↩ Accueil

Vue lecture

The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Deals for June 2025

The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and if you're looking to pick up some extra items to go with your brand new console, we've found some very nice Switch 2 deals that are worth looking at right now. These range from sturdy carrying cases to keep your new Switch stored in, to screen protectors and a selection of accessories to stock up on.

If you're in the Switch shopping mood, now is a good time to pick up some of these items with great discounts available. Have a look through the latest Switch 2 deals we could find below.

TL;DR - The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Deals

Switch 2 Carrying Case Deals

If you're planning on taking your Switch 2 out on any trips or adventures you have planned this summer, a carrying case is a very wise investment. Thankfully, there are plenty of great deals to check out right now on a variety of different case styles, whether you want something slimmer or with a very sturdy build.

Switch 2 Accessory Deals

If you've picked up your Switch 2 console and are now on the hunt for some accessories, there are a few deals worth checking out at the moment. From thumb grips to a charger to a protective case that can be wrapped around your Switch 2 in handheld mode, we've included some of our favorite deals above that are available at the moment.

Best Switch 2 Screen Protector Deals

Once you've picked up your new Switch 2, it's important to find some extra protection for it. Screen protectors are a worthy investment and, thankfully, there are plenty of deals available right now. Even though these items are usually pretty affordable on their own, the discounts are a nice little treat to take advantage of while they're available.

Best Switch 2 Power Bank Deals

And lastly in our list of Nintendo Switch 2 deals for right now, you'll want to make sure you've got plenty of power to keep you going once you start playing your new console. If you've been looking for a new power bank to have for when you're on-the-go, we've included a few great deals above that are worth checking out.

Where to Buy Official Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories

If official Nintendo Switch 2 accessories have been on your radar, we've included where you can buy those as well. Some of these have been going out of stock quick, though, so if something that catches your eye is still in stock you'll want to be quick to scoop it up while it's still available.

Where to Buy Nintendo Switch 2 Games

Most importantly: the games. If you're looking to fill up your Switch 2 library with some brand new games, or Nintendo Switch 2 editions of your favorites, we've included a wide variety of Switch 2 games that are available to preorder or buy above. Again, be quick to grab your favorites while they're still in stock.

Where to Buy Nintendo Switch 2

If you're curious where you can buy the Nintendo Switch 2, have a look through the retailers above. Stock has been in and out online, but keep an eye on our Nintendo Switch 2 buying guide for more updates on restocks and availability.

Even more Switch 2 deals are sure to pop up in the weeks to come. We'll make sure to update this when more noteworthy discounts appear.

In the meantime, if you're curious to see what's on offer for other consoles, have a look at our roundups of the best PS5 and Xbox deals.

We also have an overall roundup of the best video game deals that highlights our favorite discounts at the moment that we've found across each platform, including PC.

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

  •  

Deltarune Chapter 5 Will Release in 2026

After a three-year wait between previous chapter releases of Deltarune, developer Toby Fox is promising a faster turnaround on the next episode of the saga. Chapter 5 is currently set for a 2026 release.

This information was revealed in the end credits of Deltarune Chapter 4, which released alongside Chapter 3 earlier this month. No further specificity about dates or windows was given.

Deltarune is a "sequel" of sorts to beloved indie RPG Undertale, and has released chapter by chapter starting in 2018, with Chapter 2 releasing in 2021 and the two most recent chapters dropping alongside the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 earlier this month. The game follows a human named Kris who lives in a peaceful town of monsters familiar to those who played Undertale. Together with the school bully Suzie, they fall into a mysterious "Dark World" and meet a prince named Ralsei, who charges them with saving both the dark and light world by sealing dark fountains. Each chapter tackles a different dark fountain in something like a "monster of the week" format, though Chapter 4 goes off the rails a bit in exploring the game's overarching meta-plot that fans speculate may eventually tie the game back to Undertale.

Chapters 1 and 2 are available on all major platforms for free, while the full game including Chapters 3, 4, and all future chapters (up to at least seven) costs $25. With the paid release, we reviewed all of Deltarune so far, giving it a 9/10 and saying that "its incredible and well-refined culmination of captivating characters, hilarious and earnest writing, and stellar music has already left one hell of a lasting impact I’m not likely to forget."

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

  •  

Remedy Admits 'Not Everything Has Gone Well' for FBC: Firebreak, Pledges to Improve Multiplayer Shooter as It Launches to 'Mixed' Steam Rating

Remedy has posted a candid statement acknowledging "not everything has gone well" at the launch of its multiplayer Control spin-off FBC: Firebreak, and outlined how it hopes to improve the game in the coming weeks.

FBC: Firebreak launched on June 17, but already sits on a "mixed" user score on Steam. Calling the launch an "exciting and nerve-wracking time," developer Remedy told players it had heard feedback "loudly and clearly," and admitted "it's clear there are features that need to improve, and they will improve."

"We are improving some features starting now. While we can improve some features today and in the near term, some others will take longer and require more thinking from us. We will keep you informed every step of the way.

"But you’re not here for platitudes," the statement added. "You want to know how we will improve your player experience in FBC: Firebreak, so let’s get into it."

The team has immediately identified a problem with "the first hour experience," saying that FBC: Firebreak's opening gameplay was not "a great experience due to a combination of things," including issues with onboarding, poorly explained systems and tools, and "a lack of clarity as to what to do in the Jobs and how to do the work effectively." The developer also said: "the power fantasy isn't great in the first hours of the game as starting weapons feel weak, and unlocking higher-tier weapons requires a bit too much grinding."

Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, Remedy wants better onboarding and user-interface clarity, as well as making Jobs easier to access. This means you'll no longer need to play the first two Clearance Levels of each Job, and new players start off with a "full three-zone Hot Fix Job run." There are also plans to speed up progression and gear unlocks.

Remedy says these changes are just the beginning, and represent the most "immediate changes" coming to the game. It is also actively discussing broader improvements based on player feedback.

"Right now, despite how sparse the story can seem in moments, there’s a lot of fun to be had wrangling erratic monsters in Remedy’s spectacularly absurd bureaucratic setting," we wrote in IGN's FBC: Firebreak review in progress. "I’ll be playing more this week and wrap up this review as soon as I’ve tested the limits of Remedy’s chaotic cooperative job simulator."

Remedy also recently confirmed its plans for ongoing support post-launch, including two new Jobs (missions) coming in 2025. More updates will arrive in 2026, the developer said. All playable content released post launch, such as Jobs, will be free to all players. Players have the option to buy cosmetics, but none of these items will affect gameplay, and there will be no limited-time rotations or daily log-ins, Remedy insisted.

It's a busy time for Alan Wake developer Remedy, which has a number of projects on the go. As well as FBC: Firebreak, it's working on Control 2 and the Max Payne and Max Payne 2 remake compilation.

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.

  •  

Elden Ring Nightreign's Official Strategy Guide Is Up For Preorder at Amazon

Elden Ring Nightreign is getting an official strategy guide, and preorders are now live on Amazon. It's being published by Future Press, the team behind the acclaimed guides for Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree, and the Bloodborne Anniversary Edition.

The Elden Ring: Nightreign Official Strategy Guide launches on September 30, 2025, in the US for $44.99, while UK buyers will get it a month earlier on August 28 for £34.99.

This premium hardcover companion covers everything from detailed Nightfarer class breakdowns and full system explainers to expedition maps, a complete bestiary, and deep item and build-crafting analysis. It also features high-quality artwork, lore entries, and collectible art prints, making it as much a collector's piece as it is a gameplay resource.

These guides often sell out quickly and have been known to appreciate in value over time, so securing a copy early may be wise. Amazon’s preorder price guarantee also ensures you’ll pay the lowest price between now and launch, and you won’t be charged until it ships.

According to Amazon’s official description, the guide “delves deep into the enigmatic world of Nightreign, offering unparalleled insights into its dynamic mechanics,” and aims to help players “strike a delicate balance between careful teamwork and gaining synergistic power as quickly as possible.”

In other news, patch 1.01.3 for Elden Ring Nightreign went live yesterday, and at first glance, it looked like a routine update, just bug fixes and minor quality-of-life tweaks.

But then, quietly, something new appeared in the Expeditions menu: a Gaping Jaw undertaking titled Everdark Sovereign. It didn’t take long for the community to realize what had happened, FromSoftware had stealth-dropped the game’s promised enhanced bosses, with no announcement or fanfare.

We’ve also 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.

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

  •  

James Gunn Says Superman 'Very Important' for DCU's Gods and Monsters Phase One, and TV Projects Will Have a 'Previously On' DCU Recap

The James Gunn-helmed Phase 1 of the DC Cinematic Universe is upon us, beginning with Gunn’s upcoming Superman film — and as it turns out, the filmmaker and studio head considers the project to be absolutely crucial to making the Gods and Monsters phase work as an overall storytelling experience.

“Oh, it is very important,” Gunn explained to Entertainment Weekly in an interview published on June 19. “I wouldn't say [animated series] Creature Commandos is important, but Peacemaker and Superman are both pretty important in terms of getting to the bigger story.”

That said, the boss did note that it’s really about striking the right balance between giving audiences vital information and moments while also not alienating those who might be more casual fans — because after all, if you don’t shut them out completely, you might just hook them.

“At the same time, I am really trying to be careful that anybody can dip in and see the story that is up next and not feel like they're missing information. The other stories can provide added texture to what you're watching,” Gunn explained to the outlet. “That might change down the line as we get deeper into what's happening in this universe. It could be like Infinity War and Endgame, where you kind of have to see Infinity War to know what's going on in Endgame.”

