Pocket Tactics

Genshin Impact Beidou build, weapon, and teams

Quinn Collins — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:08:52 +0000

One of the iconic Liyue veterans, Genshin Impact's Beidou is super important in your early journeys across Tevyat. The question is: how can you use her in your team? Luckily, we're here to help answer that question, with the pirate's best teams, weapons, and artifacts, as well as other need-to-know info about her. Sorry, Ningguang - we're taking your girl. Make sure you've redeemed all the latest Genshin Impact codes so you can maximize your chances of being blessed by the banner. Plus, check out where Beidou falls on our Genshin Impact tier list.

This Android gaming phone just topped the latest performance charts, but good luck getting it

Connor Christie — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:17:21 +0000

If you're a mobile gamer who wants to get your hands on the best possible hardware for elite performance, we've got some bad news. According to the latest AnTuTu June 2026 performance rankings, the world's most powerful phone is officially the iQOO 15 Ultra. Now, you might not recognize that name, and that's for a good reason. iQOO hasn't released the phone outside of China and a few select Asian regions, which means if you're reading this from the US, Europe, or the UK, it could prove very tricky to get one yourself. The AnTuTu Android performance rankings table for June clearly shows the iQOO 15 Ultra at the top of the charts, scoring 4,142,923 points in testing. If this were any other phone, we'd immediately be adding it to our list of the best gaming phones, but due to issues surrounding availability, it doesn't feel right to include it. While you can technically import the phone, you'd likely have to deal with heavy shipping fees, and if you run into any technical issues, getting any support could prove challenging. In second place in AnTuTu's latest rankings is the REDMAGIC 11S Pro+, which comes as no surprise, as we gave the global version of the phone a stellar 9/10 score in our REDMAGIC 11S Pro review. There's not much between the 11S Pro's 4,101,393 point score and the iQOO 15 Ultra, but this table could prove frustrating reading for REDMAGIC, given the brand's eagerness to present itself as the performance and innovation leader in the gaming phone niche.

Persona 3's female protagonist is finally getting the love she deserves

Holly Alice — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:50:33 +0000

Persona 5 X recently announced the next collaboration making its way to the game. It's collaborating with another title in the series - Persona 3 Portable, which was originally a PlayStation Portable game... hence the name. Persona 5: The Phantom X is Atlus' breakout into the mobile gacha game market. So far, all the main characters from Persona 5 and a swathe of new faces are on the playable roster, along with characters from Persona 3 Reload and Persona 4. Now, we're getting a deep cut: Kotone Shiomi, the female protagonist from Persona 3 Portable, will debut in the game soon. Finally, some appreciation for her after a 15-year absence.

Monster Hunter roars into action in new collab with Resident Evil Survival Unit

Pocket Tactics — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:00:52 +0000

Watch out, a new threat has arrived in Resident Evil Survival Unit, and this time, Umbrella has nothing to do with it (at least, we don't think so...). In a first-of-its-kind crossover for the hit mobile game, the worlds of Resident Evil and Monster Hunter are colliding, and you can dive into the action any time, any place. That's right - a new Monster Hunter event is arriving in Resident Evil Survival Unit. Now, the exciting mobile strategy game that unites fan-favorite characters and locations with intricate base-building mechanics and real-time defense battles is introducing a new chapter of survival. This time, rather than drawing on the legendary Resident Evil series, Survival Unit is joining hands with one of the most beloved action roleplaying series of all time, introducing a variety of elements that pay homage to Monster Hunter's 22-year legacy. This means that, for a limited time, you can experience a variety of collab-exclusive content, taking on a brand new challenge where Lickers and Tyrants aren't the only monsters you'll be facing.

Honkai Star Rail codes July 2026

Tilly Lawton — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:21:10 +0000

April 22, 2026: We added the three HSR livestream codes from the 4.4 special program. Redeem them quick to grab 300 stellar jade and other goodies! This list of all the new Honkai Star Rail codes is here to help you out on your astral adventure. With heaps of free stellar jade, credits, EXP materials, and more up for grabs, this guide is any trailblazer's best friend - so be sure to check back regularly so you don't miss a freebie. If you want to see which characters you should be spending your free HSR stellar jade on, check out our Honkai Star Rail tier list and Honkai Star Rail banner guides. If you're interested in trying another gacha game, we've got some NTE codes and Genshin Impact codes for you to redeem, too.

Aura Monster Simulator codes July 2026

Quinn Collins — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:16:41 +0000

Using Aura Monster Simulator codes might feel a bit like cheating in this Roblox game, but we can assure you that it's not. If other people are zooming up the steps and you're left behind, of course you'd want a little bit of help, and we're happy to provide it. Codes will allow you to progress faster, as they offer boosts to your aura and gems, which you can use to reroll your sin. The seven deadly sins give you pretty powerful boosts to your character, so it's worth rerolling to get the one you really want.

Zenless Zone Zero Ellen build, w-engine, and teams

Tilly Lawton — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:01:06 +0000

Zenless Zone Zero's Ellen Joe is an S-rank agent and a member of Victoria Housekeeping Co. This adorable maid may look sweet, but she's a powerful ice character with a huge shark tail and a comically oversized pair of scissors that aren't quite so comical if you end up on her bad side. So let's take a look at the best Ellen build, including her skill priority, best drive discs, and W-Engines. If you're curious how the snappy shark girl sizes up against other agents in her faction, be sure to check out our Zenless Zone Zero tier list - it might just help you decide whether you want to pull for her on her next Zenless Zone Zero banner.

Star Sailors codes June 2026

Kayleigh Partleton — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:49:51 +0000

You need all the help you can get when you embark on a new adventure, something you likely know very well. Luckily, there are some Star Sailors codes out there to give you some very handy items, such as potions and bulging mushrooms, to help you out in combat. Speaking of which, as turn-based RPG fans, we really enjoy the battles in Star Sailors, especially because the characters are enigmatic, which helps make the world feel even more alive. Plus, anime vibes are always a vibe, particularly when you pair them with large locations to explore.

Soul Land Awakening World tier list July 2026

Holly Alice — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:14:47 +0000

If you're jumping into the latest Soul Land game, then we recommend taking a look at our Soul Land: Awakening World tier list, which ranks all of the spirits you can get. You can equip them and level them up, then make use of the skills as you fight enemies. Get yourself registered as a Spirimaster, then hunt down Spirimon and absorb their powers to improve your battle ability.

Genshin Impact codes July 2026

Ruby Spiers-Unwin — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:19:35 +0000

Our Genshin Impact codes list showers you with free in-game rewards for the massive open-world RPG, including the livestream codes. The developer, Hoyoverse, routinely provides freebies during livestreams, which give you goodies such as primogems, mora, adventurer's experience, and much more. For other gacha games, we recommend checking out our Honkai Star Rail codes and NTE codes. If you're only interested in Genshin, go ahead and browse our Genshin Impact tier list and Genshin Impact next banner guide.

Star Sailors tier list July 2026

Holly Alice — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:09:26 +0000

Head into a fantasy, fairy-tale world, and make the best team out there using our Star Sailors tier list and reroll guide. You can make plenty of team comps with the available characters, all anime-inspired, which is fitting for this JRPG by Com2us. Use your currency to perform pulls on the in-game banners, and recruit new assistants to help aid you, or battlers to take out any enemy you face.

