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.

For the last several years it’s felt like Nintendo just hasn’t cared that much about Donkey Kong. As Nintendo gifted pretty much every one of its cherished characters their best outing ever on Switch, the great ape who once stood high atop the girders of Nintendo’s essential arcade cabinet faceplanted hard on the concrete with a litany of ports, remakes, and remasters. But on Switch 2, Nintendo is finally giving one of gaming’s biggest icons the love he deserves with a brand new, flagship, launch window 3D action-platformer, and if the first 30 minutes we spent with Donkey Kong Bananza are any indication, Mario’s original rival is looking poised to stand tall once again.

It’s hard to talk about Bananza without referencing that darn plumber as just seconds after jumping into its Underground World, the significant parallels to Super Mario Odyssey became abundantly clear. While Nintendo hasn’t confirmed the developers of Bananza, after playing it we’re willing to bet Odyssey developer Nintendo EPD Tokyo is behind it.

Bananza’s setup will feel instantly familiar to anyone who’s spent hours throwing Cappy and collecting Power Moons. DK is joined by an adorable assistant (this time in the form of a purple rock who talks and sings) to scour self-contained explorable sandboxes for Golden Bananas, some of which are found by completing story missions while others are sprinkled across the landscape just waiting to be found. As you explore, you find isolated linear challenge rooms that dial back the exploration in favor of testing your combat and platforming abilities. There are other collectibles to find too, like gold presumably playing the role of coins, dozens of fossils (which we didn’t find a use for during our demo) and currency we’re hoping will be used to outfit Donkey Kong in the local flavor. Even the UI is reminiscent of Mario’s globetrotting adventure! So if you were disappointed the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct lacked a big, flashy 3D Mario, I'm here to tell you that Donkey Kong Bananza feels like the sequel to that formula we’ve been clamoring for, it just happens to star the giant monkey instead.

Wrecking Crew

Like the best Nintendo games, Donkey Kong’s brand new moveset completely suits him as a character and feels right the moment you step into his shoes (okay, big hairy feet). Bananza is furiously fast and delightfully destructive as Donkey Kong can demolish most of the terrain in his path, and we spent our demo transforming the lush opening area filled with grass, trees, and lakes into DK’s personal chaotic excavation site. DK punches forward, upward, and downward, instantly destroying most materials and oftentimes carving a makeshift path to follow that can lead to entirely new areas. At one point I was punching through a mountain just for the heck of it and a valuable collectible fell into my lap, so there’s definitely value to breaking ground everywhere you can – it may lead to a groundbreaking discovery.

If pulverizing every stone wall in sight sounds overwhelming, it really didn’t feel that way in the moment, which is likely due to how much fun we had controlling Donkey Kong. In addition to turning everything to rubble, Donkey Kong can also pick up giant stone boulders from the ground, walls, or wherever, and hurl them to obliterate nearby enemies. Or, he takes a page out of Link’s book and can use the stone slab to boogie board at a rapid pace across the landscape. There are surely dozens of unique moves and chain combos waiting to be discovered and I can imagine how much fun speedrunners will have trying to master DK’s moveset, which already feels ripe with expressiveness and possibility.

Bananza’s central theme of exploration via destruction was present throughout every second of our demo, even down to the map screen. Instead of a simple top-down overview of the landscape, the map here is a fully-rendered 3D model of the entire area in its current state, meaning when you pause to get your bearings, you can see all of the walls you’ve punched and caves you’ve carved. It’s like the Hero’s Path feature in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom cranked up to 11, and it felt like an incredibly impressive touch.

That map helped us track down challenge rooms which rewarded us either with Golden Bananas or a ton of cash. And unlike Odyssey, there’s no more wondering if you have a Moon left to find and going inside to wait for Cappy to tell you, because the entrance to each bonus room tracks how many Golden Bananas you’ve found and how many more are waiting within. We saw three of these rooms in Bananza’s opening area, with each focusing on either platforming, combat, or destruction: we had to monkey bar our way through an obstacle course, take down three stone enemies before time ran out, and blast through as much gold ore as possible to take home a big payday. They were all fun and unique and left me excited to see what other challenges are in store.

I also think Bananza is on track to be one of the most gorgeous Nintendo games I’ve seen. It really does take advantage of Switch 2's hardware – the environments are beautiful and DK’s animations are wonderfully expressive, and I left feeling like the next generation of first-party Nintendo games had truly arrived.

Donkey Kong Bananza is out July 17 for $69.99, and I might destroy my entire house if I have to wait that long to play it again.

Logan Plant is the host of Nintendo Voice Chat and IGN's Database Manager & Playlist Editor. He played the entire Donkey Kong Country series earlier this year and is so excited for a brand new DK game. It's way overdue!

Mario Kart World is the first new home console Mario Kart game in a decade. We went hands-on with this Nintendo Switch 2 launch title and played a ton of it across several different modes, so let’s break it all down!

