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Classic Resident Evil got amazing high-quality AI-enhanced FMVs

Last month, we informed you about the RE:Enhance Mods for the first three classic Resident Evil games. And today, I’m happy to report that SonicB00M has released a new version of his mod for the first RE game that overhauls all of its FMVs. Going into more details, the modder carefully upscaled and interpolated the … Continue reading Classic Resident Evil got amazing high-quality AI-enhanced FMVs

The post Classic Resident Evil got amazing high-quality AI-enhanced FMVs appeared first on DSOGaming.

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New leaked Battlefield 6 gameplay video shows off its destruction

Battlefield fans, here is something for you. YouTube’s ‘Shadi BF Veteran’ has shared a video from the alpha phase of Battlefield 6, showcasing its destruction system. This is a video that every BF should watch. In this video, we get to see players destroy building by using a rocket launcher, mines, explosives and tanks. As … Continue reading New leaked Battlefield 6 gameplay video shows off its destruction

The post New leaked Battlefield 6 gameplay video shows off its destruction appeared first on DSOGaming.

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AU Deals: New Lowest Evers on Metaphor, Elden Rings, Tekken 8, Monster Hunter Wilds, and More!

The first gaming discounts of June (how is it even June?) have landed with all the subtlety of a final lap blue shell. Whether you’re looking to get stuck into some deeply replayable JRPGs, dominate in sports titles, or finally catch up on generational masterpieces you missed, there’s plenty of value across the digital shelves. Enough of my jibber jabber exposition, though. Let's get scrolling and saving.

This Day in Gaming 🎂

In retro news, it’s been eight years since Tekken 7 punched its way onto Aussie consoles, and what a wild ride it was. Bandai Namco brought the heat with slo-mo finishers, explosive Rage Arts, and (for some reason) PlayStation VR support. This turned out to be a glorified training room where you could awkwardly stare at characters like Kuma in a non-threatening pose. Still, the core game slapped; Tekken 7 remains a hallmark fighting game that was accessible and highly technical, with great customisation options.

Aussie bdays for notable games

- Street Fighter EX2 Plus (PS) 2000. eBay

- The Legend of Zelda (GBA) 2004. eBay

- Tekken 7 (PS4, XO) 2017. Get

Contents

Nice Savings for Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch players can snap up Shin Megami Tensei V for nearly half price, a game which, fun fact, was first announced alongside the Switch itself back in 2017 and was long considered “vaporware” until it finally dropped in 2021. Meanwhile, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is already available at a launch discount, a rare move for the long-running series which famously lets you nuke Gandhi. Gott nuke something and it beats doing it to the whales, I guess.

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Exciting Bargains for Xbox

Over on Xbox Series X, Metaphor: ReFantazio sees its first major price cut, a fantasy RPG from the same creative minds behind Persona 5, complete with flashy UI and deeply symbolic tarot themes. And Tekken 8, sitting at A$49, boldly continues the Mishima blood feud while letting players hurl each other into helicopters, a feature originally prototyped as a joke.

Xbox One

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Pure Scores for PlayStation

PlayStation 5 fans can nab Tales of Arise for just A$25. It was the first game in the Tales series to run on Unreal Engine, a leap that revitalised the franchise’s combat. And Elden Ring? The Erdtree hasn’t even sprouted yet, but Miyazaki once admitted Malenia’s boss fight was made “deliberately punishing” to spark community discussion. With flowery language, no doubt.

PS4

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

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

Or purchase a PS Store Card.

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Purchase Cheap for PC

Lastly, PC players get a gem in Red Dead Redemption 2 at a wild A$22, a title so detailed that NPCs have dynamic hair growth cycles. Or snag Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the FromSoft entry that will remind Nightreign players that there's a deeper end to the difficulty pool. So suck it up and enjoy your lean-on-me, I'll-lean-right-back co-op.

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Laptop Deals

Desktop Deals

Monitor Deals

Component Deals

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Legit LEGO Deals

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Hot Headphones Deals

Audiophilia for less

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Terrific TV Deals

Do right by your console, upgrade your telly

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

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Medal of Honor: Allied Assault’s Scuttling the U-529 Mission looks incredible in Unreal Engine 5.5

Medal of Honor fans, here is something special for you today. YouTube’s ‘Jos van Laar’ shared a video, showing the Scuttling the U-529 mission from Medal of Honor: Allied Assault in Unreal Engine 5.5. In this mission, the player steps into the boots of Mike Powell as they infiltrate the Norwegian submarine base, undercover and … Continue reading Medal of Honor: Allied Assault’s Scuttling the U-529 Mission looks incredible in Unreal Engine 5.5

The post Medal of Honor: Allied Assault’s Scuttling the U-529 Mission looks incredible in Unreal Engine 5.5 appeared first on DSOGaming.

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Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Sinners Both Pass $350 Million at the Global Box Office as Lilo & Stitch Dominates

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Sinners have both hit meaningful milestones at the global box office, each passing the $350 million mark this weekend.

Tom Cruise’s eighth Mission: Impossible film is now up to $353.818 million globally, with positive word of mouth helping fuel a 33% drop from opening weekend. IGN's Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning review returned a 6/10. We said: "The action thrills, but the soapy tone keeps greatness just out of reach for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning."

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, meanwhile, is now up to $350.1 million after seven weekends in theaters. Incredibly, Sinners is the only film in the top 10 highest-grossing of 2025 so far not based on an existing IP. IGN's Sinners review returned a 9/10. We said: "Ryan Coogler’s first horror movie expertly blends plenty of vampires and music into a compelling story about twin brothers – played by Michael B. Jordan – returning home to their Mississippi hometown in 1932."

Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, however, overshadows all, with a huge $610.8 million globally after just two weekends. IGN's Lilo & Stitch review returned an 8/10. We said: "Lilo & Stitch is one of the stronger results of Disney’s non-stop remake campaign, taking the emotional core of the original and amplifying it in a stirring manner." The question now is, will it end up beating A Minecraft Movie, which is now up to $947.1 million after nine weekends?

Elsewhere, Karate Kid: Legends launched with $47 million globally. IGN's Karate Kid: Legends review returned a 6/10. We said: "Karate Kid: Legends has some fun additions to the usual formula for this series, including Joshua Jackson stealing the show from the series' stalwarts, but doesn’t connect emotionally thanks to some distracting filmmaking techniques."

The franchise-best Final Destination Bloodlines is up to $229.3 million. And finally, Florence Pugh-fronted MCU film Thunderbolts, which Marvel rebranded as The New Avengers soon after launch, is on $369.6 million globally as it winds down at the box office.

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.

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James Gunn Uninterested in 'Online Fan Wars' as Superman and The Fantastic Four Prepare to Launch in the Same Month: 'There's Room for Us Both!'

