Well hello there. Welcome. It’s the weekend, and that means you’re keen to see what we’re going to be playing over the next couple of days while divulging your own plans. Before you do so, however, let’s just recap the last handful of days.
First up, Nintendo announced that it would be expanding its GBA app with two new titles on NSO next week, so that’s pretty cool. The company also reiterated its recent Direct announcements with the usual handy infographic. Lots of cool stuff coming out, y’all.
The big reveal is scheduled for 23rd September 2025, with this new character joining the turtles and Casey Jones. Alongside this, the team will also be releasing a major title update. When we hear more, we’ll let you know.
Ahead of the launch of Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO on the Switch and Switch 2 this November, Bandai Namco has lifted the lid on DLC 3: Dragon Ball Daima Character Pack 2.
It’s launching on other platforms next week on 24th September and includes Goku (Mini) Super Saiyan 4; Goku (Daima), Super Saiyan 4; Vegeta (Daima), Super Saiyan 3; Majin Duu; Third Eye Gomah; and Giant Gomah. This will expand on the game’s existing roster of 180+ fighters.
Tyler “Ninja” Blevins has opened up about the state of his streaming career, including how “the internet and trolls” make sure to point out his decline in livestream viewers “every day.”
Although he once held the title of the biggest streamer on Twitch, Ninja has spent recent years struggling to reach the same heights he did in the late 2010s. Moments like his famous stream with Drake still remain as gargantuan career highlights, but the last few years have been relatively quiet.
“I think I’m the only streamer on the planet who was pulling 100,000 viewers [per stream] consistently,” Ninja said, “but now, I think I get like seven or eight thousand combined from my Twitch and YouTube, if there isn’t a big update on Fortnite or [Marvel Rivals].”
It’s literally every day that I’m getting berated online.
It’s a drop in numbers that is hard to ignore, with the streamer putting at least some of the blame on Fortnite’s diminished popularity in recent months. He’s keeping his streaming schedule chugging along with 19.2 million Twitch followers and 23.7 million YouTube subscribers despite the viewership decline. Of course, that isn’t stopping naysayers from finding their way into his chat.
“So that’s something that the internet and trolls remind me of every day,” Ninja added. “The moderators are constantly banning and blocking. It’s literally every day that I’m getting berated online.”
He added: “It’s tough, man. The last couple of years have been rough.”
Ninja has taken breaks from streaming in the past, and although it seems retirement is on his mind, it doesn’t sound like the kind of path even his biggest haters should expect him to take anytime soon.
“I still love it and have a community that is strong and stays with me,” he added. “I’m a gamer and an entertainer at heart – its in my blood.”
Ninja shared his thoughts on the ups and downs of his streaming career while prepping to launch a 24-hour charity event that kicked off earlier today, September 19. The Gaming for Cause livestream will see the streamer raising awareness about skin cancer following his own melanoma diagnosis in March 2024.
“Me and my wife were going to give to this cause no matter what because it’s going to be important to us for the rest of our lives but it’s not just about us giving our money its the awareness aspect too,” he added.
Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Amazon’s Crown Channel.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer 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).
How Mecha Break’s New Strikers Change the Battlefield in Season 1: Pulse of the Indigo Stone
Jay Curtis, Senior Brand Marketing Manager, Mecha Break
Summary
Mecha Break Season 1: Pule of the Indigo Stone is now available for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC.
New Strikers Hel and Alphard bring new abilities and tactics to competitive play
New ace pilots, striker designs, outfits, and in-game events give new and returning players more content and more rewards than ever before.
The new season of Mecha Break is here! Season 1: Pulse of the Indigo Stone brings thrilling new updates to the game in the form of new events, ace pilots, and of course, new mecha.
Mecha Break launched earlier this year and invited players to compete in high-octane battles across three unique game modes. This season, we’re giving players more ways to style their pilot, personalize their strikers, and enjoy their time in a new sci-fi universe.
At the heart of this season are two powerful new strikers ready to shake up the battlefield: Hel and Alphard.
Hel – A True Master of Disguise
Hel is a medium-sized attacker with abilities that allow it to counter enemy attacks and utilize deception like no striker has before. Designed for players who want to ambush and surprise opponents, they can turn the tide of battle in an instant.
At the core of its arsenal are two powerful drones:
Pulse Trap Drone — This drone staggers any enemy who enters its field. The pulse trap drone enters stealth upon deployment, making it a great way to ambush any opponent who falls into the trap. It only triggers when HEL is nearby, so timing and placement must be considered for a precision strike.
