May 1, 2025: Amazon Sale, Xbox Price Hike, PC Gaming Success

Ready to catch up on today’s gaming news?

  • Amazon is offering a substantial discount on Lexar SSDs, RAM, and MicroSD cards
  • Majestic, a leading European retailer, has raised the prices of Xbox consoles, sparking concerns about potential widespread increases
  • Despite its continuous victories in PC gaming, Microsoft reveals that it is facing significant challenges

Now, it’s time to look at these developments in more detail.

Rock Paper Shotgun Reports on Amazon’s Significant Discount on Lexar SSDs, RAM, and MicroSD Cards

Source: Rock Paper Shotgun – May 01, 2025

Gaming enthusiasts and professionals alike should prepare to upgrade their setups as Amazon is offering substantial savings on Lexar products. The sale features impressive price reductions on rapid SSDs, reliable RAM kits, and various storage options, all designed to improve device performance. For those who have been waiting for a significant bargain, Rock Paper Shotgun asserts that today is the day. The sale spans from sleek portable drives to high-capacity internal SSDs and microSD cards, crafted for mobile gaming. Discounts of up to 54 percent are available, but Rock Paper Shotgun warns that these prices and stock levels won’t last forever. Interested parties should seize the opportunity to acquire the necessary gear before it’s sold out.

Read the full article at Rock Paper Shotgun →


Rise in Xbox Pricing at Major European Retailer Sparks Concerns for Wider Increases

Source: Eurogamer – May 01, 2025

A prominent European retailer has unexpectedly increased the price of the Xbox Series X and both versions of the Xbox Series S, sparking discussions about a potential broader price surge. Observant Xbox enthusiasts identified the price hikes at French retail colossus Micromania this morning (credit to ResetEra) and pointed out that each model is now €50 more expensive. The implication seems to be that Micromania has prematurely implemented an impending price increase, ahead of any official announcement from Xbox. Eurogamer has gathered that wider price increases may be on the horizon and has reached out to Microsoft for confirmation. In Europe, at Micromania, the Xbox Series X has seen a price jump from €549.99 to €599.99.

Read the full article at Eurogamer →


PC Gaming Continues to Triumph as Microsoft Reports Declining Console and Hardware Revenue

Source: PC Gamer – May 01, 2025

According to PC Gamer, a continuing trend of success is evident in the PC gaming industry. The source humorously remarks that it is becoming weary of its ‘victory laps’. Five years ago, PC Gamer confidently declared that PC gaming had won the console war, a sentiment that appears to be increasingly accurate. Consoles are currently struggling, as evidenced by Microsoft’s recent financial report. Even with the overall gaming revenue performing well, the tech giant admitted that the Xbox hardware revenue has been a drag on its operations. This information was revealed in a financial earnings release, as reported by Eurogamer. The presentation detailed the following: – Gaming revenue increased by 5% (or 6% constant currency) – Xbox content and services revenue rose by 8% (growing to 98% constant currency), driven by growth in Xbox Game Pass, Call of Duty, and Minecraft. – Xbox hardware revenue dropped by 6% (or 5% CC).

Read the full article at PC Gamer →


A Closer Look at Borderlands 4: New Vault Hunters, Changes in the Open-World, Revamped Loot Systems, and More

Source: Game Informer – April 30, 2025

According to Game Informer, Gearbox Software recently provided an in-depth look at Borderlands 4 during a special PlayStation State of Play. The 20-minute presentation provided glimpses of two of the game’s four new Vault Hunters, an overview of the revamped loot and progression systems, and a look at the streamlined co-op approaches. The State of Play introduced audiences to the new Vault Hunters: Vex the Siren and Rafa the Exo-Soldier. Vex, a winged mercenary, can summon ghost-like minions to aid her in battle, enhancing her abilities. Conversely, Rafa, a former Tediore soldier, excels in a range of firearms. Accompanying the Vault Hunters is Echo 4, a new robotic ally that guides players towards objectives, can hack terminals and machines, and can scan the environment to locate valuable objects.

