Warframe Developer Insists 'Backlog' of Dev Kits to Blame for Lack of Nintendo Switch 2 Port

Digital Extremes says the "backlog" of dev kits is the reason players have yet to see an official Nintendo Switch 2 port for Warframe.

Studio CEO Steve Sinclair explained why the team behind the popular space ninja action game hasn’t created a port for Nintendo’s sequel hybrid console during a press Q&A IGN attended ahead of today’s TennoCon 2025 livestream. He said the Digital Extremes tech team is “so excited” to see what a Nintendo Switch 2 Warframe port would look like but can’t even begin development until they get their hands on the necessary hardware.

“Our tech team is so excited to take advantage of the high-speed cores and the other really cool features of it,” Sinclair said. “There’s just such a backlog for dev kits. So, yeah, if you know anyone… just one, that’s all it would take.”

Digital Extremes brought its 12-year-old multiplayer hit to Switch in 2018, allowing longtime players to enjoy all that Warframe has to offer, at home and on the go. It is available to play through Nintendo's new console but only through backward compatibility, with Nintendo including it on a list of Switch 2 titles that still suffer from start-up issues.

When we get a dev kit, we will be doing a custom build for Warframe. Absolutely.

Digital Extremes said it’s still investigating the cause of these hangups, but it’s the enhancements that a Switch 2 version of Warframe could bring that have players truly excited. Sinclair teased faster load times as just one of the potential upgrades.

“I know our programmers are just, like, ‘Oh, I can’t wait.’ We definitely have plans. When we get a dev kit, we will be doing a custom build for Warframe. Absolutely.”

The Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025, introducing new features such as Joy-Con mouse functionality, improved graphics, and enhanced social tools. Although its launch lineup was able to lean on third-party support with titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Deltarune Chapter 1 – 4, Split Fiction, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, and Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, early adopters remain on the lookout for more games to fill out their libraries.

As players clamor for more games, other indie developers say they, too, are in need of dev kit access. Into the Restless Ruins creator Ant Workshop, Citizen Sleeper 2 developer Fellow Traveller Games, Unreal Engine support studio Tanglewood Games, and more spoke about dev kit scarcity with GamesIndustry.biz last month. Insider Nate the Hate also reported that many developers across the indie and third-party spaces have been unable to start work on Switch 2 games due to a lack of dev kit access (via TheGamer). It's currently unclear which publishers currently have access to Switch 2 dev kits or when they will become more available.

For now, there’s no word on when Digital Extremes or many of the other dozens of developers without dev kits will receive the tools they need to bring their games to Switch 2. As more titles slowly trickle in, you can read our 7/10 Nintendo Switch 2 launch review. You can also check out everything revealed during today’s TennoCon 2025 livestream here.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).

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The Best Deals Today: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Defintive Edition, Elden Ring Nightreign, and More

We've rounded up the best deals for Saturday, July 19, below, so don't miss out on these limited-time offers.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for $47.99

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition launched earlier this year, and it's still one of the biggest RPGs you can jump into on any platform. The remaster introduced numerous quality-of-life updates that were much needed, in addition to a brand-new epilogue chapter. We gave the game a 9/10 in our review, stating, "Xenoblade Chronicles X was already one of the Wii U’s best games, and this Definitive Edition does more than enough to justify another trip to planet Mira."

Donkey Kong Switch Games Are on Sale at Woot

With Donkey Kong Bananza out now, there has never been a better time to jump in and experience the Nintendo Switch library of Donkey Kong games. Woot has each of these games on sale this weekend, with the absolutely stellar Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD included.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake for $34.99

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake was one of the most enjoyable RPGs of 2024, featuring a gorgeous remade HD-2D world and voice acting. If you haven't had the chance to check this one out yet, Amazon has Nintendo Switch copies available for only $34.99. In my opinion, the Switch has to be the definitive way to experience this classic, and now is the perfect time to catch up before Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake this Fall.

Request A Nintendo Switch 2 Invitation on Amazon

Amazon has at last listed the Nintendo Switch 2, and you can request an invite to purchase the console now. Once you are selected, you will receive an email that will allow you to add the system to your cart and purchase it. There is no telling when these invites will run out, so I recommend requesting one, even if you might purchase the Switch 2 elsewhere.

Bose Ultra Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds for $199

Best Buy has the Bose Ultra Open Ear Wireless Earbuds for $199 this weekend. Despite their open design, these earbuds allow for private listening that still keeps important outside noises included. These earbuds feature up to seven hours of play time, with an extra 19.5 hours of power packed into the charging case. Plus, you can control and personalize your earbuds through the Bose app.

Save on Super Mario Party Jamboree Just in Time for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

With the rcent reveal of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games, it's no question that you are going to want to save anywhere you can. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Party Jamboree is set to cost $79.99, but you can upgrade from a Nintendo Switch copy for $20. This weekend, save your cash and pick up a copy of Super Mario Party Jamboree from Woot for only $44.99. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is set to launch next week, so now is the time to secure your copy while you can.

Elden Ring Nightreign Deluxe Edition for $46.19

Elden Ring Nightreign is a great time with friends, and you can save on the Deluxe Edition of the game this weekend at Amazon. This edition of the game includes additional DLC content, feautring additional playable characters and bosses, in addition to a digital artbook and mini soundtrack. Bandai Namco has continued to release new content for Nightreign, so this is a great time to jump in.

Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium.

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Donkey Kong Bananza Reviews Convinced Me to Finally Buy a Switch 2

When the Switch 2 preorders were first going up (and selling out), I wrote about how it's still worth buying a Switch 1. I wasn't planning on picking up the new Nintendo console off the bat, but the incredible reviews of Donkey Kong Bananza convinced me to cave and buy one much earlier than I'd expected. IGN gave the game a rare 10 out of 10 review and people are already talking about how it's giving GOTY vibes barely a week after release. As a lifelong Nintendo fan, the potential of missing out on a Donkey Kong masterpiece for a full year was just enough to push me over the edge.

What We Said in Our Review:

"Donkey Kong Bananza is a truly groundbreaking 3D platformer, with satisfying movement, powerful abilities, impressive destructible environments, and clever challenges that all come together in complete harmony to create Nintendo’s first Switch 2 masterpiece." —Logan Plant

I was first introduced to Donkey Kong in the Super Nintendo days. Donkey Kong Country was challenging and fun, and my brother and I spent countless hours playing it. Then came Donkey Kong 64, which if I remember correctly, actually required an Expansion Pak to function. It was the first 3D game I'd played that truly felt new and sits comfortably as one of my favorite games from my childhood.