The Massively Interconnected Open World

Mario Kart’s biggest new addition centers around a huge, new Forza Horizon-style world filled with tons of courses to race against friends and enemies on. Instead of just having a series of tracks you select from a menu (although you’ll have that option too) Mario Kart World features a massive playground you can explore at your own pace on your own or with friends. You use this place to cruise around for fun or launch into races, Grand Prix tournaments, and more. It’s also packed with collectibles and hidden secrets and areas, and while we don’t know just yet what the rewards will be for finding things hidden throughout this world, we’re hoping it’s stuff like karts or costumes, or that you’ll be able to spend coins in some kind of shop for cool cosmetic stuff. Poking around here between races led me to what looked like a strange Peach-themed coin, stacks of smaller, regular coins, a huge evil cloud, a ton of grind rails to practice on, hidden back alleys and pathways, and so much more. It’s grand, utterly gorgeous, and incredibly smooth. We got used to how great Mario Kart 8 looked, but this one is even prettier and more stylish, with better draw distance, more detailed characters and environments, and generally just a ton of stuff happening at once.

Mechanically, everything felt really tight and satisfying so even if there isn’t a ton of reward for exploring it’s still really fun to explore. But knowing Nintendo, they’ll definitely be reasons to poke around here. In general, the gameplay feels like a slightly tighter and more forgiving version of Mario Kart 8, so if you spent a ton of time there you’ll feel right at home here. When your kart gets smashed by an item or another player, your recovery time is snappier and you’re back in the competition quicker than in previous Mario Kart games. When an opponent cuts you off and steals an item box right before you can get to it, don’t stress it because they respawn almost immediately, giving you a chance for instant green shell vengeance. Gliders have been replaced with planes, underwater sections have been replaced with Wave Race-like boating areas, and you don’t customize your kart anymore, at least in the version I played. There were a lot of preset kart options to start with and presumably many more to unlock, though, so it seems like having lots of ways to show off your kart or character won’t be limited.

Characters, Costumes, and Crazy New Power-Ups

You can play Mario Kart World with up to 24 human players at the same time and there are tons of returning characters from the Mario series, although none from other Nintendo games like Mario Kart 8 had. It’s safe to say that Mario Kart World will be THE Mario Kart game for years to come, though, so who knows which characters from other series will show up here eventually. My favorite new character was Cow from Moo Moo Meadows, who is here to get revenge for all the times you drove into his family on the N64, probably. Most characters have different costumed versions you can choose from the character select screen, but where things get a bit more complicated is that you can also change their costume mid-race by finding certain power-ups that appear to alter your stats. Lots of these items are food-based so you’ll get to see Cow eat a burger. Look, it’s his first time driving a kart and it’s crazy out there. Go easy on him.

We also noticed a bunch of characters that appear as racers against you but you can’t choose yourself just yet, like the Piantas from Super Mario Sunshine and the Conkdors from Super Mario 3D World, so we suspect they’ll be unlockable and the roster will only get bigger. There’s also some great new items like throwable hammers and a question block that gives you a ton of coins in a row. Some classic items even have altered functionality, like lightning not lasting as long or blue shells having cartoon phrases pop up when they hit you, but the coolest new upgrade we noticed is that every throwable item now automatically drags behind your kart without you having to hold down a button to do it. It’s one less thing to worry about, which is nice because you now have so many new things to worry about!

Knockout Tour, the Non-Stop Six-Race Fortnite-Style Battle Royale

Knockout Tour is the biggest race mode ever included in this series and it feels awesome. You start out in the open world, driving around and hanging out with friends while your race populates with 23 other players. Then, you’ll all choose a set of interconnected Grand Prix tracks you want to race on. Once the race kicks off, you need to stay out of the bottom four in each segment or you’ll get eliminated and booted back to the open world. So, the field is culled each lap from 24, to 20, to 16, all the way until there are only four racers left for the final segment. It’s incredibly fun and the tracks, endless items, kart racers, and general chaos make every race feel absolutely frenetic. Think the final lap of Baby Park on Mario Kart: Double Dash where it’s chaos and clutter everywhere, but with the aggressive goal of making sure you’re taking down others constantly to advance.

This mode was incredibly fun. Going from 4th place to 12th place in a Mario Kart game has been a thing for ages, but going from 2nd to 22nd because a series of bad luck or poor decisions put you behind the pack is a brand new feeling, and watching that happen and then getting instantly eliminated from the entire race (or doing it to somebody else) is absolutely hilarious. Generally, this feature adds some much needed urgency and aggression to Mario Kart and it’s utterly thrilling. Nintendo has been experimenting with this elimination style gameplay with lots of their franchises in the past few years, like Mario 35 and F-Zero 99, but it feels like such a perfect fit for Mario Kart and we suspect it’s gonna be a massive hit with both kids and the streamer crowds. Knockout Tour modes last much longer than a typical race, assuming you don’t get knocked out of the whole thing super early.

But Wait.. That Price!

Mario Kart World is $80! Everything we’ve seen and played is awesome and we can’t wait for it, but nothing about this game so far really screams “eighty dollar product.” Nintendo experimented with a $70 price tag on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and we suspect we’ll spend just as much time (or more) playing Mario Kart World throughout the Switch 2 lifespan, but it’s hard not to feel cynical about about this price, like Nintendo knows that Mario Kart 8 was the best-selling Switch game and one of the best-selling games of all time and that the successor will be a guaranteed hit, so hey, might as well upcharge us. If it came with a year of Switch Online or some sort of season pass of unlockable content it’d be a slightly easier pill to swallow, but as far as we know it doesn’t. Getting the game bundled with a Switch 2 drops the price down to $50 and since it will be there on the system’s launch day that’s likely how most players will get it, but still, the whole thing definitely stings a bit.

