Category: Games

The Nintendo Switch 2 has made history by selling over 3.5 million units within just four days of its launch, breaking the company’s previous sales records. This impressive figure highlights the console’s strong performance, surpassing the original Switch’s sales during the same initial period.

The figures encompass all configurations, including the popular Mario Kart World bundle. Launched on June 5, the Switch 2 quickly became the fastest-selling console in Nintendo’s history, according to a statement made by the company on June 10.

Key factors contributing to these strong sales include significant hardware improvements over its predecessor and the inclusion of a desirable bundle at launch. To ensure a smooth rollout, Nintendo and its retail partners worked diligently to manage pre-orders and stock levels, curbing scalping practices that have plagued previous console launches.

The Switch 2 boasts several upgrades, including a more powerful Nvidia processor and support for DLSS upscaling technology. This allows the console to enhance the performance and graphical quality of existing titles, such as Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and Super Mario Odyssey, through free downloadable updates.

With exciting launch titles and further content updates on the horizon, the console seems poised for continued popularity. Though the initial sales numbers are impressive, the future performance of the Switch 2 remains uncertain.

The original Switch sold over 2.7 million units in less than a month, eventually becoming one of the best-selling game consoles of all time. As Nintendo and retailers work to keep stock levels high, upcoming game releases, such as Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, are expected to maintain the Switch 2’s momentum throughout the summer.

Only time will reveal how this new console will compare to its predecessors in the long run.

The PC version of Dune: Awakening has made an impressive debut, boasting over 142,000 concurrent players. Funcom, the game’s developer, has confirmed that work is ongoing for the Xbox and PlayStation versions, which are now expected to be released sometime in 2026.

Fans of the franchise will have to exercise patience as they await the console launch, set in the arid landscape of Arrakis, Dune: Awakening is a vast multiplayer survival game deeply tied to Frank Herbert’s iconic science fiction saga. Initially slated for release on May 20, 2025, Funcom delayed the game briefly to June 10 to accommodate one last beta phase.

This extra testing attracted about 38,000 concurrent players, quite notable given that access was limited to pre-order customers. Following this, early access for Deluxe and Ultimate Edition owners saw the player count surge to over 93,000 within a few hours, indicating a promising outlook for the game’s launch.

With the PC version now live, Funcom has provided updates regarding console players. While a specific release date has yet to be announced, the studio reassured fans that development on both Xbox and PlayStation versions is progressing.

Alongside the game’s launch, Funcom also introduced its first DLC, “Wildlife of Arrakis,” which offers players the chance to enhance their base with intricately designed statues of famous creatures from the desert, such as the majestic Sandworm and Muad’Dib. Funcom has emphasized that Dune: Awakening will follow a traditional model where players make a one-time purchase, avoiding subscription fees and microtransactions.

Instead, they can choose to buy optional DLCs to enhance their experience. While the firm date for the console release remains vague, the ongoing development efforts indicate a committed push towards a successful launch.

As highlighted by Scott Junior, Funcom’s chief product officer, optimizing Dune: Awakening for the demanding Xbox Series S has posed challenges, which influenced the decision to focus first on the PC version.

Fortnite is introducing exciting new pet cosmetics that will only be visible to the player using them and their teammates. This feature aims to reduce visual clutter on the battlefield, which has drawn positive reactions from gamers worried about potential distractions during gameplay. Among the rumored pets is Krypto, Superman’s dog.

Recent leaks indicate that Krypto could join the game as a new pet, especially with Superman being one of the iconic superheroes introduced in Chapter 6 Season 3. Krypto is set to play a significant role in an upcoming superhero film by James Gunn, scheduled for release on July 11. It remains uncertain whether Krypto will be available in the Item Shop or as part of Superman’s cosmetics in the battle pass for this season.

Players may also summon Krypto using an item called Krypto’s Treat, which functions similarly to a grenade. When thrown at enemies, Krypto will land excitedly, potentially damaging foes nearby. Additionally, prominent leaker Loolo_WRLD hinted at the possibility of a new game mode for Fortnite.

