We hope you’re ready for the business end of the year, because despite being more than seven years old at this point, the Nintendo Switch is still being treated to some absolute beauties.
We’ve been busy rounding up our usual selection of games headed to retail over the next few weeks, including some highlights picked by us as well as lots of other games and accessories that are launching soon. Have a browse through and see if anything takes your fancy:
Following an excellent summer showcase, Xbox has plenty more for fans to enjoy over these next few sunny months, especially when it comes to deals. At the moment, one of our favorite deals is on the 3 month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, which is discounted at Amazon to $45. With a price hike now in the works for Game Pass users, there’s no better time to stack these codes so you can play all of their newly-announced games the day they’re available. It ultimately saves you $15 versus the new price for Game Pass Ultimate monthly, which is well worth taking advantage of.
That’s not all, as there are also offers on games, the Xbox Series X mini fridge, and even storage. Check out all of those excellent deals at the links below.
Preorder the Sky Cipher Special Edition Xbox Controller
If you’re interested in preordering the brand new transparent special edition Xbox controller, Sky Cipher, we’ve got you covered there as well. This incredibly cool controller is set to release on August 13 and will set you back $69.99. What better way to relive the original Xbox days?
Best Xbox Game Pass Deals
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has been discounted at Amazon, providing another opportunity for users to stack their membership at a discounted rate. Amazon has three-month memberships discounted to $45, which is well worth taking advantage of.
Summertime is a great time to find games at a discount. At the moment, you can score some incredible deals on a wide variety of physical games, including 57% off Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, 50% off Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and 40% off Dead Space. Check out even more excellent game deals at the links below.
More Xbox Video Game Deals:
What’s Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass
Xbox’s summer showcase was a home run, with one of the best presentations of upcoming games on the Xbox ecosystem in quite some time. This included titles like Black Ops 6, Doom: The Dark Ages, Perfect Dark, Fable, Gears of War: E-Day, and plenty more that will be coming to Game Pass in the future. As for the start of August, here’s what’s coming soon to Game Pass:
There are quite a few discounts on Xbox controllers right now at Amazon. While not as low as they were during the two-day Prime Day sale event, they’re still worth picking up at these prices. The Robot White, Carbon Black, Shock Blue, and Velocity Green controllers have all dropped down to $44, but you can see even more controller deals below.
It looks like a fridge, and it kinda is a fridge (mini), and it’s also down to $39.94 at Walmart. Not only is it a fun addition to have in your home, but this is a discount you definitely don’t want to miss out on, either! What better time to pick it up?
Get 44% Off the HyperX CloudX Stinger Headset & More Deals
Does your family complain when you stay up playing loud shooters late into the night? They’ll stop complaining if you pick up anXbox headset that lets no one but you hear the delightful explosions you cause on the screen. Right now, you can get 15% off the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset and 44% off the HyperX CloudX Stinger headset at Amazon. To see even more gaming headsets on sale, visit our roundup of the best gaming headset deals.
Best Xbox Expansion Card SSD Deals
The WD_Black 1TB C50 Storage Expansion Card is currently marked down to $141.42, 12% off its MSRP. The WD Black C50 is a 1TB NVMe SSD encased in a custom Xbox-compatible shell, making installation remarkably straightforward compared to the more intricate process for PS5 SSD upgrades. Simply insert the Seagate expansion card into the dedicated port on the back of your Xbox and you’re good to go.
What is Xbox’s Recent Controversy?
The recent discomfored surrounding Xbox can be isolated to a recent round of brutal layoffs. Microsoft is closing a number of Bethesda studios, including Redfall maker Arkane Austin, Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within developer Tango Gameworks, and more in devastating cuts at Bethesda. Alpha Dog Games, maker of mobile game Mighty Doom, will also close. Roundhouse Studios will be absorbed by The Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax Online Studios. Microsoft, currently valued at over $3 trillion, did not say how many staff will lose their jobs, but significant layoffs are inevitable.
Is Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Coming to Xbox Game Pass?
Microsoft has confirmed the arrival of Call of Duty Black Ops 6 day-one on Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft made the announcement alongside the release of a live-action reveal trailer called ‘The Truth Lies’. In it we see world leaders including Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, George H. W. Bush, Colin Powell, and Saddam Hussein, delivering cryptic speeches. Black Ops 6 will be set during the events of the Gulf War during the early ’90s.
