Today’s Gaming News Roundup
Everywhere I look, there’s a new sale or discount begging for attention! Who wouldn’t want to save some cash on Donkey Kong Bananza and maybe grab a top-notch Zojirushi rice cooker? If only hunting for deals were as thrilling as playing the games themselves!
The Best Deals Today: Donkey Kong Bananza, Zojirushi Rice Cooker, Ghost of Yotei, and More
Donkey Kong Bananza for the Switch 2 is currently priced at $59.99, giving you a 14% discount on one of 2025’s hottest games. Nintendo has also released Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition for the Switch 2, now boasting 4K60FPS, for just $4.99. Plus, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a steal at $39.88 at Walmart, down from $59.99. And if you’re in the market for a rice cooker, the Zojirushi is available for $149.99.
In addition, Nintendo has rolled out a limited-time bundle offer for Switch 2, featuring three top-rated games for just $199.99. Now, Switch 2 owners can enjoy backward compatibility with select titles from the original Switch library. Donkey Kong Bananza is receiving rave reviews for its innovative gameplay and stunning graphics. This one is a must-have for fans of the franchise.
Donkey Kong Bananza is a Switch 2-exclusive 3D platformer developed by Nintendo EPD (the team behind Super Mario Odyssey). It was unveiled on April 2, 2025, during a Nintendo Direct as the grand finale, and is set to release on July 17, 2025, priced at $69.99 USD (£58.99-£66.99 GBP). Join Donkey Kong and a young Pauline as they explore underground worlds from Ingot Isle to the Planet Core, employing destructive abilities to smash terrain, battle the Void Company led by Void Kong, and collect items in sandbox-style levels, playable solo or co-op. This marks the first original 3D platformer in the franchise since 2018.
What Will Happen to Xbox Game Pass After Phil Spencer Retires?
Phil Spencer is stepping down as Xbox Gaming CEO on February 20, 2026, and naturally, the big question is: what’s next for Xbox Game Pass? Under Spencer’s leadership, Game Pass soared in popularity, offering an extensive library of over 300 games for a subscription fee. His retirement could signal significant changes ahead. Will the new leadership continue the same strategy or pivot in a new direction?
Spencer’s departure may lead to a shift in priorities. Game Pass is central to Xbox’s strategy, and any changes could reshape its future. Xbox might concentrate more on exclusive titles or forge new partnerships. This is a pivotal moment for Xbox fans, and the anticipation is palpable.
New Xbox Boss Says ‘Hear You’ When Asked To Bring Back Exclusives
Asha Sharma is on a mission to show gamers that their voices matter. She’s engaging with the community to bridge the gap between developers and players.
On February 21, 2026, Asha Sharma, the new Xbox CEO succeeding Phil Spencer, responded “we hear you” on X (formerly Twitter) to a fan emphasizing the importance of Xbox exclusives like Halo, Forza, Gears, and Fable for brand identity. This response came amid fan backlash regarding Microsoft’s shift to multi-platform releases. Sharma also shared her favorite games (Halo, Valheim, GoldenEye) and pledged a “renewed commitment to Xbox starting with console” in her official statement.
Spencer’s retirement, announced after 38 years at Microsoft (12 leading Gaming), follows a notable decline in Xbox hardware sales and a challenging holiday season, where Xbox Series X|S sales plummeted by 30% compared to the previous year.
As AI Threatens to Make Everything More Expensive, Are You Happy If It Takes Longer for the Next Console Generation to Begin?
The gaming world is abuzz with discussions about potential delays in the next console generation due to rising costs driven by AI. We might see a pushback from the traditional 7- to 8-year cycle. Imagine waiting until 2025 or later for new consoles. The primary concern? AI-driven technology is inflating production costs by an estimated 20%, which could slow down releases for anticipated systems like the next-gen Switch or Steam Deck.
Why is this happening? AI’s impact on tech development is escalating prices across the board, hitting manufacturing and supply chains hard. Companies require more resources and time to adapt. This could mean longer waits for new consoles, but perhaps that’s not so bad? We just want them to be worth the wait.
Roblox Responds to LA County Lawsuit, the Latest of Many Alleging the Game Fails to Protect Children from Predators: ‘While No System Can Be Perfect, Our Commitment to Safety Never Ends’
Roblox is currently facing a lawsuit from LA County, alleging that the game fails to adequately protect children from predators. The suit criticizes Roblox’s online space as “largely unsupervised.” In response, Roblox emphasized their ongoing commitment to safety, acknowledging that while no system is perfect, their efforts to improve never stop. This includes the recent implementation of advanced chat filters and enhanced parental controls.
This lawsuit is just the latest in a series of similar cases. Roblox is under pressure to enhance its safety measures. While they’ve already implemented several features, like chat filters and parental controls, it feels like they need to keep pushing harder to ensure a safe environment for their young users.
The Video Games You Should Play This Weekend. February 20
Let’s dive into what you should play this weekend. Last week’s game recommendations post received over 500,000 views. Talk about a record-breaking hit. What made it so popular? Who knows, but we’re just thrilled to share our picks and a glimpse into what we’re enjoying.
On the gaming front, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are landing on the Switch and Switch 2 on February 27, 2026. What a nostalgic treat. Meanwhile, Slay The Spire 2 is gearing up for a four-player co-op mode, dropping in March for early access fans. This one is definitely on my radar.
What’s on Your Bookshelf: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and GSC Game World’s Mariia Grygorovych
Mariia Grygorovych, the executive producer at GSC Game World, gave us a glimpse into her bookshelf. She has been at the helm for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chornobyl and the highly anticipated S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, set to release on December 8, 2026.
GSC Game World is renowned for crafting immersive, post-apocalyptic environments. Mariia’s book choices might just reveal what inspires these intense gaming worlds. Curious about what fuels her creativity?
Full story via Rock Paper Shotgun
My Take on today’s gaming deals
Today’s deals are simply irresistible. Especially if you’re looking to grab Donkey Kong Bananza for $59.99. Who wouldn’t want a dash of Donkey Kong magic in their lives?
Remember, your gaming time is precious, and sometimes it’s all about enjoying the fun amidst the chaos. Got any thoughts or just want to chat about anything gaming-related? Join us in the Discord and let’s connect.
