Vue normale

5 juin 2025 à 19:34

It doesn't take an expert to see that graphics cards are much more expensive than they've been in the past. Luckily, it looks like budget graphics cards are starting to make a comeback. My No. 1 pick, the Intel Arc B580, recently came out at $249 and absolutely dominated everything else below $300. So rather than settling for cards that cost same price the GTX 1070 Ti launched for back in 2014, budget gamers can actually get something good. Still, a $450 graphics card like the RTX 5060 Ti is way more affordable than the $999 (to start) RTX 5080 that's backing up the best gaming PCs on the market right now, and would still be considered a budget card these days.

TL;DR - These Are the Best Budget GPUs:

Even with that lower price tag, you can still get an extremely good gaming experience, provided you temper your expectations a bit. While the RTX 5060 Ti, for instance, isn't exactly a 4K gaming card, it absolutely shines at 1080p (and even 1440p) games, and is probably the best graphics card for anyone still using the most popular display resolution (according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey). So, no, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars to get a great gaming PC in 2025, even if it is a little bit more expensive than it used to be.

I've been reviewing graphics cards for years now, and because I've gone hands-on with every GPU on this list, I can stand by their performance, especially for the price tag.

What Do We Consider a "Budget GPU"?

These days, graphics cards are more expensive than they've ever been, with some Nvidia graphics cards reaching up to $2,000, while cheaper cards are still selling for hundreds of dollars. It used to be that a budget graphics card would run you around $200 and deliver a solid 1080p gaming experience in the latest games, but that's not really the case anymore. For instance, the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT could be considered a budget graphics card by today's standards, and that will set you back $349.

It's a game of perspective, really. If a high-end graphics card is around $1,000 and a mid-range graphics card like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 is around $449, a budget graphics card would be somewhere in the range of $200 to $300. There are definitely ultra-cheap graphics cards that you can find lower than that, but at that point, you're going to need to compromise and get a last-generation GPU. That doesn't mean the performance will be bad, though. An RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 will still be awesome at 1080p, even if you miss out on some modern features.

All you need to do is ask yourself if you really need the best ray tracing effects. Chances are you can live without them.

1. Intel Arc B580

The Best Budget Graphics Card

For years now, it's felt like graphics card manufacturers have essentially forgotten about the budget graphics card. Nvidia, for instance, still hasn't released a follow-up to the GTX 1660 Ti, instead telling anyone on a budget to settle for last year's GPUs. Luckily, Intel has stepped into the fray and its second generation of graphics cards are providing an excellent entry point to PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 is by far the best budget graphics card we've had in years.

This graphics card starts at $249 and is strapped with 12GB of VRAM, which is significantly more than the 8GB that the comparable RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600 offer. While having more than 8GB is nice to have at 1080p, it's essential at higher resolutions, as that frame buffer can fill up quickly at 1440p or 4K. When I reviewed the Intel Arc B580, I found that it delivered way better performance at 1440p than any other comparable graphics card, thanks in large part to that frame buffer.

In fact, throughout the eight games I benchmarked with the Intel Arc B580, I found that it offered by far the lowest cost per frame out of the lineup. Averaged out across the test suite, the Arc B580 only costs $3.72 per frame in a 1440p game, compared to $4.39 from the RTX 4060 and $4.89 from the AMD Radeon RX 7600 (based on retail price). For its price, then, the B580 easily provides the best value for gamers watching their wallets.

What's most suprising though, is how good the B580 is at handling ray tracing. Even games that traditionally favor Nvidia's hardware, like Cyberpunk 2077, lean towards the Intel B580. In Cyberpunk, at 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced, you can expect a healthy 60fps average. Compared to the more-expensive RTX 4060 with 49fps, and the choice is clear.

Keep in mind, though, that because this is only the second generation of Intel's graphics cards, there are still some bugs to sort through. When I was testing Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, I noticed that the benchmark would run without rendering the gun in the player's hand. Annoying, but it is something that could be fixed. It should also be noted that this bug persisted throughout all of the Intel GPUs I tested, including the last-gen Arc A770 and A750, so it's not a problem with the B580 alone.

2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti

Best Budget Graphics Card Under $450

Nvidia has had a hard time following up its RTX 4000 graphics cards, but the RTX 5060 Ti actually marks a solid improvement over the last-gen RTX 4060 Ti. It mostly achieves this higher performance through being a bigger chip – now with 36 compute units instead of 34 – but Blackwell comes with some neat features, like DLSS 4.

The big selling point of this entire generation is the next iteration of Frame Generation, with the RTX 5060 Ti now supporting Multi-Frame Generation, or MFG, through DLSS 4. Essentially, this uses AI to generate up to 3 interpolated frames off the back of each rendered frame, dramatically increasing frame rates. This does come at the cost of latency, though, so I wouldn't advise turning it on in any game where you need super-fast reaction times, like Marvel Rivals.

When I reviewed the Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti, I found that it was about 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti across my entire testing suite, and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti. That's not the most dramatic generational uplift, but it does mean it can handle pretty much any game at 1080p or 1440p with the settings cranked to max.

Keep in mind, though, that there are technically two versions of the RTX 4060 Ti: The one I actually reviewed, with 16GB of VRAM and one with 8GB of VRAM. I haven't tested the one with less memory, but with how RAM-hungry games are getting these days, you should probably stay far away from it.

3. AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT

Best Budget AMD GPU

For years, budget AMD graphics cards have made you compromise on things like ray tracing performance to get a decent price. However, the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT is powered by the new RDNA 4 graphics architecture, the same, uh, DNA, as the RX 9070 XT. This new tech has made this graphics card absolutely blow its predecessor, the Radeon RX 7600 XT, out of the water.

When I reviewed the Radeon RX 9060 XT, I found that it was on average 40% faster than its predecessor at 1080p, but there were cases where that generational leap was closer to 70%. Cyberpunk 2077 is an excellent example, as its heavy reliance on ray tracing makes it struggle on earlier AMD cards. With the 9060 XT though: 80fps at 1080p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset, which is more than playable.

This isn't the kind of graphics card that's going to unlock high-refresh gaming, but it doesn't need to. This is a $349 graphics card that'll let you play pretty much any new game at 1080p with most of the graphics settings turned up. Now, whether or not that price sticks around – well, that's another question entirely. But if the Radeon RX 9060 XT stays around $350–$400, I'd be hard pressed to recommend a better 1080p graphics card.

4. MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

Best Budget GPU Under $200

If you have a keen eye, you've probably realized the GTX 3050 is an old graphics card at this point, being part of the last-generation 3000-series cards. However, Nvidia hasn't really launched a follow-up yet, and we're three years into the Ada Lovelace generation, so who knows when we're getting a new cheap card from Team Green? Luckily, the RTX 3050 is still a great value, easily delivering solid 1080p gaming performance in almost anything you can throw at it.

Unlike some of the other cards on this list, you will probably have to compromise on quality settings on some games, especially harder-to-run ones like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West. At the time of writing, this EVGA RTX 3050 is only $179 on Amazon, making it the most affordable way to get into PC gaming right now, short of digging through Craigslist for a used card.

Plus, because it is using Nvidia's third-generation Tensor cores, the RTX 3050 still has access to DLSS 2.0, which stretches the value a bit, and makes up for a bit of the lost performance in games that support it. That being said, this isn't a card I'd recommend enabling ray tracing on, even if it has the RTX in its name. It'll run, but it won't be a good experience.

Instead, this GPU is best in traditional gaming workloads, and is perfect for esports or indie games.

5. AMD Radeon RX 9070

Best Mid-Range GPU

While the AMD Radeon RX 9070 isn't what I would typically call a "budget graphics card" it's the best value you can get out of a GPU for under $600 right now – or at least it will be once stock normalizes in a couple months. This AMD graphics card is basically the entry point to the mid-range, providing excellent 1440p performance, while backing it up with more VRAM than you would typically see in a graphics card of this caliber.

When I reviewed the Radeon RX 9070, it outperformed the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 at the same price point, even in some games with heavy ray tracing effects, thanks to improvements made to AMD's ray tracing pipeline. For instance, in Cyberpunk 2077, the Radeon RX 9070 gets 93fps at 1440p with the ray tracing ultra preset and with FSR set to balanced. Compared to the RTX 5070, which gets 90fps with similar settings, AMD really has closed the gap in a game that has traditionally favored Team Green.

And unlike the RTX 5070, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 has 16GB of GDDR6, which may not be as fast as the GDDR7 on the Nvidia card, but the 5070 is limited to 12GB of VRAM. That's going to become an issue as games get more demanding on memory, especially at higher resolutions. Really the only thing that holds the AMD Radeon RX 9070 back from greatness is how close its priced to the 9070 XT, which can easily handle 4K gaming for just $50 more. It's obviously not nothing, but it's a small price to pay if you have a 4K TV or monitor.

How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget

Choosing the best budget GPU doesn't have to be overwhelming – it's all about knowing what to look for and finding the right balance between performance and cost. Before deciding which GPU you want to purchase, you’ll first need to think about what you’re using your GPU for.

Pay attention to factors like frame rates, resolution capabilities, and compatibility with your existing hardware. A GPU that performs well across these areas is likely a solid choice. If you have a particular game in mind that you want to play, look at the system requirements on your chosen gaming platform; this will give you a good idea of what to look for.

As previously mentioned, it’s worth keeping an eye out for sales, discounts, and bundle deals. Prices can fluctuate, so it's worth waiting for a good deal if you're not in a rush. And, if a new GPU has been released, check out some older models as the prices will likely come down. Combining a quality GPU with a good deal can maximize your bang for buck.

FAQs about Cheaper GPUs

How much should I budget for a GPU?

Less demanding games require less processing power, so you can afford to get a GPU on a budget. For 1080p gaming, you can quite easily get a decent graphics card for anywhere between $200 to $400. However, for 1440p or 4K gaming, prices can extend well beyond $500.

What is the best budget GPU for content creation?

If you're serious about content creation, but can't spring $1,000+ for a RTX 5080 or better, your best bet is a GPU like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti. It's got enough CUDA cores to power through most creative workloads via Adobe Premiere or Blender, but also has the 4th-generation Tensor cores to power DLSS, which is increasingly being included in most popular content creation apps.

Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. She's been reviewing graphics cards for years, at websites like TechRadar, Gizmodo, The Shortcut, and, of course, IGN. You can often find her debating the finer points of the latest graphics architectures, even if no one else in the room wants to hear about it. You can follow her @Jackiecobra.

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The Samsung 990 Pro 2TB PS5 SSD with Heatsink Drops to the Lowest Price of the Year 5 juin 2025 à 19:25

The Samsung 990 Pro 2TB PS5 SSD with Heatsink Drops to the Lowest Price of the Year

IGN

Par :Eric Song

5 juin 2025 à 19:25

Samsung's fastest PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD is on sale today exclusively from the Samsung Store. Right now you can pick up a Samsung 990 Pro 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe solid state drive (SSD) with pre-installed heatsink for just $149.99 after a 30% off instant discount. Everyone is eligible for this offer (you do not need to have an edu or epp account). Despite the fact that this is currently one of the less expensive 2TB high-speed SSDs you can get, the Samsung 990 Pro is widely considered one of the fastest PCIe 4.0 SSDs on the market. It makes for an outstanding drop-in storage expansion for your PlayStation 5 console or as a boot drive for your gaming rig.

Samsung 990 Pro 2TB PS5 SSD for $149.99

The 990 Pro is the successor to the venerable 980 Pro, and boy, is it faster. Samsung claims a 50% improved performance per watt over its Samsung 980 Pro predecessor. It boasts blazing sequential speeds of 7,450MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write and random speeds of 1400K/1550K IOPS. Unlike most other SSDs, the components are manufactured in-house. The 990 Pro utilizes the new Samsung Pascal controller and 7th gen TLC NAND flash chips. There are a few top-tier SSDs that stand above the rest in terms of performance and the Samsung 990 Pro is one of them.

Is the Samsung 990 Pro Compatible with the PS5?

The Samsung 990 Pro is an excellent SSD for your PS5. From a purely performance perspective, it's overkill; the stock SSD in your PS5 will be the limiting factor. You'll want to pick up an PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 solid state drive with a rated 5,500MB/s read speed to match the PS5's internal drive and the 990 Pro is much faster. However, at the current price point, this SSD is cheaper than many slower options, so you might as well get it anyways. Sony recommends a heatsink attached to your SSD. Fortunately, this particular 990 Pro does include a heatsink, and a nice thick, all-metal one at that. It's also slim enough to fit perfectly in the PS5 SSD.

Other Excellent SSD Alternatives:

Samsung's newest SSD - the Samsung 990 Evo Plus PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe solid state drive - is on sale today. Pick up the 2TB model for $129.99 or, if you can swing it, the 4TB model for $252. The Samsung 990 Evo Plusexceeds Sony's minimim speed recommendation for the PS5, boasting sequential speeds of up to 7,250 read and 6,300MB/s write. This is a much faster drive than the 990 Evo non-Pro but not quite as fast as the 990 Pro. The main difference between this drive and the more expensive 990 Pro is that this is a DRAM-less drive. For PS5 performance, it makes no difference. For gaming PCs, the 990 Evo Plus supports HMB (host memory buffer), which makes up for the lack of DRAM by using an inconsequential amount of RAM from your system memory. Gamers will not notice any difference between the two.

Recommended SSDs for PS5

Looking for more options? Check out our favorite PS5 SSDs for the PS5 console.

Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

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AMC Unveils Galactus-Themed Popcorn Bucket For The Fantastic Four: First Steps — and It's Huge 5 juin 2025 à 19:18

AMC Unveils Galactus-Themed Popcorn Bucket For The Fantastic Four: First Steps — and It's Huge

IGN

Par :Lex Briscuso

5 juin 2025 à 19:18

Ever wanted to eat your popcorn directly out of Galactus’ head? Well, if you plan on seeing The Fantastic Four: First Steps in theaters, you’ll be able to do just that. The Galactus popcorn bucket for the upcoming film has been revealed — and needless to say, it’s probably going to be a major collectors item.

The “Giant Galactus Popcorn Vessel,” as it's being called by AMC Theatres, stands a whopping 17 inches tall and features the film’s antagonist, who will be played by The Witch and Nosferatu's Ralph Ineson, from the neck up. The bucket is a replica of the character’s head, which dons bright blue eyes, and helmet, which is finished in a shimmery purple hue. The popcorn itself is eaten out of the open top of Galactus’ helmet and, according to the chain, a large popcorn comes with each limited edition bucket.

AMC is also selling a three-in-one snack holder pegged to First Steps as well, one that replicates the H.E.R.B.I.E. robot from the movie. The chain is calling it the “H.E.R.B.I.E. Concessions Vessel” and it includes a large popcorn, large drink, and candy — plus a bunch of compartments on H.E.R.B.I.E. himself to store them all.

The cinema chain is making all kinds of big moves lately, between its outlandish popcorn buckets and, oh, you know, the addition of even more ads before the movie. Something we all wanted, obviously.

The brand has officially agreed to host more pre-show advertising as part of a partnership with National CineMedia, according to The Hollywood Reporter. AMC will run what it calls a “platinum spot” with commercials that play alongside the traditional movie trailers that are already part of the typical pre-show experience beginning July 1. And naturally — because this is about money, don’t forget that — both companies will share the revenue of this new endeavor.

AMC released a statement about the decision, which highlights its initial skepticism — but also its intent to double down for the sake of the bottom line. “While AMC was initially reluctant to bring this to our theaters, our competitors have fully participated for more than five years without any direct impact to their attendance,” the company told THR. “This is a strong indication that this NCM pre-show initiative does not negatively influence moviegoing habits.”

This week, Marvel released a new The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer that shows baby Franklin Richards for the first time and finally sees THAT line fans have been waiting for.

Much of the trailer, designed to promote the release of ticket sales for the upcoming MCU movie, we’ve seen before. But we do get a shot of Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic and Sue Storm / Invisible Woman lying in bed with baby Franklin Richards in what is our first look at the character.

Also this week, director Matt Shakman commented on whether Robert Downey Jr's Doctor Doom would make an appearance, seemingly confirming the character will be absent. However, fans still strongly suspect Doctor Doom will show up in the movie, perhaps in a post-credits scene.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25, 2025.

Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.

