Our favourite Switch 1 eShop games released in May.
The summer is here, the Switch 2 is almost here, and that means it’s eShop Selects time for May.
This is our very last Switch 1 edition of our monthly feature — but don’t worry, things aren’t changing with the release of a new console. You’ll still be getting your monthly dose of eShop hidden gems that we’ve reviewed, but Switch 2 eShop exclusives will be joining the party too.
Hello reader who is also a reader, and welcome back to Booked For The Week – our regular Sunday chat with a selection of cool industry folks about books! Did you know that adopting language altered the position of the human larynx, making us more susceptible to choking on food? I learned this because I’ve finished Blood Meridian, and was reading McCarthy’s musings on the evolution of language as a chaser. Proof, then, that the only truly fitting way to leave this world is to die choking on a book. Perhaps this week’s guest can recommend a good one?
Switch 1 will live on, of course (and we’re still excited to play Rhythm Heaven Groove and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream next year), but all eyes are on Nintendo’s new console, with its brand new games and its updates to existing classics. Yes, yes, we’ve all played Breath of the Wild to death, but do you think that’s going to stop us gliding in for a cheeky 4K replay?
Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots was announced for the Switch earlier this year but at the time few other details were shared.
In a small development (via Wario64 on social media), the game has now been rated by the ESRB. At the very least it’s a sign the game’s release schedule is still on track. It’s rated ‘E10+’ for ‘Everyone 10+’ and contains mild language and mild suggestive themes. Here’s the official rating summary:
Nintendo has uploaded the Switch 2 instruction manual and apart from all the warnings, there’s a small but notable detail about the system’s screen.
This new LCD panel has a pre-applied film layer which is “designed to prevent fragments scattering” in the event of damage. Nintendo advises users to “not peel it off”. Here’s the warning filed under the “careful usage” section of the manual:
The next Phasmophobia update, Chronicle, is due out next month with a newly revealed June 24th release date, and developer Kinetic Games have offered up some details on what it calls one of the game’s “biggest updates” so far. So, let’s have a look at what that entails! The key addition with this update is the arrival of sound evidence, which as you can probably guess is a new haunting paranormal proof type that you’ll acquire by using the newly added sound recorder.
Developer Rebellion Developments revealed a first look at Atomfall’s first DLC expansion yesterday. Titled Wicked Isle, it unsurprisingly brings you to an island called Midsummer Island that is, in fact, a bit wicked, but like, in the bad way, not in the something a teen in the 2000s would say about something they like kind of way. Specifically it’ll have a bit more of a folk horror vibe to it, which I’m certainly into conceptually. Lots of great folklore in the UK, as long as it’s not stepping over frequently trodden upon territory.
FromSoftware has acknowledged matchmaking issues on Elden Ring Nightreign during its first weekend, and offered suggestions to players affected.
Today, May 31, FromSoftware tweeted to address players who were struggling to find other players when launching an expedition in the multiplayer Elden Ring spin-off. If you do, try restarting the matchmaking process, FromSoftware suggested. That’s not a great help, admittedly, but at least we know the developer is aware of the problem. “Thank you for your patience and understanding,” it added.
FromSoftware followed that social post with another, this time acknowledging issues on PlayStation consoles specifically. Those on PS4 and PS5 who are having difficulty matchmaking should check their NAT type, FromSoftware said. “NAT type 3 may affect matchmaking on PSN,” it explained.
Check your NAT type with the following steps:
Home > Settings > Network > Connection Status > Check Connection Status
There is no specific advice for Xbox at this time.
“Nightreign has some peculiar aspects to its game design and is different from our recent titles in various ways,” Kitao said. “Nonetheless, many of you have bravely jumped into this world, and for that we’re immensely grateful.
“As with Demon’s Souls or Sekiro, it may be confounding at first, but just like those games, Nightreign offers its own challenges and experiences. Once you overcome the initial hurdle, it’ll surely provide a sense of accomplishment that’s also its very own.
“We hope you enjoy it.”
So, what might this tweet be about, specifically? Well, Nightreign is still on a ‘mixed’ user review rating on Steam, with much of the negative sentiment revolving around its brutal solo experience, its lack of duos co-op, lack of voice chat, and other archaic mechanics. That age-old multiplayer struggle to find enough friends to make up a coordinated three-player group is very much a part of the Elden Ring Nightreign experience, too. A patch to make solo play easier is due out next week.
As explained in IGN’s Elden Ring Nightreign review: “Let’s get the most important caveat out of the way first: if you are hoping to tackle Nightreign entirely solo, and are anything less than a hardcore Elden Ring player that actively seeks out ways to make that already difficult game even more challenging, Nightreign isn’t for you. Yes, there is technically a single-player option, but it is so poorly balanced that I would be shocked if it isn’t patched and adjusted within the first month of release. And this is coming from someone who lives and breathes these types of games.”