The best upcoming mobile games for Android and iPhone

Ruby Spiers-Unwin — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:28:04 +0000

2025 was a big year for mobile gamers; we saw the release of Destiny Rising, Delta Force, and Persona 5: The Phantom X, but what are our most anticipated new mobile games coming soon? There are a lot of hype-inducing games on the way, but we've managed to narrow it down to the most exciting ones. Whether you're after a GTA-inspired gacha game, a fresh portable FPS, or something a little cozy that you can play while snuggled up as the winter months roll by, our list has a little something for everything to get excited for.

Pokémon Go's tenth anniversary party kicks off soon, and I feel old

Holly Alice — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:24:00 +0000

It's somehow Pokémon Go's tenth birthday already, and the game is gearing up for some fun shenanigans this weekend to commemorate the occasion. Grab your party hats and your Pikachus; it's time to celebrate! Niantic released Pokémon Go on July 6, 2016, if you can believe it. It immediately took the world by storm, and for good reason - catching Pokémon in real life (almost)? Heck yeah. Now, we're drawing very close to the tenth anniversary shenanigans kicking off this weekend to mark the momentous occasion. From July 4 to 6, 2026, between 10 am and 4 pm local time, you can find themed Pokémon such as Wurmple in a big party hat and Gimmighoul holding a special coin. These are more likely to be shiny in the wild, too, which is nice.

PSA: Android 17 is ruining mobile gaming on Google Pixel phones

Connor Christie — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:57:42 +0000

If you're reading this on a Google Pixel phone after downloading the latest Android 17 update, we've got bad news. There's a chance that the phone you're using right now might have just gotten worse at running games. We're not just talking about the most demanding mobile games, such as Honkai Star Rail and Neverness to Everness, either. No, after the new software dropped, it seems that Pixel users are struggling to run even casual games, including Clash Royale, Hill Climb Racing 2, and others. The worst thing about this current issue, which we've seen multiple reports of on Reddit, is that it's affecting even the best Google Pixel phones, including the 10 and 10 Pro, as well as 7, 8, and 9 series phones. That's a bad look for Google, as these phones are expensive flagships, and, as of the time of writing, some of the best budget gaming phones are a better option for anyone who likes to use their phone for work and play. Not only that, but we've also seen reports of Pixel users facing problems with slow charging and calls not registering recently, leaving some users extremely unimpressed. As for the issue itself, the reports suggest that it differs from game to game. We've seen Reddit users offer examples of lagging or stuttering visuals, while some Brawl Stars fans have noted that the game doesn't work at all. These reports started popping up after the June Google Play Services update, so there's a chance that it could be something to do with that software rather than Android 17 or the two creating a problem when combined on the same device.

Navy Tycoon codes July 2026

Quinn Collins — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:51:51 +0000

July 2, 2026: We checked for new Navy Tycoon codes, the latest of which offers a free spin. We also made sure none of the existing codes have expired. Whether you prefer a bit of building or commanding the troops, Navy Tycoon codes can offer you a little bit of an edge over those around you. With these codes, you'll get the likes of in-game currency, cosmetics, and spins for the lucky wheel, which offers a host of rewards in itself. Take down enemy ships and continue to expand your shipyard so you can sail smoothly through this Roblox banger.

Disney Sparklink Stars is shrouded in mystery, but my idol game senses are tingling

Holly Alice — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:11:25 +0000

After a mysterious logo tease in May, Disney Sparklink Stars gets its first artwork today, showing off a blonde man in a stylish white outfit against a blue background. This, along with certain words used on the website, gives us a small hint as to what the game may shape up to be. Described as "a dream-fulfilling Spark Rider training adventure game", it seems like Sparklink will have elements where we improve characters. Whether there's combat or not, we're not sure of yet - it could be an idol game, or have some fights. There's a short trailer introducing the 'Sparkle Tale', which - after some translation - tells the story of how a seed appeared on an island, which then grew into a large tree, which attracted lights from sky and sea. So far, it seems like a feel-good game.

Overkill codes July 2026

Daz Skubich — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:52:05 +0000

Use our Overkill codes to bag some extra crowns while you're still learning the ropes of this fast-paced multiplayer shooter. Not everyone is born to be a headshot hunter, but we all still deserve a chance at the fancier weapons, so these codes let you grab some crowns to spend without embarrassing yourself in lobbies. We look for new Overkill codes regularly, so make sure to bookmark this page and check back the next time you fancy ripping a case or two.

Genshin Impact's latest buffs bring our beloved B-tier characters back into the limelight

Holly Alice — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:43:57 +0000

I truly love nothing more than when Genshin Impact adds buffs for my favorite characters, and would you look at that - not one, but two of my best DPS boys now have a new reaction to make use of in their kit. The latest Genshin Impact update, 6.7, introduces the 'Stellar-Conduct' reaction, which goes along with buffs for seven characters. These buffs boost their overall kit, but also add the ability to use the new version of the superconduct (electro + cryo) reaction. On top of their character-specific buffs, triggering Stellar-Conduct will place a Polestar Field on the battlefield, which means characters with the ability will enter the Radiance: Stellar-Conduct state, granting even more buffs.

Giant Simulator Reborn codes July 2026

Kayleigh Partleton — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:40:44 +0000

We don't know about you, but our fingers get mighty tired when clicking away endlessly on a PC mouse. Don't get us wrong, it's a lot of fun and a great way to pass the time, but we like to have a little break, which is where Giant Simulator Reborn codes come in, as they can help make your giant even more powerful. Beyond clicking for XP, you can spend gold on various things, such as weapons, which you can use to give you an edge in combat - this also serves as a nice break from all the clicking when you need it, as we're sure you already know.

Sonic Frontiers: Definitive Edition review - a bit of a blur

Kayleigh Partleton — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:36:44 +0000

I love Sonic the Hedgehog, and 2026 is a huge year for the Blue Blur, with last week being his 35th birthday. While I was admittedly a bit disappointed not to see a new game or a remake (Unleashed or Heroes), Sega did mark the occasion by releasing Sonic Frontiers: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch 2, something we all knew was coming for weeks thanks to early physical copies popping up in the wild. Being the lucky bean I am, Sega gave me a review copy of the game, so I can share my thoughts with you all and let you know whether it's worth picking up, either for the first or second time. As Sonic Frontiers is nearly four years old at this point, I'm mostly going to focus on how the game performs on the Nintendo Switch 2, but I'll briefly touch on the gameplay and story first. Like most Sonic games, Robotnik is up to no good once again, leaving Sonic with little choice but to embark on an adventure to stop him, while also rescuing his friends Amy, Knuckles, and Tails. In a first for the franchise, you get to explore an open world as you journey around the Starfall Islands, embarking on epic boss battles with giant beings known as Titans.

The PS Vita is about to fade further into obscurity, and here's why

Connor Christie — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:28:56 +0000

If it wasn't already hard being a PS Vita fan, Sony is preparing to make it even more difficult. The entertainment giant has just announced that it will close the PlayStation Store on the handheld in July 2027. That means that you've only got a year left to download digital versions of the best PS Vita games before all that remains is second-hand physical sales. That last bit is pretty ironic, considering that Sony announced this new development alongside the news that it's ending physical disc production for PlayStation consoles in January 2028. Arriving back in 2012, or 2011 in Japan, the PS Vita might not have been a massive hit compared to some of the rest of the best retro handhelds, such as the Nintendo DS or Game Boy Advance, but it's long maintained a community of devoted fans. The new announcement, via the official PlayStation Blog, puts those Vita users in a difficult position of either spending the next year picking up as many games as possible or facing the Wild West of the second-hand market, which could well see significant price inflation following this announcement. It's worth noting that while the PlayStation Store is closing on the PS Vita, Sony has promised that we'll still be able to download previously purchased content for the "foreseeable future." That's a pretty important caveat, as otherwise the brand would be blocking users from games they technically own, which could turn into a consumer-rights nightmare down the road. The same applies to the PS3, with Sony also phasing out the home console's PlayStation Store over the next 12 months, on different dates in specific regions.

