Xbox Series X, Xbox Game Pass To Face Price Increase In More Territories

After the blows to manufacturing & production due to the pandemic years before, plentiful product is now becoming the norm for current-generation Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5. However, the new adversary in all this is inflation. As global prices begin to climb, product cost will follow alongside. Already, Sony Interactive Entertainment pulled the trigger on select regions for PlayStation 5 in 2022. Additionally, Microsoft has already followed this trend with the Xbox Series X|S in Japan as well at the same time. But as more and more territories face growing prices, Microsoft previously pledged that Xbox will not fall victim to this across the globe. Even more, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer elaborated that Xbox Game Pass is deemed safe as well – especially with the ongoing Activision Blizzard battle in the courts. Howbeit, The Verge reports on Wednesday that the previous statements are now voided as Xbox Series X and the complimenting Xbox Game Pass are both to increase in more markets. Noted, this does not include United States, Japan, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia. Starting August 1st, Xbox Series X is to bump up to £479.99 in the U.K., €549.99 across most European markets, CAD $649.99 in Canada, and AUD $799.99 in Australia. “We’ve held on our prices for consoles for many years and have adjusted the prices to reflect the competitive conditions in each market,” Xbox head of communications Kari Perez writes in a statement to The Verge on the new development for increased pricing for Xbox. In regards to Xbox Series S, it is ensured that there will be no increased pricing – for now at least. Regarding Xbox Game Pass, the service will cost users $10.99 rather than the original $9.99 starting July 6th. Simultaneously, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is also facing climbing prices now asking for $16.99; originally priced at $14.99. Despite the recent adjustments for cost across the board, PC Game Pass remains at its $9.99 a month price currently. As noted prior in the article, prices catching up to the manufacturer is also guaranteed in the current market. Previously, Microsoft disclosed that producing a console of the Xbox Series X|S family leaves the team at a loss of $200 per each assembly. You can read the full report by heading here. What is your take on the increased pricing from Microsoft? Source: The Verge

Rocksteady’s Batman Arkham Trilogy Hits Nintendo Switch This Fall

After years of waiting, the patience for fans of Rocksteady Studios begins to run dry awaiting the developer’s next major release. After shipping Batman Arkham Knight in 2015, the next anticipated entry is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Recently, it was confirmed that the wait is prolonged with a new delay bleeding into 2024. However, fans of the universe can indulge in a prequel comic, Suicide Squad: Kill Arkham Asylum. In terms of other endeavors from Rocksteady Studios, many are awaiting the classic trilogy from the developer to hit Nintendo Switch. All three games shipped ahead of the hybrid handheld console, so surely there is clarity in a port to happen. Previously, one retailer suggested the game was primed for launch last year, but that obviously did not come to fruition. During the Wednesday Nintendo Direct, Rocksteady Studios revealed Batman Arkham Trilogy. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “Become Gotham City’s ultimate protector across the iconic Batman: Arkham Trilogy. Face off against notorious DC Super-Villains: The Joker, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, and more in Batman: Arkham Asylum. Step into the shadows of Batman: Arkham City’s open world, the new maximum security “home” for thugs, gangsters, and insane criminal masterminds. “In Batman: Arkham Knight, tear through the streets of Gotham and take on the ultimate threat in the trilogy’s epic conclusion,” the Nintendo eShop page description for Batman Arkham Trilogy reads. “Experience critically acclaimed gameplay & AAA original storytelling across all 3 games, PLUS all DLC, in one complete package.” Which of the Arkham trilogy are you most excited to see hit Nintendo Switch? Batman Arkham Trilogy is set to launch for Nintendo Switch sometime in fall 2023.

