Thank your own personal deity—possibly the Seneschal—it's Friday. Need an excuse to add to the backlog? Today's digital discounts span epic space operas, cult oddities, and co-op masterpieces, with some titles hitting historically low prices. From Switch swordplay to PC wizardry, there’s something for every controller type or keyboard warrior.

This Day in Gaming 🎂

In retro news, I’m lighting 22 candles for Sonic Adventure DX, the high-speed 3D platformer that burst onto the GameCube in 2003. Back then, the excitement was real. This wasn’t just a basic port of the Dreamcast hit. It came with a stack of extra missions, a playable Metal Sonic skin (!!!), and a gallery of visual upgrades that brought a glossier look to familiar levels.

Sure, the camera had a mind of its own, and Big the Cat's fishing stages were divisive at best, but it still felt fresh. DX kept Sonic relevant during a weird transitional time for Sega, and for fans like me, it scratched a nostalgic itch at just the right moment.

Aussie birthdays for notable games

- Sonic Adventure DX (GC) 2003. Get

- Brute Force (XB) 2003. eBay

Contents

• Nintendo
• Xbox
• PlayStation
• PC
• PC Gear
• LEGO
• Headphones
• TVs

Nice Savings for Nintendo Switch

Nintendo is swinging with a rare price drop on Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, a musou-style spin-off where Byleth is actually the villain. The devs revealed they initially planned three endings, but the darker one was so bleak it got scrapped. Meanwhile, What Remains of Edith Finch is a bargain at under eight bucks. Fun fact: the Finch family’s bizarre deaths were inspired by classic tragicomic literature like One Hundred Years of Solitude.

• One Piece Odyssey Del. Ed. (-20%) - A$68
• Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes (-50%) - A$39.70
• Biomutant (-40%) - A$36
• What Remains of Edith Finch (-75%) - A$7.40
• Dead by Daylight (-65%) - A$15.70

Expiring Recent Deals

• Sniper Elite 4 (-12%) - A$52.60
• Everybody 1-2-Switch! (-29%) - A$35.30
• Crisis Core FF VII Reunion (-15%) - A$72.60
• Biomutant (-40%) - A$36.00
• Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom (-75%) - A$14.70
• Mark of the Ninja: Rem. (-75%) - A$7.50

Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.

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Exciting Bargains for Xbox

• Mass Effect Leg. Ed. (-90%) - A$9.90
• Lego Skywalker Saga (-80%) - A$17.90
• Gotham Knights (-83%) - A$19
• Split Fiction (-16%) - A$59
• Metal Gear Solid Col. (-50%) - A$42.40

Xbox One

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (-27%) - A$80.10
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (-11%) - A$249
• The Crew Motorfest (-21%) - A$78.60

Expiring Recent Deals

• The Witcher 3 Comp. (-54%) - A$36.70
• 40K: Darktide (-26%) - A$44.40
• Xbox Cont. Robot White (-36%) - A$58
• Metaphor: ReFantazio (-57%) - A$49.00
• 40K Space Marine 2 (-54%) - A$49.90
• Doom: The Dark Ages (-34%) - A$79.00
• HyperX Cloud Alpha Headset (-35%) - A$103
• Octopath Traveler (-60%) - A$35.90
• Disco Elysium - The Final Cut (-70%) - A$17.90
• Diablo III: Eternal Col. (-67%) - A$32.90

Or just invest in an Xbox Card.

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Pure Scores for PlayStation

• The Outer Worlds 2 (-17%) - A$99
• Gears of War: Reloaded (-18%) - A$49
• EA Sports FC 25 (-57%) - A$34
• NBA 2K25 (-80%) - A$24
• Sonic Frontiers (-40%) - A$59.90
• Until Dawn (-46%) - A$59
• Dragon's Dogma 2 (-60%) - A$43.10

PS4

• Logitech G29 Wheel (-38%) - A$340
• Catherine: Full Body (-27%) - A$39.90
• Tekken 7 (-71%) - A$19.90

Expiring Recent Deals

• Black Myth: Wukong (-20%) - A$79.90
• DualSense Fancy Colours (-32%) - A$82
• Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds (-25%) - A$249
• Tales of Arise (-68%) - A$32.10
• Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (-21%) - A$79.00
• Crisis Core –FF VII– Reunion (-25%) - A$64.00
• Resident Evil Village (-20%) - A$44.10
• WWE 2K25 (-42%) - A$69.00
• Sonic Superstars (-29%) - A$67.00
• Hogwarts Legacy: Del. Ed. (-16%) - A$101.10

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

• NBA 2K25 | PS5, PS4
• Alone in the Dark (2024) | PS5
• Bomb Rush Cyberfunk | PS5, PS4
• Destiny 2: The Final Shape | PS5, PS4

Or purchase a PS Store Card.

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Purchase Cheap for PC

• Hogwarts Legacy (-75%) - A$24.90
• It Takes Two (-75%) - A$12.40
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (-80%) - A$19.90
• Dead Space (-80%) - A$17.90
• Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning (-75%) - A$17.40
• Yooka-Laylee (-80%) - A$5.90

Expiring Recent Deals

• Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 (-20%) - A$71.90
• Dead By Daylight (-60%) - A$11.50
• Rayman Legends (-80%) - A$5.90
• Norco (-65%) - A$7.60
• Tomb Raider (2013) (-85%) - A$3.30
• Assetto Corsa (-75%) - A$7.20

Or just get a Steam Wallet Card

Laptop Deals

• Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch (-12%) – A$2,197
• HP Laptop 15.6" 15-fd0233TU (-20%) – A$799
• Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 (-36%) – A$849
• Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 14", Gen 9 (-41%) – A$1,229

Desktop Deals

• Lenovo neo 50a G5 27" AIO (-47%) – A$1,379
• Lenovo neo 50q G4 Tiny (-35%) – A$639
• Lenovo neo 50t G5 Tower (-20%) – A$871.20
• Legion Tower 5i G8 (-29%) – A$1,899

Monitor Deals

• Samsung QE50T 50" (-31%) – A$596
• ARZOPA 16.1" 144Hz (-55%) – A$159.99
• Z-Edge 27" 240Hz (-15%) – A$237.99
• Gawfolk 34" WQHD (-28%) – A$359
• LG 27" Ultragear (-42%) – A$349

Component Deals

• MSI PRO B650M-A WiFi Motherboard (-41%) – A$229
• AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (-7%) – A$876
• Corsair Vengeance 32GB (-35%) – A$82
• Kingston FURY Beast 16GB (-30%) – A$48

Storage Deals

• Seagate One Touch Portable HDD (-24%) – A$228
• Kingston 1TB USB 3.2 SSD (-17%) – A$115
• SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO (-63%) – A$29
• SanDisk 32GB Ultra SDHC (-53%) – A$9.90

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Legit LEGO Deals

• Hogwarts Castle: Dueling Club (-40%) - A$23.90
• 3in1 T. Rex to Triceratops (-28%) - A$64.90
• Mario Kart: Donkey Kong (-27%) - A$44
• Star Wars C-3PO (-26%) - A$170

Expiring Recent Deals

• Yoshis' Egg-cellent Forest (-33%) - A$10
• Batman Tumbler vs. Two-Face (-27%) - A$66
• City Space Interstellar (-27%) - A$22
• Simba The Lion King (-27%) - A$22

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Hot Headphones Deals

Audiophilia for less

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless (-38%) – A$399.95
• Soundcore by Anker Q20i (-43%) – A$68.79
• Sony MDR7506 Professional (-30%) – A$169
• Technics Premium (-46%) – A$299
• Bose SoundLink Flex (-31%) – A$171
• JBL Charge 5 - Portable Speaker (-28%) – A$144
• JBL Flip Essential 2 Waterproof Speaker (-26%) – A$96
• Sony SRS-XB100 Travel Speaker (-41%) – A$84.15
• Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Speaker (-41%) – A$134.95
• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro (-26%) – A$259.29
• Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless (-46%) – A$275

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Terrific TV Deals

Do right by your console, upgrade your telly

• LG 43" UT80 4K (-24%) – A$635
• Kogan 65" QLED 4K (-50%) – A$699
• Kogan 55" QLED 4K (-45%) – A$549
• LG 55" UT80 4K (-28%) – A$866
• Prism+ Q75 Ultra 75" 4K QLED (-47%) – A$1,229
• Gaimoo Mini Projector 1080p w/ 4K (-33%) – A$119.99
• GooDee 4K Projector (-58%) – A$169.99
• VOPLLS Mini Projector 4K (-19%) – A$168.99
• XuanPad Mini Projector (-36%) – A$128.99
• LG S70TY Q Series Sound Barn*-22%) – A$546
• Sony HTG700 Atmos Soundbar (-15%) – A$594
• Yamaha NS-SW050 Subwoofer (-13%) – A$270

Smart Home Deals

• Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (-53%) – A$107.76
• Google Nest Doorbell (-44%) – A$183
• Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus (-40%) – A$149
• TP-Link Tapo Smart Doorbell (-20%) – A$183
• XTU Doorbell Camera Doorbell (-40%) – A$59.99
• D-Link DCS-8302LH Wi-Fi Cam (-62%) – A$75
• Google Nest Cam (-25%) – A$247
• Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Battery (-43%) – A$187
• Swann 4 Channel DVR with 4 x 4K Cams (-34%) – A$399
• WUUK 2K Outdoor Cam (-32%) – A$249.99

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For a limited time, Amazon is offering the lowest price I've ever seen on one of the best Windows-based gaming handhelds. Right now you can pick up a Lenovo Legion Go with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU and 512GB of storage for only $499.99 shipped after a 30% off instant discount. The Legion Go boasts a larger and sharper display, detachable controllers, and a larger battery compared to the Asus ROG Ally. And now that Valve has made SteamOS widely available, you can install it and turn this device basically into a super-powered Steam Deck.

30% Off Lenovo Legion Go 512GB Gaming Handheld

Summertime has arrived, and plenty of great video game deals along with it. There are quite a few Xbox deals, in particular, that are worth checking out at the moment. With big sale events like Amazon Prime Day on the horizon as well, there are bound to be many more to come as we get closer to the sale's start day on July 8. Until then, though, some of our favorite Xbox deals at the moment include discounts on Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and Metaphor: ReFantazio, but these just scratch the surface of what's out there.

If you're looking to stock up on new Xbox games or accessories, we're here to help. Here are the best Xbox deals available right now.

Best Xbox Game Deals

If you're looking to stock up on new Xbox games, there are quite a few on sale right now that are worth checking out. Some of our favorite deals at the moment are from Woot's Video Game Super Sale, which includes discounts on Metaphor: ReFantazio, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and Sniper Elite: Resistance, but there are so many more to look through. You can check out those deals and more of our favorites above.

What's Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass?

Game Pass has a nice rotation of new titles to play every month. If you're curious about what's in store for the end of June and start of July, we've got you covered. The Xbox Game Pass June Wave 2 lineup is:

• Star Trucker (Xbox Series X|S) – June 18 Now with Game Pass Standard
• Wildfrost (Console) – June 18 Now with Game Pass Standard
• Rematch (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – June 19 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Volcano Princess (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 24 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Against the Storm (Cloud and Console) – June 26 Game Pass Ultimate
• Warcraft I: Remastered (PC) – June 26 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Warcraft II: Remastered (PC) – June 26 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Warcraft III: Reforged (PC) – June 26 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Call of Duty: WWII (Console and PC) – June 30 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
• Little Nightmares II (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 1 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
• Rise of the Tomb Raider (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 1 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

Best Xbox Accessory Deals

Outside of games, there are a few different Xbox accessory deals that are worth your time and money as well. Walmart's offering a nice discount at the moment on the Elite Series 2 controller, while Amazon's got the 1TB Seagate Storage Expansion Card on sale. Woot also has a couple of nice accessory deals as part of its Video Game Super Sale.

When Should I Buy an Xbox?

In general, it is advisable to keep an eye out for sales and restocks throughout the year, as availability has improved since the initial launch of the console. Unlike the Nintendo Switch, there is no specific recommendation to wait for a sale regardless of the time of year. Instead, it's a good idea to monitor various retailers and online platforms for restock announcements and promotional offers.

However, certain events like Black Friday or other holiday seasons may bring about unique bundles, discounts, or promotional deals specifically for the Xbox Series X. These bundles may include additional games, accessories, or exclusive limited editions. While quantities for such promotions might be limited, they can provide an opportunity to get more value for your purchase.

It's worth keeing in mind that Xbox recently increased console prices as well, which you can read more about here.

Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S?

Choosing between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S ultimately depends on your gaming preferences, budget, and specific requirements. Let's compare the two consoles to help you make an informed decision:

1. Performance: The Xbox Series X is the more powerful option, offering native 4K gaming, higher graphical fidelity, and faster loading times. It has more advanced hardware, including a larger storage capacity. On the other hand, the Xbox Series S targets a lower price point and offers a less powerful performance, targeting 1440p resolution gaming and upscaling to 4K.

2. Price: The Xbox Series S is more affordable compared to the Xbox Series X. If budget is a significant factor for you, the Xbox Series S provides a cost-effective option while still delivering a next-generation gaming experience. For example, the Series S can play Starfield at 1440p 30fps (vs 4K 30fps on Series X).

3. Storage: The Xbox Series X comes with a larger internal storage capacity, allowing you to store more games directly on the console. The Xbox Series S, however, has a smaller storage capacity, which means you may need to manage your game library more actively or rely on external storage solutions.

4. Disc Drive: The Xbox Series X includes a disc drive, enabling you to play physical game discs and enjoy a wider range of media options, including Blu-ray and DVD playback. The Xbox Series S, in contrast, is a digital-only console, meaning you can only play games downloaded from the digital store.

5. Graphics and Performance: While both consoles support ray tracing, the Xbox Series X provides a more immersive and visually impressive experience due to its superior hardware capabilities. If you prioritize cutting-edge graphics and want the best performance available, the Xbox Series X is the preferable choice.

Consider your gaming preferences, budget, and whether you prioritize top-of-the-line performance or cost-effectiveness. If you have a 4K TV, want the most powerful console, and are willing to invest more, the Xbox Series X is the recommended option. If you have a lower budget, a 1080p or 1440p TV, and don't mind sacrificing some performance, the Xbox Series S offers excellent value for money.

With how expensive gaming is getting in 2025, we're trying to save you as much money as possible on the games and other tech you actually want to buy. We've got great deal roundups available for all major platforms such as Switch and Xbox, and keep these updated daily with brand new offers. If you're trying to keep costs down while maintaining your favorite hobby, stay tuned for more incredible discounts.

Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.

If you’ve been holding out for a solid deal, today’s lineup delivers some excellent finds. From a $12 power bank perfect for your Nintendo Switch 2 to a hefty Skytech gaming PC loaded with AMD’s latest hardware, there’s a little something for everyone.

TL;DR: Deals For Today

Vinyl collectors can also look forward to Woodkid’s emotionally rich Death Stranding 2 soundtrack, while digital deal hunters should check out the IGN Live 2025 Bundle. Eight well-reviewed PC games for just $22.

Hulu + Live TV Free Trial

Final Fantasy x Secret Lair

While boosters, Commander decks, and a new Starter Kit are up for grabs (if you can find them in stock), collectors will be most drawn to the highly coveted Secret Lair drops. Despite selling out instantly via Wizards of the Coast, these limited-edition mini-sets (Game Over, Weapons, and Grimoire) are still available through third-party platforms like TCGPlayer, though you’ll be paying premium prices well above the original $30–$40 MSRP.

Each set features beautifully reimagined cards themed around iconic Final Fantasy characters and spells: the Weapons drop highlights legendary arms like Cloud’s Buster Sword and Tidus’s Brotherhood, Grimoire centers on magic-wielders like Vivi and Aerith, and Game Over pays tribute to villains with cards like Spira’s Punishment and Meteorfall. All sets come in standard and foil variants, with Japanese versions available as well. If you’re considering adding these to your collection, be sure to check listings carefully and be prepared for markups ranging from $70 to $150 or more.

MTG Final Fantasy Chase Cards

It's insane how quickly these cards have climbed in value just days after release, and I can guarantee you (almost) that they won't be coming down any time soon. If you fancy saving some money ripping packs of MTG FF, just buy the card you want on TCGPlayer instead and save a fortune.

Where To Buy MTG: Final Fantasy

It's finally here, Magic the Gathering: Final Fantasy is out in the wild. If you got a preorder for MSRP, well played, but many TCG and Final Fantasy fans missed out. Fear not, there's still some options on sealed products available right now, including options from the secondary market with TCG Player which is around the same or lower than the pricing of big box retailers right now.

