Rematch launched without crossplay because of 'unforeseen technical complexities' and Sloclap is sorry, but it's a hit on Steam anyway
© Sloclap
© Sloclap
© Wowhead / Blizzard Entertainment
© XSEED, Marvelous
© Bohemia Interactive
© Crytek
© Funcom
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.
The Lenovo Legion Go is a Windows-based gaming handheld that's powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU with Radeon graphics and 16GB RAM, which is the same configuration as the one found in the $700 Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme or ROG Ally X. The Legion Go also boasts a a bigger and sharper 8.8" 2560x1600 144Hz IPS touchscreen display and detachable controllers like the Nintendo Switch. Since the Legion Go operates off Windows 11, it works with most PC game clients, including Steam, Origin, Ubisoft, Epic Games, Genshin Impact, Battle.net, and more.
In Jacqueline Thomas' Lenovo Legion Go review, she wrote that "it is easily the best handheld gaming PC on the market right now as measured by screen size, horsepower, and USB-C port placement, but there are some caveats. It's absolutely massive, and the 1600p display is more than even this powerhouse chip can handle. That means you're going to have to spend some time tinkering with – and specifically lowering – quality settings to get your games running properly. Even then the battery life isn’t great, and naturally you’re paying a premium over the Steam Deck OLED for the bigger display, a full Windows 11 license, and extra oomph. But if you love the idea of the Switch, where you can remove the controllers, prop the screen up on a beefy kickstand, and sit back and enjoy? This is the one for you."
After the article was written, the Asus ROG Ally X was released and competes with the Legion Go for the title of "best gaming handheld". However, the Ally X is much more expensive: right now it sits at $899.99 on Best Buy, or $400 more than the Legion Go. The Legion Go is definitely a much better value for the price.
If you end up getting this deal, we'd recommend picking up a portable power bank for extended travels and a Micro SD card. We've compared the Steam Deck to the ROG Ally and although the Legion Go isn't mentioned, the article gives you a good idea of the major differences between a Steam-based and Windows-based gaming handheld.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 offers a three-day free trial that allows you to take the live TV streaming service for a spin. This is one of the overall best streaming free trials because it gets you a bundle of services. It is quite a bit shorter than the standard Hulu free trial of 30 days, but it's a great way to test it out over the weekend.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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..
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 delivers serious performance for gamers ready to step into high-end territory without going overboard. Priced at $2,099.99 with a 5% coupon currently available on Amazon, this build features an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU and a Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, making it well-equipped for smooth gameplay at 1440p and capable 4K performance. It also includes 32GB of fast DDR5-5600 RAM, a 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD for quick load times, and an 850W Gold-rated PSU to ensure stable power delivery. The system comes preloaded with Windows 11 Home, built-in Wi-Fi, and even includes an RGB keyboard and mouse to complete your setup.
If you need a budget-friendly power bank for your new Nintendo Switch 2, this deal is hard to beat. Amazon currently has the INIU 10,000mAh 22.5W USB power bank on sale for just $11.87 when you clip the 10% off coupon and use promo code F4M479K9 at checkout. That’s a 56% discount off its $26.99 list price. This compact charger can fully juice up a Switch 2 about 1.5 times and offers three outputs—including a 22.5W USB-C port with Power Delivery 3.0 for fast charging, plus two USB-A QuickCharge 4 ports. With over 18,000 Amazon reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it’s a reliable pick that rivals pricier options like Anker. It’s also TSA-compliant and travel-friendly thanks to its slim 10,000mAh capacity.
Celebrate IGN Live 2025 with a Humble Bundle packed with critically acclaimed games, all while supporting a great cause. For just $22, you can unlock a collection of eight PC titles worth $239, including fan favorites like Slay the Spire, The Medium, art of rally, Old World, and Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator. Whether you're into strategic turn-based combat in Wartales, mystical adventures in Black Book, or fast-paced action in Bloodroots, this bundle has something for every kind of gamer. All proceeds benefit Child’s Play, a charity that brings games and technology to children in hospitals around the world. Redeemable on Steam and available across multiple platforms, this deal is only live for a limited time.
