IGN | Page 24 of 477 | Game Infliction

TennoCon 2025: Everything Revealed

Digital Extremes just brought its TennoCon 2025 livestream to a close after revealing a smorgasbord of information about the future of Warframe and Soulframe.

The studio behind the popular multiplayer space ninja action game and its free-to-play fantasy follow-up treated in-person and remote fans to hours of announcements, including a fresh look at never-before-seen gameplay, new cosmetics, and some of the major updates still yet to come in 2025. It was yet another jam-packed showing for the Digital Extremes team as it careens toward the launch of more story expansions for Warframe and the eventual launch of Soulframe.

From Warframe’s new The Old Peace Narrative Chapter and the devil-frame Uriel to Soulframe’s fresh gameplay updates, we’ve gathered all of the highlights from today’s TennoCon 2025 livestream presentation for you to check out right here. Plus, whether you’re seeing everything for the first time or just looking for a refresher, we’ve also included information Digital Extremes shared with press during a TennoCon preview event IGN attended earlier this month.

Soulframe

Soulframe is still very much in development, but that didn’t stop Digital Extremes from providing attendees with a new gameplay deep dive. Just like TennoCon 2024, this year’s Soulframe presentation gives fans a live look at the team’s progress, highlighting all of the improvements, big and small.

Extensive customization options are one element Digital Extremes plans to carry from Warframe to Soulframe, with the team doubling down on that idea during TennoCon today. Additionally, while Soulframe Preludes, a private early access build that is open for all this weekend, has largely seen players focus on up-close, methodical combat with swords and shields, the team has been experimenting with other options, including sidearms. More love for fans of two-handed weapons is also something Digital Extremes says is “absolutely” in the works.

“You’ll see that, now, the game now supports casting playstyles and archery playstyles,” Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair said during the preview event. “So, there’s a lot of choice now in the game, not just that up-close, sweaty, parry stuff… and because you now have a sidearm, you can mix and match those if you want as well.”

The TennoCon 2025 Soulframe gameplay showcase kicked off with a conversation with quest-giver and customization NPC Verminia. After trailing her winged rat friend, fans were able to catch a glimpse an Envoy ability that allows players to transform into a blue butterfly, opening up a window to become closer with nature in the land of Alca while also sneaking up on unsuspecting enemies. As the demo continued, audiences were able to catch glimpse of the Neath’uns underground as well as a fight against a three-headed, corrupted foe known as The Waste Bear.

The player featured in today’s build can also be seen casting green magic at their enemies from a distance. The Soulframe team says the combat shown in the TennoCon demo is “more casual” than what’s been offered so far, as players will have the freedom to hurl energy at their foes by using a staff and potentially other tools, too.

“Over a year now of players going hands-on with Soulframe in our Preludes pre-alpha builds, we’ve learned so many lessons and built a lot of new features for us as a studio,” Soulframe Creative Director Geoff Crookes said in a statement. “After last TennoCon, we put a huge amount of effort into improving combat fluidity and continued that passionate work into exploring brand new features like player social hubs, asynchronous player messaging with World Trees, among so many other additions. Today, we shared what the latest additions to our next Preludes build would be and beyond. We promise to all existing and future players to keep trying new things outside our comfort zone and work with you to create something we’ve all been looking for.”

You can see how things are shaping up, along with a first look at combat against the Bromius Omen Beast and the Wazzard of Wastes, in the TennoCon 2025 Soulframe gameplay trailer below.

During a press Q&A session, Digital Extremes shared more about what players can expect to see come to Soulframe in the future. For those hoping to see some version of an extended open Preludes period, the team says it needs more time before committing to any plans, but it at least sounds like the idea isn’t off the table should development progress smoothly.

Warframe: The Old Peace

Following a week of teasers and excitement from the community, Digital Extremes has revealed that the next major Warframe narrative chapter is an Operator-focused story titled The Old Peace. Centered around a peaceful time in the past, this new chapter is expected to launch later this year.

Gameplay footage for The Old Peace reveals a remastered look for players’ Tenno Operators as they bounce between the present and the past. It’s a lot to take in, with one lengthy segment revealing a mission that features a crucial bit of fan service: a playable version of Excalibur Prime. This specific Warframe, previously made available only to early Warframe adopters, won’t become available ever again, but The Old Peace will at least allow players to finally step into his shoes for a few cinematic, story-driven sequences.

Digital Extremes released a brief teaser for the content alongside its demo debut: “Think far back and remember the long-forgotten tale of Tau, a childhood Sentient friend named Adis, as well as the war-scarring conflict between the Orokin, their creations, and a coalition of Dax Anarch Warriors upon the Perita moon.”

The Old Peace will also feature a side story known as The Devil’s Triad. How exactly its contents fit into Warframe lore remains somewhat of a mystery, but we do know that it will introduce two new Protoframes into the mix. Despite fears that Digital Extremes would refrain from releasing more of these human-infused Warframe styles, fans can rest easy knowing that the story content features Protoframes for both Harrow and Wisp.

The Devil’s Triad will also serve as a welcome mat for Uriel, the next new Warframe. This Frame is said to be inspired by the devil, featuring glowing red highlights that cover his tar-like design. Details about Uriel’s abilities have yet to be revealed.

Alongside some of The Old Peace’s most notable additions comes the promise of a mysterious new faction and a Tauros Focus expansion, which comes with a new Operator ultimate ability. Digital Extremes is also maintaining its commitment to providing Warframe fans with a solid listening experience by publishing its new song, Lullaby of the Manifold, for free on YouTube. The track was featured in today’s The Old Peace gameplay demo and will become available on most music platforms starting July 21, 2025.

Digital Extremes Has More Warframe Content in the Works

The Old Peace is no doubt the biggest card Digital Extremes has up its sleeve for 2025, but there is so much more in store, too. The swift and sharp Valkyr will receive her Heirloom cosmetic bundle July 21, giving longtime fans of the clawed warrior a collection created in collaboration with community artist Pertti Bahaa. The Warframe team is also partnering with tabletop RPG developer Paizo to create Warframe x Starfinder: Operation Orias, which is set to arrive for tabletop fans this October.

Also set to arrive at an unspecified point this fall is what Digital Extremes is calling its “Untitled Fall Update.” It’s set to be one of the most substantial additions to Warframe ever, promising content that includes a ground-up rework for the nature-themed Oberon, a Lavos deluxe skin, and the 62nd Warframe.