These feelings of nostalgia are definitely what drove me to move up my Switch 2 purchase timeline, but who am I to deny myself a little bit of magic every once and a while? I was pretty worried I wouldn't be able to find a console available anywhere since stock has been pretty spotty since release, but I actually managed to secure a Mario Kart Switch 2 bundle at Target today. We've also been getting reports of folks receiving Switch 2 invites on Amazon.

If you're like me and have decided to pull the trigger on the latest Nintendo console, you can check IGN's ongoing Switch 2 stock updates or try jumping to the links below to see if any are available in your area.

Where to buy Switch 2 Consoles

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World

Nintendo Switch 2

For instant stock updates, follow @IGNDeals on Twitter/X and Bluesky.

Why I'm Excited to Start Playing Bananza

I was generally uninterested in Bananza until Nintendo dedicated an entire Direct to it. After that, we learned that the team behind Mario Odyssey were the ones who worked on the game. Then, IGN's review really sealed the deal for me when I got an in-depth look at the game from someone I know and trust for anything Nintendo.

Like everyone else, I loved Mario Odyssey when I played it on the Switch. It was flat out fun, and exploring those new 3D worlds and taking on those challenges really hit the spot. Getting that same feeling from a Donkey Kong game would scratch a decades-old itch I didn't even know I still had. The freedom to smash, climb, and barrel through a world as Donkey Kong is something I'm really looking forward to.

Regrettably, my Switch 2 isn't set to arrive until three days after my copy of Bananza. I guess I'll just have to stare at it in anticipation for days until my console finally shows up.

Jacob Kienlen is a Senior SEO Strategist and Writer for IGN. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he has considered the Northwest his home for his entire life. With a bachelor's degree in communication and over 8 years of professional writing experience, his expertise is spread across a variety of different topics -- from TV series to indie games and popular book series.

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The Big Summer Warhammer Preview Show 2025: Everything Announced

Games Workshop’s The Big Summer Warhammer Preview Show 2025 offers a tantalising look at everything the tabletop wargaming company has coming up in the months ahead, and we’ve rounded up everything to help you catch up if you missed the livestream.

Reveals are set for the likes of Warhammer 40,000, Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Kill Team, Warhammer: The Horus Heresy, Legions Imperialis, Warhammer Underworlds, and more.

We'll update with all the news as it's announced during the show. Keep checking back to find out everything Games Workshop has up its sleeve!

The Leagues of Votann

Proceedings kicked of with a reveal for The Leagues of Votann (Warhammer 40,000's take on space dwarves). It's a huge plastic expansion, the biggest since the faction launched, that includes new troops, new artillery, new heroes and new abominable intelligence. There's a new Combat Patrol (an army starter pack or a set to bulk out an existing force) for The Leagues of Votann, and check out Buri Aegnirssen, a specialist Tyranid hunter, below. Yes, that's a Tyranid Prime on top of his head.

Supporting the release is a new Leagues of Votann Codex, packed with lore and new rules.

Warhammer: The Old World

Next up was a reveal for Warhammer: The Old World. Brand new units are coming to the Tomb Kings of Khemri. There are two new Arcane Journals, the first dubbed The War of Settra's Fury, which was described as "a really cool way of looking at the lore of The Old World," the second called Dawn of the Storm Dragon.

Warhammer: Age of Sigmar

Moving on to Age of Sigmar, there are two factions from the Grand Alliance of Death on their way to the Mortal Realms with new units, new battletomes and new army rules.

We have the Flesh-Eater Courts Death Battletome, alongside a new mini to support: High Falconer Felgryn. Also coming to the Flesh-Eater army is the Charnel Watch. And there's the Death Battletome for the Nighthaunt, packed with lore and "some significant defensive buffs." Check out the wonderfully-named Lord Vitriolic, below:

Helsmiths of Hashut

Here's a big one: the Chaos Dwarfs faction returns for Age of Sigmar. This new faction includes the Infernal Cohort with Hashutite Spears, the War Despot, the Dominator Engine, and the Tormentor Bombard war machine.

Developing...

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

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Best Xbox Game Pass Deals and Bundles Right Now (July 2025)

With so many great games coming down the pipeline, now's a great time to hop on the Xbox Game Pass bandwagon. If some titles joining the catalog this year have caught your eye and you're itching to join in on the fun, you can choose between one or three month Game Pass Ultimate membership options at Amazon. Unfortunately, there aren't any discount deals available at the moment, but we'll update this when a new one drops.

You can learn more about options for signing up, what's coming soon to Game Pass this month, and the big releases still to come below.

Navigate to:

• Best Xbox Game Pass Deals
• What's Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass?
• What Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass?
• Biggest Games Releasing on Xbox Game Pass

Best Xbox Game Pass Deals

While there aren't any deals available at the moment, we've included where you can buy a one month Game Pass Ultimate membership above at Amazon. This will set you back $19.99. Amazon also has a three month Game Pass Ultimate membership option available for $59.99, if you want to stock up on a few months to get you started.

What's Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass?

Game Pass has a nice rotation of new titles to play every month. If you're curious about what's in store for the end of July and start of August, we've got you covered. The Xbox Game Pass July Wave 2 lineup is:

• High On Life (Cloud, Console, and PC) - July 15
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
• RoboCop: Rogue City (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 17
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
• My Friendly Neighborhood (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 17
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Back to the Dawn (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 18
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Abiotic Factor (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 22
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Wheel World (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 23
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Wuchang: Fallen Feathers (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 24
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Grounded 2 (Game Preview) (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S) – July 29
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
• Farming Simulator 25 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – August 1
  Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard

It's important to note that the Game Pass Standard tier (available for $14.99/month) does not give users access to day one releases - that's exclusive to the Game Pass Ultimate tier. If you're looking to play big Xbox exclusives and other new games on the day they release, you'll need to be subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate.

What Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass?

Unfortunately with new games joining the catalog it means a few must take their leave. Below, we've listed the games that'll be leaving Xbox Game Pass on July 31.

• Gigantic (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Turnip Boy Robs a Bank (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Biggest Games Releasing on Xbox Game Pass

Xbox's Summer Showcase this year had plenty of exciting new games to show off, from The Outer Worlds 2 to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Clockwork Revolution, and Ninja Gaiden 4. But which of the many games revealed during the showcase will appear as day-one releases on Game Pass? Thankfully, quite a few! Including all of the previously mentioned titles.

The latest big release on the platform is Doom: The Dark Ages. In our review, IGN's Mitchell Saltzman said, "Doom: The Dark Ages may strip away the mobility focus of Doom Eternal, but replaces it with a very weighty and powerful style of play that is different from anything the series has done before, and still immensely satisfying in its own way."

If you're looking for even more savings on all things Xbox, have a look at our roundup of the best Xbox deals. There, we've highlighted all of the latest and greatest discounts on the platform, from incredible game deals to fantastic offers on high-quality headphones. Or, if you'd rather see what's going on with other platforms, check out our roundups of the best PlayStation deals, the best Nintendo Switch deals, and our overall roundup of the best video game deals.

