Fans are convinced Nintendo has accidentally revealed the next wave of N64 titles coming to the Switch’s online library.

• READ MORE: The essential games for every Switch 2 owner

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers can currently play a range of N64 games on the Switch and the Switch 2 as part of their membership. As it stands, 35 titles from the iconic console are currently available, including The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time, Mario Kart 64 and Pokemon Stadium. Check out the full list of available N64 games here. 

However fans believe a Nintendo trailer shared back in May has leaked a number of upcoming releases. The video in question reveals a number of new features coming to the Switch Online Library and includes a handful of blurred video game artworks. 

Some fans believe these blurred out artworks are just placeholders for future titles but GameXplain streamer Andre Segers has suggested the brief clip confirms Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong 64, Forsaken 64 and Glover are all due to join the platform. 

for those who can't make out the Smash 64 box, here you go https://t.co/dIQiadSVwc pic.twitter.com/HJPUvZTFGU

— André (@AndreSegers) July 6, 2025

“Damn, are we really at the point that we are trying to deceive what we see in a blurred background based on the color positions?!” wrote one fan. “This just means Nintendo has all these games loaded on their development apps and are just withholding them for no reason whatsoever,” added another. “Please just give me Smash,” said a third.

Earlier this week, Mario Strikers joined the Switch Online Library after Gamecube titles were added as part of the Switch 2 launch. Currently Switch 2 subscribers can play four different GameCube titles, with Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Chibi-Robo, Luigi’s Mansion and Pokémon Colosseum all set to join the online library in the future.

In other news, Nintendo has confirmed it is working on more film adaptations beyond the already announced Legend Of Zelda movie and the Super Mario Bros. sequel.

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Nintendo has confirmed Super Mario Strikers will be coming to the Switch 2 next month.

• READ MORE: The essential games for every Switch 2 owner

Originally released in 2005, Super Mario Strikers is a chaotic sports game with plenty of Mushroom Kingdom charm. The street football title sees players creating a five-person squad featuring one of eight team captains (Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Wario, Waluigi and Donkey Kong) and four sidekicks (Toad, Hammer Brother, Birdo Koopa Troopa).

The sporting venues are filled with typical Mario power-ups, while players can also make use of the timed ‘Super Strike’ function, which counts as two goals if pulled off correctly. A sequel Mario Strikers Charged was released for the Wii in 2007 and Battle League launched on the Nintendo Switch in 2022. But from next week, Nintendo Switch 2 owners can play the original.

Super Mario Strikers is the fourth Gamecube title to come to the Nintendo Switch Online Library, and will be free-to-play for all Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers from July 3.

“This is one of the best sports games of all time,” one fan wrote in response to the announcement. “This is the best news ever,” said another. Other fans are hoping the arrival of Super Mario Strikers means Mario Superstar Baseball and Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour will be hitting the service in the near future.

Switch 2 users can currently play F-Zero GX, The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker and SoulCalibur 2 via the Switch Online Library, and Nintendo has confirmed a lot more Gamecube-era titles will be coming to the service.

Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Chibi-Robo, Luigi’s Mansion and Pokémon Colosseum are all set to join the online library in the future, though exact release dates have yet to be announced.

Nintendo has recently angered Mario Kart World fans by changing what courses can be selected in online multiplayer ‘VS’ mode. “I’m heartbroken by this update. And the lack of communication from Nintendo is even worse,” said one fan.

In other news, Hideo Kojima has celebrated the launch of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach by shredding on a custom-made guitar.

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Mario Kart World fans are “heartbroken” after Nintendo made a subtle change to the game’s multiplayer.

• READ MORE: ‘Mario Kart World’ is a supercharged reinvention of the ultimate party game

For the first time in the franchise’s history, Mario Kart World features an open-world driving experience. ‘Free Roam’ lets you explore the 30 traditional circuits and the many different lands in between them.

These paths also feature in the game’s ‘Knockout’ and ‘VS’ mode, meaning that instead of a traditional three-lap circuit, players race across a mix of circuits and “intermission” tracks. Not everyone was keen on this new feature though. A majority of the 192 “intermission” tracks are straight sections of road, which aren’t the most exciting to race on.