He continued, “But right now, I'm trying to keep it so that you don't have to see Superman to see Supergirl, for example. Even though there's a lot of stuff in Superman that leads to Peacemaker, you certainly don't need to see it to see Peacemaker. It's just good if you have, but we also say ‘Previously in the DCU’ before every episode, so the TV stuff's pretty easy.”

Gunn’s Superman film will arrive in theaters on July 8, but we’ll have to wait another month and change for season 2 of Peacemaker, which hits Max on August 21.

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

  •  

Every Hideo Kojima Game Ranked

With the release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, director Hideo Kojima enters his fourth decade in game development as a director. While the celebrated “auteur” has spent the majority of his career so far working on the Metal Gear series, Death Stranding 2 sees him expanding upon his newest universe, where he both introduces new concepts and revisits some of his most enduring ideas.

With a truly staggering list of credits in his impressive resume, there’s no better time to revisit every genre-defying adventure Kojima has taken us on. Here is every Kojima game that he directed or designed, ranked from worst to best.

12. Policenauts

Before the Metal Gear Solid series took over his life, Kojima dabbled in the graphic adventure genre. One of his earliest games, Policenauts is a point-and-click, visual novel game for the PC-9821 billed as a hard science fiction detective story. Set in the not-too-distant future, players take on the role of Jonathan Ingram, an astronaut turned hard-boiled L.A. detective investigating a man’s disappearance. As a visual novel, Policenauts doesn’t have the level of gameplay innovations Kojima would eventually be known for, but this early work highlights how movies — in this case buddy cop films like Lethal Weapon — would seep into his video game works for years to come.

11. Snatcher

Before there was Policenauts, Kojima had already dabbled with graphic adventure games. Clearly influenced by cyberpunk stories like Blade Runner, Snatcher is set in a futuristic city where human-like robots known as Snatchers are murdering humans, with special members of the anti-Snatcher force tasked to stop them. While the plot may sound very derivative of Ridley Scott’s iconic movie, critics praised Snatcher for how Kojima took these ideas to even more extreme places with violence, humor, and an operatic scope that was ahead of most visual novels at the time.

10. Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake

Following the success of the very first Metal Gear, Konami pushed forward with a sequel called Snake’s Revenge that was being made entirely without any involvement from Hideo Kojima. Unaware a sequel was even being made, a coworker finally told Kojima about the sequel and convinced him to create a true follow-up to the 1987 original. While Metal Gear 2’s visuals are more sophisticated and its story introduces some important characters to the Metal Gear canon, Metal Gear 2 largely feels like a half-step. Thankfully, Kojima would go on to completely revolutionize the series with the 3D Metal Gear Solid games, eventually righting the wrongs of his iterative attempt at progress in Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake.

9. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots was originally designed to be the finale of the series, capping off the Solid Snake storyline with a bang. This mega-budget, PS3 exclusive was released in 2008 and set a technological benchmark thanks to its breathtaking graphics and cinematics. Snake is back, but this time he’s aged significantly. The familiar faces of Otocon, Meryl, and Revolver Ocelot all return, as well as other fan-service surprises. Together, these characters work through a story that finally closes the book on an extremely complex tale that began with the very first Metal Gear game.

Despite being the dramatic final act in an iconic game series, MGS 4 also represents Kojima indulging in some of his worst creative tendencies. While the plot ties up a lot of loose storylines and gives Old Snake a hero’s farewell, the majority of cutscenes border on self-parody (including one character’s constant need to find a toilet) and Kojima, in general, seems too focused on his nostalgia for older games in the series, which has an impact on the overall execution of Solid Snake’s final tale. There are also a lot of big gameplay ideas here that aren’t fully fleshed out, perhaps due to the technological limitations of the PS3 – some of these mechanics, like active camo, would finally be refined in Metal Gear Solid 5. With all this in consideration, Metal Gear Solid 4, despite being an incredible spectacle in its own right, is our least favorite game from the Metal Gear Solid series.

8. Metal Gear

The original Metal Gear on the MSX2 was the game that started it all, introducing the world to the iconic Solid Snake. Metal Gear combines compelling (and revolutionary for the time) stealth action gameplay with a twisting story of Cold War era paranoia, nuclear proliferation, and espionage. You play as Solid Snake, a young member of the special forces group FOXHOUND sent to stop the development of a new weapon known as Metal Gear. Inspired by James Bond stories and the original Mission: Impossible TV series, Metal Gear stood out in 1987 thanks to a heavily twisting plot that culminates in Snake facing off against Big Boss, Snake’s commanding officer-turned-villain. Metal Gear’s unique stealth gameplay made waves at the time and although its plot was relatively simple, it would end up starting one of the greatest decade-spanning stories in gaming history.

7. Death Stranding

Death Stranding was a complete departure for Kojima and his first game developed outside of the walls of Konami. Starring Norman Reedus as the post-apocalyptic mailman Sam Porter Bridges, the game is less about sneaking past Soviet agents and more about sneaking past goopy monsters from beyond the astral plane. Despite all the sneaking action, this time around stealth takes a backseat to lots and lots and LOTS of walking. While Death Stranding indulges in heavy use of sponsored products, bizarre character names like Die Hard Man, and an aggressive number of celebrity cameos, underneath all that questionable content might be one of Kojima’s most prophetic stories yet. Set in a world where humans are painfully disconnected from each other due to an apocalyptic event that forces everyone to seclude in bunkers, Death Stranding was actually released before the COVID-19 pandemic. The journey of Sam Porter Bridges as he goes on foot to re-connect the United States with a mystical form of the internet feels like something written in 2023 with all the experience of an isolating lockdown, instead of a game that began development several years prior.

6. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

When Kojima announced the PSP-exclusive Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, he made clear that this was a full-fledged, canonical entry into the Metal Gear series with ramifications for the overarching storyline. And he wasn’t bluffing. The events of Peace Walker, which is set after Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, forms a substantial chapter in the legend of Big Boss and Outer Heaven, and plays directly into the events of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain.

Kojima found a way to cut up his stealth-action gameplay into bite-sized chunks that are perfect for on-the-go fun. Despite the limited technical capabilities of the PSP, mechanically this might be one of the most fun and creative games in the Metal Gear series. New systems like base building, weapons R&D, and recruiting enemy soldiers by fulton-ing them up into space means that Peace Walker not only delivers way beyond expectations for a handheld game, but also stands out as an excellent addition to the series in its own right. These mechanics and plot connections go on to reappear in Metal Gear Solid 5, proving how vital Peace Walker is to the entire Metal Gear canon.

5. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain + Ground Zeroes

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain would end up being Kojima’s last Metal Gear game, but in our opinion he left the franchise on a banger, with Metal Gear Solid 5 being the best-playing Metal Gear game in the entire series. Combining decades of stealth action experience and every mechanic Kojima ever fiddled with, MGS 5’s stealth combat feels better than ever. That’s largely thanks to the variety of tools and weapons that can be mixed and matched, ensuring you can infiltrate using your exact preferred playstyle. Want to go in guns blazing on an enemy camp? No problem. Prefer to be the sneaky stealth warrior utilizing camouflage, distractions, and even the time of day to your advantage? You can do that, too.

Metal Gear Solid 5 and its prologue, Ground Zeroes, is set after the events of Metal Gear Solid 3 and Peace Walker, focussing once more on Big Boss’ quest to build a private army in the middle of the ocean. If we’re being uncharitable, Metal Gear Solid 5’s big twist feels like Kojima put a lot of effort to explain how Big Boss survived the first Metal Gear game. But Metal Gear Solid 5 feels more like a tone piece where Kojima gets to explore the many horrors of war. From child soldiers, torture, and chemical weapons, to other nightmarish scenarios born of humanity’s never-ending thirst for conflict. Yes, on the whole, the events of MGS 5 don’t affect the overall canon of Metal Gear too much, but by the end of the experience you will begin to feel ashamed for your words and deeds.

4. P.T.

One of gaming’s most famous almosts. P.T. (or Playable Teaser) was meant to be an interactive preview for Kojima’s Silent Hills, the doomed-to-be-cancelled next installment in Konami’s legendary horror series starring Norman Reedus and developed in collaboration with director Guillermo del Toro. P.T was something of a demonstration of Kojima’s intent for that project. At just a couple of hours long, P.T. is set almost entirely within the confines of a single hallway in a non-descript, American house, and is genuinely one of the most terrifying games of all time.

Trapped in a loop, you are forced to endure terrifying events on every lap of the house, such as the radio recounting a gruesome murder, unimaginable horrors found in the bathroom, and a blood-chilling ghost stalking your every move. This self-contained teaser is so full of terrifying ideas that it’s truly a tragedy that Kojima never got a chance to complete Silent Hills. P.T., however, is so satisfying that even though it can barely be considered a full game, it still feels like a complete experience.

3. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Kojima famously said that there was a chance that Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty would never be released. Scheduled to hit shelves in 2001, a few months after the events of September 11, Kojima explained to Konami’s board of directors the story of Metal Gear Solid 2 and, from his recollection, “they all turned pale”.