Pokémon Restock Updates

Checking these prices against TCG Player secondary market values, a lot of these products aren't far off the mark. Make no mistake, they're still way off MSRP, but finding Pokémon products on shelves that haven't been marked up past the point of anyone caring is a positive. Still refusing to pay over MSRP for new sets? Well played, I'm proud of you. Here's some single card highlights for you to shuffle through instead. Spoiler, there's plenty of deals to be had.

Destined Rivals Singles Are On The Rise (Again)

It's hard to stick a pin on Destined Rivals single card values right now, and the dips in value seem to match the little bits of stock distributors release to stores. Looking at the tracking charts for each of these cards, we can see mostly plummets from day one, then either upticks or cards for sale that exceed the original value at launch. It's crazy, but we now know how low these cards can go. Sure there's always attempts at market manipulation, but I wouldn't buy any cards on the rise right now.

The Most Expensive Pokémon Cards In Packs RIGHT NOW

We're not talking about vintage or out of print sets, all of these are incredible chase cards you can pull from booster packs available now. You can probably put money on their value going up as soon as their respective sets go out of print. If you don't want to spend mega money ripping open packs, market values on these single cards are quite reasonable for the most part..

Destined Rivals Sealed Stock

Wew're look to market values for Destined Rivals at the moment, seeing as big box stores are either fresh out of stock or charging over MSRP and what they're worth on the secondary market. So here's the full lineup to pop on your shelf or rip open like THAT Tyranitar. If you know you know.

Skytech King 95 Gaming PC

Iniu 10,000mAh 22.5W USB Power Bank

IGN Live 2025 Bundle

Woodkid for Death Stranding 2 On the Beach - 2LP Vinyl

Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch 2)

Donkey Kong Bananza

FiGGYZ

Monty Python And The Holy Grail - 4K UHD Combo + Steelbook

Badass Brawlers Bundle

Self Adhesive Hook And Loop Cable Ties

Anker HDMI Switch

JSAUX 3-Pack Tempered Glass Screen Protector Switch 2

Switch 2 tomtoc Slim Carrying Case

The Legend of Zelda Master Sword

Borderlands 4 Preorders

Borderlands 4 preorders have finally landed, and the started edition is just under the $70 mark in a suprising move after the comments made by Randy Pitchford. We've had a bit of a behind the scenes look with the beggining of the "Beyond the Borderlands" video dropping on how to make a vault hunter, and it's all looking good.

Narrative Arc Bundle

Apple Mac and iPad Deals

Need an upgrade or a good introduction into the Apple ecosystem? There's plenty of choices here, with the M4 chip powering the MacBook and Mac Mini, it's just a case of thinking about if you'd like a traditional desktop setup or something you can take on the go. iPad A16 is perfect for pretty much anything too, even a bit of Apple Arcade.

Samsung 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor

Big Discounts On Crucial DDR5 and Storage

Crucial are one of the most dependable brands when it comes to M.2 and portable drives, and is a great option for those wanting the benefits of DDR5 RAM without flashy RGB and it's price tag. Here's some of the best deals in the Crucial price slashing marathon on Amazon right now. I currently use the X10 Pro 4TB for backing up files and folders on my PC and for watching videos on my projector, just a solid piece of kit.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (PS5)

DOOM The Dark Ages Art Print

Power Up Pride Bundle

Nintendo has confirmed the age of Donkey Kong Bananza sidekick Pauline, sparking questions regarding the young character's timeline and how Bananza's story will tally with previous titles — such as Mario's original arcade game, where DK was famously portrayed as the villain and Pauline was his abductee.

In a character profile found on Donkey Kong Bananza's Japanese website, Nintendo states that Pauline is a "13-year-old girl who loves to sing. She used to live above ground, but for some reason she was brought to the underground world and transformed into a rock."

Yesterday's reveal of this younger Pauline, during the Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct, strongly suggested she was the same music-loving version of the character seen in Nintendo Switch platformer Super Mario Odyssey, where a grown-up Pauline serves as both the mayor of New Donk City and the lead singer of a popular band.

Nintendo fans have been quick to highlight what this might mean for Pauline's overall timeline — and the fact that DK and Pauline's friendly team-up in Bananza is a very different vibe to the pair's usual relationship of kidnapper and victim. Does something happen to DK, turning him evil? Or have we been getting Pauline and DK's friendship wrong all these years?

Donkey Kong Bananza sees the two characters working together to help the teenage Pauline get back to the surface, in order to pursue her dream of becoming a world famous singer. Pauline's appearance as a singer in Odyssey suggests that she does indeed make it.

But while Bananza looks story-wise to be an Odyssey prequel, the exact timeline here is somewhat unclear. Nintendo has never stated Pauline's age in Odyssey, or in any of her other appearances, so it's unknown how long before those events it is that Bananza takes place.

But by linking the character across these games through Pauline's musical ambitions, it also highlights the fact that Odyssey's Pauline does address her kidnapping by DK — something she describes as "traumatic."

Pauline has been kidnapped by DK multiple times over the years. Most notably, she is saved from DK's clutches in the original Donkey Kong arcade game, but she is then abducted again in various entries within the Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 series.

In Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, Pauline is snatched by Donkey Kong after the she dares to pick a gift from Mario instead of DK. In Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!, Pauline is kidnapped once more by an enraged DK, upset that he's missed out on a theme park opening.

Later entries in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series paint Pauline's interactions with DK in a kinder light, however, such as in Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move, where the two team up to host a mini-game, and Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars, where the pair plan Mario a surprise party.

Does something happen to sour DK and Pauline's relationship at the end of Donkey Kong Bananza, turning the ape from an ally to kidnapper? Will we see the events of the original Donkey Kong arcade game take place within Bananza, perhaps, with Mario coming in to save the day? Or have we been getting it wrong all these years?

Some fans have suggested that Bananza will turn the Mario universe on its head by revealing that DK and Pauline are in fact friends — and that Mario has been the villain all along, effectively stealing Pauline back when she's just been hanging out with her pal.

Hopefully all will be revealed when Donkey Kong Bananza arrives as Nintendo's next major Switch 2 launch on July 17, 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

Chinese studios are fully embracing AI, with a recent announcement that the iconic kung-fu films of Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Jackie Chan, and other martial arts greats will get remade via AI.

A group of Chinese studios unveiled what they’re calling the “Kung Fu Movie Heritage Project 100 Classics AI Revitalization Project” during the Shanghai International Film Festival on June 19, according to The Hollywood Reporter. They specifically highlighted titles like Lee’s 1972 film Fists of Fury, Chan’s breakout 1978 film Drunken Master, and the 1991 film Once Upon a Time in China, which made Li a household name in kung-fu films.

The studios also plan to rework John Woo’s 1986 film A Better Tomorrow with a cyberpunk edge, in what they’re calling “the world’s first full-process, AI-produced animated feature film.”

China Film Foundation Zhang Pimin addressed the work at the announcement and said using AI on these “aesthetic historical treasures” would transform their look in a way that “conforms to contemporary film viewing.” He added: “It is not only film heritage, but also a brave exploration of the innovative development of film art.”

Shanghai Canxing Culture and Media chairman of project partners Tian Ming claimed these new versions would “pay tribute to the original work” and “reshape the visual aesthetics,” while also demonstrating upgrades in image, sound, and overall production levels. Ming also revealed that a fund worth a whopping 100 million yuan (approx. $13.9 million), would be used to get the initiative going.

“We sincerely invite the world’s top AI animation companies to jointly start a film revolution that subverts tradition,” Tian said.

Additional partners for the project include the China Film Foundation’s Film and Urban Development Special Fund and Quantum Animation.

AI has proved a controversial topic within creative industries. Legendary filmmaker Tim Burton called AI generated art "very disturbing" while Wizards of the Coast was forced to issue a correction after claiming it didn't use AI for some Magic: The Gathering artwork when it actually did.

However, in December last year, Justice League and Rebel Moon director Zack Snyder said filmmakers need to embrace artificial intelligence instead of "standing on the sidelines with your hands on your hips." And earlier in 2024, Netflix bosses said audiences "don't care much" about the technology used to deliver TV and film, including AI.

Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images.

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

Warning: Spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2 follow.

The Last of Us Season 1’s Nico Parker hasn’t watched its second season yet, because she “can’t watch Pedro die.”

Parker, who played Joel’s daughter Sarah in the season one premiere of the HBO adaptation of the hit Naughty Dog game series, told IGN that her on-screen father, Pedro Pascal, has been asking, “Have you seen it yet? What did you think of it?” “I literally can’t do it,” the How to Train Your Dragon star replied.

It’s somewhat understandable — Joel’s demise comes suddenly and shockingly violently — but that doesn’t mean Parker won’t eventually get around to facing her fears, though. “I’ve seen some of it,” she confirmed, “I just can’t watch that episode, but I am gonna. I’m gonna do it. I just need to have, like, three days of rest period afterwards. I keep seeing clips, and it’s just too much, I can’t. It makes me too sad.”

If Parker can make it through Episode 2, she’s looking forward to seeing the rest of the story play out. “I think that the cast is so brilliant, and I’m so excited to see Bella just absolutely storm it,” she continued. “So I need to watch it. I’m very proud of all of them. That group of people behind that show is so brilliant, and that cast is so talented. We’re very lucky that we all get to witness them be brilliant.”

If you’re also yet to watch The Last of Us season two, you can check out our spoiler-free review here. Or if you’re looking for just our thoughts on Joel’s fateful episode, we’ve also got you covered.

Parker’s trepidation is valid, but maybe not a sentiment that showrunner Craig Mazin shares, if his recent comments are anything to go by. "The big complaint that I've gotten is, 'Why did you kill Pedro Pascal?', said Mazin. “And I keep explaining, we didn't kill him! He's a man, he's alive. He's fine. And he's in literally everything else. So I don't know what the problem is!"

The Last of Us is set to continue into season 3 in due time, but perhaps a season 4 is also on the way, as hinted at by the show’s composer.

Simon Cardy is a Senior Editor at IGN who can mainly be found skulking around open world games, indulging in Korean cinema, or despairing at the state of Tottenham Hotspur and the New York Jets. Follow him on Bluesky at @cardy.bsky.social.

Few living comic book artists are as renowned as Paul Pope. That's why it's so fitting that Pope's work is the subject of the latest exhibit at New York’s Philippe Labaune Gallery. Running from June 19-26, the exhibit will showcase some of Pope's original artwork from projects like Batman: Year 100, Battling Boy, THB, and Heavy Liquid, as well as his personal work and artistic homages.

IGN can exclusively reveal some of the artwork featured in this exhibit. Read on to see several of Pope's stunning original pieces and see creator commentary from Pope himself.

HOUSE OF MOORE

Pope: This was a piece I did for myself after a long day of inks. I like to do personal pieces on occasion to keep the knife sharp, push style and technique a bit beyond what I'd normally do for a comics page or cover for Marvel or DC. I'm enamored with the sculptures and drawings of Henry Moore, there's a lyrical buoyancy and rhythm to his shapes and a dreamlike presence in how he presents figures and objects. I wanted to do a page exploring that--two Moore figures seeing each other in an empty desertscape.

SELF-PORTRAIT

Pope: Initially, I wanted to reprint an updated version of the cover to PULPHOPE, my first monograph (AdHouse 2007), which was designed to be at first an unreadable abstract expressionist canvas. I took a side self-portrait I shot on my old Nikon 8008 camera and blew out the levels until it was high contrast B&W, and added layers of abstract ink marks over a scan of some old yellowed paper I had lying around. I wanted something which was off-putting but irresistible, like it is just too strange to NOT want to pick it up. BOOM! asked me to update this idea and use a drawn self-portrait this time, add some color and make it distinct from the first cover design. I was a bit hesitant at first, thinking it'd feel a bit self-indulgent, but I started thinking about album covers and how it is customary for a recording artist to present themselves on the cover of an album. We don't think twice seeing the musician on the cover of their album, the album is a sort of snapshot in time or a confessional or a testimony. I approached this cover with the same spirit, here adding some subtle dotscreen textures and oil paint layers digitally after the inks dried. This is one of the more recent pieces on display at Philippe Labaune Gallery, made in 2024.

RODAN

Pope: This is an early concept drawing for the character Rodan, from Heavy Liquid, which is out now from Image Comics. In the book she is a sculptor, hence the slight nod to sculptor Rodin, and the Kaiju monster bird Rodan. In the '90s there used to be a heavy music group called Rodan, which I liked. Rodan herself is based on Bianca Jagger circa 1971, for my money one of the sexiest and most commanding faces of women in Rock'n'Roll.

THB LIPSTICK

Pope: Like House Of Moore, this was another one page thought experiment. I had an extra page at the back of one of my THB one-shots (THB:M3, Horse Press 1999) and wanted to do something funny and strange. I was re-reading "The Secret Life Of Salvador Dali," one of my favorite artist auto-bios (although it's full of Munchhausian fabrications), and thinking of the old dance/pantomime group Mummenschanz, whose short performance films used to be shown on Sesame Street in the '70s and '80s. Somehow those two disparate influences ended up in Lipstick. It's one of my favorite THB shorts.

Learn More About Philippe Labaune Gallery's Paul Pope Exhibit

The Paul Pope exhibit runs from June 19-26 at the Phillipe Labaune Gallery, which is located at 534 W 24th St, New York, NY 10011. The gallery will hold an opening reception on June 19 from 6-9pm ET.

“Paul Pope is a singular force in contemporary comics — a comics destroyer, who pushes the boundaries of traditional comic art, “ said Labaune in a statement. “His distinctive style brings together the dynamism of Japanese manga with the narrative depth of European Bande Dessinee, and the spirit of American pulp. Pope blends a manga awareness with a European attention to mood and form. Moebius, Hugo Pratt, and Enki Bilal are all clear touchstones.”

The exhibit itself is timed to the release of PulpHope2: The Art of Paul Pope, an art book published by BOOM! Studios. You can order a copy of PulpHope2 on Amazon.

For more, find out where Pope's Batman: Year 100 falls on our list of the top 27 Batman graphic novels.

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

For most PC gamers, buying a prebuilt gaming rig is far more attractive than it used to be. Years ago it was inarguably cheaper to build your own gaming PC than to buy a boutique gaming rig. That's not the case anymore. It's not uncommon for major brands like Alienware, HP, and Lenovo to offer quality pre-built PCs for cheaper than the cost of building your own PC with the exact same specs.

We've compiled a list of the best current gaming PC deals, both from the manufacturers themselves like Dell (Alienware), HP, and Lenovo, as well as from reliable 3rd party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. This includes an excellent deal on an Alienware Aurora R16 Intel Core Ultra 7 265F RTX 5070 Ti Gaming PC (32GB/1TB) for $1,899.99. These PCs are significantly discounted from their normal retail price and are going to be less expensive than comparable models from other brands. With Amazon Prime Day on the horizon as well, we'll be keeping an eye on more gaming PC deals as they appear.

The Best Gaming PC Deals

More Dell and Alienware Gaming PC Deals

If you're in the market for a prebuilt gaming PC, Dell is one of the brands we'd recommend. The company's Alienware gaming desktops offer a staggering array of options, all built into a custom chassis that's both easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet. Consistent build quality, available inventory, frequent sales, and solid customer service are the main reasons why Dell is at the top of our buying list.

More HP Gaming PC Deals

Of the big three OEM PC manufacturers, HP usually offers the lowest price on equivalently configured items. HP carries several different models of gaming PCs depending on how much power you need. At the upper end of the scale, the HP OMEN 45L offers a massive tower chassis with space for up to a 360mm all-in-one liquid cooler as well as a total of four additional 120mm case fans for ventilation. On the other end of the scale, the HP Victus, Envy, and OMEN 25L gaming PCs feature understated aesthetics and a bargain price point. These PCs can still be configured into formidable gaming rigs.

More Lenovo Gaming PC Deals

Lenovo Legion gaming PCs may be the priciest of the big three OEM manufacturers, but they are also generally the highest praised among gamers and reviewers alike. The Legion gaming PCs are highly rated for their build quality. People like the fact that Lenovo does not use proprietary components in their rigs, so they're much easier to upgrade with easily obtainable, off-the-shelf components compared to some other popular prebuilt PC brands. Lenovo gaming rigs generally also utilize solid cooling, especially for the CPU, even if you opt for the base models.

Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 8 (Intel) with RTX 4070 Ti Super (32GB/1TB)

What’s arguably the best offer for Audible is back, granting Amazon Prime members a three-month Premium Plus trial for absolutely free, or 99p a month for non-Prime members.

As Hot UK Deals editor Chanchi32 points out in a post about the offer, your Prime member status will affect the offer banner you’ll see on the deal page.

Spider-Man: The Animated Series fans, rejoice: there’s a new comic book, Spider-Man '94, on the way that will finally expand upon the animated series’ major cliffhanger — but the show's original writer John Semper Jr. actually wasn’t asked to write the comic or be involved in any way.

