When Switch 2 was revealed, the power under the hood of Nintendo’s new hybrid device surprised many fans and developers. CD Projekt Red even displayed the system’s powerful visual capabilities early on with Cyberpunk 2077.
Despite this, you’re still likely to hear discussions about how long Nintendo’s new device will be able to keep up with future releases and the rest of the market. While this is a valid concern, BioShock creator Ken Levine believes hardware such as the Switch 2 (and even Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine) signal a shift.
Here’s what he had to say to IGN recently about this (via Frvr):
“[Realism] doesn’t age as well as more stylistic things. BioShock still looks good, I think, because it wasn’t trying to get every nut and bolt super realistically rendered…it was more stylised.
“Look at say, the Switch 2 and [even] the new Steam Machine coming out. Those are not massive technological upgrades obviously. That wasn’t their strategy. I think, people are realising that we’ve sort of hit a bit of diminishing returns with that.”
Levine says his own company, which is currently working on a spiritual successor to BioShock known as Judas, has never really focused on “ultra realism” because it’s expensive, and as noted above, “doesn’t age as well”.
He sums it up, stating developers who have the “right art director” and the “right approach” don’t need to be on the “cutting edge of technology all the time”.
What are your thoughts about Levine’s comments? Are ultra-realistic graphics your kind of thing, or would you rather see visuals that age more gracefully. Tell us in the comments.
We’ve already got some surprise news about the live-action Zelda movie today, with Nintendo confirming the release date has shifted from May to April 2027.
Adding to this are some new rumours. According to some casting websites and photos circulating on social media, there’ll be…potential spoiler alert…Goron and Kokiri in the upcoming film.
There are reportedly some names attached as well, and the Kokiri girl appears to be based on Link’s Nintendo 64 adventure Ocarina of Time, as highlighted by GoNintendo:
“First up, we’ve learned that Albert Latailakepa will be playing a Goron, but we don’t know if he’s tackling a specific Goron from throughout the franchise or just a generic member of the race. We’ve also discovered that a young girl named Evelyn Towersey will be playing Fado in the film. Fado is a Kokiri girl from Ocarina of Time, and she’s the one who teaches the player how to look around in first person.”
To top it off, there’s also supposedly a photo of a dog on the Zelda production set doing the rounds, and it looks very familiar to a canine featured in Zelda: Breath of the Wild. As many have pointed out, the dog also has an identification badge with the film’s rumoured codename “Umami” on it.
This same “Umami” title was previously spotted on a clipboard for the movie. The actors mentioned above also apparently had this name listed on their profiles under their film credentials, but this information appears to have now been removed from the casting websites.
Of course, casting leaks aren’t always the most accurate, so Zelda fans may just have to wait until the film is out, or Nintendo officially shares a trailer or more details about its new live-action movie.
What are your thoughts about the latest casting rumours? What extended cast are you expecting to pop up in this live-action movie? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Last week’s Star Foxannouncement left me feeling a little mixed. On the one hand, yay, Star Fox again! On the other, oh, Star Fox 64 again.
Truthfully, I didn’t know what to make of the big reveal that Star Fox was really another remake, a reimagining, of Star Fox 64. Maybe it was the fact that I was watching the surprise Direct in a half-shocked daze, minutes before falling asleep, and at the time, it felt like a gap-plug announcement with a vague whiff of “we’ve got this Fox guy in the big new Super Mario Galaxy Movie, what’s the easiest way we can get a game out with his face on the cover?” I was excited, but perhaps a little underwhelmed.
I’m a good bit removed from the reveal now, and I’ve got to say, I’ve changed my mind. I’m now completely on board with Star Fox on Switch 2, and will be there on day one to see what Nintendo has done with the ’97 classic.
Why the sudden change of heart? Well, I replayed Star Fox 64.
I’m sure that many of were in the same boat this past weekend. Star Fox fever is in the air, and with the 64 original right there on NSO, it would have been rude not to. It had been a good few years since I last made the trek from Corneria to Venom, but it’s got to be said, the game still rips. There’s not an ounce of fat on it, the score is phenomenal, and Sector X made me just as scared as it did when I first played it back in the early 2000s.
But some cracks started to show. I’ve long been of the opinion that Star Fox 64 is a near-perfect game, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. Suddenly, the prospect of a modern remake started to make a lot of sense.
We’ll start with the whistle-stop nature of it all. Star Fox 64 is an arcade game at heart, an on-rails space shooter that you can blast through in an hour or two, all about replays and getting top scores. It’s one of the things that I love about the original, but in 2026, something tells me that such a loop won’t slide with everyone.
The rise of the roguelike means we’re all used to diving back into things for another run, but after seeing the game’s 15 levels (all of which I can wrap up in a few minutes) and exploring some different routes, that’s about ‘yer lot. I get the impression that high-score chasing isn’t quite as appealing these days as it was in ’97. The price tag is a welcome surprise, of course, but it’s still some pounds to pay for just a few mere hours of entertainment.
