Six months ago, Hytale was was canceled by Riot Games after 10 years of development. However, the game's development studio Hypixel was saved by co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme in November 2025, and Hytale is set to hit early access today, J

According to the countdown on Hytale's official site, the game will launch on January 13, 7 AM PT/10 AM ET. For now, Hytale will only be available on PC, but Mac and Linux versions will follow.

It's important to note that Hytale will not be available on Steam. In order to get the game, players will need to download the Hytale Launcher.

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While you might be looking to reestablish your gym routine now that the festive season is over, at least you can count on your Switch 2 console having an extra layer of stability thanks to a new firmware update. Nintendo has rolled out a new system update for the Switch 2 that brings it up to version 21.2.0, and as you've probably guessed, it doesn't do much.

"General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience," the very succinct update notes read.

Since its launch, the Switch 2 has mostly focused on small updates like this to keep the console running smoothly for users. That's not to say there haven't been any substantial updates so far, as the November firmware upgrade added better visual clarity on the home menu to indicate whether a game is owned physically or digitally. The update also added GameChat improvements, helping to fine-tune the Switch 2.

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Nintendo Switch 2 JC400 Handheld Controller

$42.49 (was $54)

Get deal at Amazon

Nintendo Switch 2 players can grab a surprisingly good alternative to the Joy-Con 2 for handheld mode for only $42.49 (was $54) at Amazon. This is the lowest price yet for the Gammeefy JC400, a Bluetooth controller with a cradle designed specifically to hold the Switch 2 console. The JC400 has Hall Effect sticks with RGB light rings, two remappable back buttons, rumble with five intensity levels, six-axis motion controls, and numerous other features that make it a bargain.

You're probably wondering about the brand, right? Gammeefy? Yeah, it's not a major brand. It's one of those accessory brands you find on Amazon that happens to sell the same exact product as other brands you also haven't heard of. The JC400, for instance, is also sold by several other brands on Amazon. Additionally, the 2,700+ customer reviews (4.5/5-star average) is bolstered by an older model for the original Switch and Switch OLED on the same store page. It's worth noting the Switch/Switch OLED version of the controller is only $28 (was $40) for a limited time.

We rarely highlight off-brand accessories sold by multiple brands--a common occurrence on Amazon--but the JC400 is actually quite impressive.

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January is a quiet month on the 2026 gaming calendar, but this frees you up to check out games that flew under your radar. If you're looking for something to fill the quiet period on PC, Fanatical is offering three new bundle deals worth checking out. The new January 2026 Platinum Collection, New Year 2026 Collection, and Triple Pack deals are all build-your-own bundle offers that let you mix and match from their own unique lists of games--and the more you add to your bundles, the more you'll save. Each game key can be redeemed on your Steam account, and most are Steam Deck Verified. We've outlined all three bundle deals below, including full lists of all the games you can pick for each.

Platinum Collection - Build your own Bundle (January 2026)Fanatical's Platinum Collection - Build your own Bundle (January 2026)

Fanatical offers a new selection of curated games every month with the Platinum Collection, and the first bundle of 2026 has some terrific picks. Buy three or more games to get each one for $3.33, five or more for $3 each, and seven or more for $2.85 each. Some of our top picks here include the delightfully weird roguelite heist game Turnip Boy Robs a Bank, sci-fi crafting game Next Space Rebels, and you can embrace your inner John Wick with the fast-paced top-down shooter Phantom Squad.

If nothing grabs your eye here, you can also check out the December 2025 Best Of Platinum Collection. It's still active for a few more weeks, and it includes popular games like RoboCop: Rogue City, Fallout 76, and Paradise Killer.

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Every January since 2010, Games Done Quick has raised money for charity through their speedrunning marathon event Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ). Their 2026 marathon, held at the Wyndham Grand in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has just wrapped up, and has raised a huge sum of money.

In a post on the Reddit, one of the event's organizers has revealed that Awesome Games Done Quick 2026 has raised $2,443,414 for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, which focuses on early detection and prevention of cancer. In total, Games Done Quick has now donated over $28 million to the Foundation of the $59 million in total the streams have raised for charity.

