Pokémon TCG Update: My Highlights From Weekend Amazon Restock

I think Amazon might be quietly trying to drain my bank account one booster pack at a time. There’s a surprisingly decent lineup of Pokémon TCG products right now, from premium collections packed with extras to tins that are basically loot boxes for adults. I want to make sure the good ones don’t get buried under the usual filler. Some of these are actually worth picking up, especially if you’ve been eyeing the newer Scarlet & Violet sets or just need an excuse to add another tin to the growing stack.

My Pokémon TCG Highlights From Weekend Amazon Restock

In my opinion, a few of these deals strike the rare balance of being fun to open and not completely overpriced. Others seem designed for collectors who enjoy the thrill of random pulls and aggressively themed storage solutions. I’ve pulled together the highlights below, focusing only on the stuff that feels like a solid pickup instead of the usual repackaged leftovers.

Pokémon TCG: Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection

I want to say this isn’t excessive, but you’re getting 18 Stellar Crown booster packs, three promo cards, a playmat, a deck box, and a magnetic card display. Excessive, but in a good way. It’s basically a portable shrine to Terapagos, and somehow still manages to feel worth it if you’re deep in the hobby.

Pokémon TCG: Stacking Tin (Q1 2025)

Three booster packs and two sticker sheets in a tin that stacks. That’s the whole pitch. I think it’s a fun pickup if you’re buying for a younger fan or just want your cards stored in a tiny themed cylinder for some reason.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet – Paldean Fates Booster Bundle

Six packs focused on shiny Pokémon, which will either be a collector’s dream or a gamble depending on your luck. In my opinion, the price feels high unless you’re chasing specific cards, but that hasn’t stopped anyone before.

Pokémon TCG: Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection

Six packs and two foil promos, plus acrylic standees and a sticker sheet, because Iono’s entire personality is now available in merchandise form. I think this one’s a solid pick if you like your collections playable, displayable, and mildly ridiculous.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box

This box comes with nine Shrouded Fable booster packs, a Pecharunt promo, sleeves, dice, and more organizational tools than your average office desk. It’s one of the more practical bundles, assuming your definition of practical includes themed card sleeves.

Pokémon TCG: Poké Ball Tin 3-Pack Bundle 2024- Poké Ball, Premier Ball, Moon Ball.

Each bundle comes with three Poké Ball tins and nine booster packs total, plus stickers in case the Poké Balls weren’t festive enough. You’re paying for variety and presentation here, which is half the fun anyway.

Pokémon TCG: Poké Ball Tin 3-Pack Bundle 2024- Poké Ball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball.

Same again but includes a Pokéball, Great Ball and Ultra Ball. This is the OG choice and look brilliant mixed in a graded card display. All Pokémon TCG should come in a Pokéball in my opinion!

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Surging Sparks Booster Bundle

If you don’t need sleeves or dice and just want to crack open six fresh packs from Surging Sparks, this one does the job. In my opinion, it’s the most straightforward way to feed the shiny card habit without the extra clutter.

Pokémon TCG: Paradox Clash Tin: Iron Leaves ex or Walking Wake ex

You get five packs and one of two promo cards, chosen by fate or some algorithm pretending to be fate. A decent middle ground for players who want something compact with a bit of flair and a good chance at useful pulls.

Pokémon TCG: Azure Legends Tin – 5 Packs

This tin is a lucky dip between Kyogre, Xerneas, and Dialga, which makes it great if you enjoy a little chaos with your collecting. Five packs and a foil promo make it pretty reasonable for the price, especially if you’re not picky.

Pokémon TCG – Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together – 1 Blister Pack

One Journey Together pack, one total mystery. If you just want to open something without overthinking it, this gets the job done. It’s also about as low-stakes as Pokémon TCG gets unless you’re picking up cards off the sidewalk.

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.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma FAQ Suggests Some Physical Switch 2 Cartridges Will Be Playable on Switch 1

To cap off two weeks of questions, confusion, and occasional answers about Nintendo Switch 2 pricing, pre-orders, DLC, Switch 2 Edition upgrades, controllers, and more, here’s another weird scenario to add to the pile. According to an FAQ from Marvelous on the upcoming game Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, at least some Nintendo Switch 2 physical cartridges will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 1.

