Remember when Shenmue was the reason we all wanted a Dreamcast? Well, it’s back, and it’s got a shiny new coat. Shenmue III is getting the enhanced treatment for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. I can’t decide if I’m more excited to relive the nostalgia or worried I’ll realize the voice acting is as clunky as ever. But hey, that collector’s edition is calling my name! Let’s look into today’s news and see what else is on the horizon for us busy bees juggling gaming time with the rest of life.
Shenmue III Enhanced For PS5, Xbox Series X|S, And Nintendo Switch 2 Is Now Available To Preorder
In other news, Shenmue III Enhanced is gearing up for its shiny new debut on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and the folks at ININ Games are even throwing the Nintendo Switch 2 into the mix. If you’ve got a warm place in your heart for Ryo Hazuki and his never-ending quest for vengeance, you’ll be happy to know this version packs in some serious upgrades. We’re talking 4K textures, smoother load times, and a UI that doesn’t make your eyes water from confusion.
Now, for those who fancy themselves collectors, there are a Special Edition and a Collector’s Edition that come with everything from a snazzy keychain to a Ryo figure in a horse stance. The Special Edition is a $60 dive, while the Collector’s Edition will set you back 200 bucks. The Switch 2 version, a bit pricier, is one of those rare cartridges that actually includes the full game. So, if you’re tired of Game Key-Cards, this might just be your golden ticket.
While there’s no release date yet, you can preorder through ININ’s European store, just be ready to fork over some extra cash for shipping across the pond. As GameSpot notes, the enhancements tackle a bunch of gripes from the original 2019 release, but let’s be real: unless they magically make Ryo’s voice acting less wooden, some issues are here to stay. But hey, if you’re a Shenmue diehard, this enhanced edition might just scratch that nostalgic itch.
Read the full article on GameSpot
The Switch 2’s Best New Feature Is A Battery Power Hog But Still Totally Worth It
In other news, Nintendo’s new Switch 2 feature is here to devour your battery life, and you’ll love it for that. The so-called Handheld Boost Mode is giving old Switch games a fresh coat of paint by cranking up performance. We’re talking smoother frame rates and better graphics, which is great because who doesn’t want to see Mario and Zelda in all their glory? The downside? That glorious power boost will have your battery gasping for breath faster than an out-of-shape plumber climbing a mountain.
Kotaku’s got the scoop, and honestly, it sounds like Nintendo’s finally addressing the aging hardware complaints we’ve all had. Sure, you’ll need to stay tethered to a charger more often, but let’s be real: a little extra juice is a small price to pay for making your favorite games look and play better. If you’ve got a power bank handy, you might not even notice the hit to battery life. Besides, aren’t we mostly playing on the couch these days anyway?
So, is the power drain worth it? If you ask us, absolutely. This is the games industry, summarized: better performance, shorter battery life, and a renewed reason to be glued to your Switch.
Read the full article on Kotaku
New The Wheel of Time projects has fans concerned about AI
Over on the PC side, The Wheel of Time fans are buzzing, but not in the good way. Polygon reports that iwot Studios is teaming up with some collaborators who are knee-deep in AI tech. And let me tell you, the fans are not thrilled. It’s kind of like when you find out your favorite pizza place started using canned sauce, you just know it’s not the same.
For those of us who cherish a good narrative, this partnership raises some eyebrows. We get it, AI can be useful, but there’s a worry it might strip away the soul of storytelling. Fans are concerned that what makes The Wheel of Time special could get lost in a sea of algorithms. It’s like trying to capture the magic of a live D&D session with a spreadsheet.
In a world where AI is creeping into every corner, it’s no surprise that some of us are skeptical. We want engaging stories with depth, not just ones pumped out by a cold, calculating machine. We’re all for innovation, but not at the cost of creativity.
Read the full article on Polygon
“I genuinely thought my controller wasn’t working” – Crimson Desert players are getting so annoyed with its clunky controls they’re asking for launch day refunds
Not to be outdone by the myriad of games with control issues, Crimson Desert has entered the chat with a bang, or more accurately, a clunk. As players eagerly dove into Pearl Abyss’ expansive open-world RPG, many were met with frustration rather than the excitement they expected. There’s a reason Eurogamer reports that folks are wondering if their controllers are busted: the controls are that bad. It seems like the game’s complexity has outpaced its user interface, leaving players yearning for a more intuitive experience. And yes, that’s a fancy way of saying the controls are a mess.
It’s a bummer when you can’t even walk right in a game you’ve been waiting months for. When launch day hype meets refund requests, you know something’s off. It’s a lesson in gaming reality, no matter how spectacular the graphics or storyline, if the controls feel like you’re wrestling a bear, the fun takes a nosedive.
Read the full article on Eurogamer
Bungie admits Marathon’s weekend-heavy endgame means ‘there are likely some who cannot participate’
If you’re more of a weekend warrior gamer, Bungie’s got some news that might suit your schedule, or totally wreck it. They’ve announced that Marathon’s endgame activities are strictly weekend-bound. The Cryo Archive runs from Friday to Monday, while Ranked mode takes over from Saturday to Tuesday. Yeah, if your weekends are stacked with family outings or, you know, sleeping, you might feel a tad left out.
Game director Joe Ziegler took to the internet with a long post explaining their reasoning, admitting that not everyone can join the weekend grind. In typical Bungie fashion, they acknowledge the feedback, but for now, it seems like weekends are the new battleground. This has already stirred up the community, with some players nodding in agreement and others shaking their fists at their screens. Let’s see if Bungie tweaks the schedule or if we’re all going to have to start loving weekend gaming marathons.
