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SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive LEGO Console Set Launches June 2026

SEGA GENESIS LEGO
Image: LEGO / SEGA

Following a new Animal Crossing set announcement, LEGO and SEGA have officially revealed a “Sega Genesis Console” set.

Set 40926 is officially described as a “highly detailed model” bringing together the best of creativity and a love for retro gaming. If the Mega Drive is more your thing, you can also customise this non-functioning brick build to look like this model – complete with detachable controllers and decorative stickers.

This set will launch on 1st June 2026, is priced at £34.99 / €39.99 / $39.99, and includes 479 pieces. We’ve even got some official measurements and photos:

“The set measures over 1.5 in. (4 cm) high, 6 in (16 cm) wide and 4.5 in (12 cm) deep, while the controllers measure over 1 in. (2 cm) high, 3 in (8 cm) wide and 9.5 in. (24 cm) deep.”

SEGA GENESIS LEGO
Image: LEGO / SEGA

If you want to actually relive the Genesis and Mega Drive, the Switch Online + Expansion Pack ‘Nintendo Classic’ service includes this retro Sega library. You can also buy Switch Online Genesis / Mega Drive controllers on the Nintendo Store.

What do you think of this Genesis / Mega Drive Lego set? Will you be adding this to your collection? Tell us in the comments.

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AirPods Max 2 one-month review: Spot the difference?

A month after Apple’s AirPods Max 2 went on sale, there’s a lot to like, but little of it is new, and there’s not much reason to upgrade from the original model.

That’s the uncomfortable truth that I came to after spending a few weeks with Apple’s premium headphones. But it also shouldn’t be a surprise for anyone who took even a cursory glance at the specs sheet.

Any second-generation product takes what the first-gen model did well and then builds upon it. But with AirPods Max 2, Apple took the easy way out. And it’s a real shame that it did.

AirPods Max 2 do improve upon the original model, bringing some AirPods Pro features along for the ride. Still, too many first-gen problems persist, setting users up for the same frustrations.

And that’s the problem here. Those buyers will spend $549 for a pair of AirPods Max 2 headphones. What they’ll get is great audio, but with issues that shouldn’t be there.

If you’re shopping for great audio with some striking design issues, I have good news for you. There are likely some great OG AirPods Max deals available. You should probably buy those instead.

AirPods Max 2 review: Familiar look, familiar mistakes

When I say that AirPods Max 2 look familiar, I’m not kidding. I’m not even exaggerating, because they’re identical.

That even extends to the colors on offer. There are still five for you to choose from. And they’re still Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight, and Orange.

Two pairs of matte black over ear headphones lying side by side on a colorful retro style desk mat with sunset and city skyline graphics and a keyboard in the background

AirPods Max 2 review: Space Gray and Midnight side-by-side

I’ve been using the Midnight headphones, and they have a slightly different hue from my original Space Gray model. Those also have a Lightning connector, but apart from that, they’re almost impossible to tell apart.

AirPods Max 2, of course, have a USB-C port for charging this time around. You can also use a USB-C to USB-C cable if you want to enjoy lossless audio.

Like the original and mid-cycle USB-C refresh, AirPods Max 2 use metal as their material of choice. That means they’re still heavy, weighing in at 386.2 grams or 13.6 ounces.

As someone who isn’t a fan of plastic headphones, I’m happy with the metal construction Apple uses. I also don’t mind the weight because it adds an air of quality to the headset.

What I don’t like is Apple’s continued use of a mesh headband. It’s notorious for stretching and sagging, and there’s little to suggest that AirPods Max 2 buyers won’t have the same issue.

The good news is that there are aftermarket accessories that help here. They attach to the headband and use another material to distribute the weight. You’ll likely spot one on my AirPods Max in some of the photos here.

Controls-wise, nothing has changed here. You’ll find holes for the microphone and for air movement on the left ear cup. On the right, there’s a USB-C port on the bottom.

Up top, Apple’s familiar Digital Crown is used for volume and playback controls. The remaining button is used to cycle between the active noise cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes.

Finally, there’s the case. It’s the same as the original AirPods Max case and one of the main things I expected Apple to fix with this second generation.

Alas, it chose not to. And this case still does almost nothing to protect the headphones during transit. The top and bottom of the metal ear cups are left bare.

Unfortunately, the case is also the only way to put the AirPods Max 2 to sleep. Leave them out, and they’ll never slip into the deep sleep mode that preserves battery life.

