Star Fox for the Nintendo Switch 2 is the rare remake that managed to exceed my expectations while feeling instantly familiar. While the original formula remains intact, Nintendo, alongside developer Velan Studios have modernized every aspect of this classic game from the visuals down to the controls.

Fox McCloud and the rest of the Star Fox crew look better than ever, as do all of the 15 different stages. Of course, due to the game’s branching paths, you will have to complete multiple playthroughs if you want to see them all. You definitely will, though, thanks to the new, more cinematic cutscenes between each stage.

Controlling your Arwing felt great in the original, but on the Switch 2, it’s even more satisfying. The controls are snappy and responsive when playing in handheld mode or with a Switch 2 Pro Controller. However, you can also detach your Joy-Cons to play in Mouse Mode, which shifts your perspective from third to first-person, making gameplay feel even more immersive.

If this is your first time saving the Lylat system, you’re in for a treat. For seasoned Star Fox players, though, the game and its stages play out almost exactly as you remember them, for better or worse. While there is a new multiplayer mode, it doesn’t feel extensive enough to justify picking up this remake for it alone.

Star Fox for the Switch 2 is still the best way to experience this classic starfighter. Read on for my full Star Fox review.

Star Fox: The Basics

• What is it? Star Fox is a sci-fi rail-shooter and space combat game with high-speed aerial dogfights and branching paths where you fight to protect the Lylat system.
• Who is it for? Star Fox fans who want to re-experience Star Fox 64 on the Switch 2’s more powerful hardware with improved controls and visuals.
• What's the price? Star Fox costs $49 if you buy it digitally or $59 if you buy a physical copy.
• What other games has the developer made? Star Fox for the Switch 2 was developed by Velan Studios alongside Nintendo. They previously worked together on the mixed-reality racer Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, but the studio also created the dodgeball brawler Knockout City.
• What games is it similar to? Given it’s a modern remake, Star Fox feels a lot like Star Fox 64 as well as other space combat and flying games such as Star Wars: Squadrons and Ace Combat.

Seeing the Lylat system with new eyes

I still remember popping the rumble pack into the back of my N64 controller and booting up Star Fox 64 for the first time. While the original set the bar quite high, this reimagining of Nintendo’s classic space opera immediately hooked me once I saw how stunning it looked on the Switch 2.

From the menus to the cutscenes to the levels themselves, Star Fox shines in a crisp and buttery smooth 4K resolution at 60fps on Switch 2. Gone are the blocky and low-polygon structures of the original as they’ve been replaced with top-tier graphics you’d expect to see on the PS5 or Xbox Series X.

By upgrading and optimizing its proprietary Viper Engine, Velan Studios has managed to deliver impressive visuals and a locked framerate of 60 fps. The HDR implementation is another big highlight here as laser fire and bombs shot from your Arwing stand out brilliantly against the deep blacks of outer space.

Whether I was flying alongside the water outside Corneria, navigating through space debris in Sector X or submerged in the Blue-Marine in Aquas, all of the various environments in Star Fox had my eyes glued to the screen. In fact, I took different paths throughout several playthroughs just to see them all.

Fantastic Mr. Star Fox

From the opening scene after the updated tutorial, when the crew takes off their VR headsets, it’s clear we’re dealing with a familiar yet entirely different Star Fox. Instead of the dated character models of the original, we’re now met with ones that feel more like the cast of Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox film. I like them personally, but they have divided the series’ loyal fanbase somewhat.

You’ll be seeing a lot more of Fox, Slippy, Peppy and Falco, too, as there are now beautifully rendered cinematics in between missions. They help fill out the story and show the inner workings of the Star Fox crew in ways I could only imagine when playing the original.

There are changes during the missions themselves, too, when it comes to the story and especially dialogue. While some fan favorite sayings like “Do a barrel roll” remain, the lines delivered by the crew mid-combat feel more intentional and add an extra layer of depth to the overall story.

For instance, during the first level, you’re tasked with saving Falco as he’s having trouble with his ship’s G-Diffuser. In the original, after you helped him out, that was that. Now, though, in the Switch 2 version of Star Fox, Slippy chimes in saying that’s why you don’t want to rush a systems check.

There are little extra bits of dialogue here and there throughout the story, and alongside the new cinematics, I felt more immersed in the world of Star Fox than ever before.

By air, land and sea

Even though the levels themselves are on-rails, your journey to take on Andross is more flexible thanks to Star Fox’s branching paths. Depending on which teammates you save, how many hits you deal out to enemies and a few other conditions, new paths and different levels become available.

This adds some much-needed variety to the core game while also giving you a reason to replay its campaign. While you pilot Star Fox’s iconic Arwing craft for a majority of the game, it’s not the only vehicle.

For instance, if you take the easy path to Venom, there’s a level where you take command of the Landmaster tank. The tank features the same controls as your Arwing, but since you’re on the ground instead of in the air, it’s a welcome change from flying.

Alternatively, if you take the hard path to Venom, there’s an underwater level where you pilot the Blue-Marine submarine. Built by Slippy from spare parts, the submarine works just like your Arwing, too. Having missed this section as a kid, it was a nice surprise, and the enemies and environment of Aquas were absolutely worth another run of the campaign.

Although Star Fox’s campaign only takes about an hour and a half to finish, revisiting levels to look for secret paths does add a bit more to the game. Still, I wish there were more new levels besides the prologue to really round out this upgraded package.

From tactical to all-range

If you’ve booted up Nintendo Switch Online and tried to play through Star Fox 64 recently, you’re in for a welcome surprise on Switch 2 as Velan Studios has modernized the game’s controls. Instead of using a single analog stick and the C-button, Star Fox now features dual-stick flight.

The left stick handles your Arwing’s positioning while the right stick controls your reticle. This separation gives you far greater precision when aiming your lasers.

Alternatively, you can take things a step further by detaching your Joy-Cons and playing in Mouse Mode. Though I found the first-person perspective does take some getting used to.

In addition to this new control scheme, there’s an overall snapiness when it comes to pressing buttons to boost, brake and deploy bombs, as well as when you’re using the triggers to shoot or the bumpers to barrel roll. Suffice it to say, piloting an Arwing has never felt this good.

Star Fox: Verdict

Star Fox on the Switch 2 marks the triumphant return of Fox McCloud, though it’s also an excellent showcase of what Nintendo’s latest console is capable of. The upgraded graphics and improved visual fidelity make this the best way to experience this classic adventure, while the snappier and more modern controls make piloting your Arwing just as satisfying.

Although I wish we could play the full campaign together with a friend in co-op mode with our own ships, at least Nintendo does give you a way to do so as pilot and gunner. Likewise, there are a lot of great ideas in the new multiplayer modes, but let’s face it, we’re here for the single-player campaign. Whether you’re just saving the Lylat system for the first time or you’re a seasoned mercenary who knows all the hidden paths, this is the best Star Fox has ever looked and played.

We're approaching the halfway point of 2026, and it's already shaping up to be another truly fantastic 12 months for new video games. And we haven't even got to the ludicrously crowded September/October period yet, and the small matter of the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, either.

But before all of the exciting games to come, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the games already released in 2026 that have seriously impressed us. Across all major platforms, there's been plenty of must-play experiences ranging from new installments in beloved franchises to original IPs, and one of the best licensed games ever made!

If you skipped any of these games when they launched, the summer months (which are a little quieter for new releases) are the time to circle back. These are the best video games we've played in 2026 so far.

Resident Evil Requiem

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

I expected Resident Evil Requiem to be a good time, but what I didn’t expect was for it to be one of my favorite Resident Evil titles of all time. It masterfully blends the gameplay of its two protagonists to offer an experience for fans of both action and horror, and makes both characters interesting to play as (although, admittedly, I always looked forward to Leon).

Being able to catch on to things or open new paths with Leon after progressing through an area with Claire made exploring areas a second time feel interesting instead of cumbersome, and the post-game content made me replay the game not once but twice, and that is saying a lot for someone who has never replayed a game or gone for platinums before.

Whether you’re playing on PS5 Pro or Switch 2, the game runs really well, and Capcom deserves credit for this when some studios (I’m looking at you, Bethesda!) haven’t done the best job at optimizing their games.

Requiem reminded me of what makes Resident Evil one of the best horror franchises ever made, and my personal favorite series in the genre. I am really excited for future RE titles and any DLC Requiem has to offer. Just give me more Leon Kennedy, Capcom. Just give me more Leon Kennedy. — Phil Rodrigues

Read our full Resident Evil Requiem review

Pokémon Pokopia

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2

As someone who’s never been a fan of Animal Crossing, Pokémon Pokopia was my biggest gaming surprise of 2026 — and it’s a game I can’t get enough of. It’s a cozy yet surprisingly deep life-simulation adventure where I’ve built and rebuilt habitats, restored ecosystems and created thriving communities for my favorite Pocket Monsters.

Playing as a Ditto who can craft and gain abilities to help with terraforming has been extremely fun. Each Pokémon’s personality and funny dialogue have made me fall in love with the franchise all over again. The gameplay loop is addictive, as is the creative freedom you’re given. Pokopia effortlessly blends elements of building sims, sandbox games, and classic Pokémon exploration into a seamless experience.

What perhaps surprised me the most, though, was the strong storytelling and writing revolving around a post-apocalyptic world. It’s surprisingly deep — and I certainly wasn’t expecting the scattered notes you find (or the ending) to hit that hard. Pokopia feels refreshingly new but unmistakably Pokémon at the same time. I can’t wait for the DLC! — Nikita Achanta

Read our full Pokémon Pokopia review

Pragmata

Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

It’s amazing how much a strong demo can do in making someone like me see the vision. Before I took Hugh and Diana into rooms full of rampaging robots, I followed Capcom’s brand-new IP closely. The painfully long wait for a final release date took my hype levels down a peg, but I still maintained a sliver of hope that Pragmata would pull through and deliver a quality experience.

After replaying the demo way more times than I can count, I was fully convinced that Capcom had a new smash hit on their hands. Thankfully, that sentiment of mine stayed true once I reached the end of Hugh and Diana’s emotional journey. The genius way the developers at Capcom mashed up traditional third-person gunplay with a grid-based hacking system that’s controlled by the face buttons roped me in immediately. And I was always excited to see all the new weapons and mods I could tap into to take down waves of disgruntled bots.

I was shocked to see how much post-game content Pragmata had in store for me, which gave me plenty more reasons to bring my best loadouts to ever more challenging combat scenarios. While Pragmata’s story could have been a lot stronger, I still got a ton of enjoyment out of Hugh and Diana’s warm relationship. Here’s hoping we get a sequel that expands on this game’s clever approach to shooting and hacking. — Elton Jones

Read our full Pragmata review

Forza Horizon 6

Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S (PS5 TBD)

I mean, this one’s an obvious pick, right? Easily one of the best racing games over the past decade and the greatest in the Horizon series. Forza Horizon 6 puts you in a drop-dead gorgeous recreation of Japan, gives you a ton of incredible cars to drive in, and an almost-infinite wealth of things to do from fun short storylines and stunt events (like racing a Gundam) to full-blown high-octane racing action.

And while I could go into the upgrades here to visual flair, the huge improvement in audio with a banger soundtrack and cars that sound so much more alive, the versatile driving physics giving you either arcade accessibility or sim-level immersion, or the variety of events keeping the game feeling alive for a long time to come.

But the real thing that keeps it head and shoulders above the competition is how it's the first racing title I’ve played to truly capture the essence of car culture. Every single tiny detail comes together to form a love letter to the automobile unlike anything you’ve played before. Just do yourself a favor, buy it now, and thank me later. — Jason England

Read our full Forza Horizon 6 review

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S (Switch 2, September 18)

I’m a Batman fan, and I’m a Lego fan, so I already knew I’d dig Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. However, I didn’t expect it to be such a thoroughly captivating and enjoyable experience. It’s a title I’ll absolutely have in my top 10 games of the year. Yes, it’s that good!

So what’s so special about Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight? Aside from the usual Lego charm, this game is a true love letter to various Batman media— particularly the big Hollywood movies. You play through all of the Caped Crusader’s biggest moments, from falling into a batcave as a child all the way through his rise as Gotham City’s dark avenger. Naturally, the tone is silly, but it retains enough earnestness not to be a complete joke.

Gameplay-wise, it feels like a stripped-down version of the Batman Arkham games, with similar combat and traversal mechanics in a relatively large open world. You even get those games’ versions of puzzles. The Lego parts involving building items and the slew of collectibles, including costumes, vehicles, and more, also make this game highly addictive.

If you’re looking for a game that’s pure fun, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a must-own title. — Tony Polanco

Read our full Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight review

007 First Light

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S (Switch 2 TBD)

007 First Light is the best James Bond video game ever made. That’s really saying something considering the pedigree of N64’s GoldenEye, and my own childhood nostalgia for 007: Nightfire on the PlayStation 2. However, First Light trumps them both by delivering a remarkable, ridiculously cinematic main campaign that had me hooked from start to end.

Rather than cast you as a Bond in his prime, you experience his origin story, playing as a fresh-faced spy (voiced/mod-capped expertly by Patrick Gibson). As any good Bond game should, your 15-hour adventure takes you all over the world, from Malta to Mauritania, and has you unraveling a villainous plot that feels highly relevant for our times.

The authentic presentation is spot on, complete with a fitting Bond tune written/performed by Lana del Rey, but none of this would matter if First Light weren’t also a joy to play. Fortunately, with Hitman developer IO at the wheel, that was never in doubt. The game’s blend of espionage exploration, and thrilling combat encounters (the melee animations are phenomenal); you really do feel like the world’s most suave secret agent.

It also packs set-piece moments that rival the best of Uncharted and the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy. And it culminates in a finale that feels fitting for such an epic Bond tale. The bar for licensed games has been raised in recent years, but 007 First Light sets a new standard. — Rory Mellon

Read our full 007 First Light review

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So, as the smart glasses guy on the Tom’s Guide team, my main beef has always been with the Nintendo Switch just making things awkward with its video out on the USB-C connector.

With literally any other gaming handheld, it’s a seamless dream — plug your AR glasses in, and see the picture in front of your eyes. The Switch (and Switch 2) requires jumping through hoops of tricking your console into thinking it's in docked mode to bypass the complicated encryption.

Well, when I tested Xreal Aura some more here at AWE 2026, the team literally mentioned in a passing conversation that they’d cracked Switch compatibility in Android XR. Before they could say another word about local AI, I stopped the talk in its tracks and asked for a demo.

And hot dang, they did the thing! Not only is there full Switch support over USB-C, but with no real noticeable latency, and you can use Gemini to ask questions about the games you’re playing!

Fixing the problem with brute force

So the problem is one of compatibility and protocols (boring, I know). 99% of the market uses DisplayPort Alt Mode through that USB-C socket, which natively supports just plugging the glasses straight in. Meanwhile, Nintendo is using Mobility DisplayPort (MyDP) — a standard that was typically used with micro-USB ports back in the day. Why? God knows.

For years now, the fix has been something like the Viture Switch Dock: trick the Switch into thinking it’s in docked mode via a big battery pack to keep it alive at higher wattages and simulate an HDMI connection.

And now, a simple USB-C connection into the Aura’s compute puck does the trick… “HOW!?” I excitedly asked Qualcomm’s team, to which they couldn’t help but chuckle and give me cheeky grins.

Truth is, they can’t tell me exactly how they did it, so all I can do is theorize. You’ve got a strong, open, and versatile development platform like Android XR, paired with a monster spatial computing chip in Snapdragon Reality Elite. I think it’s not too much of a stretch to assume that this high-performance chip is able to transcode that signal in real-time in a well-written Android XR app.

What does it feel like to play?

One common issue with this workaround for the current Switch docks for AR glasses is latency. It’s not terrible, but it can be noticeable in faster titles. None of that exists here, and in my time playing Zelda, it all felt nicely responsive.

On top of that, given it’s a floating window within Android XR, there’s the Gemini Live edge too! Fire it up, look at your screen, and ask away — Gemini was quick to let me know where to go next in the forest.

That is a real value-unlocker vs going to GameFAQs for the answer I need to get ahead in my gameplay whenever I’m stuck.

Take that, Nintendo!

Yes, I know the Switch 2 is great and everything, but this whole USB-C compatibility issue is a pet peeve I’ve been super vocal about for a long time now! Whether it’s so that Nintendo can make its own AR glasses, I don’t know. But the fact that I can’t save myself from neck pain playing the damn thing on long-haul flights seems crazy to me when it’s literally the easier (and better) standard to support.

However, with some brute force of Snapdragon Reality Elite and some coding know-how in Android XR, that’s no longer a problem, and not only that, it’s latency-free compared to the other workarounds we’ve seen.

Low key, this is the biggest winning feature I’ve seen for Xreal Aura. I know there’s so much more to talk about here in what Android XR can do in an optical see-through (OST) environment vs a VR headset, and Gemini’s capabilities in spatial computing. But to 1-UP Nintendo’s limitations? You just love to see it.

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If you've been looking for the right moment to buy the Nintendo Switch 2, now's the time to strike — the in-demand handheld/console hybrid is currently discounted by 10% on Amazon, bringing its price down from AU$699.95 to AU$629.

I get it — 10% doesn’t sound like a huge discount, even if it is Amazon's lowest price on the Switch 2 yet. But with Nintendo planning to bump the Switch 2 up to AU$769.95 from September 1, that “small” saving suddenly means you’re paying AU$140.95 less if you buy now. In other words, it’s a pretty great moment to jump in.

While we can't know for sure if the Switch 2 will get an even bigger discount between now and September — maybe during next month’s Prime Day sale — there's no question that this current deal is a great opportunity.

In our Nintendo Switch 2 review, we described the hybrid console as "ultimate version of the Switch concept", noting that it offers "impactful upgrades across the board," such as a larger 7.9-inch 1080p display and redesigned, magnetic Joy-Cons.

Admittedly, battery life could be better, and a more ergonomic design would've made it more comfortable to play during longer gaming sessions. Still, the Switch 2 holds its own against the likes of Valve's Steam Deck, even managing to outperform it in some areas, boasting a higher resolution display and support for DLSS upscaling.

Honestly, you'll be kicking yourself later if you sit on this opportunity — it's the best EOFY Switch 2 deal we've seen to date, and we don't expect it will get any cheaper before the financial year comes to a close.

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During this week's June Nintendo Direct, you may have missed when the company quickly revealed two new Joy-Con 2 colorways: blue and light yellow. The new colors are inspired by Deep Cut from the Splatoon series.

For the unfamiliar, Deep Cut is a band that pops up in Splatoon 3 composed of two octolings and a manta ray. The octolings wear the blue and yellow colors.

Really, it feels to me like it's just one new color since the blue is just a slightly darker shade compared to the light blue that comes bundled with the Switch 2.

It's honestly a reminder to me that Nintendo has dulled the vibrancy of the Switch 2 hardware, especially compared to the original Switch.

Yes, there are light purple and light green variants of the Joy-Con 2 controllers... but the only pop of color is the strip that connects to the Switch display and a single ring under the joysticks. A strip that disappears when you click the controllers into the Switch 2 console. The rest is just plain black.

Conversely, the original Switch featured controllers where the whole body was one color. And the Switch Lite came along in a choice of multiple delightful hues.

Compared to the black box that is the current Xbox (retro special edition aside), and the spaceship that is the PS5, Nintendo has always represented fun and playfulness with its console(s).

The Switch 2 feels like it's slipped into a professional suit and is beckoning you into its office to discuss a spreadsheet. Am I the only one who's a little disappointed by this?

The original Switch could be a loud contrast of colors, depending on how much you want to mix and match your Joy-Con controllers. Some of the best were inspired by Splatoon, itself a splashy series.

Just look at these practically neon controllers below, especially compared to the boring grey handles on the Switch itself:

Nintendo like many companies is facing economic uncertainity between the varying tariffs — which seem to have settled after multiple lawsuits — and the ongoing memory crisis affecting every bit of tech globally.

Nintendo markets itself as the playful system for everyone, which the design of the Switch 2 seems to elide. Here's hoping that the gaming legend finds its way into the future of the Switch 2 with some whimsy in more than just pops of color that hide.

How to get the new colors

If you're interested in picking up a set of the blue and light yellow Joy-Con 2 controllers, you can pre-order them now for $99 from Nintendo.

The Nintendo site and the images shown during the Nintendo Direct list July 23 as the release date.

Meanwhile, if you want more, there are Switch 2 third-party options that actually highlight a rainbow of colorways.

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Nintendo has wrapped up its Nintendo Direct event today (June 9) with 50 minutes of Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games.

The biggest announcement was a full remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 as well as new games in the Switch Sports and Kingdom Hearts franchises. There's also some new Joy-Con colors, too.

Following the main Nintendo Direct, a Nintendo Treehouse stream revealed a more in-depth look at some of the upcoming games, such as a Star Fox.

You can look back through our coverage of the event below and make sure you leave us comments at the bottom of this article about what impressed you the most!

Nintendo Direct June 2026 — How to watch

Watching today's Nintendo Direct couldn't be much easier. All you need to do is head over to Nintendo’s YouTube or Twitch channel.

In fact, you don’t even need to go anywhere to watch live, as I’ve embedded the direct feed above.

Today's event is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT / 3 p.m. BST.

Live — Latest updates

Welcome!

Hello! Welcome to Tom's Guide's coverage of today's Nintendo Direct. I'm here to cover all the pre-show build up and discuss what we expect (and what we'd like) to see once the event gets underway.

As a reminder, we're expecting Nintendo to kick things off at at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT / 3 p.m. BST.

Got something you're particularly hyped to see land on the Switch 2? Let me know in the comments below.

Another Legend of Zelda remake?

One of the biggest rumors about today's event comes from known leaker Nate the Hate, who claims Nintendo is working on another The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake.

This makes sense given how it’s the franchise’s 40th anniversary this year. Nate was correct about Star Fox remake and generally has a good track record — so this claim could very likely be accurate.

What's on the Switch 2 slate for 2026?

Hopefully today will give us a clearer picture of what's coming to Nintendo Switch 2 over the remainder of the year. Details aren't clear on a lot of things yet, but we know Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and Duskbloods are both confirmed for a 2026 release.

Meanwhile, Star Fox is out on June 25, and Splatoon Raiders drops on July 23.

Nintendo has to overcome the sting of the price hike

Nintendo is going to have to regain a little bit of customer support with this Direct after revealing it will be increasing the prices of the Switch 2.

From September 1, you'll be paying $499 for a Switch 2 instead of the original launch price of $449. So if you haven't pulled the trigger on buying Nintendo's latest console, now is the best time to do so.

The games we know about in June

Of course Nintendo hasn’t let anything slip in terms of the specific titles we'll see in today’s Direct, so we’re flying blind until the show gets underway.

I'll get round to some of the titles I'm hoping to see later on today but for now, a look at the official Nintendo UK page (where I'm based) confirms these are the games coming our way in June.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - releasing 6/3/26
eFootball: Kick-Off! - releasing 6/3/26
Unrailed 2: Back on Track - releasing 6/11/26
to a T - releasing 6/11/26
and Roger - releasing 6/17/26
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales - releasing 6/18/26
R-Type Tactics I/II Cosmos - releasing 6/18/26
Star Fox - releasing 6/25/26

Will we get an update on The Duskbloods?

A lot of Nintendo fans will be hoping to see their next look at From Software's upcoming Switch 2 exclusive The Duskbloods at today's Direct.

We haven't seen anything from this game since the big Switch 2 reveal event last spring, and it was announced with a vague 2026 release window. If it's not slipped into 2027, surely Nintendo needs to give us an update today.

Expedition 33 could be announced for Switch 2 today

We've got a little bit of time before the event gets going, so I think it's time for a prediction. I would be very surprised if today's Direct didn't include the news that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is coming to the Switch 2.

The cinematic RPG was easily one of 2025's defining games, and a Switch 2 version would make all the sense in the world. A lot of people who have already played through the game on another platform may be tempted to double-dip and get it again, so they can experience it all over again on Nintendo's portable console.

More rumored games — including the next 3D Mario

It's been nearly nine years since Super Mario Odyssey gave us the plumber's last fully 3D outing and it's high time for a new game. According to reliable Nintendo leaker Nate the Hate, we may get a first look at one today. Last year's Donkey Kong Bananza set the stage for a first-party Switch 2 3D platformer and I can't wait to see what Mario's next outing looks like.

Other hints from Nate the Hate include potentially a new WarioLand game and a new Switch Sports game.

Don't expect GTA VI

Look, it's not going to happen, ok? While it feels like the entire gaming world is desperate for any scrap of information about Grand Theft Auto VI, it feels like the safest of safe bets to say it's not going to show up in today's Nintendo Direct.

Genshin Impact could *finally* arrive on Switch 2

Genshin Impact was first announced for Nintendo Switch during a 2020 Direct. And six years later, we're still waiting for it to arrive. Well, the wait might be over, according to recent posts on X claiming there's been an update ahead of today's Direct.

In the post, X user genshinmains posted: “Nintendo Switch account login manager has been added to the game. New Nintendo Switch account user, need to bind HoYoverse account. Nintendo Direct live stream in 8 hours.”

Allowing users to log into the massively successful gacha game from a Switch 2 would be a strong indication it may finally be ready for primetime.

A ton of ports are coming

Capcom keeps cooking. Now, it's bringing Devil May Cry 5 to Switch. Pre-orders start later today. Muramasa: The Demon's Blade, and Xenoblade Chronicles games are also coming

Xenoblade Genesis revealed

Xenoblade Genesis revealed. The graphics certainly look incredible, and the performance appears buttery smooth.

Switch Sports Resort announced

We now get a trailer for a Switch 2 sports game. There will be 12 games in total. If you're a fan of Wii Sports, this one will be for you. Naturally, you can use the Joy-Cons in various ways to play the game.

Thumb wrestling demo

We now see how thumb wrestling works in Switch Sports Resort. The in-game actions seem to correspond accurately to your movements. You have to shake the Joy-Con, which isn't exactly accurate but seems fun.

Runescape: Dragonwilds

Fans of survival magic games should be happy that Runescape: Dragonwilds is coming to Switch on September 15. Watch out, Wolverine!

Another look at Star Fox

Star Fox launches on June 25. There will be a demo on the Nintendo eShop later today, so definitely keep an eye out for it.

Final Fantasy Resonance

Final Fantasy Resonance launches on October 22 for Switch 2 and Switch 1. Final Fantasy fans on Switch are certainly getting the royal treatment this year.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World

A new Dragon Quest Monsters game is coming to Switch 2. It has the same art style that the series is known for. You can see the clear influence of Pokémon.

Duskbloods closed network test

The Duskbloods get a new trailer. A closed-network test will take place sometime this summer.

Splatoon Raiders trailer

We get another look at Splatoon Raiders. It has some of the same mechanics as the Splatoon games, but it's an action-adventure game with some exploration. Expect more info during the Splatoon Raiders direct on June 30th.

Metaphor: ReFantazio coming to Switch 2

Metaphor: ReFantazio is coming to Switch 2. This was a surprise hit when it released on other platforms a couple of years ago, and it will likely go over well with Nintendo fans when it releases on October 12.

Sizzle reel time

We now get a sizzle reel of upcoming games, including Warhammer, DayZ, and even Metal Gear Solid Master Collection 2.

Kingdom Hearts collection coming to Switch 2

Kingdom Hearts is coming to Switch 2 with a new collection. Those who own the Switch game can transfer their save data now.

Kingdom Hearts IV announced

Now, this is a surprise! Kingdom Hearts IV was just announced. This will likely be a multi-platform game, but it's awesome to see it here during this Nintendo Direct.

Ocarina of Time remake is official

Looks like the rumors were true, as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is indeed coming to Switch 2. Like the 3DS remake from years ago, this is a complete remake from the ground up. This will be a huge one for the Switch 2. Best of all, it arrives this year.

Nintendo of America head takes the stage

Devon Pritchard takes the (digital) stage to give fans a message. It seems she is prepping folks for the upcoming Nintendo Treehouse.

Nintendo Treehouse starts with a Star Fox gameplay demo

We've moved into the Nintendo Treehouse portion of today's event, and it's kicking off with a full gameplay demo of Star Fox, due to land on Switch 2 on June 25th.

I remember the original Lylat Wars back in the Nintendo 64 era so this is hitting me right in the nostalgia zone.

Star Fox looks pretty slick

If this gameplay walkthrough is getting you interested in trying Star Fox for yourself, then the good news is you can try it for free. Starting today, Switch 2 owners can download the demo that includes the tutorial and a full level from the full game.

The bad news is Star Fox is only available for the Switch 2. So if you're still sitting on an OG Switch you'll need to upgrade to join the crew.

Splatoon Raiders is getting a playthrough now

The team have moved on to Splatoon Raiders, the franchise's first single-player game. We're being shown how to customise characters with different gadgets and battle against Salmonids.

There are a bunch of new gadgets coming in this game that will let players gain bonus powers and attacks. Nintendo wants to get people excited for this title, it's planning to hold a dedicated Splatoon Raiders Direct on June 30.

Wrapping up

Ok, the Treehouse has moved on to a four-player game of Rhythm Heaven Groove and while they do that, let's revisit the biggest announcements from today's Direct:

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is getting a full Nintendo Switch 2 remake coming this year.

Switch Sports Resort is the newest successor to Wii Sports and will come with 12 games in total, letting you use the motion-sensitive Joy-Cons to play.

Final Fantasy Resonance will launch on both the Switch 1 and Switch 2 on October 22.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is a new Dragon Quest Monsters game.

We got a new trailer for The Duskbloods, but no further details.

Xenoblade Genesis was revealed as the next entry in the major franchise that marks "a new beginning" for the series.

Kingdom Hearts is coming to Switch 2 with a new collection. Meanwhile, a brand new game in the franchise — Kingdom Hearts IV — was also announced.

Hot on the heels of Summer Game Fest, Nintendo has announced it will hold a Nintendo Direct tomorrow (June 9) at 10 am ET. A Nintendo Treehouse presentation will follow immediately after.

