Alienware's new mainstream gaming laptop for 2025 is dubbed the "Alienware Aurora" and comes in two 16" models: the 16 and 16X. The 16X Aurora is far and away the laptop I would recommend for anyone who has a vested interest in gaming. It uses less plastic, boasts a higher quality display, and is equipped with a more powerful CPU and GPU. Naturally, it's usually considerably more expensive. Usually, it's also more expensive. However, right now there's an excellent deal that actually drops the price to below the price of an equivalently configured 16 (non-X) Aurora.

Alienware 16X Aurora RTX 5070 Gaming Laptop for $1,599.99

The Nintendo Switch is going out in a blaze of glory, with some exciting games launching to make way for the console's successor, the Switch 2. Whether they’re exclusively developed for the Switch or ported over from other platforms, these upcoming Switch games will likely wrap up the Switch era while also being compatible with the Switch 2.

In the second half of 2025, we'll hopefully be getting our hands on well-known in-development titles as well as a host of new games announced at the most recent Nintendo Direct. Here are all of the new Switch games we can look forward to this year.

All Upcoming Switch Games With Release Dates

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter (September 19, 2025)

The highly-anticipated Trails in the Sky remake officially has a release date. Well, at least the first chapter. The RPG from Nihon Falcon kicked off the Trails sub-series back in 2004, and the remake introduces quality of life improvements using the same engine as Trails of Daybreak.

Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree (September 19, 2025)

The evil Magatsu has thrown the kingdom into turmoil. You play as Towa, who must seek Guardian companions and push back Magatsu’s influence in this roguelite we called "twin-stick Hades" in our hands-on preview.

DreamWorks Gabby's Dollhouse: Ready to Party (September 19, 2025)

Gabby’s Dollhouse has been a hit with the kids, having just wrapped up its 11th season from DreamWorks Animation. The game adaptation has you working with Gabby and friends from across magical worlds to prep the best party ever.

Folly Of The Wizards (September 19, 2025)

There’s never enough roguelikes, in my opinion. Join a wacky wizard cult and explore procedurally generated dungeons in this sidescroller with a comedic edge.

Sonic Racing: Crossworlds (September 25, 2025)

Sonic's back, and he's bringing some friends along for the ride. Sonic Racing: Crossworlds seems to be an ultimate crossover game, blending chaotic kart racing mechanics with a pretty insane slate of characters. Look forward to vehicle customization and a variety of environments across each track (and universe).

Today’s roundup is stacked with some of the biggest Nintendo Switch 2 releases of 2025, covering every confirmed first-party game and amiibo on the calendar.

Whether you’re eyeing Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the double-pack of Super Mario Galaxy titles, or Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, every major release is now open for preorder.

On top of that, Kirby fans can look forward to Kirby Air Riders and a fresh wave of themed amiibo arriving in November. It’s rare to see such a complete slate of first-party releases lined up this early, which makes today’s deals list worth bookmarking if you plan on building out a Switch 2 library.

TL;DR: Deals For Today

But that’s not all, today’s roundup also features Pokémon TCG deals that fall below market value. In several cases, Amazon’s pricing has dipped under TCGPlayer’s, which is usually the lowest benchmark for sealed product.

For example, the Unova Poster Collection is $39.98 on Amazon versus $28.77 on TCGPlayer, and the Prismatic Evolutions Mini Tin is $33.28 at Amazon compared to $24.87 on TCGPlayer. Those kinds of gaps show which items are trending under market value right now, and they’re the deals most collectors will want to move on quickly.

Amyet V9-G60 Electric Bike for $477.47

Pokémon TCG Price Watch

If you’re looking to stock up on sealed Pokémon TCG product, TCGPlayer remains the most reliable place for market-low pricing across the board. The vast majority of booster packs, tins, and trainer boxes are sitting cheaper there than on Amazon, often by $5-$15.

Bundles like the White Flare Binder Collection and the Shining Fates Collection Pikachu V Box are up to $40 off, deals that everyone should be snapping up right now. It’s worth keeping an eye on these dips, since Amazon tends to fluctuate prices more often than dedicated TCG retailers.

Pokémon TCG Below Market Value

While TCGPlayer is often the go-to marketplace for low Pokémon TCG prices, a handful of sealed products are currently cheaper on Amazon, making them below market value and worth grabbing. Right now, the Black Bolt Booster Bundle is available for $50.01 on Amazon, while the White Flare Booster Bundle has dipped under $46.

Collectors looking for nostalgic sets can also snag the Team Rocket Tin at $41.24, or the Paradox Pokémon Stacking Tin at $26.32. Even seasonal products like the Trick or Trade BOOster Bundle (2024) are under market at $21.22, and the Unova Mini Tin rounds out the list at just $19.99.