Based on that reveal trailer, it seems the Switch 2 remake has more meat on the bone. Those extra cutscenes are bound to beef up the runtime a little, but I’m more interested in that new ‘Challenge Mode’, and the level-specific replayability it’ll no doubt bring. I’m absolutely the kind of player who will return to every single locale just to put a virtual tick in a virtual box, so that’s another few hours right from the jump.
The Direct’s focus on online multiplayer has me hopeful there will be a thriving scene to get involved with there, too — the three game modes look varied enough, and there’s always room for Nintendo to add more down the line. Sure, the 3DS remake boasted many of these too, but I never made much use of the handheld’s online functionality, so it’ll be nice to see things that bit bigger this time around.
Image: Nintendo
The other thing that struck me on this replay, and feel free to get your pitchforks and torches ready now, is that 19 years on, Star Fox 64’s visuals ain’t all that. [Hey now, watch it, Jim… Ed.] I remember the dogfights and planet traversal blowing my socks off back in the day, but times have changed, and no amount of nostalgia filtering can convince me that this still looks good in the way that Ocarina of Time, Pokémon Snap, or Banjo-Kazooie do.
The jury’s still out on the new character designs for me, but seeing an Arwing leave 4K spray trail in Zoness’ waters or glow with the HDR heat of Solar’s flames left my lips pursed in a permanent ‘oof‘ expression. This isn’t the kind of “visual upgrade” we saw on 3DS, but an entire from-the-ground-up reworking. It looks wonderful.
And yeah, now that your pitchforks are sharpened, I’ll throw in a mention of the N64 control scheme, too. Try as you might, I’ll never be convinced that the N64’s multi-button somersaults and wonky aiming are part of its retro charm, but at least that option is still there for you ’90s sickos. Mouse Mode and the potential for some gyro precision are something that I can get behind. Throw in some of that HD Rumble 2 magic, and we might be talking about one of the best-feeling games on the system.
Let me reaffirm that none of this is to the detriment of Star Fox 64 in its original state — I still had a blast with it, and will likely return to it again in the future for a swift nostalgia kick. But I left feeling pleasantly optimistic that Star Fox on Switch 2 could make the great even greater.
Only time will tell whether it actually can do that, of course, but at least I’m excited to dive back in now. If all else fails, 42 quid for a bundle of GameChat AR filters and James McCloud’s new sunglasses sounds like a pretty good deal.
Will you be returning to Star Fox 64 before playing the remake on Switch 2? Let us know in the following poll, then take to the comments to tell us the change you’re most excited for.
Will you be replaying Star Fox 64 before the Switch 2 remake? (140 votes)
The European Union wants Google to allow any AI company to use its services, and the company hates the idea. Apple agrees with Google.
Apple doesn’t seem to be listened to by the European Union when it complains about its own experiences trying to work within the Digital Markets Act (DMA). But since the EU has asked for responses to its proposals for Google to open up to rival AI firms, Apple has tried again.
“The DMs [draft measures] raise urgent and serious concerns,” said Apple in a submission to the EU, as seen byReuters.
For instance, Apple is expressly concerned about the idea that any AI firm could in theory send emails or order food via Android, without Google’s or perhaps the user’s knowledge.
“If confirmed, they would create profound risks for user privacy, security, and safety as well as device integrity and performance,” continued Apple.
Apple doubtlessly has its own platforms in mind when it is now objecting to rival firms having full access to Android. But it also makes the point that the EU has specified AI firms in its proposals, and Apple points out how poor and error-strewn AI apps are.
“These risks are especially acute in the context of rapidly evolving AI systems whose capabilities, behaviours, and threat vectors remain unpredictable,” said Apple, “as we are now seeing time and again.”
Anyone can submit their opinion to the EU when there is an open call like this, and everyone who does is really looking to protect their own interests. So Apple is clearly concerned that it, too, may be forced to allow the same rival access in iOS.
However, Apple does also have the experience of what it has previously claimed to be “hundreds of thousands of engineering hours” in complying with the DMA. And as part of its new submission, questioned the EU’s technological expertise.
“The EC is redesigning an OS… it is substituting judgments made by Google’s engineers for its own judgment based on less than three months of work,” said Apple. “It is all the more dangerous given the only value that can be discerned from the [draft measures] guiding this work appears to be open and unfettered access.”
Separately, in May 2026, the EU concluded that its DMA has made a positive impact, thereby ignoring Apple’s lobbying for it to be revised.
What happens next
It’s not clear when Apple submitted its filing to the EU, but it was during the consultation period that ran from April 27, 2026, to May 13, 2026.