Rhythm Heaven Groove review - we are so back

Daz Skubich — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:33 +0000

I've wanted a new Rhythm Heaven game for the Nintendo Switch practically since the console released in 2017, so getting to do this Rhythm Heaven Groove review has been a dream come true. I'll state my bias up front - Rhythm Heaven for the DS fundamentally changed me as a person, solidifying my love of rhythm games with its wacky cast of characters and generational bops, so I knew that I was bound to love this new entry. Despite being a Nintendo first-party series, Rhythm Heaven is criminally underrated, so I'll forgive you if you don't know what it is. Rhythm Heaven Groove is the fifth entry in a series of rhythm games from Kazuyoshi Osawa of WarioWare fame and famous Japanese musician and producer, Tsunku. The experience is broken down into minigames, each with its own theme, control scheme, and beat to master. After every four minigames, you mash them all together into a Remix level to test your skills in a new environment. Considering that the last Rhythm Heaven game we got was Rhythm Heaven Megamix nearly ten years ago, which was mostly a compilation of previous minigames, it's fair to say that I was looking forward to some new experiences. Rhythm Heaven Groove doesn't disappoint, with over 80 new solo minigames introducing me to a huge cast of silly little characters and a range of art styles. I'm particularly fond of the little alien in Lightning Bolting as he reminds me of Ikea's Aftonsparv.

Before he came to chew gum and kick ass, Duke Nukem went to the moon 35 years ago

Sam Comrie — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:55:18 +0000

Writing about Duke Nukem in the big 2026 is an odd one. For millions of players across the world, the crass, flat-top, cigar-toting hero represents an era of shooters left almost entirely in the past. Some of you may have heard the name in passing. His legacy may be attributed to the understandable brilliance of Duke Nukem 3D, but before that, Apogee Software (3D Realms) laid the foundations for one hell of a good time in 1991. Yes, it really has been 35 years.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is heading to Switch 2, so you can finally put down Skyrim

Sam Comrie — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:04:09 +0000

I reckon you could build an entire house of Skyrim remasters, or it certainly feels that way. But the time to revisit the mass-ported RPG is on the back burner, as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is next in line to get some port love. After launching on consoles last year, Bethesda and Virtuos are releasing it on Nintendo Switch 2 on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. And yes, there's a game card.

Grab a free copy of supernatural farm sim Moonlight Peaks

Holly Alice — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:55:48 +0000

Summerween is here, and there's no better way to celebrate than by winning a free copy of Moonlight Peaks on Steam, Switch, or Switch 2! We have codes for each platform to give away, so enter below if you want to be in with a chance of running your own nocturnal farm. If you're also into creepy cozy games, this is one you won't want to miss. You can read my Moonlight Peaks preview here, where I spent a fortnight as Dracula's child and set up a frightfully good farm. Moonlight Peaks has been an upcoming Switch game on our radar for a couple of years now, but we're here to give you a copy for free as it releases on July 7, 2026. Our giveaway ends on release day, giving you seven days to enter. Simply head to the widgets below and pick your platform, then enter using the buttons.

Are there any Storage Hunters Open World codes?

Kayleigh Partleton — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:12:34 +0000

The world is your oyster, or is it a locker? Storage hunting is great for those of us who love a bargain, going to auctions, and clearing out those old storage lockers. Hopefully you've grabbed some great goodies (we sure have), because there are no Storage Hunters Open World codes to help you out at the moment. While freebies aren't an option, we can't help but think the game is a great time anyway. You have an entire open world to explore, allowing you to go from place to place in search of the best deals, along with a bunch of quests to complete, helping to make things even more interesting.

Zenless Zone Zero Sigrid release date speculation, voice actors, and lore

Holly Alice — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:46:15 +0000

Zenless Zone Zero's Sigrid is one for the horse girls out there. That's right, she's a horse thiren, complete with pointy ears, a tail, and hoof-like boots. She's an S-rank agent who wields a long spear in combat, using the ice element to freeze enemies where they stand. If you're saving up for her, like we are, make sure to grab all the new ZZZ codes for some polychrome. You can check when Sigrid is available by looking at our ZZZ banner guide, too.

Love and Deepspace devs cancel new husbando after community "hurt and disappointment"

Daz Skubich — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:37:09 +0000

Just a week after Papergames revealed Valko as the sixth Love and Deepspace love interest, the studio has released an apology statement, cancelling his addition to the game entirely. Not only that, but the studio also says "no additional love interests will be introduced in future content plans." So that's it. We're not getting any more boys. It has been a rough week in the otome game community, as Love and Deepspace's latest hunky husbando - or rather, the attention that he's taking away from existing LaDS characters - faced unprecedented levels of online backlash. The majority of this negativity came from the game's Chinese audience on Weibo, as fans of all five existing male leads banded together in protest. Feedback ranged from criticism of Valko's Western design clashing with the more traditional features of the existing love interests to complaints of a new character taking writing resources away from the team and his impact on gacha pull rates. These players make some valid points, as Caleb's main story hasn't been updated in over 500 days, leaving his fans feeling discarded and betrayed. As well as the hundreds of thousands of replies on his announcement post, Love and Deepspace has lost over one million followers across its Chinese social media platforms as a result. Sadly, the protests have bled into the real world, with disappointed fans placing cow dung, funeral flowers, and curse banners outside Papergames' offices.

Deltarune Chapter 5 review - a bouquet of brilliant gameplay

Connor Christie — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:22:26 +0000

Friends, SOULs, Lightners, it's time. It's Deltarune Chapter 5 time. After another agonizing wait following the combined arrivals of Chapters 3 and 4 last year, Toby Fox's latest installment in his ongoing RPG saga is finally here, complete with a new, aura-farming character, more blister-inducing bullet-hell battles, and just enough in the way of plot developments to keep us all crafting theories for months to come. Chapter 5, as you might imagine, picks up right after the events of Chapter 4, with Kris waking up on the day of Hometown Festival, with Toriel sleeping on the sofa after dancing the night away with Sans. What follows is a quick trip to the Dark World, a surprisingly fun Susie dress-up minigame, and then a day at the festival itself, which culminates in an endearing scene between Susie and Noelle, the will-they-won't-they couple of the cast of Deltarune characters, before Kris and Susie are forced into investigating a new Dark Fountain in Asgore's flower shop. From here, you go into a floral Dark World and meet Chapter 5's first new character, Flowery. No, not Flowey, Flowery. Big difference (I think). I don't want to ruin it here, but there's no better proof that Toby Fox might be the best shout for gaming auteur of our generation than Flowery's introduction. Simply put, Flowery makes his mark pretty quickly, and this character's larger-than-life personality makes even Chapter 3's unhinged Tenna seem like a perfectly normal member of Dark World society. He also introduces a few new friends, Darkner manifestations of each of Asgore's flowers, all with their own personalities.