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.

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Humble Bundle Has All of the Borderlands Games for Only $16 Ahead of the Borderlands 4 Release Date

Humble Bundle has a psycho deal for Borderlands fans. Until next Friday, July 25, you can grab every Borderlands game, as well as Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, for just $16. If you're unfamiliar with how Humble Bundle works, the more you pay, the more you get. So while $16 gets you all eight games, you can choose to pay less to get only some of the games on the list. Conversely, if you pay more than $16, not only do you get all of the games, but you also contribute to charity and video game publishers.

Borderlands x Wonderlands Collection at Humble Bundle

This bundle (a $279 value) includes all of the mainline Borderlands games, the VR version of Borderlands 2, the Telltale games, and more. The bundle is missing the iOS-exclusive Borderlands Legends real-time strategy game, but here's everything that comes in the collection:

• Borderlands
• Borderlands 2
• Borderlands 3
• Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
• Tales From the Borderlands
• New Tales From the Borderlands
• Borderlands 2 VR
• Tiny Tina's Wonderlands

And for an in-depth breakdown of how to play all of the Borderlands games in chronological order, we've got you covered. Since this deal is specific to PC gamers, It's also worth noting that every game on this list is playable on the Steam Deck except for Borderlands 2 VR. As of right now, we haven't gotten any confirmation that Borderlands 4 will be Steam Deck verified or even playable on the handheld, however.

Borderlands 4 has been generating a lot of buzz in 2025, but did you forget that a Borderlands movie actually came out last year? Well, good thing I'm here to remind you that IGN's Matt Donato reviewed the big screen adaptation, giving it a three overall saying "Borderlands is a catastrophic disappointment that plays like hacked-to-pieces studio slop, betraying everything fans adore about Gearbox Software’s franchise in derivative, regrettable fashion."

Here's to hoping the next game brings the franchise back to it's full potential when it releases in September later this year.

Borderlands 4 Is Available for Preorder Now

Once you're caught up on the entire Borderlands saga, you can preorder Borderlands 4 before it drops September 12 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. It promises the same high-octane looting and shooting the core games are known for with some new twists and turns along the way. You can check out IGN's Borderlands 4 preview for all of the little details we know about the game so far.

Humble Bundle is part of IGN Entertainment, the division of Ziff Davis that includes GamesIndustry.biz, IGN, and MapGenie.

Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.

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Line of Fire: Burnt Moon Board Game Review

Of the many war-themed board games, Osprey Games’ Undaunted series is arguably one of the best in the current board game generation. These games' unique deck-building mechanics, mixed with historical theaters of war, including Normandy, Stalingrad, or North Africa, have helped grow its fanbase. And the release of last year’s Undaunted 2200: Calisto took the series from the fields of World War II and into space with a futuristic science fiction entry. Now, the team at Osprey has distilled the experience of the series into a solely deck-building experience with the release of Line of Fire: Burnt Moon. And they've done so with a surprising level of success.

• Price: $35.00 USD
• Players: 2
• Ages: 14+
• Length: 30min

Ditching the modular tiles or fold-out boards of the Undaunted games, Line of Fire gives two players a set of five identical location boards, each with an assigned point values. Once all five get randomly placed out for both players, each side deploys forces to the various spots in an effort to hold eight points' worth of locations, or destroy all of the oppositions land-capturing units, claiming victory.

Turns begin with both players drawing four cards, and secretly selecting one of those to offer up in a bid to gain that round’s initiative. Whoever offers the card with a higher value gets to play first. Both of those cards are then discarded and the first player takes their turn placing out their hands of cards, followed by the second player, and once they are finished, new hands are drawn and the the process starts over.

Set on Jupiter’s moon, Io, in the world of Undaunted 2200, Line of Fire has a science fiction motif. So, instead of troops on the ground, you deploy ROVs – Remote Operated Vehicles – into the warzones. ROVs are composed of four different varieties, divided into A and B forces. Each ROV type has special actions it can take. For example, the MOSS units allow you to capture locations, while the DaCU units can build fortifications that can only be activated by playing an identical unit card on a previously deployed card. Players also have access to a small selection on personnel cards which provide benefits including adding cards to your deck or disabling an opponents ROVs, further adding strategy elements to Line of Fire.

For players who are familiar with Osprey's Undaunted titles, many of Line of Fire’s mechanics will feel identical, from the initiative bidding to removing casualties. When a unit is destroy in Line of Fire, players first try to remove a copy of that card from their hand. If none are in their hand, they then search their discard, then their deck, then the reserve, and lastly remove the unit on the board that is being attacked. I personally love this approach, as I find searching for hold cards and seeing your supply slowly dwindling away to be far more of a tense experience than simply removing the card that was attacked. It's also through this method that if ever all of you or your opponent’s MOSS ROVs (the only unit type that can capture) are gone from the deployed regions, you lose.

Despite the box’s small footprint, Line of Fire provides a riveting strategic experience in a fairly short time frame. The matches I played rarely took even a half hour to complete, with games taking even less time the more experience both players have, as you can quickly play your three cards and be done.

The matches I played rarely took even a half hour to complete.

Even with both choices of cards being identical, there is still a good bit of strategy required in Line of Fire. Knowing what cards to add to your deck, where to deploy them, and when to retreat when a battlefield is lost are all key decisions you have to make. Being a deck-building game, there is still some aspect of luck involved, as the cards you have in hand dictate what actions you can take on your turn – but I never found that luck overpowered solid tactics and decision making. That said, I did find that some of Line’s design direction made it harder to get into than I feel it really needed to be, with much of that coming down to the card designs and naming.

Admittedly, I have not yet played Undaunted 2200: Callisto, so this may be less of an issue for some folks, but the naming of the ROVs threw my friends for a loop and never made sense. Terms like “infantry”, “tank”, and “sniper” I can grasp at a glance, but if you were to ask someone which of “MOSS”, “TIR”, “xED”, or “DaCU” was your heavy artillery unit, they would probably look at you and walk away.

Between the random names and various symbols that make almost as little sense as the names, it just makes the cards harder to decipher than they need to be, even with the handy reference cards that both players have. I get that Line is set in the future and leans into the science fiction element, but sometimes it’s just easier to say “my tank is attacking your plane”.

From a visual and component standpoint, Line of Fire is a striking game, with artwork and designs that evoke classic science fiction book covers with blocky-square robots. Both players also have unique artwork for their units, that are also clearly denoted by heavy use of either redish-pink colors or blues for their respective side. This extends even into the storage solution with each player’s cards, fortifications and location tiles all fitting snuggly into a color-coordinated box, that both then are carried in a magnetically sealed box roughly the size of a VHS tape. I’m a sucker for games with good storage solutions, and Line of Fire’s does it’s job splendidly, making it quick and easy to set up and break down, and small enough to fit in your bag to take with you.

