There has been plenty of debate about Xbox’s future following the recent appointment of Asha Sharna as the new Microsoft Gaming CEO, but it appears the brand will continue as a console maker.
In some big industry news this week, Xbox has officially announced “the return of Xbox” in the form of “Project Helix”, Microsoft’s “next generation console”. In other words, the third major player in the home console space is planning to stick around, but its new hardware will be a little different this time.
As rumoured (and hinted at) for some time now, this new system will allow users to play both Xbox and PC games. It will also supposedly “lead in performance”.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma: “Great start to the morning with Team Xbox, where we talked about our commitment to the return of Xbox including Project Helix, the code name for our next generation console. Project Helix will lead in performance and play your Xbox and PC games.”
Xbox previously announced a shift in strategy, which has led to more games on more platforms (this includes multiple releases on Nintendo’s systems, as well as a deal to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms). However, since the arrival of the new CEO, there has been all sorts of discussion about this strategy going forward.
If you want to find out more information about this new hardware from Xbox, be sure to check out our sibling site, Pure Xbox.
What are your thoughts about a next generation Xbox? Let us know in the comments.
During Capcom Spotlight Showcase this week, it was revealed the upcoming sci-fi and hacking action-adventure Pragmata would be arriving a little earlier than expected.
Instead of 24th April 2026, Hugh and Diana are now landing on the Switch 2 and multiple other platforms on 17th April 2026. Capcom has also shared a new trailer featuring additional gameplay footage and a look at ‘Cabin’ a “one-stop companion for all things Shelter”.
Image: Capcom
It’s also mentioned how the Diana amiibo will be releasing “soon”. If you do want to see Pragmata in action before it arrives on the Switch 2, there’s a demo you can download from the eShop right now. Capcom has also launched an apparel line for the game (available via Amazon) and is making the game’s soundtrack available for streaming in the future.
Will you be picking up Pragmata for the Switch 2? Have you tried out the demo yet? Let us know in the comments.
As part of its Spotlight showcase today, Capcom took the time to acknowledge the 30th anniversary of Resident Evil. This special occasion will officially take place on 22nd March 2026, and to kick things off, it’s today shared multiple announcements.
First up was the reveal of a new Resident Evil Requiem collaboration with Universal Studios Japan, expanding the Resident Evil universe. This will immerse fans in the world of the game like “never before” and will be a large-scale project due out at some point in 2026, with more updates to come.
Image: Capcom
A new arcade light gun Bandai Namco unit based on Resident Evil 2 has also been announced. It’s officially titled Resident Evil 2: Arcade and is equipped with “air jets and floor vibration technology” so players can “feel the fear” in every part of their body as they shoot zombies.
More details will be shared on the official website and Bandai Namco Amusement Unit’s social accounts. The test launch in Japan takes place this month.
Image: Capcom
And to add to this Capcom will also be hosting a 30th anniversary concert known as “Symphony of Legacy”. Tickets for the World Tour are now on sale, with more details available on the official website.
Image: Capcom
Last but not least was a reminder about the Resident Evil Generation Pack, which is available until 31st March 2026.
What do you think of these 30th anniversary announcements for Resident Evil? Anything else you would like to see? Let us know in the comments.
Update []: During Capcom’s Spotlight Showcase today, it was revealed the new live-action Street Fighter movie would be launching on 16th October 2026. It also shared a quick behind-the-scenes look at the film.
Original Story:[Fri 12th Dec, 2025 02:09 GMT]:
At The Game Awards, Street Fighter fans got a surprise teaser of the upcoming live-action movie, due out in 2026.
It’s a high-energy sneak peek with some interesting cinematography, fight scenes that would look right at home in a martial arts movie, and even the bonus stage where you beat the hell of a car.
The cast also appeared on stage to present an award. If you are curious to know who will be playing who in this upcoming movie, here’s the full cast list (via Deadline):
Andrew Koji playing Ryu
Noah Centineo playing Ken
Rayna Vallandingham playing Juli
Orville Peck playing Vega
Mel Jarnson playing Cammy
Jason Momoa playing Blanka
Eric André playing Don Sauvage
David Dastmalchian plays M. Bison
Cody Rhodes playing Guile
Callina Liang as Chun-Li
Andrew Schul playing Dan Hibiki
Roman Reigns playing Akuma
Alexander Volkanovski playing Joe
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson playing Balrog
Olivier Richters playing Zangief
Hirooki Goto playing E.Honda
Vidyut Jammwal playing Dhalsim
Image: The Game Awards
In some other Capcom news at The Game Awards this year, the Japanese company announced a new Mega Man game and revealed it would be bringing Pragmata (and a new amiibo) to the Switch 2 in 2026.