This new content, along with a host of quality-of-life features, sounds promising, but the real reason to get excited is a new tutorial Quest called The Teacher. The mission will finally introduce a streamlined introduction to how Warframe’s Mod system works as Digital Extremes works to address criticisms regarding its game’s steep learning curve for new players.

More about the Untitled Fall Update will be revealed during the September Devstream. In the meantime, players can also look forward to a Warframe Android closed beta in the fall (sign up here), as well as Caliban Prime access. The latter was briefly featured during today’s The Old Peace gameplay showcase and is set to be released before the new Narrative Chapter launches.

As for a proper Nintendo Switch 2 Warframe port, Sinclair shared during the Q&A session that the Digital Extremes tech team is “so excited” to utilize the power of Nintendo’s sequel hybrid console, teasing potential upgrades like faster load times. There’s just one problem: they need dev kits.

“Our tech team is so excited to take advantage of the high-speed cores and the other really cool features of it,” Sinclair said. “There’s just such a backlog for dev kits. So, yeah, if you know anyone… just one, that’s all it would take. I know our programmers are just, like, ‘Oh, I can’t wait.’ We definitely have plans. When we get a dev kit, we will be doing a custom build for Warframe. Absolutely.”

Warframe content for 2025 is locked in, with much of it shown off during all of the TennoCon 2025 festivities. For 2026, meanwhile, Digital Extremes is teasing a full-on Tau Narrative Chapter. Information on how it will pick up from where The Old Peace leaves off remains tightly under wraps for now, with no release date or window given, outside of the promise that it will launch next year.

10 Years of TennoCon in the Books

Soulframe looks like another ambitious online experience from Digital Extremes, but TennoCon would be nothing without the game that started it all. Warframe Creative Director Rebecca Ford touched on the journey so far when speaking about the 10-year TennoCon anniversary.

“10 years of TennoCon is such a mind-boggling thing to say out loud,” Ford said. “When we first started this celebration event back in 2016, we had no idea it would grow to what it is today. Our community is everything to us; we wouldn’t be here without them. To be able to continue TennoCon and bring together more players in person from around the world and treat them to the latest announcements, hijinks, and simply celebrate the world of Warframe is a privilege we don’t take for granted.”

She continued: “The 10th TennoCon has been a deeply special, unforgettable journey. We want to thank our community to Tau and back for joining us on this monumental milestone. See you all next year!”

For more on TennoCon, you can read our interview with the Soulframe team from TennoCon 2024, where we learned more about how the fantasy RPG came to life and what its future holds. You can also watch a trailer for the new Duviri game mode update, Isleweaver, which launched for Warframe last month.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).

Warframe Developer Insists ‘Backlog’ of Dev Kits to Blame for Lack of Nintendo Switch 2 Port

Digital Extremes says the “backlog” of dev kits is the reason players have yet to see an official Nintendo Switch 2 port for Warframe.

Studio CEO Steve Sinclair explained why the team behind the popular space ninja action game hasn’t created a port for Nintendo’s sequel hybrid console during a press Q&A IGN attended ahead of today’s TennoCon 2025 livestream. He said the Digital Extremes tech team is “so excited” to see what a Nintendo Switch 2 Warframe port would look like but can’t even begin development until they get their hands on the necessary hardware.

Digital Extremes brought its 12-year-old multiplayer hit to Switch in 2018, allowing longtime players to enjoy all that Warframe has to offer, at home and on the go. It is available to play through Nintendo’s new console but only through backward compatibility, with Nintendo including it on a list of Switch 2 titles that still suffer from start-up issues.

When we get a dev kit, we will be doing a custom build for Warframe. Absolutely.

Digital Extremes said it’s still investigating the cause of these hangups, but it’s the enhancements that a Switch 2 version of Warframe could bring that have players truly excited. Sinclair teased faster load times as just one of the potential upgrades.

“I know our programmers are just, like, ‘Oh, I can’t wait.’ We definitely have plans. When we get a dev kit, we will be doing a custom build for Warframe. Absolutely.”

The Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025, introducing new features such as Joy-Con mouse functionality, improved graphics, and enhanced social tools. Although its launch lineup was able to lean on third-party support with titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Deltarune Chapter 1 – 4, Split Fiction, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, and Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, early adopters remain on the lookout for more games to fill out their libraries.

As players clamor for more games, other indie developers say they, too, are in need of dev kit access. Into the Restless Ruins creator Ant Workshop, Citizen Sleeper 2 developer Fellow Traveller Games, Unreal Engine support studio Tanglewood Games, and more spoke about dev kit scarcity with GamesIndustry.biz last month. Insider Nate the Hate also reported that many developers across the indie and third-party spaces have been unable to start work on Switch 2 games due to a lack of dev kit access (via TheGamer). It’s currently unclear which publishers currently have access to Switch 2 dev kits or when they will become more available.

For now, there’s no word on when Digital Extremes or many of the other dozens of developers without dev kits will receive the tools they need to bring their games to Switch 2. As more titles slowly trickle in, you can read our 7/10 Nintendo Switch 2 launch review. You can also check out everything revealed during today’s TennoCon 2025 livestream here.

The Best Deals Today: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Defintive Edition, Elden Ring Nightreign, and More

We’ve rounded up the best deals for Saturday, July 19, below, so don’t miss out on these limited-time offers.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for $47.99

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition launched earlier this year, and it’s still one of the biggest RPGs you can jump into on any platform. The remaster introduced numerous quality-of-life updates that were much needed, in addition to a brand-new epilogue chapter. We gave the game a 9/10 in our review, stating, “Xenoblade Chronicles X was already one of the Wii U’s best games, and this Definitive Edition does more than enough to justify another trip to planet Mira.”

Donkey Kong Switch Games Are on Sale at Woot

With Donkey Kong Bananza out now, there has never been a better time to jump in and experience the Nintendo Switch library of Donkey Kong games. Woot has each of these games on sale this weekend, with the absolutely stellar Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD included.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for $34.99

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake was one of the most enjoyable RPGs of 2024, featuring a gorgeous remade HD-2D world and voice acting. If you haven’t had the chance to check this one out yet, Amazon has Nintendo Switch copies available for only $34.99. In my opinion, the Switch has to be the definitive way to experience this classic, and now is the perfect time to catch up before Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake this Fall.

Request A Nintendo Switch 2 Invitation on Amazon

Amazon has at last listed the Nintendo Switch 2, and you can request an invite to purchase the console now. Once you are selected, you will receive an email that will allow you to add the system to your cart and purchase it. There is no telling when these invites will run out, so I recommend requesting one, even if you might purchase the Switch 2 elsewhere.