New Sonic Central Showcase Scheduled For June 23rd

Looking towards what Sega has planned, specifically Sonic Team, there are already some primed releases on the way for 2023. This week, Sonic Origins Plus officially arrives offering the classic Sonic the Hedgehog titles in one compilation including a new playable Amy Rose. Additionally, Sonic Superstars is also confirmed to ship later this fall for major platforms.  Viewing ahead, the Sonic the Hedgehog developer still has more announcements to be made. For Sonic Frontiers, there is a full-year roadmap still needing to be fulfilled. Earlier in 2023, an update for the game included new time attack mode and a juke box feature to listen to your favorite songs from the series in the latest game. On Wednesday, Sega announced a new Sonic Central presentation is coming later this week. On June 23rd, Sonic Central will go live featuring new updates on Sonic the Hedgehog. In terms of what announcements could come, there is a full chance that a development on the current post-launch plans for Sonic Frontiers is very possible. The roadmap promised content including new playable characters outside of Sonic the Hedgehog alongside additional story content to expand beyond the end of the base game as well. Perhaps more transmedia will be revealed. Previously, it was revealed Sonic Prime returns to Netflix later this July. But perhaps a first look at the upcoming Paramount+ television show is present. In April, filming kicked off for the Knuckles TV series with film director Jeff Fowler behind the camera for the pilot. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you hoping to see at Sonic Central this week? Sonic Central takes place on June 23, 2023 at 11 AM EST / 8 AM PST.

WarioWare: Move It Coming To Nintendo Switch Later This November

To Nintendo, engaging its players within the living room has always and continues to be at the forefront. Either from its single-player stories to local party games, there is something for everyone. Covering the latter, Nintendo surely established this when Nintendo Switch Sports hits its platform last spring. Additionally, Nintendo continued this momentum later in September 2022 with the release for WarioWare: Get It Together! reintroducing the fan-favorite micro game series to Nintendo Switch owners. And later this month, the experience continues as Everybody 1-2 Switch ships on June 30th bringing a definitive follow-up to the recognized launch title, 1-2 Switch. Now at the recent Nintendo Direct, it was revealed another WarioWare title is aiming to ship for Nintendo Switch with the announcement for WarioWare: Move It! You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “Grab a pair of Joy-Con controllers and get moving as you gently shake, punch, dance, wiggle, and even curtsey through over 200 lightning-fast microgames (minigames that last just a few hilarious seconds),” the Nintendo eShop description for the game reads. “A second player can use another set of Joy-Con controllers to join the treasure-guarding, sheep-twirling fun. Up to 4 players, each with one Joy-Con controller, can laugh out loud in the local Party Mode’s minigames like a dicey board game with Wario-style rules.” What has you most excited for WarioWare: Move It! coming to Nintendo Switch this fall? WarioWare: Move It! launches on November 3, 2023.

Pikmin 1 & Pikmin 2 Receives Surprise Launch On Nintendo Switch Today

While Nintendo continues to roll out household juggernauts like The Legend of Zelda most recently, other beloved properties are still developing. Already, fans received Pikmin Bloom as part of a collaborative project with Niantic (Pokémon Go) for mobile. But the next entry is on the way. Previously, Nintendo & Shigeru Miyamoto announced Pikmin 4 is in development. Originally, the game only received a 2023 release window. It was not until much later in a separate presentation this past February that the Japanese firm revealed that Pikmin 4 will officially launch later this July for Nintendo Switch. And now one month ahead of the game’s release, players can properly return to the first two games via Nintendo Switch starting today. At the Nintendo Direct, it was revealed both Pikmin 1 & Pikmin 2 will be available on the Nintendo eShop. You can watch the segment of the showcase in the video below: “Reintroduce yourself to the plantlike Pikmin and strategic gameplay that this charming series is rooted in. From finding a way home to collecting treasure, Olimar (plus Louie in the Pikmin 2 game) must partner with a parade of Pikmin to survive the harshest of conditions. Both games support optional motion controls for more options when guiding your floral friends,” the description from the Nintendo eShop reads. “Meet Captain Olimar and a capable cast of red, blue, and yellow Pikmin on a dire mission across a larger-than-life planet. Olimar must guide his loveably-leafy companions through obstacles, in battle, and when collecting his missing ship parts. Your oxygen will only last 30 days, but the Pikmin provide a glimmer of hope that you may make it home. “Swap between Olimar and Louie to divide and conquer in Pikmin 2. Tasked with helping pay off their employer’s debt, the pint-sized pair teams up with Pikmin (including purple and white Pikmin) to collect treasure on…you guessed it…a strange planet. Time ticks away on the surface, but cave systems let you take your time to let your strategy blossom.” Which Pikmin game has you most excited to see on Nintendo Switch? Pikmin 1 and Pikmin 2 are both available now for Nintendo Switch.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder Announced With October Release Confirmed