This summer, two huge superhero movies are set to do battle at the box office, with DCU reboot Superman launching on July 11 and MCU behemoth The Fantastic Four: First Steps hitting theaters a fortnight later, on July 25. But as the DC and Marvel fandoms spar online, DCU chief James Gunn has said he is uninterested in getting involved in internet rivalry, and would rather focus on all that’s good about each film.

On social network Threads, Gunn was asked if he had any word on The Fantastic Four in the context of fans pitting Marvel and DC against each other.

“They come out two weeks after us,” Gunn replied, “there's room for us both! I love my friends at Marvel. You can find whatever discussions you'd want to find online. I'd focus on all the positivity around the films instead of getting sucked up in online fan wars.”

Gunn, of course, has a long history with Marvel, having written and directed the much-loved Guardians of the Galaxy series of MCU movies. But he is no stranger to DC, either, having written and directed the well-received 2021 Suicide Squad movie.

Gunn is now co-head of the rebooted DCU alongside Peter Safran, and wrote, directed, and produced Superman. He is steering the DCU in a direction parent company Warner Bros. hopes will result in more success than the previous DCEU enjoyed. To this end, a number of DCU films and TV shows are in the works, and it seems inevitable that DC will clash with Marvel again.

Take, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, for example. It’s due out June 26, 2026. That’s just over a month before Spider-Man: Brand New Day comes out on 31 July 2026. And in the land of television, DCU has HBO show Lanterns out at some point in 2026, when Marvel Television will have a number of series hit Disney+, including Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again, and Vision Quest.

For now, though, the focus is very much on Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, with each film under enormous pressure to post huge numbers at the box office. Whatever side of the comic book fence you sit on, July is set to be an awesome month for superhero fans.

And let’s remember, Marvel and DC have joined forces to announce what is sure to be one of the top-selling comic book projects of 2025. The two publishers are teaming on a pair of one-shot crossover specials featuring Batman and Deadpool. That makes this the first genuine crossover between the Marvel and DC Universes in more than 20 years. Best of all, they aren’t stopping with Deadpool/Batman #1 and Batman/Deadpool #1. Marvel and DC are already developing a follow-up crossover for 2026.

Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images.

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

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Deals for Today: The Latest MacBook Air is Already Discounted, Cheap Controllers, and Big Savings on Father’s Day Gifts

It’s hard to believe it’s already June, but here we are—only a few weeks away from the official start to summer. That means plenty of deals are available on outdoor essentials to get you through the long days ahead, including grill accessories, power stations, tool kits, and lawn mowers. Maybe you'd rather hang out indoors to escape the heat? Well, controllers, PS5 games, and even Apple’s latest MacBook Air are all discounted today. With Father’s Day coming up, many of these items also make great gifts for the father figures in your life.

TL;DR: Deals for Today

Beyond these great deals, the Pokémon Destined Rivals TCG just dropped on Friday, leading a bunch of chase cards to crash. While some cards have regained value over the past couple of days, pre-order remorse is still alive and well. But whether you want to grab just a single card or a sealed pack, now might be a good time to buy. A pre-order for the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy bundle is also available at Walmart before the launch in a couple of weeks.

2025 MacBook Air (13-inch, M4)

Apple’s newest MacBook Air model, which came out only a couple of months ago, already has $160 slashed off its list price, making it under $840. With it comes a powerful M4 processor offering a 10-core CPU and GPU paired with 16GB RAM for a performance boost from previous models. This laptop can zip through everyday tasks and supports Apple Intelligence. Of course, the 13-inch Liquid Retina display is stunning, but this Air model supports a dual monitor setup as well. The camera also got an upgrade this time around, as it’s now 12MP and supports Center Stage and Desk View features.

SteelSeries Stratus Duo Wireless Gaming Controller

While the SteelSeries Stratus Duo Wireless Gaming Controller was already a great budget option at its starting price of $50, the $15 price tag after using the code: STEELSERIES makes it a wildly cheap gamepad. Sure, this controller won’t offer the flash and customizations of higher-end offerings, but it gets the job done with Hall Effect triggers, quality hardware, a 20+ hour battery life, and ergonomic design. Pairing with a PC is simple using the lag-free wireless dongle, and Bluetooth support is available for playing on the best gaming phones.

The Last of Us Part I and II for PS5

PlayStation’s Days of Play sale isn’t only happening at the PlayStation Store; plenty of other retailers, including Amazon, are getting in on the action by dropping the prices of a bunch of PlayStation products. The Last of Us Part I and Part II for PS5 are both down to the low, low price of just $30. So, get ready to join Joel and Ellie on a harrowing journey across the post-apocalyptic United States.

Anker USB-C Charger (Nano 65W)

Skip the hassle of having multiple charging bricks to top up devices and opt for this all-in-one solution from Anker instead. It’s an absolute steal right now at just $30, for 46% savings. It comes with two USB-C ports capable of charging speeds up to 65W, which is plenty to charge most laptops and tablets quickly, while a USB-A port is available with up to 22.5W power delivery. Just be prepared for those outputs to lower when charging three devices simultaneously.

JBL Bar 700

Kick your home theater setup up a notch with a new sound bar. JBL’s Bar 700 is back on sale for its lowest price ever, knocking $350 off the price tag. This audio system features a 5.1-channel soundbar and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer for a cinematic experience delivering next-level sound with booming bass. With Dolby Atmos support, you’ll be placed right in the center of the action of your favorite movies, shows, and games. The built-in Wi-Fi with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast support also makes listening to your favorite music simple.

Fremo TP300 Portable Power Station

Summertime brings storms that can knock out power, and in case of emergencies, backup electricity is a must. Rather than grabbing a gas-guzzling generator, a portable power station that uses a lithium-ion battery is a simpler and safer solution for temporary outages.

Fremo has an awesome power station that’s $120 off, costing just $150. It offers a 231 Wh capacity battery and five output ports for charging, including a USB-C, USB-A, AC, and car port. 300W of charging power is divided between those outputs, providing enough juice to top up phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras. It only weighs 6.2 pounds too, making it a portable option for camping trips, while the built-in flashlight ensures easier navigation of darker spaces.

Craftsman VERSASTACK Mechanics Tool Set

Looking to grab a gift for the car lover in your life? The Craftsman VERSASTACK Mechanics Tool Set is down to its lowest price ever, costing just $99 for 50% savings. Not only do you get a massive 230-piece tool set full of all the sockets, wrenches, ratchets, and bits needed to fix up a vehicle, but you can also enjoy the peace of mind knowing you’ll enjoy the high-quality craftsmanship for years to come. It also comes with a durable 3-drawer box to keep things organized.