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Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles - Here's What Comes in Each Edition 5 juin 2025 à 19:00

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles - Here's What Comes in Each Edition

IGN

Par :Chris Reed

5 juin 2025 à 19:00

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is set to release for PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 30. It’s a new take on the classic tactical RPG, which many gamers of a certain vintage consider an absolute masterpiece. This new version comes with the original game, plus an enhanced version that includes new content and features and is available to preorder now (see it at Amazon). We have all the details below, plus buy links and info about what comes in each edition.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

Physical Copy (Amazon Exclusive)

Get it for PS5 - $49.99
Get it for Switch - $49.99

Digital Copy

Get it for PS5/PS4 - $49.99
Get it for Xbox - $49.99
Get it for PC (Steam) - $49.99
Get it for Switch - Not Yet Available

Physical copies of the game are exclusive to Amazon. They come with the standard edition of the game, plus the preorder bonuses detailed below.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Digital Deluxe Edition

Get it for PS5/PS4 - $59.99
Get it for Xbox - $59.99
Get it for PC (Steam) - $59.99
Get it for Switch - Not Yet Available

The digital-only deluxe edition comes with the game itself, plus the following in-game items:

Weapon: Akademy Blade (Raises a unit's speed attribute slightly while equipped)
Headwear: Akademy Beret (Prevents the Charmed status while equipped)
Combat Garb: Akademy Tunic (Grants Shell while equipped)
Accessory: Ring of Aptitude (Boosts JP earned while equipped)
Consumable Items: Phoenix Down x10
Black Equipment for Ramza
Red Equipment for Ramza

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Preorder Bonus

Preorder Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, and you’ll receive the game itself, plus the following in-game items:

Mythril Knife
Spiked Boots
White Equipment for Ramza
High Potion x10
Ether x10

If you preorder from Amazon, you’ll receive the game itself, plus a physical bonus item:

Double-Sided Poster

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Collector’s Box (SOLD OUT)

See it at Square Enix Store - $200

The Collector’s Box sold out almost immediately after going on sale. It’s a Square Enix Store exclusive that does not contain the game, but has the following physical extras:

Ramza Beoulve figure (Akademy version)
Chocobo mini plush set
Pop-up art - “Outlying Church”
Special art box
Art sheet set
Zodiac stones acrylic magnet set

What Is Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles?

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a tactical RPG that originally came out for PS1 in 1997. It takes place in Ivalice, the same setting as Final Fantasy XII and Vagrant Story. In it, the king has died, and his successor is only two years old. That means the regent will effectively be in charge of the land. Two dukes are gunning for the regent position: Goltanna the Black Lion and Larg the White Lion. Their battle is called the War of the Lions, and it acts as the backdrop for the game. You play as Ramza and Delita as you battle your way through all sorts of political turmoil.

The battles themselves are turn-based affairs that have you positioning your units on a grid-based battlefield as you duke it out against the enemy troops. One of the main selling points is the jobs system, which offers over 20 classes of characters for you to choose and customize. There’s a lot of strategy going on in this game.

This new version of the game includes the full original game, updated to look good on modern displays. That’s called the Classic Version. But it also has an enhanced version of the game, complete with a new user interface, improved graphics and voice acting, new difficulty levels, battle speeds, and a tactical view to get an overview of the battlefield. Sounds like a solid update to me.

More Preorder Guides

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.

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4 Upgraded Sega Games on the Nintendo Switch 2 5 juin 2025 à 19:00

4 Upgraded Sega Games on the Nintendo Switch 2

IGN

Par :coreydemoss

5 juin 2025 à 19:00

The day has finally arrived — the Nintendo Switch 2 is here! Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably already know that. What you might not know is that Sega has four games coming to the console, three of which are available now and one with a release date fast approaching.

This batch of games brings some titles to the Switch for the first time and covers a range of genres. From pure action to platforming to puzzles, there’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re a solo gamer or want something to play with friends. If you’re one of the many people who has a shiny new Switch 2, here are some options to get the most out of it.

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut

This is the definitive edition of the Yakuza series’ origin story, loaded with new content that makes it a standout of the Switch 2’s third-party launch lineup. If you’ve never had the chance to dive into the Yakuza series, this is the best starting point.

You play as yakuza Kazuma Kiryu and former yakuza (also current cabaret club manager) Goro Majima in a crime drama exploring the decadence and danger of 1988 Japan. Both characters have three unique fighting styles that you can switch between on the fly while making use of your surroundings by turning street signs, bicycles, motorcycles, and traffic cones into makeshift weapons.

But Yakuza 0 isn’t all about cracking skulls. When you want to take a break from fighting, you can live it up on the neon-lit streets of Japan and enjoy a variety of optional side content: over-the-top substories, karaoke and dancing rhythm games, bowling, and even a full-blown retro Sega arcade.

The Director’s Cut adds English voice acting and more than 25 minutes of new cutscenes, providing deeper insight into character backstories and key moments of the main story. It also adds a new online mode called Red Light Raid, where you can join forces with up to three teammates to take on hordes of enemies while fighting the clock to face down a final boss.

Defeating enemies and winning raids gets you money to unlock and upgrade characters — there are 60 in all, each with their own health, defense, and attack stats. An online leaderboard will track your lifetime earnings, so you and your friends can fight your way to the top.

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is available now for the Switch 2. For more info and trailers, visit the official website.

Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

This is a remastered version of the 2006 action RPG that’s part of the Devil Summoner series, a spinoff from Shin Megami Tensei, and it marks Raidou’s debut on a Nintendo console. You play as a demon-summoning detective protecting the streets of an alternate version of 1931 Tokyo, where the Taisho era is still ongoing.

It all begins with a mysterious schoolgirl who asks Raidou to kill her, but she’s kidnapped by armored soldiers before she can explain why. On top of that, demonic incursions are on the rise across the city. You’ll need to make use of Raidou’s ability to capture and fuse demons as you try to solve this strange case that will lead him to discover a sinister conspiracy that threatens all of Japan.

The remaster adds demons that weren’t in the original, for a total of more than 120 this time around. They can fight beside you in combat but also join you on the field, and you can use their unique abilities to affect the environment and help solve cases. Some demons let you read minds, others light up areas to help find hidden objects, while others can freeze water or fly over impassable areas.

There are also several new improvements to visuals, audio, and performance. Characters that are part of the main storyline now have full voice acting, bringing them to life in a new way. The graphics have been upgraded across the board, the UI has been revamped, and you can save your game from anywhere on the field. Plus, the battle system has been overhauled. You can now fully control the camera during combat, navigating menus has been streamlined, you can command multiple demons, and Raidou has new abilities. If you want to hear more about all of this from someone who’s gotten to play it, you can listen to IGN’s Michael Higham discuss it as part of a recent episode of Unlocked.

Raidou Remastered releases on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on June 19. There will be five DLC packs (and a bundle of all five packs in one) also available at release, and you can get the cosmetic item Raidou Glasses for preordering either the digital or physical version of the base game.

If you sign up for a Sega Account, you can claim* the Survival Pack Light Gear for free between June 19 and July 31, 2025. The pack comes with these in-game items: Soma x2 (fully restores Raidou’s HP and MAG), Survival Erudition x5 (automatically revives Raidou one time with full HP, but can’t be used in “Sleuth” difficulty).

*Available in select regions. Regional age restrictions may apply.

For more information about the game, its characters, and where to preorder it, you can visit the official website.

Sonic x Shadow Generations

This is a two-games-in-one package that combines Shadow Generations with a remastered version of Sonic Generations. IGN gave the original release a 9 and said it “takes an already excellent game and spring jumps it to new heights at a blistering pace by doubling up the campaign length with creative level design, fantastic bosses, plenty of collectibles, and an appreciable graphical upgrade.” In the Switch 2 release, those upgrades are pushed even further. Both games have been optimized and enhanced for Nintendo’s new console, with improvements to resolution and graphics.

The games play similarly, but with some marked differences. Sonic Generations sees you switch between “classic” and “modern” versions of Sonic, with gameplay inspired by different eras of the franchise. “Classic” is purely side-scrolling, like the original Sonic games of the ’90s. “Modern” plays more like the 2000s era, with a mixture of side-scrolling and third-person. You use a main hub to access each level, which all have a “classic” section and “modern” section. Some of the levels are more than just inspired by previous eras, they’re full-on remakes of iconic levels from the series — like the classic Green Hill Zone from the original Sonic and City Escape from Sonic Adventure 2.

As the name implies, Shadow Generations stars Shadow the Hedgehog as the protagonist. It also has two sections of each level, one side-scrolling and one 3D, but Shadow has different powers than his blue counterpart. As he defeats enemies, he fills a gauge in the corner of the screen. Once full, you can activate Chaos Control, which stops time, freezes objects, and opens alternate paths. You can also discover new abilities known as Doom Powers, which unlock new attacks and abilities that drastically alter Shadow's platforming capabilities.

The upgraded version of Sonic x Shadow Generations was part of the Switch 2’s launch lineup and is available now. For more details on the story and to see it in action, check out the official website.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S

This unique puzzle game lands on Switch 2 as an exclusive, bringing a ton of new features along with it in Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, which combines two beloved series into one and lets you choose how to play. You can play it like Tetris, placing blocks and eliminating them by filling lines across the screen. Or like Puyo Puyo, eliminating colored blobs by matching colors and setting up combos. Or you can combine the two in crossover game modes.

Then there’s the exclusives: an all-new game mode and features you can only experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 that take advantage of the new hardware in fun ways. The Puyo Tetris® Doubles mode lets you compete in 2v2 battles with pairs using the same board, allowing you to set up devastating combos. Gameshare lets you use one copy of the game to play with up to three of your friends from anywhere around the world, camera functionality lets you put yourself into the game and become the background of a stage or the game board through a live video feed, and there’s also mouse control support using the Joy-Con 2.

On top of that, there’s an extensive single-player adventure and 12 game modes that can be played solo or in local and online multiplayer. Plus, there’s a roster of 40 playable characters, including Sonic the Hedgehog, each with their own unique stats and abilities.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S was also a Switch 2 launch title and is out now. You can find more details and order it on the official website.

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Prime Video's Daniel Dae Kim-Led Spy-Thriller Butterfly Gets a Release Date and First Look Images 5 juin 2025 à 19:00

Prime Video's Daniel Dae Kim-Led Spy-Thriller Butterfly Gets a Release Date and First Look Images

IGN

Par :Adam Bankhurst

5 juin 2025 à 19:00

IGN can exclusively reveal not only first look images of Prime Video's Butterfly, but we can also confirm that all six episodes of this Daniel Dae Kim-led spy-thriller series will premiere on August 13, 2025.

Kim, who has previously starred in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Lost, and Hawaii Five-0, will also serve as executive producer on this series that co-stars Reina Hardesty (The Secret Art of Human Flight), Piper Perabo (Yellowstone), and Louis Landau (Rivals).

Prime Video's Butterfly is based on BOOM! Studios' graphic novel series of the same name by Arash Amel, and it is a "character-driven spy-thriller that explores family dynamics within the treacherous world of global espionage."

"It's centered on David Jung (Kim), an enigmatic, highly unpredictable former US intelligence operative living in South Korea, whose life is blown to pieces when the consequences of an impossible decision from his past come back to haunt him, and he finds himself pursued by Rebecca (Hardesty), a deadly, sociopathic young agent assigned to kill him, and Caddis, the sinister spy organization she works for," continues the official description.

“Butterfly is the realization of a longtime dream to bring together American and Korean storytellers and create a show that bridges two cultures that I love deeply,” said Kim. “I couldn’t be happier with the creative team we've assembled, both in front of and behind the camera, and I’m grateful to Ken Woodruff, Boom! Studios, 3AD, Amazon, and everyone else who helped bring it to life.”

The Mentalist and Gotham's Ken Woodruff will be serving as showrunner and co-creator alongside acclaimed novelist Steph Cha. Other members of the cast include Kim Ji-hoon, Park Hae-soo, Kim Tae-hee, Charles Parnell, Sean Dulake, and Nayoon Kim, with Sung Dong-il and Lee Il-hwa appearing in guest roles.

Woodruff and Cha join Kim as executive producers alongside John Cheng for 3AD; Stephen Christy and Ross Richie for BOOM! Studios; and Arash Amel for The Amel Company.

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic.

IGN
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights 2025 to Feature the First-Ever Fallout Haunted House 5 juin 2025 à 18:45

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights 2025 to Feature the First-Ever Fallout Haunted House

IGN

Par :Adam Bankhurst

5 juin 2025 à 18:45

IGN can exclusively reveal that Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights in both Orlando and Hollywood will be getting a new haunted house based on Prime Video’s Fallout series and that HHN’s Five Night’s at Freddy’s experience will be based on the movie, the latter of which will be brought to life with the help of the legendary Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, who also did the animatronics for the film.

While we don’t know much more about the Five Nights at Freddy’s experience, Fallout’s haunted house will open on August 29 at Universal Orlando Resort and on September 4 at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it will allow fans to relive the greatest moments from Fallout’s first season and more.

Guests will first enter Vault 33 and follow Lucy MacLean as she tries to escape a bloody massacre while also learning of an “evil hidden secret.” The journey will then take guests outside the vault and into the Wasteland, where they will need to dodge attacks from both Scavengers, Raiders, and even mutated cockroaches known as RAD Roaches. Throughout the trek through the Wasteland, guests will visit the Super Duper Mart, encounter the Ghoul, and even meet Maximus and his massive T-60 armor.

To learn more about this exciting and terrifying trip to the nuclear wasteland, we had the chance to speak to John Murdy, Creative Director / Executive Producer at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Matthew Flood, Senior Show Director at Universal Orlando Resort, for IGN Live. Among other things, these big fans of Fallout shared how they and the team are doing all they can to make this the best Fallout experience ever.

“As you go through these environments, we want fans to say, ‘I recognize this, I'm in a Fallout vault. How cool is that?!’ Flood said. “Where else are you going to get to say that you walked through a Fallout vault and then into the Wasteland and saw ghouls?

“And you can see and understand what the world is just by what you pass, including the bodies when Lucy first exits the vault. That type of thing is really good for us in Halloween Horror Nights and… yes, it’s gruesome, which is what our fans want at Halloween Horror Nights. It’s also scary and provides great characters, good monsters, all the mutated creatures, and the ghouls. That’s ripe for the picking when it comes to Halloween Horror Nights.”

Fallout also offers the team a chance to do something they’ve never done before.

“Fallout is kind of retro futuristic, and a lot of the aesthetics of it are very 1950s,” Murdy said. “The fact that we get to deal with the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust is very exciting for us since we've never done anything like that at HHN before. It’s like tapping into a whole different realm of horror.”

What’s also interesting is that Hollywood and Orlando will each have unique aspects to their Fallout experience, including for the T-60 armor.

“It's massive,” Murdy said of the T-60 Armor. “We work really closely with the people who are producing Fallout, and they've shared an incredible number of assets with us. We've done a lot of really big stuff over the years with Horror Nights, but this has got to be, I think, one of the biggest things we've ever had to do. We also thought it’d be cool if each park had a lot in common but also some differences. So, for Hollywood, the Power Armor is a full animatronic; we’re doing it as a fully animated figure.”

“In Orlando, we do have kind of a final battle moment,” Flood added. “I’m not going to reveal too much, but yes, T-60s will be part of that battle. We also got a chance to fit in Filly, and I think having a moment to get a real-life Fallout battle happening there is pretty cool.”

Murdy also teased that each Fallout house will have its own “creature takes,” and Hollywood’s will be the horrifying Yao Guai Bear.

With ghouls and mutated bears and murderous scavengers abound, this haunted house is meant to be a chaotic thing, but Flood, Murdy, and the team have taken great care to have it be more than just non-stop terror. Murdy told us that his writing treatments for this Fallout experience averaged 100 pages, which feature both a narrative guide and a technical breakdown from start to finish.

“It's that detailed because we need to spell it all out for our team so they know exactly what to create,” Murdy said. “And what Horror Nights is known for is our attention to detail. And what we're aiming for alongside the casual guest is the uber fan. We want to have so many different Easter Eggs that certain people won't particularly notice, but that the real hardcore fans of the video game and the series will.”

Flood teased that there is a Pip-Boy they’ve been working on that will be a treat to find, and he teased that guests should look in all the windows of the storefronts or sides of buildings, as there will be “little things scattered around.”

“If you're here for a second or third time through the house, and you get a chance to glance down when you're not totally terrified, you can see a lot of those Easter eggs existing throughout the house,” Flood said.

Lastly, we asked what the pair what they were most excited about bringing to life for Hollywood Horror Nights.

“For me, it was obviously the Wasteland,” Murdy said. “It is fun to go from the vaults where you're in a claustrophobic environment to then kind of open it up into the Wasteland. However, when I think of it purely from what Horror Nights delivers, it’s Super Duper Mart.”

