Nintendo has announced a new ‘Choose Your Game’ console bundle for the Switch 2, launching at participating retailers in North America in early June for $499.99.
So essentially, you get the Switch 2 console itself plus a download code from a selection of three potential games: Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Pokémon Pokopia. The offer saves you up to $29.99 when compared to purchasing an extra game separately.
Nintendo has not stated for how long the bundle will be available beyond a rather vague “limited time while supplies last”, but it’s likely to last for the Summer months only given that the Switch 2 on its own will be going up to $499.99 from 1st September 2026.
You probably don’t need a reminder, but here’s Nintendo’s description of each available game:
– Mario Kart World is the biggest Mario Kart game yet! Hit the open road with Mario and friends across a vast interconnected environment, where players can race seamlessly across connected courses that deliver Mario Kart racing like never before. Packed with places to go, races to win and the ability to explore the in-game world at your own pace, Mario Kart World is fast-paced fun (or leisurely exploring) for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
– Donkey Kong Bananza features (literal) ground-breaking exploration as you destroy your way through layer after layer as Donkey Kong and Pauline. With DK’s brute force and Pauline’s special singing abilities, you can crash through walls, carve tunnels with your fists, punch straight down into the ground, and even tear off chunks of terrain to swing around and throw. The more you smash, the more areas open up to explore. Pauline’s singing can also empower Donkey Kong with different Bananza Transformations, each with its own unique power. Join them as they delve deep underground – and discover that this subterranean world is a lot more than it seems on the surface.
– Pokémon Pokopia is a charming life sim where you play as a Ditto who has transformed to look like a human and is trying to restore a withered world using their transformation skills and new crafting abilities. Get nice and cozy while you craft, create, build and befriend a variety of Pokémon in an empty land brimming with promising possibilities.
So if you’re concerned about the incoming price hikes, then you might want to take advantage of this bundle when it goes live in early June.
In case you missed it, Nintendo also announced a Pokémon Pokopia bundle for those residing in Australia. This will also launch in June but, as indicated by the name, won’t offer the same selection of games, instead limiting it to a download code for Pokopia.
Will you be grabbing this new ‘Choose Your Game’ bundle when it launches in the US next month? Let us know with a comment.
When we recently reported on GameStop’s bid to acquire eBay for a cool $55.5 billion, many of you were understandably sceptical. How could such an offer be made when GameStop’s own value is significantly lower than eBay’s?
Well, it turns out that eBay itself isn’t too keen on the idea either. In a letter to GameStop’s CEO Ryan Cohen, Paul S. Pressler, chairman of the board of directors at eBay, outright rejected the takeover bid as “neither credible nor attractive” (thanks, IGN).
Here’s the letter in full:
Dear Mr. Cohen,
The Board, with the support of its independent advisors, has thoroughly reviewed your proposal and has determined to reject it.
We have concluded that your proposal is neither credible nor attractive. We have taken into account such factors as 1) eBay’s standalone prospects, 2) the uncertainty regarding your financing proposal, 3) the impact of your proposal on eBay’s long-term growth and profitability, 4) the leverage, operational risks, and leadership structure of a combined entity, 5) the resulting implications of these factors on valuation, and 6) GameStop’s governance and executive incentives.
eBay is a strong, resilient business that has delivered meaningful results over the past several years. We have sharpened our strategic focus, strengthened execution, enhanced our marketplace and seller experience, and consistently returned capital to shareholders. With its differentiated global marketplace and a clear strategy, eBay’s Board is confident that the company, under its current management team, is well-positioned to continue to drive sustainable growth, execute with discipline, and deliver long-term value for our shareholders.
Our team remains focused on executing our strategy and driving our business forward in the best interests of the company, our shareholders, our employees, and millions of buyers and sellers around the world.
Sincerely,
/s/ Paul S. Pressler
Paul S. Pressler Chairman of the Board of Directors, eBay
Ryan Cohen is unlikely to go down without a fight, mind you, since he previously indicated his intention to go straight to the shareholders in the event his bid is rejected. Cohen’s reasoning behind the bid was simple: he wants to turn eBay into a more significantly competitor to the eCommerce juggernaut Amazon.