This comes from this Marvelous FAQ, which includes the following:

What is the physical “Nintendo Switch 2 Edition”?

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a red 64GB game card that includes, in full, the Nintendo Switch game and the Upgrade Pack.

There’s no need to download the full game: simply insert the card into either a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, and the correct version will launch automatically.

Like most modern titles, there may be small updates or patches available at launch to provide minor fixes and improvements, but rest assured: the complete game is on the game card, ready to play from day one.

This suggests you can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Guardians of Azuma, and slot it into a Nintendo Switch 1 to play the Nintendo Switch 1 edition of the game if you so choose. If this is indeed the case, this is the first time we’re hearing of the ability to play certain Switch 2 cartridges on the Switch 1.

We’ve known for a while that most Switch 1 games will be compatible with Switch 2. We also know that games that are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 (Mario Kart World, for instance), or Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of Switch 1 games (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Switch 2 Edition, with all the upgrades), won’t be playable on the Switch 1. But the question of whether you can just take Switch 2 cartridges and plug them into the Switch 1 to get the Switch 1 version of the same game has been up in the air so far. Some players have spotted an image in the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour that suggested a tiny “notch” in the plastic of Switch 2 cartridges might prevent that from being the case, but whether that notch is preventative or not remains to be seen.

It’s also unclear as to how exactly many games this will apply to. We know that first-party and some third-party physical Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will include both the base game and the Switch 2 Edition upgrades on the cartridge, while other third-parties may choose to release Switch 2 Edition games as download codes in physical packaging. Additionally, some boxed Nintendo Switch 2 games will not actually have the game on the cartridge, but instead will contain a game-key card that will allow you to download the game once you insert it.

So essentially, when you purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 boxed game at retail, you might be getting any of the following:

  • A physical Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive game cartridge that only works on the Switch 2
  • A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game that has a Nintendo Switch 1 version on the cartridge, as well as a Switch 2 upgrade, that may or may not be playable on both Switch 2 and in its base version on the Switch 1
  • A game-key card that doesn’t have the game on it, but allows you to download the game in question (and may or may not also be usable on the Switch 1 as well)
  • A physical box with a download key for the Switch 2 that may or may not work on the Switch 1 as well

If all this has your head spinning, you’re not alone. It’s been a confusing ride trying to sort out what, exactly, you’ll be purchasing when you buy boxed Nintendo Switch 2 games, and Nintendo has been hesitant to step in and clarify things just far. We reached out to Nintendo for comment on Marvelous’ FAQ, specifically asking if it’s true that some Switch 2 cartridges will be playable on Switch 1 and if so, which. We’ll update this story if more information surfaces.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Invincible: The Dice Game Is Super Cheap on Amazon Right Now

Invincible: The Dice Game is 44% off at Amazon right now. The push your luck card and dice game by Mantic Games is a fun, pick-up-and-play experience for two or more players. It comes in a relatively small box, making it a good small gift or game to take on camping trips to pass the time. With season 3 of Prime Video’s Invincible animated show now over, this sale is the perfect opportunity to spend more time with these characters and the Invincible universe.

Invincible: The Dice Game Deal on Amazon Today

Players are looking to join the Guardians of the Globe by assuming the role of new recruits, taking on other heroes and fighting various villains. Earn enough reputation points, and you win. Be warned, however: your resources are limited to the amount of dice available in your pool, so strategy is the name of the game. Rounds go by fast, giving you ample opportunity to try out every path to victory!

In our review of Invincible season 3, we said “Invincible’s third season makes for a fun and interesting, but not always satisfying, watch. A lot happens in these episodes – Mark wrestles with the ethics of killing, other characters die or nearly die, and new villains arrive from other galaxies or dimensions – even though little of it feels conclusive. The door is left open to several possible developments – especially when it comes to Mark’s evolving morality.” Season 4 of the popular Image comics adaptation will likely arrive in 2026.

See more board game recommendations

Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.

Marvel Rivals Swimsuit Skins Teased as Marvel Preps for Summer-Themed Comic Book Special

Marvel is suiting up for another Swimsuit Special comic book release, and it looks like NetEase Games’ Marvel Rivals will join in on the summer fun with some of its own swimsuit skins.

