A Nintendo Direct presentation is reportedly set for mid-September, and this could be a game-changer for fans eagerly awaiting updates. With the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for Nintendo to unveil exciting new content. Sources indicate that this presentation may finally reveal the long-anticipated release date for Metroid Prime 4, a title that has been generating buzz since its initial announcement.

This week, gamers have a fantastic opportunity to snag some free titles from the Epic Games Store, including the intriguing occult puzzle game, Strange Horticulture, and the charming frog-collecting adventure, Kamaeru. Available until August 28, these games promise to engage players with their unique gameplay mechanics and captivating stories. If youre a fan of puzzles and exploration, these titles are not to be missed! Strange Horticulture immerses players in the role of a horticulturist running a mysterious plant shop in Undermere.

Starting today, Amazon Prime Gaming subscribers can dive into four exciting new titles for August, with the standout being “Tin Hearts.” This puzzle game has garnered a “very positive” reception from players, showcasing the growing trend of innovative gameplay that combines strategy with engaging storytelling. “Tin Hearts” invites players to guide toy soldiers through intricate environments, requiring clever interactions to ensure their safe passage. Notably, while the game supports VR, it remains accessible to those without the technology, broadening its appeal.

The recent announcement from Pearl Abyss regarding the postponement of their highly anticipated game, Red Desert, has sparked significant concern among investors and gamers alike. Originally slated for release in the fourth quarter of this year, the launch has now been pushed to the first quarter of next year. This delay, following previous setbacks, raises questions about the company’s credibility and the overall state of game development in the industry.

The recent update for Blue Prince on PS5 has brought significant improvements that players have been eagerly waiting for. Released by Dogubomb and Raw Fury, this first-person puzzle game has garnered attention not just for its engaging gameplay but also for its initial save file issues. Fortunately, the latest patch addresses these concerns, enhancing the overall gaming experience for subscribers of PS Plus. One of the standout features of this update is the reduction in save file sizes, which have been cut down by approximately half.

Bandai Namco has just unveiled the final DLC character for Tekken 8s second season, and it’s a game-changer. Meet Miary Zo, an 18-year-old fighter from Madagascar who brings a fresh perspective to the iconic fighting game series. Specializing in moraingy, a traditional form of kickboxing, Miary not only showcases unique martial arts but also embodies a deep connection to her environment, reflecting the game’s commitment to diverse character backgrounds. Miary’s character design is particularly intriguing; she shares a bond with two ring-tailed lemurs, Vanilla and Cacao, which adds a layer of personality and charm.

The recent leadership shake-up at Cloud Chamber, the studio behind BioShock 4, has sent ripples through the gaming community. Following a failed internal development review, 2K Games has replaced key figures, including studio head Kelley Gilmore and creative director Hogarth de la Plante, who has transitioned to a publishing role. This shift comes as the narrative of BioShock 4 was identified as an area needing significant improvement, raising questions about the game’s future direction.

Exciting news for fans of the quirky and beloved Katamari Damacy series! Bandai Namco has announced that a brand new game titled “Once Upon a Katamari” will be released on October 24, marking the first new non-mobile entry in the franchise in 14 years. This digital-only release will be available on multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, allowing a wide audience to dive into the whimsical world of rolling katamaris.

In a surprising turn of events, the highly anticipated patch 1.02 for Elden Ring, which was set to introduce a two-player mode, has been delayed due to tsunami warnings following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia. Safety concerns have taken precedence, pushing the release date to Thursday, July 31, after 1am PT / 4am ET / 9am BST. This delay not only affects the patch but also the return of the Everdark Sovereign, which will now be postponed until the patch is deployed.

Ubisoft’s recent admission regarding the disappointing performance of Star Wars Outlaws highlights a significant challenge in the gaming industry: the impact of brand reputation on game sales. CEO Yves Guillemot pointed to the franchise being in choppy waters as a key factor in the game’s failure to meet sales targets, suggesting that external perceptions can heavily influence consumer behavior and market success. The cancellation of a sequel to Star Wars Outlaws, as reported by Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson, further underscores the precarious position Ubisoft finds itself in.

