In case you missed it, in July last year, the Polish-based horror developer teased it was working on a new project specifically for Nintendo platforms known as ‘Project M‘. Now, in a new interview with Nintendo Insider, the studio’s CEO Piotr Babieno has revealed that the first details about this title could be shared “very soon”.
We’re nearly done with 2025, and in the final update for 2025, Nintendo Music has this week added the Wii Party soundtrack.
This party game originally debuted on the Wii in 2010 and the soundtrack comes loaded with 105 tracks and has a run time of 2 hours of 21 minutes. It’s got some smooth and funky tracks in it like “Menu Screen” or you could dance about to “Party Games: Results Time”.
Greetings traveller, and welcome to Burning Springs! You may know it as the latest location in the newly updated Fallout 76, but to me, a recently defrosted Ohioan historian from the ancient past of 2025, it’s home.
The tour will start shortly. I just need a moment to get my bearings. I swear Fort Steuben was 120 miles over that way…? It seems in the years between my big freeze and today, in 2105, the geography got moved around a little. Let’s return to that wrinkle later.
Infinity Ward co-founder and Respawn Entertainment head Vince Zampella has died in a fatal car crash, NBC4 Los Angeles reports. He was 55 years old.
The crash was reported to have happened yesterday, 21st December 2025, in along Southern California’s Angeles Crest Highway, at around 12:45pm local time.
Vince Zampella, best known as the co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise and co-founder of Infinity Ward who went on to co-found Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi developer Respawn Entertainment, died in a single-car accident in Los Angeles on Sunday, NBC Los Angeles reports.
According to the NBC report, “The single-car crash was reported at about 12:45 p.m. on the scenic road north of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains. The southbound car veered off the road, hit a concrete barrier and a passenger was ejected, the California Highway Patrol said. The driver was trapped in the ensuing car fire, the CHP said. The driver died at the scene and the passenger died at a hospital, authorities told NBC4 Investigates.”
No further details about the accident or what might have caused it are available as of yet.
Zampella was an incredibly talented game developer who changed the industry with Call of Duty, a franchise he co-created with Jason West in 2003 at Infinity Ward, the studio he co-founded with West, after previously serving as the lead designer for EA’s Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. Zampella was at the center of a high-profile lawsuit against Activision that alleged that the publisher owed Zampella and the Infinity Ward team millions of dollars in unpaid Call of Duty royalties. The bitter professional divorce led to Zampella and West taking a substantial number of the Infinity Ward team with them to EA, where they co-founded Respawn Entertainment, a studio that has produced nothing but critically acclaimed hits: Titanfall (IGN review), Titanfall 2 (IGN review), Apex Legends (IGN review), Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (IGN review), and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (IGN review).
Respawn’s success under Zampella led to him getting promotedtwice, eventually overseeing the Battlefield franchise within his role as Group General Manager at EA.
Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s executive editor of previews and host of both IGN’s weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, as well as our monthly(-ish) interview show, IGN Unfiltered. He’s a North Jersey guy, so it’s “Taylor ham,” not “pork roll.” Debate it with him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.
Nintendo has signaled the end of production of the eye-catching Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle, six months after the console launched.
In April, when Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 would cost $449.99 and Mario Kart World would cost $80, it announced a bundle that combined the two for $499.99, effectively making the launch title $30 cheaper than its standalone price.
As you’d expect, this bundle proved a popular option among early adopters, and helped fuel not only very strong sales of Mario Kart World, but the Switch 2 itself.
Production of that bundle has now come to an end, however. Over the weekend, U.S. retailer giant Game Stop announced that the Mario Kart World Switch 2 bundle “will no longer be produced” in a social media post that followed the leak of an internal GameStop memo to staff signalling the change.
“This bundle SKU has now reached end of lifecycle, and additional units will no longer be produced,” the memo reads. “Future replenishment of Nintendo Switch 2 will be the base console.”
Today, December 22, Nintendo confirmed as much in a social media post of its own, saying: “Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle is available in limited quantities at participating retailers, while supplies last.”
While the bundle was always described as being available for a limited time, it’s interesting that Nintendo has decided now is the right time to cease production. However, given how many bundle units are available at retailers, it seems likely they will be available for some time to come, should you fancy dropping by the Switch 2 party.
Indeed, as IGN reported over the weekend, Best Buy has the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle on sale for $449.99, which means you’re getting Mario Kart World for free.