Bose Ultra Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds for $199

Best Buy has the Bose Ultra Open Ear Wireless Earbuds for $199 this weekend. Despite their open design, these earbuds allow for private listening that still keeps important outside noises included. These earbuds feature up to seven hours of play time, with an extra 19.5 hours of power packed into the charging case. Plus, you can control and personalize your earbuds through the Bose app.

Save on Super Mario Party Jamboree Just in Time for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

With the rcent reveal of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games, it’s no question that you are going to want to save anywhere you can. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Party Jamboree is set to cost $79.99, but you can upgrade from a Nintendo Switch copy for $20. This weekend, save your cash and pick up a copy of Super Mario Party Jamboree from Woot for only $44.99. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is set to launch next week, so now is the time to secure your copy while you can.

Elden Ring Nightreign Deluxe Edition for $46.19

Elden Ring Nightreign is a great time with friends, and you can save on the Deluxe Edition of the game this weekend at Amazon. This edition of the game includes additional DLC content, feautring additional playable characters and bosses, in addition to a digital artbook and mini soundtrack. Bandai Namco has continued to release new content for Nightreign, so this is a great time to jump in.

Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium.

Donkey Kong Bananza Ending Explained – How Does it Connect to Mario Odyssey?

Warning: this article contains spoilers for Donkey Kong Bananza.

Donkey Kong Bananza is now out in the wild, and one of the biggest burning questions ahead of launch centered on DK’s new best friend: Pauline. She’s a teenager in Bananza – 13 years old, to be precise – and this has led to rampant speculation that Bananza is a prequel to Super Mario Odyssey, which features an adult Pauline living in New Donk City.

We’ve played through the main story of Bananza and completed most of its major post-game beats, which means we now have the answers to that question and more. But be warned, we’re about to spoil the entirety of Donkey Kong Bananza’s finale. So if you’re still working your way to the Planet Core, turn back now, and join us once you’ve seen Bananza through to the end yourself.

Bananza eventually reveals that 13-year-old Pauline does, in fact, call New Donk City home, just like her Odyssey counterpart, and the story’s grand finale takes place in the metropolis after it’s been completely overrun by the returning King K. Rool. When DK and Pauline break through to the surface, Pauline exclaims “This is MY city!”, confirming the fan theory that Bananza would end by returning Pauline home to Odyssey’s most iconic location. But is this city connection enough to confirm that Bananza is a prequel to Super Mario Odyssey?

First, some background on Pauline, who is central to this mystery. In Odyssey, Pauline (who’s a full-grown adult) is the Mayor of New Donk City, perhaps most memorable for her performance of Jump Up, Super Star! at the New Donk City Festival. Teenage Pauline and Mayor Pauline share a lot in common: Beyond their shared name, they are both singers and performers, with much of Teenage Pauline’s character arc revolving around gaining enough confidence to perform in front of her hometown. She also sings the Bananza Transformation songs, and Void Kong is obsessed with the power of her voice… at least until King K. Rool boots him out of the story entirely.

Based on Pauline’s age, most expected Bananza would be a prequel to Odyssey, and potentially an origin story for New Donk City itself. It would make sense that DK, acting as Pauline’s hero and best friend, would prompt the people to name the town after her savior once she was safely returned. But in Bananza, New Donk City is already established before DK and Pauline arrive, and during one of Teenage Pauline’s monologues at a Getaway, she references New Donk City’s nickname “The Big Banana”, a Kong-inspired parody of New York’s “The Big Apple.” It’s a nickname we’ve heard before, first uttered in Mario Odyssey by a New Donker.

Using all that as a starting point, it seems that there’s actually more evidence to suggest that Bananza is a sequel to Odyssey, and that Teenage Pauline is Mayor Pauline’s daughter, and the granddaughter of original Pauline (who we’ll call Arcade Pauline). Let us explain.

Teenage Pauline regularly references her grandmother throughout Bananza, including one time directly in the main story. After the pair run into Diddy and Dixie Kong in the Racing Layer, Pauline says to DK during the dive to the next layer, “I’m glad you got to see your friends again! But if I don’t get home, Grandma will worry.” Teenage Pauline’s Grandma is the only family member she directly mentions in Bananza, so Nintendo clearly wants us to think about who her grandma is.

The most likely answer becomes clear when we consider Donkey Kong’s grandfather: Cranky Kong. It is well-established that Cranky Kong is the original Arcade Donkey Kong that kidnapped Arcade Pauline way back in the day. Bananza reinforces this lore, as Cranky rants about his old rival who wore overalls, clearly referencing Mario… or Jumpman, as our favorite plumber was originally known. Cranky and Wrinkly Kong’s son is Donkey Kong Jr., who – despite what the Super Mario Bros. Movie may have tried to tell you – is not actually our current Donkey Kong. Junior starred in the Donkey Kong Jr. arcade game and made various other playable appearances before being essentially wiped from the face of the earth. The tie-wearing Donkey Kong we know and love – first introduced in Rare’s Donkey Kong Country – is actually Donkey Kong the Third, son of Donkey Kong Jr. and an unknown Kong mother.

So, we’ve established three generations of DK, which brings us back to Pauline. Arcade Pauline and Mayor Pauline don’t look like the same person. Arcade Pauline has blonde hair, while the Mayor is a brunette. You could argue this is just a character redesign, but a billboard in Odyssey’s New Donk City shows a blonde version of Pauline. Perhaps that’s just a fun easter egg, but perhaps it’s a clue to canon, and we have to use all the evidence we can. The New Donk City Festival – which sees Mario recreating gameplay from the Arcade Donkey Kong game – is held to “tell the story of our city’s beginnings,” according to Pauline. This implies that New Donk City was founded after the events of the arcade game, built on the foundation of the girders Jumpman climbed up towards Donkey Kong.

New Donk City is a sprawling metropolis, and it likely took the course of at least a human generation to build it up to such an enormous size. That, combined with the different appearances, leads us to believe that Arcade Pauline and Mayor Pauline are two different people. Perhaps, dare we say, they are mother and daughter?

I suppose it’s possible that Bananza could still be a prequel, that Mayor and Teenage Pauline are one and the same, and that Arcade Pauline is her grandmother with a missing generational link between them, but it feels cleaner to suggest that there are three generations of Pauline: Arcade, Mayor, and Teenage, just like there are three generations of DK: Arcade/Cranky, Jr., and the main DK of today.

