Category: Gaming

  • Nintendo May Discontinue Switch in EU, Boosting Switch 2 Lite Needs

    Nintendo May Discontinue Switch in EU, Boosting Switch 2 Lite Needs

    Key Takeaway

    – Nintendo is revising the Switch 2 to meet EU right-to-repair rules, with easier battery replacement by February 2027.
    – A “BEE” code and “OSM” labels will appear on Switch 2 products, but the original Switch lacks this labeling, raising regulatory concerns.
    – The original Switch will be retired eventually, but CEO Shuntaro Furukawa suggests continued support for several more years.
    – A lower-priced Switch 2 Lite with limited features (e.g., smaller screen, no detachable Joy-Cons) may become desirable as a cheaper alternative.
    – A Switch 2 price increase from €469.99 to €499.99 is set for September 2026, and high R&D costs complicate creating a budget model.

    Nintendo’s Switch 2 getting EU repairs

    Nintendo is revising the Switch 2 to meet EU right-to-repair regulations. By February 18th 2027, buyers should be able to replace the console’s battery more easier. However, the manufacturer has not addressed whether it will make changes to the original Switch. If its forced to discontinue the handheld, a lower-priced Switch 2 Lite would become desireable.

    Datamined code reemerges

    Nintendo Patents Watch noted that a code datamined in January 2026 has reemerged. In the announcement, the company explained that products using the “BEE” code will have “OSM” labels after the tweaks. Gamers can find “BEE” listed on Switch 2 consoles, games, controllers, and accessories.

    Since the first Switch lacks this labeling, its future in the EU and in regions with replaceable-battery regulations is unclear. The guidelines don’t impact existing units, and Nintendo would have until February 2027 to stockpile enough of the aging hardware. Eventually, some buyers would demand a cheaper alternative to the current-gen system.

    Retirement of the original Switch

    Released in 2017, the gaming giant will inevitably retire the last-gen option. Even so, it remains a more affordable way to access newer games, many of which are compatable with both consoles. TheGamer reported on recent comments from CEO Shuntaro Furukawa, who suggested it will be supported for several years to come.

    • Without the Switch, EU gamers would need a larger budget to purchase the newer handheld.
    • A Switch 2 price increase from €469.99 to €499.99 is also set for September 2026.
    • One solution could be a Switch 2 Lite with limited functionality.

    R&D costs and confidential designs

    Patents Watch reminded followers that Nintendo’s last fiscal report showed a sharp rise in R&D costs. Recently, the company registered four confidential designs at the EUIPO website. These may refer to revisions with an easier-to-replace battery. Its also possible that they describe new models of consoles or controllers.

    A Switch 2 Lite could offer a smaller screen, sacrifice detachable Joy-Cons, or ship without a dock. Still, given that the higher Switch 2 price may not cover manufacturing costs, economizing on the hardware is challenging.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • Valve Reveals Steam Machine & Frame Release Date

    Valve Reveals Steam Machine & Frame Release Date

    Key Takeaway

    – Steam Machine and Steam Frame now have a confirmed “shipping this summer” window (June through August/September).
    – A June launch appears unlikely due to a lack of pricing/availability updates and the vague summer timeline.
    – Summer Game Fest may provide an imminent reveal or official update on both devices.

    Valve has faced some unfortunate circumstances with its Steam Machine and Steam Frame. While the original announcement cited a ‘first-half of 2026’ launch window, that changed to ‘this year’ in March. Now, through a new blog post, the company has shared an update on the release timeline, which may suggest a three-month release window.

    New Timeline and Verified Program

    The June 4 Steam Community post by Valve explained the ‘Verified’ program for both the Steam Machine and Steam Frame. What stood out from the announcement was that both devices will be “shipping this summer”. That’s all Valve mentioned about the release timeline, but considering that summer runs June through August/September in the US, the Steam Machine and Steam Frame could arrive in any of the following months. So, if things go according to plan, we should see the Steam Frame and Steam Machine hit the shelves by September at the latest.

    Conflicting Reports and Preparations

    This comes at a time when reports have been popping up, citing a June release window for the Steam Machine. The ‘Welcome Tour’ was added to Valve’s blackened, signalling launch preparations, and a recent unofficial analysis hinted at a Summer Game Fest reveal.

