Borderlands 4 fans are excited to claim a free in-game cosmetic, but there is a slight catch that might deter some. The highly anticipated release date of September 12 is fast approaching, and Gearbox’s marketing efforts are intensifying, building excitement among fans.

Recently, it has been confirmed that the game will include a Photo Mode, although this feature will not be available at launch. As the countdown continues, players hope Gearbox will reveal more features while keeping some surprises for the game’s release.

In a recent blog post on Steam, Gearbox announced that players who own Borderlands 4 can claim the Hazard Pay weapon skin ahead of its launch. To obtain this cosmetic, fans must subscribe to newsletters and digital marketing through their SHiFT account and link their preferred platform accounts on the SHiFT website.

Once the game launches, players can log into their SHiFT account in-game to receive the free weapon skin. While the requirement to sign up for newsletters may not sit well with everyone, players will find that there’s no rush to claim the cosmetic.

The offer for the Hazard Pay skin remains available until 11:59 PM PT on December 31, 2030. This timeline ensures that even those who choose not to pre-order can still receive the skin after the game launches.

However, the lead-up to Borderlands 4’s launch has not been without controversy. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford’s comments about the game’s price have raised concerns among the community.

For fans looking to get their looter-shooter fix before September 12, Borderlands 3 is currently on sale for just $2.99 as part of the Steam Summer Sale, which runs until July 10.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker introduces subtle yet significant changes that benefit speedrunners. Speedrunning has long been a popular activity among Zelda fans, though certain entries in the franchise are notably easier to complete quickly. With the updates on Switch 2, The Wind Waker becomes more approachable, making it easier for players to enjoy speedrunning.

Nintendo announced the arrival of The Wind Waker on Switch 2 during its April 2 Direct event. Unlike full remakes or remasters, this version makes use of an emulator, with various improvements that fans have started to explore. YouTuber and speedrunner Linkus7 illustrated these enhancements on June 25, highlighting key changes that make speedrunning more accessible.

One of the most significant updates concerns a glitch that previously allowed players to pass through out-of-bounds areas and interact with chests to skip sections of dungeons. In the original version, landing on the chest caused the level not to load, and attempting to play the Song of Passing would result in a game crash. This issue has been resolved in the Switch 2 version, allowing players to effectively utilize the glitch and the song to progress through dungeons more swiftly.

While not as groundbreaking as the skips in Ocarina of Time, this adjustment still significantly saves time for speedrunners. The second update involves the manual super-swimming mechanic, in which players can make Link swim rapidly to build speed across the map. On the GameCube, this process was challenging.

However, the button remapping functionality in the Switch 2 has made it easier for players to execute super-swimming by quickly changing directions. While The Wind Waker remains one of the more complex Zelda games to fully complete, these enhancements facilitate a faster gameplay experience, even for novice speedrunners. The full impact of these updates on the Zelda speedrunning community remains to be seen, but the Switch 2 may herald a new chapter for Wind Waker runs.

This classic Zelda adventure begins with Link facing a family crisis as his sister is abducted by a monstrous bird. His quest leads to an expansive world filled with unique animation and revolutionary gameplay elements, building upon the successes of Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask. Characters express a wide range of emotions, creating a vibrant atmosphere that immerses players further into the action.

Additionally, players enjoy the intuitive control system that the Zelda series is known for, allowing them to engage with the game in a familiar and satisfying way.

My Hero Academia enthusiasts can look forward to exciting news coming this July, as Bandai Namco is set to reveal a new game based on the popular series. Since its debut in 2016, the manga and anime focused on the superhero academy U.A. High School has garnered a massive fanbase, leading to multiple seasons and spinoffs. The eighth season of My Hero Academia is anticipated to air later this year, alongside the release of the 13th episode of the spinoff series, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes.

The franchise’s success in both manga and anime has spurred the development of several video games. Bandai Namco introduced the My Hero One’s Justice series, which consists of 3D fighting games, starting with the original game in 2018 and its sequel in 2020. Additionally, 2023 marked the launch of My Hero Ultra Rumble, a battle royale game featuring 28 different characters from the My Hero Academia universe. With another game on the horizon, fans are excited about the possibilities.

In a teaser for its upcoming Summer Showcase, Bandai Namco hinted at the game’s introduction, confirming a “new My Hero Academia game” will be a highlight of the event. Although detailed information remains scarce, a brief video featured Deku showcasing his Quirk, “One for All.” The release date for this new game has yet to be disclosed. The announcement could align with earlier leaks concerning the franchise, as Bandai Namco recently filed a trademark for a title called “All’s Justice,” which might indicate a continuation of the One’s Justice series.

This potential new installment would be the first since 2020’s My Hero One’s Justice 2. With both a new game and the eighth season approaching, fans of My Hero Academia can expect an action-packed end to the series they adore. The conclusion promises to be significant, as it wraps up the stories of beloved characters like Deku, Bakugo, and Class 1-A.

There is excitement brewing regarding a potential announcement for WWE 2K25 on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, particularly following a teasing video from the wrestling group, Judgment Day. The latest installment of WWE’s video game franchise, which was released for consoles and PC in March, has pleased fans with enhancements, such as intergender matches, chain wrestling mechanics, and expanded MyRise and Showcase modes. While some features, like The Island mode, have garnered mixed reviews, the game is largely considered a significant evolution of the WWE 2K series.

The publisher, 2K, confirmed at April’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct livestream that WWE 2K25 will be available on the new console. This announcement marks the return of the WWE 2K series to Nintendo hardware since WWE 2K18 on the original Switch, which had faced criticism due to various technical issues. However, some players have reported better performance on the Switch 2 with their physical copies.

