Games

Market analysts warned us ahead of launch that it would happen, Nintendo just officially increased the price on Switch hardware and Switch 2 accessories (again) in the U.S., and it seems it’s only a matter of time before Switch 2 console prices go up too. The new systems and bundles launched at a list much higher than last generation, but, judging by the way things are going, it’s might be going up from there, and it could be as soon as this year – if you don’t have one yet, now might be the time to strike. 

I came way feeling pretty good about the recent Indie World showcase, but mostly just because of the Mina the Hollower confirmation and the subsequent FREE demo you can play right now. Others, not to so much – Hollow Knight: Silksong did not make an appearance, because of course it didn’t, but it will be making an official appearance at the Switch 2 gamescom booth in Germany later this month, according to one of Nintendo’s EU X accounts. 

Way back before the Switch 2 was even made official earlier this year, folks spotted patents that uncovered the mouse mode that indeed came to fruition. And now, recently spotted and newly filed Nintendo patents are suggesting some additional Switch 2 Joy-Con functionality could be on the way. 

Not long after gracing the word with its next-generation Switch 2 hardware, some new Nintendo toys are inbound. Nintendo is officially releasing a new platform of sorts known as “My Mario.” Consisting of a range of new toys and products, including a FREE interactive app for iOS, Android, and Switch, the particularly sweet-looking 3D Mario wood block sets, and a “Hello Mario!” Board Book, it is all set to begin releasing in Japan this month with an early 2026 launch slated elsewhere. 

Nintendo’s Indie World showcase went live this morning with short but (mostly) sweet look at some interesting new indie titles coming to Switch and Switch 2 this year and next. But some of the games on display in today’s live stream actually released today, and one of the titles I’m personally most excited about actually dropped a FREE demo ahead of launch this fall. 

One of the standout announcements of today’s Nintendo Indie World showcase for me, and plenty of other folks, was the new Mina the Hollower trailer, its Switch 2 release date, and the FREE demo you can now play on Switch and Switch 2. 

What will Nintendo show in today’s Indie World Direct? When does the next Direct go live? And where to watch today’s Indie World showcase? We, of course, don’t know for sure, the next “Direct” is today – it’s an indie game showcase, and you can watch it right here starting very soon at 9 a.m. ET. Details below. 

Yesterday Nintendo made it official – we are getting our second Direct show case in as many weeks and this time it’s going to be all about the indies. While it might not be the first big-time traditional Direct showcase of the Switch 2 era we are all waiting on, the next Indie World Direct is another chance for Nintendo to show off some notable experiences coming to Switch 2 outside of the big-time first-party releases we are anticipating, and it’s time to take a look at what we expect to see, what we are hoping to see, and what games will actually make tomorrow’s Indie World a success. 

Just after hosting its first major Direct Partner Showcase of the Switch 2 era, Nintendo has now officially announced when the next IndieWorld Showcase will go live. The livestream is set to give us a look at what’s next for Switch 1 and Switch 2 from the indie side of things and it goes live this week. 

Nintendo has recently issued an official statement via one of its Japanese X account warning users of potential Switch 2 overheating and crashing issues with summer temperatures expected to hit all-time highs in select regions. 

Nintendo has now announced price hikes on Switch hardware in the U.S. After it did as much in other regions, I guess it was only a matter of time before it hit home, and that is today…or August 3, 2025 rather when the prices will officially rise stateside. 

Nintendo has officially released its latest quarterly earnings report, further highlighting the massive uptick in sales garnered by Switch 2 – the fastest-selling console in U.S. history. YoY earnings for the Mario maker are (mostly) up across the board because of the nearly 6 million Switch units sold in the first quarter and nearly as many copies of its new open-world Mario Kart experience. But none of this comes as much to surprise to just about anyone at this point, and subsequently isn’t all that interesting to anyone but stock holders – Nintendo did however once again confirm the 2025 release date windows for some major upcoming titles. 

