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Nintendo Switch 2 Prices Hiked Due to "Changes in Market Conditions"
Nintendo is increasing the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 console to $499.99 in North America, citing "changes in market conditions" and rising component costs. The company is also raising prices for Nintendo Switch Online in Japan, with potential global adjustments to follow. This news comes as industry veterans Takashi Tezuka and Goro Abe are retiring from Nintendo.
Windows 11 rumored to get new mode that instantly boosts game and app performance by up to 70%, but there's a catch
Windows 11 is reportedly developing a new 'Low Latency Profile' feature that could boost app and game performance by temporarily increasing CPU frequency. This rumored mode aims to improve responsiveness for interface elements and application loading times, potentially offering significant speed increases, though it may come at the cost of minor increases in power consumption and heat.
Nintendo Raises Price of Switch 2
Nintendo has announced price increases for the Nintendo Switch 2, raising its US price to $499.99. The company also increased prices for the original Nintendo Switch models in Japan and for Nintendo Switch Online services in multiple regions. This move follows similar price adjustments made by Microsoft and Sony.
PS6 delay looks likely as Sony is undecided on launch date and price
Sony has not yet decided on the launch date or price for the PlayStation 6, citing rising memory costs and considering changes to business models. While the PlayStation 5's price is expected to remain stable for now, future console production faces challenges due to global memory shortages. Analysts predict a potential delay for the PlayStation 6 beyond its assumed 2027 release, possibly into 2028 or later.
GamesStop wants eBay, Nintendo confirms Switch 2 price hike, and union boss says EA buyout is a national security risk - Patch Notes #51
This week's gaming news roundup covers GameStop's $55.5 billion takeover bid for eBay, Nintendo's confirmation of price hikes for the Nintendo Switch 2, and concerns raised by a union boss regarding the potential Saudi Arabian buyout of Electronic Arts, citing national security risks. The article also touches on internal leadership changes at Xbox, layoffs at 2K, and the rebranding of CCP Games.
Bungie’s value keeps on dropping in latest Sony financials
Sony reported significant impairment losses of approximately $565 million USD in the last quarter related to its acquisition of Bungie, bringing the total annual loss to around $765 million USD. This financial downturn coincides with declining player counts for Destiny 2 and underperformance of the newly released Marathon, as well as substantial layoffs at Bungie since its acquisition.
Microsoft exec. confirms Windows 11 is just as full of old code as you suspected: 'We were thinking flying cars and moon stations by the year 2026, not Win32'
Microsoft executive Mark Russinovich confirmed that Windows 11 heavily relies on the Win32 API, which dates back to Windows 95. Despite attempts to introduce newer APIs like WinRT, the legacy Win32 framework remains essential due to the vast ecosystem built upon it. Russinovich noted that the original vision for 2026 was far more futuristic than the continued reliance on 1990s code.
Your Xbox console and handheld could soon look the same, but I'm wary of Microsoft's UI pitch
Microsoft is planning a unified user interface for its Xbox consoles and handheld gaming devices like the ASUS ROG Ally. This initiative aims to reduce fragmentation and provide a consistent "distinctly Xbox" experience across different platforms, considering factors like screen size and input methods. The company, under new CEO Asha Sharma, is prioritizing brand consistency, with Jason Ronald showcasing the UI plans in a recent Game Dev Update.
Nintendo is raising Switch 2 prices around the world
Nintendo is increasing the prices of its Switch hardware and Nintendo Switch Online services in key markets including Japan, the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company cited "various changes in market conditions" and ongoing memory shortages as reasons for the revisions, which will take effect in late May and early September 2026.
Switch 2 blir dyrare
Nintendo is increasing the suggested retail price of the Nintendo Switch in the EU to 499 euros starting September 1, up from 469 euros. The company cited changing market conditions, likely due to increased costs for storage and internal memory. Prices are also rising in Japan, the USA, and Canada, though the impact on Swedish prices is uncertain as sales are handled by retailers.
