NEW YORK (Jounros News) – Nvidia’s latest artificial intelligence-driven graphics technology, DLSS 5, has triggered a wave of criticism from gamers and online communities, even as the company promotes it as a major advancement in real-time rendering. The system is designed to enhance game performance and visual fidelity, but early demonstrations have raised questions about its impact on artistic integrity.

Nvidia said at a recent conference that DLSS 5 will allow developers to achieve “photoreal computer graphics previously only achieved in Hollywood visual effects,” according to company statements. The technology, part of the company’s long-running DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) platform, has already been integrated into more than 750 games, the company added.

DLSS 5 is scheduled to launch in the fall and represents an evolution of Nvidia’s AI upscaling tools, now capable of generating new frames rather than simply enhancing resolution.

Gamers Raise Concerns Over Visual Alterations

Criticism intensified after Nvidia showcased demonstration clips comparing gameplay with DLSS 5 enabled and disabled. According to the footage, characters from titles such as Resident Evil Requiem, Hogwarts Legacy, and Starfield appeared noticeably altered when the system was active.

Observers noted changes in facial features, lighting, and texture rendering, with some describing the results as overly polished or inconsistent with original design intent. One widely shared critique said the technology prioritizes “fidelity over art direction,” reflecting broader concern within gaming communities.

Social media platforms amplified the reaction, with users circulating memes comparing DLSS 5 outputs to heavily edited or stylized images. Some posts juxtaposed altered versions of well-known photographs, suggesting exaggerated visual modifications when the technology is applied.

Company Emphasizes Developer Control

Nvidia pushed back on the criticism, stating that developers retain full control over how DLSS 5 is implemented. In a pinned comment on its official demonstration video, the company said developers can fine-tune the system to preserve intended artistic direction.

Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s founder and chief executive, described DLSS 5 as a “GPT moment for graphics,” according to a company statement. He said the system blends traditional rendering with generative AI while maintaining creative control for developers.

During a Q&A session cited by industry publication Tom’s Hardware, Huang said critics were “completely wrong,” arguing that the technology allows developers to adjust geometry, textures, and generative outputs to match their artistic vision.

Industry Implications and Competitive Context

DLSS technology has become a central component of Nvidia’s gaming and AI strategy, particularly as competition intensifies in high-performance graphics processing. The integration of generative AI into rendering reflects a broader industry trend toward automation and real-time content generation.

Analysts note that while such tools can improve performance efficiency and visual quality, they also raise questions about standardization across titles and potential shifts in creative workflows. Nvidia said upcoming releases, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Phantom Blade Zero, will support DLSS 5 at launch.

The reaction highlights a tension between technological advancement and creative control, a dynamic that is likely to shape future developments in gaming graphics as AI becomes more deeply embedded in production pipelines.

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In a blog post published Tuesday, Discord co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Stanislav Vishnevskiy acknowledged the company had “missed the mark” in how it introduced the changes. He said concerns about biometric data collection and third-party vendors had eroded trust among parts of the platform’s global user base.

The pause reflects mounting scrutiny of how technology companies verify user ages while safeguarding personal data — an issue gaining regulatory attention in multiple jurisdictions.

Privacy concerns stall Discord age verification plans

Discord, which reports more than 200 million monthly active users worldwide, first announced earlier this month that it would begin expanding age verification measures in March. The system would have required some users to undergo facial age estimation or upload government-issued identification if the company could not otherwise determine they were adults.

The proposal quickly triggered backlash from users who questioned how biometric data would be stored, processed and protected. Concerns intensified following reports of a recent security breach involving a third-party vendor previously used by Discord, which exposed government ID images of up to 70,000 users.

Vishnevskiy referenced the breach directly, writing that the company no longer works with that provider and has strengthened its internal review standards. “Every vendor we work with goes through a security and privacy review before integration,” he wrote, adding that contractual limits govern data use, retention and deletion.

According to Discord, information submitted for age verification is retained only for the minimum time required and in most cases deleted immediately. The company said vendors that fail to meet its standards are not engaged.

The episode highlights a broader tension in the tech industry: regulators increasingly expect platforms to prevent minors from accessing restricted content, while users remain wary of expanded identity checks that involve biometric or government data.

Vendor dispute adds to scrutiny

One company publicly linked to the debate was Persona, an identity verification service that Discord said it tested on a limited basis in the United Kingdom in January.