Details on what could eventually result in the arrival of long-awaited Marvel Rivals swimsuit cosmetics were shared in a recent post on the Marvel website. It promises that Marvel will return to the fan-favorite series come July 9 with Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes, and Rivals #1. The story will give Earth’s Mightiest Heroes a much-needed break from the stresses of saving the world, but more importantly, the comic book giant teases that the run will include a sneak peek at designs for Marvel Rivals.

“Roxxon Comics is at it again when they release their own UNAUTHORIZED SWIMSUIT SPECIAL,” a description for the Marvel Swimsuit Special says. “Wasp is on the case and seizes the opportunity for Marvel’s heroes to do their OWN swimwear fashion shoot all over the world! But fear not, True Believers, we know what you’re REALLY here for! This super-sized special features splash page after splash page of gorgeous art, but with a story so you can pretend you’re ‘reading it for the articles…’”

Unfortunately, Marvel doesn’t share much about when these summer designs will launch or which characters will be included in the collection. It’s also important to note that today’s post doesn’t outright confirm that these skins will specifically be part of a swimsuit set, but considering the special’s subject matter, it would make sense to at least see some summer cosmetics included. We’ll learn more about the Marvel Swimsuit Special in the months ahead, so let’s hope future news comes with more information about how it ties into Marvel Rivals.

Marvel Rivals launched in December and quickly became a popular distraction for multiplayer fans across PC and consoles. Its competitive nature and vast character pool have had players scheming up new ways to rise through the ranks, but while many focus on improving their performance, others are far more concerned with NetEase’s plans for post-launch support. One idea that has attracted the attention of armies of fans is the hope they may one day see a Marvel Rivals swimsuit collection come to the game, and now, we know that their prayers will likely soon be answered.

Regarding launch timing, there are a few clues we can look at when guessing when swimsuits may be included. We know that Marvel Rivals Season 2 brought Emma Frost and the Hellfire Gala to the hero shooter experience just last week. With the season set to end in about three months, we can guess that the new outfits should launch with Season 3 sometime around July or August. It’s a window that makes sense based on both NetEase’s previously promised schedule while letting fans soak up the sun just before summer comes to an end.

Also launching alongside Season 3 is NetEase’s new post-launch plans. Instead of three-month seasons, Marvel Rivals fans can look forward to snappier seasons that last only about two months. That means at least one new playable hero will be included every month for the foreseeable future. For more on Marvel Rivals, you can read up on the April Fools’ Day emote that let Venom twerk. You can also click here to learn more about how NetEase made an infamous Moon Knight meme canon.

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).

Infinity Nikki Codes (April 2025)

If you’re looking for Infinity Nikki codes, IGN has you covered! In this article, you’ll find a list of active and working Infinity Nikki codes that you can redeem for free rewards and bonuses in April 2025, including Diamonds and Energy Crystals.

Active Infinity Nikki Codes (April 2025)

Below, you’ll find all the active and working Infinity Nikki codes in April 2025, the free rewards you get for redeeming them, and their expiry date (if known):

  • Sidebyside – 10x Revelation Crystals (NEW!)
  • WARMSPRINGBONUS – 100x Diamonds, 20k Bling (expires April 29, 2025)
  • INFINITYNIKKISteam – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • NOSTRANGELINKS – 100x Diamonds, 20k Bling (expires April 30, 2025)
  • RevelrySeasonRe – 50x Thread of Purity, 30k Bling
  • RevelrySeasonGroup – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 30k Bling
  • GIRLPOWER25 – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 30k Bling
  • RevelrySeasonDC – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 30k Bling (expires April 27, 2025)
  • 1.2VERDISCORD – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • 1.2VERREDDIT – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • 1.2VERGLOBALGROUP – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • ハイキングDISCORD – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • PEARFECTGUIDES – 10x Shining Particles, 15k Bling
  • NIKKIXWEBTOON – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • ニキプレゼント1205 – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • おめでとう – 50x Threads of Purity, 15k Bling
  • リリース – 10x Shining Particles, 15k Bling
  • インフィニティニキ – 15x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • 無限暖暖公測開啟 – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling
  • 無限暖暖公測FB社團限定 – 10x Shining Particles, 15k Bling
  • インフィニキDISCORD – 50x Threads of Purity, 15k Bling
  • INGIFT1205 – 50x Threads of Purity, 15k Bling
  • GROUPSTYLIST – 50x Threads of Purity, 15k Bling (expires December 5, 2025)
  • REDDITSTYLIST – 50x Shiny Bubbles, 15k Bling (expires December 5, 2025)
  • DISCORDSTYLIST – 10x Shining Particles, 15k Bling (expires December 5, 2025)