The European Commission states that it will “carefully assess” submissions from both Google and what it calls interested parties. It does say that there may be adjustments made to the proposed measures because of the submissions.
However, it also mandates that its final decision “must be adopted within six months” of the opening of the specification proceedings. In this case, that means July 27, 2026.
James Bond is known for utilising some swanky tech when chasing down his foes, but with 007 First Light, the character will don a pair of real-life smart glasses from tech firm Even Realities.
A recent announcement from the company confirms that it has entered into a strategic partnership with IO Interactive to bring its flagship Even G2 glasses to the game, marking the first instance a piece of real-life wearable tech has been implemented into a playable Bond experience.
The glasses will appear as an in-game gadget via a post-launch update, though how it will function is currently unknown. Chances are, however, is that it will boast a similar experience to its real-life counterpart, enabling instant on-screen prompts and environmental context.
Will Wang, CEO of Even Realities, had the following to say:
“We build technology that doesn’t shout for attention – but amplifies human potential. Partnering with IO Interactive to bring the Even G2 into a James Bond game makes perfect sense: both worlds value intelligence, discretion, and design that performs when it matters most. In a way, this collaboration is about doubling the intelligence: the glasses’ invisible power working alongside Bond’s legendary instincts, to achieve anything possible.”
First Light is currently scheduled to launch this Summer for the Switch 2 following a 27th May release on other platforms. IOI’s CEO recently stressed that the team has no plans to cancel the Switch 2 version, but it’s nevertheless keen to take the time to make sure the experience is up to scratch.
What do you make of this collaboration? Do you own a pair of smart glasses yourself? Let us know with a comment.
The next generation of Pokémon may be at least a year away, but The Pokémon Company appears to be ushering the new generation in steadily anyway, and what better way to do so than with a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of Pokémon Winds & Waves‘ main theme.
This beautiful recording was performed by the NHK Symphony Orchestra, which has partnered with The Pokémon Company before, notably for a special orchestra at the 2023 Worlds.
Swaying between calm and epic, just like the winds and the waves might, the video is a fantastic listen and well worth watching for Pokémon music aficionados.
We heard the main theme back in the reveal trailer, but this is just a whole new level. Can you imagine a fully-orchestrated soundtrack for Winds & Waves? We’d love that.
The NHK Symphony Orchestra will actually be going on tour in Japan later this year to celebrate its 100th anniversary and Pokémon’s 30th anniversary and the NHK’s 100th anniversary. Pre-sale is due to go live on 14th May for members.
Most of us will have to make do with this video, though. Ah well. We’re pretty excited for Winds & Waves, which is coming exclusively to Switch 2 in 2027, so this will keep us happy for the time being.
Are you excited for Pokémon Winds & Waves? What do you think of the main theme recording? Let us know in the comments.
Stardew Valley developer ConcernedApe (Eric Barone) is hard at work on his next big game, Haunted Chocolatier. Although it’s still a ways from release, a new interview with Game Informer (thanks, Kotaku) indicates that it’s going to be quite a step up from Stardew in terms of raw content.
Barone confirmed in the interview that he’s currently working 7 days a week, 5 of which are devoted to Haunted Chocolatier, and the remaining 2 working on the upcoming 1.7 update for Stardew.
Here’s what he said about Haunted Chocolatier:
“It’s way bigger than Stardew Valley, at least in terms of the amount of maps, the amount of monsters, the depth to the whole item system, and all the equipment slots and all the stuff like this. Everything is cranked up.”
In a blog post earlier this year, Barone conceded that he probably shouldn’t have announced Haunted Chocolatier so early, but it at least sounds like he’s putting a great deal of effort into making it a reality. He stressed that he won’t abandon the game and integrate the content into Stardew:
“No. First, I am not going to abandon Haunted Chocolatier. But even if I did, I am not going to add it to Stardew Valley. Stardew Valley and Haunted Chocolatier are separate games. It doesn’t even make sense from a technical perspective, as Haunted Chocolatier is written from scratch, it’s not the same “engine” as Stardew Valley. You can’t just copy and paste Haunted Chocolatier into Stardew Valley.”
Meanwhile, the 1.7 update for Stardew is said to bring new marriage candidates, improvements to the game’s children, and the ability to actually edit your own farm layout rather than rely on one of the presets.
Are you excited to see more from Haunted Chocolatier? How about Stardew’s upcoming update? Let us know with a comment.
Professor Layton and Fantasy Life developer Level-5 has issued a warning against piracy and the illegal distribution of its games with a statement that would make Nintendo’s lawyers proud.
It states that it will monitor any such activities and take legal action where necessary, while also urging users not to download pirated copies of its games.
Here’s the full statement:
We want to address a serious issue we have recently observed: the unauthorized reproduction and distribution of our game software across certain online communities.