Available now for pre-order, the Woodkid for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach 2LP vinyl features 16 original tracks composed by Woodkid for the upcoming sequel to Hideo Kojima’s acclaimed Death Stranding. Set to release on September 26, 2025, this deluxe edition includes collaborations with Elle Fanning and Bryce Dessner, alongside ethereal vocals from the Suginami Junior Chorus. Pressed on two translucent ultra-clear vinyl records, the soundtrack is packaged in printed sleeves and housed in a metallic case featuring official game artwork, wrapped with a translucent belly band..
Kirby’s back with a fresh upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2 in a reworked version of Kirby and the Forgotten Land. This enhanced edition features smoother performance, higher resolution, and a brand new post-meteor storyline with extra Mouthful Modes. It’s the same colorful 3D platforming adventure, complete with abandoned malls, mystery-filled ruins, and chaotic boss fights, now with expanded content and improved visuals. You can even team up with a friend in local co-op to save the Waddle Dees and rebuild their town together.
With a Nintendo Direct dropping for Donkey Kong Bananza tommorow, it's a good time to make sure you've got the Mario Odyssey-esque 3D platformer secured for day one. This physical edition has the full game on the cart and is giving DK the kind of 3D platforming love it's been missing since the Nintendo 64 days.
FiGGYZ are a new line of 4.3-inch pixel art collectibles that snap into place with magnets and feature characters from major franchises like Sonic, Street Fighter, and Banjo & Kazooie. They're compact enough for desks or shelves, and every release includes a chance at rare gold, silver, and bronze variants with drop rates as low as 1%. A clean, fun option for collectors who want to show off their favorite characters without clutter.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail gets the 4K UHD treatment in this limited edition SteelBook release, celebrating 50 years of absurdity. Follow King Arthur and his coconut-clopping knights on their chaotic quest for the Holy Grail, now with upgraded Dolby Vision visuals and Atmos audio. This edition includes a tribute feature with comedians and fans, plus a bonus “Near-Theatrical” HD cut of the film.
Humble’s Badass Brawlers Bundle serves up seven beat-’em-ups for just $16, with a total value of $179. Highlights include River City Girls 2 with four-player co-op, the kaiju-smashing Dawn of the Monsters, and cult favorite Double Dragon Neon. Other picks like Full Metal Furies, Final Vendetta, and Young Souls round out a solid lineup of co-op-friendly, side-scrolling brawlers. All games redeem on Steam, and proceeds help support the charity SpecialEffect.
These self-adhesive hook and loop cable ties from MUTOTO are a simple solution for tidying up cords around the house or office. Each pack includes 40 grey straps made from durable nylon with strong back glue, making them ideal for desks, entertainment centers, or kitchen setups. They’re adjustable, reusable, and easy to apply with no tools needed. Just stick, wrap, and adjust as needed. Be mindful when using on painted walls though, as the adhesive may cause damage if removed too soon.
Anker’s 4-in-1 HDMI Switch lets you connect up to four devices to a single display, making it easier to swap between your console, PC, or projector setup. It supports 4K at 60Hz with HDR, Dolby, and DTS compatibility for crisp, lag-free viewing. The included remote allows for quick input switching, though you’ll need to supply your own batteries and charger. It’s a compact, reliable pick for anyone looking to simplify their entertainment or workstation setup.
This 3-pack of JSAUX tempered glass screen protectors is made specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2 and offers full edge-to-edge coverage without removing the pre-applied film. Each protector features 9H hardness to guard against scratches and drops, and the included guide frame makes installation quick and bubble-free.
This Switch 2 case isn't a chunk, protects all the buttons including the shoulders and triggers and has been tested for drops and bumps that are bound to happen. It also has an inlay to store up to 12 carts, so it ticks all my boxes.
So this Master Sword replica is made of ABS and has sound effects alongside some iconic themes from across the Legend of Zelda mainline game series. The cuttons to activate it all are easy to reach when holding it, and in all honesty it sounds so cool. Just don't go hitting your mate over the head with it, I reckon It would still hurt!
