You know what would make Tears of the Kingdom much easier? A herd of Epona. In terms of making it harder? How about multiple Ganondorfs? Well, you can have all that and more thanks to an exploit discovered by the TOTK community. (Thanks GamingReinvented!).
With the new Zelda Notes companion app (compatible only with the Switch 2 Edition), it’s possible to share Autobuild creations by uploading them to the app in-game, which then creates a QR code that you can share online. When someone scans that code in and uploads it to the game, voila, they have your Autobuild creation ready to roll.
Today’s lineup mixes boutique muscle with budget-friendly firepower. The RUSH Mk. IV from MAINGEAR is a top-tier build I’m personally using—and it shows. Built, optimised, and debloated on the same bench it was assembled on, it’s the kind of machine that screams craftsmanship. You’re paying for a system that’s more than parts in a box: it’s pristine cable management, smart airflow, clean software, and solid support from people who actually know what they’re doing.
Crytek had a little bit of an oopsie yesterday with the Hunt: Showdown 1896’s 2.4 update yesterday. As soon as it arrived, there were reports of server problems and issues with buying Blood Bonds. This led to Crytek trying to fix it, taking the game’s servers offline to do so, except when the shooter was brought back online, it wasn’t with a fixed version of the new update, but version 2.3. However! It looks like the team continued work on getting it fixed (hope you didn’t have to crunch too hard, Crytek staff), and the update is back and available to download.
If you’ve been holding out for a solid deal, today’s lineup delivers some excellent finds. From a $12 power bank perfect for your Nintendo Switch 2 to a hefty Skytech gaming PC loaded with AMD’s latest hardware, there’s a little something for everyone.
TL;DR: Deals For Today
Vinyl collectors can also look forward to Woodkid’s emotionally rich Death Stranding 2 soundtrack, while digital deal hunters should check out the IGN Live 2025 Bundle. Eight well-reviewed PC games for just $22.
Hulu + Live TV Free Trial
Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial that allows you to take the live TV streaming service for a spin. This is one of the overall best streaming free trials because it gets you a bundle of services. It is quite a bit shorter than the standard Hulu free trial of 30 days, but it’s a great way to test it out over the weekend.
Final Fantasy x Secret Lair
While boosters, Commander decks, and a new Starter Kit are up for grabs (if you can find them in stock), collectors will be most drawn to the highly coveted Secret Lair drops. Despite selling out instantly via Wizards of the Coast, these limited-edition mini-sets (Game Over, Weapons, and Grimoire) are still available through third-party platforms like TCGPlayer, though you’ll be paying premium prices well above the original $30–$40 MSRP.
Each set features beautifully reimagined cards themed around iconic Final Fantasy characters and spells: the Weapons drop highlights legendary arms like Cloud’s Buster Sword and Tidus’s Brotherhood, Grimoire centers on magic-wielders like Vivi and Aerith, and Game Over pays tribute to villains with cards like Spira’s Punishment and Meteorfall. All sets come in standard and foil variants, with Japanese versions available as well. If you’re considering adding these to your collection, be sure to check listings carefully and be prepared for markups ranging from $70 to $150 or more.
MTG Final Fantasy Chase Cards
It’s insane how quickly these cards have climbed in value just days after release, and I can guarantee you (almost) that they won’t be coming down any time soon. If you fancy saving some money ripping packs of MTG FF, just buy the card you want on TCGPlayer instead and save a fortune.
Where To Buy MTG: Final Fantasy
It’s finally here, Magic the Gathering: Final Fantasy is out in the wild. If you got a preorder for MSRP, well played, but many TCG and Final Fantasy fans missed out. Fear not, there’s still some options on sealed products available right now, including options from the secondary market with TCG Player which is around the same or lower than the pricing of big box retailers right now.
