Kynseed, the impossibly charming Stardew Valley-ish life sim from a team of former Fable developers, is coming to consoles on August 4.

Indie developer PixelCount Studios, founded by two Lionhead veterans who worked on "every Fable game," according to the studio's website, announced on Steam that Kynseed will release on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on August 4. "That means more players will soon be able to grow a family legacy, run shops, explore Quill, and now, of course, manage their very own tavern," says PixelCount, with that last bit referring to a new system that just launched on PC.

PixelCount says tavern management has been one of the most requested features from the community since Kynseed launched, and I believe it. Management sim and cozy RPG go hand-in-hand, and there's nothing cozier than a good tavern. Dimly lit by candles, warmed by fire, and lively in atmosphere, I can't think of a better place to hang out and unwind than a tavern, and now Kynseed players will get to do exactly that while making sure no one gets too drunk. (That's not true: PixelCount clarifies this is a non-alcoholic bar.)

"You can welcome villagers through your doors, serve drinks and food, hire entertainers and build up another cosy little corner of your Kynseed life," the studio says.

Kynseed is often referred to as a Stardew Valley-like, and it definitely shares a lot of elements like farming, crafting, and managing relationships, but there's a dark fantasy theme spread throughout the world that feels distinctly Fable-inspired. Like Stardew, there's combat involved, but in Kynseed, you're tasked with taking down the evil Hob army, which has been creating totems from dark magic and using them to destroy crops and buildings, just to be jerks, I guess.

When Kynseed launches on consoles in a few weeks, I suspect it'll cost $25 just like it does on Steam.

Here are all of the upcoming indie games to keep on your radar.

Deltarune keeps outdoing itself. Each time a grain of sand falls in the hourglass since Chapter 5 released this morning, the episodic RPG breaks its personal best concurrent Steam player record.

Most recently, the Undertale companion game by prodigious developer Toby Fox hit an all-time peak of 291,816 players about four minutes before I started writing this. But please don't grow attached to that number – Deltarune first toasted its Chapter 5 launch with about 200,000 concurrent players, and the party has been bubbling closer to 300,000 all day.

Now, if Deltarune's concurrent player count eventually soars past 300,000, I wouldn't be surprised – which is in itself surprising, considering the fact that the game's peak a week ago was closer to a more modest 8,000, according to SteamDB.

That said, fans have been sitting with whiteboards and red string all year, scribbling detailed theories on what Deltarune Chapter 5 might entail based on Fox's teases, and I'm sure that self-feeding frenzy has contributed to why Steam players are sprinting to the game now.

No, not sprinting. Fans are swarming. Deltarune's constantly growing peak Steam player number is nearly triple its previous high of 133,930 concurrent players a year ago, which is when Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 came out. Before that, Fox was on a three-to-four year release schedule, with Deltarune initially releasing in 2018 and Chapter 2 rolling out in 2021. So I think it helps that Chapter 5 instead took just a year to follow Deltarune's other recent installments – it builds momentum for the game. Fans also believe the content of 3 and 4, in particular, helped establish Deltarune as a rich narrative experience worth freaking out about online.

So here we are. Deltarune's big and getting bigger.

Deltarune Chapter 5 features a song Toby Fox wrote 10 years ago, to his mother's disappointment: "Sorry Mom."

Prime Day Switch game deals make for the perfect time to snap up some bargains on the best the Nintendo Switch has to offer, and there's even some Nintendo Switch 2 games in the mix. Though, in many cases, it's cheaper to get the original console's version and pay for a digital upgrade, so I've accounted for that in my selection below.

A lot of the Prime Day deals are focused on more recent games, which is no problem with me as I love a good discount on a more new release. But, some classics still showed up. Considering Switch games can be quite expensive, taking advantage of limited time Prime Day savings is one of the best ways to pick up those wishlisted games.

There's a lot to choose from over this year's Prime Day deals, which last through the week. But, that's why I'm here to recommend you the best deals I've spotted! Some of these are the lowest prices I've ever seen for these games, and I've also tried to only recommend games I think are actually worth playing. Read on below to discover my best Prime Day Switch game deals that you'll want to keep in your console carry case at all times.

Want more? Check out the best Prime Day PS5 RPG deals too!

Overwatch's Nyan Cafe bundle should be a slam dunk for the game as far as cosmetic packages go. Pink cat-themed maid outfits on five fan-favorite heroes? What's not to love? Blizzard Entertainment has all but assured its otherwise fun new outfits are steeped in backlash, however, thanks to a hard to swallow price and a new rarity of skins.

For those who aren't deep in the Overwatch trenches, bundles that package a bunch of themed Legendary outfits and cosmetics normally cost around 6,900 OW Coins or about $60 in real-world cash. The Nyan Cafe bundle instead costs 9,900 OW Coins, meaning most players will need to fork out an extra $100 since, like most live-service games, Overwatch doesn't let you buy an exact amount of coins.

Blizzard's reasoning for the bundle's higher price is that it's introducing two Ultra Skins for Sierra and Kiriko, a new rarity of skin, alongside three regular Legendary outfits for Reaper, Orisa, and Ashe. Buying the Ultra Skins in their individual character bundles costs 4,500 OW Coins ($40).

What sets Ultra Skins apart are the extra sound and visual effects added to reloads or eliminations, in this case a puff of pink cat-shaped smoke lands wherever an enemy dies, though Blizzard says it's "leaving things open for future innovation."

Fans were almost immediately dismayed at the new prices. "The quality of this game's cosmetic content keeps getting lower and lower while the prices get higher and higher," one player writes on the game's subreddit. "To quote one of this game's own characters, 'you shame yourself.'"

"As someone who's totally comfortable with blowing money on things I enjoy, no expense spared, this is just insulting. I don't enjoy the microtransaction culture in businesses and I'm disliking it even more seeing its evolution to macrotransactions," another response reads.

Similar sentiments are echoed up and down Overwatch's various online communities. The main worry is that Ultra Skins are just Blizzard's Trojan Horse dressed up in bright colors – a way to charge even more money for what would've been labelled a Legendary otherwise.

Pretty much the only person not irked by the price bump is noted Conker enjoyer and freshly-minted Overwatcher Doja Cat, who tweets: "On another note there is a new Nyan Café bundle on overwatch and it is one of the best things that has ever happened to me on this planet. I can't believe this is fucking real. Sierra’s skin is so good like I can't breathe."

Overwatch has always had pretty steep cosmetic prices, even compared to its direct competition, and so I can definitely understand the player frustration after seeing costs inflate without that much value being added on top.

Uncharted 3 co-director and The Dragon Prince co-creator joins the Overwatch team, once again reigniting hopes for an animated show.

Undertale and Deltarune creator Toby Fox is planning to release the latter game's Chapter 5 today – but before then, he's got a little newsletter to share.

Yes, the long-awaited Chapter 5 is finally launching today – and Fox has some words for folks eagerly anticipating its arrival. The Chapter 5 release newsletter, as he's so aptly dubbed his latest blog post, celebrates the new piece of the big Deltarune puzzle, with Fox letting fans know first that "if you bought the game, it'll get updated automatically with the new chapter."

That's on all platforms: PC, Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

The mastermind developer also instructs excited players to"report any issues," including game crashes, should they happen. "And keep an eye on the FAQ page in the coming weeks," he writes, "as we'll be posting any known issues there at the top of the page." The work never ends for the Undertale legend, eh?

That's not all he has to say, though – he teases the game's new soundtrack from Chapter 5, too, letting people know it could be spoiler-y.

"I don't recommend you look at the track names until you've completed the game," Fox mysteriously states, adding, "But this time, many other people helped out with the music, so make sure to check the credits!"

I am personally looking forward to seeing who's on board the team… and what songs there are. After all, Fox did explain how it features a song he wrote 10 years ago, to his mother's disappointment – that, I have to see.

Fox closes his newsletter off with a heartfelt thank you to fans for their patience, saying, "I'm very proud of my team that we didn't have to make you guys wait too long this time. Otherwise, we would be really sorry to keep you waiting." He then adds, "Anyway, please enjoy this crazy thing I thought up 10 years ago! It's on to the next chapter for us! Ciao!"

Next chapter, hm? Chapter 6 is on both players' and devs' minds already, then.

Here's hoping Deltarune Chapter 5 impresses us all just as much as its predecessors and Undertale did – but something tells me we've got nothing to worry about there.

Toby Fox says Deltarune Chapter 6 is "developing well" and Chapter 7 may begin development "before the end of the year."

Despite throwing shade at Nintendo ahead of its release, Sega has deemed Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds' sales to be below expectations.

In Sega Sammy's latest financial results the company singles out two of its titles that it deems to have "fallen short of expectation" when it comes to sales, despite good reviews for both. These titles are Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, which garnered Metacritic scores of 82 and 87 respectively when they were released last year.

Sega confirmed earlier this year (thanks, Nintendo Life) that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds was still hovering around the previously announced one million copies sold mark, and given that Sonic x Shadow Generations the year prior had sold over three million, and Sonic Frontiers sold just under five million, Sega clearly had higher expectations for the project.

Last year was one of the biggest years for the kart racer genre to date – granted, it would've been huge with the launch of the first Mario Kart game in 11 years in the form of Mario Kart World alone. But Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Kirby Air Riders also released in 2025, meaning the typically niche genre was pretty crowded.

Ahead of launch, Sega threw a bit of shade at Nintendo with an ad making fun of "the open road," quite obviously in reference to Mario Kart World's open-world pivot and the prevalence of controversial intermission tracks in the game. Plus, the game's creative director Masaru Kobayakawa spoke about the Sonic Racing rewarding skill instead of luck, which also felt like a reference to Mario Kart.

According to Nintendo, as of March 31 this year, Mario Kart World had sold just under 15 million copies, and sure, it may have been helped along by the somewhat generous console bundle that arrived alongside the launch of the Switch 2, but Mario Kart always does well. However, the way more niche Kirby Air Riders is also seemingly out in front of Sonic Racing, at 1.87 million copies sold.

Personally, I had all three kart racers on my top 10 games of last year, so for me it was a three cakes situation, but I definitely didn't think it was the best time for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds to release. But given CrossWorlds released on seven platforms, I can somewhat understand why Sega would be disappointed.

10 years ago, Sega said "we're done with Sonic," and it was up to Takashi Iizuka to save the series: "Sonic was really at a low point."

After 10 years of work, the creator behind the internet's most famous unofficial Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake project has laid down their sword, stating that "the best move would be now to move forward."

If you're a Zelda fan who's had any level of access to the internet over the last decade or so, there's a very good chance you've come across Giuseppe "CryZENx" Macula's Ocarina of Time Unreal Engine remake. The creator first began posting videos recreating parts of the original 1998 game with shiny new visuals back in 2016, and it's only grown from there. Progress has been steady, with fans even able to play through their work, but the journey ends here (thanks, Time Extension).

"I think I have made history with my Remake," CryZENx writes in a Patreon post celebrating the announcement of the official Switch 2 Ocarina of Time remake, noting that they don't want to "step" on Nintendo.

"The best move would be now to move forward" with a new project, the creator believes, "because im sure nintendo will do it this time the right way."

They've followed this up with another post to clarify that their project has now officially "stopped." They're still keen to make more content, and have been asking fans for suggestions about what they might like to see them recreate next, but don't expect more Ocarina of Time.

To be clear, in none of CryZENx's posts has the creator indicated that Nintendo had gotten in contact with them to request that they stop working on their remake, so it seems this was a decision made purely out of respect.

We've not actually seen much of the official Switch 2 Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake yet, but funnily enough, the glimpse we saw of Link actually matches up with the more realistic-looking vibe CryZENx has been aiming for for all these years pretty well. Clearly, the modder is happy, too: "Finally after 20 years we got a real remake with a high budget."

Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake more like the 1998 original than Breath of the Wild, fans theorize after digging up now-removed details from Nintendo.

Deltarune Chapter 5 will release later this week, on June 24, a year after developer Toby Fox's last installment of his episodic role-playing game, though some people believe this new one could be more earth-shattering than anything Fox has done before. The fact that Fox has now revealed he's including a song in Chapter 5 he first wrote a decade ago helps this fan theory – though it doesn't aid Fox in earning his mother's respect.

"10 years ago I made a song that sounded like this," Fox writes in a Twitter post about a peacefully plaintive instrumental illustrated by Asgore's seven rainbow flowers, one of Deltarune fans' favorite subjects to speculate about. Encouraging more theories, Fox shares that his twinkly piano song is "called 'The Sunset of 7 Suns,' and "this is the hope for Chapter 5 from 10 years ago." Also, his mom doesn't love it.

"When I played this on the piano, my mom said 'you know, usually songs do more than just repeat…'" Fox recalls in a follow-up Twitter post. "Sorry Mom. Anyway, the version in-game sounds very different. Don't be surprised."

"Mama Fox would hate House music," one Deltarune fan accurately deduces. In any case, Deltarune sleuths are more preoccupied with analyzing every aspect of the song snippet Fox posted rather than interested in simply enjoying it with an afternoon tea and biscuit.

Some people are noting with fright that Fox's 10-year-old song sounds a bit like 'Finale,' a fan-favorite, optimistic melody from Deltarune 2015 companion game Undertale. Other Deltarune players are less interested in what 'The Sunset of 7 Suns' sounds like than they are in wondering why it was written a decade ago.

"Toby drops 'from 10 years ago' and everything else," nervously says one popular Twitter post. "Is this gonna be the most important chapter in the game."

It's certainly possible – but June 24 is arriving quickly, so try not to work yourself up with any more theories. We'll have our answers soon.

Toby Fox says Deltarune Chapter 6 is "developing well" and Chapter 7 may begin development "before the end of the year."

We're into our second full day of Amazon Prime Day deals now, and the first saw loads of bargains that are perfect opportunities for gamers to make the most of the sale. From physical copies of games to headsets, controllers, Switch 2 accessories, and more.

I'm bringing you all the biggest Prime Day deals across PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC right here. Having spent the last seven years deal hunting and going hands-on with all the latest and greatest releases, you'll only find the tech I actually recommend on the daily in this guide.

Some of the true highlights I've already found include GOTY-winning games for PS5 players, third-party controllers for Switch 2 players, peripherals and chairs for PC players, and various accessories for the Xbox crowd.

I won't be limiting things to Amazon this Prime Day, though. While it sounds a bit contradictory, other retailers like to get in on the Prime Day parade too - but they tend to call it something else. Best Buy, Walmart, Newegg, and more have gone live with their own competing discounts. Indeed, Best Buy and Newegg have been arguably better for gaming laptops or PCs than Amazon, while Woot (which is admittedly an Amazon-owned brand with free Prime shipping) is also doing better for games.

Quick links

• GTA 6: check for pre-orders
• PS5 games: starting from $19.99
• Switch 2: choose your own bundle at $499.99
• Controllers: starting from $17.99
• Cases: starting from $15.98
• Handhelds: starting from $49.99
• Headsets: Razer from $34.99
• Keyboards: starting from $17.39
• Laptops: RTX 5060 from $1,199
• Mice: Logitech from $30
• Monitors: starting from $135.99
• PCs: starting from $1,299
• Retro: starting from $34.99

UK:

• PS5 games: starting from £14.29
• Switch 2: accessories from £6.99
• Controllers: Xbox from £39.99
• Headsets: Turtle Beach from £14.99
• Keyboards: starting from £18.99
• Laptops: Acer from £847
• Mice: starting from £9.48
• Monitors: MSI from £79
• PCs: starting from £669

Best Prime Day PS5 deals

Best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals

Best Prime Day Xbox deals

Best Prime Day PC deals

Live updates

And we're off!

Amazon Prime Day officially starts at midnight, but I've been seeing early offers landing across the web for a couple of weeks now. In fact, Amazon has been running its discounts ever since it announced this year's dates at the start of the month. That's all come to a head in the last few days, with the weekend bringing life to additional savings on some of our top recommended tech.

That's where my focus is going to be this week, on the tech and gadgets we actually recommend every day.

PSA: Remember to check other retailers

Finding the best Prime Day deals comes down to knowing what you want and finding the right price. If you've already found your next device, though, it's always worth knowing your full options. Just because this is Amazon's showcase doesn't mean it's always going to have the biggest offers. Competing sales from Best Buy, Walmart and others can, and sometimes do, undercut Bezos's prices.

Even if another store can't beat Amazon's price, it often works hard in other areas to stay competitive. I see this most often with sites like Best Buy and Newegg, often running extra bundle offers with games, and subscriptions that can offer better value than the web's best price.

A champion goes for its lowest ever price

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless was our best gaming headset for years, until its successor came along. The multi-platform cups sound fantastic, benefit from hot-swappable batteries, and offer a slick EQ/DAC hub that can swap easily between consoles. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Omni has come along at a slightly higher price point (there's $20 in it), with the ability to mix audio from more than two sources, a High-Res certification, and a boosted battery life.

If you ask me, though? The Pro Wireless still offers the best bang for buck value this Prime Day.

That's because it's now down to just $249.99 (compared to the Omni's $399.99 MSRP). At a good chunk of change less for the same core features it's well worth investigating.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless | $379.99 $249.99 at Amazon

Tired of controller software?

They might not feature touchpads or scream when dropped, but there are plenty of Steam Controller alternatives that take pain points and improve upon them tenfold. The Manba One is one of our favorites.

See, the Steam Controller will have you mapping all your game presets via its own software, on a per-game basis. That can get old pretty fast if you're hopping between genres regularly.

The Manba One takes all this customization (as well as deadzone and vibration controls) onboard, accessing everything via a built-in screen in the center of the gamepad. It's also a regular when Prime Day rolls around. While I'm not seeing any discounts available just yet - this is certainly one to keep an eye on this week.

Manba One | $69.99 at Amazon

PSA: Don't get caught out by Lightning Deals

I've been track'ing Prime Day deals for years now, which means I've seen more than my fair share of Lightning Deals come and go.

Amazon wants to use these limited offers to encourage impulse buying, but I've been tracking prices for far too long for that to work. These 'offers' usually hit lesser known products, sometimes with even weaker savings than I see on a day to day basis. Just because something's got a timer ticking doesn't mean it's a good deal.

The one gadget I buy every Prime Day

It might not be flashy, it might not be exciting - but I do buy ColorCoral keyboard cleaner every Prime Day. It's basically a tub of goo that does a particularly good job of cleaning all the grime, dust, hair, and grit from a gaming keyboard - trust me, I'm almost constantly cleaning these decks to take review photos.

The only problem is each tub doesn't last. After about six months that snappy elastic goo turns to much stickier gloop that doesn't quite leave the keyboard enough after application. Still, it's a prCoblem nobody else seems to have fixed and ColorCoral is pretty upfront about its shelf life. At about $6 on Prime Day it's a solid pick up before checkout.

ColorCoral keyboard cleaner | $7.99 at Amazon

A budget keyboard that hasn't let me down

Some of the best gaming keyboards can cost hundreds of dollars - up to $500 if you're really pushing the boat out. This Newmen GM326 costs less than $25.

I first picked it up as an experiment. I wanted a cheap keyboard I could try out some more involved modifications on, maybe give it a spray paint as a gift for a friend. I didn't expect it to be this good.

Yes, as I've been using it over the months it's developed a little echo around the main chassis, but it's still a far more premium feel than budget keyboards were just a few years ago. Not only that but the whole thing is hot-swappable and comes with a volume dial in the top corner. In this price range that's a rare feature.

It's also particularly friendly when the sales start. It's one I'm definitely keeping my eye on as the clock strikes midnight.

Newmen GM326 | $23.99 at Amazon

This high-end gaming tablets did integrated superchips well before Nvidia

Nvidia's Spark SoC made a splash at Computex a few weeks ago, promising integrated graphics running at about the level of the RTX 5070. However, I tested a gaming tablet offering up a pretty similar experience with its RDNA 3.5 graphics well over a year ago. The good news is it's started seeing heavier discounts in the lead up to Prime Day, and it's poised to return to record-low prices this week.

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is one of the most impressive pieces of tech I've encountered so far, but you'll need to be ready to invest in the ultra-portable experience. Anyone who just wants a gaming laptop should be looking for a dedicated device.

If, however, you want a tablet for work and an easily portable machine for play all rolled into one - it's well worth taking a look at. I was able to run Indiana Jones and Avowed with no problems here, all looking gorgeous on that 13-inch Nebula HDR display.

This Ryzen AI Max+ 395 configuration launched at $2,299.99 - but it's been hovering at around $2,169 since sales started. Memorial Day finally buckled that stalemate, dropping us below $2,000 for the fist time. That's where I hope we'll be when Prime Day deals kick off tomorrow.

Asus ROG Flow Z13 | $2,299.99 $2,030 at Amazon

Woot's getting the engines going

I've had a stroll through Woot's hallowed halls, hunting down the video game deals that Amazon seems to be lacking in the lead up to Prime Day. After all, this is where I usually see the heaviest discounts on physical Switch and Switch 2 titles, and the retailer isn't afraid of dropping prices on newer PS5 games either.

My search has been fruitful - not only will you find Pokemon Legends Z-A at a great price, and Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined for $20 off, but the 8Bitdo 64 Bluetooth controller is now under $35 as well. All the offers are just below, but I've also added them to my top roster as well.

8Bitdo 64 Bluetooth controller | $44.99 $34.99 at Woot

Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined | $59.99 $39.99 at Woot

Pokemon Legends: Z-A | $69.99 $59.99 at Woot

This is the grown up version of the monitor I use every day

And it's down to $189.99.

The Samsung Odyssey G5 is at its lowest price ever in this early Prime Day deal, sending you home with a 32-inch QHD panel running at 165Hz. It's the same screen that's seen me through years of wear and tear, including two house moves and four setup swaps. That's a lot of tumble and she's still going strong.

Previous discounts have neared $190 in the past, most recently back in April - but this is a $220 - $250 display when usual sales hit.

