The longtime CEO, who allegedly spent $2.4 million on classic cars as hundreds of Bungie employees were laid off, will be replaced by Justin "overdelivery" Truman.
The Office spinoff The Paper is switching up its premiere plans and will now debut all 10 episodes of Season 1 at once.
Peacock announced the change to a binge model today, promising to release the entirety of the first season come September 4, 2025 (via Variety). It means dedicated viewers can watch all of Season 1 upon its release date, as opposed to the previously announced plan, which would have seen four episodes initially available to stream with two more dropping every week until the finale on September 25.
The Paper was announced as a spinoff from U.S. The Office co-creator Greg Daniels and Nathan for You co-creator Michael Koman last year. While the original show followed a documentary team and its coverage of Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton, Pennsylvania, branch, the new Peacock series will see that same crew heading to Ohio to meet the staff of the Toledo Truth Teller newspaper.
There’s no Michael Scott, Jim Halpert, or Pam Beesly to find here. Instead, audiences who tune in will be greeted by a new cast, which includes Domhnall Gleeson (Ex Machina), Sabrina Impacciatore (The White Lotus), Chelsea Frei (The Moodys), and more. The only familiar face subscribers can expect to see (for now) is Oscar Nuñez, who has returned to reprise his role as Oscar Martinez.
Despite its status as a follow-up to one of the most popular sitcoms of the 21st century, we know little about how exactly The Paper will shake out. Peacock finally moved to share just one image from the show in July, with a full trailer finally finding its way online earlier this month.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer 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).
Bungie CEO Pete Parsons is departing the company after 23 years and nearly 10 as CEO. He is succeeded by Justin Truman, currently chief development officer and fellow Bungie veteran.
When I was asked to lead Bungie in 2015, my goal was to grow us into a studio capable of creating and sustaining iconic, generation-spanning entertainment. We’ve been through so much together: we launched a bold new chapter for Destiny, built an enviable, independent live ops organization capable of creating and publishing its own games, and joined the incredible family at Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Today marks the right time for a new beginning. The future of Bungie will be in the hands of a new generation of leaders, and I am thrilled to announce that Justin Truman will be stepping into leadership as Bungie's new Studio Head.
Parsons has overseen Bungie during many turbulent years, first taking over as CEO in 2016 from Harold Ryan and overseeing its break from Activision in 2019. He was at the helm throughout many of the events catalogued in our 2021 expose of Bungie's internal work culture. Though those we spoke to reported that Bungie had been toxic and hostile toward women in particular prior to Parsons taking charge, they also told IGN that he was frequently slow or reluctant to take action when issues were reported, or even seemed clueless as to how to reign in problem employees. Parsons apologized at the time, saying, "Our actions or, in some cases, inactions, caused these people pain. I apologize personally and on behalf of everyone at Bungie who I know feel a deep sense of empathy and sadness reading through these accounts."
Just months after our report, Bungie was acquired by Sony for $3.7 billion, ending the studio's flirtation with independence. As the acquistion settled in, concerns began to arise about Bungie's future. Destiny 2 was struggling, and upcoming game Marathon was still years away. In 2023, Bungie laid off roughly 100 individuals and delayed Destiny 2's The Final Shape DLC, with Parsons taking responsibility for the layoffs. Developers told IGN at the time that the atmosphere at Bungie was "soul-crushing" as fears grew of a total Sony takeover of the company. In 2024, this was followed up with even more layoffs, impacting 220 people this time, despite The Final Shape's success. 155 people were also integrated from Bungie into Sony at this time. Troubles continued to rock the studio through 2024 and into 2025, with Marathon seeing a delay out of September of this year to an unknown future date.
It's in this environment - Destiny 2 struggling, Marathon delayed, a smaller staff, and Sony looming, that Parsons departs the company. He leaves it to Justin Truman, who began at Bungie as a developer 15 years ago working on Destiny 1 and who has since worked his way up to chief development officer and now studio head.
When we’re at our best – we create those worlds alongside you, our player community, and build something that matters. Something that’s worth your time, your passion, and your investment in us. Something that I’ve learned, hopefully, overdelivers.
I’ve also been part of these efforts at Bungie when we’ve maybe not been at our best. When we’ve stumbled and realized through listening to our community that we had missed the mark. I know I’ve personally learned a lot over the years, as have all of us here, from those conversations.
I am committed to supporting and working alongside every member of the team here as we continue pouring our hearts and souls into these worlds. Worlds that we love, and that we hope have been worth your time and your passion. Because ultimately those worlds only exist, and thrive, with you in them.
We are hard at work right now doing that – both with Marathon and Destiny. We’re currently heads down, but we’ll have more to show you in both of these worlds later this year.
Per Bungie's social media post, Parsons is retiring and will seemingly not remain at the studio.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.
Metal Gear Network has shared a video showing 22 minutes of new gameplay footage from Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Moreover, Konami has shared the game’s launch trailer, which you can also find below. Since this is an X/Twitter video, it has really low quality. I’ve found a YT link, which I embedded below, … Continue reading Here are 22 minutes of new gameplay from Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater→
Having launched in 2019, Apple TV+ is one of the youngest streaming services available today. Over the years, the Apple-owned platform has grown into a powerhouse of original TV shows, like Ted Lasso and Severance, as well as movies like Killers of the Flower Moon. While it may not release new content at the same pace as something like Netflix, Apple TV+ comes bundled with just about every new Apple device purchase, making it easier than ever to check out its growing library.
Like seemingly every other service on the planet, Apple TV+ recently announced a price increase to its standalone monthly subscription. Below, we'll break down what Apple TV+ is as a service, how much it costs, and how to sign up for a free trial.
Does Apple TV+ Have a Free Trial?