Pokémon Restock Updates
Checking these prices against TCG Player secondary market values, a lot of these products aren’t far off the mark. Make no mistake, they’re still way off MSRP, but finding Pokémon products on shelves that haven’t been marked up past the point of anyone caring is a positive. Still refusing to pay over MSRP for new sets? Well played, I’m proud of you. Here’s some single card highlights for you to shuffle through instead. Spoiler, there’s plenty of deals to be had.
Destined Rivals Singles Are On The Rise (Again)
It’s hard to stick a pin on Destined Rivals single card values right now, and the dips in value seem to match the little bits of stock distributors release to stores. Looking at the tracking charts for each of these cards, we can see mostly plummets from day one, then either upticks or cards for sale that exceed the original value at launch. It’s crazy, but we now know how low these cards can go. Sure there’s always attempts at market manipulation, but I wouldn’t buy any cards on the rise right now.
The Most Expensive Pokémon Cards In Packs RIGHT NOW
We’re not talking about vintage or out of print sets, all of these are incredible chase cards you can pull from booster packs available now. You can probably put money on their value going up as soon as their respective sets go out of print. If you don’t want to spend mega money ripping open packs, market values on these single cards are quite reasonable for the most part..
Destined Rivals Sealed Stock
Wew’re look to market values for Destined Rivals at the moment, seeing as big box stores are either fresh out of stock or charging over MSRP and what they’re worth on the secondary market. So here’s the full lineup to pop on your shelf or rip open like THAT Tyranitar. If you know you know.
Skytech King 95 Gaming PC
Skytech King 95 Gaming PC delivers serious performance for gamers ready to step into high-end territory without going overboard. Priced at $2,099.99 with a 5% coupon currently available on Amazon, this build features an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU and a Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, making it well-equipped for smooth gameplay at 1440p and capable 4K performance. It also includes 32GB of fast DDR5-5600 RAM, a 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD for quick load times, and an 850W Gold-rated PSU to ensure stable power delivery. The system comes preloaded with Windows 11 Home, built-in Wi-Fi, and even includes an RGB keyboard and mouse to complete your setup.
Iniu 10,000mAh 22.5W USB Power Bank
If you need a budget-friendly power bank for your new Nintendo Switch 2, this deal is hard to beat. Amazon currently has the INIU 10,000mAh 22.5W USB power bank on sale for just $11.87 when you clip the 10% off coupon and use promo code F4M479K9 at checkout. That’s a 56% discount off its $26.99 list price. This compact charger can fully juice up a Switch 2 about 1.5 times and offers three outputs—including a 22.5W USB-C port with Power Delivery 3.0 for fast charging, plus two USB-A QuickCharge 4 ports. With over 18,000 Amazon reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it’s a reliable pick that rivals pricier options like Anker. It’s also TSA-compliant and travel-friendly thanks to its slim 10,000mAh capacity.
IGN Live 2025 Bundle
Celebrate IGN Live 2025 with a Humble Bundle packed with critically acclaimed games, all while supporting a great cause. For just $22, you can unlock a collection of eight PC titles worth $239, including fan favorites like Slay the Spire, The Medium, art of rally, Old World, and Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator. Whether you’re into strategic turn-based combat in Wartales, mystical adventures in Black Book, or fast-paced action in Bloodroots, this bundle has something for every kind of gamer. All proceeds benefit Child’s Play, a charity that brings games and technology to children in hospitals around the world. Redeemable on Steam and available across multiple platforms, this deal is only live for a limited time.
Woodkid for Death Stranding 2 On the Beach – 2LP Vinyl
Available now for pre-order, the Woodkid for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach 2LP vinyl features 16 original tracks composed by Woodkid for the upcoming sequel to Hideo Kojima’s acclaimed Death Stranding. Set to release on September 26, 2025, this deluxe edition includes collaborations with Elle Fanning and Bryce Dessner, alongside ethereal vocals from the Suginami Junior Chorus. Pressed on two translucent ultra-clear vinyl records, the soundtrack is packaged in printed sleeves and housed in a metallic case featuring official game artwork, wrapped with a translucent belly band..
Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch 2)
Kirby’s back with a fresh upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2 in a reworked version of Kirby and the Forgotten Land. This enhanced edition features smoother performance, higher resolution, and a brand new post-meteor storyline with extra Mouthful Modes. It’s the same colorful 3D platforming adventure, complete with abandoned malls, mystery-filled ruins, and chaotic boss fights, now with expanded content and improved visuals. You can even team up with a friend in local co-op to save the Waddle Dees and rebuild their town together.
Donkey Kong Bananza
With a Nintendo Direct dropping for Donkey Kong Bananza tommorow, it’s a good time to make sure you’ve got the Mario Odyssey-esque 3D platformer secured for day one. This physical edition has the full game on the cart and is giving DK the kind of 3D platforming love it’s been missing since the Nintendo 64 days.
FiGGYZ
FiGGYZ are a new line of 4.3-inch pixel art collectibles that snap into place with magnets and feature characters from major franchises like Sonic, Street Fighter, and Banjo & Kazooie. They’re compact enough for desks or shelves, and every release includes a chance at rare gold, silver, and bronze variants with drop rates as low as 1%. A clean, fun option for collectors who want to show off their favorite characters without clutter.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail – 4K UHD Combo + Steelbook
Monty Python and the Holy Grail gets the 4K UHD treatment in this limited edition SteelBook release, celebrating 50 years of absurdity. Follow King Arthur and his coconut-clopping knights on their chaotic quest for the Holy Grail, now with upgraded Dolby Vision visuals and Atmos audio. This edition includes a tribute feature with comedians and fans, plus a bonus “Near-Theatrical” HD cut of the film.
Badass Brawlers Bundle
Humble’s Badass Brawlers Bundle serves up seven beat-’em-ups for just $16, with a total value of $179. Highlights include River City Girls 2 with four-player co-op, the kaiju-smashing Dawn of the Monsters, and cult favorite Double Dragon Neon. Other picks like Full Metal Furies, Final Vendetta, and Young Souls round out a solid lineup of co-op-friendly, side-scrolling brawlers. All games redeem on Steam, and proceeds help support the charity SpecialEffect.
Self Adhesive Hook And Loop Cable Ties
These self-adhesive hook and loop cable ties from MUTOTO are a simple solution for tidying up cords around the house or office. Each pack includes 40 grey straps made from durable nylon with strong back glue, making them ideal for desks, entertainment centers, or kitchen setups. They’re adjustable, reusable, and easy to apply with no tools needed. Just stick, wrap, and adjust as needed. Be mindful when using on painted walls though, as the adhesive may cause damage if removed too soon.
Anker HDMI Switch
Anker’s 4-in-1 HDMI Switch lets you connect up to four devices to a single display, making it easier to swap between your console, PC, or projector setup. It supports 4K at 60Hz with HDR, Dolby, and DTS compatibility for crisp, lag-free viewing. The included remote allows for quick input switching, though you’ll need to supply your own batteries and charger. It’s a compact, reliable pick for anyone looking to simplify their entertainment or workstation setup.
This 3-pack of JSAUX tempered glass screen protectors is made specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2 and offers full edge-to-edge coverage without removing the pre-applied film. Each protector features 9H hardness to guard against scratches and drops, and the included guide frame makes installation quick and bubble-free.
Switch 2 tomtoc Slim Carrying Case
This Switch 2 case isn’t a chunk, protects all the buttons including the shoulders and triggers and has been tested for drops and bumps that are bound to happen. It also has an inlay to store up to 12 carts, so it ticks all my boxes.
The Legend of Zelda Master Sword
So this Master Sword replica is made of ABS and has sound effects alongside some iconic themes from across the Legend of Zelda mainline game series. The cuttons to activate it all are easy to reach when holding it, and in all honesty it sounds so cool. Just don’t go hitting your mate over the head with it, I reckon It would still hurt!
Borderlands 4 Preorders
Borderlands 4 preorders have finally landed, and the started edition is just under the $70 mark in a suprising move after the comments made by Randy Pitchford. We’ve had a bit of a behind the scenes look with the beggining of the “Beyond the Borderlands” video dropping on how to make a vault hunter, and it’s all looking good.