In online ‘VS’ races though, players discovered that if they selected ‘Random’ courses, they’d only be given traditional circuits. However a new update has changed that.

According to the patch notes, Nintendo has “adjusted courses selected in ‘Random’ when selecting the next course in a wireless ‘VS Race.” Now all 192 “intermission” tracks are also included in the random selection, and players aren’t happy.

The thing is, people aren't just being stubborn about the intermission tracks. I wanted to like them, and did at first.

But they have serious issues. Not only with bagging, but they lack any real replay value or depth. What you do in these segments barely matter.

— LonelyGoomba (@LonelyGoomba) June 26, 2025

“I’m heartbroken by this update. And the lack of communication from them is even worse. I don’t mind the intermissions once in a while, but playing them every single time after everyone has been actively protesting against them using the power of their votes, I’m genuinely in disbelief,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “Yeah it’s sad. The three-lap tracks have the perfect pacing. They’re tailored so you’re consistently having fun. Not just the layout, but the theming. I don’t hate all of the connecting routes but they just don’t flow the same way,” added another.

“I never usually complain but this update almost killed the hype for the game. I was having fun, now it’s super boring…I already drive for an hour on a highway to get to work, now I need to do that in Mario Kart too,” said a third.

Mario Kart World legitimately just went from a 9.5/10 to like a 6/10 game with the smallest update imaginable. Nintendo truly baffles me what a disappointing decision from them

— Airid (@AiridTV) June 26, 2025

Others have praised the change though. “Just today I’ve already seen three new tracks I have never seen before with 70+ hours. The three-lap squad was keeping me from enjoying the full game,” wrote one fan on Reddit.

Last week, Nintendo had to deny that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was about to get a surprise release after posters claiming it was “out now” were spotted around London.

In other news, Hideo Kojima has celebrated the launch of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach by shredding on a custom-made guitar.

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Nintendo has denied that the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is about to get a surprise release after posters were spotted around London.

• READ MORE: The essential games for every Switch 2 owner

Metroid Prime 4 was announced back in 2017 and a release trailer was finally revealed last year. Nintendo has since confirmed that the sequel to 2007’s Metroid Prime 3: Corruption will release at some point in 2025 for both Switch and the Switch 2.

However, this week fans noticed some huge posters for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on the London Underground that said the long-awaited game was “out now”. This lead to many assuming the action-adventure title was about to get a surprise release. In 2023, Nintendo shadow-dropped a remastered version of the original Metroid Prime for the Switch.

pic.twitter.com/dv4NLSVq4d

— Wario64 (@Wario64) June 19, 2025

Nintendo has now confirmed that while the posters are real, they were put up in error. The company went on to tell Eurogamer that Metroid Prime 4 isn’t currently available to play but is still scheduled for a 2025 release. 

“Following the destruction of the Phazon, Samus Aran fights for survival on the planet Viewros and confronts foes including the rival bounty hunter Sylux. Beyond introduces psychic powers, which can be used to operate mechanisms and guide shots,” reads an official description of the game. 

A number of fans are still optimistic that a planned poster campaign means Metroid Prime 4 will be released soon. Next month, 3D platformer Donkey Kong Bananza will hit shelves while Pokemon Legends: Z-A will launch in October, leaving August and September wide open for Nintendo to release another first-party game. 

Nintendo gave fans a proper look at Donkey Kong Bananza earlier this week during a 15-minute Direct presentation. As well as Pauline returning as a playable character, Bananza will let players explore a fully-destructive environment and transform Donkey Kong into a number of different animals. “I was very underwhelmed by what was shown for Donky Kong Bananza in the past, but now I’m all in. Definitely getting it on launch day. If it is as fun as Mario Odyssey, it’ll be worth every penny,” one fan wrote.

In other news, Hideo Kojima has confirmed he won’t be directing the upcoming Death Stranding movie adaptation.

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Mario Kart World is easily the biggest entry in Nintendo’s long-running racer series. Twenty-four characters face off in chaotic ‘Grand Prix’ races and the sprawling ‘Free Roam’ mode lets you investigate every corner of the huge open-world map. The Switch 2’s marquee launch title also comes crammed with different cars, bikes and trikes to try out – as well as a bumper soundtrack of absolute bangers to listen to while doing so.

