A remake of the original Silent Hill is in development, it was revealed during Konami's Press Start stream on Thursday. An image announcing that another Silent Hill game from developer Bloober Team was in the works appeared during the stream. It was accompanied by music from the first game in the series. The official Japanese Silent Hill account on X later clarified that Bloober is modernizing the original 1999 entry.
Back in February, it emerged that Bloober is making a new title based on Konami's intellectual property. The two companies previously worked on a remake of Silent Hill 2, which was released in October and, by January, had sold more than 2 million copies. It was also one of our favorite games of 2024.
So, going back to the game that started it all makes a lot of sense. Konami and Bloober haven't revealed any other details about the remake yet, such as when it's likely to arrive.
There was plenty more on offer during Konami's showcase, including a behind-the-scenes developer diary for Silent Hill f. The first game in the series to be set in Japan will drop on September 25.
Before that, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (a remake of MGS 3) will hit PS5, PC and Xbox Series X/S on August 28. Konami revealed on the stream that the Xbox version will include gameplay from the Bomberman series β the PlayStation and Steam variants have an Ape Escape tie-in. It also emerged that Metal Gear Solid Delta will have a brand-new multiplayer mode called Fox Hunt. This is a camouflage-based hide and seek mode that builds on the stealth aspect of the series. You can expect more details on that soon.
Press Start included looks at some other games, such as Suikoden Star LeapΒ (a new RPG adventure set in the world of Suikoden for PC and mobile). Suikoden I&II HD Remasters are getting upgrades on Nintendo Switch 2 as well. A demo for action RPG Edens Zero (based on a manga and anime of the same name) has dropped, while there was a peek at action-adventure platformer Darwinβs Paradox, in which you play as an octopus.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/konami-and-bloober-team-are-remaking-the-original-silent-hill-160629432.html?src=rss
Just in time for a last-minute Father's Day gift (or perhaps a little treat for yourself, because you deserve nice things), Apple's AirPods 4 have dropped back down to their lowest price to date. You can snap up a pair for $99. That's $30 off the list price.
This discount is for the base version of the earbuds without active noise cancellation (ANC). All the same, this is a good deal on our pick for the best budget AirPods, especially if foregoing ANC doesn't bother you too much.
We gave the AirPods 4 a score of 88 in our review. The improved fit and comfort, and upgraded sound quality compared with the previous version are definite plus points.
The AirPods 4 include features seen in the higher end AirPods Pro 2 but, unfortunately, not that model's onboard volume controls. The lack of wireless charging and Apple's Conversation Awareness feature are also negatives.
However, due in large part to the H2 chip that's included in the AirPods 4 (the same one that powers AirPods Pro 2), you'll get features such as Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, "cinema-quality" audio for FaceTime, Adaptive EQ and Voice Isolation (which helps eliminate background noise). With Siri Interactions, you can nod or shake your head to accept or reject calls, and respond to or dismiss messages and notifications.
When Apple rolls out iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 this fall, the company will release a firmware update for AirPods 4 (as well as AirPods 4 with ANC and the second-gen AirPods Pro). This update will bring new features to the earbuds, such as the ability to use them to control iPhone and iPad cameras. Apple is also promising "studio quality recording" that should help creators better capture sound, even in noisy environments. Audio quality upgrades are on the way too.
Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-airpods-4-earbuds-are-cheaper-than-ever-right-now-144223181.html?src=rss
Xbox fans don't need to wait any longer to play Final Fantasy XVIΒ on their Series X/S. Two years after the action RPG debuted on PS5, it got a surprise release on Xbox's consoles on Sunday. Its sudden arrival was announced during the Xbox Games Showcase as part of Summer Game Fest.
The game's now available via the Xbox PC app as well. Granted, Final Fantasy XVI has been on Steam and the Epic Games store since last September, but some folks might have been waiting for its arrival on Xbox. Buying Final Fantasy XVI once on any Xbox platform means you'll be able to play it across console, PC and cloud with synced progression.
A complete edition that includes both Final Fantasy XVI expansions is available for Xbox. There's a standard edition that includes the base game as well.Β
The arrival of Final Fantasy XVI on Xbox means that you can now play all the mainline, single-player Final Fantasy games on Microsoft's consoles, save for the Final Fantasy VII remakes. However, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is coming toΒ Xbox this winter β just in time for those new Xbox gaming handhelds.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/final-fantasy-16-suddenly-arrives-on-xbox-series-xs-185542283.html?src=rss
We've been hearing rumors for what feels like an eternity about Microsoft working with ASUS' ROG division on a gaming handheld device, and we got confirmation during the Xbox Games Showcase at Summer Game Fest. There are two variants of the handheld: the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X.Β
Microsoft hasn't reveal pricing for the devices as yet. It stands to reason that they'll be in the same ballpark as the currently ROG Ally systems, which cost up to $800 for the ROG Ally X. Details on how much the systems cost, pre-orders, accessories and more are coming soon, the company said.
The exact release date is not yet known but the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are coming this holiday season. The handhelds will initially be available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and, shockingly enough, the US.
Xbox head Sarah Bond says that every game included in the showcase will be playable on the Xbox Ally, but didn't make clear whether all of those would run natively on the devices. The reveal trailer also included a notable focus on Hollow Knight: Silksong, for what it's worth (and it was reaffirmed that the game is still set to come out this year).
Microsoft
Critically, Microsoft and ROG aren't locking the devices to only playing Xbox games (though you can play those natively, via the cloud or by accessing an Xbox console remotely). You'll be able to play games from Battle.net and "other leading PC storefronts" too β those include Steam, GOG and Ubisoft Connect. Obviously, there's Game Pass integration here, as well as support for the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, which enables you to play games with synced progress across a swathe of devices after buying them once.
Microsoft says it has teamed up with Roblox to make that game natively playable on a gaming handheld for the first time. It's working with third-party developers on a Steam Deck-style program to make it clear which games have been optimized for handhelds, including the Xbox Ally systems. Expect more details on that down the line. In addition, it seems that those who snap up an Xbox Ally or Ally X and haven't yet tried out Game Pass will get a free trial.
Microsoft has designed a full-screen Xbox user interface for the handhelds. There's a dedicated physical Xbox button that can bring up a Game Bar overlay, which seemingly makes it easy to switch between apps and games, tweak settings, start chatting with friends and more. Accessibility features from Xbox consoles and PCs will be available too, along with the Gaming Copilot.
Naturally, the systems run on Windows 11. Microsoft says it has optimized the operating system for the devices, with easy access to device and input controls via ASUS' Armoury Crate. The company added that "the lock screen and task switcher have also been adjusted for easy navigation with a controller." You'll be able to mod games on either system as well.
The Xbox Ally is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor, and has 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The Xbox Ally X is the more powerful model. It has a AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. They each have a microSD card reader, so you won't need to worry about shelling out for proprietary storage to have extra space for your games.