Nintendo has so-far resisted increasing the price of the Switch 2, at a time when its console rivals Microsoft and Sony have done so. Nintendo did raise original Switch prices in August 2025 and warned future price adjustments for Switch 2 accessories and games might occur.
Despite launching at $450, Nintendo Switch 2 sold an astonishing 10.36 million units between June 5 and September 30, a record-breaking amount that saw the platform continue its run as the biggest console launch ever. Nintendo even raised its hardware forecast for the year in response to the Switch 2’s spectacular performance, and now expects to shift 19 million units of its new console before the end of March 2026.
Mario Kart World, the Switch 2’s flagship launch game, has now sold 9.57 million copies, with 8.1 million units of that total from the console’s bundle. (So yes, more than a million people paid $80 to buy it separately.)
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.
Don’t panic, but it’s Christmas Day on Thursday. Zero pressure, but if your loved ones really love you, they won’t mind a late Christmas gift. If they do mind, they need to stop being silly sausages (who do all these kids think they are?). Joking aside, I’m still manning the Daily Deals desk, finding some bangers, and it’s literally the best excuse to avoid doing IRL shopping. If you need to distract your family from late Christmas presents, buy a Fire TV or Fire Stick at a massive discount and stick on some Christmas films. Amazon has some cracking discounts on their range right now, which also includes a code for one month of Xbox Game Pass. Happy days!
TL;DR: Deals for Today
Purly because I love Pokémon so much, I’ve taken the liberty of seeing what’s available now on Amazon, then telling you where you can buy it from cheaper elsewhere (because I’m a Pokémon Master, as no one has enough badges to train me).
Need an ear buds upgrade? Apple AirPods Pro 3 are currently down to $199 from $249, shaving off a good chunk of brand tax. Side note: If you’re not bothered about turning your Apple setup into some kind of Wizarding World mudblood setup, the best earbuds I’ve tried this year are:
Status Pro X: Down to $269.10 with an on-site coupon from $299
Sony INZONE: Down to $198 from $239.99 (Includes a USB-C 2.4Ghz dongle for PC and PS5 gaming too)
Speaking of Sony INZONE, their big beefy H9 headset is also on offer right now for $169.29, a massive 49% off $329. And if you’re sick of eye strain or dry eyes whilst gaming or watching Fallout Season 2, Gunnar have saved the day with their limited edition Vault 33-themed gaming glasses. They’re also 30% off at the moment, down to $69.33 from $99.
Let’s get into today’s deals:
Pokémon TCG Price Check
To be fair to Amazon, some of their pricing isn’t far off market price, but then again they’re being undercut by independent businesses and sellers that will likely have worse rates from distribution than Amazon. Read between the lines there.
So Phantasmal Flames ETB is $79.94 at Amazon, just shy of $4 more than TCGPlayers $76. Mega Evolutions Three Booster Blister is in a similar spot on Amazon right now too, $29.54 compared to $28.93 on TCGPlayer. But if you’re after Mega Evolutions Boosters, i’d suggest going on TCGPlayer and buying single sleeved ones for $8.70 each instead.
1 Month Free Xbox GamePass for New Fire TV/Fire Stick Discounted Tech
This deal stretches across the whole 4K line of Fire TV Sticks, the Fire TV Cube, Amazon Fire TV 43-inch, and Amazon Fire TV 55-inch. The link above will take you to the offer page with all the products available, with the cheapest Fire Stick coming in at $19.99 for the 4K Select.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
So AirPods 3 have loads of bells and whistles on, including:
Active Noise Cancellation
Live Translation
Heart Rate Sensing
Hearing Aid Functionality
Spatial Audio
USB-C Charging
Apple have also overhauled the acoustic architecture inside the earbud to make sure you’re getting some cracking definition. Not a bad bundle of features when taking the discount into consideration.
Gunnar Fallout Vault 33 Gaming Glasses
I’ve been using Gunnar glasses for years, mostly for getting deals in front of all of your stunning eyes. I’ve noticed fewer strain headaches from looking at a screen all day and vastly reduced dry-eye symptoms (like having dry eyes). They can also do prescription lenses should you need them, but the main three styles they offer are yellow tint (best blue-light reduction), clear, and sunglasses.
Sony INZONE H9 Gaming Headset
If the INZONE earbuds are anything to go off, the H9 gaming headset should be a banger. The mic features a 360 spatial sound feature alongside solid noise cancelling backed up by a dual sensor and full customization via the INZONE Hub software. At nearly half off and with a 2.4GHz adaptor included, this is a great deal.