At this rate though, it sounds like he may want to come up with a ‘plan B’. Indeed, Cohen was so adamant about his intention to buy eBay, he even launched a publicity stunt in which he sold items like baseball caps and socks on the site in an effort to ‘raise funds’. He listed items at such ridiculous values that it eventually led to him being suspended altogether.
What do you make of eBay’s response to the GameStop takeover bid? Was it expected? Leave a comment with your thoughts in the usual place.
When we recently reported on GameStop’s bid to acquire eBay for a cool $55.5 billion, many of you were understandably sceptical. How could such an offer be made when GameStop’s own value is significantly lower than eBay’s?
Well, it turns out that eBay itself isn’t too keen on the idea either. In a letter to GameStop’s CEO Ryan Cohen, Paul S. Pressler, chairman of the board of directors at eBay, outright rejected the takeover bid as “neither credible nor attractive” (thanks, IGN).
Here’s the letter in full:
Dear Mr. Cohen,
The Board, with the support of its independent advisors, has thoroughly reviewed your proposal and has determined to reject it.
We have concluded that your proposal is neither credible nor attractive. We have taken into account such factors as 1) eBay’s standalone prospects, 2) the uncertainty regarding your financing proposal, 3) the impact of your proposal on eBay’s long-term growth and profitability, 4) the leverage, operational risks, and leadership structure of a combined entity, 5) the resulting implications of these factors on valuation, and 6) GameStop’s governance and executive incentives.
eBay is a strong, resilient business that has delivered meaningful results over the past several years. We have sharpened our strategic focus, strengthened execution, enhanced our marketplace and seller experience, and consistently returned capital to shareholders. With its differentiated global marketplace and a clear strategy, eBay’s Board is confident that the company, under its current management team, is well-positioned to continue to drive sustainable growth, execute with discipline, and deliver long-term value for our shareholders.
Our team remains focused on executing our strategy and driving our business forward in the best interests of the company, our shareholders, our employees, and millions of buyers and sellers around the world.
Sincerely,
/s/ Paul S. Pressler
Paul S. Pressler Chairman of the Board of Directors, eBay
Ryan Cohen is unlikely to go down without a fight, mind you, since he previously indicated his intention to go straight to the shareholders in the event his bid is rejected. Cohen’s reasoning behind the bid was simple: he wants to turn eBay into a more significantly competitor to the eCommerce juggernaut Amazon.
At this rate though, it sounds like he may want to come up with a ‘plan B’. Indeed, Cohen was so adamant about his intention to buy eBay, he even launched a publicity stunt in which he sold items like baseball caps and socks on the site in an effort to ‘raise funds’. He listed items at such ridiculous values that it eventually led to him being suspended altogether.
What do you make of eBay’s response to the GameStop takeover bid? Was it expected? Leave a comment with your thoughts in the usual place.
Indiana Jones is a multi-generational icon, and the weight of developing a new entry in the franchise must be as intimidating as a rolling boulder. He’s a character that has permeated every facet of media since he first found the Ark of the Covenant back in 1981.
The impact of his legacy in video games cannot be understated, either. After all, medium-defining icon Lara Croft and her tomb-raiding contemporaries would not exist without Henry Jones Jr. setting the standard. Indy’s own videogame outings have been mixed, with plenty of misfires (I’m looking at you, Staff of Kings) and at least one classic in 1992’s Fate of Atlantis. Now, MachineGames has a (whip) crack at the character, bringing the cinematic storytelling and brutal action it honed with its Wolfenstein cycle, to create a genuine blockbuster of a game.
Captured on Nintendo Switch 2 (Docked)
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle perfectly embodies the old-fashioned adventuring spirit that makes the series such an enduring cultural presence. Following its Xbox debut in 2024 and PS5 port in 2025, thankfully, it arrives on Switch 2 in a state as handsome as ’80s-era Harrison Ford, complete with the odd scar or two.