Set against a backdrop of government conspiracies, United States war profiteering, and presidents-turned cyborg warriors, Metal Gear Solid 2 is proof that Kojima’s thematic obsessions with nuclear proliferation, memes, and the military-industrial-complex aren’t just for show. He even goes as far as to replace everyone’s favorite Solid Snake with newcomer Raiden to hammer home his points about how the world operates under the shadow of duplicity, and you can never trust anyone to be who they really are (and also because Kojima really did want to introduce a younger playable character to the series).

Metal Gear Solid 2 is such an astronomical leap above the first Metal Gear Solid in terms of gameplay that it’s hard to believe the two games were released just three years apart. It's Metal Gear Solid on steroids thanks to massively improved graphics that truly capture Kojima’s cinematic intentions, and controls that finally give Snake and Raiden the proper tools to be the ultimate stealth warriors.

2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Metal Gear Solid 3 is considered one of the greatest games of all time, and rightly so. With the third entry in his ever-popular series, Kojima took on his biggest challenge yet. Gone are the narrow corridors, tankers and military bases as Metal Gear Solid 3 welcomes the open jungles of the southern USSR. Naked Snake, the code name for the character who’d eventually go on to be called Big Boss and our hero this time around, is forced to brave harsh environments crawling with Soviet soldiers, perform emergency on-the-field first aid, and eat whatever creatures he could catch in the wild (hence that subtitle). It was the ultimate marriage of stealth combat and survivalist wish-fulfilment that would go on to inspire games like Escape From Tarkov.

With Metal Gear Solid 3, Kojima created one of history’s best tributes to James Bond. Snake’s mission brings him face to face with disfigured villains, sees him fall for a mysterious femme fatale, and is even prefaced by a big, brassy theme song that’s a clear homage to 007’s best intros. But while it features a checklist of Bond’s key tropes, there’s a deep and emotionally resonant story beneath them all: Naked Snake is forced to confront his former mentor, who defects to the Soviet Union to ally herself with the certifiably insane Colonel Volgin. A treatise on the global divisions caused by the Cold War and a continuation of his long-running anti-war themes, Metal Gear Solid 3 stands at the pinnacle of playability, storytelling, and technical achievement.

1. Metal Gear Solid

Metal Gear Solid is the game that put Kojima on the map. While the older Metal Gear games were lauded for their creative gameplay, 1998’s Metal Gear Solid on PlayStation took that innovation and creativity to the next level. At the time, its cinematic storytelling techniques were considered second to none (and even by today’s standards, it remains special), its interactive movie-like presentation demonstrating Kojima’s love and understanding of cinema. The plot of a special ops soldier sneaking into a remote military base to take down a stolen nuclear weapon may be simple compared to some of the later games’ deep lore wells, but it became an instant and enduring classic.

With Metal Gear Solid, Kojima’s extraordinary skills as a game developer are clear to see. Advanced stealth mechanics that made extensive use of enemy vision cones, a variety of unique and ingenious boss battles, and uncovering brilliant surprises such as having your game controller “taken over” by Psycho Mantis are long-standing reminders that Kojima’s ideas about how players can interact with video games (and how video games can interact with their players) were ahead of their time. In an era where so many game developers were focused on pushing the boundaries of graphics and gameplay, Kojima managed to stand head and shoulders above the rest, pushing the medium forward in ways few others could dream of. With MGS, Kojima evolved how games look, play, tell stories, and ultimately, mature.

Metal Gear Solid is a true masterpiece. It’s the game that created the blueprint for generations to come, and truly is Hideo Kojima’s Magnum Opus.

And that’s every Hideo Kojima game ranked. Disagree with our picks? Let us know which Kojima game is your favorite in the comments below.

Matt Kim is IGN's Senior Features Editor.

  •  

Ratatan Is a Rhythm-Strategy Roguelite That Should Make Patapon Fans Proud

The Patapon series on the original PSP helped define the quirky and easygoing nature of the much-loved handheld. As one of the first of what you can call a Rhythm-Strategy game, Patapon was all about guiding a plucky following of worshipers against a mounting series of battles – all to the beat of their leader's song. The franchise has been dormant for some time, but that hasn't stopped the original developers from creating their successor, which adds a clever roguelite twist.

During Summer Game Fest 2025, I had the special opportunity to see the latest build of Ratatan, which cast me as a new leader guiding my determined flock through some challenging skirmishes. It took me a few runs to find my groove in the face of ruthless opposition, but I could still see that Ratatan has so much more in mind than just settling on being a revival of a PSP classic.

Ratatan takes place in the land of Redo, where music guides the fates of the tiny Cobun. After facing a fierce conflict with invaders, the Cobun team up with a crew of musical guardians known as the Ratatan, who guide the Cobun on a campaign to defend their lands so they can reach fabled lands of the Everafter. By selecting one of several Ratatan armed with special instruments, you'll be able to guide various Cobun units and infantry to battle enemies, retake settlements, and score enough power-ups to take down each of the big bosses.

Ratatan channels the flow and pacing of the original Patapon games but ups the sense of scale to the action in a big way. I loved seeing the whimsical and more vibrant art style come to life once the action got going. You control the leader of the pack, but not the units that follow along. To get them in motion, you'll need to execute a command that's in tune with the beat of the Ratatan's flow. These commands include movement, jumping, defensive skills, and, of course, the good ol' offensive strikes. The big trick with Ratatan, much like the Patapon series, is managing to keep your tempo while in the heat of battle.

Speaking to game producer Saisu Sakijiri, Kazuto discussed the differences in gameplay styles between Ratatan and Patapon, which lean more toward the in-the-moment action of gameplay than the original games.

"Looking back at Patapon, those games had an RPG style of influence to it, but with Ratatan, we go for a more action-focused take on that gameplay, and of course, with the added roguelite elements going along with it," said the producer. "I was inspired by games like Hollow Knight, which I'm a big fan of, and I wanted to give this type of rhythm action gameplay."

Finding your rhythm is essential, and I'll admit it certainly took me some time to find mine. I kept asking myself if I was rushing or dragging when it came to landing the beat for commands, but I also had to keep in mind that I needed to anticipate and react to enemy attacks. In one instance, I led a march forward with my units, but they almost immediately walked right into a devastating counterattack from the enemy. Facing these setbacks felt discombobulating, but once I got my groove back, things finally came together, and I was chaining attacks and dodging enemy laser blasts and other hazards with greater ease.

The key departure from the style of gameplay set by the Patapon series is the move to a roguelite experience. Each run will have you choose from a roster of Ratatan armed with trumpets, drums, tubas, and guitars, who all have their special modifiers and perks to apply in battle. Once the stage was finished, I was able to pick up different modifiers that applied attack and skill bonuses to the units and Ratatan.

It's a very familiar roguelite loop, but within the context of a rhythm-action game, it feels especially exciting and interesting. Much like Hades and other roguelites that allow you to take in the setting, you can also visit a hub base of sorts that will have characters to chat up. These characters will help the Ratatan by giving you the opportunity to buy persistent upgrades for the squad, allowing them to be more prepared when heading out into a fresh run.

According to the producer of Ratatan, feedback from longtime fans has been coming in for the game following its rapid success on Kickstarter in 2023, which led to the stronger distinction between Ratatan and its focus on a unique experience.

"We're very happy that fans of the Patapon series have liked what we have with the game so far, but I do feel that Ratatan is very much a successor to Patapon and is doing its own thing," said the producer. "It's been a bit of a challenge to make things more modernized with the roguelite elements, but also realize that it is a challenge for players as well. There is definitely a learning curve for the game, but we're happy to see the feedback that we have been getting from players."

From my hands-on with the latest build of Ratatan, it's so far a fun but truly challenging rhythm game. Yet I couldn't help but be drawn in by its infectiously charming world and flow. It's a type of revival that captures the original, quirky tone and gameplay, and hopefully, its larger structure will come together to potentially surpass its forebears.

  •  

The 28 Years Later 4K Steelbook Is Already Available to Preorder

28 Years Later may just be out in cinemas today, but a 4K steelbook is already available to preorder. If you're itching to add Danny Boyle's latest to your physical media collection, you don't have to wait to do so. Walmart's got a 4K steelbook available to preorder right now for $44.99. A release date for it is not currently available, but by preordering a copy today you'll be all set to receive it once it's out.

Preorder 28 Years Later 4K Steelbook

This 4K steelbook comes with a 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and digital copy of the film. At the moment, there are no bonus features revealed for it, but we'll be sure to add them in once they're announced.

It's also worth noting that the price for this steelbook is protected by Walmart's Preorder Price Guarantee, which states that, "you will not be charged more than the price displayed when you completed your order. For items sold by Walmart, you will be charged the lowest price offered by Walmart for the item between the time you completed your order and the time the item ships to you."

If you're hoping to catch this film at the cinema right now, we had quite a lot of praise for it in our glowing 9/10 review. IGN's Tom Jorgensen said that the film "finds Danny Boyle and Alex Garland mining the last two decades of cultural strife to build a timely coming-of-age story full of beauty and brutality in equal measure." Thankfully, fans won't have to wait too long for the follow-up either, as 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is set to release on January 16, 2026.

There are plenty of great films releasing in a physical format that are available to preorder right now alongside 28 Years Later. If you're looking to stock up your library, have a look through our breakdown of upcoming 4K UHD and Blu-ray releases. This doesn't just highlight movies, either. There are also some great shows worth adding to your physical media collection, too.