Apple TV+ offers a 7-day free trial for all new subscribers. Simply head over to the Apple TV+ homepage or app and you'll be greeted with a button that says "Accept Free Trial." New iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Mac computers also come bundled with a 3-month Apple TV+ trial, which requires manual activation through the Apple TV app on the device. In both cases, once your trial ends, your subscription will automatically renew at the standard monthly rate of $12.99/month.
What Is Apple TV+? Everything You Need to Know
Apple TV+ is an award-winning streaming service featuring Apple Originals — exclusive series, movies, documentaries, and more, with new content added every month. While it was a bit barebones when it launched in 2019, Apple TV+ has grown its library to over 180 series, with breakout hits like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Silo, as well as over 80 original films, including Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon. Apple TV+ was also the first streaming service to receive an Academy Award for its original film CODA, which released in 2022.
While Apple TV+ may not boast a massive library like Netflix, it's long maintained a "quality over quantity" approach when it comes to its original programming with something that will surely appeal to just about anyone, regardless of age.
How Much Is Apple TV+?
Apple TV+ has only one subscription plan, which now costs $12.99/month. Since there are no ads by default, there are no ad-supported or limited tiers to worry about.
This monthly subscription cost was previously $9.99/month, and increased by $3 on August 21, 2025. The new price went into effect immediately for new subscribers, while existing customers will see the new price reflected 30 days after their next billing cycle.
Apple One Subscriptions
Aside from standalone subscriptions, Apple TV+ is included in a bundled service called Apple One. The lowest-tier Apple One plan gives you access to four subscriptions: Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and a 50GB iCloud+ plan, all for $19.95/month. The Premier Apple One plan costs $37.95/month, adding Apple News+, Apple Fitness+, and an upgrade to 2TB of iCloud+ storage.
Apple TV+ Student Deals
If you're a current college or university student, you can sign up for a Apple Music plan that includes Apple TV+ at a discounted rate of $5.99/month. Apple Music usually costs $10.99/month on its own, so this is quite the deal.
MLS Season Pass
Treated as a separate subscription, Apple TV also hosts Major League Soccer streams. The MLS Season Pass starts at $14.99/month, and Apple TV+ subscribers get a $2 discount.
How to Watch Apple TV+ - Available Platforms
Apple TV+ is available to stream on all of your Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV set-top boxes. Additionally, you can stream Apple TV+ on a variety of internet-connected smart TVs, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV devices, Google TV devices, as well as PlayStation and Xbox consoles. You can also AirPlay from an Apple device to any compatible AirPlay device that doesn't feature the native Apple TV+ app.
Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.
A soldering station is an invaluable tool for anyone who works with electronic components, whether it be for mods or repairs, and Amazon has a popular and affordable model that's even less expensive today. Right now you can pick up the Fanttik T1 Max Cordless Soldering Iron Kit for just $49.59 after you apply coupon code "49T1MAXSD" during checkout. You do not need to be an Amazon Prime member to get this discount. This is more than just a basic soldering station; the T1 Max comes with almost everything you need to get started, except for the solder itself.
Fanttik T1 Max Soldering Iron Kit for $49.59
The Fanttik T1 Max kit has everything you need to get started minus the actual solder. It's perfect for a hobbyist that isn't soldering day in and day out as a profession. The contents include the precision soldering iron, four soldering tips, desoldering pump with pre-cut tubes, ESD tweezer, sponge pads, a USB charging cable, and an aluminum alloy stand and base with convenient storage for your accessories.
The soldering item can operate in wireless (DC) or wired (AC) modes. In wireless mode, the internal 2,500mAh battery gives you about 60 minutes of operating time at 840°F (450°C) with a maximum DC output of 12W. It has a USB Type-C port for easy charging. In wired mode, the (AC) power output is increased to 16W with indefinite operating time. The soldering tips are a simple screw and lock affair. Four tips are included, three of varying shapes and doubles of the most popular chisel tip. The soldering iron is also temperature adjustable with a turn of the dial, with 6 different settings from 390°F to 840°F depending on your project.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Not everyone is the DIY type. If you're in the market for a prebuilt gaming PC, Dell is one of the best brands we'd recommend. Alienware desktops and laptops feature solid build quality, top-of-the-line gaming performance, excellent cooling (further improved on the newer models), aggressive styling, and pricing that is very competitive with other pre-built options. Best of all, there are plenty of sales that happen throughout the year, so it's not difficult to grab one of these computers at considerably less than their retail price. Right now there's a Dell Back to School Sale going on that takes up to $1,200 off select Alienware gaming configs. This page includes all of the best deals that are currently available.
Dell and Alienware Coupons
Alienware Gaming PC Deals
Alienware Gaming Laptop Deals
You can quickly browse through all of the listed products on sale above. See below for our favorite picks.
Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 5080 Gaming PC
Right now Dell is offering the Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 5080 gaming PC starting at just $2,100 with free delivery. The Alienware Aurora R16 is a well-engineered and compact gaming rig with 240mm AIO water cooling, sensible airflow design, and a generous 1,000W 80Plus Platinum rated power supply.
The RTX 5080 is the second best Blackwell graphics card, surpassed only by the $2,000 RTX 5090. It's about 5%-10% faster than the previous generation RTX 4080 Super, which is discontinued and no longer available. In games that support DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation exclusive to Blackwell cards, the gap widens. This is an outstanding card for playing even the latest games at 4K resolution with high settings and ray tracing enabled. Check out our Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 FE review by Jacqueline Thomas.
Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 5070 Ti Gaming PC
Dell is offering a competitive price on an Alienware Aurora R16 gaming PC equipped with the excellent GeForce RTX 5070 Ti graphics card. Right now you can get a base configuration paired with the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor for $1,700. Of all the Blackwell cards released thus far, the RTX 5070 Ti offers the best bang for your buck, especially when pitted against the previous generation GPUs. It performs neck-and-neck with the RTX 4080 Super and has 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM. This GPU is capable of high framerates in nearly all games, even at 4K resolution. Check out our Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU review by Jacqueline Thomas.
Alienware Area-51 RTX 5090 Gaming PC
Dell unveiled the new Alienware Area-51 gaming PC at CES 2025. The chassis is a super-sized upgrade to the 2024 R16 system with aesthetic and cooling redesigns and updated components. This least expensive configuration is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K processor with 240mm liquid cooling, 32GB of DDR5-6400MHz RAM, and 1TB SSD storage for $4,650. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 isas the most powerful consumer GPU. It boasts a 25%-30% uplift over the RTX 4090 in terms of pure hardware-based raster performance. The 5090 also has more (32GB vs. 24GB) and faster (GDDR7 vs. GDDR6) VRAM compared to the 4090. Check out our Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 FE review by Jackie Thomas.
Alienware Aurora 16 RTX 5060 Gaming Laptop
Dell has dropped the price of the new 2025 Alienware Aurora 16 gaming laptop equipped with an GeForce RTX 5060 mobile GPU to just $1,100 with free delivery. Compared to other Alienware laptops, the Aurora 16 is designed to look less like a gamer's laptop. It boasts a sleek, understated design with the absence of extraneous visual-only embellishments or unnecessary RGB lighting outside of the keyboard's white-only illumination. The RTX 5060 is about 15%-20% more powerful than the RTX 4060 that replaces, making it a perfectly capable GPU for most games at up to 1600p. It approaches the performance of the RTX 4070, especially in games that support DLSS 4.
New Alienware Aurora 16X Laptop
You can pick up an Alienware 16X Aurora gaming laptop equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and GeForce RTX 5070 mobile GPU for $1,599.99 after a $300 instant discount. This is the best Alienware laptop for gamers on a budget.
Area-51 Gaming Laptops: New Style, More Power, Better Cooling
New for 2025, the Alienware Area-51 gaming laptop features a magnesium alloy chassis with upgraded cooling to tackle the latest and greatest heat generating components. This includes more fans and bigger cutouts enabling greater airflow, more generous use of copper, and a new thermal interface material to better transfer heat away from the core components. Dell claims that the laptop can handle a higher power ceiling of up to 240W TDP without raising acoustics.
Design-wise, the Area 51 accentuates its smooth contours, with rounded edges and soft corners replacing the squared off design you'd see in most other laptops. The hinges are also mostly internally positioned so that they're near invisible. As befits an Alienware laptop, there are ample customization options for RGB LED lighting.
Why pick a Dell or Alienware gaming PC?
If you're in the market for a prebuilt gaming PC, Dell is one of best gaming brands we'd recommend. The Alienware gaming desktops offer a staggering array of options, all built into a custom chassis that's both easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet. Alienware gaming laptops in recent years have been redesigned to be thinner and lighter while still offering the same immense power under the hood. Consistent build quality, available inventory, frequent sales, and solid customer service are the main reasons why Dell is at the top of our buying list for gaming laptops and PCs.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Sony has sold its ownership stake in fighting game competitive event Evo to Indian gaming and events company Nodwin Gaming, leaving Nodwin and RTS as joint owners.
This is the second time Evo has changed hands in four years. It was previously purchased jointly by Sony and RTS (a talent management and brand consulting company founded by streamer Pokimane) in 2021.
Sony is not fully departing Evo. It will be a global sponsor of Evo through 2028, and is one of the backers of Nodwin Gaming. “When SIE acquired Evo alongside RTS in 2021, our goal was to help the Evo community grow and spotlight the skills and passion of fighting game fans on a global stage,” said Phil Rosenberg, SVP and Head of Global Partner Development & Relations at Sony Interactive Entertainment. “As SIE transitions to become an Evo sponsor, the momentum for Evo has never been stronger, following a successful Las Vegas event and upcoming expansion to new regions. We look forward to supporting the continued growth of Evo globally.”
Nodwin Gaming may be an unfamiliar name to many. It's a gaming and events company based in India that was founded in 2015, and has led or facilitated events such as Dreamhack India, Comic Con India, Valorant Challengers South Asia, various PUBG Mobile championships, and others.
At the same time, Saudia Arabian company Qiddiya, which became a global partner of Evo last year, has announced it is investing in RTS and will remain a global Evo partner through 2027. Qiddiya is the Saudi investment company behind a massive entertainment and tourism project in the country, which aims to build a high-tech city centered around sports, gaming, and entertainment.
This change has some Evo fans wondering what the future will hold for Evo. Under Sony's ownership, PlayStation 5 was featured prominently at the event each year, including with demos for Sony games such as Astro Bot and Marvel Tokon. However, Sony's ownership also came simultaneous with Nintendo dropping out of the event and no longer permitting Super Smash Bros. to be played there. Some are wondering if the departure of Nintendo's console rival means Smash Bros. may make a comeback in future years.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.
For a franchise as big as Pokémon, there's no such thing as too many plushie options. That's especially true when it comes to fan-favorites like Gengar. The popular grinning Ghost-Type Pokémon is officially coming to Build-A-Bear workshop as a giant-sized plushie. Sitting at 24-inches tall, this new plushie is what Build-A-Bear refers to as "friend height" and comes with its own coat. Gengar's true height is actually closer to five feet tall, so there's still room here for an even bigger life-sized version in the future.
This new plush bundle is priced at $149 and will become available online sometime in September. You can sign up to be notified when it actually releases by joining the email list on the Build-A-Bear product page.