Looking for more tabletop games? Check out IGN's latest board game reviews for recommendations.

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PlayStation Exclusive Ghost of Yotei Gets Official Popcorn Bucket Inspired by a Traditional Japanese Rice Bucket

We’re now used to outlandish popcorn buckets for Hollywood movies. Who can forget the Deadpool & Wolverine popcorn bucket from last year, which let people eat out of Wolverine's head? Speaking of popcorn bucket heads, The Fantastic Four: First Steps’s Galactus head is a gargantuan $80.

Now it’s time for video games to get in on the act. Upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive Ghost of Yotei is getting its own official popcorn bucket as the video game crosses the divide into blockbuster movie territory.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is working with Sony to showcase five classic samurai films inspired by Ghost of Yotei on the big screen in a programming series called Way of the Samurai, and as part of that it will launch a custom Ghost of Yotei-themed menu featuring appetizers, desserts, and cocktails “crafted to complement the mood and mythology of the films.”

But the big draw is the exclusive, 100-ounce Ghost of Yotei popcorn bucket modeled after a traditional Japanese rice bucket. The popcorn bucket launches today, July 17, at AlamoMart.com and will be available in theaters from August 2 to September 4.

The special Ghost of Yotei menu will be available at Alamo locations nationwide during the Way of the Samurai screenings.

The movies are:

• LADY SNOWBLOOD (1973, dir. Toshiya Fujita) – A blood-soaked tale of revenge that
• influenced KILL BILL and countless others.
• LONE WOLF AND CUB: SWORD OF VENGEANCE (1972, dir. Kenji Misumi) – A
• brutal, beautiful saga of a disgraced samurai and his infant son on a path of vengeance.
• THE TALE OF ZATOICHI (1962, dir. Kenji Misumi) – The first installment of the
• legendary blind swordsman series.
• 13 ASSASSINS (2011, dir. Takashi Miike) – A modern epic of strategy and sacrifice that
• redefined large-scale action.
• RAN (1985, dir. Akira Kurosawa) – The master's sweeping tragedy of power, madness,
• and betrayal.

As for Ghost of Yotei, Sony recently revealed more information on the game during a dedicated State of Play. Ghost of Yotei launches October 2, 2025 on PS5.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

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Persona5: The Phantom X Review

As far as game pitches go, an endless Persona 5 spin-off sounds like a pretty solid idea. What’s not to love about turn-based RPG battles, complex villains, and a plethora of sumptuous social links? Enter Atlus’s latest genre-flipping addition to the series, Persona5: The Phantom X, a gacha-fied adventure that boasts all the hallmarks of its iconic source material, from beautifully animated cutscenes to goosebump-inducing needle drops. What’s the catch? Oh, just a boatload of confusing currencies to juggle and a grind-heavy gameplay loop once you escape its inviting early game. It’s a shame, because if you look past the persistently lurking gacha baggage, The Phantom X is a peachy pastiche. But after 35 hours, its charms have more than worn thin as a result of this framework, leaving behind a flattering but deeply compromised imitation of Persona 5.

The Phantom X might be a Persona 5 spin-off, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be playing as Joker and the crew. Instead, you embody a Nagisa Kamisiro (though you can still pick your own name) in an alternate timeline version of Persona 5’s story. A seemingly average student, Kamasiro’s life changes when an adorable owl called Lufel calls on them to fight back against the misery and hopelessness enveloping the world, and to turn the tables against the great despair that clouds the hearts of the public. Unable to refuse, Kamasiro learns to wield their inner Persona and travels to the shadow world to help clear out the collective unconscious, one monster at a time. As with Kamisiro, there are more Tokyoites to meet and awaken as you progress, with each new character’s arc nestled nicely into the overarching story. If you’ve played Persona 5, you’ll quickly notice that The Phantom X is following its formula to a tee.

To fight off the aforementioned evil, you’ll bounce between a handful of beautifully recreated Tokyo neighborhoods and the monster-filled Metaverse – though what you do in either place is now limited by various time- or money-gated resources rather than a rigid calendar marching ever forward. As The Phantom Thieves, you’ll eek out misbehaving fiends and infiltrate their minds while learning to master the series’ trademark turn-based combat that centres around elemental weaknesses. And because Kamisiro is a teen, you’ll also have to balance studying, part-time work, and a social life, too. With all of its obvious derivations, The Phantom X struggles to conjure fresh ideas or immediate excitement in the shadow of a nearly decade-old masterpiece, but it at least manages to clone the Persona formula fairly well, and that will be enough for some.

No matter how familiar the core gameplay mechanics feel, a diverse cast of supporting characters provides much-needed levity and heart to the world. I’ve fallen in love with Anderson, a gym rat with a heart of gold, Yaoling Li, an energetic foreign exchange student struggling with her studies, a cautious nurse-to-be named Minami Mitashita, and plenty more. With energetic voice acting to back up their emotive and often humorous dialogue, it’s clear there’s been an effort to give the NPCs a sense of self, and, similar to Persona 5, the more time you invest in them, the more you can unravel their heartfelt stories.

You don’t really have to fret over spending time with one NPC or another.

Helping out the locals doesn’t just reward you with some juicy plotlines to pull at, it can lead to benefits in combat and day-to-day tasks, too. For example, if you choose to keep helping Yaoling Li acclimate to her new life in Japan, you’ll learn key recipes that you can cook to buff your stats in battle. Alternatively, completing small side missions for characters like Minami will reward you with upgrade currencies and special items for your home. These social interactions also expand the variety of Kamisiro’s day-to-day tasks and provide bespoke options like working out at the gym alongside the carousel of regular activities, such as studying for school in local cafes, working at the Konbini for cash, or buying seeds that you can plant in your garden at home. How you spend your time will also feed into your Social Stats (Guts, Knowledge, Proficiency, Kindness, and Charm), which can impact how friendly you can get with certain NPCs, as well as what items are available to buy at the local stores. The healthy combination of social endeavours and solo tasks feed into each other nicely and creates an approachable system that enriches Kamasiro’s initially quiet life (while buffing their skills in the process).

Unlike Persona 5, how you choose to spend your time in The Phantom X is governed by recoupable Action Points instead of a limited daily schedule. This means you don’t really have to fret over spending time with one NPC or another because you can just wait for those points to add back up naturally and not miss out on either. I can appreciate that this system is much more forgiving than the rigid structure the Persona series is known for. However, without that all-important time pressure, The Phantom X fails to hit on how profound these decisions could and should feel. It makes sense in the context of the Gacha setting, but this free-for-all approach makes it a little too easy to flit between NPCs without fully investing in their well-written backstory and considering how they might help you if you choose them instead of some other character.