PlayStation DualSense Controller

The controller that comes packaged with the PlayStation 5 is at its lowest price of the year, setting you back under $55 for 27% savings. This wireless gamepad is comfortable to use, compatible with a range of gaming devices, and full of reliable controls. Haptics and adaptive triggers are baked in, amplifying your playing experience further. Plus, you can remap buttons, customizing the controls to give you a leg up in certain games.

JLab Talk Pro USB Mic

Kick your game streams up a notch, as the JLab Talk Pro USB Mic is on sale for over 77% off on Woot, making it just $34.99. This plug-and-play microphone is easy to set up and features four directional patterns. Whether you’re looking to record podcasts and music or take phone calls and do ASMR, it’ll be the perfect partner. Sound quality will even be optimized for whatever you’re recording, and the mic features volume and gain controls, ensuring you come across crystal clear.

Cuisinart 13-Piece Wooden Grill Tool Set

Summer means it’s grilling season, so it’s always a good idea to have a grill tool set on hand. Right now, Cuisinart has a great deal on a high-quality set for just $23.99. The reputable brand includes all the barbecue essentials in the kit, like a spatula, grill fork, cleaning brush, and tongs. Each of the tools features a sturdy wooden handle and stainless steel for a premium look and feel, while a case is included for safe storage. If you’re on the hunt for a Father’s Day gift, it also makes a great gift for those hard-to-buy-for dads and father figures.

Five Nights at Freddy's: Tales from the Pizzaplex Graphic Novel Collection Vol. 1

If you’re a fan of the horror video game, Five Nights at Freddy’s, a new graphic novel series from the creator, Scott Cawthon, is already discounted to the low price of just $8.90. This volume brings some horrifying and detailed comics to the story from the bestselling series Five Nights at Freddy's: Tales from the Pizzaplex, featuring the under-construction section of Freddy Fazbear's Mega Pizzaplex, a Tube Maze, and some chaos.

EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Kit

It’s lawn mowing season, and battery-powered lawn mowers are beginning to take the reign from their gas-powered counterparts. You might think that these electric mowers offer less oomph, but the EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Kit will prove you wrong. It’s self-propelled, has a multicut blade system, and runs for 60 minutes on a single charge. A second battery is even included, so you can keep mowing while the other battery charges. Right now, you can grab this kit for its lowest price ever, $599.99. That’s 43% off.

Charmast Portable Charger with Built in Cables

Portable chargers are great and all, but if you forget the right cord, they’re pretty useless. Charmast fixes this problem by offering a 10,000mAh power bank with USB-C, Lightning, and MicroUSB cables built in, so it’s ready to top off just about any device. Plus, there’s a USB-A cord for charging up the power bank. Each of the cables also has a slot for storage on the portable charger, preventing anything from getting snagged when on the go. Now is the time to buy, too, as it’s back to its lowest price, costing just under $20.

Pokémon Destined Rivals Sealed Products and Single Cards

After the best market value on Pokémon Destined Rivals sealed products? Some great deals are available from TCG Player, as big box stores continue to hike up the prices.

Don’t want to deal with the ripping open boosters to find a chase card? TCG Player has a bunch of single cards available, and the prices continue to fluctuate as I write this.

MTG Final Fantasy Pre Order

Pre-orders for MTG Final Fantasy continue to pop up occasionally at retailers, but selection is pretty limited at the moment. However, this bundle from Walmart is an excellent deal ahead of the launch in a couple of weeks.

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We Build the LEGO Harry Potter Monster Book of Monsters: An Iconic Book That Actually Chomps

LEGO has released a ton of new Harry Potter sets for June, but perhaps the most quirky and delightful build in the bunch is the Chomping Monster Book of Monsters set. It's a recreation of the iconic book we first see in the third Harry Potter film (The Prisoner of Azkaban) and it absolutely looks the part. More importantly, though, it actually chomps.

The new Monster Book of Monsters set has a lot of cool details on the outside that made it fun to put together, but it's what on the inside that makes it fun to play with after. LEGO provided IGN with a copy of the set for a test build and I got the chance to put it together myself. At only 518 pieces, I was able to build the whole thing in one evening before I went to bed and had my nephews playing with it the next morning.

Set #76449 is actually the second iteration of the LEGO Monster Book of Monsters. The first rendition was a Gift with Purchase (set #30628), called The Monster Book of Monsters, released back in 2020 with a lot fewer pieces and a more simplistic style. The newer Chomping Monster Book of Monsters looks a lot more realistic and includes actual chomping action. It also includes a Neville Longbottom minifigure that is holding a much smaller version of the book. It's a fairly easy build, but it was fun to put together and the chomping action was a nice touch.

The build is split up into four sections and you get one bag of LEGO bricks for each part. You start by putting together your little Neville Longbottom minifigure. He has two different face options to chooose from, so you can make him either smiley or terrified. I decided to go with smiley and placed him near the pieces as I put together everything else. The first part of the build is basically putting together the framework for the book.

This is the longest step in the whole process and it admittedly takes quite a bit of time until it really starts looking like something. You're building what will later become the chassis that your little chomping motor and wheels will later sit in, so it's important you get everything facing the right direction. It really helped me that you use red bricks to indicate the back and blue bricks for the front or I definitely would have made a mistake along the way.

It doesn't actually resemble anything like a monster book until you start adding some of the exterior pieces. There are light brown panels with a ridge that will look like pages once you're finished putting them together. The dark brown pointy pieces you add on the front and sides are what really start making it look like what you see on the box. You'll also add smooth panels on the back of each rectangle that will eventually fit together to form the entire base of the book.

The one thing I didn't particularly enjoy about this build was how repetitive it felt to build both sides of the book itself. There were some small differences between the top and the bottom of the book, but for the most part the build felt exactly the same. So it ended up being a bit repetitive to have to do basically the same step twice. That being said, it was extremely satisfying when I finally got to be able to connect the two halves at the spine. You thread a few long pieces through the back hinge and suddenly you've got what looks to be a hollowed out book.

The next portion of this build is where it really started to become fun. Once you're done with the overall structure, you move on to building the cover of the book. You start out with a series of large flat brown pieces that form the base of your cover. These are held together by two long flat pieces that are also thankfully color coordinated to indicate which side is up. Once you have the base assembled, you start adding all of the cool little details that bring the set to life. This includes the actual title of the book as well as the beady little eyes and spikey little feelers.

Once you snap the cover onto the top of your book frame, it starts looking like a legit Monster Book of Monsters. And while the cover is really the turning point, it's all of the additional details you add on after this that start to give it an air of life. As you build the frame and the cover of the book you will have added a bunch of what appear to be little LEGO arms near the front pages. These will become the holders for the book's spiny little teeth. There are twelve of these in total and once they're snapped in you can articulate them in whatever direction feels right.

