Month: April 2025

GameStop has announced the cancellation of bot-generated and duplicate pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Fans of the console will soon have a fresh opportunity to secure their pre-orders as GameStop is set to reopen its inventory after addressing issues that plagued the initial pre-order phase. The excitement around the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders began on April 24 in the US, leading to significant online chaos. Retail websites, including those of Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, were overwhelmed by the influx of eager customers trying to claim their consoles.

While some managed to successfully place orders, many others struggled, prompting them to seek alternatives at GameStop. When GameStop initiated its pre-orders at 11 AM ET on the same day, it encountered similar technical difficulties, including website crashes. Customers who opted to visit their local GameStop locations tended to have better luck, though they were required to get there early to secure a spot in line. As it stands, all pre-orders for the Switch 2 across various retailers are sold out.

However, GameStop’s efforts to cancel bot and duplicate orders provide a glimmer of hope for those still hoping to pre-order. With the cancellation of these problematic orders, GameStop plans to reopen its pre-order inventory, allowing fans another chance to secure a Switch 2 ahead of its June 5 launch. Customers are encouraged to check in with their local stores for any available pre-orders. Despite the excitement, Nintendo has acknowledged that supply issues may hinder availability on launch day and through the holiday season.

As the console arrives with five exclusive games, anticipation continues to grow, although frustrations remain for fans unable to pre-order. The hope is that Nintendo will ramp up production to meet the high demand.

Pokemon TCG Pocket is marking its half-year anniversary with a variety of exciting rewards. Players can look forward to receiving a Shaymin coin and a full art Rayquaza EX card, as part of this celebration. Additionally, the game is gearing up for the release of a new expansion titled Celestial Guardians, which will introduce over 200 new cards into the game. Launched in October 2023, Pokemon TCG Pocket has quickly gained popularity due to its streamlined gameplay.

Unlike the physical Trading Card Game, this digital version features simpler rules, allowing players to build decks consisting of just 20 cards and engage in battles with a limit of 50 turns. The game’s appeal lies in the thrill of opening booster packs to discover new cards. Since its release, it has seen the launch of two expansions and three mini-sets, the latest being the Shining Revelry, which introduced 111 cards and the highly anticipated shiny Pokemon. To commemorate six months of success, the developers have announced special gifts that players can earn.

Beginning on April 29 at 11 PM PDT, a new round of missions and solo battles will be available, allowing players to win Promo Pack A Series Vol. 7 boosters. These packs feature the coveted full art Rayquaza EX card as the primary reward. Until May 12, players can also complete special missions to obtain a Shaymin coin and an engaging playmat designed with characters like Charmander, Piplup, and Rockruff.

Players can participate in solo battles against AI opponents of varying difficulty to earn promotional card packs. These promotional cards are unique variations of existing ones, featuring distinct attributes, alternate artwork, and a special Poke Ball stamp. The coins and playmats serve as accessories that enhance the experience of building and customizing decks. In addition to the anniversary festivities, DeNA has announced the upcoming expansion Celestial Guardians, which promises to add even more depth to the game with the introduction of ex variants of Legendary Pokemon Solgaleo and Lunala, as well as the first immersive Support card.

Elena has been officially announced as the next downloadable content (DLC) character for Street Fighter 6, marking the conclusion of the Season 2 releases that have featured several iconic figures from the fighting game franchise. Players can anticipate Elena’s arrival on June 5, 2024, along with a newly designed stage. Elena is a beloved capoeirista who first appeared in Street Fighter 3: New Generation.

To prepare for her entry into Street Fighter 6, Capcom has released a new gameplay trailer highlighting her updated moveset. Classic moves like Rhino Horn make a comeback, accompanied by new abilities such as Lynx Song. The trailer showcases her dynamic fighting style, featuring a variety of forward-moving kicks and evasive techniques.

In Season 2, Capcom has already introduced other fan-favorites, starting with M. Bison, who made his debut on June 26, 2024. This iteration of Bison features a striking new look, including long white hair and a tattered cape. Following him, Terry Bogard was added to the roster in September, further enriching the game’s character lineup, while Mai Shiranui followed on February 5, 2025.