That means you’ll need to fiddle with the case and its magnetic flap a lot. The lack of a way to sleep the headphones outside of the case is another issue I expected to be fixed this time around.

Again, alas.

AirPods Max 2 review: The H2 makes its presence felt

One of the few places where Apple has tweaked things is the use of a new H2 chip. The same chip first debuted in Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 from 2022, so it’s not new technology.

Black over-ear headphones in a protective case resting on a laptop keyboard, with a bright pink and blue abstract wallpaper on the screen and a black speaker in the background

AirPods Max 2 review: The familiar Smart Case makes a return

It’s new to Apple’s headphones, though, and brings with it some new features. Apple says the new chip is capable of improved audio processing. But as Andrew O’Hara said in his initial review, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference.

Apple also says that AirPods Max 2 offer 1.5x more active noise cancellation than the previous generation. I can’t refute the claim, but AirPods Max were already class leaders here, and I’ve found AirPods Max 2 to be just as good.

Thankfully, you will notice a difference if you use any of these new features:

  • Adaptive EQ adjusts the sound based on the fit and seal between the ear cups and your head.
  • Live Translation that translates languages as someone speaks
  • Adaptive Audio that adjusts the ANC and Transparency modes based on the volume of your environment.
  • Conversational Awareness that lowers the volume when someone speaks to you and raises it when they’re done.
  • Personalized Volume automatically adjusts the volume after learning your preferences.
  • Head gestures so you can control Siri by shaking and nodding your head.
  • A Camera Remote feature means you can press the Digital Crown to take a photo using your iPhone.

Remember that these features are also available on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3. Some are even present on the entry-level AirPods 4 as well.

The H2 also handles all of the features AirPods owners have become accustomed to. Instant device pairing and switching are still present, and as welcome as ever.

Rounding out the features, Apple’s H2 helps AirPods Max 2 run for up to 20 hours between charges, even with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled. I’ve found that to be a reasonable expectation, and they charge quickly using a USB-C cable.

AirPods Max 2 review: Apple’s audio chops shine again

Apple knows how to make great audio. It’s proven it with all of its most recent AirPods wireless earbuds, and it proved it with the original AirPods Max.

With AirPods Max 2, it’s once again proven that few can compete with its wireless audio capabilities.

AirPods Max 2 sound excellent. They benefit from new high dynamic range amplifiers this time around, marking the one hardware change besides the H2 chip.

Black over ear headphones in a protective case resting against a closed Apple laptop on a wooden desk, with monitor, speakers, and colorful mouse pad in the background

AirPods Max 2 review: Apple’s best-ever headphones, just like its last

The result is the familiar, rich AirPods Max sound. Except, dare I say, turned up to 11 this time around.

Music sounds warm and full of body thanks to a strong bass performance when the audio calls for it. The highs may be a little on the brighter side than some might like, but that’s nitpicking.

With the excellent ANC enabled, AirPods Max 2 make it easy to fall into an album. It envelopes you. In a desert of lackluster wireless headphones, AirPods Max 2 are an oasis of crisp, clear sound.

But then, so are AirPods Max. Even over five years after their 2020 release, I’ve yet to find wireless headphones that have bettered them.

And yes, that applies to AirPods Max 2 as well. They’re every inch as good as AirPods Max, but better? I’ve yet to experience it, unfortunately.

Rounding things out on a more positive note, AirPods Max 2’s ANC and Transparency modes don’t disappoint. Again, Apple’s headphones surely sit at the top of the pile in both regards, although Sony continues to give it a run for its money.

AirPods Max 2 review: A missed opportunity

As I sit here, writing this review while listening to AirPods Max 2, I find myself disappointed. Not because they don’t live up to the original, but because Apple had such a solid foundation to build upon.

And yet, it chose not to.

As great as AirPods Max 2 sound, and as much as I enjoy listening to them, they’re almost impossible to recommend.

For existing AirPods Max owners, there’s little here to warrant spending so much money to upgrade. Not unless one of the new H2-powered features calls to you, and not when all of the same mistakes have been made.

They’re an easier sell to anyone considering AirPods Max 2 as their first Apple headphones. But you absolutely need to be aware of the problems before you put down your $549.

As I write this in 2026, AirPods Max 2 are likely the best-sounding wireless headphones I’ve ever worn. But whether they’re the best, overall, is a harder question to answer.

Over ear wireless headphones, a smartwatch with metal band, and a white earbud case resting on a colorful retro style mouse pad with a sunset and city skyline design

AirPods Max 2 review: Handy “L” and “R” markings help orientation

At $549, they’re a costly purchase. They don’t have a real case to keep them safe, and there’s no way to turn them off. They’re also heavier than most people will be used to, and the headband mesh will likely sag much sooner than it should.