The larger teeth get added after that, which is when it starts to look like it could actually chomp you. The instructions tell you to add one set of teeth at a time, but I decided to build them both first and add them all at once for dramatic effect. When all of the teeth are attached, you'll have what looks to be a Monster Book of Monsters that's actually capable of doing some chomping.

The final step of this set is the most interesting part. At this point you've built a fairly realistic monster book, but it's still an empty shell waiting for some internal components to get it running. Now you essentially have to build a working pull-back car that you place inside so it can get to chomping on its own.

The motorized aspect of this build is pretty straightforward, but it's a nice break from all of the detail work I had just done to be suddenly building a little wheeled car. It was also really fun to see how well the little car I'd just built snapped into place on the inside of the book itself.

After I fully put everything together, I immediately tried out the rolling chomping action. It's a neat trick that turns what looks like a display set into an actual toy you can play with. The roll-back mechanism only goes so far back, so it doesn't actually roll that far, but the chomping action makes up for the lack of distance. As it moves forward you can actually hear the teeth clacking together. I had both of my younger nephews play with the set afterwards and they enjoyed playing with it almost as much as l did. The gimmick wears off fairly quickly after you've done it a few times, but afterwards you still have a really cool looking set you can display somewhere.

The price of the set is fairly reasonable at $60, placing it well below some of the most expensive sets on the market right now. Any of the franchise-specific sets that come out are always going to be more expensive than a non-franchise set with a similar number of pieces, and this has consistently remained true for all LEGO Harry Potter sets. All-in-all, it's a set I'd recommend to any fan of Harry Potter and LEGO. It's a fun and simple build you can knock out in an afternoon, and the finished product would make for a great Harry Potter gift you can display on a shelf or your desk.

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How LEGO Designed The Simpsons Krusty Burger Set

The Krusty Burger is a health inspector's nightmare, responsible for spawning the Krusty Burger, the Ribwich, The Clogger, and the Steamed Ham (per Principal Skinner). It comes with seven minifigures, including Krusty the Clown, Sideshow Bob, Homer Simpson, and Officer Lou. You can purchase it for $209.99 on June 4, although LEGO Insiders can order the set via Early Access beginning on June 1. You can sign up for free here.

To learn more about the set and its creation, we interviewed its designer. Ann Healy is a 39-year-old Senior Model Designer who's worked with the LEGO Group for the past six years. Here, lightly edited for clarity, are her thoughts on creating LEGO The Simpsons: Krusty Burger, the first new LEGO Simpsons set in nearly a decade.

What other LEGO sets have you had a hand in designing over the past six years?

Healy: I worked for three years on the LEGO Friends line. A few years ago, I got the opportunity to work on a Disney favorite of mine: The Sanderson Sisters’ Cottage set from Hocus Pocus. That project took years in the making to come to market, and I’m quite proud of it.

More recently, I have been working on the LEGO Icons team. From last year’s products, I designed the McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna set and the Poinsettia LEGO Botanicals set.

What drove the decision to revive the Simpsons brand after such a long hiatus?

Healy: We saw that even after a 10-year stretch since a new Simpsons set, there was still a lot of love for The Simpsons amongst LEGO fans. Our market research showed that there is huge brand loyalty for The Simpsons, appealing to people globally. Designing the Krusty Burger in LEGO brick form serves as a natural continuation of our Simpsons line and gives us the opportunity to make new, never-before-seen LEGO minifigures.

LEGO designers often build in their free time, working towards builds that they hope will one day become sets.

Coincidentally, the original Simpsons House and Kwik-E-Mart LEGO sets were some of the last sets I purchased before I knew I would be coming to work at The LEGO Group. In my first week working here, I found an early prototype of the Krusty Burger set on a shelf in our office. For context, LEGO designers often build in their free time, working towards builds that they hope will one day become sets. It gave me hope that someday, I might get the chance to work on something like that.

Five years later, to my surprise, our Head of Marketing pulled that same prototype off the shelf and said it was time to revisit The Simpsons! I volunteered right away as a lifelong fan of the Simpsons. I couldn’t believe my luck!

Describe the process of designing and building this set as best you can. How many times did you have to build the entire model in the course of finalizing it?

Healy: I started with refining and updating the old prototype, figuring out the general layout and developing a building-instruction flow. I worked digitally first, then built the model physically. From there, I would go back and forth between digital and physical, seeing if the model would work with real bricks. We have design team check-ins where I showed progress on the model and got suggestions from our Creative Lead and the other model designers.

I had several check-ins with the IP partner, where I would show them the latest updates and they could give feedback on the model and mini figures. I also had internal review meetings with our Model Governance and Building Experience teams, where we build the model, review every construction step, evaluate the play experience and test the strength of the model.

I did not keep track of every time I rebuilt the model, but I would estimate at least 20 times. The last time I built the Krusty Burger set was when the first production boxes arrived from the factory. I built it one last time for quality assurance!

Krusty Burger isn't a fully realized location in the show in the same way that Moe's Tavern is, or the Kwik-E Mart is, or the Simpsons’ house is. Which TV episodes did you use to map out the Krusty Burger and determine how it's set up?

Healy: Disney was a great partner in sending us reference images and layouts when available. Also, I watched as many episodes of The Simpsons as possible, so I could translate the TV animation into a real, physical, toy playset.

Season 20, Episode 21, “Coming to Homerica,” is the episode we used the most in reference, because it features the Mother Nature Burger that we reference several times in this LEGO set. The “Ribwich” from Season 14, Episode 12, “I'm Spelling as Fast as I Can,” is also featured.

Other referenced episodes of note include:

  • Season 6, Episode 15, “Homie the Clown” – Homer performs at a Krusty Burger
  • Season 12, Episode 13, “Day of the Jackanapes” – Bart and Sideshow Bob go to the Krusty Burger.
  • Season 10, Episode 1, Lard of the Dance” – Homer tries to sell grease from the restaurant.
  • Season 7, Episode 15, “Bart the Fink” – Features the IRS Burger takeover.
  • Season 19, Episode 1, “He Loves to Fly and He D'ohs” – Homer hides in the Krusty Zone ball pit.
  • Season 15, Episode 10, “Diatribe of a Mad Housewife” – Shows the Krusty Burger drive thru sign.
  • Season 21, Episode 4, "Treehouse of Horror XX" – Features the Krusty Burger in “Don't Have a Cow, Mankind.”

What's your favorite deep cut Easter Egg in the build?

Healy: Above the Krusty Burger drive-thru window, there is a kitchen display screen, showing that someone has placed an order for 700 burgers. This is a reference to the Season 5 episode “Boy-Scoutz 'n the Hood,” in which Krusty has unwisely opened a Krusty Burger oil rig in the middle of the sea.

