At CinemaCon in Las Vegas today, the Marvel Studios portion of Disney’s presentation featured the debut of brand new footage from The Fantastic Four: First Steps, including the first look anywhere of the Silver Surfer and a notable reveal about Sue Storm.

The start of the footage shows a talk show, The Ted Gilbert Show, clearly modeled after a 1960s Ed Sullivan Show style series, with Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Game of Thrones) as the host. Ted Gilbert recaps the story of the Fantastic Four – with more glimpses of the footage we’ve seen previously of the space trip that transformed them – as we get footage showing their widespread popularity amongst the public, with cheering crowds, children included. We see Ben (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Johnny (Joseph Quinn) and Sue (Vanessa Kirby) in action, using their powers - though, amusingly, we still weren’t given any shots of Reed’s stretching power in action. Gilbert then introduces the foursome onstage, and they stand together, in costume, in the shot we saw ending the first trailer.

Glimpses of the FF’s home life find more of the robot H.E.R.B.I.E. and Ben cooking together and Johnny chastising Reed (Pedro Pascal) and Sue for being late for dinner, leading to the big reveal about Sue, as Johnny is told his sister is pregnant. He then tells Sue she’ll be a great mom while teasing Reed he’ll be a terrible father.

We then got our first shots of Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), in all her gleaming, metallic glory, announcing “Your planet is now marked for death.” We then see more shots of Galactus’ shadow over New York, like in the teaser (though not a full reveal of the character yet).

Reed is seen readying for a mission, walking away from camera in a 4-logo labeled space suit as someone asks him “Are we safe?” He turns back towards them and grimly responds, “I don’t know.”

Shots of crowds running in panic across the city include a little girl stopping to retrieve an action figure of The Thing she’s dropped, but when she goes to pick it up, the giant shadow of Galactus falls over her.

The final shot of the footage then shows the Silver Surfer flying towards the camera on her surfboard.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be released on July 25, 2025!

In a pre-recorded message to CinemaCon from his post-production facility in New Zealand, James Cameron introduced Zoe Saldaña to present the first-ever footage from Avatar: Fire and Ash, in theaters December 19th.

“The Sully family are really put through the ringer on this one as they face not only the human invaders, but new adversaries: the Ash People,” Cameron said in his introduction.

Roughly five minutes from the film were presented in 3D, two sequences followed by a sizzle reel. The focus of the footage presented to an audience of theater execs and press was to show an expanded look at new corners and cultures in the world of Pandora.

Two new groups of Na’vi are introduced in this third Avatar film: the Tlalim clan, aka the Windtraders, and the Mangkwan Clan, aka the Ash People. The former are nomads who “sail” the skies like sailors from the Golden Age of Sail, while the latter are baddies who have rejected their deity and the ways of the Na’vi after a volcano left their homeland a desolate wreck covered in ash.

Zoe Saldaña is back on the #CinemaCon stage to introduce Avatar: Fire and Ash. pic.twitter.com/RS8T21L4O5

— Avatar (@officialavatar) April 3, 2025

David Thewlis plays Peylak, the leader of the Windtraders, while Oona Chaplin plays the Ash People’s sinister leader, Varang. Both are featured in the footage that was shown at CinemaCon, which began with a series of images showing the expanded look at Pandora.

Then a sequence shows Jake Sully, Neytiri, their kids Lo’ak and Tuk, Kiri, and Spider living among the high-flying Windtraders whose sky boats fly with membrane-like sails that look like jellyfish. They’re then attacked from above by a raiding party of Ash People.

It then transitioned into more of an extended trailer featuring lots of action and battles in the air and land, with Varang at one point telling Neytiri that “her God has no dominion here.”

The footage – which was as eye-popping and visceral as viewers have come to expect from the Avatar films – was presented in 3D and in a high frame rate to provide an immersive, sensory experience.

For more CinemaCon coverage, find out what we learned about Superman, Mortal Kombat II, Resident Evil, Spider-Man: Brave New Day, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, John Wick 5, Jurassic World Rebirth, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, Masters of the Universe, and The Beatles.

Elle Fanning took the stage at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas today to tout her upcoming Predator movie, Predator: Badlands, which will feature... a Predator who's a good guy!

Yes, this Predator is a young warrior who has been cast out and comes to work with humans... or at least one human that we know of so far - Fanning! Before unveiling the trailer for the film, which was played exclusively for CinemaCon, the actress teased a bit of the movie's plot.

"Something unprecedented happens in this movie," the A Complete Unknown actress told the assembled crowd of reporters and theater industry folks. "My character is not the one being chased. My character actually teams up with the Predator. And you get to see him in a completley new light. And... I'll stop there!"

The trailer was then unveiled, which showed Predator relices on a ship. “I didn’t think he survived,” someone says. We see the Predator standing on the shore... but this is not Earth. It’s another planet. We also see the Predator isn't wearing his helmet. At another point he’s surrounded by giant deadly monsters. Fanning's character says, “You’re something that cannot be killed."

The trailer features the tagline “The director of Prey welcomes you to a world of hurt,” and ends with the Predator facing down a massive creature running at him, smashing through trees. Standing his ground, the Predator roars at the creature, ready to fight.

Predator: Badlands was directed by Dan Trachtenberg and co-written by Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison. It's designed to be a standalone entry in the franchise even though Trachtenberg also directed 2022's terrific Prey and is working on an as-yet untitled third Predator film as well.

Predator: Badlands will be released on November 7, 2025.

Reporting by Jim Vejvoda and Eric Goldman.

We live in an era of getting things shipped straight to your home, without needing to leave your house. Pretty much anything I could ever want can be sent directly to me in seemingly no time flat. It's an incredible thing, and yet part of me still yearns for the experience of getting something in person. It feels like it's more of an actual event and a memory you'll have forever.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 preorders starting soon, Best Buy has announced that customers will have the option to pick up the new console at their local store at the stroke of midnight (EST. It's the earliest possible time fans can get their hands on the Switch 2, with Walmart offering free deliveries before 9 a.m. on June 5. While having it shipped directly to me would be the easiest path, the idea of actually going somewhere to secure the console with my own two hands appeals to me a lot more. If I do end up getting a preorder for the Switch 2, I'm going to choose to wait in line and make a big deal out of it.

Preorders Start at Best Buy on April 9 at Midnight (EST)

Thank your own personal deity—possibly Odin the Aragami—it’s Friday! From sprawling RPGs to cosmic rhythm games, this week’s digital discounts are a goldmine for gamers across every platform. Stock up for your weekend, stay safe, save often, and I’ll catch you Monday!

This Day in Gaming 🎂

In retro news, I'm celebrating the 32nd birthday of Final Fight CD, arguably the best home version of Capcom's touchstone beat 'em up. Way more faithful than the SNES and Mega Drive versions—or the iffy Amiga one I was raised on—this must-own was scarfed by game starved Mega-CD owners, quicker than a free oil drum chicken.

• Bravely Default II (-35%) - A$52
• Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory (-44%) - A$50
• Dragon Ball Fighterz (-45%) - A$50
• Life Is Strange: Double Exposure (-31%) - A$59
• Outward Def. Ed. (-40%) - A$36
• Hades (-65%) - A$14

Expiring Recent Deals

• Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (-43%) - A$58
• It Takes Two (-40%) - A$37
• Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (-53%) - A$48
• Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled (-42%) - A$41
• Kingdom Come Deliverance: Royal Ed. (-41%) - A$48
• Burnout Paradise Rem. (-25%) - A$30

Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.

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The new Minecraft movie has looked interesting from the very virst trailer. With Jack Black and Jason Momoa plopped into the world of Minecraft, it's a video game movie that has the potential to be popular with a massive audience of both kids and adults. Minecraft is one of the best-selling video games of all time that has infiltrated pretty much every medium, so its jump to a feature film was all but a matter of time. In our review of A Minecraft Movie, we found it to be surprisingly funny despite its contraints.

If you're hoping to catch the new live-action Minecraft movie in theaters this weekend, I've gathered all of the details below. For those of you waiting for it to come out on streaming and digital, I've also gathered the latest info I could find about release dates for both.

Where to Watch A Minecraft Movie

A Minecraft Movie, with a wide release date of April 4, is now available in theaters everywhere. To find when and where you can watch the film near you, check the listings featured below for local showtimes.

• Fandango
• Regal Theaters
• AMC Theaters
• Cinemark Theaters
• Alamo Drafthouse

When Will It Come to Streaming?

We don't yet have a streaming release date for A Minecraft Movie, but we know that it will land on Max when it does hit streaming because it's a Warner Bros. project. There is no clear time period when we can expect the movie to make the jump to a streaming service since it depends on how the film does in the box office, but we can make an educated guess based on past Warner Bros. movies. Theatrical windows have shrunk in the last few years, some as short as 14 days before hitting VOD. For a movie with such crossover appeal like this one, we'd bet that it has a longer life in theaters and won't hit streaming for three to four months. That would place the potential streaming release date sometime in June or July 2025.

Crunchyroll’s Anime Awards are a chance to celebrate your favorite shows, characters, and performances from the previous year. While a panel of judges may decide on the nominees themselves, the winners of each category are ultimately decided by fans. Today, the anime streaming service officially announced the nominees for the 9th Anime Awards and opened voting to the public.

At the 2024 Anime Awards, the grand prize (and 10 other awards) went to Jujutsu Kaisen. In 2025, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End leads the charge with 25 nominations, though Dan Da Dan isn't far behind at 22. Here are the nominees for Anime of the Year and how you (yes, you!) can cast your votes.

Nominees for Anime of the Year

For this year's Anime Awards, Crunchyroll announced expanded eligibility requirements. Any series that aired between October 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, which includes five anime 'seasons,' is eligible. With that in mind, here are the nominees for Anime of the Year:

Dan Da Dan

Dan Da Dan, produced by Science Saru, follows a pair of eccentric teenagers who discover that both aliens and demons are real. Season 2 of Dan Da Dan begins airing this summer, and one can hope they use an opening as catchy as the first season's.

Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu

Delicious in Dungeon

The only Netflix exclusive anime to make this list, the first season of Delicious in Dungeon ran for 24 episodes. Adapted from the manga by Ryoko Kui, the seinen anime follows a group of adventurers forced to find meal options in the depths of, well, a dungeon.

Where to Stream: Netflix

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

The Elven mage Frieren once travelled in a party that defeated the Demon King, but her long lifespan means she's outlived all of her friends. As she decides to take a young human mage under her wing, she considers how to find meaning in fleeting lifetimes. Frieren is, in my opinion, the nominee most likely to make you cry or have an existential crisis.

Where to Stream: Crunchyroll or Netflix

Kaiju No. 8

Kaiju No. 8 (occasionally referred to as Monster No. 8 in English) is a play on the "Man Becomes a Monster to Hunt Monsters" trope that's always been popular in anime. Kafka Hibino originally joins a task force to take revenge on the Kaiju who destroyed his town, but a parasite flying into his mouth makes his plan a little more complicated.

Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

Solo Leveling

While every other anime on this list started off as a serialized manga in Japan, Solo Leveling instead started as a Korean web comic on WebToon. A-1 Pictures produces the anime adaptation, which recently surpassed One Piece to become the most reviewed anime of all time on Crunchyroll.

Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

The Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries has been adapted into plenty of mediums over the years, including a manga licensed by Square Enix, but the seinen story reached new levels of popularity with its anime adaptation. Set in an alternate version of the Tang Dynasty, The Apothecary Diaries has aired for two seasons so far.

Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu

How to Vote in the 2025 Anime Awards

Starting today, Dell is offering an Alienware Aurora R16 gaming PC equipped with the new GeForce RTX 5080 GPU for just $2,399.99 shipped. This is one of the best prices you can get right now for an RTX 5080 equipped prebuilt, especially since most other brands seem to be jacking up prices steadily since the RTX 50 series launch in January. The only other prebuilt you can get at Dell with an RTX 5080 GPU costs over $4,000. Good luck trying to find a standalone GPU to build out your own DIY PC; you'll probably spend as much for the GPU as you would this entire system.

Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 5080 Gaming PC for $2,400

LEGO and Minecraft fit together perfectly. The popular game is all about using your imagination to build just about anything out of digital blocks, and LEGO is the ideal medium to bring that into the real world. There are already a ton of LEGO Minecraft sets out there and more are on the way. Now that A Minecraft Movie is in theaters, Amazon is offering some pretty steep discounts on older sets that are actually really cool.

Although there were some newer Minecraft Movie LEGO sets released earlier this year, none of those have gone on sale. If you're a fan of the game itself and not just interested because of the new movie, however, the sets that are on sale are worth a look.

The Best Minecraft LEGO Sets on Sale at Amazon Today

With stylish cinematography and expertly choreographed fight scenes, John Wick has cemented itself as one of the best action film franchises of the last decade. The ongoing series realized its potential with John Wick: Chapter 4, which IGN called "a modern action masterclass" and awarded a rare 10/10 review score.

With confirmation that Keanu Reeves will be returning for John Wick 5, we've compiled a complete list of where you can stream every John Wick movie online in 2025.

Where to Stream the John Wick Movies Online

Unfortunately, the John Wick movies recently got much harder to find online. While the first three movies used to be on Hulu, they got pulled from the library on March 1, 2025. Now, the first three John Wick movies can only streamed with a live TV subscription like Fubo or rented from a digital marketplace like Prime Video. At the very least, John Wick: Chapter 4 is available for free on The Roku Channel.

Here's our full breakdown of how to watch John Wick online in 2025 with links to where you can stream each movie:

John Wick Movies on Blu-ray

If you're more interested in adding to your physical collection (or maybe just less interested in another streaming subscription), every John Wick movie is also available on DVD, in 4K Ultra HD. For what it's worth, no one can take your Blu-ray collection away from you.

Future John Wick Movies

After the mostly unimpressive debut of The Continental, Chad Stahleski was able to strike a deal to have creative oversight of all future John Wick spinoffs (as well as the new Highlander re-boot), so we have some faith that the canon is in good hands from here on out.

Ballerina, a feature-film spinoff starring Ana de Armas's character Ruska Roma, was originally scheduled to hit theaters on June 7, 2024 but has since been delayed to a June 6, 2025 release date.

John Wick 5 is officially a go at Lionsgate after Reeves and Director Stahleski decided over whiskey in Japan, and we know for sure Keanu Reeves will be a part of it. Reeves is also returning for an anime John Wick prequel.

Lastly, there's the yet-to-be-confirmed Sofia Al-Azwar spinoff hinted at by actor Halle Berry. In the meantime, you can also check out our list of movies like John Wick.

Jordan covers games, shows, and movies as a freelance writer for IGN.

I'm sorry to everyone who was in earshot of me when the Mario Kart World trailer dropped at yesterday's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Because when I saw this, I screamed:

YOU CAN PLAY AS THE FREAKING COW?!?!!!!! MARIO KART WORLD?!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/6uIZ4A0MVF

— ☆オードリーAudrey☆ (@aitaikimochi) April 2, 2025

Yes, if you somehow haven't heard/didn't notice, Mario Kart World has gone absolutely nuts on what characters are allowed to drive motor vehicles this time around. While Super Smash Bros. has taken the path of adding characters from every Nintendo-adjacent franchise imaginable to its roster, Mario Kart has gone the other way by digging deep into Mario lore and adding every single goofy little guy you've ever seen to the line-up of kart racers. Right down to one of the cows populating Moo Moo Meadows in Mario Kart 8.

THEY REALLY ARE ADDING ANYBODY LMAO https://t.co/UcvrIXxg57 pic.twitter.com/JJdofUopVe

— No Context Super Mario (@SuperMarioOOC85) April 2, 2025

The Moo Moo, or just Cow as they're referred to in the official roster, is getting special attention online from the community. Already, people are drawing up fanart to celebrate this cute, goofy, seemingly random edition to a line-up that, up til now, has largely included the Mario series' most famous and beloved characters.

They're also, predictably, making all sorts of of memes:

Mario Kart players seeing that Cow racing pic.twitter.com/7eAN22LWPd

— SwagKirb (@Swag_K1RBY) April 2, 2025

wanted to let everyone know that this was my first thought upon seeing the moo moo meadows cow in mario kart pic.twitter.com/CCWZA0nqfL

— ticky fraggle ! (@tickyworm) April 2, 2025

The helpful lakitu when the moo moo meadow cow falls off the track in mario kart world pic.twitter.com/7gBgLg5P1u

— Regice (@reg1ce) April 2, 2025

The addition of Cow has also led to some... interesting speculation. For instance, in one shot in the trailer, Mario consumes a burger. Will Cow also consume a burger at some point in the game? What does this mean, philosophically, for Cow?

What's more, does this mean we'll get to see Cow wearing a variety of costumes like the other characters? Can we race as Cow in Moo Moo Meadows? How do all the other cows feel about this? How did a Cow get a driver's license anyway?

We just went hands-on with Mario Kart World at a special Nintendo event, and yes, we did play as Cow. Cow was one of our favorite playable characters, and we're excited to find out more about some of the other unlockable weird little guys we've seen on the courses, and potential funky costumes we might eventually see Cow donning. Hopefully Cow doesn't have to eat a burger first.

We've got everything you need to know about Mario Kart World and the Nintendo Switch 2 here at IGN, from tons of new details about both, to why the hardware and games are so dang expensive.

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.

If you want a gaming PC that can follow wherever you may roam, a gaming laptop is likely your best bet. While desktop parts will usually still beat out a gaming laptop, the best of them offer excellent performance in the latest games. Best of all, some models are able to offer peak performance while still remaining thin and light, like the Razer Blade 16, which is my pick for the all-around best gaming laptop of 2025 so far.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Laptops:

The first thing I always recommend to people hunting for a new gaming laptop is to consider is what PC games they actually hope to play. The second is what settings they hope to play them at. These two questions can guide your purchase to higher- or lower-end hardware and what trade-offs you're willing to make. Now more than ever, gaming laptops come in every shape and size, from thin and light devices to moderately heavy powerhouses like the Gigabyte Aorus Master 16. Larger performance-driven laptops (like the ones that come with a 4K display) achieve their enhanced performance with more powerful, and power-hungry, components, which means sacrificing on portability, battery life, and fan noise.

There are countless to choose from a ton of different gaming laptop brands, and finding the best for you can be more than a little daunting. I've tested dozens over the years, and I have a deep understanding of what it takes for a laptop to ascend to greatness for different types of gamers and can confidently say: These are the best gaming laptops of 2025 so far.

Looking for discounts on laptops like these? Check out our guide to the best gaming laptop deals.

1. Razer Blade 16 (2025)

Best Overall Gaming Laptop

Let's get this out of the way: The Razer Blade 16 isn't the most powerful RTX 50-series laptop. Instead, this notebook earns my top pick because of sum of its parts. See, the team at Razer understood that a huge crosssection of laptop gamers carry their machines with them every day, and flat-out making it nicer to use while also being powerful can dramatically enhance the use experience. And, as an extra, if you're willing to invest in Razer's laptop cooling pad, you can unlock the full wattage for performance that goes toe-to-toe with other RTX 5090 laptops.

Make no mistake: The Razer Blade 16 is still a gaming beast. In my review, I threw everything and the kitchen sink at it and there was nothing it couldn't run well on its crisp 1600p OLED screen. While running those games and benchmarks, the system stayed surprisingly quiet. This is a gaming laptop you could use in a school library without attracting attention.

It's true that a high-powered RTX 5080 like the Gigabyte Aorus Master 16 also recommended in this guide will get you similar, if not better, performance. What most other laptops can't offer, though, is the Blade 16's level of portability and noise.

Measuring just 0.59 inches at its thinnest point, it's a marked improvement from its predecessor and, well, most gaming laptops with such powerful hardware. It also weighs only 4.7lbs; you won't forget it's there, but it won't leave your back and shoulders sore from lugging it around every day. That portabilty makes it more appealing as a daily carry, so I didn't second guess taking it with me every day even when I might not actually need it.

The Blade 16 does a great job of feeling like the premium product it is. The chassis is milled from a single block of aluminum and feels solid and robust. It also helps with heat dissipation, but solid engineering ensures that the keyboard never gets more than warm while gaming. Its screen is also excellent with impressive factory calibration and multiple professional color modes that allow it to be used for creative applications straight out of the box. It's per-key RGB keyboard is completely programmable, complete with SOCD (Snap Tap) and macro support to better emulate a dedicated gaming keyboard.

On top of that, it also offers great battery life while gaming. Thanks to the new advancements in how the RTX 50-series handles power management, you can play games for around two hours instead of one or less like last generation.

The Razer Blade 16 is an excellent laptop that, while pricey, is something special in this space. If you want a great gaming laptop that will impress you with its portability, look no further.

2. MSI Thin A15 AI

Best Budget Gaming Laptop

3. Gigabyte Aorus Master 16

Best High-End Gaming Laptop

4. Asus Zenbook S 16

Best Work/Gaming Laptop

5. Asus TUF Gaming A14

Best Gaming Laptop for Students

How to Pick the Best Gaming Laptop

Gaming laptops have come a long way in relatively little time. Power, portability, and price have all seen dramatic improvements in just the last five years, and somehow gaming laptops are getting thinner and adding even more features.

Portability and Form Factor

Where will you be taking this gaming laptop? If you'll be taking it out every day, you’ll want something portable, such as a 15-incher or even smaller. Users who just want a laptop to live at home as more of a desktop replacement should go for a 17-inch rig or bigger for the larger screen size and greater power.