It’s not all errands and acquaintances, though, and when you’re finished playing above ground, you’ll eventually move on to combat expeditions, which you can launch any time from the Metaverse app located on Kamisiro’s phone. Similar to the system used to govern social activities, your time in combat is partially ruled by an auto-refreshing currency, this time called Stamina. And as you battle, you’ll need to spend it to reap the rewards. The Phantom X bases its combat system on Persona 5, meaning it's turn-based with engaging reactive elements like chaining together One Mores to be as efficient as possible. When you roll up on a baddie, you’ll cycle through your party one member at a time, choosing between melee attacks, ranged attacks, and special Persona abilities. Similar to Pokémon, the enemies you’ll face and the Personas you deploy, all have elemental strengths and weaknesses (like fire or ice) that can be exploited for extra damage.

You'll eventually hit an expected but utterly disappointing credit card-shaped roadblock.

It’s a tried-and-tested system with enough diversity in its moveset to keep battles fresh, and even if you are starting to tire of it, the imagination-stoking enemy designs pull a good amount of weight throughout. What makes Persona combat truly unique, though, is the series’ bold interface design and legendary battle themes, which have been lovingly recreated here. I promise, no matter how many times you’ve already heard Persona 5’s Last Surprise, it just doesn’t get old.

Sadly, no amount of vocal flair from singer Lyn Inaizumi or introspective dialogue makes up for the sizable array of gacha systems and currencies you need to balance in The Phantom X. Within the first 20 hours or so, there aren’t many barriers in the way of progression, letting you clear out baddies and jump between main and side stories with relative ease. Inevitably, though, as you get deeper in, level barriers paint a clearer picture of what progression actually feels like long term. Once you run out of side quests and main story content to fuel your climb (which can happen fairly quickly), the next best way to earn the XP needed to unlock more is doing random fights in the Metaverse… but in order to do that, you need to spend Stamina. If you’re out of Stamina, you have two choices: purchase boosting supplements with real cash or wait a painstaking amount of time for it to reload on its own. I’m not opposed to grinding out materials, especially when The Phantom X’s combat is so moreish and the stories attached are compelling. It’s rather that this credit card-shaped conclusion was a totally expected but utterly disappointing roadblock to smash into. It was particularly painful to be reminded that I could simply pay via the in-game shop pop-ups every few minutes, too.

Thankfully, not all the Gacha systems in The Phantom X are so frustrating. While there are characters and Personas you can unlock through the story, the quickest way to bolster your team is to engage in the lucky dip Contracts menu. In line with most other Gacha games on the market, you can earn the currencies you need to pull by grinding, or cut to the chase and pay to get an instant boost. Thankfully, it didn’t take me too long to invest my hard-earned Gacha currency and unlock my beloved Persona 5 fave Ann Takamaki without having to reach for my wallet. A ton of new characters are introduced via this system, and Shigenori Soejima’s striking character designs just don’t quit, which sweetens the pot somewhat. While I love all my Gacha children equally, I was particularly enamoured with the icy-haired Kotone Montagne, whose visual style landed somewhere between Joan of Arc and Swan Lake.

Outside of the inclusion of the premium currencies, perhaps my biggest gripe with The Phantom X so far is that it feels more like an uncanny reflection of Persona 5, rather than a unique take on its established lore. Other spin-offs like Persona 5 Tactica or Persona 5 Strikers feel like strong additions to the series that come at or expand upon it from a different angle, whereas The Phantom X is more of a well-executed imitation. It’s not that I’m bored, as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both its combat and getting to know the wide array of quirky characters I’ve met. Plus, the 35 hours of missions I’ve played so far are well-written, appropriately shocking, and do well to frame the villains as complex, fractured souls. But The Phantom X’s “do-over” take on the story of The Phantom Thieves, isn’t a new enough experience to warrant the amount of time (or possibly money) I’ll need to invest if I want to see it through to its lengthy end (the specific details of which are yet to even be revealed) – especially when Persona 5 and its predecessors are readily available and feel far more curated and engaging.

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Some of the Best Deals on Games After Prime Day Are Actually at GameFly

GameFly is running an impressive sale right now on PS5 and Xbox Series X games, plus Blu-ray movies. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking to save money on recent AAA games. You can get PS5 deals like Elden Ring Nightreign for $27.99 and Doom: The Dark Ages for $39.99. You’re not likely to find those kinds of discounts anywhere else for quite a while on new copies of those games, especially after Prime Day.

The caveat is that all of the games are pre-played (more info on that below). You can shop the whole sale here, or read on for our picks.

Save Up to 50% Off Pre-Played Games at GameFly

Elden Ring Nightreign is a fun twist on the From Software formula perfected in the original Elden Ring. It turns the game into a three-player co-op roguelite. It might not be for everyone (see our review for details), but $27.99 makes it much more palatable.

Doom: The Dark Ages may be available for Xbox players on Game Pass, but that doesn’t apply to PS5 owners. So this is a great way to play through it at significantly less than the new game MSRP. Check out our 9/10 Doom: The Dark Ages review for more info on that.

Also on sale are Civ 7, Monster Hunter Wilds, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and many more. You can even save cash on Blu-rays like Mickey 17 and Mufasa: The Lion King. Lots of savings to go around.

Is GameFly a Good Place to Buy Used Games?

Everything you buy from GameFly is “pre-played,” meaning it’s been sent out to GameFly customers. That said, everything GameFly sells in these sales is in good condition. It also comes with brand-new new cases and inserts where applicable. I’ve bought games in previous GameFly sales, and I never would’ve guessed they were used, aside from arriving without shrink wrap.

All of these games are also “100% guaranteed,” so if you have any problem with them, you can get a full refund. Buying pre-played games is a good way to pick up recent games at way cheaper than new pricing. And this sale knocks even more money off the pre-played discount, which is essentially stacking a deal on a deal.

Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Bluesky.

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Deals for Today: Switch 2 Invites Open Up On Amazon And Destined Rivals Is Now Below Market Value

Amazon just reopened invite requests for the Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World Bundle at $499.99. Switch 2 upgrades the now-classic hybrid console with a larger 7.9-inch HDR touchscreen, 4K dock output, and GameChat voice and video chat. If you've been holding out for the newest Switch, now is a good time to request an invite before stock dries up again.