• READ MORE: ‘Mario Kart World’ is a supercharged reinvention of the ultimate party game

Every one of the 29 courses in Mario Kart World has its own unique anthem and each route between them comes with its own catchy score. In total, that’s more than 200 different tracks in the plucky plumber’s impressive jukebox.

“We want players to stay engaged with this vast world for a long time without getting bored and hope the soundtrack will support those efforts,” explained Nintendo’s Atsuko Ashai in a recent developer Q+A. “We poured a lot of effort into each and every song. Our goal was to create distinctive music that’s fun just to listen to while driving around.” Heck, we’ve even started parking up to enjoy the music without the infuriating background engine whirr.

Unfortunately, until they’re available to stream via Nintendo Music, the only way to enjoy these trackside tunes is by playing the game (or, if you’re a bit naughty, firing up a cheeky YouTube rip). To make things a little easier to locate in-game, we’ve listed the biggest hits in Mario Kart World (and where to find them) below:

‘Underground BGM’ (Flamenco remix)

Where to hear it: ‘Free Roam’

‘Underground BGM’ is one of the oldest Mario themes going. It was first found in the underground areas of 1985’s Super Mario Bros. and has featured in virtually every Mario game since. World delivers a funky update on a classic though with this Flamenco remix. The guitar can still be heard playing the familiar tune but around it, Nintendo has created an upbeat, carefree anthem that’s sunnier than a shine sprite. Sunglasses at the ready!

Perfect for… zipping around Koopa Troopa Beach

‘Mario Kart World Main Theme’

Where to hear it: on the game’s title screen

Country music has never been more popular. Global megastars Beyoncé and Chappell Roan have introduced a little yee-haw to their polished pop in recent months and folksy anthems from Noah Kahan, Alex Warren and Gigi Perez are all over the radio. Wanting to get in on the action, Mario Kart World’s main theme is a barn-yard stomper that’s ideal for lassoing cows in Moo Moo Meadows. We’ve already heard it far too many times and we still can’t get enough.

Perfect for… starting your engines

‘Rainbow Road Theme’

Where to hear it: Rainbow Road (duh)

The only hidden circuit in Mario Kart World is unlocked after you’ve won all six ‘Grand Prix’ cups. Your reward is a glorious reimagining of one of the most iconic tracks around and its suitably extravagant soundtrack. As we’ve come to expect from Rainbow Road, the new score plays out like an epic saga – euphoric one moment, intense and troubling the next. It’s a tricky circuit to nail but the music makes the entire journey feel magical – even if you end up limping over the finish line in last place.

Perfect for… turning a terrible day around

‘Bowser’s Castle Theme’

Where to hear it: Bowser’s Castle

As soon as you drive up to Bowser’s Castle, you can feel the heat. There are rivers of lava, exploding fireballs and even a giant version of Mario’s archenemy made out of flames. Cranking up the temperature even more is a spicy, speed metal anthem that gives the scorching circuit an extra degree or two of danger.

Perfect for… headbanging in your Bowser Bruiser

‘Overworld Theme (Ska remix)’

Where to hear it: ‘Free Roam’

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater fans might be annoyed that the soundtrack for the upcoming 3+4 is missing a lot of classic songs, but ska is alive and well in Mario Kart World. It takes guts to give the most recognisable theme in gaming history and major makeover but this new version of the first bit of music you hear in the original Super Mario Bros. is even more joyful thanks to the addition of trumpets and sax.

Perfect for… embracing the rhythm (and wearing a shirt with flames on it)

‘Koopa Troopa Beach Theme’

Where to hear it: Koopa Troopa Beach

There are some amazing remixes of vintage Mario Kart themes in World, but the most surprising might be the EDM reworking of Koopa Troopa Beach. The song was first introduced as part of 1992’s Super Mario Kart and while this new version still has the same chirpy, upbeat vibe of the 16-bit original, it’s a far more pulsating, urgent electro banger.