Nintendo announces Switch 2 price increase, consoles will soon be $500 in the US
Nintendo has announced a price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2, with the console set to rise to $499.99 in the US starting September 1st. Similar price hikes will affect Canada, Europe, and Japan. The company cited changing market conditions and its global business outlook for the revisions, apologizing for the impact on customers. This follows recent price increases for the PlayStation 5 by Sony and potential future adjustments for Microsoft's next-gen console.
Krzysztof Krawczyk acquires a stake in G2A and becomes Chairman of the Advisory Board, strengthening the platform’s global growth strategy
Krzysztof Krawczyk has acquired a minority stake in G2A Group and assumed the role of Chairman of the Advisory Board. This strategic move aims to bolster the digital entertainment marketplace's global growth and operational scaling. Krawczyk's extensive investment experience will guide G2A's expansion, particularly in AI development and potential acquisitions.
Krzysztof Krawczyk acquires a stake in G2A and becomes Chairman of the Advisory Board, strengthening the platform’s global growth strategy
Krzysztof Krawczyk has acquired a minority stake in G2A Group and assumed the role of Chairman of the Advisory Board. This strategic move aims to bolster G2A's global growth and operational scaling, leveraging Krawczyk's nearly 30 years of investment experience. The partnership also emphasizes G2A's transition towards an AI-native ecosystem and its expansion into new markets and digital categories.
Top 10 Best-Selling Video Games Of All Time, Including New Heights For Mario Kart 8
This list ranks the top 10 best-selling paid video games of all time, excluding free-to-play titles. Sales figures include pack-in games, with Tetris leading at over 520 million units sold, followed by Minecraft at 300 million and Grand Theft Auto V at over 225 million. The ranking also highlights significant sales for games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Wii Sports, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
'90s virtual reality, Battlefield 2142, and Total War: This month in PC Gamer 10, 20, and 30 years ago
This article looks back at PC Gamer magazine issues from May 1996, May 2006, and May 2016, highlighting cover stories and notable news from those periods. It revisits predictions about virtual reality and online gaming, discusses sequels like Battlefield 2142, and covers the launch of Total War: Warhammer and the early days of VR technology.
PS6 Launching Timing and Prices “Not Yet Decided,” Says Sony CEO
Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki stated that the launch timing and pricing for the PlayStation 6 are not yet decided, citing potential increases in manufacturing costs due to memory shortages. While the company has secured materials for the rest of the year and has a general idea of the cost, an official consensus has not been reached. Rumors suggest a Holiday 2027 release, potentially coinciding with Microsoft's next-gen console.
Xbox Game Development Kit to Offer Power Optimization Options to Help Handheld Development
Microsoft is enhancing its Xbox Game Development Kit with new power optimization tools to aid handheld game development. These features, including 'Power Optimized' and 'Power Optimized Plus' identifiers, aim to reduce energy draw and improve battery life for devices with strict hardware constraints. While Microsoft has reportedly halted its own handheld system development, these tools will assist developers in optimizing games for platforms like the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck.
Evening Tech Bits
AMD has announced its new MI350P PCIe AI accelerator card featuring 144GB of HBM3E memory. The article also briefly mentions various system utility tools available from Microsoft, including Autoruns and ProcDump.
‘Halo Next’ reportedly in development at Halo Studios, promising an accessible story that appeals to both veterans and rookies
A new Halo game, codenamed 'Halo Next,' is reportedly in development at Halo Studios, aiming for a story accessible to both new and veteran players. The title, which may be a direct sequel to Halo Infinite and focus on the Endless, is seeking a Narrative Design Director to ensure an emotionally satisfying campaign. This information comes from reports by Rebs Gaming and job listings posted by Microsoft.
Why Summer Break Is Still the Best Time to Discover New Games
Summer break provides players with more free time, leading to increased experimentation with new and hidden games, a trend amplified by subscription services like Xbox Game Pass PC and digital marketplaces. This period also sees friend groups playing together more consistently and live-service games releasing seasonal events, fostering a dynamic environment for game discovery and creating memorable gaming experiences beyond major AAA releases.