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

  •  

Deals for Today: Lenovo Legion Go, DOOM Vinyl, and a $6 Friends Mug

Today’s lineup is a mix of new preorders, smart accessories, and a few standout discounts. Kirby and the Forgotten Land for Switch 2 is getting a performance boost and extra content, while Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be one of the console’s early must-plays. Over in collectibles, the DOOM: The Dark Ages 4LP vinyl set is now available to preorder, and a Friends Central Perk mug is just $6.12, PIVOT!

TL;DR: Deals For Today

On the tech side, the Lenovo Legion Go handheld gaming PC is down to $499.99, and a flat plug surge protector with USB-C ports is going for under $10. Anker’s 4-in-1 HDMI switch is also discounted, along with a 3-pack of Switch 2 screen protectors for just $7.49. Humble’s June Tunes Bundle is live too, offering nine rhythm games for only $10.

Hulu + Live TV Free Trial

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.

Lenovo Legion Go

Lenovo Legion Go handheld gaming PC is down to $499.99 (29% off), making it a solid pick for portable, high-performance play. It features an 8.8-inch WQXGA touchscreen with a 144Hz refresh rate, powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. With customizable gamepad controls, stereo speakers, and USB4 ports for expanded connectivity, it's a cool bit of kit for PC gaming on the go.

Pokémon Restock Updates

Destined Rivals Booster Bundles and Elite Trainer Boxes are in stock on Amazon at the time of writing, and they've come down considerably. They're still above MSRP, but if you want to open packs it's a good time to bite.

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

Destined Rivals Singles Are On The Rise (Again)

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

The Most Expensive Pokémon Cards In Packs RIGHT NOW

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

Destined Rivals Sealed Stock

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

Final Fantasy x Secret Lair

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

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

MTG Final Fantasy Chase Cards

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

Where To Buy MTG: Final Fantasy

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

Iniu 10,000mAh 22.5W USB Power Bank

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.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch 2)

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.

Donkey Kong Bananza

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.

Doom - The Dark Ages Soundtrack Collection 4LP Vinyl

Preorders are live for the Doom: The Dark Ages Soundtrack Collection on vinyl, featuring 35 tracks across four heavyweight LPs. This standard edition comes housed in a rigid slipcase embossed with the Slayer symbol, with art from id Software and Grzegorz Domaradzki. The soundtrack by Finishing Move mixes thrash, deathcore, folk, and black metal influences to match the game’s medieval brutality. Expected to ship in December 2025.

Silver Buffalo FRIENDS Central Perk Black Ceramic Mug

This oversized 24-ounce Central Perk mug from Silver Buffalo is a must-have for any Friends fan, whether you're sipping coffee or using it as desk decor. Featuring the iconic café logo, it’s a fun, functional collector’s item that’s currently just $6.12, 66% off its usual price. It’s hand wash only and not microwave-safe, but for under $10, it’s a solid gift or addition to your own sitcom-inspired kitchen setup.

June Tunes Humble Bundle

The June Tunes Bundle from Humble hits all the right notes with nine rhythm-based games for just $10, valued at $170 total. Highlights include DJMAX Respect V featuring tracks from Marshmello and Porter Robinson, the meme-fueled Trombone Champ, and musical platformer Wandersong. You’ll also find creative picks like Oddada and Onde, plus VR-ready Ragnarock and the rhythm roguelike Rhythm Fighter. All titles redeem on Steam, and proceeds help support Girls Who Code.

Surge Protector Power Strip

This 12-in-1 power strip from HANYCONY packs eight AC outlets and four USB ports (including two USB-C) into a compact, ultra-slim design, currently down to $9.99 from its usual $16.99. It features a 5-foot extension cord, 1080J surge protection, and a 0.35-inch flat plug that fits neatly behind furniture. With wide outlet spacing and certified safety features, it’s a solid pick for desks, dorms, or any setup that needs clean, efficient power management.

Skytech King 95 Gaming PC

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.

IGN Live 2025 Bundle

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.

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

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..

FiGGYZ

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 - 4K UHD Combo + Steelbook

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.

Badass Brawlers Bundle

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.

Self Adhesive Hook And Loop Cable Ties

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 HDMI Switch

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.

JSAUX 3-Pack Tempered Glass Screen Protector Switch 2

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.

Switch 2 tomtoc Slim Carrying Case

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.

The Legend of Zelda Master Sword

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

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

Narrative Arc Bundle

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.

Apple Mac and iPad Deals

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

Samsung 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor

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.

Big Discounts On Crucial DDR5 and Storage

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

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (PS5)

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.

DOOM The Dark Ages Art Print

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 Bundle

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.

  •  

James Gunn Opens Up About Guillermo Del Toro's Wish to Make a Justice League Dark Film: 'He Never Said That To Me'

You may have, once or twice in your travels, heard the rumor that the legendary Guillermo del Toro wants to make a Justice League Dark film. Would be cool, wouldn’t it? Well, despite word of del Toro's interest, DC boss James Gunn says he's yet to hear from the filmmaker about wanting to work on the project.

“I love Guillermo, and we own a movie theater together. By the way, Guillermo's never said that to me,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “I hear all these things about, ‘Guillermo would love to do Justice League Dark.’ Well, Guillermo's never said that to me.”

DC did make an animated Justice League Dark series in 2017, but a new incarnation with del Toro at the helm? Well, the idea was cool while it lasted.

Gunn even noted that del Toro isn’t the only major filmmaker he’s heard these types of comments about. “‘Just let Steven Spielberg do his Blackhawks movie that he wants to do!’ Steven Spielberg, who I love above anyone else, has never said that to me. So these things get blown out of proportion,” he added.

The filmmaker — who is head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, as well as the writer-director of the upcoming Superman movie — said he even had the same thing happen years ago to him in relation to Thunderbolts.

“Years and years ago, I said I wanted to make a Thunderbolts movie,” the director explained. “I was [at a] convention somewhere, and somebody asked me, What did I want to do that wasn't Guardians of the Galaxy? I said Thunderbolts. And for years and years, it's like, ‘James Gunn should be allowed to make his Thunderbolts movie.’ I have a million things that I thought I wanted to do in certain moments.”

Gunn did not, in fact, get to make his Thunderbolts movie — director Jake Scheier ended up getting that privilege, helming the film from a script by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo. That film dropped back in May, and fans really dug it. That said, it would be interesting to see what Gunn would’ve done with the concept.

As for Gunn’s Superman, that flies into theaters on July 8 — just one week after Thunderbolts will arrive on streaming for rent or purchase.

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

  •  

Fortnite Has a Hit New Mode — and for Once, the Game's Main Battle Royale Option Is No Longer the Most Popular

Log into Fortnite right now and you'll find that the game's most-played mode is, very unusually, not its main Battle Royale option. Instead the new Blitz Royale is currently ruling the roost — but what is it? And why is this fresh offering from Epic Games so popular?

Blitz Royale launched this week in Fortnite's latest update, alongside Expeditions, a new story-infused PVE Lego experience, and a Bruno Mars-starring new season of Guitar Hero-like Fortnite Festival.

But, as has continually been the case, it is the mode closest to Fortnite's classic Battle Royale that has broken out — and, for now, Blitz Royale feels like it has found a fresh niche for players keen to try something faster-paced and more quickfire.

As its name suggests, Blitz Royale matches are meant to take less time overall and power-up players much faster than in a classic Battle Royale offering. The mode's map, currently based on Fortnite's classic OG Island, is a fraction of its size, building is disabled, and there's an in-match levelling system to grant weapons and power-ups, meaning there's no need to spend time scrounging for loot.

That said, other Battle Royale staples remain: a fast moving storm circle, limited inventory and need to be the last player standing. Over the next four weeks (Epic Games is yet to specifically state that Blitz Royale will be a permanent addition), various loot pools will be offered — including items and power-granting medallions from various classic Fortnite eras.

Blitz Royale is playable within Fortnite on every platform, but is the first mode designed with a specific piece of hardware in mind: your phone.

Timed to hit shortly after Fortnite's triumphant return to the iPhone App Store in the US, following years of legal wrangling with Apple, Blitz Royale is meant to appeal to those wanting a bite-size battle royale, perfect for a quick bus journey or coffee break. Even the Battle Bus flies in faster at the start of games.

A suitably quick trailer for Blitz Royale claims you can secure victory within five minutes — around a quarter of the time usually necessary to secure a Victory Royale in Fortnite's regular Battle Royale and Zero Build modes.

Right now, Fortnite stats show around 240,000 players in Blitz Royale, making it the game's biggest mode by some margin, aftr hitting 443,000 players during peak hours last night. Battle Royale currently has half this count — 119,000 players at the time of writing.

"Blitz Royale is the s**t," wrote one fan on reddit. "Seriously, Epic - love the mode, y’all cooked. I am seriously blown away and having so much fun."

"The mode is surprising myself," wrote another. "I’m playing far more aggressively than I would in normal mode and honestly it’s pretty cool."

Epic Games will likely be watching Blitz Royale and other new additions carefully to see how well they perform over the coming days, and whether any of them are actually drawing in new players to Fortnite, as well as offering existing users new ways to play.

Fortnite's average player numbers have generally fallen this year, according to publicly-available numbers from Fortnite.gg. Following growth and significant player spikes last year, particularly around September 2024's Doctor Doom global boss battle, and November live events including a concert held in Times Square and an in-game extravaganza featuring Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Ice Spice and Juice Wrld.

2025 has seen Fortnite run a limited-time Star Wars mini-season that removed all regular ammo from the game, replacing the usual guns in Battle Royale mode with sci-fi energy weapons. The game's recent season, which features a return to the game's semi-regular focus on superheroes has seen numbers begin to bounce back. Next step, beating current Roblox hit Grow a Garden? One thing at a time, perhaps.