The two models seem to have the same screen, a seven-inch 1080p, 16:9 display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness. The anti-reflection displays will feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and support FreeSync Premium.
Both systems boast "HD haptics." The Xbox Ally has hall effect analog triggers, while the Xbox Ally X has "impulse triggers for enhanced control." It sounds a little like Microsoft and ASUS are taking a page out of the PlayStation DualSense playbook there. Anyway, both of the Xbox Ally systems have two assignable back buttons and 6-axis IMU β a fancy way of saying that they'll probably have gyro controls. Blessedly, both of the handhelds have a 3.5mm combo audio jack, along with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4.
Microsoft
The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are exactly the same size at 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mmβ―. They each weigh more than the Nintendo Switch 2 (534g or 1.18lbs with Joy-Con 2 attached) and PlayStation Portal (520g or 1.15 lbs). The Xbox Ally is marginally heavier than the Steam Deck (669g or 1.47lbs) at 670g. The Xbox Ally X is even beefier at 715g (1.58lbs). For the record, the ROG Ally is 608g (1.34 lbs) and the Ally X is 678 grams (1.5 lbs).
So, they're both chonksters, but at least those grips look more ergonomic than those on the Nintendo Switch 2 (which is already cramping my hands) or even the Steam Deck. Microsoft says the design principles of Xbox Wireless Controller was adopted for the Xbox Ally handgrips.
Both systems will be capable of outputting video to a TV or monitor, as they have two USB-C ports with support for DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery 3.0. One of the Xbox Ally X's USB-C ports is compatible with ThunderBolt 4. It also has a larger battery, with a capacity of 80Wh compared with the Xbox Ally's 60Wh battery. Both models come with a charging stand.
Microsoft has spent the last few years expanding the Xbox ecosystem beyond consoles and PC through efforts like Xbox Cloud Gaming. Its first official move into gaming handhelds is a big step as it tries to play catch up to PlayStation and Nintendo.Β
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/rog-xbox-ally-handheld-gaming-devices-are-real-and-will-be-released-during-the-2025-holiday-season-142135533.html?src=rss
It's been a few years since Yacht Club Games, the studio behind Shovel Knight, ran a successful Kickstarter campaign for the first entry in a new franchise, and now we know when that game will drop. The team announced at Summer Game Fest Live that Mina the Hollower will arrive on October 31 on PC. A demo is available on Steam until Steam Next Fest ends on June 13.
Mina the Hollower is a gothic horror-influenced, action-adventure platformer, so the Halloween release date is quite fitting. It's styled after the look and feel of Game Boy Color games β so much so that the game has no 3D assets and a limited color palette (but Yacht Club did make one concession by opting for a widescreen display ratio). As the inventor and mouse Mina, you'll have a whip as a weapon and the ability to burrow short distances to cross gaps and have a moment of invincibility.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/mina-the-hollower-from-the-makers-of-shovel-knight-arrives-on-halloween-222539705.html?src=rss
I have not played a single boxing game outside of Wii Sports this century, but that could be about to change. Summer Game Fest Live brought us the reveal of Felt That: Boxing, which stars puppet pugilists.
This project from the appropriately named Sans Strings Studio and Seth Green's animation company, Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, is billed as "a comedic, over-the-top boxing game set in a world where the charm of furry puppets collides with the fury of boxing." The clip is structured like a trailer for an underdog sports movie and it is just delightful.Β
The snippets of gameplay suggest there will be training minigames that include dodging slices of burnt toast that a trainer hurls at your puppet (who is named Fuzz-E) and, uh, plunging a toilet. According to the description on the YouTube video, the developers are aiming to make the "boxing mechanics are intentionally ridiculous, favoring fun over precision, with [puppet] limbs flailing about with an insane sense of chaos." Lovely.
This trailer was immediately the most interesting thing during SGF Live up to that point. Felt That: Boxing does not yet have a release window, but you can wishlist it on Steam now, like I just did.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/heres-a-silly-puppet-boxing-game-you-never-knew-you-needed-215616201.html?src=rss
Tesla has asked a judge to block a request for the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to disclose certain data related to crashes involving vehicles that have self-driving features, as Reuters reports. The company claimed in a filing the information is confidential, and that releasing it publicly would give competitors the ability to analyze the effectiveness of each version of the self-driving tech and potentially figure out the number of crashes that are linked to various systems.
The Washington Post last year filed a lawsuit against the NHTSA last year to obtain access to more details about crashes that happened while driver-assistance systems, such as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD), were engaged. The agency has said the data being requested is exempt from public records laws. The Post contended that while the NHTSA does publish information regarding crashes, it "withholds critical details about the technologies in use and the circumstances and locations of the crashes.βΒ
Tesla has argued that the company and the NHTSA should be able to keep certain information related to crashes private. This includes details about driver behavior and road conditions, as well as specific versions of driver-assistance tech that may have been in use.Β
However, the Post's lawyers claimed that information about the versions of hardware and software that may have been in use at the time of crashes isn't confidential information, since drivers can access that through their vehicle dashboards. Tesla argued in its filing this week that, "Even where Teslaβs individual vehicle owners might know certain information about their own vehicles, such as the version of the ADAS software installed, where a safety incident occurred, the conditions of the road during the accident, and what they were doing leading up to the accident, this information is shared with Tesla with the expectation that it will be kept private."
According to Electrek, Tesla takes advantage of NHTSA loopholes to have most data relating to crashes involving its vehicles redacted. The company contends that its "self-driving" tech doesn't make its cars autonomous and that drivers are required to actively supervise its use. In other news, Tesla expects to start deploying its first Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, this month.
Until late May, Tesla CEO Elon Musk was the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency. That initiative is said to have cut about 10 percent of the NHTSA's staff at the beginning of this year β including about half of a small team that oversees the safety of autonomous vehicles.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/tesla-is-trying-to-stop-certain-self-driving-crash-data-becoming-public-150946549.html?src=rss
Cairn, a survival climbing game from The Game Bakers, is one we've had our eye on for a while, so it was nice to get a release date for it during Sony's State of Play stream on Wednesday. It's coming to PS5 and PC on November 5. But you don't have to wait that long to try out Cairn β a demo is now available on PS5.
Looking like the more intense cousin of the enjoyably peaceful Jusant, you'll be able to climb anywhere in Cairn. However, maintaining your balance and stamina levels will be critical. Get too tired or make a wrong move and your climber, Aava, will fall, letting out a scream of anguish as they dangle from their tethered rope.Β
There's no UI feedback to speak of, so you'll need to pay attention to your character's breathing and body language, as well as the controller vibrations. The developers say they kept the controls simple, so it certainly seems like the type of game that's easy to pick up, but difficult to master.Β
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/survival-climber-cairn-ascends-to-ps5-and-pc-on-november-5-215529242.html?src=rss
It had only been a few months since our last look at Silent Hill f, so it was perhaps a little surprising to see the first Japan-set game in the series pop up during Sony's latest State of Play stream on Wednesday. The trailer provided another chance to see some gameplay and those gorgeously grotesque visuals, but the key information was saved for the end: a release date. You'll be able to experience the terrors of Silent Hill f yourself on September 25 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
In this '60s-set installment, you'll take on the guise of high schooler Shimizu Hinako, who has to survive the horrors that plague her fog-ridden hometown of Ebisugaoka. You will have to solve puzzles (some of which involve scarecrows) and fend off enemies, including some creepy mannequin-like monsters. Producer Motoi Okamoto wrote on the PlayStation Blog that "the combat will have a heavier focus on melee and be more action-oriented compared to last yearβs Silent Hill 2."
