Category: Gaming

Nintendo has announced a strategic shift in its development focus towards the Nintendo Switch 2, signaling a gradual transition away from the original Switch console. In a recent financial briefing, the company revealed its intention to prioritize the Nintendo Switch 2 for future development efforts, aiming to build and expand its business around this new platform.

While the original Switch will not be immediately retired, Nintendo’s decision highlights a clear direction towards promoting its successor. The company plans to continue selling Switch hardware for the time being, considering consumer demand and market conditions. Additionally, Nintendo has confirmed the ongoing development of several major titles for the existing Switch platform from October onwards.

Since its launch in June, the Nintendo Switch 2 has sold over 10.36 million units, with a significant 84% of buyers transitioning from the original Switch. This number represents a fraction of the lifetime sales of the original Switch, but Nintendo reports a consistent migration of players to the new platform.

Source: The Verge

Sony has officially launched cloud streaming on the PlayStation Portal, following a successful beta testing phase. Premium Plus members can now access select titles from their PS5 library without the need for a physical console connection. The updated menu offers three main tabs for Remote Play from PS5, cloud streaming, and search functionalities.

At launch, Cloud Streaming on the PlayStation Portal supports thousands of PS5 games, including popular titles like Astro Bot, Borderlands 4, and Grand Theft Auto V. Members can also stream games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and The Last of Us Part II Remastered.

During the beta phase, this feature was exclusive to PS Plus Premium subscribers. Alongside cloud streaming, the PS Portal has received updates like 3D audio support and a new passcode feature.

Source: The Verge

Valve has rolled out a new feature on the Steam Deck that allows users to complete downloads in a low-power mode with the screen turned off. This update, currently available on the Beta and Preview channels, enables the handheld to finish all active downloads before entering sleep mode, addressing concerns about power consumption and device safety.

Previously, users had to keep the screen on during downloads, consuming significant power. Now, with the new display-off low-power mode, users can conserve energy while still monitoring download progress. This change comes after Valve’s hardware engineer mentioned concerns about power usage and the potential risk of leaving a hot device unattended in a bag.

When downloading a game or update, users can choose to continue the download with the screen off by pressing the power button and opting to enter low-power mode. This setting is enabled by default when the Steam Deck is plugged in and can be manually activated when running on battery, though the device will enter full sleep mode if the battery falls below 20 percent.

This update offers a practical solution for Steam Deck users who frequently download content, enhancing the device’s usability and energy efficiency.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft’s Kinect, initially marketed as a gaming device in 2010, faced disappointment due to overestimated demand. However, a community of hackers recognized the Kinect’s potential beyond gaming, unlocking new possibilities by creating open-source drivers for the device.

While the Kinect failed to meet gaming expectations, it found new applications in robotics, briefly intersected with adult entertainment, and was even repurposed as a ghost hunting gadget. The device’s true potential was unleashed when hackers liberated it from its Xbox limitations, enabling experimentation, creativity, and commercial progress.

Artist and AI expert Memo Akten noted that the Kinect’s technology, though not entirely novel, was groundbreaking in its accessibility and affordability. What once cost thousands of dollars was now available for a fraction of the price, democratizing advanced capabilities previously limited to expensive systems.

Kyle Machulis, CEO of Nonpolynomial, recognized the Kinect’s value early on, aiming to democratize complex mapping technology through open-source initiatives. His work exemplifies how hackers transformed a gaming accessory into a versatile tech tool with far-reaching applications.

Source: The Verge

Nintendo has revised its sales projections for the Switch 2 console, reflecting its remarkable popularity that has exceeded initial estimates. According to the latest earnings report from Nintendo covering the period between April 1st and September 30th, the company now anticipates selling 19 million units of the Switch 2 by March 2026, up from the previous forecast of 15 million.

Since its launch in June, the Switch 2 has already sold 10.36 million units, with 4.54 million units sold during the latest earnings period. Additionally, Nintendo has seen strong software sales, with 20.62 million Switch 2 games sold to date. This surge in hardware and software sales has led to a 110% revenue increase, totaling around $7.1 billion between April and September.