According to a press email, the Nintendo Direct will run for around 50 minutes and spotlight upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games. The Nintendo Treehouse event will last around 95 minutes and feature gameplay of select games featured in the Nintendo Direct.

This is the first big Nintendo Direct of the year, so it should hopefully shed light on what Nintendo plans to release during the latter half of 2026. I say that because, right now, we don’t have a firm grasp of what’s on the horizon. Some of the confirmed 2026 titles are Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave and Duskbloods. Star Fox is out on June 25, and Splatoon Raiders drops on July 23.

One of the biggest rumors from known leaker Nate the Hate is that Nintendo is working on another The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. This makes sense given how it’s the franchise’s 40th anniversary this year. Nate was correct about Star Fox and generally has a good track record, so this rumor is likely accurate.

While the Nintendo Switch 2 has generally been successful, it isn’t anywhere near as popular as its predecessor. However, with enough games to get folks excited for the fall season, perhaps Nintendo can turn things around—even if the Switch 2 is getting a price hike in September.

You can watch the June Nintendo Direct and Nintendo Treehouse showcases on Nintendo Today!, YouTube, and Twitch.

More from Tom's Guide

• Nintendo Switch 2 getting replaceable battery in EU — but it should be for everyone
• Nintendo Music is now available in Apple CarPlay — letting you soundtrack your commute with Mario Kart
• I just played Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Switch 2 — here's how it compares to PS5 Pro

Nintendo has just announced that it plans to modify the Nintendo Switch 2 console and make it significantly easier to replace the battery. This is being done to comply with EU regulations about user-replaceable batteries, which will come into force in February 2027. Sadly, this doesn't necessarily mean that everyone will automatically be able to buy one of these modified Switch 2 consoles.

Nintendo's announcement isn't particularly forthcoming with details about how these new Switch 2 consoles will be distributed. Instead, it has only specified that future EU Switch 2 consoles will be sold with unique model numbers and an additional "OSM" code on the packaging, which marks them as distinct from existing models on sale. Those units have model numbers starting with "BEE."

What does this mean for future Switch 2s?

Nintendo specifically says that this is being done to differentiate "separate products for regulatory purposes." This suggests that the old design won't vanish overnight. I've emailed Nintendo to clarify this point, and will update when I hear back.

So the big question is whether Nintendo will restrict the sale of these new units to the EU, or if they will eventually start selling them in other regions as well. The company is certainly under no obligation to sell these modified units elsewhere, but it also doesn't make a whole lot of sense to manufacture entirely different hardware for a single region.

Typically, regional variations are limited to specific components, rather than whole new designs. Samsung Galaxy S26 phones utilize the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset in North America, while units sold elsewhere have the Exynos 2600.

Similarly, all iPhones made the switch from Lightning to USB-C, rather than just the models within a specific part of Europe. It doesn't make sense to regionalize the manufacturing process to such an extent and go to the trouble and expense of producing such wildly different versions of the same product.

These rules weren't kept secret

The other big question is why Nintendo didn't plan for this eventuality. The subject of user-replaceable batteries in electronics has been going on for at least six years, well ahead of the Switch 2's release, and one would think that they would have seen this coming and adjusted designs accordingly. The whole point of this legislation is to allow users to replace batteries without any specialist skills or tools. This is not the case with the current Switch 2 design.

Instead, the task of replacing the Switch 2's battery is a long and fairly convoluted process. According to iFixit's repair guide, the Switch 2 battery isn't easily accessible, even after you remove the console's back plate. A bunch of disassembly is required to even access the battery, and you then have to repeat the process in reverse to put the unit back together again.

Replacing the battery in a Joy-Con 2 isn't nearly as complicated, but it's still not the simplest process in the world. Joy-Cons are going to be affected by the incoming rules, too, though Nintendo hasn't confirmed any plans at the time of writing.

So what's going to happen?

It's not entirely clear what Nintendo's plans are right now, only that it will have those modified replacement-friendly Switch 2 consoles on store shelves ahead of the EU's February 18, 2027 deadline. I expect that Nintendo will start distributing the new consoles ahead of that date and minimize the chances of any BEE consoles being sold when they're not supposed to be.

The intricacies of global trade, especially within the EMEA, also likely mean that the new OSM consoles will end up being sold elsewhere, too. Whether that will be restricted to EU neighbors like Norway or the U.K., or whether they will end up being shipped to the likes of North America and Asia, isn't something we can predict.

I hope that Nintendo will eventually wind down production of the original Switch 2 console in favor of making the OSM models more widely available. Having one console in production makes a lot more sense than two, after all. But since there's no hard deadline like there is in the EU, it would make sense for Nintendo to make this a more gradual process.

But no matter what ends up happening, it's worth noting that the new consoles probably won't be arriving before the Switch 2's price goes up in September. There's a $50 price hike in the U.S., bringing the console to $599, and a €30 price increase to €500 in the EU.

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Did you know that Nintendo has its own music streaming service? It first landed back in October 2024, and I completely forgot that it was ever a thing. But for those of you with an active Nintendo Online subscription, this service lets you listen to Nintendo soundtracks from throughout history. It saves you the trouble of looking for a YouTube playlist that hasn't been hit by a copyright strike yet.

I bring this up because Nintendo has just rolled out a bunch of updates to Nintendo Music. The first big change is that Nintendo has added web browser support to the service, which will let you listen through your desktop machine. A new tablet-optimized app should also offer a better quality big-screen experience, rather than contending with the stretched-out version of the phone app.

Perhaps most exciting is the fact that Nintendo has added support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This means you have better control over the app while you're driving, through your car's touchscreen display and via voice controls.

This means you can drive to work while bopping along to the Mario Kart soundtrack, or matching the weather with the appropriate tunes from Animal Crossing. You just have to remember that real life isn't like a video game, and it's not acceptable to start tossing banana peels at passing drivers simply because you don't want them to overtake you.

It's also probably not a good idea to get behind the wheel after eating a large portion of mushrooms. You know exactly what I'm talking about.

Sadly, the service is not free, and you will need an active subscription to Nintendo Switch Online if you want to take advantage of all the tracks Nintendo Music has to offer. You only need the basic subscription, which is $20 a year or $4 a month. That also comes with the ability to play games online, chat with friends, store saves in the cloud, and the ability to play classic games from the NES, SNES and Game Boy.

The $50 annual Switch Online + Expansion Pass subscription also comes with all those perks, plus access to games on new systems and free expansion packs for certain games like Animal Crossing and Mario Kart 8.

This is also a good time to mention that the Nintendo Switch 2 price will be increasing later this year. From September 1, the cost of a Switch 2 console will be rising by $50 in the U.S., meaning you'll have to pay $499, and you won't even get any games bundled in with the system.

Thankfully, you still have plenty of time to pick up a Switch 2 before that happens. You can also take advantage of the new $499 "Choose Your Game" bundle, which lets you pick up a console with one of three games: Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, or Pokémon Pokopia. That saves you $20 to $30 on the cost of buying one of those games separately.

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Back in January, I declared Final Fantasy VII Remake the “new Switch 2 showcase,” and I stand by that statement. But Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which launches on Nintendo’s hybrid console this week (on June 3), is a different beast. It’s deeper and denser in every way, offering a sprawling open world, hundreds of quests and more iconic characters to meet.

Before getting my hands on the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, I definitely had my doubts as to how Square Enix was going to cram this huge RPG into less powerful hardware than the PS5, where it initially released in 2024. Even more so because Rebirth had its share of performance and graphical woes on PlayStation’s flagship console.

After putting a handful of hours into Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Switch 2, I’ve come away once again enthralled by this fantastic RPG and generally happy to recommend the version shortly releasing on Nintendo hardware. But with a few more caveats than I had when recommending Remake.

Here’s how FFVII Rebirth on Switch 2 compares to PS5 Pro

To set out my stall, my experience with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth so far has come with the Nintendo Switch 2 in handheld mode. I’m aware some of the graphical hiccups I’m going to highlight might be alleviated by playing on a TV, but the vast majority of my Switch 2 playtime is in handheld mode. Plus, I’d argue that being able to take FFVII Rebirth anywhere is the selling point of the Switch 2 port compared to playing on PS5, Xbox Series X or PC.

On initial boot-up, FFVII Rebirth started promisingly on Switch 2. There is a clear hit to image quality, with textures in the distance noticeably fuzzy compared to PS5 Pro (I replayed the intro on PS5 Pro beforehand to give me a fresh comparison point). But in the largely linear opening that represents the first couple of hours of play, Rebirth looks pretty good.

The real downgrades to get the game running on Switch 2 become more apparent as you guide Cloud and his allies out of the city of Migard and into the first open-world section, the Grasslands. Just standing on the cliffside looking out over the lush field, the differences in image quality are stark. This was a show-stopping moment on PS5 Pro, but on Switch 2, the blurry, jaggied textures surrounding the foliage are undeniably hard to ignore.

Pop-up becomes increasingly apparent in this section, as little patches of grass in the distance pop into existence as you get closer. Character models also lose detail at a distance. I advise against swinging the camera around to face your party when running around the open areas, but when you get up close, they look good. However, the fuzzy hair problem, which was also very noticeable in Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2, is definitely apparent.

One area that doesn’t suffer too much is the frame rate. Yes, you have to settle for 30 fps rather than having 60 fps like on PS5, but this is a trade-off Nintendo players are used to making, and I noticed only sporadic drops. Personally, I would always exchange a more consistent frame rate for reduced image quality, so Square Enix made the right decision in my book.

A quick word on FFVII Rebirth as a game: it’s frickin' epic, and well suited to playing on Switch 2. If I had one criticism of the game back in 2024, it was that it was almost too big, with bloated side activities padding the runtime. However, on Switch 2, I welcome all these little distractions, as they can be tackled in shorter play sessions when on the move or traveling.

Should you buy FFVII Rebirth on Switch 2?

If you want the best-looking and performing version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, then playing on Switch 2 obviously shouldn’t be your first choice. You’ll get the best visuals and frame rate on PS5, Xbox Series X, or one of the best gaming PCs. However, that’s a given. If you want the ability to play FFVII Rebirth anywhere, the Switch 2 version offers this USP, and while it does make sacrifices to get there, they’re not dealbreakers by any means.

Best of all, you don’t need to rely on my subjective judgement before committing your cash. Square Enix has released a pretty generously long demo on the Nintendo eShop, which allows you to check out FFVII Rebirth Switch 2 before you buy. And, as all good demos should, your progression will carry over into the main game. So there's no need to replay levels.

For the most part, I’ve been impressed with the quality of AAA ports on Switch 2, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth joins the list of blockbuster games that have found a new home (and new potential players) on Nintendo’s platform. I’ll be curious to see if the third and final chapter of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy lands on Switch 2 because if this series gets any bigger in scope, then the hybrid console might be tipped over its limits.

More from Tom's Guide

• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth review
• I played Final Fantasy VII Remake on Switch 2, and it’s stunning
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For the past 20-odd years, I have loved easy, open-world gaming. Ever since getting my first Game Boy Color, to my beloved (and heavily used) Nintendo DS Lite, and to my current handheld console, a limited edition Animal Crossing-themed Nintendo Switch, I have always opted for fun, simple games with open-ended goals and low-stakes progression.

Enter the 2020s term 'cozy gaming' — which is essentially just that — low commitment games that ooze aesthetic visual appeal, satisfying mechanics (like fishing, foraging and in some cases, flying), and hours upon hours of stress-free entertainment.

Some of my favourite cozy games are ones I've continued to play in short bursts for years at this point — namely, Animal Crossing and Disney Dreamlight Valley — but I've also dabbled in newer entries over the past few months, including my current obsession, Tiny Bookshop. The name pretty much gives away the synopsis — you own a cutesy bookshop caravan in a seaside town, and you can customise almost everything about it.

If you're anything like me, you might be after a cozy game to try out. Whether it's to reinvigorate your love for gaming or you want a stress-free hobby to plug into every night, these 12 Amazon finds will provide that and more. Better yet, most of these games are available for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 or PlayStation consoles. So if you're after a new cozy game, scroll on to find my top-rated picks below.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a return to form for Mario’s beloved sidekick, but with plenty of interesting areas to explore and discoveries to make along the way. It ditches the 2.5D visuals and more realistic look of recent Yoshi games for a new 2D, stop-motion animation style that makes the whole game feel like a giant pop-up book.

I have fond memories of playing the original Yoshi’s Island growing up, and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book made me feel the same way with its side-scrolling, 2D gameplay. In fact, even after completing a chapter, I kept coming back to find creatures and discoveries I missed the first time around.

Even though this is Yoshi’s first official outing on the Nintendo Switch 2, the game runs well and plays great. Controlling Yoshi feels smooth throughout, even on busier, more complex levels. However, I was a bit thrown off the first time I saw a loading screen before a level started, and I had to wait longer than expected.

Still, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is the perfect cozy game for fans of the series, especially since you don’t take damage or lose lives. Instead, exploration and discovery are the main focus, which is a nice twist on the classic Yoshi formula.

Is this book and the creatures you’ll discover within its pages worth a read, though? Find out in my full review.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book: The Basics

• What is it? Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a 2D puzzle-platformer that focuses on exploration and discovery as you investigate new creatures.
• Who is it for? Yoshi fans who want a return to the series’ 2D roots but with a discovery-focused twist.
• What’s the price? Yoshi and the Mysterious Book costs $59 for the digital version or $69 for the physical edition.
• What other games has the developer made? Yoshi and the Mysterious Book was developed by Good-Feel . In addition to other Yoshi games like Yoshi’s Crafted World and Yoshi’s Woolly World, they also made Kirby’s Epic Yarn and Princess Peach: Showtime!
• What games is it similar to? With its 2D design, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book feels a lot more like Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island. However, the game’s core exploration and discovery mechanics are similar to Pokémon Snap and Scribblenauts.

New book, similar foes

As the name implies, one minute the Yoshis are enjoying their carefree existence on Yoshi’s Island, and the next, a strange talking book who calls himself Mr. E — read mystery — falls from the sky. Since he’s forgotten what’s inside his own pages, he tasks the Yoshis with exploring his various chapters and the mysterious creatures found in them.

It wouldn’t be a Yoshi game without Bowser’s resident wizard, Kamek, making an appearance, though. However, instead of traveling with Baby Bowser like in past games, this time around, it’s Bowser Jr. who joins him instead. This makes sense as Yoshi and the Mysterious Book takes place in the present-day Mario timeline, but it’s also a nice tie-in with the recent Super Mario Galaxy movie.

While most of the game is spent investigating the various creatures found within Mr. E’s pages, you do have several run-ins with Kamek and Bowser Jr. They were some of my favorite moments in the game, as each boss fight sees Yoshi battle a massive creature alongside this meddling pair.

Later boss fights change up this formula entirely, though, and instead of fighting Kamek and Bowser Jr., you spend an equal amount of time saving them from danger.

Turning the page

Gone are the photorealistic textures and objects of Yoshi’s Crafted World, and in their place, we’re met with watercolor-like visuals. The levels within each chapter look as if they’ve been hand-painted, and I really liked how the start and end of each level appear as if they haven’t been colored in yet. The game really leans into the fact that it takes place within a storybook, which works quite well.

Whether you’re exploring a forest, the seaside, or even underground, the chapters and various levels within them in Yoshi and the Mysterious Book are filled with color and life. The game looks just as great in handheld mode as it does on a 4K TV with HDR enabled, too.

When you’re done exploring a level, all of the discoveries you’ve made on the game’s various creatures are quickly jotted down inside Mr. E’s pages. Then, instead of having a classic picture-book-style look, your discoveries appear more like journal entries.

That theme continues once you unlock Mr. E’s Exploration Tools, which you get by turning in Smiley Flowers. For every five you hand in, you get a new exploration tool you can pin to your screen. From showing stats like Yoshi’s current speed to how many eggs you’re currently carrying, they help mix up the gameplay while allowing you to give the game your own custom look.

Overall, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a beautiful game with a simple yet timeless art style.

Gotta study ‘em all

Exploration and then discovery are at the core of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book’s gameplay. First, you explore a new chapter by interacting with a lone creature on the page. Once you’ve studied and named said creature, another one will be revealed, and you can then study it in the next level. That sense of discovery kept me hooked, especially as there isn’t a time limit or damage to worry about. Instead, I was free to take my time and explore each level at my own pace.

Since you’re helping Mr. E study the creatures in his pages, he takes detailed notes throughout each level. One creature might taste delicious while another has Yoshi recoiling after sticking out his tongue. All of this info, along with the way creatures interact with Yoshi, each other, and their environment, is recorded.

Given how the game pushes you to experiment in these open sandboxes rather than follow a straight path, the level layouts can occasionally get slightly confusing when you're hunting for that last interaction. However, you’re rewarded with stars for uncovering new things about each creature, and subsequent chapters require a certain number of them to be unlocked for you to progress.

For a 2D puzzle-platformer, there’s a lot of thought that goes into each level, and I really liked how my past discoveries influenced how I approached later levels. For instance, knowing how a particular creature reacts to water might be the difference between missing a discovery and uncovering one on another level.

As you learn about new creatures, the Index at the back of Mr. E’s book begins to fill up. You can revisit your findings along your journey, and eventually, the knowledge you’ve gained about the game’s various creatures comes back into play. Along the way, though, you’re running, jumping, and flying through the air with a new creature in Yoshi’s mouth or perched upon his back. Yoshi’s movements feel very responsive, and just making your way through each level as you uncover hidden rooms and areas is a whole lot of fun.

Just one more discovery

Although I’d recommend taking your time and completing Yoshi and the Mysterious Book at your own pace, the game’s sense of discovery and exploration kept me playing longer than I intended to each time I played. Seeing the overworld of each chapter come to life with new creatures quickly got addictive, as did finding new discoveries in each level along the way.

Being that this is a Yoshi game after all, it’s not overly difficult. Yes, you do need to earn a certain number of stars to unlock each new chapter. However, as I worked my way through the five main levels in each chapter, I uncovered enough discoveries that I never needed to backtrack just for stars. Instead, when I did backtrack, it was because I wanted to.

Once you unlock the next chapter, nothing’s stopping you from progressing. I don’t even think you necessarily have to complete each boss fight to do so. However, as I mentioned before, the boss fights are some of the best I’ve seen in a Yoshi game yet. Likewise, you do learn a bit more about the game’s story and what’s driving Kamek and Bowser Jr. to explore Mr. E’s pages when you do.

Even after completing a chapter, though, I found myself going back and looking for new creatures to study on Mr. E’s pages. Those extra levels were a lot of fun, and adding to the index feels a lot like building out your Pokedex in Pokémon. It was only towards the end of the game that I realized just how important the discoveries I made along the way actually were.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book review: Verdict

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a charming and surprisingly fun 2D puzzle-platformer. It makes excellent use of the Switch 2’s more powerful internals, even if those longer load times before each level did throw me off. The return to true 2D is a welcome change for the series, and I almost feel like Yoshi and the Mysterious Book reinvents the tried and true Yoshi formula in a similar way to Super Mario World.

If you’re looking for a more serious platformer where every dodge and jump counts, this game likely won’t be for you. However, if you want a return to Yoshi’s Island but with the freedom to explore and discover a whole host of unique and interesting creatures, then it’s an absolute must-play.

The analysts predicted it, and investors were calling for it, but now it's official. The price of the Nintendo Switch 2 is rising across the world, but the good news is that you have some time before those price hikes actually take effect.

This news has been confirmed following Nintendo's latest earnings briefing, and speculation that Nintendo would follow in the footsteps of rivals Sony and Microsoft. Nintendo revealed the new prices for various regions, including a $50 price hike for Switch 2 consoles sold in the U.S.

So, from September 1, you'll be paying $499 for a Switch 2 instead of the original launch price of $449.

Nintendo Switch 2 price hikes around the world

The U.S. isn't the only region affected by these price hikes, so you can be safe in the knowledge that Nintendo isn't explicitly targeting U.S. consumers. Prices in Canada are rising by $50 (CAD) to $680, while European buyers are getting a €30 to €500. Meanwhile, Australians will be paying AU$769.95 — a AU$70 increase on its price at launch. Like the U.S., those changes come into effect on September 1.

U.K. price hikes haven't been confirmed, but I would be surprised if a price hike wasn't also coming. The current cost of a Switch 2 is £396 for the console by itself, but I can realistically see the price rising to somewhere between £430 and £450. However, we'll have to wait and see what happens in the coming days.

Japanese buyers don't have so long to enjoy the original Switch 2 price, since the price hike will take effect on May 25, and will affect multiple consoles. The Japanese-language Switch 2 price is rising by ¥10,000 to ¥59,980 (~$382), but the multi-language system price is confirmed to be staying at ¥69,980 (~$446).

Japanese buyers will also have to pay more for the first-generation Switch models The OLED model is rising by ¥10,000 to ¥47,980, while the standard Switch is going to be ¥43,980 — an increase of ¥11,002. The Switch Lite will be ¥29,980, an increase of ¥8,002.

Nintendo has also confirmed price hikes for Switch Online memberships in Japan, and that there are plans for a "price revision" in South Korea. Nothing has been mentioned about other regions, but that's something people should be mindful of if they're thinking of letting their Switch Online subscriptions lapse.

Nintendo Switch 2 price hikes: What this means for you

While none of us ever want the price of our gadgets and consoles to rise, especially so soon after release day, most of us saw this coming. There have been rumors surrounding a Switch 2 price hike for several months, and while Nintendo has stayed silent on the topic, global events mean that some sort of increase was inevitable.

Production costs have been rising across the board, exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing RAMageddon memory shortages. It's reportedly got to the point where Nintendo is selling Switch 2 consoles at a loss, something it always avoided with the original Switch, and investors are apparently unhappy about that.

The fact that Nintendo is giving almost four months' notice about the price hike means there is still plenty of time to pick up the Switch 2 at its original price. In fact, it almost feels like an intentional decision to help push sales over the next few months.

So if you've been on the fence about picking up the hybrid console, now is the time to buy. Because odds are that other people will be having the same thoughts you are, and you don't want to be left out because a spike in demand caused shortages of the lower-priced stock.

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If you thought the Nintendo Switch 2 was already quite expensive, then you're probably not alone. Sadly, it seems that Nintendo's investors don't agree with customers. In fact, according to a report from Bloomberg, investors aren't happy that Nintendo isn't charging more for its latest console.

According to the report, Nintendo's stock price is still on the decline, sinking below its rival Sony. This is despite the fact that Nintendo is seemingly doing better than Sony, thanks to a slew of successful game releases, and data showing that the Switch 2 is apparently selling faster than any other games console in history.

It may be because Sony has been very willing to raise the price of the PS5, while the Switch has stuck with the same $450 price tag it debuted with last year. Apparently, investors are concerned that this price tag is unprofitable, especially in the wake of supply chain shortages and the continually rising cost of production.

Some analysts believe that Nintendo's stock price will continue to struggle without a price increase. Others believe that increasing the cost of the Switch 2 hardware will only alienate consumers, which is a risky move with the rising cost of living. If people are struggling to pay for basics, they're not going to pay out for pricey consoles and video games

So what happens now?

I'm firmly in the camp of keeping prices low because of the cost-of-living crisis. When existence gets too expensive to keep up with, there's very little room left for buying new video games regularly. That's doubly important when you remember that the best Nintendo Switch 2 games are quite expensive and rarely go on sale.

Bloomberg notes that game consoles are typically sold at a loss, with the games helping to subsidize the hardware gamers need to play them. That's why console games were always, historically, more expensive than PC games. The original Switch bucked that trend, and it sounds like investors would prefer it if the Switch 2 followed that same example.

Naturally, Nintendo needs to make the same calculations as all electronics companies right now. Either it keeps prices the same, to try and encourage people to buy consoles, or it raises them to boost its own margins at the risk of future sales.

With Nintendo's next earnings briefing happening on Friday, this is something that the company may have to discuss. The question of whether the price will actually change or not isn't something we can predict, so we'll be paying very close attention to what Nintendo has to say during the briefing.

In the end, it'll all come down to what Nintendo sees as more important right now: stock price, or ensuring continued consumer confidence?

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• Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream gave me the island life Animal Crossing couldn’t — and a reason to play my Switch 2 every day

ChatGPT Tasks has quickly become one of my favorite features from OpenAI. From a productivity standpoint, it has worked as a reliable daily reminder system for work tasks, pushed me to find more creative ways to use AI tools and even helped me build practical nightly routines to protect my mental health after each workday. After seeing how effective Tasks could be in my professional life, I started wondering what other parts of my routine could benefit from the same kind of automated help.

That led me to gaming. My video game fandom knows no bounds. I bounce between genres and love both AAA blockbusters and indie gems. As the owner of a PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S and a Switch, with plans to grab a Switch 2 once Splatoon Raiders launches in July , I’m always hunting for the best prices on games I want to add to my growing collection (or backlog).

So I decided to use ChatGPT Tasks to do the searching for me. By setting up daily reminders focused on game discounts, I ended up finding three deals that were actually worth jumping on.

Finding the right prompts to find the right deals

To get the process underway, I initially asked ChatGPT for help on coming up with the right prompts that I could then turn into daily Tasks. These are the seven best ones that it generated for me to use, based on its memory of my past video game-themed questions and requests:

• The 'Only Tell Me When It’s Cheap' tracker: Check daily at [time] for discounts on [names of games]. Only notify me if any drop below $30. Include platform, current price, and percentage discount.
• The 'Best Deals' digest: Every [day] at [time], send me a roundup of the 10 best video game deals across the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Nintendo eShop. Prioritize discounts of 50% or more and include links and prices.
• The wishlist watcher: Every [part of the day or evening] at [time], check for discounts on the following games: [insert your wishlist]. Notify me only if any are discounted by at least 40%. Include original price, sale price, and store.
• The 'Historical Low' finder: Check every [day] at [time] if any major video games (AAA titles from the last [number of years]) have reached or matched their historical lowest price. Notify me with the game name, platform, current price, and previous low.
• The platform-specific deal sniper: Every [day] at [time], check for PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Nintendo eShop discounts on top-rated games with a Metacritic score of 85+. Only notify me if they are discounted by at least 50%.
• The flash sale catcher: Check every 6 hours for limited-time or flash sales on the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Nintendo eShop. Notify me immediately if any popular or trending games are discounted by 60% or more.
• The genre-based deal finder: Every [day] at [time], find the best deals on [genres] games across all platforms. Only include games rated 80+ and discounted by at least 40%. Provide a short description for each.

After taking note of these seven usable prompts, I told Tasks to work with the Weekly “Best Deals” Digest, Platform-Specific Deal Sniper and Genre-Based Deal Finder. For the three prompts I chose, I set them for Fridays at their respective times of 5 pm, 5:15 pm and 5:25 pm.

The three biggest discounts that caught my eye

This past Friday, ChatGPT alerted me to three deals I likely never would have spotted on my own. Better yet, each discount was tied to a game I had already planned to buy once the price was right.

One prompt flagged Dark Souls Remastered on the PlayStation Store for $19.99 (down from $39.99) and INSIDE on the Microsoft Store for $3.74 (down from $24.99). Another let me know the Metro Saga Bundle, which includes all three Metro games plus the DLC for Metro Exodus, had dropped from $59.99 to just $5.99. My third prompt highlighted the FighterZ Edition of Dragon Ball FighterZ for PS5 on the PlayStation Store, discounted from $89.99 to $14.39.

What I appreciated most was that each Task included the exact details I had asked for, including the discount percentage, Metacritic scores and a quick explanation of why each deal was worth considering.

Final thoughts

With me being in the mood to finally check out an old-school “Soulslike” experience, get immersed in the unnerving vibes of a highly-rated puzzle-platformer, finally experience the Metro series before its latest entry (Metro 2039) launches and pick up the PS5 version of one my favorite fighters to try out its latest DLC character, Tasks worked like a charm in finding me the best deals for those assorted gaming experiences.

Tasks isn’t just great at generating reminders for birthdays and work-related events—it’s also amazing at bringing you up to speed on can’t-miss deals on your favorite things. In my case, it helped me find the best discounts on games that had been in my crosshairs for years now.

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Playing Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for the past few weeks has made me feel as if I’m right back in the spring of 2020. Except this time, instead of being in debt to Tom Nook hunting for gold nuggets, my island is actually thriving. And the best part, I barely had to do a thing.

I too picked up Animal Crossing: New Horizons on release day but, unlike with my wife who’s sunk hundreds of hours into the game, it just didn’t come naturally to me. While she crafted with glee and had new residents moving in almost every day, I struggled with what to do next. Sure, I loved the game’s graphics and art style and watched her play for longer than I’d like to admit, but I just couldn’t make that island my home.

With the latest entry in Nintendo's Tomodachi series though, I’m picking up my Switch 2 on a daily basis just to see what happened on my island while I was away. I didn’t play the original Tomodachi Life on 3DS either, so I’ve gone into this new island-building experience blind and I’m glad I did.

Whether or not Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream will help scratch that itch you didn’t know you had too is entirely up to you. For me though, it’s been one of the best Nintendo Switch games yet and an entirely new experience that only Nintendo could deliver.

From chores to chaos

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is entirely what you make of it, for better or worse. Instead of waiting for residents to randomly move onto your island, you’re creating them from scratch — the same way you designed Miis on the Wii. From their facial features to their names and even the specific pitch of their voice, every choice is in your hands the moment you boot up the game.

Rather than hitting trees to knock branches loose for crafting, Living the Dream rewards you with cold, hard cash just for checking in on your Miis. You start with a single resident, but as the game opens up, you’re able to add more and more of them to your island. From there, you spend your earnings at local stores to buy food, clothes, and items to give to your Miis, with the end goal of improving their happiness — and, as a result, the happiness of the entire island.

It’s fun, and unlike with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, I haven’t felt stuck or unsure of what to craft next. As an outside observer rather than just another resident, the game provides subtle suggestions in the form of floating bubbles above my Miis' heads, nudging me to check in.

Beyond the lack of resource gathering, I really came to appreciate the "point and click" nature of the experience. I didn’t have to run across my island to get to a different store or a Mii’s house; in lieu of 3D traversal, I could move my pointing finger across the map to instantly check up on things. However, even when I didn’t, life kept on going.

