Games

Today we are taking a look at an alternative to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and a far more affordable option. The official Switch 2 Pro Controller has been a hit thus far, and one of the most popular Switch 2 peripherals to hit the market yet. While that’s not particularly surprising, there are some compelling lower-cost alternatives out there you don’t have to pay $85 for, and this new $30 GuliKit gamepad that can wake the Switch 2 is one of them. 

This morning’s long-awaited Nintendo Direct has aired, and it certainly was not what just about anyone was expecting. Not only was it a Partner Showcase, we also did not see almost any of the major third-party games that were rumored to be coming to Switch 2 – there were a couple, just not any of the big hitters. One shining light in the otherwise mostly mediocre showing was the new Square Enix RPGs that capped off the show – Octapath Traveler 0 and the all-new IP, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales. The latter of which now has a FREE demo you can download on Switch 2 to give it a try before launch. 

Nintendo Direct goes live today with the first major Partner Showcase of the Switch 2 generation, and you can watch it down below. There have been rumors abound for months on end for upcoming Microsoft Xbox titles coming to the platform, plenty of Ubisoft games, and chances are we will get some updates on those here today. Release dates for already confirmed Switch 2 ports like Elden Ring and the FF VII remake seem likely and we have heard word of Metaphor: ReFantazio and Death Stranding: Director’s Cut ports as well. But enough with the speculation (for now), as the show is set to go live very soon!

As July draws to an end and just ahead of this morning’s Nintendo Direct, let’s take a quick rundown of the biggest Switch 2 games set for release. While the (pre-recorded) livestream Partner Showcase set to go live at 6 a.m. PT/9 a.m. ET might very well deliver some news on additional third-party titles landing in for Switch 2 in August 2025, there are a decent selection of first- and third-party games that have already been locked down for the August release schedule, so let’s check them all out down below. 

Nintendo has finally gone official with long-awaited and much anticipated July Nintendo Direct. The livestream will mark the first proper Direct since Switch 2 launched, outside of the dedicated shows we have already got for the system’s two biggest launch titles, but we can’t help but be mildly skeptical/disappointed with what we know so far regarding tomorrow’s show – it is a Partner showcase after all. 

It’s now official, Nintendo Direct is going live again this week with the first major Switch 2 showcase since it released in June. This is, of course, outside of the dedicated Mario Kart 8 stream and the particularly exciting Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, but this week we are in for a more traditional Switch 2 Direct that is set to showcase plenty of upcoming titles and hopefully some major surprises too. 

While it might not be the the next Mario or Zelda game for Switch 2 many of us are eagerly awaiting, nor the new Animal Crossing title that is rumored to be making an appearance in the next Nintendo Direct, it sounds like a new Xenoblade project could very well be on the way for Switch 2. 

This afternoon’s collection of the best apps going on sale today via Google Play are now ready and waiting for you down below. Just be sure to also scope out the discounts we are tracking today on Motorola’s 2025 Razr Ultra at $400 off alongside the latest discounts across the Google Pixel Watch 3 lineup, these official Galaxy S25/+ and Ultra cases, and the best price of the year on Google’s 2-node Nest Wi-Fi Pro mesh system. But for now it’s all about the apps and they are waiting for you below. 

Back in early June, during the last State of Play showcase, Sony officially unveiled the new PlayStation fight stick – “the first wireless fight stick designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PS5 and PC.” And now, we have more details including the official name and a new trailer as part of Sony’s official update announcement. Check it all out below. 

The next big gaming event of the year (outside of that rumored Nintendo Switch 2 Direct that could pop up at anytime now), is gamescom. The annual gaming event is set to host most of the big players in the industry and we now have all of the official details from Microsoft – a playable demo for the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong, hands-on with the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, and a whole lot more. 

Remember when it was actually difficult to get a Switch 2 at retail? It wasn’t all that long ago when folks were clamoring for a fresh new announcement that Walmart, or Best Buy, or Target would have a scheduled restock, but that is not the case anymore. Anyone looking to grab a new Switch 2 console can readily do so right now without getting off the couch or making their way to the local Best Buy when the doors open, or anything like that. 

