Steam Deck owners will be familiar with the practice of peering into a new game’s Steam store page and hoping, begging, praying to whatever god is yet to abandon this cruel joke of a reality that it has a little green tick mark on it. This is, of course, the Steam Deck Verified programme, wherein Valve gives good behaviour stickers to games that function fully on their handheld PC.
Soon, this system – so often a source of relief and disappointment – will be expanded, with a view to rating games for compatibility with SteamOS as a whole. As the announcement post explains, that’s because the first non-Steam Deck SteamOS handheld, a new version of the Lenovo Legion Go S, is launching soon, with the possibility of more in the future.
The PC version of Stellar Blade launches via Steam on June 11 along a raft of PC-specific features, a trailer leaked by Sony itself has revealed.
The trailer, published by Sony Interactive Entertainment on the PlayStation YouTube channel before it was removed, also revealed a Complete Edition of Shift Up’s popular PS5 action game. As you’d expect, the internet captured the trailer, which we expect will be released officially soon.
The Complete Edition includes the base game and all the DLC released so far for both PS5 and PC. The news comes over a year after Stellar Blade’s successful April 2024 launch on PS5.
Stellar Blade has all the features you’d expect on PC, including AI upscaling via Nvidia DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3, an unlocked framerate, Japanese and Chinese voiceover, ultrawide display support, higher resolution environment textures, and DualSense support for haptic feedback and trigger effects.
Elsewhere, the trailer reveals a new boss battle vs Mann, Leader of the Sentinels, and 25 new costumes, which we presume will also be made available on PS5. Players have also noticed that, at the end of the trailer, Eve lets go of a memory stick — a sequence that isn’t in the base game. Some are now speculating Stellar Blade is set for a new ending or maybe even DLC.
Stellar Blade was a big hit for Korean developer Shift Up, bringing in $43 million in royalties in its last financial year. It expects the PC version to outsell the PS5 version, which sold more than 1 million copies in two months. Shift Up has said it’s considering making another game in the franchise, too.
“Stellar Blade is great in all of the most important ways for an action game, but dull characters, a lackluster story, and several frustrating elements of its RPG mechanics prevent it from soaring along with the best of the genre,” we said.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Yes, yes, I’m opting for the scoundrel’s gambit and reporting on a Reddit post. Of a self-imposed challenge run, no less! But I adored the bejeezus out of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and figured this was worth sharing in case it convinces a couple of you to give it a go. Redditor HunterIV4 has chronicled their journey to beat the RPG without dodging, parrying, or even using the powerful gradient parries, in a bid to show that Sekiro reflexes aren’t as crucial to success as they might seem. Thanks, cheery RPS fanzine PC Gamer.
“That’s how they were originally intended to be played”.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers include mouse capabilities which opens the new system up to even more games. We’ve already seen how third-party titles like Civilization VII will support this feature when the new device arrives this June, and it seems other developers are just excited.
Speaking to RPG Site recently, Nightdive’s CEO Stephen Kick noted just how big the added mouse feature is as a lot of his studio’s games are obviously “intended to be played” this way:
Physical distributor Limited Run Games recently announced a Switch 2 game-key card collector’s edition of the Atlus release RAIDOU Remastered – stating in fine print how this was not part of the company’s “numbered release” line.
We mentioned at the time how it could take a different approach with other releases (including its numbered line) and this has now reportedly been confirmed. Speaking to a Limited Run marketing representative at PAX East 2025, Boss Rush Network was told the following:
The Nintendo Music app gave us a Zelda playlist last week, and now it’s back with a new soundtrack. This time it’s the Pokémon Sword and Shield soundtrack – featuring tracks such as Battle! and even some work from the Undertale creator Toby Fox.
All up there are a whopping 138 tracks with a total runtime of 4 hours and 43 minutes. So this more than makes up for the week we missed out on. You can see the full tracklist over on the Nintendo Music app, which can be downloaded on Android and iOS.
Just when you thought that the Nintendo Today! app had showcased just about every facet of the Switch 2 that we could possibly hope to see, the Big N pulls out yet another reveal. Today, it’s all about the console’s fancy new charge settings and how they’re working to keep batteries healthy for longer.
As highlighted in the app, Switch 2 will feature a new ‘Stop Charging Around 90%’ option in the system settings. As the name suggests, this feature will slow the console’s charging speed as it approaches 90% and then stop once it hits the figure.
Guide siblings Abi and Ben through a magical world.
Unique co-op mechanics focused on timing, communication, and shared problem-solving.
Hi everyone! I’m Fawad Asghar, one of the developers at Playdew, a small indie studio based in Pakistan. Today, I’m thrilled to share that the co-op demo for Lost Twins 2is now live on Xbox Series X|S and Windows Store.
Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle pro or someone who just wants to hang out and explore a cozy game with a friend, the co-op mode in Lost Twins 2 was designed with you in mind.
Play Together, Your Way
In Lost Twins 2, players guide separated siblings Abi and Ben through a whimsical, shifting world. But in co-op, it’s not just about solving puzzles—it’s about solving them together.
While making the co-op mode, the focus was on the flexibility for all skill levels. One player can take the lead while the other supports, or both can play equally—it’s up to you. There’s no pressure, no fail states, and no “wrong” way to play. The design encourages collaboration without frustration, making it perfect for partners, siblings, or friends of any age.
Puzzles That Feel Shared, Not Split
Every puzzle in co-op mode requires teamwork, but never at the expense of fun. You might be sliding tiles to form new paths while your partner activates switches or times jumps—every action has a purpose, and every small success feels like a shared win.
It’s the kind of gameplay that encourages conversation, laughter, and those wonderful “Wait, try this!” moments.
Puzzles That Reward Partnership
We wanted the co-op puzzles to strike a satisfying balance: accessible enough to keep the adventure flowing, yet intricate enough to require thoughtful planning. No puzzle ever feels unfair. Moments of realization and breakthrough come with a rush of satisfaction, especially knowing that success only happens when both players work in sync. The experience is crafted to reward patience, communication, and creative thinking.
A World Full of Charm
Beyond the clever puzzles, Lost Twins 2 delivers an environment full of warmth and wonder. The handcrafted visuals, the subtle animations, the cozy vibe—it all comes together to create a world you’ll want to get lost in. And when you explore it with a friend, the emotional connection deepens even more.
This co-op demo is just a taste of what’s to come. Lost Twins 2 is shaping up to be something truly special—an experience full of charm, challenge, and heartfelt moments shared between two players.
Try the co-op demo now on Xbox, and don’t forget to wishlist the full game on the Xbox Store to join Abi and Ben on their full adventure when it launches later this year!
Lost Twins 2 is an incredibly cute puzzle adventure that will challenge, entertain and maybe even inspire you. Guide Abi and Ben on their journey to find a way back home across a whimsical polygonal playground crafted with an enormous amount of care. Is the mystical Fenghuang leading them home or steering them down a rabbit hole?
Inspired by Miyazaki, the art style merges soft, painterly backgrounds with simplified, memorable characters and fluid animations. Each frame is crafted meticulously with pride – specific lighting techniques, thoughtful composition, and immense attention to detail mean that every single moment you’ll spend playing Lost Twins 2 will be a feast for the eyes. The original musical score is atmospheric, soothing, and thematic to complement the art style.
The puzzles in Lost Twins 2 are painstakingly designed, with elegant solutions that make you feel, momentarily, like a genius. They are hard enough to present a challenge but logical enough that you’ll be able to solve them within a few attempts. There is a joy to be discovered in every level in Lost Twins 2.
A signature sliding puzzle mechanic forms the core complemented by mechanics such as pressure switches, water gates, breakable domes, lifts, elevators, and more to ensure that the pace of the game never falters. There’s no repetition in the puzzles, each new puzzle will feel interesting and unique.
Team up in co-op mode and solve puzzles together! Work with a friend to swap tiles, activate mechanisms, and overcome obstacles as you guide Abi and Ben toward their long-awaited reunion. Whether playing solo or cooperatively, the journey is one of exploration, creativity, and heartwarming moments.
The goal is to delight both children and adults with a gameplay experience that is based on discovery, tinkering, and exploration–not on conflict and threat. There are no timers, no enemies, no deaths, not even any dialogues to read – just a poetic, visually breathtaking world full of puzzles challenging your wits. A cerebral and pleasant experience for everyone, never frustrating without proper reward, never dull or monotonous.
If you’re trying to keep up with Pokémon TCG without getting ripped off or left behind, here’s where to start, including the latest update on what can be bought here and now from trusted retailers in the US.
Quick Links: What’s in Stock and Where to Buy
If you’ve dedicated your life to pulling chase cards yourself, here’s what we can find in stock right now. Just watch out for pricing over MSRP, as we Pokémon trainers are in a weird spot right now, so don’t pay more than what you have to, or consider buying single cards instead of gambling on overpriced ETBs. Whatever you decide, make sure you’re having fun!
Pokémon Cards: Retailers You Can Trust
Trying to buy Pokémon cards at retail prices these days feels more like a boss battle than a shopping trip. Between lightning-fast sellouts, sneaky price hikes, and listings that vanish before you’ve even opened your browser, finding a good deal can be frustrating.
