Game Climate

Nintendo Direct April 2025: All the Big Nintendo Switch 2 Reveals

Joel — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Today’s Nintendo Direct unveiled a slew of exciting announcements, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and a lineup of new games. Here’s a breakdown of everything revealed.

Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal

The highlight of the Nintendo Direct was the official unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2. This next-generation console sports a sleek design with a larger 1080p LCD screen, supporting up to 120fps and HDR along with 4K TV support for a visually stunning experience. The new Joy-Con controllers introduce mouse-like functionality and a mysterious “C” button that was revealed to activate GameChat, a feature for video and voice communication. It’s a modern upgrade that promises to elevate gaming on the go. Watch the reveal here.

Release Date and Price

Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2 will hit shelves on June 5, 2025. Pricing starts at $450 for the standalone console, with a limited edition $500 bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World. This is a good deal, considering games for the new console will now be $79.99. This marks a notable jump from the original Switch’s launch price as well as game pricing, sparking discussions among fans about the value of the enhanced features.

Pre-orders

For those ready to secure their Switch 2, pre-orders kick off on April 9, 2025. Retailers like Best Buy are gearing up, offering pre-orders online and via their mobile app starting at midnight ET. With high demand expected, acting fast will be key to ensuring you don’t miss out on this tailored gaming upgrade.

Nintendo’s official store is running a special pre-order queue Open to Nintendo Account holders in the U.S. and Canada, who are:

At least 18 years old
Who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership
Have played a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025

If you are eligible, an invitation email will be sent to the email address associated with your Nintendo Account when it is your time to purchase. The invitation will be valid for 72 hours. Invitation emails will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis to registrants. Once invitation emails have been sent to all registrants meeting the priority criteria, invitations will be sent to remaining eligible registrants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Join the Pre-Order Queue at Nintendo.com

New Games

The Direct showcased an impressive lineup of games for the Switch 2, each designed to leverage the console’s advanced capabilities. Here’s what’s coming:

Mario Kart World: This open-world take on the racing classic lets players speed across connected tracks, compete in the new Knockout Tour mode, or roam freely. It launches with the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. Watch the trailer.
Metroid Prime 4: After years of waiting, Samus returns with psychic abilities and hints of time-travel in a breathtaking trailer. It’s slated for 2025. A Switch 2 version will feature enhanced graphics. Watch the trailer.
Elden Ring: FromSoftware’s masterpiece brings its vast, challenging world to the Switch 2, tailored for Nintendo fans. Watch the trailer.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: These remastered skateboarding classics drop in July 2025, offering a nostalgic yet modern ride. Watch the trailer.
Civilization 7: The strategy series evolves with deeper gameplay and enhanced visuals, perfectly suited for the Switch 2. See the announcement.
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition: This complete package, with all updates and DLCs, delivers a high-performing cyberpunk experience. Watch the trailer.
Donkey Kong Bonanza: A fresh 3D platformer with destruction physics, swinging in on July 17, 2025. Watch the trailer.
Kirby Air Riders: Directed by Masahiro Sakurai, this sequel to Kirby Air Ride promises a delightful 2025 release. See the announcement.

Additional reveals included Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a prequel to Tears of the Kingdom, and Project 007, a James Bond adventure from IO Interactive.

Game Upgrades

Nintendo also announced enhancements for existing Switch titles on the Switch 2. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive performance boosts and support for new features like GameShare. These upgrades will cost an enhancement fee to upgrade your current game to the Switch 2 graphics mode, or if you’re a Nintendo Member with Expansion Pack you get the enhancements for Switch 1 games you own for free as announced on the Nintendo TreeHouse on 4/3/2025.

Updated 4/3/2025

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AMD CES 2025 Mobile CPU Announcement

Joel — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 20:54:55 +0000

AMD has revealed their upcoming lineup of mobile processors from 15 to 120W cTDP power levels, up to 80MB of total cache, 15 cores and frequencies up to 5.2GHz boost.