What are your thoughts about this movie after this sneak peek? Tell us in the comments.
We blinked and somehow we’re already almost a week into March! Where does the time go, eh? It’s already been a busy one, but we have yet another stacked month of Switch releases ahead of us. Here to guide you through some of the most exciting ones out there are the wonderful Alex and Mai, who have created the above rundown.
As ever, we’ve presented Alex and Mai’s vid picks in the list below, accompanied by any related articles. Of course, simply reading the list will mean you miss out on the video team’s lovely commentary, so make sure you watch along, too!
And yes, March has got off to such a hot start that some of the games mentioned have already launched on Switch consoles — hey, at least that means you can check them out right now.
So then, let’s meet the Switch (2) crème de la crème for March 2026…
Disney Dreamlight Valley – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition – 15th March (Switch 2)
Image: Gameloft
Shadow Tactics Blades of the Shogun Ultimate Bundle – 18th March (Switch 2)
Image: Daedalic Entertainment
Warframe – 25th March (Switch 2)
Image: Digital Extremes
OPUS: Prism Peak – 26th March (Switch 1 & 2)
Image: Sigono
Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park – 26th March (Switch 2)
Image: Nintendo
Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection – 27th March (Switch 1)
Image: Nintendo Life
What do you make of our most-anticipated titles for March 2026? Let us know the release you’re the most excited about in the following poll, then head to the comments to let us know anything else on your list.
Which March 2026 game are you the most excited about? (170 votes)
Scott Pilgrim EX (Switch 2)5%
Blue Prince (Switch 2)9%
Planet of Lana II: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Switch 2)4%
Resident Evil Requiem, the latest mainline title in Capcom’s survival horror franchise, is out now on the Switch 2. It tells an intimate tale that takes us right back to where it all started: Raccoon City. Joining us on the journey, of course, is series veteran Leon Kennedy, who’s dealing with a deadly infection of his very own.
Last week, we sat down to speak with Nick Apostolides, who, after his excellent portrayals as Leon in Resident Evil 2 and 4, returns as everybody’s favourite loveable agent. We discuss his approach to playing a much older Leon, how it feels for the character to finally wield his own chainsaw, and more.
Nintendo Life: How does it feel to be back in the shoes of Leon Kennedy for Resident Evil Requiem?
Nick Apostolides: It’s one of the greatest feelings ever in my life. This has only happened a handful of times. This moment right before, it’s kind of like waiting for Christmas morning to come as a kid. And it’s very exciting because in my life, this is a very beloved franchise and I get to collaborate on it. I mean, how cool is that?
And we’re coming back. This version of Leon’s going to be really interesting. And this game right now is getting a lot of love, a lot of hype, a lot of attention. And I think it’s going to be a killer this year.
How different was it performing for a brand-new title instead of a remake? Was there any heightened pressure?
I felt a lot of pressure with this one. And that’s because it was the first time I’d portrayed this guy where I really wasn’t sure of the direction we wanted to take him when we started the project.
With my past projects, they were remakes, and so the source material was already there, we were updating it. This is totally new, it was uncharted territory. And we were even figuring out what we wanted Leon to be like during production.
He went through changes, his arc went through changes, and so just kind of going with the flow and really adhering to the canon that already existed about this guy between Resident Evil 4 in the lore, which was about 2005, to now in every mission that he’s been on. Just taking into consideration everything that he’s seen, everything that has happened to him, and then baking that into this version of what we see. And that’s what we were focused on.
Image: Capcom
The game’s director, Koshi Nakanishi, mentioned during a showcase that the team attempted to build a true survival horror starring Leon before pivoting to dual protagonists. Were you brought on board after this?
Well, I don’t know at what point that was the plan. I don’t know what month, what year. All I can say is that we started filming around February 2024, and at that point, the story was roughly where it is today.
As a fan I’ve been aware of Leon’s PTSD for so many years. And this is the first time that I really got to lay into it and just let that come through and wear my heart on my sleeve.
You’ve played Leon at three very distinct moments in his life. What was your approach in portraying an aged version of the character plagued by guilt in Requiem?
I was very familiar with the tone of the past two games. And because we were all finding it this time around the tone, I really just had to think about subtle differences and changes I could implement in my portrayal. I took his age into consideration, the toll all of his career has taken on him, his psyche, his body.
And also, more importantly — I would say most importantly — the weight and the gravity of returning to Raccoon City where it all began. And that had to take a toll, and that had to register in my eyes. That was the most important focus.
