Vibes, the new Pudgy Penguins trading card game, brings together strategy and fun, perfect for newcomers to TCGs as well as experienced players. In Vibes, players create a custom “huddle” of quirky Penguin characters and augment it with bold Actions and powerful Relics. The goal? Outsmart your opponent to win the favor of Baron Fishpockets and claim victory. To add even more excitement, each pack of Vibes trading cards includes QR codes that can be redeemed for free packs in the digital game, making it easy to build your collection across both formats. Are you ready to join the Penguins and make your way to the top? Dive into Vibes and let the adventure begin!

Nosferatu 4K Limited Edition Steelbook

$38

Preorder at Amazon

Robert Egger’s Nosferatu is a chilling remake of F.W. Murnau’s iconic horror film, and it pulled in positive reviews from both fans and critics when it hit theaters late last year. And if you’re interested in bringing it to your home theater, preorders for the Nosferatu Limited Edition Steelbook are now open at Walmart ahead of the film's February 18 release on 4K Blu-ray. This release includes the original theatrical version as well as a new extended cut. The Limited Edition Steelbook has already sold out at least three times at Amazon, so you'll want to secure your preorder soon.

Preorder Nosferatu Steelbook Edition at:

• Walmart -- $40
• Amazon -- $38 | Sold out
• Gruv -- $38

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Late last year, Microsoft signaled its plans to make Edge the preferred browser for PC gamers with the first look at the Microsoft Edge Game Assist. It's a version of Edge that was specifically made for gaming, with browsers and windows that appear on top of games so players can access strategy guides and tips as needed. Now, Microsoft Edge Game Assist is out of the initial testing phase and available for all to use.

Game Assist appears to have been modeled on Steam's overlay browser. It can also detect when a handful of supported games are being played and offer relevant info on a side panel. The games that are currently supported include Marvel Rivals, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. However, those aren't the only titles that can be played. Any game can be used in this mode, but only the supported games will have automatic guides readily available. The video below demonstrates how the Game Assist is supposed to work.

Players can access this feature by going to Microsoft Edge and opening up the Settings and more to find the Game Assist widget. Once installed, the Game Assist feature will be available in the Game Bar. Because the Game Assist shares date with Edge's browser data, players' favorites, browsing history, and cookies will all remain the same.

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Following the tremendous box office success of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Paramount has announced that a fourth film, Sonic the Hedgehog 4, is coming to theaters on March 19, 2027.

The video game-inspired series--which features a star-studded cast of Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves, and Idris Elba, among others--has been a consistent hit for Paramount and Sega. 2020's Sonic the Hedgehog was an immediate success, grossing $319 million globally and setting a then-record for highest-grossing video game adaption in North America, per a Variety report. The most recent film in the series, which saw fan-favorite character Shadow the Hedgehog added into the fray, is currently the high-grossing film in the series, sitting at $422 million earned. Earlier this year, it was announced that the franchise as a whole has grossed over $1 billion.

Considering the series' success--and Sonic the Hedgehog 3's mid-credits scene, which teases the upcoming addition of a beloved Sonic the Hedgehog character--a fourth installment seemed only a matter of time. The plot of the upcoming film is currently being kept under wraps. However, we'd be shocked if voice actors Ben Schwartz (Sonic), Colleen O'Shaughnessey (Tails), and Idris Elba (Knuckles) don't make their returns. Similarly, Jim Carrey has also been a constant in the series, serving as primary antagonist Dr. Robotnik across all three films. Earlier this year, Carrey stated that he would be open to returning if the script sounds fun.

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New Hello Kitty and Friends DLC has arrived in Minecraft, and it lets players build a cute farm filled with crops and animals, alongside many Hello Kitty characters.

In this DLC, players will be able to water and grow crops to harvest.There are plenty of animals to raise, including chickens, cows, sheep, and pigs, which can provide eggs, milk, and wool. Pigs also have the ability to find valuable truffles that are worth quite a lot. Over 180 different Hello Kitty-themed furniture and decor will be added, such as the Badtz-Maru chair and the Tuxedo Sam table.

The DLC also comes with changing seasons to freshen up the landscape as well as festive events. These events include the Eggciting Cherry Blossom Festival, Frosty Funday, Halloween Spooktacular, and the Fireworks Festival. However, players will have to watch out for natural disasters, such as typhoons and heat waves that could ruin your crops.

