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The anime summer season is close — and there will be lots of big names for us to look forward to. In such a packed season, Gachiakuta is one of the most anticipated and Crunchyroll just dropped a new trailer for the show which is airing next month July 6, 2025, alongside some details on the voice actors we are going to see giving life to important characters. The show is an adaptation of the manga written by Kei Urana and it has been published by Kodansha in their Weekly Shonen Magazine since 2022. Gachiakuta is Urana’s first series after her two one-shots – Nokase (2018) and Shikido (2019) – and this year the show is receiving the anime treatment by the hands of studio Bones Films, the one responsible for Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia ILLEGALS. In this new trailer, we learn more about the world of Gachiakuta, which we have only seen some flashes of in the announcement trailer. This second trailer gives us an idea of why Rudo, the show’s protagonist, ends up in the Pit. Other key concepts of the manga are introduced as well, such as Gachiakuta’s power system that works around people called Givers who draw out power from objects they give life. While the trailer brings the energy you expect to see in a show like Gachiakuta – a few intense action scenes with the show’s opening song “HUGs” by Japanese band Paledusk –, it doesn’t fail to make it clear that Gachiakuta has a central social commentary on how society segregates people, throwing them away like garbage. Alongside the trailer, Crunchyroll also shared with us the names of two voice actors that will be in the Gachiakuta. Regot, the man who raises Rudo in the show, is voiced by Toshiyuki Morikawa, present in other important recent shows such as Ranma ½. Morikawa was also the Japanese voice of Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth. Yuki Shin is the other name and he is coming to Gachiakuta to voice Jabber. The artist has voiced secondary characters in shows like Attack on Titan, Given, and My Hero Academia.

As the Nintendo Switch 2 launches, these are our hopes and dreams for the console Image credit: Nintendo Feature by GamesIndustry.biz Staff Contributor Published on June 5, 2025 With the Nintendo Switch 2 launching today, it closes out a rocky pre-launch period of tariffs, fiery price discussions around software and hardware, and some retailers cancelling pre-orders. Much of that will feel like a distant memory once the hotly-anticipated console is in players' hands, and they're trying out the first new Mario Kart game in more than 11 years. There's always something special about Nintendo hardware. Even with the Wii U, the console manufacturer's biggest dud in recent memory, that was still the case. While the Switch 2 is firmly an evolution of 2017's Switch and not anything bolder in terms of input or form factor, Nintendo's unbelievable run of great software over the past eight years looks set to continue. The downside for consumers, of course, is that they will be paying much more for some of those titles than they did on the last console. Below, to celebrate its launch day, the GamesIndustry.biz team shares its realistic hopes and dreams for the years to come on Switch 2. A fresh take on exclusive IP Nintendo has already demonstrated that it's willing to switch it up in terms of new takes on its iconic franchises, with the destructible levels of Donkey Kong Bananza and the open roads of Mario Kart World. But I have an appetite to see the same approach taken with continuations of beloved franchises like The Legend of Zelda, 3D Mario, and Pokémon. While Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are getting enhanced versions and the newest Pokémon Legends title launches this fall, Nintendo has the opportunity to revitalise some of its beloved IP with boosted hardware and fan interest. Not only that, but it could flip the script entirely and debut a brand new franchise unrelated to anything that’s come before it – something that would become intertwined with the Switch 2 and inspire a new generation of players and developers. – Sophie McEvoy The end of bad Switch ports While games like Doom and The Witcher 3 demonstrated that miracles were possible with the Nintendo Switch's limited hardware capabilities, numerous ports from more powerful platforms fell short. From the notoriously rough visual downgrade of Batman: Arkham Knight to the choppy port of WWE 2K 2018, sometimes visually intensive games have made their way to the console with a whiff of 'buyer beware' about them. In some cases, like the Kingdom Hearts games, 'cloud' versions bypassed trying to run natively on the hardware altogether, which was a compromise too far for many players. That's a trend the Switch 2, with its out-of-the-gates impressive ports of Cyberpunk 2077 and Civ 7, could really do without. Inevitably, we will reach a point with the next Xbox and PlayStation consoles where the disparity with the Switch 2 becomes too great, and we could potentially see a similar downslide in ports. But hopefully the quality level reached with this first wave of releases sets a high standard for what's to come. Users' tolerance for lower quality multiplatform releases has been tested too much during the latter years of the Switch's lifecycle. – Samuel Roberts Switch 2 is at the heart of indie games Image credit: ConcernedApe The early years of the Switch were a honeymoon period for indie games, causing a gold rush of publishers and developers getting their back catalogues on the platform. As the eShop became swamped with shovelware, while Nintendo did little to improve discoverability (until very recently), Steam quickly became the de facto home for indie games again. There's still nothing like playing an indie game on Switch. The portability remains a cut above other devices with a similar form factor, like the Steam Deck. While Nintendo shows it values smaller games with its Indie World showcases, there's still a disconnect between the intent of those presentations and how easily indie games are actually discovered on Switch. Using the eShop to celebrate good taste in games should be a goal of Nintendo's during this generation. A golden age of indies comparable to the original Switch launch seems unlikely – the moment has probably passed on that. But more consistent curation would have a massive amount of value. – Samuel Roberts Nintendo shows that the mouse has the magic The unveiling of the Switch showed that Nintendo learned a lot of lessons from the Wii U, itself a failed follow-up to the Wii: the company didn't rock the boat. It's the same form factor you