Reflector Drone — This clever device doesn’t just block incoming fire — it sends it right back to your opponent. Position it strategically to shield yourself and counter enemy attacks.
Perhaps its most unique ability is arguably its deception kit, which can fully disguise Hel as an enemy striker. This prevents opponents from being able to target or even attack you as long as you’re locked onto an enemy. This illusion breaks as soon as you attack, making it crucial for you to choose the perfect moment to attack an unsuspecting opponent.
These awesome abilities make HEL a powerful force on the battlefield. With the right strategy and execution, it can act as a silent predator — once revealed, it may already be too late.
Alphard – Sending a Shock to the Battlefield
While Hel rewards deception and precision strikes, Alphard can shake up a match with devastating, team-wide attacks. As a fellow medium attacker, it utilizes long-range assault capabilities and powerful attacks to pierce through enemy lines.
What really sets them apart from other strikers is its Rapid Assault Mode. This high-speed charge breaks enemy lock-ons and makes foes vulnerable to powerful follow-up attacks.
Once rapid assault mode is activated, Alphard can unleash its signature move:
Electro-Tail – Deploys an explosive wire that can devastate any enemy in its path, bypassing fluid armor, dealing physical damage, and staggering nearby enemies. On top of this, electro-tail also emits a dangerous smoke that inflicts interference on enemy strikers and can even destroy nearby drones.
These compounding factors make it necessary to use great caution the moment an opposing Alphard enters its rapid assault mode.
New Strikers. New Styles. New Ways to Play.
Hel and Alphard are just two of the exciting new updates coming to Mecha Break. New events, ace pilots, progression rewards, striker designs, and features make this the best time to play. Pilots, to your stations!
Mecha BREAK is a multiplayer mech game that allows players to choose from diverse mechs, customize appearances, and battle colossal war machines on treacherous terrain. Get ready for the ultimate showdown—blitz, brawl, blaze!
Swiped is now available to stream on Hulu in the United States.
As an installment in her filmography, Swiped represents a major leap forward for director Rachel Lee Goldenberg. Coming up from direct-to-video entries for The Asylum and made-for-TV Lifetime movies, Goldenberg launched two more prominent features in 2020 with Valley Girl and Unpregnant, only for their rollouts to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Five years later, she now has Disney money to spend (although under the 20th Century Studios name) with Swiped, certainly her most high profile project yet, garnering a Toronto Film Festival premiere before launching on Hulu and Disney+ worldwide. However, the end result is a decent film that could have been stronger if it were willing to take as many risks as its subject.
Swiped tells the story of Whitney Wolfe (she took the name Herd after marrying Michael Herd in 2017), famous for her integral role in Tinder’s rise and also for being the founder and CEO of Bumble. As a key player in the creation of two of the biggest dating apps in existence, it’s not unfair to say that Wolfe has had an astronomical impact on worldwide culture, especially with a younger generation who have had their entire dating life filtered through the presence of such apps. Yet you might not get the full sense of that impact by watching Swiped, which focuses more on the micro consequences in regards to Wolfe’s personal history with the companies, in particular her sexual harassment suit against her former colleagues at Tinder and her subsequent reemergence as the head of Bumble.
The dramatic arc of Wolfe’s rise, downfall and eventual return to prominence certainly makes for an easy enough three act structure, but it also makes Swiped into a movie too basic to do its subject justice. It’s an interesting story on its own merits, and certainly reflects the toxic and misogynistic tendencies of technology company culture. Yet if Wolfe is made undoubtedly sympathetic because of the way her cohorts treat her as she fights to make a name for herself in a male-dominated workspace, the movie never turns enough of a critical eye on Wolfe herself to make her three-dimensional. Swiped’s Whitney Wolfe is a relatable figure because of her struggles, but she never becomes a rounded figure because of her choices.
Swiped is a movie too basic to do its subject justice.
That’s not for lack of trying on the acting front, though. Lily James, of Cinderella and Baby Driver fame, has been an underappreciated actor for years, and turns in a performance that’s better than the script deserves. James’ most compelling attribute, present both on screen and stage (shout-out to her excellent work as Eve Harrington in Ivo van Hove’s 2019 production of All About Eve), is her ability to stealthily take over a scene with small gestures that eventually coalesce into a bigger moment later on. That ability to disarm the audience to produce pathos is what makes her so charming to watch, yet the depth she tries to add to her take on Wolfe isn’t always backed up by the writing. We understand by watching her why she’s good at persuading people to try her products, but charm can only take a character so far when there are reasons to treat her with skepticism.