After a tutorial that lovingly recreates the iconic opening of Raiders of the Lost Ark, we rejoin Indiana Jones in 1937 as he investigates a break-in at Marshall College. A mysterious symbol worn by an imposingly large thief (played by the late, great Tony Todd) sends him to Vatican City. There, he teams up with Journalist Gina Lombardi and uncovers a secret conspiracy to protect a geographical phenomenon known as the Great Circle.
This being 1937, you can bet the Nazis want to harness the supernatural power behind these interconnected sites of intrigue. From Rome, Indy travels to Egypt, Siam, Iraq, and several other locations around the globe, attempting to protect the secret of the Great Circle from a villainous archaeologist and his swastika-wearing buddies.
A first-person adventure, the main campaign is big in every sense of the word, with a good balance of exploration, combat, and archaeological puzzling. There’s a surprising amount of visually diverse locales filled with side quests and collectibles. MachineGames builds on the semi-open-world design it experimented with in its previous titles, making each location Indy visits a hub of activity and discovery. Every level has a clear identity, right down to the local delicacies that give Indy a boost of health and stamina.
Captured on Nintendo Switch 2 (Handheld/Undocked)
Progressing the story is required to fully unlock these areas, but plundering each map for everything it has will significantly extend the game’s lifespan beyond the 15-20 hour main adventure (“it ain’t the years, honey, it’s the mileage”). It’s also worth noting that the Order Of The Giants DLC is available (though not included) at launch and brings a five-hour story that has Indy exploring Roman catacombs.
These beautiful locations are not just populated by opulent buildings and diverse wildlife; they are crawling with enemies. Disguises help Indy move through areas safely, but there will be times when you need to poke around areas you shouldn’t. Professor Jones can either sneak around or confront bad guys head-on.
Sneaking is usually the smarter option, as raising an alarm will send a battalion of jackboots swarming his position. Indy is not BJ Blazkowicz; he cannot dual-wield automatic weapons, and ammo is usually not plentiful on Egyptian dig sites.
When stealth fails, melee combat becomes your go-to for dispatching enemies. This is where Indiana Jones and the Great Circle really sings. The loud crash of a fist impacting someone’s face will be familiar to anyone who has enjoyed Indy’s cinematic adventures. Then there’s the satisfying crack of his trusty whip as it disarms an enemy, leaving them open to attack with anything handy lying around.
There is such a diverse collection of items you can use to hit someone that half the fun of a combat encounter is deciding which comical weapon to use. Bottles, hammers, guitars, flyswatters – the list goes on. Of all the things I expected from an Indiana Jones game, beating a man half to death with a paintbrush was not one of them.
There are guns, of course, and they feel just as good to shoot as Indy’s fists feel to throw, but resources are scarce enough that mowing down Nazis with a Winchester 1887 is a rare treat.
In addition to the brilliant sound design, bolstered by a gorgeous musical score that makes great use of John Williams’ themes, I can’t get through this review without calling attention to Troy Baker, who manages to transcend mere impression with his performance as Indy. Baker nails the world-weary confidence of the title character and his voice is essential to the overall authenticity of the experience. Special mention must also go to Mario Gavrilis as the oddball main antagonist, Emerich Voss.
Captured on Nintendo Switch 2 (Docked)
It’s not all fortune and glory, though; archaeology is a messy business. Combat can be frustrating at times, thanks in no small part to an item selection system that will have you mashing the D-pad to try and bandage yourself up mid-fight and accidentally eating a prickly pear.
There are plenty of upgrades and perks to increase survivability (like reviving by donning Indy’s hat), but on the higher end of the game’s four difficulty levels, getting into a fight can be a slog. Thankfully, there are some nice accessibility options, like auto parry, that can stop Indiana taking such a pummelling.
One thing that doesn’t take a beating is the Switch 2, which handles this huge, stunning game with enthusiasm. Alongside the surprising presence of both gyro and mouse controls, the devs have taken great care in not compromising the spectacle of this adventure. An obvious performance caveat is the 30fps lock, with MachineGames choosing the lower frame tradeoff to preserve overall visual quality.