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.
It’s that time of year again, when friends and loved ones huddle together, safe from crisp winter air, looking for entertainment. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered, with a vast array of multiplayer games that can be enjoyed together across console, PC, and supported gaming handhelds.
Whether you’re looking for quick bursts of action to keep the family entertained, a cozy co-op adventure with a partner, or something casual to catch up with friends online, Xbox has something to offer for every gaming fan this holiday season. Here’s some highlights, ranging from 2025 releases to timeless games worth revisiting:
If you’re looking for a hilarious party game that the whole family can jump into, Lego Party’swacky challenges are the way to go. Every player must compete to win by collecting the most golden bricks, by taking part in 60 different minigames spanning all of your favorite Lego collections. With tons of minifigures to unlock and customizable challenge modes, Lego Party is sure to keep the whole house entertained – play it split-screen or online with up to four players.
Overcooked 2 – Available with Xbox Game Pass Essential, Premium and Ultimate
Avoid the inevitable real-life arguments bubbling during the food preparation stages with Overcooked 2, a game in which you can easily simulate those same arguments with digital cooking instead. Get a group of budding chefs together in-person or online and test your skills (and friendships) in a series of timed cooking challenges – chop, prep, cook and serve beloved meals, aim to get a three-star rating before the clock runs out, and try to not wreak too much havoc before your actual dinner is ready.
Craft, Co-operatively
Minecraft – Available with Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate
For many families, playing Minecraft together is already a tradition, so why not make it a holiday tradition? Starting a new seed and hopping into split-screen co-op is incredibly simple – and once you’re in, the options are limitless. From setting off on a short adventure together in Survival mode, to creating a wonderland across the entire holiday season in Creative mode, there’s always something new to try. And, with the sheer amount of new content added this year – new blocks, new weapons, new biomes, new mobs, and even a whole new look thanks to Vibrant Visuals – your winter break is the perfect opportunity to check back in if you haven’t played for a little while.
Grounded 2 (Game Preview) – Available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
The family that survives together, thrives together. Or so we’re told. And what better way to put that theory to the test than with Obsidian’s excellent Grounded 2? Placing you and (up to) three other friends/family in the sprawling Brookhollow Park after being shrunken down to the size of an ant, you’ll traverse the landscape on your trusty Buggy mounts; work together with your crew to gather resources like grass planks and weed stems to build a shelter; craft smoothies from algae and mushrooms to give yourself and your party a health boost; assemble weapons and armor from red ant mandibles to fight off all manner of creatures like bees, spiders, and more. And when you’re all ready for even more adventure, explore the mysteries of this park to discover all the various secrets that will shed some light on how the heck you all got here in the first place.
This enormously successful new extraction shooter is a fantastic new take on the genre du jour – head out on expeditions into the blasted remains of humanity’s past, scavenging what you can while avoiding robots and other players alike. It’s perfectly playable solo, but with a three-person group online, Arc Raiders becomes an incredible, constantly shifting exercise in tension and exhilaration. Let the underground city of Speranza become your home for hangouts this holiday.
For a more intense co-op gaming session, Gears of War: Reloaded can provide the perfect action-packed afternoon – as well as a trip down memory lane. Reloaded reinvents the original Gears of War, both campaign and multiplayer, in stunning 4K 60 FPS, with a host of graphical and gameplay improvements for a modern, split-screen experience across console and PC.
Whether you’re playing this Xbox classic for the first time or revisiting a beloved game from your youth with a family member, Gears of War Reloaded is the best way to experience the explosive start of Delta Squad.
If you’re looking to sit down and unwind on the sofa, the multiplayer modes in PowerWash Simulator 2 are a great option. Hop online and get into some satisfying cleaning with up to four friends online, or try out the new split-screen couch co-op, where two players on the same device can clean collaboratively. With an array of weird and whimsical locations to hose down, ranging from small vehicles to teapot-shaped hideaways and funfair attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If creativity (or taking a sledgehammer to a wall) is your calling, House Flipper 2’s co-op mode supports up to four budding decorators playing online together across PC and console. Enjoy a linear experience with the story mode, or hop into the sandbox mode, where you’ll be able to freely clean, decorate and furnish an array of homes together, or even build your own from the foundations up. Take a room each and see what everyone designs, or try to build your own house – there’s tons of ways to express yourself and have fun together.
