Dataminers have reportedly discovered a potential new in-game item for Pokémon GO that throws Pokéballs and spins Pokéstops automatically, potentially rendering a whole bunch of physical accessories obsolete.
As covered by IGN, code has been datamined by PokeMiners and posted in its Discord server, revealing the following description:
“A gadget that automatically throws Pokéballs and spins PokéStops for you while exploring.”
It’s admittedly not a lot to go on, so it remains to be seen just how this supposed ‘gadget’ might be implemented into the game – if it is indeed real.
Users on Reddit have speculated that it might be a premium feature limited to certain periods of time or specific events. There’s even speculation that different price tiers could be required for specific Pokéballs, like Great Balls or Ultra Balls.
That said, there’s also a degree of optimism around the potential addition, with many bemoaning the idea of carrying around a physical accessory and keeping it charged. In terms of price, however, it might be worth considering whether a one-time payment for an accessory is better than the piecemeal micro-transactions that may be required for the in-game variant.
Again, none of this is confirmed at the time of writing, but it’s something we’re keen to keep an eye on in the coming days and weeks.
Would you be interested in an in-game auto catch ability for Pokémon GO? Let us know with a comment.
Production on the upcoming Tomb Raider series from Amazon MGM Studios has reportedly been paused after its star, Sophie Turner, suffered what’s said to be a “minor injury”.
In a statement to Deadline, the studio said the following:
“Sophie Turner recently experienced a minor injury. As a precaution, production has briefly paused to allow her time to recover. We look forward to resuming production as soon as possible.”
It’s not known whether Turner sustained the injury on set, but sources claim that the pause is expected to last around two weeks, with the crew being paid for its full duration.
There is currently no word on when Tomb Raider is expected to released. Production began in January this year, with the likes of Jason Isaacs, Sigourney Weaver, Martin Bobb-Semple, and more joining Sophie Turner.
Meanwhile, a recent update to Tomb Raider I-III Remastered drew complaints that the added costumes were created with the help of AI assets. Developer Aspyr provided a statement to deny the allegations, but nevertheless resolved to fix the technical bugs that surfaced as a result of the update.
Are you looking forward to the new Tomb Raider series from Amazon? Let us know your thoughts with a comment down below.
The latest UK Charts data is here, and it’s mostly a bit of a wet lettuce this week, with EA SPORTS FC 26 taking the lead once again.
However, the launch of Super Mario Bros. Wonder on the Switch 2 has helped the game storm back into the top ten to land at number 8. Quite a feat considering it was at number 29 last week. Switch 2 garnered 63% of the platform split, with Switch 1 making up the remaining 37%.
Elsewhere, Pokémon Pokopia retains its position at number 6, while both Mario Kart World and Resident Evil Requiem jump up one spot each to grab the silver and bronze medals respectively. Requiem is still selling best on PC and PS5, though the Switch 2 is ahead of the Xbox Series X|S, at least.
Here’s the full top 40, with platform breakdowns for games available on Switch, Switch 2, and other consoles:
Last year, it was announced Pokémon’s Video Game Championships would shift across to Pokémon Champions in 2026.
With the “free-to-start” game’s release date now locked in for 8th April 2026, it’s been officially reconfirmed Pokémon’s VGC competitions will transition from Pokémon Scarlet & Violet to Champions as the “standard platform for all competitive matches” going forward.
The first major event putting Champions in the spotlight will be the Indianapolis Pokémon Regional Championships taking place in the US between 29th – 31st May 2026, with registration opening on 1st April 2026.
“VGC will transition to Pokémon Champions as the standard platform for all competitive matches with its launch on the Nintendo Switch systems on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.”
Image: The Pokémon Company
It’s also been confirmed that competitors won’t have to wait until the Indianapolis Regionals for an official event featuring Champions. ‘Global Challenge I’ will take place between 1st – 4th May 2026. Along with this, Champions will be used at some side events at Regional Championships during April and May.