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/silent-hill-f-is-coming-to-ps5-xbox-series-xs-and-pc-on-september-25-213338755.html?src=rss
Summer Game Fest week just got even busier. Sony is throwing its own party on Wednesday, June 5 at 5PM in the form of a State of Play. The stream will showcase "must-play" PS5 games from developers based around the world and you can watch it on on YouTube or Twitch. To make things even easier for you, you can watch it right here by clicking the big red button above when the time is right. (English subtitled and Japanese versions of the State of Play will be available too.)
The State of Play will run for over 40 minutes, so there should be a bunch of games included. Sony hasnβt given any hints as to what it will show off as yet, but itβll surely be worth checking out the stream. We learned about some interesting projects in the last State of Play, such as the very tasty-sounding Soros from Returnal studio Housemarque. Thereβs always a chance that Sony will show up at Summer Game Fest Live on Friday, June 6, to reveal something else off.
With this State of Play, Sony is padding out a packed SGF schedule that includes what is routinely Xboxβs biggest showcase of the year on Sunday, June 8. And then thereβs also the little matter of the Nintendo Switch 2βs arrival on June 5. Itβs shaping up to be a fun, if very busy, week.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/how-to-watch-sonys-state-of-play-at-summer-game-fest-143012779.html?src=rss
If you're already planning a bunch of outdoor getaways ahead of summer's official start, you may also want a new wearable that can keep up with all your activities. The Apple Watch Series 10 is arguably the best option for most people (iPhone users, for sure), and now it's back on sale for its best price yet. You can grab one for $299, which is $100 off its regular price.
There are a few variants on sale for this price at Amazon, but they all have a 42mm case and are GPS models with no LTE connectivity. If you'd rather have the larger 46mm case, several Apple Watch Series 10 configurations with that are also $100 off at $329.Β
Not only is the Apple Watch Series 10 a darn good fitness (and wellness) tracker, it's our pick for the best smartwatch overall. Android wielders need not apply, unfortunately, since you need a paired iPhone to set up and use any Apple Watch. If you're not looking for one for yourself, the Apple Watch Series 10 would also make for a great Father's Day gift.
We gave this smartwatch a score of 90 in our review. It's a fairly iterative update, so if you already have an Apple Watch Series 8 or 9 already, it might not be worth upgrading. At least in the US, the blood oxygen feature that was available in previous versions isn't present in the Apple Watch Series 10 following a patent dispute. Some of the Apple Watch Series 10's major features are found in other models too β the sleep apnea detection function is also available on the Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.Β
However, if you're looking for your first Apple Watch or upgrading from a Series 7 or earlier, the Series 10 is probably the best way to go. It has a larger screen than its predecessors, so it'll be easier to see notifications and such. The thinner frame looks rather fetching, too. If you're eager for an even more affordable option, the Apple Watch SE is also on sale right now for $169.
Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/pick-up-the-apple-watch-series-10-while-its-on-sale-for-100-off-142236753.html?src=rss
Weβve seen a few Xbox-styled kitchen items over the last few years, from the Series X fridge to the Series S toaster. The latest one is probably not one for those of you in the US. Over the weekend, Xbox Canada revealed a Xbox Series X bagged milk pitcher styled after the Xbox Series X.Β
Milk in a bag is a long-standing tradition in Canada, India, South America and several other parts of the world. The idea is that you plop a bag into a pitcher, cut off the corner and pour away, all the while taking great care not to spill any.Β
There are practical benefits, such as bags taking up less space in garbage or recycling. But containers for bagged milk are typically boring white jugs. At least until now.
The Xbox Series X Milk Pitcher comes in white or black and it can hold up to 1.3 liters (fine, if you insist, 2.75 pints) of bagged milk. That should give you enough fuel for your next Halo Infinite deathmatch battle or adventure in the Oblivion remaster. Sadly, thereβs no word as yet if Xbox Canada is going to sell this thing or if itβs just a fun marketing gimmick.
I get it, bagged milk confused me too before my first visit to Canada as a teen. But milk in a bag is as Canadian as poutine, Letterkenny, hockey games on frozen ponds and The Beaches. As one of Engadgetβs Canadian contingent, it's my civic duty to test this out. My emailβs in my bio, Xbox.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-latest-xbox-kitchen-kitsch-is-a-series-x-milk-jug-for-canadians-184154694.html?src=rss
One of the many beautiful things about the indie gaming scene is that there's always something to check out. So if you don't fancy playing Elden Ring: Nightreign this weekend, there are plenty of other new options. To help you keep up with what's going on in the space, here's our weekly indie game roundup.
As a heads up, we won't be publishing an edition of this roundup next week. Not because there won't be enough games to highlight. Quite the opposite: Summer Game Fest kicks off on Friday June 6. There will be literally hundreds of game announcements and updates. There's also the small matter of the Nintendo Switch 2's arrival in a matter of days.
You can check out what to expect from SGF and find out how to watch the various showcases in our preview. We'll be bringing you news on titles of all shapes and sizes from Summer Game Fest Live, Xbox Games Showcase and other events. We'll also be on the ground in Los Angeles to go hands on with many of the newly announced games. Keep up with our coverage here on Engadget throughout SGF.Β
In the meantime, there are a host of new games to savor, as well as peeks at what's coming your way in the coming weeks and months. Let's get to it.
Thinky Direct
This showcase from Thinky Games was jam packed with captivating puzzle and mystery games. Two in particular caught my eye. The first is a very intriguing first-person archery puzzler. In He Who Watches, you'll walk on walls, rotate rooms and use a bow and arrow to solve puzzles. It reminds me of the shrines in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. A demo is out now on Steam and the full game should arrive this fall.
The other game that really stood out to me was Echo Weaver, a so-called "Metroidbrainia." Unlike in many Metroidvanias, where you need to find power ups or new abilities to progress, here you'll move forward by acquiring knowledge, including figuring out your character's special abilities.Β
There aren't any procedurally generated elements in Echo Weaver. As with the likes of Outer Wilds, each run is time-based. You can find ways to extend the limit or sacrifice some time to pass through a barrier. Echo WeaverΒ is coming to Steam and Xbox (including Game Pass).