This announcement further fuels the excitement surrounding the game’s evolving content. While the exact release date for the pet cosmetics is still unknown, many leakers believe they will launch during Chapter 6 Season 3. In other news, speculation about a new map for Fortnite has also surfaced.

Leaks suggest a potential crossover with The Simpsons, which could introduce Springfield as a mini-season location. This new map is expected to be smaller in size, akin to the maps from Fortnite Reload. With a fresh season and more content on the horizon, fans of Fortnite are feeling optimistic about what the future holds for the battle royale experience.

Rare skins are making a comeback in Marvel Rivals on June 12 at 7 PM PDT for a limited time. Players will be excited to see the Future Foundation skins for The Thing and Invisible Woman available for purchase that day. Additionally, gamers can claim a free Future Foundation skin for Mister Fantastic through the Combat Chest. The announcement comes as Marvel Rivals has also introduced a new game mode, Ultron’s Battle Matrix Protocol, which allows players to enjoy tactical grid-based combat.

The reintroduction of The Thing and Invisible Woman’s Future Foundation skins has generated significant enthusiasm among the player base. However, the game developers from NetEase Games have yet to disclose the prices of these new cosmetics. Alongside the Future Foundation skins, players can also engage with the Combat Chest to obtain Mister Fantastic’s skin. While the Combat Chest allows players to purchase all of the hero’s Future Foundation cosmetics, the specific skin is available for free, enticing players to participate actively in the game.

Notably, the recent Weapon X skin for Duelist Wolverine has been trending in the community. NetEase Games confirmed on Twitter that several of the game’s rarest skins will return, including Captain America’s Galactic Talon bundle and Hawkeye’s Galactic Fangs bundle. These items haven’t been in the shop since Season 0, and many fans who began playing in Season 1 have been eagerly awaiting their return. Moreover, patch notes for the June 12 update indicate that various holiday-themed skins will also be available, including Venom’s Snow Symbiote skin and Magik’s Frozen Demon bundle.

Players should be ready to act quickly, as these rare cosmetics will only be available for a week. Fans remain hopeful about the future of Marvel Rivals, especially as NetEase Games has shown a willingness to revisit older cosmetics based on player feedback.

Alex Hutchinson, the developer at Raccoon Logic, has expressed concerns regarding the impact of Xbox Game Pass on the video game industry. He argues that the subscription service devalues content, ultimately hurting revenue across the industry. Hutchinson’s studio is known for its game, Revenge of the Savage Planet, which was released in May 2025 and made available on Xbox Game Pass on its launch day. The discussion about the merits and drawbacks of Microsoft’s gaming subscription model has been polarizing.

Many developers, industry analysts, and even former Sony Interactive CEO, Jim Ryan, have labeled Xbox Game Pass as “destructive.” Ryan pointed out that the general consensus among publishers is negative, and analyst Mat Piscatella has suggested that neither Xbox Game Pass nor PlayStation Plus represents the future of gaming. Despite the initial cash influx from the Game Pass deal, Hutchinson revealed that it has hurt overall sales and revenue. He had anticipated that making the game available to subscribers on launch day would encourage additional purchases, such as downloadable content (DLC).

However, the anticipated interest in DLC, such as The Cosmic Hoarder Upgrade priced at $9.99, has not materialized as hoped. Hutchinson also highlighted the long-term consequences of the Game Pass model for developers. While the financial support from Microsoft helped with development, ongoing sales have not been sufficient to sustain the studio. He believes that the model could contribute to the closure of studios and a reduction in game production, as players may undervalue content they perceive as “free.”

Hutchinson advocates for a shift in the industry, suggesting that games should be added to subscription services only after a year—similar to the staggered release model in the film industry. Although this sentiment was once echoed by former PlayStation chief Shuhei Yoshida, recent developments show that PlayStation is also now including day-one titles in its subscription service, complicating the path forward for this approach.