Samsung Odyssey G5 | $329.99 $189.99 at Amazon

One lightning deal I can vouch for

Joel himself is going for just under $10 in an early Prime Day lightning deal, with the Pop Vinyl figure already 40% claimed. I've done the homework on this one and that is, indeed, a record-low price. It's not a massive saving, no, clocking in at just under $5 but if you're looking for a cheaper saving to kickstart your Prime Day it's well worth a look. I mean, it is Joel after all.

A new record-low price on one of our favorite Switch 2 accessories

The Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 charging case does so much to alleviate the handheld's biggest downfall, and it's just dropped to a brand new record-low price. The $69.99 MSRP has given way to $59.99 on rare occasions in the past, but with an extra $5 off the final price we're breaking that record ahead of Prime Day.

The clamshell case comes with a 10,000mAh power bank slotted underneath the handheld bay. That means easy recharging on the go, while still enjoying cart storage.

Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case | $69.99 $54.99 at Amazon

... Or opt for the newer model

The Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 charging case is great, and it's at a solid price - but if you're really looking to push the boat out with your new clamshell, there's a newer model in town.

While the original is seeing its lowest price yet, the Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Case Pro is seeing its first discount. This is a follow up with 30W fast charging, a built-in LED display to show battery status, and a kickstand. You're usually paying $99.99 for those upgrades, but early Prime Day deals have it at $84.99 for the first time this week.

Belkin Switch 2 Charging Case Pro | $99.99 $84.99 at Amazon

Astro Bot finally sees some serious discounts

It's been a long time coming, but Astro Bot is finally giving up its MSRP. Amazon has the Game of the Year 2024 winner at $39 in its early Prime Day deals, dropping it to its lowest price ever - a steep decline from the $55 I tend to see it at day to day.

We've only been near this rate once before, back in December, and even then we were a few cents over.

PS2-era platform fans and lovers of all things deceptively difficult should be checking out this offer, especially if you've grown up with older PlayStation titles.

Astro Bot | $59.99 $39 at Amazon

Duncan's favorite budget gaming chair at under $200

The Corsair TC100 has been ruling the budget roost in our best gaming chairs roster for years now, and it's fending off the competition in 2026. That's partly due to the fact that it's now regularly discounted on top of its already-agreeable starting price, and Best Buy's got the anti-Prime Day deal to clinch it this week.

The leatherette model is down to $179.99 on these shelves, beating Amazon's own rates and offering up a $90 discount on the $270 chair. We called the fabric model a "couch on wheels" on review a couple of years ago, but that plush cushioning and fantastic arm rest system is still at play here. Just watch out if you prefer a softer lumbar support.

Corsair TC100 | $269.99 $179.99 at Best Buy

Keep an eye on these two PS5 games

Resident Evil Requiem and Saros are two of the PS5's biggest games to release in 2026 so far, and neither have shifted their MSRPs in the run up to Prime Day deals. While the former has a little more time under its belt and has seen those pennies fall away slightly, Saros is going to be the bigger gamble here.

Having only hit the shelves in April, it's not exactly ready for the bargain bucket yet. Still, Prime Day would be an excellent time for a debut discount and I've seen discounts arriving on other games sooner.

Resident Evil Requiem | $59.99 at Amazon

Saros | $59.99 at Amazon

PSA: Grab that Switch 2 bundle before prices increase

Earlier this year, Nintendo announced that its Switch 2 price would jump from $449 to $499 in the US from September. That's the same rate as the current choose-your-own-game bundle currently doing the rounds ahead of Prime Day. If you know you'll be buying a new handheld this year, now's the time to do it. You're spending the same as you would in September, but also walking away with a free copy of Pokemon Pokopia, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Mario Kart World.

Nintendo Switch 2 choose your own game bundle | $499 at Amazon

PlayStation Portal owners, listen up!

PlayStation Portal owners will know the handheld's difficulty with audio. A wireless connection is only achievable via the brand's own Pulse earbuds, and they cost a whopping $200. Thankfully, Walmart has a solution.

In its own competing Prime Day deals, the retailer has dropped the Pulse Explore buds down to $99, just over half off the full MSRP. Considering Amazon's still at full price, this one's going to be popular among the remote players.

The Pulse Explores had only ever dropped to $149 before today, making this a new record-low price by some way. They're not even discounted regularly either, in the last year they've spent more time at full price than with any savings applied - and they've only dipped that rate twice.

PlayStation Pulse Explore | $199.99 $99 at Walmart

Asus's Hatsune Miku gaming mouse at under $100

It's not a massive discount, and we're actually a few pennies off a record-low price, but it's just nice to see Asus's TUF Hatsune Miku collection getting involved in early Prime Day deals. The pink and turquoise edition has dropped from its $109.99 MSRP down to $94.99 this week at Amazon, offering a 65g / 12,000 DPI rodent with a 134 hour battery.

Asus TUF Gaming Hatsune Miku Wireless Mouse | $109.99 $94.99 at Amazon

My favorite Hall effect keyboard features in early Prime Day deals, but there's another I'd grab instead...

... assuming you're after a wireless high-end model that is.

After all, if you're looking for the best price possible I'd point you back towards the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 (now $149.99), but if you're after the best of the best you'll have stumbled across this $40 discount on the Asus ROG Azoth 96 HE.

There's just one problem - that's about $14 off a record-low price. I lied, there's another problem - the Asus ROG Falcata is about $100 cheaper.

Both the Azoth and the Falcata use the HFX V2 switches, the best I've tested so far. They're silky smooth, free from any extra tension you might recognize if you've had your hands on older or cheaper magnetic keyboards. They're fast, easy to measure your pressure, and sound fantastic.

Keep both halves of the Falcata together, close your eyes, and you could be sweeping across the Azoth - for far less cash.

Asus ROG Azoth 96 HE | $359.99 $319.99 at Amazon

Asus ROG Falcata | $349.99 $214.99 at Best Buy

There's one gaming mouse I'm watching closer than others at midnight

The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro hasn't seen too much sales action since it launched this time last year. That's a long time to go without a discount - suspiciously long.

We could well see the flagship take its first ever price cut when Prime Day unlocks its doors at midnight, and considering it's having to fend off the Logitech G Pro X 2 Superstrike at $179.99, that $169.99 MSRP could well tumble.

Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro | $169.99 at Amazon

Remember that Hatchin' Yoshi? It's back, and half price

The $59.99 Hatchin' Yoshi was all the rage when it launched alongside the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Now everyone's favorite dino is back on the shelves, with a 50% discount.

The adorable toy (and accompanying egg) is available for $30 at Walmart, down from its original $59.99 MSRP. It was never quite as chased as the Yoshi popcorn bucket, but considering this was a popular tie-in that's an impressive saving.

Hatchin' Yoshi | $59.99 $30 at Walmart

Steering wheels seem to be taking their time

I was hoping we'd see some solid early Prime Day deals on steering wheels this year, but it looks like these rollers are holding out for the main event. I've been through all the models we recommend and there's merely a whisper of a saving here. When the time comes, though, I'd recommend keeping a close eye on the Logitech G RS50.

It's our top recommended wheel, offering more sim-racing vibes than hobbyist Forza jaunts. It's incredibly smooth, though, with excellent TrueForce and a surprisingly solid starting price considering its competition.

At the moment it's $674.99 for both the PS5 and Xbox version, but I usually see this $700 wheel on sale for between $499 and $599 when the timing's right.

Logitech G RS50 | $674.99 at Amazon

Open box ROG Xbox Ally X handhelds are available at Best Buy

With $100 off the launch price, these open box ROG Xbox Ally X handhelds are about as close as we're likely going to get on a discount this year. Portable PCs have seen serious price increases since the days of the original ROG Ally, and this turbo-charged device still manages to err on the side of cheap by Lenovo, MSI, and Acer's standards.

It's a small drop in the $999.99 MSRP, but if you're looking to save as many pennies as possible while scoring our top-rating gaming handheld it's time to get serious.

Xbox ROG Ally X (Open Box) | $999.99 $899.99 at Best Buy

Keep an eye on this controller when Prime Day deals hit big

The EasySMX X10 has been on my desk for a good few years now, seeing me through all those PC games that just need a controller to feel good. All those hours and it only cost around $30 when I picked it up. Right now it's still at $39.99 at Amazon, but this is a major sales favorite.

I often see this one taking additional coupon discounts parking it at around $25. That's an astonishingly good deal for Hall effect sticks, a sturdy 40 hour battery life, and mechanical face buttons.

EasySMX X10 | $39.99 at Amazon

It's not a record-low, but...

The way things are going in the graphics card world right now, Amazon's $369.99 sales price on the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti is looking slightly more agreeable ahead of Prime Day. You're not getting the full whack of the 16GB model here, which could hurt if you're running particularly demanding titles - but this is a considerably cheaper alternative for those upgrading without breaking the bank this week.

This one's been stuck at about $440 for a good chunk of the year, with its price tag steadily dropping to today's rate over the last five months. The only time it was cheaper was back in December of last year.

PNY RTX 5060 Ti | $429.99 $369.99 at Amazon

The Meta Quest 3S has taken its first discount since its price jumped this year

The Meta Quest 3S (128GB) saw its MSRP leap up to $349.99 (previously sat at $299) a couple of months ago, and it's held firm at that position ever since. Amazon's early Prime Day deals have chopped those numbers back down today, though.

The headset is now back at $296.79 - hey, at least we're $3 off the previous launch price. No, we're nowhere near the record-low (that was $249 set back in December), but we're unlikely to be any time soon. This is the best price of the year, in a year riddled with increases.

Meta Quest 3S | $349.99 $296.79 at Amazon

You call that a monitor?

This isn't just a monitor. It's a 57-inch monster packed with a 4K resolution, 1,000R curve, 240Hz refresh rate, and Quantum Mini LED panel. That's a spec list to make any bank balance shake.

Amazon's dropped this $2,099.99 beast down to $1,499.99 ahead of Prime Day deals proper. We're still $100 away from the historic record-low here, but considering that $1,399 rate hasn't been spotted since 2024 I'd say we're clear to land here.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 | $2,099.99 $1,499.99 at Amazon

New Prime Day deals drop at midnight

For some that's a lot sooner. In the UK, Prime Day officially starts now but we're waiting a few more hours for the full US roster of discounts to drop. I expect we'll see the biggest launch right on cue, with more savings rolling throughout the day afterwards. Here's hoping we net ourselves a wad of solid PS5 game deals as they've been in short supply so far, and some more controller savings while we're at it as well.

Good morning, and happy Prime Day!

Hey everyone, and happy Prime Day to all who celebrate... We're back in full force now that the sale is officially underway, and I'll be bringing you the best offers I can find throughout the day. Let's go!

Save up to 35% on gaming laptops

So, in terms of what's cracking now: phew, it's all kicking off. Savings on everything from headsets to laptops have suddenly emerged in the Prime Day gaming page on Amazon, and I'm seeing discounts up to 35% overall so far. For example, this ASUS TUF F16 with an RTX 5050 has fallen to $839.99 rather than the full $1,299.99.

Riddle me this, Batman

While the price hike for Meta VR headsets still sting, we've seen a pretty sizeable drop today on the 3S 256GB model with Batman Arkham Shadow. More specifically, it's $382.49 at Amazon instead of the $450 MSRP - a drop of 15% in total. That's the best it's been for months, and is certainly a step up from the $440-ish average cost.

Gear up

Hold the phone - I don't think we've ever seen this premium Scuf controller go for any less than this. $186.99 at Amazon instead of the usual $219.99? Um, yes please! While Scuf's handsets are some of the priciest around, you're paying for quality - and this thing has vastly superior customization options compared to alternatives.

Time to (Lenovo Legion) GO

Well well well - want a handheld PC? Amazon's Prime Day gaming deals have you covered, with the Lenovo Legion Go S dropping to what I think might be a record low price. You can currently grab it for $549.99 instead of $711.13.

What are you keeping an eye out for?

Let's take a second for a breather. What have you seen that you like the look of so far? Is there anything in particular that you're interested in seeing? Sound off in the comments! Personally speaking, I'm keeping a very close eye on Prime Day Lego deals. Gaming-themed kits always get great offers for the sale, and this year is no different.

My deals-sense is tingling

What with Brand New Day fast approaching, Spidey fever is growing - so it's a good thing that Amazon just slashed the cost of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. This excellent sequel (we gave it a full five stars in our review) is currently sitting at $29.99, though you'll need to add it to your basket to see the discount.

Want a Switch Pro Controller, but put off by the price?

Want an alternative to the (quite expensive) Pro Controller on Switch/Switch 2? This option from 8BitDo is well worth considering, especially at 24% less than usual. It's currently $53.19 instead of $70, and I'm pretty sure that's a record low price - it's never been cheaper than it is now.

Astro-nomical savings

Another game that caught my eye in today's sale is the surprisingly brilliant Astro Bot. If you've not tried this one yet, you need to remedy that immediately; it's a phenomenal platformer that took everyone by surprise when it launched, and now it's just $39 at Amazon as part of the Prime Day deals for gamers.

This Kirby amiibo just took its first ever discount

Kirby leaps atop a Warp Star in one of the more recent amiibo figures to hit Nintendo's collection, and for $20 less than its $49.99 MSRP it can hop onto your shelf at a great price this Prime Day. This is a limited-stock run, and it's already 13% claimed at the time of writing - not one for serious fans to miss.

Kirby & Warp Star Amiibo | $49.99 $29.99 at Amazon

Nex Playground isn't seeing its usual Prime Day deal

Nex Playground saw incredible success late last year, even beating the PS5 for sales during the week before Black Friday. This time it's back in action for Prime Day, though the previous $199 sales price has been shifted slightly. It's currently down to $239 (was $299) for a $60 discount rather than the expected $100. It's a great system for kids a little too young to wrap their hands around a controller - just be aware it needs a monthly subscription to really be worth it.

Nex Playground | $299 $239 at Amazon

Now this Hall effect keyboard deal complicates things

Let me talk about the Asus ROG Azoth 95 HE just one more time, to bring you the update that Prime Day has just dropped my number one rated magnetic keyboard down to a brand new record-low price. You'll find it for $265.99 at Amazon right now, $94 off the original $359.99 - having only ever hit around $300 in the past.

With the Falcata still slightly cheaper, this muddies the waters. After all, both use the fantastic HFX V2 switches and come with wireless connections. If you're not an FPS player, though, that split Falcata design could grow tiresome - I'd trade it in for the extra controls offered by the Azoth's onboard display.

Asus ROG Azoth 96 HE | $359.99 $265.99 at Amazon

Nothing new from Woot this morning

I was hoping we'd see a few more discounts from Woot this morning, what with it being an Amazon-owned company and all. However, it looks like the retailer is holding back on us. I'm seeing the same discounts as yesterday on this gaming frontpage, and there's not much for PS5 or Nintendo Switch players in here. This is usually my go-to for cheaper game deals, but we'll have to wait and see a little longer.

There we go!

This is the gaming mouse deal I've been holding out for this Prime Day - that $169.99 MSRP on the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro had been standing firm far too long. You'll now find the flagship (and my number one recommendation) available for $149.99. It's a smaller saving, but considering this FPS-first wireless rodent has been at full price its entire life so far I'll certainly take it.

Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro | $169.99 $149.99 at Amazon

And there's Requiem

PS5 game deals are still coming up a little dry but I've started trawling the shelves a little more and spotted this discount on Resident Evil Requiem. You're getting the February release for $55.99 this week - a brand new record-low price and the first time Amazon has discounted the new instalment.

Resident Evil: Requiem | $69.99 $55.99 at Amazon

Clair Obscur joins the Expedition

Another PS5 find from Amazon's virtual aisles here, Clair Obscur Expedition 33 has returned to its lowest ever price. I've only seen this $39.99 rate once before today - and that was only for a flash sale back in December. It's an easy recommendation from me, but that Game of the Year award certainly goes a long way as well.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | $49.99 $39.99 at Amazon

Logitech's getting in on the mouse action as well

I won't lie, I'm massively biased in this - but the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX is one of my all-time favorite rodents. On paper it's not quite doing enough to beat the Razer DeathAdder V4, but for my grip, hand-size, and playstyle it's a personal winner. The extra groove in the side makes for a far more comfortable experience compared to Logitech's main flagship, and this one's $10 cheaper than it's ever been before this Prime Day.

It's at $119.98 right now, for a modest $40 off the original price. That might not sound like much, but I've only ever seen it drop to $129.99 when it's taken rare discounts in the past.

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX | $159.99 $119.98 at Amazon

This is the keyboard I'd recommend to anyone travelling with a handheld PC

The Razer Joro is a tiny little portable keyboard but it still manages to feel smooth and comfortable under the hands. It uses the brand's scissor switches to offer a super satisfying feel without the depth of a bulky keyboard, which means it's perfect for a portable handheld setup. The best part? It's just dropped to a brand new record-low price at Amazon - beating previous rates by $20.

It's down to $79.99 right now, where I've only ever seen it in the $90s in the past - all for a 43% discount overall.

Razer Joro | $139.99 $79.99 at Amazon

One of Razer's best headsets yet at its lowest ever price

The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro launched at a lofty $249.99 MSRP, and it's largely stuck to that rate save for a few discounts here and there. We're back down to its lowest price yet at Amazon, though, with the PC headset ticking all the way back down to $209.99. Ok, so it's only $40 off one of the more expensive headsets on the market, but that's still a win for anyone waiting for a return to form here.

Razer BlackShark V3 Pro | $249.99 $209.99 at Amazon

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond finally gets a decent price cut

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond has seen a couple of discounts in its life so far, but these have often been limited to GameStop in-store offers, and stock has been short. Amazon is remedying that this Prime Day, with a 36% discount on the Nintendo Switch 2 version dropping the $69.99 title down to $44.99. That's a record-low price on the latest release, but this one's already 6% claimed at the time of writing.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond | $69.99 $44.99 at Amazon

PSA: Amazon's making it look like there's a deal on the PS5 - there isn't

Amazon is hiding some of its Prime Day deals behind your cart. That means you'll need to add each item to your basket in order to see the full discount amount, annoying. Even more frustrating, it's applying this filter to items that simply aren't discounted at all - including the PS5.

Like many, I've just started a fresh sweep for Prime Day PS5 options and come across a hidden price for the console. Yes, I let myself get excited - only to reach checkout and realize this is still the normal $649 MSRP.

A wireless gaming keyboard for less than $100?

I've been waiting for this offer for a little while now, having first spotted it this time last year. Whenever it's $99.99, the Keychron V6 Max is undoubtedly the best value wireless deck you can buy. It feels great, keeps its price low, and keeps up with gaming-branded options for more casual play as well.

A 20% discount is taking us back down to this sweet spot in Amazon's current Prime Day deals, dropping the $124.99 MSRP back under $100.

Keychron V6 Max | $124.99 $99.99 at Amazon

Should you actually buy a new console on Amazon Prime Day?

Unless is refurbished or a Nintendo Switch 2 bundle? Not unless you absolutely have to.

PS5 and Xbox Series X prices have surged in the last year, with Sony now asking for a whopping $600 for its cheapest device. These rigs launched at far less, and I don't expect them to get any cheaper any time soon.

Instead, I'd recommend keeping a close eye on PS Direct's refurbished stock and Best Buy's Geek Bench Recertified supplies. I've spotted OG PS5s going as low as $400 in there in the past, offering far greater value for money overall.

PSA: These SteelSeries earbuds have been a lot cheaper in the past

Not all Amazon Prime Day deals are stacked the same. The SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds, for example, while the best gaming earbuds you can buy right now - have been significantly cheaper in previous sales. They're up for $159.99 right now, with a $40 discount away from the $199.99 MSRP - not too impressive considering they were in the $140s earlier this year.

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds | $199.99 $159.99 at Amazon

Save nearly 50% on one of our favorite steering wheels

Starting life at a lofty $449.99, the Turtle Beach Velocity One KD3 nevertheless earned itself a spot among our favorite racers, and now it's cheaper than ever.

The Direct Drive sim-racing wheel has taken a massive price cut (nearly 50%) down to $237.49 in Amazon's Prime Day deals. That beats the previous record-low, even if it's just by a few bucks. Sure, this one's been on sale more often than it hasn't in the last few months, but it does creep back up to MSRP every now and then.

If you're after a serious wheel (and you've checked your compatibility), there's plenty to like here.

Turtle Beach Velocity One KD3 | $449.99 $237.49 at Amazon

The Logitech Astro A50 X is a multiplatform dream

But it can be difficult to recommend to solo-platform players at full price.

That's because this is a premium headset that does away with some of the features you'd expect from a $399 device. Bluetooth, for example, is routed through the base station rather than the cups themselves, making travel a nightmare. Then you've got the fact that you need to have all your devices set up in once place for it to work.

However, graphene drivers, on-the-fly KVM switching, and an easy charging cradle mean those regularly swapping between PS5 and Xbox are well served.

Just as well the A50 X is back at its lowest ever price for Prime Day - hopping down to $299.99 for the first time in a while.

Astro A50 X | $399.99 $299.99 at Amazon

One of Duncan's favorite gaming chairs hits its best price of the year

The Fractal Refine is our 'best gaming chair for most players', which essentially means it's got a sturdy value next to it without investing in some of the more premium features you'll be paying the big bucks for. That's a win, especially when it drops to an even more agreeable price.

The fabric chair, in all its ergonomic glory, is 20% off in Amazon's Prime Day deals, kicking that $599.99 MSRP all the way down to $479.99. I've seen it in the high-$300s before, but that was last year. In 2026, this one's only ever dropped to $499 in sales before this month.

Fractal Refine | $599.99 $479.99 at Amazon

My hopes for a discount on this Stream Deck-toting keyboard have been dashed

I was holding out hope for a Prime Day deal on this Corsair Galleon 100 SD gaming keyboard. It's the deck I reach for whenever I get a break in testing, with its inbuilt Stream Deck proving just too fun to stay away from for too long. Unfortunately, it's just a little too expensive to be able to recommend to the masses.

