. Now, it turns out that Apple is planning a whole new gaming ecosystem for its devices. 

According to Bloomberg's Apple expert, Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing to announce its new gaming ecosystem within the same week of the Nintendo Switch 2's launch. The new gaming app will have centralised achievements; friends lists and communication tools and leaderboards.

Apple will make the announcement at its annual WWDC event, which takes begins on June 9th this year. It will completely replace the Game Center, which has been a long-forgotten part of the iOS package.

The app will also serve as a vehicle to better promote Apple Arcade, which is a surprisingly decent service if you do like to dabble in mobile gaming, especially as the service does not allow for microtransaction-heavy titles to join the library.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Do you play games on mobile often? Have you ever tried Apple Arcade? 

The post Apple to replace Game Center with new cross-device gaming app first appeared on KitGuru.

It has been months since Game Freak announced Pokemon Legends Z-A for the Switch and Switch 2. We've gone a long time with no concrete release date news but that changed today, with the game being announced for October.

One week ahead of the Switch 2 launch, The Pokémon Company and Game Freak have confirmed that Pokémon Legends Z-A will be releasing for Switch and Switch 2 on the 16th of October.

Unlike Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which is getting a free update for Switch 1 owners upgrading to Switch 2, those who buy the Switch 1 edition of Pokémon Legenda Z-A will also need to buy an upgrade pack if they want to move to the Switch 2 version. That update will increase the resolution and frame rate of the game, but it is unclear if there are any other features.

Aside from this release date announcement, a new Pokémon Direct has been announced for July, so expect much more Pokémon news soon.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The more recent Pokemon games ran so poorly on Switch 1 that I ended up giving up on the console and moving to a Steam Deck. I hope that moving forward, 60FPS can be the standard for these games on Switch 2.

The post Pokémon Legends Z-A comes to Switch and Switch 2 in October first appeared on KitGuru.

Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has quickly emerged as a success story, reaching a sales milestone that perfectly aligns with its name. The developers announced via social media that the French RPG has sold a remarkable 3.3 million copies 33 days after release.

This impressive figure was achieved on the game's 33rd day since release, a striking coincidence that even surprised the development team. This rapid ascent builds on the title's earlier success, having already surpassed two million copies sold within its first two weeks.

For Sandfall Interactive, this achievement is particularly noteworthy as Expedition 33 is the studio's debut release, despite its team comprising experienced developers, many of whom previously worked at Ubisoft. The game's strong reception from critics and players has defied expectations for a new studio's first title, especially in such a competitive landscape. The reported 3.3 million figure refers explicitly to sold copies, implying the actual player count is likely higher when accounting for Game Pass subscribers.

With such rapid success in just over a month, many are already looking to the future. There's positive news on that front, as the studio's COO has indicated they already have ideas for the next Clair Obscur game.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Have you already tried Clair Obscur: Expedition 33? What do you think of it?

The post Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has sold 3.3 million copies in 33 days first appeared on KitGuru.

We are just one week away from the Switch 2 officially launching. As retailers are now beginning to receive stock, a few people have managed to get their hands on the console early, but Nintendo has put measures in place to make the system unusable until a day-one update. 

One person who received an early Switch 2 console posted an unboxing video of it to YouTube, but it was quickly taken down by Nintendo. The video revealed that the console would not function properly without the day-one update, which Nintendo isn't going to make available until June 5th. Without the update, no software can be launched on the Switch 2 and online services can not yet be accessed.

As pointed out by Eurogamer, business-focused outlet, The Game Business, recently reported that some reviewers have been told that they won't be able to capture any review footage early, as the system will require a ‘major day-one update'.

The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launches on the 5th of June, which is next Thursday at the time of publishing. The game will launch with an impressive line-up of third-party titles, including Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Cyberpunk 2077, as well as some new first-party titles like Mario Kart World.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you planning on picking up a Switch 2 sometime this year? What games are you looking forward to playing on it? 

The post The Nintendo Switch 2 does not work without a day-one patch first appeared on KitGuru.

All the way back in 2019, Apple launched its Arcade subscription service – letting iOS/Mac users access over 100 games ranging from ad-free classics to Apple Arcade exclusives. Despite a rather slow rate of growth (for Apple at least), the company looks set to double down on the service, with the iPhone maker reportedly planning a dedicated gaming app – while also acquiring their first studio.

As reported by Bloomberg (paywalled), Apple is currently gearing up to release a new dedicated gaming app later this year (likely alongside the next iOS release).

According to the report, this app will “serve as a launcher for titles and centralize in-game achievements, leaderboards, communications and other activity.”

Beyond this, the application will also collate the remainder of Apple’s gaming-related services, offering access to editorials; the App Store’s game section and is set to replace the company’s old ‘Game Centre’.

Seemingly as a part of this effort, Apple has now acquired their first ever video games studio. In an exclusive report by DigitalTrends, the iPhone maker is said to have purchased RAC7 – the studio behind Apple Arcade exclusive Sneaky Sasquatch. Interestingly, RAC7 consists of just two developers.

Speaking on this move, an Apple representative said “We love Sneaky Sasquatch and are excited that the 2-person RAC7 team has joined Apple to continue their work on it with us. We will continue to deliver a great experience for Apple Arcade players with hundreds of games from many of the best game developers in the world.”