The ants go marching

When I came back to my island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons after not playing for some time, life went on without me — but not in a good way. Instead of returning to a thriving community, I’d find a town overgrown with weeds and a carefully crafted home infested with cockroaches. In Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Though you still get more done while actively playing, your island keeps moving even when you’re away. Your Miis develop new relationships, get into altercations with one another, and your island even physically changes with the passage of time. It’s a rewarding reason to boot up the game at various hours of the day just to see how the island's mood has shifted.

For instance, after loading back into the game, I found a few of my Miis sitting in the grass, talking amongst themselves with no interaction on my part. This prompted me to zoom in and find out what they were discussing; like with a lot of the game’s dialogue, the discovery gave me a genuine chuckle.

Over time, your island develops its own lingo. Beyond seeing your ideas for new residents come to life, entering your own custom answers is a huge part of the fun.

After making myself and my wife, I created two Miis based on our dogs. The newest addition to our pack, Zelda, recently broke her toe. Since my wife is always stubbing hers, I decided to have the two talk about “hurting our toes.” To my surprise, it was a hit topic. Other Miis on the island wanted in on the action and, instead of being painful like in real life, everyone seemed to get a kick out of it (no pun intended).

I have to admit, seeing my realistic, virtual hands floating above the island was a bit disconcerting at first. However, once I got used to the idea of being an outside observer with a hands-on approach, it became a lot of fun. I didn't have to wait for my Miis to cross paths; I could literally reach into the scene, pluck a resident off the ground, and drag them across the island to hang out with a potential friend.

Watching my Miis dangling from my hand like pieces on a chessboard hasn’t lost its appeal yet. It’s even better when you pluck a Mii out of their house and drop them into someone else’s home in the middle of the night. On that note, with my busy schedule, I mostly played late at night—but even with half the island sleeping soundly, there were always things to do.

Just like actual people, Miis get lost in their thoughts, experience a ‘fuzzy’ brain when overwhelmed, or fall down and need help getting back up. Poking one of my Miis with my virtual hands while my real ones moved the joysticks on my Switch 2 Pro Controller instantly made me like the game a whole lot more. It wasn’t until later that I realized a hands-off approach could be just as rewarding, and that I could also send another Mii to check on a struggling friend in my stead.

Hearing your Miis say the names of other residents or discuss custom topics you’ve added — combined with this high level of interaction — is what really won me over. While Living the Dream can be cute, it’s the sheer wackiness of it all that kept me coming back night after night to check on my island and its completely customized populace.

My daily dose of disorder

Whether or not Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream will be as good a fit for you as it’s been for me is easy to find out. Unlike with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, there’s a playable demo you can download right now from the eShop. While you could watch gameplay videos on YouTube, I wouldn’t recommend it; this is an experience that needs to be felt first-hand.

You’re not constrained by waiting for specific residents to show up, either. Instead, it’s entirely up to you to create and name them. If you’re worried about getting lost in the Mii Maker, don't be — you can simply answer a few questions and the game will generate a custom resident for you on the spot. Looking back, if I had known just how hooked I’d get, I might have planned out my island’s population a bit more before getting started. Then again, that’s half the fun with a game like this.

I started by making myself and my family, and I just kept going from there. Since I usually play at night after everyone has gone to bed, it’s been a blast showing my son the highlights the next morning. Even with our actual dogs, Mario and Zelda, sitting right there on the couch with us, he still got a huge kick out of seeing their digital counterparts becoming best friends on the TV.

Although I’ve been playing for weeks now, my total play time isn’t as high as I expected it to be. I attribute this to just how much you can get done in a short amount of time, which makes this the perfect game to check in on every day. It’s high-density fun that doesn’t demand your entire afternoon.

I know I’ve only scratched the surface, but without Tom Nook breathing down my neck for his next payment, I can’t wait to boot up my Switch 2 tomorrow to see exactly what’s changed while I was gone.

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"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" sees Mario (Chris Pratt), Luigi (Charlie Day), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), and the rest of the Mushroom Kingdom lot back on the big screen for what's already shaping up to be another blockbuster video game adaptation.

Nintendo and Illumination's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" was one of the biggest movies of 2023 — it made over $1.3 billion and was second only to Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" movie at the box office — and the newly-released sequel's already gotten off to an impressive start.

Although it's landed less-than-stellar reviews from critics, moviegoers of all ages are clearly in the mood for more frenetic, colorful action from Mario and co., as "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" had the biggest box office opening of 2026 so far. At the time of writing, it's brought in over $372 million worldwide since it hit theaters on April 1.

With all that said, it might be a little while before you can watch Mario's second big-screen adventure at home, but that won't stop me from trying to predict when the sequel will be available digitally. You can find my best guess at a potential "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" streaming date below.

When is 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' coming to streaming?

At the time of writing, the only way to watch "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" is by heading to your nearest movie theater. The film only hit the big screen on April 1, so it probably won't be streaming for several weeks.

The first place you'll be able to watch "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" at home will be via Premium Video-on-Demand (PVOD) storefronts like Prime Video or Apple TV.

Right now, I'd guess that "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" will be available to buy or rent digitally on or around Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

That guess is based on several factors, including the fact that new PVOD releases typically drop on Tuesdays, plus Universal Studios' recent commitment to a minimum five-weekend theatrical run for its new releases (which will extend to a minimum of seven weekends in 2027).

Five weekends after release would take us up to Monday, May 4, which would be 34 days after the movie first premiered in theaters. And since that's not too dissimilar from the wait for some of Universal's recent releases — "Wicked: For Good" took 40 days to come to PVOD, and the live-action "How To Train Your Dragon" took 32 days, for example — it seems like a decent enough prediction, until we hear anything different.

If you'd prefer to wait for "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" to come to streaming, the first place it'll presumably be available is on Peacock, as that's where Universal's movies stream first.

Currently, my best guess is that "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" will stream on Peacock in August 2025.

Again, that prediction's based on the fact that we wait roughly 3 to 4 months for Universal Pictures movies to come to Peacock. Case in point, "Wicked: For Good," "How to Train Your Dragon," and "Five Nights at Freddy's 2" all arrived on Peacock 120 days after their theatrical release.

If we assume the "Mario" sequel will follow that pattern, 120 days after April 1 brings us to Thursday, July 20, 2026, hence my August 2026 guess.

Of course, it pays to remember that all of this is my own speculation, and nothing official has been shared by Universal just yet. As soon as we get more info or a confirmed streaming date for "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," we'll be sure to update this article, so keep checking back.

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Upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2 finally let me play all of the best Nintendo Switch games in crisp 4K along with a ton of great new releases like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza and Kirby Air Riders. However, there was just one problem: I now only had one dock.

Don’t get me wrong, playing the Switch 2 in handheld mode or even with a pair of AR glasses is fantastic. However, when possible, I like to play on a larger display, whether that be the TV in my game room or on my 32-inch monitor at my desk.

Over the original Switch’s lifespan, I ended up with several official docks from Nintendo and quite a few unofficial ones from Genki. Besides its absolutely tiny size, what I love about the Genki Covert Dock Mini is how I can play my Switch on a TV or monitor with just a single USB-C cable. Likewise, as it wasn’t one of the first unofficial Switch docks, I wasn’t worried about bricking my console when using it.

I’ve been waiting for almost a year now, but Genki finally released the latest version of its Covert Dock for the Switch 2. After using it for a month now, it’s certainly lived up to the hype as just like with the original, I can dock my Switch using a single cable. However, while testing it out, I realized it actually beats the official Nintendo Switch 2 Dock in one big way that makes it perfect for households with multiple Switch consoles and even PC handhelds like the Steam Deck.

Now with more power (and personality)

Right off the bat, Genki’s new Covert Dock 3 immediately stands out thanks to its atomic orange accents. It features a similar design to the company’s previous Covert Dock and unlike the Mini, you also get a USB-A port for connecting wired controllers, USB adapters and other accessories.

In the box, you get the dock itself along with a braided USB-C to USB-C cable. However, this new cable is rated for up to 65W of power output (as is the dock itself) whereas the previous one topped off at 45W. This is one of my favorite USB-C cables overall and I also like to use it when connecting a portable monitor to my laptop or PC too.

On the front of the Covert Dock 3, you have easy access to all of its ports. The USB-C one at the top is used for connecting your Switch 2, Asus ROG Xbox Ally X or any of the best handheld gaming consoles for that matter. At the same time, you can also connect your smartphone or your laptop which comes in handy when traveling, especially if you want to watch YouTube or Netflix on the TV in your hotel room from your own devices.

The HDMI 2.1 port underneath the USB-C one connects to your TV or monitor and like I mentioned, the USB-A port on the bottom is for connecting extra wired accessories or for 2.4 GHz USB dongles when you don’t want to use Bluetooth.

Then around back, the Covert Dock 3’s plug folds out to make the 2.4 x 1.7 x 1.3-inch dock even more compact. Another nice touch for international travelers is that Genki also sells a set of Covert Dock Global adapters that slide on in the back so you don’t have to worry about plugging the device into a separate universal travel adapter. With the Covert Dock 2, Genki included these adapters in the box but now they’re only available as an optional add-on for $10 which isn’t that expensive if you plan on using this dock abroad.

Finally, a one-cable Switch 2 dock that works

To get the Covert Dock 3 set up, I plugged it into the outlet under my TV, connected it to an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable and ran the included USB-C to USB-C cable up to my entertainment center. One other nice thing about that braided cable is that the end you plug into the dock is straight while the one you plug into your Switch 2 or other devices is angled to prevent any unnecessary strain on your device’s USB-C port.

With that done, I turned on my TV, booted up my Switch 2 and much to my surprise, everything worked on the first try. To test it out, I played a bit of the recently released Super Mario Galaxy as well as the new Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. When I checked my TV’s settings, my Switch 2 games were running in 4K at a smooth 60Hz with HDR enabled.

Now I’ve been meaning to upgrade to one of the best TVs with a higher refresh rate for a while now. Once I do though, on more powerful devices like a high-specced gaming laptop, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 or the ROG Xbox Ally X, you can actually push the Genki Covert Dock 3 all the way up to 4K at 120Hz. It also officially supports VRR or Variable Refresh Rate so you can enable AMD’s FreeSync or Nvidia’s G-Sync for incredibly smooth, tear-free gameplay.

As I’m the early adopter at home, I upgraded to the Switch 2 on launch day but my wife is still playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons on her original Switch. Previously, I had the official Switch 2 dock set up for myself and a Genki Covert Dock Mini set up alongside it for when she wanted to play her Switch on the big screen. Now though, I only need one dock for both Switch consoles because when I plugged my wife’s Switch into the Covert Dock 3, it worked perfectly.

A truly covert Switch 2 dock

Since I first set up my Switch 2 after picking one up at a midnight launch, I’ve been eagerly awaiting Genki’s next third-party dock. I did have to wait nine months to get my hands on it but it’s delivered and even exceeded my expectations thanks to the fact that it still works with the original Switch.

Unlike Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Dock which launched at $90 and recently went up in price to $124, the Genki Covert Dock 3 now looks like a steal at $69 without those optional global adapters. If you want to play on an iPad or even your laptop’s screen and be able to stream your game sessions, Genki also recently released its new ShadowCast 3 Pro capture card too.

One of my favorite things about the Switch and now the Switch 2 is being able to bring the console from room to room or even house to house and still be able to play on a larger display. I considered picking up a second official dock at launch just to do this but since I knew Genki definitely had a new dock in the works, I decided to wait and I’m glad I did.

While I haven’t travelled with it yet, I’m definitely packing my new Covert Dock 3 when we head out on our family trip this summer. From Computex in Taiwan to CES in Las Vegas, Genki’s previous docks have been a mainstay in my tech travel bag for years now. Here’s hoping Genki follows up this release with a new smaller and hopefully, slightly cheaper Covert Dock Mini 2 with Switch 2 support later on.

For now though, I plan to use the official Switch 2 Dock at my desk where I’m the only one playing and keep the Covert Dock 3 plugged in underneath my TV so both myself and my wife or anyone that stops by with a Steam Deck can play on the big screen with it too.

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What a year for Pokémon, eh? I never thought I'd say that in the big 2026. As someone who loved the anime growing up and watched every episode religiously at 5PM when it aired, and had many figurines as a child, my love from Pokémon can't be overstated. So imagine my surprise when Nintendo announced Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch family of consoles.

Of course, that wasn't the only important Pocket Monsters game to arrive on the Switch in 2026. Who would have thought that Pokémon Pokopia would be so popular that most retailers ran out of physical stock during launch week? Not me, but then again, I've never been a fan of cozy games. And no, I don't care for Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley.

But I'm not afraid to be proven wrong, and I finally get the hype behind cozy games, because after 150 hours spent trying to create the perfect island in Pokopia, I'm a believer. Pokopia is packed with over 300 Pokémon with individual personalities, quirky and funny dialogues that make you love them even more. I see it when I close my eyes, I think about it when I wake up. Call the 90s because I'm officially back in my Pokémon phase.

Giving my Pokémon the best lives they deserve

Similar to Animal Crossing and The Sims, Pokémon Pokopia is a social simulation game where you build houses and do whatever you want to the different landscapes. You play as a Ditto disguised as their trainer, and there are four different areas to explore which you unlock as part of the story. Along the way, you make habitats to attract different Pokémon, and unlock abilities that make it easier to make your islands better than how you find them (there's trash everywhere, plants are dead because they haven't been watered, etc.).

All the abilities you gain help you transform the landscape and make it look pretty — or brutalist, depending on the style you like. Your goal is simple: make habitats for your Pokémon, raise their comfort levels by asking them what they want, and increase each area's environment level to unlock new items, including furniture and decorations. Because all the Pokémon you encounter have their own personalities (more on this shortly), you want to give them the best life possible, and that's been my aim since I started playing the game.

While people online have been going crazy with builds (and I am envious), I've gone for a "Pokémon living in the wild, in the grass and amongst nature, but comfortably" kinda look for my islands. I've created tree-shaded habitats, installed campfires, built leafy statues, and... built a hot spring spa! My Pokémon seem to enjoy it too as, more often than not, that's where they're hanging out.

But I'm not done yet. I want to do so much more with my islands and the possibilities are truly endless. I'm currently planning on building a gazebo at the top of a hill with toys, decorations, lovely lighting, and comfy seats where my Pokémon can relax and unwind (after a day of making me 99 bricks and 99 gold ingots). Pokopia has a strange hold on me where it feels like an addiction. It's all I think about when I wake up or even as I fall asleep — I'm mapping out my islands and builds as I drift off.

Some of the best dialogue I've ever seen

Pokémon Pokopia wouldn't be what it is if it wasn't for the impeccable writing — and I'm not just talking about the main story. I won't be discussing the main story here to avoid spoilers, so instead, I'd like to talk about the dialogue. The developers were clearly looking to appeal to Gen Z and millennials who grew up watching Pokémon with the dialogue, as most of the Pocket Monsters love saying, "Yo!" I wasn't expecting that, if I'm honest, and it caught me off-guard when I first started playing. I also couldn't stop laughing when a certain legendary shows up and has... a Southern accent?

Even if you haven't played Pokopia (you really need to), you've probably seen many memes making the rounds online, and one of the most famous ones is of Charmander saying, "I... I frew up." Now, Charmander is one of my favorite Pokémon (he's always my starter) so I really wanted to get this dialogue. I hate to break it to you, but he never frew up. Instead, he says, "I... I tripped." While not as funny as the meme-ified version, it still cracks me up as he pulls a face like he's been kicked.

The dialogue is equal parts funny and heartbreaking, and remains true to the lore. From Lapras hinting at traveling the seas with Ash on its back to Cubone saying, "Mom prob'ly woulda liked a place like this too," there's plenty of nostalgia to be enjoyed by those, such as myself, who grew up with the Pokémon anime. Also, as someone who's favorite evolution is Pidgeot, I was brought to tears when mine told me that it loved me to pieces.

But I have one issue with Pokopia

By now, it should be clear that I absolutely adore Pokémon Pokopia, and there are very few things I'd change about it. But there's one aspect of the game that I find myself complaining about a fair bit, nearly every time I boot up the game, and that's the inventory management system. When you start, your backpack has limited space for items you pick up and craft. But as you progress through the game, rebuild Poké Centres and increase your trainer rank, you can buy "Packing Tips" from the PC at different points in your adventure.

"Packing Tips" essentially increase the number of items you can carry in your backpack, and I highly recommend buying these items if you find yourself complaining about space in your bag. But even so, it's easy to run out of space in your bag, and I find myself either dropping items in the overworld or stashing them away in storage boxes. But I have storage boxes all over the place, in all the regions. Do I remember where I put the seaweed? Nope. Do I remember which storage box has my 20 iron ingots that I now need to build this house? Nope!

There's no central storage management system. It's not like you can check the PC to see which storage box includes what item, and I so desperately wish there was as it would make the game much easier to play (and more enjoyable than it already is). I know people online have been getting creative with their own storage solutions, but I just want a central, easily accessible storage system, and I don't think that's a lot to ask for. I hope, fingers and toes crossed, that Nintendo puts out a patch to introduce it.

Regardless, Pokopia is still heaps of fun, and while the storage system isn't perfect, it hasn't stopped me from enjoying the game to its fullest. The writing is sublime; terraforming and building is effortless once you unlock all the abilities; and the peaceful soundtrack adds to the game's overall cozy appeal. I love how the areas bustle with life once Pokémon start spawning, and the way the Pokémon interact with one another either via dialogue or by playing together.

Though I don't like all cozy games, I understand the hype now. I'm a skeptic no more, and I've got my love for Pokémon to thank for that. After nearly 200 hours in, it has quickly become not only one of my favorite Pokémon games, but one of my favorite games full stop.

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One of my favorite things about upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2 so far is being able to go back and experience original Switch games in a whole new way. From smoother framerates and upgraded 4K graphics to entirely new ways to play, there’s never been a better time to revisit the best Nintendo Switch games — and that’s certainly the case with Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

I have fond memories of playing the game when it first came out thanks to the more colorful direction Nintendo took with 2D Mario. The Talking Flowers made me chuckle every time I ran by one, the badges added new abilities to Mario’s arsenal, and best of all, the Wonder Flowers completely transformed a level each time you found one.

In my Super Mario Bros. Wonder review, I praised the game’s fresh take on the 2D Mario formula. However, it felt a bit on the short side, and the original Switch didn't always do the game’s impressive visuals justice. Fortunately, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder and the new "Meetup in Bellabel Park" expansion address those minor gripes.

Whether you played the original and enjoyed it as much as I did or this is your first time stepping into the Flower Kingdom, it’s a must-play for 2D Mario fans. On the Switch 2, it feels more like a Director’s Cut than just another upgrade.

Now with more Wonder

With a total of 152 different levels across seven worlds (and a bonus one), there’s already quite a lot to do in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, especially when you factor in Wonder Flowers and how they change each level or even Mario himself. It took me about 12 hours to see the credits roll, though I did miss a few Wonder Seeds here and there.

Now with the Switch 2 Edition of the game and the new Meetup in Bellabel Park expansion, you get a chance to revisit those seven worlds and explore an entirely new one. While the game and its unique art style certainly stood out on the original Switch, it absolutely shines on the Switch 2.

Right off the bat, the jump from 1080p to 4K makes a massive difference. At that higher resolution, all of the details baked into each level really pop and gameplay just feels faster with a rock-solid 60fps. Likewise, levels load even faster and it takes even less time to jump back into the action.

The badges were one of my favorite parts of Super Mario Bros. Wonder when I first played it as they grant unique abilities and perks or can even instantly increase the game’s difficulty.

Now with the Switch 2 Edition, you can still equip any of the 24 badges from the original but there are also new, dual badges that grant the effect of two badges at once. For instance, one of them pairs my all time favorite badge, the Parachute Cap, with a Floating High Jump one. When equipped, it lets you glide through the air using Mario’s cap or hang in the air after a jump in a similar way to Yoshi’s signature flutter jump.

You aren’t just getting new dual badges though, as there’s also a brand new Flower Pot power-up. As the name suggests, just like with the Cat power-up in Bowser’s Fury, this one lets Mario don a flower costume while gaining some useful new moves. In flower mode, Mario can throw flowers that rise upward to either break items or take out enemies. Using this new power-up is a lot of fun and I’d even argue that it feels a bit better than transforming into Elephant Mario in the original.

Catching Koopalings

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder doesn’t just add visual and mechanical upgrades to an already excellent 2D Mario game. In fact, there’s a whole new area to explore and a story that sees you transform the abandoned Bellabel Park into a flower-filled getaway for up to four players locally or 12 online.

After learning of the Bellabel Park ruins discovered by Captain Toad, Mario and the gang set out to see the site for themselves. Before you can reach Attraction Central — the hub for the game's competitive modes — you have to pass through Camp Central. At its heart stands a grand arch where seven magical Bellabel Flowers once hung. Unfortunately, Bowser’s elite minions, the Koopalings, arrive and make off with every single one of them.

To get them back, you team up with Captain Toad and the Toad Brigade. What I really liked about this quest is that it scatters the Koopalings across the game’s seven main worlds. Finding and defeating them one by one gave me serious Super Mario Bros. 3 vibes, albeit with a modern, more stylized twist that looks stunning in 4K.

Joining the Brigade

Your time in Bellabel Park isn’t just spent hunting for clues to the next Koopaling's whereabouts. To sharpen your skills and earn some coveted Bellabel Water, Mario officially joins the Toad Brigade right at the start of the expansion.

Much like the search for the Koopalings, the Toad Brigade’s training exercises take you back to various levels throughout the game. While the early tasks are simple, some of the higher-difficulty training courses can be quite challenging, serving as a clever way to push you into mastering badges from the main game that you might have overlooked in 2023.

During my playthrough, I found that tackling a few training courses between each Koopaling boss fight was the perfect way to mix things up. Not only are they a blast to play, but they’re also the key to restoring Bellabel Park to its former glory. As you earn badges for your Toad Brigade backpack and collect Bellabel Water along the way, you can literally see the park blooming back to life around you.

Getting the band back together

The Talking Flowers were one of my favorite additions to Super Mario Bros. Wonder as they provide humorous commentary and make the game a bit more fun. However, these flowers can also encourage you to keep going when things get tough, while their red variants will actively discourage you — which can be pretty funny.

Flowers play a big role in Meetup in Bellabel Park, too. Throughout the Camp Central area and Attraction Central, there are plots of land that need to be watered. Pouring Bellabel Water on these spots causes new flowers to bloom. There are loads of different flowers to collect which you can use to customize both areas to your liking, but sometimes when you water several at once, you’ll unlock social greetings or even musical instruments.

As you collect more instruments, new members are added to the Poplin Band in Bellabel Park. In my experience, I mainly got new flowers or greetings when watering plots of land, but every now and then, I’d get an instrument instead. There’s a bit of a "gacha" mechanic here, but the gameplay loop of completing challenges, watering the ground, and having a chance to get a new musical instrument is pretty addictive.

I’ve played the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for an additional eight or so hours so far, and while I have managed to defeat all the Koopalings, I’m still a few members short of a full Poplin Band. Granted, I mainly played the expansion on my own, but by playing local co-op with friends or heading online, it’ll be a lot easier to earn the Bellabel Water needed to fill out the band and finally see the credits roll.

Flowers, flowers everywhere

The original Super Mario Bros. Wonder was easily one of the best Nintendo Switch games when it first came out. However, as that was well into the original hybrid console’s lifespan, I bet a lot of people skipped out on the game at the time which is a real shame given the breath of fresh air Nintendo added to the classic 2D Mario formula.

Now though with the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and the new Meetup in Bellabel Park expansion, Super Mario Bros. Wonder truly feels complete. Like with a Director’s Cut of your favorite film, you get to revisit the Flower Kingdom in crisp 4K with shorter load times to boot. And without giving too much away, the Koopaling boss fights are reason enough to pick up the expansion given how well designed and fun those extra levels are.

Just like how the Bowser’s Fury expansion takes Super Mario 3D World in a completely new direction, so too does Super Mario Bros. Wonder for 2D Mario. Whether you grew up playing the original Mario games or are just looking for your next local multiplayer fix, Super Mario Bros. Wonder has never looked nor played better than it does on the Switch 2.

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Nintendo Switch 2’s latest system update introduces a surprising but very welcome new feature: Handheld Mode Boost. And trust me, you’ll want to make use of it.

Admittedly, the name is a little clunky, but when enabled, it allows your Switch 2 to run compatible Nintendo Switch 1 games as if they were in “TV Mode.” Still confused? Essentially, the Switch 2’s extra power is used to boost the visual resolution of Switch 1 titles when played in Handheld Mode. This means you can play these games at 1080p, a noticeable upgrade from the original Switch’s 720p handheld standard.

This is a pretty significant upgrade, and it’s available for free to all Switch 2 owners via a system update. If you want to make use of this new feature, here’s how to enable it in just a matter of seconds.

How to use Handheld Mode Boost on Switch 2

Are there downsides to enabling Handheld Mode Boost on Switch 2?

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, and there’s also no such thing as a Switch 2 performance upgrade without at least a few sacrifices. While Handheld Mode Boost will make Switch 1 games look better than ever when playing in portable mode, there are a few downsides.

Firstly, Nintendo states that the feature “may also increase the console’s power consumption during gameplay.” In short, your Switch 2’s battery could drain faster, and considering the hybrid console's battery life is already a sore spot for many users (including yours truly), this is a caveat to consider.

Other drawbacks include some on-screen instructions being incorrect (as the software is tricked into thinking you’re playing in TV Mode rather than in handheld), and the Switch 2's touch screen functionality is also disabled. Also, any attached Joy-Con 2 controllers will read as a Switch Pro Controller.

Finally, it should be noted that this feature has no impact on the performance of Nintendo Switch 2 software. The best Switch 2 games won’t get an upgrade if this option is turned on. It's solely to boost the visuals of Switch 1 games.

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When I reviewed the Xreal 1S, the company gave me a Neo dock to connect my Nintendo Switch 2 easily. While this worked just fine for me latency-wise (bar a low battery life), turns out the company wasn’t happy with it — putting the adapter on hold “indefinitely.”

Chi Xu, Xreal’s CEO, explained this decision was made “out of an abundance of care,” to not ship a product that “does not fully meet our standards.” Xu also confirmed that all Neo pre-orders will be refunded and that no action is needed, while also linking to alternatives for Switch 2 players.

But while there are plenty, there is only one that I’d recommend after testing a lot of options: the Viture Pro Mobile Dock. That’s right — the company Xreal is locked in a bit of a legal battle with just so happens to make the best alternative.

Setting it up

Now there are a couple things you need to do to get it all set up. There’s an Xreal One AR glasses update you need to do to.

• Update the Xreal One firmware
• Update the Viture Pro Mobile Dock firmware

These are to eliminate some weird color issues found when wiring Xreal glasses to this Viture dock. But once you’re done, you’re off to the races. Just plug the dock into the Switch, connect the glasses and get to it.

Not totally fault-free

There are some awkward elements here to the Pro Mobile Dock that are worth knowing about. First, the included cables are rather short — especially the USB-C charging cable with video passthrough. Of course, you can bring your own wires to the party, but for out-of-the-box usage, laying this dock down on the table as your play can mean you’re leaning over awkwardly to play.

Second is that battery capacity. This was always a bit of a weak spot for the Xreal Neo’s 10,000 mAh capacity, as the dock consumed a lot of power to translate Switch 2’s signal to work with the connected AR glasses that also require watts.

And while the Viture Pro Mobile Dock does have a larger 13,000 mAh cell, which adds up to four hours of additional playtime, that gets further exacerbated when two pairs of AR glasses are connected — taking the whole thing down to a couple of hours.

But as Anthony found out when testing the dock, these niggles quickly fade into the background when you’re playing on a 135-inch screen directly in front of your face. It’s a huge saver of neck pain on long haul flights, and an immersive experience wherever you are.

Nintendo’s doing Nintendo things

And all of this brings me back to the very thing that annoyed me the most at the Switch 2’s launch. Why did Nintendo look at this explosion in AR glasses sales, and think “we don’t need to support DisplayPort Alt Mode”!?

Like, it would’ve been the easiest thing to do here, instead of using the Mobility DisplayPort (MyDP) standard that the original Switch had (a video out standard that was meant to be just for micro-USB). But no, the big N is doing Nintendo things and making things more awkward than they have to be.

I gave them the benefit of the doubt — thinking that a proprietary pair of Nintendo glasses were on the way, but not a peep from them. The closest we’ve gotten is the Virtual Boy accessory, which requires you to put the whole Switch 2 inside it.

So I beg of you, Nintendo. Whenever this Switch 2 OLED comes out, please do the right thing. Please acknowledge the millennial gamers that want to play for long commutes with AR glasses and support the right video out standard.

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Monster Hunter is a legendary series, known for its addictive gameplay loop of chasing down monstrously tough enemies and slaying them to obtain resources and upgrade your gear. It has plenty of dedicated fans, but also a reputation for being difficult for beginners to get into.

In 2016, Monster Hunter Stories was released on 3DS — this spin-off took on a cuter, more kid-friendly aesthetic, and also let you collect monsters and fight alongside them as a team. The spin-off series is now heading for its third outing with Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, and I was able to take an early first look at the game on Nintendo Switch 2.

Pokémon wishes it looked this good

Spoiler alert: I had trouble getting to grips with Monster Hunter Stories 3’s battle system. But I’ll go over the positives first, because this game has an awful lot going for it.

The biggest reason to play Monster Hunter Stories 3 is its fantastic presentation. There’s no two ways about it, this is a truly gorgeous looking game. The outdoor environments are lush and packed with creatures roaming around, both monsters that you can battle and other kinds of wildlife that interact with the ecosystem.

The cutscenes in Monster Hunter Stories 3 also look breathtaking; I don’t remember the last time I saw video game cutscenes on a Nintendo console that looked this good. Whenever I was watching story events play out I was so immersed that I felt like I was watching an animated movie. There is definitely a Ghibli-esque vibe to the characters and natural landscapes, and some cutscenes also move near-seamlessly between gameplay segments, which is awesome to see. And even though the in-battle special attack animations are lengthy, I could never bring myself to skip them because they always got my blood pumping.