know from the original Switch, with a clear '2' in the name. All its more novel secondary features – like the Joy-Con's mouse controls – are not at the centre of the marketing messaging like the Wii Remote or DS touchscreen were for those consoles. This was wise in a few practical ways. It means there are no interface-based headaches in porting a game onto the console, paving the way for (theoretically) good third-party support. Consumers, developers, and publishers know what they're getting. Still, it means the console is going to feel largely familiar as an experience. The hope, then, is that deeper into the generation, Nintendo and other developers find new and interesting things to do with the mouse. Competitive wheelchair basketball game Drag x Drive is Nintendo's first attempt at this, but the drab art style doesn't inspire much confidence. Previous breakthrough exclusives like Arms and Splatoon felt like a much bigger deal. – Samuel Roberts More than just a console As a handheld device, the Switch ended up being more than just a games console. Subscription-based services like Crunchyroll and InkyPen provide access to anime, comics, and manga, while the YouTube app lets players watch a (albeit limited) selection of movies and shows. With the improvements in screen resolution, the Switch 2 would benefit from integrating more streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Sure, you can use these apps on phones and laptops, but it would be convenient to have everything on one device – particularly a handheld console that's a popular traveling companion. And with social connectivity being a major selling point of the new console with GameChat, there's an opportunity to host streaming parties of shows and films on top of playing games. – Sophie McEvoy The GameCube library isn't left to fester on Nintendo Switch Online On day one, Nintendo Switch Online's Expansion Pack brings GameCube games to Switch 2 players: The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur 2. More will be coming, but if Nintendo's previous form with its classic console libraries are anything to go by, it will be a glacial wait. I hope I'm proven wrong. Possibly complicating matters is that some key GameCube titles have already been ported to Switch, like Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Pikmin 1 and 2, and Metroid Prime. The console's best game, Resident Evil 4, has been widely available for years on other platforms. The best case scenario here, then, is that Nintendo brings some more unusual or unexpected games to the service – the coming inclusion of Chibi-Robo, a cult GameCube game that's been hard to get hold for many years, is a strong indicator that the company is thinking outside the more obvious Mario and Zelda games. Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader, Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, and Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes would be on my personal wishlist. And maybe Starfox Adventures, too, just to hear everyone complain about it again. – Samuel Roberts A new take on Zelda in time for the movie This one is pretty much guaranteed. After reinventing the Zelda series with the open world games Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, both of which celebrated player freedom and ingenuity, it will be fascinating to see what tack the team behind these games take next. "I think [TOTK] is – to use a bit of a term – an apotheosis, or the final form of that version of The Legend of Zelda," said producer Eiji Aonuma in a 2023 interview with Game Informer. "In that regard, I don't think that we'll be making a direct sequel to a world such as that that we've created." My prediction: in the same way Super Mario Wonder gave players a fresh spin on a classic Mario 2D platformer experience following 2023's (terrible, if you ask me) Super Mario Bros. movie, I could see a similar tack taken with 2027's live-action Zelda movie. A game that seems superficially familiar, but is bursting with new ideas, would bridge the gap between veteran Nintendo players and newbies. – Samuel Roberts

A week away from launch, Nintendo has confirmed which Nintendo Switch games have been tested for Switch 2, and it's great news for anyone with a huge collectionTech11:31, 29 May 2025So close, and yet so farNintendo Switch 2 is just seven days away (as is Mario Kart World), and while some units are already out in the wild, we've had some questions about backwards compatibility.After all, Nintendo has constantly said the "most" of the Switch 1's huge library will be playable on Switch 2, with some getting free upgrades and some including paid additions.‌Others, including Fortnite, will work right out of the box, but now Nintendo has revealed a much more extensive list of games that will (and won't) run on the new console.‌Here's all we've learned.Nintendo Switch 2 can play the majority of Switch 1 gamesOver on Nintendo's support page for backwards compatibility, the company has tested 75% of third-party games released on Switch 1.‌Considering that's more than 15,000 games, that's impressive, and more are being tested every day.Of the games tested, Nintendo says 118 of them have "start-up issues" of some description, while a further 50 "start up on Nintendo Switch 2 but include some in-game compatibility issues”.These include Mega Man Legacy Collection, Fall Guys, and Saints Row IV: Re-Elected.‌As for games that can't be played on Switch, the list is slim and includes Nintendo's Labo Toy-Con VR kit and apps like Hulu or Crunchyroll.Games like Fitness Boxing, DOOM Eternal, and Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster are all expected to receive a patch before launch next week to improve compatibility.Switch 2 will play older games(Image: PA)‌Some games will require the original Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, too, so don't get rid of those. These games include Ring Fit Adventure, Game Builder Garage, and WarioWare: Move It!Nintendo Switch Sports' leg strap accessory won't work with the Switch 2 Joy-Con, too."In addition to Nintendo Switch 2 games, Nintendo Switch 2 can play compatible physical and digital games released on the Nintendo Switch system," Nintendo explains.‌"The Nintendo Switch 2 system's hardware is different from Nintendo Switch, and some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.""During testing, games are started and limited testing is conducted. Compatibility status may change if issues are found. We will update this page as necessary," it adds.For more on Nintendo Switch 2, be sure to check out how you can still get one at midnight without a pre-order, and when the first Pokémon game will arrive on the console.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌

Table of ContentsEarbud DealsStreaming Device DealsSecurity Camera DealsComputer Mouse DealsSpeaker DealsWi-Fi Extender DealsWebcam DealsMicrophone DealsGaming Controller DealsSpeaker DealsThermostat DealsHeadphone DealsVideo Doorbell Deals Memorial Day deals are popping up everywhere, and for under $50, we've found some surprisingly solid picks for you. Whether you need a spare pair of earbuds, a portable charger, or smart home basics, now’s a great time to stock up without stretching your budget. These limited-time offers cover both name-brand gear and underrated gems, but inventory tends to move fast when prices dip this low. Don’t wait for the holiday weekend since many of the best bargains may already be gone by then. Here are a few standout picks under $50 worth grabbing.Don't forget to check out our round-up of theBest Memorial Day tech sales for all of the best deals out there.Earbud DealsThe Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds offer a surprisingly solid mix of rich audio, effective ANC, and a highly customizable app, all for a 44% discount. The companion app lets you tweak the EQ and controls and even set a personalized sound profile. Meanwhile, a solid battery life and secure fit make them great for workouts or commutes. As expert Tim Gideon said in our 2022 review, “The Anker Soundcore Space A40 in-ears deliver a natural audio experience and solid ANC for the price.” Rated “Excellent” and crowned as an Editors' Choice winner, these earbuds punch way above their price range.You can also score this Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds on Walmart for $44.99.Streaming Device DealsThe Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is a fantastic upgrade for your old TV if you want smooth, fast streaming on the cheap. It delivers snappy performance, quick Alexa responses, and a wide range of apps, all while keeping the price under $30. Wi-Fi 6 ensures more stable connections, especially in busy households. Navigating apps feels seamless, and switching between them is nearly instant. Our resident expert, Will Greenwald, said, "Everything I watched, from Prime Video to Crunchyroll to Twitch, played within seconds and looked crisp and vibrant." With an "Outstanding" rating in our Fire TV Stick 4K review and the Editors' Choice award, this is an easy recommendation.Security Camera DealsThe Blink Mini 2 is a small, affordable indoor security camera that works like a charm, especially if you're in the Alexa ecosystem. Setup is a breeze, and once it’s running, you get crisp daytime video and smooth motion alerts without any hassle. The color night vision is a nice touch if you’ve got the spotlight enabled. Our expert, John R. Delaney notes, “Motion alerts arrived instantly and two-way talk came through loud and clear,” and rated it “Good” in our Blink Mini 2 review. It’s not overloaded with extras, but for quick checks on your space, especially through an Echo Show, it’s super handy and doesn’t break the bank at just under 20 bucks.The TP-Link Tapo C120 is a steal for under $25. This little camera does so much more than its price tag would lead you to believe, with sharp 2K video, color night vision, and built-in spotlights that light up your yard when motion’s detected. It’s weatherproof, so you can stick it indoors or outdoors, and the setup is a breeze. The motion detection is smart, too, distinguishing between people, pets, and vehicles, which cuts down on false alerts. In 2023, our expert points out in our TP-Link Tapo C120 review that the camera “is loaded with features usually only found on more expensive models.” That’s why it received an “Outstanding” rating and also became the Editors’ Choice winner. If you want a budget-friendly cam that doesn’t skimp, this is it.Computer Mouse DealsThe Logitech POP is a wireless mouse that comes in some quirky colors such as "Heartbreaker Rose" and "Daydream Mint," making it way more interesting than your usual plain-looking beige or black clicker (though ordinary colors are an option, too). For some added fun, you can assign your favorite emoji to a shortcut button through its software. It’s also comfortable to use, lasts up to two years on a single battery, and lets you switch control among three devices easily. Reviewer and analyst Zackery Cuevas says, “It’s a surprisingly versatile device that hops between multiple connections with ease and offers some light customization,” rating it at “Good” in our 2022 Logitech POP Mouse review. With the current sale price of $29, it’s a solid deal if you want something that's perkier-looking and more functional than your everyday mouse.Speaker DealsThe Amazon Echo Pop is a great way to add Alexa to a smaller room without spending much (just $25 today). It nails the basics like music, smart home controls, weather, timers, and more. You can operate all these functions with voice commands, and its compact design blends in easily. It even works as an Eero mesh Wi-Fi extender, which is super handy. Don’t expect deep bass, but for casual listening, it's solid. As PCMag's Will Greenwald notes, “It delivers a decent, well-balanced sound for its size.” The Echo Pop earned an “Excellent” rating in our review, and if you're just getting started with smart speakers, this one makes a strong case for itself.Recommended by Our EditorsWi-Fi Extender DealsThe TP-Link RE600X is a little Wi-Fi extender that’s easy to use. Just plug it in, connect via the app, and you’re good to go. It boosts your 5GHz speeds to 400Mbps close up and still delivers 196Mbps at 40 feet, which is great for streaming in dead zones. As our expert said in our review, “The RE600X offers a relatively affordable way to boost Wi-Fi 6 signal strength in your home.” It’s not the smallest or most feature-packed extender, but with a titanic 50% discount, it’s a reliable fix for spotty Wi-Fi. Overall, it’s a good pick for basic coverage needs.Webcam DealsThe Creative Live! Cam Sync 1080p V2 gives you noticeably brighter and sharper video for Zoom calls or streaming, and the audio holds up surprisingly well. You don’t even need extra lights since your face stays visible even in dim rooms. As our expert mentioned in his “Excellent” rated Live! Cam Sync review in 2021, the webcam “offers a nice upgrade in video call quality over your computer's built-in webcam.” It’s plug-and-play, comes with a privacy shutter, and works just fine for basic everyday use.Microphone DealsThe Razer Seiren Mini is a simple-to-use microphone for streaming or podcasting that actually sounds really good. It’s compact, easy