Gengar has been a popular Pokémon since the very first generation. I myself am a bit of a Gengar fan thanks to both the games and the TV series. I was first introduced to this ghosty dude while watching the original anime, but I didn't truly reach the height of my Gengar appreciation levels until I started playing the first Pokémon game as a kid.
When you reach the Elite Four and face Agatha she actually has two Gengars in her lineup and both of them are equally devastating if you aren't careful. It wasn't until later that I realized I just needed a Psychic Pokémon in my party to win those battles, but those first encounters were enough for me to respect Gengar and all he brings to the table. Now I always try to add one to my party any time he's available to catch in any of the many Pokémon games.
More Gengar Merch Available
This Build-A-Bear isn't the only version of Gengar you can buy right now. There are actually quite a few Gengar plushies available from various retailers. They are one of the most popular Pokémon Squishmallows you can buy, and all different sizes are available. There was also recently a Razer Pokémon collaboration released that included a gaming headset with little Gengar ears, but it went out of stock almost immediately.
If you're looking to buy a plushie specifically, I've gathered some of the best options available right now below. Many of these are way cheaper than the new Build-A-Bear version as well.
Fresh off the heels of Superman, we’re getting the next “installment” in James Gunn’s reinvigorated DCU. And it’s not quite a new one. Peacemaker originally premiered back in 2021 as a spin-off of Suicide Squad, when the comic IP was still being adapted as the DCEU. As such, Season 2 returns under the full direction of Gunn’s new chapter, and lands in kind of an ambiguous place when it comes to overall canon.
Either way, Gunn is certainly hyped, saying, “I don’t think there’s anything that I’ve ever done that I love more than this season of Peacemaker, so I’m so excited for people to see it.” Here’s everything you need to know if you’re hoping to tune in.
Peacemaker Season 2 - Episode Release Schedule
New episodes of Peacemaker Season 2 will stream on HBO Max at 9pm ET every Thursday. The season will include eight episodes total. Assuming no breaks, here’s what to expect from the full release schedule:
Episode 1: “The Ties That Grind” - August 21
Episode 2: “A Man Is Only as Good as His Bird” - August 28
Episode 3: “Another Rick Up My Sleeve” - September 4
Episode 4: “Need I Say Door” - September 11
Episode 5: “Back to the Suture” - September 18
Episode 6: TBA - September 25
Episode 7: TBA - October 2
Episode 8: TBA - October 9
HBO Max is the streaming home of the DCU, and as such is where you’ll find the new Creature Commandos series, movies from the DCEU era, and standalone projects like Matt Reeves’ The Batman. It’s also where Superman will eventually land on streaming.
Peacemaker Season 2 is partly to blame for Superman’s quick transition to digital, which means the recent DCU flick is worth catching before the new season, if possible. Before Superman, we got the first season of Creature Commandos, which IGN’s review describes as “gracefully fulfills its duties as the bridge between the old DCEU and the new DCU, while also telling a rock solid story all its own.” At this point, that’s about all of the homework you have.
Otherwise, it seems like the new DCU timeline will be as straightforward as possible. On the nature of the “DCU timeline”, Gunn has explained, “As of now it's basically as the movies and shows come out — although of course some of these feature flashbacks.”
If you're a fan of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere books, there's certainly no shortage of written content available. And in recent years, that same universe has started to trickle over into the world of tabletop games. One such experience is a collaboration with Brotherwise Games called Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game, which is currently discounted on Amazon.
The Mistborn board game pulls from Era 1 of the Mistborn book series. These were some of the first Brandon Sanderson books I ever read and are, in my opinion, the best entrypoint into The Cosmere as a whole. If you're a fan of both the books and deckbuilding games, I definitely recommend checking out this crossover board game.
Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game Is on Sale at Amazon
The Mistborn board game was designed by John D. Clair and published by Brotherwise Games. The game itself pulls directly from its source material, and players will have to burn and flare metals as they battle each other or the Lord Ruler throughout play. Like any standard deckbuilding game, everyone will begin with a weaker deck of cards and slowly add new ones to their hand throughout the game. It's designed for up to four players total, but can also be played solo if you prefer that route.
The current discount on Amazon drops the price down to $39.17, which is the lowest price we've ever seen for this game. And while that's still not exactly cheap, it's just enough of a discount to make it worth considering.
As part of the Intel Gamer Days Sale event, Lenovo is offering an excellent price on one of its highest end laptops. You can pick up the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 gaming laptop, equipped with a 16" OLED display and RTX 5080 GPU, for $2,599.99 after you apply two stackable coupon codes "BUYMORELENOVO" and "GAMERDAYS25". That's a total of about $910 off in savings. Lenovo Legion Pro laptops feature premium build quality, powerful components, and robust cooling.
Lenovo Legion 7 Pro Gen 10 RTX 5080 Laptop for $2,600
Apply both codes: "BUYMORELENOVO" and "GAMERDAYS25"
The Legion Pro 7 is Lenovo's highest end gaming laptop, featuring a full metal chassis (both lid and body), gorgeous OLED display with 2.5K 189ppi resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, HDR 1000 True Black certification, and 100% DCI-P3 color range, and better cooling than the Legion 5 series of laptops. This particular configuration is equipped with a 16" 2560x1600 240Hz OLED display, Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, 32GB of DDR5-5600MHz RAM, and a 1TB SSD. This 2025 model has been updated with Wi-Fi 7. Connectivity options include a Thunderbolt 4 port with DisplayPort 2.1, a USB Type-C port with up to 100W of Power Delivery, three USB Type-A ports, an RJ45 ethernet port, and an HDMI 2.1 port. The 99Whr battery can charge to 70% in just 30 minutes.