Regardless, Mario Kart World feels like the definitive Switch 2 launch game and will certainly be one of the defining games of the Switch 2 generation. The new open world format and Knockout Tour modes are massive new additions to the franchise, the visuals are gorgeous, the gameplay is a blast, and we can’t wait to play more, even if we wish it was a few bucks cheaper.

Brian Altano has been playing Mario Kart for 30+ years, and it's crazy that 10 of those years were spent with Mario Kart 8. We haven't seen Battle Mode for Mario Kart World yet, but he's still holding out hope that Block Fort can come back. Bring back Block Fort!

Nintendo has confirmed the Switch 2 uses DLSS and ray tracing technology, but has yet to go into detail on how exactly, or show them off.

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.

This week’s hour-long Nintendo Direct revealed much about the $449.99 Switch 2, but Nintendo has kept technical information to a minimum. Even in the official Nintendo Switch 2 tech specs there is only confirmation that the console uses a “custom processor” made by Nvidia, and no more detail.

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.

Takuhiro Dohta, senior director of the Programming Management Group Entertainment Planning & Development Department, at Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development Division, confirmed:

“We use DLSS upscaling technology and that's something that we need to use as we develop games.

“And when it comes to the hardware, it is able to output to a TV at a max of 4K. Whether the software developer is going to use that as a native resolution or get it to upscale is something that the software developer can choose. I think it opens up a lot of options for the software developer to choose from.”

It was a similarly vague response when Dohta confirmed the Switch 2’s GPU is capable of ray tracing. “Yes the GPU does support ray tracing,” he said. “As with DLSS, I believe this provides yet another option for the software developer to use and a tool for them.”

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 describes 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. The patent describes technology similar to Nvidia's DLSS, or PlayStation 5 Pro's PSSR, to upscale images using AI.

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.

Nintendo has responded to questions around its decision to go with an LCD screen for the $449.99 Switch 2, rather than an OLED screen, as it used for the OLED version of the OG Switch.

Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen capable of outputting at 1080p (1920x1080). In size terms, this is a big upgrade from Switch 1's 6.2-inch screen, the Switch OLED's 7-inch screen, and the Switch Lite's 5.5-inch screen.

There is also support for HDR10 and VRR up to 120 Hz, which means games can jump up to 120fps if they and your setup allow it.

But it’s the quality of the screen itself and the image players see that has sparked discussion among Nintendo fans. During a hardware-focused roundtable Q&A in New York yesterday, attended by IGN, Nintendo representatives were asked why the company went back to an LCD for the Switch 2, which could be seen as a “downgrade” from the OLED Switch.

Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager, Technology Development Division and Senior Director, Technology Development Department at Nintendo, said the company did not take the decision lightly.

“Now there's a lot of advancements that have been made in LCD technology during development,” Sasaki explained.

“We took a look at the technology that was available to us now and after a lot of consideration we decided to stick to LCD.”

Sasaki then made the point that the Switch 2 supports HDR, which the OLED Switch does not.

“Even with the OLED version of Nintendo Switch, we didn’t have compatibility support for HDR, but that's something we have the support for now,” he said.

We’ve got plenty more from the Switch 2 hardware Q&A, including Nintendo’s responses on Joy-Con drift, and what it has to say about the Switch 2's GPU and graphics tech.

And, in case you missed it, check out everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.

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.

The wait between new seasons of Rick and Morty can often be punishing, but fans have always had Oni Press' Rick and Morty comics to help tide them over. Oni has built up quite a library of Rick and Morty adventures over the course of ten years. If you're not sure how to dive in or where to start with these spinoff books, that's where the Rick and Morty Deluxe Omnibus Library Set comes in.

The Rick and Morty Deluxe Omnibus Library Set collects the first 100 issues of Oni's comics in chronological order. Those issues are reprinted in a set of five slipcase hardcover books that total over 2000 pages. As if that weren't enough of a selling point, the set also includes a brand new comic from writer Kyle Starks and artist Troy Little called The Unreprintable Rick and Morty #1. As the title suggests, this story is exclusive to the Omnibus set and won't be reprinted elsewhere.

With the Rick and Morty Deluxe Omnibus Library Set Kickstarter campaign now live, IGN can exclusively debut a new preview of The Unreprintable Rick and Morty #1. Get a closer look in the slideshow gallery below:

The creators featured in the Rick and Morty Deluxe Omnibus Library Set include:

• James Asmus (Survival Street)
• C.J. Cannon (Aggretsuko)
• Delilah S. Dawson (Batman: The Brave and The Bold)
• Marc Ellerby (Doctor Who)
• Ryan Ferrier (D4VE)
• Tony Fleecs (Stray Dogs)
• Tom Fowler (Refrigerator Full of Heads)
• Zac Gorman (Bee and Puppycat)
• Sarah Graley (Our Super Adventure)
• Tini Howard (Catwoman)
• Sam Maggs (Star Wars Adventures)
• Stephanie Phillips (Grim)
• Kyle Starks (Peacemaker Tries Hard!)
• Lilah Sturges (Jack of Fables)
• J. Torres (Teen Titans Go!)
• Josh Trujillo (Blue Beetle)
• Magdalene Visaggio (Vagrant Queen)

In addition to The Unreprintable Rick and Morty #1, Starks and Little have also collaborated on an epilogue story called The Unreprintable Rick and Morty #2. This 8-page story will be limited to just 500 copies.

