Author: Game Infliction

Pokémon Fans Are Worried FireRed and LeafGreen Won’t Be Compatible With Pokémon Home, Making the PokéDex Impossible to Finish

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to Nintendo Switch next week to celebrate the series 30th anniversary. And while The Pokémon Company and Nintendo have already answered a number of questions about the releases that probably shouldn’t have been necessary to ask to begin with, there’s one question we still don’t know the answer to: Will these games be compatible with Pokémon Home?

For the non-Pokénerds out there, Pokémon Home is a cloud-based, paid subscription service that allows users to store Pokémon from various games, as well as move them between certain compatible games. The service has been directly compatible with every new Pokémon game on the Nintendo Switch, as well as Pokémon GO, and it also works with Pokémon Bank, a similar program that existed on the 3DS. The explanations and rules are a bit convoluted, but essentially, it’s only through Bank and Home that Pokémon from older games such as Red/Blue/Yellow and Gold/Silver/Crystal (in their Virtual Console on Nintendo 3DS incarnations) can be brought forward to modern games.

As a result, with some finagling, Pokémon fans can essentially bring a beloved monster from any mainline Pokémon game they’ve ever played (except the original Game Boy cartridges for Red/Blue/Yellow and Gold/Silver/Crystal) to Pokemon Home and, if it’s compatible, transfer it for use into a modern game and continue their adventures. It’s been a cool way for collectors to track their PokéDexes, and for long-time fans to keep beloved monsters from their childhoods by their side as adults.

The original FireRed and LeafGreen are compatible with Home in this way too, though the process is, as suggested above, a bit complicated. In order to get Pokemon OUT of FireRed and LeafGreen into Home, you first have to use the Pal Park feature to transfer them to Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum using a Nintendo DS system. Then, you have to use the Poke Transfer Lab (which requires two Nintendo DS systems) to move them from that game to Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, or White 2. From there, you can move them into Pokémon Bank on a Nintendo 3DS, and then from Bank they can be transferred to Home. It’s convoluted, but it’s possible.

If Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch are compatible with Home directly, players can skip all that and bring monsters directly from those games into Home without having to own three different DS systems and multiple old game cartridges. However, players are concerned that this may not be the case. Earlier today, when the eShop page went live for FireRed and LeafGreen, it initially included the line, “Support for Pokémon HOME is coming soon. You’ll be able to bring the Pokémon you catch and train to the place where all Pokémon gather-support for Pokémon HOME is coming to Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen Version!” However, fans noticed that line was almost immediately removed, leaving the compatibility up in the air.

The lack of compatibility would be irritating enough if it was just a matter of convenience, but it’s actually possible that Home not being available could cause issues with the gameplay itself. FireRed and LeafGreen are remakes of the original Pokemon games Red and Green. Players are thus able to complete the “Kanto” PokéDex just by playing them and trading a few monsters back and forth with a friend who has the other version of the game. Though online features are apparently not available in these Switch ports (even though they were in the 3DS ports of Red/Blue/Yellow and Gold/Silver/Crystal!), local trading is, so that’s not the problem.

What is the problem is the National Dex. In FireRed/LeafGreen, the “National Dex” was, at the time, the “full” Pokedex, containing all 151 original Pokemon as well as all new Pokemon added in the second generation (Gold/Silver/Crystal) and third (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald). The National Dex unlocks in FireRed/LeafGreen’s post-game, and with it comes the ability to catch many of these Pokémon in the wild in-game. However, not every Pokémon is available. The Johto and Hoenn starter Pokémon, legendaries like Mew, Celebi, and Jirachi, and dozens of others were only obtainable back in the day by trading from Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Colosseum, or XD. And none of those games are currently available on Nintendo Switch in a way that would be locally compatible for trade with FireRed/LeafGreen.

Which means that, upon release, FireRed/LeafGreen will not be completeable, at least not in the 100% sense, because the National Dex will be impossible to fill out. While that probably won’t bother most casual players, it’s a pretty notable oversight, especially given that the releases of other classic games on Virtual Console on 3DS seemed so well thought-out.

Now, it’s entirely possible this is a lot of hullabaloo over nothing. Maybe the games are compatible with Home and Nintendo was just cleaning up language on the eShop page a bit. Maybe Home compatibility is coming in a few weeks or months, and Nintendo didn’t want to set expectations too early. Maybe we’re about to get an announcement of Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald on Nintendo Switch Online next week, and they’ll be compatible locally. Maybe Colosseum and XD are coming to Switch Online (Nintendo has already teased them!), though these two games alone wouldn’t canvas all the missing Pokemon. Maybe there’s some other explanation! But it’s weird that given Nintendo’s extensive FAQ, they didn’t address this glaring issue specifically. IGN reached out to both Nintendo and The Pokémon Company today to try and find out what the deal was. The Pokemon Company declined to comment, and we didn’t hear back from Nintendo in time for publication.