At $349.99 it's right up there with the top Hall effect models of the day, and its use-case is slightly more niche. I'll be keeping a close eye on this one over the course of the week, though.

Corsair Galleon 100 SD | $349.99 at Amazon

One of the few third party PS5 controllers takes a solid, but not record-breaking discount

The Razer Raiju V3 Pro earned itself an impressive 4.5/5 stars in our review last year, with its beautiful mouse switch buttons, extended grips, and TMR thumbsticks. While those also surveying the DualSense Edge might miss the rumble and haptic triggers, Amazon's current $144 sales price might sway a few decisions this week.

After all, this is still one of the best PS5 controllers on the market and it's currently $55 cheaper than Sony's official Pro pad. Unfortunately, it can't go in my top list. The Raiju V3 Pro was $129.99 earlier this year, dropping a little more from its MSRP back in February. Granted, since then it's been stuck well above $170 - but that record was set just a little too recently for this to be a true top pick.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro | $219.99 $144 at Amazon

One controller I can put in the top list, though

Is the Flydigi Apex 5.

This $159.99 gamepad converted Duncan to the brand when he reviewed it earlier this year. After a poor experience with the brand's Vader 4 Pro, though, this is the one that turned it around.

With an excellent selection of controls around the back, plenty of extra buttons, adjustable thumbstick tension, and comfortable, grippy toppers this is a pro pad with style. A coupon also brings us to within just $2 of its lowest ever price as well - and considering that record was set over Black Friday last year, that's a fantastic offer.

Flydigi Apex 5 | $159.99 $127.99 at Amazon

Another gaming chair ripped straight from our top recommendations

The Corsair TC500 Luxe scored four out of five stars in our review last year, dropping a mark only because the armrests are set a little wider than most. If that's your jam, though, this is going to be an easy winner.

The premium-feeling cushions are lined with a super luxurious material, but also benefit from a wider seat base for curling and wiggling. It's also sporting one of the best head cushions we've tested so far, a magnetic number that offers plenty of support. This is a tall, wide option for those who hate skinnier chairs - and it's currently at its lowest price yet for Prime members.

This is a brand new discount, with the chair previously only skipping down to around $440 in previous sales. At $399 you're saving 27% (that's $150) on the MSRP.

Corsair TC500 Luxe | $549.99 $399.99 at Amazon

This Switch 2 and PC controller doesn't take discounts all too often

With magnetic back paddles, a super luxurious feel, and the ability to wake the Switch 2, the GuliKit KK3 Max has a lot going for it. That's probably why that $79.99 MSRP doesn't budge all too often - apart from today.

Amazon's Prime Day deals have the Hall effect sticks down to $63.99 right now - the first major discount I've seen. You're saving 20% here, scoring a gamepad we gave 4.5/5 stars for a rare $16 discount.

With that wake functionality, this is an easy recommendation for Switch 2 players looking for a little more than the GameSir Super Nova - but it'll also hold up well for PC and mobile titles as well.

GuliKit KK3 Max | $79.99 $63.99 at Amazon

Amazon has beaten Woot on Pokemon Legends Z-A

Woot was leading with a $59.99 sales price ($10 off) on Pokemon Legends Z-A yesterday, but Amazon has just dropped a competing deal of its own. The full Switch 2 version has just appeared for $44.99, and at the time of writing it's only 2% claimed so far. This is a record-low on last year's release, and one I haven't seen before.

Pokemon Legends Z-A | $69.99 $44.99 at Amazon

Hades 2 joins the discount party

With 20% off the original sticker price, Hades 2 has hit its lowest ever price. This is actually the first time I've seen the Switch 2 title drop its MSRP at Amazon, so while that $10 might not sound like much at first it's working particularly hard for roguelike fans this Prime Day.

Hades 2 | $49.99 $39.99 at Amazon

A new record-low price on my go-to gaming tablet

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 has long been my favorite gaming tablet, and last year's iteration sealed the deal. Despite running integrated graphics, this little screen was more than capable of hitting the Triple-A titles of the era at launch, showing no signs of struggle across Avowed and Indiana Jones.

It's a serious outlay, for sure, more than most budget-friendly gaming laptops and certainly more than the most expensive mobile tablets. It's a full Windows machine squeezed into a super portable form factor, though, and it's seriously impressive in person.

Amazon has taken the $2,099.99 MSRP of the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 model and cut 23% off it for Prime Day, leaving us at a record-low $1,609.99 sales price for the first time. I've only ever seen this model hit $1,700 in previous offers.

Asus ROG Flow Z13 | $2,099.99 $1,609.99 at Amazon

Gaming chair deal hunters are well served this Prime Day

The AndaSeat Novis is the third set of cushions from our roster of the best gaming chairs taking a record-breaking discount at Amazon this week. This time, it's one of the brand's budget chairs in the hotseat. This is already a well-priced model, with a comfortable seat base, the materials of a far more expensive chair, and simple, easy to use features. At $224.10, it's just pushed past the $249 price it's been stuck at for some time, marking a rare saving on the extra large model. Just be sure to tick the coupon box on this one.

AndaSeat Novis | $249 $224.10 at Amazon

If you've finished Requiem, Resident Evil 2 should be your next step

Those who haven't already played Resident Evil 2 should definitely take a look after they've finished Requiem. In fact, if you're yet to play either I'd recommend starting here. There's a lot going on between the two titles, and each will fill the other with plenty of additional details.

The PS5 remaster is available for just $15.99 at Amazon right now, taking a smaller $4 discount from its $19.93 day-to-day rate.

Resident Evil 2 | $19.93 $15.99 at Amazon

Super Mario Galaxy returns to the discount shelves

Woot was previously offering a $10 discount on Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Nintendo Switch, but that disappeared a few days ago. Now things are shifting south once more for Prime Day, and you'll find the bumper pack available for $49.99 at Woot right now. That's a $20 discount on the $69 rate Amazon's still holding onto.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 | $69.99 $49.99 at Woot

Look, it's not the best mouse in the game but it's certainly one of the coolest

8Bitdo's Retro R8 rodent is joining in the Prime Day fun this week, with a 37% discount on its $49.99 MSRP. That leaves us at $31.48 for the NES-themed rodent, but this isn't just a novelty device. You'll still find a 26,000 DPI sensor with a 4K polling rate under the hood, as well as a PAW 3395 sensor running the show as well. The whole thing comes with a charging dock to boot - actually fantastic value when you look at the specs and features alone. That slick retro paintjob is an added bonus.

8Bitdo Retro R8 mouse | $49.99 $31.48 at Amazon

The best Xbox controllers of 2025 are both discounted

Good morning, folks! Hardware Editor Duncan here to take over the early deals hunting shift. Let's kick the day off with some controller recommendations for Xbox and PC players.

In our hardware awards of 2025, the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited went home with the silverware thanks to its premium build quality, luxurious-feeling buttons, handy accessories, and the improvements it made over its PS5 version. It's biggest reason you should avoid it? A $200 price tag.

It's currently seeing a discount at Amazon down to $179.99, which definitely makes it a tad more affordable. Cannot recommend it enough; it's one of the controllers I go back to often, but I do appreciate that it's still not the most affordable, so stay with me.

Our runner-up for best controller of the year in 2025 was the GameSir G7 Pro, which gives you a lot of the same microswitch feels and overall comfort, just at a more reasonable price tag. Its usual price is $79.99, but you can get it for $63 at Amazon just now.

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited: $179.99 at Amazon / £145 at Sports Direct
GameSir G7 Pro: $63.99 at Amazon / £71.99 at Amazon

It's almost time for GTA 6 pre-orders - but have you played last year's GOTY?

If GTA 6 somehow doesn't win Game of the Year in 2026, it might end up being one of the biggest upsets in gaming history. With pre-orders opening this week though, I was talking with my best friend about whether the next GTA will really push the envelope or be more of the same, and it got us to talking about whether or not it will stand out as clearly as Clair Obscur did in 2025.

Honestly, the hype for this game is so warranted in my eyes. I'm not a huge fan of turn-based games, but this one compelled me so much I want to replay it every time I think about it.

Expedition 33 is currently seeing a discount for PS5 players at Amazon, and I'm just saying, if you're going to pre-order what will likely be 2026's game of the year (without seeing gameplay), you owe it to yourself to also check out last year's if you haven't already. Otherwise, how will you know which is better??

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: $49.99 $39.99 at Amazon
Read more: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review

One for UK gamers

The Steam Frame VR headset will surely be arriving shortly now that its sibling controller and mini PC have, and it could give the VR market a good shake-up. While the obvious alternative is the Meta Quest 3, I'd actually direct UK VR gamers toward the Pico 4 Ultra.

Having reviewed both, and compared the Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra closely, I'd argue Pico actually has an edge, personally. Their specs are similar besides a few areas where the Pico 4 Ultra outguns it, but it's also a bit cheaper than Meta's headset. It's only available in the UK, so this deal is just for folks in that region, but while it's going cheaper thanks to Prime Day, I'd consider it if you aren't holding out for the Steam Frame.

Pico 4 Ultra: £529.99 £502 at Amazon

One of the best gaming headsets I've ever used is on offer

Fractal Design might be known for its PC cases, but whenever it's taken a crack at a new market, it hasn't missed and hit the wall.

Case in point, the Fractal Scape is one of the best gaming headsets I've ever had on my head. Its sound quality is excellent, it looks like it's been stolen from an Apple shop concept art book, and it's really easy to customize in terms of its sound profiling. It'll also work with a PS5 as well as PC.

Only a few pain points with it really: Firstly, it has Bluetooth connection, but it's not simultaneous with the platform you're gaming on. Secondly, it doesn't have a 3.5mm headphone jack, which means you do lose out on some opportunities to use it with sound mixers or more traditional setups.

Regardless, it's one of the gaming headsets I use on the daily, and I can't recommend it more highly. Thanks to a Prime-exclusive deal, it can be yours for a bit cheaper at the moment.

Fractal Scape: $199.99 $161.49 at Amazon

You can adjust this controller's thumbstick tension without tools, but are you okay with wired-only play?

It's not a feature we see all that often, so I don't think people think about it, but adjustable stick tension on a controller is an amazing way to help it feel more like yours. Most of the time, if this niche is catered to, you need tools to make the most of it. With the Flydigi Vader 5S, all you need do is give the stick gates (the gold, circular rims around the thumbsticks) a quick twist in either direction, and it'll strengthen and loosen them.

This is one of my favorite controllers I've tested this year, and it's a bit cheaper for Prime Day. Then only real drawback? There's no wireless play.

Flydigi Vader 5S: $59.99 $47.99 at Amazon

One for PC builders and upgraders

Intel's latest "flagship" desktop CPU only released earlier this year, but it's already seeing a pretty substantial discount thanks to Prime Day. If you're already rocking a PC with an Intel Core Ultra processor, you can upgrade to this with no hassle since it fits the same LGA 1851 motherboard socket.

Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus: $357 $264.99 at Amazon

Nightreign is half-off

If you're a fan of Soulsborne games and you're yet to jump into Elden Ring Nightreign, now might be the time to assemble some friends and give it a shot. It's currently half off in a Prime Day deal if you're a PS5 player.

Elden Ring Nightreign: $39.99 $19.99 at Amazon

This GameSir G7 Pro rival is cheaper, but is it right for you?

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is another really popular controller, this time for Switch and PC. It's got a lot of the same benefits as the GameSir G7 Pro, including TMR thumbsticks, two back buttons and two bumpers, wireless play, and a charging stand. It's also a little more affordable, and its Prime Day deal enhances that fact.

I've tested both, and overall I prefer the G7 Pro, but that might be because the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 has shorter grips and is a better fit for gamers with smaller hands. Both gamepads are great, but if you're on a budget, this is a choice to consider.

8BitDo Ultimate 2: $59.99 $47.49 at Amazon

This is one of the cheapest RTX 5060 Ti builds I've seen this Prime Day

The HP Omen 35L is one of the safest gaming PC purchases you can make. Not only does it come from a big, well-known brand, but its innards are always taken from similarly reliable brands.

For the most part, RTX 5060 Ti PCs are getting priced around $1,400 this Prime Day, regardless of the retailer you shop at, but HP has knocked this configuration down to $,1274. I'm not entirely convinced by its listing price, which gives it a $1,125 saving - that's hard to believe even in a RAM price crisis. Either way, this is a decent bargain, and you get a DDR5 system which is more futureproofed than a lot of the RTX 5060 builds I've been seeing on the shelves this week.

HP Omen 35L: $1,274.99 at HP
Read more: HP Omen 35L Review

I use a very silly MMO mouse for all of my gaming, and I don't remember seeing it cheaper than this

I have very bizarre tastes in gaming mice. For me, it's all about comfort and utility, and the Redragon M908 Impact gives me both of those things in abundance. It's a very affordable mouse to begin with; I have two of them (one for each setup I use for work and play), and I think I spent ~$50 altogether. It's currently down to $19.66 at Amazon, which I can't confirm is the cheapest it's ever been, but I certainly don't recall seeing it below that price.

The reason I love this mouse is that it has 12 MMO side keys which are programmable to any keyboard function. That can be huge for playing all sorts of games and having maximum functionality if you have lots of in-game actions to use.

It also has a dedicated groove for your pinky and ring finger, which adds all the comfort a palm-grip player like me could want. It also has addable weights you can put in it for a heftier feel - so it's sort of the opposite of every Esports-tilted rodent you'll see next to it on the shelves. I love it.

Redragon M908 Impact: $28.17 $19.66 at Amazon

The Corsair TC500 Luxe is a great gaming chair that's got a Prime Exclusive saving, but you can do better

The Corsair TC500 Luxe is one of my go-to chair recommendations, and it tends to see pretty decent and frequent discounts in sales like Prime Day. I sat in this for over a month, and I'd argue it's one of the best pound-for-pound gaming chairs on the shelves.

Amazon has a Prime member's discount on it, which brings it down from $549 to $384, but earlier in the week I covered how you can get it even cheaper. Head over to Corsair instead, and you can get a 40% saving using the promo code listed on the retail page.

This will also work without a Prime membership since it's at Corsair, so that might be something to think about.

Corsair TC500 Luxe: $329 at Corsair
Read more: Corsair TC500 Luxe review

Razer's super-charged PS5 controller has only been more affordable than this once

Razer's latest PS5 controller is a competitive multiplayer gamer's dream. It has TMR sticks, six extra buttons, insanely speedy microswitch buttons, but there's only one problem. It's a classic Razer problem: can you guess what it is?

Razer tax.

Even though most comparable controllers manage to top out at $200, Razer somehow charges $219 for this, which is just too expensive versus the competition. Thankfully, it's seeing a substantial discount right now, and it's only been more affordable once for a flash sale in February when it went down to $129.99.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro: $219.99 $147.24 at Amazon
Read more: Razer Raiju V3 Pro review

ICYMI: Resident Evil Requiem is on sale

We highlighted it yesterday, but just in case you missed it so far, Resident Evil Requiem has taken a price cut, which might come as a surprise since it only dropped in February and has been one of the most well-received games of this year.

The sale price applies to all three platforms as well.

Resident Evil Requiem: $69.99 $55.99 at Amazon

The Stream Deck+ is at an all-time low

The Elgato Stream Decks have long been touted as valuable desktop companions for gamers that go well beyond the bounds of their initial content creation purpose. The Stream Deck Plus is kind of the epitome of that. It's a sound mixer and controller all in one; it has a multi-use touch bar that makes it even more versatile. Now, with the latest line of Elgato audio equipment, it's sort of your pathway to fully centralized content creation control of your PC if you do stream or make videos.

Neither colorway of the Stream Deck+ has ever been cheaper than it is now, so if you've been intrigued to try one out, now might be the time.

Elgato Stream Deck+: $179.99 $141.99 at Amazon
Read more: Elgato Stream Deck+ review

Psst, don't tell anyone but I can get you one of our favorite gaming chairs for even cheaper

The chair in the image above is the AutoFull G7, which, out of all of the ergonomic, mesh, highly adjustable gaming chairs out there, is probably my favorite. It's on sale at Amazon right now, and that brings you down from a $599.99 price tag to $509.99 - much more reasonable, right?

It is, but you can do even better if you're not married to the colorway.

This is where the Hbada E3 Pro enters the game. Hbada is Autofull's sister brand, owned by the same maker, just aimed at office and remote workers. The E3 Pro is the exact same chair as the G7, just with fewer gaming design flourishes. It's currently down to $399 at Amazon, so it's the much better throne to go for at the moment.

Hbada E3 Pro: $449.99 $399.99 at Amazon

Read more: AutoFull G7 review

Standing desks are getting cheaper, and I can recommend this one

For years, the novelty of a standing desk seemed like a total pipe dream because manufacturers were charging a premium for their luxury. But these days, things are getting more affordable.

The desk I use every day is one I can thoroughly recommend to gamers. It has plenty of workspace since it's an L-shape, but it also has a lot of practical features outside of its sit/stand capabilities that make it ideal for a gaming setup.

Fezibo L-Shaped Standing Desk: $308 $237.48 at Amazon
Read more: Fezibo L-Shaped Desk review

The best racing wheel has also been given the Prime Day treatment

The Logitech G RS50 felt like it took ages to come out, but it was worth the wait because it's managed to strike a really good middle ground in terms of price; it's less bulky than some of its rivals, and it has excellent compatibility with loads of games thanks to a shared ecosystem with the more expensive G Pro wheelbase.

In its Prime Day deal, you don't get it at a historical low price, but this is the second-lowest price it's ever had. That applies to the Xbox and PS5 version; just remember that you can game the system and get a setup with this wheel that makes it compatible with every platform.

Logitech G RS50: $699.99 $574.99 at Amazon
Read more: Logitech G RS50 review

You can get the 8,000Hz polling rate version of the GameSir G7 Pro for cheaper at Amazon and Walmart now

Earlier this week, I reported on how, although it wasn't a part of the brand's official plans for Prime Day, Walmart had dropped the price of the GameSir G7 Pro 8K (Nioh 3 Edition).

I didn't think we'd see that offer span to other retailers, but alas, another colorway at Amazon has dropped down too. Both controllers are the same price, so it's really up to you which colorway is your favorite. Unfortunately, the Aimlabs version I've tested doesn't seem to be discounted, but if that changes, I'll be sure to update you.

GameSir G7 Pro 8K Champion Edition: $89.99 $71.99 at Amazon
GameSir G7 Pro 8K Nioh 3 Edition: $89.99 $71.99 at Walmart

Buying or building a new gaming PC right now sucks, but it isn't your only path to an upgrade

Okay, so it's pretty common knowledge that buying PCs or their components is pretty awful at the moment. It's all AI's fault, prices are high, stock of RAM and SSDs are basically non-existent unless you want to remortgage to afford them - this is all known.

But that doesn't mean you need to go without PC upgrades if you feel your rig is in need of them. Why not freshen up your case with new fans? Why not grab a new case entirely? Or, you could invest in some new cooling options.

The NZXT Kraken Plus is on offer, which it wasn't the last few days. This is the cooler I use in my own machine, and I can vouch for its quality. Both the 360mm and 240mm options are discounted, so you've got options to suit bigger and larger builds.

NZXT Kraken Plus 240mm: $119.99 $99.99 at Amazon
NZXT Kraken Plus 360mm: $219.99 $149.99 at Amazon

In case you were hoping (like I was), the DualSense Edge has not been discounted

It feels like a missed opportunity any time there's a seasonal sale, and PlayStation doesn't discount its pro controller, but sadly, this is one of those times.

If you were pining for a DualSense Edge deal this Prime Day, I've just sifted through the retailers, and I can't see any offers. There are some more affordable renewed models, but if those aren't appealing, this is a long week. We still have two days where it could happen, but I wouldn't count on it.

The good news is that there are some other best PS5 controllers to pick from this Prime Day.

The Meta Quest 3S headsets have taken discounts, which I didn't expect

This just in, the Quest 3S headsets are now discounted, which I didn't necessarily expect, but I was quietly hoping for.

This discount is at both Best Buy and Amazon, but Amazon will get you a month of Game Pass for free and the Cardboard Monkenaut bundle for Gorilla Tag, so I'd shoot with that.

Both retailers are saying this is a limited-time deal, but not detailing how long it'll be live for, so I'd act fast.

It's been a pretty rubbish year for the Quest headsets, and that's transferred to consumers through a price rise a little while back. For that reason, I didn't think we'd be getting discounts this Prime Day, but here we go.

Meta Quest 3S 128GB: $349.99 $296.99 at Amazon
Meta Quest 3S 256GB: $449.99 $382 at Amazon
Read more: Meta Quest 3S review

My favorite gaming peripheral isn't getting any Prime Day love

I was hoping to introduce you all to the Azeron Cyborg II, which is my go-to gaming peripheral for most PC gaming. It's sort of the best parts of a controller and the best parts of a keyboard smushed together in a robot claw-looking best of both worlds device.

Unfortunately, there are no Prime Day deals on it thus far, which is a real shame because this is usually a time throughout the year when stock at Amazon goes for a little cheaper, and it's a great opportunity to try them out.

You can read more about them via the links below if you're interested.

Azeron Cyborg II review
Azeron Keyzen review

Do you want to game on the go? Here's a wee handheld recommendation from Phil

To keep things lively, I've asked our team's resident handheld gaming and retro gaming expert if there's a deal out there that I should recommend to you when it comes to portable gaming this Prime Day.

Phil says, "Out of all the retro handhelds out there right now, this one is equipped to help you escape the horrors of AI via new physical cartridges"

So if you're dreaming of a more simplistic gaming era that can shut you off from the smart devices in your life and just let you get nostalgic, this is one for you.

Super Pocket NeoGeo Edition: $69.99 $49.99 at Amazon

Prime Day is one of the few times throughout the year when you can get first-party Nintendo games for (a little bit) cheaper

Every Switch gamer knows it: buying first-party Nintendo games hurts your wallet because it can be very difficult to find them for less than full price, even years on from release. If you want proof, take a look at Tears of the Kingdom, which has been graced with a very generous discount this Prime Day, which takes it down to $59.99 at Amazon - the game has been out for three years now.

