Epic Games has announced that it's going to start phasing out physical Fortnite V-Buck cards that folks can buy in stores, and will replace them with gift cards that have a set dollar amount. The changeover begins this month in the United States and much of Europe, and will roll out to the rest of the world sometime later. And anyone who buys one of these gift cards between now and the end of 2026 will receive a free skin, a new variation of the sock monkey skin Monks.

The skin you'll unlock by using one of the new Epic gift cards.

This marks a pretty big change, as these cards are not really Fortnite cards at all, but are instead Epic Game Store gift cards that can be used in Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys or anything else that is available for purchase on EGS. The reason for doing this isn't too tough to parse. V-Buck cards allowed you to redeem them on any platform you chose, but these EGS gift cards must be used on EGS itself--presumably allowing Epic a way to avoid paying a percentage to those platform holders on V-Buck purchases. Since your V-Bucks are cross-platform aside from those bought on a Switch, it won't be much of an inconvenience for most folks.

The EGS gift cards will be sold in dividends of $15, $30, $50 and $100, none of which line up with the cost of anything you can buy in Fortnite, which will no doubt cause some frustration with players who use these cards. Despite that, there are some upsides to this change.

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The Nintendo Switch 2 is packing a hefty collection of improvements over its predecessor, including better visuals, improved performance, and more. However, like the original Switch, Nintendo's follow-up console is a hybrid device, which means it can be detached from its dock and played in handheld mode whenever you want to take it on the go. As such, you'll need to monitor its battery to ensure you have enough juice to get through a gaming session on the go. Good news: We have a few tips to help you improve the battery life of your Switch 2, allowing you to play for longer.

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• How to improve Switch 2 battery life

How to improve Switch 2 battery life

While most of these are common-sense solutions to your problem, one of them involves utilizing a special feature that Switch 2 offers. It addresses your Switch 2's battery on a longer timeline rather than your next play session, so it's a bit different than the other tips here, but still helpful from a different angle.

It's also worth noting that the game you are playing may be more or less demanding of the Switch 2's battery, so don't be surprised if using even all of these tips still nets variable results when you're playing Switch 2.

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For those wondering what the inside of the Nintendo Switch 2 looks like, the time is now. Consoles are now out in the wild in some regions, and it hasn't taken long for Nintendo Switch 2 reviews and hardware breakdowns to begin appearing online.

One such video by YouTube channel ProModding (via The Verge) shows what it's like to completely disassemble a Switch 2. While the teardown doesn't exactly reveal a ton of new Switch 2 information, it does show how to take apart Nintendo's new hardware for those who really want to (and don't mind voiding the warranty) and are equipped with the proper tools. It's mostly a process of removing lots of tiny screws, including a few Nintendo has hidden under various stickers that require some extra work to remove.

ProModding does make a few notes about the Switch 2 overall at the end of the video. One observation is that similarly to the Switch OLED, and as Nintendo recently explained, the Switch 2 screen does come with a protective film that it recommends not removing.

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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch Physical Edition)

$52 (was $70) | Get Switch 2 upgrade for $10

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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch Physical Edition)

$52.55 (was $60) | Get Switch 2 upgrade for $10

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Nintendo is taking a different stance when it comes to launch games for the Switch 2, as instead of dropping a bunch of them all at once on June 5, it's rolling out first-party titles at a more gradual pace throughout the year. The silver lining here is that you'll get more time to check out other games on the system, and if you've been looking play the critically acclaimed Legend of Zelda games Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom for the first time, the Switch 2 will offer the best graphical experience for you.

The catch here is that the "new" Switch 2 editions retail for a standard MSRP in line with brand-new Nintendo game releases--$70 for Breath of the Wild and $80 for Tears of the Kingdom--but you can save some cash by grabbing the Switch 1 version and the $10 upgrade pack instead.

Reminder: If you already own these games, you simply need to buy the $10 upgrade for each.