There was lots of other interesting stuff in the first-ever Thinky Direct. I really enjoy the chill train puzzler Railbound and it was neat to find out that there's a level editor available in beta. Kiko's Apple AdventureΒ is an adorable-looking block-pushing game in which the aim is to nudge apples onto rafts. It just arrived on Steam.
The Button Effect features a museum with a lot of buttons, each with a purpose for you to find out. It seems like a certain Taskmaster task taken to new extremes. The first public demo just hit Steam.
Nonolith is another compelling game that was featured in the showcase. In this puzzle platformer, you can copy and paste blocks to create openings, bridges and staircases. The vibe reminds me a little of Animal Well. Monolith is coming to Steam in 2026.
New releases
One thing definitely worth getting excited about this week if you own a particular yellow console with a crank owner is the start of Playdate Season Two. Every Thursday throughout the six-week season (which costs $39), two new games arrive on Panic's diminutive device.Β
The first batch includes the charming-looking Dig! Dig! Dino! and Fulcrum Defender. The latter of those is from FTL: Faster Than Light and Into the Breach studio Subset Games, whose co-founder Jay Ma went through hell to make Fulcrum Defender.
One of the titles included in the season, Blippo+, is a full-motion video game. It will have weekly episodic updates for 12 weeks, extending far beyond the rest of the Season Two window. The first episode is out now.
Trails is a lovely puzzle game that just landed on Steam. You'll guide sandships to their destination by drawing a path for them. You can't take a ship through the same square twice, and you'll need to make sure they don't crash into each other. There are obstacles, of course, and you'll sometimes have to collect and deliver cargo.
I've enjoyed my time with Trails so far. Developer PurpleSloth gradually teaches you how to play through trial and error, and it adds new hazards and mechanics at a nice pace, though the puzzles do become quite tricky.
You may have spent many pleasant hours cleaning grime off of various objects and iconic landmarks in PowerWash Simulator (which is set to get a sequel later this year). It's time to flip the script a bit in Spray Paint Simulator, from North Star Video Games and publisher Whitethorn Games.
The concept is pretty similar, in that you'll complete jobs for clients by painting certain items or environments. There are no time limits here and a feature that lets you mask an area to ensure you get clean lines is a nice touch. If marking your territory on public or private property with sick, definitely-not-ugly tags is more your thing, there's a free spray mode that you can play alone or with a friend in co-op.
Spray Paint Simulator is out now on Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. It's on Game Pass too. The game is also coming to Nintendo Switch on June 19.
Eternal Evil debuted on Steam back in 2022, and two and a half years later, the survival horror game has made the jump to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. It has mostly positive reviews on Steam and seems very much in the vein of the Resident Evil series (it even has a dual narrative with two characters to play). You'll take on vampires that get stronger as they feed in this game from solo developer Honor Games.
How could I not include a game with a name like Trash Goblin? This is a cozy shopkeeping title from Spilt Milk Studios that just came out of early access on Steam. You'll unearth, restore and upcycle trinkets to sell to customers so you can upgrade your shop. It seems one you might chill out with.
Elsewhere, To a T, a game we mentioned last week, is out now on Xbox Series X/S, Game Pass, PS5, Steam and the Epic Games Store. Cowboy-themed life sim Cowboy Country just landed on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch as well.
Upcoming
I've had my eye on KingmakersΒ for a while. It's a completely bananas-looking blend of third-person shooting and strategy game from Redemption Road in which you travel back in time to a medieval war, bringing modern weapons and vehicles with you. Publisher tinyBuild revealed during a showcase this week that Kingmakers will debut in early access on Steam on October 8. Really looking forward to that one.
Beyond the Board is a moody-looking adventure that takes a rook... well, beyond a chess board. It takes inspiration from puzzle games like Limbo and Monument Valley, so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that the story is told through visual storytelling and soundscapes rather than dialogue. This game from Fragile Shapes Studio doesn't yet have a release window, but you can check out a demo on Steam now.
An extended demo for a fast-paced, melee-focused dungeon runner called BloodthiefΒ dropped this week. It looks like a lo-fi, medieval spin on Ghostrunner (a series I enjoy but am quite bad at) but with vampires. So yes, I will be digging into this when I have a chance. The original demo is said to have 20 or so hours of gameplay and there's even more in the extended version, which will be featured in Steam Next Fest. Bloodthief, from developer Blargis, is slated to arrive later this year.
I'm going to close this edition out with a game you'll probably never be able to play. Developer Kenney says that, a few years back, they helped a young Star Wars fan make a game based on The Mandalorian after a Make-a-Wish connected the pair. It's a heartwarming story, and the game looks quite charming based on the clip that Kenney shared on BlueSky. However, for legal reasons, it'll likely stay under lock and key, sadly.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playdate-season-two-spray-paint-simulator-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110035699.html?src=rss
It seems that Apple is giving its operating systems a significant overhaul this year, and not just on the visual and usability fronts. It was expected that the next major versions of iOS and iPadOS would be followed by the number 19, Macs would move onto macOS 15 and so on. That would continue the numbering system Apple has used for many years.Β Β
That could be about to change, according to Bloomberg. The next versions of the operating systems may be earmarked by the year, according to the publication's sources. That means we could soon see the debut of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26.Β
The numbers would align with the year after each major OS release, since Apple typically rolls out the first public versions of those each fall. So the versions of iOS, iPadOS and so on that arrive this September or October may be named after 2026.
We'll know for sure whether this shift is happening on June 9, when the keynote of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference takes place. It's widely expected that Apple will be giving its operating systems a major user interface overhaul to deliver a more unified experience across various devices.
It seems like a wise move to align the branding of all of the various operating systems. The software powering Apple Watch devices is currently up to watchOS 11. Apple Vision Pro is running visionOS 2. It's a little messy as is. Applying the same numbering to all of the operating systems and aligning it with the release year should make things easier for everyone to keep up with.Β
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-may-switch-its-os-numbering-system-to-match-the-release-year-turning-ios-19-into-ios-26-193424796.html?src=rss
Now's a great time to save on Sony gaming gear thanks to the most recent Days of Play sale. PlayStation 5 consoles, accessories, games and even PS Plus subscriptions have been discounted, and one of the standout deals is on the PS5 DualSense Edge controller. You can pick one up for $169, which is 15 percent off its usual price. The deal is available on Amazon and from Sony directly.
The layout apes that of the regular DualSense controller, but there's a lot more going on with the Edge. For instance, there are function buttons below each thumbstick that allow you to swap between button configurations (which you can customize at any time in the PS5 settings). On the rear, there are switches that enable you to change the pull length of the shoulder triggers. There are also rear paddles, and you can choose between a set of levers or shorter half-domes.
It's possible to swap out the thumbsticks as well and, because they attach to the controller magnetically, it's a cinch to do so. Other than the standard nubs, you can choose between short-stemmed convex and long-stemmed convex options. There's also a cable lock that prevents you from accidentally removing the USB-C charging cable by accident.
