A new Nintendo Direct is set to take place next week, focusing exclusively on third-party games for the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. According to sources like NatetheHate and GameXplain, this Partner Direct is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, and promises to unveil exciting titles that are not developed by Nintendo’s internal studios. This event follows a successful Partner Direct held last July, which showcased popular games such as Final Fantasy Tactics and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.

A nostalgic wave is sweeping through the gaming community with the announcement of the “Ren & Stimpy: Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy Collection.” This compilation brings together seven classic 8-bit and 16-bit games featuring the beloved Nickelodeon characters, set to launch on Switch, PS5, and PC. With the inclusion of modern emulation features like rewind and quick save, this collection is poised to delight both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The compilation showcases a variety of titles primarily from Nintendo platforms, including favorites like “Space Cadet Adventures” and “Veediots!

Sony is gearing up for another exciting State of Play event in February 2026, as confirmed by insider NateTheHate. This news has gamers buzzing with anticipation, especially considering the historical trend of February showcases in the past five years. With the gaming community eagerly awaiting updates on upcoming titles, this event promises to deliver thrilling announcements and gameplay reveals. The last State of Play featured a Japan special, showcasing titles like Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined and Elden Ring Nightreign The Forsaken Hollows.

The upcoming release of Fable by Playground Games promises to redefine open-world gaming with its innovative approach to NPC interactions and player choices. Set for launch in Autumn 2026 on Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5, this reboot aims to blend British humor with moral dilemmas, creating a living, breathing world where every action has consequences. One of the standout features is the Living Population system, which includes over 1,000 unique NPCs, each with their own jobs and routines.

As we approach 2026, SEGA is gearing up for a double celebration, not just for Sonic the Hedgehog but also for the beloved puzzle game Puyo Puyo, which will mark its 35th anniversary. The company has unveiled the “Dairensa!” project, a nod to a popular song from the franchise, and has promised a series of exciting initiatives to commemorate this milestone. Fans can look forward to a special live stream on February 1, 2026, featuring voice actors, live demos, and updates on the mobile game Puyo Puyo!

In a surprising turn of events, Amazon Games has confirmed that its MMO, New World: Aeternum, will be permanently taken offline on January 31, 2027. This announcement comes after the game was pulled from storefronts, including Steam and the Xbox store, marking the end of an era for players who have invested time and resources into this virtual world. The decision to shut down New World follows Amazon’s strategic shift away from MMO development, leaving many players wondering about the future of their beloved game.

In a significant turn of events in the gaming industry, former ZeniMax Online Studios boss Matt Firor has confirmed that he resigned following the cancellation of Project Blackbird, a highly anticipated shooter that he had longed to create throughout his career. This decision came amid sweeping layoffs at Microsoft, which affected thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of multiple projects, including this sci-fi looter-shooter that had reportedly received positive feedback from internal reviews.

Steam has just released another exciting batch of eight free games, providing gamers with a fantastic opportunity to expand their libraries without spending a dime. This latest offering features a diverse range of genres, ensuring that players of all tastes can find something enjoyable. With the clock ticking on these limited-time freebies, now is the perfect moment to dive in and claim your favorites. Among the standout titles are “A Short Hike,” a charming indie game that invites you to explore nature, and “Tooth and Tail,” a unique real-time strategy game where you lead an animal army.

The Octopath Traveler series has reached an impressive milestone, surpassing 6 million units sold globally. This achievement, announced by Square Enix, combines sales from the original Octopath Traveler, its sequel, and the newly released Octopath Traveler 0. This growth in sales reflects the franchise’s increasing popularity and the positive reception of its unique gameplay and art style. Just a year ago, the series celebrated 5 million units sold, highlighting a significant increase in sales momentum.

Bungie has officially announced the release date and pricing for its highly anticipated extraction shooter, Marathon. Set to launch in March 2026, the game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC for a price of $39.99. This announcement comes after a delay that allowed the developers to refine the game based on community feedback, ensuring a polished experience for players. One of the standout features of Marathon is its commitment to a fair gaming environment, with no pay-to-win mechanics.

Remedy Entertainment has officially unveiled Control Resonant, the sequel to the critically acclaimed game Control, at The Video Game Awards. Set to release in 2026, this action-adventure RPG invites players to navigate a warped version of Manhattan, where they will harness the extraordinary powers of Dylan Faden to combat a cosmic threat that distorts reality itself. This sequel promises to elevate the gameplay experience with a larger world, deeper storytelling, and a progression system that allows players to shape their abilities.

Larian Studios has officially announced a new game in the beloved Divinity series, reigniting excitement among RPG fans worldwide. This new installment, simply titled Divinity for now, marks a return to the franchise that put Larian on the map before their recent success with Baldurs Gate 3. The announcement also clarifies the mystery surrounding the ominous statue known as the Hellstone, which had gamers speculating about its significance for weeks.