As previously confirmed, this year’s Pokémon World Championships, taking place between 29th – 30th August 2026, will also use Pokémon Champions as its main battle platform. For more details about the regulation and format of the Pokémon VGC going forward, you can check out the Pokémon website.
Pokémon Champions will be available on the Switch, and Switch 2 users will also get a free update at launch featuring enhanced visual performance. This will follow with a mobile release at some point later this year.
How do you feel about Champions taking the spotlight in the competitive scene? Let us know in the comments.
The Switch 2 version of Digital Extremes’ free-to-play online action game Warframe launched this week, and as promised, it’s loaded with a bunch of next-generation enhancements.
If you haven’t already played it yourself, the development team has now shared its own side-by-side comparison trailer highlighting all of the improvements from higher resolution textures, “dramatically improved lighting”, DLSS support and a target frame rate of 60fps.
“The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Warframe lets you take your journey anywhere with a bevy of technical enhancements, including a target resolution of 1080p at 60 FPS, along with DLSS support, and much, much more.”
In comparison, the original release on the Switch averaged between 540p and 720p in docked mode, and the performance was 30fps.
In the Switch 2 version there is also Joy-Con 2 mouse support and other enhancements such as faster loading times. The Switch 2 release takes place alongside the game’s first major update of the year, “The Shadowgrapher“. Here’s a bit about what you can expect from this, along with a look:
“Our next standalone update will introduce the phenomenal 64th Warframe, Follie, along with her reality-blending, ink-based Abilities. Squad up and enter a canvas of chaos in the new Follie’s Hunt game mode, and witness the next, mecha-styled evolution of your favorite odd couple with the turbocharged Gauss Moto and imposing Grendel Turbis. Customize like never before with TennoGen Shadowgrapher and new cosmetic Mod variants known as Atragraphs.”
And if you log into Warframe on the Switch 2 between 25th March 2026 and 15th April 2026, you’ll also receive an “exclusive” Ambimanus Pack including the Vericres Warfan weapon, the Akomeogi Warfan weapon skin, Slicing Feathers Stance Mod, Affinity/Credit boosters and much more.
If you want to find out more about Warframe and what it has to offer, you can check out our review of the Switch version.
Will you be revisiting this title on the Switch 2? How are you finding the Switch 2 version so far? Tell us in the comments.
Back in February, we ran a series of polls to determine your very favourite Pokémon after 30 years of the franchise.
With 1025 known Pokémon at the time (this was before the reveal of the Gen 10 starters, and we’ve asked for your thoughts on those already), it was no mean feat to catch ’em all, so we divided it into Generational polls before a final showdown between the nine winners.
No spoilers here — check out the final battle for the overall winner — but we were pleasantly surprised by the variety in the nine finalists. Looking over the stats, though, it was interesting to see the Pokémon that literally nobody voted for.
During the 30th anniversary celebrations, we did look at 30 Pokémon we thought deserved more love, but today we’re rounding up the poor monsters that didn’t get a single vote from you lovely people. Not a bean!
At the bottom, you’ll find another poll letting you pick up to three of these 47 Pokémon which don’t deserve the shame of ‘nil point’. But before we get the word from our esteemed judges, Team NL will take a look at these poor also-rans. In National Pokédex order, we begin with a tough nut from Gen I…
NL staff key: Alana Hagues (AH), Jim Norman (JN), Ollie Reynolds (OR), Gavin Lane (GL)
Kakuna #0014
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
Maybe it’s Kakuna’s general ineffectiveness in battles and its mid-evolution status that means we never properly bonded. But that goes for #0011, too, and Metapod got chosen.
Maybe it’s those angry, waspy eyes that put you off, but whatever the reason, while both Weedle and Beedrill made off with some votes, no one rates this cocoon ‘mon highly.
Able to move only slightly. When endangered, it may stick out its stinger and poison its enemy.
GL
Machop #0066
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
Forgetting about the odd middle evolution, I can understand, but Machop? The Gen I fighter that kicks off one of the most troubling humanoid evolution lines in series history? Come on!
