8BitDo Arcade Controller (Xbox/PC) $100 | Releases July 25 Preorder at Amazon 8BitDo Arcade Controller (Switch/PC) $90 | Releases July 25 Preorder at Amazon 8BitDo has revealed a pair of exciting new controllers for fighting game enthusiasts. Launching July 15 for Switch/PC and Xbox/PC, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller is a thin, leverless fight pad. All-button arcade "sticks" have become quite popular in the fighting game scene in recent years; some players find that the dedicated directional and jump buttons make it easier to hit precise inputs for special moves and combos. However, leverless models tend to be expensive, especially if you're looking for a reliable and customizable device. At $90-$100, 8BitDo's Arcade Controller will be the most affordable option from a major brand, and both models offer wireless connections on their respective platforms as well as PC. You can preorder the 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Switch/PC and Xbox/PC at Amazon. 8BitDo Arcade Controller (Xbox/PC) $100 | Releases July 25 As mentioned above, the new leverless 8BitDo Arcade Controllers use a button-only layout. Both models include four directional buttons (up, down, left, right), eight face buttons, and four additional remappable buttons. Each button uses hot-swappable Kailh Wizard low-profile mechanical switches, and the extra buttons also come with swappable locking flat caps in case you don't want to use them and want to avoid accidental presses. Both models also feature platform-specific inputs--like the Xbox Guide button and Switch Home button--for navigating the console's menus and interface.These leverless models are thinner and lighter than the previously released 8BitDo Arcade Controllers with joysticks, with a smudge-resistant material on the top panel, and a slip-resistant silicone mat on the bottom so it stays in place while playing. They also have foldable magnetic feet so you can adjust the angle.The Xbox version of the leverless 8BitDo Arcade Controller connects wirelessly to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or PC with the included 2.4GHz dongle. The included USB-C cable can be used to establish a wired connection as well as charge the Arcade Controller.While the hot-swappable PCBs are convenient for modding the device's buttons and switches to your preferences, you can also personalize the button mapping and other options on PC or Xbox using 8BitDo's Ultimate Software X. One of those customizations is the RGB lighting rings around the buttons, which are exclusive to the Xbox model. Preorder at Amazon 8BitDo Arcade Controller (Switch/PC) $90 | Releases July 25 The Switch version of the leverless 8BitDo Arcade Controller the same button layout and overall design as the Xbox edition, but it's $10 cheaper and adds Bluetooth support. Since it uses Bluetooth to sync wirelessly with your Nintendo Switch, you should have no problem pairing it to the upcoming Switch 2 console.The Switch edition still comes with a 2.4GHz dongle for wireless play on PC, just like the Xbox model. The detachable charging cable can be used for wired mode on Switch or PC. So if you're buying the controller for PC, you can save $10 by opting for the Switch version. You will miss out on the backlit buttons, but the Switch edition does have a cool retro-themed design.The gray, black, and red color scheme pays homage to the Nintendo Entertainment System. The trio of bright menu buttons running along the top nod back to the SNES controller's face buttons.Button mapping and other competition-focused control customizations can be applied to the Switch edition using 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2. Preorder at Amazon Gallery For those who prefer the traditional feel of a joystick, the original 8BitDo Arcade Controller is also available now. Like the levelerless edition, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller with a joystick is available in Switch and Xbox versions, and both work with PC. The Switch/PC model is $90, while the Xbox/PC model is $120 and available in either black or white color options. Continue Reading at GameSpot

Bungie has admitted to finding stolen art assets in its upcoming extraction shooter Marathon. Graphic artist Antireal has taken to X to claim that Bungie used their poster designs from 2017 without compensation or credit. Bungie admits the claims, and says it will undertake a complete review of the game's assets.Antireal posted to X on May 15, claiming that "The Marathon alpha released recently and its environments are covered with assets lifted from poster designs I made in 2017." They tagged both Bungie and Marathon's franchise art director, Joseph Cross.Artist Antireal posted comparison between in-game screenshots and their original art.They continue, "Bungie is of course not obligated to hire me when making a game that draws overwhelmingly from the same design language I have refined for the last decade, but clearly my work was good enough to pillage for ideas and plaster all over their game without pay or attribution."Continue Reading at GameSpot

