Subscription Services
Ongoing coverage on Subscription Services.
Latest coverage
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.
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.
Nintendo announces Nintendo Switch 2 price increase
Nintendo has announced a worldwide price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2, raising its price to $499.99 / €499.99. The company is also increasing the price of its Nintendo Switch Online subscription and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack in Japan. Specific UK pricing will be confirmed later, while US pre-orders begin April 24, 2025, with the console priced at $449.99 at launch.
Nintendo hikes Switch 2 prices, revises console costs in Japan, US, Canada, and Europe
Nintendo is implementing price increases for its Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 consoles in Japan, effective May 25, 2026. In the US, Canada, and Europe, only the Switch 2 will see a price hike starting September 1, 2026. The Nintendo Switch Online subscription service in Japan will also become more expensive from July 1, 2026, with Nintendo citing market conditions and global outlook as reasons for the revisions.
Nintendo Announces Sweeping Price Hikes For Switch 2
Nintendo has announced significant global price increases for its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, effective September 1st in western markets and May 25th, 2026 in Japan. The company is also raising prices for Nintendo Switch Online services in Japan starting July 1st, 2026, citing "changes in market conditions" and the "global business outlook" as reasons for the adjustments.
Evening Metaverse
Netflix is experiencing an error that prevents some users from canceling their subscriptions following a recent price increase. The issue is reportedly affecting users attempting to manage their accounts after the price hike.
D&D Beyond Is Revamping Subscription Benefits With Weekly Drops Of New And Remade Content
D&D Beyond is revamping its subscription benefits with a new system called 'D&D Beyond Drops,' which will provide subscribers with weekly and monthly digital content such as maps, spells, and feats. This change moves away from purely cosmetic rewards to more substantial in-game assets, with content being added regularly and plans for community feedback to shape future additions.
Amazon Prime Members Can Get These 17 Games For Free In May
Amazon Prime members can claim 17 free games in May through Amazon Luna, including titles like Mafia 2: Definitive Edition, Alien: Isolation, and Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. These claimed games are kept permanently, even if the subscription expires. Other services like Humble Choice, PS Plus, and Xbox Game Pass also offer new games this month.
Stranger Than Heaven gets winter 2026 release window & will launch on Game Pass
Stranger Than Heaven is set to release in winter 2026 and will be available on Xbox Game Pass. The game will also launch on Steam and PlayStation 5.
May 2026 PS Plus Premium Game Has Already Been Confirmed
Sony has confirmed that Time Crisis will be the PlayStation Plus Premium game for May 2026, with the full lineup to be announced on May 13th. The classic light gun game will utilize motion controls on the DualSense and DualShock 4 controllers for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Time Crisis is also expected to be available for standalone purchase on the PlayStation Store.
Xbox Game Pass May 2026 games include Forza Horizon 6, Subnautica 2 & Mixtape
Xbox Game Pass will add 13 new games in May, including Forza Horizon 6, Subnautica 2, Mixtape, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. These titles will be available on the subscription service for PC and Xbox consoles.
May 2026 PS Plus Essential Games Available to Download Now
The May 2026 PlayStation Plus Essential games, including EA FC 26, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and Nine Sols, are now available for PS5 and PS4 owners. Players have until June 2, 2026, to claim these titles and retain access as long as their subscription remains active.
Xbox is Exploring “a Range of Options” to Reach 30 Percent Profit Margins by 2030 – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly exploring various strategies to achieve a 30 percent profit margin by 2030, including potential cost-saving measures and a shift towards being more software-focused. These efforts are influenced by pressure from Microsoft and a desire to capitalize on upcoming hardware sales, such as for Grand Theft Auto 6. The company has also adjusted its Game Pass strategy, with new Call of Duty titles no longer launching day one on the service.
How Gamers Are Discovering Entertainment Beyond the Screen in 2026
In 2026, the gaming market's convergence with broader entertainment is reshaping how players discover new content, with social platforms like YouTube and TikTok leading discovery. While traditional gaming journalism and regional publications still hold value for contextualized information, AI-driven curation and cross-platform subscription bundles are emerging as key trends. Cloud gaming has also lowered barriers, increasing casual player engagement and cross-media consumption.
Games Leaving PS Plus in June 2026 May Include Hit Action Game
Sony is expected to announce the list of games departing PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium in June 2026. Predictions suggest titles added around May and June 2025, such as Another Crab's Treasure and Skull & Bones, may be removed, following a pattern of games leaving after 12 or 24 months.
[Let’s Talk] What are you playing? – May 2026
This article prompts readers to share what games they are currently playing in May 2026, mentioning titles like Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Pragmata, and Mouse: P.I. For Hire. It also references a previous discussion about Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions, with users sharing their tenure and opinions on the service's value.
Poll: Are You Happy with Your PS Plus Essential Games for May 2026?
The PlayStation Plus Essential games for May 2026 include EA Sports FC 26, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and Nine Sols. While EA Sports FC 26 may see many subscribers already owning it, the article highlights Nine Sols as a standout Metroidvania title. The author invites readers to share their opinions on the selection.
PS Plus Premium May 2026 Game Revealed Early
Sony has confirmed that the PlayStation 1 classic Time Crisis will be added to the PlayStation Plus Premium catalog in May 2026 for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The game will be available on May 19th, with the full lineup of monthly additions and departures to be announced on May 13th. Time Crisis, a Bandai Namco Entertainment title, will also be available for separate purchase on the PlayStation Store.
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games Lineup For May 2026 Announced
Sony has revealed the PlayStation Plus monthly games for May 2026, including EA Sports FC 26, Nine Sols, and WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers. These titles will be available for Essential subscribers from May 5 to June 1, 2026, with EA Sports FC 26 also offering a special PlayStation Plus Icons Pack add-on.
Xbox CEO Reacts To Yet Another Disappointing Period For Xbox
Microsoft's latest earnings report reveals continued downward trends for the Xbox division, with gaming revenue decreasing by 7% due to lower content and services, and softer hardware sales. Despite record monthly users and game streaming hours, Xbox revenue is forecast to decline further in the coming quarter. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged that player growth has not yet met ambitions, while CEO Satya Nadella stated the company is working to "win back fans."