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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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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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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Sega Considers Subscription Service for Gaming Fans

Sega, the iconic gaming company behind hits like Sonic the Hedgehog, is contemplating launching a Netflix-like subscription service for video games. This bold move would place Sega alongside competitors such as Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and other established gaming subscription platforms.

Sega’s president, Shuji Utsumi, revealed to the BBC that the idea is under active consideration. “We’re thinking and discussing something we can’t disclose right now,” Utsumi said, calling such services “very interesting.”

The Rise of Gaming Subscriptions

Subscription services have transformed how gamers access titles, offering vast libraries for a monthly fee instead of outright ownership. Competitors like Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass and Sony’s PlayStation Plus charge monthly fees ranging from £6.99 to £14.99, depending on features. Similarly, EA, Ubisoft, and Nintendo operate their own subscription plans.

If Sega launches its own platform, it could appeal to fans who primarily enjoy Sega games, providing a centralized hub while generating direct revenue from users. However, industry experts warn this could increase costs for gamers managing multiple subscriptions.

Mixed Reactions from the Gaming Community

While some are excited about the prospect, others worry about oversaturation.
Twitch streamer Rachel Howie (known as DontRachQuit) expressed mixed feelings. “We already have so many subscriptions, it’s hard to justify another one,” she said.

Sophie Smart, Production Director at No More Robots, added, “I’d love to see Sega thriving, and this feels modern, but it might push consumers into paying for yet another service if Sega’s games are pulled from existing platforms.”

Sega’s Drive to Regain Its Shine

Speaking ahead of the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie premiere, Utsumi acknowledged Sega’s lost dominance since its 1990s rivalry with Nintendo. “I want to make Sega really shiny again,” he said. He cited a need to expand beyond domestic success in Japan and re-establish Sega on a global stage.

“Sega has amazing IPs, a great RPG group, and is a well-known brand. Now is the time to be more offensive, not defensive,” Utsumi declared.

He compared this approach to the company’s 1990s “rock and roll mentality,” which positioned Sonic as a cooler alternative to Mario. Sega aims to replicate this with its upcoming Sonic projects, which Utsumi promised would be “challenging and exciting” while meeting fans’ high expectations.

The Future of Sonic Adventure and Chao Garden

Fans have long clamored for a follow-up to the beloved Sonic Adventure series, including the return of the Chao Garden. While Utsumi teased discussions about it, he withheld details, emphasizing Sega’s focus on delivering a product that exceeds expectations.

Sega’s Year in Review

Despite successes with titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio and progress in film and TV adaptations, Sega faced challenges in 2023. In March, the company laid off 240 employees, a decision Utsumi called “hard but necessary” to reset priorities. Additionally, the much-anticipated Football Manager 2025 was delayed due to “quality issues.”

Utsumi defended the delay, stating, “Providing a game early might be better financially, but we chose to maintain our quality discipline.”

A Bright Future Ahead?

With the imminent release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and plans for revitalizing its brand, Sega appears committed to recapturing its former glory. Utsumi summed up the company’s ambitions: “It’d be nice if the excitement we bring to movies extends to everything we do.”

Source

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