Speaking of exciting fictional businesses, we were able to get one more exciting quote for the Five Nights at Freddy’s experience at this year’s Hollywood Horror Nights, and it’s making the wait for more details even worse!

“When you experience this, it is literally like living in the movie,” Murdy said.

For more, check out a look at our review of Fallout Season 1 and the tease of Season 2, a look at the sinister poster for Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, and everything you need to know about IGN Live, which is kicking off on June 7.

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic.

IGN
Ranking the John Wick Movies 5 juin 2025 à 18:19

Ranking the John Wick Movies

IGN

Par :Matt Fowler

5 juin 2025 à 18:19

We're thinking we're back!...for another John Wick piece. This time it's an official ranking of all four Wick-tastic flicks. With Ana de Armas exploding onto the scene in spinoff Ballerina, and now also John Wick 5 getting the go-ahead, it's time to look at the full John Wick saga so far and name the best of the best (since there really isn't a bad one)!

Where will Ballerina eventually place here? We'll probably check back in down the line and add that movie to the rankings, as Ana de Armas plays a Eve, a ballerina-assassin trained at the Ruska Roma Ballet School that was introduced to us in John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum. And since the movie is set between Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, Keanu Reeves himself gets to make an appearance as as John Wick.

So which John Wick movie is the best? Is it the one where he shoots a bunch of guys or the one where he shoots a bunch of guys while on a horse? Or the movie where he shot a bunch of mercenaries on the stairs? It's all a swirling torrent of bullets, but we've sorted it all out for you.

Buckle up for some of the coolest carnage around. A world of assassins. Secret hotels for contract killers. Ground rules like "No Outside Food!" The world of John Wick is rich and lethal, and it hasn't produced a bad movie yet! The trick, however, is...naming the best one!

4. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)

Coming in at number four is the still-great John Wick: Chapter 2, the first sequel of the series, where Wick, after attaining bloody revenge for his grief therapy puppy, is called upon to kill a crime lord on behalf of that crime lord's jealous brother... on behalf of a blood oath that Wick owes the jealous brother. It's a solid action shoot-em-up follow-up that kicks off the whole "price on his head" bounty storyline that fuels the insanity of the next two films. Wick trying to make his way through Manhattan, pursued by Common, with every nefarious assassin coming out of the woodwork, is a prime Wick. John Wick: Chapter 2 opens up the World o' Wick, laying the groundwork for this tragic, violent story to continue on toward a point of no return.

3. John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)

At number 3? Chapter 3! And what a wild freakin' ride this movie is. Wick barely outruns a $14 million dollar bounty, seeks refuge with his O.G. crime family -- the Ruska Roma -- kills a bunch of people in Casablanca, dedicates his soul (and finger) to The Elder, and then fends off the The Adjudicator's small army at the NYC Continental. All to get betrayed by Ian McShane's Winston in the end. It's a thrilling, action-packed adventure that very much acts as a bridging story, picking up with Chapter 2's cliffhanger and ending with a cliffhanger of its own. But it's got horse stunts, Halle Berry, Mark Dacascos, and another upsetting dog death.

2. John Wick (2014)

Landing in second place is the original revenge thriller, where it all started, 2014's John Wick! A New York crime boss' dipsh*t son runs afoul of not just any retired assassin -- THE retired assassin -- and it's off to the races. Neither pleas of mercy nor threats of violence can stop underworld boogeyman John Wick from killing everyone in his path to get revenge on this little A-hole for killing his sweet, tiny dog. Before spiraling outward into a gunslinging globe-trotting odyssey, the first John Wick was just a tight, thrilling murderfest about a grieving monster who unfortunately gets awakened for (what he thinks is) one final killing spree.

1. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

John Wick: Chapter 4 closes out Wick's tale of redemption and damnation in epic fashion. Pitted against the High Table, which is using all of its vast resources to burn the world (and various Continentals) to kill him, Wick challenges the Marquis to a duel. But can Wick even make it to the duel with a $26 million dollar bounty on his head? It's a race against time into certain death as the hitman whose frightened peers refer to as "Baba Yaga" puts it all on the line to take to steal himself a seat at the High Table. It's the perfect culmination of a series that expanded its lore, and the art of violence, with each successive movie. The battle on the Rue Foyatier and the Arc de Triomphe car chase are not to be missed!

Read IGN's John Wick: Chapter 4 review here.

What order would YOU put the John Wick movies in? Which is your favorite? Vote in the poll above and/or let us know below...

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Switch 2 Compatibility Issue Breaking Matches With Mii Fighters, Nintendo Politely Asks Fans to Stop Using Character Until Fix Deployed

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 18:14

Nintendo has updated its list of Switch 2 compatibility issues to request that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate owners refrain from using the Mii Fighter characters, as they're currently breaking the game.

According to Nintendo's Japanese support website (thanks, OatmealDome), the issue with Mii Fighter only occurs when Smash Bros. Ultimate is being played online, and a match takes place between one person on Switch 1 and another person on Switch 2.

In this circumstance, should one player be using Mii Fighter, Nintendo warns that an online match may end "immediately," kicking both players out before the usual punch-ups can be had.

Nintendo hasn't explained the reason why this issue is occuring, though the fact it is limited to Mii characters may suggest there is some difference to how the two console generations handle the custom avatars — leaving the game to give up on matches instead.

Indeed, Nintendo also warns that Mii Fighter thumbnails may also not save correctly on Switch 2, pointing to some kind of compatibility problem.

"An update will be released soon," Nintendo has said, though there's no word yet on when.

Originally released in December 2018, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is one of Nintendo's best-selling games for Switch 1, with more than 36 million copies shifted. With the series' largest player roster and years of extra content, the game has earned its Ultimate moniker — leaving many fans to wonder what might be next for the series.

Nintendo recently announced a new game from Smash Bros. series boss Masahiro Sakurai — though it's not a new Smash Bros. title. Instead, the veteran designer and director is working on Kirby Air Riders, a fresh game for Nintendo's pink puffball that's due to launch on Switch 2 later in 2025.

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

IGN
The 5 Best Nintendo Switch Headsets in 2025 5 juin 2025 à 18:12

The 5 Best Nintendo Switch Headsets in 2025

IGN

Par :Kevin Lee

5 juin 2025 à 18:12

If audio is important to you when it comes to Nintendo games, one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories worth adding to your collection is a decent gaming headset. And, if you're eyeing a Switch 2 for its new GameChat feature, a headset will be essential to not annoy everyone else in your home. Our favorite option to pair with the Nintendo Switch is the versatile Razer Barracuda X. Still, no matter what you want, we’ve made sure to cater to all kinds of needs and price ranges – from the best budget headsets to the most premium high-end headset money can buy.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Headsets for Nintendo Switch

Finding the best Nintendo Switch headset requires a lot of time, energy, and effort, with various brands on the market and tons of features to look out for. Plus, the best gaming headset will appeal differently to different people. Nintendo finally addiing Bluetooth connectivity to the Switch also makes wireless headsets eligible for consideration. We've done the testing and research to bring you five of our favorite gaming headsets for Switch.

1. Razer Barracuda X

Best Nintendo Switch Headset

The Razer Barracuda X we reviewed is easily our top pick for a Nintendo Switch headset that’s impressive in every way at an incredibly reasonable price. For just $99, you get excellent audio quality and a lag-free wireless connection through the low-latency 2.4GHz USB dongle. This headset also offers seamless Bluetooth connectivity for your Nintendo Switch, smartphone, and other devices for a completely cable-free setup.

In our testing of the Barracuda X, we found it is also immensely comfortable thanks to its mesh-covered memory foam earcups, remarkably thick headband padding, and lightweight plastic body. Weighing just 250g, it is ideal for extended hours of gameplay without feeling like a burden on your noggin. What makes the Barracuda X even better for long gaming sessions is its 60-hour battery life, and even when it runs out of juice, you can always use the included 3.5mm cable to keep playing. If you also game on platforms other than the Switch, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s also one of the best PS5 headsets, and is compatitable with PC and smartphones sporting USB-C Ports.

2. HyperX Cloud Alpha

Best Wired Nintendo Switch Headset

Our testing of the HyperX Cloud Alpha confirmed it to be one of the most popular choices for a wired gaming headset. It hosts 50mm dual chamber drivers that deliver focused and powerful sound. The sound is crisp and clear, and it maintains that clarity even when the volume is cranked all the way up. The detachable boom mic on the cans is excellent at canceling unwanted background noise and transferring your voice clearly and precisely.

The Cloud Alpha features a sturdy aluminum frame headband that makes it durable and light. The lightweight profile of the headset coupled with its thick earcups makes for a tremendously comfortable fit as well. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry too much about the cable being a hassle. The headset boasts a braided nylon cable that is fairly easy to untangle.

3. SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless

Best Wireless Nintendo Switch Headset

We've reviewed theSteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless and found it to be one of the best options if you want to go fully cable-free. The headset has a lag-free connection with its USB dongle and it provides up to 20 hours of gaming before it runs out of battery. (Since it also sports wired connection options, you don’t have to put the headset down when it’s out of juice, though you'll be tethered up.) The Arctis 1’s 40mm drivers help deliver impressive audio.

Apart from the seamless connection and brilliant sound, the headset features a sturdy body padded with soft Airweave fabric on the earcups and plushy foam cushions on the headband. Plus, it weighs a total of 254g to sit comfortably atop your head. It offers easy compatibility with not just the Nintendo Switch but also PS4, Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices. What’s more, it features a fantastic mic, which is also thankfully detachable, so you won’t look like a newscaster when you’re not gaming.

4. Logitech Pro X Gaming Headset

Best-Sounding Nintendo Switch Headset

The Logitech G Pro X is a great choice if you prioritize high-quality sound in a gaming headset. It features impressive highs that thankfully doesn’t go overboard with the clear lows. Often, the bass is overdone, so it sounds thick and heavy, but that isn’t the case with the Pro X – explosions and the like sound great. The surround sound on the headset is pretty impressive too, which always helps to enhance the overall experience.

It’s also a tough and sturdy headset, accompanied by thick cushioning to keep the strain off your head and ears at all times. Apart from ensuring a comfortable fit, the thick cushioning facilitates a certain level of passive noise isolation as well. Not only is the Pro X immensely comfortable, but it also fits rather snugly, hugging your ears tightly with just enough clamping force to not feel overbearing. Logitech also thoughtfully provides an extra pair of velour pads in the package to accommodate users with glasses. It's a wired option, so you can grab the G Pro X Lightspeed we also reviewed to go wireless.

5. Skullcandy PLYR

Best Bluetooth Nintendo Switch Headset

Skullcandy's PLYR is a great Bluetooth headset for your Switch. The connection process is fast and simple, and there is hardly any lag. With a 3.5mm cord in the package, you can also use the PLYR as a wired headset. You can rely on the 50mm drivers to deliver punchy, clear, and focused sound. For a $130 mid-range headset, the sound on this is brilliant. It has the immersive audio experience that gamers look for.

PLYR also allows an impressive amount of user customization through the Skullcandy-HQ app It allows you to modify the equalizer channels with options for bass, mids, and highs – or there are presets such as RPG, music, and film mode. The app also lets you tweak volume levels for both gaming and chat, which you can also adjust using the headset’s onboard controls.

How to Choose a Nintendo Switch Headset

One of the most important features to look for when buying a Nintendo Switch headset is comfort. You’re going to be spending a lot of time wearing it, so you don’t want something that feels like a burden. Avoid this by opting for a headset that is generously padded, both on the headband and earcups. You’ll also want to make sure the earcups are covered in mesh fabric instead of leatherette as the latter material can cause sweating

Noise isolation is almost as important as comfort. Make sure to look for a headset that forms a snug seal around your ears to provide a good degree of passive noise isolation. The circumference of the earcups should be large enough to fit around your ears. If you’re someone who wears glasses, consider velour earcups.

Active noise-canceling (ANC) is another important feature to look for. Noise cancellation helps block out any external sounds so you can pay more attention to those slight, but all-so-crucial directional audio cues. Basically, ANC enhances immersion and results in an overall enhanced gameplay experience.

It’s wise to not underestimate the importance of build quality. You might be tempted to opt for plastic headsets because of their relatively inexpensive price tags, but it’s best to invest in a sturdy metal headset that will last you years. Not only will plastic give up on you pretty quickly, but it can also look a little cheap.

If cordinating with your teammates is important, the microphone quality on a headset is crucual. You’d want to make sure the mic transmits your voice quickly and clearly without any lag. It is also recommended to look for headsets that feature custom settings for mics, so you can tweak how you sound. If you plan on using the headset on the go, definitely go for those with detachable mics.

Lastly, make sure the sound on your headset is customizable via EQ settings on a companion app. The rest mostly has to do with your preferences. If you’re a fan of bass, look for a headset that emphasizes low-end. If you’re big on RPGs, surround sound is a must-have feature.

Nintendo Switch Gaming Headset FAQ

Will my Switch headset be compatible with the Switch 2?

Unlike some of the other Switch accessories, your headset will most likely work with the Switch 2. The new console supports Bluetooth, and also has a headphone jack and an extra USB-C port at the top, so your current headset should work fine. Otherwise, feel free to check out what headsets I'd recommend specifically for the Switch 2.

Does the Switch support Bluetooth audio?

The Nintendo Switch has always supported the best Switch controllers via Bluetooth, but for a long time, a special adapter was necessary to connect wireless headphones or headsets to the console over Bluetooth. Luckily, in late 2021, Nintendo finally added Bluetooth audio support on the Switch. Just be sure your device’s system version is updated to 13.0.0 or higher. Then, it should be simple to connect the best wireless earbuds, gaming earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, and more. Unfortunately, Bluetooth microphones still aren’t supported. Take a look here for more information about how to connect via Bluetooth to your Switch.

What’s the best Nintendo Switch headset?

We’ve tested dozens of headsets, and when it comes to performance with the Nintendo Switch, nothing beats the Razer Barracuda X. With it, you’ll enjoy an incredibly reasonable price tag, reliable connectivity, a comfortable fit, and decent sound. Plus, you aren’t limited to listening only on your Switch, as the Barracuda X comes with multiplatform compatibility ready to work on the majority of your devices.

Dua has been hooked on technology since she was a kid and used to spend all of her spare time reading product reviews online. Today, she writes for IGN, TechRadar, and Gizmodo, and has worked for PCMag, Digital Trends, and ScreenRant among other tech publishers. When she isn't obsessing over the latest gadgets, Dua spends her time working out, playing the uke or reading.

Brandon Sanderson Says The Wheel of Time Fandom 'Deserved Better' Than a Cancelation After 'The Best Season,' as Over 120,000 Fans Desperate for Season 4 Sign Petition

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 18:07

The Wheel of Time seems dead in the water after Amazon’s cancelation of the Prime Video series following the conclusion of Season 3, and a new report that claims it’s not being shopped around to streamers. On top of that, Brandon Sanderson, who finished author Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, had some choice words for the people making the decisions.

Last month, it emerged that Prime Video had decided against renewing The Wheel of Time for Season 4 after what Deadline reported were “lengthy deliberations.” Apparently executives like the show, but couldn’t make it work financially.

The Wheel of Time is an adaptation of the much-loved fantasy book series of the same name by Robert Jordan, with a cast led by Rosamund Pike. After a shaky first two seasons that had fans of the books in uproar over controversial changes from the source material, Season 3 appeared to win over the fanbase and, it was felt, set up the show for even better things to come.

However, it seems The Wheel of Time cost too much for co-producers Sony Pictures TV and Amazon MGM Studios, the latter of which also makes the super expensive The Lord Of the Rings: The Rings Of Power.

As Deadline put it:

... the Season 3 overall performance was not strong enough compared to the show’s cost for Prime Video to commit to another season and the streamer could not make it work after examining different scenarios and following discussions with lead studio Sony TV, sources said.

Let’s start with Sanderson’s comments on the cancelation, made in the comments of a recent video published to his YouTube channel.

“I wasn't really involved,” he began. “Don't know anything more than what is public. They told me they were renegotiating, and thought it would work out. Then I heard nothing for two months. Then learned this from the news like everyone else.

“I do think it's a shame, as while I had my problems with the show, it had a fanbase who deserved better than a cancelation after the best season. I won't miss being largely ignored; they wanted my name on it for legitimacy, but not to involve me in any meaningful way.”

Clearly, Sanderson was less than impressed with the show's decision-makers, but he acknowledged the frustration among fans who had seen a clear improvement season to season, and who had hoped to see the story continue.