Expired Infinity Nikki Codes

The Infinity Nikki codes listed below have expired and are no longer working as of April 2025:

  • 100THDAYCELEBRATION
  • MAYEVERYGIRLHAPPINESS
  • Newstoryawaits
  • Newyearbliss
  • NIKKIFIREWORKS
  • NIKKIEXCURSIONTIME
  • NIKKINEWBLOOM2025
  • HEARTFELTGIFTS
  • NIKKIBEWITHYOU
  • NIKKIRELEASE
  • dreamweavernikki
  • NIKKI20241022
  • infinitynikki1205
  • BDAYSURPRISE
  • GIFTFROMMOMO
  • GIFTTONIKKI
  • nikkihappybirthday2024
  • NIKKITHEBEST
  • QUACKQUACK
  • AAbNxRNMmSm
  • AAbQjjYKwbH
  • AAb7xf6hWuS
  • AAbtWkna3V7
  • AAbaEyDU4EX
  • AAbMNJX8hxF
  • AAb5S3RSK8M
  • AAbUfWnYUtd
  • AAbUa8e2U3a
  • AAbtk9jmpnV

How to Redeem Infinity Nikki Codes

To redeem Infinity Nikki codes, follow the steps below:

  1. Unlock your Pear-Pal during the Chapter 1: Wishes Without Wings – Land of Wishes main quest. It’s about 20 minutes into your Infinity Nikki adventure.
  2. Open the Pear-Pal menu by pressing ESC on PC (or the Menu button when using an Xbox controller on PC), the Menu button on PlayStation, or by tapping the Pear-Pal icon in the top-left corner on mobile.
  3. Click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
  4. Scroll over to the Other tab.
  5. You’ll see a “Redeem Code” option here. Click on “Apply” and a Redeem Rewards pop-up menu will appear.
  6. Input your code into the “Enter the redeem code” field and tap “Apply.”
  7. If successful, a pop-up will appear showing your free rewards.

Why Isn’t My Infinity Nikki Code Working?

If the Infinity Nikki code that you’re trying to redeem isn’t working, it’s likely due to one of the following reasons:

  • There’s a typo in the code.
  • The Infinity Nikki code is expired.

When inputting a code into Infinity Nikki, make sure there are no typos (Os instead of zeroes, capital Is instead of lowercase Ls, etc.) and that there are no accidental spaces before or after the code. If your Infinity Nikki code still doesn’t work, it’s probably expired and can no longer be redeemed.

How to Get More Infinity Nikki Codes

The best way to get more Infinity Nikki codes is to join the official Infinity Nikki Discord server. Once you’re in, head to the #self-assign-roles channel and opt-in for the Redeem Code role. You’ll receive a notification when a new code is released so you can receive your free rewards ASAP!

Alternatively, bookmark this Infinity Nikki Codes article, as we update it each time a new code comes out. The Discord server has missed a couple of codes posted to other channels, so we’d recommend checking our article every so often.

What is Infinity Nikki?

Developed by Infold Games, Infinity Nikki is a cozy, open-world RPG. You play as Nikki, as she’s whisked away to the world of Miraland, a place where people make Wishes with the help of Stylists. You’ll find and create a plethora of outfits and accessories, take on quests, and gather many types of collectibles with the help of Momo, Nikki’s adorable feline companion.

Meg Koepp is a Guides Editor on the IGN Guides team, with a focus on trends. When she’s not working, you can find her playing an RPG or making miniatures.

Star Wars and The Mandalorian Invade Monopoly Go

Mobile gaming obsession Monopoly Go is teaming up with Star Wars to add a little science fiction sauce to its real estate dice-rolling. The collaboration, announced today at Star Wars Celebration in Japan, will run from May 1 – July 2 and takes inspiration from events from Skywalker Saga and The Mandalorian.

