Accessories firm PowerA have released a series of peripherals and items designed to look after your believed new Switch 2 console to avoid a broken, smashed machine while taking it on-the-goTech14:16, 15 Jun 2025The PowerA Slim case for Switch 2Gamers who have just snapped up their fancy new Switch 2 console need some protection for their latest purchase.Because this fine piece of tech can easily be dropped while gaming onto a hard floor.‌Thankfully, a host of peripherals and accessories are already hitting stores for the Nintendo machine just days after its summertime launch.‌And it means you’ve now got options to protect your pricey device from a nasty fall or screen smash early in its gaming life.The bods at Power A have dropped a series of items worth considering for you Switch 2.Our go-to here is the new Slim Case which is a bargain at just £14.99.Article continues belowOfficially licensed by Nintendo, it has a moulded interior with soft fabric lining that perfectly cups your console, keeping it tightly nested from movement when zipped in.The case has a clean, rugged designIt looks the part too, with a grey tough fabric feel and that all-important Switch 2 logo on the front, bottom right, so you can show off to your pals.‌Inside you can even tuck in 10 game cards for your favourite titles thanks to a dedicated rack area.And that has an integrated play stand for on-the-go gamers who want to put out the magnetic Joy-Cons and have the display stand up in the case at a nice viewable angle where it remains protected while you game outdoors with pals.The play stand doubles as a padded screen protector when the system is inside the case, which is ideal.‌We’ve tried this out and it feels of good quality and well padded to protect your console.You can also get a screen protector from the firm to cover your precious 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen form a break during a fall.There are two in a pack for £9 and, just like mobile phone screen protectors, they’ll give you an extra layer of cover while not affecting the touch screen mechanisms.‌The pack includes a microfibre cleaning cloth, placement guides, dust removal stickers and applicator.The Mario Time advantage controller for Switch 2Finally, if you want to avoid the Joy-Cons altogether there are new controllers for the Switch 2 to consider.Article continues belowThe best looking one is arguably the Advantage wired controller dubbed ‘Mario Time’ which costs £29 and boasts hall-effect magnetic sensor thumb sticks for fluid gameplay, on board audio controls for your gaming headsets and a cool Super Mario themed look.‌‌‌

You’ll be able to play all the best Xbox exclusives like Call of Duty, Fable and Halo as well as third-party hit blockbusters on the moveTech14:04, 12 Jun 2025The new Xbox handheld consoleXbox has new hi-tech handheld gaming devices on the way to take on Switch 2.Teaming up with Asus, the ROG Xbox Ally X is all about on-the-go gaming, with a full immersive Xbox experience for the first time in handheld and a packed gaming library with access to installed games from leading PC storefronts and the console firm.‌Using Windows 11 software, you’ll be able to play all the best Xbox exclusives like Call of Duty, Fable and Halo as well as third-party hit blockbusters.‌It’ll include a dedicated Xbox button for chat, apps, and settings through an enhanced Game Bar overlay.And the machine will have the latest AMD Ryzen chipset technology so that it’s super powerful, with a 7in 1080p display and up to a terabyte storage under the hood for plenty of download space.There will be two devices though, the Ally as well as the Ally X.Article continues belowThe Xbox Ally XREAD MORE: June 2025's biggest new game releases for console and PC, including Nintendo Switch 2READ MORE: Does Nintendo Switch 2 have a YouTube app? All we know so farThe difference is chip quality and storage, so the Ally will likely be cheaper. We have no prices yet. They are expected to hit stores by Christmas.A spokesman said: “Everything at Xbox starts with the player. That’s why we’ve dedicated years to reimagining how to make it easier to enjoy the games you love—wherever you are—through Xbox Play Anywhere, Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), Remote Play, and more. Whether you’re at home or on the go, your favorite games should follow you.‌You'll be able to play Call of Duty on the goREAD MORE: Daily Star's newsletter brings you the biggest and best stories – sign up todayASUS shares that same commitment. Known for pushing the boundaries of handheld gaming, ASUS is similarly driven by innovation that delivers high-performance experiences that put players first.“Together, we’ve combined our strengths and technical expertise to introduce something entirely new .‌“These handhelds are built to make it easier than ever to access your favourite games—from Xbox, Battle.net, and other leading PC storefronts—all from a single device.”It comes after the Nintendo Switch 2 sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide in its first week, becoming the fastest-selling Nintendo hardware ever.Luciano Pereña, CEO and President of Nintendo of Europe, said: "Nintendo Switch 2 represents the next evolution of Nintendo Switch, and we’re very happy and grateful to see it already being embraced by so many players across Europe.Article continues below“We look forward to seeing players connecting through games like Mario Kart World, sharing the experience with friends and family whether near or far.”‌‌‌

