After what felt like a couple of centuries in the making, EA has finally revived its classic Skate franchise with a new, free-to-play entry in the series. It's an early-access title right now, so it's fairly barebones in terms of its presentation, and the live-service aspect has sparked quite a bit of, ah, discussion among longtime fans of the series. But there is one thing that folks seem to be in agreement on with the new Skate: They nailed the feel of skating just like the original games did.

Out of the box, however, it may not feel exactly the way you remember. But there's a pretty easy solution to that problem in the game's settings, where certain "assists" are activated by default that make skating a much more forgiving experience. In addition to those must-tweak settings, we have some recommendations for other options related to custom ramps that most players will want to consider, and and audio option related to the game's narrator that could make your experience just a little less irritating in the long run. Let's take a look.

Best settings to make new Skate make feel like the old Skate

Navigate into the settings menu, then choose Gameplay, and then tab over to the Assists menu. For the true, old-school Skate experience, turn everything in the difficulty options section down. I did, however, allow myself to keep Allow Fall Height at 1, the middle option, for the sake of sick jumps.

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Next month, Splinter Cell's Sam Fisher is coming out of retirement in a new Netflix animated series, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch. While the show will feature a new story that's not adapted from the games, the latest trailer for Deathwatch reveals that one of the primary adversaries is someone with a link to Sam's past.

The previous trailer for Deathwatch had a quick glimpse of a gravestone for Douglas Shetland, who was a character in the Pandora Tomorrow and Chaos Theory games. Douglas was also one of Sam's closest friends, but when he turned against his country, Sam felt there was no other choice but to kill him.

This trailer briefly revisits the final moments of Doug's life before jumping back to his grave. Sam's decision appears to be coming back to haunt him, now that Douglas' daughter, Diana Shetland, has emerged as the CEO of Xanadu, the corporation that's pulling the strings of a new crisis.

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Shudder 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition (Blu-ray)

$102 (was $120)

Preorder at Amazon

The horror-focused streaming platform Shudder is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a new Blu-ray bundle featuring some of the platform's best original films from its first decade--including fan-favorites like Light Night With The Devil, VHS/94, Skinamarink, and more. The collection also includes special features for each movie and all-new exclusive packaging. The Shudder 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition Blu-ray launches for $120 on November 11, and preorders are live now--in fact, you can even save a few dollars at Amazon, where the collection is discounted to $102.

Shudder 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition (Blu-ray) $102 (was $120)

The Shudder 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition includes Blu-ray versions of the following 10 films:

• Terrified (2018)
• The Mortuary Collection (2019)
• The Dark and the Wicked (2020)
• Host (2020)
• Mad God (2021)
• VHS/94 (2021)
• Caveat (2022)
• Skinamarink (2023)
• Late Night with the Devil (2024)
• In a Violent Nature (2024)

Each film comes on its own Blu-ray disc and features a selection of bonus materials. It's worth noting that these are the standard Blu-ray editions of each films, rather than 4K Blu-rays. All 10 Blu-rays come in a special red and black collector's case featuring book-style packaging and a unique cover logo commemorating the streaming platform's 10th anniversary. The Blu-ray set also includes a Shudder logo window decal sticker.

Preorder at Amazon Shudder 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition (Blu-ray)

While this upcoming Shudder 10th Anniversary Collection looks to be a great pick for horror fans who want to add Shudder's films to their physical Blu-ray collection, it's worth noting that many of the films included in the bundle are already available on Blu-ray, including several 4K Blu-ray editions. However, two of the films in the collection--Late Night With the Devil and In A Violent Nature--are available now in Steelbook Edition 4K Blu-rays, and the same is true for In A Violent Nature. These are some of the only Shudder films available on 4K. That said, several of the other movies in the collection are also available as standalone Blu-ray releases, including Mad God, Skinamarink, Terrified, V/H/S 99, and more. These versions are available now--which is nice if you don't feel like waiting for the 10th Anniversary Collection to release later this year.

Shudder Film Blu-rays

• Shudder 10th Anniverasry Collection (Blu-ray) -- $102 ($120) | Releases November 11
• Caveat (Blu-ray)-- $29
• The Dark and The Wicked (Blu-ray)-- $12.43 ($29)
• Host (Blu-ray)-- $8.49 ($15)
• In a Violent Nature Steelbook (4K Blu-ray)-- $25.49 ($40)
• Late Night With the Devil Steelbook (4K Blu-ray)-- $40
• Mad God (Blu-ray)-- $22 ($29)
• The Mortuary Collection (Blu-ray)-- $16.76 ($29)
• Skinamarink Steelbook (Blu-ray)-- $20
• Terrified (Blu-ray)-- $11.49 ($28.97)
• V/H/S 99 (Blu-ray)-- $12.43

The 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition isn't the only big Shudder Blu-ray dropping on November 11. The Creepshow: Complete Series Blu-ray also launches the same day, bundling the entire 25-episode horror-comedy shudder series created by Steven King and George A. Romero into a 9-disc box set. The series includes a mix of original tales and adaptations of classic horror stories--including a few of King's works--into 20-minute vignettes. The set also features a collectible comic book and plenty of bonus materials to watch.

