Mario Kart Global Rankings Show Racer and Vehicle Performance Data

In 2025, Nintendo thrilled fans by releasing Mario Kart World, marking the next chapter in the iconic franchise after a five-year wait. This new addition became one of the launch titles for the Nintendo Switch 2, alongside popular games like The Legends of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Street Fighter 6, and Cyberpunk 2077.

Mario Kart World features new playable characters, including Swoop, Conkdor, and Cataquack, and introduces exciting new gameplay modes like Knockout Tour, which eliminates players based on their race placements, and Free Roam, allowing gamers to explore the vibrant game world at their leisure. Among the highlights of Mario Kart World is the inclusion of a 2-player split-screen Free Roam feature, which, despite the lack of prior advertising, has delighted many players.

On the Nintendo Switch subreddit, a user named DataForLunch shared insightful statistics regarding the drivers and vehicles in the game. These charts, compiled from Super Mario Wiki, reveal that Swoop features the fastest acceleration and commendable handling, but is also the slowest and lightest driver, making it susceptible to being bumped off the track easily.

Conversely, Bowser stands as the fastest driver in the game, yet he has the worst acceleration and handling. His heavy weight adds a layer of complexity when players opt to race with him.

The vehicles in Mario Kart World also come with their own stats. The Tune Thumper bike boasts the best acceleration and handling, though it lags behind in speed and weight.

On the other hand, the Stellar Sled kart offers high speed but has the worst acceleration and handling, posing a challenge for players who wish to master its potential. Some Reddit users noted that the provided statistics did not encompass hidden variables, such as speed on varying terrains, or how Bowser’s stats change with specific vehicles.

Despite these missing pieces, the charts offer valuable insights for both casual gamers and avid players looking to enhance their experience in Mario Kart World.

Marvel Rivals Leak Indicates New Feature Inspired by Overwatch on the Horizon

Marvel Rivals, a PvP hero shooter featuring an impressive lineup of superheroes, has drawn attention for its dynamic gameplay since its launch in December 2024. With players taking on unique abilities and forming diverse teams, the game offers a refreshing alternative to other games in the genre, particularly Overwatch. While there are distinct differences in team sizes and the use of established IP to build its character roster, the similarities in gameplay and match modes have sparked comparisons.

Recently, a leak from a source known as RivalsPsylocke hinted at an intriguing feature called Credit that resembles Overwatch 2’s endorsement system. According to the leak, the Credit system has been dormant since the game’s release but may be introduced in a future update. It is designed to provide a ranking system based on Credits earned during matches, potentially adding a new layer of competition within the game.

The endorsement system in Overwatch 2 allows players to recognize teammates demonstrating good sportsmanship after a match, rewarding them with battle pass points. If Marvel Rivals incorporates a similar Credit feature, it could encourage players to maintain positive behavior, possibly granting them high-ranking badges for their commendable character. This could significantly improve team dynamics, particularly for roles such as Strategist, which have faced scrutiny from some players.

Moreover, implementing a Credit system that also rewards battle pass points could address previous concerns regarding progression. By facilitating a quicker way for players to earn rewards, including special character skins, the rumored feature could enhance the overall gaming experience for Marvel Rivals fans, making their grind feel more rewarding.

Fortnite Players Excited About New Skins: Bob Belcher, Cleveland Brown, and Hank Hill Arrive!

Fortnite enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement over the newly released skins featuring beloved animated characters like Hank Hill, Bob Belcher, and Cleveland Brown. These skins can be purchased separately or bundled with accessories in the Item Shop’s “Animated Dads” section. Fans are particularly thrilled about the possibility of future collaborations, with rumors hinting at a potential partnership with The Simpsons.

Epic Games recently kicked off Chapter 6 Season 3 of Fortnite, introducing iconic heroes such as Robin and Superman to the game’s diverse roster. Amidst the anticipation, the game developers revealed that the latest collaborations would be with popular animated series including King of the Hill, Family Guy, and Bob’s Burgers, just in time for Father’s Day. Each skin is available for 1,500 V-Bucks, or players can opt for a bundle at 2,000 V-Bucks for those who want additional accessories.