We may get this Hoyoverse game on Switch before Genshin Impact

Holly Alice — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:03:24 +0000

A tiny droplet of information may suggest that Petit Planet, an upcoming life sim from Hoyoverse, may be the company's first game to come to Nintendo Switch. This is great news for cozy gamers and fans of anything with Animal Crossing vibes, but it's still a little odd. Remember when Hoyoverse confirmed Genshin Impact on Switch? We sure do, and here we are six years later, still waiting. That's why it's weird that Petit Planet now has an official rating for the portable console, while Genshin doesn't. According to the game's listing on the ESRB website, Petit Planet might just be making its way to Nintendo Switch. The cozy game is now officially rated as E for Everyone on "Windows PC [and] Nintendo Switch 2". As a trusted and official source, it's not often that the ESRB lists the wrong platforms, but mistakes with the publishing pipeline can happen.

Splatoon Raiders feels like the solo Salmon Run I've been waiting for

Holly Alice — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:00:30 +0000

Crash, boom, bang - that's the sound of me smashing into a deserted island in Splatoon Raiders during the two-hour preview I attended. This time around, you can choose to play as an inkling or octoling, working with iconic musical trio-turned-treasure hunters, Deep Cut. The issue is, you're now stuck on an island positively teeming with Salmonids. Splatoon Raiders is aimed at those who may not be huge fans of multiplayer settings - while Splatoon 2 and 3 are some of the best Switch games ever, it can be daunting this far into the series, with everyone having honed their sniper skills already. It's also very similar to Salmon Run from Splatoon 2 and 3, a mode where you fight enemies of all shapes and sizes to collect their golden eggs in a team of four. Except in Raiders, you don't need to rely on teammates with wonky internet connections.

How to raise your Pokémon Pokopia trainer rank

Holly Alice — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:52:39 +0000

Your little Ditto may be getting a bit overwhelmed with all of the many, many tasks it's set - and on top of it, you need to think about how to raise your Pokémon Pokopia trainer rank. Thankfully, it's quite easy. So easy that you don't even need to pay attention to it, really, and it happens as you work through your to-do list. If you're wondering what's going on in the new Pokémon game, you can see all the Pokopia events in our guide and grab the active Pokopia mystery gift codes for some fun in-game items.

Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition review - good for nostalgia, but not for variety

Kayleigh Partleton — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:50:19 +0000

Can you believe Rayman came out in 1995? Me neither; that's just a year younger than me. To mark the occasion, Ubisoft released the Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition earlier this year (don't ask me why it's called that when it's 31 years old now), and now the physical release is finally upon us. I'll never turn down the opportunity to play some Rayman, and I much prefer owning my games physically, especially when they come with little goodies. In the physical copy, not only do you get the game, but inside the case are also a poster, stickers, and pictures - it's a neat little set for collectors, and I very much look forward to having Rayman's face plastered all over my laptop. Beyond knowing that it's a neat thing to own as a fan, you probably want to know if the game, or should I say games, are worth your time as well. While the only title is Rayman, you get five different versions of it in the 30th Anniversary Edition - PC, PlayStation, Atari Jaguar, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance. As if that isn't enough, you even get access to the demo of an unreleased SNES prototype of the game - oh, what could have been.

UGREEN's elating new collab stars Honkai Star Rail's Seer Strategist

Holly Alice — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:53 +0000

We're elated (get it?) to see UGREEN and Honkai Star Rail team up for a collaboration, introducing a swanky set of accessories for phones, gaming devices, watches - you name it, it can charge it. The entire collection is decked out in prints and colors reminiscent of HSR's Yao Guang, a playable five-star character and Seer Strategist of the Xianzhou Yuque. Her color palette is white, blue, and teal, which transfers perfectly to the UGREEN collection of items. The big draw is a collectible gift box containing a Nexode Pro power bank, USB-C cable, and adapter. There's also a handful of themed merch items featuring Yao Guang, including a storage pouch, standee, phone stand, and a tinplate badge.

Sony boss alludes to PlayStation handheld amid ongoing PS6 rumors

Connor Christie — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:22:28 +0000

With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 last year and the arrival of the ROG Xbox Ally, Sony is lagging behind its console competitors in the handheld arena. There's the PlayStation Portal, sure, but that's more of a PS5 accessory than a standalone device. However, it's looking more like an out-and-out PlayStation handheld could be in the works, especially given a new quote from a Sony executive. In a recent Q&A with investors, SIE President Hideaki Nishino was asked about the company's plan to bring back users who migrated to gaming PCs during COVID. Nishino offered a detailed answer, confirming that Sony wants to ditch the "PlayStation equals the living room" perception, with future products that can offer "a seamless experience that can be enjoyed naturally beyond the living room." Admittedly, we're doing a bit of reading between the lines here, but it makes sense. The "beyond the living room" part of Nishino's response points almost directly at handheld hardware. This quote also comes on the back of over a year of consistent PlayStation handheld rumors, with some prominent leakers pointing to the launch of an AMD-powered Sony handheld capable of running PS4, PS5, and PS6 games in the not-too-distant future.

New Fortnite DC summer skins are coming alongside a Batman Sprite

Sam Comrie — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:58:26 +0000

For the longest time, Marvel has dominated Fortnite in terms of superhero cosmetics. But times are changing, and DC Comics is heading back to the island. Ahead of the game's next major update, we've already got our first look at a wave of Fortnite DC summer skins, which include a few fan-favorites. Yes, Batman is back again, but he's not just heading to your locker. He's finding a place on your back, too.

You can thank us if we get a Dead by Daylight Switch 2 port

Kayleigh Partleton — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:42:41 +0000

During its ten years of existence, Dead by Daylight has launched on many different platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, mobile, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Last year, the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 arrived, and, with DBD's recent tenth anniversary, some fans thought it would add the NS2 to its long list of platforms. But alas, that didn't happen. In fact, you shouldn't get your hopes up for one anytime soon. I recently interviewed Dave Richard, the horror game's senior creative director, and not only did he reiterate that there are no plans for a sequel, but that a Switch 2 port is "not in our immediate plans." While this is a bit disappointing to hear, it's not as if you can't enjoy the game on the console regardless, thanks to it running the vast majority of Switch games. However, I'm also taking this news with a pinch of cautious optimism, as Richard mentions that "we're noting your request." Leading me to believe that a Dead by Daylight Switch 2 port could still come to fruition one day, and you are most welcome if it does, for I'll be taking all of the credit.

Kadabra | Pokémon guide

Holly Alice — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:37:07 +0000

The classic Gen 1 psychic line's middle evolution is the Pokémon Kadabra. It may not have both its spoons yet, but it's well on the way, though it has shed the adorable Abra face. Either way, don't cross it, as it can do some serious damage with hefty moves like Psyshock. To see what other Psychic Pokémon come up in the Pokédex, you can check out our other guides, or continue reading to see how to evolve Kadabra.

Golbat | Pokémon guide

Holly Alice — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:34:31 +0000

Need to find the Pokémon Golbat, or see which moves it can learn? We've got all the key information on the bat Pokémon right here. Golbat is known for its strong bite, which allows it to suck blood through its teeth - though they're fragile, so trainers often see the bats with one tooth. Another fun fact is that if it drinks enough of one type of blood, its own blood type will change to match. If you want to make a full team of flying Pokémon, you can check our top picks or the full Pokédex to see who else you might want to add.

Pokopia Eevee and Eeveelutions guide

Holly Alice — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:25:29 +0000

Looking for Pokopia's Eevee and Eeveelutions to jazz up the place a bit? We've got all the information you need on how to find all eight of them and build some quite specific habitats they'll readily spawn into. There's a lot to do, so get ready. While aiming to fill your living Pokedex in the game, don't forget to take part in the current Pokopia events, and check for any Pokopia mystery gift codes you can redeem.