Considering the success of the Switch 2, Nintendo has adjusted its end-of-year sales forecast to approximately $14.6 billion, factoring in potential impacts from US tariff measures. The Switch 2’s rapid sales pace positions it as the fastest-selling game console in Nintendo’s history, while the original Switch continues to perform well, nearing the lifetime sales figures of the iconic DS console.

The Switch 2’s impressive performance contrasts with the underwhelming sales of its predecessor, the Wii U, highlighting Nintendo’s success in the gaming market. With the Switch 2’s trajectory, it is poised to surpass the Wii U’s total sales within its first year on the market, setting a new milestone for the company.

Source: The Verge

Redmagic, a leading brand in mobile gaming, is set to launch the Redmagic 11 Pro, a gaming phone that features advanced liquid cooling technology. Unlike previous phones with vapor chambers, the 11 Pro actively circulates liquid coolant throughout its body to effectively cool the internal components, setting a new standard in the industry.

The phone’s cooling system incorporates a waterproof fan, liquid metal cooling for the CPU, and a vapor chamber, designed to support the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a substantial 7,500mAh battery. These features ensure optimal performance and thermal management during extended gaming sessions.

Externally, the Redmagic 11 Pro boasts additional features such as touch-sensitive shoulder buttons, a headphone jack, and flush camera lenses, providing a seamless and ergonomic design for gamers. The phone will be available for purchase starting from $749 for the black Cryo finish, with transparent variants showcasing the liquid cooling system priced at $849.

This advanced device is a testament to Redmagic’s commitment to enhancing the mobile gaming experience through cutting-edge technology, offering gamers a compelling blend of performance, design, and innovation.

Source: The Verge

Ayaneo, known for its retro gaming handhelds, has officially announced its entry into the smartphone market with the upcoming launch of its first phone. The company hinted at this move back in August during the unveiling of its dual-screen Pocket DS device. Given that Ayaneo’s gaming handhelds already run a customized version of Android, integrating cellular capabilities into a phone is a natural progression for the company.

Details about the new device are limited, with a teaser video showcasing a standard rectangular design featuring dual cameras and possible shoulder buttons. Speculation suggests that the Ayaneo phone might adopt a sliding design similar to the Sony Xperia Play, concealing gaming controls beneath the screen. However, confirmation of the device’s form factor remains pending as the video does not provide a clear view.

While gaming-oriented smartphones typically prioritize high-performance components and cooling systems for gaming, they often lack physical controls integrated into the device. Ayaneo’s entry into this segment raises questions about whether the company will offer built-in gaming controls, potentially differentiating its offering from the competition.

The availability of the Ayaneo phone in the US remains uncertain, adding an element of anticipation for gaming enthusiasts awaiting further details from the company.

Source: The Verge

Rockstar Games, the developer behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise, has recently faced accusations of union busting after reportedly firing around 30 to 40 employees, as reported by Bloomberg. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) claimed that the employees let go were part of a private trade union Discord chat and were either existing union members or in the process of organizing.

This incident sheds light on the evolving dynamics of labor relations within the tech and gaming sectors. The tech industry, including gaming companies, has seen increasing efforts by employees to unionize in pursuit of better working conditions and representation. Rockstar Games’ situation underscores the challenges faced by workers in traditionally non-unionized spaces within the tech realm.

The response from the IWGB signals a determination to address the alleged injustices and advocate for the rights of the affected employees. This event serves as a reminder of the ongoing discussions around labor rights and practices in tech companies, prompting a closer examination of how labor issues intersect with the fast-paced, high-pressure environments of technology development.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft has expanded its Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) to the MSI Claw gaming devices, offering a console-like navigation experience on Windows PC gaming handhelds. This enhancement is being introduced through the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, allowing users to access the Xbox FSE on compatible MSI Claw models starting today.

The Xbox FSE was initially launched on the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X devices, although some users encountered issues during the early stages. If you own an MSI Claw and are considering installing the Xbox FSE, it may be prudent to wait for any ongoing problems to be resolved and for a wider release beyond the Windows Insider program.