You might want to keep that cable plugged in. One of the major downsides of the DualSense Edge is its battery life. In our testing, we got around five to six hours of use on a single charge, less than the six or seven we get with the standard DualSense.
Last but not least, the DualSense Edge comes with a hardshell carrying case. There's even a passthrough flap through which you can thread a USB-C cable to charge the controller while it's cocooned in the case.
There are, of course, lots of other intriguing discounts in the Days of Play sale, including one on the standard PS5 DualSense controller. That has dropped to $55, which is $20 off the list price.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/playstations-dualsense-edge-wireless-controller-is-on-sale-for-a-record-low-price-143629684.html?src=rss
Unlike the standard version, the DualSense Edge features a couple of small design tweaks including a black D-pad, black buttons, and a black touchpad with a subtle PlayStation icon pattern.
Sony is revving its engines for its latest Days of Play sale, which includes the first official price cut for the PS5 Pro. The console will drop by $50 to $650 in the US. The sale starts on May 28 and runs until June 11.
You might have been able to find a PS5 Pro for less than the list price elsewhere, but this is the first time Sony has put it on sale on its own storefront. Retail partners will match the discount. If you donβt yet have a PS5 (or a powerful gaming PC) and can afford a Pro, it's the way to go for the very best PlayStation experience. We gave it a score of 88 in our review β it might have scored higher but for the price and the lack of a built-in disc drive.
There are other discounts on consoles in the US and Canada as part of the sale. A bundle of either the standard PS5 or Digital Edition with a copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 starts at $400/$510 CAD (for the Digital Edition). Sony says that will save you $120/$160 CAD compared with buying them separately. The PS5 standard and digital versions will be on sale in Europe and Asia too, starting at β¬400/Β£340/Β₯65,980.
Itβs worth noting that Sony has considered raising the prices of PS5 hardware to offset the cost of tariffs. Microsoft this month jacked up the prices of Xbox consoles recently for that reason. So if youβve been on the fence about getting a PS5 or PS5 Pro, now might be the time to snap one up.
Elsewhere in the Days of Play sale, accessories are getting discounts. You can save on the PlayStation VR2 ($50 off), PlayStation VR2 and Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle ($50 off), Pulse Explore earbuds ($30 off), DualSense Edge controller ($30 off), PlayStation Access controller ($20 off) and the DualSense controller ($20 off). Things like PS5 console covers and external storage drives will get price cuts as well.
You will, of course, be able to snap up PS5 games for fewer dollars than usual. MLB The Show 25, the brilliant Astro Bot and Lego Horizon Adventures are among the many first-party games getting discounts. If you haven't played The Last of Us Part II and don't want to wait a year or two before finding out where the story of HBO's adaptation will go after that (somewhat unsatisfying) season finale on Sunday, you might like to snap up the remastered edition of the misery simulator, which will be included in the sale.
Hundreds of other games will be featured. The list includes several Assassin's Creed titles, Grand Theft Auto V, Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Marvelβs Spider-Man 2 and Balatro. On top of that, movies will be on sale through Sony Pictures Core
Elsewhere, some PlayStation Plus plans will be 33 percent off for new subscribers. Upgrading to the Extra or Premium tiers may cost you a third less than usual as well. That stinks for long-term PS Plus members whoβd like to add another year or two (especially after recent price increases in several regions), but thatβs standard practice for plans such as these as companies try to boost subscriber numbers.
Speaking of which, Sony is adding an extra few games to the PS Plus Game Catalog for Extra, Premium and Deluxe members. They are:
Another Crabβs Treasure (PS5, May 29)
Skull and Bones (PS5, June 2)
Destiny 2: Legacy Collection (PS5 and PS4, June 4)
Grand Theft Auto III (PS5 and PS4, June 10)
Another Crab's Treasure is a delightful Soulslike that was one of my favorite games of 2024. One of the best things about it is an accessibility option that gives you a giant pistol that can one-shot any enemy. Skull and Bones landed last year after years of delays and I'd say that "at no extra cost" is the best way to try it. Destiny 2: Legacy Collection includes hundreds of hours of gameplay with all of the expansions from the game's Light and Darkness Saga, except for the last chapter, The Final Shape.
As it happens, the latest batch of monthly PS Plus games (which all PS Plus subscribers can claim and keep in their libraries as long as they maintain the membership) includes Destiny 2: The Final Shape, which will be available on May 30 for PS4 and PS5. The other titles, which you can claim starting on June 3, are NBA 2K25 (PS5 and PS4), last year's remake of Alone in the Dark (PS5) and the Jet Set Radio-esque Bomb Rush Cyberfunk (PS5 and PS4). That's a solid lineup!
In addition, two bona fide all-timers are joining the Classics Catalog on June 5 for PS Plus Premium/Deluxe subscribers. Myst and its sequel Riven will be available to members on PS4 and PS5 at no extra cost. Premium/Deluxe subscribers will have access to two more game trials from May 28: Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (PS5) and Sid Meierβs Civilization VII (PS5 and PS4).
Update, May 28, 12:53PM ET: Sony pushed back the date that it's adding Destiny 2: The Final Shape to the PS Plus Monthly games list from May 28 to May 30. This story has been updated accordingly.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/the-ps5-pro-gets-a-50-discount-in-sonys-days-of-play-sale-144517141.html?src=rss
Memorial Day brought a myriad of deals on tech products this year, and while the holiday has come and gone, you can still grab a few today. Take, for instance, the latest Ring Video Doorbell. This model will run you $55 at the moment β that's $45 off the list price and a record low.
This is a battery-powered version of the doorbell, so you won't have to spend a second figuring out how to hook it up to existing wiring. It'll be easy to recharge the Video Doorbell too. When you need to top up the battery, all you'll need to do is detach the device and plug in a USB-C cable for a while.
This version of the Ring Video Doorbell provides a head-to-toe view of the person who's on your doorstep, as it offers 66 percent more vertical coverage than the previous model. The live view feature delivers a real-time feed from the camera to your phone, tablet or other compatible device. There's a two-way talk function as well, so you can chat with the person at your door no matter where you are.
You can receive real-time alerts on your phone whenever the Ring Video Doorbell picks up movement through its motion-detection function. However, you'll need to pony up for a Ring Home plan (starting at $5 per month) to get more detailed alerts, such as whether the motion alert was due to a person ringing your doorbell, a package delivery and so on. The subscription includes features like access to 180 days of event video history. If you opt for the $20 per month premium tier, you'll get 24/7 recording for every compatible doorbell and camera in your home.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-2024-ring-video-doorbell-is-on-sale-for-only-55-162236739.html?src=rss
Apple's AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation (ANC) just became an even more enticing proposition for those who have been on the fence about picking up a pair. They have dropped to $149, which is $30 off the regular price. That's only about $10 more than the record low and the lowest price we've seen for the AirPods 4 with ANC so far this year.
If ANC isn't such a big deal for you (perhaps, like me, you tend to only wear one earbud at a time), you can snap up a set of AirPods 4 without ANC instead. Those will currently run you $119, a discount of $10.