As well as giving some beloved Star Wars characters a cute cartoon makeover, the Star Wars season on Monopoly Go will add a Star Wars Go sticker album to fill, podracing in the Mos Espa Grand Arena, and collectible in-game items like tokens, shields and emojis. Plus you get to enjoy the weirdness of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Han Solo, R2D2, Yoda, Anakin Skywalker and Qui-Gon Jinn hanging out Mr Monopoly, AKA Rich Uncle Pennybags.

It’s not the first time Monopoly Go has done a mash-up, last September Marvel characters got Monopolized with Spider-Man, Wolverine, and the Avengers all making an appearance.

Publisher Scopely also recently acquired the Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now teams as part of a deal with Niantic.

According to a report from our sister site GamesIndustry.biz, Monopoly Go was ranked the top game for consumer spending in 2024, bringing in a “gold toilets for everyone on the team” $2.47 billion jackpot. In 2024 Scopely also reported 150 million downloads and 10 million daily users.

Rachel Weber is the Senior Editorial Director of Games at IGN and an elder millennial. She’s been a professional nerd since 2006 when she got her start on Official PlayStation Magazine in the UK, and has since worked for GamesIndustry.Biz, Rolling Stone and GamesRadar. She loves horror, horror movies, horror games, and French Bulldogs. Those extra wrinkles on her face are thanks to going time blind and staying up too late finishing every sidequest in RPGs like Fallout and Witcher 3.

Star Wars Outlaws Release Date Announced for Nintendo Switch 2

Ubisoft had already confirmed Star Wars: Outlaws as one of the games that will be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, but today we learned the space adventure won’t be a launch title when the new Nintendo handheld is released on June 5, instead arriving a few months later on September 4.

If you missed it on PS5, XBox and PC, Star Wars Outlaws is set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi and follows Kay Vess, a small time criminal who finds herself with a death mark from a cartel against her name. Our reviewer gave it a 7, saying it was “a fun intergalactic heist adventure with great exploration, but it’s hindered by simple stealth, repetitive combat, and a few too many bugs at launch.”

Ubisoft didn’t have many details to share beyond reiterating that the title would be available on Nintendo Switch 2 and confirming when, but at least we can update the Switch 2 Games List. With American and Canadian gamers locked in pre-order limbo as Nintendo assesses the impact of the new tariffs introduced by the Republican administration, any news on Nintendo Switch 2 games getting released is a welcome distraction.

The news was announced during a panel at Star Wars Celebration in Japan today, where Ubisoft also gave fans a look at the second story pack headed to Star Wars: Outlaws, titled A Pirate’s Fortune. The add on will see Kay joining allying with Hondo Ohnaka to take on Stinger Tash, leader of the Rokana Raiders. Star Wars: Outlaws: A Pirate’s Fortune will be released on May 15.

Rachel Weber is the Senior Editorial Director of Games at IGN and an elder millennial. She’s been a professional nerd since 2006 when she got her start on Official PlayStation Magazine in the UK, and has since worked for GamesIndustry.Biz, Rolling Stone and GamesRadar. She loves horror, horror movies, horror games, and French Bulldogs. Those extra wrinkles on her face are thanks to going time blind and staying up too late finishing every sidequest in RPGs like Fallout and Witcher 3.

Creatures of Sonaria Codes (April 2025)

After some bonus goodies to kit out your monsters in Creatures of Sonaria? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find all of the active codes in Roblox’s kaiju survival game, allowing you to redeem plushies and other rewards.

Working Creatures of Sonaria Codes (April 2025)

Currently, there are no active Creatures of Sonaria codes in April 2025. As soon as that changes, we’ll update this page, so check back soon for updates.

Expired Creatures of Sonaria Codes

  • COSBILLION
  • 2024CAMPFIRE10
  • CAMPFIRECAMPOUT
  • EMBEREXTRAVAGANZA
  • CAMPFIREASHES
  • 100ktwitter
  • 100ktiktok
  • astralredeem2024

How to Redeem Creatures of Sonaria Codes

To redeem Creatures of Sonaria codes, launch the Roblox Experience and, once you’re in, follow the steps below:

  1. Head to the main menu and look in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. Below the slot box, you’ll see two gift icons.
  2. Click the blue gift icon on the left to pull up the codes bar.
  3. Type your code into the code bar, being careful to make sure it’s in the right case and spelt correctly.
  4. Hit Redeem and your rewards will be added to your account.