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The Noble Collection is responsible for a long list of premium chess sets. From the multi-tiered Star Trek Set to the ultra-expensive Lord of the Rings Set, the company is known for crafting incredible versions of the iconic board game. And right now, you can pick up the blocky Minecraft Chess Set for just $59 (was $69). Featuring a wood-like board with a grass-like playing field, your traditional pieces are replaced by iconic Minecraft characters and mobs. It’s a fun choice for fans of the game, especially at this new low price.

Minecraft Chess Set (The Noble Collection) $59 (was $69)

This is your standard game of chess, just with a Minecraft coat of paint. One side commands characters like Steve, Alex, villagers, horses, iron golems, and chickens, while the other offers pieces inspired by mobs such as creepers, the Ender Dragon, skeleton horses, and baby zombies. Pieces stand up to 4 inches tall and feature the same blocky proportions as found in the game, with each piece constructed to look like marbled stone or obsidian. The board can be separated into four pieces for easy storage, so it won’t take up much space in your treasure chest when not in use.

See at Amazon Minecraft Chess SetGallery

A Minecraft Movie is heading to home theaters this month, with an assortment of Blu-rays releasing on June 24. There’s a gorgeous 4K Steelbook available for $38, while Walmart has an exclusive Collector’s Crafting Table Edition--though this is only offered in standard Blu-ray. We’ve put together a comprehensive A Minecraft Movie preorder guide if you need help sifting through all your options.

If you’re seeking other chess sets, there are plenty of cool gaming and entertainment-inspired boards up for grabs, including more chess sets based on popular franchises like Minions, Jurassic Park, Batman, Mario. Many of them are currently on sale, though The Legend of Zelda Chess Set is sold out--if you're interested in it, be sure to check back periodically for restocks. Check the list below for even more themed chess sets.

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Hello Games is bringing No Man's Sky to a new console. The publisher has unveiled No Man's Sky Switch 2 Edition, and shared an accompanying video that explains some of its upgrades over the original Switch port.

Players who had No Man's Sky on the original Switch should notice an immediate visual upgrade. The game's Switch 2 Edition has an improved framerate, 4K texture support and a crisper UI, in addition to supporting Switch 2's touchscreen and gyro controls. No Man's Sky will also have multiplayer functionality on Switch 2.

"With the original Switch, we were pushing right at the edge of what was possible," explains Hello Games co-founder Sean Murray in the video. "No Man's Sky on Switch 2 is just a huge leap forward. The extra horsepower, it allows us to add full multiplayer for the first time on Switch 2. Cross save and cross play are there from day one, allowing players a seamless experience across devices."

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Tim Sweeney, the founder and CEO of Fortnite developer Epic Games, has discussed the role of artificial intelligence tools and systems for the future of video game development. He said AI systems can help smaller teams make big games, while also discussing why the AI landscape has been "tainted" already.

Speaking to IGN, Sweeney said history shows that with every major advancement in technology, there has been a "rise of new games," and he expects the same to be true for AI. Sweeney mentioned how the battle royale genre was only possible due to advancements in hardware performance and game engines to allow for 100 people to play a game at once.

With advancements to AI, Sweeney said he predicts a future where smaller teams can build grand games.

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The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are on sale for just $185 (was $250) at Amazon, which is the lowest price we've seen for the popular earbuds. They even come with an upgraded two-year warranty, making them an even better offer than usual. Reviewers have cited the excellent noise isolation, comfortable design, and great audio quality--and now that they’re down to this great low price, they’re even easier to recommend. For a more affordable alternative, the Galaxy Buds FE are discounted to just $65 (was $100).

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro $185 (was $250)

These earbuds look different from other models, sporting unique white LED lights. They don’t serve much of a purpose beyond looking cool, though no doubt it makes them stand out from your run-of-the-mill earbuds. Along with the LEDs, both earbuds have touch controls on the stem for adjusting volumes, skipping tracks, or taking calls. They also feature excellent audio quality and are equipped with active noise canceling. They also ship with three different ear tip sizes with your purchase to help you find a comfortable fit. You’ll get around six hours of playback on a single charge, though the included case bumps that up to around 30 hours.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro can be used with pretty much any smartphone out there via Bluetooth, though you’ll get the most functionality when paired with Samsung gadgets. For example, they can double as a makeshift translator when paired with a Galaxy smartphone, as Galaxy AI can translate conversations in real-time.

