Category: Gaming

  • BBC Breakfast Faces Criticism for Retrogaming Segment Setup

    BBC Breakfast Faces Criticism for Retrogaming Segment Setup

    Key Takeaways

    1. The BBC Breakfast segment highlighted the resurgence of retrogaming but featured an NES cartridge mistakenly placed in an SNES console.
    2. Viewers reacted with surprise and humor on social media, with many sharing jokes and comments on platforms like Reddit.
    3. The segment attracted approximately 6.5 million viewers, but the focus shifted from celebrating retro gaming to the mix-up.
    4. UKIE distanced itself from responsibility for the display error, clarifying that the studio team handled the setup independently.
    5. Despite the mishap, the incident raised awareness about retro gaming, although it became the main talking point overshadowing the original celebration.

    This morning’s segment on BBC Breakfast highlighted the comeback of retrogaming. However, things took a surprising twist when viewers noticed an NES Super Mario Bros. cartridge stuck inside a Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

    Online Reactions

    The blunder led to a mix of astonishment and mockery across social media platforms and among gamers. During the broadcast, Professor Nickle Poole (OBE), the Chief Executive of UKIE, showcased a variety of retro gaming devices. The display included a range of equipment, from a Sinclair ZX81 to a Nintendo Wii and an SNES.

    Viewership and Focus

    The segment attracted around 6.5 million viewers and aimed to celebrate the renewed interest in retro gaming consoles. Instead, the attention was diverted by an NES game awkwardly inserted into an SNES. By day’s end, many users flocked to r/gaming to share humorous comments like “I want to report a crime.”

    Community Reactions

    Reddit users had a blast with this error from the BBC. One commenter remarked, “the setup was either done by someone clueless about games or by an expert trying to mess with this subreddit.” Other commentators expressed their disappointment over the missing UK’s top-selling 16-bit console, the SEGA Mega Drive.

    UKIE’s Response

    Following the on-air error, UKIE quickly clarified that it was not responsible for the display setup and distanced itself from the mishap in a statement to VGC. They explained that the studio team managed the setup independently and that Poole had no control over it during the broadcast. UKIE noted, “For transparency, the studio team set up the in-studio display independently and handled the placement of the consoles—unfortunately, we couldn’t adjust it whilst on air.”

    Despite Poole’s appearance on BBC Breakfast, the gaffe succeeded in drawing attention to retro-gaming. However, it’s probable that Poole won’t easily forget the NES-SNES mix-up that overshadowed the segment.

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  • Nintendo eShop Filters Out Shovelware for Switch and Switch 2 Games

    Nintendo eShop Filters Out Shovelware for Switch and Switch 2 Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo improved its eShop to reduce shovelware and enhance browsing before the Switch 2 release.
    2. New publishing rules limit game bundles to five in the first year to prevent ranking manipulation.
    3. Nintendo aims to combat imitation and AI-generated artwork by banning certain edits post-release.
    4. The company is focused on keeping the eShop safe for younger players by blocking inappropriate content.
    5. Developers are concerned that changes may hinder visibility for lesser-known indie games in the eShop.

    Before the release date for Switch 2, Nintendo made improvements to its eShop for better browsing. In certain areas, the company took steps to lessen the amount of visible shovelware. According to IGN, Nintendo has set new publishing rules in Japan and other Asian regions. The aim is to limit low-quality or inappropriate Switch and Switch 2 games that appear at the top of search results.

    New Guidelines for Game Bundles

    The comprehensive strategy for cleaning up the Nintendo eShop includes restrictions on game bundles. Publishers who quickly make games often bundle multiple titles together to achieve higher rankings. Now, these publishers are only allowed to list five bundles for the first year after a game’s launch.

    Imitation and AI Artwork Concerns

    Some publishers profit from mimicking popular games by using similar titles or descriptions. Shovelware sometimes uses generative AI to create appealing visuals. Nintendo is trying to stop this by banning some edits after a game is released.

    The issue of spam and inappropriate listings is also a problem in other stores, like the PlayStation Store. Still, some buyers view Nintendo as more family-friendly, which raises expectations for keeping the eShop safe. To protect younger players, Nintendo has advised companies against overly sexual or political content. If a game promotes criminal behavior or discrimination, it could be blocked.

    Developer Concerns About Changes

    IGN also talked with developers who are worried about the changes to the Nintendo eShop. While the intentions are good, it might prevent players from finding lesser-known Switch games.