In a surprising turn, an industry insider disclosed that a single phone call dramatically shifted the trajectory of Fortnite’s development. The response to the new animated character skins has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans engaging enthusiastically on platforms like Reddit. Posts feature creative photo shoots showcasing the characters in various scenarios, such as Hank Hill and Cleveland Brown hanging out in a bar or Cleveland with a wanted poster.

Additionally, fans are sharing their experiences of purchasing the skins at lightning speed, reflecting the excitement surrounding these characters. There are even hints of a possible crossover with The Simpsons, which fans are eagerly anticipating. If these rumors materialize, gamers could explore a Springfield-themed map during a mini-season event, leading to even more engaging content for the community to enjoy.

With continuous updates and potential new collaborations, the future looks bright for Fortnite players.

Upcoming Co-Op Game from Another Crab’s Treasure Developer Set to Release on June 16

Aggro Crab, the developer behind the indie success Another Crab’s Treasure, has exciting news: their upcoming game, Peak, is set for release on June 16. This project is a collaboration with Landfall, known for their popular titles like Content Warning and Totally Accurate Battle Simulator. Another Crab’s Treasure has captured the hearts of many, establishing itself as one of the standout indie games of 2024.

In this charming Soulslike adventure, players take on the role of Krill, a crab on a quest to retrieve his lost shell. Meanwhile, Content Warning, released the same year, features vibrant graphics and requires players to engage in spooky activities to gain popularity. Totally Accurate Battle Simulator, launched in 2021, lets players arrange chaotic battles between red and blue armies with delightfully unpredictable physics.

Peak offers a fresh co-op experience for PC players, allowing them to tackle challenges solo or alongside up to three friends. The primary objective is to climb a mountain to its center, an essential step to save a mysterious island. Players will need to work together to navigate various landscapes, using ropes and assisting each other to conquer ledges and avoid spikes across four distinct biomes, each presenting unique hazards.

Survival elements further intensify the challenge in Peak, as players must look for 30 “questionable foods” to maintain their stamina and contend with injuries. This quest for survival makes climbing all the more perilous. Customizable character options promise to enhance the experience, enabling players to personalize their avatars with different accessories and outfits.

According to a promotional trailer, much of Peak’s development was completed during a month-long game jam. The game’s emphasis on cooperative gameplay makes it ideal for casual players, while solo gamers can also find enjoyment in its engaging visuals and simple fun.

Xbox Game Pass Prices May Rise Soon: What to Expect in the Near Future

Recent insights from Xbox Cloud Gaming’s code suggest that Microsoft may be planning to increase prices for Xbox Game Pass subscriptions again. Although Xbox Game Pass is regarded as a top-tier subscription service with over 35 million users since its inception in July 2017, recent price hikes have caused discontent among gamers.

Another potential increase could be ill-received by the community. Xbox Game Pass has continuously attracted subscribers by offering early access to several significant titles, both first-party and third-party.

Notable recent additions include games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Forza Motorsport, and STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl, among others. However, a programmer named RedPhx, associated with the Better xCloud project, has discovered a new notification called “SubscriptionPriceIncrease” in the system’s code.

This alarming find points to the possibility of Microsoft’s plans to raise subscription costs for one or more tiers. Given that Microsoft recently raised the prices of its major first-party titles from $70 to $80, an increase in Game Pass pricing would not be unforeseen.

Last year, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier saw its price jump from $17 to $20 monthly, while the PC Game Pass increased from $10 to $12. Additionally, the introduction of the less popular Xbox Game Pass Standard tier, which lacks day-one release titles, had already left some users frustrated.

Therefore, implementing another price hike this year could further aggravate the community, though this report does not guarantee that an increase is imminent. As of now, Xbox Game Pass has continued to introduce exciting new releases in 2025, with highly rated titles like Oblivion Remastered and Doom: The Dark Ages.

Should prices indeed rise, the ongoing influx of new content may help to soften the blow for subscribers. Furthermore, several anticipated first-party titles are set to launch soon.

While some, like Fable, lack release dates, the month of October 2025 is poised to deliver major releases, including Keeper and The Outer Worlds 2. Until any official announcements are made regarding price changes, gamers should remain vigilant for updates.