Now on to a new report that claims The Wheel of Time isn’t being shopped around to other streamers. TVLine said its “well-placed sources” confirmed the news that is sure to disappoint fans who’d hoped for Season 4 at least.

Meanwhile, over 120,000 fans have signed an online petition to “Save The Wheel of Time.” “Finish the story,” the organizers of the petition say on their website. “It deserves to be told in full!”

It’s increasingly likely those pleas will fall on deaf ears. Some fans hope Apple, which has form when it comes to glossy sci-fi and fantasy shows that cost huge amounts of money to make, may pick up The Wheel of Time for Apple TV+, but given the slate of shows it already has on its books, that is perhaps wishful thinking.

So, this The Wheel of Time adaptation does indeed look like it is out of time, and yet another disappointing attempt to adapt what many consider to be the greatest fantasy novel series ever written.

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.

IGN
The Best Power Banks for Nintendo Switch 2 5 juin 2025 à 18:03

The Best Power Banks for Nintendo Switch 2

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 18:03

The Nintendo Switch 2 is officially out in the world, and while you’ll obviously be able to take it on the go, Nintendo is only claiming a minimum of “2 hours” of battery life in intense games. That’s definitely enough for a morning commute, but if you want your Nintendo Switch 2 to last through longer flights or even just away from a wall outlet, you’re going to need a solid power bank.

While the Switch 2 does include plenty of new hardware features, it’s still just a mobile device that charges via USB-C. That means pretty much any existing power bank is going to be perfect for the portable console. Power banks that are specially designed for the Switch 2 will definitely be coming out over the next few months. Genki, for instance, has a magnetic power bank that attaches to a special Nintendo Switch 2 case to keep it charged without needing to run a cable from your pocket to the console. There are similar solutions out there for the original Switch, but because of the Switch 2’s bigger dimensions, those won’t be compatible with the new handheld.

1. Anker Nano Power Bank

The Best Power Bank for Switch 2

The Anker Nano 3-in-1 has a built-in USB-C cable, but you’re not limited to it. Right under the included cable is an extra USB-C port to plug in a second charging cable. This is awesome, as it not only allows you to charge two devices at the same time, but if the built-in cable dies on you (knock on wood), you don’t have to throw out the entire unit.

The Anker Nano also has a built-in wall plug, which makes it easy to stick into an outlet when you need to charge it without using an adapter, and it folds up and away when not charging.

While the Anker Nano is, like the name implies, just a little guy, it can charge the Switch 2 pretty quickly. This power bank is rated for 30W of output, and while that’s probably not enough to match the Switch 2’s power brick output, it’s still enough to charge it up fairly quickly. Not bad for such a tiny and convenient power bank, if you ask me.

2. Belkin Boost Plus 10K

The Most Portable Power Bank for Switch 2

The Belkin Boost Plus has been one of my favorite power banks for a while, mostly because it has all the cables sorted out to begin with. The unit has two cables built in, one USB-C and one Lightning. What’s more, they also stow nicely in little cutouts in the side of the power bank, making for clean storage. The Belkin Boost Plus’s Lightning cable is essentially useless for anyone with a Switch 2, though.

The only thing that really holds it back is that it doesn’t have any ports for other cables. This isn’t a huge deal most of the time, but if the built-in cables die, you’re basically screwed. At the end of the day you’re trading the flexibility of using your own cables for the convenience of built-in ones. That’s more than worth it for me.

With just 23W of charging output, this power bank will likely be a little slower than the Switch 2's included power adapter, but it’s sleek and easy to carry around. That’s worth it as far as I’m concerned. You’re not going to find many super-portable high-speed chargers, after all.

3. Anker Power Core 24K

An Absolutely Overkill Power Bank for Switch 2

For most people, trading off portability for the ability to charge your Switch 2 is enough, even if it’s slower than charging off the wall. But if you completely lack patience, as I do, you can just use a laptop charger. The Anker Power Core 24K is rated for 45W of output, which is enough to charge a MacBook pretty quickly, so it’s more than enough to at least match the presumed 39W charger bundled with the Switch 2.

There are a couple caveats to this, obviously. The original Switch didn’t really play nicely with fast charging. Not that high-wattage chargers harmed the Switch – they just didn’t charge it any faster than the dock would. I'll need to do some testing now that the Switch 2 is out, but even if it has the same behavior as its predecessor, going a bit overkill on the power bank is at the very least not going to hurt anything.

The Power Core 24K also has a much higher power capacity than the other power banks on this list, with 24,000mAh. That’s a little over four times the capacity of the internal Switch 2 battery, for reference. Now, some of that power is going to be lost in the process of charging the Switch 2, but it’s still enough to charge the device at least three and a half times on a single charge.

Of course with all this extra oomph, the Anker Power Core 24K is both more expensive and bulkier than the other power banks on this list. This thing weighs 1.1lbs on its own, which is admittedly heavier than the Switch 2 itself. But hey, these are just the sacrifices you have to make sometimes, right?

Power Banks for Switch 2 FAQ

How powerful of a power bank does the Switch 2 require?

If the Switch 2 power adapter is anything like the original console – and there’s not much reason to think it won’t be – the console will feature a 39W charger. That means in order to match the charging speed of the wall charger, you’re going to need a beefy power bank. Most mainstream power banks have anywhere between 20-30W of output, so charging the system with a portable battery will be sacrificing a little bit of speed for portability.

Is a 10,000mAh power bank enough for the Switch 2?

Yes. The Nintendo Switch 2 has a 5,220mAh battery, which means a 10,000mAh power bank will have enough juice to fully charge the Switch 2 at least once, with enough left over to keep it charged for a little while longer.

Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra

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Best Gaming Headsets for Nintendo Switch 2 Right Now 5 juin 2025 à 17:34

Best Gaming Headsets for Nintendo Switch 2 Right Now

IGN

Par :Michael Higham

5 juin 2025 à 17:34

We've officially reached the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s an easy bet when it comes to finding the right headset – for one, we’re extremely sure accessories such as headsets are going to be forward compatible. And two, we already know which headsets are among the best across all price ranges. If you don’t already have one lined up to use on your Switch 2 or if you’re looking to upgrade from the set you were using with your first Switch, I have my top recommendations for headsets here, all of which I’ve had firsthand experience with and/or have reviewed here on IGN myself.

Similar to my best PS5 headsets and best Xbox headsets guides, there are a few nuances I took into consideration when making my selections for this specific platform. One of which is portability; for example, I’m hesitant to suggest getting the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro even though it has consistently topped our lists – one of its biggest features is its mixamp/DAC, which connects the headset to your systems, and that gets unwieldy for a device that’s about versatility and taking on the go. I’m also accounting for the fact that you only have access to USB-C ports when playing handheld, so all of the wireless headsets recommended here come with a native USB-C dongle to make connectivity easy. Above all else, I prioritize sound quality and comfort in my choices because if those factors aren’t the focus, what would we even be doing here!

TL;DR – These Are The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Headsets:

The Switch 2 does have Bluetooth capabilities, but I wouldn’t recommend that for gaming scenarios due to the inherent audio delay. While the wireless headsets here can connect via Bluetooth, my recommendations run primarily on a 2.4GHz wireless connection, and there are a few picks with a 3.5mm wired aux connection, too. Regardless of which you go with, you’ll be getting a great headset for the money – I can vouch for each pick, and if you need a little extra convincing, I have all the details you need to know below.

Best High-End Wireless Headset

Audeze Maxwell

Although it’s not the newest headset on the block, the Audeze Maxwell is still one of the best around. It doesn’t have the most sophisticated feature set or software suite, but you don’t really need all that, especially for the Switch and Switch 2. It does the most important part – sound quality – better than any other gaming headsets I’ve used. Its 90mm planar magnetic drivers give punchy bass that doesn’t drown out other frequencies, and the highs come through clean even at higher volumes. It gives a “full” audio experience which is complemented by its great positional audio, giving the subtle details in sound design room to breathe. You don’t necessarily need great positional audio in a hyper-competitive sense on Switch 2, but this gives more immersive games a grander audio profile to match – I often call the Maxwell the audiophile’s gaming headset.

The thick plushy earcups provide long-term comfort, and the soft leatherette is easy on the head while giving a good seal around your ears for sound isolation. The microphone is solid on its own, but the great noise cancellation puts it above most gaming headsets, blocking outside noise better than most. It has tremendous battery life to boot, lasting up to 80 hours from a full charge. It’s a bit heavy at 490g and bulky in terms of overall size, but this doesn’t make the headset uncomfortable, and its understated design makes for a clean look. I recently reviewed the Audeze Maxwell and awarded it a 9/10 to confirm that, yeah, it’s still one of the best if you’re willing to shell out the dough.

Best Noise Canceling Wireless Headset

Alienware Pro Headset

The Alienware Pro headset is a personal favorite because of how slim and sleek it is. You can easily mistake these for a pair of expensive Bose or Sony headphones, which is surprising given the Alienware brand’s history of flashy, gaudy PCs and accessories. It’s been going with a minimalist look for all its recent peripherals and this is best represented in the Pro headset. The earcups don’t stick out much, the overall design is light and compact, and the padding for the earcups and headband provide just enough comfort for long sessions. Very few gaming headsets have such a low profile, but this helps the Alienware Pro stand out… by not standing out.

I frequently use the Alienware Pro like a pair of normal headphones to take on the go because of the design, and the long 70-hour battery life (without ANC) means I don’t have to worry about charging it often. And the fact that I could get balanced, high-quality sound with great bass solidified this as a top choice. It shows a bit of its limitations at handling sharper frequencies at higher volumes, but I was approaching dangerous volume levels at that point. Its active noise-canceling works really well, too, and if you’re one to use your Switch or Switch 2 outside, good ANC will come in clutch.

The only knock I have against the Alienware Pro is that its earcups don’t swivel inward, which is a slight bummer given the slim profile and portability of the headset itself. It’s a bit of a disappointment because everything else about it is so smartly designed (including its simple controls on the left earcup), especially for versatility between mobile usage and gaming setups. Still, this is one of my favorite gaming headsets in recent memory, which I go into full detail in my Alienware Pro headset review.

Best Mid-Range Wireless Headset

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7

Perhaps you can’t spend as much money to snag an Alienware Pro headset, but still want something that can deliver high-end audio while maintaining that low-profile design. If so, you should consider the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7. It stacks up to the fantastic Arctis Nova Pro quite well, and even if you don’t get the same robust package or fine-tuned audio drivers, you still get that sleek design, signature comfort, and detailed sound that can stand alongside the best in its price range.

What I really like about the Arctis Nova 7 is its simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless capability – so if you don’t want to use the Switch 2’s built-in voice chat rooms and prefer to be on Discord while still getting game audio feed, you can do that. Beyond that, SteelSeries has always been great about well-rounded sound quality out of the box, as well as having easy-to-tweak options in its software. The sports-mesh upholstery of the earcups gives this headset good breathability, making it easy to wear for long-sessions, and the dense earpads provide top-notch comfort while maintaining that slim profile. We praised it for all that and more in our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 review from a few years back, and it certainly still holds up today.

Best Budget Wireless Headset

Razer Barracuda X

The Razer Barracuda X we reviewed still stands as a top pick for the best Nintendo Switch headset. It’s impressive what you get from this sub-$100 headset, and considering the slick understated design from Razer, this is something I wouldn’t mind wearing while playing my Switch 2 in public. Relatively impressive audio quality for a budget-level option and a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle already put the Barracuda X into consideration at its price range, but it doesn’t lack in comfort with its memory foam earpads wrapped in a breathable sports mesh. It’s lightweight and rocks a decent battery that gives you around 40 to 50 hours from a full charge. Don’t go in expecting the sound quality of the more expensive recommendations in this guide, but if you need to go wireless without balling out, the Barracuda X would be my top choice.

Best Wired Headset

HyperX Cloud III

When it comes to wired gaming headsets, the HyperX Cloud III tends to be my go-to recommendation. It’s a fantastic all-rounder, but I’ll start by highlighting its build quality. The flexible aluminum headband lets you twist and contort it any which way without ever feeling like it’s going to break, giving it an unmatched durability. While it clamps a bit tighter than most headsets, the thick plushy earcups provide more than enough comfort to alleviate the pressure. It’s not too heavy, either, making the Cloud III easy to take around, especially for those who aren’t exactly careful when handling their gear.

The Cloud III sounds great, too, with balanced frequency response across the EQ spectrum. I’d say that it doesn’t particularly stand out in terms of its audio profile compared to something like the Maxwell, but it is tuned well-enough to bring out the detail in games with good directional sound and minimal distortion at louder volumes thanks to its larger 53mm angled drivers. What’s especially impressive is the microphone quality, which rivals headsets twice its price. My voice came out clean in my testing, and it sounded closer to a decent standalone mic than it did a typical headset mic. Considering its price, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the wired version, and you can get even more detail on the headset in our HyperX Cloud III review.

Best Budget Wired Headset

Corsair HS65 Surround

Of course, not everyone wants to drop upwards of $100 or more on a headset, but if you still want good audio quality for your Switch 2, I can easily recommend the Corsair HS65 Surround. It’s a refresh of the HS60 and HS50 that came out years ago, but well-designed audio gear can really stand the test of time. You’re not going to be blown away necessarily, but it has a pretty bold audio profile (with pronounced bass and highs) for a headset that often sits in the $50 range. While some Corsair headsets have struggled with comfort, the HS65 fits firmly on my head and stays comfortable for several hours thanks to its thick earpads. Surprisingly, it has one of the best onboard microphones from a gaming headset considering its price, adding to the value you get from something that’s budget-level.

The HS65 Surround may be a little slim on the extras – while it has the sound card for virtual surround sound, it’s USB-only which could work if you’re playing your Switch 2 docked. Otherwise, the sound quality you get straight from the 3.5mm jack is more than sufficient. What’s just as important is that the HS65 is a slim and lightweight headset, with swiveling earcups, to make it easier to take on the go (even though the microphone isn’t detachable and gets in the way if you’re not using it). There’s a lot of value here, and while there are decent options in this price range if you just want plain headphones, it’s hard to beat the HS65 when it comes to gaming headsets.

Best Wireless Earbuds

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

All things considered, earbuds might be the right move when looking for the best audio solution for your Switch 2, especially if you’re playing handheld or if you’re on the go frequently. Luckily for us, gaming-grade earbuds have made strides in recent years, and so far, nothing has topped the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. I’ve been loving them since day one, listening to music and podcasts everyday, but I’m still impressed with how well they handle gaming audio to the point where I sometimes just stick with them when playing non-competitive games.

What makes them “gaming-grade” though? The 2.4GHz wireless USB-C dongle is the main thing, giving you no-latency response to whatever platform you’re connected to. (Most regular earbuds, including high-end options like the great JBL Tour Pro 3, don’t come with 2.4GHz connectivity.) Additionally, the audio profile on the GameBuds is rich, delivering strong bass and clean sound across all frequencies, even at higher volumes. I won’t claim that these can match a high-end headset (particularly in positional audio) because there are obvious limitations to earbud design, but that shouldn’t take away from how close they come to an actual headset.

I still think the Razer Hammerheads have the slight edge when it comes to bass response, but the GameBuds are so well-rounded, making them much more versatile and suited for using with a platform like the Switch 2. With about 10 hours of usage from a full charge (without ANC), the GameBuds also top most other earbuds in terms of battery life (they last about twice as long as the Razer Hammerheads). There are rare connectivity issues where the signal gets choppy, but these are only slight hiccups. Otherwise, these are the perfect pair for my Switch and I don’t see myself going with other earbuds for my soon-to-be Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Headsets FAQ

Can I use my Switch 1 headset with Switch 2?

By all accounts, yes. The Switch 2 features two USB-C ports on the system itself, letting you connect external devices while leaving one port open for charging. This makes wireless headsets that connect via USB-C dongles even more useful since you don’t have to choose between charging or using your headset. But back to the point: It’d be wild if the Switch 2 wasn’t compatible with headsets that currently work on the original Switch, and there’s no reason why they wouldn’t – the online discourse would be a riot, though.

Can I use Bluetooth with Switch 2?

The Switch 2 has Bluetooth connectivity. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for audio devices due to the inherent latency. You might not mind that so much in more casual games, but in anything with action, cutscenes, dialogue, or any sort of sound cue for gameplay, there’s no way I’m going with Bluetooth audio.

Do I need to worry about the headset’s microphone?