Magic: The Gathering Arena has recently experienced a surge in player count, reaching an all-time high largely due to the introduction of a new Final Fantasy set. This collaboration, which honors the iconic franchise developed by Square Enix that has captivated gamers since its initial release in 1987, saw Arena surpass its previous peak of 12,000 players, hitting an impressive 17,261.

This record spike has led fans to speculate that the success of this partnership might pave the way for future sets featuring other franchises, such as Xenoblade and Mortal Kombat. Magic: The Gathering, which debuted in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast, has evolved into one of the most popular collectible and tabletop card games globally.

Known for its complexity, the game draws inspiration from various fantasy RPGs, including Dungeons & Dragons. The Final Fantasy set was launched under MTG’s Universes Beyond series, celebrating the series’ 16 mainline games.

With this collaboration, card collectors and gamers have been treated to a nostalgic experience that many hope signals the direction for future remakes, especially following the popularity of Final Fantasy 7. Shortly after the digital release of the Final Fantasy set, player activity on Steam spiked significantly.

A Reddit user shared a screenshot from the “magicTCG” subreddit highlighting the player count skyrocketing just one hour post-launch. Despite the substantial increase among Steam users, there’s an understanding that many more players engage with the game on iOS or Android platforms, which means the true player count could be even higher.

In addition to nostalgia, some fans have noted elements in the game that hint at potential storylines in future releases, specifically referencing a Sephiroth card linked to the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. This connection not only adds excitement to the MTG offering but also bridges two beloved gaming universes.

As the physical release of the set approaches on June 13, 2025, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding Magic: The Gathering and its continued integration with the beloved worlds of Final Fantasy.

On June 12, Marvel Rivals will introduce the highly anticipated Future Foundation skins for Invisible Woman and The Thing at 7 PM PDT. This update offers fans not just these new looks, but also the return of some of the game’s rarest skins to the shop. Notably, Mister Fantastic’s Future Foundation skin will be offered for free in the Season 2.5 Combat Chest, allowing players to unlock it without spending additional resources. The recently released Season 2.5 update has garnered positive feedback from players, primarily due to the addition of Ultron, a flying Strategist character who adds a new dimension to gameplay.

Players can expect an exciting showcase of the new skins, including unique gameplay footage that showcases their design and features. NetEase Games has hinted at a wide variety of returning cosmetics to complement the new skins on June 12. Among the fan-favorite bundles making a comeback are the Galactic Talon for Captain America and Galactic Fangs for Hawkeye. Additionally, players will have the opportunity to snag holiday-themed skins from 2024, featuring popular characters like Venom, Magik, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot.

However, fans need to hurry, as these skins will only be available for purchase for one week after their drop. Community buzz is building over the recently launched Weapon X skin for Duelist Wolverine, and excitement continues to grow for the Future Foundation skins. While the pricing details are still under wraps, there is some speculation about potential emote features that might allow players to transform their outfits from white to black. This dynamic change could provide a fresh aesthetic experience.

As excitement builds for the Future Foundation costumes, players are also eager to see when Spider-Man’s version of this iconic outfit will make its debut. With so much new content on the horizon, the future looks bright for Marvel Rivals and its dedicated community.

The Finals has introduced an exciting new ‘Ultimate’ Battle Pass for Season 7, a feature that has garnered attention due to its similarities with Call of Duty’s contentious BlackCell Battle Pass. This new offering by Embark Studios is available exclusively for real-life currency and promises players a wealth of rewards. Among its features are 10 extra elite rewards, an instant grant of 1,000 Multibucks, a head start of 20 levels, and a 25% bonus in Match XP.

Battle Passes have become a staple in live-service games, with many popular titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and PUBG adopting this monetization model. Although these passes do not confer direct competitive advantages, criticism persists regarding companies’ practices. Activision faced backlash after launching the BlackCell Battle Pass for Modern Warfare 2, which amplified their monetization strategies.

