Capcom just shared a lengthy trailer for the upcoming Resident Evil Survival Unit. This is a mobile game, but not a remake of a pre-existing title. The original game includes a heavy emphasis on strategy and stars franchise heavy-hitters like Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield and Jill Valentine.

If you're wondering how these protagonists can exist together in the same game, it's all due to the magic of the multiverse. It's set in a parallel universe "that builds upon the Resident Evil world while diverging from the original series." This also opens up the door for other unannounced characters to show up.

This is a strategy game through-and-through, with base-building mechanics and real-time battles "against powerful creatures inspired by the Resident Evil universe." Each character has unique abilities and some can interact with the environment, adding another level of strategic immersion. The iconic Weapons Merchant also shows up to arm players up before duking it out.

It's being developed by Joycity, the company behind 3on3 FreeStyle Rebound, and Aniplex, which made the forthcoming Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2. Both companies are reportedly working "in close collaboration" with Capcom.

Resident Evil Survival Unit will be released later in the year, though wish lists are open right now. It's a free-to-play title with in-game purchases.

The game could tide folks over while waiting for Resident Evil Requiem, which was announced last month at SGF 25. This is the next mainline franchise title, so it's technically Resident Evil 9. It features a new protagonist and the ability to swap between first-person and third-person gameplay perspectives. It comes out on February 27, 2026.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/capcom-shares-first-footage-of-resident-evil-mobile-spinoff-170746039.html?src=rss

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If you're a Samsung phone user or prefer Android in general, there are some excellent sales on tech accessories to check out for the last day of Prime Day. One of the best ones is on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, which is on sale for only $160 right now. That's a record-low price for this smartwatch.

This is the company's latest watch and was released back in February, so it's nice to see a massive discount this early in the release cycle. We appreciated the Galaxy Watch 7 in our official review, calling it a "capable companion for Samsung phones." It features an old-school design that recalls classic timepieces and not modern smart devices.

The performance is zippy, thanks to an upgraded processor, and the storage has doubled when compared to its predecessor. There are also many more sensors when measured against the Galaxy Watch 6. For instance, there are now 13 heart rate sensor LEDs. This leads to the ability to assess more complex health metrics, like sleep apnea detection. All of this is data viewable via the fun and intuitive Samsung Health app.

We also appreciated that this watch will automatically track workouts when you start, without asking if you're exercising like with the Apple Watch. There are even some AI-assisted tools here that offer light coaching as you workout or engage in physical activities.

There are a couple of little quirks here. First of all, this watch is primarily for those already tied into Samsung's ecosystem. If you use an iPhone, this might not be the best match. Also, the always-on display is a notorious battery hog. Still, this is a lot of smartwatch for the money.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-deals-include-the-samsung-galaxy-watch-7-for-an-all-time-low-price-for-the-last-day-110001283.html?src=rss

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© Amy Skorheim for Engadget

Noise-cancelling headphones are a must if you're traveling or hoping to get some work done without distractions wherever you may be. Prime Day deals include a bunch of the most popular headphones and earbuds for less, like the Bose QuietComfort headphones. These cans are down to $199 right now, or 42 percent off their usual price, and they're still in stock during the last day of the sale.

These QuietComfort headphones include active noise cancellation (ANC) and multipoint connectivity for switching between various audio sources. There's a fully customizable EQ that can be adjusted via the affiliated app. The battery life is fantastic here, offering 24 hours of use per charge. Also, there's a quick-charge feature that provides 2.5 hours of use from a 15 minute trip to the outlet.

As to the name, these cans include plush, padded earcups and an adjustable padded band. They should be comfortable for all-day use. We haven't gotten a chance to review this particular model, but we loved the QuietComfort Ultra headphones. They even found a spot on our list of the best wireless headphones. Bose typically makes great stuff.

