Welcome to our comprehensive daily roundup of the most recent video game news! Today’s major stories include:
- Nintendo’s decision to raise the prices of Switch 2 accessories in the US due to tariffs, however, the console price will remain unchanged
- In a time where layoffs are creating a significant impact on the video game industry, ‘Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’ demonstrates the importance of retaining development teams over long periods
- A new Star Wars game has a unique story where you play the role of a former Republic officer
Here are the finer details of today’s gaming news.
Nintendo Increases Prices of Switch 2 Accessories in US due to Tariffs, but Console Price Remains Unchanged
Source: Eurogamer – April 18, 2025
Nintendo has recently provided detailed information on how US tariffs will affect the pricing of its much-anticipated Switch 2 and its accessories. Due to changes in market conditions, prices for several console accessories have been increased. For instance, a set of Joy-Con 2 controllers will now cost $95, marking a $5 increase. Similarly, the Switch 2 Pro controller and Switch 2 camera have seen price hikes of $5, bringing their new prices to $85 and $55, respectively.
However, despite these increases, the price tag on the Switch 2 console itself remains steady. Whether you’re considering the standalone $450 Switch 2 or the $500 bundle with Mario Kart World, Nintendo has decided that these prices will remain stable for now. Moreover, the prices for the key software launches – Mario Kart World ($80 when bought separately) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($70) – will also stay the same “at launch,” according to Nintendo.
Click here to read the full article at Eurogamer →
Amidst Industry Layoffs, ‘Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’ Demonstrates the Importance of Long-Standing Development Teams
Source: Eurogamer – April 18, 2025
According to MachineGames, the Vatican’s basement level presents an intriguing contrast to the strict Catholic doctrine that governs the Holy See above ground. Here, one can discover makeshift temples that loosely echo the essence of Christianity, but only when viewed from a certain perspective. Additionally, Mussolini’s soldiers’ underground boxing ring is a hidden attraction, accessible exclusively to those donning their notorious black shirts. This serves as an initial challenge for players to familiarize themselves with the fistfighting system of ‘Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.’
Read the full article at Eurogamer →
Star Wars Zero Company: A Gritty and Authentic Story Set to Launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S in 2026
Source: Eurogamer – April 19, 2025
After much anticipation, EA has unveiled its forthcoming Star Wars strategy game, Star Wars: Zero Company. This single-player, turn-based tactics game, a collaborative effort between Bit Reactor and Respawn, was initially confirmed in 2022. It’s characterized as a gritty and authentic original story that takes place during the waning days of the Clone Wars. Catch a glimpse of the action here: Star Wars Zero Company | Official Announce Trailer In this immersive game, players adopt the role of Hawks, a customizable former Republic officer. You will be tasked with leading an elite squad of cunning operatives through a captivating story set at the end of the Clone Wars era.
Read the full article at Eurogamer →
Latest Star Wars Announcements from Celebration Japan
Source: Kotaku – April 18, 2025
Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 showcased breathtaking reveals and announcements, including a new animated Darth Maul TV show, a forthcoming movie starring Ryan Gosling, and the launch of a Turgle action figure. Additionally, there was an exciting announcement about Fortnite’s latest Star Wars collaboration, which introduces Force Abilities.
With Star Wars Celebration in full swing over the weekend, fans flocked to a massive convention center situated near Tokyo, Japan. They were there to soak in the latest Star Wars news, show off their cosplay costumes, participate in panel discussions, and of course, snag a ton of Star Wars merchandise.
To read more about all these exciting revelations and more, visit the full article at Kotaku →
High Demand for MicroSD Express Cards Due to Nintendo Switch 2
Source: Kotaku – April 18, 2025
The Nintendo Switch 2 utilizes MicroSD Express cards, a superior and faster version of the traditional MicroSD cards previously used on the Switch and other devices. These cards are essential for storing downloaded games. However, obtaining one of these compact storage chips may prove challenging as they have rapidly sold out since the Nintendo Switch 2’s announcement.
For additional details, read the full article at Kotaku →
Experience a Beautiful Love Story in This Sherlock Holmes Adventure Game
Source: Kotaku – April 18, 2025
Today, I am thrilled to share a gaming experience that is not only visually stunning but also profoundly heartwarming and engaging. The Beekeeper’s Picnic is a point-and-click Sherlock Holmes adventure game, offering a glimpse into the post-retirement life of the legendary detective and his relationship with an ageing Watson. This gentle narrative is brimming with well-researched references to Arthur Conan Doyle’s original works, all presented with idyllic charm.
The game begins during the climactic moments of The Adventure of the Three Garridebs, where Watson sustains a minor gunshot wound. Before long, we find ourselves back in the renowned 22B Baker Street, with Holmes attempting to articulate something significant to Watson.