My Hero Academia United Survival release date speculation, pre-registration, and platforms

Holly Alice — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:16:19 +0000

Another mobile game is on the cards - this time, it's My Hero Academia United Survival, an action roguelite set in the anime's world. It's free to play, and sees you make teams of three characters to take on battles and face off against enemies featured in the manga and other media. While you wait for United Survival, check out our list full of the best anime games on handheld platforms, including another My Hero Academia-inspired title.

CookieRun: Crumble release date window, pre-registration, and platforms

Daz Skubich — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:45:03 +0000

The delicious world of CookieRun expands as Devsisters reveals CookieRun: Crumble, a deck-building idle RPG featuring a bunch of your favorite characters. In this new experience, you can collect Cookies, build teams using different strategies, and fight across a range of game modes. Pre-registration for CookieRun: Crumble is open now, and you can get a taste of the action early thanks to three activities on the official website. Build a prospective Cookie team to find out your ideal playstyle, send them into battle to collect Crumbs, and put together a treasure map to earn more rewards.

The REDMAGIC Astra 2 could be the Android gaming tablet of your dreams

Connor Christie — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:53:23 +0000

Just over a year after the launch of the original, it's now official: the REDMAGIC Astra 2 gaming tablet is coming soon. While we already knew that China was getting a new tablet from the gaming-oriented brand, REDMAGIC has now revealed that the follow-up to the Astra is getting a global launch. From what we can gather surrounding the Astra 2's suggested specs, it sounds like it could be a new top pick for our guide to the best gaming tablets. In the X post revealing the Astra 2, REDMAGIC confirms that it's the global version of the upcoming Gaming Tablet 5 Pro. We already know that the 5 Pro utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, which is one of the best around for powering elite performance on an Android device, as well as an OLED display and a monster 8,300mAh battery. If the Astra 2 uses the same hardware, that makes for a tempting proposition. To combat the heat-producing power of the Elite Gen 5 chip, it also looks like the Astra 2 boasts some water-cooling tech to keep your hands from getting too toasty while gaming. Given the demands of some of the top picks from our guide to the best mobile games, such as Honkai Star Rail and Honor of Kings, cooling is more important than ever. You can also see the water cooling pipes on the back of the tablet, which is a lovely design touch.

"Infinite chaotic moments" are to thank for Dead by Daylight's longevity and success

Kayleigh Partleton — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:44:50 +0000

Dead by Daylight is officially ten years old; that's an entire decade of dedicated players taking on the role of killer or survivor in high-octane matches that are nothing short of a thrill ride for horror fans. During that time, not only has Behavior Interactive introduced many original characters, but it's also played host to some fantastic collaborations, including with two of the biggest horror videogame franchises out there: Silent Hill and Resident Evil. Of course, those partnerships transcend games, bringing you some of the most iconic characters in horror, such as Ghostface, Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and, later this year, the villain I've long been waiting to team with The Entity, Art the Clown. I couldn't let such a huge anniversary pass me by without picking the brain of Dead by Daylight's senior creative director, Dave Richard. Not only did I ask him about those aforementioned collaborations, including his personal favorite, but we also dove into how important the community is, the impact streamers continue to have, and why Dead by Daylight continues to remain a strong entry in the genre, while other games, such as The Evil Dead, have both risen and fallen over the last ten years.

The new Sanrio game will turn you and Hello Kitty into party animals

Quinn Collins — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 14:11:16 +0000

Whether it's an island adventure or running a cafe, we love following Hello Kitty and her pals around on our phones, consoles, and PCs. At the 2026 Sanrio Fest in Japan, the creators of our favorite cutiepie had a surprise for mobile gamers - a new Hello Kitty rhythm game, titled Sanrio Kawaii Me Live!, is coming in 2027. The new Hello Kitty game will be free-to-play, and thanks to an early preview from Japanese outlet Famitsu, we have some pretty solid details on what to expect. Famitsu reports that Sanrio Kawaii Me Live! features rhythm game levels set to a number of familiar tracks, including Kuromi's Greedy Greedy and Pompom Beat. There are two musical modes - a relaxed one and a more hardcore one - or, if you're only interested in the dressing-up aspect, you can set the tracks to automatically complete, meaning you don't even need to be a fan of rhythm games. Unfortunately, you might need to be a fan of gacha games. Clearing levels awards you currency in the gacha, which isn't much of a surprise for a free mobile game. Luckily, all the characters are unlocked from the beginning, and the gacha is instead the main way to get cosmetics for your friends. You can get clothes and hats, as well as instruments, to make them look cooler while playing on stage. These have a benefit to your gameplay, too, as leveling up cosmetics means you can unlock cool new features.

Astrae Oratio release date window, platforms, and more

Quinn Collins — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 11:15:03 +0000

You might be able to tell from its social media channels: hype is building for the Astrae Oratio release date. If you're looking for the latest news on when and where it's coming out, as well as trailers and links for the official website, you're in the right place. Let's find out how to meet our characters, including Erin, Riria, and Anna. It's likely that, as with many of the best gacha games, Astrae Oratio will have a pre-registration period in the near future, so we'll also include information about that as and when it becomes available. Hopefully, we'll be able to get some neat rewards by being eager.

Jet off to these video game hotels with the Pocket Tactics travel guide

Quinn Collins — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 08:52:57 +0000

I don't know about you, but sometimes when I'm playing video games, I get green with envy of the settings my character visits. Whether it's the picturesque Costa del Sol region of Spain in Final Fantasy VII, the luxury of Hitman's Himmanpan Hotel, or the dark beauty of the more horrifying locations like Resident Evil 9's Wrenwood Hotel, I'm always lusting after a trip. I decided that if I couldn't really visit Wuhu Island, I could at least attempt to do some math. How much would it cost to book a trip at these hotels, say between July 6 and 12? Find out the ranking below of seven famous video game vacation destinations with our travel guide. It's worth noting that these numbers are pretty approximate. A month before the hypothetical travel week, I compared the pricing of hotels of similar standards to their fictional counterparts, including their locations, which, in some cases, I also had to guess. I'll explain each one as I go, but let's get into the travel guide and find out where we're headed on our (mental) vacation.

The new Nikke collab shows your favorite Persona girlies from a saucy angle

Daz Skubich — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:16:40 +0000

Nikke just announced its next major IP crossover, and it's with none other than the Persona series. While details are extremely limited at the moment, the collaboration teaser video confirms that characters from Persona 3, 4, and 5 will make appearances in the mobile game, presumably as part of Persona's 30th anniversary celebrations. The teaser trailer officially dropped as part of Nikke's summer livestream, but sneaky gacha game fans found the trailer unlisted on the game's YouTube page yesterday and posted it to Reddit. Neither Nikke nor the Persona series is a stranger to a collaboration - so much so that the Persona curse is a real fear in the eyes of most mobile gamers - but this particular crossover feels very out of the blue. That being said, the COD Mobile Persona 5 crossover proves that Atlus is willing to try anything once. All three Persona games featured in the teaser have male protagonists, but one look at the Nikke tier list will tell you that men basically don't exist in this game. The Neon Genesis Evangelion collab sidelined Shinji, and Resident Evil's Chris Redfield was nowhere to be seen when the survival horror series' characters joined Nikke's roster. So, based on my knowledge of what Nikke fans want, and the most popular female Persona characters, here are my predictions for the upcoming collab.