We'll have more to say on this as we work through our Switch 2 review. It will be determined by how the onboard microphone built into the Switch 2 performs. It is said to have top-notch noise isolation, as it has been touted and shown off as capable of picking up your voice when you’re sitting on a couch with the system docked next to a TV – to what extent does this end up being practical? I can’t really say.

That said, all the headsets recommended in this guide have mics that are good enough for picking up your voice clearly for chatting in those Discord-like chat rooms built into the Switch 2 platform, and a few of the recommended headsets have solid noise isolation to boot.

Can’t I just use any old set of earbuds with Switch 2?

Absolutely! Having a 3.5mm audio jack on the Switch 2 means you can use any standard pair of headphones or earbuds. And there are some really good earbuds for cheap that might just do the job for you. But I made all these aforementioned recommendations if you’re particular about getting the best sound quality at the best price. Besides, games are looking pretty sweet on Switch 2, and I’d prefer my audio experience to match that visual fidelity as well, especially since higher-profile games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake are getting ported over.

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The Best SD Cards for Nintendo Switch in 2025 5 juin 2025 à 17:33

The Best SD Cards for Nintendo Switch in 2025

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Par :Noah Hunter

5 juin 2025 à 17:33

If you're a Nintendo Switch owner, you've probably noticed something pretty quickly – the internal storage fills up fast! The standard Switch only gives you 32GB, and even the upgraded Switch OLED bumps that up to just 64GB. Sounds decent until you realize that most of the best Switch games require at least 10GB of storage on average, if not more. Before you know it, you're out of space, especially if you're into downloading games from the eShop. That’s why having a Switch microSDXC card like the SanDisk 512GB Extreme is pretty much essential.

By popping an SD card into your Switch, you can load up on all the games you want without worrying about deleting old ones to make space. Depending on how much you want to store, there are SD cards that offer up to 1TB of storage. Just keep in mind that all your game save data will still live in the console's system memory by default. If you're moving onto the Switch 2 now that it's out, know that your old SD cards won't fly there; you'll need to move on to a MicroSD Express card to upgrade the Switch 2's storage. But if you're sticking with a trusly ol' OG Switch, make sure you have one of these SD cards to avoid entering the delete-and-download cycle.

TL;DR - These Are the Best SD Cards for Switch:

SD cards come in a bunch of different sizes, speeds, and prices. But if you're looking for the best experience, grab one with UHS-I compatibility and higher transfer speeds – that’ll help with smoother gameplay and faster loading times.

If you’re wondering which SD card is best for Nintendo Switch, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve handpicked some great SD cards that work seamlessly with your Switch, whether you want to install tons of games, save gameplay video clips, or need something to hand when you’re transferring data to other devices.

1. SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card

Best SD Card for Nintendo Switch

SanDisk is a familiar brand name, so you can expect reliability and durability when you purchase the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card. With a range of storage options to choose from, you can max out your Nintendo Switch’s storage, allowing you to install plenty of games, save files, and screenshots without needing to delete other games to free up some room. We think the 512GB option is incredible value for money, but if you want to splash out, go for the 1TB card.

If you upgrade to a different SD card in the future, this SD card comes with an adapter, meaning you can use it across other devices so it doesn’t go to waste. In the meantime, the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card boasts generous data transfer speeds of up to 190MB/s – just download the games you want and put them straight onto your SD card in a cinch.

This SD card’s durable design is shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof (who knew that was a thing?). So if you’re going on vacation and taking your Nintendo Switch with you, you’ll have the extra reassurance that your game files are somewhat safe even through a TSA scanner.

2. Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card

Best Budget SD Card for Nintendo Switch

Have a tight budget but still want a capable microSD card? The Samsung EVO Select A2 SD card is a perfect choice. Coming in at around $40, this card meets the minimum requirements of the Switch with its UHS-I interface and A2 rating for faster optimization. Sure, transfer speeds lag behind other cards. But given that Nintendo seems to cap speeds around 95MB/s anyway, there won’t be a discernable difference in game load times compared to those faster, pricier cards. It’s only when using the microSD card with other devices that those quicker speeds come in handy.

Even if Samsung EVO Select A2 is on the cheaper side, it still offers a healthy dose of storage space at 512 GB. That’s plenty of room to store a sizable gaming library, gameplay clips, and more. If you want to use this card with other devices, it’s possible to double the storage to 1TB. And for those that stick to playing only a couple of games, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options exist to suit just about any need.

What’s even better is this card is built to last, ensuring precious game data remains safe. It's waterproofed in case of accidental splashes or dips in liquids, while resistance to extreme temperatures, X-rays, and magnets means the Samsung EVO Select A2 is ready to go just about anywhere. It can even withstand drops over 16ft. Clearly, this SD card can handle far more wear and tear than the Switch itself.

3. SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card

Best High Capacity SD Card for Nintendo Switch

With 1TB of storage, the SanDisk Ultra A1 SD card is an excellent choice for the Nintendo Switch. The SanDisk Ultra A1 has transfer speeds of up to 150MB/s, which is well above the range needed for fast downloads on the console. It's likely that you won't even come close to running out of storage, with room for well over 75 games to be installed at once.

Most games on Nintendo Switch are well below 15GB, so this SD card should more than suit your needs. The biggest games range from anywhere between 30GB and 60GB, but there are less than ten that fall under that umbrella. Any extra space on this SD card is perfect for taking as many screenshots and video captures as you'd like.

4. SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card

Best High Speed SD Card for Nintendo Switch

If you're looking for the best high speed SD card for your Switch, look no further than this SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card. This card uses SanDisk QuickFlow Technology to quickly optimize files and give you the best performance possible. When it comes to launching or downloading games, this feature can come in extremely handy for load times.

With 256GB, you shouldn't run into any issues installing a healthy library of games to your system. Although the Switch does not have 4K support of any kind, this SD card is made for quick transfer of 4K content. So, your 1080p screenshots and videos will quickly transfer over to a laptop or PC with the blink of an eye.

5. SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda

Best SD Card Design for Nintendo Switch

This Zelda SD card has arguably best design you can find for a compatible Switch SD card. At 1TB of storage, you should have no issues with running out of space for new games. Although the speeds are a bit lower than other options on this list, this is the only SD card officially licensed by Nintendo we feature here.

This card is made with the Nintendo Switch in mind, so you can expect a quality product overall. The design featured is the iconic Triforce from The Legend of Zelda series, which is a perfect way to showcase your love of the Nintendo franchise (even if you can't actually see it when you're using it). Overall, there are better options, but this is a good choice if you prefer to snag a unique design.

How to Choose an SD Card for Nintendo Switch

Investing in an SD card for your Nintendo Switch is a game-changer. But knowing what to look for is important too. You could just buy a cheap SD card that’s got a decent amount of storage space, but there are other factors to consider.

Storage capacity: This should be your first consideration. Depending on the types of games you play, a 128GB SD card might suffice. But games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom that takes up 16GB might need a larger SD card. Not to mention your save files and any screenshots you take will add to the overall file size.
Compatibility: If you’re looking for an SD card for Nintendo Switch, you’ll obviously need to make sure you find one that’s compatible with the console. The Switch supports microSD cards – this includes microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC. Be careful not to buy an SD or miniSD card as these will not work!
Transfer speed: The higher the transfer speed, the better your gameplay experience will be. Speed classes are graded in 2, 4, 6, or 10, denoting the card’s minimum baseline speed. So a grade 2 equates to 2MB/s, 4 is 4MB/s, and so on. If you find a microSD card with a UHS (Ultra High Speed) class like UHS-1, you’re good to go.

Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs

Do you need an SD card for the Switch?

For the Nintendo Switch, a microSD card is an essential Switch accessory. Without it, you'll only have enough space to install a few games on the system. An SD card will allow you to install dozens of titles on Switch without any worry of deleting games to free up storage.

Generally, Nintendo tends to keep its games on the smaller side, but there is a sizeable amount of third party titles available that are well over 32GB. This is the onboard storage for standard Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite models, so you won't even be able to install that game without an SD card.

How much storage do you actually need?

Most likely any SD card with 256GB of storage or higher will be more than enough for your Nintendo Switch. Some of the largest Nintendo titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3, only weigh in at 16GB and 14GB, respectively. If you plan to primarily play Nintendo-developed titles, you should be more than fine with a 256GB SD card.

However, if you would like to play big third party releases on the platform, like Mortal Kombat 1, you should aim for an SD Card with over 512GB of storage. The latest NBA 2K game takes up over 60GB on Switch, which adds up quickly if you don't have a substantial SD card. Overall, the size of SD card best for you depends on the games you play, but it is essential for any Nintendo Switch owner to have one slotted into their system.

Will Switch SD cards be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2?

No, SD cards for the standard Switch models will not work with the new Switch 2. You're going to need a MicroSD Express card if you want to expand the storage on the Switch 2. These cards are currently compatible with the standard Switch, but have generally been less accessible (and are more expensive) than standard SD cards.

Noah Hunter is a freelance writer for IGN, covering deals, shopping guides and more.

IGN's tech freelancer Danielle Abraham contributed to this buying guide.

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Taylor Swift Isn't Playing Dorothy In Wicked: For Good — But Here's Who Might Be 5 juin 2025 à 17:32

Taylor Swift Isn't Playing Dorothy In Wicked: For Good — But Here's Who Might Be

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Par :Lex Briscuso

5 juin 2025 à 17:32

If you follow the yellow brick road long enough — all the way to November of this year — you’ll find out who is playing Dorothy in the second part of the Wicked film saga, Wicked: For Good. But we do know one thing: it isn’t Taylor Swift.

The first official trailer for For Good recently dropped, and while Dorothy can be seen from behind in the sneak peek, there aren’t any telling visuals that give away who will be playing the coveted role. But that didn’t stop social media from spreading the rumor that Swift will be stepping into the character’s shoes, even on parody update accounts who were seen sharing seemingly AI-generated images of the singer in the Dorothy costume claiming they were from the film.

Considering how busy Swift was with her Eras tour alone while both parts of Wicked shot, it seems pretty clear that she will not be featured in the second film. However, there has been a clear-cut favorite for Dorothy for quite some time now: Abigail star Alisha Weir.

The 15-year-old has already starred in the excellent vampire film, but before that, she was featured in Matilda the Musical and Wicked Little Letters. She’s proven herself to be an exciting upcoming talent, so that alone makes her a shoe-in for Dorothy. But after Weir was photographed on the green carpet at the Wicked premiere back in November — and wearing silver shoes, which are the original color of the ruby slippers, to boot — speculation began. She’s been the favorite to play the role since.

Weir has talked around the speculation in several interviews, but she’s never outright said no about playing the character. For his part, director Jon M. Chu previously revealed that Dorothy will have a much bigger role in For Good than the character does in the Wicked stage musical.

“I won’t say whether she’s a character, necessarily, in movie two,” he explained to Huffington Post UK in November 2024. “There’s a part of me that wants everyone’s Dorothy to be whatever Dorothy they want. And yet, there is interaction and some crossover. So I’ll leave that up to Part Two.”

Here's the official blurb:

Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).

Glinda, meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. Under the instruction of Madame Morrible (Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh), Glinda is deployed to serve as an effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the rule of The Wizard.

As Glinda’s stardom expands and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Olivier award winner and Emmy and SAG nominee Jonathan Bailey) in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba. She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart. The aftershocks will transform Boq (Tony nominee Ethan Slater) and Fiyero forever, and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives.

As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good.

Wicked: For Good flies into theaters on November 21, 2025.

Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.

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What Is MicroSD Express, And Why Does the Nintendo Switch 2 Require It? 5 juin 2025 à 17:24

What Is MicroSD Express, And Why Does the Nintendo Switch 2 Require It?

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 17:24

When Nintendo announced the Switch 2, it said that the console only supports expansion through MicroSD Express cards. This is a huge pain for anyone with a collection of existing MicroSD cards, but it actually makes a ton of sense – MicroSD Express is leagues faster.

Because of the way these cards interface with the device, they’re able to unlock read/write speeds similar to the UFS (Universal Flash Storage) of the Switch 2’s internal storage. This is incredibly important because it allows games stored on your expansion card to load just as fast – at least in theory – to games stored internally. It just comes at the cost of not being able to use cheaper non-Express MicroSD cards.

MicroSD vs. MicroSD Express

Over the years, there have been six different speed ratings for MicroSD cards. Initially, SD cards launched with just 12.5MB/s, which is incredibly slow by today’s standards. Over time, faster speeds started coming out, beginning with SD High Speed at 25 MB/s, all the way through SD UHS III, or Ultra High Speed, at 312MB/s. Five years ago, the SD Association released the SD Express standard, which greatly increased speeds.

The big difference this time around is that SD Express uses a PCIe 3.1 interface, rather than the slower UHS-I interface. PCIe is the same interface that faster NVMe SSDs use, and unlocks much higher potential performance. Full-sized SD Express cards can now hit data transfer speeds up to 3,940MB/s, which is exponentially faster than older SD cards.

MicroSD Express cards can’t reach the highest speeds of their full-sized counterparts, but they are still incredibly fast, hitting speeds up to 985MB/s, which is three times faster than the fastest non-express MicroSD card.

Why Does the Switch 2 Require MicroSD Express?

Nintendo isn’t exactly known for sharing its specific reasoning behind its hardware requirements, but there are a ton of reasons why the Nintendo Switch 2 should require MicroSD Express cards for expansion. Really, the biggest one is speed. If you have the same game installed both on a traditional UHS-I MicroSD card and a MicroSD Express card, the latter is going to load way faster thanks to the PCIe 3.1 interface – which is a sign this requirement could be coming to handheld gaming PCs soon, too.

Given that the internal Nintendo Switch 2 storage was also updated to UFS (universal flash storage) from eMMC, it makes a lot of sense for Nintendo to require its expansion storage media to have similar speeds. It’ll be a while before we know exactly how fast the internal storage can load games like Breath of the Wild, but early demos have suggested that load times are significantly faster – from just 35% when fast traveling, according to Polygon, to a 3x initial load improvement measured by Digital Foundry. These load time improvements could come down to the faster internal storage, but it could also be due to the faster CPU and GPU, which can unpack data faster. The point is: Nintendo needed its external storage to have similar speeds, so future games that require a faster disk don’t get bottlenecked by virtue of being on an SD card.

It also gives room for faster storage in the future. Right now, the fastest standard for SD cards is SD 8.0 Specification, which allows full-size SD Express cards to reach speeds up to 3,942MB/s. MicroSD Express cards can’t get that fast yet, but in a few years it’s totally possible – at least if the Nintendo Switch 2 supports that kind of speed on its side.

MicroSD Express Capacity Options

MicroSD Express cards have been slow to take off, and while that will likely change now that the Switch 2 is here, only a few solid options are available right now. (Beware the sketchy Walmart listing.) For instance, Lexar only offers one MicroSD Express card, and it comes in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants, with the latter costing $199.

SanDisk, on the other hand, only has one MicroSD Express card on its site, and that one peaks at just 256GB, which would mirror the internal storage of the Switch 2. I'm expecting that more and more cards to come with at least 512GB (and likely more) of storage as time goes on and companies like Samsung start pumping out memory cards.

Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra

IGN
Nintendo Fans Praise New Switch 2 eShop Feature, And Far Smoother Performance 5 juin 2025 à 17:16

Nintendo Fans Praise New Switch 2 eShop Feature, And Far Smoother Performance

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 17:16

Nintendo Switch 2 is out today, and fans have been quick to praise the console's improved eShop for adding a handy new feature, and for not running like an online storefront built almost a decade ago.

Load up the Switch 2 eShop now and you'll be in front of the store's main menu within just a couple of seconds. Browsing is also noticeably snappier, with the virtual store's various sections and product pages loading near-instantly.

Overall, the new eShop has been given a very positive response online, where fans have also noted that Nintendo has now added an "on sale" filter to the eShop's Wishlist menu.

This new feature allows you to see at a glance which of the games on your Wishlist are currently on sale — something that's handy if you're currently tracking a long line-up of titles to buy when they're next on offer.

On reddit, Nintendo fans with a Switch 2 already in their hands have described the console's eShop browsing experience overall as "very responsive," "so zippy," and "finally, not a buggy mess."

As one fan wrote: "S**t is so smooth to operate, Switch 1 eShop felt like I was on the PS3's PSN shop."

In other positive Switch 2 news, fans have been pleasantly surprised to find that Switch 2 Editions of some games already released on Switch 1 — such as Zelda: Breath of the Wild — are reverse-backwards compatible on Nintendo's older hardware.