“Story” is in this game’s name and while I’ve only just dipped my toe into the game’s narrative, I am well and truly hooked. It’s a high fantasy setting with multiple kingdoms at war, and there are already some interesting characters with questionable motivations and loyalties. There’s also a focus on conservation and repopulating a damaged ecosystem, which only gets me all the more excited. Not only do I get to battle monsters, but I also get to save them from ecological collapse and extinction? Sign me up.

A beautifully confusing battle system

Everything I mentioned previously about Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection had me on board. But getting stuck into the gameplay was a rocky endeavour.

I roll my eyes every time I start a new Pokémon game and sit through another tutorial. “Do they have to take it so slowly? This stuff is obvious.” I always think. But now I get why every Pokémon game drip feeds information to you so slowly; the alternative would be something like Monster Hunter Stories 3.

This game does have a tutorial, and this stuff might be blindingly obvious if you’ve played the first two Monster Hunter Stories games (or any of the main-series Monster Hunter games), but to this newbie, it was mind-boggling.

There’s a lot to get your teeth into right from the beginning of the game. You start with three monsters and three weapons in your possession. You have access to all of them at once in every fight — so you’ll need to figure out what all your monsters can do, what weapons do what, and which attacks you can actually use at any given time (there’s both a charge meter and a stamina meter to contend with that determines which ones you can use).

There’s also a mechanic called a kinship gauge; filling it up means you can ride your monsters to execute attacks as a pair. If your NPC partner rides their monster as well, you can all attack at once.

Even if you know which attack you want to use, there’s still a lot more to it; every basic or special attack can be executed in three different ways (prioritizing power, technique or speed,) and you can either try to deplete a monster’s health bar or their Wyvernsoul gauge (don’t ask me what that is, I have no idea.)

In addition to this, you can aim for different parts of your opponent’s body, like their head, torso, legs or wings. Monsters will change forms and behave differently depending on various factors, like if they become tired or enraged. And there are boss monsters that you’re not meant to attack in certain ways because they’ll unleash a devastating counter if you do.

There are text tutorials to explain all this, but you can’t re-access previous tutorials during battle, only when you’re in town or out on the field. Each tutorial monster I fought felt like an onslaught of more and more mechanics on an already confusing pile.

The best advice I can give you is not to rush through all the tutorial battles at once. I fought a bunch of grunts to get a better idea of what was going on, and it was the only thing that made me feel comfortable going forward.

I can’t blame the developers for not making a more beginner-friendly introduction to the third entry in a spin-off game series, but the last game released five years ago on the original Switch — surely I’m not the only person who’s jumping onto the Monster Hunter Stories train with this release.

On the upside, there were things I did enjoy about the battle system. You don’t need to worry about healing outside of battle, as your health bar is refilled at the start of every fight. But you don’t have a lot of health to rely on, and this makes each individual battle feel vital and intense, like it could all be over at any moment. It’s unique compared to most JRPGs I’ve played, which usually focus more on making you manage healing resources over long stretches of multiple battles in a row.

I also wasn’t expecting there to be stealth elements to this game, but I had fun trying to sneak monster eggs out of enemy nests. Mainly because I knew I would get battered once again if the monsters caught me.

Verdict

I’m not afraid of a challenge. Okay, I actually am — that’s why I haven’t jumped into the mainline Monster Hunter series before now. But I’m interested enough in Monster Hunter Stories 3’s story and beautiful graphics to continue. I want to see what cool new creatures I can add to my team and I want to understand the writhing behemoth that is this battle system. I’m hoping that as more players hop onto this game, there will be more community support and guidance I can look to from other people who understand it better than I do.

If Monster Hunter Stories 3’s battle system has you feeling intimidated, Monster Hunter Stories Collection on Switch might be a better introduction to this series for beginners; it compiles the first two entries in the Monster Hunter Stories franchise into one package. However, you do miss out on the gorgeous movie-style graphics for a more cutesy aesthetic.

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I love Resident Evil, and I love my Nintendo Switch 2. So when Capcom confirmed it was bringing the three most recent mainline games in the series (excluding remakes) to the hybrid console, I was definitely excited to have an excuse to replay Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village, alongside a portable way to enjoy the new Resident Evil Requiem (I completed an intital playthrough on PS5 Pro, to get the best performance first time through).

Of course, when it comes to Switch 2 ports, there always needs to be a level of caution mixed in with your anticipation. I’ve been largely impressed by the quality of AAA gaming on Nintendo’s current system, but the hybrid device is not a powerhouse compared to a PS5 Pro or even an Xbox Series X. Some sacrifices to visuals and performance are always expected on Switch 2.

Having now got some hands-on time with all three Resident Evil games, my overwhelming takeaway is that Capcom has done an excellent job bringing this trio of modern survival horror favorites to Nintendo players who may not have had access to them before. They might not represent the very best way to play Resident Evil, but each one still shines bright on the Switch 2.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard marked a soft reboot of the Resident Evil series, returning RE to its terrifying horror roots after the divisive, overstuffed action blockbuster vibe of Resident Evil 6. It was fantastic back in 2017, and almost a decade later (I feel old writing that), it’s lost none of its edge.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard was actually technically playable on Nintendo Switch 1 via a “Cloud Version,” but on Switch 2, we get a proper, native port, and it was worth the wait. Running at 60 fps, Resident Evil 7 looks darn pretty on Switch 2. Well, its levels are largely set in grimy and dilapidated interactors, but each is rendered with impressive detail on Nintendo Switch 2.

The best thing I can say about Resident Evil 7 on Switch 2 is that it doesn’t feel compromised in any real way. Games like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Hitman: World of Assassination - Signature Edition look great on Switch 2, but even an untrained eye can see the sacrifices made to get them running. I’m sure Resident Evil 7 makes a few, but I could barely register any of note.

Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil: Village is the direct follow-up to Biohazard, and was pretty much the closest thing to a modern Resident Evil 4, until we got a stunning remake of that classic in 2023. Much like Resident Evil 7, Village certainly looks the part on Switch 2; the stunning intro shot of Castle Dimitrescu blanketed in fog had me oohing and ahhing.

However, Village is a larger game than its predecessor, not in runtime, but in overall scope, with a sizable open(ish) hub and larger-scale enemy encounters. The Switch 2 edition doesn’t always keep pace when the action is really cranked up a notch, which can lead to framerate dips. These are far from deal-breaking, but coming into Village after the near-perfect port of Resident Evil 7 resulted in these technical blips standing out just that little bit more.

Nevertheless, Resident Evil Village is extremely playable on Switch 2, and you get the Gold Edition as standard, which gives you the option to play the full campaign in a dedicated third-person mode. That's a boon for easily frightened players who find the first-person perspective too intense.

Resident Evil Requiem

I was blown away by the most recent entry in the Resident Evil franchise (as was my colleague Tony Polanco, check out his review for details). It successfully marries the horror and action the franchise is known for and marks the return of fan favorite character Leon.

Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2 is definitely the one where the graphical differences between this version and its sibling on PlayStation/Xbox (and PC) are most noticeable. As the comparison above shows, textures are of lower quality, with elements like the new protagonist Grace Ashcroft’s hair and the storefront neon sign really taking a hit.

But this is a new 2026 release, so you’d be foolish to expect Switch 2 to offer parity in performance and visuals to PS5. Impressively, Capcom hasn’t sliced the framerate in half on Switch 2 either. This Switch 2 still pushes for a 60 fps target. Sadly, the framerate drops even more than in Village, so I do wonder if a capped 40 fps mode might have been wise.

Overall, I can't grumble about Requiem on Switch 2 at all; it’s a phenomenal game, comfortably my GOTY to date, and on Nintendo’s platform, it’s still a masterful experience. The trade-off in visuals/framerate is expected, and having Requiem on a portable system is awesome. If you want to play the latest Resident Evil, Switch 2 is certainly not a bad choice.

Which Resident Evil should you buy on Switch 2?

Cards on the table, I’m going to cheat a little here and say that you should buy all three Resident Evil games on Nintendo Switch 2. All of them are worth playing. Each has been ported to Nintendo’s console with real care, and most importantly, thanks to the Resident Evil Generation Pack, you can get the whole trilogy in a well-priced bundle.

For $89, you get Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil Requiem in one neat bundle. If you buy it physically, you even get a swanky collector’s box to house the three jewel cases. Of course, if you’re not a collector, you can always grab it digitally on the Nintendo eShop.

But act fast. Not only is the physical edition selling out fast (GameStop, Walmart and Amazon are sold out at the time of writing), but in a slightly strange move, Capcom has confirmed this Generation Pack will only be on sale until March 31. Afterwards, you’ll have to pick up the games individually. This bundle offers a huge discount. Requiem is a brand new $69 release, while Biohazard and Village cost $39 each. So, the bundle saves you almost $60.

If you’re working on a tighter budget and push me for a single answer, I’ll opt for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. The best looking and performing of the three, and you get the Gold Edition, which includes all the DLC released for the game post-launch. However, the Generation Pack is most definitely my top recommendation; it’s one of the best gaming deals we’ll likely see in 2026.

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When I was younger, I didn't have a Nintendo GameBoy or GameBoy Advance, and neither did my brother. Our cousins did, though, and we'd visit each other at least twice a year. Whenever they came over to ours, or we visited them, we'd play Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on their GBAs, and alongside watching the anime following Ash and his friends' adventures, that's what got me hooked onto Pokémon.

That love has once again been re-ignited in 2026 by the launch of the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 version of what's arguably the best Pokémon 2D game (and I will die on this hill). Since it came out on February 27, I've been playing FireRed non-stop. I play it on my commute to and from work, before sleeping, and whenever I can squeeze in a couple of hours.

Since its launch, I've sunk over 80 hours into making my way through the gyms, fighting trainers, catching Pokémon, and training up my party. Replaying FireRed has emphasized all the flaws that the modern Pokémon games carry — and I say that as someone who has played many of the 3D games, such as Let's Go, Sword and Shield, and Legends: Arceus. FireRed has done nothing but bolster my wish for the Pokémon Company, and GameFreak needs to bring back 2D games, and here's why.

Nostalgia is a powerful tool

I'm not afraid to admit that a lot of my love for Pokémon FireRed comes from it being the first game I played on the Nintendo GBA, and I admit that when it was first announced on the Nintendo Switch, I was looking at it through rose-tinted glasses.

I was worried that GameFreak and the Pokémon Company were going to make certain changes to it that I wouldn't like, and for the most part — I'd say 99% — FireRed remains untouched. It is, essentially, the same game that was released all the way back in 2004. 22 years later, it's still great.

What I loved about FireRed back then and still do today is the fact that grinding never feels like a pain, and it's nowhere near as punishing as a Souls-like game. Encounters with wild Pokémon are extremely fun, and finding certain Pokémon on specific routes adds to the versatility.

Battling against them and jumping into battles with rivals, and the amount of EXP you get depending on the level of the Pokémon you're battling feels rewarding, especially when your Pokémon evolves when you were least expecting it.

I picked Charmander as my starter, and it dawned on me that I would struggle against Brock and his rock-type Pokémon for the first time — so I started grinding. I caught a Mankey, leveled it up, and struggled but persisted against Brock to get the Boulder badge. It was hard, but again, nothing like the sweet taste of victory when you've struggled so much.

Type match-ups and ensuring that I had the correct type of Pokémon when battling any gym leader were crucial, and knowing that kept me motivated to fill up my Pokédex, too. I remember loving it just as much when I was a child, and though it's time-consuming and takes many, many hours, I'm more motivated than ever to complete the Pokédex this time around, as I never did it when I was younger.

The modern games just don't cut it

I was late to the Nintendo Switch party, and I got the OG Switch during the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. When I was at my family home during lockdown, I played a lot — and I mean a lot — of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu, Pokémon Sword, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

According to my Switch's game tracker, I've played Let's Go for 90 hours and Sword for 150 hours. Clearly, I loved them. But I could never put my finger on why they didn't hit the same way that Pokémon FireRed did when I was a child.

And it hit me recently. FireRed, to me, feels like it's got more soul and feel to it. It feels like a game made by a company that actually cares. Every character in FireRed, whether that's an NPC that has only one line of dialogue or your rival, feels like they have a distinct personality to them.

The 2D pixel art feels more detailed than the often stiff-looking 3D models in the modern titles, and the pacing feels just right. It isn't too slow, and it isn't too fast, and the 2D pixel art feels richer and more detailed.

One of the reasons I love FireRed is that it leaves things to your imagination. When I'm fighting wild Pokémon, I'm picturing them in clear detail in my head — the sounds they make, the way they act. My brain feels a lot more engaged playing FireRed now than it ever did with Sword and Let's Go.

That's because FireRed requires the right level of strategy and planning without overdoing it. Both Sword and Let's Go felt like a piece of cake to me. FireRed actually feels challenging, and most battles aren't something you can just wing.

Fight it out (locally)

Even as an adult, I'm finding tons of enjoyment in training up my party in Pokémon FireRed, and one of the quickest ways to still get humbled is fighting other trainers. I've been locally battling it out with my colleague and friend Harry from sister site TechRadar when we're in the office together. The local connection has been fairly stable with not much input lag, and it's been a lot of fun fighting his party. In place of online play, it's the next best option.

Both Harry and I were at very different points in the game (he's got LeafGreen, which is perfect for locally trading too), so he was a little under-levelled compared to my party. But both of us promised that we'd train up and battle again once we had both beaten the Elite Four and our respective parties were level 60 and higher.

We even promised that we'd catch version-exclusive Pokémon for one another and trade them at a later point. That has always been the fun of Pokémon for me, to trade with friends and do things like these for each other, and playing FireRed has been a treat for my soul and inner child.

FireRed isn't perfect, though

As I said earlier, anyone who played Pokémon FireRed as a kid will surely be enjoying playing it as an adult on the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2. But nostalgia is a double-edged sword, and while the modern version of FireRed is nothing short of fantastic and remains virtually unchanged, it's not perfect.

The lack of wireless play, at the time of writing, limits trading capabilities. I remember filling a large part of my Pokédex in Pokémon Sword with the help of strangers on the dedicated Subreddit.

And while Nintendo has confirmed that FireRed and LeafGreen will be getting Home support eventually, it isn't bidirectional, so you can't transfer Pokémon into the game from other titles. This makes it nearly impossible to complete the national Pokédex, which is a shame for completionists and anyone who wants to get as many hours as possible out of the game — like me.

Another annoying change that's been introduced? If you press all four face buttons (ABXY) together, you'll soft-reset the game if you aren't careful. Personally, I can't see myself pressing all four buttons unintentionally, but I've heard a few people complaining about it online, so clearly it is a sticking point for some.

One thing I have learned during my time on the internet is that people love to complain and hate on anything that's trending at the moment, and looks like another sticking point for some is that FireRed costs too much for what's basically an unchanged, non-remastered, non-remade port.

To that I say, is it really that problematic? The digital download costs $19 / £16 today, and 22 years ago, it would have cost nearly double, if not more. It's nowhere near the retail price of Mario Kart World or a AAA title, and you get easily 100 hours out of it.

I also like Nintendo's decision to re-release FireRed and LeafGreen on the modern consoles, given that the only other way to play them (officially) is buying a second-hand GBA that costs hundreds and hundreds. As someone whose first experience with handheld console gaming was the OG FireRed, I'm glad young children are getting to experience it the way I did, as I've seen on Reddit and Instagram.

As I said, the modern 3D Pokémon games just don't cut it for me, and if you want an authentic Pokémon gaming experience, FireRed or LeafGreen is a great starting point.

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Console makers make some money from the systems they manufacture, but the real money comes from game sales. But what happens when folks buy fewer games? This is a situation Nintendo is now finding itself in. As you might have guessed, it's because of the ongoing RAM crisis.

According to Bloomberg, Nintendo Switch 2 owners are buying fewer games because the console only has 256GB of built-in storage, and it's becoming increasingly harder to upgrade storage thanks to increasing NAND prices. Ballooning game file sizes are only making the matter worse.

Nintendo's latest system is significantly more powerful than the original Switch, meaning it can handle beefier games, which are also far larger. The biggest game you can buy for the Switch 2 is Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which takes up nearly 100GB of space, just less than half of the available onboard storage. Not quite Call of Duty on your PC numbers, but high nonetheless.

A gamer in Tokyo told Bloomberg that they used to "buy games on a whim." Now they have to be a bit more discerning "because the space is filling up so quickly, at a pace that I didn’t imagine.”

Bloomberg cited numbers that indicate the Switch 2 is selling less software than the original Switch. As of December 2025, the new console was selling an average of 2.18 games per console, and the Switch was higher at 3.88 average games.

Storage prices

It's hard to tell how much storage prices are actually going up, especially for the microSD Express cards that the Switch 2 requires.

When the Switch 2 launched, my colleague Anthony Spadafora recommended the Walmart in-house onn-branded memory cards for the Switch 2. At the time, the 256GB version could be had for $36, while the 512GB version was $66. Both have seen price increases to $46 and $84, respectively.

However, we compared the onn cards to the Best Buy exclusive Nintendo Samsung microSDXC, which was $60 a year ago and is still $60 as of this writing. The SanDisk 256GB card was also $60 last year and has retained that price, though the 512GB version is $99.

Of course, those prices are all on top of the $450 to $550 that you're spending on purchasing the console in the first place. Plus, games themselves are more expensive, with Mario Kart World breaking the $80 barrier last year.

Switch 2 prices could go up

Nintendo hasn't had an easy time since launching the Switch 2 in the spring of 2025. That was the year of tariffs, as the Trump administration instituted fluctuating and chaotic tax percentages that changed at a whim.

That has seemingly settled as the Supreme Court recently rejected President Trump's tariffs, though he did immediately turn around and demand 15% global tariffs across the board.

This year, the company, like most tech firms, faces increasing pressure from the ruinous memory crisis that is raising prices on everything from the best phones and best laptops to potentially the Switch 2.

So far, Nintendo has resisted increasing prices, but Nintendo President Shintaro Furukawa has not ruled it out. "The market environment is indeed challenging," he said in February.

Nintendo will probably be fine in the long term, but right now, the hits keep coming.

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• I played every new Virtual Boy game on Switch 2 with Nintendo’s new accessory — and this one was my favorite

You know that one friend growing up who had every — and I mean every — console? Well, I was lucky enough to have one and unlike me, he had almost too many options when it came to what game to play or what console to play it on.

From the Sega CD attachment for the Genesis to a TurboGrafx and everything in between, my childhood friend had it all. While I got a turn here and there, I was more spectator than player but growing up, but that didn’t phase me at all. Of the consoles in his family’s collection though, there was one in particular that continued to elude me even now: the Nintendo Virtual Boy.

As the odd console out between the Super Nintendo and the Nintendo 64, the Virtual Boy was unlike anything I had ever seen before. Not only was it the only home console you could play without a TV but you got to play in full 3D for the first time, even if it was only in red.

Although I eventually convinced my friend to let me try out his Virtual Boy to play a few rounds of Mario’s Tennis, that was all I got. To this day, I still think about that short play session but now, thanks to Nintendo’s new Virtual Boy accessory for the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch, I finally got a chance to play it again.

Here’s everything you need to know about this modern recreation of 1995’s Virtual Boy and why it just might scratch that same retro gaming itch for you.

Nostalgic looks with a modern Switch

Just like it did with the Labo VR Kit, Nintendo decided to use the Switch’s modularity to its advantage again with its new Virtual Boy accessory. Also available as a foldable cardboard cut out, I got to try the more expensive replica version that’s as close to the original as I remember, minus the “M” shaped Virtual Boy Game Pad of course.

In the box, you get a red and black plastic headset and a stand that fixes everyone’s gripes with the “Medusa” stand that came with the original. Instead of a brittle sliding C-clamp, this new stand holds the replica console much better than the one that shipped with the Virtual Boy. You also get a plastic adapter in the box to use with the Nintendo Switch as Nintendo designed its latest accessory around the Switch 2.

In a similar way to the NES Classic and the SNES Classic, Nintendo stayed true to the details of the original Virtual Boy throughout the design of this new headset. For instance, on the underside, you have all of the original ports and controls etched into the plastic. In the center, there’s a place to connect the stand and a spring-loaded quick release mechanism, which almost made me feel like I was ejecting cartridges from my SNES when removing my Switch 2.

Getting this new accessory working with your Switch 2 or Switch starts with downloading the new Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics app from the eShop. However, to do so, you will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription along with the Expansion Pack add-on. While I miss Nintendo’s Virtual Console as much as anyone else, Nintendo Switch Online is the closest thing you can get to a Blockbuster for retro games and well worth the annual price in my opinion.

Once you have the app installed on your console, it’s just a matter of flipping up the red top part of the Virtual Boy accessory and dropping your Switch 2 in.

If you’ve ever docked your Switch or Switch 2, you’ll have no trouble at all turning either console into a modern Virtual Boy. Just note that if you’re still playing on the original Switch, you will have to attach the plastic adapter first to make up for the size difference between it and the Switch 2.

Seeing red again

With my Switch 2 loaded in Nintendo’s Virtual Boy accessory, it was time to finally step back into the world of red-tinted, stereoscopic 3D gaming. While nowhere near close to one of the best VR headsets, donning a Virtual Boy again for the first time in 30 years took me back to when virtual reality was still science fiction.

After loading the app, I was met with that same Nintendo Classics UI but this time, with a black and red Virtual Boy-style twist. At the time of writing, there are currently a total of seven Virtual Boy games you can play right now in the app with an additional seven coming later this year including two unreleased games. This might not seem like a lot compared to the now massive NES and Super Nintendo catalogs on Nintendo Switch Online but with this console in particular, you’re getting access to every game ever released for it with half of them available from the get go.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to pick up where I left off in Mario’s Tennis all those years ago, as that particular title isn’t among Virtual Boy’s launch lineup on the Nintendo Switch. So I did the next best thing and booted up 3D Tetris as I have fond memories of playing the original on the Game Boy. It didn’t quite click for me though, so I moved onto Galactic Pinball.

Pinball is much more straightforward on the Virtual Boy and I really enjoyed how I had the option to use either the triggers or the joysticks on my Joy-Cons to control the paddles. It felt like there was a slight input delay between hitting a button and seeing the paddles move but I quickly got used to it. After a few rounds though, it was time to try what many (myself included) consider the Virtual Boy’s flagship game: Virtual Boy Wario Land.

Since I didn’t get a chance to play it as a kid, I was instantly impressed with Wario Land and how it took full advantage of the console’s stereoscopic 3D. In fact, it reminded me of playing the original AstroBot on PSVR. I loved Wario’s more familiar moveset, the mini games at the end of each level and how you could jump between the foreground and background at certain points. Likewise, the way that Wario walked right towards my face when leaving the room after finishing a mini game was a very nice touch.

From there, I played through the rest of the current Virtual Boy games available. Teleroboxer felt like a cross between a more high-tech version of Mike Tyson’s Punchout and Arms on the Switch. Red Alarm reminded me immediately of Star Fox but with a lot less handholding as I flew a ship through an enemy base in the opening sequence. The Mansion of Innsmouth is a classic first-person dungeon crawler but after turning only a few corners, a game over screen flashed before my eyes after I didn’t quite know what to do when I encountered a monster in one of the corridors.

Finally, Golf played just like a classic golf game but with the added depth and realism you get from playing in stereoscopic 3D.

As you may have guessed, Wario Land was my favorite of the bunch and I made sure to create a suspend point so I can pick up where I left off. In fact, I had such a good time playing it that I might just have to finish it.

One thing that remains true with this new Virtual Boy accessory is that it’s hard to find the perfect position to play in. At my coffee table, I was leaning forward with my back bent, which felt less than ideal. That’s why after my initial test to make sure everything was working, I took the Virtual Boy and my Switch 2 out to the living room where I spent a big chunk of time playing at my standing desk.

With one of the best standing desks, I was able to raise the console up fairly close to eye level but even then, I still found myself leaning forward to get my head close enough to the screen.

My turn at last

Among Nintendo’s other highly successful game consoles, the Virtual Boy is and will always be an outlier. Sure, it was quite advanced back in the 90s when it was definitely ahead of its time but with the Nintendo 64 and true 3D gaming just a year away from its launch, the Virtual Boy never really got a chance to shine. Fortunately, thanks to the modular nature of the Switch and Switch 2, it’s back in all its red and black glory.

If you’re curious about checking out this piece of Nintendo and gaming history, then the cardboard version of the Virtual Boy accessory will be more than enough to help you scratch that itch. However, if like me, you actually had a chance to play the original, then the more expensive replica version could certainly be worth it, even for nostalgia alone.

Maybe if my childhood friend had given me a bit more time to play the original, I wouldn’t have spent the last three decades thinking about the Virtual Boy. Even then though, he only had a few games besides Mario’s Tennis which came included with the console. Thanks to this new accessory and Nintendo Switch Online, not only can I play every Virtual Boy game I want to but I can do so without being tethered to a power outlet.

I can’t wait to check out the rest of this console’s game collection though but in the meantime, I plan on making my way through Wario Land as it’s the must-play Virtual Boy game. Even with what I’ve played through so far, it seems like the kind of game you don’t want to miss. Now though, I get to play it with modern conveniences like suspension points and being able to rewind when I accidentally jump into lava. If Nintendo just made a new version of its original controller, I’d be able to finally fulfill my childhood wish almost as if I was back in the 90s.

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RAMageddon is in full effect. With memory chip manufacturers prioritizing AI data centers, what we're left with is price hikes, shortages and delays on all the tech that we value the most.

Just how bad has it got? Well, before the memory shortage officially kicked into gear a few months ago, this 32GB DDR5 RAM stick could be picked up for $87. Now, it costs $484. That's just over a 450% increase, and that's still not the worst of it — DRAM and NAND storage memory prices have skyrocketed by over 600%.

For PC makers and enthusiasts, that's a tough blow. But if you're thinking you're in the clear, just because you don't buy RAM sticks yourself, I've got bad news: nothing is safe. Phones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles and yes, even Wi-Fi routers, will all be impacted by the RAM crisis. In fact, it's already taken effect.

Companies are already scrambling to scoop a dwindling supply of memory chips, with prices set to surge even higher going forward. The problem is, there's no end in sight anytime soon, as analysts and even Micron itself are claiming we won't see any improvements until 2028. Yikes.

We're in for the long haul, and we're already seeing the consequences of the biggest memory companies (SK Hynix, Micron and Samsung) pivoting supplies for an AI future. From shortages on our favorite products today to delays on the most anticipated devices, here are the biggest victims the RAM crisis has claimed (so far).

Valve's Steam Deck (and more)

Who would have thought that a still-popular gaming handheld that released in 2022 would be so hard to get a hold of today? Valve's Steam Deck is out of stock, and it's officially due to (you guessed it) “memory and storage shortages.”

Head over to Steam in the U.S., and you'll find that the Steam Deck OLED, along with the OG Steam Deck, can't be purchased. As Valve's support page notes, stock will be out "intermittently in some regions," although we've been tracking restocks, and Valve's gaming handheld hasn't shown up yet.

At the very least, every model is still available in the U.K., but who knows when stock will dry up in other regions, or how long the drought will last in those areas already affected.

While the Steam Deck has had its moment to shine before shortages kicked in, this spells doom for everything else Valve has coming — the Steam Machine, Steam Frame and Steam Controller.

In a blog post, the gaming giant revealed that its console-like PC, VR headset and gaming controller have been delayed to the “first half of the year,” as opposed to Q1 of 2026. And yes, it's due to “memory and storage shortages.” The RAM crisis is already delaying the biggest releases from Valve in years (and maybe even the mythical Half-Life 3?), but what's even more concerning is the price.

The cost of the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame is still up in the air, and while Valve may have already had a fixed price for its upcoming tech, the company will "revisit" the price because of the memory shortage. This can only signal one thing: a price hike.

Many were already guessing the Steam Machine and Frame would be expensive, more so than the gaming consoles and VR headsets we see today. But now? We may have to add an extra $100 (or more) to what we imagined. As in, $999 for the Steam Machine and $799 for the Steam Frame. These are all just predictions, but considering the Steam Deck has already been affected by the RAM crisis, this only raises concerns about Valve's anticipated hardware.

Nvidia skips gaming GPUs

Even Nvidia, the juggernaut that is all-in on AI, is struggling with the memory shortage. For the first time in three decades, Team Green won't release a new gaming GPU this year.

There had been a lot of talk about when we'd see RTX 50 Super GPUs, with rumors even pointing to a release of the RTX 5070 Super, RTX 5070 Ti Super, and RTX 5080 Super in late 2025. That didn't happen, but even at CES 2026, when Nvidia usually makes its big announcements, there were no new GPUs to be seen.

Instead, we got a first look at Vera Rubin chips, which are gearing up to power AI data centers and the like. It's expected to use HBM4 (High Bandwidth Memory 4), which is exactly what manufacturers are prioritizing over DRAM.

So, instead of giving more previous VRAM to its anticipated set of RTX 50 Super graphics cards (which we'd love to see in the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti), Nvidia shift gears to fuel the AI train.

As it turns out, Nvidia has indefinitely delayed "Kicker" — the code name for the incremental RTX 50-series refresh, likely the Super cards that we expected to see this year. Even though the designs were reportedly finished, the company decided that it couldn't justify the memory costs.

So, what does this mean for the inevitable RTX 60-series GPUs? Well, a leak indicated we could see these debut in early 2027, but with the ongoing memory crisis already taking its next Super-series off the list this year, there's good reason to believe we won't see these anytime soon.

PS6 pushed back?

We've already seen the price of every PS5 model increase by $50 last year, due to a "backdrop of a challenging economic environment" at the time, but so far, we haven't seen Sony's console be largely affected by the memory and storage shortage. As for its next-gen model? It could be further away than we first thought.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Sony is considering pushing the launch of its PS6 back to 2028 at the earliest, all the way to 2029. And all signs are pointing to the RAM crisis. While rumors have claimed we may see the PS6 in 2028 anyway, some indicate a late 2027 release, which would line up with AMD's hint that a next-gen Xbox is landing next year.

