A Nintendo Direct presentation is reportedly set for mid-September, igniting excitement among fans eager for updates on upcoming titles. This event is particularly noteworthy as it aligns with the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros, making it a significant moment for the gaming community. While the specific content of the presentation remains under wraps, speculation suggests that we may finally receive a release date for the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4.

This week, gamers have a fantastic opportunity to snag some free titles from the Epic Games Store, including the intriguing occult puzzle game, Strange Horticulture, and the charming frog-collecting adventure, Kamaeru. Available until August 28, these games can be claimed for free, making it an excellent time for both seasoned and new gamers to explore unique gameplay experiences. Strange Horticulture invites players into the mysterious world of Undermere, where you take on the role of a horticulturist tasked with solving occult mysteries through plant identification and customer interactions.

On August 14, NH Investment & Securities downgraded its investment opinion for Pearl Abyss from “buy” to “hold” due to ongoing delays in the launch of their highly anticipated game, ‘Red Desert’. The target stock price was also slashed from 52,000 won to 33,000 won, reflecting growing concerns about the reliability of the game’s release schedule. The delays have been significant, with the launch date pushed back multiple timesfrom the first half of last year to the second half, then to this year, and now to the first quarter of next year.

In a significant turn of events for the much-anticipated BioShock 4, Take-Two has replaced the leadership at Cloud Chamber, the studio behind the game. This change comes after an internal development review reportedly identified critical areas needing improvement, particularly in the game’s narrative. With Kelley Gilmore stepping down as studio head and Hogarth de la Plante transitioning to a publishing role, fans are left wondering what this means for the future of the franchise.

Rare has officially announced that paid custom servers will be introduced to Sea of Thieves in early 2026. This exciting development was revealed during the games first community direct, titled Custom Seas. Players will soon have the opportunity to create private servers, which will come with exclusive tools, including a cinematic camera that has previously been used for game trailers. While specific pricing details are yet to be disclosed, Rare has indicated that supporting this feature will require a monthly fee due to its complexity and resource demands.

As the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy 9 approaches, excitement is building around the potential remake of this beloved classic. Reports suggest that Square Enix is actively developing a remake, following a leak from GeForce Now that hinted at several unannounced titles, including FF9. The anticipation is palpable, especially after the success of the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy. Square Enix has been celebrating the anniversary with new artwork and merchandise, which has only fueled speculation about the remake.

In a surprising twist, Romero Games has publicly denied rumors of its closure, despite facing significant funding challenges. The studio, founded by industry veterans John and Brenda Romero, recently lost its publishing agreement with Microsoft for an unannounced first-person shooter project, leading to speculation about its future. However, in a statement, Romero Games clarified that it is actively exploring new opportunities with several interested publishers, aiming to bring their game to fruition.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to shake up the racing genre by eliminating items that allow players to make dramatic comebacks from behind. In a recent interview, Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team, emphasized that the game will not feature any equivalent to Mario Kart’s notorious Blue Shell or similar comeback mechanics. Instead, the focus is on creating a fair and balanced racing experience that prioritizes skill over luck. The development team initially designed the game without any items, ensuring that the core racing mechanics were engaging and competitive.

The beloved Nintendo 64 classic, Mario Kart 64, has been given a fresh lease on life thanks to a fan-made PC port called SpaghettiKart. Developed by the talented Harbour Masters team, this project not only allows players to enjoy the game with modern graphics enhancements like ultrawide and 4K support but also introduces exciting features such as a track editor and customizable gameplay options. This is a significant leap for fans who have longed for a way to experience this nostalgic title with contemporary flair.

Recently, an intriguing advertisement for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was spotted at the Oxford Circus tube station in London, boldly declaring that the game is “out now.” This eye-catching claim has sparked excitement among fans, but the reality is a bit more complicated. According to a Nintendo spokesperson, the ad’s message is incorrect, and the game isn’t actually available yet. Instead, it’s slated for a 2025 release, leaving many to wonder about the implications of such a misleading advertisement.

In an exciting development for the gaming community, ShiftUp has announced that they are working on a Nintendo Switch 2 version of their hit action-adventure game, “Stella Blade.” This decision comes on the heels of the game’s impressive sales milestone, surpassing 3 million units. The company celebrated this achievement by gifting all 300 employees a Nintendo Switch 2, reinforcing their commitment to fostering a performance-driven culture. “Stella Blade,” which debuted as a PlayStation 5 exclusive in April last year, has seen remarkable success, with the PC version alone selling over 1 million copies within just three days of its release.

Amazon Prime Gaming has just dropped a surprise for its subscribers, adding six exciting new games to its lineup today, including the classic Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. This move not only enhances the value of an Amazon Prime subscription but also gives gamers a chance to expand their libraries with beloved titles. Available from June 17 at 9 AM PT, these games can be claimed through the Amazon Prime Gaming page.

Today marks an exciting milestone in the mobile gaming world with the launch of “LINE Match Flight,” a new match-three puzzle game from LY Corporation. Available for free on both iPhone and Android, this game promises to captivate players with its intuitive controls and fast-paced gameplay. As you connect and clear blocks, you’ll join Frank, the main character, on a journey to expand the game’s vibrant map, making it a delightful experience for puzzle enthusiasts.

The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as Dog Water Studios prepares to launch “Imprint,” an atmospheric adventure puzzle game that promises to redefine storytelling in gaming. Players will delve into forgotten photo albums and abandoned programs, solving intricate puzzles that challenge both the mind and the heart. With a narrative that intertwines personal history and technology, “Imprint” invites players to navigate a hauntingly beautiful world while racing against the clock to escape being trapped forever.

CD Projekt has officially announced that the highly anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, now simply titled Cyberpunk 2, has entered the preproduction stage. This marks a significant milestone for the franchise, which has garnered a massive following since its initial release. With the new North American arm of CD Projekt Red leading the charge, fans are eager to see how this sequel will expand upon the rich, dystopian universe established in its predecessor.

In a bold move that has caught the attention of gamers everywhere, indie developer Pixel Maniacs has announced their upcoming title, ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard, claiming, “Valve never made a Portal 2 sequel. So we did.” This statement not only highlights the long-standing anticipation for a Portal 3 but also positions ChromaGun 2 as a potential successor to one of the most beloved puzzle games in history. With its unique gameplay mechanics and vibrant aesthetics, this sequel aims to carve its own niche in the puzzle genre.