Thankfully, you could get an even newer game for Switch 2 for cheaper, and considering it was used in the marketing for the latest Nintendo console, it might be worth checking out if you haven't yet.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: $69.99 $44.99 at Amazon

Speaking of Switch 2, Rose has a recommendation for you

If you want to upgrade your Switch 2 with a carrying case that's snazzy enough to charge your handheld for you, Belkin has the answer.

I asked our resident Switch 2 accessory expert which deal she liked the best from Prime Day so far, and this is the answer:

"As much as I love cases that come plastered in adorable art of my favorite Nintendo characters (hey Princess Rosalina), the Belkin Charging Case Pro is hellbent on fixing the Switch 2's horrendously bad battery life, and that's far more important."

Belkin Charging Case Pro: $99.99 $84.99 at Amazon
Read more: Belkin Charging Case Pro review

Let's check in: have you bought anything so far?

Let's take a moment to breathe for a second, shall we? Have you bought anything in this year's Prime Day gaming deals, or is there anything you're tempted by? Shout about it in the comments, or on our social channels!

I'm currently eyeing up the latest Prime Day board game deals, because there are some really excellent bargains in there on many of the best board games. As if I needed a reason to add to my already-massive collection...

You aren't rolling the dice with this amazing board game

Speaking of board games, my current favorite offer would have to be one that brings all-time classic Catan down to just $29.99 instead of $55. Despite being a bit long in the tooth now, it still holds up thanks to mechanics that completely revolutionized the hobby, established an entire genre of its own, and inspired countless other beloved games. If you don't have it yet, it needs to be on your shelf stat.

Gaming Lego sets are getting some fantastic offers for Prime Day

It isn't just tabletop gaming that's getting some love beyond traditional video games, either. Lego sets based on gaming's best-loved franchises are heavily reduced in price too, with everything from Minecraft's Creeper kit to Fortnite's Battle Bus getting a price cut. However, I can't not give a shout out to the delightful Piranha Plant. Besides being a hugely characterful display piece that'll look great nestled amongst any setup, it's also retiring soon... which means the current offer of $20 or off via Amazon could be our lest chance to grab it for less.

If you need a new rodent, this mouse deal has bite

Looking for a new gaming mouse, but primarily play RPGs or MMOs that require plenty of hotkey action? It just so happens that the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is on offer for an impressive $69.50 instead of $140. That's literally 50% less for a top-tier mouse we gave four-and-a-half stars out of five in our review. Even by Prime Day gaming deals standards, that's exceptionally good; I don't think I've seen many other discounts match such a generous cut.

Any chance of GTA 6? Absolutely not, sorry

Before anyone asks: no, I don't think we're gonna see GTA 6 pre-orders in this week's Prime Day gaming deals. That game can basically sell itself without any trouble, so I sincerely doubt it needs the assistance of a discount as encouragement. If we get any Prime Day sales in October, though, that could be another matter... It'll have just come out at that point, so there's a chance it'll be included in the sale.

Is a better discount on the way? Probably not, no

If you're hesitant about pulling the trigger on a discount in case it gets a better offer later, I'd probably get involved sooner than later; considering we're now on day two of the sale, I'm pretty sure the prices are now locked in and won't be dropping any further if they haven't already. It's possible, of course, but doubtful.

Which leaves the question, when should you dive in? Personally speaking, I'd probably go before the final day. From experience, that tends to be when everyone else hits checkout - which means things will rapidly go out of stock. Deals also begin to end unexpectedly as the sale draws to a close, so I wouldn't recommend waiting too long.

Do a barrel roll and get Star Fox for less

If you had your eye on getting the Star Fox remake for Switch 2, I'd dive in now. It's currently $10 off at Amazon, and I sincerely doubt that's going to last through to launch day. Nintendo games are pretty notorious for holding their price, so act fast if you want to secure a copy at the best price we're likely to get for a while.

What's your Prime Day vibe so far?

My go to headphones for everything are 50% off

Now bear with me here, because I'm about to recommend something that's not a gaming headset as a gaming headset. Madness I know. But, I'm not one for playing online at all, but I do want to be fully immersed in my gaming worlds, especially when I'm travelling or my kid's asleep. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are my absolute go to. Seamless pairing with my Switch 2, Steam Deck, and of course my phone and iPad, along with best in class noise cancelling for trains and planes, and even Alexa voice control if you're into that. But the best bit is, they're usually $399.99, but now they're down to $198 at Amazon. They're not the latest model, but these have done me exceptionally well.

One of our top gaming mice for a very tempting price

We've been recommending this 5-star reviewed gaming mouse for years now, and that probably won't change until something else comes along to beat it. The Razer Basilisk is normally $6 9.99 but Amazon has it at 54% off at $32.29. That's not quite a record low, but it's darn close.

It's in our best gaming mouse list for a reason. It's super comfortable to use, is packed with programmable buttons, and it's well designed for any genre of gaming you're playing. It's an easy recommendation for the vast majority of gamers looking for an affordable gaming mouse.

A record low for what's still one of the best PS5 games of all time

Ah Astrobot, what a game. Released in late 2024, it's still our top best PS5 game recommendations because it is just so wonderful. It's an absolutely charming platformer that takes full advantage of both teh Ps5 hardware itself, and the various PlayStation IPs as a true celebration of 30 years of PlayStation.

To make it even better though, Amazon is selling it right now for $39 - the lowest price it's ever been.

Record low price for one of our top gaming headset picks

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is right up there as our 'best for most' pick of all the best gaming headsets. Even without a discount, this is budget-friendly headset with fantastic color options, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz support, impressive sound, and detachable mic. They usually retail for $109.99 but right now they're 27% off at $79.99, which is even more boom for buck.

Good little selection of Switch 2 game deals

There's a whole host of Switch 2 games available with considerable discount for Prime Day. I was hoping to see Yoshi and the Mysterious Book for you all, or Pokopia, but nothing yet. However, there's plenty below if you're hankering for something new to play this weekend.

• Hades 2 down to $39.99 (was $49.99)
• Pokemon Legends: Z-A down to $44.99 (was $69.99)
• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond down to $44.99 (was $69.99)
• Resident Evil Requiem down to $53.19 (was $69.99) - this is also on PS5 and Xbox Series X with the same discount
• Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake down to $39.99 (was $59.99)
• Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection down to $55.99 (was $69.99)

Metal Gear Solid 2 is now approaching 25 years old, and players are still discovering things about the classic game.

Metal Gear Solid 2 is one of the PS2 titles that truly felt 'next-gen' when it came out, or so I'm told since I was five at the time and only cared about Crash Bandicoot. But all of the little details that make that game's world so special are well known now – things like how the ice cubes would melt slowly if you shot the bucket at the bar, or Snake getting a cold if he stays out in the cold too long.

And yet, multiple playthroughs later (including one about a month ago), and I never knew about one hidden detail, and it looks like almost no one else did, either. "After more than 2 decades of playing MGS2, I thought I'd seen everything, then this happened", a user on Reddit writes, sharing an extremely specific interaction that can happen towards the end of the Tanker chapter.

When Snake is making his way to the room where Metal Gear Ray is housed, there are multiple open areas you can hide in off to the side, but as has now been discovered, peeking round the corner at the approaching enemy will cause a metal pipe to fall, alerting them.

After more than 2 decades of playing MGS2, I thought I'd seen everything, then this happened. from r/metalgearsolid

The comments are just as shocked as me to find this out, with the top response saying: "Holy shit, what? Same here. This game is legendary, man." A response adds: "I think the insane level of detail on these games, particularly MGS2 and MGS3 is often overlooked. I was absolutely blown away by MGS2 when I was a teenager playing it for the first time, and even now I think the graphics and overall environment design are unbelievable." Meanwhile, another puts it perfectly, "This is the kind of stuff somebody posts on an online forum in 2005 and no one believes it to be real."

And sure, a pipe falling over isn't exactly mind-blowing stuff, but it's just one of the myriad details that makes Metal Gear Solid as a series so beloved.

Metal Gear Solid Snake actor David Hayter didn't understand all of Hideo Kojima's story while recording, but says he didn't need to: "That's what makes Metal Gear, Metal Gear."

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Shop the collection

Shop the collection

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  1

  GameSir

  Gamesir G8 Galileo Type-C Mobile Gaming Controller for Android & Iphone 15 Series (usb-C), Plug and Play Gamepad With Hall Effect Joysticks/hall Trigger, 3.5mm Audio Jack

  $79.99
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  2

  Logitech G

  Logitech G325 Lightspeed Wireless Bluetooth Gaming Headset, All-Day Comfort, Built-In Mic With Noise Reduction, 24-Bit Audio, 24+ Hr Battery Life, for Pc, Playstation, Switch, Mobile – Black

  $79.99
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  3

  Genki

  Genki Covert Dock 3

  $69.99
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  4

  UGREEN

  Ugreen Power Bank 25,000mah 145w Laptop Portable Charger, Nexode 3-Port Usb C Pd Battery Pack, for Macbook Pro/air, Dell Xps, Iphone 17/16/15/14, Galaxy S26 Steam Deck, Ipad, and More

  $69.99$109.99

We're all going on a summer holiday! Well, I'm not. I have a summer of gaming at home in the works, but if you have plans for a trip abroad or have anything else booked that allows you to game on the go, I've gathered some travel-friendly gadgets that can help with that.

I don't want to assume that it's the Nintendo Switch 2 that's your summer console of choice. Yet, if it is, I can't emphasize enough how life-changing a USB-C fan like the Sokelinn-six one I've added below really is. They easily fit in the USB-C port at the top of the handheld, and while they can be a bit of a battery drain, they blast a lovely flow of cool air in your face, which helps combat the overbearing summer heat.

Talking of battery woes, a power bank is one of my other travel go-tos, whether it's for my Switch 2, Steam Deck, or just my smartphone. An option like the U-Green 25,000mAh version I've included down below has enough juice to power up a Switch 2, Steam Deck, or your phone, which is important to keep powered up if you've got all your travel details and itinerary on there. No matter your vacation gaming plans, I've gathered an array of accessories that will help make it a memorable (and equally nerdy) break.

Our hardware team has also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards to add to your Ninty gaming setup.

With over 41 DBD killers in the game now, it can be hard to know who to play and which ones to unlock first, especially when some of them require real-world money to unlock.

My DBD killer tier list below ranks characters on their overall ability and average difficulty, but I'll go into a bit more detail too, so hopefully I can help you decide which killers are right for you. Just don't forget it's not always about which are the most prolific killers, but sometimes more about which are the most fun to play.

All DBD killers ranked

As I've mentioned above, my DBD killer tier list bases killers on their average performance, so this might not be totally accurate for, say, someone playing in the top or bottom MMR. It also doesn't take the likes of perks and add-ons into consideration either.

Instead, this is a rough guide to generally playability, killer power, how easy they are to counter, and how much success you're likely to have at mid-level. I'll also pick out a few special mentions and go into more detail on them below. Honestly, though, all the killers below can be fun to play, and The Dredge is my personal favorite, despite being in the bottom tier, so you do you!

The best DBD killers to unlock first

The above tier list might help you choose which killers to try first, but their are other things to consider than just their performance. A big one is their unique perks, meaning some of the worst killers might actually be some of the best to buy. So, whether you're looking to spend Iridescent Shards on original characters or real money or licenced ones, here are some of the best killers to consider first:

• The Slasher
• The Clown
• The Artist
• The Trapper
• The Wraith
• The Huntress
• The Hag

The Slasher

The Slasher is a new DBD killer, and is immediately one of the best, both in terms of power and fun. Like The Huntress, who I go into more detail about below, The Slasher, AKA Jason Vorhees, is a projectile killer, meaning he can throw objects at survivors in order to injure or down them at range.

While this does mean you need good aim, learning to play as Jason is incredibly fun, and once you've mastered him, he's one of the most deadly DBD killers to date. Whether he's nerfed in the near future I don't know, but until then, he's an essential if you're willing to part with real-life money.

The Clown

The Clown, meanwhile, is an original killer, meaning you can unlock him with free in-game currency called Iridescent Shards. He's highly cited as being the most important original killer to unlock thanks to his unique Perk Pop Goes the Weasel, which causes massive regression on kicked gens. So, even if you're terrified of clowns, he's still worth buying.

Speaking of Coulrophobia, that's another of his Perks, and significantly slows down survivors' healing speed when they're near you. Finally, there's Bamboozle, another hugely popular killer Perk, temporarily blocking windows whenever you use them yourself.

The Artist

The Artist can be an incredibly dominant force, but she's also very hard to play well, hence her position in my tier list. That said, she's another original character that it's worth unlocking for her Perks, even if you want to work your way up to playing her, or don't like her at all.

All three of The Artist's Perks are fantastic, but you'll likely hear of Pain Resonance and Pentimento the most, two of the best killer Perks.

The Trapper

The Trapper is a base game killer, so you don't need to unlock him, but he's getting a mention here since the OG, the iconic face of DBD, sometimes gets a bad wrap, and you'll likely have seen him far lower down other tier lists than he is on mine above.

In my opinion, this is because most of the tier lists you see are made by people in the very highest MMR, but if you're a more casual player, and the survivors you play against are too, The Trapper can actually be an incredible force. The key is not to spend too much time placing traps at the start of a match, and make sure when you do place them that they're in good positions, particularly in doorways and near pallets that can't be avoided in chase.

The Huntress

Default killers like The Wraith, The Trapper, and The Huntress each offer very different playstyles, but they're all good for beginners, with The Huntress being a great choice for FPS experts.

If you're a fan of shooters, you'll likely find DBD's projectile killers slightly easier, since you'll have a natural feel for angles and distance. Like The Trapper, you won't actually have to unlock The Huntress either, so she's an honorable mention here just to say that it's worth giving her a try if you haven't already. Then, if you like her, you could consider moving on to the likes of Springtrap and Jason.

The Hag

You might be wondering why The Hag is the bottom of the tier list, but on this list. Well, this comes down to her having two of the game's most devastating killer Perks: Ruin and Devour Hope. Both are Hex perks, with Ruin causing generators to regress immediately whenever a survivor lets go, giving you great gen control. Meanwhile, Devour Hope increases in value the more survivors you hook, eventually allowing you to instantly down and kill them.

While you can buy Perks in the weekly rotating Shrine of Secrets, you'll still have to part with Iridescent Shards, so you may as well spend a few more to unlock the killer herself. You can do it any time, you've got the killer unlocked for good, and you've got her other perk, too, all for just 2,500 Iri Shards.

Finally, if you're wondering which killer to get next, you might just want to consider your favorite horror franchises. With the likes of SAW, Resident Evil, Friday the 13th, FNAF, Silent Hill, and so many more all on the DBD killer roster, pick the killers you'll enjoy most - that's what it's all about, after all.

Once you've chosen, be sure to redeem the latest DBD codes for Bloodpoints to level up your new character. Then, take a look at the most recent DBD roadmap to see who's going to be added to this list next!

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

Although it's been a turbulent year for developers and publishers amid all of the closures and layoffs, the video game industry as a whole is apparently thriving globally – so much so, in fact, that it's raking in hundreds of billions of dollars.

A whopping $200 billion or so, to be precise. The news comes as reports from analytics firm Newzoo (thanks, GamesBeat) confirm the global games market has earned $201.6 billion in revenue – up a good 9.1% year-on-year.

Most notably, this is the first time that the industry has netted over $200 billion worldwide, toppling all the estimations and expectations experts had for the year. Mobile gaming, unsurprisingly, makes up a bulk of this figure.

It has earned around $113.3 billion, up 10.7% from before, while console revenue sits at just $44.7 billion – up only 2.8% this year. As for PC gaming, it has seen the most significant boost of 12%, with $43.6 billion in revenue.

Spending on both base games and extra microtransactions has grown, too, alongside gaming subscriptions. That makes sense, seeing as more and more titles are opting to rely on such "additional" payments.

What makes less sense, however, if we're just looking at these numbers, are all of the recent closures and layoffs. Companies like Microsoft immediately spring to mind, with 15,000 employees laid off and reports of closures at Xbox circulating on the web.

There was South of Midnight and We Happy Few studio Compulsion Games, and redundancies at ZeniMax – not to mention all of the other alleged firings and shutdowns across the industry.

Sure, one has to take into account operating costs and whatnot – but it's still difficult to digest these figures from Newzoo. On top of it all, estimations and predictions point to an even more lucrative market in the coming years.

Could the number rise even higher in the billions? I suppose only time will tell… I just hope things smooth out a bit on the other side and the high figures reflect better where devs themselves are concerned.

Searching for some good news to look forward to for a change? Here are some of the biggest new games coming this year and beyond to keep on your mind.

Fans have discovered a voice cameo from late Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy in Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

In the pantheon of fantastic Batman actors, it's generally accepted that Kevin Conroy is the GOAT. Conroy voiced the character in the iconic Batman: The Animated Series, before reprising the role in a ton of projects. Notably, he was the voice of Batman in the Rocksteady Batman Arkham trilogy (with Sonic actor Roger Craig Smith taking on the role for Arkham Origins), with his final portrayal of the character being in Rocksteady's Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which released two years after he passed.

Dragon Quest actor Shai Matheson – who dubbed Conroy "the greatest of all time" – took over the role for the latest Batman game, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, which is a celebration of all things Batman. This includes segments based on the various films, combat inspired by the Arkham games, and generally any bit of Batman history you can find. The credits also noted the game includes voice cameos from Adam West and Conroy in tribute to both actors.

Senior Level Designer Mike Consalvey posted on Twitter after players discovered the voice cameo, fittingly included in the Arkham Asylum level. During the level, you can hear PA announcements, with fans realizing that the recordings are actually of Conroy via archival audio. He said, "I'm glad someone finally discovered the use of Kevin Conroy's voice within the game during the Arkham Asylum level!"

Conroy is mentioned elsewhere in the game on one of its many referential billboards. While a lot of them are goofy or references to unhinged parts of Batman fandom like Crazy Hambuger, Conroy's is a simple, sweet tribute ad for "After hours with Conroy: The voice of Gotham's night."

Have you picked up Lego Batman? Check out our guide on how to redeem codes in Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight

After Epic Games spoke heavily about generative AI ahead of yesterday's State of Unreal presentation, Vampire Survivors dev Poncle says it's "reviewing" the Fortnite crossover that was announced during the event.

Earlier this week, Epic Games released a video titled "A Look At Epic’s Art Concepting Process," where it openly admitted that it is using generative AI during the development of Fortnite skins and assets. The video itself features the artists designing concepts for Fortnite before using a Photoshop tool to generate details and speed up the process. Unsurprisingly the video also features a lot of moments where the AI hallucinates and the artist needs to go back and fix the error, which – in the wake of Epic laying off over 1,000 employees earlier this year, and the general cost of everything due to global ram shortages from it being wasted on AI slop farms – feels especially tone-deaf.

A day later, during the State of Unreal presentation, new crossovers coming to Fortnite were announced, specifically Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Control Resonant, Phantom Blade Zero, and Vampire Survivors. However, mere hours later, the Poncle account took to a Reddit post about the collaboration to say the following: "Following today's news about gen AI usage by Epic to create all sorts of game assets, including Fortnite characters, we're currently 'reviewing' our collaboration with Fortnite. We'll let you know if anything moves forward."

From the wording, I don't know that the collab is canceled entirely. Rather, it seems Poncle is looking into whether AI was used to create Vampire Survivors content in the game. Earlier this year, the developers of Phantom Blade Zero spoke out against AI usage, too, and while there hasn't been a similar comment from S-Game, I can see Epic's open use of generative AI tools being a hurdle for some collaborations in the future.

Why so many game developers don't want to use generative AI

Wired gaming headsets come in all shapes and sizes, but I rarely get to test one that's as fancy-pants and rich-sounding as the Sony Inzone H6 Air.

More often than not, the best gaming headsets of the wired variety that pass my testing bench are designed to be a low-cost alternative to gamers on a smaller budget first and foremost. However, at $199.99 / £179.99, the InZone H6 Air is definitely not that.

This headset may be wired, but it shares the same driver components as Sony's MDR-MV1 studio-grade headphones, and flaunts an open-back form factor that prioritizes a rich and natural creamy sound. Instead of being designed for the budget-conscious, the pair is more concerned about providing an immersive and realistic sound for RPG and single-player game fans, and it definitely gets the job done and then some.

Key specs

Design

If you've got experience with the Sony Inzone H9 II headset, you'll have already come face-to-face with the design used for the Inzone H6 Air.

Sony has essentially re-used the same form factor, right down to that unique headband. It's comprised of a leather band suspended under a rope-like strap, which contributes to the pair's light 199g weight. It's in fact lighter than the 260g of the H9 II, and it's one of the most comfortable headsets I've tested to date.

Where it differs from its H9 II brethren is that there's no longer that glossy texture to the exterior of the earcups. Instead, you're met with a series of perforated holes, which help give the sound more freedom to reverberate and create that immersive soundscape open headsets are known for.

Features

The standout feature of the Inzone H6 Air lies in its open-back acoustic design. It allows the sound generated from the 40mm-sized audio drivers to freely resonate around the cans.

Besides this, the H6 Air isn't as feature-full as other cups in the Inzone line. It's a wired only headset, so there's no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless options available. Instead, you can connect the PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and other devices with the USB-C port of the USB-C Audio Box, or you can detach this and use the 3.5mm cable instead - the latter of which is best suited for the PS5 players in particular.

Even the onboard controls are minimalistic, as all you have is a mic mute button and a volume wheel, and that's it. At least the mic mute button is a great one, as it copies the H9 II by including a large, rounded button that's textured and perfectly sized for the tip of a human thumb.

The left earcup, where these controls are located, also plays host to the headset's microphone. It's detachable, which is a massive preference of mine, and it carries a unidirectional cardioid pattern. The H6 Air also includes audio monitoring, support for Sony's 360 Spatial Sound technology, and support with the Inzone Hub, where you can take advantage of the "RPG/Adventure” equaliser profile for single-player RPGs developed alongside PlayStation Studios.