Except where specifically permitted under copyright law or other applicable regulations, reproducing, modifying, or editing our game software without our authorization, as well as distributing or selling such materials to third parties, constitutes copyright infringement regardless of the purpose or intended use.
We want to make it clear that we will continue to pay close attention to these activities. To protect our work, we will take necessary legal action against any such copyright infringement, including content removals and account suspensions.
We would also like to ask our community to refrain from downloading or using pirated copies of our games.
Thank you for respecting our work. We are working hard to ensure that everyone can enjoy our games safely and fairly.
It’s unclear exactly which titles are being exploited, but it’s likely to be a range of modern releases for platforms such as the Switch. Nintendo has been similarly strict regarding the use of its own properties, bringing multiple lawsuits to individuals who pirate their games.
Level-5 has a healthy line-up for the coming months, as detailed by its recent ‘Vision 2026’ showcase. The big highlight is Professor Layton and The New World of Steam later this year for Switch 1 & 2, with a physical release for Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road confirmed for next month.
Any thoughts on Level-5’s statement? Pretty standard stuff, but let us know your thoughts with a comment in the usual place.
Cat fans, rise up! It’s Little Kitty, Big City‘s second anniversary, and Double Dagger Studio has released a particularly adorable update to mark the occasion.
The ‘Birthday Bash’ update is now available on Switch, and aside from adding the sweetest little party hat we’ve ever seen, there are plenty of other cute bonuses, too. Kitty’s apartment has had a bit of a facelift, with new interactive objects and a tiny turtle NPC (his name is Turt, for those wondering) to help out. There are special birthday frames and stickers for you to use in the Photo Mode, and you can start and play the whole game with your custom cat.
The full patch notes for this one were shared on Steam, and we have gathered them together for you to check out below:
Little Kitty, Big City ‘Birthday Bash’ Update (12th May 2026)
In this update, we’ve expanded the apartment area, adding several interactables including a TV, record player, and musical instruments. Cause some mew-sical chaos and flip TV channels!
Oh, and who’s this? Meet Turt, your chatty turtle roommate. Turt desires a tidy space, can you help with that…?
For Kitty’s birthday, we’ve added tons of little festive treats to the apartment. Enjoy cake, grab a party blower, pop balloons, and don’t forget to open your presents for a party hat!
Additionally, you can now teleport to the apartment after completing your climb.
Don’t forget to catch some Z’s in the new nap spot, too!
Maybe you can learn something from this lucky cat figurine while you’re at it?
Snap Some Celebratory Photos!
Of course, we’ve added some fun new stickers and frames to play with and add a celebratory birthday touch to all of your photos. Give everyone party hats!!
Start The Game as Your Custom Cat
A highly requested feature is finally here: you can now start and play through the entire game as your custom cat, giving your next playthrough a personalized twist. Give it a try! Whether you play as your own kitty, a fictional kitty, or a colorful abomination, you’ll see the Big City through fresh eyes.
The Amazing Digital Circus x Little Kitty, Big City
Who’s that weird purple bunny?! In collaboration with our friends over at Glitch, we’ve included a free Jax hat and skin! You can find the Purple Bunny Hat already in your inventory, and obtain the skin in the customizer using the code ‘VEGAN’.
You can also find a cute little Pomni plush in Kitty’s apartment! What you do with her, however, is up to you. Drop her from high heights? Bat her around and into puddles? I’m not going to influence your decisions there…
Wait… Bing-Bong?!
You can now find Bing-Bong abandoned behind a trash can. No, I’m serious! Challenge yourself by taking Bing-Bong to new heights and see how far you’ll climb with him. Will you take him all the way home, or dump him? The choice is yours.
Will you be checking out this LKBC birthday update? Let us know in the comments.
We loved Absolum‘s fantasy roguelike loop when it first arrived on Switch and Switch 2 last year, and now, we have even more of an excuse to dive back in with friends.
As shared on the game’s official social channels, Absolum now supports full cross-play multiplayer across Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and Steam, so you can team up with your pals (whatever their console of choice) and bring the fight to Azra together.
An accompanying post on the game’s Steam page shared the following message from the devs:
It’s taken us a little while to get here, and we know you’ve been fighting alongside us as we prepared in the background. As a co-op multiplayer Beat ‘em Up, there’s a lot which goes into the background, and with Xbox Rebels joining the fight recently, our master code-crafters at Guard Crush have brought it all together, to bring you all together.
The fires of rebellion burn on all fronts, and we heard your calls. While cross-platform play has been on the way since launch, we’ve been polishing and tweaking, and making sure we could bring all platforms together.
This cross-play support comes just seven months after the game launched last year. In the time since, we’ve landed a free content update and news of a physical Switch 2 edition, with that previously-announced animated series presumably still bubbling away in the background. We Absolum fans are eating good, eh?
Will you be teaming up with your cross-platform pals in Absolum? Let us know in the comments.