Reliable sources already said the next Nintendo Direct showcase was inbound this month, and now additional sources have confirmed as much. At this point, it seems as though a big-time summer Switch 2 Direct stream is all but imminent alongside, what many gamers are hoping for the most, the Metroid Prime 4 release date landing in 2025, and the rumored appearance of the new Animal Crossing game for Switch 2. 

Switch 2 consoles, including both the Mario Kart World bundle and new Pokémon Legends: Z-A package, are readily available for purchase and various major retailers online. The Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a flying start here – it is the fastest selling game hardware of all-time in the U.S. after the first month – and it is now up for grabs online for anyone who hasn’t picked on up yet.

Yesterday’s summer Pokémon Presents showcase gave a fresh look at the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A and was immediately followed by the reveal of the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Legends Z-A bundle that is now available for pre-order. But if you already have a console, and are just looking to secure a copy of the new pocket monster game, the FREE pre-order bonus gifts are now live at Best Buy and Walmart. Scope them out below. 

Back in April before the Switch 2 set sales records a few months later, we reported on an Assassin’s Creed: Shadows Switch 2 PEGI rating. While that rating was taken down thereafter, recent hints from the Ubisoft boss suggests the latest ninja-meets-samurai adventure’s release on the next-generation Nintendo hardware is all but imminent now. 

It’s mid-week App Store deal time and all of today’s best iOS game and app discounts are waiting down below. Just be sure to also scope out the discounts we have today on the official USB-C Apple Watch Magnetic Charger, one of the best prices ever on Twelve South’s latest 15W HiRise 2 Deluxe 2-in-1 MagSafe stand at 45% off, a giant discount on Nomad’s grade 5 Titanium Band, and this 1TB 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro at $330 off. All of the apps await after the fold.

Update: Pre-orders for the new official Pokémon Switch 2 console bundle are now live:

• Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends: Z-A $500 (Target)
• Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends: Z-A $500 (Best Buy)

This morning we were graced with some new details and gameplay for Pokémon Legends: Z-A as part of the Pokémon Presents showcase ahead of release, but immediately following that, Nintendo stole the show with the reveal of the official Pokémon Switch 2 console bundle. 

While it might be all about Pokémon today and the new Pokémon Legends Z-A Switch 2 bundle, one of the more major upcoming third-party titles finally has a release date. We already knew Borderlands 4 was inbound for all major consoles this fall, and now we know exactly when it will land on Switch 2. 

Hot on the heels of today’s summer Pokémon Presents showcase, the very first new Switch 2 console bundle has been revealed. The official Nintendo of Europe X account just debuted a new  Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch 2 bundle that will launch the same day as the new game on October 16, but we also now know it is coming to the U.S. as well. More details below. 

Today’s Pokémon Presents show is set to go live very soon with nearly a half hour of updates from across the Pokéverse. As we detailed yesterday, today’s show will be the longest in years if data pulled over the last couple days rings true and we could be in for more than just your usual string of updates on already existing Pokémon experiences. Come tune in to today’s show with us below.

Update: 7/22: Target now has the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Bundle in stock at $499.99 shipped as well as the Switch 2 on its own at $449.99.

Update 7/22: The Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle is also now in-stock at Best Buy.

Update 7/21: The Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle is now back in-stock at Target online. 

If you’re still looking to land yourself a Nintendo Switch 2 console, Target has the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle in stock right now as we speak. Now, as I’m sure you can imagine, this might not last for long, but Target has had a steady stream of units available online over the last few days with units coming in and out of stock on a regular basis and especially so on the Mario Kart World Bundle – get in there while you can. 

The next Pokémon Presents showcase is set to go live tomorrow morning, and it’s going to be a long one. Outside of some new Pokémon TCG drops and the May announcement for the official fall Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch 2 release date, things have been relatively quiet on the pocket monster front as of late…but all of that is about to change tomorrow when The Pokémon Company hosts the longest Pokémon Presents showcase in years. 

