Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has had a long journey since it was first announced all the way back in 2017, but the wait is almost over. Nintendo has once again assured Metroid fans that the game will be out this year for Switch 2 and Switch, allaying fears that it might be delayed.

Ahead of its appearance at Fan Expo Canada later this month, Nintendo says that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be playable and will be "available later in 2025" alongside other games on Switch 2. This isn't the first time that the public has been able to go hands-on with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Nintendo's statement confirms that the game will still launch within the next five months.

When it will launch in this period still remains uncertain. Nintendo has been spacing out first-party releases for the Switch 2, starting with Mario Kart World as a Switch 2 launch game in June, Donkey Kong Bananza in July, Drag x Drive in August, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A is scheduled to arrive on October 15. If the pattern holds up, it's not unlikely that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond could arrive during the lucrative holiday season as a must-have Switch 2 game, considering that the console already has an install base of 6 million users and counting.

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8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Wireless Controller: Rare 40th Anniversary Edition

$90 | For Xbox, PC, Apple, Android

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8BitDo's string of exciting accessory releases made in partnership with Xbox continues this week with the reveal of a controller that has been noticeably absent from the manufacturer's lineup: a wireless controller. The manufacturer's debut wireless controller for Xbox would be a big development on its own, but this is notable for another reason, too. The controller commemorates the 40th anniversary of Microsoft-owned studio Rare, the Sea of Thieves developer with a back catalog of classics like Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Conker, and Perfect Dark. The 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Controller: Rare 40th Anniversary Edition is available today for $90.

8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Wireless Xbox Controller - Rare 40th Anniversary Edition

The original Ultimate 3-Mode Controller launched last spring in white and black. A transparent green model matching 8BitDo's Retro 87 Keyboard and Retro R8 Mouse was added to the lineup in May. The "3-Mode" moniker pertained to the $70 controller's connectivity options: 2.4GHz Wireless for PC, Bluetooth for mobile, and wired for Xbox. All of those modes still exist on the Rare 40th Anniversary Edition, but it also has 2.4GHz Wireless on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Implementing Microsoft's wireless protocol combined with the special-edition theme explains the $20 price jump.

8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode Wireless Controller: Rare 40th Anniversary Edition $90 | For Xbox, PC, Apple, Android

The Rare 40th Anniversary Edition is arguably the best-looking controller 8BitDo has created--and one of the standout special-edition Xbox controllers in general. It utilizes Rare's longtime colors with a two-tone Royal blue shell accented by yellow-gold joystick rings, face button labels, triggers/bumpers, and two remappable back buttons.

8BitDo used gold-plated zinc alloy to create the tactile D-pad; this is the first metal D-pad in the Ultimate series. Rare's 40th Anniversary logo is on the left handle, while the darker Royal blue silhouettes are Easter Eggs referencing the studio's history.

It comes with a matching charging dock with the studio name on the front center. The 2.4GHz USB receiver is stored in the bottom compartment on the dock. You'll also find a USB-C cable and a pair of silicone stick caps featuring the Sea of Thieves logo on one and a puzzle piece on the other. The jigsaw puzzle piece nods to the collectibles in Rare's classic platformers, Banjo-Kazooie and DKC.

We haven't tested the new edition, so we can't comment on wireless performance on Xbox consoles, but outside of that new feature, this is the same great controller. The Ultimate 3-Mode is built with premium components and has stellar ergonomics. It's a versatile controller thanks to support for numerous devices and built-in customization options.

Check out the key specs for the Rare 40th Anniversary Edition below:

• Platform support:
  • Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One - 2.4GHz Wireless | Wired
  • Windows - 2.4GHz Wireless | Wired
  • Apple iOS & macOS - Bluetooth
  • Android- Bluetooth
• Controls:
  • Hall Effect anti-drift sticks
  • Hall Effect impulse triggers (Xbox/PC)
  • Microswitch bumpers
  • Two remappable back triggers
  • Tactile metal D-pad (made of zinc alloy)
  • ABXY face buttons with gold labels
  • Xbox Guide | View | Menu | Star | Profile
  • Mic and Input switches
  • Textured handles
• Accessories:
  • Matching charging dock with 2.4GHz receiver
  • Rare-themed silicone stick caps
  • USB-C to USB-A cable
• Profiles: Save up to 3 custom control layouts
• Battery: Up to 20 hours | Charge time: 4 hours
• Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack
• Vibration: Xbox and PC only
• 8BitDo Ultimate Software for Xbox, PC, Apple, Android:
  • Remap inputs
  • Set up custom profiles
  • Create dead zones
  • Adjust stick sensitivity
  • Adjust trigger sensitivity
  • Adjust rumble intensity

See at Amazon The silicone stick caps are designed to offer better grip/control.

With support for PC, Mac, and mobile, the new controller will likely appeal to big fans of Rare who don't even own or have a need for a wireless Xbox controller. That said, it's worth emphasizing that the 3-Mode Controller does not have the latest and greatest tech found in 8BitDo's flagship Ultimate 2 or upcoming Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad (releases August 12).