Even if neither company Koffings up an answer soon, we’ll know more next week when the games actually launch and as the dust settles from Pokémon Day and all its announcements. Regardless, the rollout of FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch has been real weird, especially in light of past efforts to preserve classic Pokémon games. Only Nintendo and The Pokémon Company knows why they don’t just dump all these things on Switch Online and make the people happy.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Microsoft gaming head Phil Spencer is retiring, replaced by an AI exec who promises no “soulless AI slop”

Ah, it’s a Friday night, time to rela-

Wait a minute, long-time Microsoft gaming CEO Phil Spencer’s retiring, his assumed replacement and Xbox president Sarah Bond has resigned, and the suit now being tapped to take over Spenny’s gig currently has the following job title: president of Microsoft’s CoreAI product. Right, guess I’m writing a news.

Read more

Backrooms Level X – A Liminal Horror Descent into the Infinite Void

Backrooms Level X – A Liminal Horror Descent into the Infinite Void

Backrooms LX key art

Summary

  • Out now for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
  • Inside the creative process behind Firenut’s handcrafted liminal horrors.
  • Expanded dual levels boost replayability through art and code mastery.

No-clip into the abyss. Backrooms Level X, Firenut Games’ chilling take on liminal horror, arrives on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on February 19, 2026. At the heart of this infinite nightmare is lead developer Jose Manuel Conesa Hernandez, whose creative vision transformed a viral creepypasta into a deeply immersive survival experience. Jose Manuel guided the artistic process from initial mood boards to final polish, drawing inspiration from real abandoned spaces to craft decaying yellow mazes that evoke uncanny dread. “The creative spark came from late-night sketches of warped rooms under flickering fluorescents,” says Jose Manuel. “We iterated through hundreds of concept art rounds, blending analog horror vibes with intricate entity behaviors that feel alive and unpredictable.” His hands-on approach shaped Level X‘s core loop: evade sound-hunting monsters, decode environmental puzzles from faded lore scraps, and question if escape is real or another illusion.

Backrooms LX screenshot

The creative journey was a tapestry of collaboration and iteration. The standout evolution came from programmer Fernando Fernandez and artist Jaime Jimenez, who expanded the game with two massive dual-level designs. Fernando shares: “Levels 12 & 13 form interconnected twins, dark flooded basements mirror glitchy offices. We hand-coded stealth paths and puzzle chains, layering variety through environmental interactions that reward exploration.” Jaime adds: “Artistically, Level 12 and 13 drips with darkness and environmental puzzles. Custom textures and lighting passes create moody contrasts, ensuring every room tells a fresh horror story.” Their work extended playtime by 40%, turning runs into epic voyages of discovery.

Backrooms LX screenshot

No release skips rigorous testing, and Backrooms Level X gleams thanks to QA tester David Cabrera. “We ran exhaustive playtests on every maze segment, entity patrol, and puzzle flow, dozens of full runs until I knew every shadow and safe spot by heart,” says David. “A tricky entity pathing glitch took 150-plus sessions to perfect; now it’s flawless.”

Backrooms LX screenshot

Backrooms Level X is a labor of creative obsession, a void that stares back, born from sketches and sweat. Get it now on Xbox Store for and join our Discord for art breakdowns. Ready to wander?

Follow @FirenutGames for more.


Backrooms Level X

Backrooms Level X

Firenut Games

☆☆☆☆☆
7
★★★★★


$9.99

$7.99
Get it now

In a place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, a strange accident occurred on October 27, 1986. Everything was recorded on a VHS tape.

Enter the eerie world of Backrooms Level X, a first-person horror game that immerses you in an endless labyrinth of desolate and surreal spaces. After a freak accident, you find yourself trapped in the Backrooms, a place where logic and reality vanish. Explore endless corridors of yellow carpet, empty rooms and areas of flickering light as you try to find a way out. But beware: you are not alone. Mysterious entities lurk in the shadows, and every sound may be the last you hear.

Immersive Exploration: Navigate an immersive environment made with unique level design. Discover hidden secrets and an immersive narrative that will draw you into the story.

Atmospheric Horror: Immerse yourself in an oppressive atmosphere with immersive sound effects and haunting graphics that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Challenges and Puzzles: Solve riddles and face challenges that will test your wits as you try to escape from the Backrooms.

Varied Environments: Backrooms Level X consists of more than 13 levels to explore. Discover the intricacies of the story and enemies, keeping each game a fresh and exciting experience.

Defiant Bosses: Get out unscathed from huge final enemies. Throughout the exploration, we will encounter gigantic bosses that we will have to defeat with our wits.

