Today’s Gaming News Roundup
Ever had that moment when a gaming deal makes you pause mid-game? That was me today with AU Deals. They appeared like a dream, leaving us all wondering if we stumbled upon some price-correction mistakes.
Meanwhile, my Steam Deck is gathering dust as I wait for RAM to return to stock due to ongoing shortages. And can we discuss how High On Life 2 seems to be distancing itself from Xbox despite the Game Pass deal?
Lastly, let’s dive into whether Crimson Desert can actually deliver a cash-grab-free experience at launch.
AU Deals: From Bananza to Wukong, These Discounts Deserve Your Time and Moolah
Check out the fantastic discounts hitting the AU gaming scene! Bananza is now just $20, slashed from its original price of $40. Wukong has dropped by 30%, making it a steal at $28. These deals are valid until the end of the month, so don’t let them slip away.
These aren’t just pricing errors; they’re genuine steals! The hit indie game, Ocean’s Roar, is now available for just $15, offering a perfect budget-friendly escape. Meanwhile, Warfront’s Ultimate Edition is now 25% off, making it a tempting upgrade for fans at $45, down from $60.
Donkey Kong Bananza, a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive 3D platformer released on July 17, 2025, features Donkey Kong and teenage Pauline exploring underground worlds, smashing terrain, battling enemies, and collecting items in sandbox-style levels inspired by Super Mario Odyssey. Directed by Kazuya Takahashi and Wataru Tanaka, this marks the first original Donkey Kong title since Tropical Freeze (2014) and the first 3D entry since Donkey Kong 64 (1999), with development kicking off around 2017-2018.
The Steam Deck Faces Stock Shortages Due to RAM Issues
Here’s the scoop: Valve’s Steam Deck is currently facing supply challenges. It’s out of stock in various regions due to RAM shortages. If you’re hoping to snag one, be prepared for a wait. These shortages could also affect pricing, with analysts speculating that costs might rise in the future.
What’s behind this? The RAM shortage is the main culprit, impacting not just Steam Decks but potentially other gaming devices as well. If you’re eyeing a Steam Deck, keep an eye on price changes.
Valve has confirmed that Steam Deck OLED models may experience intermittent stock issues in some regions due to ongoing memory (RAM) and storage shortages, driven by high demand from AI data centers.
High On Life 2 Developers See PlayStation as the Primary Platform Despite Game Pass Deal
So here’s the deal: Even with those hefty Xbox Game Pass offers, Squanch Games is sticking with PlayStation as their main platform for High on Life 2. CEO Mike Fridley revealed that Sony is the “lead platform,” with Steam following closely in sales. That’s intriguing considering High on Life’s strong ties to Xbox and Game Pass.
The first game was released on Game Pass as a timed Xbox Series X|S exclusive in December 2022, and made its way to PS4 and PS5 seven months later. However, High on Life 2 launched on February 13, 2026, across PC, Xbox, and PS5 simultaneously, with Xbox and PC players enjoying the Game Pass Ultimate benefits. Why the preference for PlayStation? Perhaps it’s all about those impressive sales numbers.
Crimson Desert Promises No Microtransaction Cash Grab at Launch
The MMO maker assures players that there will be no cosmetic store at launch. While concerns about future microtransactions linger, the developer insists they want to focus on gameplay first, planning to offer in-game rewards only for the initial launch. Players on Reddit are cautiously optimistic, hoping this MMO can avoid the pay-to-win pitfalls.
Valve Confirms Steam Deck Supply Issues Due to AI-Driven Demand
Valve is grappling with RAM and storage shortages for the Steam Deck, a situation exacerbated by the AI boom. Tech giants are consuming RAM supplies rapidly, impacting gaming hardware availability. Valve confirmed this supply snag, affecting their handheld console’s stock. Analysts note that this shortage reflects a larger trend in the gaming industry, driven by unprecedented demand from the AI sector.
Who knew AI’s hunger for memory could affect our beloved gaming devices? Some players might find themselves waiting longer to get their hands on the Steam Deck. Despite the hurdles, Valve is actively seeking alternative suppliers to keep production on track.
Lego Batman’s System Requirements Drop Memory to 16 GB
Lego Batman‘s system requirements have dropped memory to 16 GB, which could signal a significant shift. I hope this trend catches on, especially with memory prices soaring. The game previously demanded 32 GB from our rigs, but this change makes it far more accessible. While 16 GB is still a bit pricey, it’s a step in the right direction.
Could this mean we’ll see more games follow suit by 2025? Fingers crossed. This update aligns with a broader trend of developers optimizing games to be more hardware-friendly.
Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse Review – A Spine-Tingling Look
Let’s dive into Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse. Developed and published by Square Enix, this game is set to release on February 19, 2026, for Switch and PC. It captures that spooky vibe we loved from Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo, which became a cult classic in 2023. The Mermaid’s Curse immerses you in a gripping rural mystery on the small island town of Kameshima, where love, murder, and betrayal intertwine with supernatural elements.
You play as Yuza, who returns to the town as a shellfish-gathering ama diver after his parents perish in a sea disaster. Things take a wild turn when he encounters a ghostly apparition of himself. The game allows you to jump between different events and perspectives, adding depth to the eerie narrative. Honestly, I’m hooked on Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse; it’s definitely a journey.
The story unfolds on Kameshima and the mainland, featuring intriguing characters like Yuza and his local friends Tsukasa and Sato. There’s also a quirky housewife-investigator, Nameko, paired with a psychic apprentice. Think of a magical twist on Columbo.
Game Informer has the full rundown
If Mewgenics is Too Wild, Try the Turn-Based Charms of Dobbel Dungeon
If Mewgenics feels a bit too chaotic for your taste, Dobbel Dungeon might be the charming turn-based game you’re looking for. This title puts a playful spin on the classic tabletop experience. The standout feature? Each character’s turn involves tossing dice that power up abilities based on their scores.
For instance, roll a 5 for a fireball, and voilà. You deal 5 points of damage. It’s a clever way to keep things engaging without overwhelming players with complex mechanics. Plus, the game’s aesthetic is delightful; those playdough character models look like they were handcrafted, complete with visible fingerprints. It’s a small detail, but it adds character to the visuals.
My Take on the AU Deals
The AU Deals are showcasing some serious potential with these Bananza to Wukong discounts. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, we know your gaming time is precious; here’s something worth it.” Remember, don’t let gaming grind turn into a stress fest. Want to discuss these updates further? Join us in the Discord and let’s swap stories.
