Games
• Key Takeaways: * Third-party ports are the clearest barometer of the Switch 2's real-world performance. * Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws showcased what DLSS and the new Nvidia-based chip can do. * Some current-gen ports shine, while others expose limitations that developers must patch. Why ports matter for Switch 2
Games
Key Takeaways: * Nintendo has reissued select 2025 Switch Online icons and frames through January 11, 2026. * Icons cost 10 Platinum Points each; borders and frames cost 5 Platinum Points. * Featured designs include Super Mario Galaxy, F‑Zero 99, Kirby entries, Xenoblade Chronicles X and more. * The promotion coincides with a
Games
* Key Takeaways: * EDGE’s year-end issue names Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 its Game of the Year for 2025. * Hades 2 is EDGE’s Nintendo Game of the Year; Donkey Kong Bananza ranks in the top five. * Lumines Arise picks up multiple accolades — PlayStation Game of the Year, VR Game of
Games
* Arc System Works plans a major Version 2.0 overhaul for Guilty Gear Strive, aiming for a refreshed experience rather than small patches. * Version 2.0 will include at least one new character at launch and more fighters to arrive gradually; Jam and Robo Ky were teased. * Balance changes will
Games
• Key Takeaways: * Metroid Prime 4 began as a direct request from Nintendo of America to make a new numbered Prime title. * Development shifted to Retro Studios mid-project; Retro had to build the internal structure to make a Metroid Prime game. * Background assets and movie creation were outsourced and required close
Games
* Balatro emerges as Dominik Diamond’s personal lifesaver and top emotional pick. * Marvel Snap was his most-played title but fell out of favor over microtransaction-driven changes. * Family favourites: Just Dance 2024, Overwatch, Resident Evil Biohazard, Crash Bandicoot and Minecraft dominated household playtime. * Blue Prince and Doom: The Dark Ages are
Games
• Key Takeaways: * ConcernedApe released a free Nintendo Switch 2 edition update for Stardew Valley on Dec. 25, 2025. * New features include mouse controls, local split-screen for up to 4 players, and online multiplayer for up to 8 players. * Existing Switch owners receive the update as a free "Upgrade Pack&
Games
* Key Takeaways: * Wing Commander: Privateer (1993) taught the author to prefer open-world, player-driven experiences over tightly authored stories. * The game combined Elite-style sandbox mechanics with Wing Commander flight and a richly hand-crafted setting. * Privateer influenced later space sandboxes — Freelancer, the X series, EVE Online, Elite Dangerous, No Man’s Sky,
Games
* A mix of high-profile sequels and unexpected indie hits made Ars Technica’s 2025 top-20 list. * Franchise entries like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Avowed, and Civilization VII anchored the year, while GTA VI slipped into 2026. * Indie standouts — Blue Prince, Baby Steps, Ball x Pit, and Dragonsweeper — proved small teams
Games
• A wide slate of indie and mid-tier releases in 2025 delivered standout experiences across roguelikes, platformers, puzzles, and party games. • Notable picks: Monster Train 2 (deckbuilder roguelike), Shotgun Cop Man (physics platformer), Abandoned Archive (spell‑based roguelike), Promise Mascot Agency (open‑world collectathon). • Many titles are available across PC and
Games
• Free upgrade: Stardew Valley — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is now available to existing Switch owners. • New features: Mouse controls, four‑player split‑screen, eight‑player online, and GameShare support are included. • Rollout: Update is live on the US eShop; regional availability may follow. • Ongoing content: Creator Eric "ConcernedApe"
Games
• Fortnite and PlayStation Network saw major login spikes on Christmas Day, briefly stressing servers. • Epic Games CTO Tim Sweeney acknowledged issues as "the servers are melting down, sorry fam." • Fortnite Status later reported logins were recovering; PSN experienced limited, intermittent problems. • Engineers responded quickly; most players were able