But not everything around the new console's launch has been so rosy. Earlier today, IGN reported on the issue of damaged Switch 2 consoles due to retailers puncturing the console's thin boxes with staples. It has also emerged that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour — the console's $10 Switch 2 mini-game collection that many fans believe should have been free — requires you own at least $95 of accessories in order to complete 100%.

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

IGN
Pokémon Legends Z-A Is Now Up for Preorder 5 juin 2025 à 17:11

Pokémon Legends Z-A Is Now Up for Preorder

IGN

Par :Hannah Hoolihan

5 juin 2025 à 17:11

Calling all Pokémon fans: Pokémon Legends Z-A is officially up for preorder at a couple of different retailers. There's a Nintendo Switch version available, which is listed for $59.99, and a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition that's listed for $69.99, if you've been able to get your hands on the company's brand new console.

It's expected to release on October 16 this year. Head to the links below to secure a copy of your preferred version of the game.

Preorder Pokémon Legends Z-A

Nintendo Switch - $59.99

Nintendo Switch 2 - $69.99

If you preorder the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Pokémon Legends Z-A, you'll be treated to improved graphics and frame rates. It's also worth noting that if you buy the Nintendo Switch version, you can always upgrade it to the Switch 2 version by purchasing an upgrade pack.

What Is Pokémon Legends Z-A?

Set in Lumiose City, a place for both people and Pokémon, Pokémon Legends Z-A will see you living life as a Pokémon Trainer in the big city. You'll be able to choose between Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile as your starter Pokémon to join you on a journey around the city. As mentioned in the title as well, you'll also be able to participate in a tournament called the "Z-A Royale", with the goal of working your way through the competition to reach rank A.

A Pokémon Presents presentation is set for July 22, which could very well feature some more information on the highly-anticipated upcoming game as well.

Other Preorder Guides

This year already has a stacked lineup of releases that are worth keeping on your radar. If you're looking for even more games to add to your library, have a look through the other options up for preorder below.

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

IGN
The Best MicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2 5 juin 2025 à 17:10

The Best MicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 17:10

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here! If you were lucky enough to grab one, keep in mind that it only has 256GB of storage built-in. If you want to load up on games without having to deal with uninstalling and reinstalling over and over, you’re going to want to expand that storage. But unlike the original Nintendo Switch, the new console requires a MicroSD Express card – which are faster, but more expensive than other UHS-based SD cards.

MicroSD Express cards have been around for a while, but there are only a few on the market right now as creative professionals haven’t really found much of a use for them. However, with the Switch 2 launch, there's been a deluge of Express cards to fill that gap.

My colleagues and I haven't had a chance to test these cards yet because the console is brand new, but if we were to recommend any based on experience, these are the MicroSD Express cards we'd say to buy right now. These come from reputable manufacturers that have a track record of making excellent storage expansion cards. We'll be updating this as we play around with the Switch 2 and SD cards.

Why MicroSD Express?

Unlike many devices, the Nintendo Switch 2 is mandating a MicroSD Express card for storage expansion. Nintendo hasn’t really explained its reasoning behind the decision, but it’s not hard to see why it might want to require faster storage.

For one, the flash storage built into the system is the same kind of UFS flash that powers most smartphones. This storage is much faster than the eMMC drive in the original Switch, and it’s likely Nintendo wanted its developers to be able to count on that kind of storage speed, no matter if the game is being stored internally or on an expansion card.

The only thing you can use a regular old MicroSD card for is loading screenshots and videos you took on your first-gen Switch. That means unlike something like the PS5, which allows you to store last-generation games on slower external drives, Nintendo isn’t allowing for any wiggle room here. If you want to expand the Nintendo Switch 2 storage, you’re going to need a MicroSD Express card.

1. Lexar Play Pro

The Best MicroSD Express Card

The Lexar Play Pro is the fastest and most capacious card available. Supporting read times up to 900MB/s and storage space up to 1TB, this is the best MicroSD Express card out there right now. Unfortunately, with the increased demand that the Switch 2 has brought, it's been tough to find in stock.

This will likely change in the future as stock normalizes and people slow down on excitedly buying any accessory related to the Nintendo Switch 2. If you do want the best SD card for your Switch though, it’s worth keeping your eye on the Lexar Play Pro, especially the 1TB version, and scooping it up if you see it available. As for right now, your best bet is to order it through B&H, which has it on backorder until July.

2. SanDisk MicroSD Express

The Best MicroSD Express Card You Can Actually Buy Right Now

I have so many SanDisk SD cards lying around, and that shouldn’t be super surprising. Over the years, SanDisk has become one of the most prolific SD card manufacturers, and now it has a MicroSD Express card. Unlike the Lexar version, SanDisk doesn’t have a fancy name for its card, and it also only goes up to 256GB, which would simply mirror the internal storage of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Still, doubling your storage isn’t a bad deal, especially if you can find this card at a lower price. It’s also not quite as fast as the Lexar Play Pro, coming in with a read speed of up to 880MB/s. That’s a minor enough disparity that you’re not going to notice any difference when you’re loading up Mario Kart World, but 20MB/s is still 20MB/s.

The SanDisk MicroSD Express card is also much more readily available at the time of writing, so if you just want to grab it and forget it, this might be the card to go for.

3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Switch 2

The Official Option We Know Very Little About

Samsung’s MicroSD Express card is the one that’s being sold directly by Nintendo, which definitely gives it some weight. The problem, though, is that I have no idea what its storage speeds are going to be, or whether or not the 256GB model being sold directly by the likes of Nintendo and GameStop will be the only version you can buy.

Still, it’ll probably provide some comfort to get an SD card that has Nintendo’s seal of approval, no matter what the actual specs of the card end up being. I have reached out to Samsung to learn more about this SD card, and I’ll update this article as soon as I learn anything.

MicroSD Express FAQ

How fast is MicroSD Express?

SD Express is theoretically much faster than older SD cards, and that largely comes down to how it interfaces with the device. Rather than connecting to a bespoke SD card interface, SD Express uses PCI Express 3.1, which is what SSDs use on PC.

Don’t go expecting a MicroSD Express card to be as fast as the NVMe SSDs in handheld gaming PCs, though. While the full-sized SD Express cards can come close, with read speeds up to 3,940MB/s, the MicroSD Express cards can only hit a maximum of 985MB/s. Still, that’s much faster than the older MicroSD cards used by the original Nintendo Switch.

How long will a MicroSD Express card last?

Just like any SD card, MicroSD Express cards aren’t meant to be used for long-term data storage, and so they have a shelf life. How long they’ll last depends largely on the environment it's being used in, and whether or not you’re dropping it. I wouldn’t expect a MicroSD Express card to last more than 5-10 years before it needs to be replaced, so be sure to keep anything important backed up.

Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra

IGN
Check Out the IGN Live 2025 Star-Studded Celebrity Line-up 5 juin 2025 à 17:00

Check Out the IGN Live 2025 Star-Studded Celebrity Line-up

IGN

Par :Michael Peyton

5 juin 2025 à 17:00

IGN Live 2025 is just a few days away. Filled with exclusive reveals, thousands of giveaways, 170 gaming stations, and tons of fun, the event is shaping up to be a huge celebration of everything fans of games, TV, movies, comics, and collectibles love.

Tickets are on sale now, so be sure to check out the full schedule (or catch how to watch the event if you can't be there in person).

On top of all that, IGN Live 2025 will feature an epic line-up of A-list talent from all your favorites games, shows, and movies. Here's a rundown of everyone you can expect to see at IGN Live 2025.

WWE Superstars
- Dominik Mysterio
- Chelsea Green

The voice cast of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Jennifer English
- Ben Starr
- Shala Nyx
- Kirsty Rider
- Rich Keeble
- Maxence Cazorla

The voice cast of Rick and Morty
- Ian Cardoni
- Harry Belden

The cast of Critical Role
- Travis Willingham
- Marisha Ray
- Taliesin Jaffe
- Liam O'Brien
- Laura Bailey
- Matthew Mercer

The star and showrunner of Resident Alien
- Alan Tudyk
- Chris Sheridan

The team behind HBO's The Last of Us
- Craig Mazin
- Ksenia Sereda
- Ann Foley
- Don Macaulay
- Alex Wang
- Timothy Good
- David Fleming

The cast and showrunner of Criminal Minds: Evolution
- Joe Mantegna
- Aisha Tyler
- Zach Gilford
- Erica Messer

A special pre-recorded look at Squid Game Season 3 featuring:
- Director Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Lee Jung-jae
- Lee Byung-hun
- Park Sung-hoon
- Kang Ae-sim

AEW's Anthony Bowens

Leslie Benzies

Margaret Cho

Nicole Maines

Michael Varrati

Austin Wintory

Game Developer Neil Young

Twisted Metal Showrunner Michael Jonathan Smith

The team behind the YouTube series MechWest

The team behind ID@Xbox

The McFarlane Toys and Collectibles team

The Crew from WOW - Women of Wrestling
- Goldie Collins
- Katarina Jinx
- Coach Campanelli
- Kandi Krush
- Gloria Glitter

IDW Comics Creators
- Patrick Horvath (Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring)
- Christopher Cantwell (Star Trek: Red Shirts)
- Robbie Thompson (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - The Seeds of Destruction)

Developers from multiple Xbox studios and other exciting games like:
- Sword of the Sea
- Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion
- NORSE: Oath of Blood
- Magic: The Gathering
- Gwent: The Legendary Card Game
- Rainbow 6 Siege X
- FBC: Firebreak
- Hela
- And more!

Plus in-person attendees can expect special pre-recorded messages from:
- Scarlett Johansson
- Mahershala Ali
- John Cena
- Idris Elba
- Charlize Theron
- Pete Davidson
- Ewan McGregor
- Charley Boorman
- Danielle Deadwyler
- Mason Thames
- Nico Parker
- Ethan Peck
- The voice cast of Dan Da Dan
- Kue Lawrence
- Kai Cech
- Melanie Scrofano

First Full Trailer for FX's Alien: Earth Reveals 5 Species of Alien, Someone Pulling the Inner Jaws Out of a Xenomorph... and Is That a Predator Tease?

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 16:55

The first full trailer for FX’s Alien: Earth is here, and there’s a huge amount to run through for fans of the sci-fi horror franchise, including what some fans believe is a clear Predator tease.

The trailer sets up the story, which revolves around the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot. When it crash-lands on Earth, Wendy (Sydney Chandler) and a group of tactical soldiers make a “fateful discovery” that puts them face-to-face with the xenomorph fans know well, but also a number of other alien species, too.

FX’s Alien: Earth. OFFICIAL TRAILER. We were safer in space. Premieres August 12 on @fxnetworks | Hulu and with #HuluOnDisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/rCGXwI44LZ
— Hulu (@hulu) June 5, 2025

One character confirms the ship housed five aliens (“this ship collected five different lifeforms from the darkest corners of the universe"). So what are they? One is a facehugger, clearly. There are also glimpses at other, bizarre-looking creatures, including a big jelly fish thing and a sort of eyeball thing.

Could one be a Predator? There are two points in the trailer where what sounds like the iconic Predator clicking noise can be heard, and fans think it’s clear as day. On top of that, one character makes a rather unsubtle Predator reference, saying: “Invasive species… predatory.”

It’s worth remembering that it looks like Alien is once again crossing over with the Predator franchise in the upcoming Predator: Badlands.

Fans are already theorizing how this all plays out, with most assuming a facehugger ends up latching on to the other alien species to create weird and wonderful abominations. Others suggest one of the five aliens could be a precursor to the facehugger, and we get to see some sort of origin story for how it came to be.

And already fans are predicting that at the end of the series Prodigy City, the future city in which Alien: Earth is set, ends up nuked from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure, after all. How that ends up tying into the events of the first Alien movie and evil mega corp Weyland Utani’s nefarious plans for the xenomorph is anyone’s guess.

Also of note: we see a shot of someone pulling the inner jaws out of an alien which, well, good luck with that.

Alien: Earth is set in 2120 (well after Prometheus and just two years before Alien and the unfortunate events that befell the crew of the Nostromo). As a reference point, the recently released interquel Alien: Romulus takes place between Alien and Aliens.

At this point in the Alien timeline, Earth is governed by five corporations: Weyland-Yutani, Prodigy (they own this city, it seems), Lynch, Dynamic, and Threshold. Cyborgs and synthetics coexist with humans, but then the boss of Prodigy invents hybrids (humanoid robots with human consciousness). Wendy is the first hybrid prototype (and is part of the established push for immortality that is a running theme in the Alien franchise).

Alien: Earth cast:

Sydney Chandler (Wendy)
Timothy Olyphant (Kirsh),
Alex Lawther (Hermit)
Samuel Blenkin (Boy Kavalier)
Babou Ceesay (Morrow)
Adrian Edmondson (Atom Eins)
David Rysdahl (Arthur Sylvia)
Essie Davis (Dame Sylvia)
Lily Newmark (Nibs)
Erana James (Curly)
Adarsh Gourav (Slightly)
Jonathan Ajayi (Smee)
Kit Young (Tootles)
Diêm Camille (Siberian)
Moe Bar-El (Rashidi)
Sandra Yi Sencindiver (Yutani)

Alien: Earth premieres its first two episodes on August 12 on Hulu at 8pm ET, and on FX and Disney+ at 8pm PT / ET (August 13 in the UK and internationally on Disney+). New episodes of the eight-episode season debut each following Tuesday.

In January last year, showrunner Noah Hawley explained why he is not using the backstory provided in Prometheus for Alien: Earth, saying he likes the "retro-futurism" of the original films. Hawley said he spoke to Alien chief Ridley Scott about "many, many elements" of the Alien series, including its ties to the prequels, but ultimately decided to cut loose and move away from the bioweapon backstory because he preferred the lore of the original films.

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.

IGN
Out of the Trap? Blumhouse in Talks To Buy Saw Franchise From Twisted Pictures 5 juin 2025 à 16:19

Out of the Trap? Blumhouse in Talks To Buy Saw Franchise From Twisted Pictures

IGN

Par :Lex Briscuso

5 juin 2025 à 16:19

For those of us who were devastated that the powers that be would essentially just throw our guy John Kramer in the trash, you’ll be happy to know that Jigsaw himself might still be coming back. According to reports, the Saw franchise is in talks to be sold to Blumhouse after the 11th installment was quietly cancelled back in March.

The studio, which has made a name for itself over the years by becoming a cornerstone of mainstream horror filmmaking, is currently making a deal to take over the Twisted Pictures side of the franchise, which has been helmed by producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules since the very first installment in 2004. The banner has owned the rights to Saw alongside Lionsgate, which has been distributing the films from the beginning, and both brands are now synonymous with the franchise.

However, it seems like those days are almost over. Say what you will about the move — and considering Blumhouse doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to producing quality, not quantity, in recent years, I get it — but there is one pretty good thing to come out of it if the deal does, in fact, get sealed.

James Wan — one of the creators of the Saw franchise alongside Leigh Whannell, of course — would be getting back partial ownership of the story he created if this deal finally goes through. His production company, Atomic Monster, merged with Blumhouse, run by now legendary horror producer Jason Blum, in January 2024. So that means there’s potential that we might finally see another Saw film that has more direct involvement from the creators than we’ve had since Saw III. And honestly? That could be the best move for the franchise at this point.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Blumhouse and Twisted Pictures have been talking about this deal for over a year, but things mainly stalled because of the dollar amount being put on the table. It seems as though that conversation has restarted in a major way — and we can’t wait to see what comes of it.

The last Saw film released was Saw X, which hit theaters in September 2023, and it remains to be seen where the franchise will go from here, whether that means we finally get Saw XI or maybe even a miniseries or TV show. Who knows! Just bring John Kramer back, that’s all we ask!

Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.

IGN
Nintendo Fans Surprised to Find Switch 2 Edition Game Cartridges Also Work on Switch 1 5 juin 2025 à 16:04

Nintendo Fans Surprised to Find Switch 2 Edition Game Cartridges Also Work on Switch 1

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 16:04

Nintendo fans have known for some time that Switch 2 is backwards compatible with Switch 1 games. But what happens when you do the reverse and stick a Switch 2 game in a Switch 1?

Insert a Switch 2-only game such as Mario Kart World in a Switch 1 and Nintendo's last-gen console will simply display an error message, saying that the software is designed for Switch 2.

But pop a Switch 2 Edition cartridge of some games also available on Switch 1, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and... it works.

What is going on here? Well, Nintendo itself hasn't gone into detail, but packaging for Switch 2 Edition games does note that cartridges contain both the original game and the Switch 2 upgrade.