The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX is a top performing CPU
The Legion Pro 5 is equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX Arrow Lake-HX processor, which boasts a max turbo frequency of 5.4GHz with a whopping 24 cores and 40MB total L2 cache. According to Passmark, this is second most powerful Intel mobile CPU available right now and goes head to head with AMD's Ryzen 9 9955HX.
The GeForce RTX 5080 mobile GPU is better than the RTX 4090 mobile
The Legion Pro 7 laptop offers a robust cooling design that allows it to accomodate a more powerful GPU like the RTX 5080 without throttling it. That's important if you want to be able to play games comfortably on the display's enhanced 2560x1600 resolution. The RTX 5080 mobile GPU is roughly 15%-20% more powerful than the RTX 4080 mobile GPU that it replaces. In fact, it's slightly more powerful than the RTX 4090, which was the previous generation's flagship card. It's also within 15% of the RTX 5090's performance despite costing hundreds less.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
A teaser for the popular hero shooter’s latest collaboration snuck its way into the end of a new trailer for the next season of Overwatch that premiered as part of gamescom 2025. It’s far more straightforward than the usual crossover tease, revealing a switch to that iconic Persona 5 style before an individual that looks an awful lot like Joker drops in.
In typical Blizzard fashion, this is little more than a flashy tease of things to come, so players looking to spend Overwatch Coins will need to wait a few more weeks to see who will benefit from new Phantom Thieves-themed attire. Of course, that isn’t stopping fans from speculating about which Heroes will get skins.
Joker is the only character we can safely speculate about so far, with fans guessing that his iconic jacket and mask will go to either Cassidy or Genji. Judging by the bullet holes that show up at the end of the tease, our bet is on the former.
Other popular Person 5 characters like Ryuji, Morgana, Ann, and Futaba are also in the running when it comes to potential crossover skins. You could spend hours thinking up reasons why Lucio finally deserves to get a Legendary skin, but many players are just hoping to see outfits for Heroes like Sombra, Wrecking Ball, Junkrat, and, yes, even Kiriko.
The Overwatch 2 x Persona 5 collaboration follows Season 17’s G.I. Joe and Nerf crossovers. It’s also only Overwatch’s second time crossing over with a non-Blizzard video game, with the first being Street Fighter in Season 16.
Overwatch 2 Season 18 drops next week, August 26, and has more in store than just a few new skins, highlight intros, and sprays. Also included in today’s trailer are teasers for the introduction of Stadium in Quickplay, new Hero Perks, a Sojourn Mythic Skin, and the new support Hero, Wuyang. A blog post also detailed other upcoming additions, such as a Cassidy Mythic Weapon and an all-new Battle Pass.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer 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).
DC Studios co-CEO and Superman Director James Gunn says big things are in store for Warner Bros. Games, but it’s going to take a while to see them come to fruition.
The comic book bigwig spoke about his plans to expand the DC universe during an interview with GamesRadar+. As Gunn, co-CEO Peter Safran, and the rest of the DC Studios crew plot a new course for DCU shows and movies, the Superman moviemaker says he has no plans to leave gaming out of the equation.
“There's been some slight movement on different things," Gunn teased. "We have a couple of little DC games coming out. But we also have talked about – and in early stages of planning – some bigger things. One thing in particular I'm excited about, but it does take time. There's been some changes in Warner Bros. Games, and so we're dealing with new people.”
The studio also canceled its Wonder Woman game and shut down Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and WB San Diego in February. Although WB Games has managed to deliver successful comic book-based video games like the Injustice series and Batman Arkham series, DC gaming still has some work to do if it wants to make up lost ground.
There's been some slight movement on different things.
Gunn teases things are finally in motion at WB Games but declined to share what kind of DC projects fans can expect to see in the future. However, GamesRadar+ adds that the director teased that there is a good chance Superman star David Corenswet could reprise his role for a video game.
Gunn and Safran shared earlier this year that it will be “a couple of years” before fans get their hands on the first DCU games. Safran says they’ve been hands-on when it comes to new projects at studios like Injustice studio NetherRealm and Batman Arkham developer Rocksteady as they steer DC in a fresh direction.
“We see designs for the projects in their very earliest stages,” Gunn added at the time. “We talk about those. We talk about when they're talking about what the story might be, we say, ‘Well, maybe you want to go this way because we're planning on maybe doing something with this character and so forth and so on,’ and help to deal with that.”
It will be some time before a new vision for WB Games comes to fruition. In the meantime, the studio has been busy with Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, which it announced as part of gamescom 2025 earlier this week. Although fans are divided due to its limited roster, many have already found themselves drawn to its recreation of classic movie moments and Batman Arkham-like combat.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer 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).
The recent trends across Shrouded Fable and Stellar Crown illustrate a diverging market. Many Stellar Crown Illustration Rares such as Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Terapagos ex SIR are seeing sharp pullbacks, while a few under-the-radar Shrouded Fable Dark-type ex and Tool cards are appreciating steadily.
The contrast is clear. Flashy artwork loses momentum quickly, while cards with competitive or functional utility tend to hold or grow in value.
TL;DR: Crashers and Climbers This Week
One of the most notable climbers this week is Stellar Crown's Basic Darkness Energy in Hyper Rare form, which has risen from $34.15 in February to $39.98. That is a roughly 17% increase. At the same time, Shrouded Fable has not delivered any dramatic price surges, but subtle demand for tools and draw effects is clearly supporting modest value increases.
On the flip side, the Stellar Crown Illustration Rare staples are tumbling fast. Squirtle 148/142 has dropped from $73.63 in February to around $50 today, which is close to a 32% decline. Market price on TCGPlayer remains in the mid-50s, and the trend suggests collector demand is cooling quickly.