Why Isn’t My Creatures of Sonaria Code Working?

If your Creatures of Sonaria code isn’t working, it’s likely due to one of two scenarios. The first is that the code was inputted incorrectly. Creatures of Sonaria codes can either be in lower case or upper case, so make sure you have the code inputted correctly before you hit redeem. You can even copy and paste the codes directly from this article over to Roblox if you want to make sure you’re inputting them correctly.

The other possibility is the code has expired or you’ve already used it. If you’ve already used it, you’ll get a message below the bar reminding you the inputted code has already been redeemed. If you’ve inputted your code and the message says it’s expired, it means the code’s no longer available to use.

How to Get More Creatures of Sonaria Codes

If you’re looking to scout out some extra Creatures of Sonaria Codes, you should check out the game’s official Discord server. The devs frequently post the latest news and updates in the server’s announcements channel, including when they add redeemable codes.

You can also follow Sonar Studios on X, where they usually post when major codes go live.

What is Creatures of Sonaria in Roblox?

Creatures of Sonaria is a survival game with a unique twist. Instead of playing a human enduring a hostile world, you start off as a weak monster that must scavenge for food and water while avoiding threats. As you start to acclimatize to your harsh habitat, you age up, becoming more powerful and capable of taking on tougher hazards, as you hunt other monsters, survive deadly weather events, and more.

Featuring a wide range of creatures you can control and collect, cooperative play with friends online, and a large open-world to explore, Creatures of Sonaria is a sprawling experience that will test whether you truly have what it takes to survive.

Callum Williams is an IGN freelancer covering features and guides. When he’s away from his desk, you can usually find him obsessing over the lore of the latest obscure indie horror game or bashing his head against a boss in the newest soulslike. You can catch him over on Twitter at @CaIIumWilliams.

Mario Kart World Direct Acknowledges Long-Standing Meme by Repeatedly Throwing Penguin Off Cliffs

During today’s Mario Kart World Direct, we got a closer look at a number of new tracks, features, and racers, including Penguin. We’ve known Penguin was in the game since its reveal last week, but today’s Direct decided to feature this blue cutie in a very meme-specific way…by repeatedly throwing him off cliffs.

This happened not once, but twice during the Direct, as fans have pointed out on social media. On one occasion, Penguin simply misjudges a curve and sails neatly off over an icy landscape:

But in a second, even more on the nose move, a Penguin in Free Roam drives straight off a cliff into the sea below while music from Super Mario 64 toodles away in the background:

If you’re confused as to why this is noteworthy, allow me to draw your attention to a long-standing community meme of Penguin from Super Mario 64. In Super Mario 64, players discovered years ago that it was possible to collect a Power Star from Mother Penguin by returning Baby Penguin to her, then to take Baby Penguin after the star appears and take them away again…or even drop them off a cliff:

This bit has been memed into fame for over a decade by the Mario community, so it’s extremely funny to see Nintendo acknowledge it even if it’s in a somewhat subtle, plausible-deniability kind of way. Is this a horrendous thing to do? Society still hasn’t come down cleanly on one side or another of the Penguin-cliff debate. At least Mario Kart World gives Penguin a nice little water vehicle so they can just keep going once they’ve landed.

Today’s Mario Kart Nintendo Direct wasn’t exactly the font of new information many were hoping it would be, but we still got word on some interesting new stuff: more new characters, courses, items, and features, as well as a close look (courtesy of Penguin and others) of the new open world Free Roam mode, which will let players drive around anywhere in the world without restraint.

You can catch up on everything announced right here.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Disney Destiny: Everything Revealed About the Disney Cruise Ship All About Heroes and Villains

The Heroes and Villains-themed Disney Destiny is set to make its maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 20, 2025, and Disney just revealed a ton of new info on the latest cruise ship about to join its fleet.

There is a lot to look forward to on the Disney Destiny, including a Lion King dining experience, a Hercules Broadway-style show, and so much more, and we’re here to break down everything you need to know.