"This Nintendo Switch 2 Edition comprises the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack," Switch 2 Edition packaging reads. "The upgrade pack is also available separately."

In other words, when you put a Switch 2 Edition cartridge in a Switch 1, the older console knows to ignore the Switch 2 bit and just play the original game.

Nintendo doesn't appear to have ever stated in plain English that this is how some Switch 2 Edition cartridges operate, but it's a useful feature to be aware of. For example, if you're a Switch 1 owner who plans to buy Switch 2 in future, you could buy a Switch 2 Edition of a game now to play cross-gen when the time comes, without worrying about upgrading your game down the line.

"Huh. Confirmed that this does indeed work on a Switch 1. (As the OG Switch game.) Kinda surprised," John Ricciardi, founder of Tokyo-based video game localization firm 8-4, wrote on Bluesky today, upon testing his Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition cartridge on a Switch 1.

It's a system that's not a million miles away from how Xbox handles ownership of games across its family of consoles. Owning a copy of a game unlocks access to different versions of said game, which the hardware will detect.

One difference, of course, is that Nintendo has decided to charge extra for some Switch 2 Edition versions — such as with Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and (deep breath) Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV.

Of course, just to make everything even more confusing, Nintendo has also provided other updates and upgrades to Nintendo Switch 1 games on Switch 2 for free — and it issued a long list of patch notes for titles such as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Zelda: Link's Awakening and Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom earlier this week.

IGN has contacted Nintendo for more.

Earlier today, IGN reported on the issue of damaged Switch 2 consoles due to retailers puncturing the console's thin boxes with staples. If you're buying a console (with or without Welcome Tour), it's something to be aware of. It has also emerged that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour — the console's $10 Switch 2 mini-game collection that many fans believe should have been free — requires you own at least $95 of accessories in order to complete 100%.

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

Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2 Shadow-Drop on Xbox Game Pass as Part of Impressive June 2025 Lineup That Also Includes Crash Bandicoot 4

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 15:44

Microsoft has announced Wave 1 of the June 2025 Xbox Game Pass lineup, which includes a shadow-drop of Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2.

As detailed on Xbox Wire, Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Editions (Cloud and Console) are available today, June 5, on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass Standard. Perfect timing for anyone who’s wrapped up Baldur’s Gate 3 and wonders how the series began. Bizarrely, neither game is on PC Game Pass.

Moving on to June 10, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) hit Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. This is the reworked first Space Marine game, which comes with quality of life and graphics improvements. Again, it’s well-timed for anyone who played the excellent Space Marine 2 and wants to experience the events leading up to that game.

June 11 sees two very different games hit Game Pass: Barbie Project Friendship (Cloud, Console, and PC) on Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard; and Kingdom: Two Crowns (PC) on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

With the soccer season over, EA Sports FC 25 (Cloud, Console, and PC) launches on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass via EA Play. EA usually puts its latest soccer game into Game Pass this time of year, ahead of the announcement of the next game in the series.

The Alters (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) is available as a day-one title on June 13 across Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. This is a sci-fi survival game where you play as Jan, stranded on a hostile planet, and create alternate versions of yourself.

Remedy’s FBC: Firebreak (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) is another day-one title, launching on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on June 17. It’s a cooperative first-person shooter set within the Control universe, and a rare multiplayer effort from the maker of Alan Wake and Max Payne.

Here’s a big one: Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time (Console and PC) hits Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard on June 17. Microsoft has drip-fed Activision games into Game Pass since its $69 billion acquisition, so this one is a long time coming.

Also on June 17 is Lost in Random: The Eternal Die (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) on Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass as a day-one title. This blends dynamic real-time action, tactical combat, and risk-reward dice mechanics in battles.

Xbox Game Pass June 2025 Wave 1 Lineup:

Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Editions (Cloud and Console) – June 5
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Standard
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – June 10
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Barbie Project Friendship (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 11
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Kingdom: Two Crowns (PC) – June 11
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
EA Sports FC 25 (Cloud, Console, and PC) via EA Play – June 12
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
The Alters (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – June 13
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
FBC: Firebreak (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – June 17
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time (Console and PC) – June 17
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – June 17
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

The Game Pass announcement comes just days ahead of Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase, set for 10am PT on Sunday, June 8. Microsoft likes to make Game Pass announcements during its summer showcase, so perhaps we’ll see the lineup swell further.

As usual, a number of games are set to leave Game Pass this month. You can save up to 20% if you buy these games before they leave to keep them in your library.

Leaving Xbox Game Pass on June 15:

Dordogne (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Hypnospace Outlaw (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Isonzo (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Keplerth (PC)
My Time At Sandrock (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Depersonalization (PC)

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.

IGN
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box Available at Amazon UK via Its Invite System 5 juin 2025 à 15:29

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box Available at Amazon UK via Its Invite System

IGN

Par :Ben Williams

5 juin 2025 à 15:29

If you’ve been keeping tabs on Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet’s Destined Rivals expansion, now’s the time to act. Amazon UK has launched invite-only requests for the Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box, along with making it available for just £44.99 — 50% down from its current market price of £89.99.

This follows Amazon UK’s ongoing effort to level the playing field for Pokémon fans. Previously, invite systems were introduced for sets like 151 and Prismatic Evolutions, helping to sidestep the scalper-fueled frenzy that’s made collecting these cards increasingly difficult.

The invite system doesn’t guarantee a purchase, but it does mean you don’t have to constantly refresh pages or pay inflated third-party prices just to get a fair shot.

The Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box is packed with value that makes the effort worthwhile. Inside, you’ll find nine booster packs from the expansion, each containing 10 game cards and a Basic Energy.

A full-art foil promo card featuring Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet headlines the exclusive contents, tapping into the expansion’s narrative focus on the return of Team Rocket. Alongside the boosters, you’ll get 65 themed card sleeves, 45 Energy cards, a set of damage-counter dice, two plastic condition markers, and a competition-legal coin-flip die.

The set also includes a collector’s box designed to keep your growing stash of cards organised. It also comes with four internal dividers, a player’s guide to help you navigate the Destined Rivals expansion, and a code card for Pokemon TCG Live.

Between the gameplay tools, promo card, and themed design, this Trainer Box follows the appeal of those from past sets to offer both style and substance. So, it’s ideal for seasoned battlers and collectors alike.

To request an invite, simply visit the product page on Amazon UK and click the “Request Invite” button. If selected, Amazon will email you a link that’s valid for 72 hours, giving you a private window to make your purchase. Once your invite is submitted, it remains active for up to 12 months and will still apply for any future restocks. There’s no need to re-request.

Amazon’s Pokemon TCG invites don’t stop with the Elite Trainer Box, either. Other items currently available via request include extra products in the Destined Rivals set and beyond — including the Prismatic Evolutions Accessory Pouch Special Collection (£29.99), the Kanghaskhan-featured Destined Rivals 3-Pack Blister (£12.99), Destined Rivals Booster Bundle (£23.94), the 151 Booster Bundle (£17.96), and the Prismatic Evolutions Super-Premium Collection (£89.99).

As stock shortages persist across the TCG space, Amazon’s lottery-style system may not be perfect, but it’s a better alternative than bots scooping up inventory in seconds. For those chasing Destined Rivals or building out their Team Rocket-themed decks, this invite could be your best shot at a fair-priced, fully loaded box.

Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen.

IGN
Naughty Dog Owner Sony Files Opposition to 'Naughty Cat' Trademark Application, Says 'Dog' and 'Cat' Are 'Highly Similar' 5 juin 2025 à 15:13

Naughty Dog Owner Sony Files Opposition to 'Naughty Cat' Trademark Application, Says 'Dog' and 'Cat' Are 'Highly Similar'

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 15:13

Are the words “dog” and “cat” similar enough to cause confusion? Naughty Dog owner Sony thinks they are, and has used that as the basis of an official opposition to a trademark application for ‘Naughty Cat.’

Sony Interactive Entertainment has filed a Notice of Opposition with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) against the “Naughty Cat” trademark application filed by a company called Naughty Cat Co., Limited.

This Hong Kong-based company has two apps listed on the App Store, both gambling “games” that promise to reward users with real cash. That’s a world away from the likes of The Last of Us and Uncharted, but that hasn’t stopped Sony’s lawyers from baring their teeth and barking angrily at their feline competitor.

In documents reviewed by IGN, Sony’s lawyers argue that the Naughty Cat trademark is “confusingly similar” to the Naughty Dog trademark it owns “in overall commercial impression and connotation.”

“The first, dominant element of the two marks, NAUGHTY, is identical,” Sony said. “The second elements, DOG and CAT, are highly similar in that both refer to house pets and are likely to mislead consumers into believing, mistakenly, that Naughty Cat is affiliated with SIE and/or Naughty Dog or that its goods are licensed or approved by SIE and/or Naughty Dog.”

The opposition note goes on to insist that any registration of the Naughty Cat trademark is “likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake or to deceive the public as to the source of Applicant’s goods offered under Applicant’s Mark, to the harm and damage of SIE and the public.”

“Registration of Applicant’s Mark will lead the public to conclude, incorrectly, that Applicant is or has been affiliated or connected with SIE, and/or that Applicant’s goods provided under Applicant’s Mark are or have been authorized, sponsored, endorsed, or licensed by SIE. Issuance of any registration to Applicant for the proposed mark will result in damage to SIE and the public.”

On top of this, the Naughty Cat application claims a first use date of December 25, 2023. The Naughty Dog trademark was of course in use many years beforehand.

Whether you agree with Sony’s assertion here or not, the USPTO has outlined a schedule to resolve the dispute and set trial dates if it comes to that. Naughty Cat Co., Limited has until July 12 to answer Sony’s opposition. If it fails to do that, the USPTO may mark the application as abandoned and Sony will have their victory. If not, the dispute may go to trial in 2026.

It seems unlikely any of the developers at Naughty Dog will have much of anything to do with this trademark business. Neil Druckmann and co are busy working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and a second, secret, unannounced project.

We don’t know anything about it yet. Perhaps it’s about cats?

Photo by Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via 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.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, Which Everyone Thinks Should Be Free, Requires $95 of Accessories and a 4K TV for 100% Completion

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 14:15

Nintendo's $10 Switch 2 mini-game collection — the game that many fans believe should have been free — requires you own at least $95 of accessories in order to complete 100%.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is available today alongside the new console, and offers a selection of miniature games and experiences designed to show off the new hardware.

But this also includes mini-games designed to showcase the Switch 2's camera, and the extra GL/GR buttons which are not found on the standard Switch 2 Joy-Con and instead require a Charging Grip or Pro Controller (thanks, NintendoSoup) — which of course are sold separately.

Oh, and you'll also need a 4K TV, in case you don't already have one of those, or were planning to only play your Switch 2 in handheld mode.

Three mini-games require specific equipment, fans now report, with a camera needed to play 1 minigame, a controller with GL/GR buttons for another minigame, and a 4K-supported screen needed for 1 minigame and a separate tech demo.

Nintendo fans who want to see absolutely everything in Switch 2 Welcome Tour will therefore not only need to pay up the $10 cost of the game, but also $54.99 for a Switch 2 Camera, and either $39.99 for a Charging Grip or $84.99 for a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller to use those GL/GR buttons.

One useful PSA here is that the Switch 2 does support third-party cameras — so you could get hold of a USB-C webcam for cheaper.

But while the Switch 2 does also support the Switch 1 Pro Controller, this does not have the necessary GL/GR buttons — so you really will need to fork out separately for those. And, thanks to tariffs, these now cost slightly more at launch than Nintendo originally announced.

Nintendo has previously faced criticism for not including Switch 2 Welcome Tour with the console itself. An experience designed as an introduction to Nintendo's new hardware and essentially act as an interactive instruction manual, Welcome Tour would have been a perfect fit to be packed-in with the console — just as Wii Sports was with the Wii.

Even former Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aimé has got stuck into the debate, highlighting the Wii Sports situation from his tenure in charge. At the time, Fils-Aimé disagreed with Nintendo's Japanese bosses who said Wii Sports should have been sold separately (as it still was in Japan). But Fils-Aimé got his way for the U.S. and European markets, and Wii Sports went on to become one of the most successful games of all time.

"Everyone has to decide if it's worth their $10 to learn about the Switch 2 cartridge slot and watch an HDR fireworks display, and the whole conversation surrounding Welcome Tour has suffered because of Nintendo's irritating decision to charge for it," IGN wrote earlier this week. It'll be interesting to see whether the added costs further impact customer purchases.

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

IGN
Final Fantasy Tactics Was Made To Rally Against Division and Inequality, Creator Says — 'The Will to Resist Is In Your Hands' 5 juin 2025 à 14:09

Final Fantasy Tactics Was Made To Rally Against Division and Inequality, Creator Says — 'The Will to Resist Is In Your Hands'

IGN

Par :Vikki Blake

5 juin 2025 à 14:09

Final Fantasy Tactics creator and director Yasumi Matsuno has opened up about how the game came to be, revealing he wrote the story to bring joy to those in an era "robbed of hope."

Now, with the long-rumored Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles finally getting a release date later this year, Matsuno posted a heartfelt message to X/Twitter, saying he "offers this story once again," as though addressing the profound unrest and division plaguing us in 2025, too.

"Nearly 30 years ago, the collapse of Japan's bubble economy engulfed the nation's financial institutions in mountains of bad debt, triggering a wave of corporate bankruptcies, a sudden and extreme rise in unemployment rates, and stagnation of Japanese society as a whole. It was an era when many were robbed of hope, when dreams were measured by their price tag.

"Against this historical backdrop, I crafted a story," he added. "It was the story of Ramza, a young man who fought tirelessly against the entrenched social class system. It was the story of Delita, who sought to take advantage of this confusion and despair to advance his own social position. It was a story of a peculiar destiny, in which friendship and betrayal intertwine.

"And now, in 2025 — a time when inequality and division are still deeply rooted in our society — I offer this story once again. The will to resist is in your hands."

The Final Fantasy Tactics remaster includes two versions of the game: the classic original (which includes the War of the Lions translation); and a fresh new version with full-blown voice acting, revamped interface, "extensive additions and adjustments to the story," and smoother visuals. It's coming to PS5 and PS5 on September 30, 2025.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles was just one of dozens of games announced last night. Sony kicked off the summer reveal season with a bang, presenting a smorgasbord of new games to whet our appetites going into Summer Games Fest Week. Here's everything announced at PlayStation State of Play 2025 last night, including 007 First Light, Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls, Romeo is a Dead Man, and Silent Hill f's release date.

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

IGN
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, A Prequel to Ritual of the Night, Coming in 2026 5 juin 2025 à 13:57

Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, A Prequel to Ritual of the Night, Coming in 2026

IGN

Par :Vikki Blake

5 juin 2025 à 13:57

Publisher 505 Games and developer ArtPlay have announced Bloodstained prequel Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement for 2026.

Set in England during the 16th Century, before the events of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, The Scarlet Engagement sees a mysterious floating castle under the control of Demon Lord Elias terrorizing the people with its demonic forces. You play as two new protagonists: Leonard Brandon — a young fighter with the Church's Black Wolves clan — and Alexander Kyteler, a knight of the Kingdom's White Stags. Together, they rise to defeat Demon Lord Elias’ reign of terror and shatter the chains of a kingdom tormented by evil forces.

Created by Koji Igarashi, the mastermind behind classic games like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, The Scarlet Engagement promises a "fresh cast of allies and foes" that will hint at "deep connections" with its predecessor, while remaining accessible to new players without prior knowledge of the game's intricate lore.

You can play as both Leo and Alex simultaneously and discover new moves and combos as you explore Bloodstained's "largest map yet," which includes day-night cycles. These not only shift light and darkness, but also the way you interact with the world. There's also crafting, cooking, and customization.

Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement doesn't have a specific release date, but it's set for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S sometime in 2026.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night released in 2019, and we thought "the wait was worth it," awarding it a Great 8.8, writing: "Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a whole new castle to crash full of unexpected monsters and mysteries in the vein of classic Castlevania."

Of course, this isn't the only game announcement we've had recently. Sony kicked off the summer reveal season with a bang, presenting a smorgasbord of new games to whet our appetites going into Summer Games Fest Week. Here's everything announced at PlayStation State of Play 2025 last night, including 007 First Light, Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, Romeo is a Dead Man, and Silent Hill f's release date.