If you’re still happy to throw down $549 for AirPods Max 2 with that in mind, more power to you. You’re going to get a pair of headphones that sound great with excellent ANC for your money.

Or you could save a hundred dollars or more and get the original. They’ll sound great.

AirPods Max 2 review: Pros

  • No wireless headphones sound better
  • Industry-leading ANC and Transprency mode
  • H2 chip adds some nice-to-have features
  • Instant pairing and device switching

AirPods Max 2 review: Cons

  • They still won’t sleep outside of the case
  • Smart case offers little protection
  • Same colors as last-gen model
  • Costly at $549

AirPods Max 2 rating: 4 out of 5

Scoring something like AirPods Max 2 out of five is difficult. Scoring anything out of five isn’t easy, but when you’re reviewing the successor to a previous release, things get more complicated. In the case of AirPods Max 2, Apple has a good pair of headphones on its hands. They sound great, and are about as premium-feeling as these things get.

On the other hand, AirPods Max 2 don’t improve upon AirPods Max in ways that I think they should have. The improvements that have been made are unlikely to change the game for most headphone buyers, too.

In choosing a score, I’ve gone with a 4 because, in isolation, AirPods Max 2 are a quality product. If AirPods Max didn’t exist, they’d easily get a 4 for their sound and build quality.

If you already own AirPods Max, consider the review score a 3 or 3.5, instead. AirPods Max 2’s score would be reduced by the lack of meaningful improvements to the original’s shortcomings.

For AirPods Max owners, there is little, if any, reason to upgrade to AirPods Max 2.

Where to buy AirPods Max 2

AirPods Max 2 are on sale now at Apple and other retailers, with Amazon and Walmart discounting the headphones slightly.

You can also pick up first-gen AirPods Max with USB-C for $449 at B&H Photo and Walmart while supplies last.

Our AirPods Max Price Guide offers easy price comparison across popular Apple resellers as well.

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Move Over, Indy – This New Game Boy Color Indie Wants Some ‘Fortune & Glory’

The release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Switch 2 has us here at Nintendo Life Towers cracking out our 4K discs for a cheeky rewatch. A little righteous swashbuckling and fantastical archaeology in these troubled times is just what the doctor ordered.

However, there’s another treasure-hunting game that caught our eye recently, one that’s seeking some of Indy’s fortune and glory: namely, Fortune & Glory, a brand-new GBC platformer that’s currently live on Kickstarter after smashing its goal on the first day.

Coming from indie dev Matthew Loffhagen, it’s actually another Disney character of Scottish heritage that this homebrew title is channelling: Scrooge McDuck – or more specifically, Scrooge’s NES platformers and the wider 8-bit Capcom oeuvre under the Disney banner (as spotlighted recently in Digital Eclipse’s excellent — and long overdue on Switch — Disney Afternoon Collection).

Fortune & Glory
Image: Matthew Loffhagen

Honestly, the Indy reference and the namecheck for quality Saturday morning tie-ins like Chip ‘n Dale and DuckTales was enough to pique our interest, but there seems to be plenty of heart and soul that’s gone into this GBStudio project.

You control one of the titular rodents as you explore Gatopolis — the City of Cats — in search of (in the best tradition) some sacred MacGuffin or other. Ancient cities? Check. Booby traps? Obvs. Minecarts? Natch. Snakes? Probably. Rats? Er, they’re mice, no? Mind-scarring melting faces or heart removal scenes? Probably not.

The game picked up second place in the Game Boy Competition 2025 jam, and you can check out the Kickstarter trailer at the top of the page for a better idea of how this little platformer moves and sounds. Here’s a little flavour from Loffhagen’s Kickstarter page:

“I’ve long wanted to make my own tribute to these games, and finally last year I fulfilled this dream by entering Fortune & Glory in the GB Compo ’25 game jam. To my surprise, the game won 2nd place in the jam’s games category, as well as scoring highest among the judges for art.

“Emboldened, I took my initial game and expanded it significantly, quadrupling its size and adding an additional playable character as well as detailed cutscenes tying the whole adventure together with a story inspired by Disney classics – with a healthy amount of Indiana Jones and The Mummy (1998) in there for good measure! After all, these films were inspired by Disney comics to start with, so it all felt very thematic!”