Is Call of Duty Black Ops 6 300GB?
Activision has also clarified that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 won’t actually require a 300 GB download despite previous messaging. Players began to panic about the size of this year’s Call of Duty after noticing its Xbox store page.
At the time, the page listed that the game would require a 309.85 GB download for those hoping to hop into the post-Cold War first-person shooter when it launches this fall. That’ll put a pretty big dent in the hard drive of most PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | S consoles, so players were, understandably, very concerned.
When Should I Buy an Xbox?
In general, it is advisable to keep an eye out for sales and restocks throughout the year, as availability has improved since the initial launch of the console. Unlike the Nintendo Switch, there is no specific recommendation to wait for a sale regardless of the time of year. Instead, it’s a good idea to monitor various retailers and online platforms for restock announcements and promotional offers.
However, certain events like Black Friday or other holiday seasons may bring about unique bundles, discounts, or promotional deals specifically for the Xbox Series X. These bundles may include additional games, accessories, or exclusive limited editions. While quantities for such promotions might be limited, they can provide an opportunity to get more value for your purchase. See our guide to Xbox Series X prices for more info.
Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S?
Choosing between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S ultimately depends on your gaming preferences, budget, and specific requirements. Let’s compare the two consoles to help you make an informed decision:
1. Performance: The Xbox Series X is the more powerful option, offering native 4K gaming, higher graphical fidelity, and faster loading times. It has more advanced hardware, including a larger storage capacity. On the other hand, the Xbox Series S targets a lower price point and offers a less powerful performance, targeting 1440p resolution gaming and upscaling to 4K.
2. Price: The Xbox Series S is more affordable compared to the Xbox Series X. If budget is a significant factor for you, the Xbox Series S provides a cost-effective option while still delivering a next-generation gaming experience. For example, the Series S can play Starfield at 1440p 30fps (vs 4K 30fps on Series X).
3. Storage: The Xbox Series X comes with a larger internal storage capacity, allowing you to store more games directly on the console. The Xbox Series S, however, has a smaller storage capacity, which means you may need to manage your game library more actively or rely on external storage solutions.
4. Disc Drive: The Xbox Series X includes a disc drive, enabling you to play physical game discs and enjoy a wider range of media options, including Blu-ray and DVD playback. The Xbox Series S, in contrast, is a digital-only console, meaning you can only play games downloaded from the digital store.
5. Graphics and Performance: While both consoles support ray tracing, the Xbox Series X provides a more immersive and visually impressive experience due to its superior hardware capabilities. If you prioritize cutting-edge graphics and want the best performance available, the Xbox Series X is the preferable choice.
Consider your gaming preferences, budget, and whether you prioritize top-of-the-line performance or cost-effectiveness. If you have a 4K TV, want the most powerful console, and are willing to invest more, the Xbox Series X is the recommended option. If you have a lower budget, a 1080p or 1440p TV, and don’t mind sacrificing some performance, the Xbox Series S offers excellent value for money.
With how expensive gaming is getting in 2024, we’re trying to save you as much money as possible on the games and other tech you actually want to buy. We’ve got great deal roundups available for all major platforms such as Switch and Xbox, and keep these updated daily with brand new offers. If you’re trying to keep costs down while maintaining your favorite hobby, stay tuned for more incredible discounts.
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard developer BioWare has confirmed plans to announce the game’s release date, unveil a new roadmap, as well as offer further looks at the single-player RPG this month (August).
In a blog post, the developer teased its plans as publisher EA narrowed Dragon Age: The Veilguard release window down to the third quarter of its 2025 financial year. That runs from October 1 to December 2024. BioWare had announced a fall 2024 release window for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Now we know that the game will not be released in September.
Last month, BioWare said Dragon Age: The Veilguard is “Steam native,” which means the EA App is not required to play the game on Valve’s platform. Most EA-published video games do require the EA App, which replaced Origin in 2022, to play on Steam, much to the annoyance of many PC gamers. Dragon Age: The Veilguard is also verified on Steam Deck, BioWare added.