Perfect for… that Mario Kart warehouse rave you’ve been planning

‘Vancouver Velocity’

Where to hear it: ‘Free Roam’

Like a lot of mobile games, 2019’s Mario Kart Tour was a watered-down version of the real deal. The races might not have been as fun but the soundtrack had a couple of gems – such as ‘Vancouver Velocity’. A new version of the ‘90s house track features in World and is even more euphoric than the original. From the vibey piano intro to the pulsating electronic bass, it wouldn’t sound out of place on Dua Lipa’s latest album.

Perfect for… the ‘Radical Optimism’ you need for ‘Knockout’ mode

‘Baby Park’

Where to hear it: ‘Free Roam’

As big as Mario Kart World is, there are still a few classic circuits missing from the game – some fans are already campaigning for the chaotic Baby Park to make a return. But while we wait for Nintendo to listen to their very reasonable (we think) demands, there’s a hectic dubstep remix of the original GameCube theme to enjoy. It sounds like Skrillex competing at Eurovision and it’s somehow even more bonkers than that description.

Perfect for… racking up a tricky combo of grinds and wall-rides

‘Dino Dino Jungle’

Where to hear it: Dino Dino Jungle

The relatively relaxed theme from Double Dash’s Dino Dino Jungle has been given a funky makeover for World. Featuring frantic drums that would have made a Donkey Konga player quake over their bongos and free-spirited guitar riff that was clearly inspired by Prince, this groovy little number is the perfect soundtrack to Mario Kart’s take on Jurassic Park. How else would you have the confidence to out-run a T. rex and use other terrible lizards to kickstart some kart parkour.

Perfect for… partying like it’s 1999

‘Yoshi’s Island Theme’

Where to hear it: ‘Free Roam’

There are a lot of big driving anthems on the soundtrack to World, which makes sense for a big driving game. But there are also moments of beauty and tranquility to be found in the glorious expanse of the open-world. If you get far enough away from the hustle and bustle, the jukebox algorithm might throw up this newly-polished version of the opening melody from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. A pretty, delicate, piano-led number, it’s the sort of intimate song that may bring a tear to your eye.

Perfect for… getting away from it all

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Switch 2 owners are calling Donkey Kong Bananza “amazing” after Nintendo shared a proper look at the new 3D platformer.

• READ MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 review: easy to pick up, almost impossible to put down

The Nintendo Switch 2 was released last month alongside launch title Mario Kart World. No new Mario platformer has been announced for the new console but Nintendo did confirm that a new 3D Donkey Kong title was on the way.

Now the company has given fans a proper look at Donkey Kong Bananza via a 15-minute Direct and fans are excited. 

Due to launch July 17, Donkey Kong Bananza will see DK team up with a young Pauline. Pauline was first seen in the original Donkey Kong game as the damsel in distress but was replaced by Princess Peach for the Super Mario series. She’s starred in a number of spin-off titles and was mayor of New Donk City in 2017’s Super Mario Odyssey. 

Together, they must get to the core of Ingot Isle to defeat the nefarious Void Company, who want to mine the natural resources from the land. Pauline is an aspiring singer who can use the power of music to transform Donkey Kong into different forms, each with their own unique power. Kong Bananza has super strength, Zebra Bananza is very quick while Ostrich Bananza can fly and drop eggs on enemies. 

Donkey Kong himself can use his impressive physical strength to tear through the destructive environment, but can also use boulders to build, destroy and ride. As the video explained, “destruction can lead to discoveries” with a number of hidden and collectible items hidden about the land. 

The game will also support two-player co-op and make use of the Nintendo Switch 2’s new mouse control. It will also be GameShare and GameChat compatible, meaning only one person needs to own the game to play it in multiplayer.

FULL VOICE ACTING??

A FULL SONG??

Diddy Kong, Cranky, Dixie??

Donkey Kong Bananza is GOTY material!! pic.twitter.com/2IBpIcidXs

— AS112 (@AS_12239) June 18, 2025

“This looks amazing. So much more than I expected,” one surprised fan wrote on Reddit. “I was very underwhelmed by what was shown for DK Bananza in the past, but now I’m all in. Definitely getting it on launch day. If it is as fun as Mario Odyssey, it’ll be worth every penny,” said another. “This looks phenomenal and will be the true display of what the Switch 2 is capable of,” added a third. 