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

  •  

Publisher Tells Nintendo to Pull Its Own Game From Switch 2 eShop While It Waits for Backwards Compatibility Patch to Go Live

Limited Run Games has asked Nintendo to remove Gex Trilogy from sale via the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop, until there's "clarity" on when a patch will be deployed to address a problem with the game's backwards compatibility.

In a statement posted to social media, Limited Run said it did not expect the patch to arrive this week due to delays with its approval, something it linked to yesterday's US public holiday. So, in the meantime, the publisher said it had instructed Nintendo to pull the game instead.

Limited Run said it had faced Switch 2 backwards compatibility issues with a number of its games originally released for Switch 1, and while a recent Switch 2 firmware update had improved this situation for the "majority" of its titles, GEX Trilogy was still impacted. The company had then tried to solve the issue with a patch — and it is this patch the developer is still waiting to be approved for public release.

"Since we do not have clarity on when GEX Trilogy on Switch 2 will be fixed in firmware, we submitted our own patch last week to correct the issue," Limited Run said. "Due to the Juneteenth holiday, patch approval this week is delayed, but we expect to be able to issue the patch early next week.

"In the meantime, we have asked Nintendo to remove the game from the Switch 2 eShop. Thank you for your patience as we work with Nintendo to resolve these issues."

The publisher has suggested players check to see if other titles from the company are indeed now running as intended — a list of which you can see below:

  • Clock Tower: Rewind
  • Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection
  • Tomba! Special Edition
  • River City Girls Zero
  • A Boy and his Blob Collection
  • Rocket Knight Adventures
  • Shantae
  • Bill & Ted's Excellent Retro Collection
  • Xtreme Sports
  • Trip World DX
  • Felix the Cat
  • Rendering Ranger R-2: Rewind

Gex Trilogy is a collection of all three of the wise-cracking, snarky gecko's platform adventures: Gex, Gex: Enter the Gecko, and Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko. It released for PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Xbox Series, and last-gen consoles on June 16. The original Gex first released all the way back in 1995 for the 3DO and later ported onto the original PlayStation, the Sega Saturn, and PC. It spawned sequels in 1998 and 1999, but publisher Square Enix hasn’t released any new entries since — hence the excitement for this remaster.

Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a strong start, with 3.5 million consoles sold, but an analysis on the console's launch week sales paints a mixed picture of how well games not made by Nintendo are now selling.

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.

  •  

Possessor(s) Gives You Demon-Magic Legs and Plenty of Fast Action to Enjoy

Ever since developer Heart Machine burst onto the scene with its hyper-stylized 2D action game Hyper Light Drifter, every effort from the studio comes with the promise of visual splendor and tight gameplay, and Possessor(s) is no different.

If Hyper Light Drifter is Zelda-like, then Possessor(s) is the team’s take on the Metroidvania. Although their dev team will probably get mad at me for calling it that, as they prefer the original genre term of “search-action.” Regardless of which label you prefer, you’ll find the genre’s familiar hallmarks here. Possessor(s) drops you in a big open map full of powerful demon enemies and branching paths that aren’t all open to you just yet.

Unlike Heart Machine’s past games with stylized, but masked or hooded, heroes, Possessor(s) is led by a cast of beautifully hand-drawn characters whose stories I’m curious to learn more of. Set in a fictional, Japan-inspired, city, the player controls Luca, who survives a devastating, apocalyptic event. But only just barely. She awakens to find herself without her legs, which were damaged during the attack. Luckily (or not), she makes contact with a demon named Rehm, who offers her the classic devil’s bargain. She can get her legs back, but only if she helps him get revenge on some unnamed but powerful demonic forces.

Similarly, Possessor(s) feels heavily inspired by urban fantasy anime. Shows like Jujutsu Kaisen come quickly to mind as Luca and Rehm explore a ruined metropolitan city and fight off demon-possessed everyday objects like haunted searchlights and demon fridges. This extends to Luca as well. While she’s now powered by demon-magic legs, her weapons are also everyday objects. Things like kitchen knives or even a computer mouse she can wield like a whip.

All of this combines into a fast-paced action-adventure. Combat feels rapid-fast, which is great because there are a lot of enemies to cut through. And running through the devastated city, or jumping and grappling over obstacles, also feels fast and great, which is a plus because I get the sense this is a pretty big game. The portion of the map I played already felt quite large and I only played a 20-minute demo.

Mechanically, I wouldn’t say Possessor(s) upends the search-action genre, or at the very least not in the early portion of the game I saw. But both narratively and in the design there’s tons more that I’m interested in learning more of. Possessor(s) has moments where the camera pans out into the ruined city, highlighting a cinematic sense of scale that Heart Machine has explored before in games like Solar Ash. And even in my short hands-on time there was a lot of dialogue and exposition between Luca and Rehm.

There’s also likely more to the RPG element that I haven’t discovered yet. Luca’s character menu seemed to show empty slots for a variety of weapons and upgrades – way more than the couple I found during my demo. And having only been given a glimpse of the map, which was primarily a lot of abandoned and destroyed office buildings, there’s clearly a lot more under the hood in Possessor(s) than what I saw. I’ll be keeping an eye on this one.

Matt Kim is IGN's Senior Features Editor.

  •  

Infinity Nikki Codes (June 2025)

If you're looking for Infinity Nikki codes, IGN has you covered! In this article, you'll find a list of active and working Infinity Nikki codes that you can redeem for free rewards and bonuses in June 2025, including Diamonds and Energy Crystals.

Active Infinity Nikki Codes (June 2025)

Below, you'll find all the active and working Infinity Nikki codes in June 2025, the free rewards you get for redeeming them, and their expiry date (if known):

  • PlayfulSeason0613DC - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 30k Bling (NEW!)
  • AAp9Q8KWF8b - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AApyBTE8RY9 - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AAp4BHuBhmC - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AAp7DKNerwR - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AApt6d2sv89 - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AApnynNUpc7 - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AApE9cuaMxM - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AApP4EqVj2a - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AApHBskxdEh - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AApscJCWy6w - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AApAAnFjMpK - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AApCapPmYvp - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AApNj9MT2Uy - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • AApUBFedaQy - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • InfinityNikki429 - 75x Shiny Bubbles, 75x Threads of Purity, and 30k Bling
  • AApUB2cpQ6h - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 20k Bling
  • BUBBLESEASON0429 - 50x Thread of Purity, 15k Bling
  • POCKETMONEYFORNIKKI - 200x Diamonds, 18.8k Bling
  • Handinhand - 10x Revelation Crystal
  • DREAM&REBIRTH - 100x Diamonds, 100x Shiny Bubbles, 50x Thread of Purity
  • SEAOFSTARS - 100x Diamonds, 50x Shiny Bubbles, 30k Bling
  • BUBBLESEASON - 100x Diamonds, 50x Thread of Purity, 20k Bling
  • Sidebyside - 10x Revelation Crystals
  • INFINITYNIKKISteam - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • RevelrySeasonRe - 50x Thread of Purity, 30k Bling
  • RevelrySeasonGroup - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 30k Bling
  • 1.2VERDISCORD - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • 1.2VERREDDIT - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • 1.2VERGLOBALGROUP - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • ハイキングDISCORD - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • PEARFECTGUIDES - 10x Shining Particles, 15k Bling
  • NIKKIXWEBTOON - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • ニキプレゼント1205 - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • おめでとう - 50x Threads of Purity, 15k Bling
  • リリース - 10x Shining Particles, 15k Bling
  • インフィニティニキ - 15x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • 無限暖暖公測開啟 - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • 無限暖暖公測FB社團限定 - 10x Shining Particles, 15k Bling
  • インフィニキDISCORD - 50x Threads of Purity, 15k Bling
  • INGIFT1205 - 50x Threads of Purity, 15k Bling
  • GROUPSTYLIST - 50x Threads of Purity, 15k Bling (expires December 5, 2025)
  • REDDITSTYLIST - 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling (expires December 5, 2025)
  • DISCORDSTYLIST - 10x Shining Particles, 15k Bling (expires December 5, 2025)

Expired Infinity Nikki Codes

The Infinity Nikki codes listed below have expired and are no longer working as of June 2025:

  • NIKKISFAVORITERICEDUMPLING
  • NOSTRANGELINKS
  • WARMSPRINGBONUS
  • RevelrySeasonDC
  • GIRLPOWER25
  • 100THDAYCELEBRATION
  • MAYEVERYGIRLHAPPINESS
  • Newstoryawaits
  • Newyearbliss
  • NIKKIFIREWORKS
  • NIKKIEXCURSIONTIME
  • NIKKINEWBLOOM2025
  • HEARTFELTGIFTS
  • NIKKIBEWITHYOU
  • NIKKIRELEASE
  • dreamweavernikki
  • NIKKI20241022
  • infinitynikki1205
  • BDAYSURPRISE
  • GIFTFROMMOMO
  • GIFTTONIKKI
  • nikkihappybirthday2024
  • NIKKITHEBEST
  • QUACKQUACK
  • AAbNxRNMmSm
  • AAbQjjYKwbH
  • AAb7xf6hWuS
  • AAbtWkna3V7
  • AAbaEyDU4EX
  • AAbMNJX8hxF
  • AAb5S3RSK8M
  • AAbUfWnYUtd
  • AAbUa8e2U3a
  • AAbtk9jmpnV

How to Redeem Infinity Nikki Codes

To redeem Infinity Nikki codes, follow the steps below:

  1. Unlock your Pear-Pal during the Chapter 1: Wishes Without Wings - Land of Wishes main quest. It's about 20 minutes into your Infinity Nikki adventure.
  2. Open the Pear-Pal menu by pressing ESC on PC (or the Menu button when using an Xbox controller on PC), the Menu button on PlayStation, or by tapping the Pear-Pal icon in the top-left corner on mobile.
  3. Click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
  4. Scroll over to the Other tab.
  5. You’ll see a “Redeem Code” option here. Click on “Apply” and a Redeem Rewards pop-up menu will appear.
  6. Input your code into the “Enter the redeem code” field and tap “Apply.”
  7. If successful, a pop-up will appear showing your free rewards.