PlayStation Set to Implement Notable Changes to Its Steam Game Offerings

Steam users from various countries can now access and purchase several popular PlayStation titles without restrictions. This decision follows significant backlash from the gaming community. Notable titles such as Helldivers 2, God of War Ragnarok, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 have returned to Steam, allowing fans to engage with them once again. The situation began over a year ago when Helldivers 2 was removed from Steam in 177 countries after its global launch.

The delisting occurred because PlayStation required players to link their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts to Steam, a service not available in every market that Steam supports. This requirement drew severe criticism from players, leading to negative reviews for several PlayStation games. Consequently, the backlash prompted PlayStation and Arrowhead Game Studios to eliminate the PSN linking necessity for Helldivers 2. Additionally, while The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered originally mandated a PSN account for its multiplayer features on Steam, Sony has since made this requirement optional.

Sony executives have commented on the decision to expand its game availability on other platforms, something many fans have eagerly awaited. As of June 13, restrictions on purchasing Helldivers 2, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarok, and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered on Steam were lifted, enabling players from previously restricted regions, including Venezuela, Haiti, and Serbia, to access these games without issues. Despite this change, PSN remains unavailable in some regions, although linking PSN and Steam accounts still offers certain advantages. Not all titles have adopted the new policy—Ghost of Tsushima continues to require PSN for its multiplayer features and PlayStation overlay.

This shift in regional policy coincided with a surge in success for PlayStation titles on Steam, particularly evident following the release of Stellar Blade, which attracted over 100,000 concurrent players within its first day. As PlayStation evaluates its approach to live-service titles, it will be interesting to observe how this policy change impacts the sales and player engagement for its games on Steam.

PlayStation Responds to Speculation About Xbox Exiting the Console Market

Sony remains confident in its PlayStation strategy despite speculation surrounding Microsoft’s Xbox potentially exiting the console market. A senior official at Sony, Justin Hill, acknowledged that while there are industry shifts affecting competitors like Xbox, the company sees a healthy level of market rivalry as beneficial for innovation.

Microsoft has argued since 2023 that it has lost the console wars, a stance it adopted to support its case for acquiring Activision Blizzard. This narrative, combined with declining Xbox hardware sales, has led some analysts to suggest that Microsoft might leave the console business.

During a recent discussion, Hill raised concerns about these speculations and their implications for PlayStation. SIE President and CEO Hideaki Nishino emphasized that competition is vital for driving innovation within the gaming industry.

Nishino also pointed out that PlayStation’s competition extends beyond Xbox, indicating that multiple participants contribute to the industry’s dynamics. He acknowledged that new engagement models, such as cloud gaming and multi-platform publishing, are emerging trends that Sony is exploring as well.

Despite these developments, he stated that there is no immediate need for Sony to change its strategy based on what Xbox might do in the future. Insider reports suggest that Microsoft plans at least one more generation of Xbox consoles, regardless of current market challenges.

This next-generation device is expected to bridge the gap between consoles and PCs. Some reports indicate a launch timeframe for Microsoft’s new console in 2028, while Sony is reportedly gearing up for a late 2025 release for the PS6’s chipset.

This could mean the next generation of consoles may arrive as early as late 2027, intensifying the competition in the gaming landscape.

FBC Unveils Plans for Two Significant Content Updates: Firebreak Insights

FBC: Firebreak, the latest creation from Remedy Entertainment, is set to officially launch on June 17. This new title marks a significant shift for Remedy, as it is their first multiplayer co-op game designed to receive ongoing support in the coming years. Set within the intriguing universe of Control and Alan Wake, players will navigate the enigmatic halls of the Oldest House, engaging in thrilling co-op adventures as members of the bureau’s Firebreak crisis response team. Their objective?

To fend off terrifying extradimensional creatures that have invaded the Federal Bureau of Control’s headquarters. The gameplay emphasizes a unique arsenal of paranatural items, enabling players to combat foes creatively—ranging from deadly water cannons to whimsical garden gnomes that explode. In addition, Remedy has hinted at future potential for FBC: Firebreak to arrive on the Nintendo Switch 2, broadening its reach. Recently, Thomas Puha, Remedy’s Communications Director, shared insights about upcoming content plans.