Narrative Arc Bundle
This Humble Bundle highlights seven story-rich indie games for $20, with a total value of $162. Titles include Harold Halibut, a stop-motion-style adventure; Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out, a myth-driven survival strategy game; and SEASON: A letter to the future, a reflective travel narrative. Also in the bundle are Dustborn, Mutazione, Venba, and Frank and Drake, each offering unique perspectives and storytelling formats. Purchases support the It Gets Better Project, and you can choose to pay more or less depending on the number of games you want.
Apple Mac and iPad Deals
Need an upgrade or a good introduction into the Apple ecosystem? There’s plenty of choices here, with the M4 chip powering the MacBook and Mac Mini, it’s just a case of thinking about if you’d like a traditional desktop setup or something you can take on the go. iPad A16 is perfect for pretty much anything too, even a bit of Apple Arcade.
Samsung 57″ Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor
This beast is the first Dual UHD gaming monitor, combining two UHD screens into one curved 1000R display and its $450 off. It supports a 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, with DisplayPort 2.1 for full performance. Quantum Mini LED backlighting with DisplayHDR 1000 and 2,392 local dimming zones delivers strong contrast and color accuracy. You also get ergonomic adjustments, CoreSync ambient lighting, and features like Picture-by-Picture for multitasking. Just note: full DUHD at 240Hz requires a compatible graphics card with DP 2.1 or HDMI 2.1 support.
Big Discounts On Crucial DDR5 and Storage
Crucial are one of the most dependable brands when it comes to M.2 and portable drives, and is a great option for those wanting the benefits of DDR5 RAM without flashy RGB and it’s price tag. Here’s some of the best deals in the Crucial price slashing marathon on Amazon right now. I currently use the X10 Pro 4TB for backing up files and folders on my PC and for watching videos on my projector, just a solid piece of kit.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (PS5)
Kingdom Come Deliverance II drops you into the brutal heart of 15th century Bohemia, and right now the PS5 version is just $47.99, down from $69.99. You play as Henry, a blacksmith’s son caught in a fight for survival, revenge, and rebellion. With over five hours of cinematic storytelling, a massive open world, and intense first-person melee combat, this sequel builds on everything that made the original a cult hit. Whether you’re swordfighting, smithing, or trying to navigate life in a war-torn land, this is medieval roleplaying at its most immersive.
DOOM The Dark Ages Art Print
This limited-edition DOOM The Dark Ages art print is a must for fans of the Slayer’s latest crusade. Officially licensed and hand-numbered out of 995 copies, it’s printed on high-quality art paper and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Produced by one of the UK’s oldest commercial printers, the A3-sized piece measures 11.69 x 16.53 inches and captures the brutal tone of the game perfectly. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping expected in July 2025.
Power Up Pride Bundle
Power Up Pride Game Bundle brings together seven standout indie titles for just $13, with all games yours to keep. You’ll find cozy village life in Echoes of the Plum Grove, charming shop sim gameplay in Sticky Business, and emotional storytelling in titles like Haven and A Normal Lost Phone. It’s a solid mix of narrative-driven adventures, life sims, and visual novels, all picked for their unique stories and engaging mechanics. Great value, great games, and a portion of your purchase supports charity through Xperience Studios.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Last week, Valve added in a feature that lets you browse Steam via a multitude of different accessibility tags. This week, it’s making Steam itself more accessible! Or more specifically, Steam in Big Picture Mode, and on devices running SteamOS, i.e. the Steam Deck of Lenovo Legion Go S. Valve shared word of the new accessibility setting in a blog post, though for now these are just a part of a beta update, so not everyone will have them just yet.
Mario Kart World is the biggest Mario Kart to date. The map is huge, with Easter Eggs and little secrets hiding under bridges, atop towering buildings, and in the middle of sprawling oceans. Knockout Tour is the most chaotic concoction of multiplayer I’ve ever seen. And I’m still knee-deep in unlocking characters (darn, Kamek…).