As a fan I’ve been aware of Leon’s PTSD for so many years. And this is the first time that I really got to lay into it and just let that come through and wear my heart on my sleeve. It was dark. You know, I had to do a lot of mental prep for a lot of those sessions, a lot of those scenes, putting yourself in a dark place. That’s my method as an actor. And in ways it was therapeutic, cathartic, and also heavy and difficult and challenging.
Image: Capcom
Speaking of Raccoon City, how did it feel going back to where it all began for you?
I’ll tell you right now, the first time when we sat down at the roundtable and we were given a PowerPoint about the broad strokes of this game and the plot, where we were going, the set pieces, when they told me that we’re going back to Raccoon City to revisit the past and actually step foot into the RPD station, I got goosebumps. I literally got goosebumps. I was like, we’re going back. And they just kind of winked, yep, we’re going back.
That is the reaction that I had as a fan. And then as the actor, the professional, you’re like, “Okay, we have to go back to Raccoon City. How are we going to do this?” Yeah, it’s been a journey. I got goosebumps when it was revealed in the very last trailer that was shown. And I’m just extremely excited to play this.
And how liberating was it to see Leon finally wield his own chainsaw?
Very cool. I got to play a very, very early section of a build about a year and a half ago. And that’s when I learned that, yes, you can pick up a chainsaw and use it. And it was fun.
I think I literally said “My turn!”, and I cut up some zombies and I knew this was going to be wild. It’s going to be crazy.
I hope that we see more missions with Grace.
I’d like to talk about Angela Sant’Albano, who plays Grace Ashcroft in the game. How was it working with Angela?
Angela is just amazing. She’s a highly trained actress. I think she’s going to get a lot of attention from this game. Her role was demanding. She delivered every single day, every single take. I don’t think she’s going to have a bad moment in the game. And I think the character as a whole is going to be beloved.
I hope that we see more missions with Grace. And I think Capcom is always trying to tee up new protagonists, new antagonists, and just keep moving the franchise forward. And so I hope Angela returns one day. I think she’s going to be a great character, a great addition to the series.
Image: Capcom
As a newcomer to the series, did you give her any tips or background on the lore?
I don’t think it’s important that people know the specifics about a franchise other than if we were in a scene together and there was something that was very important to know about how something might affect Leon in his past. That was the most important thing for me.
But other than that, she’s a professional. She’s an incredible performer. I gave her advice that I would maybe give myself all these years back. I said, “Trust yourself. Trust your acting instincts. Just play the reality of it all. Be truthful and know that the team will take your performance and implement it in the best way possible.”
And I think just giving each other support every single day, because those days were physical, they were long, they were hard. Just being there, just being a human to talk to, vent to if we needed to. I think that was the most important part.
There’s been some debate amongst fans as to how relevant the original cast of characters are after all these years, mainly because they’ve grown so efficient at dealing with threats. Capcom seems to have struck a good balance in Requiem with dual protagonists. Do you think this is the future of the series?
I really don’t know what their plan is moving forward. But I would put money on the fact that they’re always going to be trying new things and pioneering new game styles. And they never stop taking risks. In the past, they just kept on changing it up. And they’re not afraid to have a gamble with a AAA title when there’s a lot riding on the line, even financially, and they just try weird things.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard was a giant risk. There were none of our favourite protagonists. It was first-person, slowing down the action, and a lot of people were worried about that. That game was fantastic, and a lot of people think it revived the series, and it kind of course-corrected where Capcom was going with Resident Evil, but that’s because they tried something different. They went back to the beginning with modernised graphics and storytelling and game mechanics, and I think when I play this, I think I’m going to thoroughly enjoy it. And let’s see what they do in the future.
Image: Capcom
There’s consistently a lot of talk about more potential remakes from Capcom. Hypothetically, if a remake of Resident Evil 6 cropped up in the future, would you want to be a part of it?
If they asked me, I would be honoured.
Which classic RE characters would you like to see team up with Leon in a future entry?
I have a quick answer for that one: Sheva Alomar from Resident Evil 5. She’s an incredible protagonist, underrated, and only utilised, I think, one time. She’s great.
I didn’t get to drive that model because it’s a functioning car, but it’s still very much a model – it’s not street legal. I got to drive many of the cars that it was based on, which is the Porsche Cayenne GT Turbo. And I’ll just say that that vehicle is, whew, that’s a performance beast. We got to rip that around the track in Leipzig, Germany, at the test track at Porsche. And that’s where we filmed part of the promo. Yeah, but not the real model. I got to sit in it, though.
A huge thanks to Nick for taking the time to speak with us. Resident Evil Requiem is out now for the Switch 2.
