Today’s Gaming News Roundup
Ready your wallets and your gamepads. Today’s lineup is a jackpot of surprises! Nintendo’s Summer Sale just landed with discounts so rare they might vanish before you blink. Meanwhile, Death Stranding 2 is bringing out the A-list, unveiling every celebrity cameo and star-studded cast member. However, fans weren’t exactly clamoring for it. Stay tuned as we dive into these stories and more, unpacking the latest waves rippling through the gaming world.
The Nintendo Summer Sale Has Rare Discounts on Mario Switch Games Today
With the launch of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, a wave of new players is diving into the Nintendo Switch ecosystem, eager to experience some of the best games the platform has to offer. Among these, the legendary Super Mario franchise stands out as Nintendo’s crown jewel, featuring iconic titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. These games, developed by Nintendo, showcase a vibrant mix of expansive sandbox worlds, hundreds of collectibles, and unforgettable soundtracks, making them perfect entries for both newcomers and longtime fans.
To celebrate the release of the Switch 2, Nintendo is offering discounts on select Mario games, providing players with a fantastic opportunity to dive into these beloved adventures at a reduced price. Meanwhile, PC gamers aren’t left out, as Steam’s annual Summer Sale is also live now, providing massive deals on a wide range of PC titles. Whether you’re team Switch or PC, this summer is shaping up to be a fantastic time to expand your gaming library with some top-tier titles!
All celebrity cameos and cast in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 sequel, is turning heads not just for its gameplay but for its star-studded cast. Developed by Kojima Productions, the game embraces celebrity cameos as a major feature, allowing players to experience those delightful “Oh hey look, it’s that guy” moments while navigating its unique post-apocalyptic world. Both the main cast and numerous smaller roles are filled with well-known stars, adding an exciting layer of recognition and charm to the immersive narrative.
This approach highlights how Death Stranding 2 continues the series’ tradition of blending storytelling with real-world talent, making each encounter memorable. The inclusion of these celebrity appearances not only enriches the game’s atmosphere but also demonstrates Kojima’s flair for weaving pop culture into his visionary projects. Fans can look forward to spotting familiar faces as they explore the haunting landscapes and intricate gameplay when the game launches exclusively on PS5.
Resident Evil Requiem Was Almost A Different Game Entirely, Until Capcom Realized “Fans Didn’t Want It”
Capcom recently dropped an exciting new preview for Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth installment in the legendary survival horror franchise. Directed by Koshi Nakanishi, Requiem has already amassed over 1 million wishlists on PSN and Steam, showcasing huge anticipation from fans. Interestingly, Nakanishi revealed in a developer diary that Requiem was initially conceived as an online multiplayer game, with fresh and intriguing concepts brewing behind the scenes.
However, the team pivoted away from the online format after realizing that core Resident Evil fans preferred a single-player experience, leading them to reimagine Requiem as a solo adventure true to the series’ roots. This shift explains the inclusion of Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak, linking back to the franchise’s multiplayer history. The story also dives deep into the lore, revisiting Raccoon City 30 years after its destruction, continuing the narrative threads from the original trilogy.
Super Mario Strikers Is The Next GameCube Title Coming To Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
Nintendo Switch 2 owners have a fantastic reason to celebrate as the exclusive GameCube library on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is expanding! Launching next week, Super Mario Strikers, the wildly popular arcade-style soccer game from 2005, will join the lineup. This title, which marks its 20th anniversary in 2025, features the beloved Mushroom Kingdom characters battling it out with over-the-top special shots and crazy maneuvers.
Players can dive into various modes like Grudge Match, Cup Battles, and Custom Battles, bringing tons of replayability. Fans of Mario Kart will feel right at home using iconic items such as shells and mushrooms to spice up the competition. This addition continues to highlight Nintendo’s commitment to blending nostalgia with fresh experiences on the Switch 2!
Riot will let gambling companies sponsor League Of Legends and Valorant esports teams
Riot Games is shaking up the esports scene by allowing their top League of Legends and Valorant teams to partner with gambling companies for sponsorships. This bold move aims to tap into the massive, yet unofficial, billion-dollar sports betting market that thrives around these hugely popular titles. By opening the door to gambling sponsors, Riot hopes to boost revenue streams for its esports ecosystem and legitimize a sector that has long operated in the shadows.
This change specifically targets esports teams competing in Riot’s flagship games, League of Legends and Valorant, marking a significant shift in the developer’s approach to sponsorship and monetization. While the exact timeline for implementation hasn’t been detailed, the announcement signals Riot’s commitment to evolving with the industry’s financial realities. Fans and players alike can expect to see gambling brands more prominently featured in competitive gaming events soon, reflecting the seriousness with which Riot is approaching this lucrative market.
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
What’s Your Take?
From the Nintendo Summer Sale bringing rare discounts that make your wallet breathe a sigh of relief, to the unexpected parade of celebrity cameos lighting up Death Stranding 2’s cast, today was a big day in gaming. Let me know what you picked up in the Summer Sale in the comments section!