The headphones do come with a microphone, but some reviews suggest the quality is a bit off when compared to rival units. However, it still gets the job done for a quick phone call or whatever. The major downside here is the price, as $350 is a whole lot of cheddar. Luckily, today's deal calms some of that sticker shock.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-bose-quietcomfort-headphones-are-still-on-sale-for-199-on-the-last-day-of-prime-day-103010111.html?src=rss

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The latest Apple iPad Mini is on sale for a record-low price as part of the Prime Day extravaganza, and it's still in stock during the last day of the sale. The tablet is available for $380, which is a discount of $120. That's a pretty good deal for a device that's only around nine months old.

This tablet made our list of the best iPads and we recommend it specifically for people who want a device with a smaller form factor. It's the only tablet that Apple makes in this size. Don't let the size fool you, however, as this is a full-featured iPad. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro and starts at 128GB of storage.

We called it "reliable" and everything we "want in a small tablet" in our official review. The speakers sound great, which has become standard with modern Apple devices, and the form factor makes it easy to hold for long periods of time without causing hand cramps. It's an iPad, just smaller.

There are a couple of little caveats. The display is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which could impact some action-heavy games. There's also no Face ID here, which forces users to enter a password or use a fingerprint. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-latest-ipad-mini-is-down-to-a-record-low-price-for-prime-day-and-still-in-stock-100024613.html?src=rss

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It's usually wise to wait for Amazon Prime Day to pick up a Kindle ereader since the online retailer typically saves the best deals for its own shopping events. Case in point: this deal on the latest Kindle Scribe. The E Ink tablet is down to $260 during day three of the sale, which is $140 off and the cheapest we've seen it. You'll get that price on the base 16GB model, but there are similar discounts on the 32GB and 64GB configurations as well.

The Kindle Scribe is Amazon's answer to devices like the reMarkable E ink tablet. It's both a standard ereader and a tablet for taking notes, as it ships with a pen for scribbling. This makes it handy for writing down thoughts or for mindlessly drawing pizza slices. Users can jot notes over books, but not every title supports this feature.

The Scribe made our list of the best E Ink tablets for a number of reasons. We appreciated the low latency when writing. In most cases, users won't notice any latency at all. The latest software update also brings in new brush types, which now include a fountain pen, a marker and a pencil. This device makes it easy to create multiple notebooks for different purposes. There are even some AI tools for summarization and the like.

Of course, it's also a standard ereader. I have a Scribe and, to be honest, I use it primarily for reading. The giant 10.2-inch screen is just so luxe and offers a superior reading experience to standard-sized Kindles. It's a bit heavier and cumbersome to hold for long periods, but that tradeoff is worth it to me.

The only major downside here is the price. It's tough to recommend a $400 ereader, even with all of the handwriting bells and whistles. However, this sale certainly takes the edge off a bit.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-prime-day-includes-the-latest-kindle-scribe-on-sale-for-a-record-low-price-131544796.html?src=rss

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The Amazon Smart Plug is on sale for just $13 for Prime Day this year, and it's still in stock now even as we get closer to the end of the event. This is 48 percent off and a record-low, as the typical price is $25. It just might be time to stock up.

The Smart Plug is pretty handy. It plugs into any standard outlet and integrates with Alexa. This means that it provides voice control to many common household items like lamps and coffee makers. It made our list of the best smart plugs and this is especially true for those already tied into Amazon's ecosystem.

It's extremely easy to set up and use, particularly for folks who have some experience with the Alexa app. It doesn't require a smart home hub, as the app itself handles adjustments. The compact design also ensures there's room for another plug in a standard two-outlet fixture. The plug will automatically reconnect to Alexa after a power or Wi-Fi outage.

We came away impressed with some of the features here. The app allows users to create routines, and we got a small thrill by saying "Alexa, goodnight" and watching everything power down for the evening.