Weight is another consideration if you'll be carrying the laptop around all day. Anything more than 5lbs is going to be very noticeable. This can be an issue because gaming laptops have a tendency to be a bit bigger than competing options that don't need larger and more advanced cooling solutions. It's not impossible to find thin and light gaming laptops with great performance, but you should definitely take the time to consider what you're comfortable with and if you're willing to trade performance for portability.

With integrated GPUs, with the integrated graphics on modern processors getting to be so good, it's also possible to find gaming laptops in form factors that just didn't work before. The ROG Flow Z13 is a prime example; it is essentially a 2-in-1 gaming laptop that can double as a tablet for artists and students, but offers impressive gaming performance thanks to its AMD Ryzen AI MAX processor.

The point is, you don't need to limit yourself to bulky clamshell designs in the same way you used to. Depending on your budget and performance needs, there are more options than ever out there.

Power

The newest gaming laptops come equipped with the latest Nvidia RTX or Radeon RX graphics chips. These mobile chips are nearly as capable as their desktop version, plus they support the latest ray tracing, DLSS, and frame generation technologies.

On that front, it can also be important to consider what games you plan on playing, their minimum and recommended specifications, and what advanced features they might support. If the game is equipped with the latest version of Nvidia's DLSS, for example, and supports frame generation, you can probably get away with a lower-powered, lower-cost graphics card since the tech will improve your frame rate even on a cheaper card. As you get into higher tiers of laptop GPUs, prices skyrocket quickly.

Choosing the latest processor isn't quite as necessary, but it's nice to have and can help ensure that it doesn't bottleneck the potential performance of your GPU. If you're looking at a laptop with an Intel processor, be sure that the processor isn't more than a couple generations behind. Both Intel and AMD offer gaming processors with built-in neural processing units for enhanced AI performance. For Intel, these are referred to as Core Ultra processors while AMD dubs its lines AI and AI MAX. Both can offer great gaming performance.

If you only plan to take part in light gaming, a recent Core Ultra or AI Max processor can also take the place of a dedicated graphics card and save you hundreds in the process. Both of these chips feature powerful integrated graphics, and so long as you're willing to adjust settings and resolutions, can deliver playable frame rates. They're also great if you plan on streaming your games through the cloud through services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now.

Price

If you're set on a gaming laptop and just need to decide which one to get under a certain price point, then your choices will be narrowed down based on your maximum budget. If that's you, you'll probably want to explore our full list of cheap gaming laptops we'd recommend instead, but here's our top budget pick right now:

Most gaming laptops are only as portable as the nearest electrical outlet. All that power comes at a price, though. The general rule of thumb about gaming laptops is that their battery life stinks. In general, you should plan on plugging in your laptop before loading a game. Playing on battery power typically lasts an hour or less and also delivers worse performance due to the power limits the laptop imposes on the graphics card and processor. It's just not ideal, but may still be better than lugging around a heavy power brick, depending on what you're playing.

One recent exception to this is Nvidia's RTX 50-series laptop GPUs. These new chips feature enhanced power management features, so you can count on closer to two hours instead of one.

Another consideration when choosing a gaming laptop versus a gaming desktop is its price. It costs quite a bit more to stuff all those components (i.e. the built-in trackpad, keyboard, speakers, and display) into an easy-to-carry shell.

Depending on how tech-savvy you are, You can save some money by choosing a laptop with less memory and storage at checkout and upgrading these components yourself. It's usually much cheaper to do so. However, you'll want to research carefully to ensure that both are upgradable at all and, if so, are easily accessible. Some laptops hide components inside, beneath others, making them especially difficult, if not impossible, for anyone other than an expert to access. Bear in mind, however, that a laptop in general is much less upgradable than a desktop gaming PC. Outside of memory and storage, changing out other components likely means buying a whole new PC.

Gaming Laptop FAQ

Should you buy a gaming laptop or a gaming PC?

When considering a gaming laptop over a gaming desktop, ask yourself: Is the premium price worth it for the luxury of portability? In virtually every case, you'll pay more for a gaming laptop with similar on-paper specs to a well-matched gaming desktop. It doesn't stop with the cost: Just because two graphics cards have the same name doesn't mean that they're the same in all circumstances. Laptop versions of same-name GPUs usually offer reduced performance due to their thermal and power limitations. Gaming desktops provide more bang for your buck, are less expensive to upgrade and repair, and last longer before they go obsolete. See our guide to gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops for a deeper comparison.

Is the CPU or GPU more important in a gaming laptop?

Both are important, but you should consider the graphics card more than the processor. Even though a slow processor can throttle the graphics card and lower your fps, usually this is much less of a concern than simply having an underpowered GPU. Remember, it's the graphics card that renders your games and is the single most influential component to gaming performance.

Do I need a dedicated graphics card in my gaming laptop?

Not always. This depends on what you're hoping to achieve. If you're interested in running the latest games at high graphics settings and resolutions, you definitely need to invest in a laptop with a great graphics card. If you only plan to do light gaming, enjoy older games that aren't very demanding or stream your games from the cloud. A modern processor with integrated graphics can also be a good way to save some money. With that in mind, relying on an integrated graphics card hasn't always been as possible as it is today. As such, I would recommend this only for gaming laptops with AMD Ryzen 7000-series or Intel Core Ultra processors.

Do you need a laptop cooling pad?

Many modern gaming laptops come with ample cooling solutions baked into the chassis. But given their much smaller form factor than traditional desktop gaming PCs, thermal throttling can occasionally be an issue. If you are experiencing a downgrade in performance or your device seems a little too hot to the touch, a laptop cooling pad could be a simple, affordable solution. Laptop cooling pads often feature fans and ventilation slots or mesh for better airflow than when your laptop rests on a gaming desk or your lap, helping to ensure your device is working to its full potential and can even increase its longevity. If you're looking to keep your gaming laptop cool on the cheap, the Havit HV-2056 is an excellent option.

Christopher Coke has been a contributor to IGN since 2019 and has been covering games and technology for more than a decade. He has covered tech ranging from gaming controllers to graphics cards, gaming chairs to gaming monitors, headphones, IEMs, and more for sites such as MMORPG.com, Tom’s Hardware, Popular Science, USA Today’s Reviewed, and Popular Mechanics. Find Chris on Twitter @gamebynight.

Image Credit: Annalee Tsujino is a multi disciplinary designer and illustrator. Check them out on Instagram @antsu_illustrations.

Tom Cruise was at Paramount Pictures’ CinemaCon presentation Thursday to promote his upcoming film Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, but before he did he paid tribute to his Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer, who died Tuesday, by asking the audience of theater executives and press for a moment of silence to honor him.

“I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer. I really can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how much I thought of him as a human being, how honored I was when he joined Top Gun and came back for Top Gun: Maverick,” Cruise said.

“I think it would be great if we could all just take a moment and think about all the wonderful times we had with him. Would you all mind doing that? Let’s just take a moment.”

Several of the new 2025 Samsung TVs that were showcased earlier this year at CES are now available for purchase at Samsung's official online store. Select Samsung Neo QLED and OLED TVs are currently in stock and they ship out immediately for as early as April 9-10 delivery. Alternatively, you can pick up select models at your local Best Buy. Not every TV has been released yet, but I expect more models to become available soon.

The 2025 Samsung TVs That Are Available Starting Today

The Nintendo Switch 2 rollout is somewhat complicated. While most original Switch games are compatible with the Switch 2, some are not. Some original Switch games are getting paid Switch 2 upgrades, which will improve their performance on the upcoming console. Still others are getting free Switch 2 upgrades, available at no additional cost. This last category is especially interesting, because everyone loves free stuff. Let’s see what games qualify.

Games with Free Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrades

• Arms
• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
• Game Builder Garage
• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
• The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Pokemon Scarlet
• Pokemon Violet
• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
• Super Mario Odyssey

So what exactly is it about these games that will work better on Switch 2 than on the original hardware? According to Nintendo, these free updates will “improve playability.” You’ll be able to download free updates for these games “may improve performance or add support for features such as GameShare in select games. The contents of these free updates will differ depending on the game.”

That all sounds pretty nice. It’s somewhat odd that the two top-down Zelda games on Switch are getting free Switch 2 upgrades, while Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will require you to purchase the respective upgrades. It’s unclear what exactly makes Nintendo decide to offer a free upgrade versus a paid upgrade. Is it the amount of work put into it? Is it the level of improvement of the experience over the original Switch? We’ll have to wait until the Switch 2 comes out to see for ourselves.

In the meantime, if you don’t have some of these games and you want to pick them up before the Switch 2 launches, now is a good time to do so. Some games even currently have a discount, like the sale on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet going on right now.

Chris Reed is a deals expert and commerce editor for IGN. You can follow him on Bluesky @chrislreed.com.

NetEase Games is fundamentally changing its Marvel Rivals post-launch roadmap to shorten its seasons and deliver at least one new hero every month as it battles to maintain live service momentum with its players.

It’s a major update to the existing content release schedule that was teased during the new Marvel Rivals Season 2 Dev Vision Vol. 5 video. Included in the 15-minute upload were details about how Season 2 will introduce its new Vanguard, Emma Frost, at launch April 11, as well as Ultron, whose class will be revealed closer to his mid-season launch. Both promise to keep Marvel Rivals fans on their toes with new abilities, but the real changes to how playable heroes will impact matches truly begin in Season 3.

In Marvel Rivals Season 3, which is currently without a release date, NetEase will shift season lengths from being three months long to just two months. It means major content updates will progress rapidly without changing the team’s initial promise to drop at least one new hero every half-season. So, while you’ll have to wait a month and a half to play as Ultron after Emma Frost launches next week, that wait will be cut down significantly after the hero after that drops.

“Since the launch of Season 1, we’ve been deeply contemplating how Marvel Rivals can continuously deliver fun and engaging experience for you all,” Marvel Rivals creative director Guangyun Chen explained in the Dev Vision video. “During this time, several discussions on social media have certainly added some pressure on us to keep the game as exciting as it has been since December. To a certain extent, we agree.”

Chen went on to explain that NetEase wants Marvel Rivals “to fulfill everyone’s fantasies about Marvel Super Heroes,” and that means exploring new modes and flooding the scene with a dense roster of varied characters. Following what he called “extensive internal discussions and thorough evaluations,” NetEase will adjust its systems to account for the increased flow of content. More information on how this will affect players will be revealed before the launch of Season 3.

“With our goal of keeping the audience’s excitement alive just like our opening months, the real adventure with Marvel Rivals is just beginning,” Chen added.

NetEase pulled back the curtain on Marvel Rivals Season 2 just hours ago, revealing that it will soon swap out its vampire takeover theme in favor of a new storyline that focuses on the Hellfire Gala. That means new fancy outfits, maps, and characters are on the way, with more information primed to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Marvel Rivals was a smash hit when it launched in December, securing 10 million players in three days. NetEase’s free-to-play superhero team-based PvP shooter launched on December 6 across PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. On Steam the launch was particularly huge, with 480,990 concurrent players. January's Season 1 then drew an incredible 644,269 concurrent players, making Marvel Rivals the 15th most-played game ever on Valve's platform.