See at Amazon (Silver) See at Amazon (White) Samsung Galaxy Buds FE $65 (was $100)

If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are also discounted. Their stem-free design makes them look quite different than the Buds 3 Pro, but they’re still packed with cool features--such as a tappable area to control your music, a comfortable wing-tip design that helps keep them secure, and active noise cancellation. Expect to get around 7 hours of playback per charge, or around 26 with the included case. Like the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, the Galaxy Buds FE function as a translator when paired with a Galaxy device.

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More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders

• Walmart Has 512GB Switch 2 MicroSD Express Card For $65
• Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Restock - Walmart Will Have Consoles At 9 PM PT
• DualSense Edge PS5 Controller Drops To Best-Ever Price For Days Of Play
• + Show More More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders Links (5)
• The PS5 Pro Has Received Its First Discount For Days Of Play 2025
• The Last Of Us Season 2 Steelbook Edition 4K Blu-Ray Is Up For Preorder
• The $325 Lord Of The Rings Deluxe Illustrated Box Set Is Only $146 For A Limited Time
• Tolkien Collectible Book Sets Are Up For Preorder - Myths, Legends, Tales Of Middle-earth
• Highly Limited Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary 4K Blu-Ray In Stock At Amazon

No, there isn't eShop music on Switch 2. But yes, the digital storefront seems greatly improved from a usability perspective on the upcoming system. A new video showing off the Switch 2 eShop shows a smooth and snappy interface--one that seems about a billion times faster than its original Switch counterpart (maybe a bit of mathematical exaggeration).

VGC shared a first look at the Switch 2 eShop on YouTube, revealing how much quicker scrolling to different games is on the storefront. Now, there still seems to be a bit of a hiccup when actually clicking a specific title. Still, this small pause is a noted improvement over the original Switch's eShop, which can go to a white screen with three dots before loading.

Another difference between the Switch and Switch 2 eShops relates to the left-side menu bar. Switch 2's storefront shows, in order from top down, these major categories: Highlights, Search, For You, and Wish List. Meanwhile, Switch's eShop displays Search/Browse at the top, though it starts highlighted on Featured. Under that is Recent Releases, Great Deals, and Best Sellers.

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The original Nintendo Switch has long been a popular way to play Fortnite, but the Nintendo Switch 2's beefier specs will bring the battle royale experience more in line with how it looks and feels on other platforms, with a frame rate and resolution boost at launch, and the promise of mouse controls coming in a later update.

Epic Games shared details about the Switch 2 version on the official Fortnite blog, detailing the major improvements that players will experience after upgrading to the new console. Unsurprisingly, the most significant enhancement is to the game's frame rate--Fortnite will run at 60fps on Switch 2, whereas the game was stuck at 30fps on the original Switch.

Resolution will also get a major boost, going to 2176x1224 docked and 1600x900 undocked. The Switch 1 version of Fortnite ran at 1560x880 docked and 1170x660 in handheld mode after a 2021 update. Additionally, the Switch 2 iteration of the game will sport "greater view distances," along with higher-quality textures, shadows, and water rendering.

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The Switch 2 launches on June 5, and it's already June 5 in parts of the world, so the system's all-important day-one update is out now.

This update is a big, important one, as it adds critical features like support for Nintendo Switch Online, GameChat, GameShare, and the eShop itself. The update also adds the ability to perform a system transfer from the original Switch and allows players to upload screenshots, among other things.

Everyone is prompted to download the 20.1.1 update when performing the Switch 2's initial setup.

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Madden NFL 26 is coming this summer, and when it arrives, you'll find that the team at Tiburon has done something it hasn't done before: It's added a new player ability based on a rookie. The game's library of X-Factor and Superstar abilities is a lengthy one that gets new additions every year, but Travis Hunter is the first rookie to inspire the team to think up a new one.