Nintendo’s new GameCube library for Switch Online members was one of the more pleasing and maybe even surprising elements to the Switch 2 launch. It’s not perfect, there aren’t a ton of games yet, and Nintendo did decide to lock out Switch 1 consoles all together, however it is a nice way to bolster the launch lineup for its new console and provide some “new” classic experiences for nostalgic gamers or folks that weren’t around for the GameCube days. But what will be the next game added to the Switch Online GameCube library? 

Today we are taking a look at an alternative to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and a far more affordable option. The official Switch 2 Pro Controller has been a hit thus far, and one of the most popular Switch 2 peripherals to hit the market yet. While that’s not particularly surprising, there are some compelling lower-cost alternatives out there you don’t have to pay $85 for, and this new $30 GuliKit gamepad that can wake the Switch 2 is one of them. 

This morning’s long-awaited Nintendo Direct has aired, and it certainly was not what just about anyone was expecting. Not only was it a Partner Showcase, we also did not see almost any of the major third-party games that were rumored to be coming to Switch 2 – there were a couple, just not any of the big hitters. One shining light in the otherwise mostly mediocre showing was the new Square Enix RPGs that capped off the show – Octapath Traveler 0 and the all-new IP, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales. The latter of which now has a FREE demo you can download on Switch 2 to give it a try before launch. 

Nintendo Direct goes live today with the first major Partner Showcase of the Switch 2 generation, and you can watch it down below. There have been rumors abound for months on end for upcoming Microsoft Xbox titles coming to the platform, plenty of Ubisoft games, and chances are we will get some updates on those here today. Release dates for already confirmed Switch 2 ports like Elden Ring and the FF VII remake seem likely and we have heard word of Metaphor: ReFantazio and Death Stranding: Director’s Cut ports as well. But enough with the speculation (for now), as the show is set to go live very soon!

As July draws to an end and just ahead of this morning’s Nintendo Direct, let’s take a quick rundown of the biggest Switch 2 games set for release. While the (pre-recorded) livestream Partner Showcase set to go live at 6 a.m. PT/9 a.m. ET might very well deliver some news on additional third-party titles landing in for Switch 2 in August 2025, there are a decent selection of first- and third-party games that have already been locked down for the August release schedule, so let’s check them all out down below. 

Nintendo has finally gone official with long-awaited and much anticipated July Nintendo Direct. The livestream will mark the first proper Direct since Switch 2 launched, outside of the dedicated shows we have already got for the system’s two biggest launch titles, but we can’t help but be mildly skeptical/disappointed with what we know so far regarding tomorrow’s show – it is a Partner showcase after all. 

It’s now official, Nintendo Direct is going live again this week with the first major Switch 2 showcase since it released in June. This is, of course, outside of the dedicated Mario Kart 8 stream and the particularly exciting Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, but this week we are in for a more traditional Switch 2 Direct that is set to showcase plenty of upcoming titles and hopefully some major surprises too. 

While it might not be the the next Mario or Zelda game for Switch 2 many of us are eagerly awaiting, nor the new Animal Crossing title that is rumored to be making an appearance in the next Nintendo Direct, it sounds like a new Xenoblade project could very well be on the way for Switch 2. 

This afternoon’s collection of the best apps going on sale today via Google Play are now ready and waiting for you down below. Just be sure to also scope out the discounts we are tracking today on Motorola’s 2025 Razr Ultra at $400 off alongside the latest discounts across the Google Pixel Watch 3 lineup, these official Galaxy S25/+ and Ultra cases, and the best price of the year on Google’s 2-node Nest Wi-Fi Pro mesh system. But for now it’s all about the apps and they are waiting for you below. 

Back in early June, during the last State of Play showcase, Sony officially unveiled the new PlayStation fight stick – “the first wireless fight stick designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PS5 and PC.” And now, we have more details including the official name and a new trailer as part of Sony’s official update announcement. Check it all out below. 

The next big gaming event of the year (outside of that rumored Nintendo Switch 2 Direct that could pop up at anytime now), is gamescom. The annual gaming event is set to host most of the big players in the industry and we now have all of the official details from Microsoft – a playable demo for the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong, hands-on with the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, and a whole lot more. 