Do you have what it takes to survive in the Backrooms? The only way out is to face your fears and discover the truth behind this terrifying place. Download Backrooms Level X and begin your journey into the unknown!

The post Backrooms Level X – A Liminal Horror Descent into the Infinite Void appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Share of the Week: Nioh 3

Last week, we asked you to explore the world of Nioh 3 and share moments fighting yokai using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

KeenEyeVP shares their protagonist striking a artful pose

Mayuchemaru shares characters wearing ornate armor

kisa0315ragi shares their character reeling back to attack an enemy on horse

sayaka693518 shares shares a character surrounded in red with a devilish smile

flamfura shares a moment of respite near a shrine

themarkplumb shares a masked character surrounded by red slashes

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: Framing
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on February 25, 2026 

Next week, find unique ways to frame your subject using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Pokémon TCG: Everything You Need to Know About First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1

The journey to Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary has officially begun with these gorgeous illustration rare-style promo cards that commemorate the bonds between a Trainer and their loyal first partner.

Whether you’re a Kanto veteran or new to the world of Pokémon, this new collection encourages you to look back on your favourite adventures from the last 30 years.

Here’s all the information you need to know about Series 1 of the First Partner Illustration Collection Pokémon TCG collection, including release date, preorder information, and what’s next for this set of cards.

Release Date and Preorder Info

Pokémon TCG’s First Partner Illustration Collection – Series 1 will be available on March 20, 2026. You’ll likely be able to find them in all your typical stockists; Pokémon Center, Target, Best Buy for the US, and Pokémon Center UK, Smyths Toys, Chaos Cards and Magic Madhouse for the UK.

Pre-orders haven’t gone live yet, but are expected to drop early March for MSRP $14.99 / £14.99, as per a live listing from Smyths UK.

Pokémon Day 2026 Collection

Don’t forget to grab the Pokémon Day 2026 Collection (available now), which features the 30th Anniversary stamped Pikachu promo. It’s the perfect companion piece to display alongside these First Partner sets!

What’s Inside the Box?

The International version is designed as a celebration of the bonds between Trainers and their First Partner. Each collection includes 1 Promo Booster Pack, where you can pull three of nine illustration rare-style promo cards.

Each of these cards feature stunning illustrations of beloved first partner Pokémon. You’ve got your classic Kanto friends – Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander. Then, we jump forward a few generations to Sinnoh, with Turtwig, Pipulp and Chimchar. Last, but certainly not least, we find ourselves in Alola with Rowlet, Popplio and Litten.

You’ll also get two booster packs, likely to be from recent Scarlet & Violet expansions like Ascended Heroes or Perfect Order. Perhaps best of all – a fun sticker sheet featuring First Partner Pokémon friends! I know that’s why you’re really after these sets.

If you, like me, want to catch ’em all, you might be interested in checking out the special feature of the Chinese collection – an acrylic, connectable magnetic display frame to showcase the cards and connect with future volumes. Perfect if you want to have your collection on display!

Expected Chase Cards

All cards in Series 1 feature stunning nostalgic artwork by fan-favorite artist Saboteri, the mind behind Mega Froslass ex from Ascended Heroes and Phanpy from Surging Sparks. Each card includes “Easter egg” background details like regional Gym Badges, Z-Crystals and Poké Tech from their respective region. Neat!

Because these Special Illustration Rare (SIR) style promos are exclusive to these boxes, this will be your only chance to get this piece of 30th Anniversary history. High-priority for anyone looking to complete a 30th Anniversary master set, or collect all cards of their favourite first partner Pokémon.

When Will Series 2 and 3 Drop?

Considering this collection is branded as “Series 1”, it’s likely we’ll see the rest of the First Partner Pokémon in an unannounced Series 2 and 3. We can look at the current 2026 release calendar to predict when they might launch.

Given that Series 1 launches in March, exactly one week before Perfect Order, I think it’s highly likely Series 2 would closely follow the next major expansion, Chaos Rising, in Summer 2026. The 1-4-7, 2-5-8, 3-6-9 pattern is a common TCG trope, so it’s likely to cover Johto (Gen 2), Unova (Gen 5), and Galar (Gen 8).

Series 3 would then drop in Fall 2026, rounding off the collection in Hoenn (Gen 3), Kalos (Gen 6), and Paldea (Gen 9).

With rumors of Generation 10 being announced on Pokemon Day (February 27), collectors are wondering if we’ll see a secret Series 4, or if the Gen 10 starters could be being teased right in front of our very eyes… If so, that could completely shift the resell value of these special 30th Anniversary collections!

For more on celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary this year, I’d also highly recommend checking out the TIME magazine exclusive celebration covers, all of which feature in the top of the best seller Amazon charts this week, and can be bought for just $14.99 each.