Amid 007 First Light sequel concerns, IO Interactive and Amazon are in "a good spot"

Sam Comrie — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:55:45 +0000

Before 007 First Light launched, Amazon struck a deal with long-time James Bond custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to take over the franchise. The future of Bond under new leadership is the topic of intense debate, but where does IO Interactive factor into the equation? In my recent chat with IO Interactive, senior licensing producer Theuns Smit offers some more clarity on the situation.

The new BanG Dream! game is gearing up for release, and you can pre-register now

Daz Skubich — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:00:08 +0000

Bilibili Game has announced that BanG Dream! Our Notes, the next mobile game in the Bandori series due to release globally in 2026, is holding a closed beta test, and pre-registration is open now. The story follows three familiar bands from across the multimedia project, and introduces two entirely new groups - millsage and Ikka Dumb Rock! If, like me, you've been wanting to get into Bandori but find the years of rhythm games, anime, and live performances a bit overwhelming, BanG Dream! Our Notes is the perfect place to start fresh with the franchise, telling a new story with a mixture of fresh and familiar faces. You'll start off the story alongside MyGO!!!!! and Ave Mujica and "Guide each group from rehearsal studios to stadium shows, as you master tight, rhythm-based gameplay set to original, high-energy pop." Much like its predecessor, BanG Dream! Girls Band Party, and other popular mobile rhythm games like Project Sekai, Our Notes combines rhythm gameplay with immersive, visual novel game-style storytelling and gorgeously illustrated gacha cards, allowing you to go beyond the stories told in the anime. We've also got a completely new game mode to look forward to called Gekiso Live, which combines "combo chains, timing accuracy, and unexpected gameplay twists."

I love Sonic, but Sega's new Modern and Classic collections feel pointless

Kayleigh Partleton — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:00:40 +0000

Sonic is officially 35 years old, and to mark the occasion, Sega hosted an anniversary livestream that doubled as a charity event - there's nothing about that I don't like. It's a big party with a worthy cause. Mind you, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't expecting at least a couple of exciting announcements. While I'm pleased to see Sega finally unveil Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition, it was the worst-kept secret, and I think the two new Sonic Modern and Classic collections for Switch are more than a little lackluster. In case you don't know what I'm talking about, later this year, Sega is releasing both Modern and Classic collections of Sonic games for the Nintendo Switch. Sounds good, right? Well, considering all six games, three per pack, are already available on the console, I don't think these are worth picking up unless you're a new fan who's yet to play them. In the Classic collection, you get Sonic Origins, Sonic Superstars, and Sonic Mania, while in the Modern collection, you have Sonic Forces, Sonic Frontiers, and Sonic Colors Ultimate. While those are fine choices on the surface, I have a serious bone to pick with the Modern option - there are many other Sonic games that fans would love to play on Nintendo Switch, so why on Earth are we getting things that we already have on the console?

Here's to 25 years of the Game Boy Advance, the handheld that changed my life

Connor Christie — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:04:53 +0000

I don't recall much from 25 years ago. I can't remember my first day at school, where I went on vacation that summer, or my sixth birthday party. What I do remember, though, as if it were yesterday, is tearing the gift wrapping off an unassuming box under the Christmas tree and finding a Nintendo Game Boy Advance inside. My Game Boy Advance. That, dear readers, was the moment that started it all, my love of handheld gaming, and two-and-a-half decades later, I'm looking back to see what makes the GBA one of the very best retro handhelds of all time. First, though, a bit of context. The Game Boy Advance launched in Japan on March 21, 2001, before arriving in North America, Europe, and Australia in June of that year. It was the follow-up to the Game Boy Color, going from the relatively limited 8-bit gameplay to 32-bit gameplay. Over the next decade, the handheld would go on to sell over 80 million copies before Nintendo discontinued it globally in 2010. That makes it the 11th best-selling console of all time, at the time of writing, beating out the PSP, 3DS, and Xbox One. While it arrived in 2001, work on the handheld technically started years earlier, in the early 1990s, under the guise of 'Project Atlantis.' That prototype featured a color screen and a 32-bit processor, but the team behind it, led by Satoru Okada, one of the creators of the Game Boy, shelved the idea in 1997. Instead, Nintendo implemented the color screen in the Game Boy Color. While it might be viewed as a classic handheld now, the GBC wasn't exactly a massive success for the company, so the Japanese giant went back to the drawing board, using Project Atlantis' 32-bit chip as a basis for what would become the Game Boy Advance.

Ten Pokémon Pokopia tips to get you started

Holly Alice — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:03:57 +0000

Game Freak and Omega Force's ambitious open-world offering is bigger than most of us imagined. Like, way bigger. So, we've come up with some handy Pokopia tips and hints to get you going without being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of new friends, habitats, blocks, recipes, and furniture items. Once you've got to grips with the game, we recommend checking out the current Pokopia events, and any Pokopia mystery gift codes you can grab for some free items to decorate your homestead.

Our favorite games to play when it's hot as frick outside

Holly Alice — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:04:51 +0000

Last month, the UK broke its previous record of how hot it had ever been in May. It got to be 35°C/95F where I was, and now, we're in the middle of another record-breaking week where forecasts are claiming everything from 33°C/91F-39°C/102F. I'm not in the mood for dense games. No reading, no comprehension, no instructions, I just want something to click to pass the time. So I looked through my Nintendo Switch, my Steam library, and the gacha games I have on my iPad for something to give cool vibes and an easy setting. While Honkai Star Rail is a simple fare of clicking menus and combat options, I didn't have the strength for team comps. I wasn't in the mood to simulate labor in an outdoor-themed farm game or play a city-based game with the thought of hot concrete streets. While looking through lists, I also wondered what my fellow teammates were up to in the sweltering, heavy, dense, endless UK heat - here are the games we all chose.

Olivia Rodrigo's Fortnite debut is Drop Dead gorgeous

Quinn Collins — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:34:42 +0000

My favorite song from Olivia Rodrigo's new album might be either What's Wrong With Me or Cigarette Smoke, but if yours is Maggots for Brains or Drop Dead, I have a feeling you're going to like the Olivia Rodrigo Fortnite collab. The singer has had an absolutely massive album launch with 'you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love', so naturally, it's time to take things virtual. On June 25 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, you'll be able to pick up a ton of Liv cosmetics, including emotes, Jam Tracks, outfits, and back bling. We all care about the Fortnite skins more than anything else, so let me dive right into Olivia's outfits. You can pick up a Sour-themed outfit to throw it back to her debut album, or get the new Lover Girl outfit, which is more reminiscent of her current era. Don't worry, Lego fans, as both outfits come with Lego Minifig options and reactive styles. We're excited to see Olivia fighting alongside Fortnite Sabrina Carpenter skins, maximizing their joint slay. Alongside this, you can grab Olivia's Butterfly Wings Back Bling for an innocent touch, or the Flammable Sticker Collection Back Bling, if you want to show off the singer's punk-rock edge. You'll also be able to purchase Good 4 U and Maggots for Brains emotes, which both have some cute effects. The Jam Tracks coming to Fortnite Festival are Drop Dead, Maggots for Brains, and the old classic Deja Vu. This is on top of the other three songs already available.

Are there any 100 Days At Sea codes?

Kayleigh Partleton — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:19:36 +0000

After surviving 99 Nights in the Forest, we're all ready to embark on our next challenge, but some 100 Days At Sea codes would be very handy, right? Well, you're on your own at the moment, as there are no codes in the game - oh, don't look at us like that, freebies might arrive someday. Besides, 100 Days At Sea is a fun experience without freebies, forcing you to tackle the challenge on your own. You can't tell us that you're not loving trying to unravel the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle; we sure are. We also love the amount of exploration on offer, with there being many islands to visit.