In a significant move for the gaming industry, Nintendo has announced its plans to acquire Bandai Namcos Singapore studio, which will be renamed Nintendo Studios Singapore. This acquisition, set to take effect on April 1, 2026, will see Nintendo purchasing 80% of the studios shares, with the remaining shares to follow after a certain period. This strategic acquisition highlights Nintendo’s commitment to enhancing its development capabilities, particularly in creating in-game art assets, a key area of expertise for the Singapore studio.

Sony’s recent State of Play presentation focused on the vibrant gaming scene in Japan and Asia, unveiling a total of 28 exciting announcements. From the highly anticipated remake of Dragon Quest VII to the return of the beloved Tokyo Xtreme Racer series, this showcase highlighted the diverse range of titles that are set to captivate gamers in the coming years. Notably, the event also introduced new DLCs for popular franchises like Gran Turismo 7 and Monster Hunter Wilds, ensuring that fans have plenty to look forward to.

The gaming world has lost a true visionary with the passing of Tomonobu Itagaki, the founder of Team Ninja and the creative force behind the iconic Dead or Alive series. At just 58 years old, Itagaki left behind a legacy that not only shaped the fighting game genre but also inspired countless developers and gamers around the globe. His unique approach to game design, characterized by a blend of technical prowess and artistic vision, set a standard that many aspire to reach.

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as leaks about the Switch 2 version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows have surfaced, hinting at a release date of December 5, 2025. According to the reliable insider billbil-kun, the game will be available in both digital and physical formats, with the physical edition being a Game-Key card priced around 50 in Europe. This news comes as Ubisoft has yet to officially announce the game for the new console, but the mounting evidence suggests that its only a matter of time.

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as rumors of a port for Red Dead Redemption 2 on next-gen consoles and the Nintendo Switch 2 have resurfaced. According to NateTheHate2, a reliable source in the gaming industry, these much-anticipated versions of the beloved cowboy epic exist, although no specific release date has been provided. This revelation has reignited hopes among fans who have long awaited a remaster of the critically acclaimed title.

Microsoft has just announced a significant update for Xbox Game Pass Premium members, allowing them access to new Xbox-published games within a year of their release. This change, however, notably excludes the popular Call of Duty franchise, which will continue to launch on day one for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the Game Pass offering while also adjusting pricing structures across its tiers.

As Battlefield 6 gears up for its highly anticipated launch on October 10, 2025, developers have emphasized a significant shift in their approach: the game is being developed with a “console-first” mentality. Technical Director Christian Buhl and Senior Console Combat Designer Matthew Nickerson have made it clear that while PC players are still a priority, the console experience is at the forefront of their development strategy. This marks a notable departure from previous titles that were primarily designed for PC and then adapted for consoles.

In an exciting turn of events, Mario Kart World has reclaimed the top spot in the UK physical game sales charts, showcasing the enduring popularity of this beloved franchise. After briefly slipping to second place, the Nintendo racer has once again outpaced competitors, including the previously reigning Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, which has now dropped to third place. This fluctuation highlights the dynamic nature of the gaming market, where nostalgia and competitive gameplay continue to drive sales.

As the gaming community gears up for one of the most anticipated events of the year, Gamescom Opening Night Live promises to deliver a plethora of exciting announcements and game reveals. Scheduled for August 19, this two-hour showcase, hosted by the ever-charismatic Geoff Keighley, will feature updates from major studios and the unveiling of new titles that could redefine the gaming landscape. With the main Gamescom event running from August 20-24 and an expected attendance surpassing last years 335,000, the Opening Night Live serves as the perfect prelude to the festivities.

iRacing has given fans a thrilling sneak peek into the upcoming NASCAR ‘25 game with the release of in-race gameplay footage and driver reactions. This marks the first multi-platform NASCAR console game since 2021, and the excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await its arrival on Xbox Series X/S and PS5 on October 14. The fifth episode of the Dev Diary series showcased not only the gameplay but also the enthusiastic feedback from renowned drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Microsoft is reportedly planning to release Starfield for PlayStation 5 in 2026, a significant move that could reshape the game’s audience and sales trajectory. Following the lukewarm reception of its first expansion, Shattered Space, which launched in September 2024, the decision to bring Starfield to PS5 appears to be a strategic response to the game’s performance on Xbox and PC. The anticipated PS5 version is expected to launch in spring 2026, coinciding with the release of the game’s second expansion and various quality-of-life updates.

The Nintendo Switch 2 has made waves in the gaming industry by achieving unprecedented sales figures in Japan, selling over 1.5 million units in its first month alone. This remarkable feat not only surpasses the original Switch’s sales but also breaks the long-standing record set by the PlayStation 2, marking it as the fastest-selling console in the region since data collection began in 1996. With 1,538,260 units sold, the Switch 2 is reportedly moving at a pace three times faster than its predecessor, which sold 556,633 units in the same timeframe.