AMD CES 2025 Announcements

Full press release, https://www.amd.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-1-6-amd-announces-expanded-consumer-and-commercial-ai-.html

AMD AI Max mobile processors (45-120W cTDP)

Model	Cores / Threads	Boost² / Base Frequency	Total Cache	Graphics Model AMD	cTDP	NPU TOPS	Graphics Cores
AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395	16C/32T	Up to 5.1 /3.0 GHz	80MB	AMD Radeon 8060S Graphics	45-120W	50	40
AMD Ryzen AI Max 390	12C/24T	Up to 5.0 / 3.2 GHz	76MB	AMD Radeon 8050S Graphics	45-120W	50	32
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385	8C/16T	Up to 5.0 / 3.6 GHz	40MB	AMD Radeon 8050S Graphics	45-120W	50	32
AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395	16C/32T	Up to 5.1 / 3.0 GHz	80MB	AMD Radeon 8060S Graphics	45-120W	50	40
AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390	12C/24T	Up to 5.0 / 3.2 GHz	76MB	AMD Radeon 8050S Graphics	45-120W	50	32
AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385	8C/16T	Up to 5.0 / 3.6 GHz	40MB	AMD Radeon 8050S Graphics	45-120W	50	32
AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 380	6C/12T	Up to 4.9 / 3.6 GHz	22MB	AMD Radeon 8040S Graphics	45-120W	50	16

AMD Ryzen AI 300 and 300 Pro series mobile CPUs (15-54W cTDP)

Model	Cores / Threads	Boost⁵ / Base Frequency	Total Cache	Graphics Model AMD	cTDP	NPU TOPS
AMD Ryzen AI 7 350	8C/16T	Up to 5.0 / 2.0 GHz	24 MB	AMD Radeon 860M Graphics	15-54W	50
AMD Ryzen AI 5 340	6C/12T	Up to 4.8 / 2.0 GHz	22 MB	AMD Radeon 840M Graphics	15-54W	50
AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350	8C/16T	Up to 5.0 / 2.0 GHz	24 MB	AMD Radeon 860M Graphics	15-54W	50
AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 340	6C/12T	Up to 4.8 / 2.0 GHz	22 MB	AMD Radeon 840M Graphics	15-54W	50

AMD Ryzen AI 200 and 200 Pro series mobile CPUs (15-54W cTDP)

Model	Cores / Threads	Boost⁶ / Base Frequency	Total Cache	Graphics Model AMD	cTDP	NPU TOPS
AMD Ryzen 9 270	8C/16T	Up to 5.2 / 4.0 GHz	24MB	AMD Radeon 780M Graphics	35-54W	16
AMD Ryzen 7 260	8C/16T	Up to 5.1 / 3.8 GHz	24MB	AMD Radeon 780M Graphics	35-54W	16
AMD Ryzen 7 250	8C/16T	Up to 5.1 / 3.3 GHz	24MB	AMD Radeon 780M Graphics	15-30W	16
AMD Ryzen 5 240	6C/12T	Up to 5.0 / 4.3 GHz	22MB	AMD Radeon 760M Graphics	35-54W	16
AMD Ryzen 5 230	6C/12T	Up to 4.9 / 3.5 GHz	22MB	AMD Radeon 760M Graphics	15-30W	16
AMD Ryzen 5 220	6C/12T	Up to 4.9 / 3.2 GHz	22MB	AMD Radeon 740M Graphics	15-30W	N/A
AMD Ryzen 3 210	4C/8T	Up to 4.7 / 3.0 GHz	12MB	AMD Radeon 740M Graphics	15-30W	N/A
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 250	8C/16T	Up to 5.1 / 3.3 GHz	24 MB	AMD Radeon 780M graphics	15-30W	16
AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 230	6C/12T	Up to 4.9 / 3.5 GHz	22 MB	AMD Radeon 760M graphics	15-30W	16
AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 220	6C/12T	Up to 4.9 / 3.2 GHz	22 MB	AMD Radeon 740M graphics	15-30W	N/A
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 210	4C/8T	Up to 4.7 / 3 GHz	12 MB	AMD Radeon 740M graphics	15-30W	N/A

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Valve Index

Joel — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 03:38:29 +0000

Valve’s next VR headset, the Index will be self-labeled. Pre-orders will begin on May 1st, 2019 and units are expected to begin shipping in June, 2019. Valve Index controllers will also be sold at the same time.