Backers of the Rick and Morty Deluxe Omnibus Library Set will have numerous bonus items to choose from, including exclusive variants of Rick and Morty #1, art prints, Rick and Morty trading cards, hand-drawn remarques, and even original artwork. The Kickstarter campaign is live now, with backers receiving special discounts if they pledge within the first 24 hours.

For more Rick and Morty fun, you can watch the entire Rick and Morty panel from LA Comic-Con 2024, and find out why fans are calling the Season 7 finale the "best episode in years."

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

Anyone who owns a Nintendo Switch will know about Joy-Con stick drift. It’s when the Joy-Con Control Sticks stop responding correctly, or suffer from "drifting."

Complaints about Joy-Con drift were so loud that Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa apologized for the "inconvenience" and launched a free repair program. Nintendo of America boss Doug Bowser has talked about the "battle against" Joy-Con drift, insisting Nintendo was making continuous improvements. It was such a big problem that parents in the U.S. tried to sue over Joy-Con drift in a class-action lawsuit, although Nintendo ended up fending that off.

In 2022, a UK consumer group alleged Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con drift issue was caused by a fundamental design flaw. A report from Which claimed that, even after just a few months of use, the Joy-Con's plastic circuit boards show significant wear on the joystick slider contact points, causing Joy-Con drift.

This week, Nintendo fully unveiled the $449.99 Switch 2 in a Nintendo Direct, showing off the new Joy-Con 2 and its extra functionality. In Nintendo Switch 2 tech specs published by the company, there is no detail on the sticks themselves. So as of now, we don’t know for sure if Joy-Con 2 use the hall effect sensors Nintendo fans are desperate for.

As Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto described in a new 'Ask the Developer' interview, the Switch 2's Joy-Cons have “larger and more durable” analog sticks “with smoother movement.”

It was a similarly vague response when Nintendo was asked about Joy-Con drift improvements at a hardware-focused roundtable Q&A in New York yesterday, attended by IGN.

Tetsuya Sasaki, General Manager at Nintendo’s Technology Development Division, and Senior Director at its Technology Development Department, told the assembled media that the new Joy-Con 2 controllers were redesigned “from the ground up,” but failed to say anything specific about drifting.

“As you may have witnessed and felt, the new Joy-Con 2 controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2 have been really designed from the ground up, from scratch, and they've been designed to have bigger movement and also smoother movement,” Sasaki said.

In the 'Ask the Developer' interview, Kawamoto talked about the new Switch 2 Pro Controller and its sticks, saying they’re "quieter."

“Aside from the color, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller may look indistinguishable from the previous controller at first glance, but it was also redesigned from scratch,” Kawamoto explained.

“In particular, the left and right control sticks are quieter and don’t make noise, even when they’re moved quickly to the edge. Also, they glide very smoothly, so we've taken to calling them ‘smooth-gliding sticks.’ (Laughs)”

Sasaki added: "As they’re calling them ‘smooth-gliding sticks,’ we made efforts to reduce the feeling of bumping when you tilt them. In fact, there's been a long-running project at Nintendo with the grand ambition of developing the ‘pinnacle of all controllers,’ and we’ve been researching it hard for a long time now.”

The proof of the pudding is in the eating, of course. We won’t know how the Switch 2 Joy-Con hold up under strain perhaps until years after the console comes out. But hopefully, based on what Nintendo is saying now, Joy-Con drift will be a thing of the past.

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.

After years of speculation, months of leaks, and weeks since its official reveal, the Nintendo Switch 2 finally has a price and a release date… And we’ve actually held it and played it. Read on for our first impressions of the Switch 2’s build quality, screen, mouse mode, and more. Since two of us here at IGN got to spend a ton of time with it, we figured we’d both take turns telling you all about it, like we’re two friends sitting next to you on a couch. Hey buddy! Wanna hear about Nintendo Switch 2?

Switch 2 Screen: LCD vs OLED (and Docked Performance)

Brian Altano: Let’s start with the Switch 2 screen since it’s the thing you’re gonna look at the most, unless you plan on playing entirely in docked mode or you drop your device on the floor and decide to never pick it up again, which would be weird and rude. Unlike the first Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 won’t have an OLED option at launch (admittedly kind of a bummer!) but it’s probably so Nintendo can keep costs down and eventually get us to upgrade to a Switch 2 OLED in a few years, so hey, it sort of makes sense for now. That said, Switch 2 has a 1080p screen in handheld mode which immediately looks way better than Switch 1’s 720p non-OLED screen did. Colors pop and look vibrant and most of the games we played run smooth and at a consistent framerate in handheld mode, so it’s not a total dealbreaker here.

Plus, Switch 2 is capable of 4K and HDR docked, or up to 120FPS in some games (just never all of those things at once) so you’ll get better looking and playing games this time around either way, plus better looking upgrades of many of your old Switch games. We walked into our hands-on preview expecting to miss the OLED display but walked out completely satisfied with the Switch 2’s LCD, so it’s not the end of the world for Nintendo fans.

Logan Plant: Even better though, the games we played docked looked great on televisions, including the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of original Switch games like Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild, and Metroid Prime 4. This is the version of Breath of the Wild we wanted at launch, with no noticeable slowdown whatsoever in moments that taxed the original Switch hardware, like when Link set everything on fire and it felt like my Switch was going to burst into flames. The Switch 2 dock has a built-in fan, so that should help keep things cool and maintain performance in TV mode. Switch 2-exclusive games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza looked gorgeous too, and both feel like great showcases of Nintendo’s timeless art direction running great on newer hardware. We’re a little worried about the listed battery life of 2 - 6.5 hours, but that number honestly makes sense given how good the performance was in handheld mode.