The final pre-launch specs for the Switch 2 have been revealed, and one ongoing mystery has been answered--the Switch 2 will not support variable refresh rate in docked mode, at least not at launch.Digital Foundry has released a final look at the Switch 2's tech specs, including more details on the console's custom Nvidia processor, and the resources developers will be able to use when making software for the Switch 2. The tech breakdown also confirmed that the Switch 2 will only support VRR in handheld mode, and not while docked.The question of VRR has been a bit of a mystery for the Switch 2--the console was initially announced as having VRR support in docked mode, as long as it was being used with a VRR-compatible display. The references to VRR were later removed from the Nintendo website, as spotted by Digital Foundry, leaving it unclear whether the console would support VRR.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Electronic Arts--the publisher behind Battlefield, Apex Legends, Split Fiction, The Sims, and several popular sports series--has announced it is ending its remote work policies, and will be implementing a full return to office. CEO Andrew Wilson stated that this decision reflects the company's desire to foster "kinetic energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and connection, often resulting in unexpected breakthroughs that lead to incredible experiences for our players."According to IGN, Wilson delivered the news to employees in a company-wide email sent out on Wednesday, May 14. In it, he explained that "hybrid work" will now be defined as a "minimum of three days a week in your local office," while "offsite local roles" will be gradually phased out.EA Entertainment President Laura Miele then sent a follow-up email to employees, clarifying what employees can expect as the company moves from "a decentralized approach to a globally consistent, enterprise-wide work model." Below is the outline Miele included:Continue Reading at GameSpot

All game delays have their silver linings, and it looks like Grand Theft Auto VI's might just be the fact that it's given a lot of players more time to experience GTA V.Earlier today, Rockstar parent company Take-Two Interactive held its quarterly investor presentation, during which it revealed that the critically-acclaimed action-adventure game has now reached 215 million copies sold. Back in February, that number--while still extremely high--was around 210 million. This means that in the last three months, the 12-year-old game has sold a staggering five million additional copies. To put that into perspective, Monster Hunter Wilds is currently 2025's best-selling game and sits at about 10 million units sold after being released back in February. Though GTA V still has quite a ways to go if it wants to take down the top two best-selling video games of all time, this is still an incredibly impressive feat.This investor presentation marks the first one held by Take-Two Interactive since Grand Theft Auto VI's delay. Despite this setback, the company repeatedly emphasized its upcoming slate of games for 2025--Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country being the most notable--and the gaming industry's projected growth.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Nearly three years ago, Netflix revealed plans to make a Gears of War movie based on the popular video game franchise. Now, the streamer is reportedly circling John Wick co-director David Leitch to bring Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad to live-action.According to The Hollywood Reporter, Leitch is currently in negotiations to helm Gears of War, but his deal hasn't been closed yet. Leitch is a former stuntman who wasn't credited for co-directing the original John Wick with Chad Stahelski. Since then, Leitch has established himself as a solo director with Deadpool 2, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, Atomic Blonde, Bullet Train, and The Fall Guy.Even if Leitch's contract with Netflix does eventually get signed, Gears of War seemingly won't be his next film. The director is reportedly preparing to shoot Amazon MGM Studio's heist thriller How to Rob a Bank, which has Nicholas Hoult and Anna Sawai attached to star in it.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Dark Horse's lineup of H.P. Lovecraft manga adaptations are on sale for cheap at Amazon. The stunning At the Mountains of Madness Deluxe Edition is available for only $25, saving you 50% on the premium 600-plus page hardcover. You can also get the 450-page adaptation of The Shadow Over Innsmouth for only $16.19 for a limited time. With Dark Horse set to release the manga of The Colour Out of Space on July 1, now's a good time to dive into these discounted books, each of which includes memorable (and haunting) illustrations. Continue Reading at GameSpot

