Video Game News Roundup – April 10, 2025
Welcome to our daily compilation of the freshest video game news. The highlights for today include:
- An alleged Steam Deck Prototype surfaces on eBay with a hefty price tag of almost $3,000
- The long anticipated Valve Deckard, a standalone VR headset, could be closer to its launch than we think, if the recently leaked shipping manifests are to be believed
- Schedule 1, an unlikely hit on Steam, proves that sometimes the best games can indeed come from the most unexpected sources
Now, let’s get deeper into these exciting happenings in the gaming world today.
Alleged Steam Deck Prototype Listed on eBay for Nearly $3,000
Source: PC Gamer – April 10, 2025
eBay is a treasure trove for unique finds, from elusive anime figures to the last piece of a LARP costume. Its vast selection frequently includes unexpected items, such as a supposed Steam Deck prototype. A curious Redditor recently discovered an eBay listing claiming to offer just that, shared via Steam Deck HQ. The most astonishing detail is the asking price. The seller, known as Storm_City_Retro, initially listed the alleged Steam Deck prototype for nearly $3,000 or the best offer.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Potential Release of Valve Deckard, the Long-Rumored Standalone VR Headset, Hints Leaked Shipping Manifests
Source: PC Gamer – April 10, 2025
Over the past few years, the Valve Deckard has been the subject of various rumors. However, recent developments seem to provide more concrete evidence compared to previous ones based on driver files. This new information pertains to actual physical equipment being transported, suggesting that the release of this long-anticipated VR headset might be imminent. According to well-known Deckard informant, SadlyItsBradley (via Notebookcheck), Valve has been importing equipment from Teleray Group to manufacture VR headset facial interfaces domestically. Teleray Group is notable for producing the gaskets for the Valve Index and HP G2 Omnicept. This tweet from April 9, 2025, further fuels the speculation.
SadlyItsBradley, a YouTuber focusing on VR technology, has a track record of accurate VR leaks. He has previously shared precise information about Meta Quest headsets, further lending credibility to this latest revelation.
For more details, read the full article at PC Gamer →
Schedule 1: An Unforeseen Steam Blockbuster Crafted by a Solo Developer
Source: PC Gamer – April 09, 2025
Over two weeks post-launch, Schedule 1 continues to lead as the top-selling paid game on Steam. This signifies that this open-world, drug-dealing RPG is generating more revenue than Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Steam, despite the latter being released merely five days prior. With an active player count frequently exceeding 300,000 (peaking at over 450k), it’s suggested that this $20 early access game has sold a minimum of a million copies, potentially even more. Interestingly, aside from the music and some graffiti art, Schedule 1 was entirely developed by a single individual in Australia named Tyler. It’s fascinating how success stories like these often unfold.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
‘The Last of Us’ Returns for a Third Season on HBO
Source: PC Gamer – April 09, 2025
Even though the second season of ‘The Last of Us’ is slated to premiere on April 13, HBO has already greenlit a third season. Executive producer Craig Mazin expressed his satisfaction with the upcoming season, stating, “We approached season two with the goal of creating something we could be proud of. The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious expectations, thanks to our ongoing collaboration with HBO and the exceptional work of our unmatched cast and crew. We eagerly anticipate continuing the story of ‘The Last of Us’ with season three!”
Francesca Orsi, HBO’s executive vice president, echoed Mazin’s sentiments, emphasizing, “The outstanding achievement of the second season of ‘The Last of Us’ cannot be overstated. We at HBO are incredibly proud.”
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Path of Exile 2 Developer Releases Urgent Updates in Response to Negative Steam Reviews
Source: IGN – April 10, 2025
Grinding Gear Games, the developer behind Path of Exile 2, has implemented urgent updates following a wave of negative feedback regarding the recently released Dawn of the Hunt update. This update led to a substantial drop in recent Steam user reviews, landing the game in the ‘mostly negative’ category.
The Dawn of the Hunt update was introduced earlier this month, triggering immediate backlash from the Path of Exile 2 community. The update featured the addition of the new Huntress class, a character proficient in both melee and ranged combat using a Spear and Buckler. In addition, five new ascension classes were added: the Ritualist, Amazon, Smith of Kitava, Tactician, and Lich. The update also included overhauls to game mechanics, the introduction of over a hundred unique items, and significantly expanded crafting options.