Captured on Nintendo Switch 2 (Handheld/Undocked)
The devs state that resolution is 1080p docked and 720p handheld, with DLSS on hand as usual to pick up the slack. Despite the lower frame rate, this version stands up surprisingly well. Frames remained stable throughout my playthrough and the only visual hiccup was some occasional texture pop-in when running through open areas. It’s extremely impressive to play a game like this in handheld mode, and while the visuals are noticeably downgraded out of the dock, it still looks and sounds great.
Conclusion
A globe-trotting adventure with compelling exploration, crunchy melee, and tomb-raiding puzzles. With a great story and sky-high production value, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an authentic new franchise entry with a capable lead in Troy Baker. And despite taking the odd hit, the Switch 2 port holds its own admirably.
Indiana Jones is a multi-generational icon, and the weight of developing a new entry in the franchise must be as intimidating as a rolling boulder. He’s a character that has permeated every facet of media since he first found the Ark of the Covenant back in 1981.
The impact of his legacy in video games cannot be understated, either. After all, medium-defining icon Lara Croft and her tomb-raiding contemporaries would not exist without Henry Jones Jr. setting the standard. Indy’s own videogame outings have been mixed, with plenty of misfires (I’m looking at you, Staff of Kings) and at least one classic in 1992’s Fate of Atlantis. Now, MachineGames has a (whip) crack at the character, bringing the cinematic storytelling and brutal action it honed with its Wolfenstein cycle, to create a genuine blockbuster of a game.
Captured on Nintendo Switch 2 (Docked)
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle perfectly embodies the old-fashioned adventuring spirit that makes the series such an enduring cultural presence. Following its Xbox debut in 2024 and PS5 port in 2025, thankfully, it arrives on Switch 2 in a state as handsome as ’80s-era Harrison Ford, complete with the odd scar or two.
After a tutorial that lovingly recreates the iconic opening of Raiders of the Lost Ark, we rejoin Indiana Jones in 1937 as he investigates a break-in at Marshall College. A mysterious symbol worn by an imposingly large thief (played by the late, great Tony Todd) sends him to Vatican City. There, he teams up with Journalist Gina Lombardi and uncovers a secret conspiracy to protect a geographical phenomenon known as the Great Circle.
This being 1937, you can bet the Nazis want to harness the supernatural power behind these interconnected sites of intrigue. From Rome, Indy travels to Egypt, Siam, Iraq, and several other locations around the globe, attempting to protect the secret of the Great Circle from a villainous archaeologist and his swastika-wearing buddies.
A first-person adventure, the main campaign is big in every sense of the word, with a good balance of exploration, combat, and archaeological puzzling. There’s a surprising amount of visually diverse locales filled with side quests and collectibles. MachineGames builds on the semi-open-world design it experimented with in its previous titles, making each location Indy visits a hub of activity and discovery. Every level has a clear identity, right down to the local delicacies that give Indy a boost of health and stamina.
Captured on Nintendo Switch 2 (Handheld/Undocked)
Progressing the story is required to fully unlock these areas, but plundering each map for everything it has will significantly extend the game’s lifespan beyond the 15-20 hour main adventure (“it ain’t the years, honey, it’s the mileage”). It’s also worth noting that the Order Of The Giants DLC is available (though not included) at launch and brings a five-hour story that has Indy exploring Roman catacombs.
These beautiful locations are not just populated by opulent buildings and diverse wildlife; they are crawling with enemies. Disguises help Indy move through areas safely, but there will be times when you need to poke around areas you shouldn’t. Professor Jones can either sneak around or confront bad guys head-on.
Sneaking is usually the smarter option, as raising an alarm will send a battalion of jackboots swarming his position. Indy is not BJ Blazkowicz; he cannot dual-wield automatic weapons, and ammo is usually not plentiful on Egyptian dig sites.