And yet, here I am to talk about photo mode. Bloody photo mode, you’re probably thinking. A modern-day video game checkbox. Probably 60% of games have a photo mode nowadays, either at launch or patched in at a later date. Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are just a few Nintendo first-party games that have some way of taking expressive pics of your characters.
Raidou Reborn: How Atlus’ Newest Detective RPG Is So Much More than a Remaster
Michael CervenSenior Communications Manager, Atlus
Get ready to solve a mystery set in the Taisho era in Atlus’ supernatural action-RPG, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, which is available starting today on Xbox Series X|S.
Raidou Remastered marks the first time Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army can be played on modern consoles. This fan-favorite Shin Megami Tensei spin-off combines action-packed gameplay with detective drama – and, as a standalone story, it’s the perfect game for new and returning Raidou and Shin Megami Tensei fans.
Raidou Remastered is a faithful recreation of the iconic 2006 RPG, but with additional bells and whistles afforded by modern technology, such as an overhauled battle system, enhanced graphics and full VO in the main story. While it’s technically a remaster, you’ll find we have so much more in store than your traditional touch-ups. Want to learn more about all the enhancements and quality of life updates you’ll find in this next-level remaster? This is the place for you!
Overhauled Battle System
Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army was a unique entry in the Shin Megami Tensei series not only because of its mystery-driven narrative, but because it is a fast-paced, action-RPG. I know, quite a departure from the original Shin Megami Tensei combat style. Raidou Remastered takes the original game’s distinctive real-time action combat and evolves it with features from the game’s sequel, King Abaddon, as well as a host of new combat elements unique to this game.
Character progression is the key to success in Raidou Remastered. You can learn two types of Summoner Skills from your weapons – Combat Skills and Sword Skills. These skills take effect automatically when equipped and will give you a host of abilities and buffs. These skills can provide brand new, powerful attacks, increase your stats, and more. The difference between a student and a master detective is one who mixes and matches skills based on enemy weaknesses.
Raidou Remastered shifts the battlefield from 2D fixed camera angles to a 3D arena where you can move, dodge, and jump, adding a whole new level of strategy to combat. You’ll also now have two allies to battle by your side, with over 120 different new and returning demons to choose from. Quick side note: demons will not only fight by your side, but also help you crack the case as you investigate, so make sure you utilize your demons out in the world to find clues, eavesdrop, and more. Additionally, to save you the time and effort, if you are overleveled for particular demon battles, you will auto-defeat your enemies. Talk about efficiency!
Enhanced Graphics & Full Voice Over
If you played the original, you’ll quickly notice that the character models and 3D environments have been enhanced quite a bit. These adjustments add new detail and vibrance to the already gorgeous artwork, while still retaining the spirit of the original game. You’ll also notice the game’s user interface has received some much-needed streamlining, allowing you to summon, strike and search with ease.
One of the most exciting evolutions from the original game is that Raidou Remastered has full voice acting! This key update adds to the game’s drama and intrigue, making it so you can better immerse yourself in the story and world of Raidou Kuzunoha. You can also switch between English and Japanese voice over at your leisure. We recommend trying both – each cast is incredible! The voice cast features some familiar names, so keep an ear out and see if you recognize anyone.
… And More!
This is just the beginning of the improvements and updates you’ll find in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army. There’s enhanced save game functionality, which gives you not only more save slots, but autosave and quick save abilities – phew! Raidou: Remastered also introduces five difficulty levels, including the most difficult “Detective Legend” mode, unlocked through New Game+. If you decide to take on the ultimate challenge and put your skills to the test with maximum difficulty, good luck! You will need it.
This is just a taste of a few of the upgrades and enhancements you can find in this next-level remaster. I don’t want to spoil all the surprises for you, so the only way to see for yourself is to pick up your controller and play!
To learn more about Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, you can visit the game’s official website, and follow the official Atlus West pages on Facebook, Instagram and X. Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is available now on Xbox.
RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
The story of apprentice detective and Devil Summoner extraordinaire Raidou Kuzunoha XIV returns in this remastered classic! Call upon your demons to solve supernatural mysteries and dispose of enemies.
As a special pre-order bonus, receive the cosmetic Raidou Glasses. With these glasses that were popular in the Taisho Era, his charm will increase beyond what one can handle.
*The pre-order bonus will be given for purchases made before 00:00 local time, Thurs, June 19, 2025.
Undertake the case of the century in this must-play classic from ATLUS. The studio behind Shin Megami Tensei remasters “Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army” with revamped visuals, QOL updates, new VO, and an overhauled battle system!
Taisho 20, in the Capital—
A young heiress approaches the Narumi Detective Agency with a strange request…to kill her. Without any further explanation, the girl is kidnapped. Apprentice detective Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, who moonlights as a Devil Summoner assigned to protect the Capital, is on the case. Raidou investigates all across the city, which includes entering the Dark Realm—a dangerous juncture between the real world and the netherworld where demons abound.
Become Raidou Kuzunoha and work with your allied demons to unravel the mysteries that block your path. What was once a missing persons matter soon spirals into a conspiracy that will shake not only the Capital, but the entire nation.
KEY FEATURES
An Enhanced Yet Faithful Remaster:
The supernatural action RPG classic returns, now revamped with visual, audio, and combat enhancements for modern consoles while staying true to the original game’s style. A brand-new UI, full VO, expanded 3D environments, and more invites both veterans and newcomers alike to a nostalgic and thrilling gameplay experience.
A Supernatural Detective Mystery:
Channel your inner detective in a gripping, supernatural adventure with a charming cast of complex characters. Uncover the truth behind collusion swirling around the Capital with unexpected twists and turns ahead. Use both your mind and the might of your demons to leave no stone unturned.
A Fantastical Taisho Era Adventure:
Navigate the historic streets of a fantastical 1930s era in Tokyo or delve into the haunting Dark Realm where demons lie in wait. With over 120 demons to summon, choose your allies wisely to prevent humanity from being consumed by darkness.
Nintendo has confirmed the age of Donkey Kong Bananza sidekick Pauline, sparking questions regarding the young character’s timeline and how Bananza’s story will tally with previous titles — such as Mario’s original arcade game, where DK was famously portrayed as the villain and Pauline was his abductee.
In a character profile found on Donkey Kong Bananza’s Japanese website, Nintendo states that Pauline is a “13-year-old girl who loves to sing. She used to live above ground, but for some reason she was brought to the underground world and transformed into a rock.”
Nintendo fans have been quick to highlight what this might mean for Pauline’s overall timeline — and the fact that DK and Pauline’s friendly team-up in Bananza is a very different vibe to the pair’s usual relationship of kidnapper and victim. Does something happen to DK, turning him evil? Or have we been getting Pauline and DK’s friendship wrong all these years?
Donkey Kong Bananza sees the two characters working together to help the teenage Pauline get back to the surface, in order to pursue her dream of becoming a world famous singer. Pauline’s appearance as a singer in Odyssey suggests that she does indeed make it.
But while Bananza looks story-wise to be an Odyssey prequel, the exact timeline here is somewhat unclear. Nintendo has never stated Pauline’s age in Odyssey, or in any of her other appearances, so it’s unknown how long before those events it is that Bananza takes place.
But by linking the character across these games through Pauline’s musical ambitions, it also highlights the fact that Odyssey’s Pauline does address her kidnapping by DK — something she describes as “traumatic.”
Pauline has been kidnapped by DK multiple times over the years. Most notably, she is saved from DK’s clutches in the original Donkey Kong arcade game, but she is then abducted again in various entries within the Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 series.
In Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, Pauline is snatched by Donkey Kong after the she dares to pick a gift from Mario instead of DK. In Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!, Pauline is kidnapped once more by an enraged DK, upset that he’s missed out on a theme park opening.