We really hope our theory that Teenage Pauline is the granddaughter of Arcade Pauline is true, because it’s absolutely adorable that the grandchildren of two of the oldest Nintendo characters have now teamed up and become best friends in Bananza. It’s very cool to think that Nintendo has found a clever way to redefine one of its oldest character dynamics over 40 years later. Unfortunately, completing the bulk of Bananza’s postgame content – which are called Bananza Rehearsals and leads to Bananza’s true final platforming challenge – doesn’t really shed any more light on this. Pauline returns to the surface to perform a song for her city, but all we see of that is a new piece of art that appears after the credits have rolled.

So while Bananza’s position as a prequel may make a lot of sense, it ultimately can never be more than a theory. There’s just not enough concrete evidence from Nintendo. This theory does raise some concerning, perhaps even supernatural questions about Mario, though. If he has really interacted with multiple generations of Paulines and Donkey Kongs… does this mean Mario never ages, while those around him do? Or are there multiple generations of Mario? Is Nintendo implying that Mario and Jumpman are two different characters? It’s probably best not to think about it too much.

Finally, and perhaps most crucially, it’s important to remember that Nintendo historically doesn’t care about lore and continuity across its games. Even The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild – has lore inconsistencies that are ultra-hand-waved away. So it’s quite possible Nintendo doesn’t even have a truly established timeline between the original Donkey Kong, Odyssey, and Bananza, and just loves to keep fans guessing.

What do you think is going on in Donkey Kong Bananza? Is Teenage Pauline the daughter of Mayor Pauline and granddaughter of the original Pauline Cranky Kong kidnapped all those years ago, or are we being completely ri-Donk-ulous? Let us know in the comments!

Logan Plant is the host of Nintendo Voice Chat and IGN’s Database Manager & Playlist Editor. The Legend of Zelda is his favorite video game franchise of all time, and he is patiently awaiting the day Nintendo announces a brand new F-Zero. You can find him online @LoganJPlant.

6 Diverse Games in the indie.io Publisher Sale on Nintendo Switch

indie.io is a video game publishing platform that works with lots of different developers and publishes games in a variety of genres. They’ve published dozens of games, several of which are discounted on Nintendo Switch right now as part of a sale that will run through July 30.

As with indie.io’s library as a whole, the sale includes a wide range of genres. There’s cozy adventures, tactical RPGs, creature collectors, management sims, and more. You can check out the full sale here, but we thought we’d highlight six games that showcase the diversity of titles that are available. Let’s get started:

Echoes of the Plum Grove

Sale: 20% off

The cozy farming sim genre has been thriving in recent years, and Echoes of the Plum Grove adds to the formula by letting you experience multiple generations. Initially, you wash up on an island shore and start with a modest plot of land. Over time, you can expand your homestead, start a family, and grow that family. You can befriend or insult your neighbors, form an alliance with a local witch coven, or poison people who cross you. As the generations pass, these decisions will shape your descendents’ experiences and ultimately define your legacy. The game world is fully hand drawn, with 2D characters in 3D environments that heighten the cozy feel. And while forming relationships through the generations is the central core of the game, there are also mysteries across the island for you to uncover.

Dark Deity

Sale: 75% off

Dark Deity is a strategy RPG that was clearly inspired by classics of the genre. You build up an army, lead your soldiers in turn-based combat, and choose what classes to promote them into as they grow stronger. There are 30 playable characters, and if one of them falls in battle, they’ll suffer grave wounds that drop their stats. So you need to be careful and strategize as you lead your squad from rookies to heroes. The main story is told across 28 chapters that take more than 20 hours to complete, and the “Suns Out, Swords Out” DLC is also available for 20% off as part of the current sale. It adds seven additional levels, each telling a story from before or after the events of the base game.

Coromon

Sale: 50% off

Another modern game that takes inspiration from and builds upon the classics of the genre, Coromon is a monster tamer with more than 100 monsters to catch and train. Each monster is defined by its element, traits, and skills. The battle system is stamina-based and every skill costs SP, so you need to be strategic about when you use your most powerful skills. Meanwhile, traits are inherent to a monster and can trigger when certain conditions are met. They don’t sap stamina when they trigger and differ between monsters of the same species, so they can be an important factor of building your perfect team. The story of Coromon takes you across six biomes as you try to stop a mysterious threat, and there are more reveals and plot twists than you might expect in a typical monster tamer.

Cat Cafe Manager

Sale: 40% off

Game titles don’t get much more clear than this one. In Cat Cafe Manager, you … manage a cat cafe. You inherit an old, rundown cafe in the town of Caterwaul Way, and you’ll need to rebuild and renovate it to give the local stray cats a proper home. You can decorate and expand the space to fit your personal tastes, as well as hire new employees and refine their skills. You can make plenty of feline friends, but you’ll build relationships with humans too. It is a cafe, after all. The villagers will want to stop by and take a load off after a long day, and you can travel across the town to chat with the locals and discover new recipes and other opportunities for your cafe. Who knows, you might even uncover a mystery or two in need of solving.

9 Years of Shadows

Sale: 35% off

And now, for something completely different. 9 Years of Shadows is a side-scrolling Metroidvania where color has been drained from the world for almost a decade (hence the name). You play as Europa, a warrior bent on fighting her way to the mechanical giant Talos and stopping the corruption seeping out of it before everything is swallowed in darkness. You’ll befriend a cute floating bear called Apino who has the ability to bring back color, and together you’ll wield elemental armors, restore vibrant hues, and try to free the world from the colorless curse that plagues it. And as you do, enjoy a soundtrack from composers Michiru Yamane and Norihiko Hibino, known for their work on Castlevania and Metal Gear Solid, respectively.

Mail Time

Sale: 30% off

Our list ends by circling back around to a cozy, relaxing game. Mail Time is a cottagecore adventure set in a whimsical forest where you’re a courier who uses light platforming to deliver letters. You can customize the look of your character and run, jump, and glide your way across the forest to make deliveries to the critters who live there. Relaxation is the focus of the game, with gameplay that doesn’t saddle you with anything stressful. There’s no time limits, pressure, danger, or fall damage. You can just chill, make your deliveries, upgrade your gliding, and do it again. Simplicity can be nice sometimes.