Fortune & Glory
Image: Matthew Loffhagen

There’s still more than 20 days to go on the Kickstarter at the time of writing, so if a physical copy of this sounds appealing (plus a variety of add-ons if they float your boat), head over there and take a gander.

Still not sure? There’s a demo on itch.io that you can download or even just play in your browser.

Let us know below if this is pressing your nostalgia button.

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Feature: “It’s Rare For Me To Make Downtime” – Naoki Hamaguchi Talks Final Fantasy VII’s “Packed And Eventful” Development

FFVII Rebirth 1
Image: Square Enix

Mere months after the launch of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Switch 2, Square Enix is following up with a port of its sequel, Rebirth, in June.

It’s an impressive accomplishment given that the development team is also knee-deep in producing the third and final entry in the trilogy. The currently-untitled game has yet to receive a firm release date, but according to director Naoki Hamaguchi, work is progressing very well.

This is just one of several topics we touched on in our recent interview with Hamaguchi-san, who kindly took time from his schedule to answer questions ahead of Rebirth’s launch. We discuss why Rebirth is launching so soon after Remake, how he relaxes during his downtime (or, to be more precise, doesn’t), and which first-party Nintendo game he’s particularly excited for in the months ahead.


Nintendo Life (Ollie Reynolds) – How has development gone for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on Switch 2? Were you working on this alongside Remake?

Naoki Hamaguchi: Truthfully, from the moment we launched the Switch 2 version of Remake, the only thing I was thinking about was how to turn these other launches into a reality. This is because it wouldn’t be fair to the players if the platforms were split partway through, given how this project was designed to be a trilogy. So, rather than saying we developed Rebirth in parallel, it’s more accurate to say that we were operating with the assumption that we’ll continue this path forward from the moment Remake proved to be viable on the Switch 2.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we were developing two entire titles simultaneously. However, the optimisation insights we gained from Remake and our growing understanding of the Switch 2 hardware were fed back into Rebirth from a fairly early stage. As a result, Remake and Rebirth ended up releasing on the Switch 2 within a relatively short time span. This wasn’t because we prioritised speed, but rather, it was a decision driven by our top priority of avoiding a fragmented experience.

FFVII Rebirth 2
Image: Square Enix

How did you find the transition from the more linear gameplay in Remake to the more open-ended structure in Rebirth?

The transition from Remake to Rebirth was essentially the accumulation of adjustments focused on answering one question: “How can we make this work?” Because Rebirth features large-scale fields with heavy processing loads on rendering and streaming, it couldn’t be ported to the Switch 2 as is. That led us to take a step back and reassess things, from our approach to rendering techniques, to lighting, and background streaming.

We were especially keen on ensuring that switching between handheld and docked modes never made players feel like they were playing a different game.

We were especially keen on ensuring that switching between handheld and docked modes never made players feel like they were playing a different game. We prioritised stability and consistency of experience, exploring sensible solutions while keeping how games were played on the Switch 2 in mind. Through that process, we gained a very clear sense that an open-world experience of this scale can truly work across different environments. That realisation isn’t limited to Rebirth; it serves as a major source of validation for us as we take this series to its finish line as a trilogy.

With Remake, you’ve mentioned that lighting was crucial to ensuring the game looks so good on Switch 2. Was this the same for Rebirth, or did the open-world structure require a different approach?

Lighting is an important element in Rebirth, as it was in Remake. However, because Rebirth adopts an open-world structure with a much larger field scale, it’s a title where the amount of information being rendered at any given moment is higher. As a result, rather than making significant changes to lighting in isolation, our approach focused more on how to balance the overall rendering load.

The use of DLSS was indispensable in that regard and was readopted in Rebirth as it was in Remake. Neither of their modes relies on fixed resolutions and is instead designed based on dynamic resolution. In handheld mode, the internal resolution ranges between a maximum of 1344×756 and a minimum of 672×380. In docked mode, it ranges between a maximum of 1920×1080 and a minimum of 960×540, the same as Remake.

As for the compatibility between DLSS and hair rendering—which was a topic of discussion with Remake — for Rebirth, we took a slightly different approach. We didn’t fundamentally change the rendering technique itself, and applied subtle blur adjustments based on hair direction and density, aiming for the most natural balance possible under restricted conditions. While it’s not identical to the technique used in the PS5 version, we believe you’ll be able to feel the difference within the context of the Switch 2 environment.

FFVII Rebirth 3
Image: Square Enix

Speaking of open-world, did the larger scale of Rebirth cause any development headaches on Switch 2? What would you say was the biggest challenge?