But those concurrents have been on a downward slide ever since, which may have sparked the drastic roadmap change from NetEase. Still, Marvel Rivals remains hugely popular, and is one of Steam's most-played games. The launch of Season 2 will no-doubt prove a shot in the arm, and again with Season 3.

For more on Marvel Rivals, be sure to check out the patch notes for update version 20250327 as well as why Disney decided to scrap an idea for a Marvel Gaming Universe.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).

I started playing Pokémon Scarlet when it first came to the Switch back in November 2022. I was excited to get back into the usual Pokémon formula again after Legends Arceus mixed it up. The open world gameplay combined with the standard gym battle progression had me feeling like a little kid again.

Unfortunately, when the game first launched it was riddled with problems. In IGN's Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Review, we loved a lot of things about it, but found that it just ran terribly. The game has since received various patches and updates to help resolve the major issues, but it's the free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade that is likely going to finally bring this game to its full potential.

Nintendo has listed the games that will be receiving free updates to improve performance or add extra features on the Nintendo Switch 2 console, and both Scarlet and Violet are on there. Additionally, Amazon is having a sale on physical copies of these games that brings the price down to well below many of the upcoming Switch 2 editions of older games. If you're a Pokémon fan who has been on the fence about the latest games in the series, now is the time to buy before the new console arrives.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Deals at Amazon

Paramount revealed the new title for their upcoming Last Airbender animated feature film coming to theaters January 30, 2026 and it’s The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender.

The studio made the announcement at their CinemaCon presentation on Thursday. No footage was shown but the film’s logo was revealed.

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender’s voice cast includes Eric Nam as Aang, Dave Bautista (as a villain), Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten, Román Zaragoza, and Steven Yeun.

Lauren Montgomery, who worked on Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, directs what will reportedly be the first of the three Last Airbender films.

For more airbending, read up on Avatar: Seven Havens and the new Last Airbender box set.

For more CinemaCon coverage, find out what we learned about Superman, Mortal Kombat II, Resident Evil, Spider-Man: Brave New Day, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, John Wick 5, Jurassic World Rebirth, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, Masters of the Universe, and The Beatles.

Microsoft will bring Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto 5 to Xbox Game Pass and GTA 5 Enhanced to Game Pass for PC on April 15.

This striking addition to the Wave 1 April 2025 lineup was announced in an Xbox Wire post, revealing that the service’s biggest new title of the month is only a few weeks away from dropping. It’s an especially enticing reveal, as the PC Game Pass version of GTA 5 comes with that all-new Enhanced update Rockstar dropped in early March.

“No matter what version you’re playing, everyone will have access to Oscar Guzman Flies Again, the latest update where you can take to the skies — taking control of the McKenzie Field Hanger in Grapeseed,” an official description from Xbox explained. “Play new arms trafficking missions, fly new aircraft, and more.”

Its arrival in two Tuesdays will mark a triumphant return to Game Pass after Rockstar’s open-world masterpiece was previously removed from the service. However, while the addition will mark the title's first time on PC Game Pass, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows as far as many die-hard GTA fans are concerned.

GTA 5 Enhanced arrived on PC March 4 as a free update, bringing access to all the latest vehicles, performance upgrades in Hao’s Special Works, animal encounters, and visual bumps. It was a promising addition that also resulted in GTA 5 becoming Rockstar’s worst-reviewed title on Steam as players latched onto account migration issues that kept them from bringing their GTA Online profiles over to the new version.

If you’re a newcomer to Los Santos, then you likely won’t have much to worry about. If you’re returning to the world of GTA 5 Online and looking to migrate your account over to that shiny new Enhanced upgrade, you might find yourself out of luck. For now, it appears the issues with account migration are still ongoing.

Meanwhile, we’re still waiting for any news about Grand Theft Auto 6. Our last GTA 6 update ensured that Rockstar intended to deliver its next open-world trend-setter sometime this fall, though we’re still waiting on that elusive release date.

While Rockstar works out the kinks ahead of GTA 5’s return to Game Pass, you can read up on the rest of the Wave 1 April 2025 titles coming to Xbox Game Pass. You can also read up on how Rockstar is supporting the modding community by granting them access to official tools.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).

Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are getting Nintendo Switch 2 versions for the new console. Alongside the in-game upgrades, Nintendo's adding a number of additional features through the new Zelda Notes option in its Nintendo Switch App, including achievements.

The Nintendo Switch App (formerly known as the Nintendo Switch Online App) will get an update adding Zelda Notes, a game-specific service exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 versions of both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

This app was shown off in the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, allowing players to use GPS-style navigation to reach landmarks in the Zelda games. For achievements, the app will track your play data and allow players to earn in-app medals based on their records. These account for opening chests, earning rupees, and more.

In the Achievements section, Nintendo lists categories such as "Quests and Adventures Cleared," "Shrines of Light Cleared," "Locations Visited," "Lightroots Unlocked," and others. Alongside tracking those numbers, the app will also let you see how you match up with other players on a global scale.

While the achievements seem geared towards completion, it's interesting to see Nintendo experiment with these options. Granted, they exist in a phone app rather than on the Switch 2 console by itself, but I am curious to see whether other games get similar treatments in the future.

Other features of the Zelda Notes app include a Daily Bonus option for helpful resources, a Voice Memories section which adds more story and lore to the world as you explore, and an Autobuild Sharing tool. These do seem like handy tools, and especially geared towards people playing through this Zelda duology for the second time on their Nintendo Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 has a launch date set for June 5, 2025. Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will have Switch 2 editions at launch, alongside a slew of other games both new and refreshed. Previews dropped this morning for some of the launch window games for the Nintendo Switch 2, including Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and general hands-on impressions of the console.

If you're looking for everything announced at the Direct for this upcoming console, be sure to check out our recap of all the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct news here.

Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.

Arzopa is offering an excellent deal on this 16" 1080p USB Type-C portable monitor. The Arzoa Z1C is normally listed at $129.99, but you can get it for $79.99 after you clip a $10 off coupon on the product page. This is an excellent way to boost your productivity by adding on a secondary display with minimal hassle and at an affordable price. It also works well as a portable standalone display for Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, or even the upcoming Switch 2 console.

Arzopa Z1C 16" 1080p USB-C Portable Monitor for $79.99

After you've spent at least £395 on Nintendo Switch 2 preorders today, you'd better be able to better protect your shiny new console with the amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for only £3.99 over at Amazon UK using code AQDWCMHS for 50% off.

Designed specifically to fit around the Nintendo Switch 2’s 7.9” screen, with listed specs showing that this handy protector is the ideal combination of intrusive yet durable.

That's because while packing a highly durable and scratch-resistant 9H-level hardness, the new amFilm screen only has an ultra-thin 0.3mm in thickness.

With so many great games coming down the pipeline, now's a great time to hop on the Xbox Game Pass bandwagon. If some titles joining the catalog this year have caught your eye and you're itching to join in on the fun, we have good news: Amazon's offering a 15% discount on a one month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership right now, so you can save a few dollars when signing up.

You can learn more about that deal, what's coming soon to Game Pass, and the big releases still to come below.

Navigate to:

• Best Xbox Game Pass Deals
• What's Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass?
• What Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass?
• Biggest Games Releasing on Xbox Game Pass

Best Xbox Game Pass Deals

Helldivers 2 has been out for over a year now, and players are returning to one of its most infamous sectors to hold out against a renewed invasion effort from the Automatons. In doing so, though, a new line has been formed, and Helldivers around the world are holding out against improbable odds to rebuff the bots.

For those who don't dive, the Automatons are one of the enemy factions in Helldivers 2; terrifying, Skynet-esque machines who played a central role in the big in-game conflict a year ago. The invasion wound up centering around Malevelon Creek, whose jungle environments and deadly hail of laser fire led to its nickname of "Robot Vietnam." Helldivers 2 players fought hard, lost the planet, then liberated it in a harrowing turnaround.

The Creek became legend in the Helldivers community, with a cape commemorating the victory getting sent out to players. Now, a year later, the Automatons are back with more firepower and intent on re-taking the Creek. The Major Order went out: Defend Malevelon Creek, by any means necessary.

Helldivers 2 players started dropping into zones around the Sevrin Sector, the area of the galactic map where Malevelon Creek lies, to form a defensive line of planets. Four planets — Vandalon IV, Ingmar, Pöpli IX, and Dolph — created a barrier between the invading Automatons and the path to the Creek. And Pöpli IX has been hit hard.

"What did I miss?" asked one user in r/Helldivers, noting the sheer chaos erupting on Pöpli IX. As of this morning, the planet was at invasion level 40. The Automatons were dropping in both the Incineration Corps (special units using flame throwers and incendiary ammo) and the Jet Brigade (specialized Jump Pack models). Ammo from resupply pods was decreased to 50%, and then cryo-good transports were interrupted, reducing reinforcements (respawns) to three for all operations on Pöpli IX.

In short, Pöpli IX had everything thrown at it. As one player put it, "by protecting one legendary planet, we've created another one." But that's the fun part: Arrowhead is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Pöpli IX, and players are loving it.

"I’ve been playing since launch, but something about the fight for Pöpli IX hits different," one thread said. "Two bot subfactions clashing at once? Absolute chaos. There’s a real sense of stakes and attrition — like the front line is constantly shifting, but everything still feels desperate. It’s not just another mission, it actually feels like a war."

The slow escalation of forces over time elicits an interesting dilemma for Helldivers, who find themselves backed further and further into a corner, holding out against the worst odds. Players have been responding, diving into the new battle lines to try and hold out.

Pöpli IX has also seen Arrowhead's systems play well with player input. As the bots neared victory with an hour left, players managed to implement the DSS Eagle Storm. This gave Helldivers an opportunity; the bot frontline could not advance for 24 hours, giving players a chance to swing the planet back.

That swing, and the ensuing ammo and respawn restrictions, just built up more excitement around holding the line at Pöpli IX. Multiple sub-factions, limitations, and a high enemy invasion level has led to drops on Pöpli IX being intense. Oh, I forgot to mention: there are intense heat warnings and fire tornadoes.

It looked like Malevelon Creek was due for another legendary conflict, but instead, the focus has shifted, and a new moment has sprung up from this invasion.

"It was the community that made malevolen creek the legend that it is today," one poster said. "And I believe Pöpli IX deserves similar status." I'm personally inclined to agree with them.

There's still, as of this writing, one day and just under 20 hours until the Major Order ends. The bots could still throw even more at the sector, trying to break through the player-built line and push towards the Creek. Either way, it feels like we've seen a new Helldivers legend form right in front of our eyes.

Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.

NetEase Games has properly welcomed all Marvel fans to Marvel Rivals Season 2’s Hellfire Gala, revealing a wardrobe of what appears to be new outfits and maybe even a few new playable characters.