Until we really get some significant time with the console along with finished versions of the games, it’s tough to say exactly how long the battery will last, but one thing that almost certainly won’t change before Switch 2 launches on June 5th is the actual design of the hardware itself...

Altano: One of my biggest issues with the original Nintendo Switch was the build quality. Joy-Con drift aside, the system itself just felt a bit wobbly at times. Joy-Con and anything else you attached to the console felt loose, the kickstand was flimsy, and the launch dock literally scratched the screen. That all feels largely improved with Nintendo Switch 2 from what we played so far. Overall the system feels much more sturdy and much less like a fancy toy like Switch 1 did, with sleek ergonomic design and no Joy-Con wobble. It’s got a nice weight to it and holding it side by side with a Steam Deck (which we literally did) makes it feel lighter and less bulky. Sticks, triggers, and buttons all feel great too, as does the d-pad. We didn’t get to play any 2D games like twitchy sidescrolling platformers or classic fighters, but the d-pad feels like it will hopefully be better for them. Buttons have that nice clicky feel they had on Switch 1 but feel slightly softer and are slightly bigger. This is definitely a system aimed for an older audience than the first Nintendo Switch, and not just because of the premium price tag. It doesn’t even have a fun, kid friendly alternate colorway available at launch like Nintendo usually does, just dark gray with some muted colors hidden inside the Joy-Con 2.

Plant: Speaking of the Joy-Con 2, the sticks feel nice and smooth to rotate, but Nintendo isn’t saying yet if they’re Hall-effect joysticks, which was a frustrating omission from the hardware overview in the Direct. Presumably they’ve done whatever it takes to avoid Joy-Con drift again this time around, but until players really start putting the Switch 2 through its paces, there’s no real way of knowing if Mario will slowly start walking to the left as time goes on and wear and tear impact the performance of your controllers. In general, the new and improved Joy-Con 2 controllers look better, feel better, and the way they snap on and off feels immensely satisfying. Brian and I took turns clicking them on and off the Switch 2 unit dozens of times which probably made us both look like we were a little bit crazy, but it really is a noticeable upgrade. When we first heard they’d be using magnets to attach the Joy-Con there were a lot of concerns they’d be flimsy, but so far they’re the total opposite.

Then there are the brand new mouse control options for certain games, which worked surprisingly well – especially with the haptic feedback with each “click” of the shoulder button. In select games, you can turn the Joy-Con sideways and drag them across a flat, smooth surface to mimic the functions of a PC mouse, and it feels like a classic “weird, innovative, and very fun” Nintendo design decision. We used these controls in a variety of ways like aiming in Metroid Prime 4, playing air hockey in Mario Party, and trying out tech demo-like minigames in the odd new Switch 2 Welcome Tour game, and they were largely responsive. Metroid smartly lets you swap back and forth between pointer controls and mouse controls seamlessly without having to go into settings to change them, and I could see mouse controls becoming the preferred way for a lot of people to play Prime 4 – as long as you have easy access to a flat surface. It can sometimes feel awkward – I wish the Joy-Con 2 was just a bit wider as a mouse and I occasionally had to crane my pointer finger or thumb at a weird angle to hit a face button – but the improved aiming precision felt worth these small concessions. The Joy-Con 2 straps even have mouse feet – those little rubber bumpers on the bottom of your PC mouse that I had to Google the name of because I’ve gone my entire life never needing to know what they were called until today.

The Kickstand, C-Button, Built-in Mic, and Accessories

Altano: There are also some less immediately noticeable additions on Switch 2 that you’ll probably end up using for a bunch of things. The new kickstand feels significantly improved over the launch Switch model from 2017. It can practically lay flat and move to almost any viewing angle and doesn’t feel like it’s going to instantly snap off. I think I still slightly prefer the Switch OLED’s flat panel kickstand over this one, but time will tell. Meanwhile, we didn’t get to launch anything with the new C-button tucked under the right Joy-Con 2’s home button, but it’s a nice inclusion and is largely used to pull up Game Chat and video interactions. We did get to play some Mario Party minigames with the new camera peripheral, though, which is sold separately for $50. It placed fuzzy versions of us into warp pipes and cropped out our backgrounds like we were on a Zoom call, except instead of our bosses getting mad at us for the typos in this article, Bowser breathed fire on us. Other third-party cameras will be supported by Switch 2 in case you have a couple of those sitting around and don’t want to buy a new one on launch day alongside a $450 Switch 2 and an $80 Mario Kart World (or $50 if you get the $500 bundle with the console, but you see my point).

Plant: Then there’s the Switch 2’s built in microphone which we literally only tested by seeing which of our Mario Party teams could yell the loudest, but ideally you’ll use it for much more normal things like casual voice chat between Switch 2 friends while you’re sitting on the couch. You’ll also be able to hear them talk via the newly added headphone jack on the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller (or just regular in-game audio… Right, Nintendo? Right?!) and it’s just one of the many things that feels better about the new Pro Controller. It’s even got programmable GL and GR back buttons, a feature that has become pretty common with controllers on other consoles, and while we didn’t get to assign functions to them during our preview, they were nice and clicky. It’s also got amiibo support and new Zelda and Street Fighter amiibo were announced this week, so if you collect amiibo, get ready for your third console generation of buying amiibo.

