Vishal Kamal has been covering video games for 7 years, writing about everything from hardware deals and new releases to esports and the business
side of the industry. He runs TheBadGamer, focused on gaming news worth your time.
The latest addition to Xbox Game Pass has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with gamers praising the title as a "10/10 perfect freebie". This unexpected inclusion has not only delighted subscribers but also drawn in new players. The game's appeal lies in its engaging gameplay and high production value, making it a standout in the service's catalog.
Intel's new Arc G-Series chips, based on the well-received Panther Lake processor, are poised to become the fastest handheld gaming chips at launch, outperforming current AMD offerings. However, this lead is expected to be short-lived due to AMD's upcoming Medusa Point APU, potentially featuring a significant node shrink. Despite Intel's temporary advantage, concerns surround the long-term commitment to Arc due to rumored shifts towards Nvidia graphics technology.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Valve for raising Steam Deck prices by hundreds of dollars, citing economic disruptions, while drawing attention to Gabe Newell's $500 million luxury yacht, the Leviathan. The move sparked criticism towards both companies, highlighting the juxtaposition of price increases with luxury spending and Epic's recent layoffs. The controversy underscores the challenges faced by gaming hardware manufacturers amidst component shortages.
A recent Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair shipment mishap has leaked an upcoming green-white Commander deck featuring Hatsune Miku. Listed on eBay for a starting price of $500, the sealed deck has garnered significant attention, with bids reaching $3,051. The revealed card, Miku, Song of the People, is a Trostani, Selesnya's Voice reprint.
Catch the PlayStation Days of Play sale with Ghost of Yotei at its lowest price ever, $49, and Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut at a record $29. Both games offer significant discounts, with Yotei's Collector’s Edition also deeply discounted to $149.99, packed with physical and digital goodies.
Valve's sudden Steam Deck price increases, citing rising RAM and storage costs, have analysts speculating about the potential high cost of the upcoming Steam Machine. Industry experts warn of a broader impact on gaming hardware prices amid global economic challenges. The Steam Machine's pricing, expected to align with the current PC market, may exceed expectations due to volatile component costs.
Acer's Predator Atlas 8, resembling the Lenovo Legion Go S, boasts Intel's new Arc G-Series chips, an 8-inch 1900x1200 display, and up to 80Wh battery life. This handheld gaming PC promises exceptional battery life and enhanced performance. Set to launch in October 2026 across North America, EMEA, and Australia.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 marks the franchise's first appearance on a Nintendo console in 13 years, launching on Switch 2 alongside PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on October 23. Developed natively for Switch 2 by Digital Legends in partnership with Infinity Ward, this release fulfills a 10-year agreement between Microsoft and Activision. Players can expect a full campaign and multiplayer experience, though the Switch 2's handheld mode performance remains a point of interest.
Infinity Ward reveals that developing Modern Warfare 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2 has been surprisingly smooth, citing the console's enhanced capabilities. The team has managed to maintain the game's core experience across platforms. This success bodes well for the game's multi-platform launch strategy.
Rayman Legends Retold, a revamped version of the 2013 classic, is set to launch on October 1 for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $39.99. Leaks reveal exciting additions, including 3D sections, four-player online co-op, and crossovers with Astro Bot and Clair Obscur. This remake promises to enhance the original's already stellar platforming, which rivaled the best in the genre, including Mario titles.