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The first look at Nintendo Switch 2 didn't have much in the way of game footage except for a brief glimpse at a new Mario Kart. Ordinary players may be able to appreciate the preview of what Switch 2 can do, but one game developer has broken down how the footage exposes the sheer power of Nintendo's next system.

Sungrand Studios' Jerrel Dulay--whose previous credits include the Silver Falls game series--shared his extended look at Switch 2's capabilities. Dulay has experience working on titles for the original Switch, so the difference between the console generations was readily apparent to him. The two "most important" things he pointed out were the true volumetric lighting--an advanced lighting technique that creates a sense of density in the atmosphere--and the extremely detailed and unique textures of the backgrounds.

Because the first iteration of Switch would struggle to run either of those features at a high frame rate, Dulay noted their inclusion suggests that "this system is significantly more powerful." He also estimated that the RAM for Switch 2 will be between 12-16GB. Additionally, Dulay noted the real-time creation of shadows, cloth simulation on the flags in the background, reflective textures, and the higher polygon counts on the character models for Mario and his friends. Bringing all of those aspects together at 60fps demonstrates just how far Switch 2 has come from the original model.

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Back in September, I had the chance to play a small demo of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. I learned the story of how Majima ended up snagging his newest job as a pirate and finally making his big comeback as a protagonist, almost a decade after Japan's release of Yakuza 0. My gameplay was primarily focused around combat and exploring the Madlantis area of the game. It was a short-lived experience, but it was so much fun to play as the goofy Mad Dog again, and I couldn't wait for a chance to play more.

We are now less than a month away from Pirate Yakuza's release and I finally got that chance to play a full hands-on experience of the more silly and exciting new content this game has to offer. Based on just a few hours of gameplay, I couldn't believe how much is packed into this game, and they only allowed us to explore a small part of it. The experience was overwhelming in the most positive way, and the new features in Pirate Yakuza continue to prove that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio are masters of offbeat ideas and character-focused side content.

To quickly recap what we know of the story so far, Pirate Yakuza takes place six months after the events in Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Majima wakes up on an island and seems to have lost his memory. He ends up becoming a pirate and finding a crew to solve a waste-pollution problem on Nele Island and uncover the secrets of Madlantis--a hideout for criminal organizations. Recovering his memories is a core part to the game and story, all while trying to navigate between his current pirate family and past yakuza lifestyle.

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The results of the 13th annual State of the Game Industry Survey have been released, shining a light on how developers feel about all manner of hot-button industry topics, including generative AI.

The majority of surveyed developers (52%) said they work for companies that use generative AI, with 36% reporting that they personally use such tools for game development. While the majority of surveyed developers are working at companies that use generative AI, 30% of respondents said they believe generative AI is having a negative impact on the video game business (up 12% from 2023). The surveyed developers cited things like IP theft, energy consumption, and AI program biases as contributing to their feelings toward generative AI.

The survey also founded that Business and Finance roles (51%) were the most likely to use AI tools, with Production and Team Leadership (41%), and Community, Marketing, and PR (49%) following. What's more, the survey found that 28% of developers between ages 18-34 used AI technologies at work, compared to 47% for video game developers over the age of 55.

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Players of Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 can now contribute to relief efforts in the wake of the fires that recently devastated Los Angeles.

Both games now allow players to purchase a stylish cosmetic bundle called the LA Fire Relief Pack, which includes a character skin and matching weapon skin. All proceeds from purchases of the bundle will go to fire relief efforts in LA, and will be split evenly between two charities: the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation (LAFD) and Direct Relief.

In the wake of the devastating fires in Los Angeles impacting our friends, colleagues and residents in Southern California, we’re adding the LA Fire Relief pack to Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone.
100% of Activision’s proceeds from purchases of the LA Fire Relief pack will… pic.twitter.com/aEQ3Aq4QW6

— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) January 18, 2025

"These donation efforts from Activision are to help support fire relief efforts, also giving the Call of Duty community an opportunity to get involved with helping those affected by the Los Angeles fires," Activision said in a recent press release. "Players can purchase the LA Fire Relief Pack across all platforms, which offers a robust amount of new game content for players to enjoy, while also directly supporting the cause."