Access the full article at Game Informer →


Reduced Noise in Switch 2 Joy-Con HD Rumble Compared to Original Switch

Source: GameSpot – April 30, 2025

The Switch 2 offers significant enhancements in various hardware aspects compared to its predecessor, the original Switch. These enhancements also extend to the Joy-Cons’ HD rumble noise level. According to Nintendo’s official page for backward-compatible games, the new Joy-Con 2 controllers will feature a quieter HD rumble. Nintendo states, “The volume of the Joy-Con 2 controllers’ force feedback vibrations has been reduced compared to the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers.” This development represents an overall improvement from the original Joy-Cons, which were known for their loud rumbling. However, this change could potentially affect a specific minigame in Everybody 1-2-Switch.

Read the full article at GameSpot →


Borderlands 4 Introduces Gliding, Riding, and Vault Hunting

Source: GameSpot – April 30, 2025

The recent State of Play for Borderlands 4 took a comprehensive look at the upcoming game from Gearbox Software. The preview delved into the new gameplay aspects of this iteration of the looter-shooter series, providing a wealth of information on loot, novel enhancement types, and a glimpse at two of the four playable Vault Hunters, Vex and Rafa. The trailer showcased the world of Kairos, a new planet in the Borderlands universe, and suggested that exploration in this game would be less about receiving quests and more about discovering them independently. Kairos, as described in the video, is a secret world that has been concealed for millennia by The Timekeeper, the primary antagonist of Borderlands 4. The planet’s existence was revealed through the events of Borderlands 3 when the moon Lilith was teleported away from Pandora, breaking the veil that hid Kairos and unveiling it to the universe.

For more details, read the full article at GameSpot →


Clair Obscur Trusts Its Audience – And That’s Why It’s A Hit

Source: Game Informer – April 30, 2025

Witnessing a commendable game achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success is always satisfying, though it’s not a common occurrence. “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” seems to be on the right path towards achieving both. Game Informer’s review was among numerous others that lauded the game. It appears that the game has found its audience, particularly those seeking a high-quality JRPG-style release. But the success of “Clair Obscur” goes beyond simply satisfying the cravings of fans of games like Persona or Final Fantasy. Drawing heavily from some genre classics, Sandfall’s RPG weaves a mature, artistic, and intricate narrative, mechanics, and themes, challenging its audience to keep pace.

Read the full article at Game Informer →


Today’s Deals: Preorder Discount on TMNT The Last Ronin II Re-Evolution

Source: IGN – May 01, 2025

A forthcoming TMNT graphic novel, penned by the team behind The Last Ronin and TMNT co-creator, Kevin Eastman, is currently available with an enticing preorder discount. For Pokémon enthusiasts, three compelling offers are available. Amazon has restocked Temporal Forces ETBs and is offering a Poké Ball tin bundle that includes Scarlet and Violet booster packs. Sam’s Club has the Pokémon TCG Premium Classic Box priced at $200 below the standard retail rate. These deals offer excellent opportunities for individuals looking to expand their collections or acquire a high-quality gift. A Pokémon TCG 2004 trick or trade pack is currently available for over half off its original price.

For both collectors and gamers, these deals provide numerous attractive possibilities.

Read the full article at IGN →


Preorder Now: All Upcoming Games for Nintendo Switch 2

Source: GameSpot – April 30, 2025

According to GameSpot, the Nintendo Switch 2 is just about a month away from its release date, set for June 5. Enthusiasts eagerly await this new console, boasting significant improvements over its predecessor, the original Nintendo Switch. These enhancements include the ability to play games at 4K resolution and up to 120fps, a larger screen that supports HDR and VRR, and the redesigned Joy-Con 2 Controllers, which can also function as mice. When these hardware upgrades are compelling, the real attraction lies in the new games. The Switch 2 is already setting up an impressive lineup of titles available for preorder. These upcoming releases include brand-new first-party exclusives, such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, along with significant third-party releases like Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, Madden 26, and more.