Vishnevskiy stated that Persona did not meet Discord’s requirement that facial age estimation be conducted entirely on-device — meaning biometric data would not leave a user’s phone. Discord subsequently ended the limited test, he wrote.

Persona disputed that characterization. In a LinkedIn statement, co-founder and Chief Executive Rick Song said the company does offer on-device age verification and described Discord’s public claims as inaccurate.

Persona has attracted attention in part because it is backed by Founders Fund, the venture capital firm led by Peter Thiel, who co-founded Palantir Technologies. Palantir has faced criticism from civil liberties advocates over its government contracts, including work with U.S. immigration authorities.

While those affiliations are not directly tied to Discord’s technical requirements, they became part of the wider online debate surrounding data privacy and surveillance concerns. The exchange underscores how trust in verification systems often extends beyond technical details to perceptions of corporate relationships and governance.

How Discord determines user age

Discord maintains that for more than 90% of its users, no changes are expected. The company says it can determine the likely age of most accounts using account-level signals rather than biometric checks.

Those signals include the length of time an account has existed, whether a payment method is on file, the types of servers joined and general activity patterns. Vishnevskiy emphasized that Discord does not read private messages, analyze conversations or review user-generated content to estimate age.

For the minority of users whose age cannot be inferred through those signals, Discord is exploring additional verification options beyond facial scanning or ID uploads. Among the alternatives under consideration is credit card verification, which is commonly used as a proxy for adulthood in some digital services.

Users who decline to verify their age will retain access to their accounts, including servers, friends lists, direct messages and voice chat. However, they will be unable to access age-restricted content or modify certain safety settings designed to protect teenagers.

Regulatory and industry context

Age verification has become a central policy issue for social platforms worldwide, as lawmakers seek stronger safeguards for minors online. Several countries have introduced or proposed stricter requirements for platforms to prevent underage access to certain content categories.

Companies including gaming networks and social media platforms have experimented with a mix of self-declaration, AI-driven age estimation and third-party identity verification tools. Each approach carries trade-offs between accuracy, user experience and privacy protection.

Discord’s decision to delay its global rollout suggests the company is seeking to recalibrate that balance. Vishnevskiy said the platform will publish a detailed explanation of how its automated age determination systems operate and will document the practices of every verification vendor on its website.

That commitment to transparency may prove critical. As regulators tighten oversight and users demand clearer safeguards, the success of age verification systems will likely depend not only on technical performance but on public confidence in how personal data is handled.

For now, Discord’s age verification plans remain in development — a reminder that even widely used digital platforms must navigate evolving expectations around privacy, security and accountability.

Source: AP News – Discord postpones age verification rollout amid criticism, promises transparency

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Her passing matters beyond social media celebrity: Agnes became an example of how gaming platforms and short-form video ecosystems continue to broaden demographic participation, reinforcing industry trends around accessibility, community-led discovery, and creator-driven engagement.

Creator Legacy Extends Beyond Traditional Gaming Audiences

Agnes, from Dunfermline in Scotland, rose to prominence through straightforward gaming videos that emphasized humor, curiosity, and authentic reactions rather than competitive spectacle. Her content frequently featured mainstream sandbox and survival titles, helping publishers benefit from long-tail visibility driven by creator communities rather than formal marketing campaigns.

Her grandson, identified in reports as Culsans or Dylan in family statements, confirmed that she died peacefully on December 21 while surrounded by relatives. The family said her recent health decline followed worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a major stroke suffered in October.

From an industry perspective, her success highlighted how user-generated gaming content continues to reach audiences far outside core player demographics, a valuable dynamic for publishers seeking durable engagement cycles.

Gaming Content as a Cross-Generational Growth Driver

Agnes’s rise reflected a broader market shift in which gaming content increasingly functions as entertainment-first media, not solely as gameplay documentation. Her videos attracted younger audiences while also challenging long-held assumptions that gaming platforms primarily serve teenagers and young adults.

That wider appeal aligns with ongoing platform strategies from TikTok, YouTube, and livestreaming services, where discoverability algorithms reward personality-driven gaming clips capable of crossing into mainstream culture. For publishers, such creator ecosystems can materially extend the commercial lifespan of evergreen titles like Minecraft and Skyrim.

The case also underscores how gaming culture’s expansion now includes older creators whose authenticity strengthens community trust and retention metrics—an increasingly important factor in platform competition.