Performance

Sony sent me out this loaned headset around the same time my PS5 Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight pre-order arrived at my door, which felt like a sign that I needed to hook it up to the Sony pixel-pusher before all else, and I'm glad I did. You wouldn't expect there to be a lot of depth in the soundscape of the latest Lego game, but the brick-built version of Gotham can get very atmospheric, and the H6 AIr managed to bring that to life.

Whether it was being able to hear every pitter-patter of the rain as it filled the Gotham streets, or the waves of wind that blew as I glided across the different villain-littered districts, the H6 sounded sublime. I did assume as much, as past experience with open-back headsets like the Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720 also emphasised the sound design to any game, but this came in handy particularly with Lego Batman, as it makes the satisfying clicks of collecting studs sound all the more satisfying.

Traveller's Tales' Lego game wasn't ideal for testing the game's score, as the Batman theme is used pretty sparingly, so I made sure to dig out the usual testing titles like Marvel Rivals and Doom Eternal. Just as I thought, the 40 mm-sized drivers are well-equipped to take on busy soundstages. I could hear every nuance of the Scarlet Witch's "Pure Chaos" voice line as I took out half a team of enemy players, almost like I was right in the vocal box alongside the actress, and the mids and highs of the ending match jingle had just as much clarity.

The only personal gripe I had with the sound was visible when I loaded up titles like Doom Eternal. With an emphasis on dialogue and high-pitched sounds, audio on the lower end of the scale felt a bit lacking. And with no way to use both the wired headset and the Inzone Hub EQ settings simultaneously on PS5 (if there was, I didn't discover it), I was left wanting more on Sony's own current-gen console.

PC was a different story. I had the Inzone Hub software at my fingertips, which let me toggle on spatial audio, adjust the sidetone, and select from a few pre-made EQ settings, including ones tailored for FPS games. It's a good thing Counter Strike happens to be one of my go-to PC headset testing games of choice, that's for sure, as I adored what it could do. For the first time, I was able to rake in the kill shots. Sure, it was the practice range as I still don't dare join online matches with actual hardened players, but even being able to stand my own amongst a sea of bots is usually unheard of for me.

The main reasoning behind my new skills was the FPS 1 preset, as it brought down the emphasis on sound effects despite stating it does quite the opposite. Out of the box, gunshots in CS2 were loud and startling. But with FPS1 toggled on, I could feel satisfied with the crunch and bang of each shot without having to worry about my ear health. Talking of presets, I also made sure to try out the RPG setting that Sony states it "developed with sound designers from PlayStation Studios at Sony Interactive Entertainment."

The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt was my RPG of choice, given I wanted to start a new file anyway with the new DLC on its way, but I didn't notice much of a huge difference. The preset is meant to set a sound "which is sensitive to the spatial information of games,” but it sounded pretty similar with or without it. Which is fine, as that sounds great, but I'm wondering if Sony has a certain type of RPG in mind that I just didn't get around to playing.

Before I round things up, let's talk about that microphone. I really like the design of the mic, as it has a large circular diameter at the end rather than the typical tear-drop shaped bulb you find on other headsets.

But as you can hear from the sample above, the cardioid boom mic is pretty prone to picking up white noise. When you're in the middle of a Marvel Rivals match, or chatting to a large group of friends on Discord who are all talking over each other, you won't notice it much. Yet it's not one I'd recommend you use for streaming, podcast audio, or any other situation where you want crystal clear vocals.

Should you buy the Sony H6 Air gaming headset?

The Sony Inzone H6 Air seems like it's designed for a very niche individual. Someone who cares deeply about how their games sound, but who wouldn't benefit from any wireless support via Bluetooth or a wireless 2.4GHz dongle that's crammed into the boxes of most of the best wireless headsets on the market.

Personally, that isn't me. If I'm spending $199.99 / £179.99, I like to ensure I'm getting plenty more bang for my buck, but that doesn't mean I don't see value in this open-back headset.

A modern pair of Sony MDR-MV1 open-back headphones, that the H6 Air shares a lot in common with, will set you back $419.99 at Amazon. Meanwhile, these are $220 less and add a microphone into the mix, and a USB-C cable over a 6.3mm stereo plug. It definitely feels like Sony has re-wrangled the MDR-MV1s into a package more suited towards single-player gamers who love their FPS and RPG games, and if that sounds like you, then the H6 Air would likely be right up your ally.

How I tested the Sony H6 Air gaming headset

The Sony Inzone H6 Air was on my testing bench for a little over two weeks, where I used the pair to play the PS5, PC, and the Nintendo Switch 2. With the PS5, I had the headset hooked up to my DualSense controller while I explored the brick-built world of Gotham in Lego Batman, played multiple matches of Marvel Rivals, and re-explored the hellish depths of Doom Eternal.

On PC, I dug out Marvel Rivals again to compare the two versions, alongside Counter-Strike 2, and Mina the Hollower. Meanwhile, Mario Kart World, Pokemon Pokopia, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Donkey Kong 64 were my testing games of choice on the Switch 2, and I also used the pair while re-watching HBO's Girls and Hacks on Now TV. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If the Sony Inzone H6 Air isn't for you, check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best PC headsets for gaming, and the best Steam Deck headsets for a look at other premium pairs.

I like playing VR games more in theory than do I in practice, which is exactly why I'm so pleased to see that Moss: The Forgotten Relic is part of the Steam Next Fest line-up this year, and has a free demo you can play right now (check out our Steam Next Fest guide for more)! I've always had a soft spot for developer Polyarc's tiny mouse hero, Quill, and this re-release that collects together the first two Moss games in a non-VR package makes it much easier to recommend for those who haven't shelled out for virtual reality headwear just yet, or who can't always be bothered to set it up (guilty!).

The original Moss first released for PlayStation VR in 2018, a couple of years into the system's lifespan – but I remember it being one of the first to really sell me on the idea that it could support full game experiences (alongside Resident Evil 7 and Astro Bot, if you were curious). Peering into a tiny world of fantasy animals, Quill needs my help as a headset-wearing invisible force to help her with her across two games worth of action-adventure questing: performing light platforming, solving puzzles elements, and the odd bit of sword-swinging. Going hands-on with the upcoming Moss: The Forgotten Relic, I'm charmed at how well the experience translates into non-VR.

Head free

Moss: The Forgotten Relic's approach to moving from virtual reality onto a flat screen is to not change too much at all – and I think that's a great move for ensuring that the experience still feels like the adventure I already know and love. While playing with a controller and simply looking at my monitor, I can still tell Moss was originally designed for virtual reality – but by accepting that context I'm able to enjoy my demo that takes place partway through Moss 2 for what it is.

In fact, that original VR design gives Moss: The Forgotten Relic a unique feeling texture. Controlling Quill directly, the camera still gives you room-wide views, shifting to track Quill as you continue to hover over the action as you did in the original. The almost-fixed camera works better than I expected, only occasionally do I miss the ability to properly stick my head in and poke around – but this is a well done adaptation. Likewise, it feels a bit odd without a VR headset strapped on that Quill's journey has to load so many rooms in a row – which made more sense for simply having to shift perspective in its original iteration. But, I get used to it quickly.

Similarly, I still have to reach into the environment directly to help Quill out. From dragging platforms into place, holding enemies still to give her an edge in combat, or to pull them onto timed switches, I now control a glowing circle with the analogue stick instead of my VR controller of choice (you can also use a mouse – which feels appropriate).

It's easy enough to use Moss: The Forgotten Relic's new control scheme even when things get hectic with some hammer-based armored combat towards the end of my hands-on. But, the full game even promises a 'skip combat' option for those more endeared to seeing Quill's fantastical journey through Moss' ruined kingdom than having a scrap.

Without the extra immersion of VR, alongside the novelty it provides, there's absolutely the chance that Moss: The Forgotten Relic will feel like too lightweight an adventure for some. There is a slight detachment inherent in how this faithfully takes the VR elements into non-VR, and it can make Moss feel a bit simplistic in a way that it avoids with the headset on. But, that doesn't mean I think it's not well worth taking Quill's tiny hand to experience it this way instead. I'd hesitate to call this non-VR take lesser, it's just different – and if you can rock with (or maybe even fall in love with) how this faithfully adapts the VR adventure into a non-VR form, there's a wonderful fantasy tale to be had here. Moss: The Forgotten Relic releases on PC and consoles on July 16.

Check out our best VR games list if you'd rather have a new adventure while keeping your headset on!

In what is quite possibly the most stacked DBD roadmap to date, the game's 11th year has so much in store, with a lot of it announced during the tenth anniversary celebrations, and much more still to come.

Through the rest of 2026 and into 2027, there are new licensed crossovers, fantastic new events, stunning new Rifts, and even a new map, all of which I'm super stoked for. If you are too, here's all that and everything else revealed in the latest DBD roadmap.

DBD roadmap 2026

I mean, just look at it!! The DBD roadmap above takes us all the way through to April 2027, and features an incredible amount of content. Let me break it down for you:

• June 2026
  • New original survivor, Shane Wiigwaas
  • The Black Banquet anniversary event
  • Ice Nine Kills collab
• July 2026
  • Sunflesh Rift
  • Limited time modes
• August 2026
  • Chorus of Sin Chapter
• September 2026
  • 2v8 returns!
• October 2026
  • New Rift
  • Haunted by Daylight is back!
  • Diablo IV x Dead by Daylight
• November 2026
  • Art the Clown comes to town
• December 2026
  • New original map
  • Bone Chill returns
  • Scooby-Doo!
• January 2027
  • New Rift
• March 2027
  • The Casting of Frank Stone finally comes to DBD
• April 2027
  • A new survivor enters the Fog
• and beyond!
  • Graphical update!
  • More INK!
  • DBD in real life!
  • More Silent Hill!

Just look at that jam-packed line up! Aside from the obvious things, like the Scooby-Doo and INK collaborations and Frank Stone finally coming home, I'm particularly excited about the graphical update coming in the future. Sadly, this isn't included in the roadmap as it's over a year away, but some details were revealed during the tenth anniversary broadcast and it looks amazing. Especially that dynamic weather.

Another high point for the future of DBD falls in December this year, when a long-awaited new original map arrives: The Mall! This has been a fan-requested map destination for a long time, and we're finally seeing it come to fruition, along with some much-needed Dwight lore.

Then, there's the events and modes we love to see year after year. DBD 2v8 returns in September, with Haunted by Daylight coming back for Halloween and Bone Chill returning in December. The new anniversary event, The Black Banquet, also looks amazing, and might help us recover from the tragic loss of Trixie.

With all that and more coming to Dead by Daylight, keep an eye on GamesRadar+ for the latest details! And don't forget to check out my list of the latest DBD codes for free cosmetics and Bloodpoints.

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

The Black Banquet is a new DBD event, replacing the old Twisted Masquerade as the annual anniversary celebration. The opulence and decor you remember remains in the new setting, but the mechanics are entirely new, as you prepare or corrupt a lavish feast.

Of course, there are also heaps of new rewards to collect this year, as well as a new store collection, so here are the details of the DBD Black Banquet event, when it starts, and the rewards and outfits available.

DBD Black Banquet release date

The DBD Black Banquet event takes place from June 25, 2026 at 8am PT, 11am ET, 4pm BST, and runs until July 16.

Thanks to the latest patch notes, we now know a bit more about The Black Banquet ahead of its release. For a start, we know that, obviously, food is involved. This year, instead of picking up invitations or waiting for Trixie to trigger in-match events, survivors will be gathering ingredients for some disgusting corpse-based meals, unleashing more modifiers as you build out a great feast. All the while, killers will try and taint the food to turn things in their favor. with poison bottles that can also be thrown at survivors.

Meals are split into just two courses (which doesn't feel very opulent, but it is less complex): Main Course and Dessert. Main Course affects the majority of the game, until either four generators are completed or one survivor remains, whichever comes first. Then, Dessert effects are triggered.

There are then three types of effect: one that takes place throughout the entire match, one granted to survivors when they interact with food, and one that impacts survivors greatly when enough food is placed on Banquet Tables. These effects will all be based on one of three Menus of the Day, determining which game mechanic is effected. For more details, you can check out the patch notes, or wait until the begins!

We also know about some of the outfits, cosmetics, and other rewards that will be available during the new event. These are based on the opulence of the banquet setting combined with some horrifying masks, and are available for The Legion, The Doctor, Kate, Claudette, The Trapper, The Oni, and The Trapper. Unfortunately, these are all only available for purchase, but, as ever, killer weapons, character masks, and player badges and banners will all be available for free for completing event quests.

For other free rewards, be sure to check out my list of the latest DBD codes, and take a look at what else is coming once the Banquet ends in the most recent DBD roadmap.

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

Nine years after launch, Nintendo has finally updated the eShop on the original Switch, making it a less all-around terrible experience.

Nintendo released new firmware for the Switch and Switch 2 earlier today, and while the Switch 2 portion of the patch notes is a bit boring compared to the excellent Handheld Boost Mode update released earlier this year, the Switch 1 is the real winner. As noted on the Nintendo website, Switch firmware update ver 22.5.0 is headlined with the news that "the Nintendo eShop layout has been redesigned."

While there's a note of the eShop now using dark mode if your console is set to that, thankfully that isn't the extent of the changes to the eShop for Switch 1 users. As spotted by Vooks, Nintendo has updated the Switch eShop to behave like it does on the Switch 2. Formerly, the eShop used a web-based app as opposed to a native part of the console, hence why it was so slow, whereas the Switch 2 has an app built into the console.

Now that Nintendo has made this change, users are reporting that the Switch eShop is loading faster than it ever has in the console's nearly 10-year life.

Look at it gooooooo

— @vook64.bsky.social (@vook64.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-06-16T14:16:18.437Z

Of course, it doesn't solve the biggest issue with the eShop, which is the sheer amount of trash allowed onto the system. So, you'll still be seeing all the AI slop, borderline pornographic titles, and general shovelware that plagues pretty much every storefront these days. And while PlayStation and Steam suffer a lot from this too, Nintendo's interface does a particularly poor job of surfacing games that actually deserve attention as opposed to low-effort cashgrabs.

Why not check out our picks for the best Switch 2 games and best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories.

The many Minecraft biomes are a massive part of what makes the game so enjoyable and diverse today. From the basic origins of just a handful of different biomes, there are now over 20 primary regions, and many more once you consider variations like deep oceans and windswept hills.

There are also loads more biomes being added to the game with each new Minecraft drop, with the Sulfur Caves and Dappled Forest being among the most recent announcements. Here, I've got everything you need to know about those and the existing major Minecraft biomes as of update 26.2.

New Minecraft biomes

Here, I'll tell you about the latest biomes added to the game, that you can find in the current version. So, if you don't yet know and would rather be surprised, skip this part! However, if you want to know more about the latest Minecraft biomes or how to find them, this section's for you.

Sulfur Caves

The Sulfur Cave is the newest biome, added with the 26.2 update on June 16, 2026, and is perfect if you, like me, get a little tired of the same grey surroundings while mining. We may have Lush Caves and The Deep Dark to take our breath away, but there's still plenty of room for something new, and that's exactly what this is.

While it might look like it would fit better in the Nether, the Sulfur biome is so unique to the overworld that it's going to look fantastic when you spot that first red or yellow block during a mining session. These are Cinnabar and Sulfur blocks, and each have an entire family of building blocks relating to them, which will make for some great new Minecraft house ideas.

While you're taking in the sights, though, be careful where you step. Sulfur pools are bodies of water found within these caves, and the presence of Potent Sulfur beneath the water causes pockets of gas. Get too close to this gas, and you'll find yourself feeling a little... funny. You'll also be able to find a new friend or two in these Caves, with new Minecraft mob the Sulfur Cube.

Sulfur Caves can be found at any depth, and Sulfur pools even have a chance to be spotted above ground, indicating a Sulfur Cave beneath. Your best bet at finding one is simply to cave and mine, looking out for the biome's signature yellow or red blocks.

Upcoming Minecraft biomes

This section tells you everything we know so far about any upcoming Minecraft biomes that are set to be added in future drops, so they may not be able to be experienced right now, or you might be able to try them out in Minecraft snapshots or Preview.

The Dappled Forest

Announced during Minecraft Live May 2026, the Dappled Forest is the next new biome to be added to the sandbox game - and this one is really exciting.

Not only does this cute biome add autumnal-colored leaves for the first time without mods, following in the footsteps of the pink-hued Cherry Grove and white-tinged Pale Forest, but it also adds the first new structure we've had in some time: the Abandoned Camp!

The colorful leaves come as part of new Poplar trees, which will add a new family of beige-grey wood blocks for building with. There's also a new red bush variant, which maintains its color no matter where you place it.

The Abandoned Camp, meanwhile, is a small new structure that features a tent, some storage containers, and other handy loot, including a new place to spend the night. However, it's not that safe so take care! Perhaps the most exciting part of the Abandoned Camp, though, is a new building block that players like me have been craving for some time: the wool stair!! White wool stairs will be found as part of the tent structures in camps, but this also means you will be able to turn any wool color into a stair block, which is great news for builders.

All Minecraft biomes

These are all the major Minecraft biomes, excluding variants:

• Plains (overworld)
• Forest (overworld)
• Meadow (overworld)
• Dark Forest (overworld)
• Cherry Grove (overworld)
• Pale Forest (overworld)
• Swamp (overworld)
• Mangrove Swamp (overworld)
• Taiga (overworld)
• Snowy Plains (overworld)
• Ice Spikes (overworld)
• Savanna (overworld)
• Badlands (overworld)
• Desert (overworld)
• Jungle (overworld)
• Mountains (overworld)
• Mushroom Fields (overworld)
• River (overworld)
• Ocean (overworld)
• The Deep Dark (cave)
• Lush Caves (cave)
• Dripstone Caves (cave)
• Nether Wastes (Nether)
• Crimson Forest (Nether)
• Warped Forest (Nether)
• Soul Sand Valley (Nether)
• Basalt Delta (Nether)
• The End (The End)
• End Islands (The End)

As I've mentioned above, there are plenty of variants. For example, Mountains isn't actually a biome in itself any more, since it became Windswept Hills, but now can be used to refer to seven different biomes, including Jagged Peaks and Snowy Slopes. Water biomes, meanwhile, are split into warm, cold, hot, and other variants.

Each Minecraft biome has its own flora, fauna, blocks, and items that be found there, and some are rarer than others, so it's useful to know what you're looking for and how to spot it - or you can just explore and see what you find!

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

Yacht Club Games knows that you're finding Mina the Hollower pretty hard, so it's released some tips to help struggling players out.

In a year with AAA heavy hitters like Forza Horizon 6, Pokemon Pokopia, Resident Evil Requiem, and 007 First Light, the scrappy indie title Mina the Hollower is currently the highest-rated game of 2026. In the GamesRadar+ Mina the Hollower review, we note the similarities to classic Castlevania and soulslike games – y'know, games that are known for being fiendishly hard – and as 500,000 players have found out, the cute mouse Zelda game is just as difficult as its inspirations.

But fear not, as Yacht Club has acknowledged the difficulty with a video released to its Twitter account. "'Mina the Hollower is too hard!' Maybe. Or maybe you need better strategies!" the post reads, with the video handing out some helpful tips to players. This starts by saying, 'Hey, you probably shouldn't be attempting certain areas if you are struggling to stay alive, maybe you should head somewhere else' – a pretty common trick in hard games.

But for those of you too stubborn to go somewhere else, Yacht Club did dole out some more helpful tips. These include highlighting trinkets that help with platforming, boosting your healing vials, and resurrecting yourself at the last second. Plus, they tell you to pay attention to the stores in Ossex, to grab some more upgrades.

"The game's tough, but there's always another trail to traverse, another trinket to track down, or some other trick worth trying out," the video concludes with. That is to say, keep trying.

Of course, this isn't the first time we've seen devs have to issue a "it's not as hard as you think." Famously, Bandai Namco and FromSoftware issued a post about Elden Ring players' struggles with Shadow of the Erdtree, showing off where you can get Scadutree Fragments to boost your character.

The best-rated game of 2026 is $20 because the devs "don't want people to wait" for a discount: "We only get one chance at this."

Final Fantasy Resonance makes a striking impression. While Square Enix, and specifically the internal division Team Asano, have been making some excellently modernized takes on retro-styled RPGs for some time across the likes of Octopath Traveler and Dragon Quest, the publisher's premier series, Final Fantasy, has always been left out. Until now. That immediately puts a whole lot of weight behind Final Fantasy Resonance as a project, and as a huge fan of the classics – Final Fantasy 4 'til I die – it was an electric reveal at the recent Nintendo Direct.

That is, until the trailer revealed it'd play host to a litany of returning characters from previous Final Fantasy games, which sounds an awful lot like the grindy, gacha-hungry Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. That makes sense because, well, it is. Looking more closely, Final Fantasy Resonance adapts that mobile game's first story arc. Ah. Generally, I'm happy for mobile games to shed their on-the-go, often-money-hungry trappings, but it's deflating that the RPG series' first true foray into the HD-2D treatment, from Team Asano no less, has to work within the confines of Brave Exvius rather than being an original undertaking.

Swipe left, or right?

As a series fan, I've put my fair share of time into some of the franchise's many mobile games – in particular Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis, and the long-defunct Mobius Final Fantasy. I've never come out of the end feeling particularly good about myself, suffering through long, drawn out storylines with staccato, weightless gameplay, juggling the pros and cons of a multitude of live service, lootbox-esque, gacha spins. Yes, I did have Ariana Grande in my party. No, I'm not proud of it.

OK, fair complaints. We've all slipped into live service stupor at one time or another. At any moment, I'm primed to slip back into something like Honkai Star Rail. But then, surely Final Fantasy Resonance, which is "far from just a direct port" and has "been refined and extensively rebuilt as a full-fledged console-quality RPG experience" should be exactly what I want to fix my problems with Brave Exvius, right? On paper, that's correct – I did spend a lot of time playing Brave Exvius wishing it would just let me get on with the story, and that it could have properly designed RPG battles that don't just lean on power scaling and flashy pixel effects.