“I got a text message this morning from my good friend, Matt Dunford, telling me that Marvel is ‘continuing’ my Spider-Man animated series in comic book form in a four-issue limited series called Spider-Man ’94," Semper explained to fans via X / Twitter on June 18.

He continued: "Since I will no doubt be asked about it by fans of the series: NO, I am NOT involved with this comic book and no one at Marvel approached me to be involved in any way. Matt’s text message was the first I heard of it."

Semper helmed the animated series, which ran from 1994 to 1998. It was here where the now mainstream and very much beloved “Spider-Verse” storyline originated, when — spoiler alert for the show’s finale — Madame Web transports Spider-Man into a new dimension to find the real Mary Jane after Green Goblin caused her to disappear through a portal. The cliffhanger is now a well-known element of the series, but for some reason, the folks behind the story still didn’t ask Semper to return.

That said, Semper did praise the comic’s writer, J.M. DeMatteis, in his post.

So, about that new SPIDER-MAN '94 comic book... pic.twitter.com/7yTN9h06vC

— John Semper Jr. (@johnsemper) June 18, 2025

“[DeMatteis’] amazing body of work over the years in both animation and comic books speaks for itself, and I’m positive this new comic is in great hands,” Semper continued. “Where he now chooses to take the series story-wise is entirely his decision. But, for the record, they are NOT my creative choices, nor do they represent any oversight by me.”

He added: “Yes, it would have been nice (some might even say, respectful) if Marvel had reached out to me at some point as a courtesy. But I have long ago abandoned all expectation that Marvel would acknowledge any of my contributions to the Marvel universe – like, for instance, my creation of what is now known as the ‘Spider-Verse.'”

The Spider-Verse referenced here includes successful animated Spider-Man films such as 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, 2023’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and the upcoming Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, which is set to arrive in 2027.

“I wish them well and encourage us all to celebrate with good cheer this 30th anniversary year of SPIDER-MAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES,” Semper concluded in his post, but not before adding that he’ll be “launching my own celebration of my series in the very near future” via his socials.

Spider-Man ‘94 #1 is set to be released on September 3, 2025.

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

Yesterday, the new patch 1.01.3 went live for Elden Ring Nightreign. It was a seemingly small patch, centered on bugs and quality-of-life tune-ups. It seemed like most players saw it and went about their day. But then, gradually, some started to notice a new option in their Expeditions menu.

A new Gaping Jaw undertaking, dubbed the "Everdark Sovereign," was appearing on the Expeditions menu. Soon it became clear that FromSoftware had delivered on its promise to add enhanced bosses to Elden Ring Nightreign this month, and it did so without warning, letting players potentially stumble into the new venture. Watching the community piece this together, in the late hours of the night, was truly fantastic.

As confirmed this morning on Bandai Namco's site, enhanced versions of current Nightlords—duibbed Everdark Sovereigns—will start appearing in Elden Ring Nightreign over the coming weeks. Each week, a new Sovereign will arrive in Limveld, with Gaping Jaw as the current Sovereign and both Sentient Pest and Darkdrift Knight due to get new, more challenging versions as well.

Everdark Sovereigns are only available while online, and each Sovereign will hang around for a week, then leave and get replaced by another one. You have to have beaten the base, original form of the Nightlord to challenge its Everdark Sovereign form.

Early reports from players indicate that this souped-up Gaping Jaw is, truly, enhanced. Videos of the fights show the empowered Adel zipping aruond the field, creating massive storms, and generally wiping the floor with entire trios of players in short order.

While you can tackle the Everdark Sovereign solo, or with friends and/or strangers, it seems like the new fight is truly adding some challenge, even for those who have been putting a lot of hours into Elden Ring Nightreign. To me, it's reminiscent of Monster Hunter's upgraded fights that get added post-launch, like Tempered versions of monsters, that seem meant to add extra challenge as players' knowledge and power rises exponentially over time.

What's the reward for felling an Everdark Sovereign? Well, a brand-new shop located in the hub area will let you spend all the Sovereign Sigils you'll earn from a clear, and even this shop is a pretty exciting update. Alongside offering special Relics and other items, the Sigils allow playes to change the Roundtable Hold's lighting, acquire the currently available skins, and set shifting earth statuses. The latter has been a major request from the community, and it's great to see it addressed.

So while the patch notes for 1.01.3 were fairly unassuming at first, players now seem to feel like this is a huge update. The roll-out of enhanced bosses has already brought some new life and challenge back to Nightreign, and the promise of more to come is enticing, as are the new short-term pursuits to chase after.

Bandai Namco is also teasing this as the start of something: "This is only the beginning of the Everdark Sovereign cycle. As the power of the Night ebbs and wanes, the Sovereigns will soon return to the abyss they came from." We already know Elden Ring Nightreign is due to get full updates down the road, so if this is an early indication of what we can expect, the long-term prospects for FromSoft's new co-op survival action game seem good.

We’ve got plenty of Nightreign tips and tricks to help you take down all the eight Nightlord Bosses, and if you’re wondering how to unlock the two locked Nightfarer Classes, check out How to Unlock the Revenant and How to Unlock the Duchess, plus How to Change Characters.

Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.

KPop Demon Hunters streams on Netflix beginning Friday, June 20.

It may seem strange for Sony Pictures Animation to follow the meteoric success of 2023’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse with a movie about South Korean pop idols who moonlight as slayers of supernatural evil. But look at it this way: The Spider-Verse series and the wide-ranging, megapopular musical style known as k-pop are two of the most beloved, powerful, and influential cultural forces of the past 10 years. Why wouldn’t these two great tastes taste great together?

Enter KPop Demon Hunters, the new animated action musical from first-time director Maggie Kang and co-director and writer Chris Appelhans that taps into k-pop’s idiosyncratic sound and quirks to craft a story about strength through adversity and the power inherent in living one’s truth. It isn’t just a worthy, frequently hilarious follow-up to SPA’s Oscar-nominated masterpiece. It’s a relentless celebration of both the music that inspired it and the medium of animation itself.

KPop Demon Hunters centers on Huntrix, a Korean pop trio made up of laser-focused lead vocalist Rumi (Arden Cho), aloof lead dancer and choreographer Mira (May Hong), and bubbly lyricist/resident rapper Zoey (Jin-Young Yoo). While they’ve built a following with their music, the group are in fact a cohort of demon hunters tasked with safeguarding the world from the ravenous soul-sucking hordes of the demon king Gwi-Ma (Squid Game’s Lee Byung-hun), who is hellbent on feasting on humanity and asserting his dominion over the Earth. If that premise sounds a bit like “Sailor Moon à la Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” or “The Powerpuff Girls meets Power Rangers,” well, you're not too far off the mark: The film is as much about inheriting the generational mantle of defending humanity from otherworldly threats as it is about balancing that colossal responsibility along with the challenge of everyday life.

Beyond these reference points, KPop Demon Hunters asserts its own identity with ample drama, comedy, and personality, plus a bevy of catchy bop-worthy tracks – with Huntrix’s vocals provided by the trio of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami – and electrifying action that kept me locked to my screen and eager for more. On the eve of their greatest victory, the legions of Gwi-Ma present Huntrix with their most formidable foes yet: A demon boy band group led by Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop, with singing by Andrew Choi), a human-turned-demon with a mysterious past. To defeat them, Huntrix will not only have to battle their demonic counterparts both on- and off-stage, but confront their own long-buried secrets and insecurities in order to band together and banish Gwi-Ma once and for all. Metaphysical silliness aside, it makes for a pretty moving watch.

KPop Demon Hunters is yet another link in a chain that began with 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, bearing the inventive blend of animation styles, textures, and tones that carried over into spiritual successors like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, The Bad Guys, and The Mitchells vs. the Machines. Impressive as they are, none of those films manage to match Spider-Verse’s peerless synthesis of visual ingenuity, tender storytelling, and infectious music quite like Kang, Appelhans, and team have here. The fight sequences, with their flashy choreography and anime-inflected verve, lean heavily on musical numbers featuring originals songs penned by a who’s who list of popular Western artists and Kpop mainstays like Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung of Twice, who wrote and performed the soundtrack’s braggadocious lead single “Takedown.” For all its echoes of Miles Morales’ adventures across realities, KPop Demon Hunters also feels like what would happen if Riot Games and Fortiche went all-in after the conclusion of Arcane and made an animated feature together: a visually sumptuous action fantasy with the kind of heartfelt chest belters that are sure to make ardent converts of fans of animated musicals like Frozen, Moana, Encanto and the like.

That’s to say nothing of KPop Demon Hunter’s comedic chops, nor its dramatic depth. It’s gratifying to watch Rumi, Mira, and Zoey’s journey toward accepting the parts of themselves they’d rather hide from the rest of the world; the same can be said of them hanging out together, making exaggerated stank faces, and thirsting after their demonic counterpart’s ab muscles – despite the fact that they’re, you know, demons. KPop Demon Hunters knows how to tackle serious subject matter without taking itself too seriously which, along with its stunning production value and exciting action sequences, makes for a wholly entertaining experience.

Following the recent announcement of the next Amazon Prime Day sale from July 8-11, a solid selection of early Prime Day deals has soon followed, including a big selection from the retailer’s usual range of own-made tech products.

For gamers subscribed to Amazon Prime, the official Luna Wireless Controller is 43% off at $39.99 from $69.99. This is great if you feel like trying the Luna gaming service, since the controller connects directly through Wi-Fi, promising low latency no matter what device you're streaming games through.

For those wanting to beef up their home security, Amazon has especially honed its Blink and Ring security camera bundles. The savings can be pretty huge depending on what you’re after.

As an example, the Ring Battery Doorbell with Ring Chime bundle is 52% off, now $64.99 instead of $134.98. So, you get front-door security with real-time notifications in your house, without needing to be near your phone, at $69.99 off.

One of the Blink bundles, including the Blink Outdoor 4 & Blink Mini 2 cameras, is now available from $64.98 after having up to 60% taken off each set, depending on how many Blink Outdoor cameras you’d like.

For your gaming and entertainment set-ups, Amazon has knocked some good amounts off some of its Fire TVs too. The 50” 4-Series 4K Amazon Fire TV is now only $279.99, following a 38% price cut from $499.99.

If it’s a QLED you’ve been on the lookout for, you can now buy the 55" 4K Omni QLED Amazon Fire TV for $364.99 at 27% off from $499.99. However, if all you need is an extra HD TV in your household, the 40" 2-Series HD Smart TV can be grabbed for a mere $169.99 with 32% cut off its original RRP of $249.99.

A noticeable omission from these early deals is Amazon’s set of Kindles and Fire Sticks. It’s a bit odd, since both ranges are almost always included in most of Amazon’s sales from the get-go, but it’s most likely that the retailer is saving offers on those until either later this month or for the big sale in July.

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

We're a little less than a month away from the release of Donkey Kong Bananza, and now it's getting an adorable amiibo to release alongside it. The brand new amiibo for the game (which you can see here at Best Buy) features Donkey Kong and Pauline, who was recently confirmed to be your trusty sidekick in the game. She's catching a ride on DK's back, holding on to his necktie.

This new amiibo is currently listed for $29.99 and is set to release on July 17, which is the same day as Donkey Kong Bananza. If you want the full Donkey Kong setup for launch day, don't miss out on picking up this amiibo at the link below.

Preorder Donkey Kong Bananza Amiibo

Want codes for Grow a Garden? Well, a code redemption system is finally here! It was added to the popular gardening experience as part of the Lunar Glow event. This big change means it's likely there will be codes released in the future, so IGN will now keep you covered as and when new codes are released!

Working Grow a Garden Codes (June 2025)

I'm sorry to say that even with the new Bizzier Bees update, there still currently no active Grow a Garden codes! As soon as new ones are announced, we'll update this article to include the new ones. For now, check out all there is to do in the new Bizzier Bees and Friendship Update.

Expired Grow a Garden Codes (June 2025)

Unfortunately, these codes have now expired:

• LUNARGLOW10 - This gave players 3x Seed Packs.

How to Redeem Grow a Garden Codes

Now that there's a code redemption system in the Roblox experience, here are the steps you need to follow to use Grow a Garden codes:

1. Launch the Grow a Garden Roblox experience
2. Look in the top left corner to find the Settings cog next to the icon of the backpack
3. Click settings and scroll down to the bottom
4. Copy and paste codes from this article into the Redeem Codes box
5. Press claim and enjoy your goodies!

Why Isn't My Grow a Garden Code Working?

There are usually two reasons why a code isn't working. It's either because:

• The code is expired
• The code has been entered incorrectly

If a code has been entered incorrectly or is expired, it will say the "code is invalid." To stop this from happening, we'd recommend copying and pasting the code directly from this article. We check and test each of the codes before we add them to our articles. However, when copying them, you can sometimes accidentally include an extra space somewhere, so always double check there's no additional spaces!

Where to Find More Grow a Garden Codes

If new codes are added to the game, we'll update this article, so you can always check back here and keep up-to-date with the latest codes. Grow a Garden has its own dedicated Discord server where codes will be announced, as well as game updates.

What is Grow a Garden in Roblox?

Grow a Garden is a new Roblox experience that's become incredibly popular since it launched. The gardening simulator allows players to show off their green fingers, as you buy seeds and plant a variety of crops from basic carrots to exotic dragon fruit trees.

As fruit and vegetables finally sprout, you'll be able to harvest them to sell for Sheckles. To go from a beginner gardener to a pro worthy of awards, you'll want your crops to experience mutations that increase their value. This can happen randomly, with Gold and Big mutations being down to chance, while weather events like snow can increase your luck of a Frozen mutation. There's also gear, and even pets now, that can affect how fast your crops grow, their value, and more.

When is the Summer Update in Grow a Garden?

Grow a Garden hosts new events each weekend, where players can come together and try out the fresh content for the ever-expanding game. The next update is planned for Saturday June 21st, 2025 and is being called the Summer Season update. We're being promised the biggest update yet, with a Summer Harvest event taking place. While we don't know much yet, we can guess that there will be new seeds, new pets, even more craftable items, and maybe even some special summer weather!

Lauren Harper is an Associate Guides Editor. She loves a variety of games but is especially fond of puzzles, horrors, and point-and-click adventures.

Fan-favorite rhythm game Beat Saber is ending support for PlayStation consoles.

From here on in, you shouldn't expect any further updates or music packs if you play on PS4 or PS5, and from January 21, 2026, multiplayer support will also be withdrawn.

"As we look to the future and plan the next big leap for Beat Saber, we have made the decision to no longer release updates for PS4 and PS5 starting in June 2025," the developer explained in a new FAQ entitled "End of Support for PS4/PS5" (thanks, Eurogamer).

"Our passion for VR remains unwavering. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and what we can bring to Beat Saber fans who have been on this journey with us over the past [seven] years."

The update stressed that you will still be able to play Beat Saber and have access to all of your previously purchased content, and cross-buy "remains active" between the PS4 and PS5 base game. You can also still buy songs and music packs that were released on or before June 18 — just nothing added to the catalog from today (June 19) onwards.

"We're grateful for the incredible support you've shown us over the years, and we're excited to share what the future holds for Beat Saber," the update concluded.

For many players, this feels very much like the final nail in the coffin for PlayStation's VR aspirations, as Beat Saber is still one of PlayStation's biggest VR titles. Fans seem split between laying the blame with Sony and the lack of support its given to its VR headset, and Meta "wanting their game to be the best on Quest."

"Absolutely baffling decision," said one player on the subreddit. "Beat Saber still regularly tops the sales charts on PSVR1 and 2, I think dropping support for PSVR1 is understandable but not supporting PSVR2 feels like an absolutely insane move given how popular the game is on that platform."

"This is a massively stupid f***ing decision," added another. "I can't overstate how mad I am about this."

Despite its impressive technical specs, the PSVR2 seemingly lost momentum following its release in 2023. In June last year, Android Central reported that Sony made "deep cuts to funding for VR," with only two first-party PSVR2 games allegedly in development. Sony eventually gave PSVR2 a new lease on life by adding PC VR support, but mentions of the device have been few and far between since. PSVR2 recently dropped to match its all-time low price thanks to the PlayStation Days of Play sale.

"The PlayStation VR2 may seem pricey, given that it costs $150 more than the base PS5 Digital Edition console you’ll need to use it," we wrote when we reviewed the PSVR2 on release. "Even so, it’s such a quantum leap over the original PSVR in terms of ease of use, visual quality, and immersion that any PlayStation owner who loves VR should upgrade as soon as possible.

"Its 4K HDR OLED screen and excellently tactile Sense controllers are the most obvious improvement, but plentiful quality-of-life changes and the raw horsepower of the PS5 set a new standard for how VR games should play and feel on console. The downside is that, like any new platform, its thin launch lineup makes its lack of backward compatibility with original PSVR games a significant problem, but one that will only improve as Sony and other developers roll out new games that take advantage of the PSVR2’s unique features."