Broader Industry and Platform Implications

The tributes surrounding Agnes’s death point to gaming’s continued evolution into a socially inclusive entertainment layer spanning age groups, regions, and skill levels. While not tied to a specific studio or platform announcement, her influence demonstrates the value of creator-led ecosystem growth for both legacy game titles and short-form content platforms.

For the wider games business, her story reinforced a measurable trend: community resonance often outlasts conventional release cycles, especially when titles benefit from organic rediscovery through creators with distinctive identities.

As gaming companies continue to invest in creator partnerships, social integrations, and community tools, Agnes’s legacy stands as a reminder that audience expansion increasingly comes from unexpected voices.

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Nintendo’s latest console is off to a record-breaking start. In just four days, the Nintendo Switch 2 has become the fastest-selling Nintendo hardware ever in the U.S., according to a statement shared with IGN.

And it’s not just a domestic win — the momentum is global. Nintendo reports that Switch 2 sales are double those of the original Switch during each console’s respective launch window. That translates to more than 3.5 million units sold worldwide in its first four days, far outpacing the original Switch, which took nearly a month to hit 2.74 million.

A Rare Smooth Launch — With Plenty of Stock

One of the biggest contributors to the Switch 2’s rapid success? Availability.

Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser had previously promised ample stock at launch — and unlike many recent hardware rollouts, they delivered. That meant more eager fans actually got their hands on the console without dealing with frustrating sellouts or scalper markups (well, mostly — more on that in a bit).

With confidence riding high, Nintendo is already projecting 15 million units sold globally by the end of its fiscal year on March 31, 2026.

A Mixed Bag in the UK — and Some Light Switch Shenanigans in Japan

While sales in the U.S. and other regions have been stellar, the UK market continues to be a tougher nut to crack. The Switch 2’s launch numbers there didn’t quite match those of the PS4, PS5, or Xbox Series consoles in the same timeframe — a reflection of Nintendo’s historically smaller market share in the region.

In Japan, however, demand is so high it’s sparked a wave of online parody listings — including jokey “Switch 2” items that are literally just… light switches.

The Bottom Line

The Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a blockbuster start, with sales figures already making waves across the industry. Strong supply, high demand, and a loyal fanbase are combining to make this one of Nintendo’s most successful launches ever — and the year is just getting started.

Source: IGN – Nintendo Switch 2 Outselling the OG Switch 2-to-1 Across the Globe

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Launch day hype turns into a legacy moment for devoted Nintendo fan ChickenDog.

While most gamers waited online for the Nintendo Switch 2 to drop, one man made it his mission to be first in line—literally.

Chris Evangelista, better known as ChickenDog on YouTube, camped out for a jaw-dropping 61 days outside the Nintendo New York store at Rockefeller Center. His goal? To be the very first person in the world to buy Nintendo’s latest and most expensive console yet.

“I’ve been going to these events for years,” he told Fox News Digital the night before launch. “It’s not even just about the console – it’s about the community. I want to make an impact and build my own legacy.”

And what a legacy it is. Since early April, ChickenDog held his spot in line with the help of friends who occasionally stepped in, along with a nearby Airbnb and hotel stays to catch some rest. His effort paid off when the Switch 2 officially launched on June 5.

A Global Gathering

But ChickenDog wasn’t alone. As launch day approached, the sidewalk outside Nintendo’s flagship store transformed into a global celebration of fandom.

“Just seeing everyone out here—fans from Chile, Germany, Canada… it’s wild how many people love Nintendo all over the world,” he said. “It’s cool to see everyone come together for a company we all love. And to have their support as I got the first console—it means everything.”

Nintendo Switch 2: What to Know

The Nintendo Switch 2 hit shelves June 5 with a base price of $499, or $549 if bundled with the new Mario Kart World—making it the priciest Nintendo console yet. For comparison, the original Switch launched in 2017 at just $299.

Pre-orders opened back on April 24, following delays as Nintendo evaluated potential tariff impacts under trade policies introduced during the Trump administration. The company has also warned that accessories for the Switch 2 will see “price adjustments” due to “changes in market conditions.”

The Hype Is Real

Despite the high price tag and delays, excitement for the Switch 2 hasn’t lost steam—thanks in part to superfans like ChickenDog, whose dedication turned heads online.

“The most exciting part is this last day,” he said on launch eve. “Being out here with my friends—the OGs in the community, the new fans who got inspired, the veterans—this is what it’s all about.”

For ChickenDog, the wait wasn’t just for a console. It was a moment to rally a community, meet people from around the globe, and cement his place in Nintendo fan history.