    A June release would align with the ‘first half of 2026’ release, but Valve has already changed that strategy. Seeing as we’re already closing the first week of June, and there’s been no update on pricing or availability, a June launch seems unlikely. Especially with the new “shipping this summer” update, the launch could have been pushed to July or August. This is still in line with Valve’s 2026 launch commitment.

    Upcoming Summer Game Fest

    Meanwhile, Summer Game Fest livestream starts in a few hours, so we don’t have to wait long to find out if Valve has something to reveal about the Steam Machine or Steam Frame, or both.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Belkin Charging Grip with Magnetic Power Bank for Switch 2

    Belkin Charging Grip with Magnetic Power Bank for Switch 2

    Key Takeaway

    – Ergonomics are improved with a modular grip case for Switch 2
    – Optional magnetic 10,000mAh power bank extends battery life
    – Modular design lets you detach Joy-Con 2 without removing the case
    – Grip case is dock-compatible and works with built-in kickstand
    – Available as a bundle ($99.99) or grip-only ($39.99)

    The Belkin Charging Grip is a modular grip for the Nintendo Switch 2 and it greatly improves the ergonomics of the handheld. However, it also comes with an optional magnetic power bank that can be mounted on the back, allowing you to charge without being tethered to a spot or to extend the playing time. This accessory does quite a nifty job of making the console feel more solid in your hands while also giving that extra bit of juice when you need it most.

    What Makes Up This Charging Grip?

    The charging grip is made up of three pieces — a rear cover that attaches to the back of the Switch 2 and two gaming grips that attach to the Joy-Con 2 controllers. This modular design makes it possible to detach the controllers from the console without taking off the case. You also don’t have to remove the case when using the Switch 2’s dock. It’s all quite well thought out, really, allowing for seamless transitions between handheld and docked modes without any fumbling around with stubborn plastic.

    Power Bank Details and Capabilities

    The rear cover, which has an opening for the Switch 2’s built-in kickstand, is where the power bank magnetically attaches too. The Belkin power bank has a 10,000mAh capacity, an integrated braided USB-C cable, a USB-C port, and a display that shows the battery percentage and a charging icon. Belkin says the power bank, which has a power output of 30W should provide 1.5x full charges, although that will vary depending on usage. That little display is honestly a godsend, letting you know exactly how much reserve power you have left without any guesswork.

    One thing I found intersting is that the magnet is strong enough to hold the battery pack securely, yet detaches easily when you want to lighten the load. It doesn’t feel flimsy at all, which is a concern I had with magnetic add-ons in the past. The braided cable is also a nice touch, since it resists fraying better than standard rubber ones.

    Pricing and Availability Options

    The Belkin Charging Grip for Nintendo Switch 2 costs $99.99 and is available in Black, Lilac, and Olive with a matching power bank. Belkin is also selling the charging grip without the battery pack for $39.99. It is available to buy now on Belkin’s website and on Amazon. For those who already own a decent battery solution or just want improved ergonomics on a budget, the standalone grip option is a steal.

    In terms of colour choices, the Lilac and Olive options are particularly eye-catching if you want something a bit more stylish then the standard black. The rubberised texture on the grips also helps prevent slips during intense gaming sessions, which I found to be a noticable improvement over the bare console. Overall, this is a solid accessory that adresses both comfort and battery anxiety in one go.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , , ,

  • Deal: Wacky Pirate RPG Cheaper Than Ever on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – Modern pirate setting in present day, with Goro Majima as an amnesiac captain
    – Combines beat-’em-up combat, RPG progression, and real-time naval battles
    – Currently at an all-time low price of $14.99 (75% off) on Steam until June 18
    – 88% positive user reviews on Steam, but mixed critical scores (e.g., 7/10 from PC Games)
    – Best for players who enjoy wacky, chaotic gameplay rather than serious pirate sims

    Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: A Modern Pirate Tale

    Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is cleary a pirate game, but it takes a rather unusual aproach: the title is set in the present day. Players take on the role of Goro Majima, who has lost his memory and reinvents himself at sea as a modern pirate captain. There, he is searching not only for his memories, but for a legendary treasure also. The action RPG from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is discounted by 75% on Steam until June 18 and is available for $14.99 instead of $59.99. According to SteamDB, previous discounts had usually topped out at 70%, making the current deal a new all-time low.