To put this into perspective, the PS4 launched in November 2013, while the latest PS5 arrived in November 2020. The console cycle is generally seven years, and RAMageddon appears to be disrupting the flow already — possibly by two years.

With rumors suggesting the PS6 is expected to come equipped with 32GB of DDR7 RAM to power the next generation of gaming, which is double what the PS5 has (16GB GDDR6), we can start to piece together why Sony would delay the launch of its new console.

During the Activision Blizzard trial back in 2023, documents revealed that the next Xbox and PS6 were set for 2028. But times have changed, and the scarcity of RAM to power these consoles is making it harder for companies to know when the right time is to release their fresh products.

Remember how hard it was to get a PS5 when it launched? Now imagine Sony releasing its PS6 with a limited supply of RAM; the wait for restocks would be never-ending.

Nintendo Switch 2 price hikes?

The Nintendo Switch 2 already had to deal with U.S. tariffs, and many weren't happy with its price tag. Unfortunately, the RAM crisis may make matters worse.

Despite a successful launch, becoming the fastest-selling console of all time, Nintendo is considering raising prices this year. Many had already expected this to happen, following in the footsteps of PlayStation and Xbox raising the cost of their consoles last year, but the memory shortage (and tariffs) appears to be accelerating this.

Analysts believe the Switch 2 will receive a $50 price bump, taking it from $449 to $499 (the price for the Mario Kart World bundle). And this year, during an earnings call, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa raised concerns about the "pressure" caused by surging memory prices.

"The market environment is indeed challenging. But we are engaging in long-term discussions with our suppliers to ensure we maintain a stable intake of chips,” Furukawa noted. That's a promising outlook, but many companies are vying for memory these days, so it only seems inevitable that Nintendo will eventually bump up the price of its Switch 2.

My advice? If there's a particular product you're interested in (in this case, the Switch 2), buy it now. With the RAM crisis already affecting the biggest products on the market, prices are only going to soar, and it will be a while before we see next-gen products come to shelves. Even if they do arrive, don't expect a huge supply.

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With the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s never been a better time to be a fan of The Legend of Zelda series. It’s been forty years since Link first stepped into the caves of Hyrule and what better way to celebrate the series’ 40th anniversary than by replaying your favorite classic Zelda games or trying out the latest ones.

From Link’s 8-bit origins on the Nintendo Entertainment System to enhanced editions with updated and gorgeous 4K visuals, The Legend of Zelda library on both the Switch and the Switch 2 is absolutely massive. Whether you want to hack and slash your way through Hyrule Warriors, fight your way through dungeons while staying on the beat in Cadence of Hyrule or play as Zelda for a change in Echoes of Wisdom, there’s a game for everyone and every play style.

Here are all the mainline Zelda games, the spinoffs and even a few where Link just makes a cameo to help you celebrate The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary.

Every Zelda game you can play on Nintendo Switch Online

If you’re looking for even more Zelda games to play on the series’ 40th anniversary, you’re in luck as quite a few of them are available on Nintendo Switch Online ($20, Amazon). With Nintendo’s standard paid subscription service, you get access to Zelda games on the NES, SNES, Game Boy and Game Boy Color.

To return to the series’ roots on the NES, you can play both the original The Legend of Zelda as well as its sequel Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. While the first game in the series features the top-down gameplay other 2D Zelda games are known for, its sequel mixes things up with side-scrolling areas and a larger world map.

Then on NSO’s Super Nintendo app, you can play what many fans consider to be one of the best games in the series, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Set many years before the events of the first two Zelda games, it brings back the top-down perspective and introduces Link’s iconic Master Sword for the first time.

Finally, with the standard NSO subscription, you can play a handful of Zelda games from the Game Boy and Game Boy color including Link’s Awakening DX, Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons. The former is a colored version of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening for the Game Boy while the latter two are meant to be played back to back. Oracle of Ages is more focused on puzzles while Oracle of Seasons is a bit less linear and more action-oriented.

Now if you pay extra for an NSO subscription with the Expansion Pack ($50, Amazon), you get access to even more past Nintendo systems including Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance.

On Nintendo 64 you can play the first 3D Zelda game Ocarina of Time as well as its darker, more experimental sequel Majora’s Mask which features a 3-day time-loop mechanic.

Then on Game Boy Advance, you can play The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap in which Link literally shrinks down to a much smaller size and this completely changes how you interact with the world around him. You can also play Four Swords which is a multiplayer Zelda game that takes place before Minish Cap.

If you’ve upgraded to a Nintendo Switch 2, then you can play one of the most beautiful and unique Zelda games ever: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Known for its cell-shaded graphics which have stood the test of the time, the game also lets you traverse the seas on a talking boat.

Zelda games you still can’t play on Switch

Although you can play the majority of titles from The Legend of Zelda series on the Switch and Switch 2, there are still a few games you can’t. These include Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks from the Nintendo DS, A Link Between Worlds and Tri Force Heroes from the Nintendo 3DS and Twilight Princess which released first on the Nintendo Wii and then shortly after on the Nintendo GameCube.

Beyond Hyrule: Other Switch games that feature Link

Now if you’re looking for something a bit different but still want to play as Link or even just be reminded of Hyrule, there are a few other Switch games worth playing. From racing to fighting, these “outlier” titles are certainly worth checking out for anyone that wants to own and experience every piece of Zelda history on modern hardware.

The greed of AI is impacting prices and release dates across the tech world, from phones and laptops to gaming devices. This week, Valve confirmed that Steam Deck handheld consoles will be available intermittently due to a memory shortage.

Now, a new report from Bloomberg claims that the Nintendo Switch 2 could see increased prices, and that Sony is considering delaying the next-generation PlayStation 6. The overall report is worth a read for a look at how companies are responding to the shortage from memory makers to their customers.

The relevant portion comes toward the end, where Bloomberg reports that Nintendo is considering raising prices this year.

Switch 2 hike is likely coming

This isn't the first time we've heard rumors or speculation that Nintendo will increase the prices of its latest console. In January, a reputable research firm predicted a hike was coming this year.

Nintendo President Shintaro Furukawa didn't rule out raising prices in a separate January interview with Kyoto Shimbun. But he noted that the company is trying to get people into the ecosystem.

Nintendo execs sounded the alarm in early February during its earnings calls. President Shuntaro Furukawa highlighted U.S. tariffs as an issue affecting Nintendo while also raising concerns about rising memory costs.

"The market environment is indeed challenging. But we are engaging in long-term discussions with our suppliers to ensure we maintain a stable intake of chips,” Furukawa said at the time.

Furukawa has repeatedly asserted that Nintendo has some cushion in memory, at least for 2026. After this year, that situation is more than likely to change.

Delayed PS6

Bloomberg also claimed that Sony is considering pushing the launch of the PS6 to 2028 or 2029. Most rumors currently have the PS6 debuting in 2028, at the earliest in late 2027.

How memory shortages impact Sony will be interesting to track, as the company was recently rumored to include up to 32GB of RAM in the PS6. The initial worry was that a leap in memory would make the PS6 more expensive, but now it's not clear when the console will even launch.

Rumors have linked the PS6 closely to the next Xbox, which has been tipped to launch next year. The difference, though, is that Sony is expected to stick to a moretraditional console launch with a main living room box alongside a decently powerful handheld console.

Xbox is rumored to have a standard console but is also allegedly leaning into its "everything is an Xbox" marketing. That means a new console, a potential handheld device, and reportedly Xboxes made by third-party OEMs like Asus and Lenovo. That could give Microsoft more leeway to launch earlier than the PlayStation, but even Microsoft could still be constrained by memory constraints.

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Mario Tennis Fever has landed on the Nintendo Switch 2. Bringing with it the personality for which the series is known, it has all the modes and characters we’ve come to expect, with the wildly entertaining addition of Fever Rackets. These game-changing power-up rackets, paired with 38 playable characters, create enough variety to keep seasoned vets and new players coming back for more.

Switch 2 hasn’t had a lot of first-party exclusive games in its relatively short lifespan (though releases like Donkey Kong Bananza have seen tons of praise from players and critics alike), so anytime a significant release drops straight from Nintendo, it’s worth getting excited about. Mario Tennis Fever is not a perfect game by any stretch, but it does exactly what it sets out to do with a level of pure joy that you’ll only find from a Nintendo sports game.

Mario Tennis Fever: The Basics

• What is it? Mario Tennis Fever is the follow-up to the well-received Mario Tennis Aces. It builds upon the gameplay with new exaggerated tennis mechanics, most significantly the fever rackets.
• Who is it for? Everyone will find something to love in Mario Tennis Fever. It’s a perfect game for families as it’s as enjoyable for parents as it is for young gamers. Both long-time fans of Mario Tennis and new players will have a good time.
• What’s the price? Mario Tennis Fever costs $69 on Nintendo Switch 2.
• What other games has the developer made? Mario Tennis Fever was made by Camelot Software Planning, which has made Mario Tennis games since the Nintendo 64 days. It also made the Mario Golf games, so the company has plenty of pedigree for bringing everyone’s favorite plumber to sports.
• What games is it similar to? Mario Tennis Fever is similar to previous Mario Tennis games, such as Mario Tennis Aces on Switch 1. The closest non-Nintendo comparison would be Hot Shots Tennis, though that franchise hasn’t had a new game in a long time. Realistically, if you want arcade-style tennis, Mario Tennis Fever has the market cornered.

Mario and Luigi are babies

For anyone who intends to play Mario Tennis Fever solo, rest assured that Camelot and Nintendo have found a fun way to apply their tennis gameplay to a story-based Adventure mode. Instead of just progressing from tennis match to tennis match to move up a ladder, you’ll be doing all kinds of tennis-related mini-games (interspersed with actual tennis matches, of course).

Mario and Luigi (and some rivals) have been turned into babies. To return to grown-up form, they need to learn the basics at the local tennis academy and then venture out into the big, scary world to face a bunch of tennis challenges.

It’s a bit of an odd concept to apply a story to a tennis game, but somehow, it works. I found myself consistently looking forward to seeing where the story would go next and how the developers would take the story elements and apply them to tennis. Ship on fire? Smack water balls at them, for example.

It’s a more robust story than I would have ever expected from a Mario Tennis game, but it could be a little longer, clocking in at just under four hours. It’s not long enough to carry the full price of the package, but considering the long tail of the game comes from competitive multiplayer and playing with friends, it’s a nice value add.

Variety is the spice of life

Outside of the Adventure mode, there’s plenty more to do in Mario Tennis Fever. There are tournaments with increasing difficulty (a la Mario Kart), and winning these unlocks new playable characters. There’s also a rougelike tower with progressively harder challenges and freeplay for when you just want to hop in and play tennis against friends.

But it’s not just the modes that make the game varied. The big new addition this year is Fever Rackets. With these, you can supercharge your shots with unique powers. Want to be Princess Peach but want to leave volcanoes that shoot fireballs at your opponents? That’s totally possible. Want to be a Bowser who makes the court an icy mess with his Fever shot? Again, doable. Once a Fever shot is fired, the first person to miss the ball is going to be stuck with some annoying obstacles, and that just adds to the already chaotic nature of Fever.

And not only do these rackets mix up the gameplay mechanics, but they give you something else to work towards, as you’ll need to unlock many of them. They give Fever a little more mechanical depth and reason to keep you coming back.

And then there are the courts, which add another layer to the visuals and gameplay (Super Mario Wonder anyone). There are semi-realistic stadiums and fantastic Mushroom Kingdom-inspired places to play tennis. And like all aspects of this package, the courts look fantastic. The cartoon art style works as well for the courts as it does for Nintendo's load of characters (especially the baby versions, which are adorable as ever).

There’s also the multiplayer portion, which isn’t the most robust but offers singles and doubles matches, and a lobby system for playing with the same group of people online. Speaking of which, I played multiplayer on the couch with my girlfriend and stepson, and it certainly brought me back to the college days playing Mario Tennis on GameCube.

However, I was unable to test the online portion of the game during the pre-launch period, so we’ll update this piece on launch day with our impressions of the online play.

Simply fun

Modes aside, the most important part of a Mario Tennis game is the core mechanics, and they’re executed near flawlessly in Mario Tennis Fever. Sliding up to the net to blast a Star Shot (the game’s version of smashes) is always fun and satisfying, and making a perfect Fever win a clutch point feels like you’ve pulled off a miraculous save.

If the only thing you care about from Mario Tennis is entertaining gameplay, Fever brings it like Carlos Alcaraz on the court, taking the number one spot on the ATP rankings. However, it also simplifies the core tennis mechanics, designed to help keep the game feeling balanced. Everything feels a little slower than in previous games, which allows you to make more dramatic cross-court saves. The skill ceiling is a little lower, which might scare off some series veterans, but there’s still an acceptable amount of skill, and I did find that I was able to dispatch of my family rather easily using the skills I’ve gained over many years with the Mario Tennis franchise.

Sure, Mario Tennis Fever isn’t the most realistic virtual take on the sport, and competitive players might find elements like the Fever Rackets unbalanced, but Camelot has created an excellent arcade spin on tennis, which players of all ages can enjoy from the first serve. Personally, I find the rackets to be perfectly fine for the type of game on offer here. Does landing one on your opponent's side feel like a game-changer? Yes, but that’s how it’s meant ot be. Plus, you can always hit it back, giving you some nice risk-reward. Will your own power-up come back to haunt you, or will it seal the match?

And there’s motion controls?!

If you look back longingly at the original Nintendo Wii and its beloved pack-in game Wii Sports, then you’re in luck, because Mario Tennis Fever offers motion controls. And while it’s not quite what I’m looking for, it does work as intended from both a feel and enjoyment perspective when you have friends over who don’t enjoy more traditional video game controls.

This isn’t new for Mario Tennis, as Aces had motion controls. And like that game, Fever keeps motion contained to its own specific mode, which means you can go recklessly swinging your Joy-Con 2 controllers through the entire game.

To me, this mode isn’t a selling point, and I’m glad it hasn’t replaced the main control scheme. However, it’s the icing on the already wonderful cake. And who doesn’t want another layer of delicious, motion-controlled icing? Especially when the motion controls are done with the level of precision and accuracy we’ve grown to expect from Nintendo.

Mario Tennis Fever review: Verdict

Overall, I love Mario Tennis Fever, and it’s a game I’ll be returning to frequently whenever I have a group of friends over who want to try out the Nintendo Switch 2. No matter what you want from Mario Tennis, this game has it. From the singles matches to doubles to crazy mini-games, there’s something here for everyone.

The only real negative is that it feels a lot like previous Mario Tennis games. But if you love those games as I do, then that’s hardly a drawback at all. Nintendo got it right in so many ways with its latest iteration of Mario Tennis, making this a must-play for Switch 2 owners.

We're only a few days away from Valentine's Day, and it's when we want to shower our loved one with flowers and chocolates, and take them out to a fancy restaurant. But sometimes, you need to book weeks in advance to get a table at yours or your partner's favorite restaurant. That's why staying in is a great idea as you can avoid the dinnertime rush. Want to make it romantic? Light some candles, order your favorite takeaway, and play some video games.

I love gaming and it's one of my favorite things to do whenever I have time to spare. My partner, on the other hand, isn't big into gaming, and a couple of years ago, I finally convinced her to try a few couch co-op games on the Nintendo Switch — and we love playing them together. Regardless of whether your partner is a gamer or not, there are plenty of two-player games to enjoy (you don't need to be a pro gamer for that).

My personal top picks are Untitled Goose Game, where two players must work in tandem to unleash chaos upon a small town, and Overcooked, where you must prepare dishes on time to avoid burning down the kitchen. There are plenty more couch co-op and two-player games on the Switch, so read on to find out (and some are currently discounted too!).

Quick links

• Untitled Goose Game: was $27 now $24 @ Amazon
• Overcooked! All You Can Eat: was $39 now $33 @ Amazon
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder: was $59 now $49 @ Walmart
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: was $59 now $48 @ Walmart
• Luigi's Mansion 3: was $59 now $51 @ Amazon
• Super Mario Odyssey: was $59 now $49 @ Amazon
• Unravel Two: $19 @ Walmart
• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics: $48 @ Amazon
• It Takes Two: $39 @ Amazon

Best couch co-op games for Valentine's Day

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During a recent earnings call, Nintendo revealed that while sales are up, profit is down after a tough year, and already thin margins could get tighter looking ahead to 2026 and beyond.

The call, first reported on by Bloomberg Asia, reveals a profit of 23%, less than expected. This is largely blamed on the 2025 tariffs instituted by the U.S. Trump administration, which impacted several countries where Nintendo produces the Switch 2, including China and Vietnam. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa highlighted the tariff issues while also raising concerns over the impact of rising memory costs.

"The market environment is indeed challenging. But we are engaging in long-term discussions with our suppliers to ensure we maintain a stable intake of chips,” Furukawa said.

He did not expect the RAM crisis to affect profits this year, thanks to a pre-built cushion, but moving forward, it could.

"From the next fiscal year onward, if this price hike lasts longer than anticipated, it could potentially put pressure on our profitability,” Furukawa added.

Despite the increase in tariffs, Nintendo had a record-setting year, with the company selling more than 17 million new consoles through December 2025.

Price increases?

Due to the ongoing memory shortage, it's suggested that Nintendo will sell different kinds of Switches, including new colorways, to ensure profitability. Still, rising component prices will be a struggle for not only Nintendo but also other major tech companies, including Apple and laptop manufacturers like Asus and Lenovo.

In January, Furukawa didn't rule out raising prices, though he noted that Nintendo is trying to get people to get into the ecosystem.

“While it’s difficult to accurately gauge the future impact, our basic policy is to recognize tariffs as a cost and pass them on to prices as much as possible, not just in the US,” he said.

Later, a research firm predicted that Nintendo is likely to hike prices on the Switch 2 before the end of 2026. Again, thanks to the ongoing RAM crisis and the AI-caused memory shortage.

"We believe the Switch 2 is set to follow in Sony and Microsoft’s footsteps with its own price hike driven by the impact from tariffs, increased memory costs, and broader macroeconomic conditions," the firm posted.

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• Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck OLED battery test — there’s a clear winner, and it's not the gaming handheld I expected
• I just played Final Fantasy VII Remake on Nintendo Switch 2 and it’s stunning — especially in handheld mode

I thought Final Fantasy VII Remake was phenomenal back in 2020 when I played it at launch on PS4 Pro. I enjoyed it just as much when I returned for the INTERmission DLC chapter, which came bundled with its native PS5 port the following year. And, it’s very much a case of good things coming in threes with the recent release of FFVII Remake on Nintendo Switch 2.

Having this excellent RPG experience available on the hybrid device is a real boon. It allowed me to enjoy its cinematic spectacle on my television, and then slowly chip away at some side-quests on the go with my Switch 2 in handheld mode. Of course, this inherent novelty of playing in two unique modes is nothing new. It’s been the Switch’s USP for almost a decade.

What is a little more novel is just how gorgeous Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (to use its full name) looks on Switch 2. I’ve been impressed with the likes of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Hitman: World of Assassination - Signature Edition on Switch 2, but could immediately spot the visual downgrades made to get these games playable on Nintendo’s weaker hardware. With FFVII, it’s sometimes hard to spot the difference.

Final Fantasy VII Remake is a Switch 2 graphical showcase

Even before its launch last summer, I always said my “dream” follow-up to the best-selling Nintendo Switch would be the same core console with beefier internal components. And that’s pretty much exactly what Nintendo delivered. Final Fantasy VII Remake is the proof of it.

The game is a real stunner on PS5 and Xbox Series X (and even more so on one of the best gaming PCs), but the version on Nintendo’s comparatively less powerful platform more than holds its own. Upon booting up the game for a new playthrough on both PS5 Pro and Nintendo Switch 2, I genuinely struggled to tell them apart. You can see just how closely aligned the PS5 and Switch 2 versions are in the comparison slider below.

The sacrifices made to get the game running on Switch 2 become more apparent once you get into the thick of the action. When enemies are flying across the screen, and the luminous magic effects start bursting from your party's fingertips, the Switch 2 resolution does take a hit. But it’s a minor downgrade that only the most eagle-eyed will spot. Fortunately, it's significantly less noticeable when playing in handheld mode, which is how I do the vast majority of my gaming on the Nintendo Switch 2 anyway.

However, there is one area where the Switch 2 edition is most definitely a downgrade: framerates. On PS5, players can pick between Performance and Fidelity, the former offering buttery 60 fps at the cost of resolution. On Switch 2, it’s 30 fps max. As a player who ranks a higher framerate above all else, this is a little disappointing, but it’s to be expected with the Switch 2 ports (Cyberpunk 2077 is the same), and it's certainly no dealbreaker.

I’m still in the early stage of Final Fantasy VII Remake on Switch 2 (an embargoed game has been sucking up most of my spare time), but it’s become my go-to title to showcase the hybrid console's graphical prowess. And I’m extra curious to see how Nintendo’s console handles its sequel, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. It’s been confirmed to be also heading to Switch 2 this year, and it’s an even more demanding title. Can Switch 2 handle it?

Final Fantasy VII Remake on Switch 2 appears to be popular

Final Fantasy VII Remake only arrived on Nintendo Switch 2 last week, on Thursday, January 22, but it’s quickly become a top seller. Over on the Nintendo eShop, it’s currently ranked No. 1 in the digital storefront's charts, and the physical edition (which, sadly, is a controversial Game-Key Card) even sold out at multiple retailers over the launch weekend.

At the time of writing, Best Buy is still out of stock, but fortunately, Amazon and Walmart have replenished their inventory. However, Walmart already has a “low stock” notification on its listing, so don’t wait around. I suspect the well-positioned $39 MSRP is helping sales. And I appreciate that publisher Square Enix opted to price the Switch 2 port lower than a $59 release. That’s not always the case with Switch 2 Editions.

All in, Final Fantasy VII Remake is a fantastic game, and it looks (and plays) supremely well on Nintendo Switch 2. If you’ve yet join Cloud and the gang on their quest through the steampunk city of Midgar to find Sephiroth, you should absolutely consider picking up a copy. Even if you’ve already played FFVII Remake, the Switch 2 port makes a compelling case to double-dip.

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Haven’t you heard? The Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update is here. One of the most popular Nintendo Switch games has just gotten a bunch of new content, and best of all, it’s free to those who already own the game — and available to both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 players.

Last week, I checked out the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, a paid update that adds a few new features exclusively to Nintendo Switch 2 players. Now, it’s time to take a look at the good stuff in the free content update. There’s a new hotel, improved quality of life, Slumber Islands and more. I’m a big Animal Crossing fan myself, so I’m excited to share my thoughts on everything the 3.0 update entails.

Happy Hotel Paradise

After updating your game to the 3.0 version, you’ll see that a new hotel has been added to the island’s pier. All the rooms are empty — and surprise, that means it’s your job to paper the walls, choose the flooring and add furniture. Having more indoor spaces to decorate isn’t new to people who bought New Horizon's Happy Home Paradise DLC, which lets you create vacation homes for your animal friends. But I never got that DLC, so I was hyped to get started.

Each room in the hotel comes with a theme and recommended furniture to get you started. I sometimes struggle to get inspired when I’m left to my own devices, but give me a brief to stick to, and I’m away. I enjoyed the themes that were chosen for the hotel rooms; beach, modern and Japanese are three of the first options. The themes are flexible enough to give plenty of freedom, and prompted me to break my usual habits and properly consider the entire catalogue of furniture I had at my disposal.

As you complete rooms, you’ll unlock a special catalogue of hotel furniture that you can purchase to use in your own builds. You can get items from this catalogue by spending Hotel Tickets (your reward for decorating hotel rooms). The new furniture sets are pretty awesome, especially the Artful tatami-inspired items.

Island visitors

But a hotel isn’t complete without guests! When you have a room open, an animal from offshore will come and visit the island for a day. Guests are strictly on your island for a limited time only; they can’t be invited to stay permanently. Other than that, it feels similar to the campsite feature that has existed since the start of the game. But seeing fresh faces walking around every now and then is a nice novelty.

DIY request board

Another new addition to the pier is a request board. Kapp’n the boatsman will ask you for DIY furniture, which you can craft and put in the donation bin. You’ll be rewarded with Hotel Tickets for your efforts, which means more furniture from the new hotel catalogue for you.

The crafting request board is the smartest new idea from the 3.0 update, if you ask me. Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ game design is heavily built on crafting and decorating, and once you’ve made all the furniture you want for your island, the game can become a snorefest. So adding a new reason to craft DIY furniture reinvigorates the game as a whole.

Before now, I was drowning in every single kind of material, and had no reason to collect anything. Now, my materials are actually useful, and I have a reason to keep growing trees and harvesting stone and iron from my island’s rock garden. Once that’s done, I have a bunch of exciting new furniture to use in different ways in my houses and outdoor builds.

I’d love it even more if you got DIY recipes for new items rather than single items of furniture. It would tie things together — crafting DIYs to get DIYs — and you wouldn’t have to complete dozens of crafting requests to get enough Hotel Tickets for items you want multiples of.

Quality of digital life

Animal Crossing players will return to decorate the new hotel first and foremost, but the quality of life improvements will get them to stick around. The addition of bulk crafting and crafting using items in your storage is such a relief. There are some items you frequently need in large quantities, like fish bait, and it’s awesome to be able to craft these items ten times more efficiently than before.

I got on fine with Animal Crossing’s gameplay before bulk crafting, and I appreciate that the option has now been added. But I wish bulk actions had been taken a step further — you can buy up to 50 customization kits in a single transaction now, so why can’t you craft 50 fish bait in one go, rather than just ten?

There are lots more quality-of-life features included in the 3.0 update that feel wholly positive. The maximum number of items you can store has been expanded up to 9,000, and you can now store trees, shrubs and flowers you’re not using. Mr. Resetti can put away items for you, so you can quickly revert your island to a clean slate if you want to redecorate.

Even the controls have changed, as you can now hold L to move in any direction without turning your character around. This makes terraforming faster and so much easier than before — no more building cliffs in random places while your character is pointing the wrong way. In life simulation games, it’s the little things that count; all these upgrades make Animal Crossing: New Horizons so much more enjoyable that I almost feel like I’m playing a whole new game.

Islands of slumber

Everything from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update comes together with Slumber Islands. What better way is there to make use of all the new content than having entirely new islands to decorate in the dream world? You get access to every item you’ve collected before, in unlimited quantities. And you can also finally terraform the land and place furniture with your friends online.

Being able to decorate collaboratively is a shift of epic proportions — rather than just admiring your friends’ decor, you can now work together to create something beautiful. This update has already helped me form a ton more positive memories with my buddies, and I’m willing to bet this will apply to everybody who decorates an island with their friends. That saying goes whether you and your pals take the decorating seriously, or choose chaos and create an unhinged environment that even Crazy Redd would shake his head at.

Verdict

After getting the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack, I felt that it was light on must-have features. But that just makes me feel even happier to have the free 3.0 update.

Nintendo could have put all the 3.0 update content into the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and charged a fee for it, but instead, all Animal Crossing players have been given a bunch of new features to play with and quality of life improvements to make the game experience more enjoyable. It’s something that is worth celebrating, and I hope it will bring a lot of people back to their islands.

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Last year's trend of increasing prices isn't going away, and a research firm predicts that Nintendo will hike the price of the Switch 2 in 2026.

A 10 predictions for 2026 blog post from the video game analyst company Niko Partners laysout its belief that the Nintendo Switch 2 will see a global price increase this year.

The prognostication notes that the Switch 2 is currently competitively priced compared to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, especially after those consoles saw multiple price increases last year.

Switch 2 price increase prediction

"We believe the Switch 2 is set to follow in Sony and Microsoft’s footsteps with its own price hike driven by the impact from tariffs, increased memory costs, and broader macroeconomic conditions," the post reads.

Niko Partners goes on to note that Nintendo declined to raise prices when it launched the Switch 2 despite the fluctuating tariffs that hit countries where Nintendo manufacturers its consoles, including China and Vietnam.

However, the ongoing RAM crisis is pushing the price of memory and storage, which Nintendo may not be able to ignore. Niko Partners predicts that Nintendo might drop the standalone $449 console in favor of the more expensive $499 bundle or a "higher bundle SKU instead."

Nintendo president admits prices aren't working

Last week, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa admitted that the Switch 2 already has a lower profit margin than the original Switch. The current 15% tariff on Japan has already had the company projecting billions of yen in losses to start the year.

He noted that the company is closely monitoring the RAM situation. Like many companies, Nintendo has built up a stockpile of console components.

“We procure from suppliers based on our medium- to long-term business plans, but the current memory market is very volatile,” Furukawa said. “There is no immediate impact on earnings, but it is something we must monitor closely.”

Furukawa didn't rule out raising prices, though he said the company is trying to get people to adopt the new console, a hard ask when people don't want to, or can't, pay your asking price.

Meanwhile, the console may not have seen a price bump, but accessories for it and the original Switch did get more expensive in August last year.

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons is approaching its 6th anniversary. To celebrate, Nintendo has released a Switch 2 Edition of the game alongside the 3.0 update, which adds new free content. It’s been a long time since New Horizons got a major upgrade, so I was excited to see how the game could be improved after spending more than 700 hours with the game on Switch 1.

Even better, if you already own the Nintendo Switch version of the game, you can grab the Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade pack for $4.99 / £4.19 / $8.00 AUD. But is this new edition worth the upgrade fee? In short, I love the improved graphics, but I have mixed feelings about the other new features.

Improved Graphics

The biggest reason to get the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the improved visuals. When playing in docked mode, the visuals have been noticeably upgraded from 1080p to 4K. This makes a big difference, especially when playing on a large TV.

I didn’t have many complaints about how New Horizons looked before the upgrade, but I was impressed with how much better the new Switch 2 edition looked — any jagged edges that were visible when you looked closely at the original version of the game are now smoothed out. It lets you get further immersed in the colorful world the game creates — fish look more lively, food looks tastier, and your fellow island inhabitants look cuddlier than ever.