Elena’s enhanced gameplay includes a set of versatile moves that give players the chance to chain attacks effectively. Notable skills such as Leopard Snap and Harvest Circle promise to extend her offensive capabilities. Additionally, her Super Arts, which range from powerful anti-air attacks to multi-hit flurries of kicks, give her a diverse toolkit for engaging opponents.

On Elena’s release day, players will have the opportunity to unlock her classic outfit from Street Fighter 3 and Ultra Street Fighter 4 by completing in-game challenges or using Fighter Coins. Furthermore, the new stage, Reniala Remains, will offer a stunning nocturnal panorama of the African plains, creating an immersive backdrop for Elena’s return to the series.

Fans of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are advocating for the game’s quick guide feature to become an industry standard in gaming. This feature allows players to quickly access the tutorials menu to refresh their knowledge of game mechanics before diving back into gameplay. Many Reddit users have praised this functionality, highlighting its usefulness for returning players and sparking conversations about similar features in other games. Launched on February 4, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 continues to follow Henry’s journey through 15th-century Bohemia, while building on its predecessor’s robust first-person melee combat mechanics.

The game has been well received, earning critical acclaim and exceeding expectations by selling one million copies on its launch day—a milestone that outpaced the original, which took nine days to reach the same mark. Furthermore, developer Warhorse Studios plans to introduce additional content and features in post-launch updates, including a recently added Hardcore mode. The quick guide feature is particularly beneficial for players returning to explore these new elements. One Reddit user, georgiaraisef, recently returned to the game and expressed satisfaction with the quick guide feature.

It appears in the top left corner of the screen, reminding players of their hiatus. By holding the corresponding button, players can access a refresher on mechanics, with additional information available in the Help section of the main menu. Many gamers believe that such features could enhance user experiences across various titles, helping them regain familiarity after breaks. The Reddit discussion has drawn attention, prompting gamers to propose similar quick guide or recap features, particularly for story-driven games.

These suggestions highlight a desire for tools that help players easily reconnect with the narrative, possibly leading to better development practices. Following the success of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, director Daniel Vavra has even mentioned the potential of AI to expedite game development, suggesting exciting possibilities for future projects.

Schedule 1’s developer, Tyler, has stirred excitement within the community by hinting at upcoming map expansions. As the sole developer, he has ambitious plans to introduce swampy regions and upscale residential areas, broadening the game’s environment.

Since its early access launch in March 2025, Schedule 1 has garnered notable popularity, particularly among content creators. The game, which revolves around the manufacturing and distribution of illegal substances, has received “overwhelmingly positive” reviews on Steam.

Developed using Unity, Schedule 1 rapidly ascended to fame, achieving higher concurrent player counts than some AAA titles like Marvel Rivals and Monster Hunter Wilds. However, the game is not without challenges.

Reports of malware in several Schedule 1 mods have surfaced, leading Tyler to caution players about being discerning with their downloads. As the community eagerly anticipates new content and features from the monthly updates, Tyler recently revealed his future plans during his first Twitch stream.

He showcased areas where new locations will be added, including a “swampy, slummy area” and elegant residences on a mountain cliff, which could serve as potential hideouts. Following these, he aims to focus on an island off the mainland.

The reactions from fans on Reddit about Tyler’s map ideas were overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed eagerness for the new areas and the challenges they might bring.

Suggestions ranged from the possibility of gated communities around the upscale houses to an uptick in police presence in newly defined zones. Some fans even recommended implementing a mini-map to assist navigation in the ever-expanding game world.

Although significant updates may take time, Tyler remains attentive to fan feedback, having already integrated features like employee lockers based on community requests. Enthusiasts can expect more enhancements to improve gameplay in the months ahead.

Meanwhile, Tyler has actively warned about fraudulent mobile and PlayStation titles that are misleadingly associated with Schedule 1, clarifying his lack of affiliation with them. He also expressed intentions to transition Schedule 1 to consoles once development reaches appropriate milestones, creating further anticipation among his audience.