to set up, and the audio comes through surprisingly clear and warm, especially when you position it close enough. You might want to prop it up on a few books, but once it’s at mouth level, it really shines. As our expert Tim Gideon puts it, “There’s more warmth here and less room sound than the Snowball Ice provides.” Rated “Good” overall in our 2020 Seiren Mini review, it’s a great way to upgrade your setup without spending a lot at today's sale price of $35.You can also grab this Razer Seiren Mini microphone on Walmart for $36.44.Gaming Controller DealsIf you bounce between a Switch and a PC, the 8Bitdo Pro 2 just makes life easier. The grip feels natural, the buttons have that nice clicky feedback, and switching between device profiles is super quick. As PCMag's Will Greenwald puts it, “Whatever system you use it with, the Pro 2 simply feels very good to use.” That’s why it earned an “Outstanding” rating and the 2021 Editors’ Choice award in our 8Bitdo Pro 2 review. Honestly, for under $40, there's no better time to buy.Speaker DealsThe Sony SRS-XB100 offers rich, crisp sound for its compact size, making it a standout among portable Bluetooth speakers. Its fully dust-tight and waterproof design ensures durability and reliability in various environments. The speaker also features a clear speakerphone mic, enhancing its functionality for calls on the go. In our 2023 SRS-XB100 review, the expert states, "It's easy to recommend if you want a compact, waterproof speaker that pumps out robust, detailed sound." That's why we gave it an "Excellent" rating. Its compact, adventure-ready design and enhanced sound quality make it a valuable choice for music lovers at just under $40.You can also get this Sony SRS-XB100 Speaker at Walmart for $39.99.The JBL Go 3 speaker is small enough to clip onto a bag or drop into a pocket, making it a great choice for travel and outdoor use. The waterproof build handles splashes and showers with ease. Vocals and highs come through crisp and clear, while bass is limited but present enough to keep tracks sounding full. It reaches impressive volume levels without distortion. As our audio expert Tim Gideon says, “For $40, you can't expect audio fireworks, but the JBL Go 3 certainly gets the job done, with clean, relatively loud mono audio from its compact frame." With an “Excellent” rating in our 2020 JBL Go 3 review and rugged design, it’s difficult to find anything better at this sale price of $30.You can also grab the JBL Go 3 on Walmart for $29.95.Thermostat DealsControl the temperature in your house with the Amazon smart programmable thermostat. This highly affordable device supports Alexa voice commands and has a smartphone app. That means you can dial up or down the heat without leaving your bed. Plus, it integrates well with Amazon smart home solutions, making a complete ecosystem for your house. It also reports the energy usage so you can make smart decisions to cut off your electricity bill. It earns an "Excellent" rating in our review, in which our expert states, "Amazon Smart Thermostat is a solid option that also happens to be the least expensive model we've tested." The current 29% discount makes it judicious to bring the thermostat home.Headphone DealsThe Razer Blackshark V2 is a wired headset that nails gaming audio without wrecking your wallet. It's super lightweight, stays comfy during long sessions, and the THX Spatial Audio gives you that "where-the-heck-did-that-shot-come-from" edge in shooters. You can tweak everything through the Razer Synapse app, but honestly, the mic sounds crisp even without adjustments. As Will Greenwald puts it, “the microphone on the Blackshark V2 sounds excellent,” and it is proven in our tests. For $37 only, this thing is stacked. It scored an “Outstanding” rating and even snagged the Editors’ Choice award in our 2020 Razer Blackshark V2 review, which tells you all you need to know.Video Doorbell DealsThe Blink Video Doorbell + Sync Module 2 is an affordable and versatile home security solution, offering both wired and wireless installation options. It integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, allowing easy control and monitoring. The device delivers sharp 1080p video, impressive image quality with rich daytime colors, and clear night vision. Installation is straightforward, and it includes a range of mounting accessories. The Sync Module 2 extends battery life and provides local storage options, supporting up to 10 Blink cameras. Additionally, two-way audio is loud and clear, enhancing communication with visitors. Scan through our Blink Video Doorbell review to learn more about its pros and cons.We’re finding Memorial Day Deals everywhere, from retailers like Amazon and Walmart to top brands like Apple and HP. And don’t forget to check out all of the Memorial Day Deals Under $100 and Under $50. But, if you’re looking for something more specific, we’ve rounded up the following holiday deals for you:

Crunchyroll, the global brand for anime, and Discord are teaming up to bring the beloved series My Hero Academia to the Discord platform for an anime-collaboration profile collection. Starting today, users across North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East/Africa, and Australia/Newzealand can level up their profiles and showcase their fandom in new ways. My Hero Academia, the long-running, anime series, makes this collaboration a good fit for the Discord community, just in time for My Hero Academia Final Season, featuring the epic showdown between Deku and Shigaraki, premiering October 2025 on Crunchyroll. Fans can gear up with eight Avatar Decorations and three Profile Effects inspired by iconic characters and their Quirks — Izuku Midoriya (Deku), Katsuki Bakugo, Ochaco Uraraka, All Might, Tomura Shigaraki and more.  “My Hero Academia follows the incredible adventures of a group of friends as they fight together against all odds,” said Anna Songco Adamian, VP of Global Consumer Products at Crunchyroll, in a statement. “Now, through this collaboration with Discord, users can level up to display their inner hero, just in time for the anime’s epic final season.”  The My Hero Academia Shop Collection on Discord launches ahead of the 2025 Anime Awards on May 25, 2025 giving fans powerful new ways to show their love for the series during one of anime’s biggest weekends. My Hero Academia is nominated for the Film of the Year (My Hero Academia: You’re Next) and Best Continuing Series (My Hero Academia Season 7). GB Daily Stay in the know! Get the latest news in your inbox daily Read our Privacy Policy Thanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here. An error occured.