Mouse Mode

When playing with Joy-Con 2 controllers, you can place a Joy-Con 2 face down to activate Mouse Mode, and move a cursor around freely like you would with a computer mouse. Mouse Mode controls aren’t available for every type of gameplay, but you can use them when decorating your home’s interior, writing messages on the bulletin board, and creating custom designs.

I gave the Mouse Mode decorating controls a try while I decorated a hotel room. Using the mouse controls to pick up and rotate items felt great, and I was able to move furniture around faster and more precisely than before. I also liked that I could drag wall-mounted items and spin the room around in a flash, something that I previously found very sluggish with a joystick.

The downside is that when looking for furniture items in the menu, mouse controls are not available. This forces you to constantly switch between traditional button controls and mouse controls. You don’t have to lift your Joy-Con 2 out of mouse mode, at least, but it’s trickier to get your head around than it should be.

Using mouse mode to draw custom designs and bulletin board messages is much easier, since there are simply fewer controls to deal with in these activities. I was able to knock out a bulletin board message in a flash, and even made a new shirt design — look out for it in an Able Sisters store near you.

Megaphone

Back in the Nintendo 3DS game, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, you could use a megaphone to call your villagers if you couldn’t find them. With newly added mics on the Nintendo Switch 2 console, Nintendo has brought this feature back for the New Horizons Switch 2 Edition.

For me, using the Megaphone in New Horizons was a failure. I was situated in a quiet room, and tried playing in both docked and handheld mode. But getting my islanders to answer my calls to attention was dicey at best.

I called out every island resident’s name several times, changing my voice’s intonation, volume, and pitch — and the only animal I could consistently get a response out of was Bud. However, he also answered when I called out “Klaus,” “Leopold” or “Annalise,” so I don’t know what that tells you.

Expanded multiplayer features

I wasn’t able to test out the new multiplayer features myself, since most of my buddies have either moved on from playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons by now, or haven’t upgraded to a Nintendo Switch 2 yet. But, if you’re a big fan of multiplayer, you’ll now be able to connect with up to 11 other players in online multiplayer mode, as well as use a USB camera to display your face when using Game Chat. It’s nice to see the developers still thinking of ways to improve Animal Crossing’s online experience in the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.

Should you upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition?

If you play Animal Crossing a lot — particularly in docked mode, on a large 4K TV — the graphical upgrade alone makes the cost worth it. You’ll also want to get the upgrade if you wish to play in large groups of more than 8 people.

But if not, you can probably skip this one. Even as a big fan of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, I play the game solo and in handheld mode most often. The improved graphics are nice to have, but the free performance upgrade that came with playing on the more powerful Nintendo Switch 2 console is enough to make me happy. (And Nintendo doesn’t charge you an extra five bucks on top of the price of the game and console for that luxury.)

If you’ve just entered the fold of Nintendo Switch 2 owners, welcome to the club. You’ve got yourself a fantastic hybrid console with a small but growing library of excellent games (see my best Nintendo Switch 2 games guide for some recommendations). But before you go unboxing your Switch 2 and enjoying that new console smell, there are a few things you should know.

I’ve been fortunate enough to own a Nintendo Switch 2 since launch day, and over the past six or so months, I’ve learned quite a bit about Nintendo’s newish flagship gaming system. That’s why I’m running through my five essential tips that every new Nintendo Switch 2 should know before getting down to the main event, playing a whole load of excellent video games.

Essential Switch 2 tips for new owners

Transfer your Switch 1 data to Switch 2 first

Look, I know nobody wants to spend their first few moments with their shiny new Nintendo Switch 2 looking at a slowly crawling progress bar, but trust me, if you own an original Nintendo Switch and wish to transfer all your data, including Nintendo accounts, to your brand new Switch 2, do it first thing.

Upon initially booting up the Switch 2, the console's startup suite will ask you if you wish to transfer data from a first-gen Switch, and it won’t offer this option later down the road after a few sessions of Mario Kart World. Yes, there are still technically ways to transfer data/accounts later, but the process becomes more finicky, so save yourself the hassle and do it out of the box.

Nintendo offers an easy-to-follow walkthrough of the transfer process, but you likely won’t even need it. Switch 2 offers all the instructions on screen. But I would advise that you have both your Switch 1 and Switch 2 connected to power during the transfer process. This will ensure there are no issues with either console running out of juice in the middle of your data being moved.

Enable this Switch 2 setting for better battery life

I’ve been a huge fan of the Switch 2 since launch (don’t believe, check out my uber-positive Nintendo Switch 2 review from last year), but the system does have one pretty big flaw: Its battery life. Even playing demanding games, you shouldn’t expect to get much more than two hours from a full 100% charge, and if you opt for a blockbuster game, that drops considerably.

As anybody with experience with portable electronics will know, battery life only gets worse the more you use a device due to the battery's health eroding. So, to preserve your Switch 2’s already underwhelming ability to hold a charge, I suggest enabling the feature that limits your console to charging up to around 90% capacity. It’ll help your Switch 2's battery in the long run.

It’s simple to enable (here are the steps: System Settings > System > “Stop Charging Around 90%). Yes, you are sacrificing a little bit of battery life in the short term, but over time, it will keep your battery health strong, ensuring it’s not consistently overcharged — something lithium batteries do not like.

Your Switch 1 accessories may be compatible

Just because you’ve upgraded to a new Switch 2 doesn’t mean you need to bin all the accessories you already own for your Nintendo Switch. In fact, many official Switch 1 accessories are backwards compatible with the Switch 2, so hold onto your Pro controller and extra Joy-Cons, as they will save you money having to repurchase the Switch 2 models.

Nintendo has a useful list of Switch 1 accessories that are compatible with Switch 2, and it includes plenty of essential extras. Even some of the more niche add-ons, like the re-released SNES and N64 controllers, function with Switch 2. However, the more novel peripherals, such as the Ring-Con (bundled with the popular Ring-Fit games) or the Nintendo Switch Sports Leg Strap, won’t work with the Switch 2's default Joy-Con 2 controllers.

As for third-party accessories, you will need to test them yourself for compatibility, but don’t immediately assume you need to purchase a new headset or controller designed specifically for Switch 2; you might be pleasantly surprised to learn your current gear is actually compatible.

Loads of Switch 1 games are better on Switch 2

Speaking of Switch 1 stuff that works on Switch 2, almost the entirety of the console’s library functions with Nintendo’s new handheld. Switch 2 is a nearly fully backwards compatible system, which means you can enjoy must-play games like Super Mario Odyssey and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on your Switch 2. If you didn’t own a Switch 1 already, you have so much choice!

Nintendo’s list of backward-compatible Switch 1 games offers a full rundown, but I should also note that several popular Switch titles actually look and play better on the Switch 2. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Hogwarts Legacy have received bespoke Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, which are available to owners willing to cough up a small upgrade fee. However, several other titles offer a completely free graphical boost.

These include best-selling first-party Nintendo titles such as Splatoon 3, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and the Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 collection. Check out the full list of free Switch 2 updates to see if one of your favorite Nintendo Switch games has been given a no-cost boost.

Extra storage is a must (but get the right SD card)

The Switch 2 offers a seemingly sizeable 256GB of storage out of the box. This might seem relatively hefty, especially when compared to the smaller 32GB of space that came as standard with the Switch 1. Unfortunately, the average Switch 2 game install size has also increased compared to its predecessor.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition demands north of 60GB, and the upcoming Switch 2 port of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade eats up a huge 90GB (that’s 35% of the console’s storage). In short, if you’re planning to have more than a small handful of blockbuster Switch 2 titles installed at once, you’re going to need to pick up an SD card to add some extra room.

I’ve had a 256GB Samsung microSD Express Card installed in my Switch 2 since launch, which has (mostly) kept my storage headaches at bay. It’s one extra that I definitely rank as essential. Just make sure you get the correct SD card. You will need an Express model. The standard microSDXC card that works with Switch 1 will, unfortunately, not work with your Switch 2.

More from Tom's Guide

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• Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck OLED
• 14 games we can’t wait to play in 2026

The Nintendo Switch 2 arrived in the middle of a geopolitical storm last year when President Trump unveiled plans for universal reciprocal tariffs the same day the console was announced.

What followed was a delay and huge stock shortages as the Japanese gaming giant attempted to navigate the supply chain costs when the console finally launched in June.

Nintendo's follow-up to the phenomenally popular original Switch arrived with a price hike that immediately drew concern from gamers.

Seven months on, and the storm around consumer electronics has only worsened as AI-driven demand has caused the price RAM to skyrocket. Now, Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, has shared that the company is monitoring the situation closely and a further price rise isn't out of the question.

In an interview with Kyoto Shimbun, reproduced by VideoGamesChronicle, Furukawa explained that the U.S.'s current 15% tariff on Japan caused Nintendo to project losses of tens of billions of yen for the fiscal year.

Although Furukawa didn't rule out raising prices, he also noted the company is trying to launch a new console lifecycle and needs to drive adoption. After all, you can't gain a foothold with your new product if nobody is prepared to buy it right away.

“While it’s difficult to accurately gauge the future impact, our basic policy is to recognize tariffs as a cost and pass them on to prices as much as possible, not just in the US,” he said.

“On the other hand, this is a crucial period for our game business as we promote the adoption of new hardware and maintain the momentum of our platforms. We are working on this while carefully considering the situation.”

Nintendo price hikes — what you need to know

If the current one-two punch of tariffs and memory shortages continue, it would seem all but certain that the Switch 2 price will increase from $449 / £395 / AU$699 in the future. And not just for U.S. customers, but likely for global markets as well.

Nintendo's rivals Sony and Microsoft have both already increased prices on their gaming hardware and the price of every other Nintendo console apart from the Switch 2 went up in August. That hike also included Nintendo Switch 2 accessories like the Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller as Nintendo responded to "market conditions."

The standard Switch 1 increased to $340 from $300, the Switch Lite increased to $230 from $200 and the Switch OLED increased to $400 from $350.

Nintendo, like many other companies, will have built up a stockpile of components and inventory to try and protect itself, but there's only so long that can last.

“We procure from suppliers based on our medium- to long-term business plans, but the current memory market is very volatile,” Furukawa said.

“There is no immediate impact on earnings, but it is something we must monitor closely.”

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Next month sees the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2’s first major new exclusive of 2026, Mario Tennis Fever. And to celebrate the arrival of Mario’s latest sporting adventure, on the same day, Nintendo will release the “first new colored” Joy-Con 2 controllers for its best-selling hybrid console.

The Joy-Con 2 Light Purple and Light Green launch on February 12 and will retail for $99. Yes, that's pretty hefty, but it’s the standard price for a set of Joy-Con 2 controllers, so at least there’s no markup if you want to switch up from the default orange and blue set that comes out of the box with the Switch 2.

Aside from the light purple and light green accents that surround the primary black plastic shell, these Joy-Con 2 controllers are functionally identical to the standard Joy-Con 2s already found on the Nintendo Switch 2. They also come with accompanying wrist straps, letting you enjoy Mario Tennis Fever’s Swing Mode without sending your controllers flying into your television.

One minor thing to note is that the Switch 2 main unit is designed to match the standard orange/blue colorway. That means these new shades won’t sync up with the inner strips found on either side of the hybrid console. However, considering the orange/blue strips are obscured when the Joy-Con 2s are connected to the Switch 2 unit, I don’t imagine this will be a dealbreaker for many owners wishing to purchase these nifty new controllers.

And that’s pretty much all there is to these new Joy-Con 2 controllers. While they’re the first new color variant for the controllers, I’m certain they won’t be last. Personally, such a minor visual swap isn’t enough to convince me to pay up an additional $99. In the future, if Nintendo releases more bespoke special edition controllers themed around a particular game, I could be tempted to swap out my current default orange/blue Joy-Con 2 controllers.

2026 is the Nintendo Switch 2’s first full year on the market, so more official accessories may follow, and the big-N has already announced a relatively strong lineup of new games for this year, including Mario Tennis Fever, Pokémon Pokopia, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave. Plus, we can’t forget the upcoming FromSoftware (developer of Elden Ring) exclusive, The Duskbloods.

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• Nintendo Switch 2 review — no gimmicks here, just a fantastic console
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When it comes to tech, despite my job, I am a miserly spender on new devices. My phone is more than four years old, and my gaming laptop just hit that 5-year mark when drives start to di,e and performance falls off.

But when I do purchase, I go all in. This year, one of the few big and best purchases I made was the new Nintendo Switch 2. I’ve had a ton of fun playing original Nintendo games and new third-party titles on it for the last six months.

I am a review reader, so I waited until the Tom’s Guide Nintendo Switch 2 review dropped before I even decided to buy one. Unfortunately, by then, the Switch 2 was out of stock everywhere.

I didn’t have to wait a year to get a Switch 2 like the PS5 during the height of COVID, but I did follow the Tom’s Guide restock trackers and snagged one more than a month after it debuted.

Despite the wait, the Switch 2 is awesome.

Bigger is better

I have an original Switch, and it is a great little console, but the sequel is better in just about every aspect. The LCD display, despite not being OLED, is absolutely gorgeous, and the cleaner UI scrolls more smoothly.

At 7.9 inches, compared to 6.2 inches on Switch 1, it's larger and provides a higher 1080p resolution (offering 4K for some games via the dock), a huge leap over the 720p resolution on the original.

The more noticeable and welcome size difference is between the original Joy Cons and the Joy Con 2s. The new controllers are larger, slightly more curved, and feel better overall than the originals. I don’t have particularly large or small hands; even so, the larger Joy-Cons feel much better to play with. The older Joy-Cons are cramped in comparison and hard to go back to after trying the 2s.

Bigger is also translating to games. Mario Kart World is a gigantic playworld that I’m not sure the original Switch could have pulled off. It also means more intense third-party games can finally be played on the handheld while allowing Nintendo to expand what its in-house games are capable of, such as the destructive world in Donkey Kong Bananza.

It’s the little details

Beyond size, it’s the little details that elevate the Switch 2 over its predecessor. The kickstand, for example, is larger and covers the entire width of the console. It’s also made of metal, giving it a sturdier feel and weight.

The redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers ditched the finicky railing system of the original in favor of magnets that let them snap into place with ease. They can go upside down as well, meaning you’ll never get the 2s stuck like the OGs could if you misalign the plastic rails. It’s so gratifying to just snap the Joy-Con 2s into place.

Additionally, Nintendo added a button on the back, so you’ll never accidentally slide the Joy-Cons off.

Would I change anything?

Unfortunately, despite how much fun I’ve had with the Switch 2 this year, there are three things I would change.

For one, the price is too high. I was able to snag a Mario Kart World bundle plus a copy of Donkey Kong Bananza at Best Buy. The bundle alone is $500, while DK costs another $69.

Partially, the only reason I even considered my purchase was that I had some saved-up holiday and birthday gift cards. Still, it’s a high cost for something that used to be the wallet-friendly alternative to the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, even if their prices have gone up as well.

Second, the gamechat button is functionally useless for the way I use the Switch 2. I’m not paying for the extra subscription to use it, and most of my gaming is solo or with my kids. Personally, I have no need for that feature, and wish the button did other things.

Third, my Switch 2 did not survive contact with the enemy: my child. I have some concerns about durability. I’m still not sure what happened, but they managed to shove or push it off our entertainment center such that when it fell, the thumbstick on the right side of Joy-Con 2 snapped off. I was able to superglue it back on, and everything seems to still work, but it is concerning.

Oh, and battery life could be better, but I mostly play in docked mode, so the 2.5-hour battery life doesn’t bother me too much. I’ll never complain about more juice.

Still, if you have the cash to burn, I can honestly say that the Switch 2 is tons of fun and one of my favorite things I bought this year.

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Nintendo Switch 2 is now six months old, and I suspect the number of owners has just shot up with many kids (and, of course, big kids) unwrapping a shiny new Switch 2 over the holidays.

I’ve had my trusty Switch 2 since launch, and have already played (and mostly enjoyed) more than a dozen Nintendo Switch 2 games over the past several months. From the flagship Nintendo exclusives like Mario Kart World and Donkey Bananza, to impressive blockbuster ports including Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Star Wars Outlaws.

If you’re a brand new Switch 2 owner, you might be weighing up which games to spend your leftover holiday money on, and that's where I can help out. Below, I’ve put together a list (presented in no particular order) of the Nintendo Switch 2 games you should play first on your console.

Best Nintendo Switch 2 games to play first

Mario Kart World

There’s a good chance you already own a copy of Mario Kart World if you received (or bought) the Switch 2 Mario Kart Bundle. It was the console’s flagship launch game, and when all is said and done, it will probably be among the best-selling Switch 2 games of all time. It’s a little rougher around the edges than the uber-polished Mario Kart 8: Deluxe, not to mention it offers significantly less content at present, but it still places high on the podium because sometimes you just can’t beat Mario Kart.

The big "gimmick" for World is the inclusion of a sizable open world, which lets you drive around a colorful map, taking on micro-quests as you please. Otherwise, it’s the same Mario Kart experience that Nintendo fans have loved for decades. However, the new Knockout Tour mode is a blast, and the Mushroom Kingdom has never looked as vibrant as it does on Nintendo Switch 2. The on-track racing has also been improved with abilities like Wall Rides and Rail Grind, adding new driving strategies.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour might be a controversial pick. The introduction experience took a lot of online punches when it was announced as a paid title rather than a free Switch 2 pack-in, like Wii Sports on Nintendo Wii or Astro’s Playroom on PS5. As a collection of tech demos and basic mini-games designed to showcase the unique features of the Switch 2, I can understand why the $10 purchase price didn't sit right with some, but I think it offers enough value (and novelty) to justify picking up if you want a slightly cheaper game to play.

The simple but charming experience takes place within a giant Nintendo Switch 2 console, which has been retrofitted into a museum-like hub. You pick a basic avatar and then run around collecting stamps and medals by completing mini-games and acing quizzes that test you on a series of fact files you’ve just read. Collect enough items, and you unlock the next part of the experience. It’s a fun way to get to grips with your new console, and is excellent for showcasing various Switch 2 features like Mouse Mode. It's also a great one for demoing your new gaming gadget to your non-gaming family members. Just don't expect more than an afternoon or two of fun from this one; there's little replay value.

Donkey Kong Bananza

Donkey Kong Bananza is probably the Nintendo Switch 2 system-seller right now. It's Tom’s Guide's current top pick for the best Nintendo Switch 2 game and was nominated for a slew of awards at the recent Game Awards 2025 (winning Best Family Game). It earned loads of critical acclaim while it launched around a month after the Switch 2’s debut. The new 3D platforming collectathon from the team behind Mario Odyssey, you play as — who else — Donkey Kong, on a quest to reach the center of the Earth with lovable companion Pauline at his side.

It would have been easy for the developers to ape Mario’s movestyle, but Donkey Kong Bananza smartly leans into the iconic character’s strengths: Smashing everything in sight. Each level is stuffed to bursting with Banana Gems to collect, and you find them primarily by smashing through the terrain that surrounds you, turning entire structures into dust. It’s seriously good fun, and the destruction on offer serves as an impressive showcase of the Switch 2’s performance power. The finale is also a real show-stealer, ending the joyful adventure on a high note.

Hades 2

After an early access period on PC, Hades 2 has finally been fully launched, and is currently console exclusive on Nintendo Switch 2 (Sorry, PlayStation and Xbox). The team over at Supergiant Games hasn’t tried to radically change the rougelite formula that made the first Hades such a hit, but instead made smart improvements and several fan-requested tweaks that only make its new trip into the Underworld all the more compelling. If you’re after a Switch 2 game that will have you say “just one more run” long into the night, then Hades 2 is the obvious pick.

Like its predecessor, Hades 2 is set in the world of Greek mythology, but this time you play as Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld, on a quest to defeat Chronos, the Titan of Time. This is no small task, and bringing down such a powerful foe will take several runs through a procedurally generated set of challenging levels. Death doesn't mean defeat, as each failure gives you new abilities that will carry into your next attempt. Hades 2 also gives you plenty of reasons to stick around long after your first victory over Chronos, with a deep and rewarding post-game.

Zelda: Breath of the Wild / Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

You might have already played The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (I’m picking two games in one here. It’s my list!) on Nintendo Switch, but you should absolutely carve out the time for another 100+ hours in each with the new “Nintendo Switch 2 Editions.” These Switch 2 versions let you play two of the best games of the 21st century in their best possible forms, and that includes enjoying these massive open-world adventures at a stable 60 fps, which is a complete game-changer in its own right.

If you haven’t already played them (or skipped one of them), then put Zelda at the very top of your Switch 2 must-play list. They are glorious, content-rich quests that rework the Zelda formula in inventive and engaging ways. Both offer a near-unrivaled sense of exploration and discovery as you set out into a vast, lush Hyrule, playing as Link on a quest to defeat the evil Ganondorf and save Princess Zelda (okay, so the story doesn’t reinvent the wheel). I consider both these games masterpieces that were only blemished by rocky technical performance on Switch 1. With those kinks ironed out, they’re now basically perfect.

Every Nintendo Switch 2 game I've played (so far)

• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
• Hades 2
• Hitman: World of Assassination - Signature Edition
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (Nintendo Switch Online)
• Mario Kart World
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
• Persona 3 Reload
• Sonic X Shadows Generation
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Super Mario Galaxy 2

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Are you one of the lucky ones who found a Nintendo Switch 2 under the Christmas tree? Or perhaps you already owned one and you got a few Switch 2 games instead. Or maybe you treated yourself to the console and its games. Which games did you get? There are quite a few to choose from, and the Switch 2 is a fantastic console for racing games. We're spoiled for choice, really, with Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, and Kirby Air Riders.

So which game should you play first? You've come to the right place, because I've played Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds and Kirby Air Riders, so I can help make that decision easier for you.

Each game has its own perks, and each has its own flaws, too. They might all be racing games, but the art style varies from title to title as does the gameplay. All three games are worth playing, but this is the game you should play first — and it might not be what you think.

Mario Kart World vs Sonic Racing CrossWorlds vs Kirby Air Riders: Gameplay

Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds and Kirby Air Riders are racing games, so you'll be spending a fair amount of time battling it out with NPCs (or online players) in races and grands prix.

Mario Kart World borrows the traditional four-race format from its predecessor, and it introduces a new Knockout Tour mode. It's a 24-player battle royale where each track is interconnected. Four players get knocked out over the course of six laps, and the last one standing wins. I prefer it much more than the four-race format, as the stakes are higher. I've played it countless times with friends and it's very hard to put down.

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds employs a different mechanic, inspired by the game's title. The CrossWorlds mechanic teleports you from one world to another in the middle of a race, drastically changing where you're racing. You go from racing on land to gliding through the sky. But one area where CrossWorlds one-ups Mario Kart World is with its extensive Gadget Plate customization and aerial tricks, all of which give you different boosts, helping you strategize better, giving you a competitive edge.

You'll need it too, because NPCs in CrossWorlds are much more brutal than in both Mario Kart World and Kirby Air Riders. They'll bombard you with items that will knock you right back into last place, and it's difficult to make up the positions you've lost — like a Formula One race. Honestly, it makes Mario Kart World look like child's play!

Then you've got Kirby Air Riders. I'll be honest, I wasn't a big fan in the first couple of times I played... and I only really got into it three hours in. There are two race modes: Air Ride which are Mario Kart-style races, and Top Ride where you view the map from a bird's eye view. These are fun, and a good way to pass the time, but they bear too much resemblance to Mario Kart World, which leaves a lot to be desired. Kirby Air Riders also presents a steep learning curve, and unlike Sonic and Mario, it's not something you can pick up instantly.

There aren't many courses in Kirby Air Riders either — just 18 courses and around 20 playable characters. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds features 24 characters and 39 courses, while Mario Kart World features 24 main characters and 32 tracks.

My top winner in terms of overall gameplay and satisfaction is Sonic Racing CrossWorlds. I just adore the Gadget Plate customization, as well as the voice acting which is missing from the other titles. I'm still yet to be bored of the game's chaos, even though I've sunk multiple hours into it on my PS5 and the Switch 2!

Winner: Sonic Racing CrossWorlds

Mario Kart World vs Sonic Racing CrossWorlds vs Kirby Air Riders: Graphics

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a very capable and competent hybrid console featuring a 7.9-inch LCD screen with a 1080p resolution as well as a 120Hz refresh rate. Games designed specifically for the Switch 2 run beautifully on it, and this goes for all three games.

Though Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is a multi-platform title, it runs smoothly when handheld, and even hits 1440p at 60fps when docked. The game features detailed, complex environments which change quickly thanks to the CrossWorlds mechanic. The Switch 2 doesn't struggle to keep up with this, and it runs nearly as well as it does on the PS5.

Similarly, Mario Kart World runs at a native 1440p (docked) and 1080p (handheld) at a rock-solid 60fps. Because this was a launch title for the Switch 2, I'd say it's the current benchmark for graphical performance on the console — as far as racing games are concerned, at least. Colors appear vibrant and vivid with reflections in the water adding a touch of realism to the game.

Kirby Air Riders uses Bandai Namco's new SOL-AVES engine, which delivers soft-glow lighting, high-quality character models and clean lines. Even though it is a fast-paced game, I've never noticed any ghosting or jagged edges around the Switch 2's screen.

Characters far off in the distance appear detailed too, and I love the galactic look of some of the levels. I also love the Star Slide mechanic. Tailing other players allows you to Star Slide and gain speed boosts, which is great, but it looks gorgeous too. It's not just a simple wind-like visual: it's colorful and bright. Pops of rainbows everywhere make Kirby Air Riders a treat for the eyes too.

Winner: Kirby Air Riders

Mario Kart World vs Sonic Racing CrossWorlds vs Kirby Air Riders: Soundtrack

Music and backing tracks are a big part of Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds and Kirby Air Riders. Races and challenges in each game are soundtracked by head-bobbing electropop tracks, and they're inspired by previous entries in their respective franchises. I love Sonic Racing CrossWorlds' high-energy soundtrack but the one thing missing from it is Crush 40's heavy rock touch, which would have worked really well.

Kirby Air Riders' music feels inspired by Super Mario Smash Bros. and it's jazzy, catchy and there's plenty of variety. From dramatic orchestral arrangements to funky, quirky music, there's something for everyone.

The music I like best is in Mario Kart World, and the game's soundtrack feels like a homage to all things Mario. It's fast paced and it combines many genres to deliver the Switch 2's best-sounding game yet. It borrows the upbeat jazz fusion from Mario Kart 8 and blends it with blues rock, bluegrass and, sometimes, even Celtic music. The only reason I enjoy free roaming the very little that I do is because of the music.

Winner: Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World vs Sonic Racing CrossWorlds vs Kirby Air Riders: Variation

Of course, it isn't all about racing around a track or in a grand prix in Mario Kart World, Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, and Kirby Air Riders. Each game has its own unique challenges and optional trials, so there's plenty of variation to be enjoyed.

In Mario Kart World, you get access to a new Free Roam mode. You pick your kart and character, and drop into the vast open world where you can, well, roam freely. Free Roam mode is not only great for exploration and taking in the sights, but there are plenty of challenges to participate in too. P-Switches around the world activate mini challenges that usually take seconds to under a minute to complete. Many hidden question mark panels are ready to be discovered too, and these award you with coins.

Time Trials make a return in a Mario Kart World too, but you know which game takes it up a notch? Kirby Air Riders, with its City Trial mode. Similar to a classic Time Trial but arguably much more chaotic, players spend 3-7 minutes riding around on their machine, gathering various power-ups (Patches) and swapping their lackluster default machine for a better one scattered around the map. When time's up, a Stadium Match begins where you compete against other players. It's extremely fun.

So, what about Sonic Racing CrossWorlds? It's got Time Trials and Race Park which features six unique race formats. It's not the best, especially compared to Kirby Air Riders, but CrossWorlds' variation comes in the form of a Rival System (which neither of the other two have). You're randomly assigned a rival racer for the duration of four grands prix, and this rival will taunt and target you, which adds a fun element and makes it feel like there's a lot at stake.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the Free Roam mode in Mario Kart World because it feels like an afterthought. There isn't much variation in the open world, and it can get boring quickly. I like the Rival System in Sonic Racing CrossWorlds but I wish there were more, better challenge modes. The winner, then, is Kirby Air Riders with its chaotic City Trial mode, and one I'm yet to get bored of.

Winner: Kirby Air Riders

Mario Kart World vs Sonic Racing CrossWorlds vs Kirby Air Riders: Verdict

So, which game should you play first? Kirby Air Riders wins two out of four categories (graphics and variation) while both Sonic Racing CrossWorlds (gameplay) and Mario Kart World (soundtrack) win in one each. The winner, then, is Kirby Air Riders, and it's the racing game you should play first on the Switch 2!

However, I will say that Kirby Air Riders requires some learning, and you can't necessarily get a hang of it right off the bat. If that's a concern, and you're itching to race as soon as possible, I'd recommend Mario Kart World instead. The soundtrack is great and it runs smoothly on the Switch 2, and of course, it's a classic.

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At the time of writing, I’m several hours into my Metroid Prime 4: Beyond journey on my Nintendo Switch 2, and mostly loving it. While I haven’t been waiting nearly as long as some fans for an all-new 3D adventure — I first set foot in Samus’ shoes in Metroid Dread and Metroid Prime Remastered — but since playing through both Switch titles (and racing through several of the older games via Nintendo Classics), I definitely boarded the Prime 4 hype train in the run up to the game's release.

Fact is, the main loop — exploring, scanning, and shooting your way across another alien world— is every bit as entertaining as in the previous Metroid Prime games. Viewros is, for the most part, a very good-looking, atmospheric space to inhabit, and I’ve enjoyed expanding Samus Aran’s arsenal, unlocking new Psychic powers, solving puzzles, and doing battle with Metroid Prime 4’s enemy-filled dungeons and fearsome bosses. It's not really a revolution of the Prime set-up, more a solid continuation.