Source: FOX Business – YouTuber spends 61 days in line to purchase Nintendo Switch 2

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Xbox Game Pass Ultimate continues to impress in 2025, further cementing its position as one of the most valuable gaming subscription services. In May alone, the service has added Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a critically acclaimed new metroidvania title, marking the 13th new game released this month and the 57th since the start of the year. This flurry of additions not only offers players an expansive catalog but also sets a new monthly record for Xbox Game Pass releases in 2025.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau — A Personal, Emotional Metroidvania Journey

The newest addition, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, is the debut video game from Surgent Studios, a British company founded by actor Abubakar Salim. Fans may recognize Salim as the voice of Bayek in the popular Assassin’s Creed Origins series. His influence is deeply embedded in the game’s narrative, which tells the story of Zau, a young shaman embarking on a spiritual quest to reclaim his late father’s spirit. Salim has openly shared that the game’s themes of grief and loss are inspired by his own experience losing his father, lending the story an emotional depth rare in many modern games.

Since its initial release in April 2024, Tales of Kenzera: Zau has garnered strong critical acclaim, earning a 76 average score on OpenCritic. Player feedback is equally positive, with “Very Positive” reviews on Steam and a 4.5-star rating on the Xbox Store. The game’s engaging metroidvania gameplay, combined with its heartfelt story, has resonated with a broad audience, making it a standout title in the indie gaming scene.

Availability and Subscription Details

While Tales of Kenzera: Zau is not a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass, it became available on May 22, 2025. It is exclusive to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC tiers due to its publisher, Electronic Arts. This means it is only accessible to subscribers who have the EA Play add-on — a perk included in these higher-tier subscriptions. Unfortunately, it is not available on the more affordable standard Xbox Game Pass tier.

For players, this means that Tales of Kenzera: Zau offers roughly eight hours of story-driven content, making it a perfect choice for those who like to dive deep into narrative-rich games while sampling a wide variety of titles within their subscription service.

May’s Surge in Xbox Game Pass Releases: Something for Everyone

May 2025 is shaping up to be a banner month for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Along with Tales of Kenzera: Zau, several other high-profile titles have joined or are set to join the platform:

• On May 22, Creatures of Ava, a vibrant open-world action-adventure from Inverge Studios, became available to Standard tier subscribers. This game had been exclusive to the Ultimate tier since its August 2024 release, so this move broadens access. Also joining the Standard library on this date was the highly anticipated STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, a post-apocalyptic shooter known for its atmospheric gameplay.
• Coming May 27, the popular tactical shooter Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 arrives for Ultimate, PC, and Standard tier users. Its inclusion brings one of Ubisoft’s top online multiplayer experiences to more players.
• The last days of May are packed with exciting day-one releases for Ultimate subscribers. To A T and Spray Paint Simulator both launch on May 28 and 29 respectively, bringing fresh, creative gameplay to the platform. Alongside them, Metaphor: ReFantazio, the latest JRPG from Atlus — known for its deep storytelling and engaging combat — also debuts on May 29.

Looking Ahead: June and Beyond

The release momentum doesn’t slow down after May. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has lined up several more day-one releases and new arrivals through June and beyond, including:

• Crypt Custodian and Symphonia on June 3
• The Alters on June 13
• FBC: Firebreak and Rematch in mid-to-late June
• Against the Storm, a console day-one release on June 26, which has already been available on PC since 2021
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, launching on July 11
• Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Gears of War: Reloaded arriving in July and August respectively

This steady flow of new content ensures Xbox Game Pass remains one of the most dynamic subscription services available, catering to a wide range of gaming tastes — from casual players to hardcore fans.

Titles Leaving and What It Means for Subscribers

Xbox Game Pass will also see some games leave the service on May 31. While losing titles is always a downside for some players, this month’s overall net gain — with 17 new additions against 10 removals — is a clear win for subscribers.

These shifts are typical as licensing agreements and publisher deals evolve, but the overall trend for 2025 shows Xbox Game Pass expanding its offerings, giving players more reasons to stay subscribed.

What This Means for Xbox Game Pass’s Future

Xbox Game Pass’s aggressive content rollout strategy highlights Microsoft’s commitment to growing the service’s value. The inclusion of critically acclaimed indie games like Tales of Kenzera: Zau, alongside big-name franchises and day-one releases, reflects a balanced approach to appealing to all kinds of gamers.