The major drawback here is the app's lack of sharing capabilities. The app doesn't let other people in the home access smart home devices, though they should be able to turn stuff on and off with their voice. However, they won't be able to make routines or adjust settings. It's also not the cheapest smart plug on the market, but this sale handles that for now.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-deals-discount-the-amazon-smart-plug-down-to-only-13-230012390.html?src=rss

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Solid Prime Day headphone and earbud deals come around almost like clockwork every year, and 2025 is no different. For the July shopping event, you can grab the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for as low as $248, or $152 off their usual price. The black option is down this low, while the other colorways are on sale for $298 each. Thankfully, all colorways are on sale and in stock at the moment for the last day of the sale.

These headphones once topped our list of the best wireless headphones before being usurped by the XM6. They are still fantastic, despite being slightly outshined by the newer kid on the block. We praised the "supreme comfort" and "great sound" in our official review, along with the powerful ANC technology.

The battery life is also incredible here. Users can expect around 30 hours per charge, which will more than handle a long train ride or flight. It's also lighter than the XM4, which adds to the overall comfort. There are touch controls on the outside panel of the right ear cup, with the ability to play, pause, skip tracks and adjust the volume.

These cans also work with various voice assistants and there's an affiliated app that allows for even more customization. The headphones offer multipoint connectivity and there are a handful of integrated microphones for phone calls. The only downside here remains the price, which has been somewhat alleviated by this sale.

If your budget is tighter, Sony still sells the WH-1000XM4 headphones and they're on sale for $193 thanks to Prime Day. Since the XM6 cans are the latest and greatest, this model is getting a bit old at this point — but it could be a good option for those looking to spend less than $200 on a good set of ANC headphones.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-up-to-152-off-the-sony-wh-1000xm5-headphones-for-prime-day-123544251.html?src=rss

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EA's beleaguered online shooter Anthem is shutting down for good on January 12, 2026. The game will be removed from the company's storefront ahead of that on August 15. It'll be available for download after that date so long as it's already in your library.

Some aspects of the game have already begun winding down. Players can no longer purchase premium in-game currency as of today, though they can still use existing balances to buy stuff. Anthem is a game that can only be played online, so once the servers shut down in January it will be bricked.

The game launched in 2019 to poor reviews that called out the reliance on grinding and an overall lack of polish. This wasn't helped by a number of bugs that plagued early builds. Developer BioWare promised fixes, but those took a while to get implemented.

By then, the damage to the brand was too severe. BioWare ceased active development of Anthem in 2021, which was followed by the game's director leaving the company. In other words, we all kind of knew this shutdown was coming.

EA says that no layoffs occurred at the company as a result of this decision. However, that's likely because BioWare has already been through several steep staffing cuts. EA laid off 50 BioWare employees in 2023. This was followed by even more layoffs after Dragon Age: The Veilguard underperformed.

BioWare currently has an operating staff of less than 100 people. The company is currently focused on the development of Mass Effect 5.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/anthem-is-officially-shutting-down-on-january-12-185236926.html?src=rss

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Shark robot vacuums are on sale for Prime Day and there are some good deals to be had. For instance, the AI Ultra is on sale for just $298. This is 50 percent off, as the regular price is $599.

This is a version of the model that topped our list of the best robot vacuums, so it's the real deal. The AI Ultra boasts fantastic suction power and the bagless self-emptying base is incredibly handy. There's a simple mobile app that lets users control the vacuum when not at home. This app also displays home maps made by the vacuum that can be edited to create "no-go" zones.

The battery life is decent, at 120 minutes per charge. Like most modern robovacs, it'll head back to the power outlet on its own. During use, we found that the vacuum did a pretty good job at avoiding obstacles and managed to sidestep the many cat toys strewn across the floor.

Many other Shark products are also on sale right now. This includes other robovacs, but also standard upright designs. Here are some of the highlights.

• Shark AV2501S AI Ultra robot vacuum for $250 (55 percent off): A version of our favorite robot vacuum, this Shark machine has strong suction power and won't choke at the first sight of pet hair or big dust bunnies. Its self-emptying base is bagless as well, which means you won't have to buy propriety bags to refill it with over time. This auto-empty base has a 30-day capacity.

• Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro robot vacuum and mop for $700 (42 percent off): This Shark machine is one of our favorites in part because it truly lives up to its name. Thanks to its self-emptying dock that handles vacuumed debris along with clean and dirty mopping water, you really don't have to touch the thing for at least 30 days in between cleanings. We found it to be a solid autonomous dirt sucker, and its mopping capabilities are quite good to match.

• Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty cordless vacuum for $400 (33 percent off): Shark's cordless vacuums are just as good as their robot vacuums, and you can usually find them on sale for less than other major brands. This one has great suction power and a relatively lightweight design, but the fact that it comes with a self-emptying base makes it an ultra-convenient choice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-deals-include-up-to-50-percent-off-shark-robot-vacuums-170023199.html?src=rss

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As has been the case for many years now, Fire TV devices are among the almost-guaranteed sales to be included in Amazon Prime Day. On of the best deals in this category right now is the Fire TV Stick HD, which is down to an all-time-low price of $18. It's currently still in stock too, even as we're more than half way through Prime Day 2025.

We recently added this dongle to our best streaming devices guide as our top budget pick. It simply gets the job done without too much fuss or extra money spent. It's easy to set up, gives you access to all of the major streaming platforms and streams content in 1080p.

It also comes with an updated remote control, which is the same remote that comes with Fire TVs. It allows for voice control, so you can simply ask it to look for something to watch and let Alexa do the rest. It can also control the power and volume on the TV, which is something previous Fire Stick remotes couldn't do.

The one caveat is right there in the name. This is a stick that supports HD content and cannot stream in 4K. That could be a dealbreaker for some, though the price is most certainly right. If you absolutely must have that 4K magic on your set, consider the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Amazon's most powerful streaming dongle. It's on sale now as well for only $35.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-amazon-fire-tv-stick-hd-is-on-sale-for-only-18-in-this-prime-day-deal-150502574.html?src=rss

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Another hot streaming deal is here to match the summer heat. This time is comes from Paramount+, which is offering a two-month subscription for only $2. Put another way, you'll pay $1 per month for your first two months — but the deal is only valid through today, July 13.

The kicker for this deal is that is applies to two subscription tiers: you can either choose the ad-supported Essential plan or the ad-free Premium plan and the deal price remains the same. That means new subscribers will save $14 on the standard price of the Essential tier, or $24 on the price of the Premium plan.

Paramount+ is a decent service and made our list of the best streaming platforms. It started as a home for all things Star Trek, but that particular bonus is shrinking all of the time. It was recently announced that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will end after a truncated season five, leaving just the forthcoming Starfleet Academy. The third season of Strange New Worlds premieres on July 17. 

It also hosts original programming like the Sonic-adjacent Knuckles TV show and the dad-friendly Tulsa King. Paramount owns CBS, so subscribers can also access much of that network's programming. This includes stuff like The Amazing Race, Blue Bloods and several CSI entries.

Keep in mind that subscriptions will auto-renew if you forget to cancel. Set a reminder to kick in at the end of the second month if you want to avoid that.

Check out our coverage of the best streaming 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/its-the-last-day-to-get-two-months-of-paramount-access-for-only-2-114314326.html?src=rss

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A US judge has ruled that Huawei must stand trial following a 16-count indictment from 2019 accusing the Chinese telecommunications company of trying to steal trade secrets from its US rivals and selling surveillance equipment to Iran despite trade sanctions, according to a report by Reuters. A trial is currently set for May 4, 2026.

US District Judge Ann Donnelly found sufficient evidence in the indictment to refute the company's bid for dismissal. In a 52-page decision, the Brooklyn judge ruled that its arguments for dismissal were premature. The indictment alleges that Huawei engaged in racketeering, stole trade secrets from six companies and committed bank fraud by misleading the financial organizations about its work in Iran.

The Iran accusations stem from Huawei's alleged control over a Hong Kong-based company called Skycom, which did business in that country. Donnelly said that prosecutors successfully alleged that Skycom "operated as Huawei's Iranian subsidiary and ultimately stood to benefit" from over $100 million in money transfers through the US financial system.