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.
This Humble Bundle highlights seven story-rich indie games for $20, with a total value of $162. Titles include Harold Halibut, a stop-motion-style adventure; Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out, a myth-driven survival strategy game; and SEASON: A letter to the future, a reflective travel narrative. Also in the bundle are Dustborn, Mutazione, Venba, and Frank and Drake, each offering unique perspectives and storytelling formats. Purchases support the It Gets Better Project, and you can choose to pay more or less depending on the number of games you want.
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.
This beast is the first Dual UHD gaming monitor, combining two UHD screens into one curved 1000R display and its $450 off. It supports a 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, with DisplayPort 2.1 for full performance. Quantum Mini LED backlighting with DisplayHDR 1000 and 2,392 local dimming zones delivers strong contrast and color accuracy. You also get ergonomic adjustments, CoreSync ambient lighting, and features like Picture-by-Picture for multitasking. Just note: full DUHD at 240Hz requires a compatible graphics card with DP 2.1 or HDMI 2.1 support.
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 drops you into the brutal heart of 15th century Bohemia, and right now the PS5 version is just $47.99, down from $69.99. You play as Henry, a blacksmith’s son caught in a fight for survival, revenge, and rebellion. With over five hours of cinematic storytelling, a massive open world, and intense first-person melee combat, this sequel builds on everything that made the original a cult hit. Whether you're swordfighting, smithing, or trying to navigate life in a war-torn land, this is medieval roleplaying at its most immersive.
This limited-edition DOOM The Dark Ages art print is a must for fans of the Slayer's latest crusade. Officially licensed and hand-numbered out of 995 copies, it's printed on high-quality art paper and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Produced by one of the UK’s oldest commercial printers, the A3-sized piece measures 11.69 x 16.53 inches and captures the brutal tone of the game perfectly. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping expected in July 2025.
Power Up Pride Game Bundle brings together seven standout indie titles for just $13, with all games yours to keep. You’ll find cozy village life in Echoes of the Plum Grove, charming shop sim gameplay in Sticky Business, and emotional storytelling in titles like Haven and A Normal Lost Phone. It’s a solid mix of narrative-driven adventures, life sims, and visual novels, all picked for their unique stories and engaging mechanics. Great value, great games, and a portion of your purchase supports charity through Xperience Studios.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Earlier this month, Epic Games released Unreal Engine 5.6. This new version of UE5 promises to offer major performance improvements. So, below you can find a comparison video between the UE5.4 and UE5.6 versions of the Paris Tech Demo. For those unaware, Unreal Engine 5.6 brings big improvements to how it handles Hardware Ray Tracing … Continue reading Take a look at the performance improvements of Unreal Engine 5.6 →
The post Take a look at the performance improvements of Unreal Engine 5.6 appeared first on DSOGaming.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As a general rule of thumb, you want to size your gaming rig based on (1) the resolution, not size, of your monitor and (2) the games you play. A 4K monitor has 2.25 times more pixels than a QHD (2560x1440) monitor and 4 times more pixels than a 1080p (1920x1080) monitor. Simply put, the more pixels on your monitor, the more power your GPU needs. Some games are also more performance intensive than other games, but that's often scalable by tweaking your settings. This is a rough recommendation:
If you have a gaming PC already and want to simply upgrade the GPU yourself, check out our picks for the best graphics cards in 2025.
Consoles may have come a long way in terms of graphical improvements, but gaming PCs still remain uncontested when it comes to absolute technical performance. A PS5 Pro might be the most powerful console ever created, but it seems antiquated compared to the likes of a PC equipped with a GeForce RTX 5090 video card. Unlike consoles, gaming PCs are also infinitely backwards compatible, and the thousands upon thousands of games available at your disposal via Steam, Xbox Live, Origin, Battle.net, and more puts any console library to shame. Even better, most games that are released for the current gen consoles are often also available for the PC as well, often with even more extensive customization and graphics options.