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.

A request to film Avengers: Doomsday scenes, submitted to a local UK council, includes mention of a returning location from a previous MCU film.

As BBC News reports, Marvel has requested permission to build a film set within Windsor Great Park, and asked the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead for use of the area in August.

Detailed plans for the set name it as a specific location seen in a recent MCU film that now looks set to return in Avengers: Doomsday — though some fans have suggested this still could be a decoy, as Marvel attempts to keep its famously secretive filming plans under wraps.

Warning! There may be Avengers: Doomsday spoilers ahead!

According to the plans, Marvel is seeking to build a set named Annie Reynolds' House within Windsor's park. And if you've seen Thunderbolts* / The New Avengers, that house name may sound familiar.

Annie Reynolds is the mother of Robert "Bob" Reynolds, the character who later becomes Sentry and his evil alter ego The Void. In the movie, viewers get multiple flashbacks showing Bob's troubled childhood, often spent in the attic of Annie's home. But the location is also used as the setting of a labyrinthine version of Bob's consciousness.

Of course, Bob aka Sentry has already been confirmed as returning within Avengers: Doomsday, so perhaps the return of his prison-like mind palace should not be a surprise. The last time we see Bob, during Thunderbolts' post-credits scene, the character has been left powerless, though this seems likely to change. But does the return of flashbacks to his childhood home suggest we'll be seeing The Void return as well?

While filming is only set to place at the location for one day in August, Marvel's plans request 10 weeks of access due to its need for construction (and deconstruction) afterwards — suggesting a relatively substantial set will be built.

Intriguingly, this isn't the first time that Annie Reynolds' house has been mentioned as an Avengers: Doomsday film set, either — as plans seemingly for this construction were discovered by a TikTok user who gained entry to Marvel's main film set last month.

Marvel recently delayed both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars to December 2026 and December 2027 respectively. The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and the two Avengers movies are currently the only upcoming MCU films with confirmed release dates.

This week, we learned that Marvel shot a fake Thunderbolts* ending scene that included a title that wasn’t The New Avengers.

Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic.

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

Gears of War: Reloaded's upcoming beta weekend will now last a little longer and include more content as developer The Coalition responds to feedback from players.

"We heard you," the team said on social media. "More maps. More modes. More time."

As a result, this weekend's upcoming multiplayer beta has been extended — so the beta now runs from Friday June 20 at 12pm PDT to Sunday June 22 at 9pm PDT — and Execution has now joined the mode pool alongside King of the Hill on Gridlock, Raven Down (Courtyard and War Machine), and Canals. You'll also be able to play Team Deathmatch on the same maps via social matchmaking, with Gold Rush also in the pool.

That won't quite quell the issues some players had about server stability but to be honest, that's precisely what beta tests are for, right? Better to experience that instability now than when the game launches in a few weeks' time.

Last month Microsoft announced Gears of War: Reloaded, a remaster of the original 2006 game, will launch on August 26 on PC, Xbox, and yes, even PlayStation. The shiny new version will come with improved visuals and audio, crossplay, and cross-progression, and all the DLC from the Gears of War: Ultimate Edition.

As a little treat for the Gears of War faithful, Gears of War: Reloaded will be a free upgrade for any players who purchased the digital version of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition before the announcement. If you're one of the special ones, expect a code via a DM from Xbox ahead of the release.

"As we approach the 20th anniversary of Gears of War in 2026, we’re reflecting on what this franchise means. It’s about the stories we’ve told, the friendships we’ve built, and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared together. With Gears of War: Reloaded, we’re opening that door to more players than ever," Mike Crump, studio head at The Coalition, said at the time.

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.

Tons of Magic: The Gathering sealed products are on sale at Amazon right now. From commander decks and bundles to booster boxes and prerelease kits, there are plenty of options for any level of MTG player.

Aetherdrift, one of the latest expansions from 2025, is the main focus of the sale, but you can also pick up products from other sets like Tarkir: Dragonstorm and Bloomburrow.

Amazon has also been adding new products to the sale this week as well, and its early Prime Day deals begin to kick off, such as the Aetherdrift Finish Line Bundle now down to $59.36.

Magic: The Gathering Aetherdrift Discounts at Amazon

Here's how these products break down, like what's included and how much they cost:

Aetherdrift Collector Booster Box $174.99 (42% off)

Booster boxes are the perfect way to start and bolster your collection. The contents of a single collector booster pack vary by set, but here you can find exclusive foils, Japan Showcase cards, or a special serialized card. The booster box comes with 12 packs each with 15 cards inside and two foil box toppers (special art foil cards).

Aetherdrift Bundle $29.99 (44% off)

Bundles are a more affordabale way to jumpstart your collection. These typically include nine booster packs, a promotional or alternate art card, 40 extra basic land cards (20 foil, 20 regular), and a spindown life counter die. You can also use this as a card storage box.

Aetherdrift Prerelease Kit $22.95 (23% off)

Prerelease kits are usually sold the week before a set's wide release and contain a certain color or archetype that ties into the set's mechanic. There are often leftover kits for you to purchase after a prerelease event which contains a spindown life counter die, six booster packs, a foil premium stamped card, and one special promo card.

Aetherdrift Commander Deck - Living Energy $28.99 (36% off)

Commander is easily the most popular casual format among both new and old players. Whenever a new set is released, commander decks (100 card single-copy format) are released alongside it. The Living Energy Commander deck is one of these, which includes the full 100-card deck, two foil borderless Commander creatures, and a deck box.

10 Most Valuable Chase Cards From Aetherdrift

After covering the big sale, I decided to go a bit further with my coverage and collect 10 of the most valuable cards available in play boosters and collector boosters, so you can track the best and most expensive chase cards from the set while ripping open your new boosters.

Aetherdrift has dozens of borderless, Fracture Foil, First-Place Foil, and Showcase editions of main set cards, but these are the 10 most valuable.

From a competitive standpoint, not many of these see much play, although Ketramose, the New Dawn is the face of a hot new Modern combo deck.

And for you Commander players, this is a great chance to nab the elusive Radiant Lotus Fracture Foil or the Aetherspark First-Place Foil.

More Magic: The Gathering Deals

Aetherdrift isn't the only expansion getting discounts. Seemingly random products across older expansions, including pre-release kits and play booster boxes, have also gotten price drops on Amazon.

Keep in mind that older expansions may not be legal in current Standard play, so it's worth doing some research based on whether you're buying cards for a personal collection or competitive play.

After covering the big sale, I decided to go a bit further with my coverage and collect 10 of the most valuable cards available in play boosters and collector boosters, so you can track the best and most expensive chase cards from the set while ripping open your new boosters.

Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy Cards Are Also Available

The newest MTG set is the highly anticipated Final Fantasy collaboration. Easily one of the most popular Universe Beyond sets, Final Fantasy is bringing newer players on in droves. You can pick up a starter kit to learn the game, one of four commander decks, play booster boxes and bundles, or single booster packs.

If you managed to lock in a preorder before they vanished, congrats. For everyone else, here’s where you can still buy the Final Fantasy MTG cards now that the set has officially launched, such as the highly popular Starter Kit for $19.99, which Amazon just restocked again after it sold out just last week. Good luck - these go out of stock fast.

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

Marvel is reportedly already planning a sequel to The Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite the upcoming blockbuster still being more than a month from launch.

A Variety report states that an untitled Fantastic Four follow-up is one of several currently undated Marvel projects in development, alongside Ryan Coogler's Black Panther 3 and the long-delayed Blade reboot.

Word of a Fantastic Four sequel follows the announcement by Disney this week that it had scheduled a fourth Marvel film for launch in 2028 — without confirming what it will be. The mystery movie will arrive on December 15, 2028, Disney said, following three other Marvel launches currently scheduled for February, May and November that year.

While Disney's first new outing for The Fantastic Four is still to arrive, it makes sense that Marvel is already considering what's next for its heroes. The studio seems confident First Steps will land well with audiences, and has already announced the film's stars will be among the key players in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

It's also worth considering what else Marvel might consider granting sequels to, after a mixed response to a number of projects from the past few MCU phases.

We already know Eternals is not getting a follow-up anytime soon, and it seems unlikely Marvel will be rushing to make sequels for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, The Marvels, or Captain America: Brave New World considering their low box office performances. Of Marvel's recent hits, the Guardians of the Galaxy series feels likely to be rested, meanwhile, considering the departure of director James Gunn.

Fans have long hoped to see more of Shang-Chi, though it will have been five years since the character was last seen in the MCU by the time he returns in Avengers: Doomsday. Doctor Strange seems ripe for a follow-up, though his multiversal shenanigans would have felt better suited to the current MCU saga that's now coming to a close.

And what of Thor? The popular character's last film was widely considered something of a letdown — and actor Chris Hemsworth recently sparked speculation he might be ready to move on from the character, after posting an oddly-phrased message to fans.

So, of all Marvel's recent projects, a quick sequel to capitalise on the expected success of First Steps feels likely — as long as the film ends up delivering. For now, Marvel has its next two years planned out with Spider-Man: Brand New Day due July 31, 2026, Avengers Doomsday on December 18, 2026, and then Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027.

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

Rematch developer Sloclap has issued an update on the lack of crossplay in the game, apologizing to fans and admitting it should have let players know it wouldn’t make launch earlier.

Rematch, from the studio behind Sifu and Absolver, is a 5v5 online multiplayer arcade soccer game played from a third-person perspective. Its recent beta was hugely popular, with 1.9 million taking part across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. But fans complained when Sloclap confirmed Rematch wouldn’t have crossplay at launch, just hours before early access began.

Now, in a blog post shared with the press to coincide with Rematch’s full launch today, June 19, Sloclap explained what went wrong.

“We understand many of you were looking forward to playing Rematch across platforms from day one,” the studio said.

“We did our utmost to include crossplay at launch, but Rematch is the studio’s first crossplay title, and we faced unforeseen technical complexities which prevented us from having this feature ready in time. We should have communicated as soon as it became apparent that crossplay wouldn’t be available at launch, and we’re sorry for the inconvenience and frustration it caused to some of our players.

“It’s very important for us that our players are able to enjoy Rematch with their friends, so along with bugfixes, crossplay is our absolute highest priority, we're committed to delivering this feature swiftly, and we’ll share a more precise deadline as soon as possible. We already have a basic working version from a technical standpoint, but we need to implement the relevant interfaces, before debugging and polishing it, and finally passing console certifications successfully — all this takes time but we are doing our best to move forward quickly.”

Elsewhere in the post, Sloclap addressed the performance issues that affected the early access launch, saying fixing them is a priority. These include lag, stuttering, and frame drops affecting gameplay. Server and client desync has been impacting match quality, too.

“For instance, we are aware of issues where players would sometimes be unable to interact with the ball, with player characters and the ball seemingly moving across the pitch unpredictably,” Sloclap said. It’s on the case. And then there is work being done to squash game-breaking bugs that cause crashes, freezes after goals, and menu lockouts.

Besides these issues, Sloclap said it’s working on upcoming updates, “with plenty of cool content and features we want to bring to the game.” The four main areas of focus are core gameplay changes, competitive features (tournament system, a leaderboard system for players above Elite ranking, as well as a club creation system), social components (crossplay is the big one, but others include being able to spectate your squad’s game when you join a squad, and allowing players to team up and rematch with teammates they enjoyed playing with), and casual play features such as AI-controlled bots so players can train with and against AIs.

Sloclap concluded its post by pointing out that it is a small studio and all the features it has outlined will take time to come out. “Please remember that we are not a huge team, and that these features take time, so don’t expect all this by the end of the year!” it said.

Despite the launch issues and lack of crossplay, Rematch is well-received on Steam, where it has a 'mostly positive' user review rating. At the time of this article's publication, Rematch has 35,595 concurrent players on Valve's platform, a number that looks set to rise as the game heads into its first weekend.

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.

Capcom has announced a Spotlight digital event set for next week, when it will show more of Resident Evil Requiem, Pragmata, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Street Fighter 6.

The Capcom Spotlight livestream is set for 3pm PT / 11pm UK time on Thursday, June 26, and will last 40 minutes.

Capcom said to expect the “latest news” on the company’s upcoming games, as well as interviews with the developers. Specifically, Monster Hunter Wilds fans will get details on Title Update 2, which is set to release at the end of the month.

Capcom announced Resident Evil Requiem during Summer Game Fest earlier this month with an eye-catching trailer. IGN went hands-on with Resident Evil Requiem, which lets you play in either first- or third-person. There’s a new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, although fans think we’ll also get to play as Leon Kennedy.

Pragmata, meanwhile, reemerged at Sony’s State of Play showcase with a new release date, a trailer, and information on what the game actually is.

Street Fighter 6 also turned up at SGF to reveal its Year 3 roster of playable DLC characters: Sagat is out this summer, C. Viper this fall, Alex early spring 2026, and finally, Ingrid late spring 2026. The trailer released as part of the announcement included a brief look at Sagat gameplay, so perhaps we’ll see more in the spotlight.

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.

Remember when Funcom promised a fix was coming for players sick of getting squished by helicopters in PvP? Well, fix it the developer did. Kinda.

Rather than mess with the Ornithopters themselves, the developer simply deployed a patch so "players no longer receive damage when hit by vehicles."

As PC Gamer points out, this is fine in theory, as it means you're not only protected by griefers determined to squish you like a bug in PvP, but it also protects you from wiping out on your sandbike, especially if you accidentally send yourself rocketing off the side of a cliff, for instance.

And though hundreds of players have upvoted a post on the subreddit that confirms the change, some point out that griefers have simply changed tactics rather than stop griefing altogether.

"The[y] need to decrease top speed when using rockets. They need to increase top speed when using thrusters. PvP should be about control, not ganking. You use rockets to take or hold a landmark, not to hunt people. That would solve a ton," said one player.

"Scouts shouldn’t have rockets," suggested another. "I’ve killed so many people with them and I shouldn’t be this fast or efficient. Assaults should have the rockets, because they’re slow and need constant input to out manoeuvre someone. Scouts should be storage and scanning."

"Is that good? I'm not sure. I think it would have been preferable if both took damage. The Thopter not taking any damage doesn't stop people being annoying with it," added another.

They're not wrong. The only thing that can shoot down an Orni is a rocket launcher or Lasguns, but both of those are Tier 6-exclusive weapons and take some time to unlock.

It also means you can't expedite fights with NPCs by ramming them with your vehicle, either. But hey, it's better than how it was before, right?

We gave Dune: Awakening a Great 8/10 in our review, writing: "Dune: Awakening is an excellent survival MMO that captures Frank Herbet’s sci-fi world incredibly well, mostly to its advantage and occasionally to its detriment. The survival climb from dehydrated peasant to powerful warlord of Arrakis is a joy almost every step of the way, and the story and worldbuilding filled this nerd with absolute joy.

"There’s still plenty for Awakening to work on though, as its combat never really hits its stride, the endgame is a bit of a chaotic mess not worth the effort, and there’s quite a few technical bugs yet to be squashed, but even these rough patches felt like tiny desert mice next to the leviathan shai-huluds that are this survival game’s wonderful successes."

Dune: Awakening has enjoyed a superb launch, with a 'very positive' user review rating on Steam. Within hours of going live on June 10, Funcom's survival MMO had clocked up over 142,000 concurrent players on Valve's platform, and hit a new high over the weekend of 189,333 players.

If all that's got you interested, make sure to check out all the Dune: Awakening classes you can choose from, and keep an eye on our in-progress Dune: Awakening walkthrough for a step-by-step guide to the story. To help you survive on Arrakis, we've got Dune: Awakening resource guides that'll help you find iron, steel, aluminium, and more.

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.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has said he still doesn't know whether the series will be renewed for a new season in the immediate future, as the flagship BBC show's status grows increasingly unclear.

Amid a mixed response to Doctor Who's current era, and a growing sense that Disney's recent co-production deal will not be renewed, fans have been left waiting to find out if and when the veteran sci-fi series will return.

The series' most recent finale ended with the departure of its star Ncuti Gatwa, in a sequence added during later reshoots, and an unexplained regeneration cliffhanger featuring Billie Piper, with her official status as the next Doctor left up for debate. Now, Davies has said even he is uncertain what will happen next.

Writing in the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine, in a regular column where the showrunner reveals details of the series' ongoing production, Davies admitted there was little currently to cover.

"We don't know what's happening yet," Davies admitted, "and while everyone works that out, I'll take a pause on this page... Hopefully, we'll have news soon."

In a statement to Variety, a production source confirmed the show was currently on a "pause."

Analysis of Doctor Who's viewing figures by Variety shows a decline of 500,000 viewers from Gatwa's first season to the next, with the era down a further 1.7 million viewers from episodes starring previous Doctor Jodie Whittaker.