Invest In Silver Tempest Now

Silver Tempest has proven to be one of the most collector-driven sets of the Sword and Shield era, with prices pulled between nostalgia, competitive play, and limited supply. The clear winner is Lugia V (Alternate Full Art) 186/195, which has surged 68% since July to $427, cementing itself as the set’s chase card.

Trainer Gallery standouts like Rayquaza VMAX TG20/TG30 and Blaziken VMAX TG15/TG30 have also doubled or tripled in value thanks to strong artwork and nostalgia, while even Lugia VSTAR continues climbing on competitive strength. At the same time, cards like Regidrago V (Alternate Art) and Alolan Vulpix VSTAR have cooled as the meta shifted away from them, with values slipping back toward the $12–$14 range.

Snag Classic Mega Evolution Cards Before Market Rise

The market for XY-era Mega Evolution Pokémon cards is heating up fast ahead of Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the upcoming Mega Evolution TCG set. Collectors aren’t waiting for modern reprints, they’re chasing the originals, and prices are showing it. Some cards have exploded in value, while others have steadied after sharp climbs, creating both momentum plays and entry points for buyers. Leading the surge is M Rayquaza EX (Shiny Full Art - Ancient Origins), which has skyrocketed over 426% this year, from $275 in January to $1,450 today.

M Gengar EX (Secret Rare - Phantom Forces) isn’t far behind, up nearly fivefold to $415, cementing its place as one of the most sought-after Megas. Other heavy-hitters include M Rayquaza EX (Full Art - Roaring Skies), now at $656, M Charizard EX (X - Flashfire) climbing past $349, and Primal Groudon EX (Shiny Full Art), which has more than doubled to $349. These climbers show how nostalgia, unique mechanics, and iconic artwork are driving a collector frenzy.

But not every Mega Evolution is running away in price. Some cards have plateaued after strong early-year gains, leaving a rare buying window before the next spike. M Mewtwo EX (Full Art - BREAKthrough) climbed from $37 to $145 but has leveled off in recent weeks, while M Alakazam EX (Full Art - Fates Collide) sits steady just under $100 after jumping from $28 earlier this year.

Even Charizard is showing signs of cooling, M Charizard EX (Generations) and M Charizard EX (Full Art - Evolutions) have tripled since January but are holding in the $190-$200 range for now. These pauses don’t signal weakness; rather, they reflect consolidation before the broader Mega Evolution wave hits with new set releases. For collectors and investors, the message is clear: the grails are climbing fast, but the plateaued cards may be the smarter pickups before Mega hype takes over the market again.

Crown Zenith Prices Are Rising

The Crown Zenith market has been showing two very different stories this month. On one hand, several Galarian Gallery Ultra Rares are slipping as hype fades, with fan-favorites like Leafeon VSTAR and Suicune V dropping more than 20% from their peaks.

On the other hand, the gold Secret Rares are climbing steadily, led by Giratina VSTAR and Arceus VSTAR, as collectors chase the scarce, high-end pieces of the set. This split reflects a maturing market: casual collectors are less interested in mid-tier Eeveelutions and V cards, while serious players and investors are doubling down on the big four golds.

Among the crashers, Leafeon VSTAR has fallen from nearly $50 to the $43 range, and Glaceon VSTAR is down 26% since February, hovering in the mid-$30s. Deoxys VMAX has slipped under $37, while Suicune V and Raikou V both lost more than a quarter of their value since spring. These are still striking artworks, but set fatigue and limited competitive relevance are pushing prices down.

Meanwhile, the climbers are commanding all the attention. Giratina VSTAR (Secret) has surged nearly 20% since July to $180, making it the definitive chase of Crown Zenith. Mewtwo VSTAR is also up more than 30% this summer, with its Charizard battle artwork driving collector demand. Rounding out the gains, Arceus VSTAR, Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR, and Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR are all trending higher as well, thanks to their powerful abilities and limited supply. Taken together, the set still holds broad collector appeal, but it’s clear the market is consolidating around the golden Secret Rares as the safest long-term holds.

First Party Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders

Nintendo’s 2025 first-party lineup is shaping up to be one of its strongest in years. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to arrive in October, followed closely by Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 bundled together for Switch 2.

Then in December, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond lands with its own set of new amiibo figures, alongside Kirby’s big return in Kirby Air Riders. Between new entries in cornerstone franchises and fresh collectible amiibo launches, fans will have plenty to keep their Switch 2 libraries stocked through the holidays.

Third Party Switch 2 Preorders

The third-party slate for Switch 2 is just as impressive, with several big franchises making the jump to the new hardware. Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection launches in December with a full set of classic fighters, while Borderlands 4 and Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake hit this fall.

Beyond that, titles like Hades II, Octopath Traveler 0, and Cronos round out the lineup for RPG fans. Whether you’re into fighters, shooters, or sprawling JRPGs, the Switch 2’s preorder catalog already feels packed, and today’s deals cover every one of them.

Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.

AliExpress is offering an outstanding deal on a popular entry level electric bike. Right now the Amyet V9-G60 Electric Bike with 1,000W (1,500W peak) motor and 48V 20AH battery is on sale for just $477.47 after you apply $100 off coupon code "USDEAL100" during checkout. You're buying it from Amyet's official store on AliExpress. It ships free locally from the United States and arrives within 1 to 2 weeks. You'd be hard pressed to find a new electric bike for under $500 stateside, especially one that has a 1,000W motor (the least expensive bikes cost more and are usually rated for 750W). The same bike is priced at $500 plus $165 shipping on Amazon, so you'd paying nearly $200 more buying it from there.

Amyet V9-G60 Electric Bike for $477.47

Good news, movie fans: LEGO Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is now available in early access for LEGO Insiders. If you’re not an insider, you can sign up here for free and purchase it early. It’s a big, fun, candy-colored set that re-creates the most iconic scene in the movie. Buy it before Wednesday, September 17, and you’ll also get the LEGO SEGA Genesis Controller set for free. That set is a Gift With Purchase, and is not available to buy separately.

LEGO Ideas Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

New LEGO Sets for September

September has been a killer month for LEGO releases, with major builds like LEGO Batman Arkham Asylum, a bunch of new 2025 LEGO advent calendars, and a gorgeous new collector’s edition of Hogsmeade Village from Harry Potter. Oh, and the Pirates of the Caribbean set as well. Check out more new sets in the catalog above.

Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Bluesky.

If you're looking for an Anker power bank that can handle the demands of power hungry electronics like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally X, or even a laptop, the model that I use myself has dropped in price. Amazon is offering the Anker PowerCore 737 24,000mAh Power Bank with 140W of Power Delivery for $87.99 with free delivery. I bought this power bank nearly two years ago and still use it today; it has been on multiple flights and road trips and works like new.

Anker 737 24,000mAh 140W Power Bank for $87.99

The 2007 horror anthology cult classic Trick ‘r Treat has been restored in 4K and will be released in North American theaters nationwide in time for Halloween.

Legendary Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures and Saga Arts have partnered with Fathom Entertainment to release Trick ‘r Treat in theaters for two nights only: October 14 and 16, 2025. Tickets can be purchased at Fathom Entertainment.

Although it screened at festivals and at San Diego Comic-Con, Trick ‘r Treat was never given a proper theatrical release, going straight-to-DVD and Blu-ray instead. The movie has become a beloved Halloween cult classic in the ensuing years.

Trick ‘r Treat’s most iconic character is Sam, a trick-or-treater in orange footie pajamas who wears a burlap sack over his head. Fathom’s official press release describes Sam as “the mischievous spirit who punishes anyone who dares to break the rules.”

The official plot synopsis for the film follows: “Trick ‘r Treat weaves together sinister stories set on Halloween night: a high school principal, Dylan Baker (Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man 3) moonlights as a serial killer; a young virgin’s, Anna Paquin (X-Men franchise) search for the right man turns horrific; “Emma” Leslie Bibb (“The White Lotus”) and her husband discover the cost of ignoring holiday rituals; and a cantankerous old man, Brian Cox (“Succession”) faces Sam in a terrifying showdown. Darkly funny, gruesome, and endlessly rewatchable, Trick ’r Treat secures Sam’s place as the true spirit of Halloween.

The re-release will be accompanied by a featurette on the development of the film, which was the feature directing debut of writer-director Michael Dougherty. Dougherty’s 1996 animated short, Season’s Greetings, which introduced Sam, will also be screened before the film. Season’s Greetings has also been restored in 4K.

IGN reviewed Trick ‘r Treat out of San Diego Comic-Con 2009, awarding it an 8 out of 10 and proclaiming it “a scary blast.” We’ve since included the movie on many of our editorial lists, including it among the best werewolf movies of all time, the best holiday movies of all time, and the 25 best movies you didn’t see in theaters.

We can finally confirm that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to release for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on December 4. This time Samus is dispatched to Planet Viewros, where she discovers some interesting psychic abilities in addition to her standard ones. She also goes up against Sylux, another bounty hunter who isn’t happy with the Galactic Federation, or Samus. The game is now available to preorder in physical and digital editions (see it at Amazon). You can also preorder some awesome looking amiibo to go along with it. Let’s dive in.

Preorder Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Preorder Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Amiibo

Launching alongside the game are a trio of ridiculously awesome looking Metroid Prime 4: Beyond amiibo. There’s Samus solo, aiming her blaster arm. There’s Samus on the extremely cool Vi-O-La motorcycle you get to ride in the game. And there’s the villainous Sylux. Nintendo hasn’t announced what in-game functionality scanning the amiibo will offer, but they’re sure to do something.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Switch 2 Upgrade Pack

• Get it at eShop (digital) - $9.99

Let’s say you buy the game for the original Switch, and then you get a Switch 2 later. In that case, you can purchase the upgrade pack for $9.99 on the Nintendo eShop. This turns a standard Switch version (even a physical copy) into the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game.