The problem is that I still feel burned by the experience all this time later. And it's compounded across the other mobile games too. I feel a bit of a sting when I remember all the time I put into Mobius Final Fantasy is lost. When I remember that an interesting dive into the Final Fantasy 7 backstory is locked behind dull-as-a-badly-kept-Buster-Sword battles in Ever Crisis. My respect for a project that aims to salvage and reimagine Brave Exvius butts with my desire to simply see a brand new retro-styled Final Fantasy, and the bad memories have me wondering about the capacity Brave Exvius has to delight given how bogged down in being a mobile game I remember it being.

Don't get me wrong, I really like Final Fantasy's capacity to change and evolve as the RPG series has become more modern. But, as someone who also loves to dip back into old school RPGs to grind levels, weep against unfair bosses, and explore vast worlds that would simply be impractical to develop to a modern fidelity – there's something truly special about the first six Final Fantasy games. The idea of taking modern design principles back into that framework is tantalizing (and I'd say the same if they made one in PS1 style too). I worry Final Fantasy Resonance's big first swing into FF doing something legacy facing that isn't a simple spin-off could be wasted on adapting Brave Exvius.

Yes, I am a bit grumpy. My time with Square Enix's mobile games have given me reason to be. Except… There is one glimmer of hope left, and it comes from another RPG series: Octopath Traveler 0. Released just last year, this is another HD-2D RPG that Team Asono worked on, and it's phenomenal. I've still not finished it, but I've been treasuring melting into its world when I get the time, and I can see why we called it "the strongest entry in this retro-styled JRPG series yet" in our Octopath Traveler 0 review.

Like Final Fantasy Resonance, it's also an adaptation of a mobile game – Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent. That mobile game got a middling reception. I didn't even know it existed until the redo was announced. While I'd still prefer a fresh take on a retro-styte Final Fantasy, maybe a part of me is just too close to Brave Exvius to feel completely at ease with the idea of Final Fantasy Resonance until I see more. But, thanks to Octopath Traveler 0, I'm willing to give it a chance – maybe it'll resonate with me after all.

Check out our best Final Fantasy games list for more adventures while you wait!

Of all the different ways you can enjoy Stardew Valley, I doubt most of us here have done so at 50x speed – well, except for Rath Games, that is.

The legendary player who managed to sweep through Final Fantasy 14's free trial content solo has another challenge up his sleeve – this time in ConcernedApe's cozy farming sim rather than the MMO he's so well-known for blazing through.

His latest video on YouTube captures the beginning of his Stardew Valley playthrough… in which he tries to complete the game while on 50x the normal speed.

Now, if that doesn't sound wild enough, let me put it into perspective. "The actual day length of Stardew Valley at 50 times speed is 28 seconds." If you're anything like me, that's about how long it takes you to get out of bed in-game and step outside into your field. I can't imagine getting to do anything like, oh, you know, farming or fishing.

Somehow, though, Rath does it all – sort of, anyway. He has to split up his daily schedule.

Sometimes, he struggles to collect eggs and pet chickens. Other days, he chops trees… or, uh, a tree. It's as hilarious as it is chaotic, and as Rath puts it himself, he's still "discovering some of the craziest exploits to make it possible."

He doesn't manage to nail it all at once, which isn't too surprising, considering just how fast everything is moving. Heck, the poor guy struggles to even see a fish in the 28-second period, let alone catch one.

Rath isn't giving up on his cursed Stardew Valley run, however. He concludes with a promise: "Part two will release soon." I'll be waiting.

Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone walks back any potential infidelity in the farming sim, says "it was just some theoretical idea I've toyed with"

After a lengthy 14 years or so, RPG Maker is closing the door on its beloved online community forum – a choice that, unsurprisingly, isn't exactly going over well with users.

If you're out of the loop, RPG Maker is pretty much a holy grail for many indie devs. It allows folks – even those of us (like me) with little to no coding or development experience – to create games and then share them.

Some notable examples include horror projects like Ib and Omori, but there are plenty out there – so many, in fact, that Steam had an RPG Maker tag on its store in the past to sort them all. Put simply, it's an amazingly accessible game engine.

Along with the program came an online web forum where users could share their tutorials, guides, tips, and more with one another, or seek advice and the like. Think Reddit, basically, but RPG Maker-oriented – that's what the forum is.

It's been chugging along for 14 years now, with posts from 2012 still up and available to view. But, sadly, this apparently won't be the case for much longer as the website is set to go down.

A new post on the forum details the situation with the shutdown. So, why is this happening?

"As part of upcoming changes to the community management structure," the update explains, "the official RPG Maker forum will transition to a new platform operated by Gotcha Gotcha Games Inc. This transition is intended to support the continued growth of the RPG Maker community under the new forum."

As part of that process, "the current forum will be retired" on December 11 this year – and no, there won't be any backups.

"There are currently no plans to provide a public archive or backup of the current forum once it has been closed," as the post outlines. It does "encourage users to save any posts, guides, resources, or other content they wish to keep before the forum closure" – which, erm, isn't exactly ideal for the site's many users.

One person comments, "This is unfortunate." Another exclaims, "Why delete these forums? This will be insanely bad for the community as a whole, having to restart from scratch for so many resources and topics previously discussed. There's almost 15 years of information and resources on here; there's no way someone could download/backup everything they need. If you're making a new forum, fine, but keep these open to read through…"

Honestly, I get it – and all of the other replies (of which there are loads) echo this sentiment. It doesn't look like the hosts are willing to budge, though, and ahead of the full closure, "certain forum features will be disabled" early. Oof.

Searching for something to wishlist? Here are some of the best new games coming this year and beyond to look forward to.

For the first time in its decade-long run, Overwatch is finally giving its newest hero a proper rideable vehicle in the form of a kickass motorcycle that can Akira bike slide all over maps and also doubles as a huge, comical throwable.

Overwatch has never really included any drivable vehicles for the last 10 years, unless you count the flying nest that Jetpack Cat lounges on or things like skateboards that show up in a few emotes. That's all changing come June 16 when Overwatch Season 3: Into the Tiger's Den launches alongside the game's next menacing damage-based hero, Shion.

Shion already looks like an absolute battlefield bully mostly thanks to her kickass bike that can drift around tight corners, quickly cover large distances, and then deal a bucket of damage whenever you're ready to dismount. Smash Bros. Wario mains can rejoice! And even though you can't chomp up the vehicle if you're feeling peckish, one of Shion's major perks does let you recover health gradually while mounted. So, same difference?

But the rest of Shion's kit sounds just as lethal. Her dual pistols are locked to her primary fire, with each shooting out a three-round burst before alternating to the other. Her secondary fires an x-shaped volley, which you can tighten by holding the ability. She also has access to a quick dash that also dishes out overshield, the aforementioned bike, and an ultimate ability that has her rush in three directions like Marvel Rivals' Cloak and Dagger.

While we only recently got a look at Shion's kit and sleek design, she's been a pretty big presence in the game's lore for months. As the leader of the Hashimoto Clan – you know, the shady criminals that have been running Japan since the OG Overwatch days – she recently captured dear old Genji in a new short story. Which prompts the question: Big bike versus deflect... who wins?

Shion will be the seventh new Overwatch hero this year, with two more unnamed characters still to come. We've only seen a silhouette of the two remaining heroes, although one looks like another noir-style omnic, while the other resembles the bulky shape of D.Va's mech.

Uncharted 3 co-director and The Dragon Prince co-creator joins the Overwatch team, once again reigniting hopes for an animated show.

I'm lazy. I feel safe sharing that with you, as we're all friends here. Plus, I'm sure there are plenty of you who also like your tech to be as low-effort as possible.

That includes when it comes to the best gaming earbuds, as sometimes I just can't be bothered putting them on charge, even when their cases keep them juiced up for me most of the time.

The SIVGA M260 Wired Earbuds have been really handy in that respect. They include a USB-C cable, so there's no charging required. All I need to do is pop them into the bottom of my phone or the top of my Switch 2 to get going. Even better, they're only $45 (Amazon), which is marginally less pricey than the $199.99 wireless buds I usually rock. They might even get cheaper once the Prime Day gaming deals roll out later this month, but $45 is still a fair price for the wired and lazy-no-charging experience - just like my childhood self remembers.

I've been a bit more stressed and anxious than usual lately, as I have a lot on my plate. When that happens, I hate having to keep track of a million things at once, and even just the annoyance of remembering to charge my modern tech becomes a massive hindrance.

In that regard, switching to these in-ear phones has taken a little bit of stress off my shoulders. While sitting on a long train journey, I only have to worry about my phone's battery lasting, as there's no charging involved with these whatsoever, just like the cheap earphones I used as a teenager. They also came with a little fabric case that makes them easier to put away, like the plastic case of my SteelSeries Arctis Nova Game Buds, my usual wireless buds of choice, though it's much less fancy.

It helps too that these buds are extremely comfortable to wear, and their mighty 14.2mm Dynamic audio drivers sound pretty damn excellent. But you know me, if these made the wonderfully jazzy Mario Kart World OST sound like a distorted mess, I definitely wouldn't be recommending them to fellow lazy gamers.

Using these over my normal wireless buds isn't a complete revelation. When I want to switch things up from gaming to listening to music on the go, the included MMCX detachable cable often gets caught at the ends of my jacket. It doesn't happen a lot, but it can get a little annoying whenever this results in the buds being yanked out of my earlobe. Ouchies.

I also haven't completely abandoned wireless earbuds. I don't think I'd ever be okay calling it quits on the Arctis Nova Game Buds' tap controls and ANC. Yet, sometimes I just like to switch things up to something less overwhelmingly featureful, and that's much like the limited tech of my youth.

• View all gaming earbud deals at Amazon

Not an earbuds fan? I've also rounded up the best gaming headsets, which include some of the best PS5 headsets and the best PC headsets for gaming you can grab today.

Ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2 price hike set to take place later this year, Nintendo is taking on scalpers seeking to take advantage.

As global ram shortages plague the tech world as it gets wasted on AI slop production facilities, we're seeing price increases on pretty much everything. Do you want a PS5 Pro? Cool, that'll be $900 please. What about one of those AYN gaming handhelds like the Thor? You'll be glad to know that's getting another price increase after just getting one about two months ago. And, come September, the Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a price increase of $50, bringing the console up to $500.

And, ahead of this next price increase, scalpers have seemingly been taking advantage of the yen, where the Japanese multi-language version of the Switch 2 is still cheaper to import (the UK price for a Switch 2 is £395, whereas ¥69,980 is roughly £326, while in the US the $450 price gets a slightly less substantial drop down to $436 on import). In a post on Twitter (via machine translation) Nintendo states that it has identified multiple orders suspected of scalping consoles, leading to a suspension of sales.

On top of that however, the Japanese multi-language version of the Nintendo Switch 2 now has a list of conditions to purchase it. These include having 50 hours of playtime on Nintendo Switch as of the end of May 2026 (this excludes demos and free games) and limiting purchases to one console per Nintendo account.

Notably, these terms are quite similar to ones put into place when the console first launched. But after the disastrous early years of the PS5 and – to a lesser extent – the Xbox Series X, it's nice to see Nintendo put some effort in to make sure consoles end up in the hands of people who actually want them as opposed to an "as long as it sells" attitude.

If you are planning on getting a Switch 2, be sure to check out the list of the best Switch 2 games and Upcoming Switch 2 games for 2026 and beyond.

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Shop the collection

Shop the collection

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  1

  SteelSeries

  Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Omni - Hi-Res Wireless Gaming Headset, 96khz/24bit, Anc, Clearcast Pro Mic, Ai Noise Rejection, Mobile App, Mix 2.4ghz + Bt, Omniplay Pc+playstation+xbox - Midnight Blue

  $399.99
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  2

  Turtle Beach

  Turtle Beach Airlite Fit Wired Gaming Headset – Officially Licensed for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Durable, Lightweight, Charcoal Blue/red

  $27.99
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  3

  Skullcandy

  Skullcandy Crusher Plyr 720 Wireless Gaming Headset, Ultimate Immersion and Comfort, Thx Spatial Audio, Multi-Sensory Bass, Removable Mic, Xbox, Pc, Playstation, Wireless Transmitter - Digi-Black Xbox

  $267.78
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  4

  Turtle Beach

  Turtle Beach Atlas 200 Wired Gaming Headset Officially Licensed for Playstation, Ps5, Ps4, 50mm Nanoclear Drivers, Flip-To-Mute Mic, Memory Foam Cushions, Floating Headband - White

  $59.99
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  5

  Razer

  Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro Wireless Rgb Gaming Headset: Chroma Rgb Kitty Ears - 2.4 Ghz, Bluetooth 5.3, Usb a - Super Wideband Mic - 40mm Drivers - Thx Spatial Audio - Comfortable Ear Cushions - White

  $179.99

I'm juggling brand-new pairs of cups every couple of weeks, but that's a bit of a given as the GamesRadar+ gaming headset queen. Before you ask, I most definitely gave myself that nickname, but nevertheless, it stands that I oversee and curate what new pairs deserve to be on our roundup of the best gaming headsets, and which ones are best left being as far away from your ears (and game consoles) as humanely possible.

With the best Prime Day gaming deals returning for another summer, plenty of my top-rated pairs from 2026 and last year are bound to get a discount or two, and I'll be sure to tell you all about it. But I thought it'd take this opportunity in particular to remind you which gaming headsets to look out for, whether you're after one of the best PS5 headsets under $50, or if you have your eyes set on the best money can buy - cough SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni cough.

If, and when, you see a pair listed amongst Prime Day's upcoming deals, you'll know which ones are worth investigating. While I've gathered some of my favorite pairs below, do be sure to check the 'view details' button to find out more. If you have any questions, you can always call on me, and I'll be happy to help. Just be loud enough, as I'll likely be testing yet another headset.

If you're on the hunt for more gaming accessories, check out our guides to the best early Prime Day PS5 deals and the best early Nintendo Switch Prime Day deals to see what discounts could be coming your way.

Yet another Hades 2 hotfix has dropped out of nowhere this month – on PC, with a console release soon-to-come – but this one simply squashes bugs that accidentally made a few boons more useful than the Balance Gods at Supergiant Games intended.

The two boons that fell victim to Hades 2's latest hotfix are Hermes' Tall Order and Medea's Suffering on Sight (which is more a curse than a boon, but I digress). Tall Order was seemingly giving some players a big damage buff even before they gathered eight of the same element during a run, a surprisingly useful bug that's now been taken away.

Supergiant Games also fixed Medea's curse to stop it from dealing damage to enemies who were already lingering in new locations. Instead, it now works as intended: incoming foes will take between 1 to 999 damage while existing foes remain at full health.

Elsewhere in the hotfix, you'll no longer randomly find Artemis singing beside the Crossroads Cauldron. She's forever destined to sit next to the river to chirp her tunes, poor Artemis. And Dire Auto-Seekers are no longer "immune to being stunned if their armor was depleted in their defensive mode," the developer writes in its patch notes.

Hades 2's last hotfix was surprisingly big and even added features we've been waiting for since the roguelike hit Steam Early Access, but it also introduced at least one unintended issue "causing command inputs to sometimes not queue up as you cleared an encounter." That's seemingly been cleaned up, too, along with other unnamed "minor fixes."

Supergiant Games has now mostly moved on from its godly roguelike, it seems, as the studio was recently hiring for whatever comes next. Should Cronos allow the time to come, I'll definitely be tuning in to whatever the team dreams up next, whether it's in the form of a Hades 3 or another entirely original game.

230 runs later, Hades 2's ranking system has me feeling cheated out of a huge missed opportunity.

Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is the talk of JRPG town post-Summer Game Fest 2026, but as much as I am looking forward to it, the third installment in a remake of an old JRPG is less interesting to me than fresher experiences. This is one reason that Final Fantasy Resonance, due October 22 and based on the Brave Exvius side game but retooled as a complete package, is at the top of my mind instead.

Resonance represents Final Fantasy's return to turn-based combat and its introduction to the HD-2D style that's come to define some of the best games from Square Enix, from Octopath Traveler to several Dragon Quest remakes. Ever since I first played Octopath Traveler in 2018, I've been hungry for a full-fat Final Fantasy game in the same style, and that hunger's only grown over the years thanks to the likes of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales.

HD-2D is essentially pixel art embellished with 3D environments sporting modern lighting, shadows, and higher-res details that add depth. In many ways, it feels like a natural evolution of pixel art. I love and play a lot of games with traditional pixel art, but HD-2D hits my eyeballs like nothing else. Final Fantasy was crying out for this aesthetic, and I'm thrilled to see Resonance make it happen.

It's also exciting to see Brave Exvius shed its mobile game trappings, with Square Enix promising an expanded version of the game that will hopefully recenter the series' core identity. It's coming to PS5, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, PC, and Xbox Series X, beefing it up and putting it in front of many more players. (I mean, I'm sure a lot of you have phones, but I understand the hesitation to play mobile game spinoffs.)

Resonance seems to retain the Exvius battle system's intriguing chain attack mechanic, it integrates open-world exploration both mounted and airborne, and it looks packed with special moves and cameo characters. It's certainly different from classical titles like Final Fantasy 6, but I'll take whatever turn-based, HD-2D Final Fantasy I can get right now.

Final Fantasy Resonance fans want the true stars of Brave Exvius, not just JRPG icons like Cloud and Tidus: "Bring my girl Ariana Grande back".

Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave was shown off in all its TRPG glory at the latest Nintendo Direct, and it's coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 as soon as September 17, 2026.

The iconic series is known for its flashy special editions, and Fortune's Weave is no different, as Nintendo dropped the Dagdan Collection right after the Direct, bursting with exclusive collectibles. The $119.99 (Amazon) / £92.99 (Nintendo) set includes the Switch 2 game, along with an artbook, art cards, and even a map of the Dagdan Empire, the new land of gods and epicenter of our four new protagonists, Cai, Dietrich, Theodora, and Leda's adventures.

While that sounds all well and good, it's already sold out at numerous retailers, so plenty of fans (especially in the UK) will have to stick to going digital or picking up the $69.97 (Amazon) / £66.99 (Amazon) standard physical edition instead. At least it's far easier to find, and even cheaper in the US at $10 off. If you'd still prefer that shiny Dagdan Collection, I've gathered the best spots to try and secure it down below, along with links to all the best US and UK spots where you can grab a physical Switch 2 copy too. I know UK availability is looking dry, but don't fret, as I'll be checking back in regularly to upgrade this page to provide you with the best options.

Pre-order Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave Dagdan Collection

Pre-order Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave in the US

Pre-order Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave UK Pre-orders

Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave FAQ

Check out our Splatoon Raiders pre-orders page and the Star Fox pre-orders page to make sure you don't miss out on the latest Switch 2 releases.

Nintendo Switch Sports Resort pre-orders may be brand new to the shelves, but that's not stopping retailers from discounting the mini-game package. Amazon and Walmart both have the $59.99 Switch 2 edition at $10 off this week, though you'll need to add the box to your cart in order to see the final price.

That means you can pre-order the next Sports instalment for $49.95 ahead of the October launch, and I can see a trend forming.

See, Amazon and Walmart both also have discounts running on Splatoon Raiders pre-orders, the exact same $10 saving on the original $59.99 MSRP. In all cases, other stores are left at full price with Best Buy still listing both titles for $59.99.

Like its Wii forefather, the Nintendo Switch is following up its original Sports entry with a Resort offering. We're returning to Wuhu Island, therefore, where our Miis will be jumping into new events like skateboarding and... thumb wrestling.

Sports Resort favorites are returning, with archery, basketball, bowling, golf, Power Cruise, table tennis, and everyone's favorite prop plane. However, it looks like we've lost a few events this time around. Nintendo has made no mention of frisbee, cycling, swordplay, or wakeboarding in the 2026 release.

This one's for the die-hard Nintendo Sports fans, then, updated to take advantage of new Joy-Con 2 features like mouse controls and those slick visual upgrades afforded by the latest handheld.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there are any pre-order bonuses on offer here either. In years past, we've seen collectible water bottles and other neat accessories packaged in with early-doors orders. This year, we're travelling to Wuhu Island solo.

We're also keeping you on top of Fable pre-orders as well as Halo: Campaign Evolved pre-orders and Control Resonant pre-orders as well.

I'm always a bit reluctant to hand over Nintendo Switch gift cards to friends and family during birthdays and other events where the best Nintendo gifts are well-warranted. They feel really impersonal, especially when you pick one up online, as they typically just arrive as code to your inbox.

I'm not sure if Nintendo was listening in on my gifting woes, or just wanted an excuse to flog off its most expensive $100 (Nintendo) eShop card, but if you grab one from the official US Store, you now get a physical Super Mario Bros 40th Anniversary case to go along with it. Of course, Nintendo Switch Prime Day deals are incoming, so you'll have more opportunities to gift physical goodies to your bff in a few weeks. But the case is a neat extra that the biggest Super Mario Bros fan in your life is sure to appreciate, especially over a boring, long-digit code on receipt paper.

Nintendo could have easily gone the lazy route and just launched a plain red collectible case, or one that's covered in the renders of Mario's face that you typically find decked out across the plastic versions of the card, but this Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary version goes all out with its lovely gold exterior design.

There's not just a series of art featuring Mario through the years on the exterior, but the interior of the case includes a handy dandy timeline of all the major Super Mario game releases over the decades - from Super Mario Bros on the NES (the first game I ever played) to Super Mario Bros Wonder released on the Switch.

Regrettably, it appears as though you can only get this case if you grab the $100 Nintendo Switch eShop Gift Card, as there's no $50 or $25 equivalent. Nor is it available at the UK Nintendo online store.