Read the full article on PC Gamer
With 716 Million Views In 24 Hours, GTA 6’s Trailer Record Finally Beaten By Spider-Man
Over on the record-breaking front, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has swung in to steal the crown from GTA 6. With a jaw-dropping 718.6 million views in just 24 hours, Spidey’s trailer has eclipsed GTA 6’s previous record of 475 million views. Sony Pictures proudly announced this on Thursday, basking in the glory of Peter Parker’s popularity. Just for context, a typical trailer’s views are scattered across the internet like Easter eggs, so these numbers are more like best guesses. The trailer’s hefty numbers on Sony’s and PlayStation’s YouTube pages are just a taste of the full view count. It’s all a bit murky, but hey, who’s counting? Both Spider-Man and GTA 6 have big shoes to fill with their upcoming releases in July and November, respectively. Let’s see if the full experience lives up to the hype.
Read the full article on GameSpot
Netflix’s live-action Assassin’s Creed series has started filming as cast is officially announced
For the RPG fans, Netflix isn’t just chilling anymore; it’s diving headfirst into the Assassin’s Creed universe. Filming has kicked off for the live-action series, and we’re heading back to Ancient Rome, specifically the year 64 AD. Ubisoft spilled the beans on their account, and we’ve got Toby Wallace from “Babyteeth” and Lola Petticrew from “Say Nothing” leading the charge.
Netflix gave the green light back in July 2025, so it’s about time we saw this thing moving. With Emmy nominees Roberto Patino (known for DMZ and Westworld) and David Wiener (of Halo fame) at the helm, expectations are higher than an eagle flying over the Colosseum. Let’s hope it doesn’t fall into the same pit some game adaptations have. Fingers crossed, folks.
How to win at arm wrestling in Crimson Desert
Staying in the live-service world, Crimson Desert has us all arm wrestling like it’s the Wild West. You hit your first tussle during Chapter 1 when you roll into Hernand. It’s part of the main quest, “Where Rumors Gather,” where logically, the best way to gather intel is to flex your button-mashing prowess in a tavern. Priorities, am I right? Thanks to PC Gamer for the heads-up.
The minigame requires some serious button-bashing skills, so warm up those fingers. Think of it like a mini boss fight, but with less magic and more table slamming. It’s straightforward, but let’s not pretend it doesn’t have the potential to be one of those rage-inducing moments if you’re not careful. Remember, it’s just the start of the quest, so don’t get stuck here. Onward, Kliff! We’ve got Greymane comrades to find.
Read the full article on PC Gamer
All Fortnite Chapter 7, season 2 NPC locations and services
On the other side of the industry, Fortnite’s Chapter 7, Season 2 has gifted us with a plethora of NPCs ready to lend a hand, if you’ve got the gold bars, that is. We’re talking everything from hiring The Foundation as your go-to Specialist for 750 gold bars at New Sanctuary, to picking up a Pro Fishing Rod from Chef Squibbly’s crew at Squibbly Shores for a measly 250 bars. The fun part? NPCs like Vengeance Jones and Rival Hope at Sandy Strip and New Sanctuary keep you guessing with services that change round by round. Let’s be honest, tracking these characters down can be a chore, but the rewards might just be worth the effort. Thanks to our pals at Destructoid for putting together this handy guide on where to find them all. Happy hunting.
Read the full article on Destructoid
McDonald’s Gives The Best Super Mario Galaxy Character More Kids Meal Toys Than The Rest
Staying in the live-service world, McDonald’s has rolled out new Super Mario Galaxy toys for their kids’ meals. And, let’s be honest, Luma is getting the superstar treatment. Seriously, this little star is stealing the show with more toys than the rest of the Mario crew combined. If you’re a fan of hoarding plastic collectibles for your desk, or maybe you’ve got a little one who needs their Mario fix, this might just be the excuse you need to grab a Happy Meal. According to Kotaku, McDonald’s is betting big on Luma’s cuteness, and we can’t blame them. Collectors and fans, it’s time to make a nostalgic pit stop at the drive-thru. Because who doesn’t love a side of fries with their intergalactic adventure?
Read the full article on Kotaku
“It could be confusing” – US game age ratings won’t change like they will in Europe, ESRB says
Not to be outdone by our friends across the pond, the ESRB has decided to keep things simple. While Europe’s PEGI is shaking things up by including paid random items in their age ratings, the ESRB in the US is sticking to its guns. You know, the ones that don’t include loot boxes in their current criteria. Apparently, they believe that throwing in extra elements might just be too “confusing” for us simple-minded Americans. It’s like they don’t think we can handle the complexity of paying for random in-game stuff. Eurogamer reports that this decision will keep the current age rating structure intact, because who wants things to get too transparent, right?
Read the full article on Eurogamer
Vampire Crawlers invites you to an average Italian countryside with an April release date
Over on the PC side, Vampire Crawlers is promising to add some quirky fun to our gaming calendars. Poncle, riding high off Vampire Survivors’ success, is back with their new game, Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors. Rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it? The game’s set in what seems to be a charmingly “average” Italian countryside. Don’t expect rolling hills of Tuscany, though. Poncle’s signature style is more about chaos and laughs. They’ve announced an April release, complete with an irreverently silly trailer that fits right in with their vibe. Rock Paper Shotgun’s take is that this could be another entertaining bullet-hell experience.
Read the full article on Rock Paper Shotgun
Shenmue III’s enhanced edition is giving us a chance to relive the adventure on the latest consoles, and honestly, it’s a great excuse to revisit that quirky world. So whether you’re diving back into Shenmue or tackling your ever-growing backlog, find some time to enjoy what you love. And if you have thoughts, gripes, or random gaming musings, drop them in our Discord!