The benefits of the upgrade include enhanced resolution, frame rate, and load times, plus the ability to aim by using a Joy-Con 2 controller as a mouse. Here’s Nintendo’s official description of the specifics of the upgrade:

“Two display modes let you choose how to experience the adventure. Enjoy more detail in Quality Mode, which runs at 60 frames per second in 4k while docked and in 1080p while in handheld, or prioritize super-smooth action with a higher frame rate in Performance Mode, which runs at 120 frames per second in 1080p while docked and 720p in while in handheld. Both choices are HDR compatible.”

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Preorder Bonus?

At the time of this writing, there are no preorder bonuses for buying the game. If that changes, I’ll update this section.

What Is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond?

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a long-in-the-works sequel to the 2007 Wii game Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. It’s had something of a troubled development cycle; after being announced at E3 2017, Nintendo announced in 2019 that development was being restarted. But here it is, six years later, finally coming out.

This game puts you in the boots of the bounty hunter Samus and sends you to planet Viewros. There, you’re equipped with a very cool-looking motorcycle called Vi-O-La that lets you zip around large areas quickly. You can jump off ramps and fight aliens while riding, skidding into them as a form of attack.

As with previous Metroid Prime games, exploration plays a big role. You can scan the alien flora and fauna to find out more about them. You also gain psychic abilities. If you buy the Switch 2 version, you get improved graphics and load times. You can also use the Joy-Con 2 controller as a mouse for aiming, which may offer more precision than the sticks.

You can find out more in our Metroid Prime 4: Beyond hands-on preview.

Other Preorder Guides

Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Bluesky.

The Magic: The Gathering Crashers and Climbers are here as we tiptoe closer to prerelease for Spider-Man this week, with one card from the new set already worth over $130.

Elsewhere, there’s big news for Vivi, some Tarkir: Dragonstorm fluctuation, and yet another card that pairs with Toph from the upcoming Avatar set.

Climbing

Those clever clogs at Wargamer have spotted a fun one this week. Equinox, which dates back to 1994 (I was 4, in case you were wondering, and didn’t know my Mana from my Modern Horizons), has seen a price hike.

Bambu Lab is widely considered one of the better consumer 3D printer brands on the market and, starting from earlier this year, they're available at your local Best Buy. Although Bambu does ship to the United States and even has domestic warehouses, you'll get your order faster from Best Buy (as early as next day depending on your location). Customer service, including dealing with returns, is also easier at Best Buy than dealing with an overseas company.

Bambu has a few types of 3D printers to choose from, but one of their most popular and well-reviewed 3D printers, the Bambu X1C Combo 3D Printer, is currently on sale for $999.99 with free delivery after a $250 off instant discount. Free delivery is included with as fast as next day arrival. This is Bambu's flagship CoreXY 3D printer and the combo bundle include the automatic material system (AMS) for multi-filament or multi-color printing.

Bambu X1C Combo 3D Printer for $999.99

Supergiant's Hades 2 is officially set to release on September 25, 2025, for Nintendo Switch 2, and will surely consume my life just as much as the first game did all those years ago.

Look, I know this release schedule is going to confuse somebody, so let me break it down bit by bit for you. Hades 2 will release digitally, as I mentioned, in September 2025, and again later as a physical edition on November 20, 2025.

Now, let's discuss both and what your options are for preordering each edition.

Hades 2 - Physical Edition

Hades 2 is now available to preorder in physical format via Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy for $49.99. You won't have to pay anything until release, as each retailer charges on dispatch, not order date.

The physical Nintendo Switch 2 edition will include the full game on a card, so it's not a digital game key like many other third-party Switch 2 games.

It also comes in that bright red Switch 2 case, but surprisingly, the game card will also work on an original Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite. This is because both versions of the game are packed on the cartridge, with no cost for upgrading the game from Switch to Switch 2 either.

It's also worth noting for any savvy shoppers out there that the physical Switch 2 edition of the game costs $49.99, and is $20 more than the standard digital copy at $29.99.

And finally, it's also worth noting that it's a timed console exclusive, with currently no word on when we can expect the game beyond Switch platforms, and release on PlayStation and Xbox (but if I'd wager a guess, it'll be late 2026 to early 2027).

Hades 2 - Digital Edition

Like I mentioned, Hades 2 is set to release on September 25, 2025, digitally for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC on Steam.

If you already bought the game on Steam in its early access form, you won't need to purchase again, as the game will simply need be updated to 1.0. You can buy it in early access now to get your download sorted, and even check out the start of the game, or just wait for the 1.0 patch.