Davies has previously claimed the plan had always been for Disney to decide whether to continue co-financing new episodes of Doctor Who after the conclusion of its latest season. However, the showrunner has also said the plan was for a new season of Doctor Who to be made on an annual basis — and it's clear from the current production hiatus that this is no longer the case.

Next up for Doctor Who fans is a spin-off miniseries, The War Between The Land and The Sea, which has already been filmed and is expected to debut in 2026. Last week, the BBC announced early plans for another spin-off — an animated series for UK children's channel CBeebies — but with a production partner yet to be found, this sounds even further off. There's also no word on which Doctor this will focus on — or whether the character will even appear.

With no sign of production resuming on the main Doctor Who series in the near future, fans expect new episodes of the series will now not appear until 2027.

Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Newt in Somerset & Burberry.

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

Have you ever tried to land a 747 in a crosswind using a plastic yoke that feels like it came from a cereal box? I have. And let me tell you, it's about as unpalatable as the food I imagine my AI flight attendants are serving to the NPCs spawned behind me in virtual Economy Class.

As a seasoned Microsoft Flight Sim flyboy, from MS-DOS to MS 2024, I've weathered many storms (both virtual and real) armed with peripherals that ranged from "modern but meh" to "how come I'm still using this 1997-era Sidewinder?"

Today, I’m finally excited about something new: the Moza AY210 Yoke Base and MFY Handle, a force feedback enabled experience that I've waited far too many years to feel again (thanks to patent hoarding).

The TL;DR headline on this bundle: these premium peripherals soared high in every test I threw at them and feel well worth the hefty price of admission. Speaking of which, we should get those details out of the way early. If you want to skip the window shop, click here to continue to my thoughts.

Moza Flight Test Gear

All About That Base

Despite its intimidating footprint and weight, setting up the Moza AY210 and MFY Yoke is a breeze. The AY210 base offers versatile mounting options, including desktop mounting, suspended desktop clamping, direct installation on simulator cockpits, and aluminium profile mounts, ensuring compatibility with various setups and user preferences. The MFY Yoke has a quick-release mechanism, too, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, facilitating swift transitions between different control setups.

Plug, Play, and Pilot

One of my biggest gripes with flight sim gear is the software compatibility maze. You know the drill: download drivers, update firmware, sacrifice a goat under a full moon, etc. But with the AY210, setup was refreshingly straightforward.

The base connects seamlessly via USB, and the Moza Pit House software recognises it instantly. No arcane rituals required. Plus, it's part of an ecosystem that will make it compatible with a range of yokes and accessories, making it a versatile addition to any cockpit.

Solid as a Rock

When it comes to flight sim gear, the Moza AY210 Force Feedback Yoke Base and MFY Yoke are built like the proverbial brick outhouse. The AY210's all-aluminium alloy construction isn't just for show; it provides exceptional durability and a professional aesthetic. Weighing in at a hefty 8kg, this chonky beast provided me with some serious stability during my more maniacal manoeuvres, ensuring it stayed put even during my most turbulent and ill-advised “Sky King”-like joy flights.

As expected, the MFY Yoke complements the base perfectly. Crafted from high-strength PA66 composite materials, it combines exceptional durability with extensive customisation options. The aluminium alloy quick-release mechanism adds premium functionality while maintaining structural integrity, reflecting Moza's commitment to durability without compromising on weight.

In short, the Moza AY210 and MFY Yoke are a testament to robust engineering and the reasonable replication of real-life controls. They're not just peripherals; they're reliable co-pilots that can withstand the rigours of any flight simulation session. Whether you're navigating through a storm or executing a perfect landing, I think these components deliver stable and immersive experiences.

Performance: Feel the Force (Feedback)

When it comes to flight simulation, the Moza AY210 Force Feedback Yoke Base and MFY Yoke let you feel as close to real flying as you can get without leaving your chair (or getting a bank loan for a trainer-level setup). The AY210's 9 Nm of torque and 210 N of push force provide a tactile feedback that accurately simulates various aircraft types, from light planes to commercial airliners. I loved feeling every nuance of flight, from the resistance of the controls during a steep climb to the nerve-shredding vibrations of escalating turbulence.

The 150 mm of travel distance allows for precise control inputs, making every manoeuvre feel real-life legit (I imagine). The 15-bit magnetic encoder ensures that every subtle input registers with near-zero latency, creating an exceptionally responsive experience that my fellow salty veterans will appreciate.

Meanwhile, the Hall Effect joysticks of the MFY provide precise, drift-free performance, ensuring that your inputs remain accurate over time. I couldn’t spot any bad eggs in the 34 configurable inputs on offer, plus you can tailor the setup to match your flying style, whether you're a casual Cessna enthusiast or you’re schlepping a few hundred souls across an ocean or two.

Basically, the Moza AY210 and MFY Yoke never skipped a beat for me. They offered a performance that elevated the immersion factor of my simming to a whole new height. Just a game-changer feeling that I probably can’t downgrade back from now.

Customisation: Your Cockpit, Your Rules

If you like to tinker, Moza’s Pit House software is a robust tool that will empower your wildest preferences. With up to 15 adjustable force feedback settings, I could fine-tune aspects such as mechanical friction and road feel sensitivity, allowing for less wrist-taxing, chill flight sessions (or shock and awe FFB demos for my non-flight-sim friends).

Additionally, the software offers customisable RGB lighting options, allowing you to personalise the aesthetic of your cockpit setup. I’m not one to stare downwards at my controls much (if at all), but it’s nice to know the feature is both there and incredibly easy to set up/change at will with multiple presets.

Flying High

In the world of flight simulation, peripherals can make or break your realism. The Moza AY210 and MFY Yoke bundle stick the landing in this regard. Offering a blend of durability, performance, and customisation, I reckon this duo is a must-have for any serious pilot. If, like me, you’ve been hungering for decades for that next generation of FFB flight gear, this is your first-class ticket to having a much better time.

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

This year, Flexispot has kicked off its 4th of July Sale extra early with discounts across its entire site as well as tiered coupon codes. Flexispot has established a reputation for producing quality electric standing desks with premium features at a fraction of the price compared to other reputable brands. We like Flexispot because it offers quality electric standing desks with all the features you'd want at a fraction of the price compared to other more well-known models. We rated Flexispot's highest- end model, the E7 Pro, the best overall standing desk of 2025.

Since then, the company has branched out to other types of furniture, including office chairs, sofas, recliners, and even mattresses. These are, in a nutshell, well-made replicas of other far pricier products, and if you prioritize value over brand loyalty, then you're bound to save a lot of money by picking up one of these deals.

Flexispot 4th of July Coupon Codes

• $30 off orders $500+ with code "J4FS30"
• $60 off orders $800+ with code "J4FS60"
• $100 off orders $1,000+ with code "J4FS100"
• $200 off orders $2,000+ with code "J4FS200"

Featured in this article

You can quickly browse through all of the listed products on sale above. For more information on each product and why they are worth your consideration, read through below.

Flexispot E7 Pro Desk starting at $399.99

Our favorite standing desk for 2025

Flexispot E5 Desk starting at $179.99

Flexispot E7 Desk starting at $299.99

Flexispot E7L L-Shaped Desk starting at $499.99

Flexispot C7 Ergonomic Chair for $349.99

Flexispot Japanese Joinery Bed Frame starting at $349.99

Flexispot Premier Hybrid Mattress starting at $349.99

Flexispot Lotus Electric Rocker Recliner starting at $519.99

You never know what’ll surface during a midweek rummage through the online shelves. One minute you’re idly scrolling, the next you’re staring down an 80 percent discount on a cult classic or a controller colour you didn’t know you needed. This week’s haul spans all platforms and price points, so let's get scrolling and saving.

This Day in Gaming 🎂

In retro news, I'm celebrating the 24th birthday of NBA Street, the progenitor of a small b-ball empire that launch PS2 owners like myself dug a little bit more than we ought to (because bugger all games to buy). While it was no NBA Jam TE, we sure did love doing triple-hook-up alley-oops, and dunking the ring into utter disrepair by match end. Also, unlike the aforementioned arcade darling, NBA Street held a pretty sweet Michael Jordan cameo.

• Sniper Elite 4 (-12%) - A$52.60
• Everybody 1-2-Switch! (-29%) - A$35.30
• Crisis Core FF VII Reunion (-15%) - A$72.60
• Biomutant (-40%) - A$36.00
• Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom (-75%) - A$14.70
• Mark of the Ninja: Rem. (-75%) - A$7.50

Expiring Recent Deals

• Super Mario RPG (-18%) – A$65.90
• It Takes Two (-43%) – A$34
• Dragon Ball FighterZ (-45%) – A$49.90
• Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Col. (-19%) – A$57
• Life is Strange: D.E. (-33%) – A$57

Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.

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It's all well and good grabbing ridiculously expensive Pokémon TCG cards regardless of the climate, and I'm absolutely writhing in jealousy at those who can.

But imagine going back in time and pulling one of those epic chase cards straight off the shelf? Of course, you could today if you hate your bank account that much, but what about the most expensive Pokémon cards in packs right now?

I'm talking about Pokémon TCG bangers that you can pull in a booster pack today, and there are loads. We're focusing on Destined Rivals, Prismatic Evolutions, Twilight Masquerade, and Surging Sparks for today, so let's have a deeper look at the mad bangers you could pull from an in-print Pokémon TCG booster pack.

Just to note, the chances of pulling these cards are extremely slim, so if you plan on spending massive amounts of money on Booster Bundles, Booster Boxes, and ETBs, bear in mind that the actual value of the card itself is usually cheaper than ripping packs. Unless you're mega lucky, of course.

10: Lillie's Clefairy ex - 184/159

We always knew it was going to be insanely priced, and we needed a cheaper Umbreon chase card after Umbreon VMAX (Moonbreon).

Granted, it's still a mental market price, and over $1,000. But it won't get cheaper solely because it's Umbreon and almost anything linked to this dark type Eeveelution holds it's value, trust me on this.

If you're brave enough to drop $1,000 on Prismatic Eeveelutions boosters, or even this card standalone, I salute your efforts, and your bank account.

Honorable Mentions: Even More Eeveelutions

The money in Prismatic Evolution chase cards is insane, and it always will be, which is why the rest of the Eeveelutions need a dedicated section to themselves! These could've dominated the whole article, otherwise.

For starters, Glaceon ex SIR is a stunner, but I always prefer seeing Pokémon cards with a bit of movement and action in them. I have to say though, the ornate ice patterns and overall terastalisation of Glaceon is dipicted so well. It's also one of the less eye-wateringly expensive Eeveelution cards from Prismatic Evolutions at the minute.

Keeping up the trend is one of my favorites, Jolteon ex SIR from Prismatic Evolutions. There's been some banger Jolteon Cards in the past, for me that would be Jolteon from the Brilliant Stars Trainer Gallery and the Jolteon V Sword and Shield Promo Card, but this one has unlimited energy. Just look at how expressive this card is, perfectly showcasing Jolteons speed and agility with one of the coolest backgrounds i've seen in a Pokémon card.

The cell shading mixed with comic book artstyle of Vaporeon ex SIR from Prismatic Evolutions is a stunner. Just look at how light is captured in every drop of water and crystal. Plus I think this is one of the cutest depictions of this water-type Eeveelution we've had for some time. Absolute banger of a card and would do a flip terribly if I pulled this beast.

Another beautiful pastel artwork with Espeon ex SIR. On top of Espeon being a fan favorite, it's easy to see why this card is now over $300. I've never seen that many shades of purple in such a small space before, such a stunning piece of art, imagine pulling this, getting a 10 then getting it in your slabbed collection? Stuff of dreams.

I love me a good woodblock print, and Leafeon ex SIR gives me massive tradition Japanese art vibes. The bold colours, thick lines and the overall beauty of this makes it worth the price tag.Verdant storm for a grass and colourless energy can be devestating too, 60 x damage for every energy attached to all of your opponents Pokémon. Lethal!

It's such a shame Fairy typing didn't come back for Sylveon ex SIR, because I can't think of a more Fairy type Pokémon card ever. It's another stunner with a cute stance and a pastel color pallete that just makes it. There's that much pink it just works, a fantastic card and its easy to see why it's over $400, especially as it's one of the most popular Eeveelutions.

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

The 2021 relaunch of Splitgate solidified that Valve-style portals and old-school arena shooters are two great tastes that taste great together. Splitgate 2 carries that same great melding of run-and-gun action and tactical trickery that helped the original plant its flag in the genre, so it’s starting from a good place. Only problem is, it never makes much net progress from there. Even though the addition of character classes and a wider range of power weapons help bring Splitgate 2 through a new threshold of promise, some of the other shots it takes through the looking glass loop around to bite it from behind and have made me a bit less enthusiastic about the time I’ve spent with this free-to-play followup.

Visually, quite a bit has changed relative to the original. Gone is the muted, more industrial look of the battle venues, replaced by lots of vibrant colors and brighter lighting. That all makes it look less distinctive and more like the many games trying to catch the eye of Fortnite players. In the trade up from the grubby metal walls to the cleaner, sleeker surfaces, Splitgate 2 is also absent of the more interesting features that made the original’s maps interesting and memorable. Features like deserts and trees that would be smack-dab in the middle of a map (like in one of my favorites, Oasis) are now relegated to background decorations, and every surface you’ll actually run and gun across feels samey across the 15 map options.

Technically you can fix that problem yourself using the returning map creator mode, now called The Lab, which is powerful enough that it’s already filled with dozens and dozens of fan-made recreations of famous PvP maps from bigger games. To be fair there are some more interesting and original user creations that serve as great side shows to the main action. But most of these that I tried felt too gimmicky to be considered good replacements for the developer-made maps as far as having consistent and competitive rounds of the standard modes (to the extent that's possible considering there’s no ranked mode currently available). It’s also spreading the community a bit thin. I had a pretty hard time getting strangers to queue for some of the wackier-looking options, often sitting in lobbies alone for long periods of time in hopes some other curious Splitgaters would stumble in. I was often disappointed.

Splitgate 2’s biggest win, though, is in gameplay tweaks that have a huge impact on pacing from match to match. The signature portals are still the X-factor, allowing you to create paths between two points on the map on the fly. Once you wrap your head around how they work they are fantastic tools for setting up ambushes, tricky getaways, and even manipulating physics to slingshot you across the map. I mostly use them here like I did in 2021, pulling off one-man flanks on jerks attempting to take my team's objectives. This time, though, it only takes one button to create both ends of your personal wormhole when shot in succession, making them much more convenient to use. It comes at a slight cost, in that opening one of your portals on top of an enemy’s is the only way to close theirs, and that can force you to close off your own routes. But after logging over a dozen hours, I much prefer this minor drawback over the anti-portal grenades of yesteryear.

Movement always felt smooth, quick, and controlled in Splitgate thanks to its fast (but not too fast) sprinting and limited jetpacks. In Splitgate 2, both of these things combine with a new slide mechanic to make getting around the maps feel like I remember being able to move in my best rounds of Titanfall. The jetpack seems more powerful, with more lift before cooldown than the original’s version. Being able to stay aloft for longer means firefights more often begin or end in the air, adding a level of dynamism that makes every skirmish a challenge at every angle.

The standard arsenal isn’t much different than the original, though, which is a shame because it’s not very imaginative. Most weapons have slick futuristic curves and color schemes but function exactly like the assault rifles, SMGs, and carbines you’ve wielded in too many other games to count, and I wasn’t motivated to do much exploration of the options or customization of loadout presets because of that constant sense of deja vu. They really just make me want to sprint to grab power weapons, which spawn with some fanfare on neutral points during matches, as soon as possible. These returning super guns have gotten a couple of notable additions to their lineup, including my favorite: a pair of machine pistols that can be combined to form a longer machine gun when aiming down the sights. These are all awesome, game-changing weapons that are worth the effort to secure every time they’re available.

Mechanically, the biggest change to the way Splitgate 2 plays is the addition of three character classes, which are presented as avatars of competing corporate entities who settle their differences in this futuristic sport of gun-toting portal slipping. Sabrask, Meridian, and Aeros all have their own unique active abilities, like Meridian’s Hypersight, which reveals enemies around you for a short period, or Aeros’ Rush that gives everyones movement, reload, and regen a speed boost. My favorite is Sabrask’s Smart Wall, which plops a one-way bullet shield that protects anyone standing behind it while keeping them free to shoot through it at the enemy (much like a deployable version of Reinhardt’s shield in Overwatch). They each also have passive effects that they can grant their whole team simply by being present, incentivizing teams to have at least one of each in play. That means actives are more obviously impactful than the passives, largely because I’ve yet to play a game where every team involved wasn’t receiving boosted health regen from Meridian and faster ability and equipment recharges from Aeros and Sabrask, respectively. Is it really a “boost” if it’s basically the standard?