The ability is called Iron Man, and it's designed to let Hunter play both sides of the ball more effectively. Hunter comes to Jacksonville with the bona fides to play both wide receiver and cornerback, and football experts everywhere are wondering if he can become the NFL's version of Shohei Ohtani: a two-way superstar the likes of whom only come around once in a generation, if that.

Madden developer Tiburon had to find a way to make this work in-game. Typically, a player who might play on both offense and special teams gets winded more easily, and a tired player is more likely to get hurt, commit penalties, or fumble if they're a ball carrier--not to mention slow down, of course. Because Hunter is expected to play both offense and defense, and has shown, at least in college, an ability to do this remarkably well, the Iron Man ability essentially rewrites his stamina drain. This allows him to fend off fatigue and the game's Wear and Tear injury system, which Madden 26 is adopting from College Football 25 and 26.

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I play hundreds of hours of Madden NFL every year, but one thing I haven't done in nearly 20 years is play Madden on a Nintendo platform. To my recollection, the last time I played the series on a Nintendo system was Madden 08. After that, I switched to playing the game on Xbox consoles, and I've never looked back, as Xbox became my preferred platform. Just a few years after I quit Madden on Nintendo, EA Sports quit Madden on Nintendo, too. But the Switch 2 promises a new beginning for Madden on Nintendo platforms, and based on a Madden 26 demo I played on Switch 2, that future may be brighter than the pairing's lackluster past.

The last Madden game released for a Nintendo device was Madden 13, released in August 2012 for the Wii and Wii U. After that, EA stopped supporting the platform with its American football game, seemingly because technical limitations made it untenable to continue. In the Wii and Wii U era, the games routinely underperformed critically, offered fewer new features than their counterparts on Xbox and PlayStation, and performed worse graphically. I played a game of Madden 26 on Switch 2 in handheld mode--I didn't see it docked--and though it did look like a graphical step down from what I later played on PS5, nothing else about it felt compromised by the platform.

Even in the case of the visual downgrade, it was no different than what I'd expect if I were to play Madden 26 on my Steam Deck. Handhelds still come with the baked-in understanding that you're losing a bit of luster for the convenience of the experience, and knowing that, I was able to enjoy Madden 26 on Switch 2.

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When Madden NFL 26 arrives this August, it'll adopt a key aspect of College Football 25: its speed. Ask anyone who's played both of EA's American football games over the last year and they'll surely tell you College Football is much faster--they'll probably also tell you they preferred it over Madden's intentionally more sluggish gameplay. At the time, College Football was finding its old self, as the game was the first in EA's series in 11 years, and the entries of yesteryear tended to play faster and looser than Madden, too.

For the NFL sim, however, the slower gameplay was meant to differentiate it from College Football, and capture the way NFL players are on more even footing than their collegiate counterparts, where the delta between pro-bound elites and average student-athletes should and does feel vast. However, the Madden team has considered a great deal of community feedback and has decided to accelerate Madden 26, bringing it closer to the feel of the College Football series.

EA Tiburon's Isaac Etheridge, also known as "Spade" from his days as a Madden content creator, spoke at length about the changes players can expect, specifically based on player feedback. He led with game speed, signaling just how much the team understands this was an area it had to focus on. "We believe the NFL is the home of the fastest, most explosive players on the planet, right?So we knew something had to change. We started to validate this, both internally and externally," Etheridge said, explaining how the team used a prospective build of a faster Madden to test its favorability with players.

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Original Switch owners aren't being forgotten with the new Switch 2 update for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. While the free patch offers more on Nintendo's new system--like visual enhancements--the action-adventure game will allow players to select favorited echoes after collecting more than 30 of them on either console.

Nintendo detailed the version 1.1.0 update, which went live yesterday, June 3. Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom received "a feature to display only favorited echoes in the list of echoes after 30 or more echoes have been learned" on Switch or Switch 2. This streamlines the process for Zelda picking an item or enemy to use in the game. A common complaint before was people having to sift through a ton of echoes to find their preferred options.