While we wait for the release date announcement, check out some of the Dragon Age: The Veilguard details we’ve learned so far about its difficulty options, combat, and character creator, as well as our first preview.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Well, would you look at that! I just got done pining for the merest whiff of Dungeon Keeper when what should appear on Steam but a free prologue for delightful voxel-arty management sim Dungeon Tycoon. I’m using the word ‘appear’ because, following yet more industry layoffs yesterday, I’m choosing to adopt the brain of an idiot as to shield myself from the crushing reality of material conditions. So, anyway, the magical game goblins whacked the demo on Steam, and I’ve been having a lot of fun with it. Thanks, adequately compensated and unionised gobbos!
We have known for a while that Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town would be getting a Western release (publisher Neos confirmed it after it was revealed in Japan’s September 2023 Direct), but we didn’t know exactly when. Until today! The publisher has finally shared that this one will be coming to Western Switches on 24th October, with Limited Run Games handling a physical release.
This one launched in Japan back in February (with the ‘Shiro of Coal Town’ title) and sees things take a more mysterious turn than 2022’s catchily titled Shin chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation -The Endless Seven-Day Journey-. You and your good boi friend will explore the potentially fictitious ‘Coal Town’ all while getting stuck into the slice-of-life gameplay with bug hunting, fishing and crafting.
In case you missed it, Square Enix has reminded fans that its Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster series, featuring six iconic adventures, is currently discounted for a “limited time” on the Switch.
This special summer sale brings each game and the entire bundle down to the following prices, or your regional equivalent:
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition has been out for less than a month on the Switch and it seems we’ve already got our first major tournament scandal. While glitches aren’t actually allowed in this game, it seems a player has used one to top the ladder in the ‘World Championships’ Donkey Kong competition.
The individual with the best run for ‘Donkey Kong Barrel Roll’ (with an ‘S‘ rank and time of 00:15:68) has used the “invisible ladder glitch” to set this leaderboard time. We’ve reviewed the replay in the game and can confirm it’s the winning run.
I know what you’re thinking. We’re already surviving a global pandemic, so why would anyone consider playing a game with that name literally in the title? Because, my friends, the co-op board game version of fighting this big thing is all about coming together for the sake of the greater good. I mean, who doesn’t love a superhero tale, right?
While the game and its many iterations do not involve superheroes with capes, they involve superheroes of different kinds: scientists. Each player has their own special skills that help with the greater objective.
Pandemic is a popular board game, one often chosen on regular game nights – even during our modern time. The necessary teamwork involved helps strengthen friendships and see where communication and coordination might be improved. You see, it’s an all-or-nothing game. You either save the world and win, or you don’t, and everyone loses. I guess you’d better buck up on those soft communication skills or else, eh?
The Base Game
Pandemic
MSRP: $44.99 USD
2-4 Players
45 minutes
Ages 8+
There are several versions of the base game available to play. The original is a great place to get versed in the game mechanics and learn how each role works together. While you can play it with two players, I’ve found that this game is best experienced with more players than that (it supports up to four players), as you’ll have more options to get you through the waves of the pandemic. Playing it as a two-player board game, however, might make for one revealing date night adventure!
Pandemic Board Game Expansions
There are a few different expansions for Pandemic, but even more options exist beyond the expansions themselves. Some of the expansions below only require the base game, while others require additional expansions.
Pandemic: On the Brink Expansion
MSRP: $44.99 USD
2-5 Players
45 minutes
Ages 8+
Contents: 7 new roles, 8 new event cards, 3 new challenges, Bio-Terrorist element & corresponding location pad
The On the Brink expansion adds a space for another player to join the fun as well as other interesting twists. There are new roles to play that come with alternative ways to approach the now even stronger version of the virus.
Another added element when playing with a fifth player is that the fifth player will play as a Bio-terrorist. This is a secret role that adds chaos and helps spread the virus, so other players will have to beat the virus and the bio-terrorist to win.
Pandemic: In the Lab Expansion
MSRP: $44.99 USD
1-6 Players
45 minutes
Ages 8+
Contents: Lab board, 4 new role cards, 3 new event cards, lab abilities, CDC card
Note: To play the In the Lab expansion, you must have both the base game and the expansion On the Brink.
This expansion adds to both the base game and the previous expansions. It allows folks to play Pandemic in teams or as a solo board game.
The lab portion of the game extends to the capacity to study the virus outside of the field. You’ll have to sequence and categorize the disease to effectively create a cure.