When stealth fails, melee combat becomes your go-to for dispatching enemies. This is where Indiana Jones and the Great Circle really sings. The loud crash of a fist impacting someone’s face will be familiar to anyone who has enjoyed Indy’s cinematic adventures. Then there’s the satisfying crack of his trusty whip as it disarms an enemy, leaving them open to attack with anything handy lying around.
There is such a diverse collection of items you can use to hit someone that half the fun of a combat encounter is deciding which comical weapon to use. Bottles, hammers, guitars, flyswatters – the list goes on. Of all the things I expected from an Indiana Jones game, beating a man half to death with a paintbrush was not one of them.
There are guns, of course, and they feel just as good to shoot as Indy’s fists feel to throw, but resources are scarce enough that mowing down Nazis with a Winchester 1887 is a rare treat.
In addition to the brilliant sound design, bolstered by a gorgeous musical score that makes great use of John Williams’ themes, I can’t get through this review without calling attention to Troy Baker, who manages to transcend mere impression with his performance as Indy. Baker nails the world-weary confidence of the title character and his voice is essential to the overall authenticity of the experience. Special mention must also go to Mario Gavrilis as the oddball main antagonist, Emerich Voss.
Captured on Nintendo Switch 2 (Docked)
It’s not all fortune and glory, though; archaeology is a messy business. Combat can be frustrating at times, thanks in no small part to an item selection system that will have you mashing the D-pad to try and bandage yourself up mid-fight and accidentally eating a prickly pear.
There are plenty of upgrades and perks to increase survivability (like reviving by donning Indy’s hat), but on the higher end of the game’s four difficulty levels, getting into a fight can be a slog. Thankfully, there are some nice accessibility options, like auto parry, that can stop Indiana taking such a pummelling.
One thing that doesn’t take a beating is the Switch 2, which handles this huge, stunning game with enthusiasm. Alongside the surprising presence of both gyro and mouse controls, the devs have taken great care in not compromising the spectacle of this adventure. An obvious performance caveat is the 30fps lock, with MachineGames choosing the lower frame tradeoff to preserve overall visual quality.
Captured on Nintendo Switch 2 (Handheld/Undocked)
The devs state that resolution is 1080p docked and 720p handheld, with DLSS on hand as usual to pick up the slack. Despite the lower frame rate, this version stands up surprisingly well. Frames remained stable throughout my playthrough and the only visual hiccup was some occasional texture pop-in when running through open areas. It’s extremely impressive to play a game like this in handheld mode, and while the visuals are noticeably downgraded out of the dock, it still looks and sounds great.
Conclusion
A globe-trotting adventure with compelling exploration, crunchy melee, and tomb-raiding puzzles. With a great story and sky-high production value, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an authentic new franchise entry with a capable lead in Troy Baker. And despite taking the odd hit, the Switch 2 port holds its own admirably.
Pocketpair, the Japanese developer behind the controversial yet popular title Palworld, has filed a new trademark as its legal battle with Nintendo continues.
As reported by Gematsu, the trademark for ‘Palworld Online’ was submitted on 24th April 2026 in South Korea and 27th April 2026 in the US. Now, we know what you’re probably thinking: the game already features online play in the form of 4-player co-op play or via 32-player dedicated servers, right?
Yes, and so it’s likely that Palworld Online will be the official name for the game’s multiplayer mode when it leaves early access later this year for its big 1.0 update. Of course, if it’s anything more – like a completely separate game – then we’ll be sure to let you know.
In the meantime, Nintendo continues to face hurdles in its efforts to create patents to seemingly undermine Pocketpair and Palworld. Just recently, the US Patent Office rejected Nintendo’s ‘summon character and let it fight’ patent after director John Squires ordered it to be re-examined.
Nintendo still has time to respond and appeal, but it’s yet another indication that the company had perhaps overestimated its ability to monopolise game mechanics.
We’ll bring you more details on the Nintendo vs. Pocketpair debacle as soon as we hear more.
What do you make of this? Is Palworld destined to succeed against Nintendo’s ongoing efforts? Let us know with a comment.
Pocketpair, the Japanese developer behind the controversial yet popular title Palworld, has filed a new trademark as its legal battle with Nintendo continues.
