Video Game News Roundup – April 07, 2025
Welcome to our daily roundup of the hottest video game news! Today’s highlights feature:
- The Minecraft Movie shattering records with a $157 million domestic opening weekend, making it the most successful video game adaptation debut to date
- Microsoft unveiling a demo ‘inspired’ by Quake 2, generated by AI, which unfortunately falls short in performance, causing nausea and raising questions about the substantial resources expended for its creation
- Developers of the Nintendo Switch 2 discussing the console’s technology and the lasting impact of Iwata’s legacy on its development
‘A Minecraft Movie’ Grosses $157 Million: Record-Breaking Domestic Opening Weekend for a Video Game Adaptation
Source: PC Gamer – April 07, 2025
The success of ‘A Minecraft Movie’ at the box office is hardly surprising. Prior to its release, it was predicted that the film would gross a trillion dollars. Though this forecast was somewhat exaggerated, the film still performed remarkably well. On its opening weekend, ‘A Minecraft Movie’ grossed $301 million worldwide, with $157 million coming from domestic markets alone, a record for a video game adaptation. To put this into perspective, ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’, which was the former highest-grossing video game movie, debuted with $146.4 million domestically over a three-day weekend. Despite ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ having a smaller budget of $100 million compared to ‘A Minecraft Movie’s $150 million, this accomplishment is nonetheless impressive.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Microsoft’s AI-Generated Quake 2 Demo: An Underwhelming Performance with a High Cost
Source: PC Gamer – April 07, 2025
Prior to the disappointing performance of Stadia, Google showcased its game streaming technology with a free version of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey playable in your browser. My partner fondly recalls spending idle evenings at work, playing this blockbuster game on an outdated library OptiPlex. Regardless of the subsequent issues with Stadia and overall game streaming, that initial demo felt like a technological marvel. If an impressive tech demo could eventually lead to a significant industry misstep, what might a lackluster one imply? This query emerges in light of Microsoft’s recent AI-assisted Quake II gameplay experience demo.
The question of ethics arises when considering the immense capital, energy, and manpower expended on creating not a polished version of a game from three decades ago, but a rather vague and underwhelming rendition of it.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Nintendo Switch 2: Developers Delve into Tech Specs and Iwata’s Influence on its Development
Source: IGN – April 07, 2025
Following a hands-on experience with the Nintendo Switch 2 at its New York reveal last week, IGN engaged in a comprehensive discussion with the hardware leads driving the development of Nintendo’s latest console. Kouchi Kawamoto and Takuhiro Dohta from Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning and Development Department, accompanied by Tetusya Sasaki from Nintendo’s Technology Development Division, chatted with IGN’s Brian Altano. They get into the technology behind the Switch 2, the legacy Nintendo handhelds that inspired them, and the enduring impact of former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata’s legacy on the console’s development.
Read the full IGN article here →
Nintendo Defends $80 Price Tag of Switch 2 Exclusive, Mario Kart World Amid Cost Controversy
Source: IGN – April 07, 2025
In the wake of controversy surrounding the pricing of some Switch 2 games, Nintendo has asserted that the $80 price tag on Mario Kart World is justified. The announcement of the Switch 2 and its launch title, Mario Kart World, was made in last week’s Nintendo Direct. However, the prices of these products were not disclosed until after the event. The Switch 2 is currently priced at $449.99 and is set to be released on June 5. It’s worth noting though, that Trump’s tariffs, which have already delayed U.S. pre-orders, may force Nintendo to increase the price. The real shocker is the $79.99 pricing of Mario Kart World, which is $10 more than the most expensive Nintendo-published game on the original Switch, Tears of the Kingdom.
Preorders for Nintendo Switch 2 Now Available in the UK: Amazon Initiates New Wave of Invitations
Source: IGN – April 07, 2025
Despite Nintendo’s official UK preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 not beginning until April 8, the console is already in high demand. Major retailers such as EE, Argos, GAME, and Smyths launched their preorders early, only to sell out quickly. Scalpers have also begun listing the console on eBay at prices above the recommended retail price. In the US, preorder delays and tariff concerns have added to the complications. However, there is a silver lining: Amazon UK has started to dispatch its latest wave of preorder invitations for the Switch 2. If you’ve requested an invite, now is the time to review the Switch 2 listings linked below and check your inbox. This could be your best—and potentially only—opportunity to secure a launch-day console amidst the frenzy.
Read the full article at IGN →
‘A Minecraft Movie’ Sheds Light on Toxic Masculinity
Source: Kotaku – April 07, 2025
‘A Minecraft Movie’ has proven to be a satisfactory cinematic experience. While it doesn’t quite match the unexpected charm of ‘The Lego Movie’, it isn’t a cinematic disaster either. In terms of quality, it parallels ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ from 2023, landing comfortably in the realm of being “fine.” My 10-year-old found it enjoyable, albeit with some reservations, and it was well-received by the children who were watching it with us. Remarkably, the movie exceeded its already ambitious opening weekend sales projections, raking in over $300 million worldwide. Interestingly, it achieved this level of success while delivering a potent message about toxic masculinity. Please check out ‘Live Forever in the Universe of New World: Aeternum’.