Huawei has pleaded not guilty and sought to dismiss 13 of the 16 counts, referring to itself as "a prosecutorial target in search of a crime." The case goes all the way back to 2019 during President Trump's first term and coincided with the Department of Justice launching an investigation into China's alleged theft of intellectual property.

Chinese officials have accused the US government of "economic bullying" and of using national security concerns as a pretext for "oppressing Chinese companies." The company's CFO Meng Wanzhou, whose father founded the company, was arrested and detained in Canada for three years on allegations that Huawei violated sanctions with Iran. Wanzhou was eventually released and the charges were dismissed.

The US government began restricting Huawei's access to American technology in 2019, citing security concerns. The company struggled to maintain its market share with these restrictions in place, but has since ramped up its own development of chips and related technologies. The company also shifted its focus to the Chinese market.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/us-judge-rules-huawei-must-answer-criminal-charges-about-alleged-iran-deal-161552940.html?src=rss

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© Unsplash/BoliviaInteligente

One of our favorite robot vacuums from Eufy, the 11S Max, has dropped to $140 thanks to Amazon Prime Day deals. That's half off its regular price and one of the best discounts we've seen — and even better, it's still in stock as of right now on day three.

This model earned a top spot on our list of the best budget-friendly robot vacuums. Arguably the coolest feature here is the 11S Max's thin profile, which allows it to slide under short tables and other places typical robovacs are too chonky to reach. It's also extremely quiet during use, so it can be operated at night without waking everyone up.

It runs for around 100 minutes per charge and it'll head to the outlet on its own for some juice. The vacuum automatically adapts suction power to suit different floor types. We found the obstacle avoidance here to be excellent, thanks to an included infrared sensor. It also ships with a remote control for those who want to ensure certain parts of the home get extra attention.

This is a budget robovac, so there are some tradeoffs. First of all, it doesn't connect to WiFi and there's no affiliated app. It doesn't really need it, as the obstacle avoidance tech gets the job done, but this does mean that owners can't set schedules or create maps with no-go zones.

Finally, it's just a vacuum. There's no mop here and it doesn't ship with a debris canister. It'll have to get emptied after every use. Still, the price is certainly right.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-prime-day-eufy-robot-vacuum-deal-is-still-in-stock-and-saves-you-50-percent-153859746.html?src=rss

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© Engadget / Eufy

Threads and Instagram are continuing to decouple. Meta's social network has updated its Hidden Words setting to make it separate from Instagram. Prior to this update, users had one global Hidden Words setting that impacted both platforms.

For the uninitiated, the Hidden Words setting lets users filter out stuff they don't want to see. The setting can be applied to posts, feeds, searches, profiles and replies. The tool can filter out words, phrases and emojis.

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Threads also offers the ability to snooze words and phrases for a period of 30 days. This is really useful for avoiding spoilers or just when you get tired of a certain discussion topic. Today's update even brings in the ability to filter out words and phrases in batches. Threads head Adam Mosseri says all of this was done so users could "shape the experience into one where they feel comfortable expressing themselves."

When Threads launched in 2023, it was basically an extension of Instagram. The two platforms have slowly been embracing independence the last couple of years. Threads has begun testing its own DM inbox that's not tied to Instagram and now lets people deactivate one account without impacting the other.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/threads-now-has-a-hidden-words-setting-thats-separate-from-instagram-184136934.html?src=rss

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The notorious Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is finally heading to a junkyard upstate. This error message has been a key part of the Windows experience for almost 40 years. Microsoft has been teasing this change for years, but now we know the crash screen will be removed in an update to Windows 11 that's coming later this summer.

Windows computers are still going to crash, so there needs to be some sort of error screen. Microsoft is transitioning to a Black Screen of Death instead. This new crash screen will be black, as the name suggests, and there will be no cutesy frowny face and QR code. It'll just be a black screen with a short message that tells users they need to restart.

