Today’s Top Gaming News: April 24, 2025
Today’s highlights include intriguing updates on Nintendo Switch pre-orders and the release of new games.
Oblivion Remastered Offers Uncompromised Steam Deck Support with Proper Settings
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun – April 24, 2025
Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun. The Steam Deck Academy by Rock Paper Shotgun provides comprehensive guides and explainers to maximize the utility of the Steam Deck, eliminating the need for student loans or uncomfortable dormitories. According to the source, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a superior choice for the Steam Deck compared to the original Oblivion. They believe that the reasons align with why the Steam Deck outshines newer, faster handhelds, though the performance may be lower, everything simply functions seamlessly. After spending a frustrating couple of minutes attempting to find a custom controller configuration that can navigate through the original Oblivion’s menus, the ease with which the remastered version integrates with the Steam Deck becomes apparent.
Visit Rock Paper Shotgun for the full article →
Fake Listings Posted by Nintendo Fans to Counteract Switch 2 eBay Scalpers and Bots
Source: Eurogamer – April 24, 2025
The pre-orders for Nintendo’s much-anticipated Switch 2 are now open, and as Eurogamer reports, the process has been as tumultuous as anticipated. Numerous retailers exhausted their stock almost immediately, leaving many customers with confirmed orders that were later revoked due to insufficient inventory. In response to the high demand and scarce supply, a surge of Switch 2 pre-order resales has ensued on eBay. This trend was also observed earlier this month in the UK. Eurogamer has noted numerous instances of customers paying almost twice the console’s recommended retail price ($449, or $499 with Mario Kart World) to ensure they secure a console.
Click to read the full article at Eurogamer →
Intel’s New 200S Boost Mode for Arrow Lake Chips: A Must-allow Feature
Source: PC Gamer – April 24, 2025
PC Gamer recently reported on the new BIOS feature from Intel designed for Core Ultra 200S motherboards: the 200S Boost. This feature allows users to overclock specific parts of the Arrow Lake processor with a simple click on a BIOS option. Primarily, it raises the die-to-die (D2D) and uncore (NGU) clocks from their standard 2.1 GHz values to a substantial 3.2 GHz each. After conducting a series of tests on the 200S Boost using various games, PC Gamer suggests that there may be additional enhancements occurring behind the scenes, particularly with the MSI motherboard used in their testing. Regardless of the specifics, the results are unequivocal: users should be activating the 200S Boost mode.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Switch 2 Preorders Go Live Amidst Chaos
Source: Kotaku – April 24, 2025
Switch 2 pre-orders launched online at 12:01 a.m. ET, and as many fans had anticipated, the process was fraught with complications. Issues ranged from webpage timeouts to false error messages, and to add to the confusion, some customers reported receiving cancellation emails shortly after their orders appeared to have been confirmed. Unfortunately, these issues could not be resolved in time for the Switch 2 launch. Retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy had each announced plans to commence selling Switch 2 pre-orders at midnight on April 24, a little over a month prior to the console’s June 5 launch.
For more details, read the full article on Kotaku →
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Game Informer – April 23, 2025
In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, players are plunged into a melancholic world with a refreshing absence of context. The game is unapologetically a fantasy RPG, tinged with elements of science fiction, and it conspicuously avoids initiating with a lengthy explanation of its universe. Though this might initially lead to some confusion, it paves the way for a gripping first few hours that quickly establish stakes, engage players in combat, and set up an intriguing mystery. This game boldly sidesteps the genre’s infamous slow starts with a determined and stylish stride, a confidence that remains consistent throughout the entire adventure.
Official Joy-Con Wheel Set for Mario Kart World Available for Just $25
Source: GameSpot – April 24, 2025
Mario Kart World, launching on June 5 in conjunction with the Nintendo Switch 2, is expected to transform open-world racing games. GameSpot recommends securing the official Joy-Con 2 Wheel accessory if you plan on purchasing the game. Designed to improve steering using the new Joy-Con 2’s gyro controls, this accessory can make gameplay more intuitive. A two-pack is priced at a reasonable $25, making it a viable addition for those engaging in local multiplayer matches. Preorders for the Joy-Con 2 Wheel 2-pack are currently open across various online retailers. since Mario Kart World is priced at a hefty $80, the affordability of the Joy-Con 2 Wheel set is a welcome relief.
Read the full article at GameSpot →
GameStop Set to Launch Affordable Switch 2 Accessories
Source: GameSpot – April 24, 2025
The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled for a June 5th release and is positioned to be a formidable follow-up to the original handheld console. A range of official Nintendo accessories will be released concurrently with the console, including controllers, cameras, and carrying cases. Recent price increases for these accessories have led to higher costs than initially anticipated. GameStop is addressing this concern with the introduction of its own assortment of branded Switch 2 accessories, offering a cost-effective alternative. Preorders for these budget-friendly options are currently available in anticipation of the June 5th release. For a detailed look at additional Switch 2 gear and games, GameStop’s comprehensive Switch 2 preorder guide is a must-see.