I’ve spent way too much time bouncing between sites, chasing restocks, and narrowly dodging scalpers. But after enough trial, error, and a few accidental overpays, I’ve figured out where the odds are at least somewhat in your favor.
Where to Buy Pokémon TCG Single Cards
I think TCGPlayer is the smartest place to spend money if you know what cards you’re chasing. Instead of rolling the dice on booster packs, you can just go buy the singles you want, or even check out other regions sets like Japan’s Glory of Team Rocket.
It’s also where I go to check actual card values instead of relying on whatever price Amazon randomly assigns. There are deals to be had, you just have to be willing to search a bit. It’s Pokémon eBay, but cleaner.
Pokémon TCG Expansions: Release Schedule
Scarlet & Violet: Destined Rivals (May 30)
Pokémon TCG’s next big release, Destined Rivals, arrives May 30, and I’m already prepping my shelf space and emotionally budgeting like I won’t blow it all on an Elite Trainer Box I absolutely do not need.
This set brings back Trainer’s Pokémon, reintroduces Team Rocket for another round of villainous fun, and includes some of the best card art we’ve seen in ages. If you’re into flashy collectibles or just enjoy the feeling of cardboard power coursing through your veins, this one’s for you.
Preorders are currently out of stock everywhere at the time of writing, but it’s worth bookmarking the relevant listings and checking back daily this week for more updates, as we’re expecting even more stock drops between now and release day.
Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt and White Flare (July 18)
The Pokémon Company recently announced a new split expansion for the Pokémon TCG, continuing the Scarlet & Violet series. Titled Scarlet & Violet: Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet: White Flare, both expansions will release on July 18, 2025, at participating retailers worldwide.
Preorders have started to go live, which we’ve been covering, but it’ll be a hard fought battle so ensure you’re already bookmarking the listings below and checking out IGN’s dedicated Black Bolt and White Flare preorder guide for more updates.
Latest Update: The Pokémon Center and Best Buy kicked things off last week, while Amazon’s listings are up but not live yet. Stayed tuned for more, and follow @IGNDeals to be kept in the loop.
The expansions focus on the 156 Pokémon originally discovered in the Unova region. Each Unova Pokémon will appear as either an illustration rare or a special illustration rare card, with different versions available in Black Bolt and White Flare products.
July 18, 2025: Scarlet & Violet Black Bolt/White Flare ETBs (9 boosters, promo, accessories); Binder Collection (5 boosters, Zekrom/Reshiram album); Unova Poster Collection (6 boosters, Snivy/Tepig/Oshawott promos, poster); Unova Mini Tin (2 boosters, art/sticker card).
August 22, 2025: Booster Bundle (6 Black Bolt/White Flare boosters).
Pokémon Card Market Watch: What Should I Buy This Week?
Another week, another hectic shift in the Pokémon single card market watch whilst trainers are waiting for Destined Rivals to drop.
Whilst we’re finally seeing a noticeable climb in Sword and Shield era Pokémon Cards, Scarlet and Violet series cards are settling back down into the realm of reality for the most part.
Big Crashers
The most dramatic crash this week is Greninja ex 214/167, crashing by nearly half when compared the the start of this year. We’re also seeing some nice price drops across Obsidian Flames and the elusive 151 expansions.
Meanwhile, Dragonite V from Evolving Skies is doing the opposite, nearly doubling in value compared to the start of this year, and the artwork alone always made this card undervalued. Charizard V Alt Art is also a banger, depicting a Pokémon battle against Venusaur whilst slowly climbing up in value.
Big Climbers
Moving onto this weeks climbers, Rayquazza VMAX alt art is one of the main grails of the Sword and Shield era. It was already a $500+ card, but at $649.99 it shows no signs of slowing down. This could arguably hit the $1,000 mark in a few years, so I’d get one if you can afford it.
There can’t be enough Kanto love in my book, and Charizard V Alt Art smashes it out of the park with this Venusaur battle. The angle is great and it feels like a moving card instead of a static body shot so many Pokémon cards are guilty of (Looking at you, WotC era). It’s earned another $40 since January, and there’s no reason why this card can’t get over $200 before the year is out.
Where to Buy Pokémon TCG – Scarlet & Violet 2025 Sets
What was once a post-Scarlet & Violet cooldown has turned into another full-blown Pokémania, and whether you’re hunting sealed product, singles, or ETBs, knowing where to shop is half the battle.
To help you on your quest, we’ve rounded up all the best places to buy Pokémon cards right now in 2025, from trusted online stores to physical retailers that still stock the good stuff. While plenty will currently be out of stock, consider this your one stop shop to find all the links you’ll ever need for each set.