    Gameplay and Feautres

    In terms of gameplay, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii combines classic third-person action with beat-’em-up combat, RPG progression and naval battles. On land, Majima fights his way thru groups of enemies using different combat styles, swords, pistols, grappling hooks and special moves. At sea, the Goromaru takes center stage: players can upgrade their own ship, equip it with new weapons and deploy it in real-time battles against enemy crews. Crew recruitment, bounty hunts, treasure hunts, karaoke, cooking and other typical Yakuza side activities are also included.

    Community and Critical Reception

    The unusual approach seems to have struck a chord with the Steam community in particular: 88% of more than 9,400 user reviews are positive. German gaming magazine PC Games was somewhat more reserved, awarding 7 out of 10 points. The editorial team praised the entertaining setting, the well-crafted story and the enjoyable naval battles, but criticized the weak AI, the lack of tactical depth and the absence of a true “open sea” feeling, as the sea consists of separate map sections rather than an open, freely explorable world. On Metacritic, the action RPG has a Metascore of 79 and a User Score of 7.9.

    Who Should Play This?

    The sometimes widely divergent ratings are hardly surprising. Anyone looking for a serious pirate game is clearly in the wrong place with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Players who enjoy wacky characters, a crazy setting and plenty of chaos, however, should find alot to like here. That also applies to handheld gamers: on the Steam Deck, the title is classified as “Verified” and should therefore run smoothly.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,

  • The most atmospheric 4X strategy game under $10 on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – 75% discount on Steam until June 17, priced at $9.99 (matches all-time low)
    – Turn-based 4X strategy with automatic real-time space battles prepared through ship design and tactics
    – Focus on long-term empire management balancing population, resources, research, and defense
    – Highly rated: 82/100 from GameStar, 83% positive Steam reviews, Metascore of 80
    – Steam Deck “Playable” but controls designed for mouse and keyboard

    Building Your Own Space Empire in Endless Space 2

    In ENDLESS Space 2, players build there own intergalactic empire. As the leader of a civilization, they must make decissions about research, the economy, politcs, diplomacy and the military, with the goal of outpacing rival factions and achieving one of many victory conditions. The game is set in a mysterious sci-fi universe which is shaped by the traces of the ancient Endless. AMPLITUDE Studios’ 4X strategy game is discounted by 75% on Steam until June 17 and costs $9.99 instead of $39.99. According to SteamDB, the current deal matches the game’s all-time low, last reached during mid-April.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Turn-Based Strategy

    When it comes to gameplay, ENDLESS Space 2 offers classic 4X strategy, but unlike its major rival Stellaris, it uses a turn-based structure. Space battles play out as automatic real-time engagments, but are prepared beforehand via ship design, modules, fleet composition and tactical battle plans. The real challenge comes less from individual battles than from the long-term management of a functioning empire, where population, resources, research and defense must be constantly balanced against each other.

    Critical Reception and User Reviews

    German gaming publication GameStar awarded ENDLESS Space 2 82 out of 100 points at its launch in May 2017. The magazine particularly praised its successful 4X gameplay, the interesting factions and its complex research system. The steep learning curve, the rather superficial political mechanics and the lack of genuine innovation were not recieved as well. 4Players even called it “the most atmospheric and complex 4X strategy game in recent years.” The Steam community reaches a similar verdict: 83% of more than 22,000 user reviews are positive. According to Metacritic, the title has a Metascore of 80 and a User Score of 7.8.