In a solo game (available with this expansion), you’ll have the help of the CDC. In a multiplayer game, you can either team up or split into rival teams competing to see who can find the cure and move fast enough to resolve it before the virus does its worst.
Pandemic: State of Emergency Expansion
MSRP: $43.95 USD
2-4 Players
45 minutes
Ages 8+
Contents: Five new roles, 2 new game boards, 4 new locations, 2 new challenges, one untreatable virus
Note: You need the base game to play State of the Emergency.
In the State of Emergency expansion (playable with the base game), you face even more obstacles to battle viruses… and not all of them can be cured. Two different campaign challenges are in this expansion: Hinterlands and Superbug.
You’ll race worldwide on two boards to move the emergencies out of orbit. Be careful, however – the virus in this version not only affects humans but also goes after animals, which can pass the virus on to humans. You’ll have to invoke quarantine and other methods to counter the state of emergency. (Note: If this description gives you deja vu vibes, it’s purely coincidental. Believe it or not, this expansion came out in 2015!)
Alternative Universes & Timeline Stand-Alone Counterparts
Some board games have spin-offs in universes that are different from the original base game. Other times, board game iterations remain relatively the same but with different characters pursuing similar objectives. The following titles are standalone board games with varying takes on the Pandemic universe game mechanics.
Pandemic: Reign of Cthulhu Board Game
MSRP: $49.99 USD
2-4 Players
45 minutes
Ages 14+
Contents: Game board, investigator meeples, Shoggoth meeples, cultist meeples, sanity die, and associated cards
Fans of the mythos of Cthulhu will likely love this game edition. It’s my brother’s and my favorite version of the series. My only complaint is that I wish it were digital so we could play it together across the country.
This version of the Pandemic board game brings gothiness and unspeakable horrors to four cities in the mythos. Instead of a virus, you’re fighting against cultists and supernatural powers called Shoggoths to avoid awakening the ancient ones. The art is fantastic. The meeple characters are shaped like monsters, investigators, and cultists. It’s a great stand-alone game that gives you a bit of the enjoyment of Pandemic but without the doctor part… unless you want to play as the doctor character, because it wouldn’t be Pandemic if that weren’t still an option, right?
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Board Game
MSRP: $59.99 USD
1-5 Players
60 minutes
Ages 14+
Contents: Intergalactic game board, Star Wars character meeples, connected game cards
This is a stand-alone board game with Pandemic-style mechanics, and its version of intergalactic dramas to defeat and reign victoriously cooperatively. In it, you and your partners choose Jedi with your own special powers to go up against the Separatists. The game features several of the franchise’s beloved (and hated) characters from the film, including Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Maul, and Count Dooku. Star Wars: The Clone Wars is so good that it landed on our lists for the best Star Wars board games, as well as the best board games for teens.
World of Warcraft: Wrath of The Lich King Board Game
MSRP: $59.99 USD
1-5 Players
45-60 minutes
Ages 14+
Contents: World of Warcraft game board, hero meeples, Lich King meeple, abomination meeples, ghoul meeples, Icecrown Citadel, associated cards
Fans of the MMORPG World of Warcraft may be interested in this stand-alone version of the game. Like the Star Wars and Cthuhulu games, this one takes place in its own separate universe, utilizing Pandemic-style playing elements but with a different universe presentation.
In this version, you’ll be battling across the continent of Northrend on the ultimate quest of defeating the Lich King. Of course, you’ll need to complete an ever-piling amount of quests fighting creatures before reaching the Icecrown Citadel, where you’ll face the Lich King himself… if you survive long enough. Will you complete your quest successfully or will you run away with a ghoulish abomination in a disappointing loss that time forgot? Check out our World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King board game review for more info on this game.
More Pandemic Spin-Offs
There are also some period-based game versions to consider (some of which seem to be going out of print in recent years). Iberia, Rising Tide, and Fall of Rome are all stand-alone Pandemic-style games that incorporate similar mechanics to achieve their desired cooperative objectives. Check them out if you’re a fan of a specific historical era.
Shorter Versions of Pandemic
Pandemic: Hot Zone Europe
Looking for a quick-playing version of Pandemic? Two different editions take half the time in the Hot Zone series. Hot Zone North America brings the battle against the virus stateside in half the time that it takes to complete its original counterpart. Want to journey away from North America? Hot Zone Europe will give you that shorter tour in and beyond the Schengen.
