Gaming News: Fans conflicted on price of Nintendo’s Switch 2
nintendo
Console: Audiences are conflicted on the price of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The price of the console will be $450, and Mario Kart World will be $80. Despite the raised price, the upcoming Switch 2 will not have an OLED screen; however, many hardware improvements have been made, such as a 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR, and 4K output. Globally, fans are conflicted on the price and the absence of a trophy/achievement system.
“Ultimately, the brand's entrenched fanbase seems willing to tolerate short-term missteps, betting on Nintendo's historical ability to refine its platforms through compelling games over time,” says IGN China’s Kamui Ye.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on June 5, despite releasing at an uncertain time for the gaming industry. The Switch continues to be popular despite being eight years old. However, the popularity of the original Switch is starting to wane compared to years past. The rising cost of the Switch 2 can be explained by the console ecosystem not keeping pace with inflation. As layoffs continue to plague the gaming industry and the tariffs enacted by President Donald Trump’s administration, it can be expected that prices will continue to rise.
Larian Studios has released its final major game patch for Baldur’s Gate 3. Patch 8 will be the last game patch to release new content for the game. The game will now support Steam Trading Cards, allowing players to craft badges and unlock exclusive profile backgrounds. Players also will be able to use Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer mode on PC, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation 5. Mods will be allowed in cross-play, but all players must have the same version of the mod. New subclasses were added for each playable class, such as Path of the Giant Barbarian and Death Domain Cleric.
Sony has released updates for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro consoles. The update only improved usability and messages on certain screens. The update comes after rumors that Sony is releasing a new handheld PlayStation console, which is allegedly years away.
Xbox has released the lineup of upcoming additions to Xbox Game Pass in April 2025. The new role-playing game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, from studio Sandfall Interactive will be available for Game Pass Ultimate and PC starting on April 24. Several older games will also be joining Game Pass, such as Grand Theft Auto V, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and Dredge. Tempopo, a cozy puzzle game created by the team behind the popular game Unpacking, will also be joining Game Pass for Cloud, Console, and PC on launch.
apple
Mobile: A recent leak for Infinity Nikki has allegedly revealed an upcoming dragon character in the game’s future. Version 1.5 will give players a new zone called Serenity Island, which will be located in the Abandoned District. The update also allegedly contains multiplayer mode. It is not confirmed that the dragon will be released in version 1.5; however, as the game continues to introduce more content, it might be seen soon.
Five new games will join Apple Arcade in May 2025. The games include WHAT THE CLASH?, a multiplayer game that will be released solely on Apple Arcade. Other games include With My Buddy, Lego Friends Heartlake Rush+, and Sumi Sumi: Matching Puzzle+. Several games will also receive updates, such as Hello Kitty Island Adventure, which will include the opening of the City Town Orchards.
day zero productions
PC: EA launched a surprise Pride update for The Sims 4. The update adds new decorations, clothing, and tattoos themed around pride flags. A total of 12 items will be added to the base game in a free update. The content comes as the three new kits release date nears. The kits named Restoration Workshop, Golden Years, and Kitchen Clutter will be available to purchase on May 1, 2025. Restoration Workshop, Golden Years, and Kitchen Clutter kits
Jagex launched RuneScape: Dragonwild’s easy access two weeks after they first announced the game. While the game is projected for release in early 2026, players can expect regular updates with new content. The game is currently number one on Steam’s top-selling list, days after launch.
Trevor Noah’s Day Zero Productions is partnering with Anima Interactive and Cinereach for a climate-themed video game competition. The competition will last until May 10, and the winner will receive a $10,000 grand prize. The challenge named “Day Zero Games: Solarpunk Jam” asks creators for original video game prototypes that bring climate visibility.
Roblox is being sued over including the viral dance to “Apple” by Charli XCX in an update to Dress to Impress. The dance was added to Dress to Impress in a collaboration with Charli XCX that added new Brat-themed content to the game. The dance was copyrighted by creator Kelly Heyer. Heyer alleges that while the corporation reached out about licensing her dance, they released the update without any finalization. Heyer also claims that she was not compensated for the inclusion of her dance. While the dance emote is no longer available for purchase, the company allegedly made over a hundred thousand dollars in proceeds from the dance.