By TREVOR HOGG Images © Solo Leveling Animation Partners. Like the protagonist Sung Jinwoo, the Solo Leveling franchise has leveled up from being a web novel created by Chugong to a webtoon to anime series with each medium expanding upon the other in world-building, character development and narrative scope. What remains at the core of the fantasy tale are portals to other dimensions that contain Magic Beasts that threaten to overtake the Earth, with the only defense being humans known as Hunters who have manifested supernatural abilities to varying degrees. At the lowest end of the power spectrum is Sung Jinwoo, but his fortunes dramatically change when a mysterious entity puts him through a series of tests that enable him to improve so much that his achievements become legendary. As part of the Emmy Awards campaign which sees the Aniplex, A-1 Pictures and Crunchyroll partnership being submitted for Outstanding Animated Program, Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation – Character Animation (Yoshihiro Kanno) and Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation – Character Design (Tomoko Sudo), three of the major players recently gathered in Los Angeles along with a translator to discuss the creative challenges in producing two seasons consisting of 25 episodes. Storyboard and the final animated still featuring renown S-Level Hunter Cha Hae-In, who becomes the wife of Sung Jinwoo. (Image courtesy of Atsushi Kaneko via X) “[T]he world of Solo Leveling takes place in some country in present day, so making sure that reality comes across to an audience was important for us. The original work is Korean, so Korea is the foundation. In the Japanese version that was also released as a manga, there were some slight cultural differences and adaptation. When animating this, we wanted to make sure that all of that was embraced and encapsulated. Anything from the exterior textures on buildings down to traffic rules.” —Sota Furuhashi, Producer, Aniplex Even though Shunsuke Nakashige [director] is guiding the vision of the adaptation, the nature of anime requires multiple contributors. “Personally, what I think makes anime interesting is this idea that the same person doesn’t illustrate or draw everything,” notes Sota Furuhashi, Producer at Aniplex. “That brings a lot of different textures and layers to how things are expressed. Take even one shot or scene: There will be multiple people animating this, so that gives the visual its own unique taste. This all comes together into a singular experience for audiences to enjoy. In the case of Solo Leveling, the action component is something that needs to be constantly evolving, so there is a lot of different talent that is pooled into these different scenes; that’s what adds value to the Solo Leveling experience.” Despite the fantastical elements, there has to be an element of realism to the world-building. “I want to preface this by saying I am only a proxy for the director, but the world of Solo Leveling takes place in some country in present day, so making sure that reality comes across to an audience was important for us,” Furuhashi explains. “The original work is Korean, so Korea is the foundation. In the Japanese version that was also released as a manga, there were some slight cultural differences and adaptation. When animating this, we wanted to make sure that all of that was embraced and encapsulated. Anything from the exterior textures on buildings down to traffic rules. We wanted to express what happens in people’s daily lives because that creates a lot of reality in terms of world-building.” Storyboards for the fight between Sung Jinwoo and Blue Venom-Fanged Kasaka which emphasize the size and scale of the Magic Beast. (Image courtesy of Atsushi Kaneko via X) “When we first saw Solo Leveling, which is quite serious and has a lot of violence, and understood the intent, the decision was made not to run away from [the violence] and to make sure it was embraced because it showed how serious the creators were in wanting to push the envelope.” —Kanako Takahashi, Producer, Crunchyroll A combination of 2D and 3D animation techniques were utilized. “We wanted to use 2D hand-drawn animation as the foundation, but I’m sure you’re aware it doesn’t scale well in terms of mass-producing groups of enemies,” states Atsushi Kaneko, Producer at A-1 Pictures. “Take any character that has a name – those are all hand-drawn. But other characters we decided to go with 3D because there’s a lot more range of expression that we could do and was more efficient. That was a decision we made with the director and CG director [Toshitaka Morioka].” Initially, the Shadow Army, which consists of the enemies killed by Sung Jinwoo and subsequently resurrected by him upon gaining the ability of a necromancer, was to be 2D rather than 3D. “The Shadow Army doesn’t have a lot of visual cues and information in terms of the colors and lines,” Kaneko remarks. “That would have been easy to animate in 2D, but in terms of how that would be conveyed on the screen, it would feel a little lacking. Then we pivoted to 3D and ran a lot of tests. When we finished it, got it through the pipeline and composited it together, there was a lot more range in terms of what we could express through animation.” Storyboard and final close-up shot of Sung Jinwoo as he takes on the Ice Elves. (Image courtesy of Atsushi Kaneko via X) Fights that are briefly depicted in the source material became major action sequences. “In terms of the choreography of the action scenes themselves, our protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, at the beginning