A Nvidia GTX 1070 is recommended while the minimum requirement is a GTX 970. Controllers and base stations will be required and likely sold separately or perhaps in some kind of bundle.

The Vive Pro’s 1,400 × 1,600 resolution per eye will likely be met or surpassed with the new headset.

Confirmed features:

External tracking
2 cameras on headset
IPD adjustment
Headphones (included or at least optional)

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Link’s Awakening Remade.

Joel — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 20:57:30 +0000

Nintendo has done the best thing ever and remade The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening for Nintendo Switch and not only that but it’s coming this year!

Watching the Nintendo Direct trailer literally gave me the chills and goosebumps. I loved Link’s Awakening for my original Game Boy and the Tal Tal Heights song is one of my favorites of the series.

Check out the trailer from the Nintendo Direct below

The Official Link’s Awakening Remake Trailer for Nintendo Switch

We have also been given a pile of screenshots to gawk at until the game is released at an unscheduled date later this year.

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Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu & Eevee

Joel — Thu, 31 May 2018 21:38:46 +0000

GAME FREAK and Niantic are teaming up on a new Pokemon game which integrates with Pokemon Go with beautiful new graphics for Nintendo Switch. Check out the trailer below.

Press release

New Pokémon Experiences Announced for Nintendo Switch

Last night, Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, GAME FREAK and Niantic announced several fun new Pokémon experiences coming to the Nintendo Switchsystem in 2018, including one that is available right now!

The entire video presentation can be viewed here, but below is a summary of key announcements:

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!: Taking place in the diverse and vibrant Kanto region, this new pair of games is packed with adventure for Pokémon Trainers of all ages. In the Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! games, you will partner up with either Pikachu or Eevee and embark on an exciting adventure where you’ll catch and battle Pokémon, meet other Trainers and discover the region of Kanto. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch on Nov. 16, 2018. Watch the trailer.
Poké Ball Plus: This controller was specially designed by Nintendo to enhance the gameplay experience for aspiring Pokémon Trainers by replicating the look and feel of an actual Poké Ball. Poké Ball Plus allows players to control their journey in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, combining motion controls, a pressable Control Stick and Top Button to create a truly immersive Pokémon adventure. In addition to motion controls, Poké Ball Plus also lights up with a variety of colors, vibrates and plays sounds. Players can even send one Pokémon at a time from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! to Poké Ball Plus and bring it along for a stroll in the real world. Poké Ball Plus is also compatible with the Pokémon GO app*, providing the same functionality as Pokémon GO Plus. Poké Ball Plus will launch alongside Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! on Nov. 16, 2018.
Connect to Pokémon GO*: By wirelessly connecting Pokémon GO to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, players can transfer Kanto region Pokémon into the Nintendo Switch games.
Catch and Battle with a Friend: Play Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! cooperatively anytime, anywhere on one system. Each player can use a single Joy-Con controller or Poké Ball Plus (sold separately) to catch and battle together.
Pokémon Quest: Set off on an adventure in the Pokémon Quest game. Venture out with your Pokémon buddies on expeditions across Tumblecube Island in search of loot in this free-to-start action-adventure game for the Nintendo Switch system. Modify your Pokémon buddies with discovered Power Stones to make your expedition team. With a cube-shaped art style, Pokémon Quest is unlike any Pokémon game you’ve seen before. The simple gameplay makes it easy to hop into expeditions and start exploring Tumblecube Island with the help of your Pokémon buddies. Afterward, head back to your base camp where you can use the loot you found during your adventure to befriend more Pokémon. Attract various Kanto Region Pokémon to your base camp by cooking up dishes made with collected ingredients. You can even decorate your base camp with fun items that provide helpful bonuses that make your expeditions more beneficial.