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The first Skate game in 15 years may have just released into early access, but new content is already on the horizon. Like many live-service games, Skate will have seasonal events and a "battle pass" style unlock system for cosmetics. Skate's first season, launching in October, will introduce the skate.Pass, two events, as well as general fixes and quality-of-life updates.

Skate Season 1 Start and End Dates

Skate season 1 will start on October 7 and run until December 2.

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PowerA Nintendo Switch Enhanced Wireless Controller - Metroid Edition

$70

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PowerA Nintendo Switch Enhanced Wireless Controller - Kirby Edition

$70

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The rest of 2025 is looking strong for the Nintendo Switch 2, which has big new releases dropping at a decent clip between now and December, including two of the system's most anticipated releases, Kirby Air Riders on November 20 and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on December 4. Both titles are even getting official merch and a selection of all-new Amiibo in the near future--but that's not all. Third-party accessory maker PowerA recently dropped two new Metroid and Kirby themed variants of its wireless controllers that are compatible with both Switch and Switch 2 and make for solid alternatives to the standard Switch Pro Controller. Both PowerA Wireless Controllers launched on August 27 and are available now for $70 apiece at Amazon, making them perfect for fans looking to grab some Metroid or Kirby merch before the new games and Amiibo releases.

PowerA Nintendo Switch Enhanced Wireless Controller - Metroid Edition $70

The new Metroid and Kirby Edition PowerA Nintendo Switch Enhanced Wireless Controllers share the exact same specs--including two mappable back buttons, up to 30 hours of battery life, and gyro motion control support. The controllers connect to Switch, Switch 2, and PC via Bluetooth, though you can also plug the pad in using the included 10-foot USB-C charging cable. While the controllers work on Switch, Switch 2, and PC, they are designed specifically for the original Switch, meaning they lack the Switch 2's C Button and cannot be used to wake up the Switch 2 from sleep mode. And like many other third-party Switch controllers, it lacks HD rumble and Amiibo support. That said, their form factor is very similar to Nintendo's first-party Switch Pro controller, with a nearly identical button layout--with the added benefit of the unique game-themed skins.

The Metroid Edition model features a blue and turquoise design inspired by the games, with a large render of Samus splashed across the face of the controller, and the iconic Samus emblem on the left grip.

See at Amazon PowerA Nintendo Switch Enhanced Wireless Controller - Kirby Edition $70

Again, the PowerA Nintendo Switch Enhanced Wireless Controller - Kirby Edition offers the same features, functionality, and form factor as the Metroid Edition (and other variants) of the gamepad, but sports its own unique Kirby-themed design, with a collage featuring multiple versions of Kirby, Waddle-Dee, King Dedede, and Meta Knight, plus a larger Kirby illustration and logo on the right grip. It also features colored thumbstick bases and shoulder buttons.

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If you pick up the new Metroid Edition PowerA Nintendo Switch Enhanced Wireless Controller, you might want to pair it with the new Metroid Edition PowerA Wired Earbuds. They're affordable at just $25, and with a blue and black design that matches the gamepad, they're the ideal companion. And if you love all the features of the above controllers but aren't a fan of the designs (or price tag), check out the Mario Pop variant. This is the exact same controller, but it boasts a colorful Mario design--and it's currently on sale for just $36 (was $60).

For even more Pro Controller alternatives, be sure to check out the Turtle Beach catalog. These are essentially rebranded PDP controllers (Turtle Beach acquired PDP last year), and you'll find several designs inspired by Mario and Donkey Kong. For example, the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller (Mario Bricks) releases on October 12, and it's built with a cool lenticular design that changes depending on your viewing angle. It even features motion controls and comes with remappable back buttons, so it's a nice alternative to these Metroid and Kirby controllers from PowerA.

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After many years of waiting for a new entry in EA's popular skateboarding franchise, players can finally dive into the aptly-titled Skate. This reboot of the series, which is now in early access, lets fans loose in the fictional city of San Vansterdam, where they can perform tricks and hang out together in a sandbox world. If you're dropping in with some friends and curious about the game's cross-play and cross-progression options, we'll fill you in on what you need to know below.

Skate cross-play: How to add friends

If you're looking to play with friends who may not be in the same ecosystem as you, you're in for a treat--Skate fully supports cross-play across every platform. This feature is turned on by default. However, you'll need to follow a few steps to link up with your pals if they're on a different platform than you.