For players, this means access to an ever-expanding library that offers both nostalgic hits and fresh, innovative experiences. For developers, Game Pass provides a valuable platform to reach new audiences.

As Microsoft continues to build this service, it’s clear that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is more than just a subscription — it’s becoming the future of gaming, blending convenience, variety, and quality into one package.

Source: GameRant – Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Adds 2024 Game With ‘Very Positive’ Reviews

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After nearly half a decade away, Epic Games’ Fortnite has finally returned to the Apple App Store in the United States. As of Tuesday, players across the country can once again download and enjoy the wildly popular multiplayer shooter on their iPhones and iPads, ending a ban that began in 2020.

This comeback is a significant win for Epic Games, which has been locked in a high-profile battle with Apple for years over App Store policies and control. While Fortnite had already made its way back to the App Store in the European Union last year—following regulatory pressure on Apple—the US market remained closed off to the game until now.

The Battle Between Epic and Apple

The saga began in August 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store after Epic introduced a direct payment system within the game, bypassing Apple’s standard 30% commission fee on in-app purchases. This move triggered a major legal clash between the tech giant and Epic Games, sparking lawsuits, widespread debate about the power of app stores, and discussions about fair competition in digital marketplaces.

For years, Apple stood firm on its App Store rules, which led to Fortnite being unavailable on iOS devices, frustrating millions of loyal fans who were forced to turn to alternative platforms or devices to keep playing.

Fortnite’s Massive Popularity

Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has been one of the most popular games globally, famous for its fast-paced “battle royale” format, where 100 players fight to be the last person standing. Its colorful graphics, regular content updates, and collaborations with pop culture icons have made it a cultural phenomenon.

At the time of its removal from the Apple App Store in 2020, Fortnite boasted approximately 116 million users on Apple’s platform alone—showcasing just how big the fallout was from the ban.

What This Return Means for Players

Epic Games announced the return on social media platform X, confirming that Fortnite is also available through the Epic Games Store and AltStore in the European Union, expanding options for players across different regions.

For US players, the return to Apple’s App Store means seamless access to the game without needing to rely on workarounds or other devices. This is especially important as mobile gaming continues to grow in popularity, making the iPhone and iPad key platforms for millions of gamers.

The Future of Epic and Apple’s Relationship

While the return signals some easing in the dispute, the broader legal and regulatory battles between Epic Games and Apple are far from over. The issues at stake—including app store fees, developer rights, and platform control—continue to be hot topics in the tech world and could shape how digital marketplaces operate in the future.

For now, players can simply enjoy jumping back into Fortnite on their Apple devices, rekindling a favorite pastime that had been missing for years.

Source: CNN – Epic Games’ Fortnite back up on Apple app store in US after nearly 5 years

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Gamers, brace yourselves — the cost of console gaming is climbing, and fast.

Microsoft has officially raised the prices of its Xbox consoles, accessories, and even some upcoming games across the globe, citing rising development costs and shifting market conditions. While the company didn’t directly mention tariffs, the increases come as trade tensions and new import duties are rattling industries reliant on global supply chains — and gaming is no exception.

Starting this week, Microsoft’s Xbox Series S now comes with a U.S. price tag of $379.99, up sharply from its 2020 debut price of $299.99. The more powerful Xbox Series X has jumped to $599.99, a full $100 more than its previous $499.99 listing.

Accessories haven’t been spared either. Wireless Xbox controllers, headsets, and other gear in the U.S. and Canada are also seeing price bumps. And for gamers eyeing new first-party titles this holiday season, expect to pay up to $79.99 — part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to adjust to economic pressures.

These price increases aren’t limited to the U.S. Microsoft confirmed similar changes are rolling out in Europe, the U.K., Australia, and other international markets.

“We understand that these changes are challenging,” Microsoft said in a statement, pointing to inflation and higher development expenses. Still, the timing raises eyebrows, as the gaming industry grapples with new tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump, and retaliatory moves from key trade partners like China.

Microsoft isn’t alone. Sony recently raised the price of its PlayStation 5 in select regions — including parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania — blaming inflation and currency volatility. Meanwhile, Nintendo’s much-anticipated Switch 2 faced preorder delays in April while retailers evaluated the potential fallout from trade disputes.

Although Nintendo is keeping its base Switch 2 price at $449.99, that’s still a steep hike from the original Switch’s $299 tag. Industry experts suggest tariffs and manufacturing costs are major contributors to that increase — even if Nintendo adds more features to justify it.