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The new BSOD recalls the black screen shown during a Windows update, but it will list the stop code and system driver that contributed to the crash. This should make life easier for IT admins.

“This is really an attempt on clarity and providing better information and allowing us and customers to really get to what the core of the issue is so we can fix it faster,” David Weston, vice president of enterprise and OS security at Microsoft, said in an interview with The Verge. “Part of it is just cleaner information on what exactly went wrong."

The new BSOD will debut alongside the Quick Machine Recovery feature. This tool is designed to restore machines that won't boot. These changes are being made in the wake of last year's CrowdStrike incident that crashed over 8 million Windows devices. That massive outage impacted banks, airlines and major corporations.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/windows-is-finally-kicking-the-blue-screen-of-death-to-the-curb-172011343.html?src=rss

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Synthesizer giant Roland just announced a fairly bizarre contraption. The Mood Pan is the company's digital take on an acoustic handpan. For the uninitiated, a handpan is a version of the steelpan instrument that's been popular in Trinidad and Tobago since the 1930s. It's widely considered to be the only truly new acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century.

However, handpans and steelpans take serious skill to play. Roland's Mood Pan is much easier to play, thanks to clearly visible pads that represent notes. These nine pads can be set to different musical scales, making it impossible to hit a wrong note. The company says that this simpler design requires "no previous musical skills."

There's a built-in 2.1 speaker system and a Bluetooth receiver, which lets users stream audio from external sources. The sound engine offers "tranquil tones," with multiple sound variations and effects.

The Mood Pan allows access to a number of different percussive instruments like the tongue drum, gamelan, crystal bowl and singing bowl, along with unique tunings. It can also emulate stuff like sitars, orchestral strings and synth pads. There's an affiliated app for changing up sounds and for fine-tuning pad sensitivity.

It's played with finger taps, just like many of its acoustic cousins. The instrument is small enough to be placed directly on a lap, though also works on a table. Roland claims this is the perfect gadget for "musical exploration, relaxation and meditation." As for those last two, the Mood Pan can play built-in environmental music and nature sounds. The company says these modes are for "mornings, evenings, relaxing and yoga sessions."

This being a modern digital instrument, there's a USB-C MIDI port for triggering sounds on computers or via other gadgets. It's powered by six AA batteries or via USB-C connection. The instrument is available to order right now, but shipments won't be going out for a few weeks. The Mood Pan costs $660.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/roland-just-released-a-weird-little-riff-on-an-acoustic-handpan-180051436.html?src=rss

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Nintendo just revealed that Drag x Drive will be available on August 14, exclusively for the recently-released Switch 2 console. The company made this announcement on its Today! news app.

For the uninitiated, Drag x Drive is a 3 v 3 wheelchair basketball game. The main hook is that it's controlled via the mouse-like functionality of those new Joy-Con controllers. This will be the first major test of this feature and will let us know if it'll be a barely-used gimmick or a real opportunity for new gameplay experiences.

The game looks pretty fun, though it will likely be something of a niche title. Think Arms and not Wii Sports. We don't have a price yet and it remains to be seen if the concept is robust enough to charge $60 or $70. My guess is that it'll come somewhere in the $30 to $40 range.

This does, however, prove one thing. Nintendo is trying to release a first-party game each month, which is something it did during much of the lifecycle of the original Switch. The new console launched with Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza comes out on July 17.

Speaking of Donkey Kong Bananza, the next big Switch 2 exclusive co-stars Pauline from the original arcade game and looks like an absolute blast. DK gets to eat giant, golden bananas and destroy everything in his sight. It could also very well be a prequel to both the original Donkey Kong and Super Mario Odyssey, given Pauline's age in Bananza.