Remember when it was actually difficult to get a Switch 2 at retail? It wasn’t all that long ago when folks were clamoring for a fresh new announcement that Walmart, or Best Buy, or Target would have a scheduled restock, but that is not the case anymore. Anyone looking to grab a new Switch 2 console can readily do so right now without getting off the couch or making their way to the local Best Buy when the doors open, or anything like that. 

Reliable sources already said the next Nintendo Direct showcase was inbound this month, and now additional sources have confirmed as much. At this point, it seems as though a big-time summer Switch 2 Direct stream is all but imminent alongside, what many gamers are hoping for the most, the Metroid Prime 4 release date landing in 2025, and the rumored appearance of the new Animal Crossing game for Switch 2. 

Switch 2 consoles, including both the Mario Kart World bundle and new Pokémon Legends: Z-A package, are readily available for purchase and various major retailers online. The Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a flying start here – it is the fastest selling game hardware of all-time in the U.S. after the first month – and it is now up for grabs online for anyone who hasn’t picked on up yet.

Yesterday’s summer Pokémon Presents showcase gave a fresh look at the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A and was immediately followed by the reveal of the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Legends Z-A bundle that is now available for pre-order. But if you already have a console, and are just looking to secure a copy of the new pocket monster game, the FREE pre-order bonus gifts are now live at Best Buy and Walmart. Scope them out below. 

Back in April before the Switch 2 set sales records a few months later, we reported on an Assassin’s Creed: Shadows Switch 2 PEGI rating. While that rating was taken down thereafter, recent hints from the Ubisoft boss suggests the latest ninja-meets-samurai adventure’s release on the next-generation Nintendo hardware is all but imminent now. 

It’s mid-week App Store deal time and all of today’s best iOS game and app discounts are waiting down below. Just be sure to also scope out the discounts we have today on the official USB-C Apple Watch Magnetic Charger, one of the best prices ever on Twelve South’s latest 15W HiRise 2 Deluxe 2-in-1 MagSafe stand at 45% off, a giant discount on Nomad’s grade 5 Titanium Band, and this 1TB 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro at $330 off. All of the apps await after the fold.

Update: Pre-orders for the new official Pokémon Switch 2 console bundle are now live:

• Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends: Z-A $500 (Target)
• Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends: Z-A $500 (Best Buy)

This morning we were graced with some new details and gameplay for Pokémon Legends: Z-A as part of the Pokémon Presents showcase ahead of release, but immediately following that, Nintendo stole the show with the reveal of the official Pokémon Switch 2 console bundle. 

While it might be all about Pokémon today and the new Pokémon Legends Z-A Switch 2 bundle, one of the more major upcoming third-party titles finally has a release date. We already knew Borderlands 4 was inbound for all major consoles this fall, and now we know exactly when it will land on Switch 2. 

Hot on the heels of today’s summer Pokémon Presents showcase, the very first new Switch 2 console bundle has been revealed. The official Nintendo of Europe X account just debuted a new  Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch 2 bundle that will launch the same day as the new game on October 16, but we also now know it is coming to the U.S. as well. More details below. 

Today’s Pokémon Presents show is set to go live very soon with nearly a half hour of updates from across the Pokéverse. As we detailed yesterday, today’s show will be the longest in years if data pulled over the last couple days rings true and we could be in for more than just your usual string of updates on already existing Pokémon experiences. Come tune in to today’s show with us below.

Update: 7/22: Target now has the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Bundle in stock at $499.99 shipped as well as the Switch 2 on its own at $449.99.

Update 7/22: The Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle is also now in-stock at Best Buy.

Update 7/21: The Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle is now back in-stock at Target online. 

If you’re still looking to land yourself a Nintendo Switch 2 console, Target has the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle in stock right now as we speak. Now, as I’m sure you can imagine, this might not last for long, but Target has had a steady stream of units available online over the last few days with units coming in and out of stock on a regular basis and especially so on the Mario Kart World Bundle – get in there while you can. 