Pokémon Card Crashers
The most significant drop this week comes from Squirtle 148/142, an Illustration Rare from Stellar Crown that has fallen 32% since February. It opened at $73.63 and now sits closer to $50. Despite its nostalgic appeal and adorable art, Squirtle's gameplay relevance is practically zero. Its Withdraw attack relies on a coin flip to prevent damage and Skull Bash only deals 20 damage, which is far below any competitive threshold. The early hype was fueled by nostalgia, but that interest has faded as supply increased and serious players ignored it in favor of actual utility cards.
Bulbasaur 143/142 is showing nearly identical behavior. Its value has dropped 31%, from $62.96 in February to $43.50 today. Like Squirtle, its charm is rooted in nostalgic appeal, not play potential. Leech Seed deals minor damage and heals, but this does not make it relevant in any current decks. Oversupply has pushed the price down and it is now mostly a binder card for casual collectors.
Another casualty is Earthen Vessel 096/064, a Hyper Rare Trainer card that was once priced at $58.33 but now goes for $46.80. That is a 20% slide. Its effect lets players discard a card to search for up to two Basic Energy, which has utility but lacks explosiveness. With more aggressive tools and search options now favored in top-tier lists, this card is seeing less demand from both collectors and competitive players.
The Special Illustration Rare version of Fezandipiti ex 092/064 has also been slipping. Down from $49.81 to $38, it has lost 24% of its value since February. Its Flip the Script ability is situational at best, letting players draw three cards if one of their Pokémon was knocked out on the previous turn. Cruel Arrow is a targeted snipe attack for 100 damage, but the overall package has not delivered the consistency or pressure needed to keep a spot in top decks. Though its artwork is compelling, it is not enough to maintain premium pricing.
Terapagos ex 170/142 has taken the most dramatic hit among the crashers. Originally priced at $77.89, it now sits at $36.88, which represents a drop of over 52%. Its Colorless typing and bulky stats looked promising at launch, but Unified Beatdown relies on a full bench and cannot be used on turn one if going second. Crown Opal is a strong move but only blocks attacks from Basic non-Colorless Pokémon. These limitations make it too slow and too narrow for the current metagame.
Pokémon Card Climbers
While the flashy cards in Stellar Crown have stumbled, several functional and competitively useful cards from Shrouded Fable are seeing steady gains. At the top is Basic Darkness Energy 098/064 in Hyper Rare form, which has climbed from $34.15 in February to $39.98. That is a 17% increase. High rarity energy cards have long been a collector favorite, and this one also happens to serve an important role in Dark-heavy decks that are seeing renewed interest.
A surprise riser is Dusclops 069/064, an Illustration Rare that has moved from $17.46 to $20.40 since June. The Cursed Blast ability allows you to place five damage counters on any of your opponent’s Pokémon at the cost of knocking Dusclops out. It is a one-time play, but it can turn the tide against low-HP attackers or finish off key threats. It is finding homes in creative deck builds and may have long-term appeal as a rogue tool.
Interestingly, while the Special Illustration Rare of Fezandipiti ex is declining, the Double Rare version Fezandipiti ex 038/064 is moving the opposite direction. It has jumped from $8.66 in March to $16.75 now, an increase of 93%. Competitive players are clearly buying in. Flip the Script is a decent comeback mechanic and Cruel Arrow is strong board pressure in slower matchups. It is a functional card at a lower price point, and it is benefiting from increased adoption in mid-tier builds.
The subtle but steady growth of Powerglass 097/064 also deserves mention. This Hyper Rare Pokémon Tool has gone from $17.35 to $18.50, a 7% uptick. Its end-of-turn effect lets you attach a Basic Energy from your discard pile if the equipped Pokémon is in the Active Spot. That kind of resource recycling is increasingly valuable in grindy games, and players are finding ways to incorporate it into rotating attacker strategies.
Lastly, Okidogi ex 090/064 has risen from $16.76 in March to $18.99 today, a 13% gain. This Darkness-type Pokémon has synergy built around Poison and self-boosting. Its first attack accelerates two Basic Darkness Energy at the cost of becoming Poisoned, while Chain-Crazed hits for 130 more damage if the Pokémon is poisoned. That interaction allows it to self-power and self-trigger a massive 260 damage attack, which is gaining popularity in certain fringe decks. Its Special Illustration Rare art adds collector interest, pushing both play and display value upward.
Sealed Stellar Crown and Shrouded Fable Products
For collectors and players who prefer the thrill of opening packs rather than buying singles, both Stellar Crown and Shrouded Fable offer a solid lineup of sealed products right now. But if you're chasing specific high-value Illustration Rares like Squirtle or playable staples like Fezandipiti ex, the numbers make one thing clear: buying singles will save you a fortune.
Take the Stellar Crown Booster Box, currently sitting at $219.99 on TCGPlayer. With 36 packs, you're paying over $6 per pack, and the odds of pulling a specific Illustration Rare like Terapagos ex 170/142 are incredibly slim. Given that that card now sells for around $36.88, it's far more efficient to buy it directly than to hope you land one by chance.
If you're looking for smaller options, the Stellar Crown Booster Bundle at $54.01 or the Elite Trainer Box at $83.00 offer a few packs and themed accessories, but again, the likelihood of pulling a $50+ chase card is very low. Even the Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box, priced at $121.00, carries a high cost per pack with no guarantee of return.
On the Shrouded Fable side, the Booster Bundle at $46.24 and Elite Trainer Box at $55.01 offer a more accessible entry point, and this set's price floor is generally lower. The Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box at $97.94 and Mini Tin Display at $164.95 are aimed at collectors who want a premium unboxing experience, but again, pulling specific cards like Powerglass or Okidogi ex is far from guaranteed.