For those on Switch looking to play the game ASAP, and don't fancy hanging around until late November, you can also preorder the game digitally via the Nintendo eShop today for $29.99.

Plus, if you already have an save file from early access on PC, you'll also be able to transfer it to your Nintendo console if that's where you'd prefer to play going forward.

Should You Play Hades 2?

It's a reasonding yes, at least from me, but the game also sits at an Overwhelmingly Positive review rating on Steam. Like many, I've already checked the game out in early access and spent a lot of my time breaking into the Underworld on Steam Deck. Now, with 1.0 set to release in just a couple of weeks, let me tell you that this is yet again the perfect game to play on the go.

It'll suit Switch 2 so well, and as revealed during Nintendo Direct September 2025, Hades 2 runs at 120 frames per second in TV mode on the console. Hot damn! It's well worth picking it up on PC or your friendly Nintendo console for release day, or preordering for the physical coming later this year.

If you need any more convincing, consider reading IGN's early access review for the game, of which I'll leave a little snippet of just below as well.

Other Preorder Guides

Robert Anderson is Senior Commerce Editor and IGN's resident deals expert on games, collectibles, trading card games, and more. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter/X or Bluesky.

Tech experts say Borderlands 4 on PC has significant stutter problems, and have advised against running the game on its ‘Badass’ graphics setting.

Borderlands 4 launched big on Steam but it’s currently sat on a ‘mixed’ user review rating, mostly due to complaints about how the game runs on PC — even on high-end rigs with which PC gamers aren’t getting the graphics performance they’d expect.

Gearbox development chief Randy Pitchford has spent some time on social media addressing those complaints, even directly responding to some disgruntled fans to clap back.

Now, the tech experts at Digital Foundry have taken a look at Borderlands 4 on PC, and their initial analysis shows stutter problems that will be familiar to anyone who’s followed the discourse around Unreal Engine game performance in the last few years.

According to DF’s Alex Battaglia, shader compilation stutter (you’ve probably noticed Borderlands 4 spends time compiling shaders as you wait to load the game) can cause stutter when the engine does something for the first time in a new area, like your character picking up a new type of weapon or having an enemy perform a new death animation.

PC gamers have complained about Unreal Engine game stutter for some time now, but last month Epic Games boss Tim Sweeney (Epic, the developer of Fortnite, makes Unreal Engine) suggested the way developers were making their Unreal Engine 5 games was to blame.

Whoever’s to blame, for Borderlands 4, the stutter issue “makes the experience feel less polished,” Battaglia said.

He also noted that vegetation starts to animate as you get closer, and it does “this very obvious flip when it does it and it looks like an LOD is changing.”

“I have no idea why they did it this way,” Battaglia said. “When you’re walking through the world and there’s a lot of grass on the ground you’ll see a lot of what looks like pop-in occurring. That’s actually just the animation turning on. So if you do see pop-in, it’s probably not pop-in in the traditional sense, but just the vegetation turning on to animate. It’s a little weird looking.”

Meanwhile, real-time cutscenes are limited to 30fps, which is a “bit bizarre” because you can abruptly crash to 30 from a higher framerate in gameplay, “which seems a little out of place in a first-person game.”

DF chief Rich Leadbetter pointed out that Battaglia experienced stutter “on the fastest gaming CPU that money can buy” during the team’s testing, suggesting there's a significant issue here.

Meanwhile, DF commented on the ongoing complaints from PC players about the performance of the game, even on powerful PCs. Battaglia warned against running Borderlands 4 on what’s called the 'Badass' graphics preset, even if your PC should be able to handle it, because what you get from Badass doesn't justify using it over 'Very High.'

“On the higher levels, I definitely don’t think you should be turning this game up to Badass,” Battaglia said. “It is woefully inefficient on the Epic setting. It is not good to use. That’s really placebo level stuff, usually. There’s probably some middle ground there that’ll give you a better visual experience.”

DF’s John Linneman added: “This one does seem to be running worse than usual for an Unreal Engine 5 game. It is below where it seems like it should be given how other games using this engine perform.”

According to DF, the recently released PC update — the one with no patch notes — does not appear to have improved matters. Gearbox has said it will continue to update the game, but PC players will be hoping meaningful patches arrive sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, Gearbox has posted a Borderlands 4 Nvidia Optimization guide on Steam, advising players how to optimize their graphics settings for “better performance and framerates” on PC with the Nvidia app. Gearbox has also issued a piece of advice to PC gamers that to me reads like an effort to prevent players from making knee-jerk reactions to the game's performance as soon as they’ve changed their settings: “Please note that any time you change any of your graphics settings, your shaders will need to recompile. Please keep playing for at least 15 minutes to see how your PC's performance has changed.”

