Month: May 2025

An early discovery of the Nintendo Switch 2 console has generated excitement and concern ahead of its official release on June 5. A fan recently posted an unboxing video of the console, showcasing its design and features. However, it was revealed that the unit requires a system update, which will only be available on the launch date, making the console non-functional until then.

This advance release has drawn attention while raising questions about the circumstances of its early acquisition. The Switch 2 is the much-anticipated successor to the original Switch, featuring enhancements such as a larger screen, upgraded Joy-Con 2 controllers, and innovative applications like GameChat. This new app will enable users to host and participate in audio and video calls with friends through Nintendo Switch Online.

As the launch approaches, major retailers across the US have begun receiving their initial shipments, with employees even sharing images of the consoles secured in-store until the official release. Despite Nintendo’s efforts to combat scalping, some consumers have already encountered Switch 2 units on the market. The YouTube user a2dubai’s unboxing video, although removed from the platform, was reposted by Twitter user Stealth40k, providing a glimpse into what awaits gamers.

The video revealed that while the console looks exciting with its sleek design, it lacks core functionalities until the necessary day-one update is installed. As Nintendo prepares to launch the Switch 2 with a lineup of 24 titles, including popular games like Mario Kart World, the demand will be closely monitored. With millions of units reportedly ready for distribution, the gaming community is eager to see how quickly consumers can get their hands on the new console and what experiences await them upon release.

The launch trailer for Elden Ring Nightreign offers an intriguing look at a summoner class. For some time, there have been rumors about a class focused on Spirit Ashes, speculated to be called Revenant. Elden Ring Nightreign is set to release on May 30, and FromSoftware has finally unveiled details about this much-anticipated class. While the official name is still to be confirmed, it is evident that players will have the opportunity to engage in indirect combat through the use of Spirit Ash summons.

Initially showcased at The Game Awards in December 2024, Elden Ring Nightreign is a co-op spin-off scheduled for a May 30 launch. In the lead-up to its release, FromSoftware and Bandai Namco have been gradually introducing various classes in Nightreign, referred to as Nightfarers. The recently premiered trailer continues this unveiling process, showcasing the projected Revenant Nightfarer. Particularly notable is a moment at around 42 seconds into the trailer, where a new Nightfarer appears to summon a giant skeleton, echoing previous speculation surrounding this class.

The ethereal design of the skeleton aligns with the established look of Spirit Ash summons in Elden Ring. The launch trailer not only hints at the Revenant class but also introduces players to several new enemies. Among these is a massive dragon that emits lightning, which the Nightfarers confront midway through the video. Given the history of Elden Ring bosses, this dragon is likely to showcase formidable attacks.

Additionally, a centaur-like enemy makes a return, showcasing its aggressive moves. Unlike Elden Ring, where classes had limited long-term effects, Nightreign’s Nightfarers are more uniquely defined. Each archetype comes with established strengths and weaknesses, making for more strategic gameplay. Insights from the February 2025 network test suggest that properly built Nightfarers could excel significantly, particularly if players acquire advantageous equipment.

As Spirit Ashes played a role in adjusting game difficulty in Elden Ring, the Revenant class could also provide accessible options for players facing various challenges in Nightreign.

Dead by Daylight is set to introduce Springtrap, the eerie character from Five Nights at Freddy’s, complete with formidable powers and unique skins. Among Springtrap’s abilities are surveillance tactics and a fire axe for tracking and eliminating Survivors. This collaboration also brings forth a new map, Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria, enriched with security features that enhance the gameplay experience. The addition of Springtrap as a Killer is a significant move from the developers, particularly given his prominent role within the Five Nights at Freddy’s lore.

Springtrap, a yellow animatronic bunny housing the remains of the franchise’s antagonist, William Afton, first appears in the third installment of FNAF. His looming presence resonates throughout the series, making him a fitting choice for this crossover. Furthermore, a surprise announcement reveals that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will collaborate with Dead by Daylight. In this game, Springtrap takes on a role focused on surveillance and the pursuit of Survivors, wielding unsettling weapons like a large pizza knife and his characteristic fire axe.