This becomes a problem when the movie feels obligated to give Wolfe a “dark night of the soul” beat that isn’t earned. Although one of Goldenberg’s best directorial touches is how she assembles a frantic montage of Wolfe’s life falling apart through her phone as she becomes the internet’s punching bag of the moment after the sexual harassment suit, this is followed up with Wolfe meeting with former work friend Tisha (Myha’la), who tells her that Wolfe didn’t do enough to help the other women in the office after she earned her co-founder status. James’ furious response to this (and the inherent racial dynamic of a white woman snapping at a Black woman who’s trying to hold her accountable for her actions) is one of the movie’s best moments because it feels emotionally honest about Wolfe’s failings while not taking away from the very real abuse that Wolfe suffered.
But instead of unraveling this thread for more substance, Wolfe and Tisha reconcile in their next encounter after a hasty apology, and Wolfe is restored to her “forward-minded feminist tech leader” status with nary a further mention of any wrongdoing. That the movie then mostly skips over the actual development of Bumble, going from shoebox operation to 35 million-user app in basically one scene transition, only makes this issue worse. This was the era where Wolfe developed the foundation of her personal fortune, which would make her a billionaire by the age of 31. Nobody amasses that kind of money without making serious compromises along the way, but the movie presents Wolfe’s ascension as an easy enough matter because, well, a woman did it this time.
The movie also never grapples with the fact that Wolfe’s impact on the world at large could arguably be considered a net negative. Sure, many couples have connected through dating apps, but said apps have also heavily commodified the very concept of meeting potential romantic partners, turning judging others based on a few seconds of visual impression into a gamified and monetized nightmare for many hapless users. Wolfe had a direct hand in creating this state of affairs, but Swiped never considers that worth examining. It’s a shame, because a better movie would have trusted its audience to make their own judgments of Wolfe based on a fuller account of her actions, instead of prescribing how it wants its viewers to feel.
The Nintendo Switch 2 console only has two high-profile original games that you can get right now: Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, with Kirby Air Riders coming later in November. Mario Kart World is great, but Donkey Kong Bananza has entrenched itself as one of the best games of the year and an absolute must-buy for anyone with a Switch 2.
It’s unlikely that we will see any first party Nintendo Switch 2 games discounted at domestic retailers during Black Friday, but AliExpress is offering a great deal on an imported copy. Lucky Tech Store has it right now for $52.49 after $12 off coupon code “AEUS12“. Delivery is free and the game is shipped from a local US warehouse. That means it arrives within a week and you don’t have to worry about tariffs. All physical Switch 2 games are region unlocked, so you’ll be able to play this game without any problems on a US-based Switch 2 console.
Donkey Kong Bananza for $52.49
Not only did we rate Donkey Kong a 10/10, it’s the only game we’ve given a Masterpiece rating so far this year. Although there hasn’t been much competition in the way of Switch 2 exclusive games for 2025, this has been a fantastic year so far for console gaming in general. We’ve seen some of the best games released in recent history, including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, Death Stranding 2, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, all of which got close to a Masterpiece rating but didn’t quite hit the mark. That’s not to say that Donkey Kong Bananza is necessarily better than those other games since, after all, different people have reviewed each of these games, but it’s a testament to just how outstanding Donkey Kong Bananza is to have achieved that score.
If you don’t yet own a Switch 2, now might be a good time to get one. It’s now in stock everywhere, including Amazon, without any invitation required. Nintendo also recently raised prices on Switch 2 accessories and warned that the console itself might see a price hike in the near future. Check out our Nintendo Switch 2 review, in which Tom Mark aptly describes the new console as “a vital but unexciting upgrade to a console I already love.”
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn’t hunting for deals for other people at work, he’s hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
Star Wars fans, don’t miss out on this rare Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series bundle. Right now Walmart is offering the LEGO Star Wars AT-ST Walker (75417) and LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader Helmet (75304) together for just $210. Purchased separately you would have to pay $280, so you’re saving about 25% off. This is sold and shipped exclusively from Walmart directly with free delivery. I posted this deal last week and it sold out in a few hours.
LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader and AT-ST Walker Bundle for $210
The LEGO AT-ST Walker is part of the Star Wars exclusive Ultimate Collector Series – or UCS – collection. The UCS models are the largest and most detailed Star Wars sets that LEGO produces and an obvious pick for collectors. They are also technically challenging build that are aimed at adult (18+) builders. The AT-ST measures 14.5″ high, 8.5″ long, and 8.5″ wide and is comprised of 1,513 bricks. It has plenty of moveable elements for poseability, like a rotating turret head, working shutters over the viewports, and adjustable laser cannons. A unique AT-ST driver minifigure is also included.