If you are delving into Borderlands 4, don't go without updated hourly SHiFT codes list. We've also got a huge interactive map ready to go and a badass Borderlands 4 planner tool courtesy of our buds at Maxroll. Plus check out our expert players' choices for which character to choose (no one agreed).

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

Rockstar has some particularly grand hopes for Grand Theft Auto 6, with the developer referring to its upcoming project as "the largest game launch in history."

The company's claim — which few are likely to argue with — was published as part of a job advertisment viewable via Rockstar's website. In it, the developer says it is seeking a lead software engineer to ensure everything goes smoothly when GTA 6 finally arrives next year.

Rockstar's lucky candidate will work with "some of the most talented people in the industry", the company said, to help develop the data platform behind the upcoming behemoth.

"With the continued growth of Grand Theft Auto Online and the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, the successful candidate will lead both the evolution and operation of the data platform supporting what will be the largest game launch in history," Rockstar wrote, "ensuring it scales to deliver an exceptional experience for millions of players worldwide."

At the time of writing, the most recent version of the job ad (first spotted on social media by TheGTABase) no longer includes this paragraph, though IGN was able to view an older, archived version of the page to verify it was previously present.

It's unclear whether Rockstar is referring to GTA 6 as being the largest game launch in terms of how lucrative it will be, or how many players are likely to be flocking into the game during its first few days. Analyst firm Ampere previously estimated that GTA 6's likely impact on the gaming industry will be worth $2.7 billion.

Currently set to launch in just eight months' time, GTA 6 will mark the first new entry in Rockstar's best-selling series in over a decade. There's plenty of pent up demand for a fresh Grand Theft Auto, then, since GTA 5 originally launched back for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2013.

A recent trailer showed off much more of GTA 6, including its dual protagonists Jason and Lucia, and finally set a May 26, 2026 release date. Still, though, there's much about the game that's being kept under wraps.

So far, Rockstar has not shared any details of GTA 6's version of GTA Online, which presumably this job applicant will be working on if they are leading development of its data platform. Whether the new version of GTA Online launches day and date with the main GTA 6 campaign remains to be seen, however — and that's if there are no further delays to the project overall.

Whenever GTA 6 does arrive, it's fair to say that no other game developer will want to launch their project anywhere near Rockstar's release. Indeed, earlier this month, Ghost of Yotei director Nate Fox said his team at Sucker Punch celebrated GTA 6's previous delay out of this year, giving their game a clear run at the holidays. "We're all still hungover, multi-month hangover," Fox said. "That was a great day."

Could GTA 6's launch slip again? Strauss Zelnick, boss of Rockstar parent company Take-Two, previously told IGN that "historically when we set a specific date, generally speaking, we've been very good about reaching it." Here's hoping Rockstar fills that job fast.

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

Note: This is a spoiler-free review of Gen V Season 2. The first three episodes will premiere on Prime Video on September 17.

With Gen V Season 1, Prime Video proved there’s plenty of room to expand The Boys universe beyond the central conflict between Billy Butcher’s team and The Seven. Vought International has its multinational fingers in a great many pies, and that includes running a college for hedonistic young supes coming to terms with their powers. And with Season 2, we have confirmation that the concept has real staying power. There’s no sophomore slump for these super-powered students, just a series that continues to build effectively and meaningfully on the foundation of The Boys.

Granted, Season 2 does take a bit of time to find its footing. Season 1 promised a drastically different status quo in the aftermath of the violent massacre on the Godolkin University campus. Cate (Maddie Phillips) and Sam (Asa Germann) have conned their way into becoming the heroes of that little incident, while Marie (Jaz Sinclair), Emma (Lizzie Broadway), and Jordan (London Thor and Derek Luh) now rot inside a mysterious Vought facility.

Despite the way things were left, though, Season 2 doesn’t quite mark the profound change in formula fans might be expecting. The early episodes contrive a way to mostly return to the sexed-up, raunchy superhero college formula. Despite the dire straits our heroes find themselves in, class must go on. Granted, it’s a formula that still works, but some of the novelty has definitely worn off since Season 1. The series takes some time to rebuild its narrative momentum in the early episodes. Fortunately, the focus on classroom drama and school rankings gradually fades over the course of Season 2, with the stakes steadily building in the back half of this eight-episode season.

Particularly during Season 4, The Boys itself has often been guilty of biting off more than it can realistically chew. Gen V, by comparison, is more purposeful and efficient with its structure. While it would have been nice to see a little more focus on Sam and Cate in the early episodes, each main character does ultimately undergo a satisfying, cohesive arc in Season 2. This is a show about damaged, traumatized youth rebelling against a rotten system and discovering who they’re really meant to be. Each of the leads is allowed to appreciably grow and develop over the course of the season.