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
While there may not be as many sales today as last weekend for Memorial Day, there are still many deals to be had. Whether you’re after a plug-and-play mic to take your streaming game up a level or want a new controller for your PS5, we’re seeing some deep discounts. With Father’s Day only a couple of weeks away, maybe you’re looking to snag a great gift for the father figures in your life? Portable chargers, a grill set, or even new lawn mower might be right up their alley. Check out all the best deals we’ve found today:
TL;DR: Deals for Today
Pokémon Destined Rivals is here, and we’re already seeing chase cards crash in value, leaving some with pre-order regrets. But that means you can just grab some single cards rather than shelling out a ton on booster packs. Still want a sealed pack? We’ve got you. Plus, there’s a Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Bundle pre-order available from Walmart that’s not a bad deal.
PlayStation DualSense Controller
The controller that comes packaged with the PlayStation 5 is at its lowest price of the year, setting you back under $55 for 27% savings. This wireless gamepad is comfortable to use, compatible with a range of gaming devices, and full of reliable controls. Haptics and adaptive triggers are baked in, amplifying your playing experience further. Plus, you can remap buttons, customizing the controls to give you a leg up in certain games.
JLab Talk Pro USB Mic
Kick your game streams up a notch, as the JLab Talk Pro USB Mic is on sale for over 77% off on Woot, making it just $34.99. This plug-and-play microphone is easy to set up and features four directional patterns. Whether you’re looking to record podcasts and music or take phone calls and do ASMR, it’ll be the perfect partner. Sound quality will even be optimized for whatever you’re recording, and the mic features volume and gain controls, ensuring you come across crystal clear.
Cuisinart 13-Piece Wooden Grill Tool Set
Summer means it’s grilling season, so it’s always a good idea to have a grill tool set on hand. Right now, Cuisinart has a great deal on a high-quality set for just $23.99. The reputable brand includes all the barbecue essentials in the kit, like a spatula, grill fork, cleaning brush, and tongs. Each of the tools features a sturdy wooden handle and stainless steel for a premium look and feel, while a case is included for safe storage. If you’re on the hunt for a Father’s Day gift, it also makes a great gift for those hard-to-buy-for dads and father figures.
Metaphor: ReFantazio PS4 & PS5
PlayStation’s Days of Play sale is still in full swing, offering discounts up to 75% on top games. While countless titles are included in this sale, we’re particularly excited about Metaphor: ReFantazio. This action-packed adventure takes place in the medieval fantasy realm of Euchronia, where you’re on a journey to save a cursed prince and determine a new king in a Royal Tournament. It deals with social and political issues, mirroring the real-world issues we’re facing. Right now, you can grab it for only $45.49, saving you $24.50.
bella PRO 10.5-qt. Touchscreen 5-in-1 Indoor Grill & Air Fryer
Whether you live in an apartment or just don’t have a way to grill outside, bella PRO offers an airfryer that brings the grill inside, and it does a whole lot more than that. It has a spacious 10.5-qt capacity, five cooking modes, and eight presets to make everything from fish and chicken to bread and fries. When it comes to grilling, the temperature is adjustable up to a toasty 500°F, allowing for the searing and char-grilled marks you expect from a BBQ. Best of all, $100 has been knocked off the price tag, so it’s only $69.99 for a limited time.
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Tales from the Pizzaplex Graphic Novel Collection Vol. 1
If you’re a fan of the horror video game, Five Nights at Freddy’s, a new graphic novel series from the creator, Scott Cawthon, is already discounted to the low price of just $8.90. This volume brings some horrifying and detailed comics to the story from the bestselling series Five Nights at Freddy’s: Tales from the Pizzaplex, featuring the under-construction section of Freddy Fazbear’s Mega Pizzaplex, a Tube Maze, and some chaos.
It’s lawn mowing season, and battery-powered lawn mowers are beginning to take the reign from their gas-powered counterparts. You might think that these electric mowers offer less oomph, but the EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Kit will prove you wrong. It’s self-propelled, has a multicut blade system, and runs for 60 minutes on a single charge. A second battery is even included, so you can keep mowing while the other battery charges. Right now, you can grab this kit for its lowest price ever, $599.99. That’s 43% off.
Charmast Portable Charger with Built in Cables
Portable chargers are great and all, but if you forget the right cord, they’re pretty useless. Charmast fixes this problem by offering a 10,000mAh power bank with USB-C, Lightning, and MicroUSB cables built in, so it’s ready to top off just about any device. Plus, there’s a USB-A cord for charging up the power bank. Each of the cables also has a slot for storage on the portable charger, preventing anything from getting snagged when on the go. Now is the time to buy, too, as it’s back to its lowest price, costing just under $20.
Pokémon Destined Rivals Sealed Products and Single Cards
After the best market value on Pokémon Destined Rivals sealed products? Some great deals are available from TCG Player, as big box stores continue to hike up the prices.
Don’t want to deal with the ripping open boosters to find a chase card? TCG Player has a bunch of single cards available, and the prices continue to fluctuate as I write this.
MTG Final Fantasy Pre Order
Pre-orders for MTG Final Fantasy continue to pop up occasionally at retailers, but selection is pretty limited at the moment. However, this bundle from Walmart is an excellent deal ahead of the launch in a couple of weeks.