Read the full article at Kotaku →
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Tutorial Game, Welcome Tour, Priced at $10: Here’s Why It’s Not Free
Source: IGN – April 07, 2025
The pricing of the Switch 2 at $449.99 and Mario Kart World at $79.99 has already raised eyebrows, but Nintendo’s decision to charge for the console’s tutorial game, Welcome Tour, has left many gamers surprised. Revealed during the Nintendo Direct event, the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is set to roll out alongside the Switch 2 in June. This unique game offers a guided tour of the console itself, presented in a video game format.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is described as a “virtual exhibition” of the new hardware. According to Nintendo, this interactive experience will allow players to explore the new system in an immersive way. Through tech demos, minigames, and other interactive elements, players will learn about the system’s features and capabilities that they might not discover otherwise.
Read the full article at IGN →
Popular Streamer Valkyrae Removed from Minecraft Movie: Prefers Missing Cameo to Legal Trouble
Source: IGN – April 7, 2025
Popular streamer Valkyrae, also known as Rachell Marie Hofstetter, has had her cameo appearance alongside other notable content creators in the Minecraft Movie removed. The confirmation came over the weekend. Addressing the issue, Valkyrae expressed to her fans that she’d “much rather not have that 30 seconds than be sued.”
Previously, Valkyrae had criticized Minecraft Movie star, Jason Momoa, citing it as her “worst celebrity or streamer experience.” During a video interview, she described an incident where she witnessed Momoa behaving poorly towards the crew members. She noted, “I just saw him mistreat some of the crew. It was quite disappointing. This occurred after a particularly intense and emotional scene, so perhaps he was still in character.”
Read the full article at IGN →
Enjoy 15% Off on Nintendo Gift Cards Today at Currys – Perfect Timing for the Switch 2
Source: IGN – April 07, 2025
UK retailer, Currys, has been making waves lately with a series of discounts. Today, they’re not just offering a deal on Nintendo eShop credit, but also providing a 15% discount on gift cards for PlayStation, Xbox, Roblox, EA, Meta Quest, and even EA Sports FC points. By applying the discount code “PERKS15APRIL” at checkout, you can enjoy a 15% reduction in price. Currently, the £50 Nintendo eShop digital gift card, which features Bowser, is available for just £42.50. This means you save £7.50 directly, while still retaining the full £50 credit to spend on the eShop for games, DLC, or a Switch Online subscription.
Read the full IGN article here →
Concerns Over the Weight of the New Switch 2
Source: Polygon – April 07, 2025
After test-driving the Nintendo Switch 2 at last week’s hands-on event in New York, I came away with some concerns about its weight. Specifically, I’m anxious that holding the console in handheld mode for extended periods may be less comfortable than it was with its predecessors, the original Switch and the Switch OLED. However, these hands-on events do not allow for prolonged playtime with a single game. During the event, only Mario Kart World was set up for handheld mode, and I could only complete about three races before my demo time ran out.
Read the full article on Polygon →
Stock Market Plunge for Nintendo, Sony and Other Japanese Game Companies Amid Trump’s Tariffs Impact
Source: IGN – April 07, 2025
Japanese video game companies are feeling the burn from a substantial stock market dip, incited by U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs. The White House, signaling what they term as specific reciprocal tariffs, has decided to implement these on about 60 of the most significant offenders, effective from April 9. Japan is listed among the countries subjected to these custom tariff rates, which stands at 24%. The officials from Trump’s administration argue that these nations either levy higher tariffs on U.S. goods, establish “non-tariff” barriers to U.S. trade, or have otherwise behaved in manners that they believe undermine American economic objectives. In essence, tariffs are taxes imposed on the expense of importing specific goods. While certain companies in the supply chain might absorb these costs, these taxes are often transferred to the consumers.
Read the full IGN article here →
Did Nintendo Unintentionally Leak an Unannounced Character in Donkey Kong Bananza?
Source: IGN – April 07, 2025
Nintendo Korea’s website may have inadvertently hinted at an unannounced sidekick set to join Kong in the forthcoming Donkey Kong Bananza. Although the revealing image was swiftly replaced, ResetEra managed to capture a screenshot before the alteration. Be warned, potential Donkey Kong: Bananza spoilers follow.
In most promotional art for the game, Kong is depicted smashing his fist into the ground, causing a burst of rocks and rubble, with the purple, rock-like Odd Rock situated behind him. However, the image initially displayed on the Korean website was slightly different: the Odd Rock was absent, replaced by a young Pauline clinging to Kong’s necktie.
Read the full article on IGN →
Today’s Best Deals: MAINGEAR Gaming PC, Pokémon Tins, SanDisk microSD Express, and Skyrim Collectibles
Source: IGN – April 07, 2025
Today’s top deals are truly exciting. First, we have a handcrafted MainGear rig that looks like a piece of art and boasts impressive capabilities for running modern games. For Pokémon TCG fans, there’s a tin that makes your card pulls a thrilling game of chance. Additionally, a Humble Bundle packed with giant alien bugs and unhinged chaos awaits you. If you’re awaiting Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders, a great deal on a Sandisk 256GB Micro SD Express card is also available. Lastly, for those who’ve ever dreamed of owning a Dovahkiin (Dragonborn) desk ornament, the IGN Store has you covered.
Read the full article at IGN →
Engage in the Discussion
What news piqued your interest today? Is it Minecraft Movie or the Switch 2 updates that has you more enthralled? We would love to hear your thoughts. Share them in the comments section below!