Later entries in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series paint Pauline’s interactions with DK in a kinder light, however, such as in Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move, where the two team up to host a mini-game, and Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars, where the pair plan Mario a surprise party.
Does something happen to sour DK and Pauline’s relationship at the end of Donkey Kong Bananza, turning the ape from an ally to kidnapper? Will we see the events of the original Donkey Kong arcade game take place within Bananza, perhaps, with Mario coming in to save the day? Or have we been getting it wrong all these years?
Some fans have suggested that Bananza will turn the Mario universe on its head by revealing that DK and Pauline are in fact friends — and that Mario has been the villain all along, effectively stealing Pauline back when she’s just been hanging out with her pal.
Hopefully all will be revealed when Donkey Kong Bananza arrives as Nintendo’s next major Switch 2 launch on July 17, 2025.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
Dune: Awakening developers Funcom have revealed in a post-launch Reddit AMA that they’re currently aiming to release a fresh update full of quality of life-related tweaks in early July, as well as adding “new contracts across the board” down the line.
However, if you’re after big new stuff to do, you’ll have to wait for the major updates that’ll be releasing alongside the game’s DLCs.
Yesterday, the new patch 1.01.3 went live for Elden Ring Nightreign. It was a seemingly small patch, centered on bugs and quality-of-life tune-ups. It seemed like most players saw it and went about their day. But then, gradually, some started to notice a new option in their Expeditions menu.
A new Gaping Jaw undertaking, dubbed the “Everdark Sovereign,” was appearing on the Expeditions menu. Soon it became clear that FromSoftware had delivered on its promise to add enhanced bosses to Elden Ring Nightreign this month, and it did so without warning, letting players potentially stumble into the new venture. Watching the community piece this together, in the late hours of the night, was truly fantastic.
As confirmed this morning on Bandai Namco’s site, enhanced versions of current Nightlords—duibbed Everdark Sovereigns—will start appearing in Elden Ring Nightreign over the coming weeks. Each week, a new Sovereign will arrive in Limveld, with Gaping Jaw as the current Sovereign and both Sentient Pest and Darkdrift Knight due to get new, more challenging versions as well.
Everdark Sovereigns are only available while online, and each Sovereign will hang around for a week, then leave and get replaced by another one. You have to have beaten the base, original form of the Nightlord to challenge its Everdark Sovereign form.
Early reports from players indicate that this souped-up Gaping Jaw is, truly, enhanced. Videos of the fights show the empowered Adel zipping aruond the field, creating massive storms, and generally wiping the floor with entire trios of players in short order.
While you can tackle the Everdark Sovereign solo, or with friends and/or strangers, it seems like the new fight is truly adding some challenge, even for those who have been putting a lot of hours into Elden Ring Nightreign. To me, it’s reminiscent of Monster Hunter’s upgraded fights that get added post-launch, like Tempered versions of monsters, that seem meant to add extra challenge as players’ knowledge and power rises exponentially over time.
What’s the reward for felling an Everdark Sovereign? Well, a brand-new shop located in the hub area will let you spend all the Sovereign Sigils you’ll earn from a clear, and even this shop is a pretty exciting update. Alongside offering special Relics and other items, the Sigils allow playes to change the Roundtable Hold’s lighting, acquire the currently available skins, and set shifting earth statuses. The latter has been a major request from the community, and it’s great to see it addressed.
So while the patch notes for 1.01.3 were fairly unassuming at first, players now seem to feel like this is a huge update. The roll-out of enhanced bosses has already brought some new life and challenge back to Nightreign, and the promise of more to come is enticing, as are the new short-term pursuits to chase after.
Bandai Namco is also teasing this as the start of something: “This is only the beginning of the Everdark Sovereign cycle. As the power of the Night ebbs and wanes, the Sovereigns will soon return to the abyss they came from.” We already know Elden Ring Nightreign is due to get full updates down the road, so if this is an early indication of what we can expect, the long-term prospects for FromSoft’s new co-op survival action game seem good.
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