Rare Candy is an exciting new item card set to debut in the TCG Pocket’s upcoming expansion, Celestial Guardians. This card has generated significant buzz among fans, particularly as its launch approaches on April 30. Item cards, such as Pokemon Communication, have previously transformed Player vs.

Player (PvP) dynamics, and Rare Candy is anticipated to have a similar effect on the game’s metagame, fostering a more diverse array of deck configurations. Since its release, TCG Pocket has faced challenges in PvP, especially concerning deck evolution speed and setup. The introduction of Rare Candy in the A3 set seems primed to tackle these issues head-on, igniting excitement about potential changes in gameplay.

Known for reshaping deck building, item cards have become integral to competitive play. The cautious approach taken by DeNA and The Pokemon Company regarding item card releases has led some to doubt whether this next expansion would bring a truly transformative element. The announcement of Rare Candy, however, has quelled those concerns.

Players were especially intrigued by the announcement that Rare Candy would allow them to bypass Stage One evolution, moving directly from a Basic Pokemon to a Stage Two. This feature addresses longstanding critiques about the cumbersome evolution process within the game. As a result, many fans are hopeful that Stage Two Pokemon will finally gain the prominence they deserve.

Before the announcement, there had been substantial demand from the community for an item like Rare Candy, reflecting its effectiveness noted within the physical Pokemon Trading Card Game. It signals a potential revival for budget-friendly decks, benefitting free-to-play participants. Currently, TCG Pocket’s meta is heavily tilted, with a significant number of matches dominated by decks featuring Giratina ex and Darkrai ex.

While Rare Candy could diversify competitive gameplay, its introduction alongside Lunala ex, which may further empower Giratina ex decks, suggests that the outcome will depend on in-game synergy. Players will need to await the launch to fully grasp how Celestial Guardians reshapes the landscape.

A new range of Fortnite LEGO sets has been announced for Summer 2025, featuring fan-favorite themes and characters. Among the sets are the Mecha Team Leader, Klombo, Durrr Burger Restaurant, and Peely & Sparkplug’s Camp.

Each of these new sets will come with a complimentary in-game skin, with the Mecha Team Leader set uniquely offering two outfits: one for Mecha Team Leader and another for Mecha Team Shadow. Fortnite, initially released by Epic Games in 2017, maintains its successful collaboration with LEGO to bring exciting new products for avid fans.

The game has grown to include multiple modes like Fortnite Battle Royale, Fortnite: Save the World, and the innovative Lego Fortnite, which merges survival with social gameplay. Recently, Fortnite unveiled Chapter 6 Season 3, entitled Galactic Battle, which introduces a Star Wars-themed map, allowing players to explore locations such as the Resistance Base and First Order Base.

This thematic update ties into the larger Star Wars celebration and coincides with new content on Disney Plus. In addition to the new LEGO offerings, Fortnite has also added Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle skins to the Item Shop, featuring a hidden style available to select players.

Information shared on Reddit highlighted the exciting LEGO sets, which include free skins, reminiscent of the earlier Color Splash Jellie skin introduced in February. The series is expected to launch in June 2025, although the Mecha Team Leader set is already available for pre-order, bundled with two exclusive digital outfits.

Despite the enthusiastic reception from the community, some players have expressed concerns over the price, with the Mecha Team Leader set retailing at $250. Fans are eager for even more innovative designs, such as LEGO Fortnite Odyssey sets that could feature iconic characters and locations, allowing creative building inspired by the game world.

Michael Eugene Arrieta Jr. is a dedicated contributor who has written extensively about gaming, producing 478 articles, including 477 news pieces and one feature. With over a decade of journalism experience, Michael has built a rich portfolio across various platforms. His passion for gaming spans more than thirty years, during which he has enjoyed a wide range of titles, with a particular fondness for JRPGs and fighting games.

Some of Michael’s favorite game franchises include notable titles like Persona, Final Fantasy, and Guilty Gear. His list of favorite games highlights classics such as Persona 5 and Final Fantasy 8, alongside iconic titles like Devil May Cry 3 and Silent Hill 2. Over the years, Michael has also developed an affinity for the PlayStation 2, which stands out as his favorite console.