As the news progresses, the implication of the Judgment Day’s cryptic message hints at possibly releasing WWE 2K25 for the Switch 2 on July 1, 2025. While it remains uncertain if this date indicates the launch or a confirmation announcement, the teaser showcases WWE talents Raquel Rodriguez, JD McDonagh, and Finn Balor discussing how players will unleash their group’s dominance across the globe. Observant fans noted that JD McDonagh appeared to be holding what resembles a Switch 2 game case.

Additionally, the excitement doesn’t end with WWE 2K25; 2K is also set to launch NBA 2K on the Switch 2, alongside other titles such as Civilization 7. As fans await further updates, they can look forward to exploring the world of wrestling with their favorite superstars on the go.

Hypixel Studios, once a promising developer in the gaming community, faces a tough situation as its much-anticipated game, Hytale, has been officially canceled by Riot Games. Originally introduced as a competitor to Minecraft, Hytale created buzz among gamers when it was unveiled years ago.

The game’s development was spearheaded by the team known for the successful “Hypixel” multiplayer server. Riot Games acquired Hypixel Studios in 2020, bringing hope for the game’s future.

However, recent announcements cast a shadow on its viability. The cancellation was announced last week, sparking disappointment among eager fans.

Co-founder Noxy indicated that the ambitious scope of Hytale contributed significantly to its downfall, stretching the team beyond what they could realistically achieve. In response to the news, many fans have rallied for alternatives, seeking potential buyers or ways to salvage the game.

Notably, Simon Collins-Laflamme, one of the original founders of Hypixel Studios, has expressed interest in purchasing Hytale back from Riot Games. He mentioned considering an offer of $25 million but cautioned that reviving the game could be a lengthy process with uncertain outcomes.

Furthermore, Collins-Laflamme is not the only developer contemplating the revival of Hytale. ConcernedApe, recognized for creating Stardew Valley, indicated his potential interest in assisting with the game’s resurrection.

However, he too emphasized the need for a thorough understanding of the project’s failures before committing to any involvement. Fans have shown remarkable support, expressing their disappointment through petitions aimed at keeping Hytale alive.

A petition on Change.org has gained over 1,500 signatures, seeking potential playable builds from either Hypixel Studios or Riot Games. While Hytale’s future remains uncertain, it is clear that many are willing to fight for its revival.

During a recent fan event, Matt Ryan, the voice actor for Edward Kenway in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, hinted at the possibility of a remake for the game. Ryan mentioned that fans who have completed the game might need to do so again, but he did not provide any additional details. This comment has sparked speculation among fans about a potential remaster of the beloved title.

Edward Kenway, born in Wales in 1693, is a significant character in the Assassin’s Creed universe, serving as the grandfather of Assassin’s Creed 3’s protagonist, Connor Kenway, and a direct ancestor of Desmond Miles. Initially a Royal Navy privateer, Edward’s journey shifts to piracy, immersing him in the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars depicted in Black Flag. Throughout his adventures, he becomes a Master Assassin, ultimately meeting his demise at the hands of the Templars in 1735.

Several credible leaks have hinted at a remake of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, making it a topic of ongoing discussion among fans. The recent comment from Ryan adds to the growing evidence that Ubisoft may be planning to update the game for modern platforms. In a shared video clip, Ryan engaged with a fan during an autograph session, asking if they had completed the game.

His follow-up remark about possibly needing to beat it again fueled excitement and speculation about a remake. Fans have long appreciated Black Flag for its open-world gameplay and engaging naval mechanics, although the graphics and gameplay from its 2013 release may seem outdated to some. A remake would not only bring the game up to modern standards but also allow new fans to experience its popular elements on more advanced hardware.

As anticipation builds, only time will reveal Ubisoft’s plans for the future of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag.

Nintendo’s end-user license agreement (EULA) for the new Nintendo Switch 2 console has come under scrutiny from a Brazilian consumer protection agency, resulting in the classification of certain terms as “abusive.” This designation is primarily based on the company’s power to permanently disable user consoles for violations of the EULA.

The agency, PROCON-SP, has formally notified Nintendo of its concerns, claiming these policies infringe upon Brazilian consumer protection laws. The Nintendo Switch 2 saw unprecedented success following its global launch on June 5.

Estimates suggest that its day-one sales nearly tripled those of the PlayStation 4 in 2013. Although specific sales data for Brazil remains unclear, it’s evident that demand has been significant, as reported by Nintendo Soup, with available units selling out two days prior to launch.

Despite its popularity, potential owners should be cautious. An unfortunate buyer of the Switch 2 warned fellow gamers about the risks of receiving a permanent ban from Nintendo, which can lead to irrevocable consequences.

PROCON-SP’s concerns are centered on aspects of the EULA that seemingly allow Nintendo to terminate user accounts and disable consoles without justification—a point that raises violations of the Brazilian Consumer Protection Code. This code emphasizes the need to protect consumer rights, health, and economic interests, promoting transparency in business.

Nintendo justifies the EULA’s controversial provisions as necessary anti-piracy measures. It has warned users that any unauthorized modifications could render their consoles inoperable.

The notification from PROCON-SP was sent on June 26, 2025, and Nintendo has promised to respond within 20 days. In light of these developments, the language of the license agreement poses additional challenges in the used console market, where buyers are warned about the risks of acquiring previously owned Switch 2 units that could already be disabled by Nintendo.