I think there’s an argument to be made that the choice to forgo class-based, hero shooter-y design was a keystone of the monument to the past’s simpler shooters that the original Splitgate was building. It meant all of us started from the same base capabilities and had to earn every advantage during a match, and there’s validity to that. I am sympathetic to this old-school Halo-style mentality, but I've come to prefer the diversity of these three new classes, which add just enough tactical expression to give old people like me a chance against fast-twitch no-scoping youth so long as I can out-think them.

Part of that is because Splitgate 2 matches, regardless of the mode you’re playing, are almost always more fun on smaller maps. They may not be as interesting as the maps in Splitgate, but at least they are built to take the most advantage of portaling in a way that ensures you’re never too far from the action. Larger maps, like the ones found in the three-team, 24-player Onslaught game types, can feel almost lonely because you have to run a fair distance to find some other players exchanging fire before plotting your portal game.

Across the board, though, it strikes me as odd that maps seem to deemphasize the advantage that using portals in combat would have. So many objectives sit in places completely hidden from a portal wall, and it felt much more difficult to use portals for aggressive pushes. Fortunately for me, someone who mostly uses portals to set traps and for escapes, and I felt like Splitgate 2’s layouts firmly establish that my more passive approach is the right way to play. Firstly, thank you so much for the 1047 Games. But secondly, this means that offensive strikes on objectives – especially the ones you have to hunker down on like in Firecracker or Domination – happen with the kinds of jetpack assaults and high-energy flanks that you could do anywhere else, from Tribes on down. Even modes that require lots of movement or rotating objectives, like Splitball and Hotzone, don’t afford many more opportunities to use the feature in a way that couldn’t be done without it. The most damning realization of this came when I was playing one of the limited-time No Portals playlist maps and realizing my games didn’t feel all that different without that supposedly defining ability.

Finally, the big new marquee feature of Splitgate 2 is the battle royale mode, and it operates mostly as expected: many teams of four drop into a semi-random zone on the map and fight each other to be the last squad standing. The wrinkle it adds to the genre (besides portals) is that the greater map is made up of four smaller maps connected to one another by jump paths and tunnels. These maps are styled as different environments – there's a snowy zone and a lava zone, for instance – so it’s easy to communicate which one you’re talking about when planning with your team. Splitgate 2’s version of the storm closing in around you is shutting down one of these regions, forcing all surviving squads toward each other in a shrinking set of rooms; the effect is mostly the same.

What’s disappointing is that the different locations aren’t all that mechanically unique, so fights play out the same way no matter where you are. You certainly don’t want to have shoot outs while knee deep in magma, but when determining which zone to move to next, the potential hazards of the environment was never a top factor. And here, like in the other modes, Portals only come into play a bit, usually to move across long distances quickly, but not very much in the heat of battle. All in all, I didn’t find much going on in this battle royale worth steering your drop bus away from your current favorite for.

Pixar's Elio, a new coming-of-age adventure tale from the studio that exceeds at coming-of-age adventure tales, hits theaters June 20th. And with the acclaimed animation house's latest entry comes a window of opportunity to look back at the company's 30 years (!) of storytelling and pluck out the best of the best. What are the best Pixar movies? Read on...

From living toys to missing fish to rats with culinary expertise, Pixar's run (so far) is unparalleled, delivering iconic animated characters, thrilling odysseys, and moments that instantly melt your heart. We're taking it all in here. All the Cars, Monsters, Bugs, Toys, Incredibles, and more so that we can properly rank Pixar's full catalogue. Agree? Disagree? Don't care because there are more important things in life? We got you. Check out our ranking of the Pixar movies, from least-good to cinematic bliss...

28. Cars 3 (2017)

As the second Pixar franchise to get a third movie, Cars is a great example of the more traditional disconnect between kids and grownups when it comes to blockbuster animation. Cars is a merchandise cash cow, but it's also the studio's brand that's left the most older viewers cold. Cars 3 goes the Rocky Balboa comeback route for a more internalized story about Lightning McQueen's doubt and fear when pitted against a younger, faster generation of racers. Generally, Cars 3 is lauded for being the deepest, most introspective entry of the three, with the consensus being that it's the Cars flick most aimed at adult Pixar fans. Still, Cars 3 came about at a time when viewers wanted either new Pixar products and/or sequels to better Pixar movies.

27. Lightyear (2022)

Presented as a movie-within-a-movie, making for an unnecessarily awkward connection to the Buzz Lightyear doll and the Toy Story films, Lightyear was meant to mark Pixar's big return to theaters after Soul, Luca, and Turning Red were all streaming-only exclusives. And it landed with a dud. Striking visuals and a strong voice cast -- featuring Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, and Taika Waititi -- weren't enough to make up for a weak story and the bizarre meta-concept that this was the movie, or type of movie, Toy Story's Andy saw as a kid that made him covet a Buzz Lightyear toy. Ultimately, it's a thin origin story that will never pay dividends because it's part of a different franchise's toy line.

26. Finding Dory (2016)

After a half decade of mostly sequels, and two originals that fell short of expectations, Finding Dory brings back friends-not-food Marlin, Nemo, and Dory for another undersea adventure - this time about tracking down short term memory-challenged Dory as she searches for her long lost parents. With Ed O'Neill, Idris Elba, Dominic West, and Sigourney Weaver adding their voices to the odyssey, Finding Dory manages to be visually impressive and disarmingly charming though it still can't shake off the unnecessary sequel vibe given that it doesn't improve on the classic first film and it came during a Pixar era of commercially-driven "sameness."

25. Cars 2 (2011)

Cars 2 benefits from cherry-picking the best elements of the first Cars movie and switching genres completely by taking Lightning McQueen and Mater out of Radiator Springs and dropping them into the middle of a fast-paced, dynamic spy flick. What's lost here, for the most part, is the warmth and heart that we adore, and expect, from most Pixar offerings.

Cars 2 is also a darker film where several car characters do meet an untimely, and sometimes gruesome, end. But the fast pacing works in the film's favor, as the slightly morbid moments flicker in and out as quickly as race car laps. Cars 2 isn't the usual intimate magical experience you expect from Pixar fare, but it's still a high-octane adventure the burns fast and furious.

24. The Good Dinosaur (2015)

The Good Dinosaur, considered by some to be Pixar's biggest "soft miss" from the previous decade, takes on a big "what if?" Asking people to imagine what would happen if the dinosaurs never went extinct, this movie follows a young dino named Arlo who gets swept away from his family and has to journey through the great unknown to get home. The film is one of the most visually stunning projects Pixar has ever created, but it retreads some familiar Pixar tropes and, on top of that, its troubled production shows.

There are some great emotional moments as Arlo and his "pet" human Spot grow closer, and The Good Dinosaur proves that Pixar excels at showing instead of telling. Even when the film does hit story points that feel familiar, it does them well and in a way that children can comprehend -- even if it does get a bit scary for its target young audience sometimes.

23. Monsters University (2013)

Monsters University is Pixar’s take on a college movie, with Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) reintroduced as freshmen at MU, both with dreams of making it as a “scarer.” It doesn't have the emotional weight of the first one (Boo, you are missed), but Monsters University is still a fun and funny movie in its own right. Pixar’s biggest obstacle at this point was their own track record as so many of their films had been so emotional that a certain standard had been set. Pixar, however, uses animation to tell all sorts of stories and not all of them have to make you weep to be worthwhile. We all like a good comedy too, right?

22. Onward (2020)

Onward, which had its theatrical run short-sheeted by the onset of the pandemic (which, in turn led to Soul's streaming release), combined a high concept realm -- that of a land of fairy tales and fantasy updated for modern times -- with a off-kilter magical adventure featuring only half a dad being brought back to life for 24 hours, and delivered an unexpectedly poignant look at loneliness and loss. Tom Holland and Chris Pratt headline as two elf brothers on an '80s Amblin-style quest in this clever, vibrant family fable.

21. Brave (2012)

The first Pixar film to follow a female protagonist (the arrow-shooting princess Merida), the first one to be set in the past (medieval Scotland), and their 13th film to open at No. 1, Brave wisely forsakes the well-worn relationships of other animated fairy tales -- the wicked stepmother/stepdaughter dynamic or father/daughter bond or the princess and prince romance -- in favor of the more complicated, yet loving bond between a headstrong mother and her equally stubborn daughter. And yet despite that smart choice, Brave still never quite transcends. It's a technical marvel (Merida’s wild curls, the misty Highlands, immersive 3D), but it’s ultimately seen as a lesser effort from a studio known for breaking new ground.

20. Incredibles 2 (2018)

And the longest time between movies in a Pixar franchise goes tooooo...The Incredibles, which finally dropped a sequel 14 years after the awesome original. Outside of the Toy Story saga, this was the sequel fans had been clamoring for the most and eventually, yes, writer/director Brad Bird returned to gift us with another glimpse into the lives of the superpowered Parr family. This fantastic follow-up takes place right after the end of the first film (a privilege animation provides) and spins the saga off into a "Mr. Mom"-style caper involving Mr. Incredible staying at home with baby Jack-Jack and Elastigirl becoming the standout superhero of the homestead. It might not top the 2004 movie but it admirably switches things up and gives us an exciting new story instead of repeating the beats of the past.

19. Soul (2020)

Soul goes about as big as you can get for a Pixar film, exploring the afterlife in the same way WALL-E explores the future, Monster, Inc. delves into the scream industry, and Coco travels into -- okay -- also the afterlife. Soul's version of the hereafter, however, is more utilitarian, with a vaporwave art vibe and music provided by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, while the real world is marvelous and unpredictable (with jazz provided by Jon Batiste). Telling the story of a pianist who meets an untimely demise (Jamie Foxx), and who's desperate to join the land of the living again so he can do the one thing he thinks will make his life meaningful, Soul ambushes us with harsh relatability. Tina Fey lends her voice to the other half of this mismatched duo, as a stubborn unborn soul refusing to enter the world. Soul makes no bones about how big its themes are, tackling the meaning of life and the time-honored debate between Team Journey and Team Destination.

18. Luca (2021)

2021's Luca felt like a return to classic Pixar in terms of defying labels and providing a unique vibe. Retro-set on the 1950s Italian Riviera, and with a soundtrack full of toe-tapping Italian tunes, this sun-drenched story features two young sea creatures, longing for a life of land exploration, who disguise themselves as humans in a small town and wind up competing for a Vespa in the local Portorosso Cup. After befriending local outcast Giulia (Emma Berman), the trio form a bond that bridges worlds and opens up endless possibilities. Luca has smaller stakes than some other Pixar films but its heart is just as mighty.

17. Toy Story 4 (2019)

Toy Story 4 gently suffers from the sentiment that it's a bit of a "hat on a hat," as Toy Story 3 feels like both a pinnacle for the series and a natural, satisfying ending to the story. It's also the Toy Story entry fans hold the least regard for, but as you can see the "worst" Toy Story film still easily and snugly fits in Pixar's top half. And it ultimately may not even be the final Toy Story chapter.

In the franchise's fourth entry, Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toy team (including a newly repurposed spork named Forky) head out on a road trip with Bonnie's family where they're unexpectedly reunited with Bo Peep, who's enjoying her freedom as a "lost toy." Toy Story 4 stays true to all the magical hallmarks of the series while, once again, providing a fitting end.

16. A Bug’s Life (1998)

Pixar's second film, A Bug's Life, was a take on the old Ant and the Grasshopper parable mixed with Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai. A great sophomore effort for the young company, A Bug's Life didn't quite match the magic of Toy Story but it still was crucial in helping define and refine the Pixar formula: a mix of kid-friendly comedy, adult-friendly knowingness and nostalgia, and state-of-the-art computer animation. In A Bug's Life, Dave Foley plays Flik, an outcast ant who, after his colony is threatened by villainous grasshoppers, recruits a bunch of other loner insects -- well, actually they're just circus performers who are out of work. But they are, of course, up to the task.

15. Cars (2006)

It should come as no surprise that 2006's Cars is near the bottom of this list, as it and its sequels are the least loved of all the Pixar films and yet, as we noted above, when it comes to Pixar, the worst is still usually pretty dang good. John Lasseter's odd love letter to "the Mother Road" Route 66 tells the tale of Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), a rookie racecar who learns that winning isn't everything. The film, while still clever and endearing, gets a bit bogged down in open road romanticism and those stretches of story ultimately hurt the final product.

14. Elemental (2023)

Pixar was moving with a slight limp after 2022's Lightyear, and the outlook for original animated offerings looked bleak, but Elemental not only delivered a delightful romance -- about a fire element and water element who fall for one another -- but it had solid box office legs all through the 2023 summer movie season, with word of mouth driving it to a pretty nifty haul in the end. With top-form dazzling visuals and a sweet, rom-com love story, Elemental wound up being a high-concept, cross-cultural sleeper hit.

13. Turning Red (2022)

Turning Red is an awesomely anxious coming-of-age story about a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian girl, Mei, living in Toronto whose plan to keep her boy band fanaticism secret from her perfectionist mother goes awry when a magical family tradition starts turning her into a giant, floofy red panda whenever she experiences -- you know -- any strong feelings about anything. A clever knockout, Turning Red captures the wild energy of adolescence, uses pop stars as a timeless window into puberty, and tells a tale of friendship and family in the most delightful way.

12. Inside Out 2 (2024)

The biggest movie of 2024, and briefly the highest-grossing animated film of all time, Inside Out 2 is a stunning sequel-done-right that relays the true, horrifying grasp of anxiety like very few films are able to capture. Set two years after Inside Out, we catch up with 13-year-old Riley Andersen as she finds herself hijacked by a new emotion that makes her shun her friends, change her personality, and become fearful of every imagined scenario. And what's worse, Anxiety kicks Joy (and all her other emotions) to the curb, becoming Riley's only default setting. Inside Out 2 is a triumph of not only animation but story, delving into severely relatable corners of nearly every person's modern struggles with mental health.

11. Ratatouille (2007)

Directed by Brad Bird (The Incredibles), who was already beloved by animation aficionados for The Iron Giant prior to joining Pixar, the truly wonderful Ratatouille takes us into the heart of Parisian cuisine through the lens of a creature we don't usually associate with having a refined palate - the rat. Yes, Remy the Rat dreams of becoming a chef and tries to achieve his goal by forming an alliance with a fancy restaurant's garbage boy, Alfredo Linguini, controlling the lad's kitchen skills by hiding under his hat. Ratatouille is a unique slice of animation that strikes deep notes of recognition across many kinds of moviegoers, be they discriminating foodies, fans of animation, or just everyday folks expecting to be entertained. It's a seven-course meal that delivers hilarious antics and unbridled joy.

10. Toy Story 2 (1999)

The law of averages suggests that Toy Story 2 shouldn't be as good as it is, just from a sequel standpoint, but it brilliantly expands upon the original Toy Story adventure in just about every way. The story of Woody's abduction by a toy collector (Wayne Knight) and the attempt by his pals to save him is truly exceptional stuff. Here Woody is faced with a serious choice between living forever -- hermetically sealed as a collector's item -- or going back to his friends and the boy who loves him and facing the prospect of getting torn apart at any moment, as a boy's toys tend to be. Live life or watch from the sidelines? What would Woody do? Quite simply, it's a tour de force of talking toy cinema.

9. Up (2009)

Up proves its power within the first 10 minutes. With just a few lines of dialogue, an opening montage introduces us to the main character, Carl, and shows us the story of his life and love with Ellie – from their meeting as children, to their marriage, to their inability to have children of their own, to Ellie's passing. Those last two elements tell you all you need to know about a film where Pixar once again proves it doesn't shy away from truly emotional, powerful material.

The adventure that follows for Carl and the young boy, Russell, who inadvertently tags along is certainly fanciful - Carl gets an entire house to fly using balloons! - yet infused with an incredible amount of pathos and meaning, as we watch Carl oh so literally carry his burden on his back, as he physically drags that floating house through the jungle, determined to bring it to the place he and Ellie dreamed about. Funny, exciting and touching, Up is a beautiful film - and the second animated movie to ever receive a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars.

8. Finding Nemo (2003)

Finding Nemo, from 2003, features some of the most widely recognized characters from a Pixar picture aside from the original Toy Story troupe. The film's story of an overprotective father who is separated from his son instantly preys upon any parent's deepest fears, and yet the film is never manipulative or calculating in its storytelling methods. From the breathtaking design of the deep-sea world to the spot-on performances by Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, and more, Finding Nemo is a hilarious, thrilling and even spiritual adventure that represents the apex of Pixar's storytelling abilities. It was a blockbuster for the studio, an astounding achievement in animation, and a game-changer for kids' movies.

7. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

In 2001, Pixar unleashed a rollicking workplace comedy about kindly, chatty "joe schmoe" monsters and the utility company they work for in the land of Monstropolis. Starring John Goodman as Sulley and Billy Crystal as Mike, a couple of working-class creatures, Monsters, Inc. takes what seems like an insane premise and makes it relatable by having these so-called monsters act like working stiffs. Monsters! They're just like us!