If you’ve already read our Metroid Prime 4: Beyond review or dove in yourself, you’ll no doubt know why I’m only mostly loving the Prime 4 experience, though. That’s because Samus’ newest mission is regularly interrupted by a disappointing, drab hub environment that really hampers what for me has otherwise been a thoroughly entertaining journey so far.

Metroid Prime 4's Sol Valley is an unforced error

To be as up front as possible, I know that, as a player, open-world environments rarely appeal to me all that much in most games, but I really don’t think Sol Valley has enough to offer to justify its addition to the Prime formula. It's good, in a sense, that the developers wanted to experiment with the format, but this hub's just not up to scratch.

Yes, there are collectables to find and some hidden challenge rooms to tackle, and yes, Samus’ Vi-O-La motorcycle handles pretty well out on the dunes, but by and large, I think this sparse hub’s a pretty disappointing addition to the formula. It also doesn’t help that, save for some ambient music and the thrum of Samus’ bike, it's mostly just sand and rocks and severely lacks the atmosphere and detail of Prime 4's dungeons, either.

While I have spent some of my playtime roaming around the valley, hoovering up green crystals, it's hardly what I want to be doing; if anything, it just feels like the game's getting in its own way. I know backtracking isn’t new to the franchise, but having the additional stretch of desert to cover in between makes retracing your steps that little bit more annoying. It's far from the biggest open world I’ve set foot in, but every time I've had to head out there, all I've wanted to do is cross the valley as fast as possible.

This next part of my argument will probably sound a little contrarian, but I’m also not suggesting that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond would have necessarily benefited from being Breath of the Wild-ified, either. I just can’t see Metroid being the kind of franchise that I really want to be spending dozens upon dozens of hours in.

I've had similar thoughts about other games in the past, too; bigger doesn't always mean better. Take Mario Kart World as another example of how Nintendo's current open-world fascination isn't always a hit (certainly not in the way it completely revolutionised the Zelda format).

Granted, I did enjoy MKW's map more than Sol Valley — it was at least far livelier and soundtracked with a laundry list of jazzy Nintendo jams — but the handful of hours I spent hunting down P-Switches and Peach Medallions weren't exactly the most engaging hours of gaming I've ever had, either.

From my playtime so far (and having taken a look at opinions from critics and players alike who’ve already rolled credits), I can’t help but wonder whether the Metroid Prime 4: Beyond experience wouldn’t have been even better if I didn’t have to spend my time speeding across a drab desert whatsoever...

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“Fallout” returns to Prime Video this week for its much-anticipated second season, and according to the reviews, it’s picking up where the excellent debut run left off. But as much as I enjoy watching “Fallout” on Amazon's streaming service, my preference will always be stepping into my wasteland via one of the acclaimed Fallout video games.

On PC, you can enjoy every single Fallout video game ever made, from the 1998 original to the latest mainline entry, 2015’s Fallout 4 (recently updated, in the new Anniversary Edition). However, on modern consoles like PS5, Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X, your options are a little more limited. Fortunately, if you have an urge to enjoy some of the best post-apocalyptic RPGs ever made, you have options on every platform.

Better still, to mark the launch of “Fallout” season 2 on Prime Video, Amazon has made the online-focused Fallout 76 free on its Prime Gaming platform for a limited time. You only need an Amazon Prime account to grab it, and once you claim it, the game is yours to keep.

So, if you’re looking to adventure in the wasteland alongside streaming the new season of the “Fallout” TV show, then here’s every Fallout game you can play across PC and consoles right now.

Every Fallout game available on Xbox

• Fallout 3
• Fallout: New Vegas
• Fallout Shelter
• Fallout 4
• Fallout 76

Microsoft acquired ZeniMax Media (parent company of Fallout stewards Bethesda) back in 2021. So naturally, Xbox offers the most robust selection of Fallout games on any home console. At present, every single “modern” Fallout game is playable and available for purchase on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and even on the older Xbox One.

Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas launched on Xbox 360, but are playable on current Xbox hardware thanks to the platform’s backwards compatibility. They’ve also been given a frame rate boost, so they run better than ever on the latest Xbox consoles. Meanwhile, Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 launched in the Xbox One generation, and are also playable across Xbox machines.

If you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, every Fallout game is included as part of the service’s library. Alternatively, if you’d like to own digital copies, you can purchase them on the Xbox Store starting at $9.

When “Fallout” season 1 dropped, the games went on sale to mark the occasion, so fingers crossed similar discounts appear over the next few days.

Every Fallout game available on PlayStation

• Fallout Shelter
• Fallout 4
• Fallout 76

PlayStation gamers eager to step into the wasteland face slightly more limited options. The only mainline game natively playable on PS5 (or PS4) is Fallout 4. But it was recently upgraded with the Anniversary Edition, and the base edition is included in the PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium Game Library.

Another option is Fallout 76, which launched in a less-than-ideal state but has since been updated over the year and is now worth your time.

Disappointingly, there is no way to play Fallout 3 or Fallout: New Vegas on PS5 or PS4. While the two titles were previously available to play via cloud streaming with a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, even that is no longer available. Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas were both removed from the Classics Catalog several months back.

Perhaps, the long-rumored Fallout 3 Remake will give PS5 gamers a chance to return to the ruins of Washington on their preferred console, but until that heavily-rumored release is confirmed, PS5 and PS4 owners will just have to get their Fallout fix via Fallout 4 or Fallout 76, or you could opt for the mobile-style spin-off release, Fallout Shelter.

Fallout games available on PC

• Fallout
• Fallout 2
• Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel
• Fallout 3
• Fallout: New Vegas
• Fallout Shelter
• Fallout 4
• Fallout 76

If you want to play pretty much every Fallout game ever made, then PC is the platform for you. Not only can PC players enjoy all the “modern” Fallout games developed under the watch of Bethesda, but the first two games, and the Tactics spin-off, created by developer Interplay Entertainment, are playable on PC.

Playing Fallout games on PC is super simple as well; every single Fallout game (except for Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel) is currently playable on Xbox Game Pass for PC.

Or if you’d rather buy them individually, the entire franchise can be found on Steam, GOG, or the Xbox Store. On PC, you can even access the impressive Fallout: London fan-made mod for Fallout 4, which lets you explore a distinctly British interpretation of the apocalypse.

Right now, the Fallout Franchise Bundle, which includes Fallout 1 through Fallout 4, is on sale with a 20% discount. However, it’s been reduced as much as 75% in the past, so you might want to wait for the upcoming Steam Winter Sale, as its price tag could drop even lower.

Every Fallout game available on Nintendo Switch 2

• Fallout Shelter
• Fallout 4 (TBD 2026)

If you thought the selection of Fallout games on PS5 was bad, then look away now. As of writing, there is exactly one Fallout playable on Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s not even a full-fledged RPG experience. It’s instead the time-waster spin-off Fallout Shelter, which originally hit mobile devices in 2015, and arrived on the first-generation Switch three years later.

It’s a fun little management game, which casts you as a vault overseer, and tasks you with keeping your dwellers happy while also expanding your shelter and fending off various outside threats. It’s well-suited to the Switch 2 because it definitely feels like an experience designed for portable play sessions. Perfect for a flight, train, or doctor’s office wait.

However, it won’t be much longer until a proper Fallout game makes its debut on a Nintendo platform. Bethesda has confirmed that Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition will launch on Switch 2 sometime in 2026. Here’s hoping it’s ready to go not long after “Fallout” season 2 concludes.

More from Tom's Guide

• 'Fallout' season 2 review: Darker, bloodier and still funny
• I might ditch my gaming PC for the Steam Machine
• Prime Video confirms ‘Fallout’ season 2 episode schedule

Since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 over the summer, a new (champagne) problem has entered my life. My beloved Steam Deck OLED was always the first thing added to my backpack ahead of a trip, but now I find myself having to choose between Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck OLED whenever I’m heading out of my apartment for an extended period.

So, on my most recent trip (to picturesque Edinburgh, Scotland), I decided there was only one way to settle this debate for good. Take both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the Steam Deck OLED with me, and finally determine the best gaming handheld, all in the name of science!

I’ll get into the results below, breaking things down into categories, from handheld design to the games available on each system, but the top-line conclusion is that it’s a close contest, with both Switch 2 and Steam Deck making a pretty compelling case for themselves.

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck OLED: Design

A gaming handheld’s form factor is critically important. After all, you’re going to be holding the device for potentially multiple hours at a time. In this category, there’s a clear winner for me: Steam Deck OLED.

Valve’s Steam Deck OLED is a near perfectly sculpted handheld; it’s got significant weight to it, which I personally love, and thanks to the in-built ergonomic grips on either side, it's comfortable to hold in almost any position. The four customizable back buttons are a nice touch, and while I rarely use them, the two trackpads on the front are highly responsive.

Unfortunately, the Switch 2 comes up short in comparison. Its smooth design lacks grips for larger hands, and I find it a little uncomfortable to hold for extended periods. To remedy this issue, I use a d brand Killswitch case, which mimics a design much closer to a Steam Deck. But for this test, I’m only considering the features of the base Nintendo Switch 2 unit.

Winner: Steam Deck OLED

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck OLED: Game library

Determining which handheld has the best game library is a highly subjective call. Personal preference plays a major part in the decision.

Based purely on quantity, the Steam Deck OLED is leagues ahead of the Switch 2. Per Steam Deck HQ, there are more than 19,000 games (and counting) rated either “Verified” or “Playable" on the device, and even Steam titles listed as “Unsupported” can often be played on the Deck, such as The Witcher 2 - Assassins of Kings and Sunset Overdrive.

The Switch 2 is only six months into its lifecycle, so naturally, the library is on the smaller side, but it is growing with each passing week. The big advance Nintendo’s current flagship console has in its corner is its stable of first-party exclusives. You can’t play the likes of Mario, Zelda, Kirby, Metroid and Pokémon on any other gaming platform, handheld or not.

For me, the Steam Deck edges this category, because being able to play full-featured blockbuster games on the go is still an incredible novelty to me (I grew up on the Game Boy Color!), but the Nintendo Switch 2 does have its own solid collection of AAA ports including Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Hitman: World of Assassination and Star Wars: Outlaws.

So, due to the highly subjective nature of this one, I'm ruling it a draw.

Winner: Tie

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck OLED: Battery life

To test battery life, I fully charged up both handhelds and then ran them until the “low battery” warning appeared. Both had Wi-Fi switched on and AirPod Pro 2 earbuds connected. First up, I tested out Nintendo Switch 2, playing Star Wars: Outlaws.

I noted in my original Switch 2 review that battery life was relatively poor, and that proved to be the case in this secondary round of testing. Just 90 minutes into my open-world Star Wars adventuring, and the Switch 2 was warning me that my battery life was dwindling. Which isn’t a great time.

Turning to Steam Deck OLED, I opted to start a fresh playthrough of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, and it breezed past the 90-minute mark with the battery counter reading just over 50%. I was able to continue playing for another 80 minutes before the battery life warning indicator appeared. No contest here, Steam Deck OLED takes this key category with ease.

Winner: Steam Deck OLED

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck OLED: Extra features

Did I create this category as a bit of a “freebie” for the Switch 2? Perhaps, but I do think it’s important to note the versatility of Nintendo’s handheld compared to Valve’s portable PC.

For this face-off, I’m not factoring in Switch 2’s included docking station, letting you seamlessly switch between playing on a TV and a handheld (I’m judging both devices purely on their handheld merit). But even with TV mode aside, Nintendo Switch 2 still offers a lot of flexibility.

The ability to instantly snap off the Joy-Con 2 controllers and make use of the Switch 2 unit’s kickstand to play in what Nintendo calls “Tabletop Mode” is nifty. This allows you to place the console on a table and give your arms a nice little rest. While the Switch 2 itself isn’t exactly heavy, it is more comfortable in Tabletop Mode than holding an entire handheld.

Steam Deck OLED, on the other hand, is a more traditional handheld gaming device; everything is built into the main unit. And the only way to replicate “Tabletop Mode” is to buy a stand (or a case with a stand feature) and connect a controller, which isn’t ideal if you want to travel light.

Winner: Nintendo Switch 2

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck OLED: Final verdict

Purely on points, Steam Deck OLED takes this bout thanks to its fantastic form factor, astonishingly deep library (half the time when I boot up my Steam Deck, just picking what to play first is a challenge), and superior battery life (based on my real-world testing). But the Nintendo Switch 2 has an awful lot going for it as well, which makes this a tough choice.

Nintendo makes some of the finest, usually family-friendly, games in the entire industry, and you can’t play masterpieces like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild anywhere else. A strong exclusive software lineup goes far in my books. Plus, the flexibility of three separate modes of play is a pretty killer feature, letting you start a game on your television and within seconds continue your progress on the Switch 2’s great 7.9-inch display.

Both device makes for a fantastic handheld gaming experience, so you can’t really go wrong with either choice. I suppose the big determining factor might be whether you want access to Nintendo's exclusive games, or whether you own one of the best gaming PCs, which in turn allows you to continue your progress in thousands of Steam games on the Deck.

Even after all this testing, it appears that my selection headache will continue for the foreseeable future. Perhaps I’ll just start traveling with an extra-large backpack and bring both handhelds with me on every trip.

More from Tom's Guide

• Nintendo Switch 2 review
• Valve just dropped a massive hint about Steam Deck 2
• Best Nintendo Switch 2 games in 2025

The Game Awards 2025 are over for another year. The biggest night in gaming, hosted by Geoff Keighly, celebrated the best games of the past 12 months and was packed with new reveals and exciting trailers.

RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dominated the awards. It went into the night with a record-setting 13 nominations, and ultimately took home eight out of a possible 10, including Game of the Year. Other winners included Donkey Kong Bananza, Hades 2 and ARC Raiders.

As for the new trailers, there was plenty to get gamers hyped. From the reveal of Star Wars: Fate of The Old Republic, to that mysterious statue being revealed as a teaser for Larian's next game, Divinity. Other highlights included Control: Resonant and two new Tomb Raider games.

The Game Awards are always the biggest annual event in the gaming calendar, and if you missed any of the show, you can read through our live coverage that includes all the biggest reveals and the full winners.

How to watch The Game Awards 2025

The Game Awards 2025 took place on Thursday, December 12. While the show has now concluded. You can watch it back on demand if you missed the live broadcast or just want to relive your favorite moments.

LIVE — Latest Updates

Welcome to The Game Awards 2025 live

Hello! Welcome to our live coverage of The Game Awards 2025. I’m Rory, a Senior Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide, and I’ll be guiding you through the biggest night in gaming, with some help from my fellow gaming-obsessed colleagues. Showtime is still several hours away, but we’ve got plenty of rumors, leaks, and maybe even a prediction or two to dive into to help pass the time until the awards begin live, so let’s get started…

The secret of the desert statue may have been solved

If you've been following along with the pre-show hype surrounding The Game Awards 2025, you'll know the online gaming community has been in a frenzy trying to work out what new game a mysterious statue placed in the Mojave Desert is teasing.

There have been plenty of guesses and theories, from Saros to Lords of the Fallen 2 to Elder Scrolls Online. Then we also had theories about why it had to be for Diablo 4 DLC, or a new FromSoftware title, or even a new God of War game. And those are just the tip of the iceberg. There have been so many predictions.

However, it appears that the internet may have cracked the code, as reported by our friends over at PC Gamer, a European trademark filing might have just spoiled the surprise. Here's your spoiler warning, if you want to keep the mystery alive until it's revealed during the Game Awards 2025...

It appears that the statue is for the latest game from Larian, developer of Baldur's Gate 3. Based on the trademark filing, which includes a logo that matches up with images on the statue, it'll be a new game in the studio's long-running Divinity series. And it might be a new reboot just called Divinity.

These are the 6 games up for GOTY

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
• Donkey Kong Bananza
• Hades 2
• Hollow Knight: Silksong
• Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Like most awards show, there is one prize that every developer wants to win most, and at The Game Awards, that is Game of the Year. The six nominees are listed above. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the bookie's favorite, and it has a record-setting 13 nominations, so the odds of it walking home empty handed are pretty remote. However, Donkey Kong Bananza looks the most likely to put off an upset, but if I was putting my own money on a winner, I'd say Clair Obscur.

Lara Croft will appear at Game Awards 2025

One of gaming's biggest icons is confirmed to make an appearance at The Game Awards 2025: Lara Croft.

The franchise's official social media accounts took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that the show will include "a look at the future" of the Tomb Raider series. Rumors have been flying around about a new Tomb Raider game for a while, so that will likely be the announcement (though it could be an update on the upcoming Prime Video show, which stars Sophie Turner as Lara Croft).

The last mainline Tomb Raider game was Shadow of the Tomb Raider, released in 2018, which capped off the popular "survivor" reboot trilogy. Will the next Tomb Raider game be a continuation, a fresh reboot, or maybe even a remake of one of Croft's classic adventures? We've only got to wait a few hours to find out.

Did Valve finally learn to count to 3?

No bamboozle. We might actually be merely a few hours from the reveal of Half-Life 3. Since the release of Half-Life 2: Episode Two in October 2007, it's become the gaming white whale for millions of players, and part of a long-running joke that Valve can't count to three (the Portal franchise also went dormant after Portal 2).

But this year, the internet noise and unverified insider leaks that point towards Half-Life 3 being real, and maybe even coming soon, have been more prominent than ever. There was much speculation that Valve might confirm the game alongside the announcement of its new Steam Machine. That didn't happen.

However, the hardware is set to launch in 2026, and it stands to reason that Valve would want a flagship game to showcase its new machine. Could that be Half-Life 3? Fans have been burnt before, so I wouldn't place a bet on it appearing tonight, but for now, I'm dreaming of a world where Half-Life 3 is confirmed.

Resident Evil 9's big surprise may have been leaked

We know that Resident Evil Requiem is going to be showcased at The Game Awards 2025, but thanks to a PlayStation Store listing, the big surprise of this new trailer might have just been spoiled (news comes via GamesRadar).

The listing image for Resi 9 was recently updated on the PlayStation Store, and it now includes none other than Leon S. Kennedy himself. His inclusion in the upcoming survival-horror game has been rumored for a while, but this essentially confirms it. But will he be playable or just a mentor to new playable protagonist, Grace Ashcroft?

Leon is a fan-favorite character and star of arguably the most beloved installment in the series, Resident Evil 4, so I've no doubt Resi players will be pleased (after all, I'm a huge Resident Evil fan myself, and I'm certainly happy).

We don't know for sure, but it's a very safe prediction at this point that whatever Capcom has to show Game Awards viewers tonight will include Leon!

This Game Award winner looks like a complete lock

Returning to the awards part of the Game Awards, while several categories will no doubt be fiercely contested (I'm really not sure who will scoop Best Art Direction), there's one that looks very easy to predict: Most Anticipated Game.

This award looks to the future and picks an upcoming title that gamers around the world can't wait to play. The nominees include highly anticipated releases like Marvel's Wolverine and The Witcher IV, but surely, the award is Rockstar's to lose. Grand Theft Auto VI is set to be the biggest entertainment launch in history, and the launch of a new GTA is a special thing because they happen so rarely.

I will be stunned if Geoff Keighley is calling out any name other than GTA 6 when the Most Anticipated Game award is dished out.

I'm desperate to see more of The Duskbloods

Let's dive into my own personal wishlist for The Game Awards 2025. The one game that I'm really hoping is included in the numerous trailers coming us our is a new look at The Duskbloods.

This Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive comes from Dark Souls and Elden Ring developer FromSoftware, and as somebody who's fallen in love with From's work over the past three years (sorry, it took me so long to warm up to Souls), I can't wait to dive into their new PvPvE experience.

With an aesthetic that looks more than a little reminiscent of their 2015 game Bloodborne (the studio's magnum opus to many From fans), I can't wait to see more from The Duskbloods. It's confirmed to launch in 2026, so it feels like the right time to get a fresh peak at the game, maybe even a hard release date?

This Game Awards 'hype trailer' will get you... hyped

At the start of the week, Geoff Keighley posted a "hype trailer" for the Game Awards 2025, running through some of the best moments of the 2025 nominees. And kudos to Mr. Keighley because it certainly does its job, and then some.

I'm of the opinion that 2025 has been a slightly weaker year for gaming compared to the excellent few years we've recently enjoyed (2023 was a real corker), but it's a great reminder that we've been treated to some great gaming experiences over the past 12 months. Give it a watch, and let the hype build.

What time do the Game Awards 2025 start?

• 4:30 p.m. PT - U.S. (Pacific)
• 7:30 p.m. ET - U.S. (Eastern)
• 12:30 a.m. GMT (Dec. 12) - U.K.
• 9:30 a.m. JST (Dec. 12) - Japan
• 11:30 a.m. AEST (Dec. 12) - Australia

Want to make sure you don't miss a moment of The Game Awards 2025? Above I've listed the show's start time. It's well-timed for the folks in the U.S., naturally, as it's an awards show held in North America, but for those in Europe, expect a late night. I'm sure it'll be worth the lost sleep!

Dave tagging in

This is Dave LeClair, Senior News Editor, tagging in for Rory to discuss the Game Awards and bring you the latest details and rumors as we approach the event so Rory can take a breather.

And no, I personally don't see Half-Life 3 ever happening, not at the awards show tonight or in the future. But in the world of video games, you just never know.

The Game Awards temperature check

I'm curious how many of you are excited for the Game Awards and whether you plan to watch the show live, follow along but not watch, or ignore it completely.

If you'd like your voice to be heard, please vote in the poll below, and I'll let you know where everyone stands once the dust settles (or you can make a Tom's Guide account to find out the results right away).

MASSIVE breaking news from Geoff Keighley

I can't believe what I just read on X. There will be game announcements tonight at The Game Awards. I'm so glad he cleared that up; otherwise, we probably wouldn't have known this was happening.

Jokes aside, The Game Awards will most certainly have some big game news coming out of it. There's a lot of speculation regarding what games will be announced, and some big leaks like Lara Croft's presence, but we'll have to wait until the show to get confirmation of what is coming.

No matter how you slice it, it's an exciting evening to be a gamer!

Assassin's Creed at The Game Awards

I've been an Assassin's Creed fan since the first game, and I really peaked during the AC2 era with Ezio. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag was also among my favorite games in the series, as it introduced some of the best ship combat in gaming history.

Now, there's a rumor floating around that Ubisoft may rerelease Black Flag under the title "Black Flag Resynced," as shown on the PEGI ratings board. The information was deleted quickly, but once the internet got hold of it, the rumors started flying.

The board didn't specifically mention The Game Awards, but it would make sense for Ubisoft to announce the remake there, as it'll have the attention of a large portion of the gaming world.

007 did an oops?

A trailer for the upcoming 007 First Light game from Hitman developer IO hit the internet today, but was quickly deleted (the trailer above isn't the leaked one).

Clearly, someone pulled the trigger on that one before they were supposed to. But as is always the case on the internet, people noticed immediately, and word spread fast.

With the accidental trailer hitting the internet, we can assume it'll show up at The Game Awards tonight, especially because the 007 game is scheduled to hit the market in just a few months on March 27, 2026.

Spotify and The Game Awards

Spotify teamed up with The Game Awards to spotlight the composers and songs that define the gaming experience.

"To get in the game, we’ve commissioned three brand-new Spotify Singles from artists who are also avid gamers," said Spotify in a blog post. It's an interesting mix with Labrinth reimagining a Sonic song, Bilmuri playing a song from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Evanescence and GUNSHIP teaming up to play a track from Devil May Cry.

If you want to check it out,

Wait, a trailer costs how much?!

According to a Kotaku report, having a trailer on The Game Awards is expensive. Really expensive.

According to two of Kotaku's sources familiar with this year’s show, a one-minute trailer can cost up to $450,000 and a three-minute trailer costs over $1 million. For small developers, that three-minute trailer is probably out of reach. Even $450,000 is a lot for a developer who spends only a couple of hundred thousand on their entire development cost.

But that extra cost comes with extra eyeballs. The Game Awards continue to grow each year and have become a primary promotional platform for upcoming video games. You could even argue that the trailers are a bigger part of The Game Awards than the awards themselves.

I'm not suggesting that it should be cheaper — the video game world converging on one event is expensive. But it is unfortunate that smaller developers are left out of the event unless they can scrape together some serious money.

Wholesome excitement

We’re deeply honored that HADES II is in the running for Game of the Year and more at #TheGameAwards tonight, especially since we’re in the company of such an amazing group of wildly different and beautiful games.Congratulations to all our fellow nominees — we salute you!! 🙏👏

— @supergiantgames.bsky.social (@supergiantgames.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2025-12-11T21:00:28.841Z

Supergiant Games, developer of Hades 2, has shared a heartfelt message on Bluesky ahead of The Game Awards.

The developer even shared a cute image showing the characters from some of the Game of the Year nominees on the red carpet. It's adorable and wholesome, and it makes us even more excited to tune in to tonight's shows.

The company's social media post finishes off with, "Congratulations to all our fellow nominees — we salute you!! 🙏👏"

No Witcher 3 DLC... Sorry fans

The Witcher 3 is one of my favorite games of all time, and getting some new content to bridge the gap before the next game (presumably called The Witcher 4) would be nice.

Recently, a leak from a reliable industry insider, RockAlone2k, said CD Projekt Red would announce new content at The Game Awards, but that appears to be inaccurate.

During an investor call, CD Projekt Red joint CEO Michał Nowakowski said that the studio would not have any new content at this year’s show, ending the speculation.

Or does the company just want to preserve the surprise? We'll find out soon, but it's unlikely that Nowakowski would lie on an investor call about something as significant as that.

Scott swinging through

Hey, this is Scott Younker, West Coast Reporter, subbing in for Dave to talk about the Game Awards and bring you any news or rumors as we get closer to the event.

Speaking of, the livestream kicks off in less than two hours, though the show won't start until 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET/12:30A UK.

A new era of Tmb Raider is supposed to be announced tonight, which I'm personally excited for even if I did burn out on the last trilogy.

Tomb Raider Catalyst leak

As mentioned in my last post, something Tomb Raider is supposed to be announced at the Game Awards.

Now we might know the title thanks to a leak: Tomb Raider Catalyst. According to a Reddit post in the Tomb Raider subreddit, two new titles are coming: a remake and an original game.

The remake titled 'Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis' appears to be a remake of the original Lara Croft game. This one is supposedly going to be a "unified" retelling that combines the original story with characters and plots from the Survivor trilogy.

Tomb Raider: Catalyst looks to be a new game following Croft through Northern India after a "mythical cataclysm."

Color me interested

Indie games strike big at the Games Awards Show

If you're looking for an interesting read before the Awards Show starts might I suggest this article from Bloomberg.

It explores how lower-budget titles are seeing big wins and acclaim from the industry and players alike. Just as major studios have been slashing jobs and closing studios left and right in an attempt to...make more money somehow.

It also features interviews with people across the industry who claim that AAA titles will decline over the next few years. We'll see.

So what awards won't Clair Obscur win

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been nominated for 11 awards at the show tonight, the most ever by one game at the Game Awards. It's expected to handily win several of them, if not all.

There are 20 awards that don't feature the popular RPG. A full list of which you can find here.

A little less than two hours to show time

We're less than two hours until show time. Pre show kicks off in less than 90 minutes.

The livestream will be available on YouTube, Twitch, Steam, Prime Video, X, TikTok, Instagram, Kick, Gamespot and IGN. The full list is here.

Or you can scroll up to the top of this nice little live blog and find the YouTube stream embedded.

Tom's Guide Awards coming soon

Did you know that Tom's Guide puts together our own Game Awards list? We do!

Gamers from across our masthead debated and chose from games that we actually played this year. That list will be launching in the coming days.

In the meantime, you should check out the winners of the best games from 2024. Plus, we also highlighted 13 games that you may have missed last year.

New Wildflower game

Wildflower Interactive is a new studio headed by Bruce Straley, formerly of Naughty Dog and the game director for the Uncharted series and The Last of Us.

The studio teased an announcement on X yesteday.

I am a big fan of Uncharted and The Last of Us, so I'm really excited to see what Straley comes up with.

I do wonder if this is a situation where he has the magic touch or if some combination of him, Amy Hennig, and Neil Druckmann helped push those Naughty Dog games to their heights. We shall see.

The Game Awards Pre-Show kicks off soon

The livestream for The Game Awards is supposed to start at 4 pm PT/7 pm PT/12 am UK. That's 10 minutes from now.

I'm not sure if it will just be a 10 minute countdown or if there will be videos or interviews beforehand. Usually, Geoff Keighley shows do feature something like that ahead of the main show so I'm expecting something similar but a schedule has not been released.

What are you interested in?

Outside of the Awards themselves, we expect to see a ton of trailers, previews and fluffy interviews.

Is there anything that you're excited to see or want to know more about? Let us know, we want to hear your opinion as well.

15 minutes until (pre)showtime!!!

Hey all, it's Rory here. I'm back online, refreshed and ready to guide you through The Game Awards 2025 from start to finish. The pre-show starts in just 30 minutes, which will give some winners in a few of the (smaller) categories, and our very first reveals and new trailers. So, if you haven't already, now is the time to get your snacks and drinks ready, as The Game Awards 2025 are about to begin...

There's time for one last prediction

Now that we're just a few minutes away from the pre-show, and the start of The Game Awards 2025, I'm throwing out one last prediction. Although, this one is more of a hopeful wish than something I'm confident will actually happen.

I have a feeling we might see something new from PlayStation Studios tonight. We already know that Saros, the spiritual follow-up to 2021's Returnal, is going to be featured with a new look, and last year Naughty Dog took to the Game Awards stage to announce its new game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

It's clear that Sony likes revealing things at this show, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed the iconic PlayStation logo pops up at the 2025 Game Awards as well.

The countdown to launch has begun

If you haven't already, now is the time to boot up your stream of The Game Awards 2025 (But if you can't watch along, you're in the right place, as I'll bring you all the news as it happens live). The Game Awards 2025 stream is LIVE, and the five minute countdown timer is underway. This year's show is almost here...

The Game Awards 2025 pre-show is LIVE

It's time, The Game Awards 2025 pre-show has just gone live. We've got 30 minutes of this, and then we dive into the main event. So let's see the first winners and the first new games revealed from Peacock Theatre, L.A.

