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Japan: Nintendo Switch 2 has surpassed 5 million units sold
The Nintendo Switch 2 has sold over 5 million units in Japan since its June 2025 launch, significantly outpacing the PlayStation 5's sales in the same timeframe. The article also details this week's best-selling physical software and hardware sales figures for various consoles in Japan.
1000xResist creator: the game industry needs a universal video codec for FMV games
Remy Siu, the creative director behind the acclaimed game 1000xResist, is facing technical challenges with video codecs for his upcoming full-motion video game, Prove You're Human. Siu advocates for a universal video codec standard across all platforms to simplify development and improve the quality of FMV games. He highlights how the current need to support multiple codecs can lead to larger file sizes and compromises in video quality.
Nightmarish Life Sim RPG Neverway Unearths October Release Window in a Gorgeous New Trailer & Drops Free Playable Prologue on Steam - Available Now
Developer Coldblood Inc. announced that its life-simulator RPG Neverway will launch in October for PC and Nintendo Switch, with a free playable prologue now available on Steam. The game features a monochromatic pixel-art style and a soundtrack by Disasterpeace, and is funded by Outersloth.
Vague Patch Notes: No, Epic Games is not the bellwether of the game industry
This article critiques the notion that Epic Games is a bellwether for the game industry, arguing that its success is primarily tied to the battle royale mode of Fortnite, a cash-in on a trend rather than a creative vision. The author contends that Epic's over-reliance on Fortnite and the underperformance of the Epic Games Store, coupled with questionable business strategies, led to recent layoffs, contrasting this with more diversified companies like Blizzard and Square Enix.
Neverway launches on Nintendo Switch in October, new trailer
Neverway is set to launch on Nintendo Switch in October, as confirmed by a new trailer. The game is co-directed by Pedro Medeiros and Isadora Sophia, with funding from Outersloth, the funding arm of Innersloth. Composer Disasterpeace is handling the soundtrack for the psychological horror title.
Xbox co-creator says "it's just not true" gaming is on the decline despite layoff apocalypse
Former Xbox executive Ed Fries argues that the video game industry is not in decline, citing PC game growth and the increasing importance of global markets like China. Despite widespread layoffs and studio closures, Fries believes the industry has historically experienced cyclical swings and continues to show potential for significant growth.
Decades ago, Gabe Newell revealed that Super Mario 64 influenced Half-Life, and it seems future Steam god GabeN was a lot better at Nintendo's platformer than Valve's FPS classic
Gabe Newell revealed in a 1998 interview that Super Mario 64, along with Ultima Underworld and Resident Evil 2, were significant influences on the development of Half-Life. Newell also admitted he was not particularly skilled at Half-Life's multiplayer, contrasting it with his perceived proficiency in Super Mario 64, which he later called his favorite game of all time.
Did your Xbox controller recently ship without a battery included? Microsoft has finally acknowledged the issue and is compensating players with a 'one-time offer' — here's how you can claim yours
Microsoft has acknowledged that a limited number of Xbox wireless controllers have shipped without batteries since December. The company is now offering affected players a one-time offer to claim a free Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB-C cable through the Xbox support website by registering their device.
Microsoft claims WireGuard and Veracrypt account termination was merely due to not verifying an email: 'Not everything is a conspiracy, sometimes it's literally paperwork'
Microsoft claims the termination of developer accounts for WireGuard and VeraCrypt was due to a failure to verify emails and complete paperwork for the Windows Hardware Program, rather than malicious intent. Scott Hanselman, VP at Microsoft, stated that these issues are often administrative and not conspiracies, and he is personally working to resolve the blocks for VeraCrypt and WireGuard.
Morning Safety Dance
A zero-day vulnerability in Adobe Reader is being exploited through PDFs, allowing attackers to target users. Separately, Microsoft has stated that a reported glitch in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is considered 'by design' and will not be fixed.
Huge changes are coming to Xbox Achievements, including new visuals, 'more control over how your accomplishments are presented', and the ability to highlight your 100% completed games
Xbox is implementing a significant overhaul to its Achievements system, introducing refreshed icons, animations, and more customization options for players. The update allows users to hide specific games from their profile and highlights 100% completed games, offering greater control over how accomplishments are presented.
PS5 Fans Want Trophy Upgrades After Xbox Improves Achievements
PlayStation 5 fans are expressing a desire for upgrades to Sony's Trophy system, drawing comparisons to recent improvements made to Xbox's Achievements. While the PlayStation Trophy system has been a core part of the experience since the PlayStation 3 era, it has seen minimal changes, especially since the PS5's launch. Fans are hoping Sony will introduce features like highlighting 100% completion games and pinning difficult Trophies, similar to what Xbox is testing.
Xbox Achievements changes allow you to hide embarrassing games you’ve played
Microsoft is updating the Xbox Achievements system to allow players to hide games from their profile, addressing a long-standing fan request. This change lets users conceal games played purely to inflate their Gamerscore. The update also includes options to highlight 100% game completions and customize Achievement banner appearances.
Microsoft forgot to include batteries with its Xbox controllers for over four months
Microsoft has announced that a limited number of Xbox controllers shipped since December have been missing batteries. The company is offering free rechargeable battery packs to affected customers through a dedicated support page. This issue affects controllers for Xbox Series X and other Xbox platforms, which have historically used AA batteries.
Famitsu Sales: 3/30/26 – 4/5/26
Famitsu has released its estimated physical game software sales data for Japan for the week of March 30, 2026, to April 5, 2026. Pokemon Pokopia for Switch 2 was the top-selling game, while the Switch 2 also led hardware sales. The report details software and hardware unit sales for various platforms including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series.
Famitsu sales (3/30/26 – 4/5/26) – Nintendo Switch 2 leads hardware sales
The latest Japanese hardware sales data from Famitsu shows the Nintendo Switch 2 leading with 59,543 units sold for the week of March 30 to April 5. PlayStation 5 followed with 12,141 units. Software charts indicate Pokemon Pokopia as the top seller on the Switch 2, with Minecraft and Animal Crossing: New Horizons also performing well on the original Nintendo Switch.
Whoopsie: Microsoft has been shipping Xbox controllers without batteries and is now compensating customers with…
Microsoft has been shipping Xbox controllers without batteries, prompting the company to offer affected customers a free rechargeable battery kit and USB-C cable. This compensation aims to rectify the oversight where controllers should have included batteries for immediate use out of the box.
Xbox Ally handhelds are finally getting thumb stick mouse controls, but I'm hoping it's not a desktop mode…
The ASUS ROG Ally handheld is receiving a new 'Gamepad Cursor' feature for Windows Insiders, allowing the left thumbstick to control the mouse. While this aims to improve desktop navigation on the Windows 11-based device, the author expresses hope that it leads to a more console-like experience rather than just another desktop workaround.
Forza Horizon 6 might be getting a limited edition Xbox wireless controller and headset, according to reliable leaker
A reliable leaker suggests Forza Horizon 6 will receive a limited edition Xbox Wireless controller and headset, priced at $89.99 and $134.99 respectively. These accessories are reportedly set to launch alongside the game on May 19, 2026, with the game itself offering early access from May 15 for Premium Edition buyers.
Triple-I Initiative Showcase 2026: Castlevania, Dead As Disco, And Every Game Shown
The Triple-I Initiative Showcase featured 40 game announcements, including world premieres and DLC for existing titles. Highlights included new looks at Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Dead as Disco, and Windrose, alongside reveals for games like Final Sentence and Crop. Several titles announced release dates or entered early access, with many coming to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