Why Isn't My Infinity Nikki Code Working?

If the Infinity Nikki code that you're trying to redeem isn't working, it's likely due to one of the following reasons:

  • There's a typo in the code.
  • The Infinity Nikki code is expired.

When inputting a code into Infinity Nikki, make sure there are no typos (Os instead of zeroes, capital Is instead of lowercase Ls, etc.) and that there are no accidental spaces before or after the code. If your Infinity Nikki code still doesn't work, it's probably expired and can no longer be redeemed. You'll get a message informing you that the code is wrong if it's expired.

How to Get More Infinity Nikki Codes

The best way to get more Infinity Nikki codes is to join the official Infinity Nikki Discord server. Once you're in, head to the #self-assign-roles channel and opt-in for the Redeem Code role. You'll receive a notification when a new code is released so you can receive your free rewards ASAP!

Alternatively, bookmark this Infinity Nikki Codes article, as we update it each time a new code comes out. The Discord server has missed a couple of codes posted to other channels, so we'd recommend checking our article every so often.

What is Infinity Nikki?

Developed by Infold Games, Infinity Nikki is a cozy, open-world RPG. You play as Nikki, as she's whisked away to the world of Miraland, a place where people make Wishes with the help of Stylists. You'll find and create a plethora of outfits and accessories, take on quests, and gather many types of collectibles with the help of Momo, Nikki's adorable feline companion. As you play, you earn Diamonds, which can be spent on Revelation and Resonite Crystals, which are used to pull on the limited time and permanent outfit banners for 5-star and 4-star clothing.

Meg Koepp is a Guides Editor on the IGN Guides team, with a focus on trends. When she's not working, you can find her playing an RPG or spending time with her corgi.

  •  

Lies of P's Overture DLC Patched to Rebalance and Reduce Monster Difficulty, After Complaints It Was Too Hard

Lies of P's DLC has been patched to reduce monster difficulty in repeat playthroughs and "adjusted stats" for some of the field monsters you encounter in your first playthrough of Overture.

Director Jiwon Choi previously said the team didn't think Soulslike games like Lies of P should have difficulty options, and it shipped without any, but has since had a change of heart, saying: “We wanted to make sure a wider audience of players could play the game."

Similarly, players have complained about the DLC's "intended" difficulty, Legendary Stalker. There have been so many comments — both for and against the DLC's difficulty spike — that the Lies of P subreddit has had to merge them all into a "megathread" to stop the community from being overwhelmed by complaints. It prompted developer Neowiz to acknowledge that some areas "did not turn out quite as intended."

Now, as well as addressing some bugs such as the progression issue after you give a bottle of beer to the Old Fisherman, or another that causes visual bugs when wearing certain items, Neowiz has applied "combat balance adjustments" with patch 1.9.0.0, which went live earlier today, June 20. You can also now unlock the DLC from Chapter 5 instead of Chapter 9 from your second playthrough onwards.

Here's the full patch notes, as taken from the Steam page.

Lies of P Update Notes Version 1.9.0.0

Important Notice

  • Using software or data not officially distributed by the developer may cause the game to crash.
  • Failing to do so may result in crashes, save data errors, or even irreversible data loss.If you are starting the game after installing from a disc, be sure to update to the latest version before playing.
  • Please be sure to check your Storage for the item.

Major Changes

  • Please read any on-screen prompts carefully.
  • Combat Balance Adjustments
    • Reduced monster difficulty in repeat playthroughs.
    • Adjusted stats for certain field monsters in the first playthrough of Lies of P: Overture.

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed a bug where benefit items were not delivered properly.
    • If you experienced issues with benefit items such as the "Azure Dragon Crescent Glaive" or "Winter Festival Peaked Hat" not being received, please update the game to the latest version and check if the issue has been resolved.
    • If your Bag was full, these items may have been sent to the Storage. Please check your Storage as well.
  • If you encountered this bug, update the game to the latest version and try speaking with Salao again.
  • Fixed a bug that allowed movement to unintended areas outside the normal route.
  • Fixed a bug that sometimes caused the character to be launched into the air when using the Blade Fable Arts of "Monad's Rose Sword."
  • Fixed a bug where using the Blade Fable Arts of "Monad's Rose Sword" in Hotel Krat while listening to a record would skip the current record.
  • Fixed a bug where the triggered effect of the "Solutionist's Amulet" would persist even after the item was unequipped.
  • Fixed a visual bug affecting the Legion Arm "Flamberge" when wearing the "Blazing Death's Hunting Apparel."
  • Fixed various minor issues, including icon display errors, localization and text errors, monster-related bugs, and other miscellaneous bugs.

Developer Neowiz also confirmed today that Lies of P has topped 3 million copies sold.

Lies of P developer Neowiz shadow-dropped DLC Overture during Summer Game Fest, introducing new locations, new enemies and bosses, new characters, weapons, and the very controversial decision to add in two easier difficulty options.

We had a good time with Lies of P, awarding it 8/10, and Overture itself also secured a 8/10. "Even if it’s clearly dancing on the same old strings, Lies of P: Overture is an excellent expansion that adds a whole lot more to a game that was already great," we wrote.

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.

  •  

Assassin's Creed Shadows Adds New Ally Character — and if You Watch Critical Role, They May Sound Familiar

Critical Role's Robbie Daymond will join the cast of Assassin's Creed Shadows next week, as a new character you can recruit as an ally for Yasuke and Naoe.

Daymond will play Rufino, a character he originally created for an Assassin's Creed Shadows promotional one-shot. A quick glimpse at the character shows Rufino wearing a Portuguese-style doublet and sporting a lavish moustache.

Rufino will arrive as a recruitable ally in Shadows' next game update, due next Wednesday, June 25. This will be the latest free drop of additional story content made available post-launch, following an earlier mission that served as a crossover with Dead by Daylight.

So far, Shadows' extra story add-ons have been brief, with little more than 20 minutes gameplay each time. But as a recruitable ally — one of only half a dozen in the game — there's scope here for Rufino to make more of an impact.

Still, it's unclear exactly how large Rufino's role will be. Will you be able to call upon him in battle, as your other allies can be? Will you be able to romance Rufino, even — something other allies are open to exploring. Or will Rufino simply just be another face that hangs around your hideout? Next week, we'll find out.

Okay so imagine: feudal Japan, hidden blades… and Critical Role? Robbie’s in. Luc’s in. You should probably be in too.#ACShadows #CriticalRole #ACxCR pic.twitter.com/guT6cagwE7

— Assassin's Creed (@assassinscreed) June 19, 2025

Ubisoft previously stated that its June content update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows would also include new difficulty settings, gameplay immersion options, and an open-world alarm system to keep players on their toes. A much requested option to keep headgear on or off during cutscenes will also be added.

Further down the line, Ubisoft is working on a New Game Plus option and additionally story drops, including more crossovers. And before 2025 is out, Shadows will receive its first major expansion — Claws of Awaji — that is set to pick up from the game's ending and add a new region of Japan to explore.

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

  •  

NetEase's Surprise Reveal Of New AAA Wuxia Game Blood Message Has Fans Comparing It To Uncharted And Tomb Raider

Surprise! NetEase Thunder Fire has just revealed Blood Message, an all-new action-adventure game that looks like a wuxia Uncharted.

Described as a "story-driven, single-player, action-adventure set in Ancient China," Blood Message will feature "cutting-edge technology [to] heighten immersion in [an] epic blockbuster experience."

Players can expect a deeply emotional journey with gameplay "anchored in cinematic storytelling," and visceral, realistic combat that blends stealth and survival mechanics. You'll visit diverse landscapes right across eastern and central Asia.

Blood Message is an upcoming third-person linear action-adventure game developed by 24 Entertainment Studio and NetEase Thunder Fire. It introduces a forgotten odyssey of loyalty and survival where players join Dunhuang’s uprising, taking control of a nameless messenger and his young son in this immersive third-person action-adventure.

"Caught in the crossfire of a righteous uprising and driven by loyalty to both family and country, players will embark on a perilous eastward journey to deliver a message that holds the fate of their war-torn homeland," teases the blurb. "Amidst the shifting sands of history, they will etch a final tale of loyalty. "

"From not knowing about this game five minutes ago, it is now at the top of my most wanted list. Looks incredible!" said one impressive fan on YouTube, with another suggesting: "I see quite a bit of Uncharted/Tomb Raider Reboot DNA in this and I'm liking it!"

Blood Message coming to PC and consoles, although a release window has not yet been confirmed.

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.

  •  

Has Switch 2 Been a Failure So Far for Non-Nintendo Games? The Numbers Paint a Mixed Picture

Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a strong start, with 3.5 million consoles sold. But outside of playing Mario Kart World, have you bought many other games? And how many of those weren't made by Nintendo?