The developer published a trailer today, showing off how the upcoming superhero party will shake up the meta come April 11 while finally bringing an end to months of speculation about what Season 2’s theme will be. There’s still much to be unveiled, but for now, it at least confirms the content will indeed center on the Hellfire Gala storyline, with X-Men regular Emma Frost and robot ruler Ultron playing key roles in its trailer.

“Once a year, this sovereign Mutant island opens its gates, welcoming both friend and rival alike to shape a brighter future,” an official description for Marvel Rivals Season 2 says. “Now stranded in the year 2099 by a raging temporal storm, the fate of Krakoa hangs in the balance, its ecosystem suffering from dangerous chronal energy.

“Can a night of glittering festivities bring unity over fine dining and dazzling conversation? Who among the attendees possesses ulterior motives or solely seeks to party? And who is the uninvited guest?”

Emma Frost is Marvel’s diamond-plated mutant and a force to be reckoned with, and she's been expected to join the roster for a while. The X-Men rep was first teased when NetEase mentioned a mysterious gala in an in-game Gallery Card in late February. For the keen-eyed fans who noticed it, this was all but confirmation that Emma Frost would be a playable character in Season 2.

Ultron, meanwhile, was teased long before Marvel Rivals broke onto the hero shooter scene late last year. While it is possible the metallic villain could be little more than this season's Dracula-like figure, he's past due for a proper, playable introduction.

April 11 will see Season 2 kick open the door with new heroes, skins, modes, and more, but one question is already starting to dig its teeth into the Marvel Rivals community: Where is Blade? Marvel’s infamous Daywalker vampire hunter was mentioned time and time again throughout Season 1 and even managed to pop up in-game in more than one instance. Many believed the hero was a lock for Season 2, but the community is growing concerned now that Blade appears to be a no-show at the Hellfire Gala.

She looks great but hearing that we aren't getting blade yet is still wild since the lore was kinda setting him up https://t.co/Egxrf1p2ZU

— Daboy🕷 🔜SWCJ (@Daboyui) April 3, 2025

So where’s blade

— Jasper (@xxjsprr) April 3, 2025

Still, Marvel Rivals Season 2 is still poised to bring the project’s biggest update since first revealing The Fantastic Four for Season 1 in January, and Blade could always arrive later in the future, maybe even in Season 2. For more on how NetEase has turned Marvel Rivals into the powerhouse it is today, you can read up on why some players believed Marvel was planting fake hero leaks. You can also learn more about an April Fools’ update that gave Venom the power to twerk.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).

With the overwhelming amount of actors jumping into the Avengers: Doomsday cast — like, hello, did you see the livestream?! — it’s a pretty natural step to think that maybe, just maybe, Halle Berry would return to the X-Men and reprise her iconic role as Storm. Sadly, it seems as though that beautiful theory will not be working out the way fans hoped.

“We want to see your name on a chair for Avengers: Doomsday, we want Storm,” Black Girl Nerds told Berry on the red carpet at CinemaCon in Las Vegas recently, to which the Never Let Go star replied with a chuckle and: “keep waiting. Not gonna be there.”

Fans have been eager to see Berry make her first official appearance in the MCU as it stands today, even before the Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal. She first appeared as Ororo Munroe, also known as Storm, in Bryan Singer’s 2000 adaptation of X-Men, where she starred alongside a now iconic ensemble cast of Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, James Marsden, Anna Paquin, Rebecca Romjin, Ray Park, Famke Janssen, and Bruce Davidson. She went on to reprise her role in 2003’s X2, 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand, and 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Each of these films were produced by 20th Century Fox before they were purchased by Disney and integrated into the current MCU — so fans seemed to be really holding out hope that she would finally make an official appearance within Marvel’s new world.

Then came last month's Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal, which was heavy on veteran X-Men actors. Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, and James Marsden are all now set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, confirming the X-Men are in the film in a big way. Grammer famously played Beast in the Fox X-Men franchise before making his MCU debut via The Marvels' post-credits scene. Stewart played Charles Xavier/Professor X in the X-Men films before appearing briefly in the MCU via Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as a member of the Illuminati. McKellen, who played Magneto, has yet to appear in the MCU. Neither has Cumming, who played Nightcrawler, Romijn, who played Mystique, nor Marsden, who played Cyclops. It begs the question: is Avengers: Doomsday secretly an Avengers vs. X-Men movie?

And then, Marvel and Robert Downey Jr. teased they’re not done yet, which led fans to believe the likes of Halle Berry and other former X-Men actors who didn't make the cut still had a chance.

Berry's next official appearance on the big screen, however, is a film called Crime 101, featuring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte. It is said to be releasing sometime this year.

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

In an early chapter of South of Midnight, our protagonist Hazel is coming to grips with her newfound powers - it’s an important tone-setter, because it’s representative of what developer Compulsion Games is trying to do throughout a concise 12-hour runtime. Mythical creatures straight out of folklore from the American South drive a human story that stands as a fantastic example of how the local can be universal, with the grand tapestry of that region's culture and history wrapped around an otherwise fairly straightforward action-adventure game. While there are plenty of aspects of South of Midnight that aren’t necessarily groundbreaking, it’s all uplifted by a clear and well-executed artistic vision that makes it one the more memorable Xbox console exclusives of this generation.

Hazel’s ability to manipulate the magical threads of an ethereal realm is both the weapon she uses to defeat otherworldly demons in combat and the tool she relies on to piece together the tragic pasts of her neighbors and forebears in her hometown of Prospero. It’s a fictional place, but one that’s deeply rooted in the very real experience of the South – traces of its dark history litter the dilapidated houses after a treacherous flood, contrasting with the remnants of communities that struggled to survive in those harsh conditions. These touches provide the rich context South of Midnight is working within while also unraveling a larger story about the pain, guilt, and trauma many of us experience in our own family lives.

From a gameplay perspective, South of Midnight is rather simple – you’re ushered through fairly linear levels that alternate between platforming and combat encounters, with a few secrets hidden off the beaten path like journal entries from the locals that enrich the story and extra upgrades for your powers and health. If you’ve scaled cliffsides in Uncharted, God of War, or Tomb Raider, its frequent climbing sections will feel pretty familiar – but with the authentic sights and sounds of the American South at the forefront, the detailed vistas, ramshackled towns, or rushing rivers create a strong sense of place. With Hazel’s weaving powers, you’ll zip through air, clear paths forward, or summon ethereal objects depending on what obstacles are in front of you. There isn’t really much to figure out per se, although there is an enjoyable momentum as you’re funneled from one fight to the next, or when you’re trying to outrun evil spirits chasing you down in the lengthy platforming sequences that cap off every major chapter.

Combat itself is contained in distinct arenas across each level, with the idea being that Haints – the demonic manifestations of peoples’ pain and sorrow – plague all of Prospero, and Hazel is the one who can cleanse that corruption. It’s a comfortable, if predictable, cadence that doesn’t really wear thin since it’s judicious about when you actually have to fight. This helps South of Midnight not feel repetitive, and I genuinely looked forward to each combat encounter. Similar to the platforming, these fights aren’t really pushing any boundaries, but Hazel's attack combos and spells have a certain chunkiness that I really enjoyed. That’s especially true when firing off her stun weaves and grappling strand to stack damage, then leaving a burst behind with a perfect dodge. Cycling through a shortlist of fun abilities like that makes the basics satisfying.

Haints come in various forms that give encounters enough variety. Some are swift and pesky, while others are hulking beasts that tunnel underground and cause massive area-of-effect damage. They’re mixed and matched throughout, and things like Hazel’s puppet named Crouton, who can temporarily control enemies, add an interesting wrinkle when thinking about which targets to prioritize. There are a few boss fights to heighten the stakes with a bit of spectacle as well, but they mostly tend to highlight the formulaic nature of combat by relying on derivative versions of mechanics that are used elsewhere.

South of Midnight’s foundation is perfectly competent, but it’s everything else around it that makes it truly stand out, grabbing you with its painterly character designs and striking stop-motion animation style. That unconventional choice helps special moments pop during cutscenes, although it isn’t really noticeable in the action – and if you find it too jarring, you can optionally disable the stop-motion effect altogether. Even without it, the details in characters’ faces, their expressiveness, and the superb voice acting feel like the real reward chapter after chapter. The specific accents and vernacular come across authentically, to the point where I didn’t think twice about them since it all sounded so familiar to me as someone who was born in the region.

Southern gothic folklore hasn’t really been explored in games like this, and South of Midnight showcases how rich it is by bringing these tales to life in ways we rarely see. Mythical creatures embody the pain and suffering of townsfolk, melding broader urban myths with the struggles of specific characters throughout the story. A figure like Florida’s legendary alligator Two-Toed Tom shows up as a boss, while the shapeshifting Rougarou from Cajun tales takes a form I hadn’t heard of before – and Alabama’s Huggin’ Molly has on a fascinating reinterpretation. It’s the sort of amalgamation of folklore that’s wonderful to see as someone who is familiar with some of it, but done in a way that’s still inviting for the uninitiated.

South of Midnight acknowledges the region’s real history in subtle and effective ways as well, recognizing that remnants of slavery and the Reconstruction era persist in our modern world, and that trauma can carry across generations. Passing by abandoned houses along the bayou with eviction notices from greedy landgrabbers reminds you of the rough and unfair economic conditions many of these communities face. It’s woven into its main themes about the complicated dynamics of family – the best and worst parts that can come from blood relations. With her weaving powers, Hazel can peer into the past through visions recreated using the threads that make up The Grand Tapestry – the flow of all life and memory. You’ll see a mother risking life and limb to escape abuse and give their child a fighting chance; A man ashamed of his brother who takes drastic measures to separate himself, only to live with regret forever; A kid who called out to a mythical creature in desperation to escape his abusive father.

From tragic displays of unconditional love to the horrors of the abuse our own kin can inflict on us, South of Midnight focuses on the idea of family being something we either embrace or reckon with, told in a way that’s inseparable from its setting. Through it all, Hazel is desperately chasing any possible thread to find her mother after that devastating flood at the start, but is still willing to lend a helping hand to the spirits that have endured in the afterlife. As you uncover the hard work her mom puts in as a social worker, it shows that a little empathy can go a long way.

There’s a lot I love about the stories in South of Midnight – I do wish they were more elegant or told with more finesse, however. The larger plot is missing some necessary connective tissue at times, and it’s easy to lose track of why Hazel’s journey leads from one thing to another. Characters and narrative threads are sometimes introduced as quickly as they’re resolved through story beats that feel segmented in ways that aren’t entirely clear. There are parts of Hazel’s life I’m still wondering about that get brought up as important pieces to the story, and I wish I could have tied those loose ends together before the credits rolled.