The Animal Crossing Baskin-Robbins collab is so cute I might die

Holly Alice — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:05:52 +0000

Boy, do I want some ice cream during the summer heat. Even more so after seeing the Animal Crossing x Baskin-Robbins collab in Japan - I truly want what I can't have, which is cool charms, cups, and cold desserts. Baskin-Robbins (known as B-R 31 in Japan) announced a collaboration with the best cozy game of all time: Animal Crossing. There are three flavors based on vibes from the series that you can get, which come with cups and spoons decorated with villagers and NPCs alike. From July 1 to 31, you can try the new concoctions - one of which comes with fish-shaped candy pieces. Two Double Cups come with a cute spoon featuring a Timmy and Tommy-shaped charm and suitably decorated pots. Or, you can get a floating present-shaped pot which has KK Slider and Isabelle on top. There's also a Wisp-covered cup for you night-owls, which also has a museum-themed charm with Blathers and Celeste.

All Fish It rods and tier list

Holly Alice — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:18:11 +0000

Wondering which Fish It rods are the best for catching plenty of fish? Our tier list has them all ranked. Plus, we have a list of every single tool in the game and how to find it. Most rods give you a boost to your stats, too, which is nice. To help you get ahead in the game, use these Fish It codes for potions and help with the elemental rod quest. Then, go catch some Fish It fish using your shiny new tools!

Goddess of Victory: Nikke dev opens pre-registration for new time-travel RPG

Daz Skubich — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:01:53 +0000

Ahead of the game's appearance at Anime Expo, Smilegate has opened pre-registrations for Miresi: Invisible Future, a new time-travel RPG. If you're attending the convention, you could be among the first in North America to try the game and get your hands on some exclusive merchandise. Miresi: Invisible Future comes from developer Control9, whose co-CEOs Soon-gu Cho and Se-woong Kwon both played key roles in making Goddess of Victory: Nikke. Miresi's art director also worked on the gacha game, which certainly explains its... shall we say voluptuous cast. Set in a world where "time and space intersect", this game takes you on a journey alongside various potential waifus to save the day through real-time, turn-based strategic battles. "With our participation in Anime Expo, we wanted to create an opportunity to introduce Miresi to global players and communicate with them more closely, which is why we launched the pre-registration page," said Jae-young Han, Head of Business for Miresi at Smilegate. "We will continue to gradually reveal more news and updates about Miresi through various channels, and we hope for your continued interest and excitement."

Grab a free Poppy Playtime Chapter 5 code and face the Prototype, if you dare

Kayleigh Partleton — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:46:27 +0000

We're giving away ten Poppy Playtime Chapter 5 Nintendo Switch codes so you have the chance to play the latest story expansion inside Playtime Co. Chapter 5 lets you delve even deeper into the factory, and it's up to you to finally take down The Prototype. If you want to find out what we think of the latest instalment, or get a rundown of what to expect so you don't get too spooked, check out our Poppy Playtime Chapter 5 review here. There's a lot to unpack in this chapter alone, but never fear - surely PP Chapter 6 isn't too far off?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 release date, trailer, and platforms

Sam Comrie — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:16:10 +0000

After more than a decade, Call of Duty is returning to Nintendo consoles. Microsoft is delivering on its promise to bring the FPS series to other platforms, and that begins when the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 release date arrives. With Captain Price and Task Force 141 on the hunt for revenge, it's bound to be one of the most explosive entries so far. If you're wondering when MW4 is coming out, what platform it's on, or if you can see any gameplay, then you're in the right place.

How I replaced my Steam Deck with an Honor Magic V6, a controller, and one Android app

Connor Christie — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:22:07 +0000

For the last month or so, I've been tinkering with the new Honor Magic V6, the Chinese brand's latest foldable phone. I've been using it for streaming TV, opening packs in Pokémon TCG Pocket, and for the odd bit of note-taking, but now I think I've figured out how to really get the most out of the phone. I've combined it with a mobile controller and the GameNative app to turn it into a Steam Deck OLED replacement. Yes, I've essentially made my own Frankenhandheld. Much like the REDMAGIC 11 Pro, the current top pick from our guide to the best gaming phones, the Honor Magic V6 packs the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. That makes it the ideal candidate for this sort of setup, as it's one of the most powerful mobile processors out there, and that's exactly what I need in a handheld. The second benefit of the V6 is its foldable form factor, offering more display space than any regular candy bar-shaped phone, with the option to play on the smaller external display. Also, both displays are OLED, so they're perfectly suited to gaming. As for the software side of things, the newly updated GameNative app for Android makes playing PC games on your phone easier than ever. All I had to do was sign in with Steam, and my library was there waiting for me, and not just that, but each game points out whether or not it's compatible with my phone. As I'll get into later, this system plays a bit fast and loose with its community ratings, much in the same way as Valve's own verification program, but it's still a nifty feature.

Star Fox review - about time you showed up, McCloud

Kayleigh Partleton — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:34 +0000

I don't know about you, but for the longest time, I've been begging Nintendo to release a new Star Fox game. We never got one on the Nintendo Switch, but the appearance of a certain Fox McCloud in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie led me to believe we'd be getting one on the Nintendo Switch 2 soon. What I didn't expect was for Nintendo to announce it so soon after the film's release - it seemed like a Direct sort of announcement. Simply titled Star Fox, this game is a remake of the original, also known as Lylat Wars, on the Nintendo 64, giving you the chance to experience another classic. Being as lucky as I am, I've had a week and a half with the game already, and I'm ready to share all of my thoughts with you. Spoiler alert: this is the Star Fox experience I was hoping for. If you're a fan of the original or the Wii U game, Star Fox Zero, which serves as a reimagining of it, you already know what to expect and will be familiar with the story. Still, as a remake, Star Fox expands upon the narrative, bringing something new to the table, so both old and new fans get to experience something fresh in regards to the story. Namely, there are fleshed-out cutscenes to add a bit more lore to the universe, giving you even more time with McCloud, Falco, Snippy, and Peppy.

You can join the Fortnite Supergirl Cup to get Milly Alcock's DC hero for free

Sam Comrie — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:41:09 +0000

Supergirl is swooping into theatres around the world, but you can become part of the action right at home. Continuing from David Corenswet's appearance in Fortnite, Milly Alcock joins the game's growing roster of skins on Friday, June 26, 2026. But you don't need to wait until then to add her to your squad. The Fortnite Supergirl Cup awards you the skin for free if you're willing to get your hands dirty.

Things that have happened in the decade since Witchbrook was announced

Holly Alice — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:21:20 +0000

June 24, 2026: It's actually six UK Prime Ministers now. It feels like a hundred years since Chucklefish announced Witchbrook as an upcoming game that mixes all my favorite things: life-sim aspects, pixel graphics, and witchy vibes, bringing the coziness and maybe even a bit of spookiness. It first appeared in 2016. That was ten years ago. Now, it's 2026, and I got bored, so I decided to make a list of what's occurred in the world since then. First, here's a timeline of Witchbrook events so far to refresh your memory. Chucklefish announced the magical school-centered game in 2016. Back then, it was called Project Spellbound, until March 2018, when it got officially renamed as Witchbrook. Over the years, we've seen Witchbrook's social media pages appear, a newsletter called 'The Oracle' get sent out, and confirmation that "[the team] went full-on on the project in 2019" in a Knowledge newsletter this year. In April 2025, the game appeared in a Nintendo Direct, confirming that it was coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 in Winter 2025. Obviously, that date has now come and gone, and there's been no update on the expected release date.