    Some publishers expressed similar feelings when Nintendo made other adjustments to the marketplace. Instead of ranking titles based on the most downloads in the last two weeks, it started favoring sales from the past three days. As a result, buyers often see popular first-party games listed first. Meanwhile, lower-priced indie games might get lost in the ever-growing Nintendo eShop.

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    Nintendo eShop Filters Out Shovelware for Switch and Switch 2 Games
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  • PlayStation Launches 30th Anniversary Collection in Select Regions

    PlayStation Launches 30th Anniversary Collection in Select Regions

    Key Takeaways

    1. PlayStation will re-release select items from the 30th Anniversary Collection later this year, including the PS5 Digital Edition and DualSense Controller.
    2. Pre-orders for the anniversary items will start on July 23 at 10 AM in various regions, with some benefits for PlayStation Plus members starting on July 21.
    3. The confirmed launch date for the anniversary products is September 9 for Japan and September 29 for other regions.
    4. Available regions for the limited edition items include Canada, France, Japan, Ireland, Italy, and the UK.
    5. Pricing details are not yet available but are expected to be similar to the standard PS5 Digital Edition and accessories.

    Last year, PlayStation marked its 30th birthday by launching special edition versions of its consoles and accessories. Known as the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection, it featured unique editions of the PS5 (both digital and disc), the PS5 Pro, PlayStation Portal, and the DualSense Controller. If you missed out on this collection last year because of scalpers, good news: PlayStation has revealed that some items from the collection will be back for sale later this year.

    Upcoming Availability of Products

    Many announcements from the X accounts of different PlayStation regions have indicated that the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Console Bundle (which includes the console and controller), the 30th Anniversary DualSense Wireless Controller, and the 30th Anniversary PlayStation Portal will be available in limited quantities this September. So far, the regions confirmed to have access to these anniversary products include Canada, France, Japan, Ireland, Italy, and the UK.

    Pre-Order Details

    PlayStation Canada has stated that the 30th anniversary items will be up for pre-order at certain retailers starting at 10 AM on July 23, with a launch date set for September 9. Meanwhile, PlayStation France and Italy have also noted that pre-orders will kick off at 10 AM on July 23, but only on direct.playstation.com. Plus, PlayStation Plus members will get a head start on pre-orders beginning July 21 at 10 AM. The release date for these items is also confirmed to be September 29.

    In Ireland, pre-orders will also start at 10 AM IST on July 23, available exclusively at Smyths Toys, with the launch date aligning with September 29. In the UK, pre-orders can be made at 10 AM BST on July 23 (July 21 for PlayStation Plus members) on direct.playstation.com, with the launch date matching that of Ireland. In Japan, the pre-order timeline is the same as in other regions, but the release date will be September 9.

    Pricing Expectations

    No pricing details have been shared by any of the official accounts, but it’s anticipated that the prices will likely align with those of the standard PS5 Digital Edition (currently available on Amazon for $449), DualSense Wireless Controller, and the PS Portal.

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  • New Free Steam Game: Explosive Roguelike Action, Fans Love It!

    New Free Steam Game: Explosive Roguelike Action, Fans Love It!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Positive Reception: Serious Survivors has an 86% positive rating on Steam, with players calling it a potential top indie game of the year.
    2. Fast-Paced FPS Gameplay: Released on June 17, 2025, the game features fast-paced first-person shooter mechanics where players face endless randomized enemy waves.
    3. Power-Up System: Players can stack various power-ups and perks, enhancing gameplay and contributing to high replayability.
    4. Progression Feature: Dying ends a run, but players can unlock new abilities and upgrades, adding depth to the gaming experience.
    5. Retro Visuals and Accessibility: The game features charming pixelated graphics and runs on systems with decent specifications, making it accessible to a wide range of players.

    Steam regularly offers new free games, and a lot of these titles are quite enjoyable. One such title, Serious Survivors, has an impressive 86% positive rating from players on the platform. Some users even describe it as a hidden treasure, stating it “could be one of the top 10 indie games this year.”

    Game Launch and Mechanics

    Released on June 17, 2025, Serious Survivors falls under the category of fast-paced first-person shooters (FPS). This free game on Steam pits players against endless waves of adversaries. The enemy waves are randomized, and players can find power-ups that make each playthrough unique. The combat requires quick reflexes and skillful movements; for instance, circle-strafing, dodging, and backpedaling are key tactics for staying alive.

    Power-Ups and Replayability

    Regarding power-ups, players can stack different perks and enhancements. Each mix can significantly change how the game is played, and this ability to combine perks boosts the game’s replayability.