For one thing, Super Mario remains a huge staple in terms of engagement between Nintendo & its consumers for 2023 primarily. Part of that is already evident with the release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie this spring. Our review for the film stated that “is a love letter to the fans that were starving for a great Mario film.” Additionally, Nintendo faced immense praise and box office response as it projected and overtook more than $1 billion from its theatrical release. Elsewhere on Wednesday, new Super Mario titles were announced for Nintendo Switch. One elephant in the room is a remake of Super Mario RPG, the beloved classic from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Furthermore, Nintendo also revealed a new Princess Peach title & Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon are both aiming to launch next year. To close out the presentation, the Japanese firm revealed a new mainline, 2D game: Super Mario Bros. Wonder. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “Classic Mario side-scrolling gameplay is turned on its head with the addition of Wonder Flowers. These game-changing items trigger spectacular moments you have to see to believe…Witness pipes coming alive, wreak havoc as a giant spiky ball, and see even more unexpected events called Wonder Effects. Pick from heroic Super Mario  characters and Power-Ups. “Choose from familiar characters including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi and Toad. Transform into Elephant Mario to use your trunk to trounce enemies with a surprising new Power-Up! Share the wonder with friends and Mario fans,” the Nintendo eShop page reads. “Team up with up to three friends locally and gather around one Nintendo Switch system to experience the game-bending Wonder Effects together as you tackle courses as a team and help each other on your way to the goal.” What is your thoughts on the reveal for Super Mario Bros. Wonder? Super Mario Bros. Wonder launches on October 20, 2023 for Nintendo Switch.

Detective Pikachu Returns New Trailer Reveals October Release Date

While certainly a niché release when Detective Pikachu shipped on Nintendo 3DS years ago, it was even more surprising when it was revealed a full-length, live-action film adaptation would arise from the basis. Starring Ryan Reynolds as the titular character and Justice Smith, it was received fairly well which became a catalyst for more films to break the notion towards video game-adapted films. Since then, little has developed on a sequel. For one, director Rob Letterman moved on to make a Beyond Good and Evil film over at Netflix. Star Justice Smith also shared disappointment as no update was sent his way. However, it was later reported this past March that a sequel is still underway with a new director on board, Jonathan Krisel. Now at the Wednesday Nintendo Direct, it was revealed that the long-promised Detective Pikachu sequel game is coming this fall. You can watch the trailer for Detective Pikachu Returns in the video below: “Unravel a series of mysteries across Ryme City with a tough-talking, coffee-loving Pikachu who calls himself a great detective. This Pikachu may have a self-assured attitude and talk like a middle-aged man, but he somehow manages to keep his lovable charm. Together with his partner Tim Goodman, this great detective duo cracks several cases with the help of the many Pokémon and people who live in Ryme City. The Nintendo eShop description continues: “Investigate Ryme City, where Pokémon and people live side by side Search for clues in Ryme City, where Pokémon and humans coexist in harmony. With the help of many other Pokémon, Tim and his talkative Pikachu partner work together to solve a series of mysterious incidents in this cinematic adventure game.” How excited are you for Detective Pikachu Returns? Detective Pikachu Returns  launches on October 6, 2023 for Nintendo Switch.