As reported by Gematsu, the trademark for ‘Palworld Online’ was submitted on 24th April 2026 in South Korea and 27th April 2026 in the US. Now, we know what you’re probably thinking: the game already features online play in the form of 4-player co-op play or via 32-player dedicated servers, right?
Yes, and so it’s likely that Palworld Online will be the official name for the game’s multiplayer mode when it leaves early access later this year for its big 1.0 update. Of course, if it’s anything more – like a completely separate game – then we’ll be sure to let you know.
In the meantime, Nintendo continues to face hurdles in its efforts to create patents to seemingly undermine Pocketpair and Palworld. Just recently, the US Patent Office rejected Nintendo’s ‘summon character and let it fight’ patent after director John Squires ordered it to be re-examined.
Nintendo still has time to respond and appeal, but it’s yet another indication that the company had perhaps overestimated its ability to monopolise game mechanics.
We’ll bring you more details on the Nintendo vs. Pocketpair debacle as soon as we hear more.
What do you make of this? Is Palworld destined to succeed against Nintendo’s ongoing efforts? Let us know with a comment.
Although Sega has officially axed its “Super Game”, according to Sega Sammy’s latest financial results presentation, its new titles and revival projects are still in the pipeline.
The slide presentation for fiscal year ended March 2026, confirms Sega still has “upcoming plans” for multiple classic IP. This includes games for Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio and Streets of Rage – with official titles and release dates to be revealed in the future.
Along with this, it confirmed the “New” Virtua Fighter Project is arriving at some point in the future, and it’s being joined by the Persona 4 Revival, Alien: Isolation, two Total War announcements, and Stranger Than Heaven, which is due out this Winter.
Image: Sega Sammy
A bunch of movie and animation plans are also listed. Apart from Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (due out March 2027), it’s currently got Golden Axe, Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Eternal Champions, The House of the Dead and OutRun planned.
So far, Sega has released a new Shinobi game on Switch and given fans an early look at the revival of IP such as Jet Set Radio.
Are you looking forward to Sega bringing back this classic IP? What other Sega franchises would you like to see make a return? Let us know in the comments.
Although Sega has officially axed its “Super Game”, according to Sega Sammy’s latest financial results presentation, its new titles and revival projects are still in the pipeline.
The slide presentation for fiscal year ended March 2026, confirms Sega still has “upcoming plans” for multiple classic IP. This includes games for Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio and Streets of Rage – with official titles and release dates to be revealed in the future.
Along with this, it confirmed the “New” Virtua Fighter Project is arriving at some point in the future, and it’s being joined by the Persona 4 Revival, Alien: Isolation, two Total War announcements, and Stranger Than Heaven, which is due out this Winter.
Image: Sega Sammy
A bunch of movie and animation plans are also listed. Apart from Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (due out March 2027), it’s currently got Golden Axe, Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Eternal Champions, The House of the Dead and OutRun planned.
So far, Sega has released a new Shinobi game on Switch and given fans an early look at the revival of IP such as Jet Set Radio.
Are you looking forward to Sega bringing back this classic IP? What other Sega franchises would you like to see make a return? Let us know in the comments.
As you might recall, Sega has been busy working on a “Super Game”, which was targeting a release this year. However, in Sega Sammy’s latest financial results presentation, it appears the project has now been officially cancelled.
In the latest lot of presentation slides, you can see there’s confirmation that a decision has been made to cancel this project. It’s noted in fine print how there were apparently “no additional costs associated with the cancellation”.
This decision stems from the recent performance of the company’s free-to-play and “Games-as-a-Service” titles, with the firm calling out Sonic Rumble Party after its “weak performance”. The plan now is to shift this focus and “over 100 people” to full game development, with “lowered priority of F2P” development.
Image: Sega Sammy
The Super Game was previously described as a “major title” that would scale globally, aim to stand on “head and shoulders” above normal titles, and would be able to attract the “entire gaming ecosystem” – from players and streamers, to viewers. Sega’s CEO also believed it could potentially bank beyond 100 billion yen in its lifetime.