In addition to all of this exciting content, it was announced that GAME FREAK is simultaneously developing another core RPG entry in the Pokémon series, slated to be released for Nintendo Switch in late 2019.

For more information about all these experiences and more, visit https://www.pokemon.com/us/.

*Requires installation of the Pokémon GO application on a compatible smartphone. Visit https://pokeballplus.nintendo.com/ for details.

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Shining Force Returning to the USA

Joel — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 02:39:54 +0000

After over 10 years of Japan-only games, the USA is finally getting a new game in the Shining Force series. Take a look at the teaser video. This Friday at Noon Sega will be live streaming the game. Shining Resonance Refrain will be coming to PC, Switch, PS4 and xbox one.

Speaking of #ShiningResonanceRefrain, we’ll be streaming the game THIS FRI. AT NOON! Starting right after the Yakuza stream, join #SEGA‘s own Melissa and Elwood as they dive into the game on
FB: https://t.co/RGOGfqBcPO
YT: https://t.co/sqZQ9FVjYb
Twitch: https://t.co/ECE8g1N3uV

— SEGA (@SEGA) February 21, 2018

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HTC Vive Pro Specs

Joel — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 04:05:13 +0000

A new HTC vive is coming soon (sign up for notifications here) this year. It features higher resolution, smaller size (higher DPI) displays, improved eye socket with less external light bleed and upgraded integrated headphones. Here are the full specs:

Screens: Dual AMOLED 3.5″ Diagonal
Resolution: 1440×1600 per eye (2880×1600 combined)
Refresh Rate: 90Hz
Field of view: 110 degrees
Audio: Better (“hi-res”? Whatever that means.)
Input: Integrated microphones
Connections: USB-C 3.0, DP1.2, Bluetooth
Sensors: SteamVR Tracking, G-Sensor, gyroscope, proximity, IPD sensor
Ergonomics:
- Eye relief with lens distance adjustment
- Adjustable IPD
- Adjustable headphone
- Adjustable head strap

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Monster Hunter XX Double Cross First Trailer

Joel — Sat, 27 May 2017 04:36:52 +0000

Here is the first trailer of the new Nintendo Switch Monster Hunter game, Monster Hunter XX Double Cross

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Microsoft Project Scorpio Specs

Joel — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 00:26:06 +0000

Here they are, the official Project Scorpio specs for the new device coming Q4 2017. Based on this info, it sounds like Project Scorpio will be a decent gaming PC. Hopefully they’ll allow us to install fresh Windows 10 and let us just use it as a normal, albeit small form factor PC and/or use it as an Xbox as well, that’d be fun!

CPU
- 8 Core AMD Jaguar “Evolved” @ 2.3GHz w/ 4MB L2 Cache
- 16nm FINFET Manufacturing Process
- Manufactured by TSMC
GPU
- Command Processor at the head of the GPU uses hardware implementation of DirectX 12
- 40 Compute Units @ Core Clock 1172MHz vs 12 @ 853MHz on Xbox One vs 36 @ 911MHz on PS4 Pro vs 36 @ 1266MHz on AMD RX480
- 12GB 6.8GHz GDDR5 384-Bit Memory Bus (12 modules) 326GB/s of Bandwidth (4GB System Reserved)
- Die Size 360mm^2 vs 232mm^2 AMD RX 480
- Compute Performance (TFLOPS) 6.0 vs 5.8 on AMD RX480
Cooling
- Vapor Chamber Cooling with Large Centrifugal Fan

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Destiny 2 Coming to PC!

Joel — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 20:08:39 +0000

Great news from bungie, their sequel to Destiny will be coming to a PC near you for the first time! I do hope that it is not an afterthought like Halo’s super late PC release was. If only they hadn’t canned the PC version in 2000 right after it was announced — Halo could have been better than it turned out if you can imagine it. The port of Halo flopped compared to the console version due to it being a second thought. Looking forward to a true PC release for Destiny 2!

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