Donkey Kong: Bananza Players Are Already Making Wild Stuff in Artist Mode

Donkey Kong: Bananza is out now, and while most of us are having a bananza smashing our way through Ingot Isle, some players are taking things a bit slower, and spending hours in the game’s Artist Mode making wild sculpted creations.

spent 2 hours in DK artist mode on this, and it was 100% worth it for this alone
byu/OpraZebb indonkeykong

If you’re out of the loop, Donkey Kong: Bananza has an unlockable artist mode where you can use your rock-sculpting powers to make 3D shapes, color them in, and share them online with other players. It’s basically a virtual carving tool, and it’s pretty dang fun to mess with even if you’re not much of an artist.

But as with every other game that lets players create with any amount of freedom, players are making some truly excellent stuff already and sharing it online. This is helped by the fact that the Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Con mouse controls make it much easier to sculpt at a fine level of detail than just flailing around with the joysticks, resulting in some pretty good art overall that’s only getting better as people master the system.

A lot of folks are making Nintendo characters, the Kongs obviously, but also…this guy?

mama luigi
byu/AceTrainerSquirtle indonkeykong

Did second best nintendo guy here
byu/Chrononaut_X indonkeykong

Here’s a pretty good Samus someone made:

Samus Sculpture I made in DK Bananza!
byu/Familiar-Clothes8116 inMetroid

Characters from other games are showing up too, like this excellent Banjo:

I made Banjo with the DK artist mode in Donkey Kong Bananza!! pic.twitter.com/oq0Ap8LZKD
— AS112 (@AS_12239) July 18, 2025

I’m also seeing a weird amount of DK-Homer Simpsons being made – I guess because his head is nice and round and easy to sculpt? And also very similar to Donkey Kong’s, I guess?

D’oh
byu/Quinnafred24 indonkeykong

May I present my masterpiece: “Homer Kong”
byu/Beeper_booper75 indonkeykong

Some folks are venturing outside the realm of video games with their creations, like these:

i made broccoli
byu/ArtificialInteliDawg indonkeykong

Tabby cat
byu/Fishwife indonkeykong

It is probably worth mentioning that yes, you can also make inappropriate or bawdy sculptures in the game’s artist mode. You do you, of course, but be warned that if you share these creations online, Nintendo might bust out the ban hammer on you and could potentially restrict your Nintendo Account as a result.

Donkey Kong: Bananza is out today, and we highly recommend it, having given the game a 10/10 in our review. As our reviewer put it, “Donkey Kong Bananza is a truly groundbreaking 3D platformer, with satisfying movement, powerful abilities, impressive destructible environments, and clever challenges that all come together in complete harmony to create Nintendo’s first Switch 2 masterpiece.”

If you, like us, can’t get enough of Bananza, we have plenty of walkthroughs to aid your journey underground, including Banandium Gem locations, starter tips and tricks, and a full walkthrough.

The Big Summer Warhammer Preview Show 2025: Everything Announced

Games Workshop’s The Big Summer Warhammer Preview Show 2025 offers a tantalising look at everything the tabletop wargaming company has coming up in the months ahead, and we’ve rounded up everything to help you catch up if you missed the livestream.

Reveals are set for the likes of Warhammer 40,000, Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Kill Team, Warhammer: The Horus Heresy, Legions Imperialis, Warhammer Underworlds, and more.

We’ll update with all the news as it’s announced during the show. Keep checking back to find out everything Games Workshop has up its sleeve!

The Leagues of Votann

Proceedings kicked of with a reveal for The Leagues of Votann (Warhammer 40,000’s take on space dwarves). It’s a huge plastic expansion, the biggest since the faction launched, that includes new troops, new artillery, new heroes and new abominable intelligence. There’s a new Combat Patrol (an army starter pack or a set to bulk out an existing force) for The Leagues of Votann, and check out Buri Aegnirssen, a specialist Tyranid hunter, below. Yes, that’s a Tyranid Prime on top of his head.

Supporting the release is a new Leagues of Votann Codex, packed with lore and new rules.

Warhammer: The Old World

Next up was a reveal for Warhammer: The Old World. Brand new units are coming to the Tomb Kings of Khemri. There are two new Arcane Journals, the first dubbed The War of Settra’s Fury, which was described as “a really cool way of looking at the lore of The Old World,” the second called Dawn of the Storm Dragon.

Warhammer: Age of Sigmar

Moving on to Age of Sigmar, there are two factions from the Grand Alliance of Death on their way to the Mortal Realms with new units, new battletomes and new army rules.

We have the Flesh-Eater Courts Death Battletome, alongside a new mini to support: High Falconer Felgryn. Also coming to the Flesh-Eater army is the Charnel Watch. And there’s the Death Battletome for the Nighthaunt, packed with lore and “some significant defensive buffs.” Check out the wonderfully-named Lord Vitriolic, below:

Helsmiths of Hashut

Here’s a big one: the Chaos Dwarfs faction returns for Age of Sigmar. This new faction includes the Infernal Cohort with Hashutite Spears, the War Despot, the Dominator Engine, and the Tormentor Bombard war machine.

Developing…

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.

Best Xbox Game Pass Deals and Bundles Right Now (July 2025)

With so many great games coming down the pipeline, now’s a great time to hop on the Xbox Game Pass bandwagon. If some titles joining the catalog this year have caught your eye and you’re itching to join in on the fun, you can choose between one or three month Game Pass Ultimate membership options at Amazon. Unfortunately, there aren’t any discount deals available at the moment, but we’ll update this when a new one drops.

You can learn more about options for signing up, what’s coming soon to Game Pass this month, and the big releases still to come below.

Navigate to:

Best Xbox Game Pass Deals

While there aren’t any deals available at the moment, we’ve included where you can buy a one month Game Pass Ultimate membership above at Amazon. This will set you back $19.99. Amazon also has a three month Game Pass Ultimate membership option available for $59.99, if you want to stock up on a few months to get you started.

What’s Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass?

Game Pass has a nice rotation of new titles to play every month. If you’re curious about what’s in store for the end of July and start of August, we’ve got you covered. The Xbox Game Pass July Wave 2 lineup is:

High On Life (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 15
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
RoboCop: Rogue City (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 17
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
My Friendly Neighborhood (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 17
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Back to the Dawn (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 18
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Abiotic Factor (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 22
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Wheel World (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 23
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 24
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Grounded 2 (Game Preview) (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 29
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Farming Simulator 25 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – August 1
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

It’s important to note that the Game Pass Standard tier (available for $14.99/month) does not give users access to day one releases – that’s exclusive to the Game Pass Ultimate tier. If you’re looking to play big Xbox exclusives and other new games on the day they release, you’ll need to be subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate.

What Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass?

Unfortunately with new games joining the catalog it means a few must take their leave. Below, we’ve listed the games that’ll be leaving Xbox Game Pass on July 31.