Apple has slowly but surely been filling out its Apple Arcade library with an increasing number of solid and fun titles. That said, it is still somewhat surprising to see the company committing further to the service. It will be interesting to see exactly what the company has planned for its new Gaming App.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Apple’s upcoming plans? Have you tried Apple Arcade? What did you think? Let us know down below.

The post Apple doubles down on gaming, acquiring their first video game studio first appeared on KitGuru.

The Long Dark is a unique and much-loved survival game which captured the interest of many following its Early Access debut all the way back in 2014. In the many years since, The Long Dark has continued to see updates from the studio. With the final chapter of the game’s story nearing completion, the team have announced and released ‘The Long Dark – Visual Enhancements Update’ – bringing improvements across all systems.

Announcing this ‘Visual Enhancements Update’, the team at Hinterland Studio wrote “This is a free update available to anyone who owns THE LONG DARK or SURVIVAL EDITION, and includes visual enhancement options targeted at high-end systems, various bug fixes, and tuning changes.”

Alongside the announcement, a video was released going into detail on some of the improvements made. While focused on high-end PCs and current-gen consoles the update does bring some notable enhancements to even older systems (Switch 1 included), namely:

• Coloured Shadows
• Coloured Fog

Of course, a majority of the upgrades are limited to PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series, including:

• Anisotropic Filtering
• Enhanced Draw Distances
• Terrain Blending
• Ambient Particle Effects
• Improved Terrain Shadows
• Improved Anti-Aliasing
• Improved Ambient Occlusion
• Improved Structure Shadows

As is the case with all PC games, your ability to utilise these features will depend on your rig and its capabilities. That said, Hinterland Studio did share what they have listed as recommended specs to make the most out of this update, writing:

“If you would like to enable all visual enhancements and run at a target of 60FPS at 2560 x 1440 resolution, we recommend a PC using an Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU or equivalent, 3GHz or faster CPU, and 32GB of system RAM.”

As always, your mileage may vary, but it is still a welcome surprise to see a decade old game receive such extensive visual enhancements. Hopefully the long awaited final chapter is just around the corner. The Visual Enhancements update is available now on PC, and coming next month to consoles.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this update? Which of the visual enhancements do you think will be most impactful? Let us know down below.

The post The Long Dark gets free ‘Visual Enhancements Update’ first appeared on KitGuru.

A couple months ago, the team at FuturLab officially announced that a sequel to their much-loved PowerWash Simulator would be arriving at some point this year. At the time, the team promised to continue supporting the first title up until the release of its sequel. With PowerWash Simulator 2 getting closer by the day, FuturLab have now announced the final free update: The Muckingham Files 6.

Making the announcement via BlueSky, the team at FuturLab wrote: “As we approach our final stop on our PowerWash Simulator journey, we'd like to thank you all for joining us. The Muckingham Files 6 will be arriving shortly! Coming May 29th to PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4|5 and Nintendo Switch.”

Based on the image shared alongside the announcement, it appears as though the final level will take players to a train station of sorts – or perhaps inside a train itself.

Regardless, the support that PowerWash Simulator has received since its launch back in 2022 is admirable – both in terms of free updates and paid DLC. Hopefully FuturLab will double down on what worked with the impending release of PowerWash Simulator 2. Until then, it looks like players have one final job to do.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the game's post-launch support? Are you excited for the sequel? What would you like the next game to do better/differently? Let us know down below.

The post PowerWash Simulator’s final free update arrives tomorrow first appeared on KitGuru.

Yesterday, ahead of an official announcement, we reported on the leaked details surrounding Sony’s upcoming annual Days of Play celebration, including some of the many deals planned to go live with the event. Now, ahead of its arrival, Sony has officially announced Days of Play 2025 – alongside a ton of deals.

Taking to the PlayStation Blog, Sony officially announced, dated and detailed 2025’s edition of its Days of Play celebrations, writing: “It’s official – Days of Play is back for 2025! We are kicking off the 2025 celebration on May 28, with community activities, new content coming to PlayStation Plus, and great offers on PS5 consoles, games, and accessories.”

As mentioned previously, one of the biggest deals going live with the event surrounds the PlayStation 5 consoles themselves. Though slightly different between regions, US buyers will be able to get their hands on a Black Ops 6 PS5 bundle for just $399.99 ($120 discount). Those in the UK/Europe meanwhile can obtain a bundle-free PlayStation 5 for £339.99 / €399.99.

Beyond this, players will be able to get $50 off of a PS5 Pro; $50 off PSVR2 – and between $20-30 off of all other PlayStation accessories.

As expected, other PlayStation products and services are also being discounted, with PS Plus members able to get up to 33% off of an annual subscription – and current members being able to upgrade their tier for a third off also.

Full details on Days of Play 2025 can be found HERE, including specifics on merch sales, PlayStation’s digital store promotions and more. PlayStation’s 2025 Days of Play begins at midnight on the 28th of May and will run until the 11th of June.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to this year’s Days of Play? Will you be purchasing anything? Should these discounted console prices become the new default? Let us know down below.

The post Sony officially announces Days of Play celebrations with 25% off PS5 consoles first appeared on KitGuru.