Sega finally unveils its worst-kept secret, Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition is out today

Kayleigh Partleton — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:00:50 +0000

The rumors surrounding Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition are quite old at this point. However, Nintendo Switch 2 copies of the game popped up in the wild over the past week, leading all of us Sonic fans to speculate that the formal announcement must be imminent. Well, during the Sonic 35th anniversary livestream, Sega finally confirmed the game's existence. Better still, you can play it today. Sonic Frontiers was first released in 2022 on Nintendo Switch, alongside PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, PC, and Xbox Series X/S. Breaking new ground for Sonic games, Frontiers featured an open-world design, allowing you to rush around the abandoned Starfall Islands, as you once again try to put a stop to one of Robotnik's pesky schemes. There are some epic boss fights with beasts known as Titans, and a genuinely interesting narrative that I enjoy. While Sonic Frontiers isn't a masterpiece, it laid the groundwork for what we'll likely see in the future, and I expect the next Sonic game will be fantastic as the team builds upon the foundation.

Blox Fruits Shark guide

Holly Alice — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:17:15 +0000

In this One Piece-inspired Roblox game, you can make use of the Blox Fruits Shark race, and it's sure to help you make a splash. Not to be confused with the shark-themed enemy, mind. You can actually start the game as this coveted race option, or you can reroll to change it up later. Our guide has information on how to do just that, and why you should consider becoming a Shark. Before you dive into the game, don't forget to grab the new Blox Fruits codes for some freebies. We also have a Blox Fruits tier list ranking all of the available fruits, so you can properly equip yourself.

Genshin Impact Nahida build, weapon, and teams

Tilly Lawton — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:09:11 +0000

Genshin Impact's Nahida is a super adorable and incredibly powerful character who dances her way into many versatile team comps. So, to make sure you can utilize her in the best ways, we've created the best Genshin Nahida build with information on what her skills are, and which weapon makes her a leafy powerhouse. With a wonderfully unique kit, she's here to help you blossom into an elemental reaction expert. If you want to stock up on wishes for new characters, check out our list of Genshin Impact codes. We also have a Genshin Impact tier list and information on the recent Genshin Impact update.

Save on Zelda, Kirby, Metroid, and more for Nintendo Switch 2 this Amazon Prime Day

Connor Christie — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:23:01 +0000

Yes, folks, it's Amazon Prime Day once again. As ever, we've gone out in search of the best deals on Nintendo Switch 2 games so you can pick up some of our personal favorites for a discounted price. It's no secret that a lot of games, especially Nintendo's first-party games, rarely see discounts on the eShop, but that doesn't stop Amazon from slashing the prices now and then to help you catch up with some iconic characters for less. It's worth mentioning that the Amazon Prime Day deals only run from June 23 to 26, or until they're out of stock, so you should take advantage of any discounts right away. With that said, let's get into the most unmissable deals before it's too late

007 First Light's Switch 2 port is "seeing really good progress", IO Interactive reveals

Sam Comrie — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:34:24 +0000

007 First Light is almost a month old already, but the excitement of Patrick Gibson's James Bond debut isn't fading just yet. Between hammering out every TacSim or checking every story mission challenge, First Light's post-launch life is just beginning. While we got our first glimpse of the game's roadmap at Summer Game Fest, there's one inclusion that needs discussing: the Nintendo Switch 2 port. In my recent chat with senior licensing producer, Theuns Smit, he assures me that First Light's handheld iteration is coming along smoothly.

The new Jsaux Switch 2 dock looks better than Nintendo's own and is half the price

Connor Christie — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:27:28 +0000

We love a good accessory here at Pocket Tactics, especially if it's great value for money. That means we very much like the looks of the new Jsaux 6-in-1 Gaming Dock for Nintendo Switch 2, which not only offers more features than Nintendo's own dock but is also available at a lower price of $59.99. For context, that's more than half the price of the $124.99 official Switch 2 dock. For those who don't know, Jsaux is the brand behind some fantastic handheld and hybrid console accessories, including some of the best Steam Deck docks. Much like the 6-in-1 dock for Valve's handheld, this Nintendo Switch 2 equivalent boasts a 4K output, a high-speed Ethernet port, and a 100W USB-C charging port for fast charging. Already, that's a better offering than Nintendo's pretty basic dock, but that's only half of it. The 6-in-1 Gaming Dock enables you to charge up to four Joy-Con 2 controllers simultaneously, with two on either side of the dock's fold-out charging station and two behind, plus a charging point for your Switch 2 Pro Controller. You can also use that folding part of the dock to store some of the best Switch games and MicroSD Express cards, which is nice and convenient, especially if you're regularly carting your console and dock from place to place.

Sonic's birthday livestream is bound to be full of Sega surprises, here's how to watch

Sam Comrie — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:23:06 +0000

He might be turning 35, but there are no signs of slowing down from Sonic the Hedgehog. We love this speedy blue guy at Pocket Tactics, as his adventures over the years have captivated our imaginations in one way or another. Be it crossovers with Mario at the Olympics or the shredding guitar licks of the Sonic Heroes theme, there's a lot to celebrate. With the Sonic birthday livestream penciled in for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, there could be a few surprises to look out for.

Love and Deepspace's new wolf guy is doing it for us, even if he has four ears

Holly Alice — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:50:04 +0000

They say being a sheep is bad, but when Love and Deepspace shows off a new werewolf-themed guy, some of us suddenly find ourselves covered in wool. Enter Valko - he appeared after a 'supermoon countdown' on the LADS X account, followed by pictures of a giant pawprint-shaped hole in the concrete outside a tall inner-city building. Love and Deepspace hits version 6.0 on July 9, alongside the new update, 'A Shattered Quiet'. With it is the new lupine lover, Valko. In his spare time, he's an EonCore Tech chairman, but also head of a werewolf clan, which sounds really fun - the lore is sure to be fun with this one. During his introductory trailer, we see him in both human and wolf form. I'll let you figure out if wooing someone who can become a literal animal aligns with your morals, but other similar characters have easily found their way into our hearts.

All Pokémon Pokopia events

Holly Alice — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:53:04 +0000

Welcome to an adorable world, where there are Pokémon Pokopia events to add even more friendly faces to your camp. These limited-time occurrences crop up with exclusive rewards that you can't get otherwise, so we highly recommend you find out the information here to fill your village roster a bit more. You can also find all the available Pokémon Pokopia mystery gifts in our guide for even more goodies. Or, to look for your next friend, take a look at the entire Pokédex.

Exploring Super Mario 64's legacy on its 30th birthday

Quinn Collins — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:30:39 +0000

It's pretty unusual for a game that came out exactly 30 years ago to still have a vibrant and active community of players, but then again, Super Mario 64 is an unusual game. We're talking about the first 3D Super Mario game and the best-selling title of one of Nintendo's most iconic consoles, so naturally, a cult following comes with the territory. On its anniversary, I want to take a look at exactly why my fellow Super Mario 64 fans have stuck with the game for so long. When it first came out in 1996, Super Mario 64 was revolutionary. It changed players' understanding of what a Mario game could do or be, and established the 3D platformer genre's staying power. It wasn't the first of its kind - but it was one of the first to do it so successfully, alongside the likes of Crash Bandicoot and Bubsy. It established moving the camera for the first time with analog sticks, and it implemented an HP system, which was fairly new for platformers. Is it any wonder, then, that developers are still citing SM64 as a major influence on their new games?