Gaming laptops have become more and more popular in recent years, but they certainly don't make gaming PCs obsolete. First and foremost, a gaming laptop simply isn't as powerful as an equivalently priced gaming PC. Gaming laptops require more delicate (and thus more expensive) engineering; because the laptop is such a compact form factor, and gaming components generally draw a lot of power and generate a lot of heat, compromises need to be made. The most powerful gaming laptops are about as powerful as a mid-range gaming PC. The highest end gaming PCs use video cards that are larger and heavier than your average laptop and can draw up to 600W of power all by itself. If you're on the fence between getting one or the other, you will have to weigh your priorities. If you want to know more, check out our in-depth article on the gaming laptop vs gaming desktop dilemma. If price isn't a factor and you're only concerned about getting the best PC for your needs, check out our picks for best gaming PCs of 2025. If you've picked up a new gaming PC, check out the best PC games to play in 2025.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.
Original article from Eric Song.
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.
If you’re a Prime member, you’ll see the “Prime member exclusive, 3 months free” deal. If you’re not a member, you’ll get the “£0.99/mo for the first 3 months” deal.
Membership is still £8.99 a month normally, giving you credits for one audiobook each month. Even with the 99p offer, you’re still saving £24 altogether. The offer you’ll get squarely depends on your status as to whether you’re an Amazon Prime member or not, as you’re either visiting the site or have been emailed an offer by the retailer directly.
With your new Audible Premium Plus membership, you’ll have access to Audible’s entire collection of around half a million audiobooks. What’s more, although your membership only gives you one credit a month, you can also get extra discounts on any additional books you wish to buy a la carte.
Still, your membership will auto-renew to the standard £8.99 a month membership at the end of the three months. Be sure to cancel it beforehand if you don't wish to pay full price afterwards.
If you’ve got any glaring books in your backlog, the free three-month offer on Audible Premium Plus is one of the biggest must-haves in Amazon’s early Prime Day deals so far. Afterall, Audible is home to not only classic books, but the latest releases too.
For instance, as pointed out on our reporting of the US Audible offer, new prequel Hunger Games novel Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is available on Premium Plus, and narrated by Yellowstone’s Jefferson White.
Florence Knapp’s well-received debut novel, The Names, is also Audible-ready with narration by Dervla Kirwan. You might recognise Kirwan’s voice from her time in the BBC’s Goodnight Sweetheart, Hearts and Bones, and The Silence.
The Wedding People, the New York Times bestseller rom-com written by Alison Espach, is narrated by Helen Laser. This is another audiobook that’s worth £12.99, making even getting three months for 99p, if not for free, is a terrific bargain.
As for older titles, if you’re a House of the Dragon fan if still can’t wait for Season 3, its adapted-from book, Fire and Blood, is well worth spending one of your credits on. The narrator, Simon Vance, is an audiobook veteran with over 1000 credits to his name, making it a guarantee you’ll be in for a good listen.
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.
In our first hands-on preview of Donkey Kong Bananza, IGN's Logan Plant said, "on Switch 2, Nintendo is finally giving one of gaming’s biggest icons the love he deserves with a brand new, flagship, launch window 3D action-platformer, and if the first 30 minutes we spent with Donkey Kong Bananza are any indication, Mario’s original rival is looking poised to stand tall once again." If you haven't yet preordered the game, it's worth checking out our Donkey Kong Bananza preorder guide to set yourself up with a copy ahead of its release.
If you're already stocked up on Switch 2 games and are looking for some accessories to add to your Switch 2 setup instead, we're here to help there, too. In our roundup of the best Nintendo Switch 2 deals, you can see some very nice discounts we've come across recently on a variety of items, from carrying cases to screen protectors and so much more. With Amazon Prime Day on the horizon as well, we'll probably see some more Switch 2 accessory discounts popping up throughout the sale event. Keep your eyes peeled (get it?) when the sale kicks off on July 8.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.
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!
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.
Unfortunately, these codes have now expired:
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:
There are usually two reasons why a code isn't working. It's either because:
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!
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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