Sara Heritage is a freelance contributor for IGN.

Nier: Automata Has Now Sold 10 Million Copies

Nier: Automata, Yoko Taro and PlatinumGames’ 2017 action RPG follow-up to Nier and the Drakengard series, has officially sold 10 million copies nine years after its release.

This comes from a tweet/X post and YouTube video shared by the official accounts for Nier and publisher Square Enix respectively. The post includes a celebratory piece of Nier: Automata art:

In a press release, Square Enix confirmed that in addition to this milestone for Automata, Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139, the remake of Nier released in 2021, has sold two million copies.

The six-minute-long YouTube video provides a recap of everything Nier: Automata-related from the last decade, and unless you’re a superfan, the sheer volume is probably a lot higher than you’d expect. There’s the game itself and its various re-releases and ports, plus multiple concerts, stage presentations, written works, animation, and more.

It ends on a teasing note, with text reading: “Nier: Automata to be continued…”

Tantalyzing as it sounds that this may mean another game is in the works, Nier fans have been here before. A number of the Nier works shown in that video have seemingly teased more Nier to come, but it’s never quite been the AAA video game rendition fans wanted. The story has been told and sequelized through many different mediums at this point, including a no-longer-available mobile game that’s effectively a direct sequel, but no full-blown PC/console game has emerged in the last nine years. Maybe other fans feel differently, but it’s left me a bit jaded at the idea. Even Yoko Taro sounded a bit weary when he was last asked about it, saying that he was trying to make new projects, but they kept getting canceled on him.

Which is a shame, because Nier: Automata rules. We gave it an 8.9/10 when we reviewed it in 2017, saying it’s “a crazy, beautiful, and highly entertaining journey full of nutty ideas and awesome gameplay. It may not include the most sensical story or compelling characters, but its frenzied combat — coupled with beautiful visuals and a stunning soundtrack – make it too much fun to pass up.”

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Capcom Pledges ‘Firm Action’ Following Widespread Resident Evil Requiem Leaks, Begs Fans Not to ‘Ruin’ Excitement for Others

Capcom has at last acknowledged the fact that Resident Evil Requiem has now been widely leaked, and promised “firm action” against those responsible.

In a statement posted to social media, Capcom said it believed the “large number of gameplay videos” now floating around the internet — some of which contain huge spoilers and clips of the game’s finale — originated from copies obtained “through illegal means.”

IGN has verified the leaked spoilers as legitimate, but will not be reporting any details of the game’s plot or ending within its own reporting.

Capcom has now said that the posting of these videos constitutes copyright infringement, as well as generally being “an act that offends other customers.” However, the publisher seems somewhat limited in what it can actually do in response — suggesting it will simply delete the videos or issue “warnings.”

“We have found a large number of gameplay videos of Resident Evil Requiem that appear to have been obtained through illegal means,” Capcom wrote. “For the sake of our customers who are eagaerly awaiting this game, we ask that you refrain from publishing or posting gameplay videos on video streaming services or social media before the game’s release date.

“Posting gameplay footage before the release of this game is not only a copyright infringement, but also an act that offends other customers, so we will take firm action, such as deleting videos or issuing warnings, as soon as we become aware of such activity. Additionally, we also ask anyone viewing this post who happens to see the videos in question, please be careful not to watch or share it.

“Through this game, we hope to deliver a ‘story that intertwines mystery and tension’ and a ‘thrilling gaming experience that challenges unknown threats.’ We would appreciate your cooperation in not ruining the excitement for others. Thank you for your understanding.”

Resident Evil Requiem’s February 27 release date is now less than a week away — so for those still trying to avoid spoilers, there’s not too long left to wait. If you were hoping to get your hands on the bizarre Japan-only version of the game that comes with exercise equipment, however, we’re sorry to say that this has now sold out.

“After getting hands-on with a total of about four hours of Resident Evil 9 Requiem at this point, and sharing that experience with colleagues, I’m more excited for the series than I have been in recent memory,” IGN wrote after going hands-on with Resident Evil Requiem recently. “It’s the old mixed with the new, but all in a modern package with two protagonists I already like a lot.”

Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 gaming headset review: good listener, bad talker

So much of what the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 does, it does right. Its build quality is outstanding, having a thickness and solidity that most wireless headsets lack. Its stretchy headband, as on pretty much all SteelSeries headsets, successfully tricked my entire skull into thinking it was lighter than it is. It’s flexible, working over Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle, the latter’s USB-C connection also making it a plusher Steam Deck alternative to the Arctis GameBuds. And it sounds, both in games and music, fabulous: audio is powerful but detailed, like you could peel apart the stacked-up layers of a song mix or shooter soundscape into its individual tracks.

Read more