This axe has a unique Power that reveals Survivors in its vicinity. If hit by the axe, Survivors must either remove it themselves or seek help from a teammate, all while risking confrontation with the Killer. Upon its release on June 17, 2025, the Dead by Daylight and Five Nights at Freddy’s Chapter will feature various skins for Springtrap, including the “Yellow Rabbit Legendary Outfit” linked to the live-action movie. Players can also expect the “Glitchtrap Legendary Outfit” along with additional rare skins like Clown Springtrap and Toxic Springtrap.

As part of the new Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria map, players will encounter security cameras and doors reminiscent of FNAF, enabling strategic gameplay. The capability to monitor Springtrap’s movements provides vital information for the Survivors as they navigate potential dangers. Dead by Daylight has a rich history of engaging crossovers with iconic horror figures and soon Springtrap will join an esteemed roster of Killers, crafting a unique blend of terror and strategy for players to enjoy.

The Dastardly Duos event is set to launch in World of Warcraft on June 3 and will run until July 15. During this exciting six-week event, players will have the opportunity to earn a variety of new rewards, including the Tyrannotort mount and several toys.

Players will engage in challenging encounters against classic bosses from the game, all while striving to gain rewards. A recent video from World of Warcraft provided details on how the Dastardly Duos event will operate, showcasing the various incentives for players.

The event follows the recent release of Patch 11.1.5 on April 22, which introduced new features like the Nightfall scenario and the Cooldown Manager. Subsequently, on May 20, a second wave of content was added, featuring Horrific Visions Revisited, brimming with new and familiar rewards for players to pursue.

For those who enjoy World of Warcraft Classic, several significant updates are slated for July, ensuring that the excitement continues. The Dastardly Duos event will allow players to join forces with premade groups, strangers, NPC allies, or even go solo.

Participants will face waves of classic enemies leading up to battles with two iconic bosses, with performance points awarded based on success. Players can enhance their abilities with powerful buffs or choose to challenge themselves through self-nerfing options for higher point multipliers.

The rewards for Dastardly Duos include not just the Tyrannotort mount, but also the Mean-Ball pet and Champion track gear. Toys like the Winner’s Podium and the Dastardly Banner can also be earned, adding unique utility for players during the event.

Players will complete introductory and weekly quests provided by Vinnie Sweets, located in Dornogal, Stormwind, and Orgrimmar. The bosses players encounter are drawn from iconic dungeons, such as Rattlegore from Scholomance, Glubtok from Deadmines, and Broggok from Blood Furnace.

Each week will introduce new bosses, giving players varied challenges. Those seeking to amp up the difficulty can summon additional bosses during encounters using the Bullhorn of Calling.

Adding to the summer excitement, the Turbulent Timeways Timewalking event is expected to kick off on June 19, running alongside Dastardly Duos. This promises a summer packed with engaging content for fans of World of Warcraft.

Disney Dreamlight Valley has begun teasing its upcoming Peter Pan update, originally slated for summer 2025. Although a definitive release date remains elusive, Gameloft has shared a new teaser that hints at the Peter Pan content being closer than anticipated. The popular life simulation game has seen a steady stream of new characters since its early access phase, and the November 2024 roadmap confirmed Peter Pan’s arrival alongside a summer content drop centered on Skull Rock, the iconic hideout of Neverland pirates.

Recently, Gameloft introduced a mysterious teaser in the form of an ancient treasure map. The caption, “Looks like someone dropped this,” invites fans to speculate on its significance. The map features an arrow pointing from Ariel’s boat to a red X located to the southeast, suggesting that the X signifies a new area to explore within Disney Dreamlight Valley.

This red X is positioned near the edge of the current map, hinting at the possible introduction of a new region in the game. It is likely that Ariel’s boat will serve as a means to access this new location. Presently, players using the raft only reach an unnamed island, which has been perceived as a dead end.

However, with the latest teaser, this unremarkable isle could very well represent either Neverland or a gateway leading to it. To unlock this new content, players will likely need to complete Ariel’s questline. The quest begins with unlocking the Dazzle Beach biome by clearing the Giant Night Thorns blocking the entrance with 1,000 Dreamlight.

Following this, players can initiate The Mysterious Wreck quest, leading them closer to Ariel. Besides Peter Pan, the update may also introduce other beloved characters from Neverland like Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, Wendy, and the mischievous Lost Boys, enriching the game’s narrative.