Is Switch 2 Worth the Upgrade?

Altano: Okay, so it’s tough to say if this system will do Switch 1 numbers worldwide. Switch 1 had a ton of factors in its favor, like a $300 price tag and an open world Zelda at launch, a mountain of Wii U ports that were brand new games to most people, and a global pandemic that made a bunch of people get back into video games for the first time in a while. But Switch 1 is the second best-selling video game console ever made so hey, that’s a lofty goal. Ultimately it’s a steady software lineup that keeps Nintendo consoles successful, but factors like press make a big difference too, and a $450 launch price might be a bit steep for people wanting to impulsively buy a new system for themselves or their kids or for people who are just happy enough with their original Switch model. But tech wise, Switch 2 solves a lot of the problems that Switch 1 had. A bunch of older Switch games look better on it, it’s got a really fun new and exclusive Mario Kart game, and holding the console made me want to take it home immediately. I’m a longtime Nintendo fan so I was probably always going to be there on day one but this system feels like the kind of thing I want to play games on and travel with for years to come.

Plant: Switch 2 is a more premium product and the price tag reflects that. It’s also a better version of a great thing, and it’s trying to pull off a bunch of cool new tricks at the same time, like mouse controls. Obviously we’re both buying Switch 2 on day one, and I did really love our hands-on time with the console. But I’ll be honest and say I have some concerns about if the general public is willing to adopt a $450 Nintendo console with an $80 Mario Kart. It’s a big ask for a company that traditionally targets families and younger players, and I feel like the high cost of entry limits the Switch 2’s potential to take off in the way its predecessor did. But for those of you that do decide to take the plunge, you’ll be getting what’s shaping up to be a great hybrid console that makes a ton of worthwhile improvements on the original Switch and adds some fun bells and whistles for good measure.

Nintendo Switch 2 is out on June 5th for $450. We’ve got tons more Switch 2 coverage ahead here on IGN, including hands-on with Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza.

Brian Altano and Logan Plant are two of IGN's biggest Nintendo superfans, and you can hear them geek out about Switch 2 and Nintendo games on Nintendo Voice Chat.

If you've been hunting for Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions booster packs without getting fleeced by scalpers, Amazon’s latest offer is a tough fallback. This six-pack booster bundle is listed at $59.99—more than double the expected MSRP of around $27. That’s a staggering 122% markup, and with demand still outpacing supply, even Amazon has hiked its prices well above retail.

Retailers have been steadily getting their preorder operations for the Nintendo Switch 2 in place, but the UK's Argos has jumped the gun by letting you preorder a Nintendo Switch right now, including either the console on its own or the Mario Kart World bundle with the game included as a download code.

Although payment is instant, we expect these to go fast. If you miss out, you can register your interest at Amazon UK, Currys, and Smyths—the former of which you can request an "invite" to preorder the individual Switch 2 console or the Mario Kart World bundle.

As for the games, you can immediately preorder the physical version of Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza right now at Smyths—alongside accessories like the Nintendo Switch 2 camera & Stealth Travel Kit case.

On each product Amazon page, you'll be able to quickly register your interest before quickly getting a confirmation email. From then, you can be invited to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 from Amazon UK anytime within the next three months—covering you for the system's 5th of June, 2025 release date.

The link to purchase that Amazon will send to you will last for 22 hours, so be sure to keep checking your emails so you don't miss out. Amazon hasn't provided an exact day and time as to when the first round of pre-orders will start, but we're assuming the first invites could be sent out as soon as Tuesday, the April 8, as that's when preorders will be open on the UK Nintendo store.

You can also go to Currys and register your interest in a Nintendo Switch 2 just like you can with Smyths, though preorders for games and accessories don't seem to be available just yet. It hasn't provided any further information on when invites will be sent out either, but Currys & Smyths are both solid retailers to have as a back-up if you don't get an Argos pre-order in or an Amazon invite right away.

Compared to the Nintendo Store, however, Amazon's, Currys', and Smyths conditions appear to be a lot more relaxed for sending Switch 2 preorder invites.

For example, the Nintendo store will only send initial invitees to those based on conditions like being a Nintendo Switch Online player for a continuous two years before 31/3/2025, having higher playtimes with purchased/paid Nintendo Switch games (not free-to-play games like Fortnite, it seems), and opting in to share usage information with Nintendo.

On Amazon's side, it merely seems to be a ballot system where invitees are selected at random. With Currys and Smyths, it looks like it will simply be a case of sending out an email when pre-orders are opened, followed by a queued ordering system. This was the method Currys used when taking PS5 pre-orders, and it worked without any site crashes at least.

This means you could be in for a longer wait from these alternative retailers, but it's a lot less frustrating if you're certain you don't meet the strict requirements to order from Nintendo directly.

On the other hand, if you weren't planning to have the funds for your Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order taken until near-dispatch in June—which is usually the case for retailers like Amazon—Argos may not be the best option for you since we have confirmed you'll need to pay right away.

Still, if you've already got the money necessary, Argos is currently the best option to secure your pre-order immediately.

Here's our first look at Nintendo's newly designed Nintendo Switch 2 game boxes.

While the OG Nintendo Switch's game covers simply boasted a small Nintendo Switch logo in the top left-hand corner, the Switch 2's branding is far more prominent, with a red band stretching across the entire width of the case and a larger Nintendo Switch 2 logo.