While Microsoft just posted a strong quarterly earnings report — with $70.07 billion in revenue and $25.8 billion in net income — the long-term effects of tariffs on its Xbox division remain to be seen. For now, the company is still riding momentum, with its personal computing segment (which includes Xbox) growing 6% in the last quarter.

But as costs rise and trade tensions deepen, gamers and developers alike may face more volatility ahead.

Source: AP News – Microsoft hikes Xbox prices worldwide as gaming industry faces tariff uncertainty

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The wait for Grand Theft Auto VI just got even longer. Take-Two Interactive announced on Friday that the game’s release has been pushed back to May 2026, nearly a year later than its original Fall 2025 target. The delay immediately rattled investors, sending Take-Two shares down 8% in early trading.

Developed by Rockstar Games, GTA VI is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited video game releases in history. Fans have been waiting over a decade for the next installment in the franchise. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, launched back in 2013 and went on to sell more than 200 million copies, cementing its place among the best-selling games of all time.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said the company supports Rockstar’s decision to take extra time, emphasizing that the studio is committed to delivering a “groundbreaking blockbuster entertainment experience.”

Delays like this have become more common in the gaming world, as studios face increasing demands for high-quality, bug-free launches—and skyrocketing development costs.

The new release window also pushes GTA VI outside of Take-Two’s fiscal 2026 projections, landing instead in fiscal 2027. While this shift could dampen short-term financial expectations, the company still expects sequential growth in net bookings across both fiscal years.

Even with GTA VI delayed, Take-Two has a few major titles in the pipeline for the next year, including:

• Borderlands 4
• Mafia: The Old Country

Both are anticipated to drive strong engagement and sales. Analysts, such as D.A. Davidson’s Wyatt Swanson, suggest the company’s overall outlook remains strong, noting that Take-Two has reaffirmed expectations for record-level net bookings in both FY 2026 and FY 2027.

Rockstar gave fans a first look at GTA VI back in December 2023 with a trailer that exploded online—over 100 million views in 24 hours. The game returns to Vice City, a fictional Miami-inspired setting, and introduces Lucia, the series’ first-ever female protagonist. The teaser hinted at a high-stakes, modern-day Bonnie-and-Clyde storyline.

Unsurprisingly, the delay sparked mixed reactions. While some fans expressed frustration over the extended wait, others welcomed the news, hoping the added time results in a more polished final product.

The delay may also have broader implications. GTA VI was expected to be a major growth driver for the gaming sector, especially at a time when U.S. tariffs have pushed up console prices and softened consumer spending.

More details on Take-Two’s updated outlook are expected when the company releases its fourth-quarter earnings report on May 15.

Source: CNN – ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ delayed to May 2026, extending wait for gaming’s most anticipated title

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The wait is almost over for Nintendo fans. Starting April 24, 2025, U.S. retailers will open pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 — and yes, pricing remains just as announced earlier this month.

Nintendo has confirmed that launch pricing for the Switch 2 and its major bundles and titles will stay put:

• Nintendo Switch 2: $449.99
• Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle: $499.99
• Mario Kart World (Physical & Digital): $79.99
• Donkey Kong Bananza: $69.99

Both games will be available at launch and are already generating buzz among fans.

While the console and games remain unchanged, Nintendo has made price adjustments to several Switch 2 accessories, citing recent market shifts. Here’s the updated pricing as of April 18, 2025:

• Pro Controller: $84.99
• Joy-Con 2 Pair: $94.99
• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $39.99
• Joy-Con 2 Strap: $13.99
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set: $24.99
• Switch 2 Camera: $54.99
• Dock Set: $119.99
• Carrying Case & Screen Protector: $39.99
• All-In-One Carrying Case: $84.99
• AC Adapter: $34.99
• Samsung microSD Express Card (256GB): $59.99

Nintendo notes that future pricing changes are still possible, depending on evolving market conditions.

Nintendo addressed a slight delay in opening pre-orders, originally expected sooner. In a statement, the company apologized and acknowledged the frustration fans may have felt. They hope this updated timeline brings some clarity and excitement as launch day approaches.

Get ready — the Nintendo Switch 2 officially launches June 5, 2025. Whether you’re upgrading from a previous model or diving in for the first time, the next chapter in Nintendo gaming is nearly here.

Source: Nintendo – Nintendo Maintains Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing, Retail Pre-Orders to Begin April 24 in U.S.

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