is weak and pathetic, and we wanted to make sure that we captured that inexperience and clumsiness in his actions,” Kaneko states. “We agreed with the animation team that we would go in stages. As he becomes stronger, so would his action. In Episode 104, after he reawakens, we start to move a little away from reality and go into this suspension of disbelief. Jinwoo’s actions and choreography improved significantly, and you could see that over several subsequent episodes. We wanted to make sure that it felt dynamic, alive and cathartic when audiences see it. But it wasn’t just that thought. A lot of the decisions in terms of how the action was going to unfold didn’t always come from the director or action director [Yoshihiro Kanno]. Several of our keyframe artists in the storyboarding phase, or while animating, almost ad lib, so there was a lot of creative agency the animators had on the actual ground floor. That’s how all of the action came together under the guidance of the director and action director.” The Shadow Army features defeated foes such as Igris and Iron (former A-Rank Hunter Kim Chul) who have been resurrected by Sung Jinwoo through his ability as a necromancer. (Image courtesy of Atsushi Kaneko via X) Blood and gore are not in short supply during the fights. “Early on, the director [Shunsuke Nakashige] and I decided not to shy away from the gore, but we did have to have the conversation because in Japan if something is going to be broadcast then it needs to fall within certain limits,” Furuhashi explains. “But we wanted to push the limits of expression as far as we could for something that would go on air. Part of that comes from this idea that the series starts with the main character’s death, and he is beginning from the bottom; that needed to be conveyed to audiences in a visual way. Another reason that we didn’t want to shy away from the gore is even though this is a fantasy world, it’s set in the present day as we know it. In order to make sure that reality was conveyed, if you cut someone’s arm with a sword, they’re going to lose an arm.” Crunchyroll understood that the violence was an integral part of the storytelling. “When we first saw Solo Leveling,” remarks Kanako Takahashi, Producer at Crunchyroll, “which is quite serious and has a lot of violence, and understood the intent, the decision was made not to run away from that and to make sure it was embraced because it showed how serious the creators were in wanting to push the envelope.” An example of how detailed the storyboards can be, down to the eyes, which is also reflected in the final animation. (Image courtesy of Atsushi Kaneko via X) “A lot of the decisions in terms of how the action was going to unfold didn’t always come from the director or action director [Yoshihiro Kanno]. Several of our keyframe artists in the storyboarding phase, or while animating, almost ad lib, so there was a lot of creative agency the animators had on the actual ground floor. That’s how all of the action came together under the guidance of the director and action director.” —Atsushi Kaneko, Producer, A-1 Pictures 3D animation was utilized for the Shadow Army in order to make their simplistic shapes and forms more dynamic. (Image courtesy of Atsushi Kaneko via X) Magic Beasts appear ranging from the Blue Venom-Fanged Kasaka to Ice Elves that have volatile tempers and awe-inspiring agility. “I don’t know if I would call it a monster, but one scene that stands out to me is the Kargalgan gun battle because the action in that scene and the level of quality is second to none,” Takahashi observes. “Seeing how passionate the fans were and their online reaction to that battle in particular left a big impression on me.” The goal was to focus on adapting the source material as opposed to making creative decisions driven by the desire to stand out from other anime productions. “It was a natural result, and we’re grateful for the chance,” Kaneko states. “I didn’t feel like we were doing anything too different or out of the ordinary, but the chain of events that led ultimately to how fans reacted to it is something that differentiates us from other anime. In a way, we are also searching for that answer because we didn’t set out to do something very different or say, ‘We’re going to make this series about this or this is the angle we’re going to come from.’ The differentiation was also a byproduct of taking this IP and animating it.” The Shadow Army is ordered by Sung Jinwoo to assist the Hunters during the 4th Jeju Island Raid. (Image courtesy of Atsushi Kaneko via X) A scale and proportion study between Sung Jinwoo and the Ant King along with a final still of the bloodthirsty Magic Beast. (Image courtesy of Atsushi Kaneko via X) The passionate fan reaction to the Kargalgan gun battle left a lasting impression on Crunchyroll Producer Kanako Takahashi. As Sung Jinwoo becomes stronger, his actions become more dynamic. There is no holding back on the blood and gore as the consequences of being struck by weapons are grounded in the real world despite the fantastical settings. A quiet moment as Cha Hae-In ponders her encounter with Sung Jinwoo. (Image courtesy of Atsushi Kaneko via X) Watch the dynamic Jinwoo vs. Kargalgan battle in Season 2 of Solo Leveling: Arise from the Shadow courtesy of Crunchyroll and Solo Leveling Animation Partners. Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLKYFu_sMTM. And watch a GIF on the design and construction of an action sequence for the anime opening of Solo Leveling by Studio Ppuri’s Inseung Choi and his animation team. Click here: https://x.com/i/status/1747212779868901522.

Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Apple TV+, MGM+, Mubi, Peacock Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Learn more about how we select deals. The best streaming deals on National Streaming Day: Best overall streaming deal Peacock Premium (Annual Subscription) $24.99 per year for one year (save $55 with code SPRINGSAVINGS) Best streaming deal for movie lovers Mubi $3.99 per month for 4 months (save $44) Best Roku Channel deal MGM+ (Roku Channel) $0.99 per month for 2 months (save $12) Best free trial Apple TV+ free for one month (save $9.99) Happy National Streaming Day, folks. Coined by Roku back in 2014 as a way of self-promoting its streaming devices and subscriptions, National Streaming Day is now an unofficial holiday falling on May 20 every year. If you've been searching for streaming deals, now's a good opportunity to sign up for new services for a steal. Although Roku created the holiday, we've seen other streamers throw their hats in the ring in years past — like this $1 per month Hulu deal from 2022 — and this year is no different. But Roku still has the biggest selection of streaming deals to choose from. This time around, the streaming device company is offering up to 90 percent off subscriptions to MGM+, Starz, Shudder, AMC+, and more. The only catch is you have to sign up through the Roku Channel, which is completely free and can be accessed through your web browser, a Roku streaming device, or an Amazon Fire TV device. Without further ado, here are the best streaming deals on National Streaming Day 2025. Be sure to sign up ASAP, as most of the deals expire sooner than you think. For example, all the Roku Channel offers end May 21 at 2:59 a.m. ET. You May Also Like Best National Streaming Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium (Annual Subscription) $24.99 $79.99 Save $55 with code SPRINGSAVINGS Technically this Peacock deal isn't exclusively for National Streaming Day, but we're including it because it's such an impressive deal. Through May 30, new and returning Peacock subscribers can get one year of Peacock Premium for only $24.99 with code SPRINGSAVINGS. That's 68% off the usual cost of $79.99 per year and breaks down to a little over $2 per month. We're big fans of Peacock; it's easy to use, always has great deals, and features a highly impressive catalog of movies and shows. It's where you'll find movies like Wicked, Nosferatu, and Black Bag, popular shows like The Office, New Girl, and Yellowstone, and Peacock Originals like Poker Face and Long Bright River.Best National Streaming Day deal for movie lovers Opens in a new window Credit: MUBI Mubi $3.99/month for 4 months (save $44) Mubi is not your average streaming service. It's specifically made for cinephiles, with a library that's brimming with quality international cinema. It's home to Mubi originals like recent Oscar nominee The Substance, plus plenty of mainstream, classic, independent, and award-winning movies. It's also where you'll find The People's Joker and Bird, two more of our favorite movies of 2024. For a limited time, new and returning subscribers can get Mubi for only $3.99 per month for 4 months. That's a massive $44 in savings, as it usually costs $14.99 per month. Related Stories Mashable Deals Want more hand-picked deals from our shopping experts? Sign up for the Mashable Deals newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! Best National Streaming Day deal on Roku Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ (Roku Channel) $0.99/month for 2 months (save $12) Roku's deals are aplenty this Streaming Day, but our favorite is this one on MGM+. Through May 22 at 2:59 a.m. ET, new and returning subscribers can sign up for MGM+ for only 99 cents per month for two months on the Roku Channel. Usually $6.99 per month, that saves you $12 total. MGM+ is home to a ton of movies we love, like Challengers, Better Man, Blink Twice, and Nickel Boys. The streamer also features its own original series like Godfather of Harlem, From, and Hotel Cocaine. Just be sure to cancel your subscription before your promotional period ends if you want to avoid paying full price.Best National Streaming Day free trial deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV+ Apple TV+ free one-month trial Why we like itFree streaming? Yes, please. Through June 26, you can sign up for one month of Apple TV+ for free through Roku. Just install and open the app on your Roku device and follow the prompts to subscribe and you'll enjoy an entire month of free streaming, as opposed to the usual free seven-day trial. A month gives you more time to stream some Apple TV+ original series like Severance, Ted Lasso, and Palm Royale, and movies like The Gorge, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Echo Valley.More National Streaming Day dealsA&E Crime Central (on Roku Channel) — $1.99/month for 2 months (save $6)AcornTV (on Roku Channel) — $1.99/month for 2 months (save $14)allblk (on Roku Channel) — $0.99/month for 2 months (save $12)AMC+ (on Roku Channel) — $2.99/month for 2 months (save $14)BBC Select (on Roku Channel) — $1.99/month for 2 months (save $8)BritBox (on Roku Channel) — $2.99/month for 2 months (save $12)Crunchyroll (on Roku Channel) — $1.99/month for 2 months (save $12)Hallmark+ (on Roku Channel) — $1.99/month for 2 months (save $12)History Vault (on Roku Channel) — $1.99/month for 2 months (save $8)Hopster Learning (on Roku Channel) — $1.99/month for 2 months (save $6)Lifetime Movie Club (on Roku Channel) — $1.99/month for 2 months (save $6)MHz Choice (on Roku Channel) — $0.99/month for 2 months (save $14)Shudder (on Roku Channel) — $0.99/month for 2 months (save $16)Starz (on Roku Channel) — $1.99/month for 2 months (save $18)ViX Premium (on Roku Channel) — $1.99/month for 2 months (save $14) Topics Streaming Christina Buff Christina Buff is a Nashville-based freelance writer for who covers shopping with a splash of entertainment. If you’re ever wondering what streaming service you need to watch something (and the cheapest way to sign up for it), she’s your girl.Christina received a B.S. in Business Communication (concentration in writing) from Stevenson University and began her professional journey writing and editing press releases. Since then, she’s written content for a marketing agency, blogged for celebrities, and covered local news, politics, women’s lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and just about everything in between for various publications.When she’s not writing, she’s probably enjoying live music, studying human design, or embroidering and upcycling clothes. You can follow her on Instagram at @touchinfinity.