When Donkey Kong Bananza was announced I thought it looked cool but lowkey wished it was 3D Mario. This Direct COMPLETELY changed everything

There’s actually a story, voice acted cutscenes & skill trees to level up??

Okay I’m pre-ordering. If King K Rool is in too it’s a 10/10 pic.twitter.com/udgDhVF5bg

— Aero (@ActualAero) June 18, 2025

Donkey Kong Bananza will cost £66.99 for the physical game, while a digital version is available for £58.99. Pre-orders are live here.

In other news, Bruno Mars has been confirmed as the next Fornite Festival Icon, taking over from Sabrina Carpenter – and fans aren’t happy.

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It looks like Nintendo Switch 2 users will have to wait to play the new Borderlands 4.

• READ MORE: The essential games for every Switch 2 owner

Last August, Borderlands 4 was officially confirmed by Gearbox Software and 2K Games. They announced the long-awaited follow-up to 2019’s Borderlands 3 would release at some point in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. It was later confirmed it would also be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2.

However, Gearbox has now confirmed the Switch 2 version of the game will be delayed. Xbox, PlayStation and PC users will be able to play Borderlands 4 on September 12 but, according to the FAQ section of the website, the game “will also come to Nintendo Switch 2 later in 2025”.

“We’ll share more details at a later date,” Gearbox added.

Earlier this year, Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford explained that the team were making a dedicated Switch 2 version of Borderlands 4, rather than simply porting the game. “It’s pretty astonishing how perfect this platform is for Borderlands 4,” he continued.

“The Nintendo Switch 2 has been a joy to work with. It’s very powerful. It’s an incredible machine in a very tight form factor, and we love being on the bleeding edge with our graphics and the experience that we’re creating, and the Nintendo Switch 2 makes all that possible. We don’t feel like we’re fighting the system, we feel like the system’s enabling us and empowering us to make the best version of Borderlands 4 that we can. As a game developer, it’s awesome.”

It’s also been confirmed that Borderlands 4 won’t cost $80, despite Pitchford’s previous comments about “real fans” finding a way to pay any price for the game.

“Borderlands 4 is now available for pre-order on PlayStation5, and Xbox Series X|S and pre-purchase on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, starting at $69.99,” said a blog post from Gearbox. A super deluxe version is also available for $129.99.

“Borderlands 4 brings intense action, badass Vault Hunters, and billions of wild and deadly weapons to an all-new planet ruled by a ruthless tyrant,” reads the game’s official description. “Crash into Kairos as one of four new Vault Hunters seeking wealth and glory. Wield powerful Action Skills, customise your build with deep skill trees, and dominate enemies with dynamic movement abilities. Break free from the oppressive Timekeeper, a ruthless dictator who dominates the masses from on high. Now a world-altering catastrophe threatens his perfect Order, unleashing Mayhem across the planet.”

In other news, legendary Dark Souls actor Pik-Sen Lim has died, aged 80.

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Nintendo has announced that the Switch 2 is now its fastest-selling console of all time.

• READ MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 review: easy to pick up, almost impossible to put down

The Switch 2 launched last week (June 5) with fans attending midnight launches to make sure they got their hands on the bigger, more powerful console after pre-orders sold out instantly.

Taking to social media, Nintendo has now confirmed that the Switch 2 has sold over 3.5million units worldwide in its first four days, “becoming the fastest-selling Nintendo hardware ever globally.”

In a statement, Nintendo’s Doug Bowser said: “Fans around the world are showing their enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2 as an upgraded way to play at home and on the go. We are thankful for their response and happy to see the fun they are already having with Nintendo Switch 2 as they explore new features and games that bring friends and family together in new ways.”