    Deaths and Progression

    In Serious Survivors, dying ends your run. However, players can unlock new abilities and upgrades with each attempt. This feature introduces a progression system, which adds depth to the gameplay experience.

    Visuals and System Requirements

    Aesthetically, this free game on Steam draws inspiration from retro styles, showcasing charming pixelated graphics. Moreover, it doesn’t demand high-end specifications, meaning that systems with decent capabilities should run it without issues (for example, the Ryzen 7 8745HS-powered Beelink Ser8 is currently priced at $449 on Amazon). Check out the video linked below to discover more about this exciting free title.

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  • Nintendo Direct Rumored for Last Week of July, Focus on Third-Party Games

    Nintendo Direct Rumored for Last Week of July, Focus on Third-Party Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. A Nintendo Direct is rumored to happen in the last week of July, but no specific date is confirmed.
    2. The Direct is expected to focus on third-party games, including titles like Elden Ring and Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
    3. Credible leaker Nate The Hate suggests the Direct may be scheduled after the release of Donkey Kong Bananza on July 17.
    4. Major third-party publishers are developing projects for the Switch 2, but some announcements may be delayed until 2026.
    5. An official announcement for the Direct could come between July 20 and July 27.

    There have been talks about another Nintendo Direct happening this summer, but the exact date is still unknown. Although that is the situation now, recent leaks suggest it might take place in the last week of July. It’s anticipated that this Direct will highlight third-party games, which aligns with prior leaks about major news for the upcoming event.

    Podcast Insights

    Credible leaker Nate The Hate recently shared a podcast on YouTube, discussing what’s coming for the Nintendo Switch 2. During the podcast, the main topics were the limited availability of Switch 2 development kits and the upcoming Nintendo Direct. At around the 42-minute mark, he mentioned that he heard the next Direct might happen after the release of Donkey Kong Bananza on July 17. While there’s no specific date yet, Nate The Hate believes it could take place just before the company’s earnings call on August 1. This points towards a possible event in the last week of July.

    Expected Announcements

    Regarding what announcements might be featured in the Nintendo Direct, Nate The Hate and his co-hosts think that there will be a strong emphasis on third-party titles. As Nintendo works on enhancing its first-party game lineup for the Switch 2, fans are still eager for release dates of third-party games like Elden Ring, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, The Duskbloods, Hades II, and more.

    Future Projects

    One of the co-hosts mentioned that major third-party publishers have projects in development for the Switch 2. These include companies like Capcom, Sega, Ubisoft, Bandai Namco, and even Microsoft, who are all waiting to unveil their titles. Nevertheless, these announcements might be postponed until 2026, and the earlier discussion about the limited number of Switch 2 dev kits could be a contributing factor.

    It’s important to note that Nintendo has not officially confirmed any Direct event for July. If there is indeed something planned, we might see an announcement next week, between July 20 and July 27.

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  • Mangmi Air X: Affordable Gaming Handheld with Hall Effect Joysticks

    Mangmi Air X: Affordable Gaming Handheld with Hall Effect Joysticks

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mangmi is set to launch its first gaming handheld, the Air X, globally after its introduction in China.
    2. The Air X is priced at CNY 499 (approximately $70) and features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset for enhanced performance.
    3. Key features include Hall effect joysticks, a 5.5-inch 1080p IPS display, a six-axis gyroscope, a 5,000 mAh battery, and 4 GB of RAM.
    4. The Air X offers 64 GB of expandable storage and is expected to outperform similar gaming handhelds using other chipsets.
    5. Availability outside China is not yet announced, but early subscribers can receive a $5 discount.

    It looks like Mangmi is getting ready to launch its first gaming handheld on a worldwide scale. The Air X was introduced earlier this month in China and is priced at CNY 499 (around $70) in that region, largely due to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset. This chipset, along with its Adreno drivers, is expected to offer better performance compared to similar SoCs such as the MediaTek Helio G85, Unisoc T610, or Unisoc T618, which are used in gaming handhelds like the Anbernic RG505 (currently priced at $142.49 on Amazon).

    Impressive Features of the Air X

    Furthermore, the Mangmi Air X comes equipped with Hall effect joysticks and triggers, which are typically found in pricier gaming handhelds. Additionally, it boasts a 5.5-inch IPS display that supports a native resolution of 1080p and can achieve a peak brightness of 450 nits. On top of that, the Air X has a six-axis gyroscope, a 5,000 mAh battery, and 4 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, along with 64 GB of expandable storage.