The shift to an open world means the scale of the world in Rebirth is significantly different. This difference became the greatest challenge for the Switch 2’s port.

For Remake, we were able to maintain 30fps through adjustments to post-effects and fog, but because Rebirth dramatically increases the number of rendered meshes, we couldn’t implement the same thinking. For this reason, the background models themselves were optimised specifically for the Switch 2 in the port. We didn’t simply reduce the polygon counts; we made adjustments to the overall game structure by redesigning from the LOD (level of detail) stage, and reevaluating materials with heavy rendering loads from the ground up, etc.

We also adjusted the scale at which background LODs switch for the overall scene, ensuring the processing load wouldn’t spike suddenly even as draw distances increased. On top of that, we addressed these issues by identifying the conditions where processing loads tended to concentrate, determining cutoff points for minimising rendering of non-visible areas and reorganising the rendering order for the overall environment, etc.

By defining what absolutely needed to be preserved, then conducting tests based on real gameplay scenarios to identify and reproduce conditions where processing loads concentrated, we were able to address those issues one by one. It was through this cumulative process that we were able to achieve this stable frame rate.

Without going into spoilers, do you have a favourite scene or gameplay segment from Rebirth that you’d like to highlight for players?

I think the minigames pair exceptionally well with the Switch 2. Because they can be played in short sessions, they give rise to experiences that draw players in before they even realise it.

Take Queen’s Blood, for example. What starts as “just one match” flows into another. You think you’ll make a quick tweak to your deck, but you end up continuing to play. Picking up the game in handheld mode starts an organic chain of play sessions.

FFVII Rebirth 4
Image: Square Enix

How do you find the balance between extending the story of FFVII into three games whilst staying faithful to the original vision?

The greatest challenge was thoughtfully evaluating, title by title, how far to push “nostalgia” and “innovation” respectively, so they could work in balance.

For players familiar with the original game, I think what matters goes beyond the story arc itself—it’s the relationships between the characters, and the emotions they felt upon discovering this world. Those are elements we can’t afford to treat lightly. At the same time, for players discovering FFVII today, we needed to update the presentation and design to align with modern sensibilities; otherwise, the experience itself simply wouldn’t resonate. For this reason, we adopted modern approaches to visual expression while preserving the emotional core and character relationships that were beloved by many in the original game.

We want to capitalise on this cadence and moment to tie the experiences together without any gaps, from Remake to Rebirth to finally the third installment that lies beyond them.

Rather than framing this as a simple binary of whether to “preserve or change” something, we’ve continuously reevaluated how to interpret these notions of “nostalgia” and “innovation,” and how to express them. As we’ve expanded the story as a trilogy, that thinking has remained consistent. That’s our approach to making the Final Fantasy VII Remake series as a whole.

Rebirth is launching on Switch 2 just five months after Remake. What was the approach behind this, and does it feel like the right move?

The short span between releases was a deliberate choice. We view Remake and Rebirth not as completely separate titles, but as an experience unfolding within a single journey that follows one another. From the earliest stages of the remake project, each instalment was designed not to repeat the same experience, but to progressively expand the scale of gameplay. Remake focused on an experience that engages deeply with story and characters, while Rebirth continued that path and leaned even further into the sensation of journeying through the world.

With large-scale titles like this one, it’s common for a long gap to exist between the first and second instalments. However, because they were ports, we decided we could deliver them without leaving much of a gap. We want to capitalise on this cadence and moment to tie the experiences together without any gaps, from Remake to Rebirth to finally the third instalment that lies beyond them.

When we spoke in 2025, you mentioned that development on the third game was progressing well – you had finalised the story and begun working on the core gameplay. Without going into too much detail, can you provide an update on the game’s progress?

We’re very excited about how the game is currently progressing. I have already completed over 40 full playthroughs! I can’t wait for as many people as possible to experience the game for themselves, and myself and the team are working hard to ensure we can create an unforgettable gameplay experience.

FFVII Rebirth 5
Image: Square Enix

You must be so busy overseeing such an ambitious project. What do you do to relax during your downtime?

To be honest, it’s rare for me to make downtime with the intentional goal of “relaxing.” I play games and watch films, but sometimes I’m not even sure whether I’m purely enjoying them or engaging with them as part of my own creative process.

As a way of clearing my head, I’ve made it a habit to get off the train a few stops early and walk for about 30 minutes on the way home. While walking, my thoughts tend to connect in unexpected ways, and I’m able to make sense of things as a result. It’s also good for my physical health.