The Disney Destiny Is All About Celebrating The Heroes and Villains We Love

Heroes and Villains are the name of the game for the Disney Destiny, and Disney wants its guests to be “inspired, encouraged, and empowered” by these characters during their journey. This sense of wonder will begin the moment you step on the Disney Destiny and are greeted by the Grand Hall and a one-of-a-kind statue of Black Panther. The Grand Hall will also feature 360-degree lighting effects that will, at times, take on the colors of some of our favorite characters to build the mood and immersion even more.

As for who we may see, Disney has revealed Loki will be up to his mischievous ways and will attempt to declare himself ruler of the ship and will cause chaos with “grand proclamations, questionable storytelling, surprise competitions, and more.”

Creuella de Vil will also take center stage as she will let guests “put their personal style to the test on [her] very own wretched runway or take part in a bit of treble-making as they create a lyrical tribute to her marvelousness.”

Furthermore, Cruella is the inspiration for De Vil’s piano lounge that will have exclusive drinks like the Fashionista and Fearless Sir Galahad alongside and a “Hollywood Regency-inspired aesthetic.” Oh, and a piano that looks just like a dalmatian.

The Villains don’t get the only spotlight, however, as The Sanctum will take inspiration from Doctor Strange and some of his artifacts like the Cloak of Levitation and spell books from the library of Kamar-Taj. This lounge will have drinks and food, and you can check them out below.

Lastly, the Disney Destiny will be the first Disney cruise ship to feature a Marvel character on its stern as Spider-Man and his Spider-Bots will grace the filigree on the back of the ship.

These are just a few examples of the heroes and villains that will be the stars of Disney Destiny, and they will join such others as Dr. Facilier, Maleficent, Hades, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Captain Jack Sparrow, Bruno, and more.

Hercules’ Broadway-Style Show Will Lead the Charge of Entertainment on the Disney Destiny

Disney Hercules, the Destiny’s Broadway-style show, has us very excited as The Tale of Moana on the Disney Treasure was one of the best shows we’ve seen on land or at sea. This adaptation of the beloved Disney classic will feature all the music and characters you know and love alongside new additions like the song, ‘Shooting Star,’ which was actually cut from the original film.

Hercules himself will be played by Corey J. Bradford, who recently wowed guests at a Disney Destiny media preview with his rendition of ‘Go the Distance,’ and he will be confronted once again by the terrifying Hyrdra, who is being brought to life by award-winning puppet designer Michael Curry.

Disney Hercules will be just one of the shows featured in the Destiny’s Walt Disney Theater alongside Frozen, A Musical Spectacular and Disney Seas the Adventure.

Guests will also be able to enjoy shows and games inside of Saga, the central hub for “daytime family activities and adult exclusive evening entertainment.” Saga’s architecture is inspired by Wakanda, and will feature encounters with Maleficent, Match Your Mate, Family Time Game Show, a new Aquamouse story with villains, and more.

Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King Will Be Just One of the Many Dining Experiences to Remember

While the Disney Treasure had the incredible Plaza de Coco dining experience, the Disney Destiny is getting its own version inspired by The Lion King. The legendary songs and moments from this Disney classic will be just one part of a night to remember at Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King.

Storytells Mwongozo and Shaha will be taking us through the story of the great Simba, and other performers will help bring these moments to life with costumes, props, authentic African instrruments, and more.

As for the meal itself, Disney aims to “balance the wide-ranging flavors of African cuisines with familiar fare that will satisfy the whole family.” Such highlights include Nala’s Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Pan-seared Berbere-spiced Roasted Chicken, Cape Malay Shrimp Curry, Heirloom Tomato Kachumbari, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Warm Chocolate Malva Pudding, and even drinks like the Can You Feel the Rum Tonight? and the Slimy Yet Satisfying.

Other dining experiences on the Disney Destiny include Worlds of Marvel with Rocket and Groot, 1923, Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, The Rose, the Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired Cask & Cannon, Cafe Megara, Cafe Merida, and more.

The Incredibles will also be getting there own themed sweets shop with Edna A La Mode Sweets, which will be the place to get handmade gelato, ice cream, cookies, candies, and specialty treats.

The Disney Destiny Has So Much More In Store

There is still so much more to learn about the Disney Destiny, and we’ll be updating this article and more as new details are revealed!

While you wait, be sure to read our Disney Treasure Ultimate Guide as the Destiny is its sister ship, check out more official details on the Disney Destiny and see much we loved the Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Treasure as it will also be on the Destiny.

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.