We’ve all had this little guy on our teams at some point, so I feel he’s been done a bit of a disservice to end up here.
Its whole body is composed of muscles. Even though it’s the size of a human child, it can hurl 100 grown-ups.
JN
Skiploom #0188
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
A Hop, A Jump, A… I’m sorry, I’m not really sure why people don’t love the gormless eyes and wonky smile of Skiploom. What is it with middle evolutions, people?
The lovely spring-time colour scheme, the ridiculous ears — it doesn’t really make sense. But honestly, it’s the perfect middle ground between Hoppip and Jumpluff for me.
It spreads its petals to absorb sunlight. It also floats in the air to get closer to the sun.
AH
Pineco #0204
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
When people point to uninspired designs in later gens, I always refer back to Gen II’s Pineco. It’s just a stony-looking pinecone with an uninspired name!
Wait, what’s that? It’s meant to be a Bagworm?
Its evolution was a defensive powerhouse at one point, and its Pokédex entries certainly give it a more-fearsome edge than its initial design suggests. It’s just lacking a little imagination. Bug-types have certainly improved over the decades.
It likes to make its shell thicker by adding layers of tree bark. The additional weight doesn’t bother it.
AH
Granbull #0210
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
Sometimes, when one evolutionary stage of a Pokémon has a bit of notoriety, the other forms suffer. Snubbull didn’t particularly shine in our Gen II poll, but the Fairy-type (formerly Normal-type) has been around since before Gold & Silver even came out.
Granbull is also drastically different in its design, shedding its pink frock for a much more intimidating look. But like any good pupper, it’s actually pretty timid if you give it a chance. So maybe don’t judge a book by its cover?
It is actually timid and easily spooked. If attacked, it flails about to fend off its attacker.
AH
Remoraid #0223
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
Okay, I get it. One glance at Remoraid and I can understand why it didn’t garner any votes. It’s a pretty basic fish Pokémon, and when you’ve got the utterly iconic Magikarp hoovering up the votes, it’s hard to compete.
Still, think of what it evolves into! An octopus! It makes no sense, and it’s brilliant!
The water they shoot from their mouths can hit moving prey from more than 300 feet away.
OR
Silcoon #0266
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
Similarly to Kakuna and Metapod, why is it that Cascoon gets votes over Silcoon? Is it that pure white is boring? Or that Beautifly is less interesting than Dustox?
Admittedly, only one of you voted for the purple equivalent, but what split the difference here? Really?
Silcoon was thought to endure hunger and not consume anything before its evolution. However, it is now thought that this Pokémon slakes its thirst by drinking rainwater that collects on its silk.
AH
Nincada #0290
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
People were already getting tired of ‘standard Pokémon bugs’ by Gen III, but you can’t forget about Nincada! Ninjask is one of the coolest-looking bugs out there, and I wouldn’t have it without this basic form before it. Respect the roots, guys!
Because it lived almost entirely underground, it is nearly blind. It uses its antennae instead
JN
Whismur #0293
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
This pink little fella might be able to make a sound as loud as a jet plane, but they didn’t make enough noise for you to consider voting for them.
And look, if Loudred and Exploud can both get votes (how??), then why not this cutie?
Whismur is very timid. If it starts to cry loudly, it becomes startled by its own crying and cries even harder. When it finally stops crying, the Pokémon goes to sleep, all tired out.
AH
Meditite #0307
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
Meditite’s Fighting / Psychic combo made it a mean little combination in Gen III. I can only assume that this fella got overlooked in favour of its (admittedly, very cool-looking) evolution, Medicham, but I can’t forget about this little cutie.
It never skips its daily yoga training. It heightens its inner strength through meditation
JN
Illumise #0314
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
When there are “twin” Pokémon like Plusle and Minun and one doesn’t get any votes, it’s a little confusing. Volbeat may have received a single vote, but that’s more than Illumise, who is essentially the same ‘mon, just… purple?