If you’re looking for a truly epic co-op experience, Split Fiction’s explosive setting is sure to please. Following two young authors unexpectedly pulled into each other’s sci-fi and fantasy worlds, this two-player adventure offers high-action gameplay, exciting platforming and puzzle-solving across several gorgeous landscapes, inspired by high fantasy, cyberpunk, and other magical inspirations. Enjoy it as a duo on the same couch via split-screen play, or enjoy the same experience online if you can’t get together with your co-op partner this holiday. Plus, with the Friend’s Pass system, only one of you needs to own the game to play together!
Effervescent and brimming with charm, Lego Voyagers is a perfect solution if you want to cozy up for a shorter, but equally as exciting jaunt. As two tiny Lego bricks, you’ll hop, shuffle and snap across a vibrant three-dimensional world, using your two-player power to build solutions to puzzles and environmental hurdles. It’s a lovely, light-hearted, approachable adventure, and even your grandparents have heard of Lego, so why not give it a try with them? Even better, with the Friend’s Pass, two people can play together with just one copy of the game, either locally or online.
Farming Fun
Stardew Valley – Available with Xbox Game Pass Essential, Premium and Ultimate
Step into Stardew Valley and reclaim your grandfather’s farm, a wild patch of overgrown land waiting to be shaped into a farming paradise. Build the homestead of your dreams, unlock new items and recipes, master your skills and build friendships with the locals in the ultimate cozy farming simulator, worth visiting time and time again. And, with a co-op mode that can support up to eight players, Stardew Valley is the perfect retreat to build and adventure together.
Lightyear Frontier – Available with Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate, and PC Game Pass
If you’re looking for a hilarious party game that the whole family can jump into, Lego Party’swacky challenges are the way to go. Every player must compete to win by collecting the most golden bricks, by taking part in 60 different minigames spanning all of your favorite Lego collections. With tons of minifigures to unlock and customizable challenge modes, Lego Party is sure to keep the whole house entertained – play it split-screen or online with up to four players.
Retro Vibes
Towerborne (Game Preview) – Available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
Bringing modern flair to a beloved genre, Stoic’s brawler supports co-op for up to four players (including couch co-op on console). Picking a class, specializing for a unique team composition, and heading out on adventures with your pals makes it a perfect fit for both a quick blast or a lengthy season to eat up those long winter nights. After a year in Early Access, Towerborne has seen 9 major updates, adding swathes of new content to dig into, so even if you’ve visited before there’s lots to see – take a trip to the Belfry and find out what awaits beyond its walls.
Fans of both retro beat ’em ups and Marvel will be feasting with Marvel Cosmic Invasion, the latest co-op side-scroller from Tribute Games, who gave us the immaculate TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge a few years ago. Up to four players can team up as two Super Heroes each (creating unique combos through the cosmic swap mechanic), with a roster ranging from MCU mainstays like Captain America to deeper cuts like Beta Ray Bill, all lovingly rendered in gorgeous pixel graphics. It’s always been a genre best enjoyed with friends, and this is no different.
The joy of working with indies is never knowing what you’ll stumble upon next. Every year brings something unexpected and delightful, no matter what your genre of preference is. The indie-focused teams here at Sony Interactive Entertainment have bundled up some of their personal favorite indie games from the past year. Here are some of the games that surprised, enchanted, and tickled us in 2025.
Baby Steps
Developer: Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, Bennett Foddy Publisher: Devolver Digital
Why we love it: We had a hard time really explaining the elevator pitch to our colleagues after we played it — this is one of those games you simply have to feel to understand. When we handed a controller to SIE’s Sid Shuman and his character immediately slid helplessly down a mountain in the most dramatic way possible, he broke into that tears-in-your-eyes kind of laugh. And it went on for a while. That’s when it clicked for us: the chaos, the tenderness, the humor — it all makes sense the second you take that first clumsy step.
Why we love it: A few of us got an early look at this one from Devolver, and we knew it was sticky when several folks on our team found themselves compelled to keep playing it long after they’d already finished writing up the review. It’s pure, joyful chaos — the kind of game that grabs you immediately and refuses to let go. And for me personally, seeing Kenny Sun behind this made it even better. I’ve followed his work since my early editorial days and loved his 2016 platformer Circa Infinity. Watching his evolution from those minimalist, mind-bending roots to something this loud, playful, and polished — all as a single developer — is incredibly cool.