With Benny Goodman-style jazz and comedic banter befitting an SNL sketch, Monsters, Inc transforms from a simple clock-punching parable into a quest to save a little girl and a mission to unravel a conspiracy. It stealthily starts as a somewhat thin-yet-amusing sitcom and finishes as one of Pixar's finest heart-tugging outings.

6. Coco (2017)

2017's Coco is easily regarded as one of Pixar's most emotional endeavors. A monumentally gorgeous tear-jerker, Coco follows a 12-year-old Mexican boy named Miguel who is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead where he seeks the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather. It's a soaring supernatural quest that explores familial themes, identity, and learning what it means to grow up in a world that isn’t perfect. Pixar was culturally conscious when developing this marvelously Mexican story, turning to an array of outside Latino consultants to vet ideas and suggest new ones (upending a long-running studio tradition of strict creative lockdown). Coco is an uplifting revelation and one of the company's crowning efforts.

5. Inside Out (2015)

True to its concept, Inside Out is Pixar's emotional roller coaster, offering up what is probably the best depiction ever of how the human body's memory and emotions work. Shining a spotlight inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl coping with the first big change in her life -- her family moving to a new, unfamiliar city -- Inside Out characterizes the five emotions that run a person's inner "Headquarters" to take viewers on a visually inventive adventure.

Following both young Riley on the outside and her feelings on the inside -- Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, Disgust -- Inside Out is a thoughtful, caring film without going overboard, and a hilarious, quirky romp without losing its edge. It's at once very surreal and very human, simplifying our brains while also presenting our lives as complicated. RIP Bing Bong.

4. Toy Story (1995)

When the first Pixar feature was released in 1995, a new age dawned for animated films. Not just because of its computer-generated animation but because of the superb storytelling. Toy Story was technically at the top of its game while also illustrating some very familiar thematic throughlines that included the rivalry between Tom Hanks' wooden cowboy and Tim Allen's space-age action figure, the buddy comedy, the fear that we all have of becoming obsolete, and of course the very idea of toys having a life of their own. The result was a huge success that took age-old tropes and made them fresh and new again -- and created the cinematic mega-beast known as Pixar along the way.

3. WALL-E (2008)

You will believe a robot can fall in love! With WALL-E, Pixar began to flirt with a slightly experimental edge to its filmmaking, delivering a first act that's almost entirely dialogue-free and creating whimsey and mirth in the garbage-covered ruins of Earth. It's honestly the most adorable dystopia ever.

At the heart of most Pixar films is the theme of isolation. WALL-E, one of the animation studio's top-tier achievements, is a breathtaking meditation on loneliness and the re-enforcement that every sentient creature contains an unbeatable desire to connect with someone else. Pixar has a way of creating fantastic creatures and characters who tug violently on all our heartstrings. And all WALL-E wanted to do was hold someone else's hand like he'd seen in the musical Hello, Dolly. Post-trashpocalypse world be damned! WALL-E is lush, phenomenal sci-fi like no other. This is skewering satire mixed with a lovable, relatable search for companionship.

2. Toy Story 3 (2010)

Leave it to Pixar to make the best (temporary) threequel ever. The story of Andy moving on to college -- leaving Woody and Buzz and the gang dealing with a great, understated villain in Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear at the new daycare center home -- is the most fun of the Toy Story films. It works as a drama, a comedy and an action film -- a terrific trifecta! It's a beautiful, vibrant story about memories, the passing of time, and how you treat the people in your life.

As with everything Pixar does, the attention to detail here is incredible. The split-imagery within the daycare/Alcatraz is great. How the slide in the playground becomes a watchtower at night. How the bead mazes double as razor wire. How marker smudges become prison tats. The level of detail, in things like Woody's rounded-down hairline, is astounding. So many moments -- character moments, mind you -- cross over into "great" or "perfect" status, and the last 15 minutes are some of the strongest work the studio has ever done.

1. The Incredibles (2004)

Prior to the MCU, back when only Spider-Man, Batman, and X-Men ruled the superhero box office roost, director Brad Bird gave us, in a way, a better Fantastic Four movie than the live-action one we'd get a year later. The Incredibles, now almost 20 years later, is still regarded as one of the best superhero movies of all time.

The story of retired heroes Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) and Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), as well as their super children Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack, The Incredibles takes Bird's love of old-school comic-book conventions that was evident in The Iron Giant and mashes it with commentary about American nuclear family. Bird brought a new and different voice to the Pixar world. The Incredibles is less cute and more biting, introducing a few more sinister and violent elements to the studio's usual product, though it's never not a family story centered around issues that most families face. Brilliantly designed, perfectly paced, and next-level exciting, The Incredibles grabs hold and never lets go.

Note: This article originally ran on May 2, 2017. It was updated on June 18, 2025, with more Pixar titles.

After eight whole years of Nintendo’s console-handheld hybrid, its successor, the Nintendo Switch 2, is finally in our hands. While it’s an all-new system, there are some old accessories that still work with the new platform. But because of its bigger screen and the new magnetic Joy-Con, that old Switch case isn’t going to fit the new system. You’ll need a handful of new accessories to get the most out of your next-gen Switch. From finding the best grips for your Joy-Con 2 to the easiest bubble-free screen protectors to guard that shiny new display, we have you covered in this Switch 2 accessories guide.

I’ve researched the best Switch 2 accessories you can buy during the launch window based on both hands-on experience and research from some of our favorite Switch 1 accessory manufacturers. Of course, we’re still in the early days, and plenty of companies are still shipping their products to retailers as I’m writing this. Some haven’t even made them available for preorder yet, so I’ll continue to update this list over time with my favorite new accessories as I go hands-on with them over the next few months.

Let’s get up to speed on what you need to know about buying accessories for your Nintendo Switch 2. There are a few accessories that warrant their own articles because both categories come with some caveats that you need to know before buying anything for your Switch 2.

Best MicroSD Express Cards for Switch 2

Bigger games with great graphical detail meant the Switch 2 needed a faster storage solution for your downloaded games. That means your old SD cards from the Switch 1 will not work here. You need to get a MicroSD Express card for the Switch 2, which is faster (and more expensive) than the basic model. We'll be updating our guide to the best MicroSD Express cards for Nintendo Switch 2 as we do more testing now that the console is out.

Best Switch 2 Cases So Far

The Switch 2 may be portable, but it’s not invincible. If you’re gearing up to take Mario Kart World or Cyberpunk 2077 on the road, you’ll need to protect your console with a sturdy, reliable case. Again, your original Switch case is not going to fit your Switch 2, so you will need to purchase a new one. In addition to materials, construction, and form, I specifically made sure to look for extra features like comfort grips, game cartridge storage, bundles, and tested brands when making my suggestions. Of course, whether you want to go with a slim soft case like the one from Tomtoc that we reviewed and loved or a bulkier hard case like CoBak's, you have options for your preferences.

Best Switch 2 Screen Protectors So Far

Even though the Switch 2 has a built-in layer that acts as screen protector – don't peel that off – a good screen protector is non-negotiable for handheld devices. Since the launch of the original Switch, tons of companies have stepped up their game, offering new applicators, matte finishes, and kits to make sure your protector doesn’t trap dust or air bubbles when you apply it. Some are also built to take hits like a tank (though we’d never suggest testing this out yourself).

I use some of these brands to protect other devices I own, like my Steam Deck and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphone, and many of the same design principles are applied across different designs, including the Switch 2. Most of these also come with extra units in case your first protector gets damaged.

Best Gaming Headsets for Switch 2

The Switch 2 still has a standard audio jack, yet it’s the small but major secondary USB-C port that makes wireless gaming headsets even more useful. A majority of the best gaming headsets are compatible, and since Bluetooth isn’t the best idea for gaming (as was evident on the original Switch) I recommend checking out our picks for headsets that go particularly well with the Switch 2 rather than just using the earbuds you’re probably wearing right now.

Best Switch 2 Controllers

Unless you want to stick with the packaged Joy-Con 2, you’re going to want the new Pro Controller that we reviewed, or one of the gamepads made in its image. Especially if you’re playing more sophisticated games that demand precise controls or need something more comfortable for long sessions, a proper controller will probably be the most beneficial accessory for your Switch 2.

While you could certainly use an original Pro Controller or whatever your previous gamepad of choice was, the Switch 2 brings new features to the table – notably, a 3.5mm audio jack that allows you to use a wired headset for audio and chatting in-game without being tethered to your console. You may be interested in Switch 2’s GameChat feature, and you can seamlessly go into a video and/or voice chat room with friends with the new C button. Not every new controller has it, but licensed manufacturers like PowerA do include it. Lastly, the built-in programmable back buttons on the official Pro Controller can be a game-changer, letting you map normal inputs to them, and that can improve performance or comfort across many different types of games.

If you’re just looking for a solid Pro-style controller, our favorite original Switch controllers will serve you well. Something like the Gulikit KK3 Max has programmable back buttons, Hall Effect sticks, high polling rate for smoother inputs, and is versatile enough to use on PC without trouble. Either way, you have plenty of great options.

Best Switch 2 Handheld Grips

Although it promises some ergonomic enhancements from the original Switch, the Switch 2 still won’t have fully formed grips on the new Joy-Con – the likes of the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally X still have an ergonomic advantage that can help make long handheld play sessions more comfortable. But you already have ways of improving the ergonomics of the Switch 2 with a handful of attachments available now. The grips above are the best we could find for playing in handheld mode from reliable manufacturers, including ones I’ve already gone hands-on with like DBrand’s Killswitch 2 grip and case combo and the Genki Attack Vector.

Best Switch 2 Joy-Con Grip / Handles

Even though the Switch 2 ships with a central grip to attach both Joy-Con to use like a singular controller, they’re not perfect. Especially for intense games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, there are more comfortable ways to play using the Joy-Con. Some companies are even starting to offer stands to help prop up your Joy-Con in the new Mouse Mode as well, which comes in handy for navigating menus and playing games like Civilization VII. Getting a proper connecting grip can be a more cost-effective solution compared to buying an entirely new gamepad, so long as you’re happy with the inputs of the Joy-Con. And many of these options will also charge your Joy-Con while they’re in use, which is a neat little cherry on top.

Best Switch 2 Joy-Con Charge Stations

Nintendo has stated that the Switch 2 Joy-Con could last as long as 20 hours on a full charge, which is the same amount of time as the original Joy-Con. When looking at wireless controllers nowadays, 20 hours is fairly decent, although they still go by pretty quickly compared to other wireless controller options. It’s intuitive to just reattach your Joy-Con when they’re not in use to keep them charged, but if you plan on having multiple sets ready to go at all times, it’ll be a good idea to have a charging station on-hand. For those who often host multiplayer get-togethers with the likes of Super Mario Party Jamboree’s new Jamboree TV content or Mario Kart World, a Joy-Con charging station will make your life easier. I made sure to include models that feature as many ports as possible so you never run out of charged controllers.

Best Switch 2 Portable Chargers

The original Switch’s battery life remains one of its weak spots depending on the game you’re playing (some drain more power than others), even after a mid-gen refresh that brought some welcome improvements. It’ll remain something you have to manage by nature of using a portable gaming device especially if you’re taking the Switch 2 on long flights, trips, or car rides. That maximum battery life of 6.5 hours won’t always hold up and looking for an outlet is less than ideal when charge times can be quite longer than something like a smartphone.

Being able to charge in-between sessions untethered comes in clutch more often than you may expect, so having an extra battery pack to get some extra juice can be a total game-changer. I personally love Anker’s line with built-in USB-C cables, but Magsafe options like Genki’s Energy Pack are also really enticing. Either way, make sure you check the capacity and wattage of a portable charger before purchasing one you plan to use with your Switch 2 – some might simply be overkill for what you need.

Other Switch 2 Accessories Worth Considering

It feels like every new Nintendo console comes with a mountain of weird accessories. From Wii Sports-style tennis rackets to fishing rods, there’s a lot of extra and niche add-ons mixed in with the core accessories that are typically more practical. That’s not to say there aren’t some cool ideas that stretch the imagination of gaming on the Switch. Hori’s Piranha Plant camera is a fun example – while it costs $5 more than the first-party camera we reviewed, it’s a fun alternative that’s can double-up as some themed decor. (Though don't expect it to work miracles: The camera has a pretty dismal 480p resolution.) While it’s not an ideal way to play everything, the steering wheel attachment can be a fun and more accessible way for younger kids to play Mario Kart World. These accessories don’t fall into the conventional categories like controllers and cases, but they’re worth considering regardless. I’ve also thrown in a couple of "starter kits" that make for decent one-and-done purchases that include most of what you’ll want on day one.

Charlie's a freelance contributor for IGN. You can reach them via Twitter or Instagram at the handle @chas_mke.

I've had a Kindle Unlimited subscription for a few years now and I'm not sure I could ever go back to not having one. Reading is my primary leisure activity and being able to quickly download books on my Kindle Paperwhite has been a huge time saver. It's also saved me quite a bit money on new books because I primarily read LitRPG.

Kindle Unlimited is a great service if you read a lot of books, but only really if the genre you like to read actually has popular options included. There are a lot of great reads on Kindle Unlimited at any given time, but it certainly doesn't include everything. Popular new releases like Sunrise on the Reaping and Onyx Storm, for example, were not included with the subscription and needed to be purchased separately. That being said, if you mostly read LitRPG books like I do, Kindle Unlimited is an incredible value — especially with the early Prime Day deals going now.

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Valve may have revolutionized mobile PC gaming with the Steam Deck, but more and more handheld gaming PCs are coming to market, giving it some stiff competition. Formerly, the Asus ROG Ally X knocked Steam’s offering from our top spot thanks to its impressive performance, fast memory, and long-lasting battery, but we've got a brand-new favorite: the Lenovo Legion Go S (Z1 Extreme, SteamOS). With the Xbox Ally X announced at the Xbox Games Showcase, you'll have plenty of options for gaming on the go in the future. Whether you’re after the Steam Deck itself or one of the best Steam Deck alternatives, we’ve selected excellent handheld gaming PCs ready to chew through the top PC games – as long as you don't try to run Doom: The Dark Ages.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Handheld Gaming PCs:

Rather than dealing with the bulk a gaming laptop, handheld gaming PCs keep far more compact dimensions, making it easier to play from just about anywhere. Even though these devices are obviously significantly smaller than a gaming PC, it doesn’t mean they’re underpowered. Many handheld gaming PCs are packing the performance prowess to cruise through AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077. If you get sick of playing on a smaller screen, a great Steam Deck dock works seamlessly with most handheld gaming PCs so you can hook up to your gaming TV.

While we’re on the cusp of a handheld gaming PC revolution, we've gotten our hands on a good chunk of these highly-capable devices. Below are the current four we deem worthy of consideration.

1. Lenovo Legion Go S (Z1 Extreme, SteamOS)

The Best Handheld Gaming PC

When the Lenovo Legion Go S first came out back in February 2025, it was a hot mess. The configuration Lenovo initially released was bogged down by the weak Z2 Go processor, which didn't pair well with Windows. And because it was both running Windows 11 and had 32GB of memory, this weaker handheld was just as expensive – if not moreso – than the original Legion Go that preceded it. But Lenovo has righted the ship by launching the Go S with the Z1 Extreme and SteamOS built-in.

This system is still expensive. You're looking at $829 to get this model, but that's only a bit more than the Asus ROG Ally X, which ended up being slower, if only by a bit, in my tests. When I reviewed this new Lenovo Legion Go S, I found that the SteamOS-powered handheld beat out the Ally X in synthetic benchmarks by as much as 9%. That's not bad, considering that handheld had the performance crown before this system came out.

The elephant in the room is the Steam Deck. Even three years after its release, it's still an incredible and popular handheld, and it's not hard to see why. It's easy to use, and it's literally half the price of the Go S. But not only do you get a higher resolution display with this Legion Go S, you also get as much as double the performance. I was able to get a solid 60fps playing Baldur's Gate 3, and that's something I straight up couldn't do on the Steam Deck. Whether or not that's worth the higher price tag depends entirely on what you're looking for.

A great handheld gaming system is about more than just raw performance, though. It also needs to be comfortable to use, and despite the sytem being one of the largest I've used – and I've used a lot of them – it's extremely comfortable. The Lenovo Legion Go S has rounded edges that give you something to hold on to, and the textured finish makes it harder to slip out of your hands.

The Go S also has one of the most beautiful LCD displays I've seen in a while and proves that OLED isn't the only way to get a great picture in 2025. It's not quite as colorful as the Steam Deck OLED, to be fair, but it still made any game I played on it look awesome. Now that we're waiting for Microsoft and Asus to launch the ROG Xbox Ally X later this year, the Legion Go S is the PC gaming handheld to beat.