Even the Kingdra ex Special Illustration Collection at $124.99 and Greninja ex Collection at $90.00 serve more as showcase pieces than consistent value plays. Unless you're collecting sealed for long-term hold or display, the best strategy right now is surgical: identify the singles you want and buy them directly.
Sealed product is fun and occasionally lucky, but the current market makes one thing obvious. If your goal is to own a particular card, especially any of the climbers or crashers we’ve covered this week, buying singles is the smarter and more economical path.
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.
The four new phones included in the Pixel 10 lineup are here, so now's your chance to go through the time-honored tradition of buying a new case, because god forbid anyone be able to use their old case with a new device. That’s actually a good thing this year, though, because Google has finally invented MagSafe charging with Pixelsnap, its new marketing term that denotes Qi2 magnetic wireless charging. Rejoice!
Featured in this article
Qi2 has been a slow burn when it comes to bringing magnetic wireless charging to Android devices. The first magnetic chargers to actualize the standard began to arrive in late 2023, but only a few Android phones, like the HMD Skyline, have actually supported it out of the box. Samsung has gone halfway there, releasing its Galaxy S25 phones as Qi2 Ready-certified – meaning they’ll get 15 watts of power delivery wirelessly if you add a Qi2 Ready magnetic case to them.
Thankfully, that’s not the case with the Pixel 10. Every Pixel 10 phone supports Qi2 wireless charging up to at least 15 watts, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold gets support for Qi2.2’s max speed of 25 watts.
1. Google Pixelsnap Cases
Best Pixel 10 Case
Google wasn’t always great at phone cases, but it’s come a long way in the last couple of years. Its silicone cases come in seven colorways, including four options color-matched to the phones themselves. Expect a slim, pleasant fit that doesn’t add too much bulk or heft, along with a soft microfiber lining. And this year, they’re magnetic, so you can get full power out of your Qi2 wireless charger.
They’ll still come with the usual silicone case problems: specifically, they can be a little sticky. That’s a good thing for keeping the phone securely in-hand, but it’s a pain when it comes to pocketing it on a hot day in your favorite blue jeans, and they tend to collect dust and hair, especially as they age.
At $49.99, they’re a little spendy compared to some third-party cases, but if you like Silicone, the Google Pixelsnap cases are probably the best ones you can buy right now
2. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold Pixelsnap Case
Best Pixel 10 Pro Fold Case
Last year, Google made some of the best cases for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and I expect that to be no different this year. The first-party case is likely to be the best-fitting, and it’s color-matched to the phones, so you don’t have to worry about coordinating colors so the camera bump isn’t a garish little window.
Otherwise, expect the case to be effectively identical to that of last year’s phones – Qi2 magnetic charging ring included – since Google didn’t really change the chassis this year. That may even mean that, if you’ve got an old Pixel 9 Pro Fold case, you can just re-use that one, at the risk of mismatched colors. But hey, if it saves you the $49.99 Google charges for it, it’s a good way to put off the extra expense after you’ve just spent at least $1,799 for the phone itself.
3. Dbrand Pixel 10 Grip Case
Most Stylish Pixel 10 Case
Dbrand has come out of the gate with its usual slew of Stylish cases for the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The cases come in matte black, but are also available with options like a shimmering holographic skin and a couple of prints of the innards, either scanned or x-rayed.
If you used the company’s older Pixel Grip cases, expect more of the same, down to the magnets; only now that Google has named it, they’re Pixelsnap magnets. The one difference, for now at least, is that Dbrand isn’t offering its anti-yellowing Ghost clear case for the standard Pixel 10 series – just the Pro and Pro XL models.
Pricewise, at $59.90, these are spendier than a lot of the options on this list, but the company’s cases tend to fit well and offer decent drop protection. They have chamfered lips, too, to make it more pleasant to interact with the touchscreen than cases with blunt edges.
4. Peak Design Everyday Case
Best Mountable Case
Peak Design doesn’t make your usual smartphone cases. The company, known mainly for its fashionable bags, has a line of phone cases with a modular spin: they connect to a variety of mounts for things like motorcycle and bicycle handlebars and tripods, using Peak Design’s strong, square-shaped magnetic SlimLink connector. They also contain a magnetic ring that lets you use a Qi2 charger with your phone.
The Pixel 10 Everyday case comes in black, green, and brown, and they’re made of either Nylon or Clarino vegan leather, which is a microfiber material created from industrial waste. (Don’t worry, it won’t turn you into The Toxic Avenger. Probably.) The lip is lined with a TPU bumper, and it’s got anodized aluminum buttons, which is good – metal buttons are table stakes if you want me to pay $49.95 for a phone case.
The cases aren’t the most expensive, but they’re not exactly cheap. They’ll run you $49.95 for the basic case or $59.95 for the Pixel 10 Everyday Case Loop, which has a built-in finger loop for a more stable hold. Unfortunately, it looks like the Loop version is only available in brown.
5. Force Air Case with Pixelsnap
Best Clear Case
Google sells a couple of Pixel 10 clear case options via its online store, but the better of the two seems like the Force Air Case with Pixelsnap. I’ve never actually heard of Force, the company that makes it, but there are a couple of reasons I’m giving its case the nod. One is simply price: it’s only $34.99, while the Case Mate option Google also sells is $10 more.
The other is its polycarbonate backing. Dbrand made a lot of noise in 2023 when it created the Ghost Case, a clear case it claimed would never yellow. The main reason isn’t that the company figured out some secret sauce that keeps the TPU from going all piss-colored. It’s that it replaced the back of the phone with polycarbonate, using TPU just for the outer edge.
The Force Air case does the same thing, which probably means the fully clear version’s TPU outer edge will take on a dingy hue eventually. But the company is also offering the case in two other options in which the outer edge is a colored TPU, in blue or black. I’d expect that those two would stay clear, at least for longer than a normal floppy TPU case would.