To activate the Xbox FSE on compatible devices, users can navigate to Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience and designate Xbox as the home app. Once enabled, the FSE can be accessed from Task View and Game Bar, or configured to automatically enter the full screen experience upon startup.

Microsoft has indicated that additional original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will enable their handhelds to support the Xbox FSE in the upcoming months. Lenovo’s Legion Go 2 is already slated to receive this feature next year, expanding the reach of the enhanced gaming experience to a broader range of devices.

Source: The Verge

Amazon, known for its ventures in technology and gaming, has announced the cancellation of the highly anticipated Lord of the Rings MMO project developed in collaboration with Embracer. The decision comes as part of a series of layoffs within Amazon Games, with a former senior gameplay engineer expressing disappointment over the fate of the project on LinkedIn.

While Amazon and Embracer have not provided official comments on the matter, the Lord of the Rings game remains listed on the Amazon Games website at present. This setback marks Amazon’s second unsuccessful attempt at creating an MMO set in the LOTR universe, following a previous cancellation in 2021.

As part of the restructuring, Amazon will no longer release new content updates for New World: Aeternum, an MMO developed in-house, although the game’s servers will remain operational until 2026. Amazon remains committed to supporting its other MMO titles, such as Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark, according to company spokesperson Brittney Hefner.

These changes underscore the dynamic nature of the gaming industry and the challenges companies face in balancing creative ambitions with operational realities. The cancellation of the Lord of the Rings MMO project highlights the unpredictable nature of game development and the strategic shifts that companies like Amazon must navigate in this competitive landscape.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft Azure, the tech giant’s cloud computing platform, faced disruptions that affected various services, including Microsoft 365, Xbox, and Minecraft. The outage, which occurred shortly after Amazon Web Services (AWS) experienced issues, also impacted companies like Capital One, Alaska Airlines, and Starbucks.

The incident was triggered by an inadvertent configuration change in Azure Front Door (AFD), leading to latencies, timeouts, and errors for customers and services utilizing AFD. Affected Azure services ranged from App Service to Azure Virtual Desktop and Microsoft Sentinel.

Despite the challenges, the AFD service has now surpassed 98% availability, with most customers and services seeing significant improvements. Microsoft anticipates full mitigation by 00:40 UTC on 30 October 2025 as they continue recovery efforts.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft recently reported a significant decline in Xbox hardware revenue, down 29 percent year-over-year in Q1 2026, following a 22 percent drop in the previous quarter. In response, the company is shifting its focus towards an ‘Xbox everywhere’ approach, prioritizing content and services over hardware sales.

As Microsoft faces challenges from tariffs and inflation, the prices of gaming hardware, including the Series X, have been raised with the entry-level now at $599.99. Despite a flat revenue growth of one percent in content and services, Microsoft continues to target ambitious 30 percent profit margins in this area.

While Xbox hardware sales have been struggling, Microsoft’s Windows OEM and Devices segment saw a modest 6 percent revenue increase. Notably, the tech giant’s cloud services, particularly Azure, have been driving substantial growth. Azure revenue surged by 40 percent year-over-year, contributing to Microsoft’s overall revenue of $77.7 billion for the quarter, marking an 18 percent increase from the previous year.

With a continued focus on cloud services and intelligent cloud solutions, Microsoft’s financial performance showcases a shift towards a more service-oriented strategy amid the challenging landscape of gaming hardware sales.

Source: The Verge

Abxylute, a prominent player in the Android-based handheld market, has announced the launch of the M4 Snap-On controller, a cutting-edge mobile gaming accessory that promises to redefine the smartphone gaming experience. Unlike traditional clamp-based controllers, the M4 utilizes magnetic technology to securely attach to compatible mobile devices, offering a Game Boy-style control layout beneath the screen.

The compact and lightweight M4 controller boasts a comprehensive set of gaming controls, including a D-pad, ABXY action buttons, shoulder buttons, joysticks, and additional navigation buttons for seamless gameplay. With a rechargeable battery providing up to 13 hours of playtime, users can enjoy extended gaming sessions without interruption. Moreover, the M4’s versatile design allows for standalone use as a wireless controller with various devices, providing flexibility and convenience.