Update, June 26 2025, 9:52AM ET: Despite the competitive appeal of Nintendo's upcoming basketball game, it looks like Drag x Drive won't support local multiplayer at launch. As spotted by Eurogamer, the eShop page for the game says it supports up to 12 players online but only one on a single system. Beyond saying you can either team up with or play against friends, Nintendo doesn't go into much detail on what multiplayer modes are available, but the lack of a local option seems strange. If one was added, you'd presumably need at least four Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers to play with someone else, as two are required for each player. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendos-mouse-controlled-basketball-game-comes-out-on-august-14-163200335.html?src=rss

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Acer just announced several new budget-friendly laptops, and they each offer access to NVIDIA's latest RTX 5050 GPU. This GPU features 2,560 CUDA cores and 8GB of GDDR7 VRAM.

First up, there's the Acer Nitro V 16 AI Copilot+. This model is available with an AMD Ryzen 5 240, Ryzen 7 260 or Ryzen 7 350 CPU. It's also available with up to a RTX 5070 GPU. These laptops ship with a 16-inch WUXGA 180Hz display and 16GB of RAM. Storage options start at 512GB. Prices start at $900. The Nitro V 16 line will be available at Walmart this August.

Acer

The standard Nitro V 16 will also be available this August, though at various retailers beyond Walmart. It ships with either an Intel Core Ultra C5 210H or C7 240H CPU. It offers 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage. The 16-inch display is available with either a 165Hz or 180Hz refresh rate. Prices start at $1,000.

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The Nitro V 15 laptop comes with either an Intel Core i5 13420H or i7 13620H CPU, with storage options up to 1TB. The laptop offers 16GB of RAM and a 15.6-inch FHD 165Hz display. It'll be available at the end of July at Walmart, Microcenter, Newegg and several other retailers. Pricing starts at $900.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/new-budget-friendly-laptops-from-acer-feature-nvidias-latest-rtx-5050-gpu-160018329.html?src=rss

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Here's a bit of sad news for gamers. Hypixel Studios is shutting down and ending development of Hytale. The game looked pretty nifty, combining action-RPG mechanics with Minecraft. Riot Games purchased the developer back in 2020, though it has been working on Hytale a lot longer than that.

Development is ending immediately and the company will be shutting down "over the next few months." Hypixel CEO Aaron "Noxy" Donaghey said the decision was made when it "became clear we couldn’t bring Hytale to life in a way that truly delivered on its promise."

"Over time, as our vision evolved and the genre matured around us, the bar kept rising," he continued. "Our technical ambitions grew more complex, and even after a major reboot of the game engine, the team found that Hytale still wasn’t as far along as it needed to be."

Donaghey doesn't blame Riot. He went on to say that the company behind League of Legends and Valorant offered the staff "generous severance" and is helping impacted employees find new opportunities. We contacted Riot Games for a comment and will update this post if we hear back. 

This is a bummer. The game looked pretty darn cool and recent developer updates teased reworked biomes, improved graphics and a lot more. Now we'll never know what could have been. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/riot-games-shuts-down-hypixel-studios-and-ends-development-of-hytale-190435047.html?src=rss

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© Hypixel Studios / Riot Games

Amazon Prime Day deals are already popping up online, and one of the best ones we've found so far is on a teeny, tiny 8BitDo controller. The 8BitDo Micro Bluetooth gamepad is on sale for only $15 right now, which is $10 off its usual price and a record low. It comes in green and blue, but the discount only applies to the former.

While designed for the Nintendo Switch and Android devices, the Micro should also work well with devices like iPhones and even in the Steam Deck. The company also released a firmware update for Switch 2 compatibility, so that should work too. 

This is an extremely tiny gamepad that still manages to pack in 16 buttons. It's a near-perfect way to play retro-tinged 2D platformers. Did we mention it's small? This thing will easily fit in a pocket or just about anywhere else. The company wasn't kidding around when they named it Micro.

There's one caveat. The diminutive size of the 8BitDo Micro doesn't allow for actual joysticks and there's no haptic engine for rumble or anything like that. This isn't the best controller for brand-new AAA games, so just keep that in mind.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-8bitdo-micro-bluetooth-gamepad-drops-to-15-ahead-of-prime-day-151924531.html?src=rss

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© 8BitDo