Are there any Switch 2 games you’ve been playing recently, or perhaps any that you’re looking forward to playing in the future?

Truthfully, the refinement work for the third instalment has been ramping up, and I haven’t been able to spend time with the Switch 2 after Donkey Kong Bananza. That said, there are a few titles that have piqued my interest that I’ve kept myself in the loop for.

For me, Final Fantasy VII is a truly special title that I’ve deeply admired, even as a creator. Because of that, I’ve always carried the belief that this remake series must live up to the expectations of fans who have continued to show their love for FFVII

Among them, Splatoon Raiders has particularly caught my attention. I’m interested in how it leverages an existing IP while expanding the game design itself, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it’ll balance its action gameplay and field design from the perspective of a game designer.

As you look ahead to the conclusion of the Remake Trilogy, how does it feel to bring such a significant chapter of your life to a close?

When I look back, the finish line of this project felt unimaginably far away when it first began. But now it feels like time has flown by surprisingly quickly, partly because our days in development were so packed and eventful.

For me, Final Fantasy VII is a truly special title that I’ve deeply admired, even as a creator. Because of that, I’ve always carried the belief that this remake series must live up to the expectations of fans who have continued to show their love for FFVII, and honour the efforts of my fellow creators who have run alongside me up until this point.

I, myself, have been involved with this project for over ten years, but with this final instalment, I feel a deep certainty that we’ll be able to deliver an experience that’ll make people think, “I’m glad I stayed with the series until the end.” That’s something I feel in my heart. For the many fans who have supported us over this long journey, I sincerely hope that the time you’ve spent following this story to its conclusion will stay with you, as something to cherish. My wish, from the bottom of my heart, is that we deliver a finale that’s worthy of that.

FFVII Rebirth 6
Image: Square Enix

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity. A huge thanks to Naoki Hamaguchi for taking the time to answer our questions. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth launches on Switch 2 on 3rd June 2026.

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s Internal Resolution Detailed For Switch 2

FF7 Rebirth
Image: Square Enix

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is storming toward its 3rd June 2026 release date for the Switch 2, and if you want to sample the game ahead of time, there’s a free demo available on the eShop right now.

Chances are, then, that you’ve already seen how the game holds up from a visual and performance point of view, either from your own experience or our recent hands-on impressions. But to give some more information, director Naoki Hamaguchi detailed the specific internal resolutions during a recent interview we conducted with him.

DLSS is doing some heavy lifting here, with the handheld internal resolution ranging between a maximum of 1344×756 and a minimum of 672×380 and the docked resolution ranging between a maximum of 1920×1080 and a minimum of 960×540.

For more context, here’s the full quote from Hamaguchi-san:

“Lighting is an important element in Rebirth, as it was in Remake. However, because Rebirth adopts an open-world structure with a much larger field scale, it’s a title where the amount of information being rendered at any given moment is higher. As a result, rather than making significant changes to lighting in isolation, our approach focused more on how to balance the overall rendering load.

“The use of DLSS was indispensable in that regard and was readopted in Rebirth as it was in Remake. Neither of their modes relies on fixed resolutions and is instead designed based on dynamic resolution. In handheld mode, the internal resolution ranges between a maximum of 1344×756 and a minimum of 672×380. In docked mode, it ranges between a maximum of 1920×1080 and a minimum of 960×540, the same as Remake.”

In our demo impressions piece, we did note that the performance raised a few concerns, stating that “closely examining some of the surrounding textures reveal things to be slightly lower-res than you might have hoped”. Overall, however, we’re exceptionally pleased with how Rebirth is shaping up on Nintendo’s console.

We also touched on the upcoming release of the untitled third entry of the remake trilogy with Hamaguchi-san, and he confirmed that he’s already completed “over 40 full playthroughs” during development.

Lots to be excited about, then, but for now, we’ve got our eyes firmly set on the release of Rebirth in just a handful of weeks. Be sure to check out our full interview with Hamaguchi-san for more information.

Are you excited to dive into Rebirth when it launches on Switch 2 in June? Share your thoughts with a comment down below.

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Final Fantasy VII Director Has Already Completed “Over 40 Full Playthroughs” Of The Third Game

Aerith
Image: Square Enix

Final Fantasy VII fans are eagerly awaiting news on the upcoming final instalment in the remake trilogy, but if you’re worried or anxious about the status of its development, then a recent comment from director Naoki Hamaguchi might bring you peace of mind.