New Bond game 007 First Light just got a reveal at State of Play, showcasing the man himself, some of his colleagues, and showcasing some of his origin storyTech22:58, 04 Jun 2025Updated 22:59, 04 Jun 2025007 First Light will debut a new BondWe've not known what to expect from IO Interactive's James Bond game, at least until we got the name reveal and a promise of a reveal this week.A surprise appearance at Sony's latest State of Play event, 007: First Light got its first real trailer, showing off a new Bond, and teeing up an origin story that feels familiar and refreshing all at once.‌Here's what we learned from the studio behind the Hitman franchise, including the trailer in all of its glory.‌007 First Light will launch in 2026, and is coming to PC, PS5, Xbox Series consoles and the new Nintendo Switch 2."This unique, standalone original story has been created by the passionate development team at IO Interactive," a press release explains.Article continues below"In 007 First Light, players will step into the shoes of a young Bond, a promising yet rebellious Royal Navy air crewman who is recruited into MI6"."His sharp instincts and heroism in combat propel him into the agency’s rigorous training program for the once revered, and newly resurrected, elite 00 section."IO Interactive says Bond will be 26 years old in this game's story, moving across the globe with a series of missions but with the ability to choose how to overcome obstacles through "brute force, cunning guile, or charming wit".‌IO is wisely opting for its own Bond"With 25 years of experience in creating captivating action-adventure games with the Hitman franchise, our studio has been energized with this monumental opportunity in harnessing that expertise in bringing 007 back to video games,” said Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive in a press release.“We’re pouring our energy and passion for the franchise into creating a cinematic adventure that pushes the boundaries of what a James Bond game can be, while telling a fresh, new story. We can’t wait for players and fans to discover an experience tailor-made for them.”Article continues belowThe trailer is quintessential Bond. There's what appears to be M, British actor Lennie James, gadgets, flirting, and what appears to be vehicular combat, too.Can it be 2026 already, please? Thankfully, we'll be seeing more of the game in a couple of days at IO Interactive's showcase which will also show off MindsEye, which the company is publishing.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌

The Nintendo Switch 2 headlines a huge month of gaming releases, and we've got everything you need to know across PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Switch for June 2025Tech09:00, 31 May 2025Switch 2 is the big release this month(Image: Nintendo)June is almost here, and while game releases used to be relatively quiet in the summer, that trend has been well and truly bucked in recent years.In fact, June 2025 might be one of the biggest in recent memory, and while last month offered plenty of 'May Madness', June introduces the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, and much, much more.‌Whether you're picking up Nintendo's latest hardware or not, we've got a rundown of the biggest games you can pick up in June across all platforms.‌Here's what you should be on the lookout for.We played the Switch 2, and now we want another goReleased: June 5‌We could have filled this list with the Switch 2 and its launch lineup, which includes Cyberpunk 2077, Civilization 7, and that all-important Mario Kart World.It's expected to be one of the biggest console launches in history, and it's just a few days into the month. If you've missed all the latest news, the Switch 2 is drastically more powerful than its predecessor while keeping the same form factor. It has a larger display with 1080p resolution, and can output 4K when docked–a first for a Nintendo console.Be sure to check back around launch for a whole host of Switch 2 coverage.‌Dune Awakening is an ambitious survival MMOReleased: June 10, Platforms: PCSurvival games are a Marmite kind of deal, but whether you love them or hate them, we'd recommend keeping an eye on Funcom's Dune Awakening.‌Players find themselves stuck on Arrakis, and will need to acquire resources, craft a base, and stay clear of Sandworms, bandits, and other players.Promising a huge, political endgame that sees players pledge allegiance to different factions, it could be a fascinating release for PC gamers.MindsEye looks impressive already(Image: Build a Rocket Boy)‌Released: June 10, Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X and S, PCAnother June 10 launch, MindsEye comes from Build A Robot Boy–the studio helmed by GTA legend Leslie Benzies–and it's promising a near-future open-world adventure that looks gorgeous in motion.The game, which is published by Hitman devs IO Interactive, will also include a huge game creation toolkit. The idea is that players can keep building things for MindsEye, meaning there's almost no end to the fun.‌FBC Firebreak is a departure for RemedyReleased: June 17, Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X and S, PCThe ever-impressive Remedy Entertainment is releasing a surprising new co-op shooter set in the same universe as Control.‌Players will need to tackle all kinds of monsters with friends or strangers, while also having the option to use their own supernatural abilities to stem the tide.Early previews have been positive, and Remedy hasn't steered us wrong yet.Rematch offers 5v5 football action‌Released: June 19, Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X and S, PCYou can't beat a good football game, but we didn't expect one to come from the team that gave us martial arts adventure Sifu.Rematch is that game, and rather than giving players a birds-eye view of the action, they'll play as a single player in third-person.‌With even the keeper able to use some slick footwork, it could be the closest we get to a new FIFA Street.Is that who we think it is?(Image: Kojima/Guerrilla Games)Released: June 19, Platforms: PS5Article continues belowThere's not a lot to say about Death Stranding 2, purely because we know that whatever preconceived notions we have about the game will be shredded to bits with Hideo Kojima at the helm.The sequel to the post-apocalyptic adventure that was once a PS4 exclusive is only for PS5 players this time around, and it looks to be just as off-the-wall as its predecessor.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌

Headset maker Turtle Beach has dug deep to deliver some new accessories for the Nintendo Switch console including wallet-friendly headsets and controllers for kid gamersTech15:26, 25 May 2025Updated 15:32, 25 May 2025Rematch Invincible MarioHeadset maker Turtle Beach has debuted a host of new Switch gizmos.They’re well known for their amazing audio cans but the accessory chiefs have stretched their legs and gone into controllers too for this batch of lower-priced offerings.‌The best of the gear is arguably the new Rematch controllers approved by Nintendo for their handheld.‌They are wireless and sync effortlessly to your console so you can avoid that dreaded Joy-Con drift and get gaming like a pro from as far as 30ft away.They’re a little plasticky in the feel, but have a lovely Xbox controller-style look and design to them, fitting comfortably in the grip.We tried the Mario star themed one and it’s great for kids who want a nice colourful joypad that also glows in the dark at night time after having been exposed to light.Article continues belowThe battery lasts a whopping 40-odd hours and is rechargeable via USB-C.The Rematch has a 40 hour battery lifeREAD MORE: Daily Star's newsletter brings you the biggest and best stories – sign up todayREAD MORE: Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition review: Cult classic gets new life on SwitchYou also have two programmable buttons on the back of the device to enhance in-game actions.‌And there’s motion control built-in too, so you can do your Wii-style bowling or tennis play with this controller just like a Joy-Con.Not bad for £49.99.Kids will also love the colourful Airlite Fit wired gaming headset for the handheld console.‌They cost £20 and for that you do get a somewhat compromised version of that famous Turtle Beach gaming sound, finely tuned audio through 40mm speakers.Again, officially licensed by Nintendo, they come in three different colours, including white and black and a neon purple.The Airlite Fit costs just £20 and has a wired connection‌We tried the classic red and blue mixed headset, one side red the other blue, that replicates the look of a classic Switch machine.Article continues belowThey’ve got soft padding under the hard plastic black headband, giving gamers a bit of comfort during long sessions at the screen.And the ear cups themselves are firmly padded, which is great for young ears.You have a flip-up-to-mute microphone built in that is flexible for positioning in front of the mouth and a 3.5mm cable connection for hard-wired audio.‌‌‌

The Last of Us developer Naughty Dog is working on its sci-fi project Intergalactic, but a comment from boss Neil Druckmann has reignited hope for more UnchartedTech12:47, 20 May 2025Updated 12:50, 20 May 2025Uncharted is a bonafide PlayStation classic(Image: Naughty Dog)There are few studios in gaming that have the same pedigree (pun intended) as Naughty Dog.While the developer made its name with games like Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter, the PS3 generation saw it reach new heights with Uncharted and a little title called The Last of Us.‌With a multiplayer title in that game's post-apocalyptic world cancelled in recent years, Naughty Dog confirmed it was planning multiple games, and now we know a little more about what could come after Intergalactic thanks to a new Neil Druckmann interview.‌Here's all we learned, and why it could hint at an Uncharted return.Speaking on the Press X To Continue podcast at the 18-minute mark, Game Director of The Last of Us (and executive producer on the TV show) Neil Druckmann reveals a little more about the studio's next projects.Article continues belowThe team's current title, Intergalactic, is a diversion into sci-fi that was rumoured for a long time and finally revealed at The Game Awards 2024.After explaining that he is one of "several directors" on the project, he confirmed the existence of another project.“Then there’s another game that’s being worked on at Naughty Dog where I’m in more of a producer role, and I get to mentor, watch this other team, give feedback and be the executive in the room."‌“I enjoy all those roles, and the fact that I jump from one to the next makes my job very exciting and always feeling fresh. I’m never bored.”The Uncharted series is famous for its incredible set-pieces(Image: Sony)As per VGC, this could mean that Uncharted: The Lost Legacy's Shaun Escayg and The Last of Us Part II's Anthony Newman could be working on this mystery project.‌"I fully believe this is a new Uncharted. It's one of their best-selling franchises, and we know they've already attempted to revive it once before," one Reddit commenter said.Others point out that it's unlikely Druckmann would be more "hands off" if the next game is The Last of Us Part 3, while the company might shy away from another new IP if they're already working on Intergalactic.Uncharted debuted in 2007 as a PS3 exclusive, and there have been four mainline entries as well as two PlayStation Vita titles and The Lost Legacy, a smaller title that launched in 2017.Article continues belowUncharted 4: A Thief's End, was a PS4 exclusive that launched back in 2016, while Sony Pictures released a movie based on the series featuring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg in 2022.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌

Overwatch 2's latest collaboration is with the legendary Street Fighter franchise from Capcom, and includes new skins and some free XP to earn—here's all we know so farTech10:54, 20 May 2025This might be one of the best crossovers Overwatch 2 has had so farOverwatch 2’s new Stadium mode has reinvigorated the hero shooter, and when we spoke to Game Director Aaron Keller he told us "now is the time to jump on" — and many of you.The mode was so popular it got its own roadmap, and if you've been paying attention to the game since then you'll know Blizzard is preparing something special today.‌Following the success of tie-ins with One Punch Man, Transformers, Avatar, and more, Blizzard's latest crossover is with Capcom's Street Fighter franchise, and will see a series of skins hit the shop for purchase.‌Here's all we know about the Street Fighter collaboration, including when it arrives.The Overwatch 2 Street Fighter event will run from May 20 to June 2, meaning you've got a while to purchase the items you want.Article continues belowAs for start time, Overwatch 2 events tend to kick off around 5pm BST, so expect to be able to spend your hard-earned coins tonight.The update will bring a series of 8 skins for the Overwatch cast, which you can see above, and are available individually or in two bundles.Mega Bundle 1 includes Juno as Chun-Li, Hanzo as Ryu, Zenyatta as Dhalsim, and Sigma as M. Bison, while the second Mega Bundle includes Kiriko as Juri, Widowmaker as Cammy, Winston as Blanka and Soldier 76 as Guile.‌Hanzo as Ryu aside, the rest of the cast makes plenty of senseWe still can't see why Hanzo was made into Ryu, given one is deadly with a bow and one is a brawler, but we'll let it slide because it looks great."All fighters will also be available individually so no matter which bundle or skin you pick, you’ll find something that fits," Blizzard's blog post explains.Article continues belowThere are free items to earn, too, but we'll admit they're not quite as flashy as the skins. There are exclusive themed sprays, voice lines, and a player title of, you guessed it, 'Street Fighter' up for grabs via challenges.Players can also earn 40,000 XP towards the current battle pass, which could net you some handy lootboxes.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌

Just weeks away from launch of its latest hardware, Nintendo has finally revealed the full specs of the Nintendo Switch 2—here's all you need to know about its power and potential limitationsTech11:18, 15 May 2025Updated 11:21, 15 May 2025Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are now open at most UK online stores(Image: AFP via Getty Images)It's hard to believe it's been a few months since we got our first look at Nintendo Switch 2, but in just over three weeks many of us will be playing Mario Kart World on the powerful new system.We knew early on that the console would be backward compatible with most Switch 1 ones, while we learned in early April about its internal storage, webcam peripheral, and much more.‌Now that we're just weeks away from holding it in our hands (again), Nintendo has revealed some specs online but left some gaps. Thankfully, gaming tech gurus Digital Foundry has helped complete the picture.‌According to Digital Foundry, which is using information from both Nintendo and NVIDIA, the company making the console's chipset, the Switch 2 is using a custom NVIDIA ARM Cortex A78C.It has eight cores, and curiously has a higher CPU clock when played in handheld, reportedly hitting 1101MHz compared to the docked CPU clock of 998MHz.Article continues belowTwo CPU cores are reserved for the system, with developers having access for another six. That's a big step up from Switch 1, which had four cores but only three could be used by developers.Switch 2 also has 12GB of RAM that's much faster than its predecessor's 4GB, and 9GB of it is available for developers—almost triple the 3.2GB available on Switch 1.Could Game Chat be an issue?(Image: Nintendo)‌Much of the rest, we already know. The console will have 256GB of internal storage, as well as a 1080p screen at 7.9 inches, a big jump from the original console's 720p 6.2-inch panel. The new console isn't OLED, but it does have HDR10 support and Variable Refresh Rate for frame rates as high as 120fps.Curiously, Digital Foundry has suggested Game Chat—‚Nintendo's new voice chat and party system—takes significant resources, meaning developers are a little concerned about how it could impact game performance.Article continues belowThere's also support for DLSS, which we've covered in more detail recently.For more on Nintendo Switch 2, be sure to check out our favourite Switch 1 games, as well as our most-wanted Switch 2 ports.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌

Grand Theft Auto fans have been poring over the second GT 6 trailer and think they've found a particularly controversial feature in Rockstar's upcoming game—the inclusion of childrenTech11:10, 15 May 2025Look, Rockstar, we're almost bored about writing about GTA 6 at this pointAfter a year and a half, Rockstar Games finally released GTA 6's Trailer 2 last week, along with a host of screenshots and character information.We've been watching it regularly to find even more details each time, but some eagle-eyed fans think they've spotted something most of us missed.‌When zooming in on a frame of the trailer, fans think they've found what appears to be a child. That would mark, at least in our recollection, the first time Rockstar has added a youngster to Grand Theft Auto's notoriously adult-centric universe (which may or may not be tied to Red Dead Redemption's).‌Here's all we know.Content cannot be displayed without consentAs you can see in the screenshot posted on X (formerly Twitter) above, it certainly looks as though one character model on the dock, sitting at a table and seemingly flanked by two adults, could be a child.Article continues belowThey're shorter than the two people they're sat with, as well as having a slighter frame, but it seems unlikely we'll see children included in GTA 6 outside of cutscenes.Given how recent the tragedy of the horrific Southport attacks are in the public memory, we imagine this is a snippet from a cutscene and not part of gameplay.There's a good chance Rockstar gets slapped with an 'M' rating by the ESRB in any case, and the game's second trailer showcases sex and violence in equal measure.‌Then there's the likelihood of drugs making an appearance, Rockstar's signature satirical writing and references, and, uh, well the beers Jason and Lucia drink will probably be a red flag, too.GTA 6 now has a release date of May 26 next year, with Rockstar Games announcing a delay a fortnight ago."Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to release on May 26, 2026. We are very sorry that this is later than you expected," the studio said in a statement.Article continues below"The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game."For more on the game, we learned how long it's been in development thanks to an ex-developer on the project.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌

Steam, the most popular marketplace for PC games, has reportedly seen a major breach via another company this week and millions of users' personal data could be at risk on the dark webTech13:49, 14 May 2025Updated 13:49, 14 May 2025Save big in the Steam Sales later today(Image: AFP via Getty Images)If there's one thing PC gamers can all agree on, it's that Steam rules the roost when it comes to buying and playing games.It's packed with deep discounts in regular sales, works flawlessly with Valve's own Steam Deck, and has a huge library of games. That popularity has seemingly painted a target on the service, however, as one account has suggested that a company Valve has worked with has allegedly suffered a data breach.‌A company named in some reports, Twilio, has denied it was breached. Underdark.ai on LinkedIn has suggested Twilio's Two-Factor Authentication data (2FA) was found in samples of the leaked data.‌The Steam sale is backAccording to the Underdark post, "a threat actor going by Machine1337 posted on a well-known dark web forum claiming to have breached Steam, offering a dataset of over 89 million user records for $5,000.""The implications here are serious — Steam isn’t just a game platform; it's a treasure trove of personal and financial data tied to users worldwide. If this breach is verified, it could lead to widespread phishing, account takeovers, and targeted attacks across the gaming community."Article continues belowThe post urges users to enable 2FA if they haven't already, update their passwords, and monitor their emails for suspicious activity.It's worth stressing that Valve's own service has not been breached, but that wherever the leak has come from, it could lead to phishing attempts that could have big consequences for users.If the breach is from a 2FA service, it could allow a bad actor to hijack those requests and gain access to a user's Steam account.‌It's common practice for these kinds of data purchasers to try the same login details on multiple accounts, meaning they could gain access to your email, shopping, or even banking accounts.As a result, we'd suggest changing your Steam account password, while also ensuring it isn't reused elsewhere.Password manager apps can be an ideal tool in these kinds of situations, letting you see at a glance how often you've reused a string of characters.Article continues belowA Twilio spokesperson said: "There is no evidence to suggest that Twilio was breached. We have reviewed a sampling of the data found online, and see no indication that this data was obtained from Twilio."For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