The first announcement of the night is..

The Free Shepherd, a new indie game coming to PS5 in 2027, and it looks like you play as an adorable dog in a mysterious, somewhat spooky, open world

Winner: Donkey Kong Bananza wins Best Family Game

Right after our first new trailer, we get our first winner of the night, and it's a pretty predictable one, Donkey Kong Bananza wins Best Family Game. This one was I had in my Game Awards pool, so I'm pretty pleased to start off strong.

Another Soulslike for the pile

If you're a Souls superfan, here's a new announcement for you, Decrepit. It's a first-person action game made by a huge fan of FromSoftware's work, and that influence clearly shows.

WINNER: Doom The Dark Ages wins Best Accessibility

Accessibility is a increasingly important topic in gaming, and Doom the Dark Ages takes home this award!

Pragmata is getting a demo today

Capcom is getting the stage next as we see the latest from its upcoming sci-fi game Pragmata! It's releasing on April 24, 2026, and it's now been announced for Nintendo Switch 2. So you can save the world on your handheld device!

The first (of likely many) awards for Clair Obscur Expedition 33

It's predicted to be the big winner of the night, and Clair Obscur Expedition 33 has already scooped it's first statue of the evening, Best Independent Game. There was so controversy about it being eligible for this category, but it's not a huge surprise to see it picking up the win. I doubt it'll be it's only of the night.

Bradley the Badger looks like silly fun

Another new game, and it's Bradley the Badger. I'm getting some big Conkers vibe from this colorful looking title, and that's certainly not a bad thing.

Another new game confirmed

Stupid Never Dies! is the last reveal of the pre-show, and it looks well a little stupid, to be honest It's a zombie guy with a colorful style, not sure it's for me, but if you like the undead mixed with over the top humor, you might like it!

WINNER: The Last of Us season 2 wins Best Adaptation

The Last of Us season 2 picks up Best Adaptation, and as somebody who was very unimpressed by the HBO show's take on one of my favorite video games of all time, I'll just say, it certainly wouldn't have been mine pick of the award...

Now it's time for the REAL show

The pre-show is over, and now we're heading into the real deal, it's time for The Game Awards 2025! The show begins with a performance from one of the tracks from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's soundtrack, and it's a pretty magical moment.

Geoff has taken to the stage

The man himself, Geoff Keighley has taken to the Game Awards stage. First up he thanks all the watchers at home, including those in Europe staying up late for the showcase, and I feel seen!

I think we'll be seeing Diablo tonight...

In all the madness of the pre-show and build-up, you might have missed that the official Diablo social account took to X to tease that "death has arrived" in L.A.

I think we're going to be seeing something from Diablo over the next couple of hours!

WINNER: Hades 2 wins Best Action Game

The hellishly good (that's a term right?) Hades 2 just scooped Best Action Game in the first award of the main event. Hades 2 is also up for Game of the Year, and got perfect scores from several outlets, so this one feels very well deserved.

Our first world premiere of The Game Awards 2025

And here we go, it's time for the first reveal of The Game Awards 2025, and I'm getting a HUGE Star Wars vibe from the opening moments of this trailer...

Star Wars Knight of the Old Republic is BACK

Bingo! I was spot on, Star Wars Fate of the Old Republic has just been announced, it appears to be a follow-up to the beloved Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic RPG, and as Geoff said, "it's going to be hard to top that one".

Looks like the mystery of the statue is being revealed next

After a few ads for Capcom games, Battlefield Redsec and John Carpenter's Toxic Commando The Video Game, Geoff confirms it's time to put an end to gaming's most controversial mystery. I think this is the big statue reveal we've been waiting for. Will it be Divinity as I predicted earlier?

Well that was one INTENSE trailer for Divinity

This trailer is brutal. People are being burned at the stake, and I'm a little freaked out. But also, I definitely want to play this game! It looks like the rumors were true, it's the new game from Baldur's Gate 3 dev Larian, and it's called Divinity (as the European trademark filing spoiled, thanks European trademark board)!

WINNER: Jennifer English wins Best Performance for Clair Obscur

The second (And I'll say now, won't be last) award for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Jennifer English wins Best Performance for her incredible work as Maelle, hugely well deserved, her voice brought that compelling character to life masterfully.

4 Loop, a new game from JJ Abrams and PlayStation

I thought we might see something new from PlayStation, and it looks like I was right (pat on the back for me). The game is called 4 Loop, and JJ Abrams is involved. It appears to be an online co-op game (I think?) with a quirky sci-fi tone. I'm not super sold, but with the recent success of ARC Raiders, it too might be able to find a space in the increasingly crowded live service battlegrounds.

Coven of the Chicken Foot announced

We've already seen some quirky game titles today, but Coven of the Chicken Foot has to be the most bizarre yet. It's got a vibrant aesthetic and looks like a puzzle-action game. You can wishlist on Steam now, I might have to just for the name!

Ontos is our next new game reveal

Ontos is a spiritual successor to cult sci-fi-horror game Soma, which appears to be enough information to have sold by colleague, Ryan Epps, on playing!

WINNER: South of Midnight wins Games for Impact

The underplayed, South of Midnight just won Games for Impact. Our reviewer really enjoyed this one back at launch, so if you skipped now it is the time to circle back. And on stage the developers confirm it's heading to PS5 and Switch 2 (no dates), so you'll soon have no excuse not to check it out.

Resident Evil 9 time!

I hope you enjoy this new trailer for Resident Evil Requiem. As for me, I'm temporarily switching off my stream, because I don't want any more of Resi 9 spoiled. I'm fully sold, and don't need to see a single second more footage.

Leon confirmed as playable in Resi 9

Well, I did catch Geoff's post trailer speech, Resi 9 will have two playable characters: Grace and Leon. The former will offer a traditional survival-horror experience, while Leon's portion of the game will be more action packed.

Puzzle, puzzles and even more puzzles

Do you like puzzles? Well, this new game has over 1,400 of them, it's called Order of the Sinking Star, and promises lots of head-scratchers, and also a story to keep you attention in between having to Google the solutions when you get stuck.

Is that Matthew McConaughey?

Exodus has just been showcased from Wizards of the Coast, and I'm pretty sure I just heard the distinctive voice of a certain Matthew McConaughey. It's set to launch in early 2027 and is an epic sci-fi game, where you seemingly have to save the universe, standard stuff.

These Wizards aren't done!

If the latest look at Exodus wasn't enough, we're now getting a look at another game from Wizards of the Coast: Warlock. It'll be properly showcased in summer 2026, but it's part of the Dungeons & Dragons universe, so will no doubt be popular.

There's a cube on stage, more info when I have it

Well, there's a strange cube on stage! And I have no idea what it's all about!

Could this be Remedy?

Getting a big whiff of Remedy from this CG trailer, perhaps this is the reveal of their next game, Control 2?

Remedy announces Control Resonant

Yup, it's Remedy, and it is a follow-up to Control. Coming in 2026, it looks awesome, and the trailer promises it's "going to get weirder." I'm day one!

Gang of Dragon is the next trailer up

I thought this might be a new Like a Dragon game, but it's close enough: Gang of Dragon. Geoff says it's "deep into development" so expect to see more, maybe.

The new Street Fighter movie takes the spotlight

It might be The Game Awards, but there's still some time to tease some cinema, and in this case, it's very game related. A new Street Fighter movie is on the way, and the cast are being confirmed on stage, Jason Momoa is playing Blanka!!!

WINNER: No Man's Sky wins Best Ongoing Game

Did you forget that this is actually an awards show? After a slew of trailers and reveals, we're turning our focus back to the awards with Best Ongoing Game. And the winner is No Man's Sky, great to see one of the game's greatest redemption stories still going strong with regular free updates!

LEGO Batman interrupts the show!

Just as Geoff was getting on with hosting duties, he's got a phone call from LEGO Batman, and it's leading us into a new trailer for Legacy of the Dark Knight.

LEGO Batman arrives in May 2026

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight looks like another enjoyable Lego adventure, and it's arriving on May 26, 2026. Nice to finally have a release date.

Speeding through the awards now

I guess Geoff wants to get the awards out of the way, as we've just had four of them back-to-back announced by the host. Battlefield 6 won Best Audio, MoistCr1tikal won Best Content Creator, GTA 6 won Most Anticipated Game (duh!) and Fatal Fury: City of Wolves wins Best Fighting Game, and that takes us into another ad break (well, somebody has to foot the bill for the theatre!)

Girls Make Games wins Game Changer award

The Game Awards is taking a moment to recognize the work of organization Girls Makes Games, which is great to see, and these inspiring figures deserve their moment on the stage. More of this type of stuff please, Geoff!

Lara Croft's latest adventure is on the way

We knew we'd see Tomb Raider tonight, and Tomb Raider: Catalyst is coming in 2027. This is reportedly the next mainline entry in the series, but could we see the rumored remake of Tomb Raider 1 as well?

Yes, Tomb Raider Remake is REAL and looking stunning

Wow! Consider me impressed, Tomb Raider fans get a one-two punch of reveals, and the second is a remake of the first Tomb Raider game from 1996, it's called Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a name I much prefer to something like Tomb Raider: Ultra Deluxe Edition. It'll launch in 2026, with Catalyst following in 2027.

Invincible VS is the next trailer up

Invincible VS is the next trailer, and pre-orders are open now. Looks pretty cool, but I'm behind on the show, so guess i'll need to catch up before playing!

Some more awards, remember this is an awards show

Geoff just remembered this is an awards show (again), so we're pausing the trailer to hand out some statues. Hollow Knight: Silksong scoops best Action/Adventure Game, Best Art Direction goes to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Best Sim/Strategy Game goes to Final Fantasy Tactics, and Best Debut Indie Game is won by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Clair Obscur is sweeping as it stands. Game of the Year looks like a lock at this point.

Diablo was promised, and Diablo delivers

Diablo fans, your time has come. The next trailer after the ad break (Which made for the perfect time to take a bathroom trip) is for Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred the latest expansion for the seriously compelling fantasy action-RPG. It's out on April 28, 2026, and will be the perfect excuse to return to the world of Diablo 4!

Deadpool is coming to Marvel Rivals

The Merc with a Mouth is heading to Marvel Rivals. Yup, Deadpool is the next playable character for the popular hero shooter. Didn't love the comedy writing in this trailer, Deadpool is surprisingly tricky character to nail, but hey, it's great to see him coming to the game, and I'm sure dedicated players will be excited.

WINNER: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins Best Score & Music

The most deserved award of the night as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 collected Best Music & Score. I've had this soundtrack on repeat for months, and I'd have written Geoff a strongly worded email if it didn't win. And for those keeping track, the Clair Obscur sweep continues, surely it has the GOTY in the bag?

Warframe is still going strong

A look at some new content coming to Warframe, I haven't played the game in near enough a decade now, but very cool to see it's still being updated for the dedicated players still logging into its sci-fi world.

Lords of the Fallen 2 is the next trailer, actually the third game

Let it not be forgotten that Lords of the Fallen 2 is actually the third game in the series, as the original launched in 2014, before a reboot arrived in 2023. Still, this Soulslike sequel looks epic enough to have my attention, and I'm always on board for some tough boss battles. Meanwhile, Lords of the Fallen (2023) is getting a new 2.5 update, and yes, that's the second game in the series. It's a bit confusing.

Geoff speeds through a few more awards

Best Sports/Racing Game goes to Mario Kart World, Best Community Support goes to previous GOTY winner Baldur's Gate 3, Best VR/AR Game is Midnight Walk, Best RPG is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Community Choice is Wuthering Waves. Barely a moment for these games to get their chance in the spotlight, which is a shame. But hey, Expedition 33 has to win GOTY now!

I could not be more sold on Saros

I loved Returnal in 2021, so Saros, the spiritual sequel (which are clearly the trend tonight) doesn't need to work hard to grab my interest. It's out April 30, 2026, and I'll be playing on day one. The new trailer is short and sweet!

WINNER: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins Best Narrative

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins another award, Best Narrative. Richly deserved. But I'm starting to get panicky as I'm running out of images to use for posts when it wins.

New game from the devs behind The Ascent

Spiritual sequels and sci-fi are the themes of this year's show, and the latest new game is called No Law, which comes from the developer of The Ascent. The trailer keeps the gameplay under wraps, but does a decent job setting a mood.

Musical performance time as Evanescence take the stage

Now we're being treated to a musical performance from Evanescence. Strong vocals, but I'm more partially to CHVRCHES, who have played this slot before.

WINNER: ARC Raiders wins Best Multiplayer

Milla Jovovich takes to the stage, confirms her debut in a video game as the next Elusive Target in Hitman: World of Assassination, and then announces that ARC Raiders has won Best Multiplayer game. Which always felt like the frontrunner.

Warhammer 40,000 is getting the Total War treatment

David Harbour, "Stranger Things" and "Marvel" star, takes the stage to confirm that the next Total War game will be set in the world of Warhammer 40,000. Now we're getting a trailer!

Ace Combat 8 looks pretty ace!

Ace Combat 8 is launching 2026. Looks like it'll offer the intense aerial dogfights the franchise is known for, with cinematic visuals an an emotional story. I reckon dedicated fans will be particularly pleased with the brief trailer shown here.

I reckon these developers played Split Fiction

The next trailer is for a co-op adventure called Out of Words, and it certainly looks like it's been inspired by Split Fiction and It Takes Two. Its biggest selling point might be its stop-motion-style visuals, which I'll admit are pretty darn impressive. It's out in 2026.

The Muppets are doing a musical number

We're into the odd part of the night where the Muppets are doing a musical number about all the games that have been shown already tonight. It's 3:30 a.m. my time, and I'm watching a singing pig puppet. Got to love The Game Awards!

A lengthy new look at Phantom Blade Zero

After back-to-back musical interludes, it's time for a new Phantom Blade Zero trailer. I've been on the fence about this one before, but this trailer has certainly increased my interest. And we have a release date at last, September 9, 2026.

WINNER: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins Best Game Direction

Todd Howards confirms that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the winner of Best Game Direction. We knew with 13 nominations, it was going to take home several awards tonight, but it's sweeping the field at this point. And I love it!

Mega Man makes a grand entrance

Geoff teased a big reveal next, and it's the return of Mega Man, starring in a brand new 2D platforming title (of course). It's Mega Man Dual Override, and it's set to launch in 2027. It looked like, well, it looked like a Mega Man game!

'Super Mario Galaxy Movie' gets a super brief sneak peek

Back to the world of cinema, and it's a quick look at "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie", and when I say "quick", I really do mean it, we got maybe a few seconds of new footage.

Another brief trailer, this time for Nioh 3

Nioh 3 drops in February 2026, and our latest look didn't really offer any fresh details, but I'm looking forward to playing this one early next year, so happy for a few seconds of extra action-RPG gameplay footage. I'm going to die, a lot.

Here we go, it's the final world premiere of the night

Geoff promises that this is the last world premiere of the night, and this one isn't "years and years away"...

The final new game is Highguard

From some of the developers behind Apex Legends, comes Highguard a new free-to-play fantasy crossed with sci-fi shooter. It drops on January 26, 2026, so less than seven weeks until we can play it for ourselves.

Time for the BIG award of the show

It's time for Game of the Year to be crowned, I think we all know where this one is going...

Game Awards Orchestra are delivering a fantastic performance

To celebrate the six games nominated for Game of the Year, a live orchestra are playing select musical highlights from each title as per tradition, it's making for great listening this year, and is the perfect way to give each game its flowers. But it seems all but certain that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be the big winner!

Time for the winner to be crowned

An excellent performance, and now the winner....

HUGE SHOCK... not, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins GOTY

It was the favorite before, and after cleaning up winning 8 out of its 10 categories across the show, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been crowned Game of the Year. This one looked likely before the Game Awards started, and a complete locked before the show was even a third of the way done. A worthy winner.

And that's all folks!

Geoff gets in the last word and brings The Game Awards 2025 to a close. But not before reminding us that Summer Game Fest will return on Friday, June 5, 2026.

A solid showcase with a very worthy winner

So, that's The Game Awards over for another year. It was a pretty great show overall. I was pleased with the reveals (Star Wars: FOTOR, Divinity and Control: Resonant stand out as my top announcements), and as somebody who ranks Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as their personal GOTY, I was thrilled it won the night.

Ryan Epps here, tagging in for Rory so he can get some rest!

How was it? Did the Game Awards 2025 meet your expectations? Did you get the reveal you were waiting for, or still desperately clinging to hope for a Half Life 3 tease?

Maybe next year....

The show's biggest reveals...

I've had a few minutes to digest TGA 2025, and I've got to say, while Clair Obscur did sweep, it was still a phenomenal rollercoaster of reveals! Although some of those really hot ticket items didn't make an appearance, like GTA 6, BioShock 4, or Gabe Newell's Revenge, there were still a plethora of amazing items that got teased. Here are a few that come to mind:

• Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic
• Ontos
• Phantom Blade Zero
• Divinity
• Control Resonant
• Gang of Dragon
• Lords of the Fallen 2
• Highguard
• 007 First Light
• Street Fighter movie

"Perfection is not attainable or affordable. Excellence is."

This line, quoted by David Keighley (Geoff Keighley's late father), rings true most of all in the aftermath of this year's Game Awards. Despite the odds stacked against it, Clair Obscur took home not only the prized GOTY but also eight additional awards on top of it. It's a Game Awards first, highlighting the brilliance in this medium, and the underlying truth to Mr. Keighley's message.

Excellence is everything. And Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 clearly stands the test of gaming excellence. Developed on a budget of under $10M by a team consisting of around 400 people, Sandfall Interactive's groundbreaking achievement is something game developers should always strive for, especially as we head into 2026 (and beyond).

Here's what excellence looks like:

• Game of the Year
• Best Narrative
• Best Game Direction
• Best Art Direction
• Best Score and Music
• Best Independent Game
• Best Debut Indie Game
• Best Performance (Jennifer English)
• Best RPG

Verizon is giving away free Nintendo Switch consoles to new Fios home internet customers this holiday season. If you've been considering upgrading your internet or switching providers, this deal sweetens the offer considerably — you get a popular gaming console worth $300 just for signing up.

The promotion applies to select Verizon Fios internet plans and includes a 5-year price lock on your monthly rate. If you already own a Switch, Verizon offers alternative freebies like a Samsung tablet or TV. There are some requirements to qualify and keep the gift free, including how long you need to maintain service. Here's what you need to know.

More from Tom's Guide

• Nintendo Switch Guide: tips, tricks and hidden features
• How to connect your Switch directly to TV — no dock required
  Verizon is paying out $100 million — how to check if you're getting paid

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond takes the tried and true gameplay of the classic Prime formula and successfully brings it to modern consoles after an 18-year hiatus. The core 3D Metroid experience remains and shines on the Nintendo Switch 2, but some of the new additions, like the overworld, don’t quite live up to the intricate and detailed design of its dungeons.

As a fairly new Metroid Prime player, I was quickly sucked into the world of Viewros just as bounty hunter Samus Aran is at the beginning of the game. Playing on the Nintendo Switch 2 in both handheld and docked mode feels incredibly smooth, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s detailed environments had me stopping to take in the scenery at every new locale I visited. Traveling to them also felt great on the new motorcycle, but I couldn’t help but wish there was more to see and do scattered across Sol Valley, which serves as an overworld hub.

Combat feels incredibly smooth and responsive, and I was thoroughly impressed by just how well the game’s developer, Retro Studios, managed to pull this off. The same goes for the visuals, which are jaw-dropping on Switch 2, and the music and sound design, which really made me feel like I was experiencing this new world through Samus’ eyes. You can play Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on the original Nintendo Switch, but I’d recommend playing on Switch 2 for the visuals alone.

My Metroid Prime 4: Beyond review will help you decide if this is one of the best Nintendo Switch games and whether it was worth waiting for the launch of the Switch 2 to release it.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: The Basics

• What is it? An action-adventure game with plenty of first-person shooting and puzzle solving, as well as exploration.
• Who is it for? Fans of the Metroid Prime series and those who want to experience some of the best visuals on the Switch 2 yet.
• What is the price? Metroid Prime 4: Beyond costs $69 on the Switch 2 or $59 on the original Switch, and there is a $10 Upgrade Pack to move up to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game.
• What other games has the developer made? Retro Studios is best known for its work on the Metroid Prime series, but it also developed Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for the Wii U and Nintendo Switch.
• What games is this similar to? Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is similar to first-person shooters with a heavy focus on exploration, like Prey and Bioshock, as well as Hollow Knight and Metroid Dread when it comes to its level design.

A new yet familiar world

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond begins with Samus Aran at full power, protecting a mysterious artifact at a research facility. Things quickly go south as a firefight breaks out, which leads the artifact to become activated, transporting her and a handful of Galactic Federation soldiers to an unknown planet called Viewros.

Of course, Samus’s suit is stripped of its powers as a result, and it’s up to you, the player, to help her get them back. The first area you explore is called Fury Green, and it bears a striking similarity to the original Metroid Prime’s Tallon Overworld. Here, I got a feel for the game’s controls and various systems as I searched for Samus’s first major combat ability. For seasoned players, they’ll feel like they’re right back in the world of Metroid Prime, while newbies like myself get a nice introduction to the 3D Metroid formula.

As I journeyed through the forest, I came across the now infamous Myles MacKenzie, who acts as your guide through the game’s opening section and then later serves as your engineer, helping you install upgrade chips while giving you hints as to where to go next. He’s one of several Galactic Federation soldiers you encounter throughout Viewros. While his dialogue is a bit wordy compared to the series’ strong, silent protagonist, breaking the traditional isolation, I didn’t mind his banter and found some of his suggestions to be quite helpful during Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s opening hours.

Once you encounter Viewros’s original inhabitants, the Lamorn alien race, you’re tasked with ensuring their civilization won’t be lost to time and obtaining five teleporter keys to help you return home. It’s a pretty standard setup, but I did like learning more about the Lamorn and the tragedy that befell their planet.

If you’re expecting a story-heavy game thanks to the inclusion of Myles and the other Galactic Federation soldiers who briefly join you along the way, you’ll likely be disappointed. Instead, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (like previous Metroid Prime games) tells its story through research notes you find throughout the world and info from your scan visor on Viewros’s creatures, fauna and structures. I found the story to be interesting enough that I wanted to learn more, but it was the puzzles, combat and Samus’s new motorcycle that really hooked me.

Explore, scan and solve

Although shooting plays a big role in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, exploration is just as, if not more, important. Whether I was looking for which dungeon to head to next or just trying to find my way to the next corridor when I was inside one, I found myself constantly exploring and, more importantly, scanning each environment I came across.

From metal grates that can be blown up to ice walls that can be melted, your scan visor is a trusted companion in your journey across Viewros. You bring it up with a tap of the "X" button, and then from there, you can scan outlined objects, enemies and more with the left trigger, revealing some of the game’s lore and often providing incredibly helpful hints during boss fights.

In Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Samus also gets psychic abilities for the first time. Not only do they tie into the lore of Viewros and the Lamorn, but they also lead to some new puzzles and challenges. For instance, you may have to move objects with telekinesis, or, my favorite use of these new psychic powers, the Control Beam. After charging up a psychic shot, this ability lets you steer its trajectory so that you can activate switches, and it even plays a part in some boss fights.

Samus's ability to morph into a ball is also used in a number of puzzles and to open various doors throughout Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Like with her other abilities, you can upgrade this one over time as you progress through the game.

One thing I wasn’t really prepared for when I dived into Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was the backtracking. You see, you’ll come across certain doors and areas that you won’t be able to access until you have the required ability. Keeping track of all of them as you make your way through each dungeon and then remembering their location later on led to an awful lot of backtracking during my playthrough.

This would have been simple enough if there had been a fast travel mechanic, but sadly, you're forced to make your way back on your own, though it is a bit more fun on Samus’s new motorcycle, making the tedious travel more bearable.

From the factory to the desert

The biggest addition to Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, besides the game’s overworld hub Sol Valley, is Samus’s new motorcycle: Vi-O-La. It makes traveling across the Sol Valley’s vast desert a lot faster, but you can also use it in combat to mow down enemies while performing a slide after a boost.

While Vi-O-La initially looked like a gimmick in the game’s promotional materials, I was very impressed by how the motorcycle was introduced. During the opening dungeon set in the Volt Forge factory, you come across one that you can sit on but can’t actually ride at first. Instead, you need to power up two towers and get the factory running again in order to get the special Vi-O-La Suit required to operate it.

Making my way through the dungeon and fighting off the various enemies within it really made me appreciate the first time I was let loose in Sol Valley with Vi-O-La. From there, I was able to freely explore all of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s overworld on my new motorcycle. Sure, I couldn’t necessarily enter each dungeon until I had the prerequisite ability, but I could travel to them and unlock their locations on my map for later.

Besides dungeons, there are also a handful of challenge zones and unlockables for you to find. Enemies will also try to fight you while you’re riding Vi-O-La, but they can be taken down with a rocket blast while driving or with a well-timed slide.

I really enjoyed how Vi-O-La handles and liked being able to explore Sol Valley more freely after making my way through what seemed like endless corridors within the game’s dungeons. However, I just wish there was a bit more to do and to see in the overworld. At the same time, having to get on Vi-O-La and trek all the way across Sol Valley to return to the game’s Base Camp to get equipment installed for an upgrade or to turn in my green energy crystals took me out of the exploration and fast-paced action of its dungeons.

An old school shootout

While there are certainly new gameplay elements in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, like Samus’s psychic abilities, I’m happy to report that the combat feels just as tight as it did in previous entries in the series.

Unlike other first-person shooters on both PC and console, this one was designed specifically for consoles. As such, you don’t have to rely on free aiming, and you can use the left trigger to lock onto enemies in combat. Doing so also allows you to dodge in all four directions, maintaining the series’ signature strategic rhythm.

Whether I was taking on the game’s main enemies, called Grievers, or fighting off local wildlife using Samus’s Arm Cannon, shooting felt really good. While you can lock onto enemies, you don’t have to.

Free aim feels quite good on a controller, but if you’re playing on Switch 2, you also have the option to use Motion Control Aiming with the detached Joy-Cons. If you prefer the original Prime feel, you can seamlessly switch between standard dual-stick aiming and using the right Joy-Con to directly aim, which grants mouse-like precision.

If you enjoyed the combat of the previous Metroid Prime games, you’re in for a treat here, but the graphics and overall presentation are my favorite part of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

Dripping with details

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s overworld area may feel sparse at times, but it’s still a sight to behold. From the wispy clouds in the sky to the ripples in the sand, it really reminded me of the Great Plateau in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, albeit at a smaller scale. However, it’s when you actually step into a dungeon that the attention to detail Retro Studios put into the game’s graphics really shines.

Even though the Lamorn are long gone by the time Samus steps foot on Viewros, all of the dungeon environments have a lived-in feel to them. Even in the Volt Forge area, which was heavily automated back when it was fully operational, it really felt like a real factory when I was exploring it. The same is true of the abandoned Ice Belt Lab, which I headed to shortly after.

I spent an even amount of time playing Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in both handheld and docked mode. However, while the game looked good and performed well in handheld mode, I’d recommend playing this one docked with a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller to really take everything in. The corridors of both of those areas are gushing with details throughout, and the slower pace when exploring and scanning really helped me appreciate the game’s art direction and scenery. I also liked how, when you switch to Samus’s Morph Ball mode, the game shifts from a first to third-person perspective, and you get to see each environment in a new light.

The soundtrack hooked me just as much as the game’s visuals did, and I loved how haunting instrumental tracks would start playing as I was in the midst of exploring a new area. Likewise, the sound effects that played when I got an upgrade perfectly captured the feeling of being able to survive longer in a fight, thanks to having more ammo or being able to reach a new area after unlocking a new ability.

When combined, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s graphics and audio are the kind of thing that works so well that they’ll have you thinking about the game long after you put down your controller, and I know I did.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond: Verdict

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond manages to capture the essence and core gameplay of past games in the series incredibly well, while also adding in new elements like Samus’s psychic abilities and an overworld hub. In the same way that Half-Life 3 will have big shoes to fill if it ever releases, so too did this game after so much time has passed since the last Metroid Prime installment.

While I would have liked for the overworld to be a bit more fleshed out with more to do and see, its barrenness does tie back to the story well, since the Lamorn have been gone for hundreds or even thousands of years. Exploring it on Vi-O-La is also a fun way to break up the almost claustrophobic feeling that some of the dungeons’ corridors give you, too. I also appreciated how the game’s first dungeon revolves around you getting the Volt Forge factory back up and running before you actually get to ride it. Still, being forced to backtrack across an entire desert instead of just a level to equip new upgrades felt unnecessarily tedious at times and took me out of the exploration and fast-paced action inside Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s dungeons.

If you’ve played and enjoyed past entries in the Metroid Prime series, you’ll be right at home here. However, if you haven’t, there’s plenty to explore and enough lore to sink your teeth into while getting acquainted with the 3D Metroid experience.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to be the must-have gift this Christmas, but its high price demands a smart purchase. Avoid paying the full ticket price by taking advantage of the intense competition among Australian retailers for your holiday spending.

Right now, Aussie stores are fiercely battling it out, from major deals at JB Hi-Fi to Kogan's slight but effective undercutting of the big box stores. We've done the work, searching the web for the absolute best Cyber Monday deals on standalone consoles and bundles, guaranteeing maximum value for your money.

Kogan is currently the most affordable option, slightly undercutting JB Hi-Fi. However, there's a caveat: free priority shipping requires a Kogan First membership, otherwise, standard postage costs AU$15.99 and orders may take 3–7 days to dispatch.

Conversely, JB Hi-Fi leverages its extensive Australian store network to offer a 'zero-cost' shipping alternative: Click and Collect. For many gamers, the convenience of purchasing online and immediately picking up the item — enabling them to play games like Mario Kart World tonight — outweighs the minimal dollar savings offered by Kogan. Of course, that probably won’t be a major concern for those purchasing it as a Christmas gift.

Both are great options, though you'll have to decide quickly — these Nintendo Switch 2 Cyber Monday deals are available for today only.