• Open the Hub menu
• Select Social & Spectate
• Select Search
• Search using your friend’s username or ID
• Select your friend's name and choose "Add EA Friend"

You search for your friends in the Social & Spectate menu.

At this point, your friend will receive an invitation they'll need to accept. If someone has sent you a friend invitation this same way, you can see and accept it in the Requests tab within the Social & Spectate menu.

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EA's new Skate game--the first in 15 years--launched today into early access, and the free-to-play game is proving popular enough that players are facing server queues due to the player load. Developer Full Circle has now reacted to player complaints about server queues. At the same time, people are logging into the game to find it requires a constant internet connection--something Full Circle warned about months ago but isn't going down well with the community today

Server queues

In a statement, developer Full Circle said there are "a LOT" of players trying to join the Skate servers today for launch, and that to mitigate the issues, server queues have been put in place. Full Circle said the studio is "on it" and will undertake efforts to improve wait times.

Server queues are nothing new for online games. EA's own Battlefield 6 has server queues for its recent multiplayer beta, for example. They can still be annoying, though, as players understandably do not want to wait to play. Some people in the Skate subreddit have said they finally got to the front of the queue and joined a session, only to be kicked out due to server issues

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Donkey Kong Bananza was a smashing hit when it landed as one of the Nintendo Switch 2's earliest major exclusives, so it makes perfect sense that Nintendo would capitalize on its success with some DLC. The DK Island + Emerald Rush DLC provides nostalgic fans with a small but charming new island to explore and a whole new mode to work through that changes up the gameplay loop from the base game.

If you're looking to dive into Donkey Kong Bananza's DK Island + Emerald Rush DLC, here's how to get started.

How to start the DK Island + Emerald Rush DLC in Donkey Kong Bananza

Before you can begin the DK Island + Emerald Rush DLC in Donkey Kong Bananza, you'll need to purchase it from the eShop for $20. Once you've made sure that it's installed, you can then open the game to get started. But be aware that how you access the DLC and how much of it is available to you is based on your game progress.

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Fans of Hot Wheels, building sets, and cars in general should check out the recently released replica vehicle models while they are in stock. The new Hot Wheels building sets launched August 1 as the first members of the toy manufacturer's Brick Shop brand. Similar to Lego and Mega Bloks--which is owned by Mattel--Hot Wheels Brick Shop building sets are pieced together using a variety of different brick types and sizes. Whereas Mega Bloks' Hot Wheels sets are more playful and geared toward younger audiences, Mattel's Brick Shop kits were designed for collectors and car enthusiasts who are looking for authentic models of iconic cars such as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, Corvette Grand Sport, Cadillac Project GTP Hypercar, and Maserati MC20. Each Brick Shop model is built with pieces that are compatible with other major brands such as Lego and Mega Bloks.

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Diablo 4 Season 10 arrives September 23, and it will bring with it a major change to boss fights that players have long been asking for.

Since Diablo 4's launch, players have complained about boss immunity phases, scripted moments in boss battles where endgame bosses become invincible and force players to contend with various mechanics before they can be harmed.

While on paper it might make sense, it was resulting in a frustrating experience for many players who could easily kill the boss in just a few blows were it not for them becoming invincible for extended periods of time. Those phases became even more frustrating in Diablo 4 Season 8, which overhauled its endgame boss ladder to put even more of an emphasis on boss fights that heavily featured the mechanic.

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World of Warcraft premium cosmetics are nothing new, but a new bundle is raising eyebrows due to the sheer amount of stuff it includes.

Normally, a new premium cosmetic bundle isn't particularly noteworthy. Blizzard has sold mounts, pets, helmets, and armor sets for real money for years now. Two years ago, Blizzard sold its most expensive WoW mount ever, the Trader's Gilded Brutosaur, for $90.

The new Ascended Regalia Pack, however, stands out, but not because of the $30 price tag. Instead, the Spirit Healer-themed bundle is notable because it includes a whopping 100 individual transmog pieces, with four full armor sets and 22 weapon appearances. Blizzard clearly thinks it's a big deal, as it's the only time in recent memory that it has crafted a trailer for a premium cosmetic bundle. Because they are all individual pieces, players can mix and match parts of the armor sets to create their own look, or combine them with their existing transmog collection to create something new.

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A new update arrived to Call of Duty: Warzone on September 16. While this is a very small update, the patch notes include a few notable bug fixes and changes to Season 5's Deadline limited-time mode.

Season 5 Reloaded added the new Deadline limited-time mode, and now the new update makes a few improvements to the match rules. Circles two, three, and four are now extended by 30 seconds each. The developer says this change was made to allow players "extra time to coordinate and rack up points," while also slowing down the gas to provide players with more breathing room.

Deadline's respawn timers are reduced by five seconds, which lets players jump back into the action faster. Additionally, the mode's "Round End" warning will now show 60 seconds from the end instead of the original 30-second warning.

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