Pandemic: Contagion Board Game
One other take on Pandemic that stands on its own is Contagion, which reverses the original board game’s roles. Contagion, while also a shorter-to-play game, is completely different from any of the others out there. You see, in this version, players play as the disease. Yep, you read that right. You and other players are working as the virus to wipe out the human race.
Pandemic Legacy Games
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
On the opposite side of the time-to-play spectrum, if you are seeking a very repeatable, lengthy, and committed gaming experience, consider one of the legacy versions of the game. Legacy games feature campaigns done across multiple play sessions. They require a lot of time commitment and are something to jump into with mindfulness. Legacy games pack in a lot more content than standard games, and are generally more expensive.
Pandemic has multiple legacy versions available to play. The legacy titles are Season 1, Season 2, and Season 0. Legacy games take place over the course of one year. Your actions each month of the campaigns will continue to affect you throughout the course of the very lengthy gameplay. If your gaming crowd holds grudges, well, this one will be a rough year to maneuver!
How to Play the Pandemic Board Game Online
Board Game Arena
A number of iterations of Pandemic are available in digital form. The site Board Game Arena is a browser-based platform where folks can play the game. It’s how several of my friends in my digital board game group and I have enjoyed this version.
To play the base game over there (available for 1-4 players who can play in real-time or turn-based games where players can take turns over several days), someone in your board game group will have to have a premium subscription. A premium subscription to Board Game Arena costs $3 a month, billed at $36.00 once a year. Playing multiple games, even outside of Pandemic, can be well worth the investment. My board game community currently has several ongoing turn-based premium version games going on with regularity.
Tabletopia
Another place you can play Pandemic digitally is via the website Tabletopia. Tabletopia offers three digital versions of the game: Pandemic Hot Zone North America, Pandemic Hot Zone Europe, and Pandemic Legacy Season 0. All of the versions on Tabletopia are available to play free online. The gameplay is a bit different than on Board Game Arena, as their version is a physics-simulated version that is essentially one step in between playing the game physically and playing it on BGA.
Video Game Iterations
Steam used to have a PC version of Pandemic on its store but removed it in January 2022. Other versions of the game on Xbox and the Nintendo Switch were removed at the end of July 2022. It was reported that the development team (Asmodee Digital) might work on a newer game version at some point, they haven’t announced any solid plans yet. Asmodee did not respond to my request for an updated comment.
Bottom Line
I know that in our post-pandemic era, it probably sounds strange to play a game about fighting a pandemic – or, goodness, even being a virus on the opposite end – but my experiences with the Pandemic board game have all been enjoyable. It’s a fun game that shows where your tabletop group’s communication skills work together… and where they could improve. My personal crew has both won and lost plenty of battles playing the game, but our sessions have always been full of laughs, regardless of the outcome. In any case, rally your gaming group and pick the Pandemic base game, spinoff, and/or expansion, and have fun.
Jennifer Stavros is a contributing freelancer for IGN, covering everything from comics, games, technology, and nerd culture. Follow her on Twitter or watch her on Twitch under the handle @scandalous.
Today, Amazon is offering the Stonemaier Expeditions board game for only $63.50, a 25% discount from its original $85 MSRP and the lowest price we’ve ever seen for this 2023 release. This is a limited “Lightning Deal” that will expire when a certain number have been sold.
Stonemaier Expeditions Board Game for $63.50
Stonemaier is no stranger to the board gaming world. They’ve produced some excellent games like Wingspan (and its spinoff Wyrmspan), Scythe, and Viticulture. Expeditions was released in 2023 and it is the sequel to Stonemaier’s popular Scythe game. It takes place in the same mecha-industrial setting as Scythe, but with complete different game mechanics and goals. This time around, there’s more of an emphasis on exploration over warfare with a more horror feel. Scythe is a very complex board with many moving pieces, and Expeditions is no different. Check out our Expeditions review for more details.
I’m hooked on Dune Imperium, a deckbuilder and worker placement digital board game I’m only just beginning to get my head around. Here comes some news to send my head spinning again: the Rise Of Ix expansion is out now, which adds three new factions, six new leaders, a new mode and much more.