Read the full article at IGN →
Today’s Best Deals: Pokémon TCG Terapagos ex Box, Stellar Crown Restock, Xbox Controller for $39.99
Source: IGN – April 10, 2025
Today’s deals might tempt you to splurge a little. Stellar Crown is finally back in stock, and for those aspiring to be a Tera master, Amazon has the Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection. Lenovo has also quietly reduced the price of Xbox Wireless Controllers to just $39.99, a deal so enticing it’s hard to resist adding one in every color to your cart.
In addition, a new Humble Bundle has emerged, featuring a collection of vibrant, neon-drenched games. Fallout fans are in for a treat, too, with a $200 Pip-Boy replica that functions as a clock.
Read the full article at IGN →
June Returns the Xbox Games Showcase Featuring First-Party Studios, Third-Party Partners, and In-Depth Focus on The Outer Worlds 2
Source: PC Gamer – April 09, 2025
The Xbox Games Showcase is set to make a comeback in June, promising an exciting look at fresh content from both first-party studios and third-party partners. This year’s highlight is a comprehensive exploration of Obsidian’s much-anticipated sci-fi sequel, The Outer Worlds 2. Following the format of the 2023 and 2024 showcases, which spotlighted Starfield and Call of Duty, respectively, this year’s event aims to emulate their success. The suspense from previous years, where the featured game was initially kept under wraps, won’t be part of this year’s event as The Outer Worlds 2 takes center stage from the get-go.
In a special segment titled “The Outer Worlds 2 Direct,” viewers will be taken behind the scenes at Obsidian Entertainment. Expect to see new gameplay footage, hear exclusive details about the game, and gain insights directly from the developers behind this sequel to the award-winning, first-person sci-fi RPG.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
‘We are so back’: The Bazaar Rectifies Monetisation Missteps and Wins Back its Players
Source: PC Gamer – April 09, 2025
A month ago, the promising new auto-battler, The Bazaar, launched in open beta. However, the launch was a disaster, alienating its dedicated community that had been growing during the game’s closed beta period. The game’s free-to-play monetization model was perceived as extreme, leading to pay-to-win accusations. In response, the game’s creator—former professional Hearthstone player and streamer Reynad—caused a stir at the community subreddit. “Seeing Reddit lose it today lets me breathe a huge sigh of relief,” Reynad commented at the time, expressing his confidence in the game’s direction. (Image credit: Tempo Games)
The Bazaar, despite its early missteps, held an abundance of promise. Our own Robin Valentine expressed that it “could be the future of autobattlers” if it could rectify its monetization issues.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Palworld’s Communications Director Discusses AI Controversy, Online Challenges, and Misunderstandings
Source: IGN – April 10, 2025
In a recent sit-down at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), we had an in-depth discussion with John “Bucky” Buckley, the Communications Director and Publishing Manager for Palworld developer, Pocketpair. Our conversation took place following Buckley’s enlightening talk at the conference titled ‘Community Management Summit: A Palworld Roller Coaster: Surviving the Drop.’
During his talk, Buckley candidly addressed several of Palworld’s challenges, particularly the allegations of using generative AI and appropriating Pokemon’s models for its own Pals. Buckley clarified that these claims have since been debunked by Pocketpair and retracted by the original accuser, respectively. He also touched on the unexpected patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo against the studio, expressing that it was a shock that nobody within the studio had anticipated.
Read the full article at IGN →
Ex-PlayStation Boss Discusses Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing and Exclusive Games
Source: IGN – April 10, 2025
The former head of Sony Interactive Entertainment America has addressed the negative reaction to the pricing of Nintendo’s Switch 2. He suggests that the allure of exclusive Nintendo games “softens the impact of the price tag.”