It was previously known Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom was getting a free Switch 2 update. The game will see optimized visuals and HDR support, with the former hopefully addressing frame-rate issues that were highlighted in GameSpot's Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom review. A similar problem has seemingly been addressed with Pokemon Scarlet/Violet's free Switch 2 update.

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Sony has released the top-downloaded games on PlayStation Network for May 2025 in North America and the EU. Forza Horizon 5, previously available only on PC and Xbox, arrived on PS5 in late April and surged on the sales chart, becoming the top seller for the month.

On PS5, Elden Ring Nightreign claimed the number-two spot in North America and number five on the EU charts, a stellar position for a game that launched near the end of the month. A big game that was on the rise was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which had a late-April release, but jumped several spots up. Grand Theft Auto V, EA Sports FC 25, and the recently released Doom: The Dark Ages rounded out the top five. This top 20 download list also includes The Precinct, Split Fiction, NBA 2K25, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered.

Over on the PS4, Star Wars Battlefront II ranked at the top for both North America and the EU. Red Dead Redemption 2 is staying near the top, in the second slot. Usual heavy hitters like The Last of Us and Minecraft are still going strong, too.

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The Switch 2 is launching this week, but it's not the only major event in gaming coming up. Sony's latest State of Play broadcast is on tap for today, June 4, and it's expected to be a big one. In this post, we're rounding up all the key details, including how to watch the State of Play, when it begins, and what to expect.

After the State of Play, the Switch 2 launches on June 5. Then on June 6, Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest begins. The Xbox Games Showcase, meanwhile, takes place on Sunday, June 8. GameSpot will bring you all the major news from the events as it happens.

How to watch the State of Play

You can stream the State of Play on YouTube and Twitch. The event will be broadcast in English.

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There'll be no shortage of developer showcases this month, but don't expect Ubisoft to make an appearance through its annual Ubisoft Forward presentation. This is the first time that Ubisoft is not holding a showcase since it began hosting them in 2020, and it'll instead have a presence at events like Summer Game Fest and the PC Gaming Show.

"We are always eager to connect with our players and showcase our games," a Ubisoft representative said to Game File's Stephen Totilo. "We are continuing to explore opportunities to share updates, and we look forward to providing more information at a later date."

Ubisoft Forward, which has been a digital and in-person showcase for the company's games just about every June, isn't happening this year. A company rep tells me Ubisoft will participate in IGN Live (June 7-8) and PC Gaming Show (June 8) and will also be at GamesCom

— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo.bsky.social) June 4, 2025 at 1:03 AM

It's not too surprising to hear that Ubisoft won't have a dedicated showcase, as it recently announced that it had delayed multiple upcoming games. The company didn't name any of them specifically when it dropped this news during its latest earnings report, but it mentioned that some of its "biggest productions" are affected.

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The newest PlayStation 5 system update has arrived, but no one should expect any groundbreaking new features or major improvements.

Version 24.04-11.40.00 is out now, and the patch notes are a single line long: "We've improved the messages and usability on some screens." That's all there is. It's not much, but for anyone encountering issues with messages and usability on some screens may see those experiences improved now.

The PS5 gets these kind of smaller, more granular system updates from time to time. Others have focused on improving system stability.

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Fallout 76's latest update marks the start of Season 21: Gone Fission and unsurprisingly, it's all about fish. The update adds a new questline, new recipes, rare fish to collect and display in your C.A.M.P., and of course, a chill new pastime that can be enjoyed anywhere across the map.

Fishing can be unlocked through the new Casting Off questline, which can be accessed through a new location in the Mire known as Fisherman's Rest. The questline will give players the base-level fishing rod, which can then be upgraded through Tinker's Workbench.

The fishing rod isn't an item that needs to be manually equipped; instead, just go up to any body of water and select the "Fish" command when it shows up on screen. Fishing isn't contained to just the new area. You can fish anywhere across the map with a handy mantra: If you can swim in it, you can fish in it.

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