    Availability and Discounts

    As of now, Mangmi has not disclosed when the Air X will be available outside of China. The company also hasn’t provided any information regarding the potential cost of the device in other markets. However, they are offering a $5 discount for early subscribers to their mailing list. For further information, check out Mangmi’s global website.

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    Mangmi Air X: Affordable Gaming Handheld with Hall Effect Joysticks
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  • New Colony Sim Launches on Steam After $36K Kickstarter Success

    New Colony Sim Launches on Steam After $36K Kickstarter Success

    Key Takeaways

    1. “Dawn Apart” is a voxel-based factory and survival simulator set on a dangerous alien planet, entering early access after a successful Kickstarter campaign.
    2. The game features destructible environments and combines elements from colony-building games like Factorio and They Are Billions with unique gameplay twists.
    3. Players can build automated industrial outposts while managing resources and defending against outside threats, with layered factory construction and open-ended exploration.
    4. A light narrative element allows players to influence the story through choices, with themes of rebellion and corporate dynamics.
    5. The game has received positive feedback from early players, and the developers plan 20-30 months of ongoing development, including combat and additional content.

    A new addition to the fast-growing colony simulation genre is set to debut on Steam today. Titled “Dawn Apart,” this voxel-based factory and survival simulator takes place on a dangerous alien planet. The game is entering early access after a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over €31,000 from more than 750 supporters earlier this year. The development is led by the German studio Industrial Technology & Witchcraft, with publishing handled by Astra Logical.

    Unique Gameplay Elements

    “Dawn Apart” incorporates familiar aspects from well-known colony-building games like Factorio and They Are Billions, but it also brings its own distinctive features. Players find themselves on an empty alien world, tasked with constructing an automated industrial outpost while managing scarce resources. They must cater to the growing needs of their colonists while defending against waves of outside threats. The twist? Every element in the game world—including terrain, buildings, and defenses—is fully destructible.

    Building and Exploration

    The game offers both layered factory construction and opportunities for open-ended exploration. Players can build upwards, create conveyor systems, mine below the surface, or completely alter the terrain based on their designs. In addition to the core automation and resource management gameplay, there is a light narrative element. Players assume the role of a colonial commander working for a megacorp, with the possibility of rebellion and resistance influencing the story depending on the choices made during gameplay.

    Positive Reception and Future Plans

    A public demo released earlier this year allowed players to engage in approximately two hours of factory construction, although combat was not included. Feedback from early players on Kickstarter has been largely positive, though some have mentioned the interface could be clunky and the pacing a bit off. The developers are quite engaged, providing regular updates, community polls, and balance patches as part of their post-launch plans.

    “Dawn Apart” is entering early access with a commitment to at least 20-30 months of ongoing development. The developers state that the current version includes the fundamental mechanics and core progression loop, with plans for combat, environmental dangers, and campaign content to be added over time.

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    New Colony Sim Launches on Steam After $36K Kickstarter SuccessNew Colony Sim Launches on Steam After $36K Kickstarter Success

     

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  • OneXSugar Sugar 1: One-Netbook Announces Release Date for Android Handheld

    OneXSugar Sugar 1: One-Netbook Announces Release Date for Android Handheld

    Key Takeaways

    1. One-Netbook will launch the OneXSugar Sugar 1 on July 21 at 16:00 UTC via Indiegogo.
    2. The device is an Android-based handheld with a focus on gaming.
    3. Pricing details are not yet confirmed, but it is expected to be cheaper than One-Netbook’s Windows-based devices.
    4. The OneXSugar Sugar 1 features two OLED displays and Hall effect joysticks.
    5. Complete specifications will be released closer to the official launch date.

    One-Netbook has finally announced the launch date for its OneXSugar Sugar 1, nearly seven months after the initial teaser for this Android-based handheld. To summarize, the company gave a sneak peek of the device back in March and hinted at a possible launch timeline just last month.

    Launch Details

    Now, they have confirmed that the OneXSugar Sugar 1 will hit the market prior to the end of the month. More specifically, One-Netbook plans to begin sales of its convertible gaming handheld starting at 16:00 UTC on July 21 through Indiegogo. It appears that for now, this device will only be available on this popular crowdfunding site.

    Pricing Information

    However, pricing details are still unclear at this point. It is likely that the device will cost less than One-Netbook’s other Windows-based handhelds like the OneXFly F1 Pro (currently $1,539 on Amazon), especially considering the Ayaneo Pocket S2 starts at $439 and also uses the same Qualcomm Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chipset.