It gets the big picture right, though, and in its exploration of a region as wide-ranging as the American South, there’s an earnest interpretation. While it is also a heavily religious place, the story is more interested in the spirituality that gives rise to these folktales. And it’s not all swamps and basins out there, it’s not just Bourbon street in New Orleans, or a politically hostile place for marginalized folks – those are all part of it, for sure. But I like that we have a story that shows that people live there, and they struggle in ways that are both universal and unique to the region. South of Midnight also understands that hurt people hurt people, and knows it’s not an excuse for the terrible things that pain may drive people to do – it’s a bit of a trope when stories talk about mental health nowadays, but there’s still truth to it, and South of Midnight has its own take by focusing on this concept with regards to family.

Perhaps my favorite touch, however, is how South of Midnight uses its fantastic soundtrack to tie everything together thematically. With a mix of bluegrass, blues, jazz, and American folk tunes that weave in harmonizing choirs, church organs, or banjos and fiddles, it’s a showcase of how important music has been throughout the region’s history. Big story moments are built up through songs written as if a narrator was walking you through what the characters felt and experienced in their life, and they’re queued up at just the right time to propel you forward as you’re playing. It got me in my feelings at times, because there’s not much I love more than a fantastic soundtrack used as an effective storytelling device.

Many of us from the South have a complicated relationship with it. Born in Mississippi and adopting parts of the culture and vernacular as my family and I moved throughout the country, it’ll always have a special place in my heart. I appreciate having a game that helped me reconnect with those roots in a way that was whimsical and harrowing in equal measure, and that’s the sort of value South of Midnight has beyond just being a good action-adventure game – it’s worth playing for a little virtual tour of the South you wouldn’t see otherwise.

If you've been looking to score some Xbox deals, you've come to the right place. We're here to help you find the best deals available on Xbox games, hardware, and accessories. At the moment there are quite a few that are worth checking out, including great discounts on Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Star Wars Outlaws at Walmart. These deals just scratch the surface of what's out there, though. Here are the best Xbox deals available at the moment.

Best Xbox Game Deals

If you're looking to stock up on new Xbox games, there are quite a few deals worth jumping on right now. Some of our favorites are on Sniper Elite: Resistance, which has received its first discount since release, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, which is down to just $10 at Walmart. There are so many more to look through, though. Check out some 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 start of April, we've got you covered. The Xbox Game Pass April wave 1 lineup is:

• Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 3
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
• All You Need is Help (Console) – April 3
  Now with Game Pass Standard
• Still Wakes the Deep (Xbox Series X|S) – April 3
  Now with Game Pass Standard
• Wargroove 2 (Console) – April 3
  Now with Game Pass Standard
• Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition (Console and PC) – April 8
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
• South of Midnight (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – April 8
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Commandos: Origins (Cloud, PC and Xbox Series X|S) – April 9
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Blue Prince (Cloud, PC and Xbox Series X|S) – April 10
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Hunt: Showdown 1896 (PC) – April 15
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Best Xbox Controller Deals

If you're looking to pick up an Xbox controller for yourself or want to have another on-hand for co-op sessions, there are a few Xbox controller deals worth checking out right now. Some of our favorites at the moment are at Amazon and Walmart, where you can find the Electric Volt, Robot White, Carbon Black, and Shock Blue controllers for around $45.

Best Xbox Accessory Deals

Outside of games, there are plenty of Xbox accessory deals that are worth your time and money as well. At the moment, one of our favorites is on the HyperX CloudX Flight Wireless Gaming Headset, which has gotten a 40% discount at Woot. If you're looking for more storage, the WD Black C50 1TB Expansion Card is 18% off right now at Amazon and the Seagate 1TB Expansion Card is 19% off at Amazon.

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. See our guide to Xbox Series X prices for more info.

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.

As Nintendo had teased, Nvidia has now discussed the custom GPU powering the Nintendo Switch 2, although it failed to go into the level of detail tech enthusiasts were hoping for.

In a blog post, Nvidia confirmed what IGN had reported earlier today from Nintendo itself: that its GPU enables AI upscaling via DLSS and ray tracing.

Nvidia DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an AI-powered technology that uses machine learning to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, enhancing both performance and image quality in games.

There is a little more detail on offer here on the Switch 2’s GPU. Nvidia described it as a “custom Nvidia processor featuring an Nvidia GPU with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores for stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements.”

Nvidia continued: “With 1,000 engineer-years of effort across every element — from system and chip design to a custom GPU, APIs and world-class development tools — the Nintendo Switch 2 brings major upgrades.”

Those upgrades include up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. Nintendo Switch 2 also supports HDR, and AI upscaling “to sharpen visuals and smooth gameplay.”

The new RT Cores bring real-time ray tracing, delivering “lifelike lighting, reflections and shadows for more immersive worlds,” Nvidia continued.

Tensor Cores, meanwhile, power AI-driven features like DLSS, “boosting resolution for sharper details without sacrificing image quality.”

Interestingly, Nvidia said the Tensor Cores also enable AI-powered face tracking and background removal in video chat use cases, “enhancing social gaming and streaming.”

During the Nintendo Direct, Nintendo revealed the C button, which is used for new chat functionality that incorporates an external camera and the microphone in the Switch 2 itself. Nintendo made a point of saying the tech is smart enough to pay attention to the player’s voice and filter out background noise.

And here’s the big claim from Nvidia:

“With 10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers smoother gameplay and sharper visuals.”

There’s no detail on how it’s determined that graphics performance. It will no doubt be left to experts such as Digital Foundry to run the numbers once the Switch 2 launches in June.

Elsewhere, Nvidia said the Tensor Cores “boost AI-powered graphics while keeping power consumption efficient,” and the RT Cores “enhance in-game realism with dynamic lighting and natural reflections.”

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) via Nvidia G-SYNC in handheld mode “ensures ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay.”

In a hardware-focused roundtable Q&A in New York yesterday, attended by IGN, Nintendo representatives confirmed the Switch 2 uses DLSS, but did not specify which version of the tech, or whether it had been customized for Switch 2. It was a similarly vague response when Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2’s GPU is capable of ray tracing.

And what about the GPU itself? Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division, and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, chimed in to say Nintendo prefers not to get in the weeds on things like the GPU.

“Nintendo doesn't share too much on the hardware spec,” he said. “What we really like to focus on is the value that we can provide to our consumers. But I do believe that our partner Nvidia will be sharing some information.”

In January, the internet spotted a patent, filed July 2023 but published for the first time earlier this year, that described AI image upscaling technology that would help keep video game download sizes small enough to fit on a physical game cartridge while offering up to 4K textures.

For more, check out everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, and what the experts have to say about the Switch 2 price and Mario Kart World’s $80 price tag.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

There's a new Alexa in town – or at least in early access. Alexa+ is an upgrade from the standard Alexa voice assistant, now powered by generative AI. The updated assistant comes with quite a few new features, but the main pull of Alexa+ is that conversations with it can have more of a natural flow. According to Amazon, "Alexa+ is more conversational, smarter, personalized – and she helps you get things done."

Alexa+ is currently in Early Access, but only on a select few Echo Show devices – the Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21 – so if you have or buy one of these devices you can be among the first to experience it. Head to the link below to sign up for notifications about when Early Access will be available. After the Early Access period, Alexa+ will be available as a free Prime benefit or available to people who don't use Amazon Prime for $19.99/month.

Alexa+ Early Access

Since Alexa+ takes more of a conversational approach, you can ask it anything that comes to mind as it pops in your head. It'll help you with a variety of tasks like completing your to-do list, finding specific details from your calendar, booking at a restaurant, and more. Amazon's Alexa+ Early Access page also notes that there are "new features being added regularly," so more details about the upgraded voice assistant are sure to come after the Early Access period.

Unfortunately, not every device is compatible with Alexa+. Amazon notes that certain older generation Echo devices - such as the Echo Dot 1st Gen, Echo 1st Gen, Echo Plus 1st Gen, Amazon Tap, Echo Show 1st Gen, Echo Show 2nd Gen, and Echo Spot 1st Gen - will continue to use the old Alexa. The company says on the Alexa+ Early Access page that, "We will soon expand Alexa+ to more devices, including Fire TV and Fire tablets, and Alexa.com."

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

At CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Amazon MGM gave attendees a first look at what to expect from next year’s new Masters of the Universe film - and what they showed was very promising.

With the film only recently beginning production, no actual completed footage was shown, but rather a message from set from director Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, Bumblebee) and stars Nicholas Galitzine (“He-Man”) and Camila Mendes (“Teela”), followed by a montage of behind-the-scenes/on-set footage mixed with production artwork.

Knight noted he grew up a huge Masters of the Universe fan, which feels apparent seeing the designs for the film, which are incredibly accurate to the original toy line and animated series from the 1980s - much like what Knight did in Bumblebee with the Transformers. Production artwork of characters like the Sorceress (Morena Baccarin) and Evil-Lyn (Alison Brie) looked right out of the source material and were instantly recognizable.

Some of the characters actually shown on set in the midst of production included Trap Jaw (Sam C. Wilson) and Tri-Klops (Kojo Attah), and it was amazing how much they truly looked like the original toys in a slightly more modernized form, with someone like Trap Jaw still retaining all of his recognizable elements, including his gun arm, blue body and green face - and yes, a trap jaw! It appears Knight has managed the delicate balancing act of keeping these bigger than life characters looking wild and cool, without feeling too goofy in live-action form.

Preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 officially open in the U.S. on April 9, and retailers are already vying for your business with special incentives. Best Buy has committed to a midnight launch and in-store pickup, but Walmart is making an even bolder promise: free delivery by 9am local time on launch day, June 5, for those who preorder through the retailer.

This ambitious claim, currently displayed on Walmart’s video games landing page, could sway buyers considering other major retailers like Best Buy, Target, or GameStop. If getting your hands on the Switch 2 as early as possible is a priority, Walmart’s offer might be hard to resist.

Several versions of the Switch 2 preorder listings are now available to view at Walmart before preorders go live next week, including the base console for $449.99 and a special, limited-time Mario Kart World bundle offer for $499.99. That's a $30 saving compared to buying the console and game separately, as the beloved racer will retail for $79.99 in the US.

Monster Hunter Wilds gets its first Title Update tomorrow, including quests encouraging competition for fast clear times. In light of that, Capcom is ensuring players know it will take action against cheaters engaging in any sort of fraudulent activity.

In a post from the Monster Hunter account on X/Twitter, Capcom issued the stark warning: "To ensure a fun and fair experience for our players, we will take action against accounts participating in fraudulent ranking activity, such as the use of cheating or external tools. Accounts deemed to be in breach of this may be suspended, or have restrictions placed on them, such as being unable to receive rewards from these quests."

Not cheating is one thing, but Capcom also warned that players participating in multiplayer hunts with cheaters could also result in an invalid quest completion time and the "right to rewards" revoked for everyone in the party.

"Please take caution to avoid playing multiplayer with those who are engaging in prohibited activity, or those you suspect of such," Capcom said. The company encouraged players who find themselves in a quest where fraudulent activity is taking place to report the cheaters.