The LEGO Darth Vader Helmet is part of LEGO’s build-to-display Star Wars helmet collection that also includes Boba Fett, The Mandalorian, Stormtropper, and Luke Skywaker (Red Five). It measures 8″ high, 5.5″ wide, and 5.5″ deep and is comprised of 834 brick pieces. The build is challenging yet enjoyable as you put together details like the internal life support system and breathing apparatus. The finished piece can be mounted on an included stand with placard. As a display piece, it is well worth a spot on your shelf.
LEGO announced a new Death Star set
LEGO recently unveiled its most expensive set yet. The new LEGO Star Wars Death Star (75419) comes in at a eye-watering sticker price of $1,000. It’s comprised of 9,023 pieces and includes a whopping 38 minifigures. Unlike the original LEGO Death Star, the new set will be a more of a diorama-style cross section build that sits nicely on a shelf when completed. Not surprisingly it is part of LEGO’s Ultimate Collector Series.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn’t hunting for deals for other people at work, he’s hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
It looks like Square Enix is still celebrating Chrono Trigger‘s 30th anniversary — and why shouldn’t it? This is one of the most-beloved RPGs of all time.
And today, as a tasty little treat, the company’s Japanese YouTube channel has shared a video showcasing close-ups of some of the game’s character art and promotional artwork. (thanks to modder and video producer Christa Lee for highlighting!)
Explore the Magical Origins of a British Gaming Icon—with a Dash of Sarcasm
Carl Itari, Inside Sales Manager, ININ
Summary
Simon the Sorcerer returns in a prequel.
A cauldron full of magical stuff launching October 28.
Preorder available today with a bonus DLC.
Hi there! We’re ININ Games, an indie publisher renowned for keeping the essence of retro and quirky video gaming alive—right from the heart of Kirchheim/Teck in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Yes, that’s right. Among the home of long-established luxury car makers and engineering legends, we’re doing something a bit different: publishing indie and retro games crafted with passion, love and intent.
And today, we have a special announcement to share with the Xbox community. Drumroll, please…
Whether you’re a devoted nostalgist of the original 1990s point-and-click classic or discovering Simon’s magical world for the first time, both this edition as well as the standard edition are ideal for you. For a strange kind of fashion there’s a wrong and right!
What is Simon the Sorcerer: Origins?
A prequel to the iconic adventure series, Simon the Sorcerer: Origins takes players back to the very beginning and beyond. There ain’t no mistaking: Step into the shoes (and cloak) of a younger Simon before he became the sarcastic sorcerer you might be familiar with and love. With a magically hand-drawn art style, modernized gameplay, and storytelling packed with quintessentially British humour and razor-edged banter, this game is a love letter to fans of classic adventures and newcomers alike. Developed by the multi-talented Italian studio Smallthing Studios, and heavily inspired by British comedy legends, the game unites nostalgic charm with a fresh dynamic flavour.
Plus, we’re beyond excited that Chris Barrie (Yes, the original voice actor!) will return to bring the titular, sassy, sarcastic, legendary apprentice sorcerer back to life. And it’s not just English-speaking sorcerers who get to celebrate. Germany will be rejoicing too: Erik Borner, who voiced Simon and lent him his signature sarcasm in the 1990s, is also making a comeback! No AI, no black magic, no smoke and mirrors, no gimmicks..it’s really them, back again!
About the Digital Deluxe Edition
So, what exactly is included in the Digital Deluxe Edition? We’re delighted you asked:
Official Soundtrack Let the melodies of Simon’s world enchant and transport you straight into Simon’s magical world with a spellbinding assortment of tracks. From imaginative village tunes to the otherworldy mood of mystical realms, this soundtrack is designed to captivate.
Digital Art Book Delve deeper behind the scenes with a skillyfully crafted art book. It features concept art, character designs, early environments, magical relics, and hinterto unseen content from the game’s progression.
The Full Game Of course, you’ll receive the full Simon the Sorcerer: Origins experience—packed with brainteasers, unexpected twists, enigmas, narrative surprises and Simon’s unmistakable sass.