World of Warcraft Classic is currently featuring the Joyous Journeys experience boost, which offers a 50% increase in XP gains from now until July 1. This boost is applicable to all players, applying immediately from level 1 up to the current cap of 85. With the upcoming Mists of Pandaria Pre-Patch on the horizon, this is a great opportunity for fans to enhance their gaming experience and prepare for the new expansion. Joyous Journeys is a recurring buff in World of Warcraft, historically activated prior to major releases.

It first debuted in 2022 as part of the lead-up to Wrath of the Lich King Classic and has since re-emerged several times, including during the Cataclysm Classic expansion. Its return provides players with a notable advantage in leveling their characters, making it particularly useful for those embarking on new journeys. This experience boost is automatically enabled, meaning players don’t need to take any specific actions to benefit. However, those who wish to opt out can easily disable it at any innkeeper located in capital cities, with the option to re-enable it at any time.

As the Mists of Pandaria Pre-Patch approaches, it will bring significant new content, including the Pandaren race, Monk class, and a host of new features such as Pet Battles and AoE looting. Additionally, players can engage in the limited-time Attack on Theramore Isle world event and complete the Theramore’s Fall scenario. Those who finish the Pandaren starting experience before the end of July will have the chance to earn the Shaohao’s Sage Serpent mount for modern WoW. For players looking to bypass the leveling process entirely, they can also earn a free Level 85 Character Boost through the Season of Discovery.

This boost is available for free to those who defeat Balnazzar, the first boss in the Scarlet Enclave raid, at least once before June 30. In this opening chapter of The Worldsoul Saga, adventurers will explore unseen subterranean realms filled with hidden treasures and dangers as they delve into the depths of the Nerubian empire.

Zeekerss is stirring excitement among fans of Lethal Company by teasing a formidable new creature that is set to join the game. Along with this hint, there are indications that multiple new monsters may be added, offering players and their co-op partners some thrilling surprises. The surge of competition from similar games like REPO has motivated Zeekerss to contemplate further updates, signaling that dangerous new content is on the way. Lethal Company, despite being in Early Access, made a significant impact on the gaming community upon its release in late 2023.

The game became popular for its chilling creatures, escalating difficulty, and the hilarious chaos that often ensues when players team up with friends. Although Zeekerss had previously expressed feelings of burnout regarding the game’s updates, this sentiment appears to have shifted recently. Zeekerss has communicated on Twitter that the new creature being introduced could be among the biggest threats players have faced. While specific details remain scarce, a cryptic tweet suggests the creature’s abilities are extraordinary, noting that its power “goes to its head.”

Additionally, Zeekerss mentioned that this creature behaves unpredictably, seemingly just for the sake of unpredictability. The lack of further elaboration has left fans to speculate about what this new monster might entail. While the exact release date for this creature is unknown, prior comments from Zeekerss hint at the potential addition of more than one new creature in the future. Earlier in the year, he suggested he might add “a creature or two,” though it remains uncertain whether plans for a second creature have been postponed, scrapped, or if a surprise awaits players.

Zeekerss has recognized the impact of competition, noting that his experience playing REPO—which shares aspects with Lethal Company—has led him to consider exciting updates. While players await more information, it’s clear that something new and perilous is brewing for Lethal Company.

A limited-time event for The Sims 4 has just been announced, bringing excitement to players for June. Despite being available for over a decade, The Sims 4 continues to receive new downloadable content (DLC) packs, which offer hours of gameplay that players have come to appreciate. Besides these packs, the game also benefits from regular free updates that enhance gameplay, introduce quality-of-life improvements, and provide free items through the Sims Delivery Express system. Recently, The Sims 4 has started hosting limited-time events, featuring engaging quests that encourage players to explore new features and items.

In return, participants gain access to exclusive event items that are only available during the event period. Following the success of previous events like Reaper’s Rewards, Cozy Celebrations, and Blast from the Past, the development team is launching another event, this time centered around nature. The Nature’s Calling Event kicks off on June 24, inviting players to complete quests for Event Points and earn special rewards. The Nature’s Calling Event will start at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET.

Players simply need to launch The Sims 4 while logged into their EA account, which will immediately unlock the Reclaimed Woodworking Table in Build Mode. Upon entering their save file, players will be introduced to the event’s storyline through a pop-up. This narrative will unfold over four weeks as new quests are released, culminating in an opportunity for players to finish final tasks before the event concludes. Players can keep the items they unlock during the event, but those who miss out will not have the chance to obtain them once the event ends.