The next Pokémon Presents showcase is set to go live tomorrow morning, and it’s going to be a long one. Outside of some new Pokémon TCG drops and the May announcement for the official fall Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch 2 release date, things have been relatively quiet on the pocket monster front as of late…but all of that is about to change tomorrow when The Pokémon Company hosts the longest Pokémon Presents showcase in years. 

Rumors are abound of a July Nintendo Switch 2 Direct showcase, as we reported previously. This also comes along with predictions and rumors from reliable sources, both old and new, of which games might make an appearance. There are loads of major third-party titles that haven’t been made official yet, not to mention some big-time titles that still need an official release date, and what would the first major Direct showcase after the Switch 2 be without a huge drop from Nintendo’s development teams?

As detailed in our recent rundown of the best games releasing for Switch 2 this summer and beyond, Wild Hearts S is set to land on Nintendo’s latest console this upcoming Friday on July 25. While more than a few Switch 2 gamers are still busy making their way to the center of the earth in the critically acclaimed Donkey Kong Bananza, publisher Koei Tecmo has now released a FREE demo of Wild Hearts S so Switch 2 gamers can give it a run through before release later this week. 

The new Donkey Kong Bananza just released to rave reviews, with game of the year already being thrown around, and terms like Switch 2’s killer app. And as fun as Mario Kart World has been – it’s going to need a ton of updates to reach the heights of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for me, we would have to agree. But it’s only going to be a matter of time before you make it to the center of the earth to get your wish granted in Bananza, so let’s take look at the best Switch 2 games releasing this summer and beyond. 

As you know by now, Nintendo has repackaged some of its biggest Switch games as Switch 2 Editions with some significant upgrades and expansion content for the new console. It also issued less significant performance and visual upgrades for 12 other titles you can download for FREE, but it also recently issued a somewhat stealthy update to some other classic first-party games for Switch 2 – Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. 

Donkey Kong Bananza launch day is here and so is the brand new Donkey Kong Edition Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Pro Controller for Switch 2. Just after catching a look at the latest option from one of our favorites, 8BitDo, Turtle Beach is stepping out of the underground worlds with its new new Donkey Kong-themed wireless Switch 2 pro controller for Bananza launch day. Now available for pre-order at Amazon, you can get a closer look and more details down below. 

What does the Donkey Kong Bananza amiibo do? With Nintendo’s brand-new Donkey Kong adventure now out in the wild, the game is now up for purchase and shipping from just about all major retailers alongside the brand new amiibo Nintendo released that delivers in-game perks to enhance your experience. 

Nintendo Switch 2 is available for purchase at Best Buy stores across the country today. After catching a quick restock at Walmart last night online, the next chance to score a console will be when the doors open at your local Best Buy. While you might want to go call ahead of time just in case, most of them open up at 10 a.m. and there’s no telling how many units will be available. 

While we were already pretty sure of it after getting a couple early play sessions, reviews are starting to flood in and it looks like the Switch has its first real banger masterpiece with the new Donkey Kong Bananza. DK’s latest adventure will release across the country tomorrow, but if you still didn’t get a chance to score a console to get in on the action, you’re in luck. Best Buy is scheduled to have Switch 2 consoles back in stock tomorrow for Bananza day and you might be able to score a console and the game in one fell swoop. 

Nintendo’s Today! app has delivered some notable reveals since it was first introduced earlier this year. One of which was the official confirmation of the upcoming live-action Zelda movie, right before it delayed the official release date to May 7, 2027. Fast-forward to today, and Nintendo has revealed who it is casting to play the titular character and the Hero of Light. 

After officially debuting the sweet PS1-style 30th anniversary PS5, PS5 Pro, DualSense controller, and the PlayStation Portal back in September, the classic edition PlayStation hardware has become incredibly difficult to get a hold of. In Sony’s attempt to keep the retro-era paint jobs as exclusive and limited as possible, it has mostly just left gamers who never got a chance to score it annoyed. Fortunately, folks here in the U.S. will get another chance starting next week (sort of).