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.
Path of Exile 2 is set to achieve Steam Deck verification by the end of May with patch 0.5.0, enhancing its portable playability. This move sparks optimism for a potential Nintendo Switch 2 release, given the game's impending full 1.0 launch this year. Developer Grinding Gear Games hasn't ruled out exploring Switch 2, citing their focus on ensuring a seamless Steam Deck experience.
Nintendo Switch 2 prices will increase by $50 starting September 1 in the US, Canada, and Europe. The Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 bundle, saving around $70 compared to future prices, expires on May 9. Secure your console before the hike or grab the limited bundle while it's still available.
Bungie's latest title, Marathon, an extraction shooter, has underperformed, leading to a significant $765 million impairment loss for Sony in the last fiscal year. Despite Marathon's struggles and a slowly falling player base since its release in Q4 2025, Bungie developers remain committed, stating they're "in it for the long haul". The setback contrasts with Sony's overall 12% operating income gain, attributed to network services and favorable exchange rates.
PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino outlined an ambitious AI-driven strategy to enhance gaming creativity, platform experience, and Sony's bottom line. Key AI-powered tools include Mockingbird for facial animation and AI-driven racing agents in Gran Turismo. However, concerns arise over potential 'shovelware' increase and the impact of AI on gaming as an art form, all while the PS5 sees a $100 price hike.
Nintendo's Switch 2 has achieved impressive sales of 19.86 million units in its first nine months, with Mario Kart World leading software sales at 14.7 million copies. Despite this success, Nintendo has lowered its sales forecasts for the console to 16.5 million units over the next year, citing uncertain market conditions. The move comes alongside a significant price increase, particularly in Japan.
Sony's next-gen console, PlayStation 6 (PS6), is on the horizon, with the company considering delayed launches up to 2029 due to global RAM shortages. While specifics are scarce, expectations include a premium price tag, enhanced tech specs for 4K gaming at 120 FPS, and likely backward compatibility with PS5 and PS4 games. The PS6's lineup may feature titles like Marvel’s X-Men and potentially Gran Turismo 8, though concrete details are awaited.
Valve tackles the sold-out Steam Controller issue with a new reservation system, aiming to combat scalpers. The Steam Controller, priced at £85, launched on May 4th and is touted as "better in almost every way" than its 2015 predecessor. Reservations start May 8th at 10am Pacific Time (6pm UK time).
Nintendo has announced a $50 price increase for the Switch 2 in the US, effective September 1, 2026, citing changing market conditions. This move aligns with Sony and Microsoft's recent console price hikes. The increase affects the Switch 2 in the US, while Japan faces broader price increases across Switch models.
Nintendo's Switch 2 has sold nearly 20 million units, with 2.49 million consoles sold since December 2025. Despite strong sales, Nintendo has lowered its forecast for the console's performance in 2027 due to concentrated launch-year sales and upcoming price revisions. The company still anticipates selling 16.5 million units in the fiscal year.
PlayStation has announced a collaborative initiative with Bandai Namco, focusing on harnessing generative AI to enhance game development while emphasizing human creativity. This partnership aims to address AI's shortcomings, such as consistency, by leveraging multiple models and fine-tuning. The collaboration is part of PlayStation's broader push to utilize AI for productivity, quality assurance, and personalized player experiences.