There's also a change for Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives, too. While Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive game covers don't have any further information or branding on them, covers for games playable on both the original and Switch 2 systems all include a clear statement about Switch 2's upgrade information.

For instance, The Nintendo Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild includes the text: "Includes the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch upgrade pack. Upgrade pack also available separately."

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games, some of which cost $79.99, clearly mark the boxes as such to let buyers know what they're getting.

You can see the new designs for yourself in the slideshow below:

There's now also a QR code on the bottom right of all game covers that takes you swiftly to the official Nintendo website.

At last, the Nintendo Switch 2 has a release date. It's coming on June 5, 2025, with prices starting at $449.99. A bundle is also available with Mario Kart World included for $499.99, although if you want to buy Nintendo's signature racer separately, it's $79.99.

Missed the presentation? Worry not — you can catch up on everything shown at yesterday's Nintendo Direct right here, and here's a handy list for every game confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2.

Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

CD Projekt Red has confirmed the install size for Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is 64GB. That's smaller compared to Xbox or PS5 (100-110GB), but for Switch 2, 64GB is a whopping 25% of the console's confirmed 256GB of internal storage.

Launching on the same day as the Switch 2, June 5, Cyberpunk 2077 will be available as a physical 64GB game card or as a digital download from the Nintendo eShop.

Nintendo also recently confirmed that several new Switch 2 game cards won’t always carry an actual game, but instead contain a key for a game download. This isn't the case for Cyberpunk 2077.

But, this also begs the question: how quickly will a Switch 2's internal storage fill up?

Switch 2's 256GB internal storage is a big step up from the original Switch’s 32GB. However, early signs already suggest Switch 2 games will be much larger.

Cyberpunk 2077, like we've mentioned, is a 64GB download. By comparison, one of the biggest games on the original Switch, Tears of the Kingdom, was just 16GB. The Switch 2 version—and other titles like the $80 Mario Kart World—will likely demand significantly more space.

The obvious solution? Expandable storage. PS5 has it, Xbox has it, and the Switch has always supported it. But unlike the original Switch, which accepted standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 is locked to microSD Express. That means your old microSD cards won’t work, and more importantly, you’ll need to buy new, notably pricier memory cards.

As you can tell, IGN’s deals team has already tracked down the best prices on Switch 2-compatible microSD Express cards, including 128GB ($44.99), 256GB ($49.99), 512GB ($99.99), and 1TB versions ($199.99) options from SanDisk and Lexar. However, some are already being snapped up in bulk and are now listed as "temporarily out of stock" on Amazon.

Nintendo is also partnering with SanDisk and Samsung to release its own branded cards, though if history is any indication, expect them to be more expensive than identical third-party versions. It’s also possible more manufacturers will jump into the microSD Express market now that the Switch 2 is driving demand, but whether that leads to lower prices remains to be seen.

For more on Switch 2, you can catch up on everything from the Nintendo Direct right here, and read our full guide on how to secure your preorder for the Switch 2 on April 9.

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

There’s a fine line between “I deserve this” and “this was a financial mistake,” and today’s deals are absolutely walking it. I’m looking at In Stock Pokémon bundles that practically dare you to stop at just one. Humble Choice is finally delivering a lineup that doesn’t feel like leftovers, and the Assassin’s Creed collectibles over in the IGN Store have officially moved from “maybe someday” to “I’ve added it to my cart twice already.”

Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle Is Back In Stock

In my opinion, these are the kinds of deals that are actually worth talking about — not the 7% off a charger you didn’t need to begin with. This is six-pack booster bundles available now, games I’ve had on my wishlist for too long, and statues that will silently judge you from a shelf while looking really, really cool. If you're going to buy stuff, at least let it be stuff that makes you happy and mildly ashamed.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle

Pokemon TCG: Stacking Tin (Q1 2025)

Humble Choice April 2025

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet - Paldean Fates Booster Bundle

PureArts Assassin's Creed Preorders

Pokemon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box

INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank

INIU Power Bank, 20000mAh 65W USB C Laptop Portable Charger

Great On The Go Humble Sale

INIU Portable Charger, 22.5W 20000mAh

Metaphor ReFantazio - Gallica - Statue

INIU Power Bank, 25000mAh 100W USB C Laptop Portable Charger

INIU Portable Charger, Smallest 22.5W 10000mAh Power Bank

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Surging Sparks Booster Bundle

Insignia - 55" Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV

Outright Games Game On! Bundle

Insignia - 65" Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV

Death Stranding 2 - DHV Magellan - Model Kit

LG - 65” Class UT70 Series LED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV (2024)

Samsung - Galaxy Watch Ultra Titanium Smartwatch 47mm LTE

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Paldean Fates Booster Bundle

Best of Boomer Shooters 4: Badda Bing Badda Boom

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box

Street Fighter TCG Alpha Warriors Dreams Preorder

Pokémon TCG: Paradox Clash tin: Iron Leaves ex or Walking Wake ex

Pokémon TCG: 3 Booster Packs & 1 Random Foil

Amid the furore around the $449.99 price of the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World's $79.99 price tag, there is shock at Nintendo’s decision to charge for the console’s tutorial game, Welcome Tour.

Nintendo revealed Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour during its Nintendo Direct. It’s a game set to launch alongside the Switch 2 in June, and offers a guided tour of the console itself in video game form.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is described as a "virtual exhibition" of the new hardware. Per Nintendo, "through tech demos, minigames and other interactions, players will get to know the new system inside and out in ways they may never have known about otherwise."