Okay, that’s maybe not fair – Illumise is more of a Special Attack-focused ‘mon. Well, if you want to make things difficult. It looks happier in the key art! It has smaller antennae… I’m trying here!
Illumise uses its sweet scent to guide Volbeat, having them form over 200 patterns in the night sky.
AH
Carvanha #0318
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
Evidently, Sharpedo has some fans (17 of you voted for the terrifying Water/Dark-type), so why not Carvanha? It’s got a savage design, and hints at the threatening aura of its evolution.
Okay, so there’s a lot of fish in Hoenn, but surely Carvanha stands out from the pack?
If anything invades Carvanha’s territory, it will swarm and tear at the intruder with its pointed fangs. On its own, however, this Poémon turns suddenly timid.
AH
Barboach #0339
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
Loaches aren’t the most inspiring creatures on our planet, so Barboach had a bit of a steep hill to climb to begin with. It’s a lovely, unique Pokémon though, and I reckon if you actually saw one of these while out and about, you’d stop and go ‘ooh!”.
Okay, maybe you wouldn’t, but I like it.
Its two whiskers provide a sensitive radar. Even in muddy waters, it can detect its prey’s location.
OR
Baltoy #0343
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
Turns out, even if an Elite Four member has your evolution, sometimes others don’t care. Baltoy is like an ancient balancing toy, and could easily be a fossil of some sort as it’s based on ancient Japanese figurines.
Its clicky cry and strong evolution should’ve earned it at least one vote; and look, if you’re curious, they can spin on their heads, too.
It moves while spinning around on its single foot. Some Baltoy have been seen spinning on their heads.
AH
Anorith #0347
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
Pokémon’s second stab at Fossils are a lot more creative, so I’m shocked that no one gave some love to this bug-eyed ‘Old Shrimp’.
There’s something endearing about its eight wings, big eyes, and vulnerability to water despite having Swift Swim and apparently being an underwater ‘mon back in the day. But apparently Armaldo, Lileep, and Cradily are a lot better. According to you all.
This Pokémon was restored from a fossil. Anorith lived in the ocean about 100,000,000 years ago, hunting with its pair of claws.
AH
Huntail #0367
Image: Nintendo Life / The Pokémon Company
Unless you had a friend and a GBA link cable, you probably never saw Huntail and Gorebyss. But while the pink-coloured eel managed to gain a few supporters, its scarier-looking cousin fared worse.
There are also a lot of Water-types to choose from in Gen III, so Huntail’s fearsome design and fish-shaped tail – used to attract prey – aren’t exactly unique. I quite like it, but I do think more could’ve been done with Clamperl’s evolutions. Maybe Gen X is the time?
It’s not the strongest swimmer. It wags its tail to lure in its prey and then gulps them down as soon as they get close.
AH
Head to page two for the next batch of love-lacking ‘mon…
Well hi there, and welcome to another edition of Box Art Brawl!
Last week, we checked out Resident Evil: Code Veronica X for the GameCube, and would you believe it, we have a tie! Yes, both North America and Europe bagged 38% of the vote each, leaving Japan trailing with 25%. We’re not entirely surprised by the result, since both Western designs are absolute bangers in this case. Well done to both!
This week, we’re sticking with the GameCube to look at Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO, the 2002 port of the arcade original. Now, the ‘EO’ in the title supposedly means ‘Easy Operation’ in Japan and ‘Extreme Offence’ in the West, though both refer to a newly added mode that dials down the difficulty for newcomers.
Europe and Japan share the same box art this week, so we’re back to a good ol’ duel. So take a peek at the designs below, cast your vote in the poll, and submit a 5,000-word essay on the reasoning behind your choice. Detention for those who fail.
North America opted to omit the ‘obvious’ characters like Ryu or Terry from the box art, instead giving Kyosuke Kagami and Kim Kaphwan the spotlight, flanked by two additional fighters in the background. Doesn’t Sagat look weirdly jovial too? Kinda like he’s spotted a puppy prancing along outside of view.