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Guilty Gear Strive has been on the market for nearly four years, first launching for PS4, PS5, and PC in 2021. Fast forward to 2025, and the fighting game is finally receiving a Nintendo Switch port in just a few days on January 23, and preorders for Guilty Gear Strive: Nintendo Switch Edition are available now.

Guilty Gear Strive Preorder Bonus

There are currently no universal preorder bonuses for Guilty Gear Strive. However, preordering from the official ARC Shop will get you a free mystery gift pack. This includes $30 worth of Guilty Gear Strive merchandise--though it’s only available while supplies last.

Guilty Gear Strive: Nintendo Switch Edition $60 | Releases January 23

This is the only version of Guilty Gear Strive available for Switch--there’s no deluxe edition or collector’s edition up for grabs. However, along with the base game, this version does include all Season Pass content up to Season 3 right out of the box, giving you plenty of cool extras to explore. The game has been optimized for Switch, featuring a smooth 60fps frame rate and high-quality graphics. Preorders are available at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and the official ARC Shop.

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Guilty Gear Strive is the seventh mainline game in the Guilty Gear series. Developed by the same folks responsible for Dragon Ball FighterZ, it offers gorgeous 2D graphics, a complex combat system, and a roster of unique characters with their own playstyle. Our review gave it a solid 8 out of 10, thanks to stylish graphics, a complex combat system, and a fun “mission mode” that helps you learn the basics. The PS5, Xbox, and PC versions are currently on Season 4 of DLC content, but the Nintendo Switch edition will launch with just the first three seasons, and will get the Season 4 update later.

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Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Special Edition

$60 | Releases April 24

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Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Deluxe Edition

$80 | Releases April 24

Preorder at Best Buy

SNK's long-dormant fighting game series Fatal Series returns with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, which launches on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on April 24, 2025. The new game marks the first entry in the series in 26 years, and starting today, fans can preorder the game now. There are multiple versions of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves available, including digital and physical versions, and even a Deluxe Edition packed with collectible extras. Preordering gets you bonuses, too, including early access to the game for some versions.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Preorder Bonus

Preordering any version of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves gets you an exclusive Terry Bogard skin based on the character's Fatal Fury 2 appearance.

Additionally, digital preorders get you up to three-day early access to the full game starting April 21, 2025.

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Developer Warhorse Studios and publisher Plaion have revealed Kingdom Come Deliverance 2's post-launch roadmap for the year, including both free and paid content.

In Spring 2025, players will gain access to a barber that'll let them customize the hairstyle of the protagonist, Henry. The game will also get a new Hardcore Mode. The first game's Hardcore Mode included modifiers such as no fast travel and no auto-saves from quests, so it's likely the sequel's will have similar modifiers. Players will also be able to participate in a new horse-racing activity. These are all free updates.

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Afterwards, new story updates will be part of the game's paid expansion pass. In Summer 2025, a new quest called Brushes With Death will be added where Henry goes on a new adventure with a mysterious artist. Autumn 2025's update includes Legacy of the Forge, where Henry can explore the legacy of his adoptive father, restore Kuttenberg's forge, and become a master blacksmith.

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Hannibal Lecter is one of the most terrifying serial killers to hit the big screen. The fictional character was created by Thomas Harris and is featured throughout a series of novels--though most people know of Hannibal due to the award-winning films. And if you’re interested in reliving the horrific tales, now is a great time to pick them up. Several 4K Blu-rays are currently on sale, giving you a chance to snag them at some of the lowest prices we’ve ever seen. One of the most compelling deals is for The Silence of the Lambs 30th Anniversary 4K Blu-ray, as a limited-time deal is slashing it to just $20.33 (was $40).

See at Amazon

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Although springtime doesn't technically begin until March 20, NetEase is getting a jump on the warmer weather by launching a Spring Festival in Marvel Rivals later this week. In the announcement video below, fans can get their first glimpse at three new costumes coming to the game as well as a soccer-like game that will temporarily be available.

So far, the three new costumes under the Clashing Lions series are the Lion's Mane for Star-Lord, the Lion's Gaze for Iron Fist, and Lion's Heartbeat for Black Widow. Star-Lord's new outfit, nameplate, and spray will be available as free rewards for players who complete tasks during this event.