Much like the gaming industry, entertainment has long been at war with piracy. But while gamers often turn to piracy to preserve titles lost to digital delistings or scarce physical copies, anime and manga fans, especially in earlier eras, relied on illicit means simply to access the content. Before widespread licensing, piracy played a crucial role in spreading anime and manga’s popularity, ultimately attracting major players like Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, HIDIVE, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus to invest. Legal options exist today, but licensing agreements and regional restrictions still keep much of anime and manga locked away from international fans. Now that corporations have staked their claim, piracy is under heavy fire. High-profile shutdowns have hit sites like AnimeSuge, AnimeWave, 123Anime, and just this week, the major manga scans hub, Manga Dex. As anime’s global popularity soars, video piracy is also an issue, prompting Japan to crack down with a strategy of overwhelming platforms with copyright infringement claims, investing in groundbreaking new anti-piracy AI programs, and having anime and manga leakers arrested by the Kumamoto prefectural police’s cybercrime division. Two people, including a Tokyo company owner, were arrested by Kumamoto in 2024 for allegedly violating copyright law by posting leaked manga magazine images online ahead of the official release — reportedly obtained by bribing bookstore staff, according to Weekly Shonen Jump owner Shueisha. According to Japan Times, Japan plans to deploy AI to combat anime and manga piracy, targeting over 1,000 sites that publishers say cost the industry billions annually. A 300 million yen (about $2 million) pilot program uses image and text detection to track infringing content. Although it is unknown when this program is to be deployed or how effective it would be, the model is part of the “Cool Japan” initiative to further strengthen the ties between other countries. The initiative mirrors South Korea’s investment in technology to detect piracy. According to Korean outlet Money Today, via Comic Book Resources, a new Ministry of Science and ICT report outlines plans to replace manual piracy detection with AI systems, aiming to automatically track illegal streaming sites as part of a broader strategy to boost the global competitiveness of Korea’s online video industry. While it’s clear that anime and manga piracy hurts both the industry and its creators, the issue isn’t simply about people avoiding payment — accessibility remains a major barrier. Publishers need to meet global demand through wider international access, because enhancing legal services is a key step toward addressing the root causes of piracy and the demand it fulfills.

Japanese technology and entertainment company Sony logged an 18% rise in profit for the fiscal year through March on healthy results at its music and video-game operations.Its chief executive, Hiroki Totoki, outlined the company’s strategy for growth Wednesday, stressing that collaboration among Sony Corp.’s various segments, like animation and music, were crucial to deliver the “kando,” or emotional engagement, that lies at the core of the company’s vision and strength.“Building on our momentum and results to date and working with a laser-like focus to realize our long-term Creative Entertainment Vision will be at the core of our corporate strategies moving forward,” he told reporters.Sony’s movies division has strong offerings in the pipeline, including Spider-Man films and biopics about The Beatles, while animation remains a driver of growth centered around the popular anime streaming service Crunchyroll, Totoki said.Tokyo-based Sony reported a record annual profit of 1.14 trillion yen ($7.8 billion), up from 970.6 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. Annual sales were virtually unchanged, inching down to 12.957 trillion yen ($88 billion) from 13.020 trillion yen.One area that lagged among Sony’s sprawling businesses was the financial segment, where revenue stalled. But its film division and its imaging and sensor solutions segment did well.Sony officials said they were studying how to respond to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, although that was a challenge because of uncertainties and constant changes. But they said the negative impact from U.S. trade policy will be kept to 10% of Sony’s operating profit in the coming fiscal year by adjusting the allocation of shipments, among other measures.Totoki stressed that Sony plans to leverage its content creating technology, like virtual reality and image sensors, to feed into its entertainment products, including working on immersive experiences. Sony also has powerful collaborative relations with various entertainment companies like Kadokawa, which includes publishing as well as films and animation, and Bandai Namco, a video game maker, he added.Sony will emphasize the “diversity” of its workers, helping bring out people’s creative potential, Totoki said.Among the Sony movies that fared well at the box office for the fiscal year through March were “Venom: The Last Dance,” featuring the Marvel Comics superhero, and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” an action comedy, where Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return in their popular cop roles in the fourth installment in the series.Sony, which makes the PlayStation console and game software played on that machine, also posted healthy results in the gaming business.Its music operations, which also held up, include recordings, streaming services and music for games. The top-selling recorded music projects for the latest fiscal year globally was SZA’s “SOS Deluxe: LANA,” followed by Beyonce, Future & Metro Boomin and Travis Scott.The top seller in its Japan music business was Kenshi Yonezu’s “Lost Corner” album, followed by offerings from Stray Kids and Six Tones.For the January-March quarter, Sony posted a 197.7 billion yen ($1.3 billion) profit, up 5% from 189 billion yen the same quarter in the previous fiscal year. Sales were 2.6 trillion yen ($17.7 billion), down 24% from 3.48 trillion yen.Sony is forecasting a nearly 13% drop in profit for the fiscal year through March 2026, to 930 billion yen ($6.3 billion), on 11.7 trillion yen ($80 billion) sales, down 2.9% on-year.Sony Group Corp. stocks, which fell in Tokyo morning trading, rebounded to finish 3.7% higher after its financial results were announced. Yuri Kageyama is on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@yurikageyama —Yuri Kageyama, AP Business Writer