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Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is currently in development at Guilty Gear studio Arc System Works, and if you're looking to try out an early slice of it, you can sign up for its upcoming closed beta. There'll only be a short time to go hands-on with the game as it runs September 5-7, but it'll give you access to six playable characters, online matches, limited offline matches, spectator mode, the game's training tutorial, and more. Here's how to enter it.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Closed Beta: How to get access

• Click the "register now" button on this link.
• Complete the registration form to sign up for the PlayStation Beta program.
• If you are selected, you'll be sent an invitation via email.

First revealed in June, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is a 4v4 fighting game scheduled to release sometime in 2026. The game's current roster features an all-star roster of Marvel characters, like Captain America, Doctor Doom, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel, Star Lord, and Storm, all reimagined with a fresh new art direction.

The game was playable during Evo 2025, and as its tutorial trailer revealed, it features gameplay systems like EX moves, super moves, and ultimate moves tied to a meter that charges up during battle.

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It's officially been two years since Baldur's Gate 3 launched and took the games industry by storm. On the RPG's second anniversary, Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke has reminisced on the past couple of years and teased what's next for the award-winning studio.

Responding to an X post celebrating the game, Vincke said, "Crazy to think it’s only been two years. It’s truly been life changing. Probably worth writing about one day. But I can spoil the biggest takeaway. BG3 was what allowed us to do our next crazy thing."

Crazy to think it’s only been two years. It’s truly been life changing. Probably worth writing about one day. But I can spoil the biggest takeaway. BG3 was what allowed us to do our next crazy thing. How that will pan out is anyone’s guess but I can assure you we’re working hard… https://t.co/bGBYZoSXGZ

— Swen Vincke @where? (@LarAtLarian) August 3, 2025

The developer stopped short of discussing the studio's next major game since the game is likely years away, but did promise that players will have "plenty of fun."

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EA has announced all the bonuses that EA Play Pro subscribers can get for Battlefield 6, and one of them is early access to the upcoming open beta. That's right, although Battlefield 6 is not coming to Xbox Game Pass, it will be available through at least one subscription service at launch.

For anyone just catching up, EA Play Pro is the premium version of EA's subscription program, EA Play (which itself is included with Game Pass Ultimate). EA Play Pro costs $17/month or $120/year, and for that price, members can day-one access to the premium editions of EA's games. Members also get access to a library of older EA titles, rewards each month, and 10% off EA digital content.

EA Play Pro subscribers receive early access to Battlefield 6's open beta, allowing them to play during the August 7-8 window--that's before the wider availability of the open beta later in August. Alternatively, people can play the beta during the August 7-8 window if they signed up to Battlefield Labs before July 31 or if they obtained a code via Twitch or other means. For more, check out GameSpot's Battlefield 6 open beta breakdown.

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Games have entertained children and adults alike since their inception, but some are themed and geared towards a younger audience. However, with recent controversies surrounding Roblox, the gaming platform that claims to have the largest player base in the world, the question about how it protects its younger audience is on the minds of every parent whose children interact with it.

To answer that vital question, we’ll dive right into the facts and explain what privacy filters are available, how the parental controls work, and details about the platform’s content maturity labels. In addition, we’ll share how to report any activity or content you are concerned about, whether it’s related to cyberbullying, your kids being scammed out of Robux, or any criminal activity. We have a Roblox beginner’s guide and list of the best Roblox games so you can judge for yourself whether it’s safe enough for your little one to play.

This article also highlights a Bloomberg Report that focuses on how predators use Roblox to lure children, as well as the official response from Roblox Corp’s CEO, and the controversies the company has found itself in during the years since it was published. Reader discretion is advised.

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Chances are that, if you’re new to Roblox, you won’t know your Obby from your elbow. That’s okay, though, as everyone has to start somewhere, and a beginner’s guide such as this one is exactly what you need.

Here, you’ll find everything you need to get started in the world of Roblox, from how to set up an account, how to customize your avatar, what Robux are and how to use them, and a list of some of the genres of experiences you’ll find on this platform (including the aforementioned Obby-style games).

Once you’re familiar with the basics, we have a list of the best Roblox games, which is constantly updated with fresh and immensely popular experiences. As Roblox is geared primarily towards children, we also have an explainer detailing whether Roblox is safe for your little ones to play and how to safeguard them against potential threats.

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A new survey by Nintendo has gone live, as the company wants to know what its users think of physical and digital game ownership. While there are a few general questions mixed into it, the survey primarily focuses on which format consumers prefer when purchasing games for the Switch 2.

There are various questions asked in this survey on this topic specifically, asking which factors determine if a digital game will be purchased instead of a physical one, while users can respond with multiple replies like "physical games provide a stronger sense of ownership" or "I like collecting physical games" when pressed for answers.

One of the questions asked in the Nintendo survey.

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Reclaim glory in Magic Inn, a charming tavern life simulator. Take on the role of an exiled wizard-turned-innkeeper, overseeing everything from menus, rooms, guests, and staff in a fully magical customizable inn. Engage in card battles to spark conversations and foster relationships with guests. Recruit top chefs, or hone your own skills and become one yourself! Forge ties with local farmers for quality ingredients and offer a delectable menu for your guests. A 5-star inn draws royalty and fame, so you must prepare the rarest of items. Build relationships with winemakers, trade with merchants, or search the corners of the world for rare gems. Impress even the King upon his arrival!