Among his proudest gaming milestones, reaching the Celestial Floor in Guilty Gear Strive ranks high. This achievement speaks to his expertise and dedication within the gaming community. In his latest articles, Michael covers a range of topics, including the successful launch of RuneScape: Dragonwilds, where developer Jagex has already celebrated significant early access sales.

He also reports on fan creations, such as a real-life dress inspired by Minthara’s Spidersilk armor in Baldur’s Gate 3, and the exciting crossover between Rocket League and Mortal Kombat. Other articles discuss gameplay developments and updates for popular titles like Destiny 2, Street Fighter 6, and Pokemon. Through his insightful reporting and analysis, Michael continues to engage the gaming community with fresh perspectives and news in the ever-evolving landscape of video games.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds has emerged as a remarkable success since its early access release on Steam, selling over 600,000 copies within just a week. This game invites players into an adventurous quest where they aim to defeat the formidable Dragon Queen while engaging in various activities like building and crafting. As players progress, they evolve into skilled dragon slayers, immersing themselves in the rich landscape of the forgotten continent of Ashenfall.

The positive response to RuneScape: Dragonwilds is evident; it has rapidly garnered a “Very Positive” rating on Steam and has quickly climbed to the #1 global top seller rank. Jagex’s Jon Bellamy announced the game’s success, revealing that it has surpassed the team’s expectations. On average, players spend over two hours per gaming session, showcasing their commitment to the immersive experience the game offers.

Bellamy credited the dedicated team behind RuneScape: Dragonwilds, emphasizing their collective efforts in shaping the game. In addition to its gameplay success, the community has already begun to innovate with numerous mods that improve the overall player experience. These modifications focus on enhancing quality of life features, such as simplifying building mechanics and alleviating inventory weight concerns.

The excitement surrounding these mods illustrates the creativity within the RuneScape community, hinting at the potential for even more inventive additions in the future. Players have taken to Twitter and Reddit, sharing their enthusiasm for the game’s success. Some express initial hesitations about its viability but are now eager to dive in.

The ongoing interest resonates not only for veterans of the series but also for newcomers discovering the world of RuneScape: Dragonwilds. The journey forward promises further growth and development, creating anticipation for what lies ahead in this captivating RPG universe.

11 Bit Studios is set to release a remake of Frostpunk titled Frostpunk 1886, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 and featuring new mechanics along with mod support, scheduled for 2027. This reimagined version will delve deeper into the game’s lore, particularly focusing on the events surrounding the Great Storm that devastated New London. Initially launched in 2018, the original Frostpunk received critical acclaim, maintaining an impressive average rating of 86 on OpenCritic and a “Very Positive” user rating on Steam, seven years post-launch. Its unique city-building survival mechanics resonated with players, leading to a successful sequel that surpassed the original in concurrent player statistics.

Regular updates enriched both titles, with the first game receiving three significant content expansions, while Frostpunk 2 has a roadmap plotting three DLCs through 2026. Frostpunk 1886 is not merely a visual upgrade; it promises to introduce fresh laws and mechanics creating a “Purpose Path” for players. Notably, the inclusion of mod support is expected to enhance gameplay, which fans have long requested. Following a hint from company president Przemysław Marszał, this project marks a shift as 11 Bit moves away from its Liquid Engine, committing to the more advanced Unreal Engine 5.

In addition to Frostpunk 1886, 11 Bit Studios is working on a large-scale project projected for 2029, though details remain scarce about whether this will be another installment of Frostpunk or a new intellectual property. The studio also plans to launch its forthcoming sci-fi game, Alters, in June 2025, promising day-one access for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. However, the company has faced challenges, including layoffs and the cancellation of an unannounced narrative-driven project, Project 8, just after Frostpunk 2’s disappointing sales figures. As such, the successful launches of Frostpunk 1886 and Alters are seen as vital for the company’s financial recovery.