Some highlights of this year's schedule of speedruns included some incredible performance in Mario Kart World's Free Roam mode, as well as a relay run of Super Mario 64 where 70 players collected one star each. There's also an incredibly fast run of Hollow Knight: Silksong, a five minute Chrono Trigger run, and a particularly epic speedrun of Pokemon Emerald that is worth a watch.

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Despite multiple rejections of its bids, Paramount remains intent on buying Warner Bros. Discovery and has now launched a lawsuit against the company over the matter. What's more, Paramount said it will seek to nominate its own team of directors at the WBD 2026 Annual Meeting this year, which could trigger a so-called proxy fight for the company's future.

Paramount boss David Ellison said in a memo to WBD shareholders that it filed suit in court today, January 12, calling on the court to direct WBD to release the specifics of Netflix's bid for WBD. The WBD shareholders need this information so they can "make an informed decision as to whether to tender their shares into our offer," Paramount said.

Ellison said Paramount had already asked for "the customary financial disclosure" that should have been provided to shareholders in a business transaction like this. But Ellison said WBD "failed to include" disclosures about several aspects of the deal from Netflix and share this with WBD shareholders.

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Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection for Nintendo Switch

$20 (was $50)

See at Amazon

Yu-Gi-Oh Early Days Collection for Nintendo Switch is on sale for only $20 (was $50) at Amazon. The deal matches the all-time low for the physical edition of the retro compilation of Game Boy games. Released last February, the Early Days Collection comes with 14 GB, GBC, and GBA games originally released from 1998 to 2003. The Switch-exclusive physical edition comes with a Secret Rare Yu-Gi-Oh trading card; you'll get one of two Quarter Century Secret Rare Harpie's Feather Duster cards.

Yu-Gi-Oh Early Days Collection is only available for $20 at Amazon, but Walmart has a $26 deal. Meanwhile, Best Buy and Target are charging the full $50 price. PC players can get a Steam key from Green Man Gaming for $42.49 with promo code JAN15.

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Most Arc Raiders maps have some type of way you can engage with items or areas to unlock specific doors or loot rooms, but Blue Gate takes the cake when it comes to actual puzzles to solve. If you've already figured out the Ancient Fort puzzle in the southern portion of Blue Gate, you may now be wondering how to deal with the Raider's Refuge cellar door puzzle on the western side of this lush green map. That's where we come in. Here's how to open the cellar door at Raider's Refuge.

How to open the cellar door at Raider's Refuge

If you've visited Raider's Refuge, you've probably seen the cellar located against the outer wall of the structure there. Notice it has four lights above it, which should give you a pretty good clue about what you need to do to get it open. But let's dive in.

When all four buttons have been pressed, the cellar will open.

To open the cellar door at Raider's Refuge, you'll first need to press four buttons that are all located in or around the POI. Check the photo below for what to look for.

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If you've been working through Lance's quests in Arc Raiders, you've probably come across Prescriptions of the Past, wherein this quirky trader sends you off to round up anything useful in the Medical Exam Room of the Departure Building. And with that, you'll be off to Spaceport.

Extracting isn't a requirement for completing Prescriptions of the Past, but it is a high-traffic area. If you're a pretty peaceful player, you may want to bring in a free loadout so you don't sacrifice good loot if someone picks a fight you're not interested in entertaining. Alternatively, if you're feeling froggy, bring some good guns and plenty of ammo to introduce to any PVPers in the vicinity.

Either way, when you're ready to wrap up Prescriptions of the Past, follow the guide below.

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While a few first-party Nintendo Switch 2 games have invoked sticker shock, that won't be the case with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Once the Switch 2 edition of the life sim releases on January 15, it'll be the least expensive paid upgrade from Nintendo.

Existing owners of New Horizons only have to cough up $5 for the upgrade pack, while the entire Switch 2 edition retails for $65 digitally and physically.

That's significantly lower than Nintendo's other Switch 2 editions; upgrades for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel Tears of the Kingdom, along with Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Super Mario Party Jamboree cost $20.

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The Sims is no stranger to collaborating with major fashion brands. Back in 2007, developer Maxis partnered up with H&M to bring dozens of real-life clothing items to The Sims 2. In more recent years, both Primark and Moschino have made their way into the series with The Sims 4 Stuff Packs. Now, the American brand Coach is headed to the game in the series' most luxurious collab yet.