    Features and Specifications

    As depicted in the image above, the OneXSugar Sugar 1 will come equipped with features such as two OLED displays and Hall effect joysticks. It is expected that One-Netbook will provide complete specifications before the official release. For more information about this latest gaming handheld from One-Netbook, be sure to check out the videos below.

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    OneXSugar Sugar 1: One-Netbook Announces Release Date for Android Handheld

     

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  • Unique and Hilarious FPS Launches on Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Unique and Hilarious FPS Launches on Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass subscribers received three new titles, including a remastered bundle from the 2000s, with “High on Life” being the only confirmed game for the third week of July.
    2. “High on Life,” created by Justin Roiland, features wacky humor and an outrageous story involving an alien drug cartel invading Earth.
    3. Players take on the role of a teenager turned bounty hunter, using talking weapons with unique personalities to combat alien foes.
    4. The game has received mixed reviews, scoring 6.5/10 from 4Players, while Steam users rated it “Very Positive” with an average score of 89%.
    5. “High on Life” will be available on Xbox Game Pass starting July 15 for cloud, console, and PC.

    Last week, Xbox Game Pass subscribers welcomed three fresh titles, featuring a remastered bundle of two iconic games from the 2000s. For the third week of July, there is only one game that has been confirmed: the eccentric first-person shooter High on Life, created by Justin Roiland, known for co-creating Rick and Morty. Nevertheless, it’s likely that Microsoft will add more games to the lineup and announce additional titles soon.

    Humor and Adventure Await

    If you’re into Rick and Morty, you’ll probably find High on Life pretty enjoyable, as the humor is just as wacky and exaggerated. The story is as outrageous as it appears: Earth gets invaded by an alien drug cartel that uses humans to get their next high. You take on the role of an average teenager who unexpectedly becomes a bounty hunter tasked with taking down the alien gang. To assist you in your quest, you’ll have a variety of talking weapons – each with its distinct personality. They continuously crack jokes and respond to almost everything you do or don’t do.

    Gameplay and Reception

    In High on Life, players hop between planets to track down strange alien bosses, blast through sticky outposts, and gather new upgrades, resources, and more of the game’s lively, animated weapons. Each success brings you closer to defeating Garmantuous – the merciless head of the alien cartel. As reported by the German gaming magazine 4Players, the game excels with its outrageous humor, though the shooting mechanics could use some work, giving it a score of 6.5 out of 10. In contrast, the reception on Steam has been far more favorable, with over 16,000 reviews averaging a “Very Positive” rating of 89%. Metacritic offers a more nuanced view: a critic Metascore of 69 and a User Score of 7.4.

    Availability on Xbox Game Pass

    High on Life will join Xbox Game Pass starting July 15, making it accessible through cloud, console, and PC. You can catch a first look at the game’s crazy charm in the trailer below.

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  • Anbernic RG477M Unveiled: CNC Design and Hardware Details Revealed

    Anbernic RG477M Unveiled: CNC Design and Hardware Details Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic has resumed its product releases with the launch of the RG35XX Pro and RG Slide last month.
    2. The company has introduced a new device, the RG477M, utilizing ‘CNC technology’.
    3. The RG477M shares similarities with the RG353M and RG405M, both featuring metal shells.
    4. It is expected to have a 4.7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1,280 x 960 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate.
    5. The RG477M may feature either a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 or a Unisoc T820 chipset.

    Almost a month has gone by since we last got news from Anbernic. After taking a break at the beginning of the year, the company has returned to its usual release schedule and launched the RG35XX Pro and RG Slide within just two weeks of each other last month.

    New Developments

    Now, Anbernic is focusing on a fresh option, just when we thought they might let July slip by without any announcements. The company has officially introduced the RG477M, which it claims features ‘CNC technology’.

    Similarities and Improvements

    The RG477M shares some similarities with the RG353M and RG405M (currently priced at $169 on Amazon), both of which had metal shells. However, it is expected that Anbernic has made hardware enhancements in several areas.

    On one side, the RG477M is likely to have the 4.7-inch display seen in the RG Slide. This IPS panel should provide a native output of 1,280 x 960 pixels in a 4:3 aspect ratio, along with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. On the other side, there’s speculation that the device may include a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset, taken from the RG557. At this moment, we can’t dismiss the possibility of Anbernic choosing the Unisoc T820 from the RG Slide instead.

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    Anbernic RG477M Unveiled: CNC Design and Hardware Details Revealed

     

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