Kratos & Aloy 10-Inch Plushies Kratos - $10.77 (was $20) | Aloy - $11.80 (was $20) See Kratos Plush See Aloy Plush Horizon Forbidden West - Aloy 6-Inch Deluxe Action Figure $20.62 (was $50) See at Amazon The Last of Us - Joel & Ellie 6-Inch Action Figures (2-Pack) $50 See at Amazon Several figures and plushies in the official PlayStation Shapes Collection are on sale for super cheap at Amazon. God of War fans can get the awesome 10-inch Kratos plush for $10.77 (was $20) and the six-inch Atreus action figure for $15.10 (was $30). Meanwhile, Horizon Forbidden West fans can grab the deluxe Aloy action figure for $20.62 (was $50), the Aloy plush for $11.80 (was $20), and Varl action figure for $12 (was $30).PlayStation Studios 6-inch Action FiguresAloy from Horizon Forbidden West (Deluxe 6" Figure) -- $20.62 ($50)Atreus from God of War: Ragnarok (6" Figure) -- $15.10 ($30)Varl from Horizon Forbidden West (6" Figure) -- $12 ($30)Jin Sakai Action Figure - Ghost of Tsushima (6" Figure) -- $27 ($30)Kratos from God of War: Ragnarok (6" Figure) -- $30Joel & Ellie from The Last of Us (6" Figure 2-Pack)-- $50PlayStation Studios 10-inch Collector's PlushiesKratos from God of War Ragnarok (10" Plush) -- $10.77 ($20)Aloy from Horizon Forbidden West (10" Plush) -- $11.80 ($20) PlayStation Shapes Collection Check out full lineup of official PlayStation action figures and plushies See at Amazon The PlayStation Shapes Collection debuted last year and currently features seven action figures and two plushies based on characters from popular PlayStation Studios games. All of the action figures were designed by Spin Master and officially licensed by PlayStation. Each 6-inch figure has many points of articulation and is bundled with swappable accessories. The PlayStation Shapes Collection also includes a two-pack of action figures featuring Joel and and Ellie action figures, though The Last of Us figure set isn't on sale right now.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Publisher Playsaurus has announced that Cookie Clicker will release on consoles May 22--exactly a week from today. One of the first major idle games, Cookie Clicker originally released on the web in 2013 before hitting Steam in 2021. The title, developed by DashNet, is coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and even Switch 2 (though of course at a later date).Nintendo's listing for Cookie Clicker notes that the game will cost $5. This is in line with the Steam edition of the idle game. Playsaurus is promising more than 600 upgrades in Cookie Clicker, as well as the ability to "pet your dragon." For those unfamiliar, you click the cookie to make more cookies. The clicker or idle genre has proven to be quite popular on Steam. For instance, over 100,000 people were playing Bongo Cat last month. The game sees a feline pawing a taskbar as a player clicks their mouse or types, and then you can earn hats for your digital kitty.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Following the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing Link, the team behind the critically acclaimed series has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share new images of the next mainline entry in the franchise: Kingdom Hearts IV. Presented as a collage and without any context, it's hard to interpret too much from the images. However, the forth image in the set seems to indicate that none other than King Mickey himself will be a playable character in the game's next chapter.To our Kingdom Hearts community,We’re currently working hard on Kingdom Hearts IV and will continue pouring ourselves into the game’s development. We’re dedicated to making this an experience that lives up to your expectations! [1/2] pic.twitter.com/4lbg6l2ErZ — KINGDOM HEARTS (@KINGDOMHEARTS) May 15, 2025 Aside from the picture our chandelier-swinging monarch, the folks at Square Enix didn't give us much to mull over with these images. That said, the sheer look of the game--particularly in images four, six, and seven--has left us even more eager to get our hands on it.Kingdom Hearts IV does not currently have a release window, though Square Enix has assured fans that it is "currently working hard" on the title. Following Missing Link's cancellation, it is now the next Kingdom Hearts title scheduled to release.Continue Reading at GameSpot