Gigantic (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Biggest Games Releasing on Xbox Game Pass

Xbox’s Summer Showcase this year had plenty of exciting new games to show off, from The Outer Worlds 2 to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Clockwork Revolution, and Ninja Gaiden 4. But which of the many games revealed during the showcase will appear as day-one releases on Game Pass? Thankfully, quite a few! Including all of the previously mentioned titles.

The latest big release on the platform is Doom: The Dark Ages. In our review, IGN’s Mitchell Saltzman said, “Doom: The Dark Ages may strip away the mobility focus of Doom Eternal, but replaces it with a very weighty and powerful style of play that is different from anything the series has done before, and still immensely satisfying in its own way.”

If you’re looking for even more savings on all things Xbox, have a look at our roundup of the best Xbox deals. There, we’ve highlighted all of the latest and greatest discounts on the platform, from incredible game deals to fantastic offers on high-quality headphones. Or, if you’d rather see what’s going on with other platforms, check out our roundups of the best PlayStation deals, the best Nintendo Switch deals, and our overall roundup of the best video game deals.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.

Deals For Today: Ohuhu Markers Are On Sale And Personal Audio Discounts

If you are in the market for new art supplies or reliable travel charging gear, today’s deals bring a mix of both. Ohuhu’s 216-color and 168-color alcohol marker sets are available at $199.99 and $159.99, both offering refillable ink, smooth blending, and included carrying cases. On the charger front, UGREEN’s 65W USB C Charger Block is down to $29.99, while the CUKTECH No.20 140W Power Bank is available for $122.99. That one packs 25,000mAh capacity with PD 3.1 fast charging and a smart display, making it a solid pick for keeping laptops and phones powered up while traveling.

TL;DR: Deals For Today

You will also find discounts on ACEFAST’s open-ear workout headphones, GOOLOO’s 6000A jump starter, and two GameSir controllers (G7 Pro and the Super Nova) ideal for players bouncing between Switch, PC, and mobile gaming. OneOdio’s Focus A5 headphones round out today’s list with long battery life and LDAC wireless audio support. If you need power, portability, or some new creative tools, this is a good day to check prices.

Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box

Whilst this ETB is out of stock currently on TCG Player, the current pricing on Amazon is a full dollar below market value. Granted, its above MSRP, but if you want this ETB sealed for your collection or to rip it open right now, this is the going rate.

Where To Buy Japanese Pokémon Cards

Japanese Pokémon TCG booster boxes have far better odds at pulling chase cards, have far less bulk and are often half the price of English booster boxes. This also mean said chase cards are worth significantly less, but Japanese cards are far easier to get perfect grades in given they’re always busting out of booster packs in perfect condition. Want a Pokémon card collection on a budget? Go for Japanese cards.

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Preorders

This is it, the beggining of a new expansion for Pokémon TCG. Best Buy have gone live with their preorder allocation for Mega Evolutions today, which mean Target and Walmart won’t be far behind. Here’s all the links you need and good luck trainers!

Pokémon TCG Price Updates

I can’t believe I’m writing this, but Amazon has quite a bit of sealed Pokémon TCG product for under market value. Whilst that unfortunately means it’s still way above MSRP, some of these sets are at the best prices they’ve been in the last month.

This Weeks Crashers and Climbers

Scarlet and Violet base set prices have been shifting noticeably ahead of the final sets Black Bolt and White Flare, with Psychic-type Illustration Rares like Ralts 211/198 and Kirlia 212/198 each climbing 28 percent this month while Gardevoir ex 245/198 now sits at $54.99 after a 25 percent jump. Miraidon ex and Koraidon ex are both trending upward as well, holding value around $23.99 each. At the same time several cards are sliding down as Fidough 213/198 dropped 15 percent, Armarouge 203/198 is down 11 percent, and Pachirisu 208/198 fell 19 percent. The steepest dips hit Dondozo 207/198 and Starly 221/198, now around $9.99 each after dropping 30 percent and 37 percent respectively, reflecting a market that is narrowing in on long-term playability and collector interest.

Last Weeks Crashers and Climbers

As newer Pokémon TCG sets grab the spotlight, Paradox Rift is seeing its high-rarity SIR ex cards drop in value while several Illustration Rares quietly climb due to shifting collector interest and low inventory. Cards like Altaria ex, Gholdengo ex, and Steelix have dropped between 16% and 25%, while Illustration Rares including Morpeko, Plusle, Minun, Groudon, and Iron Valiant ex are climbing fast, with Morpeko leading at a 43% increase. This mirrors earlier trends where less flashy cards gain traction as availability tightens.

MTG Edge of Eternities Preorders

Magic: The Gathering’s next set, Edge of Eternities, officially launches August 1 with preorders now live on Amazon for bundles including Play Booster Boxes, Commander Decks, and Collector Booster Boxes. Blending Magic’s iconic gameplay with science fantasy themes such as flying space whales and alien races, Edge of Eternities introduces four new mechanics: Void, Warp, Station, and Lander Tokens. Fan-favorite tribes like Eldrazi and Slivers return alongside reprints of coveted Shock Lands. Wizards of the Coast is gradually revealing more details, with a full card gallery arriving July 18 and prerelease events happening July 25 through 31, so now is the time to lock in your preorder if you want first access.

MTG Pricing Updates

It’s a bit of a mixed back for Magic: The Gathering prices this week, so it’s always worth double checking eBay before TCG Player and Amazon for a last minute bargain. Also, whoever thinks a Theros Beyond Death booster is worth north of $700 needs to have a word with themselves.

ACEFAST AceFit Pro Open-Ear Headphones

ACEFAST AceFit Pro Open-Ear Headphones are now available for $98.59, offering 22 percent off. These are designed for runners and cyclists who want to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music. The open-ear design pairs with 40 bright LED lights for visibility at night, while a lightweight 7.8g frame makes them comfortable for all-day wear. Battery life stretches up to 30 hours, and the included charging case has a digital display so you always know how much power is left.

Ohuhu Brush Markers (216)

Ohuhu’s 216-Color Brush and Chisel Marker Set is down to $199.99. This set includes 216 alcohol-based colors plus a colorless blender, perfect for creating smooth blends and shading effects. The ink dries quickly and is refillable, giving these markers long-term use. Color-coded caps help keep everything organized and a carrying case is included to make storage and transport easier.