We gave the AirPods 4 with ANC a score of 86 in our review. Apple improved the audio quality compared with the previous version, and the earbuds have a better fit than the AirPods 3. We felt that the ANC was pretty effective too. However, the lack of onboard volume controls remains a disappointment.
The AirPods 4 use the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2, meaning they share some features with the higher-end model. They support Voice Isolation, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Personalized Volume and Adaptive EQ. The ANC-enabled model also has Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode. In addition, the charging case that comes with the ANC version has Qi-compatible wireless charging, as well as a built-in speaker for Find My. However, the AirPods Pro 2's advanced hearing health features aren't present here.
Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-airpods-4-with-anc-drop-to-149-for-memorial-day-161120128.html?src=rss
As if early June wasn't already going to be a wild enough time in the gaming world with the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, that's also when a whole host of showcases takes place as part of Summer Game Fest. Along with three main events β Sony State of Play, Summer Game Fest Live and the Xbox Games Showcase β there are a bunch of other ones in store, including the always-delightful Day of the Devs.
There some brand-new showcases this year as well, while others are missing. For instance, Ubisoft won't be running its Forward event this time β perhaps because it has delayed a bunch of big games and isn't ready to talk about them. However, Ubisoft has teased that something Splinter Cell-related is in the pipeline and it's set to participate in IGN Live and PC Gaming Show.Β
Meanwhile, CD Projekt Red popped up at Epic Games' State of Unreal event earlier in the week. To show off the capabilities of Unreal Engine, CDPR offered up a very pretty tech demo set in the world of The Witcher 4. It ranΒ at 60 fps with ray-tracing enabled on a base PS5. Quite impressive.
Anyway, as things stand, SGF is slated to run from June 4 until June 9. With E3 officially dead (that show's organizer, the Entertainment Software Association, is planning an industry-focused event for next April instead), SGF is now the de-facto replacement and the biggest event for announcements and updates this side of Gamescom in August.
We'll update this preview as more details about the showcases emerge, including additional events in the SGF nebula. We'll embed videos for each stream as they become available as well.
Engadget will be on the ground in Los Angeles for the in-person side of SGF, which is for media and creators. We'll be bringing you hands-on impressions of many of the games that are featured during SGF Live.
Most folks will be keeping up with everything from home, though. To that end, here's a breakdown of how to watch Summer Game Fest 2025 and what to expect from the extravaganza (we're bound to get a Hollow Knight: Silksong release date this time, right?!?!).
Update: The State of Play is behind us, and it was a pretty compelling one all told. We learned about a new Lumines game from the team behind Tetris Effect, Romeo is a Dead ManΒ (a bloody, sci-fi action game from Suda 1 and Grasshopper Manufacture), a Final Fantasy Tactics remake (plus a release date), Nioh 3 and a Capcom-less Marvel tag fighting game from Guilty Gear developer Arc System Works. In addition, we got release dates for Silent Hill f, Cairn and Baby Steps, as well as the first look at 007 First Light (the James Bond game from Hitman studio IO Interactive) and a long-overdue update on Capcom's sci-fi action game, Pragmata.
Our original State of Play preview follows:
As John McClane famously once said, "Welcome to the party, pal!" The latest State of Play was a last-minute addition to the SGF schedule. Sony announced it only a day before airing the showcase (in fairness, the company usually only gives a one-day heads up about these streams).
The event ran for over 40 minutes and featured "must-play games coming to PS5" from developers based around the world. That suggests we'll see a variety of titles from Sony's third-party partners. Perhaps we'll get release dates for some previously announced games.Β
Sony often makes it clear if a State of Play will focus on third-party games. It did not do so here. So it stands to reason that we may see something from the company's own studios this time around. Here's hoping!
How to watch Summer Game Fest Live β June 6, 5PM ET
Putting aside our annoyance at the timing of this showcase β late on a Friday evening in the UK and right when many folks on the East Coast are clocking out for the weekend β Summer Game Fest Live is one of the bigger events in early June. It starts at 5PM ET and will run for two hours.
Organizers are promising "spectacular new video game announcements, surprises and reveals." That's pretty compelling, especially since host Geoff Keighley (rightfully) downplayed expectations ahead of last year's show.Β
We do know about a few games that will appear. SGF Live will include a trailer for the Death Star live event that will wrap up the current Star Wars-themed Fortnite season on June 7. There will be another peek at Mafia: The Old Country (which will arrive on August 80 as well.
SGF Live will include a fresh look at Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, a Soulslike action RPG from Leenzee, a studio based in China. That game will arrive in July. Open-world MMORPG Chrono Odyssey will make an appearance, as will something from Atomic Heart studio Mundfish. Moreover, you can expect a surprise announcement related to Splitgate 2, which goes live the same day.
Oh, and Hideo Kojima will be there, of course. SGF Live takes place just a couple of weeks before Kojima's Death Stranding 2: On the Beach arrives, so we'll likely get another peek at that game before a more in-depth event on June 8 (more on that momentarily). Perhaps some of the otherprojects Kojima's working on will get some time in the limelight too.
Keighley has released a list of SGF's partners. It includes big names such as PlayStation, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox, Steam, 2K, Epic Games and Square Enix. Embark Studios is on the list too, and given that there's a lot of hype around its upcoming extraction shooter, Arc Raiders, there'll be high hopes for a release date for that one. Capcom is on there as well β could it be time for a Resident Evil 9 reveal?Β
Also, keep your eyes peeled for whatever Sega has to offer. We may see something related to Like A Dragon, Sonic, Persona or Virtua Fighter. Perhaps we'll finally get release dates for the remakes of Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio et al too.
You can watch SGF Live on more than 20 platforms, including YouTube (that stream will be available in 4K at 60 fps), Twitch, X, TikTok, Steam and international services. The event will stream live from the YouTube Theater, and you can attend in person, if you like.
In any case, we'll be bringing you all the major news from Summer Game Fest Live. We just can't promise we won't have an adult beverage with an umbrella next to us while we're covering the event.
How to watch Day of the Devs β June 6, 7PM ET
Watch on YouTube(the same stream as SGF Live above) or TwitchΒ
Immediately after SGF Live ends, the YouTube and Twitch streams will segue into the summer 2025 edition of Day of the Devs. This indie-focused showcase invariably has a fantastic lineup of games worth keeping an eye on.
Among the games making appearances are Possessor(s) from Heart Machine and "nightmarish RPG" Neverway from Coldblood and co-publisher Outersloth.Β We'll also see something from House House (Untitled Goose Game) β presumably the co-op "walker-talker" Big Walk that was revealed in 2023. In all, Day of the Devs will feature 20 games.Β
Last year's show included 2024 game(s) of the year contender UFO 50, the very intriguing platformer Screenbound, survival climbing game Cairn, the delightfully kooky-looking Building Relationships and sci-fi mystery Phoenix Springs. My Steam wishlist somehow expands quite significantly after each Day of the Devs showcase. Weird how that always happens.