What was the most challenging aspect of designing this build? How were you able to overcome it?

Healy: The most rewarding challenge of designing this set was building the Krusty Burger Sign with LEGO bricks. The IP partner paid a lot of attention to the proportions of Krusty’s face within the sign, giving us reference material and tips on how to best capture his likeness. We even got hand-drawn doodles of the Krusty the Clown from them! One of my model-designer colleagues used to work as an illustrator and used his skills to capture Krusty’s features in brick-form even more accurately.

In addition, it was challenging to get the heavy Krusty Burger sign to stand up and remain stable on a single axle. Our Element Lead on the design project suggested we use a new element she was developing, an axle sleeve, to increase the weight the rod could hold upright. This new element did the trick.

The most rewarding challenge of designing this set was building the Krusty Burger Sign with LEGO bricks.

Is this a one-off revival of the Simpsons brand? Or is this the beginning of a longer partnership, where we can expect to see more LEGO Simpsons themed sets in the near future?

Healy: I cannot speculate on future products, per the LEGO Group’s and our partners' policies. Nonetheless, as a huge Simpsons fan myself, I am hopeful that fans have a positive response to this set!

LEGO The Simpsons: Krusty Burger, Set #10352, retails for $209.99, and it is composed of 1635 pieces. You can purchase it on June 4 for the general public, or starting on June 1 for LEGO Insiders. You can sign up for LEGO Insiders for free here. And stay tuned! We will be building, photographing, and reviewing LEGO Krusty Burger later this month,

Kevin Wong is a contributing freelancer for IGN, specializing in LEGO. He's also been published in Complex, Engadget, Gamespot, Kotaku, and more. Follow him on Twitter at @kevinjameswong.

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Elden Ring: Nightreign Gets Seamless Co-Op & Unlocked Framerate Mods

Elden Ring: Nightreign has just been released on PC, and the first cool mods for it have appeared online. So, let’s take a closer look at them. If you didn’t know, NIGHTREIGN is a brand-new game set in the same world as ELDEN RING, but it’s a standalone title. That means you don’t need to … Continue reading Elden Ring: Nightreign Gets Seamless Co-Op & Unlocked Framerate Mods

The post Elden Ring: Nightreign Gets Seamless Co-Op & Unlocked Framerate Mods appeared first on DSOGaming.

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Aussie Streaming Guide: The Best TV & Movies for June 2025

As the chill of June sets in, it's the perfect time to trade spreadsheets for screenplays. Instead of navigating the labyrinth of endless options across Australia's six major streaming platforms, we've curated a selection of standout films and series to warm your winter nights.

From award-winning dramas to binge-worthy series, this guide is your ticket to the month's must-watch content. So, grab your favourite blanket, silence those notifications, and dive into a world of entertainment tailored just for you.

Table of Contents

New in June on Foxtel and Binge

TV litter pick: Mix Tape – 12 Jun : Former teenage sweethearts reconnect decades later through shared musical memories, reigniting past emotions and questions about their future.

Movie litter pick: Wicked – 26 Jun : Explores the origin story of Elphaba and Glinda, two witches whose friendship and destinies shape the Land of Oz.

What notable movies are coming to Binge?

  • Rewriting Trump – 1 Jun
  • Smile 2 – 4 Jun
  • Anora – 11 Jun
  • Wicked – 26 Jun

What notable series are coming to Binge?

  • Great Canadian Bake Off S8 – 3 Jun
  • Mr Loverman – 4 Jun
  • Below Deck S12 – 10 Jun
  • Mix Tape – 12 Jun
  • Revival – 13 Jun
  • Love It Or List It NZ – 25 Jun
  • Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico – 27 Jun

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New in June on Netflix

TV litter pick: Squid Game S03 – 27 Jun : An animated journey through Pharrell Williams' life, showcasing his musical evolution and creative milestones.

Movie litter pick: Piece By Piece – 7 Jun : Contestants engage in deadly games for a cash prize, revealing human nature's darkest facets.

What notable movies are coming to Netflix?

  • Power Moves with Shaquille O’Neal – 4 Jun
  • Piece By Piece – 7 Jun
  • Titan: The Oceangate Disaster – 11 Jun
  • The Waterfront – 19 Jun
  • KPop Demon Hunters – 20 Jun

What notable series are coming to Netflix?

  • Ginny and Georgia S03 – 5 Jun
  • The Survivors – 6 Jun
  • Fubar S02 – 12 Jun
  • The Fairly Oddparents: A New Wish S02 – 12 Jun
  • Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders S02 – 18 Jun
  • The Ultimatum: Queer Love S02 – 25 Jun
  • Squid Game S03 – 27 Jun

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New in June on Disney+

TV litter pick: The Bear S04 – 26 Jun : Chef Carmy and his team navigate the pressures of the culinary world, striving for excellence amidst chaos.

Movie litter pick: Ironheart – 25 Jun : Teen genius Riri Williams builds her own advanced suit of armor, stepping into the superhero world.

What notable movies are coming to Disney+?

  • Predator: Killer of Killers – 6 Jun
  • Ocean with David Attenborough – 8 Jun
  • Call Her Alex – 10 Jun
  • Ironheart – 25 Jun

What notable series are coming to Disney+?

  • Call Her Alex – 10 Jun
  • The Bear S04 – 26 Jun

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New in June on Apple TV+

TV litter pick: Stick – 4 Jun : A sports dramedy following a former hockey star's return to coaching, blending humor with heartfelt moments.

Movie litter pick: Echo Valley – 13 Jun : A suspenseful thriller where a mother confronts dark secrets to protect her daughter from a dangerous past.

What notable movies are on Apple TV+?

  • Echo Valley – 13 Jun

What notable series are coming to Apple TV+?

  • Stick – 4 Jun
  • The Buccaneers S02 – 18 Jun
  • Smoke – 27 Jun

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New in June on Amazon Prime Video

TV litter pick: Babygirl – 3 Jun : A provocative drama exploring a young woman's journey through love, betrayal, and self-discovery.

Movie litter pick: Deep Cover – 12 Jun : An undercover agent infiltrates a drug cartel, facing moral dilemmas and identity crises.

What notable movies are coming to Prime Video?

  • Babygirl – 3 Jun
  • Nascar to Le Mans – 12 Jun
  • Deep Cover – 12 Jun
  • Beyond After – 24 Jun

What notable series are coming to Prime Video?

  • We Were Liars S01 – 18 Jun
  • Countdown S01 – 25 Jun
  • Marry My Husband – 27 Jun

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New in June on Stan

TV litter pick: This City Is Ours – 4 Jun : A gritty crime drama delving into power struggles and corruption within a city's law enforcement.