Journey Together
Released March 28, 2025. Journey Together brought back nostalgic Trainer’s Pokémon cards from the Gym Heroes era. N’s Zoroark ex and Lillie’s Clefairy ex end the chaos of endless secret arts for a more curated, collectible experience.
With just 16 Pokémon ex, 11 illustration rares, and three hyper rare gold cards, it’s easier to track what’s worth pulling without feeling like you need a PhD in pack odds. Fancy snagging the Enhanced Booster Display Box with its bonus N’s Reshiram illustration rare or pull Iono’s Bellibolt ex? This set screams nostalgia with a new coat of paint.
Journey Together – Top 10 Single Cards
Prismatic Evolutions
Released January 17, 2025. Prismatic Evolutions kicked off 2025, and it’s all about Eevee and its many evolutions. You won’t find these cards in the usual booster packs. Instead, they’ll be released in boxed sets throughout the year, each packed full of exclusive cards celebrating Eevee and friends.
With over 175 cards, including unique designs and new game mechanics, Prismatic Evolutions is shaping to be a hit with collectors and competitive players alike.
Prismatic Evolutions – Top 10 Single Cards
Best Prices: Pokémon TCG MSRP Guide
The fandom is down to just being happy that they can find any Pokémon TCG stock at MSRP as it stands, making the hobby look a bit bleak. But with world events being what they are, it’s given investors and collectors itchy feet with their stacks of ETBs and sealed product from these sets.
If you’re ever not sure what something should cost, here’s the list to follow. These are the standard MSRPs to go by when deciding if a product is worth picking up.
Pokémon TCG MSRP Guide (as of May 2025)
Booster packs and bundles
Standard booster pack: $4.49
3-pack blister: $12.99
Booster bundle (6 packs): $26.99
Build & Battle Box: $19.99
Build & Battle Stadium: $59.99
Elite Trainer Boxes
Standard ETB: $49.99
Pokémon Center ETB: $59.99
Premium collections
Premium Collection Box: $39.99 to $49.99
Super Premium Collection: $99.99
Ultra Premium Collection: $119.99 to $129.99
Tins and boxes
Mini Tin: $8.99
Standard Tin (V or ex): $24.99
Collector’s Chest: $29.99
Preconstructed decks
Single Battle Deck: $9.99
V Battle Deck: $14.99
League Battle Deck: $29.99
Battle Academy Box: $19.99
Booster boxes
36-pack Booster Box: $140
What Pokémon Cards Should I Collect In 2025?
This is the time for trainers who just love the hobby to keep an eye on single card prices, as the market does seem to be rectifying itself from the months of inflated prices we’ve seen.
Whilst it’s not quite time to jump on high ticket Pokémon cards just yet, it’s a great time to snap up some beautiful cards that are slept on.
Even factoring in the Paldea Evolved Booster Packs that are getting hard to find, it makes sense to pick this beautiful promo card up now whilst it’s still cheap.
It’s also worth considering the Pokémon Center exclusive version of this card that’s stamped and included in the Pokémon Center Exclusive Paldea Evolved ETB.
The artwork that Scarlet and Violet / Sword and Shield sets put out on their SIR, AR and IRs are absolutely stunning. I would put solid money on these cards becoming valuable parts of a collection in years to come. Plus, they’re awesome to get graded and have in your collection cabinet or shelf.
The State Of Pokémania 2025
There are two main reasons for stock shortages in 2025: Scalpers and print runs. The Pokémon Company has told us on a number of occasions over the years that they’re upping print runs of in-demand sets to meet demand, and (eventually) the market gets flooded.
Just think, those ridiculously priced Evolving Skies booster boxes on TCG Player were a dime a dozen at one point. The scalper situation is going to happen whenever there’s an in-demand product, and it’s not very fair on real trainers who just want to collect and play Pokémon for the love of the hobby.
The crypto-turned investor bros aren’t helping either, but give someone an opportunity to turn $1 into $5 and they’ll do it.
This doesn’t mean I condone any of this behaviour, far from it, but retailers should and need to do more to ensure everyone has a fair shot at buying Pokémon TCG. Loyalty and member drops, “X” amount per household, invitation-based preorders and re-stocks are all solid way’s to control Pokémania.
The problem is only a few retailers are doing this, making it easy for scalpers and bot groups to snap up stock. Retailers such as Costco seem quite happy to let chaos ensue as human beings fight each other for bits of cardboard. Common sense doesn’t float with these kinds of people, so restraints and control need to be put into place.
If retailers started implimenting these measures and TPC begin to flood the market with enough product for everyone to enjoy, it would make a more accessible hobby for everyone. For collectors, values of legacy chase cards would eventually climb as sealed stock goes out of print anyway, everyone wins. Well, bar the scalpers, but screw ’em.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