Ohuhu Alcohol Markers Brush Tip: 168

Ohuhu 168-Color Brush and Fine Tip Marker Set is now $159.99. This set focuses on detailed work with its brush and fine tip combination and includes 168 colors with a blend of bright and pastel shades. Like the larger set, these markers use refillable alcohol-based ink that blends cleanly without smudging. The included case keeps everything organized and easy to bring along for artists on the move.

OneOdio Focus A5

OneOdio’s Focus A5 Wireless Headphones are priced at $79.98 and offer Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation that reduces low-frequency noise by up to 98 percent. With support for Hi-Res LDAC audio, these headphones deliver cleaner sound quality for wireless listening. Battery life goes up to 75 hours on a single charge or 45 hours with ANC active. They also feature soft protein leather ear cushions and a USB-C wired mode for those who prefer a direct connection.

UGREEN 65W USB C Charger Block

UGREEN’s 65W USB C Charger Block is currently $29.99. This compact charger uses GaN technology to deliver fast charging speeds in a smaller size that fits easily into a travel bag. It comes with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port so you can charge multiple devices like a MacBook, iPhone, or Steam Deck all at once. This version features a Genshin Impact Kinich-themed colorway and offers foldable plugs for easier portability.

CUKTECH NO.20 140W Power Bank

CUKTECH No.20 140W Power Bank is priced at $122.99 with an extra coupon available at checkout. It holds 25000mAh of power capacity and supports PD 3.1 for high-speed charging on devices like MacBooks. A smart TFT display shows real-time information such as voltage and remaining battery. It also recharges itself quickly with 100W input, making it a good option for work trips or power users who need a compact high-capacity battery.

GameSir G7 Pro Tri-Mode

GameSir G7 Pro Tri-Mode Controller is priced at $79.99 today. It works across Xbox, PC, and Android, switching between wired, wireless, and Bluetooth modes using a physical toggle. With Hall Effect triggers, adjustable gyroscope controls, and swappable faceplates, this controller offers flexibility for players who game on multiple platforms. Its 1000Hz polling rate also ensures low latency performance when connected to PC or using the 2.4G wireless dongle.

GameSir Super Nova Wireless Gaming Controller

GameSir Super Nova Wireless Controller is available for $49.99 today. It is compatible with Switch, Switch 2, PC, Android, and iOS and features Hall Effect sticks and triggers to help prevent drift. It includes programmable back buttons, customizable RGB lighting, and a 1000Hz polling rate for smooth response times. You can also swap out the faceplate and customize the button layout using GameSir’s companion software.

GOOLOO 6000A Jump Starter

GOOLOO GT6000 Jump Starter is on sale for $139.99. This is not just a car jump starter but also a 27000mAh power bank with USB charging and a built-in flashlight. It delivers up to 6000A peak current to start vehicles with engines as large as 12 liters for diesel or all standard gas engines. Thanks to 100W fast charging support, it can power devices like MacBooks and recharge itself fully in around two hours, making it useful both at home and on the road.

Berserk Complete 1997 TV Series Blu Ray

I keep circling back to this version of Berserk. It doesn’t rely on flashy effects or modern polish; it’s rough, it’s grim, and that’s exactly the mood it needs. For under $40, having all 25 episodes in HD on disc feels like the easiest way to revisit it or finally get around to it if you’ve been putting it off.

Anker Nano Charging Station(100W Max)

I finally grabbed one of these a couple of months back because I was fed up with cable chaos on my desk. Two USB-Cs, a couple of USB-As, plus normal outlets all in one spot. Now I just plug everything in and get on with things instead of hunting for spare sockets. It’s just less hassle.

JBL Xtreme 3

I don’t need a speaker this loud most days, but when friends are over or I’m out in the garden, it’s worth having. It’s chunky, sure, but you get enough sound and bass out of it that nobody’s asking you to turn it up louder. Plus I don’t have to worry about a bit of rain or dust wrecking it.

39 Inch UltraGear OLED

Sitting in front of a curved OLED like this feels like moving up a level from your usual flat screen. I wouldn’t have thought 240Hz would make much difference until I tried it, now everything else feels sluggish by comparison. If I was looking to upgrade, this would be high on the list.

Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB

I’ve swapped these into a couple of rigsnow, and it’s one of those upgrades where you notice the speed straight away. Big game installs or moving chunky files just don’t take as long anymore. For a couple minutes of swapping out a drive, the boost is kind of ridiculous.

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle

Still struggling to get your hands on Nintendo Switch 2? The Mario Kart World bundle is available on Amazon right now, but it’s invitation only. Make sure to request one, you’ve got nothing to loose. Unlike most invitation only products, Amazon was quite responsive when preorder invitations rocked up, so fingers crossed this is your golden ticket.

SanDisk® 512GB GamePLAY microSD Express Card

A $35 saving on a Micro SD card is a cracking deal right now, and will come in handy whilst trying out your OG Switch library on your brand new Nintendo Switch 2. These cards also guarantee fantastic performance playing Nintendo Switch 2 games, so it’s a win-win.

Superman (2025) (4K Ultra HD Steelbook)

Superman 2025 is arguably DC movies returning back to form, not to mention Krypto being a good boy. It’s already sold out once on Amazon, so get your preorder in whilst it’s still available, I think this will be a gem in anyone’s steelbook collection.

USB Type-C to A Cable 5 pack

More than 50% off a pack of five USB a to C cables? Yes please. These are always handy to have around, and no one wants to pay out of the nose for USB cables.

INIU Portable Charger 10000mAh 45W

This is ideal for carrying around when you’ve forgot to stick your phone on charge overnight, 45W is more than enough power to charge anything whilst using it, from phones to Nintendo Switch 2. So who can argue for $12?

TCL – 55″ QM6K Series

144Hz refresh rate on a 4K HDR QD Mini LED 55″ screen for under $450? There you go, that’s all the selling this TV needs. TCL have a hell of a reputation for undercutting big brand TV names, and this deal is no different.

INIU 140W Power Bank

Need serious power on the go? INIU’s 140W PowerNova Power Bank delivers laptop-level charging with a massive 27,000mAh capacity that is airline approved. Charge up to three devices at once via two USB-C ports and one USB-A, including a dedicated 140W PD 3.1 output to top off a MacBook Pro 16″ to 59% in just 30 minutes. The smart LED display shows real-time battery status, so you’re never guessing. Includes a USB-C cable, travel pouch, and INIU’s industry-leading 3-year warranty.