Okay, so here we’ve got Haohmaru from Samurai Showdown fame front and centre above the game’s logo. In the background, meanwhile, is Ryu representing Capcom on the left and Kyo Kusanagi representing SNK on the right. The overall style is very similar to the North American design, albeit with more stylised effects going on. It’s nice!
Which region got the best Capcom vs SNK 2 EO box art? (1,327 votes)
North America47%
Europe / Japan53%
Thank you for voting! We’ll see you next week for another edition of Box Art Brawl!
SnowRunner, a follow up to MudRunner where you drive power vehicles and overcome extreme open environments, looks like it could be making a return on the Switch 2.
A Game-Key Card release for Nintendo’s new platform has been spotted on Amazon. It’s also popping up on other web pages. There’s no official announcement from Focus Home or Saber Interactive about the game coming to the hybrid hardware, but if we hear anything we’ll let you know. It’s apparently arriving at some point this year.
“Get ready for the next-generation off-road experience! SnowRunner puts you in the driver’s seat of powerful vehicles as you conquer extreme open environments with the most advanced terrain simulation ever. Drive 40 vehicles from brands such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Freightliner as you leave your mark on an untamed open world. Overcome mud, torrential waters, snow, and frozen lakes while taking on perilous contracts and missions. Expand and customize your fleet with many upgrades and accessories including an exhaust snorkel for heavy waters or chain tires to battle the snow. Ride solo or with other players in 4-player co-operative!”
This game originally launched for the Switch in 2021. We didn’t mind it, although we did note how the graphics were blurry at times and the pop-in was frequent. Since the arrival of the Switch 2, some fans have reported an improved experience with the Switch game, so a dedicated Switch 2 version would likely take it to another level.
Of course, nothing has been officially announced at this stage, so if we hear any updates, we’ll let you know.
Would you be interested in this game on the Switch 2? Have you played the Switch version? Tell us in the comments.
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game was announced last year and it’s now been confirmed it will be coming to the Switch 1 & 2 on 2nd July 2026.
It includes a single-player story mode, 900+ hand-drawn frames per fighter, a 12-fighter roster, rollback netcode and crossplay support. The standard edition will set you back $29.99 (or your regional equivalent). There’s also a deluxe edition and pre-order bonuses, which you can see in the trailer above.
If this is your first time hearing about this title, it’s described as a “fast-paced 1v1 fighter where you battle as your favourite characters from the Avatar franchise”. You can find out more about this upcoming release in our previous post here on Nintendo Life:
Will you be checking this one out on release? Let us know in the comments.
Pokémon Champions launches as a “free-to-start” game on the Switch next month, and although Nintendo hasn’t officially announced the pricing just yet, the first details have reportedly surfaced at PAX East in the US this weekend.
As highlighted by Nintendo Everything, YouTube Channel ‘PanFro Games’ apparently got some information about the pricing model for the US market at the Nintendo booth. Here’s the rundown via ‘rasenburst’ on social media:
$9.99 for the Starter Pack • Increase Box Space from 30 to 80 • Battle! Trainer from LGPE exclusive song • Earn 50 Training Tickets and 30 Quick Tickets • Can be bought at anytime
$0 for the Battle Pass • Earn rewards at the end of the season by accumulating Season Points in Ranked Bsttke
$6.99 for the Premium Battle Pass • Unlock extra rewards on the Battle Pass that you would otherwise have to buy in the Shop • Exclusive clothing
$49.99 for a 12-Month Membership
• Store more Pokémon in their Box • Have more Battle Teams usable at one time • Unlock membership-exclusive missions • Unlock membership-exclusive battle songs
Once again, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have not officially shared or announced any of the pricing details at this stage, so the prices above may not reflect the prices at launch. When a more formal update is provided, or the pricing goes live on the eShop, we’ll let you know.
What are your thoughts about these costs if they are the real deal? Tell us in the comments.