New Princess Peach Title & Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon Announced For 2024 Release

Upon the current playbook from Nintendo, many fans are still etching away at the block of marble that is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. And whilst the game will have players in its grips for weeks ahead, Nintendo already has more planned ahead. Later this month, official pastel-painted Joy-Cons are to hit store shelves. This includes colors Pastel Pink, Pastel Yellow, Pastel Purple, and Pastel Green. Additionally, Nintendo Switch is also receiving a sequel for launch title, 1-2 Switch. In that, Everybody 1-2 Switch is prepared to ship on June 30th featuring a whole new slew of interactive game to play. For many avid followers, Nintendo also revealed this week a new Nintendo Direct will be hosted revealing new announcements during the show. Part of the showcase featuring the all-new Super Mario RPG remake, Nintendo shared a new Princess Peach title and remaster for Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is on the way to ship in 2024. You can watch the segment of the show in the video below: [41:53] “That’s right, Princess Peach will star as the main character in a brand we game. When she steps on this particular spot on stage- woah! What is happening? A visually enhanced version of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon originally released on Nintendo 3DS is in development. We hope you look forward to seeing more of Luigi’s ghostly antics. Both games will launch next year,” Shinya Takahashi & Yoshiaki Koizumi shares. Reiterating on the new Super Mario RPG, it features an entirely new visual revamp for the classic RPG and includes the epic return for franchise favorite, Geno. The game is scheduled to release later this November. You can read the full report by heading here. What game has you more excited for coming next year?

Super Mario RPG Remake Announced, Coming To Nintendo Switch This November

More than seven years since the initial release of the Nintendo Switch, the hybrid handheld console still maintains its momentum with more than 125 million units sold. But now as the biggest opponent, the PlayStation 2, is on the horizon up ahead to overtake, Nintendo will need to really use some firepower to make that a reality. As expected, sales are to simmer down with so many units already distributed to consumers. But, with the number of legacy IP and releases, Nintendo could turn that around looking ahead. For example, the current release – The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom – continues to top sales charts weeks after it shipped. And more is expected with the new Nintendo Direct taking place on Wednesday. One major surprise reveal came in the form of a remake for the SNES classic, Super Mario RPG. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “Team up with an oddball group of heroes to save Star Road and stop the troublemaking Smithy Gang. This colorful RPG has updated graphics and cinematics that add even more charm to the unexpected alliance between Mario, Bowser, Peach, and original characters Mallow and Geno. Enter (or revisit) this world of eccentric allies and offbeat enemies in an RPG for everyone,” the description on the Nintendo eShop reads. “Jump through a colorful world and give attacks some extra oomph in battle! Explore the vibrant environments with your party and jump towards your next goal! Run into monsters to enter turn-based battles with your party of three. Press the button at the right time for a satisfying dose of extra damage or helpful guard.” What has you excited for Super Mario RPG? Super Mario RPG ships on November 17, 2023 for Nintendo Switch.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Ships This December

At Square Enix, the Japanese firm whilst embracing its legacy properties has evolved then immensely. Just look at Final Fantasy XVI as the newest entry embraces its new action combat. From our review: “Final Fantasy XVI is a true next-generation entry to the king of the RPG genre. With its breathtaking visuals, enchanting music, compelling storytelling, and engaging gameplay, it is a journey that will resonate with players long after the final credits roll.” Additionally, the publisher is not afraid from also entertaining classic turn-based content as well. Previously, Dragon Quest in celebration of the franchise’s 35th anniversary announced a slew of new titles on the way. This also includes the long-awaited Dragon Quest XII alongside other classic entries too. During the Wednesday Nintendo Direct, Square Enix unveiled Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “As you may expect, this game tasks you with scouting numerous monsters from around the world, and then taking them into battle – either by commanding them directly or letting them fight it out on their own with auto-battle. On your quest to find ever-more marvellous monsters, you’ll explore the fantastical environments of Nadiria,” the overview reads. “These sprawling lands are as varied as they are beautiful – and they’re ever-changing. As the seasons pass, so too do the landscapes – for example, you may find previously inaccessible areas become possible to traverse depending on the current conditions. What’s more, certain monsters will only appear during specific seasons – so there’s plenty of opportunity for a keen-eyed Monster Wrangler to build their army!” What has you excited for Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince? Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince ships on December 1, 2023 for Nintendo Switch. Source: Square Enix