It doesn’t hurt that the series continues to bank on strong performances from each of the leads. Lizze Broadway’s Emma is the standout here, as she brings both an infectious, good-natured charm and a deep-seated sense of pathos to a character who can only shrink and grow based on her emotional state. But everyone gets their chance to shine. Jaz Sinclair has plenty to work with as the series explores Marie’s journey to truly understand her blood-based abilities and rise to the occasion. London Thor and Derek Luh are also great in their twin roles as Jordan, a character who feels entirely consistent regardless of which actor is playing them in any given scene.

Then there’s the elephant in the room in the form of Chance Perdomo, who tragically died while travelling to Toronto to film Season 2. Executive producer Eric Kripke already confirmed that the Andre role would not be recast, but that Andre would be written out of the series in a respectful manner. Perdomo’s absence is certainly felt, but the way in which his death is handled is about as elegant and respectful as could be hoped, given the situation. It forces the series to pivot to focusing on Sean Patrick Thomas’ Polarity, now a man grieving for his lost son as well as facing a terminal disease. Thomas makes the most of his material, delivering an emotionally rich portrayal of a man trying to find himself every bit as much as these aspiring superheroes.

As with any superhero project, Gen V is only as good as its villain. And that’s where Season 2 really excels. Midnight Mass and Legion’s Hamish Linklater joins the cast as Dean Cipher, who replaces the disgraced and thoroughly dead Indira Shetty (Shelley Conn) from Season 1. Cipher is only too happy to preside over a new era at God-U, one where humans are treated as second-class citizens and supe supremacy is on the rise. Here, the series continues to build meaningfully on the events of The Boys and dig deeper into the ever-darkening state of this universe. The series as it is now could only exist post-The Boys Season 4.

Like its parent series, Gen V is a show with plenty to say about our current political climate. As usual, it’s not remotely subtle in its use of allegory. Does it even count as allegory when it’s this obvious who and what is being satirized? Hashtag #MakeAmericaSuperAgain? But these are not exactly subtle times. Season 2 rages against the authoritarian machine in a way you’d hope for and expect from a show about rebellious, superhuman college students. Dean Cipher is just one more terrible face of the many-headed hydra that is Vought.

Plus, Linklater is just so much fun as the demented dean. From his first appearance, the series makes no secret of the fact that Cipher is a sociopathic master manipulator. He may well be Vought’s greatest monster this side of Antony Starr’s Homelander. Linklater knows how to chew scenery well, and he does so frequently and with great gusto. Cipher can be charming and affable in one moment and utterly unhinged and terrifying the next. Each time his careful composure breaks, it becomes more and more clear that this is not a well man. Linklater consistently makes the most of a truly meaty role.

True to his name, Cipher is also nothing if not enigmatic. Who is he, really? What are his powers? What motivates his intense hatred of those he deems as his inferiors? Those questions provide ample narrative thrust throughout the season, culminating in a truly memorable reveal late in the game. In short, Cipher is one of the best and most compelling characters this universe has yet produced. If you’re a The Boys fan who wasn’t won over by the initial premise of Gen V, it’s worth giving the series a second look for his sake.

And again, the series really does play like an organic and natural extension of the core The Boys saga. It makes the most of the foreboding tone and climate established at the end of The Boys Season 4. It also draws in enough of the major players from The Boys that Gen V never feels walled off or trapped in its own little bubble. The guest shots range from goofy little cameos to substantial appearances. All help build connective tissue between the two shows without overwhelming the series or overshadowing the main cast of characters. If anything, Season 2 is even stronger than its predecessor in that regard. The cameos are very well done, particularly those that come in the final three episodes.

And for those that watch these shows for the extreme violence and black humor as much as the characters and storylines, know that Gen V Season 2 doesn’t disappoint on that front. There’s no shortage of goopy, disgusting gore to be had. Limbs, heads, and other body parts explode, and often. Oh yes, there’s more puppet fun to be had for sure. This season also gets a lot of mileage out of the idea that not all metahumans are created equal. Some of the powers on display, such as the God-U student with an inter-dimensional portal in their rectum, truly have to be seen to be believed. There’s rarely a dull moment in this blood-soaked, utterly profane superhero universe.

It remains to be seen what, if any, future this spinoff series has on Prime Video. That may depend entirely on what state this world is in by the end of The Boys’ fifth and final season. But if Season 2 is ultimately the end of the road for Gen V, the finale delivers a satisfying sendoff for Marie and the gang. It’s not a full-blown cliffhanger like Season 1’s finale, but rather the end of one chapter and the act of opening the door to another.

With Batman Day on the horizon, there's no better time than now to watch (or rewatch) some of the Caped Crusader's films and shows. Amazon's even jumping on the bandwagon, offering discounts on a wide variety of Batman 4Ks and Blu-rays for fans to stock up on.