These quests will ultimately offer some neat rewards in the form of cosmetic pendants. Some will be doled out to all participants, and others are granted based on Completion Time or the hunter's ranking. So it makes sense that Capcom is cracking down a bit harder on potential cheaters and suspect behavior, if it could result in issues with rewards and completion times.

The Time-Based Competition Quests go live with Title Update 1, and will all be organized through the new Arena Quest Counter in the Grand Hub in Suja. You'll need to complete the special tutorial mission to unlock the Grand Hub first, so make sure to beeline there once Title Update 1 goes live tomorrow in Monster Hunter Wilds. Check out the Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update 1 patch notes for more.

To help get your Monster Hunter Wilds adventure started, take a look at what Monster Hunter Wilds doesn’t tell you, and a guide to all 14 weapon types in the game. We’ve also got a detailed MH Wilds walkthrough in progress, a MH Wilds multiplayer guide to explain how to play with friends, and if you’ve played one of the open betas, here’s how to transfer your MH Wilds Beta character over.

Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.

For Friends alum David Schwimmer, the iconic "I'll Be There for You" theme song we all know and love had worn out its welcome by the time the show ended its 10 season run in 2004.

"I'll Be There for You" by American pop rock duo the Rembrandts set up each episode of Friends during its entire decade-long domination of global TV. It became one of best-known and most-listened to songs in the world, and remains in the public consciousness today as Friends continues to pull in viewers on streaming platforms.

“I’ll be really honest, there was a time for quite a while that just hearing the theme song would really… ” he recently told Matt Lucas and David Walliams on their podcast Making a Scene. “I just had that reaction. I mean, I just had heard it so many times.”

Naturally with the show in syndication, he was bound to be exposed to it quite a bit over the years — but according to Schwimmer, the music was everywhere beyond those classic apartment walls. “Any time you’d go on a show or a talk show or an interview, that would be your intro song,” he added. “So I just didn’t have the greatest response to it.”

Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update 1 goes live tonight or tomorrow, depending on where you are in the world, and ahead of its release date, Capcom has published the patch notes so players can get a peek at what's in store.

Over on the Monster Hunter site, the patch notes lay out everything for Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update 1. Some of this is info that's already been unveiled in previous streams, like the Monster Hunter Wilds showcase. But a few details spotlight the changes being made, both in the world and under the hood.

Title Update 1 goes live on Friday April 4, 2025 at 3am UTC / Thursday April 3, 2025 8pm PT. Capcom also provided the required space for the update:

• PS5: About 10 GB
• XBOX SERIES X|S: About 6 GB
• Steam: About 6 GB (With High Resolution Texture Pack: About 16 GB total)
• Note: Make sure to have enough additional storage to allow for slight differences in final size.

More hunts

It is Monster Hunter after all, so the new content and hunts take priority. Mizutsune arrives for HR 21 and up hunters in Title Update 1, while a Tempered Mizutsune will arrive for HR 41 and up hunters after completing the extra Mizutsune mission. The big bad Zoh Shia is now a high-rank monster, with a story mission unlocking Zoh Shia at HR 50.

Additionally, new story, extra, and side missions will be added, as well as new weapons, armor, and skills. The upgrade limit has been increased for armor of rarity 5 and above, too.

A new home

The Grand Hub, an endgame gathering location for hunters. It can be unlocked by doing a tutorial mission appearing once you've hit HR 16, and will host Barrel Bowling, the Arena Quest Counter, the Canteen, the Arm Wrestling Barrel, and the Diva.

There will also be an Expedition Record Board with rankings for time attack quests. Add on new pop-up camp gear options, new pose sets and gestures, and even some new voice lines for Alma, and there's quite a bit of new stuff to see in Monster Hunter Wilds' Title Update 1.

A tune-up

PC players will be happy to see the improvements laid out prior are being implemented in Title Update 1. VRAM usage is being improved, and the DirectStorage version will be upgraded.

Additionally, numerous bug fixes are taking aim at game crashes, disappearing monsters, and the distance between the monster and the camera for certain monsters like Gore Magala.

There are some balance changes as well, though the extent remains to be seen. The Corrupted Mantle in particular has seen its effects "adjusted," while other Mantle options like Rocksteady, Mending, and Evasion all received buffs.

The Bow is also getting some adjustments, with Dragon Piercer damage decreased but Thousand Dragons damage increased, Power Volley elemental values increased, and both Power Shot and Power Volley now affected by the Charge Master skill.

There are further updates detailed in the full patch notes here, running down all the fixes and adjustments arriving with Title Update 1 on April 4, 2025. More is expected to roll out after, with new monsters and events carrying on into the summer and Title Update 2. It seems like Capcom is determined to keep the momentum going with Monster Hunter Wilds.

Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update 1 patch notes:

Major Additions and Changes

• – New monsters can now be hunted after meeting certain in-game conditions.
• – Mizutsune has been added. Reach HR 21 to unlock an extra mission that can be started by speaking to Kanya in the Scarlet Forest Base Camp. Complete the mission to unlock Mizutsune.
• – Tempered Mizutsune has been added and will appear when you are HR 41+ after completing the Mizutsune extra mission.
• – Zoh Shia has been added as a high-rank monster. Reach HR 50 to unlock a story mission that unlocks Zoh Shia.
• – New story, extra, and side missions have been added.
• – New weapons, armor, and skills have been added.
• – The upgrade limit has been increased for armor of rarity 5 and above.
• – The Grand Hub has been added. It can be unlocked by completing a tutorial mission that appears from HR 16.
• – The following features have been added to the Grand Hub: Barrel Bowling; the Diva; Arena Quest Counter; the Canteen; the Arm Wrestling Barrel.
• – The Expedition Record Board has been added to the Grand Hub, along with rankings for time attack quests.
• – Arena Quests have been added.
• – Challenge Quests and Free Challenge Quests (Challenge Quests with no equipment restrictions) have been added and will be made available at a later date.
• – New status ailments have been added.
• – New voice lines for Alma (the Handler) have been added.
• – An arena log page has been added to hunter profiles.
• – The Change Appearance menu in the camp now has an option to change Alma's outfit.
• – New pop-up camp gear options have been added.
• – New limited bounty categories have been added.
• – New voice lines, pose sets, and gestures have been added.
• – Preparations have been made for the Festival of Accord, planned to run from April 23 to May 6.
• – The following features will be temporarily modified during the Festival of Accord: the Handler's Outfit; Seikret decoration; the Diva's song list; the Grand Hub decorations; the Canteen's menu.

Bug Fixes and Balance Adjustments

• – After unlocking the Grand Hub, the Squad Information Counter will move from the Windward Plains Base Camp to the Grand Hub.
• – Fixed an issue where consecutive uses of the BBQ Grill inside a tent could cause game controls to stop functioning.
• – Fixed an issue with the BBQ Grill where ingredients would be used but meal effects wouldn't trigger when a meal is canceled, such as when an Environment Link is disbanded.
• – Improved the response time for controls in all dialogue scenes, such as facility conversations.
• – The "Rest" command now requires 500 guild points, and investigations reward 10% more guild points than before.
• – Increased the amount of points required for "Wyverian Melding" and "Meld Decorations" at the Melding Pot.
• – Increased the amount of melding points obtained from some items and rare decorations when using them as melding materials.
• – Fixed an issue where meal invitations would sometimes be announced or show up in the Environment Overview at times when the invitation could not actually be accepted.
• – The "Transfer Items" option has been added to the Provisions Stockpile menu, allowing you to restock items outside of the tent.

• – Fixed an issue where some side missions which required specific item turn-ins could not be completed correctly.
• – Fixed an issue that prevented the completion of side mission conditions during event quests.

• – Fixed an issue where some monsters would stop moving in certain situations.
• – Fixed an issue where some monster wounds would disappear unintentionally after performing certain actions.
• – Fixed an issue where the game might crash after blocking a Gravios's attack.
• – Fixed an issue where the introductory cinematic camera (used for newly discovered monsters) would trigger on monsters you've already discovered.
• – Fixed an issue where the Smokeshroud Gekko endemic life would not appear in the Windward Plains.
• – Adjusted the behavior of some monster actions.
• – The distance between the monster and camera has been increased for certain monsters, such as Gore Magala.
• – Fixed an issue where Jin Dahaad would unintentionally disappear from the locale.

• General
  • – Fixed an issue where the hunter profile could not be edited properly.
  • – Added a feature that lets you reset hunter profile edits.
  • – Fixed an issue where sneak attacks could not be canceled when using light bowgun, heavy bowgun, or bow.
  • – Fixed an issue where weapon pendants could appear in scenes where weapons are not displayed.
  • – Fixed an unintended issue where large falling boulders could be blocked.
  • – Lance: Made it easier to land thrust attack finishers after a focus strike in which the first hit causes large knockback.
  • – Hammer: Fixed an issue where Focus Strikes could not be used quickly after coming to a stop after moving during a charge.
  • – Light Bowgun: Fixed an issue that caused Wyvernblast to react to Palico attacks.
  • – Palico: Fixed an issue that prevented stun and exhaust values from increasing when a Palico attacks a monster with a blunt weapon.
  • – Hunting Horn: Fixed an issue where certain actions that required simultaneous inputs were not behaving correctly.
  • – Heavy bowgun and light bowgun ranged attack capabilities have been adjusted when riding a Seikret.
  • – The effects of the Corrupted Mantle have been adjusted.
  • – The Rocksteady Mantle's damage mitigation has been increased.
  • – Mending Mantle and Evasion Mantle durations have been increased.
  • – Bow: Dragon Piercer damage has been decreased.
  • – Bow: Power Volley elemental values have been increased.
  • – Bow: Thousand Dragons damage has been increased. This includes when using Close-range Coating and Power Coating.
  • – Bow: Power Shot and Power Volley are now affected by the skill Charge Master.
• Skills
  • – Fixed an issue where Opening Shot did not work with special ammo.
• Support Hunters
  • – Fixed an issue that caused Support Hunters to be unable to reach certain areas.
  • – Fixed an issue that prevented guest players from receiving the effects of Rosso's Demon Ammo, Armor Ammo, and Recover Ammo.
  • – Fixed an issue that resulted in guest players not seeing any visual change when a Support Hunter would equip a mantle.
  • – Adjusted the rate at which Support Hunters use certain items.
• The Handler
  • – Adjusted the distance that the Handler keeps from the monster during hunts.