Analysis has begun on the console's launch week sales figures, and it paints a mixed picture of how non-Nintendo software has fared. Of course, Nintendo games are always the prime attraction on Nintendo hardware — and around 80 percent of Switch 2 consoles sold so far have been the console's bundle option with Mario Kart World packed in.

Beyond that, Nintendo launched its new platform with bitesize tech demo/mini-game collection Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour to sample, plus The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom's Switch 2 Editions you can buy outright or buy upgrades for. And, of course, Switch 1 owners have access to their full back catalogues to continue playing. So perhaps it's not a huge surprise that third-party Switch 2 software hasn't dominated more.

In the UK, 86% of Switch 2 physical game sales during launch week were first-party titles. This includes copies of Mario Kart World sold as part of the Switch 2 console bundle, according to NielsenIQ numbers reported by The Game Business. This is roughly equivalent to the 89% first-party physical game sales seen in the UK during Switch 1's launch week.

In the US, third-party publishers saw a slightly rosier picture, with 62% of Switch 2 physical game sales during launch week from first-party titles, per figures from Circana. According to industry analyst Mat Piscatella, that compares to a figure above 80% for the first month of Switch 1.

The best selling non-Nintendo game on Switch 2 during its first week on sale was Cyberpunk 2077, from CD Projekt Red. Sega, which launched Yakuza 0: Director's Cut, Sonic x Shadow Generations and Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, was the platform's third biggest publisher during launch week, meanwhile.

The Game Business states that one unnamed third-party publisher described their Switch 2 launch sales as 'below our lowest estimates', despite Nintendo's console hardware selling well. It's an eye-catching quote, but up against Mario Kart World, and with no pre-launch Switch 2 reviews for any games, it's perhaps not too surprising.

And another factor to be considered is that the original Switch launched with just five physical games, whereas Switch 2 has 13 available to buy, likely spreading demand.

Ultimately, Piscatella wrote, solid results on how Switch 2 is performing for third-party publishers will come — but for now, it is still too soon to tell.

"It's far too early to claim best or worst this or that or whatever when it comes to Switch 2," Piscatella concluded. "Sheesh, the thing hasn't even been out 3 weeks yet."

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

  •  

Dune: Awakening Developer Is 'Formulating A Plan' To Improve PvP and Toxic Deep Desert Experiences

In its first Q&A since Dune: Awakening launched on June 10, developer Funcom responded to questions on what's next for its survival MMO, and in particular changes due to come to its endgame.

Funcom said it's "currently formulating a plan" to improve PvP in the Deep Desert, which players have previously branded as "toxic" due to griefing. Funcom has already patched out the ability for players to squish other people with their Ornithopter, but senior game director Viljar Sommerbakk also revealed the team was considering tweaking Ornis further, such as equipping them with rockets that "reduces overall maneuverability and max speed".

The team is also considering making Scout Orni rockets cost slightly more heat to fire, something Sommerbakk said would limit its combat usefulness relative to the Assault Ornithopter "while still allowing it to be an aerial threat."

"We have a lot of plans to address [players'] points about respawn times and revives," creative director Joel Bylos added. "Full loot is a decree that can be obtained via the Landsraad (so compete there if you want to make it a reality), there are control points in the deep desert already, we have no plans to reduce the DD size. As we work on the game, we will continue to work on making PvP more rewarding (I am sure you will note I am not being very concrete but that is because we are planning and watching how people are playing and finding the right points to address)."

Lead producer Ole Andreas Hayley said: "The Deep Desert will always stay a PvP free-for-all area, but we might consider adding other locations that offer factional warfare."

"We want players to make meaningful decisions about what they bring with them and how they outfit their vehicles," Sommerbakk continued. "Once players have engaged in PvP, we want the experience to be reliable, responsive, and clearly understood. This determines how PvP as a whole feels and how players make their moment-to-moment decisions in a fight. To ensure a more reliable experience in ground combat, we are continuing to address issues with movement desyncs and rubber banding, as well as ability activation reliability."

There's also some quality of life tweaks on the way, too, including named storage containers and vehicles, to help you differentiate, as well as "deposit/extract all" buttons for water storages and the like. We should also expect boss encounters as part of future dungeons as the team continues to evolve PvE content.

Interestingly, Hayley also teased that we could receive additional maps in the future, also.

"The Dune universe has a lot of interesting locations and worlds to explore, and we're looking forward to continuing to build on top of the foundation we have," he said.

Right now, there are no plans to make it easier to distinguish between NPCs and other players — "this is in line with the vision of the game" — and when asked if it would be possible to skip all dialogue and animations, Bylos said: "Absolutely not."

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

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

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

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

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

  •  

[UPDATE] Confused Nintendo Fans Spot Giant Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Advert Stating That the Game Is 'Out Now' — Sparking Hopes of an Imminent Release

UPDATE: Nintendo has confirmed to IGN that the Metroid Prime 4: Beyond advert currently at Oxford Circus in London is incorrect, and the game still lacks an official release date.

"We can confirm that the 'Out Now' message on this advert is incorrect," a Nintendo spokesperson said. "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition are not yet available and are scheduled for release in 2025."

IGN has been able to verify the advert currently remains in place at the station — as detailed in our original report below.

ORIGINAL STORY: A giant advert for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond at London's Oxford Circus tube station states that the game is now available, sparking confusion from Nintendo fans on their morning commute.

First off, if you've seen the advert yourself, no — the current London heatwave hasn't melted your senses. The advert, now spotted by multiple fans and confirmed in person by IGN staff, really does say the game is "out now".

Officially, Nintendo has not announced a Metroid Prime 4: Beyond release date other than a vague promise it will launch this year. But even if the game isn't out now, its appearance on an advert in such a prominent location is giving Nintendo fans hope its launch is right around the corner.

"Any idea why the MP4 Beyond ad in the London Underground says 'out now'?" Nintendo fan orchestar wrote on reddit. "I’m genuinely confused. Do they mean the Switch 2 is out? I wish the game was truly out though haha."

Fans have speculated that the advert is perhaps outdated — maybe Nintendo did initially plan to launch Metroid Prime 4 now, and the wording wasn't updated? Alternatively, we could be seeing a version of the advert not due until later, alongside the game's actual release date.

For other Nintendo fans, keen to play the game soon after many years of waiting, the advert has sparked hope of a surprise release. This does seem unlikely, however, with Donkey Kong Bananza firmly positioned as Nintendo's next big Switch 2 title.

As IGN senior commerce editor Rob Anderson told me this morning, reporting from the scene, the whole of this Oxford Circus tube platform is one long Nintendo Switch 2 advert, with individual panels for games such as Super Mario Party Jamboree, Donkey Kong Bananza and the Switch 2 console itself. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's placement here, then, looks just to be part of a wider promotional campaign — rather than a specific placement for the individual game.

IGN has contacted Nintendo for comment.

Now a cross-gen title for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to finally arrive at some point in 2025 after a long and eventful development.

Originally announced back in 2017, the follow-up to Retro Studios' beloved GameCube and Wii trilogy was rebooted in 2019, and development restarted by Retro Studios after an earlier version in the works at Bandai Namco failed to meet Nintendo's standards. Years later, with Switch 2 on the horizon, Nintendo finally gave the game a proper unveiling in June 2024.

On Switch 2, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will run at 120 frames per second and offer optional controls that take advantage of the Joy-Con's mouse feature. It seems most likely to arrive at some point between Donkey Kong Bananza's July launch and Pokémon Legends: Z-A's arrival in October.

Photo credit: Rob Anderson

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

  •  

Ghost of Yotei Director Reveals Efforts to Respectfully Portray the Ainu Indigenous People of Japan

In a new entry on Sony’s official PlayStation blog, Sucker Punch Productions' co-creative director Nate Fox shared more insight into the research trips the Ghost of Yotei team took to Japan. Following on from his previous PlayStation blog contribution (more on that here), Fox yet again emphasized the team’s commitment to portraying feudal Japan in a respectful way, this time focusing on the efforts they made to represent the culture of the Ainu.

The Ainu are an indigenous people from north Japan, especially Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido, which provides Ghost of Yotei’s setting. Their language, culture, beliefs, and traditions are distinctly different from the Yamato (also known as Wajin), the main ethnic group that makes up the overwhelming majority of Japan’s population today.

Ghost of Yotei is set at a pivotal point in the history — 1603 was the year the Tokugawa Shogunate was formed by Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan’s great unifiers, putting an end to decades of civil war. Edo (now Tokyo) became Japan’s center of power, ushering in the peaceful Edo period in which Japan’s culture and society blossomed. However, at this time, Hokkaido was still a wild, sparsely populated island home to the Ainu, its formidable winter snow and rugged landscape making it a tough place to live.

“When setting a game in Hokkaido we knew a crucial element was doing our best to represent Ainu culture in a respectful way,” Nate Fox explained. “Thankfully we’d connected with an Ainu cultural adviser before setting out on our reference gathering trip.” Not only that, but they were invited by the adviser to meet her family, which led to the Ghost of Yotei team getting to forage for vegetables in the mountains. “It was a lovely way to make new friends and start our journey in learning about Ainu culture. That night we resolved to put foraging into our new game, we wanted players to be able to share (our) experience.”