Starting on January 13, The Sims 4 players will gain access to The Coach Collection, a catalog of nine new items inspired by the "wearable staples" and "bold statement pieces" Coach is known for. The Create-A-Sim items coming include the company's Soho sneakers, a varsity jacket, and sleek skirt sets, while Build Mode will receive the heritage trunk and both Tabby and Brooklyn purses.

A look at the upcoming Coach collaboration.

In addition to these items, The Coach Collection comes with a new family available to move in via The Sims Gallery: The Carriage House. The press release described the family as "three friends chasing big dreams, big style, and a little bit of drama." The gallery will also feature a new room to place named the "In The Bag room," which appears to be a large walk-in closet that will allow Sims to show off their luxury handbags in style.

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This year marks the 30th anniversary of Super Mario 64, a game that was designed to be a single-player showcase for the Nintendo 64. This title may not have been built with multiplayer in mind, but at this year's Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) charity livestream, players turned Super Mario 64 into a team sport as 70 different speedrunners joined forces for a single 70-star run through the game.

It was clear pretty early on that all of the speedrunners knew the tricks to getting Super Mario 64's stars in as little time as possible. Under their collective control, Mario pulled off some of the most athletic moves we've seen from Nintendo's iconic plumber. They even made some of the game's trickiest platforming moments seem easy.

In total, this speed run lasted just under two hours. There are 120 stars in the game, so it's possible to pull off an even larger Super Mario 64 relay at future AGDQ events. The current AGDQ event also had a Mario Kart World speedrunner complete the All ? Panels category in under 30 minutes.

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Microsoft's Forza Horizon 5 continues to be a huge hit on PlayStation, it seems. Research from Alinea Analytics claims that the game just recently passed 5 million copies sold on PS5.

This works out to more than $300 million in revenue on PS5 alone for the 2021 game. Alinea's Rhys Elliott said this data proves why Microsoft is keen to release more of its own games on a rival platform like Sony's PS5. "Xbox's move to third-party is no mystery, especially given Microsoft's lofty profitability mandates," Elliott said.

As Microsoft does not keep 100% of the revenue, as Sony gets a cut for its platform fee. The industry standard revenue share is 70/30.

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Steam sales are always a great opportunity to pick up some bargains, and the recent Steam Winter Sale, which ran from December 18, 2025 until January 5, 2026, was no exception. While many games typically see a spike in sales and players during these periods, one multiplayer game saw a particularly huge surge in sales following an enormous discount.

Icarus, a PvE survival game from New Zealand studio RocketWerkz that was first released in December 2021, was reduced from its usual $35 price to a mere $3.50 during the Steam Winter Sale - an enormous 90% saving.

Now, RocketWerkz founder Dean Hall has revealed just how many copies of Icarus were sold during the sale. In a post on X, Hall shared that that an enormous 984,000 copies were during this sales period. On top of that, the game's DLC, which includes two expansions and a "pets" bundle, moved a further 243,000 units.

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Baldur's Gate 3 was the kind of game that could take hours to get started, thanks in part to a rich character customization suite that allowed players to fine-tune everything from their race to several minute details. For the upcoming Divinity, developer Larian Studios says that players can expect "even better" options for fine-tuning their character when the game eventually launches.

"We are planning to have an even better one! More colors, more options, more control," Divinity art director Alena Dubrovina wrote in a Reddit AMA session.

That's a high bar for the studio to set, considering just how detailed the Baldur's Gate 3 character customization system is. Beyond the standard options, players can also tinker with unique biological traits depending on the race they choose, fiddle around with facial features, and much more. Just when you think you've got your character nailed down, the game also offers you a chance to design a Spirit Guardian for your adventurer, a character who will appear in your dreams.

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Palworld: Official Card Game, a brand-new trading card game based on Pocketpair's creature-collecting game, has been revealed by Bushiroad and developer Pocketpair. While details are light for now, the game already has a launch date penciled in for July 30.

Bushiroad describes Palworld: Official Card Game as a two-player competitive card game where players can "enjoy strategic and tactical battles" by deploying unique Pals to the battlefield. "Players fight alongside their Pal companions, gathering resources, and building bases as they aim for victory," the description reads. Each Pal also has unique traits, and cleverly utilizing them can open up a path to victory.