While specific compatibility details with devices and consoles remain undisclosed, Abxylute is set to launch a Kickstarter campaign in early November to provide more information to eager consumers. Early backers can expect to secure the M4 at an attractive price point starting from $39. As the gaming community eagerly anticipates this new controller, tech enthusiasts are keen to witness how Abxylute’s magnetic innovation will shape the future of mobile gaming.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft’s recent release of the $600 handheld ‘Xbox Ally’ has faced concerns due to its unreliable sleep, wake, and charging performance. Despite no acknowledgment from Microsoft or Asus, a solution has emerged in the form of Bazzite, a Linux-based operating system that not only addresses these issues but also enhances gaming performance significantly.

According to a detailed comparison, Bazzite not only provides a more stable experience but also runs Windows games notably faster on the Xbox Ally. The test results indicate substantial performance improvements across various games and power modes, showcasing the superior capabilities of Bazzite over Windows.

By embracing Bazzite, users have reported seamless gaming sessions without the need for hibernation or shutdowns, underlining the potential for a more efficient and enjoyable gaming experience on the Xbox Ally handheld.

Source: The Verge

YouTube has announced a policy update that will age-restrict more content featuring video game scenes with graphic violence, effective November 17th. This change aims to prevent users under 18 and signed-out users from viewing videos showcasing realistic human characters engaged in scenes of mass violence against non-combatants or torture.

When determining whether to restrict a video, YouTube will consider factors such as the duration and focus of the graphic scene, particularly violence targeted at characters resembling real humans. While the specifics regarding games like Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty remain unclear, YouTube stated that creators could potentially avoid age restrictions by altering how certain missions are played or by blurring violent content.

This update extends YouTube’s existing policies, which permit dramatized violence in video games as long as it’s clear the content is fictional or animated. The platform typically restricts videos featuring torture, severe injuries, or violent deaths with blood, while allowing exceptions for gaming content.

By enhancing its restrictions on graphic violence in gaming videos, YouTube aims to create a safer viewing environment for younger audiences while providing creators with guidance on mitigating age restrictions through content modifications.

Source: The Verge

Amazon announced significant changes in its gaming division, including a shift away from first-party AAA massively multiplayer online (MMO) games towards social party games. In a memo from Steve Boom, VP of audio, Twitch, and games, the company revealed the decision to halt a substantial portion of its first-party AAA game development work, particularly in the MMO genre. This move accompanies role reductions in Amazon Game Studios’ Irvine and San Diego studios, as well as the central publishing team.

Despite these changes, Amazon remains active in game development. The Montreal studio recently completed a successful closed alpha of March of Giants, while Studio 5 launched Courtroom Chaos: Starring Snoop Dogg as a Luna title. Future efforts will focus on casual and AI-driven games optimized for Luna, building on the recent launch of the platform with a mix of social party games and AAA titles.

Amazon’s strategic realignment in the gaming sector reflects a broader evaluation of industry dynamics and competitive landscapes. The company aims to deliver exceptional gaming experiences to customers by leveraging its strengths, exemplified by the recent Luna launch that combines streaming entertainment and Prime member benefits.

Source: The Verge

Electronic Arts (EA) has launched Battlefield Redsec, a free-to-play battle royale mode that combines the iconic gameplay of Battlefield with the popular Battle Royale genre, as reported by The Verge. Available now, players can immerse themselves in Battlefield’s largest map to date, Fort Lyndon, offering a fresh and intense take on Battle Royale gameplay.

With a player count of 100, participants can traverse the expansive world in search of valuable loot while engaging in intense combat scenarios against rival squads, leveraging Battlefield’s distinctive gameplay mechanics. The introduction of Tactical Destruction adds a new layer of strategic depth, enabling players to manipulate the environment to their advantage or transform it into a formidable weapon to outmaneuver adversaries.

Each match promises a cinematic spectacle on a grand scale, embodying the signature explosive experience synonymous with the Battlefield franchise. Battlefield Redsec aims to redefine the Battle Royale landscape by offering unparalleled team-based tactics and exhilarating gameplay opportunities.

Source: The Verge