The Nintendo Direct showed footage of a small player avatar exploring a super-sized Switch 2, reading about the different features and facts about the console. It also includes mini-games such as Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo.

While Nintendo has yet to announce a price for Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour in the U.S., it has confirmed a price of ¥990 yen in Japan, which currently converts to approximately $6.76.

Still, fans are bemoaning the fact it costs any money at all. “This is a literal tech demo of your console, why would you make people pay for that?” said redditor Trabless.

“Audibly laughed when they called this a paid title,” added KMoosetoe. “Hope nobody buys this bulls**t.”

"When they were showing it I was like, 'Nice. A neat little thing to get you familiar with the system,' " commented Opening_Proof_1365. "As soon as they said paid I literally laughed out loud and said, 'why would someone pay for that?' "

Many are now pointing to Sony’s various PlayStation console pack-ins, saying Nintendo should have followed suit. Astro's Playroom, for example, comes pre-installed on every PlayStation 5 console, serving additionally as a free tech demo for the DualSense controller.

“Yet PS5 came with a free game just to showcase the capabilities of the DualSense,” Radical_X75 said. “I thought this was the same until they said this is paid. It makes no sense.”

“Steam Deck came out with Aperture Desk Job,” added Zanytiger6. “Nintendo is crazy for charging for a tour of a console you just purchased for over $400.”

Pricing is the hot topic following the Nintendo Direct, with some baulking at the Switch 2 price and the $79.99 cost of Mario Kart World, among other Switch 2 games. For more context, be sure to check out IGN’s article revealing what the experts have to say about Nintendo’s Switch 2 and Mario Kart World pricing.

And, in case you missed out, check out all the news announced during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.

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.

BAFTA — the UK's independent arts charity celebrating excellence in film, games, and TV — has just revealed the most influential video game of all time... and it's probably not what you think it is.

BAFTA polled the British public to discover that while games like GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 do make the list, the top as ranked by the number of votes received is Shenmue.

Action-adventure game Shenmue released in 1999 on Dreamcast. It follows Ryo Hazuki's quest to avenge his father's death in what BAFTA calls "a detailed open-world setting that truly captures the essence of Yokosuka in the ‘80s."

"Pioneering first-person shooter" Doom secured the runner-up prize, whilst 1985's Super Mario Bros. took the bronze.

Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time round out the rest of the top five, respectively.

Interestingly, games like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite are conspicuously absent.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful that Shenmue has been selected as the Most Influential Video Game of All Time," said Yu Suzuki, creator of the Shenmue franchise.

"At its inception, we set out to explore the question, 'How real can a game become?,' aiming to portray a world and story unprecedented in scale and detail. This distinction serves as a powerful reminder that the challenge we embraced continues to resonate with and inspire so many people even today. It is truly the greatest of encouragement.

“Above all, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the fans around the world who have continued to love and support Shenmue," Suzuki added. "Your passion and encouragement have guided this journey every step of the way. And the story is not over yet, there is more to come! Thank you very much!”

Here's the full list of the top 21 most influential games of all time, as voted by the public:

1. Shenmue (1999)
2. Doom (1993)
3. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
4. Half-Life (1998)
5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
6. Minecraft (2011)
7. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (2025)
8. Super Mario 64 (1996)
9. Half-Life 2 (2004)
10. The Sims (2000)
11. Tetris (1984)
12. Tomb Raider (1996)
13. Pong (1972)
14. Metal Gear Solid (1998)
15. World of Warcraft (2004)
16. Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)
17. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
18. Dark Souls (2011)
19. Grand Theft Auto 3 (2001)
20. Skyrim (2011)
21. Grand Theft Auto (1997)

The 2025 BAFTA Game Awards are set to take place on Tuesday April 8, 2025. Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Astro Bot, and Still Wakes the Deep lead the nominations with 11, eight, and eight nominations respectively. Thank Goodness You're Here! also received seven nominations, Black Myth: Wukong six, and Helldivers 2 is up for five awards.

2024 BAFTA Game Awards winners included Baldur's Gate 3, which secured five wins, including Best Game, with other wins for Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.

Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

Amid the furore caused by Nintendo’s decision to charge $79.99 for Switch 2 exclusive Mario Kart World, it has emerged that some of the Switch 2 Edition games announced during the Nintendo Direct also cost $79.99.

A Switch 2 Edition of a game goes beyond backwards compatibility. For example, Super Mario Party Jamboree’s Switch 2 Edition comes with a new suite of content called Jamboree TV that takes advantage of the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, Switch 2 microphone, and the Switch 2 USB-C camera that will be sold separately. Along with upgraded resolution up to 1440p in TV mode and better frame rate, there are new minigames and online functions as well.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s Switch 2 Edition, meanwhile, supports mouse controls with Joy-Con 2, and multiple display modes such as Quality Mode, which runs at 60fps in 4K when docked, or 1080p at 60fps on handheld; and Performance Mode, which runs a 120fps in 1080p when docked, or 120fps in 720p in handheld mode. All modes support HDR.

The Switch 2 Edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s Star-Crossed World gets new story content, while The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom gain additional support for the Zelda Notes service in the Nintendo Switch App that provides game help. Some games, like Pokemon Legends: Z-A, only feature performance and resolution bumps as part of the Switch 2 Edition label.