Movie litter pick: The Surfer – 15 Jun : A psychological thriller featuring a man confronting his past while facing surreal challenges on a remote beach.

What notable movies are coming to Stan?

  • The Surfer – 15 Jun
  • Joh: The Last King of Queensland – 22 Jun

What notable series are coming to Stan?

  • This City Is Ours – 4 Jun
  • Black Mafia Family S04 – 6 Jun
  • The Gold S02 – 9 Jun
  • Alone S12 – 13 Jun
  • Hal and Harper – 26 Jun

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IGN is now on Flash, live and on demand. Stream the latest and trending news for video games, interviews, videos, and wikis. Check it out here.

Adam Mathew is our Aussie streaming savant. He also games on YouTube.

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Here is some concept art from EA’s canceled Black Panther

Last week, EA decided to cancel the Black Panther game that Cliffhanger Games has been working on. And from the looks of it, some concept art from it has been leaked online. Black Panther was meant to be a single-player, third-person action-adventure. From what we know, the game would let players explore the world of … Continue reading Here is some concept art from EA’s canceled Black Panther

The post Here is some concept art from EA’s canceled Black Panther appeared first on DSOGaming.

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Stellar Blade – 4K, 8K & DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Gen Benchmarks

Shift Up has just released the PC demo for Stellar Blade. The demo supports DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Gen, and is protected by the Denuvo anti-tamper tech. As such, it will give you a pretty good idea of how the full version will run. Thus, we’ve decided to test the game on the NVIDIA RTX 5090 … Continue reading Stellar Blade – 4K, 8K & DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Gen Benchmarks

The post Stellar Blade – 4K, 8K & DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Gen Benchmarks appeared first on DSOGaming.

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Stranger Things Season 5 Release Dates Revealed Alongside New Teaser Trailer

Netflix has not only revealed a new teaser trailer for the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, but it revealed the new episodes will be released in three batches - Volume 1 on November 26 at 5pm PT, Volume 2 on Christmas (December 25) at 5pm PT, and The Finale on New Year's Eve (December 31) at 5pm PT.

Volume 1 of Stranger Things' fifth season will contain four episodes, Volume 2 will have three, and the finale will be its own singular event. These episodes will be released worldwide at the same time, and you can see when they drop in your region right here.

The fight isn’t over yet. Get ready for the epic series finale of Stranger Things.

Volume 1: November 26, 5pm PT*
Volume 2: Christmas, 5pm PT*
The Finale: New Year's Eve, 5pm PT*

*releasing worldwide all at once, date may vary based on your local timezone #TUDUM pic.twitter.com/HladehlYiE

— Netflix Tudum (@NetflixTudum) June 1, 2025

As for what those episodes will be about, Netflix has shared the following;

“The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna," The official description reads. "But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown. Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding.

"As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time."

Netflix previously revealed the episode titles of Stranger Things Season 5, and they will arrive over three years after the finale of Season 4.

For more, check out the burning questions we still have from Stranger Things Season 4 and everything else announced during Netflix Tudum 2025.

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

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Netflix Tudum 2025: Everything Announced

Netflix Tudum 2025 has revealed a ton of exciting details about the most-anticipated shows and movies heading to the streamer in the future, including when Stranger Things Season 5 will arrive, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery's release date, and Squid Game's Season 3 trailer.

There were a ton of announcements during the Netflix Tudum 2025 livestream, and we've gathered all the big news right here to ensure you don't miss a thing!

Stranger Things Season 5 Release Dates Revealed Alongside New Teaser Trailer

The fight isn’t over yet. Get ready for the epic series finale of Stranger Things.

Volume 1: November 26, 5pm PT*
Volume 2: Christmas, 5pm PT*
The Finale: New Year's Eve, 5pm PT*

*releasing worldwide all at once, date may vary based on your local timezone #TUDUM pic.twitter.com/HladehlYiE

— Netflix Tudum (@NetflixTudum) June 1, 2025

Netflix has revealed that the fifth and final season of Stranger Things will be released in three batches - Volume 1 on November 26 at 5pm PT, Volume 2 on Christmas (December 25) at 5pm PT, and The Finale on New Year's Eve (December 31) at 5pm PT.

As for what those episodes will be about, Netflix has shared the following alongside a short teaser you can see above;

“The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna," The official description reads. "But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown. Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding.

"As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time."

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Release Date Revealed

XII.XII.MMXXV. Thou shalt be seated.

Save the date for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the newest Benoit Blanc whodunnit from Rian Johnson, fresh off its announcement at #TUDUM. pic.twitter.com/Ihw0Nn8LW4

— Netflix Tudum (@NetflixTudum) June 1, 2025

Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery's latest teaser trailer not only revealed more about Benoit Blanc's latest adventure, but it also shared it will arrive on Netflix on December 12, 2025.

We don't know much about this new mystery yet, but Blanc himself has described this as his "most dangerous case yet." What we do know is that Daniel Craig's Blanc will be joined by Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.

Squid Game Season 3 Trailer Teases the Final Games

Every game must come to an end.

Squid Game. The final season. June 27. #TUDUM pic.twitter.com/WmNWe6Gd0D

— Netflix Tudum (@NetflixTudum) June 1, 2025

Squid Game Season 3 is set to debut on Netflix on June 27, and Tudum shared with the world a new trailer that showcases what these final games have in in store for Lee Jung-jae's Gi-hun and more.

“The new season will focus on what Gi-hun can and will do after all his efforts fail,” series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk said. "He is in utter despair after losing everything and watching all his efforts go in
vain. The story then takes an interesting turn, questioning whether Gi-hun can overcome his shame and rise again to prove that values of humanity — like conscience and kindness — can exist in the arena.”

Netflix Reveals the First Six Minutes of Wednesday Season 2

Make yourself uncomfortable.

Here’s the first 6 minutes of Wednesday Season 2. #TUDUM pic.twitter.com/Vcotl0HV3J

— Netflix Tudum (@NetflixTudum) June 1, 2025

Netflix has released the first six minutes of Wednesday Season 2, which is set to debut in two parts on August 6 and September 3. Alongside a look at every Easter Egg hidden in the footage you can see above, Netflix also confirmed that Lady Gaga will guest star in Wednesday Season 2 Part 2 as Rosaline Rotwood - a "legendary Nevermore teacher who crosses paths with Wednesday."

Happy Gilmore 2 Trailer Reveals More of the Sequel That's Nearly 30 Years in the Making

Summer just got happy-er. Adam Sandler stars in Happy Gilmore 2 arriving July 25 #TUDUM pic.twitter.com/lEHgAN5J3H

— Netflix Tudum (@NetflixTudum) June 1, 2025

It's been nearly 30 years since Happy Gilmore was released, and Netflix is celebrating by revealing a big trailer for the sequel that is set to be released on July 25. Netflix also revealed some of the cast we can expect to see join Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore, including Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, Christopher McDonald, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (Bad Bunny), Sadie and Sunny Sandler, and Blake Clark.