We recently interviewed Hamaguchi-san and asked how the third game is progressing, and to our surprise, he confirmed that he’s already completed “over 40 full playthroughs”. That’s quite an accomplishment, but we imagine it’s probably necessary to ensure the experience works as intended and doesn’t contain any nasty surprises.

Here’s what he had to say:

“We’re very excited about how the game is currently progressing. I have already completed over 40 full playthroughs! I can’t wait for as many people as possible to experience the game for themselves, and myself and the team are working hard to ensure we can create an unforgettable gameplay experience.”

There’s no release date for the third entry yet (and we still don’t even know its full title), but we’re confident an announcement can’t be too far off at this point.

In fact, when questioned about the short gap between the release of Remake and Rebirth on Switch 2, Hamaguchi-san may have subtly hinted at the idea of closing the trilogy fairly soon after, maintaining a steady cadence of launches to tell the overarching story:

“With large-scale titles like this one, it’s common for a long gap to exist between the first and second instalments. However, because they were ports, we decided we could deliver them without leaving much of a gap. We want to capitalise on this cadence and moment to tie the experiences together without any gaps, from Remake to Rebirth to finally the third instalment that lies beyond them.”

Our full interview with Hamaguchi-san is available now, so be sure to check it out for more interesting tidbits of information from the remake trilogy’s director.

When do you think we’ll see an announcement from Square Enix for the third FFVII Remake entry? Let us know your thoughts with a comment.

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New ‘BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL!’ Rating Spotted In Taiwan

BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL!
Image: Nintendo

The ratings board is at it again, and this time it’s for a Nintendo-published title. But there’s a little bit of confusion as to what it actually means.

Resetera user –R has spotted a rating for Hal Laboratory’s BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! in Taiwan (via Knoebel on Bluesky). The lovely little puzzler is available on the Switch already, but this listing mentions Switch 2 as the platform.

However, the rating is dated 9th September 2025, which means it’s potentially been sitting in plain sight for a while. And, as some people have pointed out BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! launched in Taiwan on the same day as the rating.

Some of the more-hopeful fans are praying this is the real deal, mostly because of the extortionately-priced BOXBOY amiibo, which you’ll regularly see for sale online for over $400. A reissue for that would be amazing.

But really, what’s the deal here? Is BoxBoy! + BoxGirl! getting a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition? Or a Switch 2 port? It’s hard to say at this point. But we can look back at another game rating in Taiwan for a bit more of an idea.

A rating for Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition on Switch 2 was spotted earlier this week, but that one was dated for 29th April 2026. So it is a brand new one, and not one that has been sitting around for a few months.

So, as with all of these little announcements and leaks, our advice remains the same: take it with a pinch of salt.

Would you like to see a new BOXBOY game? Or would you be happy with some enhancements to BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! on Switch 2? Let us know in the comments.

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Animal Crossing’s Timmy & Tommy Are Getting Their Own LEGO Set This August

Timmy & Tommy's Fun Day Out
Image: LEGO

Here’s a cute little Nintendo Today! announcement we weren’t expecting: a brand new LEGO Animal Crossing set featuring our favourite tanuki nephew duo, Timmy & Tommy.

Arriving on 1st August, Timmy & Tommy’s Fun Day Out will cost $59.99 / £54.99 and features the pair fishing on a red bridge together. It’s pretty adorable!

The set contains 513 pieces, including models for both of the boys (in their New Horizons attire), a balloon present, flowers, a buildable bridge, and a little disc on the water that shows just where that pesky fish is — going under the bridge, of course.

When built, it’ll be 7.5 in. (20 cm) high, 9 in. (24 cm) wide and 5.5 in. (14 cm) deep.

It’s been a busy year for Nintendo LEGO sets already, with a range of 30th anniversary Pokémon sets, and a Luigi Mario Kart set. We also know we’re finally getting a Mario minifigure in 2027.

Of course, there’s also the range of LEGO furniture within Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

What do you think of the new LEGO set? Will you be grabbing it? Catch a fish in the comments and let us know.

Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.

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Resident Evil Requiem Director Breaks Down Players’ Camera Preferences

Grace
Image: Capcom

Resident Evil Requiem is quite unique in that it allows players to choose whether they experience the game in first or third-person.

In fact, you can experiment quite a bit with it, utilising different perspectives depending on whether you’re playing as Leon Kennedy or Grace Ashcroft. According to developer Koshi Nakanishi in an interview with Denfaminico Gamer (thanks, VGC), players were pretty keen to play as Leon in third-person, but were a little more indecisive with Grace.