Just last week, Nintendo set the price for the Switch 2 at $449.99, a figure approximately $50 higher than what some experts had anticipated. Further controversy arose from the $10 increase to $79.99 for specific Switch 2 games, including Mario Kart World. However, it’s noteworthy that Nintendo is offering a bundle deal, combining the Nintendo Switch 2 with Mario Kart World for $499.99. This effectively reduces the game’s cost by a substantial $30. Despite this, Nintendo has indicated that this bundle is a time-limited offer. Whether the bundle will maintain its $500 price tag amidst unforeseen tariff fluctuations and Nintendo’s pre-order delay in the U.S. remains uncertain.
Read the full article at IGN →
Nintendo Stockpiling Switch 2 Consoles in the U.S. Despite Possible Losses Due to Current Tariffs
Source: Kotaku – April 10, 2025
The upcoming launch of the Switch 2 is turning out to be one of the most challenging for Nintendo in the U.S. The tech giant’s latest console, retailing at $450, is slated for release on June 5. However, it is grappling with the unpredictable nature of tariffs, which could disrupt its launch plans. Bloomberg reports that Nintendo has been rerouting Switch 2 shipments to the U.S. to build a stockpile ahead of a potential hike in tariffs. Yet, even under current conditions, some analysts suggest that Nintendo may have to sell the new console at a loss.
Click here to read the full article at Kotaku →
Could the Original Switch Become Nintendo’s Best-Selling Console Ever?
Source: Polygon – April 10, 2025
As a senior editor based in the U.K., I’ve spent two decades covering news, analysis, and critical perspectives on film, TV, and games. The recent launch of Nintendo’s Switch 2, priced at a staggering $449.99, has taken the gaming community by storm. The price is still a hot topic of discussion, and it might escalate further if Nintendo decides to hike the price in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs. However, this hefty price tag for the new console could have an unforeseen impact on its predecessor. The original Nintendo Switch has already sold 150 million units, making it the third highest-selling console of all time. It trails behind the Nintendo DS, which has sold 154 million units, and the PlayStation 2, which leads with over 160 million units according to Sony.
Read the full article at Polygon →
Razer Temporarily Halts Pricing and Pre-Order Pages for New Blade Laptops
Source: PC Gamer – April 09, 2025
There have been reports circulating that Razer has paused direct sales of its gaming laptops in the US. However, the situation is a bit more nuanced. We’re facing a scenario akin to the Switch 2 launch, where pre-orders for new laptops have been suspended due to current stock being completely sold out. Incoming inventory will be subject to newly implemented tariffs. The entirety of the initial product run for the Razer Blade 16 has sold out. Consequently, the ‘Buy’ button on the Razer US store has been replaced with a ‘Notify Me’ button, inviting customers to receive an email notification when stock is replenished.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Palworld Developers Reject ‘Pokemon With Guns’ Label
Source: IGN – April 10, 2025
When you hear the name Palworld, what comes to mind? If you’re like many, you might immediately think, “Pokemon with guns.” This phrase became synonymous with the game during its surge in popularity, serving as an easy and convenient description for those unfamiliar with the game. This catchy yet odd blending of two disparate concepts likely played a substantial role in its rapid rise. We at IGN must admit that we also contributed to the propagation of this label. However, according to John ‘Bucky’ Buckley, the Communications Director and Publishing Manager at Pocketpair, this was never the intended perception of their game.
Read the full IGN article here →
Total War: Warhammer 3 Undergoes Second Round of AI Enhancements by Creative Assembly: ‘We Heard You Loud and Clear’
Source: PC Gamer – April 10, 2025
A recent beta test for Creative Assembly’s Total War: Warhammer 3 highlighted the need for enhancements to the campaign AI. The test revealed that a bug triggered an overreaction by the AI to the presence of a lone hero, leading it to adopt a hyper-defensive strategy. In response, Creative Assembly has initiated a second round of AI improvements, as detailed in a recent blog post.
The first enhancement aims to reduce anti-player bias, ensuring the AI treats the player similarly to AI factions, rather than exaggerating the perceived risk posed by the player. The second adjustment is to distance scaling, which currently prompts the AI to remain closer to home than is ideal.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Participate in the Discussion
What news piqued your interest today? Is it the Valve VR deck or Palworld news that has you more enthralled? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share them in the comments section below!