How to watch Devolver Direct β June 6, 8PM ET
Watch on YouTube(the same stream as SGF Live and Day of The Devs above) or TwitchΒ
This year's SGF edition of Devolver Direct will be entirely focused on one game. Devolver Digital will be showing off a previously unannounced title called Ball x Pit: The Kenny Sun Story. The publisher hasn't revealed any more details about this game yet, but apparently it's one that the Devolver "team themselves can't even put down β hundreds of hours later." Devolver's got a strong track record, so this will probably be worth your attention.
Sorry to everyone who was hoping for a Skate Story release date from this installment, though we may learn that in a different showcase. After all, Devolver announced the Baby Steps release date at the State of Play on Wednesday.
IO Interactive is running its very own showcase for the first time. Arguably the most compelling thing here is 007 First Light, the James Bond game that the studio has been working on for several years. We got our first peek at that during Sony's State of Play stream on Wednesday, so here's hoping we get a more in-depth look at the game β which is slated for 2026 β during the IOI Showcase.
That's not to say IO Interactive is done with Hitman: World of Assassination. You can expect details about future updates for that saga as well as upcoming collaborations for the Hitman franchise. The stream will also feature MindsEye, a game from ex-GTA producer Leslie Benzies' studio, Build A Rocket Boy. This action-adventure title, which IOI is publishing, will hit PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on June 10.
Definitely don't overlook the smaller events that take place during SGF, as you can always find plenty of treats among them. One such event is the Wholesome Direct, which will feature around 60 cozy games. It will include world premieres, demo announcements and updates from publishers and developers including Playstack, btf Games, ustwo games and WΔtΔ Workshop (whose Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of The Rings Game arrives in July).
How to watch Women-led Games Showcase β June 7, 1PM ET
This one does what it says on the tin. It's a showcase featuring games from women-led and majority-women studios. The Women-led Games Showcase will feature 39 titles, including world premieres and release dates.
How to watch Latin American Games Showcase β June 7, 2PM ET
The Latin American Games Showcase will feature more than 50 games, all of which are from Latin American developers, oddly enough. Expect world premieres, game update news and more from this one.
How to watch Green Games Showcase β June 7, 4PM ET
The Green Games Showcase is a new addition to the lineup for 2025. This will focus on the game's industry's "growing commitment to the environment." It will feature games that make direct contributions to green initiatives. Other titles in the showcase center around sustainability, and some are designed to raise awareness or drive action regarding environmental causes.
Amazon Games, Skybound Games and Team17 are among those taking part. The stream will include a Q&A about how games can inspire meaningful action on climate change. There will also be a fundraising drive to help plant 50,000 trees.
How to watch Xbox Games Showcase β June 8, 1PM ET
What's the over/under on the number of times the phrase "day one with Game Pass" will appear on this stream? That's one phrase you can definitely expect to hear, but Microsoft will have plenty to share here. It's the biggest Xbox showcase of the year. There will be reveals and updates from across Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Games that the company has in the pipeline include Fable (2026), Perfect Dark, Gears of War: E-Day, Everwild, State of Decay 3, Clockwork Revolution, Hideo Kojima's OD and Contraband. It feels a little early for an update on The Elder Scrolls 6 since that game is still years away. But we may find out more about those other games and some we don't yet know about, such as whatever Double Fine and Toys for Bob are working on.Β
I have my fingers crossed for more info on the Blade game that Arkane Studios is working on. It's a reasonably safe bet that we'll see something about the next Call of Duty here as well. There's always going to be space for offerings from Microsoft's partner studios and publishers too. Plus, you never know, we might get a peek at what Halo Studios has been cooking up.
One game we'll definitely hear more about on June 8 is The Outer Worlds 2. That's getting its own time in the spotlight, with a dedicated event that will start as soon as the main Xbox Games Showcase ends.
How to watch Death Stranding 2 Live Game Premiere β June 8, 10PM ET
Kojima will join Keighley at the Orpheum Theatre in LA to kick off a world tour of events to celebrate the arrival of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. There will be a panel discussion with some special guests, as well as a live demo of the highly anticipated game. In case you can't make it in person (ticket registration is open now), you can watch the hour-long event live at home.Β
Meanwhile, several publishers and other organizations are hosting their own shows around SGF. Here's when those will take place:Β
Access-Ability Summer Showcase β June 6, 11AM ET, on YouTube, YouTube with British Sign Language and Twitch (featuring games made by disabled developers and the accessibility options in each title)
IGN Live β throughout June 7 and 8, on YouTube and Twitch
Future Games Show β June 7, 4PM ET, on YouTube (featuring more than 40 games)Β
Frosty Games Fest β June 7, 7PM ET, on YouTube (showcasing "the coolest upcoming and recently released games made in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand")
PC Gamer's PC Gaming Show β June 8, 3PM ET, on YouTube (with 50-plus games)
Phew. Get ready, gamers. Details on many, many new games are coming your way very soon.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/summer-game-fest-2025-schedule-announcements-new-games-and-everything-else-to-expect-183538568.html?src=rss
Nintendo has shaken up how it treats your digital game purchases. It's now calling those virtual game cards, and it hopes to make it easier for you to share your games across multiple Switch systems. You can even let friends and family members borrow a game you've purchased from the eShop so they can play it on their own Switch. Getting things set up is a slightly complex process, but in most cases, you'll only need to do the tricky stuff once. In any case, we're here to help.
The virtual game card system went live on the console on April 30 when Nintendo rolled out a major update. The Nintendo Switch 2 (which arrives on June 5) will support virtual game card lending and borrowing as well. Virtual game cards also include any of a game's associated DLC (i.e. extra downloadable content) that you've acquired.
If you haven't tried out this way of letting your kid, partner or roommate jump into a Switch game you're not currently playing, sharing a virtual game card is a pretty simple process. We'll break down how to do that before explaining how to use virtual game cards across two of your own Switch consoles.
When it comes to lending and borrowing virtual game cards, there are a number of caveats you'll need to be aware of. Sadly, a casual internet acquaintance who lives on the other side of the country won't be able to borrow a game from your Switch. The virtual game card system is designed for sharing games between friends and family β you'll need to be on the same Wi-Fi network to make the transfer.
To wit, you can only lend out a virtual game card to another member of your Nintendo Account family group. Both Switch systems will also need to be connected to the same wireless network at the time a game is lent and borrowed.
You can lend out a game for 14 days at a time. While a game of yours is loaned out, you won't be able to play it on your own Switch. However, if you do decide you want to hop back into that title, you can recall it at any time (which is, perhaps, a way to show a misbehaving child the consequences of their actions). Let's run through the other key virtual game card lending provisos in bullet points:
You can lend out as many as three virtual game cards at a time.
A borrower can only take one game at a time, and they can't borrow from multiple users simultaneously.
Similarly, you can only lend out one virtual game card to a given console at any time.