If you’ve played Requiem, you’ll know that it recommends you play as Leon in third-person and Grace in first-person. However, Nakanishi states that about 90% of people play Leon’s scenario in third-person mode, while only 60% of players experienced Grace’s story in first-person, with 40% switching to third-person.

It’s likely that most people opted for third-person during Leon’s segments because his appearances in Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 also took the same approach. As for the 40% who switched Grace’s perspective to third-person, it’s possible that they just wanted some parity between the two scenarios. Well, either that or they were simply too scared to experience the horrors in first-person.

Nakanishi notes that players in Japan and other parts of Asia tend to prefer third-person games, while producer Masoto Kumazawa clarifies that the end results were largely in line with development expectations.

Still, very fascinating indeed!

What were your camera preferences when playing Resident Evil Requiem? Did you stick to the game’s recommendation? Let us know.

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Guide: Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Games & Accessories For May & June 2026

Yoshi
Image: Nintendo

As we slide into the middle of the year, James Bond might have slipped from his May release on Switch 2, but we’ve got both Indiana Jones and T. Yoshisaur Munchakoopas whipping their way to us this month, plus a bevvy of physical releases, large and small, across Switches 1 and 2.

Square Enix has a double helping of games to follow in June, too, so plenty to keep us going until July, when Nintendo has not one but two first-party games ready to go.

Below, we’ve highlighted the most exciting Switch 2 (and 1) games coming in the next couple of months. You’ll find more great games beneath our top picks, as well as a bunch of accessories.

Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.

New Switch 1 & 2 Games for May & June 2026

Indiana Jones & The Great Circle – May 12th (Switch 2)

MachineGames’ Indy adventure is finally arriving on a Nintendo console following its 2024 Xbox debut and its PlayStation launch last year.

It remains to be seen how Dr. Jones will hold up as he takes on the challenge of the Switch 2 port, but fingers crossed he’s got enough mileage left to go the distance.

The year is 1937, sinister forces are scouring the globe for the secret to an ancient power connected to the Great Circle, and only one person can stop them – Indiana Jones. You’ll become the legendary archaeologist in this cinematic action-adventure game from MachineGames, the award-winning studio behind the recent Wolfenstein series, and executive produced by Hall of Fame game designer Todd Howard.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book – May 21st (Switch 2)

This adorable-looking platformer channels the cuteness of Yoshi games like Woolly World and Crafted World, and we’re here for it.

This game also marks the first instance in the US where the digital version will be priced $10 cheaper than the physical ($59.99 versus $69.99).

Play as Yoshi and help a mysterious talking book named Mr. E remember the creatures living within his pages. Open him up, explore colorful habitats, and experiment with each creature to learn all kinds of surprising findings across every page.

On your journey, you might see Bowser Jr. popping up in habitats! What could he be up to…?

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – June 3rd (Switch 2)

Kicking off Square Enix’s one-two punch in June is this second round of FFVII remake featuring Cloud and co. reimagined on modern consoles. Originally launching for PS5 back in 2024, Rebirth is coming to Switch 2 and Xbox on 3rd June.

Physical lovers note: As with the rest of SE’s output, this one’s a Game-Key Card.

After escaping the dystopian city of Midgar, join Cloud and his friends on an epic journey across the planet in pursuit of Sephiroth. Ride chocobos, sprint across sweeping plains, and explore a vibrant, expansive world.
Experience new features and encounters as the story unfolds, culminating in the party’s journey to the Forgotten Capital from the original FINAL FANTASY VII.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales – June 18th (Switch 2)

And following after Rebirth is The Adventures of Elliot, an old-school Zelda-style affair that made a great first impression on us. (There’s a demo on the eShop if you’re keen to see it for yourself.)

Again, this one’s a Game-Key Card.

A brand-new action RPG from the creators of OCTOPATH TRAVELER and BRAVELY DEFAULT combines exciting action-adventure gameplay with stunning HD-2D for the first time! Join Elliot the adventurer and the fairy Faie in a journey through four ages.

More Upcoming Games for May & June 2026

As well as those picks above, there are plenty more Switch 1 & 2 retail games launching in the next couple of months (and a bit beyond).

New Switch 2 Accessories & eShop Credit

Finally, here’s a selection of Switch 2 accessories coming soon, and our Switch 2 buyer’s guides if you’re looking for something in particular.

Remember, you can also buy your Switch eShop credit and games from the Nintendo Life store. Purchases made on our store also help to support the site, so thank you in advance!


So that’s it for May and June — did we miss anything? Let us know with a comment and tell us if you’ve pre-ordered any of these goodies!