2. Asus ROG Ally X

The Best Windows Handheld Gaming PC

3. Valve Steam Deck

The Best Budget Handheld Gaming PC

4. Lenovo Legion Go

The Best High Performance Handheld Gaming PC

Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs

Now that the Lenovo Legion Go S is here, we have a first glimpse of the next generation of handheld gaming PCs. It had a rough start with the AMD Z2 Go, but the newer one with the Z1 Extreme is great, knocking the ROG Ally X down a peg in my rankings. There will be more handheld gaming PCs coming out over the rest of the year that are powered by the more powerful versions, like the Z2 Extreme. Just keep an eye out for the Lenovo Legion Go 2.

Finally, Microsoft has announced the ROG Xbox Ally X, an Xbox-branded follow-up to our second-favorite handheld gaming PC. Because it's made in collaboration with Microsoft, it's going to have a level of software optimizations that might put it on the same level as the Steam Deck. I'll have to wait to see how it holds up when I get it in the lab, but after going hands-on with it, we're definitely excited.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ

Should I buy a handheld gaming PC or a gaming laptop?

Depending on how you want to game and what games you want to play will determine whether you should grab a gaming laptop or handheld PC. Handhelds score higher points in longevity, battery life, optimization, portability, and thermals. But handhelds are only designed to play games up to a certain specification. Gaming laptops cram in the latest GPU, CPU, and RAM, likely sacrificing battery life, thermals, and price. However, some are absolute beasts ready to take on even the most graphically intensive games. Laptops offer more functionality when it comes to editing and other work.

Check out our guide on the Steam Deck vs. gaming laptops for more information.

What’s the best Steam Deck alternative?

The Asus ROG Ally X is one of the best Steam Deck alternatives. This gaming handheld offers an easy-to-use interface, speedy performance, and stunning design. Most importantly, the Windows 11 gaming handheld lets you access your entire PC gaming library.

How does the Switch 2 compare to the Steam Deck?

On spec, the Switch 2 is delivers better performance than the Steam Deck. Check out our in-depth comparison to find out more.

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

The Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED are some of the best handheld gaming PCs you can get. They offer a perfectly sized display, responsive controls, and a decent amount of processing power to cruise through the action in your favorite PC games. However, the Steam Deck only comes with a basic carrying case and charger, so a few great accessories can boost your experience while playing at home and on the go.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Steam Deck Accessories:

The best Steam Deck accessories make the already brilliant handheld gaming PC even better. Sure, the OLED model brought some needed improvements to the battery life and storage compared to the original LCD Steam Deck, but if you’re looking to play for longer away from an outlet or save more than just a few games, a long-lasting power bank and microSD card are easy solutions.

Want to witness the action on a bigger screen? A great dock and HDMI cord provide a simple way to connect to a gaming TV or monitor for a major step up from the 7-inch display. That’s not all, as a screen protector, a larger carrying case, and earbuds are ideal for traveling with the Steam Deck. Best of all, these items are surprisingly inexpensive.

Below are seven top-notch Steam Deck accessories chosen by IGN experts. Even if you don’t have a Steam Deck, many of our picks work great with the best Steam Deck alternatives, like the Asus ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go S.

Additional contributions by Zoë Hannah

1. Jsaux Docking Station HB0603

Best Steam Deck Dock

2. SanDisk Extreme microSDXC

Best Steam Deck Memory Card

3. Jsaux Power Bank 20000mAh 65W

Best Power Bank for Steam Deck

4. Dbrand Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Best Steam Deck Screen Protector

5. Jsaux Carrying Case

Best Steam Deck Case

6. PowerBear 8K High Speed HDMI Cable

Best HDMI Cable for Steam Deck

7. SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds

Best Wireless Earbuds for Steam Deck

How to Choose the Best Steam Deck Accessories

When choosing what accessories to grab for the Steam Deck, setting a budget for what you’d like to spend on everything is perhaps the most important. We kept that in mind when making our selections for this guide, so none of these items should set you back an exorbitant amount, and the pricer items are cross compatible with other devices. Even when veering away from our picks, most essential accessories should set you back about $100 or less.

After setting a budget, comes deciding which accessory to buy first. It’s really a matter of personal need more than anything else, but we think a memory card is a great place to start, especially if you have a Steam Deck model that’s light on storage and a large gaming library. It’s an inexpensive way to save you a ton of hassle. Once that’s sorted, protecting the handheld gaming PC with a screen protector, case, or both should be a top priority. There’s no point in buying accessories for a bricked device.

From there, choosing the best items to pair with the Steam Deck depends on how you want to play. Game away from home often? A power bank ensures you’re never without juice – a major issue with the Steam Deck. If you’re looking to play on a bigger display, a dock is an invaluable tool. No matter what accessory you grab, it should amplify your experience with the Steam Deck – and be compatible.

Steam Deck Accessories FAQ

Is 256GB enough storage for Steam Deck?

The original Steam Deck came with only 64GB of eMMC storage. While that model has been discontinued, the current LCD base model is available with a 256GB NVMe SSD, which is plenty of space for cloud gaming and storing some indie titles. When it comes to space for AAA games, like Red Dead Redemption 2 or GTA 5, only a few can be played locally. Still, 256GB is easy to get away with, especially given that the microSD card slot provides a cheap and easy way to increase storage. It’s also possible to install a higher capacity SSD, which should be relatively simple for anyone with PC-building experience.

However, if you want a better display, longer battery life, and faster RAM, the Steam Deck OLED doubles the storage from the LCD model to 512GB. There’s also a 1TB OLED option to bump up capacity even further.

Does the Steam Deck come with any accessories?

If you're purchasing a new Steam Deck, there are a few things you will receive alongside the handheld gaming PC. Every type of Steam Deck comes with a carrying case and a charging cord. If you're hoping to connect your Steam Deck to the TV, you will need to purchase either a docking station or an HDMI cable separately.

Are my PS5, Xbox, or Switch accessories compatible with Steam Deck?

Yes. Many accessories made for other platforms can be used for the Steam Deck since it’s essentially a mini gaming PC. Just about any USB-C dock, power bank, and wall charger (with enough wattage) should seamlessly work with the Steam Deck and other gaming PC handhelds. Most controllers and headsets designed for specific consoles can be used with the Steam Deck, especially if they connect via Bluetooth or USB. Occasionally, additional software or drivers may need to be downloaded for compatibility. Additionally, an adapter may be required if the device doesn’t offer the proper ports. Some gadgets also have more limited capabilities when connected to the Steam Deck, but are still usable.

Of course, not all accessories will work well with Steam Deck. For example, a Switch or PlayStation Portal screen protector, always-on case, or skin won’t fit on the Steam Deck. However, some bigger cases made for those handhelds can work in a pinch. Just be sure to do your research before committing to a purchase.

Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer for IGN based in Los Angeles who spends most of her time updating tech buying guides.

Pairing a camera with your Nintendo Switch 2 might not be the first thing to cross your mind when thinking about all the Switch 2 accessories to consider. However, I’ve been surprised by the novelty and seamlessness of GameChat, Nintendo’s built-in video chat room for Switch 2 that lets you connect with friends conveniently. While most USB webcams will work just fine with the system if you want to get on video, Nintendo’s first-party offering with the Switch 2 Camera is pitched as the ideal solution. And from a design perspective, it is – but its $55 price tag doesn’t entirely line up with what you get.

Getting the tech specs out of the way, the Switch 2 Camera runs a solid 1080p resolution, but I would put the video quality itself just a notch above my Thinkpad laptop camera and a step below my Razer Kiyo USB webcam (which also does 1080p). The Nintendo camera’s colors are more washed out than I would’ve liked and are a tad too green, and I wish I could tune color grading in some way. However, the low-light performance is quite good, and I’m able to come through clearly with just ambient room light and without needing a dedicated key light.

One of the aspects that makes this camera unique is its extra-wide 110-degree field of view (FOV), well above what you’ll find on most webcams, which helps it capture group settings much better. You get that fisheye lens effect when it’s used up-close, but considering that it’s meant more for a living room-style environment, it doesn’t really become an issue. I had the camera about five feet away from me, and with a full shot, you could comfortably fit around six people on screen. Compared to my Razer Kiyo that has an 82-degree FOV, at the same distance you’d be able to have four people on screen sitting next to each other.

Check out our roundup of the best Switch 2 accessories.

The Switch 2 Camera is natively recognized as a webcam on Windows as well. I just plugged it into my PC and was instantly ready to go like any other device. I’m not sure how much crossover there is between the crowd that’s in the market for a webcam and those who would consider the Switch 2 Camera, but it’s kind of cool that it doubles-up in this way.

So, the Switch 2 Camera fulfills its specific purpose competently, but the question becomes whether or not you should be spending $55 on it – that puts it around other 1080p webcams, but it pales in comparison from a pure image quality perspective. While features like the high FOV that’s good for big groups and the stand that holds it upright are nice, there are still more cost-effective or better performing options out there: the Razer Kiyo I use goes on sale for under $50, the popular Logitech C920x is at $60, and the budget-level Lenovo Essential FHD (that also has a wide 95-degree FOV) sits around $30. GameChat isn’t exactly the kind of platform that demands the best quality feed – I know I’m just here to get a kick out of the reactions of friends in Mario Kart World, Mario Party, or Smash Bros. Ultimate in an online party setting. In the realm of webcams, however, Nintendo doesn’t exactly stand out in terms of price or features. Rather, it’s an easy solution for those who want to jump into GameChat on video and don’t want to think too much about the absolute best webcam to get.

If you're in the market for a new Switch (not Switch 2) console, here's a deal worth consideration. AliExpress is currently offering a Nintendo Switch OLED console for just $237.49 with free delivery from a local US warehouse. AliExpress offers several guarantees, including a token discount if the package is delayed, and a complete refund if the package is lost, damaged, or not delivered within 20 days after you place an order.

This is a brand new, genuine Nintendo Switch console, but keep in mind that it is an imported model and the manufacturer's warranty it comes with will not be valid in the United States (however you do get a 15-day return policy). The packaging and materials might also be written in another language. Functionally, however, every Switch console is region unlocked so you'll be able to play it in the US without any problems. You'll be able to select English as your default language just like any console you buy here.

Update: This was originally a sale I found on Woot. However, the Woot listing has since expired and AliExpress is offering a similar import model for a lower price.

Nintendo Switch OLED for $237.49

International model

28 Years Later opens in theaters Friday, June 20.

28 Days Later is widely credited with vivifying zombie movies in the early 2000s. Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland shook the subgenre out of rigor mortis and pushed it into a full-blown sprint, and the dead have been running and walking (and Walking… and Walking… and Walking...) onscreen ever since. But as great horror usually does, 28 Days Later spoke to a moment – specifically the terror attacks of September 11 and the resulting geopolitical fallout – and hauntingly captured how easily rage and fear can trap people in cycles of violence in the wake of a disaster. Following more recent upheavals like Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, the new sequel 28 Years Later feels like a bookend to that idea, turning its focus to what it takes to break the cycle. Boyle and Garland dive back into their infected hellscape headfirst, and the decades of perspective they bring back to post-apocalyptic Britain leave 28 Years Later’s musings on what matters most feeling right on time.

Boyle sidesteps the wider spread of the Rage virus suggested by the end of 2007’s 28 Weeks Later by quickly establishing that the infection has been pushed back and contained to the U.K. mainland. Enough time has passed that an entire generation has sprung up without any first-hand experience of how the world fell apart after the outbreak. 28 Years Later wisely centers its action on 12-year-old Spike (Alfie Williams), a citizen of the heavily fortified Holy Island who’s taking his first steps into the wilderness as a hunter-in-training with his dad, Kraven Jamie (Aaron Taylor Johnson). Young enough to want to bring a toy on the hunt, but old enough to know that’s kid stuff, Spike’s vulnerability and bravery are at constant odds as he witnesses the terrors of the Rage virus.

Williams (in his film debut) effortlessly shoulders the swings between those poles, helping to ground 28 Years Later in an emotional realism that evokes what Cillian Murphy achieved in 28 Days Later. Yes, Spike makes mistakes and hesitates, but rarely if ever do these feel like the actions of a helpless child in such a cruel world. Instead, Boyle consistently drives home the idea that Spike and his peers have been forced to grow up too quickly. The way Holy Island’s citizens are lionizing Spike’s ascension to the hunter role, good-natured though it is, has a haunting, violence-begets-violence quality to it, underlined by the montages of child soldiers and the war poetry of Rudyard Kipling peppered into the edit. Holy Island makes for an effective, if not all that subtle, microcosm of isolationism, and the threats that seem to get under the citizens’ skin most – like Ralph Fiennes’ Kelson, who we’ll get to in a moment – will feel deeply familiar to anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock for the last five years.

Taylor-Johnson’s Jamie, who would’ve been about Spike’s age at the time of the initial outbreak, presents a thornier take of how manhood has evolved in this decades-long quarantine. He’s incredibly patient and supportive – tender, even – towards Spike in their one-on-one time, but Jamie embellishes Spike’s prowess with boorish bravado. It’s enough to make the boy more insecure about his survival fundamentals. Taylor-Johnson embodies those conflicting sides of fatherhood without either becoming too one-note. Jamie’s detached treatment of Spike’s ailing mom Isla (Jodie Comer) further drives a wedge between the two, especially once Spike realizes that there’s more that both of them could have been doing to help her. Isla experiences near-constant bouts of disorientation and pain, putting Spike into a position of caretaking that further accelerates his coming-of-age. It's rich work from Comer, and though Isla’s scattered mind makes her a slightly less-focused character in her own right, her love for Spike shines through her pain. The lessons she has for him end up feeling even more valuable than Dad’s tips for taking infected out in one shot.

28 Years Later’s greatest challenge is one of Boyle and Garland’s own making: the explosion of zombie fiction inspired by 28 Days Later means a lot of points of comparison for both the action and the drama. The infected action is slick and well-staged, but it’s here that the hordes of imitators have most watered down Boyle’s brand of zombie violence. 28 Years Later introduces some new subspecies of infected that feel like they could’ve shambled right out of Left 4 Dead, some of which pose questions about the nature of the infection that beg to be answered in the already-shot sequel 28 Days Later: The Bone Temple.

Most effective are the Alpha infected, a truly hilarious name for the brutes given the themes Garland’s script trafficks in. These crazy-ripped, nigh invincible hulks immediately ratchet up the tension any time they’re on screen, with finishers that would make even Sub-Zero exclaim “flawless victory” in satisfied wonder. A chase scene involving an Alpha making its way towards Holy Island results in one of the most unbearably tense moments in the film, like if the oncoming train from that scene in Stand By Me were a naked bodybuilder running full-tilt at the leads... a hog-wild encounter, to be sure. But as great as the makeup and digital effects in 28 Years Later are, it’s just not as exciting to see a person kill a zombie (or vice versa) as it was in 2002. Boyle and Garland seem content to let their imitators and acolytes try to outdo each other. 23 years later, they’re more concerned with matters of the heart.

Boyle chases the guerilla-filmmaking textures of 28 Days’ groundbreaking digital cinematography by shooting 28 Years Later mostly on iPhone 15 Max Pros. The small size of those phones compared to big unwieldy movie cameras does allow for seriously kinetic coverage during the action scenes. As Boyle himself dubbed it, there’s a “poor man’s bullet time” effect accentuating some killshots that looks so cool the first time, but loses just a bit of its luster by its fifth or sixth deployment. That shifty camera move is also infrequently used to accentuate character, like when Boyle wants to underline Jamie’s bubbling lower case “r” rage by focusing on a knife in his hands and performing just a little shift to remind us that the virus doesn’t create fury, it merely amplifies it past all reason. Boyle puts the iPhone camera to work in low-light situations as well, painting Spike’s zombie nightmares in angry night-vision reds.

It’s a testament to how far technology has advanced since 28 Days Later that the “shot on iPhone” acknowledgment rarely feels that relevant – though the professional-grade lenses that Boyle and his frequent cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle strap to their consumer-grade smartphones probably have something to do with that. They highlight the beauty of the British countryside so well that it never feels like an unfavorable trade for 28 Days’ chillingly empty London. Drone shots similarly add a propulsive new view on the action, weaving in and out of groups of infected with dizzying speed.

But as is often the case in zombie fiction – here, let me just lean in and whisper real quick… maybe we’re the real monsters. 28 Years Later teases out the significance of Kelson , a mysterious outcast drawn as a Colonel Kurtz-type with a penchant for burning bodies en masse, and his relatively late entrance opens the door to some of the story’s most potent material. Kelson’s presence narrows the scope of the third act considerably, but, without being too specific about what he’s up to wandering around that there Bone Temple, it’s absolutely the right call for Spike’s final test. And Fiennes turns in a simple, yet devastatingly effective performance to augment it.