Mous Super Thin Case with Pixelsnap
Best Thin Case
This Mous (pronounced “mouse,” by the way) case is 1.1mm thick, with slightly raised edges that the company says can help protect the phone while saving bulk. It’s also Pixelsnap-compatible, with a built-in magnetic ring for charging the phone or slapping accessories onto. Mous also says it was co-created with Google’s own designers to ensure fit and that the colors match.
Whatever the company did for protection, it’s probably still not as protective as some of the bigger tank-like options out there, but if you’re willing to sacrifice a little peace of mind for a phone that feels better in-hand, Mous has you covered. Plus, at $44.99, it’s a little bit cheaper than most of the cases on this list.
8. Otterbox Defender
Best Rugged Case
Otterbox has a longstanding reputation for high-quality phone cases made of sturdy plastic and rubber, and I’d expect that to be the same for the Pixel 10 series. The company has cases for all of the standard phones – it’s only offering one of its Thin Flex Series cases for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
All of the Defender cases right now are clear, with a rubbery border for outer protection. They’ve got embedded magnets to let you charge the phone or attach magnetic accessories, and they’ve got built-in anchors for adding straps and tchotchkes to your phone. The company says it also offers a free holster that can let you clip your phone to a belt or bag and also serves as a kickstand.
The one thing I’ve never liked about Otterbox cases is really just how the buttons feel although that seems challenging when you’re focused on making the phone as protective as possible. These new cases are spendy, too, costing $69.99 each (or $59.99 for the Thin Flex Pixel 10 Pro Fold case I mentioned).
How to Pick a Google Pixel 10 Case
Choosing the right phone case is easier these days than it used to be, although not necessarily because cases are any better. They are, but phones have also become a lot more durable. Still, they’re an expensive investment, particularly if you’re not going through a wireless provider deal to get them.
If you’re like me and aren’t quite as concerned about adding durability and heft, the right things to consider are ergonomic in nature – is it comfortable to hold? Do the buttons feel good to use? Is the case designed with the minimal bezels of modern touch screens in mind? Looks are key, too. Is it going to ugly up Google’s phones, which are genuinely nice to look at?
And if you’re buying a clear case, consider fit and the possibility that the case will grow yellow with time. TPU is commonly used in these cases and is nice and flexible, but it also takes on a grimy look over time, while straight up plastic is far less malleable and can crack if you drop it. A combo of the two is better, especially if the TPU part is colored. The other thing about clear cases is they like to collect dust. A good fit reduces this, but only so much, so bear in mind you might be compelled to wipe it out every now and then.
If you’re buying a folding phone, your priorities may bend back toward protection, despite the Pixel 10 Pro Fold being IP68-rated, meaning it’s dust- and- waterproof when it ships. That’s a big win for foldables, which have been particularly vulnerable to dust, but it’s still an inherently vulnerable form factor, thanks to its folding hinge. Look for a case that’s protective yet grippy, and be especially mindful of the bumper around the front-facing outer screen, as that’s the most challenging piece to get right and is often so floppy you might as well not bother using it, because it’ll just keep falling off.
Wes is a freelance writer (Freelance Wes, they call him) who has covered technology, gaming, and entertainment steadily since 2020 at Gizmodo, Tom's Hardware, Hardcore Gamer, and most recently, The Verge. Inside of him there are two wolves: one that thinks it wouldn't be so bad to start collecting game consoles again, and the other who also thinks this, but more strongly.
If you're a Windows user that's looking for an affordable micro-sized PC that's as small as the Apple Mac Mini and still want to get in a little bit of gaming, then AliExpress is offering a great deal on a rather powerful complete Windows-based mini PC. Right now the Acemagic S3A AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS mini PC is on sale for $381.99 after $80 off coupon code: "AEUS80" is applied during checkout. This system boasts a capable AMD 780M iGPU, 32GB of RAM, 1TB HDD, and even comes with Window 11 Pro preinstalled. You're also buying it from Acemagic's official store on AliExpress so no shady resellers to worry about. It ships free locally from the United States and arrives within 1 to 2 weeks.
Acemagic S3A AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS Micro PC for $382
The Acemagic S3A mini PC measures 5" square and 1.6" thick, about the same size as the latest Mac Mini M4 and smaller than all previous Mac Mini generations. The RAM and storage are neatly contained on one side and are easily accessible by removing the side panel for future upgrades.
This S3A configuration is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS CPU, which features onboard Radeon 780M graphics. As far as low-power onboard graphic solutions go, the 780M is an excellent gaming chip. In the past, iGPU gaming performance was just a meme, but not so anymore. They're perfectly capable of running games like Fortnite and Minecraft at 1080p, but they can even run more demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Apex Legends, or even Cyberpunk at a reduced 720p/1080p resolution in FSR performance mode and maintain a respectable 30fps frame rate. Sure, you'll get better performance when you throw in a discrete card, but you'll pay a lot more and require a bigger box.
Alongside the CPU is a heathy dose of memory and storage. You're getting 32GB (2x16GB) of DDR5-5600MHz RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD with rated transfer speeds of up to 7,000MB/s, which is considerably faster than most RAM and storage options you would typically see in these budget mini computers.
The Acemagic S3A includes plenty of connectivity options including one USB4 Type-C port, two USB3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, four USB3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, DisplayPort 2.0 port, HDMI 2.0 port, 3.5mm audio jack, and RJ-45 2.5GbE ethernet port. It's capable of video output up to 4K @ 120Hz over USB4 or DisplayPort 2.0 (although I wouldn't recommend using those settings for gaming). Internally, it's equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
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