The Nature’s Calling Event will run until August 5, allowing roughly a month and a half for players to complete all available quests. Unleash your creativity in The Sims 4 as you design unique worlds that reflect your personal style. Customize every detail from the appearance of your Sims to their homes, and explore diverse neighborhoods to meet other Sims. With endless possibilities to tell your stories, the game invites you to immerse yourself in the lives of your characters as they pursue relationships, careers, and everyday adventures.

The following contains spoilers for Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.3’s Trailblaze Mission. Recently, a leak has surfaced regarding Version 3.4, hinting at a new map area that likely pertains to Phainon’s backstory. This character is highly anticipated to join the playable roster in the upcoming patch of Honkai: Star Rail. The recent 3.3 update introduced powerful 5-Star characters Hyacine and Cipher.

Hyacine is a Wind Remembrance unit that provides healing for the entire party, while Cipher is a Quantum Nihility character that synergizes well with follow-up attack teams. This patch also delved deeper into the lore of the Chrysos Heirs and set the stage for Phainon to acquire the Worldbearing Coreflame. Although Phainon’s playability for Version 3.4 has been confirmed, players will also receive extensive insights into his lore. The new leak suggests that players might have the opportunity to visit Phainon’s hometown.

Details regarding Phainon’s kit have been leaked, revealing that he is poised to be among the most damaging units in the game. A video from the well-known leaker Firefly showcased a new map area, Amphoreus, set to debut in the 3.4 patch. The footage featured Cyrene as an NPC at a quaint fishing port, indicating an explorable zone adorned with chests, Space Anchors, and a Garmentmaker, suggesting that it could be revisited. The area resembles a small village with wheat fields and sparse NPCs, likely representing Aedes Elysiae, Phainon and Cyrene’s hometown.

Notably, Phainon had previously disclosed that Aedes Elysiae was destroyed by the Flame Reaver prior to the game’s events, yet Version 3.4 seems poised to reintroduce it. While the return of Aedes Elysiae may seem far-fetched, it has already been hinted at in the current patch. At the close of Version 3.3’s Trailblaze Mission, Cyrene conversed with Phainon after making her first in-game appearance. Earlier missions established that the Flame Reaver had killed her, yet her unexpected return raises questions.

Cyrene notably resembles Elysia from Honkai: Impact 3rd, suggesting she will play a crucial role in the climax of Amphoreus. Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.4 promises to be an ambitious update. In addition to Phainon’s long-awaited debut, it will feature a crossover with Fate/Stay Night, introducing playable characters Saber and Archer. Players can also obtain Archer for free by simply logging in during the event.

Nintendo’s latest commercial for Mario Kart World in Japan suggests that the game may feature reverse courses. The ad showcases players racing on the Mario Bros.

Circuit in reverse, complete with an updated mini-map for navigation. Unlike the mirrored tracks in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, these reverse courses do not replicate the entire game instance but offer a fresh twist on familiar tracks.

Mario Kart World was notably the first game announced for the Nintendo Switch 2 when the console was introduced. Its official title and key features were revealed during the Nintendo Direct on April 2.

Among the highlights were various cups available for players, the ability to explore a seamless game environment, and new elements like GameChat and the Knockout Tour race type. On April 17, Nintendo provided further insights into Mario Kart World, although the potential for reverse courses or a mirror mode was not addressed until the recent commercial surfaced.

The commercial—observed by NintendoSoup and GaplekBehemoth on YouTube—features a clear depiction of the reverse Mario Bros. Circuit at the one-minute mark, indicating that players will face off against up to 24 competitors.

Notably, the absence of user interface elements from the Knockout Tour in the ad hints that reverse courses could serve as a dedicated feature, potentially replacing the mirror mode from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Moreover, with Mario Kart World’s interconnected routes and seamless game world, the possibility of racing in reverse opens up more diverse gameplay experiences.

As players prepare for the game’s launch on June 5, they will have the opportunity to unlock Rainbow Road by completing all cups. While details on this iconic track remain under wraps, the inclusion of reverse variants could add an extra layer of challenge for enthusiasts.