The recent management buyout of The Chinese Room marks a significant turning point for the acclaimed British indie studio. Known for its thought-provoking titles like Dear Esther and Everybody’s Gone to Rapture, the studio has now regained its independence from Sumo Digital, allowing it to pursue two new original intellectual properties (IPs) alongside its ongoing collaboration with Paradox Interactive on Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2. Director Ed Daly expressed excitement about the studio’s newfound freedom, emphasizing the importance of creativity and collaboration.

In an unexpected turn of events, the PS5 has welcomed the surprise release of the 2021 Nintendo Switch exclusive game, Worlds End Club. This action-adventure puzzle game, developed by Too Kyo Games and directed by Danganronpa creator Kazutaka Kodaka, is now available on the PS Store for $24.99. However, its worth noting that there is no PS4 version available, which raises questions about the game’s accessibility for a broader audience.

In a surprising turn of events, Romero Games has officially denied rumors of its closure following significant funding cuts from a publisher, later identified as Microsoft. The studio, founded by industry veterans John and Brenda Romero, confirmed that while their unannounced first-person shooter project faced cancellation, they are actively exploring new partnerships with several interested publishers to revive the game. The situation has left many employees in shock, with reports suggesting that the entire studio faced layoffs after the abrupt funding withdrawal.

In a significant shift for the gaming industry, Xbox has officially cancelled its highly anticipated Perfect Dark reboot and closed its developer, The Initiative. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy by Microsoft to streamline operations and focus resources more effectively in a rapidly evolving market. Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, emphasized that these choices were not made lightly, reflecting the challenges faced during development and a wave of senior departures within the studio.

THQ Nordic is gearing up for its much-anticipated Digital Showcase on August 2, 2025, and fans are buzzing with excitement. This year’s lineup promises a mix of new titles and updates on fan-favorites, including the highly awaited Gothic Remake and the sequel to Wreckfest. With hints dropped about potential surprises like the next Darksiders game and a new SpongeBob SquarePants adventure, there’s plenty for gamers to look forward to. As we count down to the showcase, the anticipation builds around what new gameplay mechanics and storylines will be unveiled.

NINES has just dropped an exciting announcement for puzzle enthusiasts: their upcoming game, Pipeworks Puzzle, is set to redefine the classic tile sliding puzzle genre. This game not only promises engaging gameplay but also features charming visuals and a soothing soundtrack, making it an appealing choice for gamers looking for a relaxing experience. In Pipeworks Puzzle, players will step into the shoes of a plumber at a bustling construction site. The challenge lies in rearranging disordered pipe pieces to match a provided blueprint, all within a grid-based arena.

ShiftUp is making waves in the gaming industry by announcing the development of a Nintendo Switch 2 version of their hit game, “Stella Blade.” This decision comes on the heels of the game’s impressive sales milestone, surpassing 3 million units, and reflects the company’s commitment to rewarding its talented workforce. During a recent in-house event, all 300 employees received a Nintendo Switch 2 as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Amazon Prime Gaming is turning up the excitement this June by adding six more free games to its already impressive lineup. As part of the ongoing celebration for Prime Day, members can now claim titles that include classics like Tomb Raider I-III Remastered and fan-favorites such as Saints Row II and Star Wars: Rebellion. This is a fantastic opportunity for gamers to expand their libraries without spending a dime. Starting today, June 17, at 9 AM PT, these games are available for claim on the Amazon Prime Gaming page.

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as Rob Wiethoff, the voice of John Marston in the beloved Red Dead Redemption series, has hinted at some thrilling news for fans. During a recent livestream, Wiethoff teased that he has “exciting news” related to the franchise, which he promises to share soon. This revelation comes amidst swirling rumors of a current-generation version of Red Dead Redemption 2, potentially making its way to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, Microsoft has confirmed that Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming title, The Outer Worlds 2, will be the first Xbox game to launch at a staggering $80 price point. This decision follows Nintendo’s recent pricing strategy with Mario Kart World, raising questions about the sustainability of such price hikes in an industry already grappling with consumer dissatisfaction. The announcement came during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, where a new gameplay trailer was revealed alongside a satirical presentation that humorously critiqued corporate greed.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to shake up the racing genre by eliminating comeback items that have become a staple in many racing games, including the infamous Blue Shell from Mario Kart. Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team, emphasized that the game is designed to promote fair competition, ensuring that players who are ahead can maintain their lead without the stress of being targeted by powerful items meant to level the playing field.

A Nintendo Direct presentation is reportedly on the horizon for mid-September, sparking excitement among gamers worldwide. With the potential date of September 12, just a day before the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros, this event could be a significant moment for Nintendo fans. While the specifics of the presentation remain under wraps, speculation is rife that we may finally receive the long-awaited release date for Metroid Prime 4. The game has been a hot topic since its recent ratings by multiple boards, indicating that its launch is imminent.