However, if you were going to gift $100 worth of eShop funds to a friend regardless, why not get it straight from the source if you know you'll get a free physical steelbook case along with it? You could even keep it and just hand over the plastic gift card, though don't come crying to me if your friend finds out.

How to redeem a Nintendo Switch Gift Card Code on the Nintendo Switch 2

1. Turn on the console
2. Navigate to the 'Nintendo eShop' icon on the toolbar
3. Select the user who's redeeming the code
4. Scroll down and select 'Enter code'
5. Enter code found on the back of the Nintendo Switch eShop gift card
6. Select 'A' to Confirm

• View all Nintendo Switch gaming deals at Amazon

Our guide to the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories is full of some of the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers and the best Nintendo Switch 2 headsets that would make the perfect gift for the biggest Ninty fan in your life.

Atari announced Barbie Rewind on June 6, 2026, a game that lets you design her iconic Dreamhouse while playing through a range of classic games, from her 1991 NES adventure to even the previously unreleased Barbie Vacation Adventure for the Genesis (Mega Drive) and SNES. But what drew me to the collection was not that I could re-live some childhood nostalgia, but the fact that it comes packaged with a genuine doll.

If you grab the Barbie Rewind Deluxe Edition for the Nintendo Switch and only the Nintendo Switch for $59.99 at Best Buy, you get a Barbie doll, wearing a pink-styled Atari shirt with matching pink streaks in her hair. This version also includes a poster and is numbered out of 20,000, but who cares about that when there's a special limited edition Barbie up for grabs.

I may be a 30-something-year-old adult, but I have a soft spot for Barbie dolls. Right at this moment, I have a version of Ken in his movie beach get-up, and a Barbie version of the singer Ella Fitzgerald sitting on my desk staring up at me, but this Atari-shirt-wearing version is calling out to me more.

Back in 2016, Mattel released 'Game Developer Barbie', but I regretfully didn't pick it up. Ever since, I've felt remorse that I didn't get to add a game-themed doll to my collection. So it feels serendipitous that I now have the opportunity to add a game-themed Barbie that's not only wearing an Atari t-shirt, but that comes with a physical Switch game that's full of 16 classic Barbie games from over the decades.

Unfortunately, the doll itself isn't fully articulated like more premium Barbie dolls, which is a bit of a bummer. I also can't find the Switch Deluxe Edition in stock at UK retailers besides directly from Atari. Currently, the Amazon product listing is listed as "currently unavailable", but you can bet I'm keeping it bookmarked and updating this piece to give you more buying options if and when they become available.
In case you didn't know, Barbie Rewind is one of the few games to be brave enough to launch on November 12, the same month as Grand Theft Auto 6. As much as I love the GTA series, only one game comes with a doll, so I know which one I'm pre-ordering as soon as I can. Rockstar needs to step up their game.

• View all Nintendo Switch game deals at Best Buy

Check out our guides to the best Lego sets for more game-themed toys and collectibles.

Fans of Undertale developer Toby Fox are eating well with Deltarune, which is getting its big Chapter 5 update later this month, just a little more than a year after the long-awaited Chapters 3 and 4. And while I'm sure it won't take long for Deltarune players to rip through Chapter 5 and pick through every morsel of meta reference in its story, it sounds like they won't have to wait terribly long for the next chapter and, believe it or not, the final seventh chapter after that.

In a new update on Fox's newsletter, the RPG developer gives a progress update on Deltarune Chapter 6 and, surprisingly, touches on plans for Chapter 7's development.

As Fox is wont to do, the language in the update is vague, saying only that Chapter 6 is "developing well" and listing a number of major bullet points and the progress being made on them. Toby Fox says he's "making good progress" on cutscenes and NPC interactions, while "all the basic gimmicks," i.e. "climbing, puzzles, etc.," have been created, even if "we need to create a few more rooms utilizing these gimmicks." Meanwhile, normal enemies and bullets are "mostly complete" and "we are working on the bullets of the last battle of the chapter."

In case you're wondering why everything in Chapter 6 is coming together so quickly and smoothly, don't worry, Fox has a very clear, detailed explanation: "This Chapter is easier to make than the others, so the development is going quite fast." Thanks, Toby.

Most curiously, Fox even says it's possible work on Chapter 7 will begin as early as this year. "This sounds crazy, but it's not unrealistic that some staff members may start working on Chapter 7 before the end of the year," he writes.

This is a remarkably fast timeline for these final chapters of Toby Fox's beloved RPG, especially considering the several years in-between earlier chapters. Assuming there aren't any significant hurdles and this pacing continues, we could see the conclusion of the Deltarune saga as early as 2027 or 2028.

In the meantime, here are the best RPGs to play right now.

Vanillaware is bringing Muramasa to PC in 2027. I, too, struggle to believe these words, but you're just going to have to trust me.

On the heels of a Switch and Switch 2 announcement in the Nintendo Direct June show (it's also coming to PS5), the Japanese studio surprised fans with a Steam page for Muramasa: Revenant Blades. This is the first Vanillaware game to ever come to PC, and it's a port of a game that first launched on the Wii in 2009 before being ported to the PlayStation Vita.

Vanillaware is notorious for skipping PC. I specifically asked the director of Unicorn Overlord, the studio's sterling strategy RPG, if a PC port was in the cards, and I was completely shut down.

It's maddening. Everything Vanillaware touches, from Odin Sphere to Dragon's Crown to 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, is an exemplar in a genre that has a huge audience on PC. Hell, games like Unicorn Overlord might even benefit from mouse controls, specifically. Yet, every time: crickets.

So, an updated, PC version of Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a big deal – not just because a great game will now be available on a new platform, but because it opens the door to further PC ports from Vanillaware. It's a pattern we've seen from the likes of Atlus and Capcom: dip your toe in the PC pond only to find your whole leg hungrily grabbed by a starved fan base who's been watching enviously from afar for years. Basically what I'm saying is, Unicorn Overlord on Steam, and only that, would fix me.

Anyway. Muramasa is a 2D action RPG about tearing through yokai and folklore-inspired monsters while struggling to tear your eyes away from Vanillaware's signature environments. Six protagonists fill out a hugely replayable game with sharp combat and a surprising amount of depth to progression and blacksmithing.

"Experience the side-scrolling action RPG epic from Vanillaware and Marvelous with stunning 4K visuals, all-new English voiceover and localization, new modes and more," the Nintendo Direct trailer reads.

After 26 years, classic JRPG Tales of Eternia returns: the remaster coming this October looks fantastic, and is actually good for the series for once.

At a fantastic Nintendo Direct June show for RPG sickos, Tales of Eternia Remastered was a lovely bit of news from Bandai Namco. It's coming to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, PS4 and PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC (Steam) on October 16.

Originally released in Japan in 2000, and in North America as Tales of Destiny 2 in 2001, Tales of Eternia is the third game in the Tales series. It's the latest in a growing line of remasters that sprung up around the series' 30th anniversary celebrations.

Eternia Remastered follows Tales of Berseria Remastered, a baffling choice that disappointed many fans. Berseria, a 2016 release, was already readily playable and holds up well on its own, so many felt that the remaster added very little. Bringing an older game like Eternia up to speed on modern platforms makes a lot more sense, so today's news has been received much more warmly.

Eternia uses an early, 2D ancestor of the action combat system modern Tales fans are familiar with, and it seems it's been updated considerably for this re-release. Bandai's added a boost function to adjust XP gains and encounter frequency, a high-speed auto-battle toggle, instant battle retry and quick recovery, and an "Extreme" difficulty available from the start paired with a new "Unknown" difficulty setting unlocked by beating the game.

The new visuals and sounds in the remaster can be swapped with the originals whenever you want, which is always nice with remasters. With this news, fans of Eternia have begun praying that the Tales series' recognizable skits will make it into the re-release.

Bandai reminds us all what Eternia's about on the remaster's newly minted website:

"Experience the remastered edition of Tales of Eternia, a timeless JRPG where a band of heroes race to prevent a disaster that could destroy two intertwined worlds ... Rediscover an emotional story filled with charm, adventure, and the signature Tales spirit, perfect for both newcomers and longtime fans."

Xenoblade Chronicles JRPG trilogy gets Nintendo Switch 2 editions this year, and the first one is out today.

Fortnite Sprites have returned to the battle royale, after previously featuring in several seasons of Chapter 6. There are now a lot more of them than the original Air, Earth, and Water Sprites, and there's a whole new system built around them. You can now extract them from the island to build up your collection and then bring any one of the little helpers into each match from the start. This can get a bit complicated, so here's an explanation of how Sprites work in Fortnite, what their powers are, and how to level them up to Mastery.

Have you found out how to rescue or pet John Wick's dog in Fortnite yet? Our guide will show you the way to unlock this canine companion.

What are the Fortnite Sprite powers?

Each of the Fortnite Sprites gives you a different power up when equipped, and their descriptions are given below:

• Rare:
  • Earth Sprite: You have a chance to find additional rare items when opening chests
  • Fire Sprite: Creates a fiery burst when you deal enough damage to an enemy
  • Water Sprite: Replenish shield while in water for you and your nearby Squad
• Epic:
  • Duck Sprite: Emoting or Jamming replenishes shields
  • Ghost Sprite: Grants cloak for a duration upon reloading
  • Demon Sprite: Siphon some health and shields when you eliminate an opponent
  • King Sprite: Your Pickaxe deals more damage
• Legendary:
  • Dream Sprite: Grants a random item at each level, exploding with legendary loot at Max Level
  • Punk Sprite: Possibly nothing... or infinitely something
• Mythic:
  • Zero Point Sprite: Spawn a Shield Bubble Jr. when you use a healing item on yourself

While most of those are self-explanatory, I go into more detail on the Punk Sprite below. While equipped, your Sprite will level up through opening chests, downing or eliminating opponents, and extracting Sprites, with the effect of their powers increasing up to Level 5.

If you're eliminated in a match then the current Sprite you have equipped will be lost, but you can spend Sprite Dust (earned by extracting Sprites) in the main menu to bring them back – the rarer they are, the higher the cost to recover them. In that menu you can also chose to equip a Sprite before you board the Battle Bus, though any you find during the match can also be swapped in and equipped.

What does the Punk Sprite do in Fortnite?

The Fortnite Punk Sprite description cryptically says it does "Possibly nothing... or infinitely something" – so here's an explanation of its actual power. Firstly, you have to level it up to Level 5 before it will do anything, then from that point on equipping a Punk Sprite has to possibility to grant you infinite ammo! Your weapons will still have the same magazine capacity as usual so you can't fire indefinitely, but reloading won't reduce your overall ammo count, which is pretty handy if you can combine this random chance with a powerful weapon.

How to extract Sprites in Fortnite

Extracting Sprites in Fortnite will add them to your collection, making them available for deployment in future matches and levelling them up in the process, as well as earning you Sprite Dust currency. To do this, you need to go to one of the Sprite Extraction Sites marked on the map above – which can also be identified by beams of light shining up into the sky.

When you arrive at an Extraction Site, hit the button on the control panel attached to the platform to trigger the arrival of an extractor crate – this takes a short time to be deployed, during which other nearby players will be alerted, so watch out for opponents. Once the crate lands, you can approach it and interact to extract any Sprites you are carrying, then interact again if you want to also extract the Sprite you have equipped. A couple of seconds later the crate leaves, and your extraction is done.

As well as adding them to your collection, extracting a Level 5 Sprite will earn you Mastery of it, and each Mastery you achieve will unlock rewards in the Sprites menu. These include Portable Extractors so you can save Sprites without having to go to an Extraction Site, Sprite Dust, XP, and cosmetic items.

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The ongoing saga of Deltarune, Toby Fox's latest RPG continues. A little over one year since Chapters 3 and 4 came out, we've gotten news of when the next part will be out courtesy of a Nintendo Direct, and it's mere weeks away.

Per the latest Nintendo presentation, Deltarune Chapter 5 is coming out worldwide on June 24, 2026. Obviously, this means it's coming to Nintendo Switch 2, and it'll be on PlayStation 5, PC, and all other expected platforms.

The gameplay shown is typically madcap, ranging from wild minigames to cartoony interactions. And the absurd boss battles, don't forget those.

This chapter is coming out remarkably quick compared to its predecessors. There were three years between the first and second parts, then another four years before chapters three and four were playable.

In that time, several ports were created, including for the newer systems, placing quite a bit of demand on Fox's time and energy. Nonetheless, he's managed to the next installment out in good time.

We already knew that Chapter 5 was set to release at some point this year, though Fox previously expressed that it probably wouldn't be in the first half of the year. Now that it's launching at the end of June, though, he just barely managed to get it over the line before then. Chapter 5 comes as a free update to anyone who already owns the game, too, and it'll be the same for the RPG's future chapters.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake confirmed, coming to Nintendo Switch 2 this year

If you know me, you know I'm a tad obsessed with amiibo, yet I haven't yet added the three Street Fighter 6 figures to my ridiculously large plastic NFC toy collection. Why? Simply because Luke, Jamie, and Kimberly don't get the biggest savings over here in the UK.

In the US, it's an entirely different story. You have days like today where each figure is down to just $4.99 at Best Buy each, which marks not just a return to a record low price, but a ridiculously low price for some of the largest figures in the amiibo catalog.

Here in the UK, we're a bit more limited when it comes to buying our amiibo. While Amazon sometimes stocks the latest figures, it's more likely that they'll appear at the official Nintendo store, and that's always for their full price.

Even a quick scan of Nintendo UK now shows that Luke, Jamie, and Kimberly are £24.99 (Nintendo UK) each. Whereas in the US, you can regularly find them on sale, and then you have days like today, where you can pick up all three for less than the cost of one at full price.

No really. Each of these figures debuted alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 last June for $29.99 each, and saw a price hike, which saw them rise to $39.99 afterwards. Picking up all three NFC collectibles today would only cost you $14.97, which is not even half the price of one on a normal given day, and I highly recommend you do just that.

You will make me very jealous, but at least Amazon Prime Day is approaching, where I can hopefully find some amiibo price drops of my own. Though they likely won't be as Ryu-diculous as the ones found at Best Buy.

• View all Nintendo Switch amiibo deals at Best Buy

Looking for more bargains? Check out our guides to the best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals, the best Prime Day PS5 deals, and the best Prime Day gaming deals to be clued up on early savings on games, controllers, headsets and more.

This recent Nintendo Direct has been quite the showcase, offering sneak peeks and first looks at all sorts of exciting titles – including Final Fantasy Resonance, a new JRPG from Square Enix that feels a whole lot like Octopath Traveler.

Final Fantasy Resonance is set to arrive on October 22, 2026, and it's stunning. Unveiled as "the first Final Fantasy game in HD-2D" – the very same art style that Octopath Traveler and its sequel use, the new entry in Square Enix's decades-old series will be available to play on both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

It features the same turn-based battles folks know and love Final Fantasy for, as well as recurring iconic characters like Cloud Strife himself. As for the setting – Lapis, it shares a world with Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, the now-dead free-to-play mobile RPG... and it sort of looks like a remake, honestly.

Unsurprising, seeing as it's "based on the first story arc of Brave Exvius," as per a press release from Square Enix – but is also apparently "far from just a direct port," as "it has been refined and extensively rebuilt as a full-fledged console-quality RPG experience."

Last we saw of Lapis was back in 2025, when Brave Exvius was discontinued – so, this is pretty cool.

It'll arguably be far more accessible to players on the Switch and its newer successor, with many Final Fantasy fans (hi, it's me) not engaging with mobile games as much as console and the like.

Plus, Square Enix is right at home with the HD-2D aesthetic, and if fellow JRPGs like Octopath Traveler offer anything to go by, the studio will ace it with Final Fantasy Resonance.

I'm not alone in thinking so, either, it seems. Comments on the trailer already show an excited community, with one person exclaiming that developers are "giving fans of classic Final Fantasy what they've been begging for!"

Hear, hear! Now, if only October could roll around more quickly...

Searching for something else to wishlist? Here are the best new games coming this year and beyond to look forward to.

Yacht Club Games's new Castlevania-inspired adventure game Mina the Hollower sold half a million copies in a week.

Earlier this year, Yacht Club Games co-founder Sean Velasco said that Mina the Hollower – its second major release after a decade of Shovel Knight – was "make-or-break," with Velasco saying "if we sold 500,000 copies, then we would be golden. If we sold even 200,000, that would be really, really great. If we sold, like, 100,000, that's not so good."

The game proved to be a hit with critics, becoming the best-rated game of 2026 and selling 300,000 copies in the first three days, but I'm glad to say that Yacht Club Games is now "golden."

Announced over on Twitter, Yacht Club's account announces that Mina the Hollower has sold over 500,000 copies. The post continues: "Half a million Hollowers have descended into Tenebrous Isle, and we're completely blown away. Thank you for playing, sharing, reviewing, streaming, and believing in our haughty little mouse. The adventure is just getting started!"

While this is being announced 11 days since the game was released, the studio follows up by saying the sales were "all in the first week," so the actual number could be a lot higher by now.

Undoubtedly, it was probably also helped along by its great bundles on Steam, with one pairing it with the other best-rated indie game of 2026, Mewgenics. With the devs saying that "the adventure is just getting started," hopefully it's safe to say we haven't seen the last of Mina. Just don't expect the overwhelming generosity we saw with Shovel Knight, as the developers have said that there will be "no free DLC" after Shovel Knight was effectively four games in one.

The best-rated game of 2026 is $20 because the devs "don't want people to wait" for a discount: "We only get one chance at this."

Dataminers have apparently discovered an update to the Nintendo Switch Online retro games library, and it looks like Nintendo may be planning a spiritual successor to one of the Wii U's crown jewels.

Despite being a standard thing in the industry for over two decades now (yes the Xbox 360 was 21 years ago, you're old), Nintendo has never dabbled into achievements. Some games have featured an in-game version of them, sure, but there has never been a console-wide system for it, with Shigeru Miyamoto saying all the way back in 2009 that "I'm not a big fan of using the carrots to motivate people to play. I want people to play because they enjoy playing and want to play more."

However, it looks like Nintendo may now be dabbling in a similar system, but rather than being strictly achievements, it instead feels like a spiritual successor to the fantastic NES Remix series. BlueSky user Luigiblood reportedly found the details while datamining the NES, SNES, and Game Boy Nintendo Classics apps. Rather than give you achievements for completing specific tasks in-games, you'll apparently select a challenge which will then plunge you into a given retro game to complete it.

Meanwhile user Spectralstar69 posted a look at the first batch of apparent challenges, which are all themed around Donkey Kong games. These don't tell you what the actual challenges are, but the cards have descriptions, like "Catch the Key" for Donkey Kong on Game Boy, and "High-Flying Mine Cart!" on the original Donkey Kong Country. Even Donkey Kong Jr. Math is getting in on it, with a challenge called "DK Accounting!"

Presumably we could find out more about this new challenge system in the Nintendo Direct later today, and as someone who is a big fan of the NES Remix games, I'd be excited to see Nintendo get back to introducing fun challenges to its retro titles.

Zelda and Star Fox remakes are fine, but former Nintendo staff say it needs "more than nostalgia."

Even with the new Star Fox game barreling its way to the Nintendo Switch 2, Star Fox merch is few and far between.

If and when fans ask me for merch recommendations, I'm not bringing their attention to the official Nintendo store, but Starlink Battle for Atlas Starter Pack, which is now 8 years old and difficult to find new in stock.

That's why I was surprised to find the pack brand new and available for £14.58 at Amazon in the UK this week. If you want one of the only official ways to get a wonderfully detailed replica of the Arwing ship (and a tiny Fox McCloud to put in it), you need to warp speed your way to checkout. I suspect with the new wave of fans generated from Fox's Super Mario Galaxy Movie cameo and the new game launching soon on the Switch 2, that this won't be around for much longer.

Besides the new Star Fox plushies that have dropped in the lead-up to the new game, there hasn't been much in the way of new collectibles featuring the crew for a while now. That's why I always bring in this Battle for Atlas Starter Pack in conversation with other fans, even though I've never actually played the game that's packed inside.

Instead, I'm all about that Arwing toy included in the box, as it's a beauty. I currently have mine sitting amongst my SNES game collection (naturally, as close to the original Starwing as possible), and it looks fantastic - like the ship flew out of Lylat Wars and onto my shelf.

Sure, I'd much prefer to have a modern version of the ship on display, especially one that doesn't feature black sections on the wings intended for equipping it with the weapon add-ons that are included in the pack. However, this is pretty much all there is to Arwing replicas, unless you have 3D printers at hand.

At just £15, this is more than a bargain. Even if it was purely the ship alone, I'd recommend it, but you get the ship, a tiny and adorable Fox which you could put in the cockpit, and a copy of the actual Starlink Battle for Atlas game, which our team's own Sam Loveridge said was, "a fantastic space exploration game, with solid flights, fights and enemies."

With the new Star Fox game heading to Switch 2, I can only assume Nintendo has new merch plans up its sleeves, which will hopefully include new versions of the team's ships. But until then, this starter pack is a great way to get some Star Fox toy rep besides picking up the amiibo or forking out three digits for those over-priced World of Nintendo figures on eBay. Trust me, it's not worth it.

Check out our guides to the best Nintendo gifts and the best Lego sets if you're hunting for more Ninty toys for your collection.

And that's a wrap on the Nintendo Direct June 2026. The fast-paced showcase wasn't packed with as many major announcements as we expected, but we did get the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake, a new Xenoblade game, some release dates, and more.

We've got the full list of the announcements for these upcoming Switch 2 games, so check out everything announced at the Nintendo Direct June 2026.