• Login Bonuses
  • – There will now be login bonus days that include a free meal voucher (one out of the different types).
  • – Login bonuses now include at least one Barrel Bowling Voucher every day.
• System
  • Steam®– Improvements were made to VRAM usage, and the DirectStorage version has been upgraded.
  • – Fixed an issue that prevented pigment information from being included in shared loadouts.
  • – Fixed an issue with some display settings on the character models on the title screen and save data selection screen.
  • – Fixed an issue where the model display toggle for pendants would not function properly when previewing armor.
  • – Fixed an issue with the visual effects of the Hope Charm.
  • – Fixed an issue so that other Link Members are now properly prioritized to be displayed in Base Camps and other shared locations.
  • – Fixed an issue that made communication errors more likely to occur when firing an SOS Flare right after the start of a quest.
  • – Background color has been changed to black for areas outside of the game's rendering range.
  • – Fixed an issue where a squad leader leaving a squad would not correctly transfer leader rights to the sub-leader.
  • – Fixed an issue that made it impossible in some instances to obtain the Powercharm or Armorcharm even after fulfilling the requirements to do so. If you have fulfilled the requirements and have not obtained the items, they can be re-obtained after proceeding through another Quest Results screen.
• Quests
  • – Fixed an issue where some NPC dialogue would be cut off when completing certain story assignments by capturing the target.
  • – Fixed an issue where accepting an Investigation but failing to depart (due to a communication error or similar) would still reduce the number of times you can accept that Investigation.
  • – Failing to join another quest while already in the middle of a quest will now forcibly end the current quest and take you back to base.
  • – Fixed an issue that would prevent game progress after departing on a quest while performing platform-related invitations.
  • – Fixed an issue where quest party size limits would not work as intended when performing certain actions.
  • – Fixed an issue where a quest would not appear in an SOS Flare Quests search if the quest host fires the SOS Flare but then leaves the quest.
• Other
  • – Fixed an issue where the stated number of Pop-up Camps and their locations would not match up with their actual data in some situations.
  • – Adjusted the placement of some ore deposits to make them easier to gather while riding the Seikret.
  • – Fixed an issue where some voice lines would not trigger properly.
  • – Fixed various text issues.
  • – Fixed other miscellaneous issues.

To help get your Monster Hunter Wilds adventure started, take a look at what Monster Hunter Wilds doesn’t tell you, and a guide to all 14 weapon types in the game. We’ve also got a detailed MH Wilds walkthrough in progress, a MH Wilds multiplayer guide to explain how to play with friends, and if you’ve played one of the open betas, here’s how to transfer your MH Wilds Beta character over.

Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.

Nintendo’s first post-Switch 2 Nintendo Direct Treehouse livestream is being flooded with angry comments from users calling on the company to "DROP THE PRICE."

A cursory glance at the YouTube chat for the stream shows a flood of complaints about the pricing of Nintendo’s move to the next-generation, which includes the $449.99 Switch 2 and, perhaps most controversially, the jump to $79.99 for Mario Kart World.

While the Nintendo Switch 2 system itself will retail for $449.99, a bundle is also available with Mario Kart World included for $499.99, saving $30 on the price of the game.

GameCube games coming exclusively to the Switch 2's exclusive online library is one of the best features of the new console. To make those membership costs just that little bit easier, UK retailer ShopTo has NSO at 35% off right now. As you get your Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in, this is an absolute bonus bargain to consider.

While some Nintendo Classics catalogues are unlocked with the base online subscription, you'll also need the Expansion Pack to play GameCube titles on Nintendo Switch 2. What's more, while you can subscribe to a monthly model for just Nintendo Switch Online, the Expansion Pack is only available on the 12-month plan, so make a note when purchasing.

While not every character is getting the time they deserve this season, The Wheel of Time is doing an excellent job of combining plots from several of Robert Jordan’s books to keep the action moving while further weaving together the heroes as they grow as people together. Case in point: “The Shadow in the Night,” in which an old friend returns to lead a raunchy musical number while the Forsaken fight amongst themselves. It’s an episode that uses major tone shifts to great dramatic effect.

I’ve been critical of how much attention has been paid to Liandrin thus far, but I did enjoy the opening of “The Shadow in the Night,” which shows how the Aes Sedai pledged herself to Ishamael out of sheer desperation. Combined with Lanfear’s supposed interest in breaking her oaths, the examination of choice and redemption makes the villains a bit more sympathetic. It also demonstrates the strength of one of the season’s new characters, Faile, who showed her strength by fleeing when her parents tried to recruit her to join the Dark. (The other Liandrin-related piece of “The Shadow of the Night” I enjoyed is how little her costume changes in her dream of being Amyrlin – she’s Red Ajah to her core.)

The Wheel of Time has some very powerful villains, but they all have their own agendas. That’s giving the heroes a bit of an edge as two of the five Black Ajah in Tanchico die due to infighting this week. Moghedien is pulling the exact same trick that Siuan Sanche did with Min, disguising herself as a servant to go ignored among Aes Sedai since they’re just as arrogant in Tanchico as they were in Tar Valon. Her performance is too over the top, but I appreciate the symmetry in the plots.

Perrin’s storyline is the weakest part of this season, but that’s only partially the show’s fault: The character often feels like he’s too far from the real action in the books, too. But it’s not all bad: Hopefully Perrin hooking up with Faile will stop him from brooding about his wife’s death, putting an end to the worst plot invented for the show. Perrin revealing that the Horn of Valere has already been found by unveiling a goofy drawing of Mat is a great callback to the season 3 premiere, and much better than the way that information is shared in the books, where he actively hides the fact that Faile’s quest has already been completed. This section of the story also promises to pick up some steam soon with the return of Padan Fain, who has been one of the show’s best villains thanks to Johann Myers’ deeply off-putting performance.

Also making an exciting reappearance this episode is gleeman Thom Merrilin, one of the standout characters of season 1. Thom is hilariously desperate to avoid being swept up in the antics of a ta’veren but forced to intervene when he sees the daughter-heir of Andor is in trouble. It’s not surprising that Elayne would know how to sing; it's more shocking that she proves her skill by performing the local equivalent of “Baby Got Back”: “The Hills of Tanchico,” a raunchy tune that gets all the ladies in the bar jiggling their breasts. The Wheel of Time has done well by taking a page from The Witcher and breaking up its epic fantasy with a rousing, catchy musical number.

The whimsy of that scene provides a brutal contrast to what happens to Elayne and Nynaeve next, as Moghedien traps them in her web with compulsion. Zoë Robins and Ceara Coveney do a great job selling the spell’s power by dissolving into giddy giggles as they divulge all their deepest secrets to the Forsaken. It’s especially tragic for Nynaeve, who voices a revelation about hating her power that would be really important for her character growth if she could remember it.

Rand might be an outsider among the Aiel, but his interest in farming is genuine and his continued bonding with Alsera over her squashes helps charm Avienda. Rand’s guide may have been showing her contempt for her job by letting him break etiquette by grabbing Alsera’s tiny spear, but Rand comes out looking good, showing he’s learned the way to properly make amends. It’s an incredibly sweet scene that makes the tragedy at the end of the episode even more agonizing.

Egwene and Rand finally find a time to chat about their doomed relationship and Lanfear in a phenomenal demonstration of contrast between the two characters. Egwene shines throughout “The Shadow in the Night” as she demonstrates her relentless determination: She lies to the Aiel Wise Ones about being an Aes Sedai, and responds to almost being killed by Lanfear by immediately restarting her dream-control exercises. But she really unleashes on Rand, who stoically accepts her fury and explains his realization that even though he might be the most powerful and important man in the world, he’ll still never be enough for Egwene.

The touching moment and the building fury Rand feels when he learns what Lanfear’s been doing to Egwene is interrupted by an attack led by Samael, presumably the surprise Lanfear told Moiraine about earlier in the episode. When the Forsaken were all set free at the end of season 2, I was worried that some of them wouldn’t be given the attention they deserve, and that’s the case here. Samael is easily dealt with once Rand finally gets to unleash some of his power.

While the Aiel don’t blame Rand for Alsera’s accidental death, the child was a rare source of joy for Rand. He’s desperate to believe the Dragon Reborn should be able to fix anything, and seeing him acknowledge his limits is heartbreaking. It’s a testament to Josha Stradowski’s acting abilities how well he alternates between the brink of mania and cold acceptance. When Rand asked about Moiraine’s vision of Rhuidiean, all he really wanted to know about was who he might kill. This death will likely just further his belief that he’s too dangerous to be around.

Lord of the Rings legend Elijah Wood is arguably one of the most famous faces in all of fantasy filmmaking because of Peter Jackson’s beloved adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel series. But according to the actor, his iconic performance didn’t exactly yield the big bucks.

“Because we weren’t making one movie and then renegotiating a contract for the next, it wasn’t the sort of lucrative scenario that you could sort of rest easy for the rest of your life,” Wood recently told Business Insider at the 2025 Texas Film Awards.

The actor also noted that the company who made the picture, New Line Cinema, took “a real gamble” by shooting all three films back to back — but that risk was only made possible by offering the cast “not massive salaries.”

Mario Kart World will launch with at least 60 different playable characters and outfits when it releases on June 5th, 2025.

We recently got hands-on time with the Switch 2 launch game, and you can check out our impressions of Mario Kart World here. As part of playing it, we got a good look at the character select screens and noted down all of the starting drivers and the alternate looks for each. Here they are:

• Mario
• Luigi
• Peach
• Daisy
• Yoshi
• Toad
• Bowser
• Koopa Troopa
• Wario
• Waluigi
• Rosalina
• Pauline
• Donkey Kong
• Shy Guy
• King Boo
• Birdo
• Baby Mario
• Baby Luigi
• Baby Peach
• Baby Daisy
• Baby Rosalina
• Bowser Jr.
• Toadette
• Lakitu
• Dry Bones
• Goomba
• Nabbit
• Wiggler
• Hammer Bro
• Cow
• Mario (All-Terrain)
• Mario (Cowboy)
• Luigi (Pro Racer)
• Luigi (Gondolier)
• Peach (Touring)
• Peach (Yukata)
• Daisy (Swimwear)
• Daisy (Oasis)
• Bowser (All-Terrain)
• Yoshi (Food Slinger)
• Yoshi (Matsuri)
• Toad (Burger Bud)
• Toadette (Soft Server)
• Donkey Kong (All-Terrain)
• Bowser (Biker)
• Bowser Jr. (Biker Jr.)
• Koopa Troopa (Runner)
• Lakitu (Fisherman)
• Pauline (Aero)
• Rosalina (Pro Racer)
• Waluigi (Mariachi)
• Wario (Biker)
• Birdo (Vacation)
• Shy Guy (Slope Styler)
• Baby Mario (Swimwear)
• Baby Luigi (Work Crew)
• Baby Rosalina (Sailor)
• Baby Daisy (Explorer)
• Baby Peach (Touring)
• King Boo (Aristocrat)

Quite the list! Looks like we'll be doing a lot of racing (and throwing food around?) when Mario Kart World launches alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. Although impressions are positive around the look and open-world ambitions the game, questions have been raised around its $80 price tag.

We've got an explainer on why the Switch 2 costs so much here, as well as everything announced from yesterday's Nintendo Direct in one handy place.

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.