TL;DR: Deals For Today

You can also grab the Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box for $88.95, which is slightly below market value. It includes nine booster packs, a full-art promo card featuring Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet, and plenty of extras like card sleeves, dice, and a collector’s box. I've got more deals comming your way too. Including the INIU 10,000mAh 45W Power Bank for $12, a 5-pack of six-foot USB-C charging cables for $6.99, the Superman 2025 Steelbook 4K Blu-ray, and TCL’s 55-inch QM6K Mini LED Smart TV for $449.99, $350 off its usual price. Let's get into it:

Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box

Whilst this ETB is out of stock currently on TCG Player, the current pricing on Amazon is a full dollar below market value. Granted, its above MSRP, but if you want this ETB sealed for your collection or to rip it open right now, this is the going rate.

Where To Buy Japanese Pokémon Cards

Japanese Pokémon TCG booster boxes have far better odds at pulling chase cards, have far less bulk and are often half the price of English booster boxes. This also mean said chase cards are worth significantly less, but Japanese cards are far easier to get perfect grades in given they're always busting out of booster packs in perfect condition. Want a Pokémon card collection on a budget? Go for Japanese cards.

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Preorders

This is it, the beggining of a new expansion for Pokémon TCG. Best Buy have gone live with their preorder allocation for Mega Evolutions today, which mean Target and Walmart won't be far behind. Here's all the links you need and good luck trainers!

Pokémon TCG Price Updates

I can't believe I'm writing this, but Amazon has quite a bit of sealed Pokémon TCG product for under market value. Whilst that unfortunately means it's still way above MSRP, some of these sets are at the best prices they've been in the last month.

This Weeks Crashers and Climbers

Scarlet and Violet base set prices have been shifting noticeably ahead of the final sets Black Bolt and White Flare, with Psychic-type Illustration Rares like Ralts 211/198 and Kirlia 212/198 each climbing 28 percent this month while Gardevoir ex 245/198 now sits at $54.99 after a 25 percent jump. Miraidon ex and Koraidon ex are both trending upward as well, holding value around $23.99 each. At the same time several cards are sliding down as Fidough 213/198 dropped 15 percent, Armarouge 203/198 is down 11 percent, and Pachirisu 208/198 fell 19 percent. The steepest dips hit Dondozo 207/198 and Starly 221/198, now around $9.99 each after dropping 30 percent and 37 percent respectively, reflecting a market that is narrowing in on long-term playability and collector interest.

Last Weeks Crashers and Climbers

As newer Pokémon TCG sets grab the spotlight, Paradox Rift is seeing its high-rarity SIR ex cards drop in value while several Illustration Rares quietly climb due to shifting collector interest and low inventory. Cards like Altaria ex, Gholdengo ex, and Steelix have dropped between 16% and 25%, while Illustration Rares including Morpeko, Plusle, Minun, Groudon, and Iron Valiant ex are climbing fast, with Morpeko leading at a 43% increase. This mirrors earlier trends where less flashy cards gain traction as availability tightens.

MTG Edge of Eternities Preorders

Magic: The Gathering’s next set, Edge of Eternities, officially launches August 1 with preorders now live on Amazon for bundles including Play Booster Boxes, Commander Decks, and Collector Booster Boxes. Blending Magic’s iconic gameplay with science fantasy themes such as flying space whales and alien races, Edge of Eternities introduces four new mechanics: Void, Warp, Station, and Lander Tokens. Fan-favorite tribes like Eldrazi and Slivers return alongside reprints of coveted Shock Lands. Wizards of the Coast is gradually revealing more details, with a full card gallery arriving July 18 and prerelease events happening July 25 through 31, so now is the time to lock in your preorder if you want first access.

MTG Pricing Updates

It's a bit of a mixed back for Magic: The Gathering prices this week, so it's always worth double checking eBay before TCG Player and Amazon for a last minute bargain. Also, whoever thinks a Theros Beyond Death booster is worth north of $700 needs to have a word with themselves.

Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle

Still struggling to get your hands on Nintendo Switch 2? The Mario Kart World bundle is available on Amazon right now, but it's invitation only. Make sure to request one, you've got nothing to loose. Unlike most invitation only products, Amazon was quite responsive when preorder invitations rocked up, so fingers crossed this is your golden ticket.

SanDisk® 512GB GamePLAY microSD Express Card

A $35 saving on a Micro SD card is a cracking deal right now, and will come in handy whilst trying out your OG Switch library on your brand new Nintendo Switch 2. These cards also guarantee fantastic performance playing Nintendo Switch 2 games, so it's a win-win.

Superman (2025) (4K Ultra HD Steelbook)

Superman 2025 is arguably DC movies returning back to form, not to mention Krypto being a good boy. It's already sold out once on Amazon, so get your preorder in whilst it's still available, I think this will be a gem in anyone's steelbook collection.

USB Type-C to A Cable 5 pack

More than 50% off a pack of five USB a to C cables? Yes please. These are always handy to have around, and no one wants to pay out of the nose for USB cables.

INIU Portable Charger 10000mAh 45W

This is ideal for carrying around when you've forgot to stick your phone on charge overnight, 45W is more than enough power to charge anything whilst using it, from phones to Nintendo Switch 2. So who can argue for $12?

TCL - 55" QM6K Series

144Hz refresh rate on a 4K HDR QD Mini LED 55" screen for under $450? There you go, that's all the selling this TV needs. TCL have a hell of a reputation for undercutting big brand TV names, and this deal is no different.

INIU 140W Power Bank

Need serious power on the go? INIU’s 140W PowerNova Power Bank delivers laptop-level charging with a massive 27,000mAh capacity that is airline approved. Charge up to three devices at once via two USB-C ports and one USB-A, including a dedicated 140W PD 3.1 output to top off a MacBook Pro 16" to 59% in just 30 minutes. The smart LED display shows real-time battery status, so you’re never guessing. Includes a USB-C cable, travel pouch, and INIU’s industry-leading 3-year warranty.

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker

The Fitbit Charge 6 makes tracking your health and workouts easier and more connected than ever, with 40+ exercise modes, built-in GPS, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and YouTube Music controls. Link it to compatible gym equipment to see your stats live as you move. It comes with both small and large bands, a sleek porcelain and silver finish, and a 6-month Fitbit Premium membership for deeper insights. Charge 6 works with both iOS and Android, and pairs perfectly with other Google products like Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Personal Fan with LED Display

Stay cool anywhere with TUNISE’s wearable neck fan, featuring a whisper-quiet motor and three adjustable speeds up to 4100 RPM. Its 5200mAh battery delivers up to 12 hours of cooling, while the clear LED display keeps tabs on battery life and fan speed. With a foldable, adjustable-angle design, this bladeless fan is as portable as it is stylish.

9-Outlet Anker 332 USB C Power Strip Surge Protector

Simplify your workspace with Anker’s 332 USB C Power Strip, packing six outlets, USB-C 20W Power Delivery, and Anker’s signature 8-Point Safety System. It protects against surges, fire risks, and overloads while keeping your devices topped up. The 5-foot cord and compact three-sided outlet design make it easy to fit anywhere in your home or office setup. Reliable charging meets smart safety in one sleek package.