Rumors are abound of a July Nintendo Switch 2 Direct showcase, as we reported previously. This also comes along with predictions and rumors from reliable sources, both old and new, of which games might make an appearance. There are loads of major third-party titles that haven’t been made official yet, not to mention some big-time titles that still need an official release date, and what would the first major Direct showcase after the Switch 2 be without a huge drop from Nintendo’s development teams?

As detailed in our recent rundown of the best games releasing for Switch 2 this summer and beyond, Wild Hearts S is set to land on Nintendo’s latest console this upcoming Friday on July 25. While more than a few Switch 2 gamers are still busy making their way to the center of the earth in the critically acclaimed Donkey Kong Bananza, publisher Koei Tecmo has now released a FREE demo of Wild Hearts S so Switch 2 gamers can give it a run through before release later this week. 

The new Donkey Kong Bananza just released to rave reviews, with game of the year already being thrown around, and terms like Switch 2’s killer app. And as fun as Mario Kart World has been – it’s going to need a ton of updates to reach the heights of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for me, we would have to agree. But it’s only going to be a matter of time before you make it to the center of the earth to get your wish granted in Bananza, so let’s take look at the best Switch 2 games releasing this summer and beyond. 

As you know by now, Nintendo has repackaged some of its biggest Switch games as Switch 2 Editions with some significant upgrades and expansion content for the new console. It also issued less significant performance and visual upgrades for 12 other titles you can download for FREE, but it also recently issued a somewhat stealthy update to some other classic first-party games for Switch 2 – Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. 

Donkey Kong Bananza launch day is here and so is the brand new Donkey Kong Edition Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Pro Controller for Switch 2. Just after catching a look at the latest option from one of our favorites, 8BitDo, Turtle Beach is stepping out of the underground worlds with its new new Donkey Kong-themed wireless Switch 2 pro controller for Bananza launch day. Now available for pre-order at Amazon, you can get a closer look and more details down below. 

What does the Donkey Kong Bananza amiibo do? With Nintendo’s brand-new Donkey Kong adventure now out in the wild, the game is now up for purchase and shipping from just about all major retailers alongside the brand new amiibo Nintendo released that delivers in-game perks to enhance your experience. 

Nintendo Switch 2 is available for purchase at Best Buy stores across the country today. After catching a quick restock at Walmart last night online, the next chance to score a console will be when the doors open at your local Best Buy. While you might want to go call ahead of time just in case, most of them open up at 10 a.m. and there’s no telling how many units will be available. 

While we were already pretty sure of it after getting a couple early play sessions, reviews are starting to flood in and it looks like the Switch has its first real banger masterpiece with the new Donkey Kong Bananza. DK’s latest adventure will release across the country tomorrow, but if you still didn’t get a chance to score a console to get in on the action, you’re in luck. Best Buy is scheduled to have Switch 2 consoles back in stock tomorrow for Bananza day and you might be able to score a console and the game in one fell swoop. 

Nintendo’s Today! app has delivered some notable reveals since it was first introduced earlier this year. One of which was the official confirmation of the upcoming live-action Zelda movie, right before it delayed the official release date to May 7, 2027. Fast-forward to today, and Nintendo has revealed who it is casting to play the titular character and the Hero of Light. 

After officially debuting the sweet PS1-style 30th anniversary PS5, PS5 Pro, DualSense controller, and the PlayStation Portal back in September, the classic edition PlayStation hardware has become incredibly difficult to get a hold of. In Sony’s attempt to keep the retro-era paint jobs as exclusive and limited as possible, it has mostly just left gamers who never got a chance to score it annoyed. Fortunately, folks here in the U.S. will get another chance starting next week (sort of). 

Just about everybody is still waiting on the next big first-party Switch 2 exclusive reveal. We have have the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A inbound this fall, and presumably the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in and around that time, but many Switch 2 gamers, myself included, are still waiting for that big Mario announcement (Zelda is likely still a ways off by most approximations). And if it’s not going to be Mario, it ought to be a new Animal Crossing game for Switch 2 and that might be exactly what’s in the cards for the July Nintendo Direct that was leaked earlier this week. 