Professional golfers like John Daly, Paige Spiranac, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, and Will Zalatoris will also be joining the fray.

Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein Gets a Teaser Trailer That Shows Off Oscar Isaac's Victor Frankenstein and the 'Misbegotten Creature He's Created'

Only Monsters Play God. Frankenstein, a film by Guillermo del Toro, is on Netflix this November. #TUDUM pic.twitter.com/tqowqZ3dXC

— Netflix Tudum (@NetflixTudum) June 1, 2025

Academy Award winner Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, which is an adaptation of Mary Shelley's iconic novel, got a new teaser trailer that shows off Oscar Isaac's Victor Frankenstein and the "misbegotten creature (Jacob Elordi) he's created."

Alongside a glimpse at these film that will be released in November, fans of del Toro's work will note "plenty of familiar imagery in the new teaser, from Isaac’s Victor standing on a decaying staircase holding a candelabra (see: Crimson Peak) to a blood-red angelic figure surrounded in flames (see: the Angel of Death in Hellboy II: The Golden Army, the blue Wood Sprite and the sphinxlike Death in Pinocchio, and even the Faun in Pan’s Labyrinth)."

One Piece Season 2 Trailer Reveals the First Look at Tony Tony Chopper

ATTENTION ALL PIRATES! 🏴‍☠️ The doctor is in!

Tony Tony Chopper, voiced by the incredible Mikaela Hoover, made a show-stopping appearance at #TUDUM along with the Straw Hat Crew!

⛵ 🌊 One Piece Season 2 sets sail in 2026. pic.twitter.com/F5SV207ybS

— Netflix Tudum (@NetflixTudum) June 1, 2025

The latest trailer for Season 2 of One Piece has arrived and it has given us our first look at Tony Tony Chopper, who is voiced by Mikaela Hoover (Beef, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and Superman).

For those unfamiliar, Chopper is a blue-nosed reindeer-boy hybrid and is able to treat various illnesses and wants to travel the world and cure all the diseases that pop up.

“What excited me about playing Chopper is the tug of war between his standoffishness and his huge heart,” Hoover told Tudum. “He tries so hard to hide his emotions and put on a tough exterior, but underneath, he’s a big softy, and his love can’t help but come out.

“I believe there is a little Chopper in all of us,” she adds. “We all want to be loved and accepted. We go to great lengths to keep the people that we love safe. There’s a purity to his nature that reminds us of what’s good in the world.”

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Team Up For The Rip

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are teaming up again for Joe Carnahan's The Rip, a film about a team of Miami cops who discover millions of dollars stored in a derelict stash house. As "outside forces learn about the size of the seizure, everything is called into question - including who they can rely on."

"The Rip came out of a deeply personal experience that my friend went through, both as a father and as head of tactical narcotics for the Miami Dade police department,” Carnahan explains. “It's inspired in part by his life and then, by my enduring love for those classic ‘70's cop thrillers that really valued the character and interpersonal relationships and became touchstones of that era — films like Serpico and Prince of The City and more recently, Michael Mann's Heat.”

The Rip will be released on January 16, 2026, and Damon and Affleck will be joined by Steven Yeun, Kyle Chandler, Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Sasha Calle.

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

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Luke Skywalker Actor Mark Hamill Officially Rules Out Star Wars Return: 'There's No Way I'm Gonna Appear as a Naked Force Ghost'

If you were wondering whether Mark Hamill might play Luke Skywalker once again as a Force ghost, think again. The legendary actor has ruled out a return to the world famous sci-fi franchise, saying it’s now time for Star Wars to move past legacy characters and focus on the future.

In an interview with ComicBook.com to promote his new movie, The Life of Chuck, 73-year-old Hamill was asked about a potential return as Luke’s Force ghost in upcoming Rey-led Star Wars movie, New Jedi Order. His answer was loud and clear: no chance. After all, Luke left his robes behind in 2017's The Last Jedi.

“I am so grateful to George [Lucas] for letting me be a part of that back in the day, the humble days when George called Star Wars ‘the most expensive low-budget movie ever made,’” Hamill replied.

“We never expected it to become a permanent franchise and a part of pop culture like that. But my deal is, I had my time. I’m appreciative of that, but I really think they should focus on the future and all the new characters.

“And by the way, when I disappeared in [The Last Jedi], I left my robes behind. And there’s no way I’m gonna appear as a naked Force ghost.”

Rey, however, is set to return to the world of Star Wars in the Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy-directed sequel to the universally panned Star Wars: Episode 9 - The Rise of Skywalker. It will tell the story of Rey as she looks to rebuild the Jedi Order roughly 15 years after the events of that film.

In truth, we know next to nothing about New Jedi Order. In January 2024, speaking to AlloCiné, Ridley teased a little more about her new film: "Once I knew what the story was and everything, I knew that it was something I really wanted to do," she said. “I think it's a really fantastic exploration of the Star Wars world. It's a really cool way of taking the story on in a bit of a different direction."

In the shorter term, The Mandalorian and Grogu is due out 2026. Star Wars: Starfighter, Shawn Levy's Star Wars movie starring Ryan Gosling, is due out in 2027.

At 2023's Star Wars Celebration, Lucasfilm announced three new Star Wars feature films: a Dave Filoni-directed New Republic film set in his Mando-verse, a Dawn of the Jedi movie led by James Mangold, and the aforementioned New Jedi Order.

There is still so much that can and will change when it comes to upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows. But what we can be sure of is Mark Hamill playing Force Luke won’t be a part of them.

Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images.

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

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Elden Ring Nightreign Matchmaking Not Working? FromSoftware Has Some Suggestions

FromSoftware has acknowledged matchmaking issues on Elden Ring Nightreign during its first weekend, and offered suggestions to players affected.

Today, May 31, FromSoftware tweeted to address players who were struggling to find other players when launching an expedition in the multiplayer Elden Ring spin-off. If you do, try restarting the matchmaking process, FromSoftware suggested. That’s not a great help, admittedly, but at least we know the developer is aware of the problem. “Thank you for your patience and understanding,” it added.

FromSoftware followed that social post with another, this time acknowledging issues on PlayStation consoles specifically. Those on PS4 and PS5 who are having difficulty matchmaking should check their NAT type, FromSoftware said. “NAT type 3 may affect matchmaking on PSN,” it explained.

  • Check your NAT type with the following steps:
  • Home > Settings > Network > Connection Status > Check Connection Status

There is no specific advice for Xbox at this time.

Yesterday, producer Yasuhiro Kitao took to social media to comment on Elden Ring Nightreign’s early sales success (2 million units in its first day).