Blue Prince
Developer: Banana Bird Studios Publisher: Raw Fury
Why we love it: There’s nothing better than a hypnotic, mysterious puzzle game that refuses to play by the rules, and Blue Prince nails that feeling. Several of us ended up having the same unexpected experience with it — even though it’s a single-player game, it became something we played alongside our partners or friends at home. We’d compare notes, swap theories, and brainstorm puzzle solutions together like we were part of some shared secret. That sense of quiet discovery, of unraveling something strange and elegant piece by piece, is exactly what makes this one so special. It’s stylish, clever, and lingers with you long after you stop playing.
A striking, painterly RPG about breaking a prophecy and claiming a future that was never supposed to be yours.
Why we love it: The art direction grabbed us immediately, and the combat hits that sweet spot between thoughtful and cinematic. Such a beautiful game with tremendous acting, tight gameplay, and possibly the greatest gaming soundtrack ever. Montpellier-based team Sandfall Interactive wears their inspirations on their sleeve — from European illustration traditions to the emotional arc and iconic gameplay of your favorite RPGs. You can feel those influences in every character, creature, and brushstroke. It’s bold, beautiful, and exactly the kind of creative vision we love.
Despelote
Developer: Julián Cordero and Sebastian Valbuena Publisher: Panic
Why we love it: Despelote captures a cultural moment that meant so much to so many Ecuadorians, and it does it through small, everyday details that feel incredibly personal. We were struck by how intimate it felt. The narrative is a step back in time drawn from the creators’ childhood memories in Quito. The art style adds to that effect with a gentle, dreamlike quality that makes the world feel both real and surreal. It’s warm, human, and a heartfelt celebration of their people.
Why we love it: From the get-go, Dispatch had us hooked: it draws you in with its vibrant art style, razor-sharp writing, and versatile mechanics that fluidly shift from thoughtful narrative choices to challenging puzzles and the chaos of superhero dispatch management. What sets it apart, though, is how quickly these larger-than-life characters develop as you play. Beneath the capes and theatrics, they’re full of surprising warmth, messy emotions, and a delightful streak of pettiness that fuels hilarious office drama. It’s a refreshing twist on the narrative-driven adventure games and super hero content we’ve all grown accustomed to. Dispatch finds its own unique voice in that space, which is a superhuman feat in itself, and focuses on unmasking the larger-than-life personalities to study the flawed people behind the costumes. AdHoc reminds us why this genre continues to be so compelling.
Why we love it: Few modern indies have had the cultural impact of Hollow Knight — it became a touchstone for precision platforming, atmosphere, and handcrafted design. Silksong builds on that legacy with the same meticulous attention to detail that made the original so beloved. Team Cherry’s craftsmanship is extraordinary for a studio of their size, and once again, we found ourselves completely lost in their world. It’s elegant, ambitious, and a reminder of just how far great artistry can go.
Why we love it: Enhance has been behind some of the most transcendent puzzle experiences ever made — from Rez Infinite to Tetris Effect — and Lumines Arise carries that same lineage of arcadey, synesthetic brilliance. They’re simply the best at what they do. When the visuals, music, and patterns lock together, it drops you into that unmistakable flow state where your brain finally exhales. It’s stylish, soothing, and one of those games we keep “accidentally” playing for an hour.
Why we love it: This is one of those games that feels instantly good the second you touch it. The movement is expressive, the combat has real snap, and the whole thing radiates personality. We were impressed by how they took such a simple mechanic and stretched it into something with real depth and momentum.
Why we love it: Watching Nava’s artistic evolution over the years has been such a joy, and Sword of the Sea feels like a culmination of everything he does best — movement, atmosphere, emotional quiet. It’s already gorgeous and calming on its own, but what really elevated the experience for us were the subtle, innovative touches he layered in. The DualSense haptics in particular add this gentle, tactile dimension to surfing across the dunes — you feel the world in a way that’s impossible to describe until the controller is in your hands. It’s thoughtful, immersive, and one of those experiences that stays with you long after you sign off.
Honorable Mentions
Citizen Sleeper 2
Demonschool
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
Hotel Infinity
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders
Lost Records Bloom & Rage
Ninja Gaiden Ragebound
Promise Mascot Agency
Rematch
The Alters
The Midnight Walk
To a T
Wanderstop
Wheel World
These games represent just a fraction of the incredible creativity happening across the indie landscape. We’re thrilled to support such creative, genre-defying work and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