    Steam Deck Compatibility and Pricing Details

    Although ENDLESS Space 2 is clasified as “Playable” on the Steam Deck, the controls are clearly designed for mouse and keyboard and are therefore likely to feel quite fiddly on the handheld device. The game is currently avalible for $9.99 instead of its regular price of $39.99, representing a 75% discount. This special offer on Steam ends on June 17th and matches the games all-time low price point which was last seen in mid-April of this year.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,

  • GTA 6 Trailer Theory Based on Rockstar Parking Lot Mocked

    Key Takeaway

    – Fans are resorting to extreme and unusual methods (e.g., drone surveillance, audio equipment, tracking cars) to guess GTA 6 news.
    – One Reddit user is monitoring Rockstar’s parking lot traffic, believing luxury car clustering signals major internal meetings.
    – The user claims a June 3 spike in expensive vehicles (e.g., Ferrari, Rolls-Royce) hints at an imminent trailer.
    – The wider community largely dismisses the theory, with most reacting with skepticism or amusement.

    Unusual Fan Theories Emerge

    The long wait for GTA 6 continues to produce increasingly unusual fan theories. Rockstar Games’ offices have reportedly even been watched with drones in an attempt to catch glimpses through the windows. Another extreme example comes from Reddit user u/Then-Pomgranate-625, who claims he first placed audio equipment near Rockstar North’s Edinburgh studio to measure noise levels around a meeting room. When he returned later, however, the equipment was gone.

    Fan Changes Tactics After Equipment Theft

    Rather then dropping the idea, the fan changed tactics and began tracking traffic in and out of the parking lot. He records the time, number and estimated value of the vehicles, hoping to determine when more executives than usual mite be inside the building. His theory: if an unusual number of expensive cars appear around Rockstar’s offices late in the day, it could point to internal meetings or preparations for a major announcement.

    Specific Observation on June 3rd

    On June 3, he claimed to have noticed exactly that. Between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., he documented unusually heavy traffic in the parking lot, including three luxury cars: a Porsche Cayman S, a Ferrari 296 GTB and a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. To him, this suggests that trailer 3 for the successor to GTA 5 (PS5 version currently available for around $25 on Amazon) could be drawing closer. The wider community is far less convinced.

    Community Reactions Range Widely

    Most reactions range from amusement to disbelief, with the top comment in the thread reading: “I hope this is satire.” Very few users see the observations as credible evidence of an imminent trailer reveal. The skepticism is widespread across forums, with many pointing out that expensive cars could belong to anyone. The fan’s dedication is impressive but ultimately seen as misguided by most observers. Reddit discussions continue to debate the validity of his methods and conclusions.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Monopoly GO Simpsons Crossover Brings Springfield to Board

    Monopoly GO Simpsons Crossover Brings Springfield to Board

    Key Takeaway

    – The Simpsons Monopoly GO! crossover features original narrative segments and voice work by the TV show’s cast.
    – Core gameplay mechanics (Free Parking, Jail) are re-engineered with character-driven mini-games and risk-based choices.
    – Limited-time episode sticker sets create urgency by vanishing after two weeks, driving daily engagement and purchases.
    – High-profile licensing deals like this highlight the massive spending required for mobile games to stay competitive.

    The Simpsons Invades Monopoly GO! Launch Event

    Scopely just launched a massive eight-week campaign bringing The Simpsons to Monopoly GO! through July 29. The crossover marks the first time the animated family has had a dedicated mobile presence in over a decade. Rather than just swapping textures or adding basic character skins, the update re-engineers core board events around the show’s classic lore. The expansions centers around bi-weekly narrative segments written by the television production crew, an original animated short introduces the rollout tracking an old corporate rivalry between Mr. Burns and Mr. Monopoly. Will Ferrell and Harry Shearer voice the respective billionaires to anchor the voice cast.

    Core Gameplay Changes to Free Parking Zone

    The update alters standard map progression by completely changing how players interact with the free parking zone. Landing on the space shifts the camera into a character-driven mini-experience called The Simpsons run. Players roll specialized dice to push across a separate hazardous path for large payouts before dropping back onto the main loop. Go to jail spaces introduce a risk assessment mechanic involving Chief Wiggum, instead of rolling for standard doubles players can choose to fund a bribe for immediate release and rolling multipliers. Pushing your luck too far breaks the deal immediately forcing an instant arrest penalty and regular bail costs.