It’s going to be a relatively big week for Nintendo and Switch owners as Donkey Kong Bananza is set to hit store shelves on Thursday. It, perhaps outside of Mario Kart World, has been among the most highly-anticipated Switch 2 releases thus far, but the exclusive Switch 2 game lineup is still relatively thin and fans seem to be clamoring for more. But worry not – a reliable Nintendo leaker has recently divulged that the next Nintendo Direct showcase is likely to go live this month. 

The next big-time Switch 2 exclusive release is landing later this week, and if you’re yet to grab a console, we are are also getting  Best Buy console restock. Donkey Kong Bananza is set for release on July 17 – the same day Best Buy has officially confirmed it will have Nintendo Switch 2 consoles in stock once again. 

Update 9/4: All-new Ghost of Yōtei PS5, controllers, and console covers will be up via direct.playstation at 10 a.m. ET today – the virtual queue typically goes live before then. 

One of the most highly-anticipated PlayStation 5 releases of the year is going live tonight as Sony is set to host a State of Play dedicated to Ghost of Yōtei. We have seen a few looks at the game thus far, mostly a trailer form, but this afternoon Sony is promising a lengthy gameplay deep dive to give us a proper look at the new open world ninja/samurai experience ahead of launch this fall. Come watch it with us below.

It looks like Amazon and Nintendo have squashed the quarrel they never admitted to be in – Switch 2 is now up for purchase via request at Amazon right now. Go head over to Amazon right now and put your request in for a chance to buy the Switch 2 or the Switch 2 + Mario World bundle. Details below. 

Update: Switch 2 is now available for purchase at Walmart for Walmart+ members:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Console
• Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle

Just when it looked like the Prime Day festivities were going to take over for the week, Walmart is set to launch a competitor sale of its own that will kick off tonight with a bang – reports suggest Switch 2 and the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle will be back in-stock! Alongside thousands of price drops across the entire official Walmart site, folks are getting an another chance to secure a Switch 2 console. 

Reports are surfacing all over the internet about what could very well be a detrimental flaw in the Nintendo Switch 2 design with regards to overheating issues. Yesterday we detailed some Joy-Con connection issues, likely due to faulty or lower-quality HDMI cable use, but the overheating issue might not have a work around at all. 

Publisher Bandai Namco is set to hit the virtual stage today with its 2025 summer game showcase. Scheduled to go live today on its official YouTube channel this afternoon, the publisher has already teased some of today’s big announcements and promises updates on some of its major upcoming titles as well. Check it all out down below. 

Reports have been surfacing in major way over the last 48 hours or so of issues regarding Joy-Con connectivity on Switch 2. If you have been experiencing constant or even internment connection issues with your Switch 2 controllers, that HDMI cable you’re using is likely the culprit. Details await below.

Ahead of the Switch 2 launch in the wake of Trump’s ugly tariff situation, analysts sent shockwaves through the gaming world after suggesting the price of the next-gen Nintendo console might end up being even higher than Nintendo initially revealed. Nintendo held the fort and stayed strong on the $449 and $499 launch prices nonetheless, but it still remains to be seen if it will remain steadfast into 2026, especially considering Nintendo Canada just officially announced what sounds a lot like hardware price hikes. 

We had a solid run of Switch 2 console restocks this week at both Best Buy and Walmart, but there’s more on the way again. While this week’s events were all online, if you still didn’t get a chance to score one just yet, it looks like you’ll get another shot at it next week, according to an official Best Buy update. 

When I first unboxed my Switch 2, I expected the dock to be bigger, the console itself to be larger, and they added a fan and more ports. But I didn’t realize just how bulky and clunky it would feel. That’s why I started looking for a more compact alternative that didn’t hide the beautiful console, so I could have a second dock in the house. That’s where the new Antank S3 Max comes in. At just $29, it’s a no-brainer. Here’s what you need to know.

Now just a few weeks after the release of Nintendo Switch 2 and the new GameCube library, Nintendo has announced the first expansion to its retro Switch Online game library. Early next month, Nintendo will officially expand the Switch 2 GameCube library for the first time with its fourth entry, Super Mario Strikers.