Read the complete article on GameSpot →
Preorders Open for Switch 2 Launch Title, RPG Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD
Source: GameSpot – April 24, 2025
The HD remaster of Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, a renowned RPG by Square Enix, is launching as one of the Switch 2’s release titles. Scheduled for release on June 5, the same day as the new console’s debut, this remaster brings an enhanced version of the original 3DS game to the Switch 2. The game’s graphics have been overhauled, and it now features new gameplay elements and other enhancements tailored for the new console. Preorders for this highly anticipated remaster are now open at various online retailers, with its price set at a reasonable $40, making it one of the most affordable Switch 2 launch titles.
This enhanced version of the beloved Nintendo 3DS RPG will be exclusively available for the Switch 2.
Read the full article at GameSpot →
Majority of Third-Party Nintendo Switch 2 Games in Japan and the West Are Game-Key Cards
Source: IGN – April 24, 2025
Recent evidence suggests that the majority of physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games in Japan are Game-Key Cards, with a similar trend appearing in the West. According to a report by Gematsu, the commencement of Switch 2 pre-orders in Japan revealed that all physical third-party games, except for CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077, are not Nintendo Switch 2 Editions. Instead, these games ship on Game-Key Cards, necessitating internet access for downloading the full game. Retail descriptions for Split Fiction further confirm this trend, listing it as a “code-in-a-box.”
Read the full article at IGN →
Cloud Saves Confirmed for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Switch 2
Source: IGN – April 24, 2025
Nintendo has dispelled fans’ fears by confirming that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom version for Switch 2 will support cloud saves. It was already known that the Nintendo Switch 2 would boast special enhanced versions of several Switch 1 games, including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. As IGN reported previously, a disclaimer had fans concerned that some games, particularly this one, might not support Nintendo’s cloud save functionality as expected. This apprehension stemmed from the initial disclaimer on Nintendo’s pages for the Tears of the Kingdom’s Switch 2 edition, which stated: “Please note: this software does not support the Nintendo Switch Online paid membership’s Save Data Cloud backup feature.”
Read the full article at IGN →
Ghost of Yotei Collector’s Edition revealed, Preorders Commence May 2
Source: GameSpot – April 23, 2025
GameSpot reports that PlayStation has announced the launch of Ghost of Yotei on October 2, available in three distinct editions for PS5. Preorders for the two physical editions of Ghost of Yotei, which include a PlayStation Direct exclusive Collector’s Edition, are set to commence on May 2 at 10 AM ET. All pre-orders include several complimentary pieces of DLC. For those interested in experiencing the original game prior to the release of Ghost of Yotei, the Ghost of Tsushima’s Director’s Cut is currently available for $49.49, marked down from its original price of $70. According to PlayStation, Ghost of Yotei is set over 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima, hence playing Sucker Punch Productions’ initial entry in the action series is not a prerequisite.
Read the comprehensive article at GameSpot →
Pre-ordering Additional Joy-Cons for Your Switch 2
Source: Polygon – April 24, 2025
The Polygon commerce writer, who has been covering gaming and tech since 2005, and formerly worked at The Verge, highlights the importance of the social aspect of gaming. The writer suggests that the new Nintendo Switch 2, like its predecessor, is designed with multiplayer interactions in mind, whether they occur locally or remotely. For those planning on local multiplayer sessions involving more than two participants, purchasing additional Joy-Cons might be a prudent move. A set, which includes both the left and right Joy-Con 2 controllers with corresponding straps, is available for pre-order at Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, or directly from Nintendo at a price of $94.99. It is noteworthy that GameStop will only open its online pre-orders at 11 a.m.
Read the entire article at Polygon →
Find a Single QR Code Housing a Miniaturized Version of Doom: ‘Basically the Whole Game’
Source: PC Gamer – April 23, 2025
There is a particular allure surrounding the shareware classic Doom and the pervasive impulse to make it operational on virtually any device. Given the game’s open-source code and a modest piece of equipment boasting perhaps only a hint of a graphical user interface, a motivated individual is almost guaranteed to establish compatibility. When the question arises – ‘what common attribute does a pregnancy test, gut bacteria, and 100 pounds of moldy potatoes share?’, the answer is clear. Now, it seems QR codes can be added to that list, albeit with a caveat. Developer Kuber Mehta has fabricated an extraordinarily lightweight version that can be compressed, encoded into, and later extracted from a single QR code, as reported by TechSpot.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Microsoft Enables Xbox Gaming on Select LG TVs
Source: GameSpot – April 23, 2025
Game enthusiasts no longer need an Xbox to enjoy its games, thanks to Microsoft’s recent announcement. Starting April 23, the Xbox app is now available on select LG televisions, allowing owners of these TVs to play Xbox games through Game Pass. The compatible LG TVs include the 2022 OLED TVs, 2023 Smart TVs, and other new models, along with monitors equipped with webOS24 or later. For more detailed information, GameSpot recommends checking the full list of supported devices. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s “This Is An Xbox” promotional campaign, which aims to remind consumers that they can play Xbox games on devices they may already own, such as TVs, smartphones, and tablets.
For more details, read the full article at GameSpot →
Join the Conversation
Which announcement sparks more interest for you: the news that Oblivion Remastered, with the correct settings, will not compromise Steam Deck support in favor of graphics, or the story about Nintendo fans combating Switch 2 eBay scalpers and bots by creating fake listings? Let us now in the comments section!