“Nightreign has some peculiar aspects to its game design and is different from our recent titles in various ways,” Kitao said. “Nonetheless, many of you have bravely jumped into this world, and for that we're immensely grateful.

“As with Demon's Souls or Sekiro, it may be confounding at first, but just like those games, Nightreign offers its own challenges and experiences. Once you overcome the initial hurdle, it'll surely provide a sense of accomplishment that's also its very own.

“We hope you enjoy it.”

So, what might this tweet be about, specifically? Well, Nightreign is still on a ‘mixed’ user review rating on Steam, with much of the negative sentiment revolving around its brutal solo experience, its lack of duos co-op, lack of voice chat, and other archaic mechanics. That age-old multiplayer struggle to find enough friends to make up a coordinated three-player group is very much a part of the Elden Ring Nightreign experience, too. A patch to make solo play easier is due out next week.

As explained in IGN's Elden Ring Nightreign review: "Let’s get the most important caveat out of the way first: if you are hoping to tackle Nightreign entirely solo, and are anything less than a hardcore Elden Ring player that actively seeks out ways to make that already difficult game even more challenging, Nightreign isn’t for you. Yes, there is technically a single-player option, but it is so poorly balanced that I would be shocked if it isn’t patched and adjusted within the first month of release. And this is coming from someone who lives and breathes these types of games."

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.

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.

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Deals for Today: Score 75% Off a Great Streaming Mic Plus Big Savings on Controllers and Father’s Day Gifts

While there may not be as many sales today as last weekend for Memorial Day, there are still many deals to be had. Whether you’re after a plug-and-play mic to take your streaming game up a level or want a new controller for your PS5, we’re seeing some deep discounts. With Father’s Day only a couple of weeks away, maybe you’re looking to snag a great gift for the father figures in your life? Portable chargers, a grill set, or even a new lawn mower might be right up their alley. Check out all the best deals we’ve found today:

TL;DR: Deals for Today

Pokémon Destined Rivals is here, and we’re already seeing chase cards crash in value, leaving some with pre-order regrets. But that means you can just grab some single cards rather than shelling out a ton on booster packs. Still want a sealed pack? We’ve got you. Plus, there’s a Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Bundle pre-order available from Walmart that’s not a bad deal.

PlayStation DualSense Controller

The controller that comes packaged with the PlayStation 5 is at its lowest price of the year, setting you back under $55 for 27% savings. This wireless gamepad is comfortable to use, compatible with a range of gaming devices, and full of reliable controls. Haptics and adaptive triggers are baked in, amplifying your playing experience further. Plus, you can remap buttons, customizing the controls to give you a leg up in certain games.

JLab Talk Pro USB Mic

Kick your game streams up a notch, as the JLab Talk Pro USB Mic is on sale for over 77% off on Woot, making it just $34.99. This plug-and-play microphone is easy to set up and features four directional patterns. Whether you’re looking to record podcasts and music or take phone calls and do ASMR, it’ll be the perfect partner. Sound quality will even be optimized for whatever you’re recording, and the mic features volume and gain controls, ensuring you come across crystal clear.

Cuisinart 13-Piece Wooden Grill Tool Set

Summer means it’s grilling season, so it’s always a good idea to have a grill tool set on hand. Right now, Cuisinart has a great deal on a high-quality set for just $23.99. The reputable brand includes all the barbecue essentials in the kit, like a spatula, grill fork, cleaning brush, and tongs. Each of the tools features a sturdy wooden handle and stainless steel for a premium look and feel, while a case is included for safe storage. If you’re on the hunt for a Father’s Day gift, it also makes a great gift for those hard-to-buy-for dads and father figures.

Metaphor: ReFantazio PS4 & PS5

PlayStation’s Days of Play sale is still in full swing, offering discounts up to 75% on top games. While countless titles are included in this sale, we’re particularly excited about Metaphor: ReFantazio. This action-packed adventure takes place in the medieval fantasy realm of Euchronia, where you’re on a journey to save a cursed prince and determine a new king in a Royal Tournament. It deals with social and political issues, mirroring the real-world issues we’re facing. Right now, you can grab it for only $45.49, saving you $24.50.

bella PRO 10.5-qt. Touchscreen 5-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer

Whether you live in an apartment or just don’t have a way to grill outside, bella PRO offers an airfryer that brings the grill inside, and it does a whole lot more than that. It has a spacious 10.5-qt capacity, five cooking modes, and eight presets to make everything from fish and chicken to bread and fries. When it comes to grilling, the temperature is adjustable up to a toasty 500°F, allowing for the searing and char-grilled marks you expect from a BBQ. Best of all, $100 has been knocked off the price tag, so it’s only $69.99 for a limited time.

Five Nights at Freddy's: Tales from the Pizzaplex Graphic Novel Collection Vol. 1

If you’re a fan of the horror video game, Five Nights at Freddy’s, a new graphic novel series from the creator, Scott Cawthon, is already discounted to the low price of just $8.90. This volume brings some horrifying and detailed comics to the story from the bestselling series Five Nights at Freddy's: Tales from the Pizzaplex, featuring the under-construction section of Freddy Fazbear's Mega Pizzaplex, a Tube Maze, and some chaos.

EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Kit

It’s lawn mowing season, and battery-powered lawn mowers are beginning to take the reign from their gas-powered counterparts. You might think that these electric mowers offer less oomph, but the EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Kit will prove you wrong. It’s self-propelled, has a multicut blade system, and runs for 60 minutes on a single charge. A second battery is even included, so you can keep mowing while the other battery charges. Right now, you can grab this kit for its lowest price ever, $599.99. That’s 43% off.

Charmast Portable Charger with Built in Cables

Portable chargers are great and all, but if you forget the right cord, they’re pretty useless. Charmast fixes this problem by offering a 10,000mAh power bank with USB-C, Lightning, and MicroUSB cables built in, so it’s ready to top off just about any device. Plus, there’s a USB-A cord for charging up the power bank. Each of the cables also has a slot for storage on the portable charger, preventing anything from getting snagged when on the go. Now is the time to buy, too, as it’s back to its lowest price, costing just under $20.

Pokémon Destined Rivals Sealed Products and Single Cards

After the best market value on Pokémon Destined Rivals sealed products? Some great deals are available from TCG Player, as big box stores continue to hike up the prices.

Don’t want to deal with the ripping open boosters to find a chase card? TCG Player has a bunch of single cards available, and the prices continue to fluctuate as I write this.

MTG Final Fantasy Pre Order

Pre-orders for MTG Final Fantasy continue to pop up occasionally at retailers, but selection is pretty limited at the moment. However, this bundle from Walmart is an excellent deal ahead of the launch in a couple of weeks.

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