Transcending Borders and Cultures
This game isn’t just a throwback—it’s a truly multicultural unified effort —brought to you by German, Turkish, Italian, Nigerian and Japanese professionals, Gen-Xers, Gen-Zers and Millenials, men and women, all working together to bring a British character’s tale to life. Simon hails from the West Midlands, but his adventure transcends borders—just like our sales, graphics and development team. It’s a project that underlines the universal themes of fun, humor, magic and sarcasm!
A Reimagined Legacy
ININ Games has a penchant for titles that blend nostalgia with modern enhancements. If you’ve played our previous releases like Shadow of the Ninja Reborn, Bud Spencer & Terence Hill: Slaps and Beans 2, or any of the Cottons, you’ll know what we mean. Our mandate is to breathe new life into classic franchises whilst honouring their legacy, the zeitgeist of the time and infusing modern elements to suit contemporary preferences.
Simon the Sorcerer: Origins is no exception. Expect smart, dreamy riddles, charmingly bizarre characters, and fourth-wall-breaking humor—all delivered in a fresh, visually rich world. There ain’t no mistaking!
Pre-Orders Available Now
Before the official launch on October 28, 2025, both the Standard Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition of Simon the Sorcerer: Originscan now be pre-ordered in the Microsoft Xbox Store.
Free Pre-Order Bonus: Simon the Sorcerer: Origins – Pony DLC
This unique portable cassette player provides the musical backdrop to your quest. Relive the magic by jamming to the iconic original soundtrack of the home computer classic Simon the Sorcerer (1993).
So grab your wizard hat, prepare for a snarky spell or two, and get ready to explore the origins of a true British gaming legend. It’s destiny calling!
We can’t wait for you to meet young Simon. He never (really) gives up or lets you down, for his mind is a beacon in the middle of the night!
Simon the Sorcerer: Origins – Digital Deluxe Edition
Step into a world of wonder and whimsy—This version includes not only the fantastic main game, but also the official soundtrack, a spellbinding collection of melodies that will dance through your mind and stir your soul. But that’s not all! Accompanying it is a truly enchanting artbook, bursting at the edges with breathtaking illustrations, forgotten relics, curious characters, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the heart of Simon’s story. It’s a treasure trove of imagination, crafted to delight dreamers, collectors, and adventurers alike!
A New Journey Begins!
Thirty years after his first appearance on the screen, Simon is drawn into a foreign world by an ancient prophecy, that will tell his origins. This world is populated by powerful yet mostly useless wizards and strange creatures. On his journey, Simon must solve a series of tricky puzzles, operate alchemical devices, and learn powerful spells. And yes, he also has to taste a few disgusting stews!
Puzzles, Magic, and Simon’s Humor
Whether you’re visiting the Magical World for the first time or returning once again – Simon is back, along with his unique sense of humor and a completely new graphic style. Simon the Sorcerer Origins brings the charm of the original saga back in a completely hand-drawn graphic style, blending classic gameplay mechanics with a fresh, new world of magic.
Your Adventure, Your Puzzles
Solve loads of tricky puzzles, test your wits, and face a variety of absurd situations and quirky characters. Combine items and clues to unravel the big mystery and become the legendary wizard you were always meant to be.
Features:
– Official prequel to the cult series: Find out what Simon was up to just before his first magical misstep into the fantasy world, long before he started insulting talking doors.
– A story with heart, humour, and a hat: Between motherly love, a forced move, and a healthy dose of chaos, Simon’s journey to becoming an (unwilling) hero begins.
– Hand-drawn art style & iconic voice: Featuring lovingly hand-drawn graphics and Simon’s original voice, performed by British voice actor Chris Barrie, this feels like a trip back to the ’90s, just with far better resolution.
– Between magic spells and cogs: Classic point-and-click gameplay meets modern mechanics. Solve quirky puzzles, crack ancient mechanisms, and collect (as always) way too many items.
– Sarcasm, slapstick, and eccentric wizards: Encounter bizarre characters, delight in even odder conversations, and revel in Simon’s unmistakable wit: equal parts cheeky banter and “very British” humour.
– Alchemy, magic & other mishaps: Tinker with spells, fiddle with alchemical contraptions, and dabble in questionable recipes. With a sprinkle of luck, the thing you were trying to do could very well happen.
History Artbook
Celebrate the brand new, magical comic art of Simon the Sorcerer Origins with this digital artbook and discover all the secrets behind the return of the most famous wizard in video game history!
Official Soundtrack
The complete soundtrack of Simon the Sorcerer Origins – more than 50 minutes of new and rearranged music from Simon the Sorcerer, by renowned composer Mason Fisher.