IGN
New One Piece LEGO Sets Based on the Netflix Show Are Up for Preorder 5 juin 2025 à 13:38

New One Piece LEGO Sets Based on the Netflix Show Are Up for Preorder

IGN

Par :Chris Reed

5 juin 2025 à 13:38

LEGO has announced seven new sets based on Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece. The sets cover things like the Going Merry Pirate Ship and Buggy the Clown’s Circus Tent. One set, the Baratie Floating Restaurant, is aimed at the 18+ age group, landing it squarely in the LEGO sets for adults category. All of the One Piece LEGO sets will release on August 1, but you can preorder them now (see at LEGO Store).

New One Piece LEGO Sets

The Baratie Floating Restaurant
The Going Merry Pirate Ship
Battle at Arlong Park
Buggy the Clown’s Circus Tent
Windmill Village Hut
BrickHeadz Monkey D. Luffy
BrickHeadz Buggy the Clown

While the sets are based on the events of the show’s first season, which hit the streaming service in 2023, they’re releasing in August ahead of the second season of the show.

One Piece started out in 1997 as a manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It has spawned a whole lot of films, video games, and more, including an anime that has run for over 1,000 episodes. These new sets represent the first time there’s been a collaboration between One Piece and LEGO.

It's been a particularly busy period in the brick-building world of late, with a bunch of awesome LEGO sets arriving in June. You can check out the building process for the new LEGO The Simpsons Krusty Burger set, as well as the aesthetically pleasing Japanese red maple bonsai tree set. And for Harry Potter fans, we build the LEGO Chomping Monster Book of Monsters, which is quite fun.

For more, be sure to check out our picks for the best LEGO Nintendo sets as well as, for the decorative types, the best LEGO plants and flower sets. You might think buildable plants seem boring, but they're actually really fun to put together and they look terrific on your shelf. Plus, you don't need to water them for obvious reasons, so they won't die like real plants. That's just science.

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.

IGN
Nintendo Switch 2 Screen Punctures Ruin Launch Day for Fans Due to Store Receipts Stapled Into Console's Box 5 juin 2025 à 13:30

Nintendo Switch 2 Screen Punctures Ruin Launch Day for Fans Due to Store Receipts Stapled Into Console's Box

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 13:30

Nintendo Switch 2 owners are opening consoles with punctured screens due to store receipts being stapled into the front of the console's box.

Photos from a string of Switch 2 customers show how staples can easily penetrate through the console's packaging, which consists of a thin cardboard box and a flimsy plastic envelope containing the main Switch 2 unit.

"GameStop stapled the receipt for me and my friends' Switch 2s to the box. FML," wrote one fan last night after getting home from excitedly picking up their console at a midnight store opening. "Genuinely insane now I'm gonna have to wait three months for the restock."

Many images showing the problem include receipts from the same Staten Island branch of GameStop, which appears to have stapled receipts to much of their midnight launch Switch 2 stock. A video of the midnight launch posted by one attendee shows a long line of customers waiting at this particular GameStop branch — many of whom now appear to have been impacted in the same way.

"Midnight release went bad for me," another affected customer, whose console screen has also been punctured by staples, wrote on reddit. "It's seeming like everyone there had the same thing done to their boxes as well. Over 100 people were there tonight."

"Hello! My Switch 2 has staple holes in the screen," a third fan with a damaged console wrote on social media in an attempt to contact GameStop and Nintendo. "They stapled the receipt to the box at 1756 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303 and it damaged the screen." GameStop and Nintendo are yet to give the fan a response.

@gamestop stapled the receipt for me and my friends Switch 2s to the box.

FML.#nintendo #switch2 #gamestop pic.twitter.com/AXtrgr7y0P
— Oadhan Lynch (@Oadhan) June 5, 2025

@gamestop Helo ! My switch 2 has staple holes in the screen. They stapled the receipt to the box at 1756 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303 and it damaged the screen. @NintendoAmerica pic.twitter.com/aqxPtRgNEs
— Rudeboy (@Rudeboy__NYC) June 5, 2025

"Me and my homie here (we never met before) were unfortunately at the same GameStop and this happened to me and another buddy!" yet another fan wrote on reddit. "Think the entire pre-order batch is completely f***ed."

IGN has contacted GameStop and Nintendo for comment, and asked if advice can be passed on to retailers warning them of the potential issue when handling Switch 2 stock.

While GameStop has been criticised by those affected, fans have also expressed surprise that Nintendo itself had not done more to protect the key part of Switch 2 — the main unit, including its screen — within the console's packaging.

"I'm not gonna hate on the employees too hard, but it seems like it was packaged without thought," one fan with a damaged Switch 2 wrote. "Why have the screen facing up with barely any protection. I mean they are still idiots for stapling it."

The Switch 2 is packaged with its main unit at the front of the console's cardboard box, and its screen facing outwards. (From unwrapping my own Switch 2 console this morning, I can confirm there is surprisingly little to protect the screen from damage.)

"I knew this would happen," another fan wrote on social media. "It was a weird decision by Nintendo to have the screen sit face-side-up at the very top of the box with only the thin cardboard to protect it. You're going to hear about a few damaged screens in the coming days. They are at risk just being stacked in shipping."

IGN has contacted many of the fans now left with a Switch 2 that has been damaged, through no fault of their own, on the day of the console's launch. One GameStop customer told us they would be back at the store when it opened later today to return the console. It seems likely they won't be alone.

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

MindsEye Dev Calls on Fans to Wait for Official Launch After Street Date Breaks a Week Early, Confirms 'Major' Day-One Update for Physical Copies

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 13:22

MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy has called on fans to wait for the official release date before playing the game after some got their hands on a physical copy a week early and took to social media to post their impressions.

X / Twitter user @MrHazel88 posted a picture of a physical copy of MindsEye and a series of subsequent tweets bemoaning the state of the game, calling it a “technical mess.”

To get it clear for everyone out there, Im going to Play it Later and Report if its worth the money. #MindsEye #PlayStation #PlayStation5 pic.twitter.com/6HvLO2F1xb
— Unknown Reason (@MrHazel88) June 4, 2025

MindsEye officially launches on June 10, which means it’s out in the wild a week early. In response, Build A Rocket Boy took to social media itself to issue a statement calling on players to avoid posting spoilers, and to confirm a day-one update the developer wants fans to have downloaded before they experience the game.

This “major” update for physical copies of MindsEye is coming at release, Build A Rocket Boy said, and brings “key improvements to ensure MindsEye plays as we intended and to meet all the characters at their best.”

As for spoilers, Build A Rocket Boy said MindsEye is “built around twists and emotional moments.”

“We want everyone to experience the story the same way at the same time on day one, without bias,” the studio continued. “This means waiting until the official release date to play through the game firsthand.”

News Flash from Redrock pic.twitter.com/cTxQ4oPjLy
— MindsEye (@MindsEyeGame) June 4, 2025

Clearly, MindsEye is coming in hot, but the broken street date and early negative impressions are just the latest in a series of setbacks Build A Rocket Boy has faced while working on the game.

Last week, the co-CEO of Build A Rocket Boy claimed there exists a “concerted effort” to “trash the game and the studio,” and even suggested people are being paid or using spam bots to post negative comments.

Mark Gerhard, who became co-CEO of the Edinburgh, Scotland-based Build A Rocket Boy alongside former Rockstar North development chief Leslie Benzies last year, issued the claims on the official MindsEye Discord, sparking a number of shocked responses from fans.

And just days before MindsEye’s launch, Build a Rocket Boy’s Chief Legal Officer and Chief Financial Officer confirmed they had left the company, sparking concern from the studio’s fledgling community.

MindsEye is due out on June 10, 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. It has elements of Grand Theft Auto, Watch Dogs, Cyberpunk, and a user generated content portion that has been labeled “AAA Minecraft.”

MindsEye carries a $59.99 price tag. At launch, there is a “tightly crafted linear story campaign,” and what’s called “single-player free roam,” but there are also a number of missions: a horde mode mission called “Destruction Site Shootout,” and two combat missions (“Honor Amongst Thieves” and “Friendly Fire”). Also at launch are six races, six checkpoint races, and three drone races. If you get the premium pass, you get an extra horde mode mission and an exotic cosmetics pack.

Following launch, Build A Rocket Boy said it will deliver a “constant stream” of fresh premium content monthly, “ensuring MindsEye is a living, ever-expanding player experience.” This includes new missions, challenges, and game assets. “The continuous stream of studio-developed content, combined with the very best of the community’s own beautiful creations, means that MindsEye will continue to surprise and delight its players for decades to come,” Build A Rocket Boy added.

Build A Rocket Boy also confirmed its 2025 roadmap of content. In the summer there will be community updates, new missions, in the fall new single-player modes, multiplayer, and new missions, and in the winter free roam updates and new missions. Premium pass owners get extra missions and new packs throughout.

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.

XDefiant Chief Quits Industry Entirely, Claims Ubisoft's Doomed Call of Duty Rival Had 'Very Little Marketing' or 'The Right Resources to Make Content'

IGN

Par :Vikki Blake

5 juin 2025 à 12:49

XDefiant's servers went dark on Tuesday, June 3, a little over a year after Ubisoft's free-to-play arena shooter was released. Ubisoft gave its Call of duty rival just four months before confirming it would discontinue support. Almost half the team lost their jobs as Ubisoft made a swath of cuts across its San Francisco and Osaka studios.

Producer Mark Rubin, who led development fo the game having previously worked on the Call of Duty series at Activision, called it a "sad day" in a lengthy statement posted to X/Twitter earlier today. After thanking his co-workers for making a "really fun and terrific game," he announced he's decided to "leave the industry" for good.

"In case everyone doesn’t know, the team behind XDefiant was all let go at the end of last year and I know many people have moved on to other studios, which is great, and I hope that for all of those still looking, that they find something quickly," Rubin wrote.

"As for me, I’ve decided to leave the industry and spend more time with my family so unfortunately you won’t be hearing about me making another game. I do care passionately about the shooter space and hope that someone else can pick up the flag that I was trying to carry and make games again that care about the players, treat them with respect and listen to what they have to say."

Rubin said the team made "remarkable" progress despite "very little marketing," claiming that despite a lack of advertising, XDefiant "still had the fastest acquisition of players in the first few weeks for a Ubisoft title" just from word-of-mouth promotion.

"But unfortunately, with little to no marketing, especially after launch, we weren’t acquiring new players after the initial launch," he added, before claiming Ubisoft's in-house game engine "wasn't designed for what [XDefiant] was doing."

"We had other issues, though, as well that we tried to be transparent about. For one we had crippling tech debt using an engine that wasn’t designed for what we were doing, and we didn’t have the engineering resources to ever correct that. I do personally think that in-house engines are not the valuable investment that they used to be, and they are often doomed to fall behind big engines like Unreal.

"This tech debt included the dreaded netcode issues that we could just not solve given the architecture we were dealing with," he added. "And so, for many players with solid network connections (in both speed and consistent reliability) the game played well but if your connection had even the smallest amount of inconsistency the engine just couldn’t handle it and you would have a bad experience. Normally, you should be able to weather those bad moments on your network. But this was a major issue with XDefiant."

Rubin also lamented the lack of resources to make content.

"Another issue we had was having the right resources to make content for the game. What we saw at Season 3 wasn’t even enough content in my mind for launch. There were some really cool features coming later in Season 4 or even 5 that would have completed the game in a way that I felt it should have been for launch. I can say everyone’s (devs, HQ leadership, etc.) heart was in the right place, but we just didn’t have the gas to go the distance for a free-to-play game."

In October 2024, Ubisoft insisted it wasn't shutting XDefiant down, then announced it would be shutting XDefiant down just a few weeks later. We thought the fundamentals of XDefiant were good, but "conflicting ideas and mechanics stop it from standing above a crowded shooter field." We ultimately awarded it a "Good" rating of 7.

IGN
Superman Runtime Confirmed, James Gunn Denies Claim Warner Bros ‘Forced Him to Make It Shorter’ 5 juin 2025 à 12:34

Superman Runtime Confirmed, James Gunn Denies Claim Warner Bros ‘Forced Him to Make It Shorter’

IGN

5 juin 2025 à 12:34

Flagship DC flick Superman has a confirmed runtime, and also a denial from director and DCU steward James Gunn that parent company Warner Bros. "forced" him to make the movie shorter.

Superman, which hits theaters July 11, clocks in at 2 hours 9 minutes inclusive of credits and post-credits, Gunn confirmed in a post on social network Threads. For context, that’s 15 minutes shorter than Henry Cavill’s 2013 film, Man of Steel.

So, the relatively brisk 2025 Superman has a lot to squeeze in. Following various trailer reveals, fans had already wondered how Superman would fit in its many side characters and do them justice. Superman revolves around a trio of characters: Clark Kent / Superman, Lois Lane, and central antagonist Lex Luther. But there are a number of other superheroes and supervillains confirmed to appear.

All the characters revealed so far in Superman:

Superman
Lois Lane
Lex Luthor
Mister Terrific
Guy Gardner
Hawkgirl
Metamorpho
The Engineer
The Hammer of Boravia
Ultraman
Rick Flag Sr.
Supergirl
Maxwell Lord
Kryptonian robots, including Kelex
Krypto
Jonathan Kent
Martha Kent
Perry White
Jimmy Olsen
Steve Lombard
Cat Grant
Ron Troupe
Eve Teschmacher
Otis

It's worth noting that in Gunn's Superman, and indeed across the rebooted DCU, superheroes are a known quantity. Gunn has said he was uninterested in telling yet another Superman origin story (we've had enough!), and so there won't be any time wasted there. Similarly, it looks like superheroes and supervillains are part of the public consciousness, so Superman will perhaps spend less time fussing over explaining who, what, and why the likes of Green Lantern are in town.

Ultimately, Gunn has spoken multiple times about the fact that Superman is not an ensemble piece. “At the middle of everything is Clark, Lois, and Lex,” he said at the beginning of 2025 during an Instagram Live session. “It’s about these three characters.”

Still, the confirmed runtime might be shorter than some were expecting, and Gunn himself responded to a rumor that Warner Bros. “forced” him to make the film shorter.

“Zero truth to that,” he said. “And they couldn't even if that's something that they wanted to. It's a DC Studios film.”

The suggestion here, then, is Gunn has a degree of autonomy when it comes to steering this rebooted DCU, and decisions such as movie runtimes are his to make. Even so, you’d imagine there is a degree of pressure on Superman to go big at the box office, given Warner Bros. chief David Zaslav’s established excitement about what he hopes it will do for the company’s bottom line.

Gunn, as ever, is particularly chatty on social media. Just last week the filmmaker said he was uninterested in “online fan wars” with both Superman and Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps set to come out in the same month.

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.

IGN
Sony's All-New First-Party PlayStation Fight Stick 'Project Defiant' Goes On Sale in 2026 5 juin 2025 à 11:57

Sony's All-New First-Party PlayStation Fight Stick 'Project Defiant' Goes On Sale in 2026

IGN

Par :Vikki Blake

5 juin 2025 à 11:57

It's 2025, and Sony PlayStation has finally designed its own wireless fight stick for PS5 and PC.

Edwin Foo, VP of product development at Sony Interactive Entertainment, said the stick — codenamed internally as Project Defiant — will give players "more flexibility to play their favorite fighting games."

Sony promises ultra-low latency through a wireless connection on PS5 or PC, as well as the option to play with a wired connection. This is essential for fighting game fans who need their combo inputs to be as precise and as instant as possible.

It also boasts an ergonomic design, a "high-quality digital stick" that's been custom-designed by Sony, and toolless interchangeable restrictor gates, so players can choose between square, circle, or octagon, all of which can be stored in the controller's handy compartment when not in use. It even comes with a sling carry case.

What we don't yet know is the cost, or when it will go on sale: right now, Sony will only commit to a 2026 window.

Sony's fight stick is well-timed, given it's working on Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, a new 4v4 Marvel fighting game from Arc System Works, the developer of the Guilty Gear series. That's also out 2026, so perhaps we'll see the game and stick come out around the same time.

Sony kicked off the summer reveal season with a bang, presenting a smorgasbord of new games to whet our appetites going into Summer Games Fest Week. Here's everything announced at PlayStation State of Play 2025 last night, including 007 First Light, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, Romeo is a Dead Man, and Silent Hill f's release date.

If you're new to fighting games or it's been awhile since you indulged, here's our picks of the 10 best fighting games of all time. Did your favorite reach the top spot?

IGN
Tim Sweeney Says Fortnite's Biggest Challenge Is Convincing People It's 'The Everything Game' and Not Just a Battle Royale 5 juin 2025 à 11:51

Tim Sweeney Says Fortnite's Biggest Challenge Is Convincing People It's 'The Everything Game' and Not Just a Battle Royale

IGN