The cozy farming genre has seen a surge of titles in recent years, but few have managed to stand out like Lightyear Frontier. This game combines elements of beloved classics such as Stardew Valley and Slime Rancher, while introducing a unique twist with its mech-based gameplay. Set on an alien planet, players not only cultivate crops but also explore vast biomes and uncover the mysteries of their new home, all while piloting a customizable mech.

In a surprising turn of events, Nintendo’s mobile game, Mario Kart Tour, is set to receive its first major update in years, marking a significant revival for the title. After officially winding down in 2023, fans were left with only content rotations, but the announcement of the Sunshine Tour brings fresh excitement. This new season, launching on July 22, is designed to celebrate the recent release of Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2, bridging the gap between mobile and console gaming.

In an unexpected turn of events, the PS5 has welcomed a beloved title from the Nintendo Switch library, as the action-adventure puzzle game Worlds End Club makes its debut on the PlayStation Store. Originally a 2021 exclusive for the Switch, this shadow drop has caught the attention of gamers eager to experience the unique narrative crafted by the creators of Danganronpa. Priced at $24.99, Worlds End Club invites players into a captivating story about a group of Tokyo school children who find themselves trapped in a mysterious underwater theme park following a bus accident.

In the wake of significant layoffs at Microsoft, Rare is set to discuss the future of its flagship title, Sea of Thieves, during its first-ever Community Direct. Scheduled for tomorrow at 3 PM UK / 10 AM ET, this broadcast promises insights into the upcoming Seasons and major changes to the Insider Programme. Given the recent turmoil, including the cancellation of the highly anticipated Everwild and the departure of key developers, this event is a crucial moment for Rare and its community.

Fans are buzzing with excitement as recent discoveries suggest that Nintendo may have inadvertently revealed upcoming titles for the Nintendo Switch Online service. A blurred segment in a May trailer has sparked speculation about several beloved N64 games, including the highly sought-after Super Smash Bros. and Donkey Kong 64, making their way to the platform. The blurred images, first highlighted by Twitter user @ImakuniVT, hint at cover art for games not yet available on the service.

The recent Day of the Devs showcase unveiled an exciting lineup of 20 upcoming indie games, highlighting the creativity and innovation within the indie gaming community. With titles like Thick as Thieves, from the legendary Warren Spector, and Escape Academy 2, this event promises to deliver fresh experiences for gamers everywhere. The world premiere of several games, including Blighted and Please, Watch the Artwork, showcases the diverse storytelling and gameplay mechanics that indie developers are bringing to the table.

After a tumultuous period marked by shutdowns and layoffs, Tango Gameworks is back in the game, quite literally. The studio, known for its innovative titles like Hi-Fi Rush, has re-emerged under the banner of Krafton Inc. with a renewed mission: to create “games with soul.” This shift not only signifies a fresh start for the developers but also highlights their commitment to crafting unique, handcrafted gaming experiences that resonate with players on a deeper level.

In a bittersweet announcement, the beloved smartphone game “Gotōbun no Hanayome Itsutsugo-chan wa Puzzle o Gotōbun Dekinai” based on The Quintessential Quintuplets franchise will officially end its service on June 30, 2025. Launched in October 2020, this game captivated fans with its engaging puzzle mechanics and charming characters, but it seems that even the most popular titles must eventually say goodbye. As of now, in-game currency sales have ceased, but players can still utilize their existing currency until the service concludes.

Indie developer Pixel Maniacs is making waves with their upcoming title, ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard, boldly claiming, “Valve never made a Portal 2 sequel. So we did.” This audacious statement highlights the ongoing demand for innovative puzzle games reminiscent of the beloved Portal series. While Valve has left fans yearning for a Portal 3, ChromaGun 2 aims to fill that void with its own unique twist on the genre. Set in a vibrant world where players utilize a color-shifting gun to manipulate objects, ChromaGun 2 draws visual inspiration from Portal but leans more towards the puzzle mechanics found in games like Qube.