The superhero soccer game glimpsed in the trailer is called Clash of Dancing Lions, and it drops players into a 3v3 contest on a map as they use every trick in their arsenal to get the ball into the opposite scoring zone. It's not exactly like "the beautiful game" celebrated in the World Cup, but the basic principles are the same. Each game will be played until one of the teams reaches a predetermined score.

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Developer Localthunk has revealed that Balatro has recently passed the 5 million sales milestone across all platforms.

"The last few weeks have been pretty wild. To everyone who picked up Balatro after seeing it at The Game Awards, we hope you're having an amazing time with it," the developer said on Twitter. "If this is your first time picking up an indie title, try to make it a habit!"

The last few weeks have been pretty wild.
To everyone who picked up Balatro after seeing it at @thegameawards, we hope you're having an amazing time with it!
If this is your first time picking up an indie title, try to make it a habit!
There's some amazing stuff out there! pic.twitter.com/ZnRpWnJlTW

— Balatro (@BalatroGame) January 21, 2025

According to Balatro's publisher, Playstack, the 5 million mark doesn't include downloads from Apple Arcade. Additionally, the game was sitting at 3.5 million copies sold at the first week of December, indicating that it received a boost in exposure after being nominated as a Game of the Year candidate at The Game Awards 2024.

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Xbox Wireless Controller: Pulse Cipher Special Edition

$75 | Releases February 4

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Xbox Wireless Controller: Sky Cipher Special Edition

$58 ($70)

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Xbox Wireless Controller: Ghost Cipher Special Edition

$57 (was $70)

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There’s no shortage of cool Xbox controllers up for grabs, but today Microsoft revealed an exciting new entry in its burgeoning Cipher series: the Pulse Cipher Special Edition. Designed with a transparent red frame and dark red accents, it looks like an excellent addition to a lineup that already includes a pair of standouts in the Sky Cipher and Ghost Cipher controllers. Preorders are now live at multiple retailers ahead of the February 4 release.

Xbox Wireless Controller: Pulse Cipher Special Edition $75 | Releases February 4

The Pulse Cipher Special Edition looks stunning, thanks to its transparent red design that lets you see inside the controller. Accents include red diamond-shaped rubberized grips, dark red bumpers and face buttons, two-toned analog sticks, and metallic triggers and D-pad. Its button profiles can be modified using the Xbox Accessory Hub, giving you a few ways to customize its performance.

Beyond its striking new color, this is pretty much your standard Xbox controller. That means it’s compatible with not just Xbox consoles and PC, but also iOS and Android devices. It comes with a 3.5mm audio jack, up to 40 hours of battery life, and a Share button that lets you quickly capture in-game footage. The D-pad is pretty great too, as it supports eight directional inputs and feels quite responsive while gaming.

Preorders are available at Best Buy, Amazon, and the Microsoft Store, with more retailers to follow. This is expected to be a popular release, so be sure to check other sellers if your preferred on sells out.

Preorder at Amazon Preorder at Best Buy Xbox Wireless Controller: Sky Cipher Special Edition $58 ($70)

The Sky Cipher Special Edition was the first member of the Cipher collection. The entire collection features translucent designs, with the Sky Cipher opting for an eye-catching blue pattern. The design is accented with dark blue buttons and bumpers, plus a metallic hybrid D-pad and triggers. It’s currently seeing a nice discount--so consider snagging it while it’s cheap.

See at Amazon See at Walmart Xbox Wireless Controller: Ghost Cipher Special Edition $57 (was $70)

Rounding out the Cipher collection is the Ghost Cipher Special Edition. With a transparent silver frame and silver accents, it looks pretty minimal compared to the flashy blue and red colors above. The controller does have a splash of color thanks to its bronze metallic triggers and D-Pad, which make it less monochromatic than the other models (which are almost entirely blue or red). If you want a unique and understated controller, it’s an excellent option--especially since Walmart is discounting it to just $57 (was $70).

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Looking for something different? Check out our roundup of the best Xbox controllers, featuring both premium and budget options from Razer, Victrix, 8BitDo, and more. Many of these are seeing discounts and can be shipped to your home well before February 4, so give them a look if you need a new controller ahead of the Pulse Cipher's release.

You can also save big on Microsoft's Elite Series 2 Core Controllers at Amazon and Walmart. Normally $130-$140, all three models--white, red, and blue--are available for $96-$98.

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