The Pokémon Company revealed the first details for Pokopia‘s debut limited-time in-game event earlier today. The ‘More Spores for Hoppip’ event officially kicks off on 9th March and runs until the 24th, but if you picked up your copy today and want to get involved early, you can now do exactly that.
Yes, as spotted by some early Pokopia players on Reddit, and verified by us here at Nintendo Life, you can leap straight into the limited-time event by changing your system date to any day in the event period (we used both 10th and 11th March). It’s obviously unclear whether such a time jump will work once the event is over — turning your system back a couple of days, in that instance — but those really keen to get in early… can do it!
To be clear, to take part in the event, you’ll need to have at least rebuilt a Pokémon Center in your town, so you can’t time skip right from the jump.
Whether you change your system date or wait a few days until the event officially gets underway, you’ll meet Hoppip outside the Pokémon Center, kickstarting the chance to collect special cotton spores used to craft picnic furniture. This will also open up the opportunity to befriend Skiploom and Jumpluff, too, all of which can only be encountered during this event.
“Pokémon Pokopia is the freshest Pokémon experience in a long time,” we said in our review, “bursting at the seams with charm and content that rewards both curiosity and creativity”. Let’s hope in-game events like this one can keep that charm coming.
Will you be checking out Pokopia’s first in-game event early, or are you waiting until 9th March? Let us know in the comments.
Capcom released not one or two, but three Resident Evil games for the Switch 2 last month, and if you haven’t already got them, don’t forget you can still get the limited-time Generation Pack from the eShop.
This includes the new game Resident Evil Requiem along with the Gold Editions of Resident Evil 7 Biohazard and Resident Evil Village. Instead of paying $159.97 / £144.97 in total for all three titles, you can currently get the triple bundle for $89.99 / £84.99 (or your regional equivalent).
Just remember, the sale of this triple threat bundle ends this month on 31st March 2026, so get it while you can! Of course, each game will still be available to purchase individually on the eShop. The standalone eShop price for Requiem is $69.99 / £64.99, Village is $49.99 / £44.99 and Resident Evil 7 is $39.99 / £34.99.
If you still can’t decide whether or not to try out these games on the Switch 2, be sure to check out all of our reviews here on Nintendo Life. We gave Resident Evil Requiem and Resident Evil 7 nine out of 10 stars, and the Gold Edition of Village got seven stars.
Will you be taking up this offer? Let us know in the comments.
The relaxing and cosy life simulation game Pokémon Pokopia is now available on the Switch 2, and to celebrate the launch, there’ll be a “limited-time” in-game event taking place next week.
This is apparently just the beginning of these special events. The first one is called “More Spores for Hoppip” and will start on 9th March 2026 and runs until 24th March 2026. It allows you to befriend Hoppip and collect special cotton spores, which you can then exchange for picnic-themed furniture items.
If you create a habitat with these items, you’ll then be able to befriend Skiploom and Jumpluff! The official announcement also notes how these Pokémon can’t be encountered outside of this event. And you can only access this event in towns with a rebuilt Pokémon Center, and it’s not available on Cloud Islands.
As a reminder, you can also get an in-game Ditto rug to decorate a house. This rug is available via the internet Mystery Gift menu until 31st January 2027.
Image: The Pokémon Company
In some other Pokémon Pokopia news, four waves of Switch Online icons have been announced this week. The first wave is available now, and each icon will set you back 10 Platinum Points each. To find out more about Pokémon Pokopia for the Switch 2, be sure to check out our review here on Nintendo Life.
Image: The Pokémon Company
Will you be participating in this event? Let us know in the comments.
Speaking to The Verge, Konami’s head of communications for the Americas has reiterated this game is a “2D action-exploration” title, further stating it’s “not a roguelike or roguelite game”. Here’s the full exchange:
Confirmed: the new Castlevania game isn’t a roguelike.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, set to launch this year, is being made by Konami and two studios behind the roguelike Dead Cells, Evil Empire and Motion Twin. Given the history of those two studios, I asked Konami if Belmont’s Curse was a roguelike, and the answer is that it’s not.
“Castlevania Belmont’s Curse is a 2D Action-Exploration game where players can freely explore vast, elaborately crafted maps,” Tommy Williams, Konami’s Head of Communications for the Americas, tells The Verge. “It is not a roguelike or roguelite game.”
So, despite the history of Evil Empire and Motion Twin, don’t expect Belmont’s Curse to play exactly like their previous game releases when it eventually arrives on the Switch and multiple other platforms later this year.
You can find out more about Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse in our previous story here on Nintendo Life. Konami has also announced this game is just the beginning of Castlevania’s revival for its 40th anniversary, with more news on the way.
What are your thoughts about this? Let us know in the comments.