INIU USB C Charger Block x 2

Charge two devices at once with INIU’s 30W dual-port USB-C charger set. Featuring GaN tech for cooler, safer charging, each block is 30% smaller than standard chargers and comes with foldable plugs for easy travel. Power up an iPhone 16 to 71% in just 30 minutes or juice up a MacBook Air with ease. This set includes two 60W USB-C cables, a user manual, and INIU’s industry-leading 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection (Switch)

I picked up the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection for Switch and it’s been a solid throwback to the old Duel Monsters days. I grew up playing these games, so jumping back in with the ability to duel online and unlock classic cards feels pretty great. The save-anywhere feature makes it easy to squeeze in a match during a break and come back to it later. I also like that you can rewind or fast forward during duels which makes testing out new strategies a lot more flexible.

Superman (Blu-ray + Digital)

I was hoping to grab the steelbook edition of Superman but it looks like that’s already sold out. The standard Blu-ray is still available though if you’re just looking to watch the movie without the collectible packaging. James Gunn delivers a Superman story that feels fresh while staying true to the character. There’s a solid balance of action, humor, and heart, and it sets a strong tone for what’s next in the DCU. If you’re into superhero movies that keep things grounded while still feeling big and cinematic, this one’s worth picking up.

Split Fiction (PS5)

I grabbed Split Fiction on PS5 recently and it’s been a great pick for co-op sessions. We gave it a 9 out of 10 and after playing it I can see why. It focuses on split-screen teamwork where you and a partner have to sync your actions to clear each challenge. I really like how each level introduces new mechanics and switches between sci-fi and fantasy settings so it never feels repetitive. Mio and Zoe’s story adds some extra depth too since they do not get along at first but that dynamic makes the whole adventure feel more personal as things ramp up.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

AirPods Pro 2 are one of those earbuds I keep noticing for their mix of sound quality and thoughtful features. At $199, they offer a strong balance of value and performance. The active noise cancellation blocks out a lot of background noise while adaptive audio automatically adjusts based on your surroundings. You get four sizes of silicone tips for a customizable fit, and once those are set they stay comfortable even through longer listening sessions. The personalized spatial audio and hearing aid features add extra depth, giving them more flexibility than just a standard pair of wireless earbuds.

DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake (Switch)

DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake caught my attention for how it brings that classic RPG feel into a modern format. At $34.99, it’s a pretty big discount compared to the usual price, which makes it an easy pick if you’ve been waiting to try it. The HD-2D visuals really stand out with that mix of pixel art and depth that makes the world feel fresh but still familiar. Battles stick to the traditional turn-based system but with small updates like adjustable speed and auto-battle, so it doesn’t feel stuck in the past. The soundtrack ties it all together with that same timeless vibe DRAGON QUEST fans already know.

The Lord of the Rings Illustrated (Tolkien Illustrated Editions)

The Lord of the Rings Illustrated Edition feels like more than just a regular hardcover. At $30.07 it is a big drop from the usual $90 which makes it a sound deal. What really sets this edition apart are the illustrations with Tolkien’s own drawings maps and sketches included throughout. The full text is printed in red and black ink and there are details like sprayed edges and a ribbon bookmark that make it feel more like a collector’s item.

Suikoden I & II HD Remastered (Switch)

Suikoden I & II HD Remastered at $48.31 for the Day One Edition is an essential pickup for JRPG fans. The updated pixel art looks sharp without losing the original style and the new environmental sounds add a little more atmosphere as you move through towns and dungeons. Fattle fast forward and auto-save features make revisiting these games more modern and easier to play in shorter sessions.

Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.

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Amazon Will Let You Trade in Your Old Switch for Just Enough Cash to Buy Donkey Kong Bananza

The Nintendo Switch 2 has been pretty difficult to find in stock since June. If you were able to get your hands on the new console, you may be debating whether or not you should get rid of your old one. Amazon has one such option available: You can currently trade in your old Switch for a bit of digital cash. Unfortunately, the most you'll be able to get in return is just enough to cover the newest Switch 2 game.

The Amazon trade-in program will offer up to $70 in Amazon gift cards for your old Nintendo Switch if it meets all of the criteria. That's just enough money to buy Donkey Kong Bananza before it releases this week. If you're interested, here's a quick rundown of how to do it.

How to Trade in Your Switch on Amazon

To trade in your old Switch, you'll first need to visit the Amazon trade-in portal. This page mostly features ways to trade in your old Amazon devices, but if you scroll to the very last option you'll see a video game items category. You'll need to start here to begin the trade-in process, then follow the rest of these steps:

1. Select Console as your trade-in item type
2. Select Nintendo as your manufacturer
3. Select Switch as your console generation
4. Select Switch Lite or Switch as the model – note that Amazon counts a Switch and a Switch OLED as the same in the trade-in process, and Switch Lite trade-ins will max out at $60
5. Answer the yes or no questions to complete your trade-in estimate
6. Choose an option to accept the adjusted value or have Amazon return your Switch for free if it doesn't meet the requirements
7. Accept the Amazon Trade-In Terms and Conditions
8. Wait for Amazon to send a shipping label to your address, then send it in to receive your gift card

What are the trade-in requirements?

To get the full value out of your trade in, your Switch will need to meet a set of specific requirements. These are the questions Amazon will ask:

• Does the device power on and is it fully functional?
• Are there cracks or physical defects on the console?
• Are the original accessories included and fully functional (e.g. controller, power cords, video cables, and no controller drift)?
• Have you removed all parental controls from your device?

If your Switch is in good condition with no obvious cracks or defects, you'll be able to get the full $70 trade-in value. If any accessories are missing, you'll only get $35. If it's damaged, you'll only get $17.50. You can choose to have Amazon return your console for free if it doesn't meet the full $70 trade-in value.

Use Your Gift Card on Donkey Kong Bananza

If you go through all of these steps and get yourself a digital gift card, the next obvious step is to use that money on Switch 2 games. With the rising cost of Nintendo games in 2025, $70 is not quite enough to purchase Mario Kart World, but it's just the right amount to pick up the new Donkey Kong game releasing this Thursday. Donkey Kong Bananza is currently priced at $69 at Amazon and is one of the most anticipated Switch 2 games this year. It was recently confirmed that the same team that worked on Mario Odyssey were the ones that developed Donkey Kong Bananza, and fans are excited to finally get to play it. IGN even had the chance to interview the developers to get some burning questions answered.

If you're looking to use your gift card on other new games instead, quite a few new Switch 2 games are releasing in July that are worth a look too.