The studio aims to first gauge player reception before deciding on additional free updates. Two major updates have been teased: “Outbreak,” expected in Fall, and “Blackout,” set for Winter. These updates promise to enhance gameplay by introducing new areas, mechanics, enemies, and cosmetic packs—all available at no extra cost. Fan speculations suggest intriguing possibilities for these updates.

For instance, “Outbreak” may explore the Mold threshold within the Research Sector, featuring zombie-like adversaries, while “Blackout” could delve into the Investigations Sector with ties to the Dark Presence from the Alan Wake series. FBC: Firebreak invites players to team up and face an array of unpredictable challenges within the chaotic environment of the Federal Bureau of Control. With a focus on teamwork and strategy, players can select and modify their weaponry to fit their playstyle, ultimately aiming to restore order amid paranatural pandemonium.

Player Count for The Finals Skyrockets to New Heights

The popularity of The Finals has surged recently, with Steam witnessing an increase of around 10,000 players. On June 12, Embark Studios launched Season 7, providing both new and returning players with compelling reasons to engage with this unique first-person shooter (FPS) title. Initially released to great fanfare after being introduced during The Game Awards 2023, The Finals quickly captivated shooter enthusiasts thanks to its destructible environments and fast-paced gameplay.

Developed by former DICE developers, The Finals saw an impressive peak of nearly 250,000 concurrent players at its launch. While player numbers have fluctuated in the months following that initial spike, consistent seasonal updates have helped retain a dedicated fanbase. The release of Season 7 notably boosted player engagement again, with SteamDB reporting a peak of 28,866 players on the day Season 7 launched—an increase of approximately 10,000 players from previous averages.

Currently, there are about 24,794 concurrent players, and the game is also available on multiple consoles, likely leading to a similar upswing on those platforms. Season 7 introduces a host of new content, including a new map, NOZOMI/CITADEL, divided into two regions by The Rift. Players can also explore exciting new gadgets like the H+ Infuser, Breach Drill, and Healing Emitter, alongside a brand-new battle pass.

Additionally, numerous balance changes and bug fixes have been implemented to enhance gameplay and ensure an engaging experience. Looking ahead, it will be intriguing to see if The Finals can maintain this momentum post-Season 7. With its dependence on online multiplayer dynamics, retaining a solid player count is crucial for the game’s longevity.

Amidst stiff competition from other titles, The Finals continues to resonate with many shooter fans. So, now might be the perfect time to jump back into the action, fueled by the fresh content available!

GameStop Shifts Focus Toward Trading Cards for Enhanced Retail Strategy

GameStop has recently shifted its focus toward the sale of various trading cards, a move that has proven effective for the company. Founded in 1984, GameStop has faced numerous challenges, particularly as the gaming industry has increasingly leaned toward digital distribution. This shift has forced many retailers, including GameStop, to adapt or face closure. Despite its struggles, the company has explored various strategies to innovate and stay relevant by acquiring other game store brands and diversifying its offerings.

At GameStop’s annual meeting for 2025, CEO Ryan Cohen announced that efforts to streamline operations by cutting costs, managing excess inventory, and closing underperforming stores had resulted in the company achieving its first profitable opening quarter in six years. Cohen emphasized that the focus on trading cards, which include popular franchises like sports cards and Pokémon TCG, is a “natural extension” of GameStop’s core business. The company plans to further enhance this initiative, responding to the growing market for trading cards. Despite a 22% drop in stock prices following the annual meeting, the future of GameStop’s trading card initiative remains promising.

The popularity of trading card games, especially Pokémon TCG and Magic: The Gathering, has surged, with avid fans eagerly purchasing new releases. However, this initiative does come with potential risks. The trading card market has encountered issues related to theft and reselling, which could pose challenges for the retail chain. Nonetheless, the initial success in the first quarter suggests a revitalized path for GameStop.

Given the enduring appeal of cards like Pokémon TCG and the excitement around new products like crossovers in Magic: The Gathering, GameStop may have identified a lucrative strategy for its future in the collectibles market.