These discounts cover everything from standalone 4Ks, like The Batman, to collections like Batman: The Complete Animated Series on Blu-ray and even The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector's Edition on Blu-ray. Below, you can see some of our favorite offers from this sale that we think are worth adding to your collection.

Save on Batman 4Ks and Blu-Rays at Amazon

There are some truly excellent discounts in this sale event. Batman: The Complete Animated Series is a whopping 63% off, so you can score it for under $30, as is the Batman 4K Film Collection (which features Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin). That's available for just $32.99 rather than its $89.99 list price.

You can even score The Batman on 4K for 63% off, which means the most recent Bat flick in UHD resolution has dropped below $15. Now that its sequel is officially underway, there's no better time to scoop that one up in a high-quality format and settle in for a rewatch.

If you're on the hunt for even more movies and shows to add to your physical media library outside of all of these Batman deals, it's worth looking at our breakdown of upcoming 4Ks and Blu-rays. This covers a wide variety of different shows and films getting a physical release over the next few months, so you can plan ahead for which ones you'd like to pick up. And if you're looking for even more Batman goodies to buy, check out LEGO's new Batman: Arkham Asylum set to piece together while you watch your new 4Ks and Blu-rays.

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

With prices on Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series graphics cards dropping back down to retail levels, prices on prebuilt gaming desktop computers have also been following suit. If you're still rocking an RTX 30 series GPU or older, now would be a good time to upgrade. For example, Dell is offering an Alienware Aurora R16 gaming PC equipped with a powerful GeForce RTX 5080 GPU for just $2,099.99 with free delivery. Such a system would have cost closer to $3,000 earlier this year.

Alienware Aurora RTX 5080 Gaming PC From $2,099.99

If you’re a huge Final Fantasy 7 fan, then the wait to play the Remake, if you haven’t got a PS5 or PC, must have felt torturous. The formerly PS4 exclusive (yes, really) launched all the way back in 2020, but fans on Xbox and Switch have had to wait. Thankfully, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, with its additional Intergrade content, will come to Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 on January 22, 2026.

Here’s what’s included in each edition.

Physical Standard Edition for Switch 2

• Get it at Amazon
• Get it at Best Buy

Nintendo fans can buy a Physical version of the game, but it will sadly be a game-key card because it’s too massive to fit on a standard cartridge (the game weighs in at 90GB). However, the physical edition includes a ton of cool bonus items, the coolest of which has to be a Play Booster of the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy set, which contains 15 cards. Here are the full contents of the physical edition:

Physical Items

• Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy Play Booster Pack
• Reversible cover

Digital Items

• Weapon: Cacstar
• Summan Materias: Carbuncle, Chocobo Chick, Cactuar
• Accessories: Superstar Belt, Seraphic Earrings, Mako Crystal
• Armors: Midgar Bangle, Corneo Armlet, Shinra Bangle

Digital Editions

Digital Standard Edition

• Get it for Switch 2 - $39.99
• Get it for Xbox Series X|S - $39.99

The Digital version includes much the same as its physical counterpart, but there’s an added bonus of receiving a copy of the original Final Fantasy 7 when you preorder before 31 January 2026.

That should help you appreciate the changes made in the newer version, and give you an introduction to some of gaming’s most iconic characters.

Digital Deluxe Edition

• Get it for Switch 2 - $59.99
• Get it for Xbox Series X|S - $59.99

Also available on both consoles and the Xbox Store on PC, the Digital Deluxe version of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade includes a digital artbook and mini soundtrack, as well as the aforementioned items from both the Physical Standard and Digital Standard editions.

It’s not available to preorder for Switch 2 yet.

What’s In The Intergrade Content?

Intergrade is the enhanced version of the PS4 original release of Final Fantasy 7. That game included the 1997’s original Midgar section, turning it into a 3D action-RPG, while Intergrade, added as DLC later, adds two new chapters.

These star Yuffie Kisaragi, and make use of her abilities and combat skills to expand the events of the base game.

New to the Switch 2 and Xbox versions are a new Streamlined Progression mode which is intended to help players push through the story with minimal friction. It includes settings like having your HP always full, endless MP or Limit Gauges, and more.

“I feel that the way people enjoy content has become more flexible these days, as we see with video streaming platforms, and that people also want the same thing from games, with options to tailor the experience based on the time they have and their levels of interest,” the game’s director Naoki Hamaguchi explains.

“I have also had personal experiences where I wanted to play something with the limited time I have but gave up because of the time it takes to level up characters or traverse the game.”

“That’s exactly why I think that the Streamlined Progression feature is very effective - to give players smooth access to the story.”

Other Preorder Guides

Lloyd Coombes is an experienced freelancer in tech, gaming and fitness seen at Polygon, Eurogamer, Macworld, TechRadar and many more. He's a big fan of Magic: The Gathering and other collectible card games, much to his wife's dismay.