Read the full article at Kotaku →
‘Rocket League with Feet’ Concept Attracts Over 100K Players in Rematch’s Open Beta
Source: PC Gamer – April 18, 2025
Over the past decade, many have attempted to replicate the success of Rocket League, but none have come as close as Rematch. This innovative multiplayer soccer game, with a ‘Rocket League but with feet’ approach, is currently hosting an open beta on Steam. Remarkably, it has already attracted over 100,000 concurrent players. Drawing a significant number of players during a free beta doesn’t necessarily guarantee high sales volumes when Rematch officially launches this summer for $30. However, it is a promising indication of interest. As a comparison, Concord’s free beta on Steam didn’t attract nearly as many players before its launch.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Paleontologist Applauds Elden Ring’s Monster Designs for Speculative Biology, Despite Lack of Realism
Source: PC Gamer – April 18, 2025
In our latest video series episode, ‘Reality Check’, Paleontologist Dr. Darren Naish scrutinizes the monster designs in Elden Ring. Although he concedes that the designs are not entirely “realistic,” Naish admires FromSoft’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to their narrative. A case in point is the widely loathed Land Octopus. Naish lauds the fact that these creatures are typically found at shorelines or in shallow waters, displaying movements akin to real-life intertidal octopi. Additionally, they show adaptations to a more diverse environment than their real-life counterparts.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Accidental Early Launch of Tempest Rising on Steam Turns into Official Release Date
Source: PC Gamer – April 18, 2025
Tempest Rising, a base-building RTS game, unexpectedly hit the Steam platform a week ahead of its scheduled release date. Initially slated for April 24, the game was released on April 17 due to an unforeseen issue. Despite the mishap, the publisher has decided to embrace the situation, effectively making the premature launch the new official release date. An update on Steam stated, “While the team worked rapidly to rectify the issue, the most seamless solution was to release the game to all users.”
The blunder was reportedly linked to a seven-day early access period that was intended to start yesterday. This advanced access was supposed to be exclusive to those who had pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition. Other players were originally expected to wait until the full launch date.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Discover Five Hidden Meanings in Sinners Twice
Source: Kotaku – April 18, 2025
‘Sinners Twice’ is a cinematic masterpiece. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film seamlessly blends elements of horror with a unique narrative twist. Although it features vampires, it transcends the traditional horror genre.
The plot centres around Elijah “Smoke” and Elias “Stack”, twin brothers portrayed by Michael B. Jordan. The narrative traces their journey from rural Mississippi to the battlefields of World War One, capturing their struggles and triumphs.
Read the full article at Kotaku →
Pre-Orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. Go Live on April 24, Accessory Prices See an Increase
Source: Kotaku – April 18, 2025
Nintendo has formally declared the date of U.S. pre-orders for the anticipated Switch 2, following a last-minute postponement due to recent tariff turmoil. While the console has been added to shopping baskets worldwide, North America was left waiting after Nintendo paused operations in response to President Trump’s turbulent attempts to sway international trade. However, we finally have a date. On April 24, the console will be available for pre-order via retail outlets, with the console prices—for now—remaining unchanged. Nevertheless, prices for peripherals have increased.
In an announcement post, Nintendo confirmed that the console prices at launch will match those announced in April.
Read the full article at Kotaku →
Capcom Takes Action Against Monster Hunter Wilds Cheaters, Begins Review of Challenge Quest Leaderboard
Source: PC Gamer – April 18, 2025
Monster Hunter Wilds recently wrapped up its inaugural limited-time challenge quest. In this event, players around the globe vied for the fastest clear time in a hunt against a Doshaguma, with the prize being not only bragging rights but also cosmetic rewards. However, the leaderboards were soon swarmed with cheaters who posted implausibly accelerated hunting times. In response, Capcom announced its decision to initiate a rigorous “review” of the leaderboard, with the aim of taking stringent “action” against those who posted fraudulent times. “We will confirm the final rankings for this quest during a 1-to-2 week review period starting today,” Capcom stated in a Steam news post. “Event rewards will be distributed once we have thoroughly investigated and excluded any falsified clear times.”
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Popular Steam Game Reduces DLC Price in Response to Global Economic Crisis
Source: Kotaku – April 18, 2025
The forthcoming paid expansion for Everspace 2, initially set to launch in May, will be priced lower than initially planned. The developers attribute this price reduction to the prevailing global economic crisis, which they acknowledge by offering this discount.
With its successful release in 2023, Everspace 2 has become a favorite among gamers. This spaceship-themed looter-shooter has seen a series of both major and minor updates over the past two years, continually enhancing player experience.
Read the full article at Kotaku →
Star Wars Zero Company: First Screenshots and Details Revealed at Star Wars Celebration Japan
Source: Game Informer – April 19, 2025
This past weekend at Star Wars Celebration Japan, held in Tokyo, exciting new details were released about the recently announced tactics game, Star Wars Zero Company. Developed by Bit Reactor in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games and Respawn Entertainment – known for their work on Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Apex Legends – this upcoming game introduces fans to a unique narrative set during the final stages of the Clone Wars. The game centers around the character Hawks, a former Republic officer leading an eclectic group of mercenaries and bounty hunters from across the galaxy in an effort to combat a perilous, emerging threat.
Continue to full article on Game Informer →
Participate in the Discussion
What gaming news struck a chord with you today? Are you more intrigued by the latest Star Wars developments or has the new football game piqued your interest? We invite you to share your perspectives in the comments section below!