EVERYTHING ANNOUNCED AT NINTENDO DIRECT

BIGGEST ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake confirmed, coming to Nintendo Switch 2 this year
• The Duskbloods closed network test announced: we'll get to play the next FromSoftware game very soon
• Xenoblade Chronicles Genesis is coming in 2027, and it looks very different to Monolith Soft's last JRPG trilogy
• Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave release date set, adds yet another RPG to September
• Pokemon Pokopia makes splash with free underwater update and paid DLC, coming later this summer
• Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen gives Capcom's best RPG in years the expansion it deserves, coming this October
• Kingdom Hearts 4 resurfaces in a Nintendo Direct of all places, with our best look at the new RPG in over 4 years

ALL THE OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Rhythm Heaven Groove got a fresh trailer ahead of its July 2 release date
• Onimusha: Way of the Sword confirmed for Switch 2 on September 25, the same as other platforms
• Stellar Blade coming to Switch 2 later this year
• Orbitals is coming to Switch 2 on September 3
• A new trailer for Rayman Legends Untold, which is coming to Switch 2 on October 1
• Big Walk is coming to Switch 2 on August 4
• One Piece: Grand Gourmet is a new pixel-art restaurant management game set in the One Piece universe, and it's coming October 23
• Ninjala 2 is coming next spring
• Limited time event is coming to Donkey Kong Bananza
• Jujutsu Kaisen: Rumble Survivaton is coming this year
• Lords of the Fallen 2 drops on Switch this fall
• Lies of P: Complete Edition is coming this August
• Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition releasing on June 23
• Muramasa: Revenant Blades announced
• All three Xenoblade Chronicles games are getting their Nintendo Switch 2 editions staggered through the rest of this year
• Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is the latest game in the series that Wii Sports kicked off
• Runescape: Dragonwilds is coming to Switch 2 on September 15
• Hello Kitty: Party Land is coming on October 29 as a Mario Party-style title
• Star Fox demo drops today
• Pikuniku 2 is coming next year
• Dragon Quest Monsters: The Witchered World is coming December 3
• New gameplay for Splatoon Raiders
• Metaphor: ReFantazio coming to Switch 2 on November 12
• Minecraft is getting a Switch 2 upgrade later this year
• Kingdom Hearts games are all coming to Switch 2

So let's get started shall we? We're going to round up our predictions and any rumors for the Nintendo Direct right here

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave

I imagine seeing Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is pretty much a sure bet for today's Nintendo Direct. We last saw the upcoming title at the September Nintendo Direct last year, and it's rocking a loose '2026' release date. I reckon we're going to get a release date and some chunky gameplay for this at the Direct and beyond into Treehouse Live.

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive that's seemingly connected to Fire Emblem: Three Houses thanks to the appearance of Sothis in the reveal trailer. The game appears to revolve around a tournament called the Heroic Games, which rewards the winner with a wish from the 'Divine Sovereign'. Each character has a personal drive as to why they want to win the wish.

Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

This one is my personal pick for what I'd really like to see today, so I'm keeping everything crossed. It was first announced way back in 2023, and we've not really heard from it since. A Japanese-language trailer debuted at TGS, but I am craving more info. It's still scheduled to launch in 2026, and we're not even sure if it's launching on Switch 2 as well as the original Switch. So we're definitely due an update on what the Prof and Luke are up to next.

While fingers are crossed for certain announcements, others are already starting to potentially leak through. One of the biggest rumors circulating ahead of the show is that of a new Wario game. The leaker who successfully predicted both Rayman Legends Retold and Spyro: A Realm Beyond first hinted at a new Wario title, and then said straight up that "a new Wario game is coming."

Sadly for fans of Mario's angry yellow doppelganger, we don't yet know what form that new game might take. There's some hope for a new Wario Land title, but that's certainly yet to be confirmed.

The other side of that leak appeared to focus on Zelda, which brings us to one of the biggest rumors going around ahead of the Direct - the Ocarina of Time Remake. Word on that has been swirling for quite some time now, to the extent that some seem to think it's all-but-guaranteed to show up later today - especially since it was tied into the same rumors that was proved right when it came to the Star Fox 64 remake that was revealed at the last direct.

Ocarina of Time remains perhaps one of the most quintessential Zelda games, one of the most iconic Nintendo games of all time and one of the biggest must-have games even on a console as prolific at creating classics as the N64. Depending on how deep Nintendo goes with a remake, it could prove a massive win for the Switch 2 and an excellent way of introducing a new generation to a true retro banger.

Also likely to show up (and some leaks suggest playing second fiddle only to OoT) is The Duskbloods. Still set for a 2026 launch (as of last month, at least), we've seen precious little of FromSoftware's follow-up to Elden Ring, and I have to say I'm very curious to find out more. There's plenty of souls-y goodness in what we've been blessed with so far (and dare I say, a touch of Bloodborne too?), and FromSoft fans are often rabid enough that I think this is still the Switch 2's biggest system-seller to date. I'm expecting a hefty story trailer and a release date somewhere around the October/November mark.

We're gonna take a brief break, but we'll be back in an hour for more Direct predictions. See you soon!

We're back, and less than 60 minutes away from the start of the next Nintendo Direct!

I don't know if it'll make a major showing today, but another one of the big releases that Nintendo has on its horizon is Pokemon Winds and Waves. Fresh off a big reveal as part of the Pokemon Day celebrations back in February, it might be an important upcoming Switch 2 game, but sadly it's still a long way off.

Despite being revealed during Pokemon's 30th anniversary year, Winds and Waves isn't launching until 2027. That means it might be on the slate, but I'd be a little surprised if we saw much of it today. There's likely to be several more Directs between now and its release date (which I guess will be in November next year) including a whole other Pokemon Day showcase. With no rush on Gen 10, I don't expect it to appear today.

As we approach the start of the Direct, let us know what game you're most excited to see - just check out the poll below to cast your vote!

One announcement that a lot of my colleagues are holding out hope for is Witchbrook. The long-awaited wizarding life sim that's most easily billed as 'Stardew meets Hogwarts' has been enticing would-be players for many, many years - and that could be about to change. With a planned release date for 2026, it's potentially running out of opportunities to show off what's coming. While the community isn't holding its collective breath just yet, the seriously Switch 2 aesthetic could make the Direct an excellent candidate for hosting a new trailer.

Eagle-eyed Nintendo fans will note the absence of one figure in particular from my pre-show analysis: the Big M himself. We're still waiting for the Switch 2's big 3D Mario title, and it sounds as though we might be waiting a little longer. The very same leaks that suggest we'll be seeing a good chunk of Link and John Duskblood seem to suggest that Mario won't be getting an Odyssey-style standalone announced at this show. Given that the Nintendo 3D-platforming experts only wrapped Donkey Kong Bananza last year, that shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, but it's still a disappointing note on which to enter today's Direct.

If you're already wired into the livestream, then you'll see that Nintendo's already started showing off bits and pieces from the stream. But don't fear! The Direct presentation itself still don't begin for another five minutes.

Nintendo's really leaning into the unhinged nature of Tomodachi Life in the current pre-show advert reel - two minutes to go!

It begins, with Yoshiaki Koizumi taking the stage and wasting no time in kicking things off!

Rhythm Heaven Groove is our starter for today, with its Warioware-esque collection of rhythmic minigames. Over 80 games are included, with various new modes to enjoy, as well as a...Skyrim reference? There's a dungeon-crawler aspect that's got a lot of similarity to Crypt of the Necrodancer, and 30 multiplayer games with up to four palyers that adds a little Mario Part silliness to proceedings. Rhythem Heaven Groove hits both Switch 1 and 2 on July 2.

This is a Switch 1 and Switch 2-focused Direct, with all games heading to current-gen and some coming to last-gen as well.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is up next, with a close look at its counter-and-parry samurai combat. Gritty and filled with mythological references, it's comign to Switch 2 on September 25, with pre-orders beignning today.

Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen is heading to Switch 2, with a brand-new area to let you take down a series of new enemies. It looks like a substantial follow-up to the base version of the game, which builds on Dragon's Dogma's cult appeal.

Now it's time for Stellar Blade, which made a major splash across both PS5 and PC. It's now coming to Switch 2 later this year, though it doesn't seem there's much difference between the original release and this one.

Orbitals is a cute, anime-style co-op game, with plenty of different modes to conjure up its It Takes Two-style. It's coming exclusively to Switch 2 on September 3, and can be played locally or via GameShare.

Rayman: Legends Retold is next up. It's a remake of the platforming classic - with its four new musical stages and local four-player co-op - coming to Switch 2 on October 1.

Big Walk! From the creators of Untitled Goose Game, this is a co-op adventure game that's a slightly more polite version of Peak, in which communicating with your friends is key. There are various puzzles to solve, but the real challenge is making sure to stay in range of your friends to make use of proximity chat. It's hitting Switch 2 on August 4.

One Piece: Grand Gourmet appears to be a pizel-art restaurant management game set in the One Piece universe. Your crew will head out to gather new ingredients for new recipes, while you'll run the restaurant with the help of more than 400 One Piece characters. It's coming to both consoles on October 23.

Pokopia is back! One of the Switch 2's biggest hits so far, the trailer kicks off with ditto heading under the sea. Finally, you'll be able to explore the world on the ocen floor by using dive. All of Pokopia's building options are here as part of a free update coming in August.

There's also a paid expansion, with a new town, new outfits, and crucially, new Pokemon (including Mudkip!). The expansion pass is available today, but won't launch with the first section - Bubbly Basin - until August. Two more parts are on the way after that.

From one banger frnachise to another, we're onto the Dagdan Empire with Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave. This latest trailer introduces the four main characters; Leda, Cai, Dietreich, and Theodora. Between matches, you'll be abelt o use your free time to recruit new allies, train in the arena, or travel beyond the city walls to gain experience.

There's also a look at the series' classic turn-based combat, with a glimpse of each characters' special techniques. And then, some pretty ominous chatter about 'the advent of the underworld'. An older Sophis heralds yet another September release date, launching on September 17 with a special 'Dagdan Edition'.

We're Naruto running now, with Ninjala 2. Frankly, I've got very little idea about what's going on, but there's a good look at a massive - if pretty dull-looking - open-world. Look, I've not played Ninjala, but there's a lot more talk about chewing gum than I thought there'd be. Either way, it's coming next Spring.

Bananaaaa. A limited time event is coming to a suite of Donkey Kong games across the classic collection, allowing you to check out the old games in a new light, or heading to Bananza itself for some even more devilish challenges. A collection of cards documenting your achievements will be available to unlock between now and September.

And another limited-time event brings Mario and Luigi-inspired outfits, as well as Super Mushrooms and Question Blocks available across Emerald Rush. Four different events will take place, starting today and running in different waves.

Jujitsu Kaisen meets Vampire Survivors meets battle royale in this next game, which allows you to add different rules to each runthrough as you hone your builds. Jujutsu Kaisen: Rumble Survivaton release this year.

Lords of the Fallen 2 is next up, bringing its soulslike combat to the Switch. Appropriately, it;s comign this Fall.

And another acclaimed soulslike is coming next, with Lies of P: Complete Edition (with the Overture expansion) releasing from August.

Third in this array of combat-focused games is Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition, coming June 23.

All three of those look like pretty standard ports, but it's nice to see the Switch 2 catching up with a series of acclaimed action games.

Muramasa: Revenant Blades follows that up, with a brief trailer introducing a colorful cast of heroes, but very little extra information.

All three Xenoblade Chronicles games are getting their Nintendo Switch 2 editions, with 60 fps upgrades, and new game modes and QOL features being added to various games across the trilogy. Digital editions will be available later today for the first game, with XC2 coming in July and XC3 in December.

More Xenoblade! Some "early moments" from the next game show off some of the series' classic open-worlds, which look as beautiful as ever. There's also plenty in the way of chaoric, fiery battles. We're only hearing the Japanese VA in this trailer, so your exact mileage with these characters may vary if you opt for English language when you get your hands on the game, but if you're a Zenoblade sicko, I can see this being exactly your kind of jam. Anima is certainly dominating the conversation, which comes as little surprise.

Xenoblade Genesis is coming in 2027.

Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is the latest game in the series that Wii Sports kicked off. Boxing, Table Tennis, Archery, Tennis, Volleyball, Bowling, Basketball, Golf, Thumb Wrestling, Skateboarding, Power Cruising, Prop Plane, and Jump Rope are your 12 available sports this time around (though I'm not sure thumb wars and light-airplane piloting really count). Sports Resort hits on October 22.

Clearly not confident in the idea that Thumb Wrestling counts as a sport, Nintendo is introducing the very concept, including horrifying giant hands and elongated thumbs. I hate it.

Runescape: Dragonwilds brings Jagex's answer to Valheim to Switch 2. Following up from a successful PC release and an upcoming console launch, there's plenty of magic, crafting, and building, as well as fights against the enemies of Ashenwild. It's hitting Switch 2 on September 15.

Hello Kitty: Party Land offers a Mario Party-style array of minigames for up to four-player co-op. It's launching on both Switch consoles on October 29.

Star Fox is next, although if you've played this game any of the previous three times it's been released, you've seen a lot of what this trailer has to offer. It's coming soon, and there's a demo of the tutorial and the first level available from today.

Ooh, this isn't what I expected. "the first Final Fantasy game in HD-2D", Final Fantasy Resonance is an interesting return to the pixel art that defined the first six games in the series. Interestingly, it allows you to conjure visions of iconic characters - like Cloud - to help you out. It's heading to both consoles in September.

Pikuniku! I loved the first game, and while this is 3D rather than 2D, it's clearly got much of the same sense of humor that made the original so good. Pikuniku 2 is coming next year.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Witchered World is coming December 3, with the risky ability to merge creatures together.

Ok, it's The Duskbloods. An ancient Blood Sovereign, a huge blood moon, and some really vampire-y vibes join a clasic FromSoft-guy with his weird gravelly voice and cryptic info. A closed network test is coming later this summer, but I was definitely hoping for a little more from Miyazaki and co.

From there, we head to Splatoon Raiders, which is clearly Nintendo's latest big push to turn this into an actual franchise rather than a series of family-friendly first-person painters. It's all PvE, with plenty of outrageous vehicles and gadgets that offer a few more options than simply blasting your opponents with ink. Upgrades and level-ups turn this into much more of a traditional RPG, but you'll get to find out more in an upcoming Splatoon Raiders Direct, and a series of prequel comics available via the Nintendo Today app. It's launching at the end of July, and is coming with a pair of Splatoon-inspired Joy-Con.

Deltarune is up now, with Chapter 5 releasing later this month.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is the next port, bringing Atlus' fantasy alternative to Persona to Switch 2 on November 12.

Minecraft is heading to Nintendo Switch 2 in a dedicated port offering vibrant visuals, enhanced lighting and shadow, and easy porting for worlds originally made on the Switch 1. That's coming later this year.

Here's a sizzle reel. I've missed the first one, but then there's Space Marine 2, coming Holiday 2026; Observer: System Redux on June 18; DayZ, later this year; Metal Gear Solid 2: Master Collection at the end of August; Rise of the Romb Raider, available later today; Tales of Eternia, October 16; Snowrunner, also available today; Fitness Boxing 3, coming July 16; Everbloom, coming Spring 2027; FF14, which is coming into early access in August.

Kingdom Hearts up next, with three collections of KH games. It's certainly no Kingdom Hearts 4, but it was a whole slate of ports. Cloud versions will let you transfer your Switch 1 saves, from October 8. there's also a free demo of KH3 available later today, focused on its Toy Story section.

Ohh, this is Kingdom Hearts 4. Far grittier than its predecessors, this is the longest look we've had at this in ages, with some towering Kaiju ights in the streets of a bustling city and barely a Disney character in site. It'll be available on Switch 2 at launch, but we won't be getting any hint of a release date today.

And here's Hyrule. And an Ocarina. No prizes for what comes next.

The Ocarina of Time remake's first trailer tells the story of Hyrule, woven into a rug.

Oh I hate that baby Link model.

Confirmed! The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, coming 2026.

Ocarina of Time will be "reborn" with more details coming "in the future," but there's precious little information. We'll have to wait to find out more.

We're wrapping up the Direct itself with a message from NOA chief Devon Pritchard, handing over to Treehouse Live, which is ready to go right now.

Now that we know there is a Nintendo Direct tomorrow, the rumor mill is abuzz with suggestions on what will be announced. The big expectation everyone has is the reveal of a Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, but someone else might steal the show - Wario.

Even before this week's Direct was officially revealed, Nintendo leakers were already talking about what projects are due for announcements. On June 7, prevalent leaker noarmsandnolegs took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a gif of Wario and Link. This backs up previous leaks that indicated a new Wario Land title could be coming in 2027.

Noarmsandnolegs previously served as the main source on the Rayman Legends Retold and Spyro: A Realm Beyond leaks, both of which were later officially announced over the course of Summer Game Fest. Following their initial post, the leaker then made a more direct statement on the rumors, saying outright, "A new Wario game is coming. Wahahaha." They then elaborate, saying that they cannot confirm if it will be a new entry in the Wario Land series, though they point to the apparent uptick in Wario appearances lately. That includes Wario World on Nintendo Switch Online and a Wario Land track in Mario Kart World.

If it is not a new Wario Land game then the most likely announcement will be a new WarioWare title, assuming there's a Wario reveal coming at all. The last title in that series, WarioWare: Move It!, released in 2023. So it hasn't been that long in the grand scheme of things, even if I'd never say no to a new entry.

WarioWare: Move It is the Smooth Moves spiritual successor I've always wanted

It can be tricky to rescue or pet John Wick's dog in Fortnite because he can only be found in a couple of locations. If you don't know where to go then you're unlikely to stumble upon him by accident. However, if you're a Battle Pass owner then this canine companion is definitely worth tracking down, as setting him free will also add Dog (Pen & Ink) as a sidekick you can bring into matches. To find out more, here's where to find John Wick's dog and rescue him.

Have you worked out how to master Fortnite Sprites yet? We've got a complete guide to extracting and levelling them up.

Fortnite John Wick's dog locations

There are two possible locations for John Wick's dog in Fortnite, and I've marked both on the map above. This spawn will be random in each match, and will either appear in the hotel lobby on the south side of Sinister Strip or in the sewers in the northeast of The Battlewoods. You'll know you're in the right place if you can hear the dog barking when you get close – if you don't find anything there, you'll need to head to the other location instead.

How to rescue or pet John Wick's dog

When you find John Wick's dog in Fortnite, he'll initially be locked in a cage guarded by a couple of NPC enemies who will attack when you get close. Eliminate them and a second wave of goons will spawn, so take them out as well. Once the threat is dealt with, interact with the cage to free the dog and then pet him to receive a selection of powerful weapons and items.

If another player has already completed the rescue, you can still come in afterwards and pet the dog to collect the weapons and items. The first time you rescue or pet John Wick's dog you'll also complete the quest and unlock him as a sidekick in your locker for use in future matches.

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When Sea of Stars was released in 2023, not even its developer could have predicted the overwhelmingly positive reaction the indie RPG would receive. In a sea, pun intended, of nostalgic Chrono Trigger-inspired games, Sabotage Studio's take on the genre stood out. Now, three years later, the team is closing the chapter on Sea of Stars.

In a June 8 post on Steam, Sabotage Studio announced, "the final update is here." Sea of Stars: Sunset Edition marks "the end of a journey that has spanned more than seven years." Post-release support has also included the release of a free expansion called Throes of the Watchmaker. What the last update actually brings to the game is rather sparse, but no less interesting. The main addition is a new cinematic intro that "puts faces on heroes from the past known until now only by name."

Sabotage notes that since the cinematic is at the beginning of the game it should still be easy to experience for anyone who has completed the story, as all you need to do is start a new game. The cinematic is also paired with a key flashback in the game getting expanded. Mechanically, the Sunset Edition has rebalanced the Normal and Hard modes one last time. "Splitting the attributes of the Tactician’s Mettle relic into two separate relics (Tactician’s Mettle and Ray of Sunset) enables a 'Normal' experience that demands more grit." writes Sabotage.

The studio signs off by thanking players for the journey that has been Sea of Stars before looking towards the future. "Rest assured that pre-production for 'Project Sparrow' has been underway in parallel for more than a year now," reads the blog post. While it is too soon to share anything beyond that, Sabotage says that the team has, "never been as excited by a project at this stage in ten years at Sabotage."

If you've yet to dive into the wonderful experience that is Sea of Stars, the game is currently 50% off on all platforms to celebrate the Sunset Edition.

Hit Chrono Trigger-inspired indie RPG Sea of Stars "was about 7 times more successful than we anticipated from the best sunny day scenario," say devs

With The Witcher 3 on all our minds as the RPG's new expansion (no, not DLC, y'all), Songs of the Past, is underway, former CD Projekt Red developers remain as hopeful as we do that it'll prove to be well-done.

Speaking with GamesRadar+ in a recent interview at Summer Game Fest, Rebel Wolves – the team made up of CD Projekt Red veterans currently working on vampire RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker – CEO Konrad Tomaszkiewicz shares his thoughts on Songs of the Past. It's an interesting statement for sure, seeing as Tomaszkiewicz approaches his words as someone who worked on The Witcher 3 and its two previous expansions.

"I've never played The Witcher games as a player," admits the dev. "Because, when you work on the first Witcher, second Witcher, third Witcher, both expansions," it's not the same as it is for normal fans.

"I was the developer playing it all the time," as Tomaszkiewicz puts it. "I couldn't play The Witcher 3 right now, even from the start, because I saw it too many times." Honestly, I get it – it must've been tiring to even consider.

When it comes to Songs of the Past, though, things are a bit different. Tomaszkiewicz didn't work on it himself, after all, so he finally gets to approach it as a player rather than a dev – and, in turn, he hopes the expansion is good… just like the rest of us do.

"I hope this expansion will be good," he says. "I will play it [for the] first time as a player. And I only have one request… how to say it politely… to do it good."

Again, I'd wager the majority of the community feels that way right now, too. CD Projekt Red has been hyping the expansion up as well, making it all the more exciting – for us fans and former devs of The Witcher 3, apparently.

We are discussing a title that's not just one of (if not the) best Witcher games, but one of the best RPGs to date, so it's unsurprising that expectations are high. For what it's worth, I'm thinking it'll deliver, personally.

Excited to see more upcoming CD Projekt Red games come to fruition? Browse through our roundup for other great new games arriving this year and beyond, too.