Today’s Gaming News Roundup
Picture this: it’s Friday, you’re counting the hours until you can jump back into your favorite game. Just as you’re about to sneak in a quick session, bam! Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green are hitting the Switch next week. I almost tossed my controller when I heard that! Who else immediately thought about their Game Boy Advance days? Let’s kick off with that juicy piece and see what else is brewing in the gaming world.
Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green Get Nintendo Switch Launch Next Week, Priced at $20 Each
Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green are coming to the Nintendo Switch on February 27, 2026. These classic gems, originally released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, are making a comeback just in time for Pokémon’s 30th anniversary. At $20 each, that’s a pretty sweet deal for revisiting these nostalgic adventures. Honestly, I love how Nintendo keeps bringing these gems to the Switch.
This release is not just a throwback; it celebrates how far the series has come. It’s a nod to long-time fans while welcoming new players. Are you ready to catch ’em all again on the Switch?
The release coincides with Pokémon Day 2026, featuring a 25-minute Pokémon Presents livestream at 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET. Expect local wireless multiplayer for trading and battling (online play will arrive later), Sevii Islands content, and Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility. Plus, a Japan-exclusive special edition physical bundle launches on February 28 for 19,800 yen via Pokémon Center, complete with download codes, replica GBA cases, and laser-engraved glass Pokémon orbs.
Pokémon Go Adding Super Mega Raids, New Link Charge Currency
Pokémon Go is mixing things up with the new Super Mega Raids. These raids will feature Mega Victreebel and Mega Malamar, making their debut during the Pokémon Go Tour Kalos. Along with these epic battles, Niantic is introducing a new in-game currency called Link Charge. This currency will be key in powering up your Pokémon for these mega challenges. The launch date’s still under wraps, but it’s tied to the Kalos event.
So, what’s the big deal with this new currency? Link Charge adds a fresh layer of strategy. I’m curious to see how it impacts gameplay. Will players who invest in this currency gain an edge? Or will it simply give everyone more ways to power up their Pokémon?
Super Mega Raids are a new Tier 7 raid type debuting during Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos, requiring players to battle enraged Mega Evolved Pokémon with enhanced difficulty and rewards. These raids need at least seven players and can only be beaten by trainers using their own Mega Evolved Pokémon, as the opposing Pokémon raise shields at the start of battle.
Link Charges are a new currency system that grants access to Mega Raids and Super Mega Raids. Players can snag Link Charges through free Weekly Quests or buy them in-app.
Sony Closes Acclaimed Demon’s Souls and Shadow Of The Colossus Remake Studio Bluepoint, Despite Acknowledging It Had Delivered “Exceptional Experiences For The PlayStation Community”
Sony’s dropping a bombshell by closing Bluepoint Games, the studio behind the amazing Demon’s Souls and Shadow of the Colossus remakes. Even after praising them as a “talented team” with “technical expertise,” Sony’s pulling the plug. It’s a shocker, given their reputation for delivering excellent experiences for the PlayStation community. Why would Sony shut down such a gem?
That’s the question on everyone’s mind. Bluepoint’s been a powerhouse for PlayStation remakes, and their closure leaves a gap in that niche. Could this mean Sony’s shifting focus or making room for something new? It’s a sad day for fans of these iconic remakes.
Nioh 3 Has Sold Over 1 Million Copies in Two Weeks, Breaking Team Ninja’s Record and Carrying the Series to 10 Million Sales
Nioh 3 just smashed it with over 1 million copies sold in the first two weeks. That’s a new record for Team Ninja. The series has now hit 10 million total sales. Can you believe it?
Nioh 2 took three months to reach that milestone. It’s awesome to see the love for soulslike games going strong in 2025. Team Ninja celebrated this milestone by announcing a free DLC for Nioh 3, packed with new bosses and gear.
Check PC Gamer for the look at
I Can’t In Good Conscience Recommend The Virtual Boy Switch Package. But I Love That It Exists
Alright, here’s the lowdown on this whole Virtual Boy Switch package situation. I’ve been obsessed with the Virtual Boy since I was a kid, ever since I spotted it at Sears and thought it was the future of gaming. It was one of Nintendo’s rare flops, so much so that they pretended like it didn’t exist for years. I remember being too short to actually see through the headset properly back then, but I was desperate to try it.
Fast forward to 2014, and Nintendo finally gave a little nod to this old embarrassment in Tomodachi Life for the 3DS, where the Miis danced around a Virtual Boy. It seemed Nintendo was finally ready to acknowledge it, and honestly, I never thought this would lead to a re-release package on the Switch. To get my hands on one, I used to peek at eBay prices, until my awesome wife snagged one for me. Gotta say, as much as I love that they released this package, it’s tough for me to actually recommend buying it.
So, here’s the lowdown on this new Virtual Boy package for the Switch. It’s kind of a wild ride.
“Climate Change Isn’t About AI Itself, It’s About Progress” – 11 Bit Talk Frostpunk: 1886 and Questions of Scale
Hey, there’s some interesting news about Frostpunk and its new adventure down the “remake” path. You know how Frostpunk has this complete, three-act story that’s pretty unique in a world filled with open-ended games? Now they’re shaking things up. The original Frostpunk was all about managing survival with tough decisions and tightly controlled city building.
It was defined by its circular city layout, as staying near the coal burner was critical for survival. But now, things have expanded with all these DLCs, and Frostpunk 2 is introducing more chaos with political drama and expansionist themes. The latest twist is Frostpunk: 1886, a “remake plus plus” using Unreal Engine. It’s a big leap from the core ethos, but it’s also an opportunity to rethink scale and progress in gaming.
This remake reflects on climate change within the game, focusing on how we move forward rather than just the tech itself. I’m curious to see how this new remake adds to the Frostpunk universe.
The full breakdown is over at Rock Paper Shotgun
Slay the Spire 2 Locks in Its Early March Early Access Release Date, and Will Deliver a Four Player Co-Op Mode
Slay the Spire 2‘s early access is locked in for March 5th, 2026. After a delay, it’s ready to hit our screens, and this time, it’s bringing something special, four-player co-op mode. Can you imagine tackling those challenging card battles with friends? It sounds like a blast. This sequel is dropping nearly three years after its announcement.
I’m hyped to see how the new co-op mode shakes up the gameplay. Will it be more chaotic with friends? We’ll have to wait and see. Keep your calendars marked for March 2026, and get ready to slay the spire once again.
Original report: Rock Paper Shotgun
My Take on the upcoming Pokemon releases
Look, the idea of Pokémon Fire Red hitting the Switch takes me on a nostalgia ride. Who else is cautiously optimistic about revisiting these classic adventures? Remember, your gaming time is precious, and it should always be a blast. Got thoughts or wanna dive deeper into today’s stories? Come chat in the Discord.