Full article available at GameSpot →


Almost Half a Decade After Fortnite’s U.S. iPhone Ban, Epic’s Tim Sweeney Announces Its Imminent Return

Source: IGN – May 01, 2025

Fortnite, the popular battle royale game, is set to make a comeback on the U.S. iOS App Store and iPhones, according to Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney. This announcement comes on the heels of a significant court ruling on April 30, by a U.S. Federal District Court in California. The court found that Apple had deliberately violated a court order in the Epic Games v. Apple case. The violated order had directed Apple to provide developers with alternative ways for their customers to make purchases outside of apps. In response to this ruling, Sweeney proposed a “peace proposal” to Apple via a tweet. Sweeney has been at loggerheads with Apple in court for several years. In his tweet, Sweeney stated, “If Apple extends the court’s friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, Epic will reintroduce Fortnite to the App Store globally and terminate current and future litigation on this issue.”

Read the full article at IGN →


The Outer Worlds 2: Release Window, Story, and Everything Known So Far

Source: GameSpot – April 30, 2025

The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian’s much-anticipated sequel to their comedic sci-fi RPG, is slated for release later this year. This will be Obsidian’s second major release of 2025 following Avowed. The Outer Worlds 2 is being touted as an enhanced and expanded version of its predecessor, broadening the game’s scope and introducing more ways to navigate through situations. Obsidian RPGs have a reputation for offering players a multitude of problem-solving options, and The Outer Worlds 2 appears to be upholding this tradition. Although Microsoft has yet to unveil The Outer Worlds 2 in full and has only provided a release window for later this year, it is confirmed that the second half of Xbox’s June showcase will feature The Outer Worlds 2, likely revealing a release date and additional information about the RPG.

For a more comprehensive look, read the full article on GameSpot →


Lego Announces Star Wars Day Sale with Two Free Sets Alongside New Collector Series Starship

Source: GameSpot – May 01, 2025

Lego’s highly anticipated annual Star Wars Day sale has commenced and will continue until May 5. According to GameSpot, aside from its Black Friday sale, Star Wars Day is considered one of the most significant events at the LEGO Store each year. It provides the opportunity not only to look at many new Star Wars building sets, but also to secure exclusive LEGO sets by purchasing Star Wars products during the sale. For this year’s sale, Lego has introduced nine new additions to its extensive Star Wars range, including Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship. This highly detailed Ultimate Collector Series display model is a complex 2,970-piece build that comes with two complimentary Lego sets and an exclusively designed keychain, available while stocks last.

Read the full article at GameSpot →


Review of Shotgun Cop Man

Source: PC Gamer – April 30, 2025

Imagine an indie platformer such as VVVVVV or Downwell, but with increased ultraviolence. That’s the essence of Shotgun Cop Man. PC Gamer’s seasoned team dedicates countless hours to each review, striving to understand what is most significant to players. For more information about their evaluation process for games and hardware, please visit their website. Here’s what you need to know about Shotgun Cop Man: – It’s a minimalist gun-and-jump platformer that poses the question: “Are you tough enough to arrest Satan?” Shotgun Cop Man harks back to a bygone era of indie games, predating the coining of the term ‘roguelike deckbuilder’. This was a time when 2D puzzle-platformers with a unique mechanical hook captivated gamers.

Read the full article at PC Gamer →


Ubisoft, Devolver Digital, Failbetter Games, and Astra Logical Confirmed as Initial Partners for PC Gaming Show 2025

Source: PC Gamer – April 30, 2025

The PC Gaming Show 2025 is rapidly approaching, with Ubisoft, Failbetter Games, Devolver Digital, and Astra Logical among the first confirmed publishers and developers to showcase their products on Sunday, June 8. PC Gamer looks forward to sharing news about the most exciting upcoming PC games and hardware, expressing genuine delight in doing so alongside some of the most prestigious and innovative names in the PC gaming industry. The event is scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. PDT, 3:00 p.m. EDT, 8:00 p.m. BST, 9:00 p.m. CEST, and 3:00 a.m. (on Monday, June 9) China Standard Time. The next flagship iteration of the PC Gaming Show will be broadcast on Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, the PC Gamer website itself, its sister publication GamesRadar+, and Steam.

Read the full article at PC Gamer →


Engage in the Discussion

Will you take advantage of Amazon’s significant discount on Lexar’s SSDs, RAM, and MicroSD cards ? Join the discussion in the comments section!

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