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker

The Fitbit Charge 6 makes tracking your health and workouts easier and more connected than ever, with 40+ exercise modes, built-in GPS, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and YouTube Music controls. Link it to compatible gym equipment to see your stats live as you move. It comes with both small and large bands, a sleek porcelain and silver finish, and a 6-month Fitbit Premium membership for deeper insights. Charge 6 works with both iOS and Android, and pairs perfectly with other Google products like Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Personal Fan with LED Display

Stay cool anywhere with TUNISE’s wearable neck fan, featuring a whisper-quiet motor and three adjustable speeds up to 4100 RPM. Its 5200mAh battery delivers up to 12 hours of cooling, while the clear LED display keeps tabs on battery life and fan speed. With a foldable, adjustable-angle design, this bladeless fan is as portable as it is stylish.

9-Outlet Anker 332 USB C Power Strip Surge Protector

Simplify your workspace with Anker’s 332 USB C Power Strip, packing six outlets, USB-C 20W Power Delivery, and Anker’s signature 8-Point Safety System. It protects against surges, fire risks, and overloads while keeping your devices topped up. The 5-foot cord and compact three-sided outlet design make it easy to fit anywhere in your home or office setup. Reliable charging meets smart safety in one sleek package.

INIU USB C Charger Block x 2

Charge two devices at once with INIU’s 30W dual-port USB-C charger set. Featuring GaN tech for cooler, safer charging, each block is 30% smaller than standard chargers and comes with foldable plugs for easy travel. Power up an iPhone 16 to 71% in just 30 minutes or juice up a MacBook Air with ease. This set includes two 60W USB-C cables, a user manual, and INIU’s industry-leading 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection (Switch)

I picked up the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection for Switch and it’s been a solid throwback to the old Duel Monsters days. I grew up playing these games, so jumping back in with the ability to duel online and unlock classic cards feels pretty great. The save-anywhere feature makes it easy to squeeze in a match during a break and come back to it later. I also like that you can rewind or fast forward during duels which makes testing out new strategies a lot more flexible.

Superman (Blu-ray + Digital)

I was hoping to grab the steelbook edition of Superman but it looks like that’s already sold out. The standard Blu-ray is still available though if you’re just looking to watch the movie without the collectible packaging. James Gunn delivers a Superman story that feels fresh while staying true to the character. There’s a solid balance of action, humor, and heart, and it sets a strong tone for what’s next in the DCU. If you’re into superhero movies that keep things grounded while still feeling big and cinematic, this one’s worth picking up.

Split Fiction (PS5)

I grabbed Split Fiction on PS5 recently and it’s been a great pick for co-op sessions. We gave it a 9 out of 10 and after playing it I can see why. It focuses on split-screen teamwork where you and a partner have to sync your actions to clear each challenge. I really like how each level introduces new mechanics and switches between sci-fi and fantasy settings so it never feels repetitive. Mio and Zoe’s story adds some extra depth too since they do not get along at first but that dynamic makes the whole adventure feel more personal as things ramp up.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

AirPods Pro 2 are one of those earbuds I keep noticing for their mix of sound quality and thoughtful features. At $199, they offer a strong balance of value and performance. The active noise cancellation blocks out a lot of background noise while adaptive audio automatically adjusts based on your surroundings. You get four sizes of silicone tips for a customizable fit, and once those are set they stay comfortable even through longer listening sessions. The personalized spatial audio and hearing aid features add extra depth, giving them more flexibility than just a standard pair of wireless earbuds.

DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake (Switch)

DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake caught my attention for how it brings that classic RPG feel into a modern format. At $34.99, it’s a pretty big discount compared to the usual price, which makes it an easy pick if you’ve been waiting to try it. The HD-2D visuals really stand out with that mix of pixel art and depth that makes the world feel fresh but still familiar. Battles stick to the traditional turn-based system but with small updates like adjustable speed and auto-battle, so it doesn’t feel stuck in the past. The soundtrack ties it all together with that same timeless vibe DRAGON QUEST fans already know.

The Lord of the Rings Illustrated (Tolkien Illustrated Editions)

The Lord of the Rings Illustrated Edition feels like more than just a regular hardcover. At $30.07 it is a big drop from the usual $90 which makes it a sound deal. What really sets this edition apart are the illustrations with Tolkien’s own drawings maps and sketches included throughout. The full text is printed in red and black ink and there are details like sprayed edges and a ribbon bookmark that make it feel more like a collector’s item.

Suikoden I & II HD Remastered (Switch)

Suikoden I & II HD Remastered at $48.31 for the Day One Edition is an essential pickup for JRPG fans. The updated pixel art looks sharp without losing the original style and the new environmental sounds add a little more atmosphere as you move through towns and dungeons. Fattle fast forward and auto-save features make revisiting these games more modern and easier to play in shorter sessions.

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.

Final Fantasy XIV Is Ending Windows 10 Support, Though You’ll ‘Likely’ Still Be Able To Play

Square Enix has announced it will end Windows 10 support for its MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV this October.

The publisher confirmed in a statement that support will end on October 14, 2025, coinciding with Microsoft’s own end-date for security updates and support.

“You will likely be able to play FINAL FANTASY XIV on Windows® 10 systems even after the end of support,” the company said. “However, after we discontinue support, we will as a general rule no longer be able to provide support for problems arising as a result of the operating system.”

Square Enix said it may responded to requests for technical support regarding Windows 10 issues after the end of support, but this will be limited, on a case-by-case basis, and not guaranteed.

Additionally, the OS and CPU requirements for the Windows version of Final Fantasy XIV will also be updated on October 14. Alongside a shift from Windows 10 64-bit to Windows 11 64-bit, CPU requirements will also bump up.

For Minimum System Requirements, the recommended Intel Core i7-7700 (or higher) will shift to an Intel Core i5-8400 (or higher). The Recommended System Requirements are holding steady on the Intel Core i7-9700 benchmark, though.

Currently, Final Fantasy XIV is building up to its 7.3 patch, The Promise of Tomorrow, due to arrive in early August. Following on from the Dawntrail expansion, patch 7.3 will introduce a new slew of Main Scenario Quests following the aftermath of the expansion and the strange things afoot in Solution Nine.

Additionally, the next leg of Final Fantasy XIV’s Final Fantasy XI crossover raid series Echoes of Vana’diel will arrive, with San d’Oria: The Second Walk. Longtime Final Fantasy XI players (who could even still be playing to this day) will likely find some neat easter eggs and references littered throughout the new series of fights.

As for Windows 10 users, the operating system shift still seems to be an inevitable reality. If you’re still on Win10, now might be a good time to start considering your options as its end-of-support looms in the distance.

Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.