Rumblings of a Palworld trading card game kicked off last year after Pocketpair and Animate subsidiary COS purchased shares in Japanese card game publisher Bushiroad. Bushiroad Corporation's CEO and president, Takaaki Kidani, sold his shares to the company (via Automaton). This followed Pocketpair's formation of Palworld Entertainment, a new company arm dedicated to maximizing Palworld's merchandising opportunities.

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Hytale has been on quite a development journey. After being acquired and subsequently shuttered by Riot Games, the original development team bought the Minecraft rival back and recommenced development in November 2025. On January 13, the title goes into early access, which the team acknowledges will be unpolished and full of bugs. Still, Hypixel--the developer behind one of the most popular Minecraft servers of all time--is expecting mammoth launch-day numbers, estimating "over 1 million" players. To that end, the studio is encouraging users to download the game's launcher ahead of time in order.

Hypixel's CEO, Simon Collins-Laflamme, posted on X stating, "We expect over 1 million players on the early access release day for Hytale ... Please download the launcher today and log in now to help us significantly reduce launch-day stress." Hypixel's preorders have been open since early December, so the team has had around a month to gauge interest, meaning this player estimate is based on those figures and not just speculation.

Hypixel has already allowed mod creators early access to the game so they can research and develop the best Hytale mods for the early access release. Modders are adding new game modes, cosmetics, items, and quality-of-life improvements to the game, with more being added daily. When the game launches tomorrow, January 13, all of those mods will be available via Curseforge thanks to an agreement between the modding platform and Hypixel Studios.

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Leaderboards have previously been a part of the Diablo franchise, and starting today, they're back. Blizzard is releasing a new Diablo 4 update across all platforms that reintroduces leaderboards as well as the multi-level dungeons known as The Tower.

Blizzard's official site states that The Tower and the leaderboards are both in beta, with more refinements to come in future seasons. The leaderboards will be divided by the seven playable classes--Paladin, Rogue, Druid, Barbarian, Sorcerer, Necromancer, and Spiritborn. Additionally, the leaderboard rankings will only be set for two weeks periods rather than the entire season. Essentially, everyone gets a chance for a fresh start while Blizzard works out any kinks in the system.

The leaderboard's rankings are directly linked to The Tower as players' scores are tabulated based on their performance when fighting monsters and bosses. Experienced players with refined character builds should be right at home in the chaos. For less experienced players, The Tower provides enhanced damage levels when players destroy the numerous pylons in the complex. That may not be the equal of having incredibly powerful characters, but it means that players of all skill levels are far from helpless against the onslaught of creatures coming for them in The Tower.

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Nintendo is discontinuing the sale of Switch Game Vouchers, a program that allowed Nintendo Switch Online members to get a discount on first-party Switch games by purchasing two game vouchers for $100. While existing vouchers will remain valid, no new vouchers will be sold after January 30, 2026.

With precious few discounts available for first-party Switch games, Nintendo's game vouchers allowed players to save a little cash by purchasing two vouchers for $100, saving $10 per game as long as both were $60 titles. While the program had a few caveats, including a one-year expiry and the requirement of an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, it offered a reliable discount on first-party games.

If you want to take advantage of this discount one last time, game vouchers will still be sold until January 30, and will stay valid for one year after the date of purchase. You can also check the expiry date on any unused vouchers through the Nintendo Switch Online section of your Nintendo account.

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In October 2025, rumors suggested that Larian Studios' hit RPG Baldur's Gate 3 could be getting a port for Nintendo's Switch 2. Unfortunately, that report has turned out to be inaccurate as Larian has confirmed that its wildly popular D&D will not be coming to Nintendo's console.

During a recent AMA session on Reddit, Baldur's Gate 3 director Swen Vincke acknowledged that the company wanted to work on a Switch 2 port, but it was denied.

"We would have loved to [bring Baldur's Gate 3 to Switch 2], but [it] wasn't our decision to make," wrote Vincke. That likely means the port was either shot down by Nintendo or by Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast, which controls the rights for all things Dungeons & Dragons-related.

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