    New Episode Sticker Sets

    The update introduces separate episode sticker sets that run right alongside the main seasonal album. These mini collections only stay live for two weeks before vanishing for good. It is an aggressive setup that relies on pure player urgency to drive daily check-ins and fast purchases before the clock runs out. Even standard bank heists and shutdowns get a themed remodel swapping out the usual animations for runaway monorail crashes. This level of detail shows exactly how much cash it takes to secure a massive television property today, high-profile licensing deals like this underscore the heavy spending required to stay relevant in a crowded marketplace.

    Mobile Industry Consolidation Patterns

    This type of expensive crossover fits right into the broader consolidation pattern hitting mobile studios. Major publishers are pooling massive resources to acquire big entertainment brands just to protect their market share. Watching how these corporate properties merge tells you everything about where the mobile industry is heading. The Simpsons expansion demonstrates how existing game economies can support narrative-driven content without completely rebuilding the base code, though it remains unclear if players will embrace the aggressive time-limited structure or reject it as overly predatory.

    Sources
      Tags: , , , ,
    • Hot Wheels Infinite Rush: New Trailer Drops 2 Months Before GTA 6

      Hot Wheels Infinite Rush: New Trailer Drops 2 Months Before GTA 6

      Key Takeaway

      – September 24 release date for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam
      – Classic arcade racing with die-cast cars on iconic orange tracks in real-world environments
      – Track hazards include a mechanical shark, dinosaur fossils, and a gorilla
      – Unconfirmed $49.99 retail price; Nintendo Switch 2 port rumored
      – Launches in a crowded fall window, just before GTA 6

      Official Reveal for Hot Wheels Infinite Rush

      The official announcement trailer for Hot Wheels Infinite Rush is now live on EB Games Australia Trailers’ YouTube channel, and it confirms a September 24 release date for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam. Where this 90-second video establishes the launch timing, other leaks hinted at a $49.99 retail price. The publisher still hasn’t officially verified this pricing; please take it with a grain of salt.

      Gameplay Features Shown in Footage

      Gameplay footage shows classic arcade racing mechanisms. Players drive die-cast vehicles across the brand’s iconic orange tracks, which are set up onto everyday environments like beaches and urban streets. The vehicle roster seems to have traditional sports cars and some “fun” designs, including a yellow rubber duck.

      Track Hazards and Platform Details

      Some track layouts have massive environmental hazards as well. The Hot Wheels trailer has glimpses of a mechanical shark, dinosaur fossils, and a gorilla obstructing the course. As per past rumors, a Nintendo Switch 2 port is also in development, though the current footage only covers current-generation hardware.

      Launch Timing and Competition

      A late September launch will mean that Infinite Rush is launching into a pretty demanding release window. It will land shortly before Grand Theft Auto 6, and the it will compete for player attention during a very crowded autumn. We’ll see if the game is able to maintain a stable player count against larger studio releases.

      Sources
      Tags: , , , ,
    • Sega Vet: Sonic Creator Wanted to Rename Billy Hatcher ‘Giant Cock’

      Sega Vet: Sonic Creator Wanted to Rename Billy Hatcher ‘Giant Cock’

      Key Takeaway

      – Billy Hatcher was originally going to be named “Giant Eggs” by Yuji Naka.
      – The U.S. team rejected “Giant Eggs” because “to lay a big egg” is slang for failure.
      – The team chose “Billy Hatcher” over Naka’s objection.
      – Naka suggested “Giant Cock” as an alternative title, which was rejected.
      – Despite the naming disputes, the game gained a small cult following.

      Interview Raises Eyebrows Over Sega’s Marketing Past

      A recent interview has raised quite a few eyebrows regarding Sega’s early video game marketing history. Former Sega of America executive Mike Fischer sat down with Sega-16 and shared some unusual ideas from Sonic co-creator Yuji Naka for the 2003 GameCube title Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg during its localization for Western audiences.

      Giant Eggs or Billy Hatcher?

      Mike Fischer handled marketing for Billy Hatcher during his second stint at Sega, and he explained that Naka originally wanted to name the game Giant Eggs. The U.S. team wasn’t fond of this idea, and they told Naka that “to lay a big egg” is American slang for a spectacular failure. Another member of Fischer’s team suggested that the game should be called Billy Hatcher, since it was about a cute character in a rooster suit. However, Naka, the co-creator of Sonic, disliked that idea as well.