According to Fox, the Ghost of Yotei team spent part of their research gathering trip in Oshima Peninsula, the southern part of Hokkaido that is closest to Japan’s main island of Honshu. In the 1600s, this was the domain of Matsumae clan, who would be given exclusive rights by the Tokugawa government to trade with the Ainu living further north. Fox observed that there are signs even today of how the mainland Japanese people of this time rarely lived any further north of Oshima. There is a “proliferation of cherry trees on the peninsula, brought there from Honshu, yet uncommon in the rest of the island. That really told the story of how sparsely settled Hokkaido was in 1603 by the Wajin people,” he noted.

“We’ve tried to mimic that quality in the game, leaning into areas of wilderness between homesteads.” This rugged wilderness will provide a backdrop for protagonist Atsu’s quest to take revenge on those who killed her family.

Fox and the team also went to the Nibutani Ainu Museum with their Ainu cultural adviser. Traditional Ainu houses (called cise) differ from traditional Japanese houses. The museum trip “really helped us get a sense for sorts of objects we’d see in the game and how they were used.”

We can get a glimpse of the inside of an Ainu house, with its large central hearth, in Ghost of Yotei’s official release date trailer (around the 2-minute mark). The woman protagonist Atsu is talking to in this scene seems to be Ainu, as she has a lip tattoo. This symbol of beauty for the Ainu would later be cracked down on by the Japanese government in the late 1800s, after it had fully annexed Hokkaido (source: Embassy of Japan in the UK). By then, measures to force Ainu to abandon their language and culture and integrate into Japanese society were in full swing.

(As a side note, J.K Goodrich’s 1888 account of Ainu houses paints a first-hand picture of the contrast, and complicated relations between the Ainu and Japanese at this time.)

Fox also touched on the time that the Ghost of Yotei team spent learning about Edo period Japan, which took them to Nikko Toshogu, one of the shrines in Japan dedicated to the unifying shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who kickstarted the Edo period. “While there we obtained a blessing for the game from the enshrined deity, Tokugawa Ieyasu,” Fox explained, adding that they proudly display the ema (wooden plaque) and omamori (protective charm) that they obtained from Nikko Toshogu at the studio as reminders of their trip.

Reflecting on the research trip, Fox explained that “while our version of Hokkaido is fictional, the feeling of authenticity we strive to create has roots in those real world experiences.” It will be interesting to see how Ghost of Yotei portrays the contrast between the Wajin/Edo culture, and that of the Ainu.

Verity Townsend is a Japan-based freelance writer who previously served as editor, contributor and translator for the game news site Automaton West. She has also written about Japanese culture and movies for various publications.

  •  

AU Deals: Stock Up For a Full Weekend of Play With the Hottest Gaming Deals Today!

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

This Day in Gaming 🎂

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

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

Aussie birthdays for notable games

- Sonic Adventure DX (GC) 2003. Get

- Brute Force (XB) 2003. eBay

Contents

Nice Savings for Nintendo Switch

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

Expiring Recent Deals

Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.

Back to top

Exciting Bargains for Xbox

On Xbox Series X, Mass Effect Legendary Edition is absurdly cheap. Bioware confirmed they considered giving Shepard a full voice-over customiser, but scrapped it due to memory limits on original hardware. Gotham Knights, though divisive, hides deep lore entries referencing Batman Beyond and The Court of Owls.

Xbox One

Expiring Recent Deals

Or just invest in an Xbox Card.

Back to top

Pure Scores for PlayStation

Over on PlayStation, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is slashed by 60 percent. Its creator, Hideaki Itsuno, said he built the game’s “vocation” system after becoming obsessed with Western tabletop RPGs. Until Dawn, meanwhile, features motion-captured performances from Rami Malek before he won an Oscar.

PS4

Expiring Recent Deals

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

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

Or purchase a PS Store Card.

Back to top

Purchase Cheap for PC

On PC, Dead Space is an absolute steal at under twenty bucks. When remaking the game, EA Motive used NASA audio archives to help shape the vacuum soundscape—those eerie silences are scientifically accurate. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor also features a hefty 80 percent discount. Look closely at BD-1’s animations: they were inspired by the twitchy, curious movements of meerkats observed during on-site visits to wildlife sanctuaries.

Expiring Recent Deals

Or just get a Steam Wallet Card

Laptop Deals

Desktop Deals

Monitor Deals

Component Deals

Storage Deals

Back to top

Legit LEGO Deals

Expiring Recent Deals

Back to top

Hot Headphones Deals

Audiophilia for less

Back to top

Terrific TV Deals

Do right by your console, upgrade your telly

Smart Home Deals

Back to top

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

  •  

The Lenovo Legion Go Gaming Handheld Drops to the Lowest Price Ever on Amazon

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

30% Off Lenovo Legion Go 512GB Gaming Handheld

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.

  •  

Best Xbox Deals Today (June 2025)

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

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

Best Xbox Game Deals

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

What's Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass?

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

Best Xbox Accessory Deals

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

When Should I Buy an Xbox?

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

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

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

Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  •  

Deals for Today: Nintendo Switch Power Bank, Death Stranding Vinyl, Skytech Gaming PC, and More

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

TL;DR: Deals For Today

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

Hulu + Live TV Free Trial

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.

Final Fantasy x Secret Lair

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

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

MTG Final Fantasy Chase Cards

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

Where To Buy MTG: Final Fantasy

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

Pokémon Restock Updates

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

Destined Rivals Singles Are On The Rise (Again)

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

The Most Expensive Pokémon Cards In Packs RIGHT NOW

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

Destined Rivals Sealed Stock

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

Skytech King 95 Gaming PC

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.

Iniu 10,000mAh 22.5W USB Power Bank

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.

IGN Live 2025 Bundle

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.

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

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 and the Forgotten Land (Switch 2)

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.

Donkey Kong Bananza

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

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 - 4K UHD Combo + Steelbook

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.

Badass Brawlers Bundle

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.

Self Adhesive Hook And Loop Cable Ties

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 HDMI Switch

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.

JSAUX 3-Pack Tempered Glass Screen Protector Switch 2

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.

Switch 2 tomtoc Slim Carrying Case

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.

The Legend of Zelda Master Sword

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

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

Narrative Arc Bundle

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.

Apple Mac and iPad Deals

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

Samsung 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor

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.

Big Discounts On Crucial DDR5 and Storage

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

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (PS5)

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.

DOOM The Dark Ages Art Print

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 Bundle

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 Confirms Pauline's Age in Donkey Kong Bananza — Leaving Fans Wondering Whether It's a Super Mario Odyssey Prequel, and If Mario Will Appear As a Potential Villain

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 Planning AI Remakes of the Classic Kung Fu Films of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li

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.

  •  

The Last of Us Star Can't Watch ‘That’ Scene, Doesn’t Want to Watch *Spoiler* Die

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.

  •  

New York’s Philippe Labaune Gallery Celebrates the Iconic Art of Paul Pope

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

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

HOUSE OF MOORE

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

SELF-PORTRAIT

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

RODAN

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

THB LIPSTICK

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

Learn More About Philippe Labaune Gallery's Paul Pope Exhibit

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

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

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

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

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

  •  

The Best Gaming PC Deals Today: Enjoy Discounts at Dell, HP, and Lenovo

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

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

The Best Gaming PC Deals

More Dell and Alienware Gaming PC Deals

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

More HP Gaming PC Deals

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

More Lenovo Gaming PC Deals

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

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

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Gen 10 (Intel) with RTX 5070 (32GB/2TB)

Things to Consider When Buying a Gaming PC

Which video card is enough for me?

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:

  • 1080p - RTX 3060 to RTX 3060 Ti (RX 6600 XT to RX 6700 XT)
  • QHD - RTX 3060 Ti to RTX 3080 (RX 6700 XT to RX 6900 XT)
  • 4K - RTX 3080 to RTX 4090 (RX 6900 XT)

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.

Console vs Gaming PC?

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 PC vs Gaming Laptop?

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.

  •  

Audible Premium Plus is Free Right Now For Amazon Prime Members in the UK

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 Writer Says He Was Not Asked to Work on Spider-Man '94

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.

  •  

Elden Ring Nightreign Latest Patch Shadowdropped Its First Enhanced Boss

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 Review

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.

  •  

Amazon’s Early Device Deals Are Live for Prime Day, But Kindles and 4K Fire Sticks Are Still MIA

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.

  •  

Donkey Kong Bananza Is Getting an Amiibo, and It's Now Available To Preorder

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

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

Preorder Donkey Kong Bananza Amiibo

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.

  •  

Grow a Garden Codes (June 2025)

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

Working Grow a Garden Codes (June 2025)

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

Expired Grow a Garden Codes (June 2025)

Unfortunately, these codes have now expired:

  • LUNARGLOW10 - This gave players 3x Seed Packs.

How to Redeem Grow a Garden Codes

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

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

Why Isn't My Grow a Garden Code Working?

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

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

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

Where to Find More Grow a Garden Codes

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

What is Grow a Garden in Roblox?

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

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

When is the Summer Update in Grow a Garden?

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

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

  •  

Beat Saber Ends Support on PS4 and PS5 in Yet Another Blow for PSVR2

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.

  •  

Avengers: Doomsday Filming Plans Detail Returning MCU Location, as Marvel Seeks UK Council Permission to Film in Windsor

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

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

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

Warning! There may be Avengers: Doomsday spoilers ahead!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic.

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

  •  

Gears of War: Reloaded Responds to Beta Complaints With More Maps and Modes For This Weekend's Test

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  •