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ARK: Aquatica Launches Today With a New 'All In-Game' Trailer

Last week, we learned ARK: Aquatica — the new expansion for ARK: Survival Evolved — finally received a firm release date: July 15 (that's today!), and to celebrate the launch, Snail Games has dropped an all-new official trailer, this time showing off what to expect from the game.

Snail Games announced its "in-house developed new expansion map, ARK: Aquatica" at GDC in March. The studio described the expansion as a non-canonical side story to ARK in “an ambitious underwater setting featuring 95% of gameplay taking place beneath the surface."

However, the ARK: Survival Evolved expansion trailer released alongside the announcement was resoundingly condemned after fans discovered evidence of generative AI imagery, and the follow-up 11-second trailer released last week really didn't show us very much at all.

Now, however, a brand-new launch trailer is available to tempt you into picking up the expansion today. It shows off a selection of dinosaurs — both the aquatic and dry-land types — and how they exist alongside a tribe of humans, who can use their prehistoric companions to get around both on dry land and via what appears to be wind funnels beneath the waves.

Not all of the creatures you bump into are friendly, though, so we're also treated to a little combat, too, as well as some truly stunning underwater vistas.

ARK: Aquatica introduces the first submerged ARK with above-water islands, "challenging players with new survival mechanics, extreme environmental hazards, a huge explorable map area, and unique gameplay elements." The underwater biome adds 21 new tameable creatures, 74 new Engrams — including seven tek Engrams — and underwater survival thanks to features like air pockets and propulsion vehicles. Expect new characters and a "narrative connecting multiple ARKs."

ARK: Aquatica is available exclusively on PC via Steam. For the first two weeks of release, players can pick it up for $8.99 — that's 40% off the recommended retail price. A new ARK: New Depths Bundle, which features both ARK: Survival Evolved and ARK: Aquatica Expansion Map, is also on sale at a 20% discount.

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

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Attack on Titan: Apocalypse Card Set Review

One of my favorite pastimes on the playground growing up was having heated debates with my friends about which of our favorite TV or video game characters would win in a fight. While it’s been a few decades since those days on the swingset, pitting two individuals from different properties against one another in a deathmatch is no less relevant today – just look at games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Magic: The Gathering. One trading card game has been doing it far longer. It's called UniVersus, and the team at UVS Games has recently released the final set in their Attack on Titan line – Apocalypse – featuring cards and characters from the final arc of the manga and anime. At last, we can find out if Eren Yeager, in his final form, can take on Godzilla or the various members of Critical Role’s Vox Machina.

For those unfamiliar with UniVersus, previously known as “UFS - Universal Fighting System”, it's a card game akin to games like Magic: The Gathering or Yu-Gi-Oh, but whose identity is based around creating wild cross-over fights. Players construct decks, picking a Character to lead their deck, which also dictates how much life they start with and their maximum hand size. UniVersus’ mechanics are centered around checks that players make to play their various kinds of cards, from attacks to other resources. Each card has a challenge value on it that must be met or exceeded for the card to be successfully played, requiring the player to flip the card on top of their deck and compare its check value against the challenge value of the action to be played.

Successes allow the action to be taken, such as attacking your opponent, while a failure ends your turn. A player’s turn continues until either they pass or fail one of these checks, with each subsequent check increasing the challenge value. It’s an interesting system, and adds an extra element of tension with every check from the top of your deck. However, it can be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when you get to blocking attacks, which have their own set of similar checks to deal with. UniVersus as a whole, I feel, is one of the more complex card games out there on the market today.

This latest set is focused around the final arc of the Attack of Titan series. It continues to build on the previous sets that UVS released – Battle for Humanity and Origins of Power. Much like those other sets, Apocalypse retains the unique manga-esque card art, with most of the artwork framed in manga panels, with brand new artwork done by series creator Hajime Isayama. While his art style may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I personally prefer the art of the anime more, but there is no denying that it is neat to have these unique prints included in the set.

From a gameplay standpoint, not much sets Apocalypse apart from the other AoT sets UVS has released in the past year, but that isn’t really a bad thing, as I’ve enjoyed the previous sets quite a bit. I am especially fond of the double-sided Titan cards that allow characters to shift from their human form into their Titan form during the game, allowing for deeper strategies and tense moments in my games, and it feels just as good here in this final set as it did in the first. I have my fingers crossed that the team will find ways to incorporate this feature in future non-AoT sets.

Coming in at over 180 cards, Apocalypse offers players roughly the same amount of new cards as the previous Origins of Power set did, so unfortunately, if you were hoping for another large set like the titanic (pun intended) Battle for Humanity and its 300+ list, you’re out of luck. It is a bit of a bummer that there aren’t more cards. One feeling, though that I couldn’t escape as I looked through this set, was how it felt more like a set aimed more at collectors than at players. Maybe it’s just my imagination, resulting from the marketing focus on the new Isayama artwork and special chrome cards, but I feel like with the set's release, and even before, I heard more about those parts of this release than specifics on new cards or abilities of the set. To Apocalypse’s credit, the cards are all very neat and the chrome cards are beautiful, but for prospective new players, I don’t know what they could really learn about the set from a quick google search about specifics outside of “look, new art” which leads into the biggest issue that continues to hound UniVersus as a whole – learning resources.

Again, this is a complicated game and on the spectrum of simple to complex card games, I would put UniVersus somewhere around 3 out of 4 mark. Even after dabbling in the game for the past year or two, there are still a number of areas – resource symbols for example – that seemingly make little sense to me. To the team’s credit, they realize the game has an onboarding problem. I’ve played Magic a long time, so the idea of color identity, the idea that a specific color is tied to a style of gameplay, is something that makes sense to me, and symbols are, in essence, the UniVersus version of this idea. But UniVersus has 12 symbols, with abstract things like “All”, “Good”, and “Chaos” as just a few examples. I haven’t progressed far past the idea of just using the same symbols as the character who is leading my deck, but I wish the learning resources available did far more to help explain the systems, or were presented better.

While some resources are available, examples such as the phase breakdown and play-by-play of a turn are walls of text without a single accompanying image to help. The symbols guide features outdated card art and symbol designs, and the currently available basic “How to Play” video that teaches the most basic concepts of the game doesn’t touch on half of the card types that the game uses or even mention those resource symbols. In fact, they are omitted completely even from the art on the cards used in the demonstration. Thankfully, various content creators have published resources that potential new players can watch to learn the game, but the bright side of things is that they know that this is an issue and are working to address it, slowly but surely. I enjoy my time when I play, but finding good information on how to play or build decks in this game is so hard to come by that it makes UniVersus a hard sell to my card-game-playing friends.

Where to Buy

• See it at TCGPlayer
• See it at UVS Games

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