This pass, while loaded with additional rewards, is only purchasable with real cash, similar to The Finals’ Ultimate Battle Pass. The announcement of The Finals’ Ultimate Battle Pass has evoked mixed reactions in the gaming community. Priced at $29.99 USD, it grants access to the Premium Battle Pass, boasting a total of 116 rewards and 2,575 Multibucks.

Some players, like Reddit user ChooChooCherry, acknowledge the high cost as optional, while others, like Pizza-Flashy, express concern that it sets a troubling precedent. Users are wary that Embark might compromise the quality of Battle Pass skins, making them more generic to encourage purchases of the pricier Ultimate edition. Fans of The Finals can look forward to the launch of Season 7: The Divide on June 12.

In addition to the new Battle Pass, the update promises a fresh soundtrack, innovative gadgets for classes, a fully destructible Arena, and iconic cosmetics from past seasons through the Legacy Battle Pass. This multi-faceted update is poised to enhance the gaming experience significantly.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is encountering a troubling resurgence of the Joy-Con drift issue, which has disappointed many new console owners. Reports have emerged from multiple users who have experienced stick drift problems right out of the box.

Fans are anxious to see this issue reappear on the updated console, though there is some hope that a future OLED model might resolve it. The original Nintendo Switch, launched globally in 2017, marked a significant development in Nintendo’s gaming evolution after the discontinuation of the Wii U.

The Switch 2 brings considerable improvements over its predecessor, featuring a larger display, enhanced internal storage, and upgraded graphics and social features. Following months of anticipation and speculation, the Switch 2 was officially announced in January 2025, with detailed specifications revealed in April.

Notably, the new console has set sales records for Nintendo, significantly outperforming the original Switch. In addition to concerns over hardware issues, players are discovering gameplay features that enhance their experiences.

For instance, a single settings adjustment can make playing The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker easier on the Switch 2. However, the excitement has been overshadowed by the resurfacing of Joy-Con drift problems.

A Reddit user, NearlyCrossing, shared a video documenting one of the earliest cases, with their new console experiencing significant drift issues only after a brief period of use. Another user, whoatemyteeth, echoed similar sentiments, reporting a loose stick and drift issues right after unpacking their Switch 2.

Many in the Nintendo fan community express disappointment over these issues, especially since there were hopes that new technology might prevent such problems. While Nintendo has filed patents for updated Joy-Con technology, the ongoing reports of drift suggest that a fix might not be imminent.

As of now, Nintendo has yet to address these concerns, leading many to speculate whether the same repair procedures will still apply.

Build a Rocket Boy is addressing the performance issues plaguing its debut title, MindsEye, which launched on June 10 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Since its release, players across all platforms have reported significant performance issues, resulting in an abundance of negative reviews on Steam. While the game has received praise for its driving mechanics and storyline, many users have expressed frustration over bugs and glitches that undermine the overall experience.

MindsEye, spearheaded by former Grand Theft Auto producer Leslie Benzies, had been highly anticipated following its reveal at Gamescom in 2022. However, the game’s launch has been marred by persistent technical problems. Despite the engaging narrative and gameplay, players have found the performance particularly lacking, with reports indicating that the game struggles to maintain a smooth frame rate, even on upgraded gaming consoles.

In response to the community’s criticism, Build a Rocket Boy has committed to enhancing the game’s performance. The studio announced that its engineering team is working diligently to address these issues, integrating improvements from Unreal Engine V5.6. They anticipate sharing details about their upcoming third patch within the next 24 hours, signaling a proactive approach to remedy the game’s shortcomings.

Additionally, co-CEO Mark Gerhard has suggested that the negative reception may have been influenced by rival studios, a claim he stands by emphatically. However, the overwhelming feedback from players indicates that tangible performance problems do exist. Despite the rocky start, many fans are hopeful that with future updates and hotfixes, MindsEye can evolve into a more polished title.

Plans for additional content, including a special Hitman mission featuring Agent 47, are also in the works for a July release, highlighting the studio’s intention to enrich the gaming experience further.