If a Switch has users that belong to different family groups, it won't be able to borrow any virtual game cards.
Got all of that? Cool. Let's jam through how to actually lend and borrow virtual game cards on the Nintendo Switch.
How to set up Switch systems to share virtual game cards
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Before you actually get started with lending and borrowing virtual game cards, there are a few things you'll have to do. First, make sure your system software is up to date. You can check that's the case by going to the Switch home screen, then System Settings > System > System Update. If your Switch isn't running the latest system software, it will start the update process. Otherwise, you're golden.
Next, as mentioned, you'll need to make sure the Switch systems that are going to exchange virtual game cards are on the same wireless network. Once you've taken care of that, it's time to ensure the consoles are in the same Nintendo Account family group, if you haven't already done so. (A family group can include up to eight account holders, and a role-based system allows for parental controls.)
First, sign in to the Nintendo Account that will be the admin for the family group (only one account can be an admin per family group). From there, select "Family group" then either "Add a member" or, if you haven't set up a family group yet, "Create family group."
To invite an existing Nintendo Account holder to a family group, first click the "Invite someone to your family group" option (or go through the process of setting one up for a child aged 12 or younger, if that's who you're adding). Of course, if the person you want to invite to a family group doesn't yet have a Nintendo Account, they'll need to set one up.
Next, you'll need to read a disclaimer about only adding people you know to a family group and then what will happen if either your account or theirs is banned (spoiler, it won't be a good thing!). After you've agreed to the disclaimer and clicked Confirm, you'll be prompted to enter the email address linked to the Nintendo Account you want to add to the family group. Click Submit when you're done.
The person you're inviting to the family group will receive an email. They'll need to click the verification link, sign into their Nintendo Account if necessary and click "Join family group." After that person has joined the family group, the admin can assign them a role.
Phew, okay. All of the hard/annoying stuff is out of the way. Save for connecting to the same wireless network, you should only have to do all of that stuff once to make sure a pair of Switch consoles is ready to use virtual game cards. Now for the fun part.
How to lend and borrow virtual game cards on Nintendo Switch
Nintendo
For the sake of clarity, let's call the system that's lending a virtual game card Switch A. We'll refer to the device that's borrowing a game as Switch B (calling them Switch 1 and Switch 2 would have made things more confusing!).
Go to the Virtual Game Cards option on the Switch A home screen, then select the user that's linked to your Nintendo Account. At this point, you'll need to enter your password or a PIN if you've enabled the user verification setting.
Pick the game you want to lend out from your library of virtual game cards then to go Lend to Family Group Member > Select Select a User to Lend To. Select the person you'd like to receive the game, and then click on Lend.
After that, it's the recipient's turn to act. On the Switch B, access Virtual Game Cards from the home screen. Choose the user profile for the person that's receiving the game, and enter the PIN or password if necessary. Then choose the Borrow option. After that, the virtual game card should start downloading, then you'll be able to play!
You only need to be connected to the same wireless network when you're actively lending and borrowing ("loading" or "ejecting" to use Nintendo's terms for it) a virtual game card. You don't necessarily have to be online to play a game once it's on your Switch. Nintendo has a help article that should help you address any error messages you encounter as part of the process.
Returning a virtual game card (perhaps so you can borrow a different one from Switch A) is straightforward too. Go to Virtual Game Cards from the home screen, select the relevant user profile, enter the password or PIN if need be. Go to the game, select Return to Family Group Member and then click Return.
This is all perhaps a little more complicated than it has to be. It probably would have been easier for the Switch B user to receive a notification when Switch A lends a game out to them. Still, the process should be simple enough to run through, especially after you get the hang of it.
How to use virtual game cards across two Switch units
Nintendo
One other thing you can do with virtual game cards is freely swap them between two of your own Switch consoles, even if one is in sleep mode. Maybe you have a Switch docked in your living room and a Switch Lite you take on the go. This system could be useful in that case. As ever, other users of a Switch console can play any game or DLC that's installed on the system through their own profile.
To swap virtual game cards from one Switch to another, you first need to link them. First, bring the system that you can already install virtual game cards on (Switch A, we'll call it) and the other one (Switch B) in close proximity to one another and connect them to the internet. Make sure your Nintendo Account is linked to a user on Switch B as well.
On Switch B, choose Virtual Game Cards from the home screen, then the user that's linked to your Nintendo Account (again, you'll need to enter a password or PIN if you have user verification on). Choose a virtual game card that you'd like to add to the Switch B, then go to Load on This System > Next > Systems Are Close Enough (once you've ensured both consoles are within close proximity).
Next, return to Switch A. Again, do the virtual game cards > user linked to the same Nintendo Account > password/PIN (if necessary) deal. You'll then see a message about linking to another console. Select the Link option to enable this. After the linking process is wrapped up, click the OK button. You'll also need to click on Load on This System if such a prompt pops up to load the virtual game card you picked earlier onto Switch B.
And that's it! After that, you don't need to keep the consoles in close proximity to each other to load virtual game cards onto either system.
Bear in mind that only two consoles can be linked at a time for this purpose. To set up another console as a new Switch B (we're still calling it that for the sake of clarity), go through the same setup process again on that device.
Partway through, you'll see a message on the new Switch B telling you that you already linked two consoles for the purpose of loading virtual game cards. After you read the information about that (and assuming that linking a different Switch is what you want to do), select Unlink next to the console that you want to unlink. Click this button again to confirm.
If you want to play digital Switch games across more than two consoles (perhaps you have one in your den, another in the bedroom and a third at a vacation home?), you may need to use a different method called the online license feature. Nintendo has a help article that'll walk you through how to set that up.
With either method, there is a significant factor you'll need to take into account. Save data isn't automatically shared across each system, so you can't simply start playing a game on one Switch and continue where you left off on another. To do that, you'll need to transfer the data manually, either by having the two consoles in close proximity to each other or viathe cloud if you're a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber.
How to hide virtual game cards on your Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch has been around for over eight years. That's a long time! Over that period, you may have amassed a large collection of digital games, perhaps making it increasingly difficult to find what you're looking for. Thankfully, there's an option to hide (and unhide) virtual game cards in your collection.
To hide one, go to Virtual Game Cards on the Switch home screen and choose the user that's linked to your Nintendo Account. Highlight the game or DLC you'd like to hide, select Options and then Hide twice to mask that title from your library.
To view a hidden virtual game card, repeat those first two steps, then scroll down and choose the Can't Find Software? option. From here, you'll see a prompt to View Hidden Virtual Game Cards. Pick this and you'll see the full list of hidden game cards.
You can unhide a virtual game card from this section too. Select the particular game, then choose Options and Unhide. It will then appear back alongside your regular library of virtual game cards.
A game card isn't exactly useless while it's hidden. You can still download the associated game onto your Switch while a card is hidden or lend it out to others in your family group.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/how-to-use-nintendo-switch-virtual-game-cards-201046520.html?src=rss
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