      Despite Naka’s reservations, the team settled on Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg. During a tour of the U.S., with Fischer sometimes acting as an intermediary translator, Naka offered one last idea: “Well, I know another name for the boy wearing a rooster suit. Another name for rooster is cock. Can we call the game Giant Cock in English?” Fischer emphasized that this actually happened and said in the interview, “I promise you, I am not making up this story. I have two witnesses.” He also noted that Naka seemed to have a curious “obsession with eggs” in his projects.

      Gameplay and Cult Following

      Despite the odd localization-naming debate, Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg was an unusual platforming game by Sonic Team. Players step into the shoes of Billy, who obtains a magical rooster suit and gains the ability to befriend giant eggs, which later hatch into creatures that help him clear levels.

      The game featured vibrant, hand-drawn visuals, a catchy, eccentric soundtrack, and local four-player co-op, which was typical of the GameCube era. Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg still has a small cult following. Still, we will never know whether Billy the Giant Cock would have helped or hurt the game’s popularity when it was released in September 2003.

      Sources
      Tags: , , , ,
    • State of Play 2026 Sets Record, God of War Laufey Leads

      State of Play 2026 Sets Record, God of War Laufey Leads

      Key Takeaway

      – State of Play 2026 hit a record peak of over 3 million live viewers.
      – YouTube trailers for *Marvel’s Wolverine* and *God of War: Laufey* generated over 4.4 million hours watched.
      – *God of War: Laufey* and *Marvel’s Wolverine* were the most-viewed trailers, far outpacing all other games shown.
      – *God of War: Laufey* has a mixed reception, with a dislike ratio higher than *Wolverine*, but strong sales are still anticipated.
      – Increased co-streaming by content creators was a major factor in the event’s record-breaking performance.

      State of Play 2026 viewership numbers are in

      A May 19th announcment allowed hype surrounding State of Play 2026 to build for two weeks. That excitement culminated in the highest viewership to date for the PlayStation showcase. Streams Charts revealed that it accumulated a peak of over 3 million live viewers, topping the June 2025 event. This milestone marks a significant increase from previous years.

      YouTube trailers for PS5 exclusives attract huge audiences

      YouTube trailers for PS5 exclusives like Marvel’s Wolverine and God of War Laufey are now attracting the largest audiences. Kicking off and closing the broadcast, they helped generate more than 4.4 million hours watched. Streams Charts credits more content creators co-streaming the spectacle for contributing to the impressive performance. This co-streaming strategy has clearly paid off for Sony.

      Comparing this State of Play to past events

      The recent State of Play ranks higher than its June 2025 competition, which reached a peak viewership of around 2.25 million. Next is the February 2026 bonanza at 2.2 million, with the January 2024 showcase further behind at 1.63 million. These numbers show a clear upward trend in audience engagement. Critics have complained about the slow pace of new PS5 exclusive games.

      God of War Laufey trailer dominates YouTube

      Its not suprising then that a pair of first-party titles continues to recieve the most attention. In pole position on the PlayStation YouTube channel, the God of War Laufey trailer has notched 5.2 million total views. Since the unveiling of the Santa Monica Studio project, the limited role of Kratos has dissapointed some fans. Instead, his late wife Faye/Laufey faces off against enemies in the afterlife.

      The mixed reaction may be reflected in a like/dislike ratio of 341K to an estimated 178K. Nevertheless, most analysts anticipate strong sales on its rumored 1st-half of 2027 release date. Gamers already knew that Marvel’s Wolverine would attend the State of Play 2026. The gory presentation delighted Logan supporters, with the trailer’s view count second at 4.8 million. The non-stop violence wasnt controversial enough to earn a high percentage of dislikes.

      Other games at the broadcast

      About 20 PS5 games in total were on display during the PlayStation broadcast. Until Dawn 2, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, and Silent Hill: Townfall are among the other most popular videos. Still, none come close to matching the views of the new God of War game or Marvel’s Wolverine.

       

      Sources
      Tags: , , , ,