#NintendoSwitch2 has sold over 3.5 million units worldwide in its first four days, becoming the fastest-selling Nintendo hardware ever globally. pic.twitter.com/JNrl3Z92pv

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 11, 2025

The original Switch sold 2.7million units in its first month, and went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time (152million units) behind the Nintendo DS (154million) and the PS2 (more than 160million). Nintendo has said it hopes to sell 15million Switch 2 consoles in its first twelve months, while some experts have called that number conservative.

According to those sale figures, it also looks like the Switch 2 has become the fastest-selling home console of all time. When it launched back in 2020, the PlayStation 5 took four weeks to ship 3.4million copies (via Gematsu) and seven weeks to sell 4.5million, which remains a record for Sony.

Not only from Nintendo, Switch 2 is now the fastest selling console ever in the history of video games!

PS5 took 1 full month to sell 3.4 million while PS4 2.1 million during its first 16 days. https://t.co/IdasjD9jug

— Centro LEAKS (@CentroLeaks) June 11, 2025

According to NielsenIQ, the Switch 2 is the fastest-selling Nintendo console in the UK, outselling the original Switch by more than two to one. But it’s only the UK’s fourth best-selling console, with sales currently falling short of records set by the PS4, the PS5 and the Xbox One.

“The UK market has often been a challenging one for Nintendo. The Nintendo Wii was the best-selling console of that generation globally, but was behind Xbox 360 in the UK. Even Nintendo Switch, which has been the best-selling console worldwide for the past eight years, sits behind PS4 in the UK,” explained The Game Business.

Nintendo has already confirmed a number of huge titles coming to the Switch 2 later this year. Donkey Kong Bananza launches July 17, Pokemon Legends: Z-A is coming October 16 and both Metroid Prime 4 and new Splatoon spin-off Raiders are due before the end of the year, alongside a number of blockbuster third-party titles.

In other news, the star of Silent Hill f has said that making the terrifying new horror game affected her sanity.

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The team behind Call Of Duty has confirmed they are working on bringing the franchise to the Nintendo Switch 2.

• READ MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 review: easy to pick up, almost impossible to put down

Back in 2023, Microsoft announced a ten-year deal with Nintendo that meant Switch owners would be able to play future Call Of Duty games “the same day as Xbox, with full feature and content parity”. The agreement was part of Microsoft’s $68.7billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

However when the company announced Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7 over the weekend, the sequel was only confirmed for release on Xbox and PlayStation consoles, as well as PC.

The team behind Call Of Duty has now released a statement (via Eurogamer) that said: “We’re committed to getting the franchise on Switch. Both teams [are] working on it. Will share details when ready.”

More details about the follow-up to Black Ops 6 are due this summer, ahead of a 2025 launch for the latest Call Of Duty title. The game will feature solo and co-op campaign modes, alongside a “signature” multiplayer experience with brand new maps. The popular ‘Zombies’ mode is also getting a refresh with “the next twisted chapter of round-bases” mayhem.

“Developed as the next evolution of Black Ops, this is the first-ever consecutive release within the series, set more than 40 years after the events of Black Ops 6. The year is 2035 and the world is on the brink of chaos, ravaged by violent conflict and psychological warfare following the events of Black Ops 2 and Black Ops 6. Wielding cutting-edge technology, David Mason and his team must fight back against a manipulative enemy who weaponises fear above all else,” says a description of the game.

The next evolution of Black Ops is coming.#BlackOps7 pic.twitter.com/5DeuB9Jdmn

— Treyarch (@Treyarch) June 8, 2025

The Switch 2 launched last week and fans have been praising the “incredible” new Nintendo console. The bigger, more powerful bit of kit has allowed blockbuster games Elden Ring, Borderlands 4 and Cyperpunk 2077 to come to Nintendo for the first time.

Yesterday (June 9), Microsoft confirmed its own handheld console would launch this year. Details about the cost of the ROG Xbox Ally haven’t been announced yet but Microsoft has shared the technical specifications of the Switch 2 rival and said it will be able to run all games that are available on Xbox Game Pass, while Fortnite will also be playable on the handheld.

In other news, a new video game adaptation of the hit HBO show Game Of Thrones has been announced that will let you choose how the fantasy story ends.

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Microsoft has confirmed details of its long-awaited handheld console, the ROG Xbox Ally.

• READ MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 review: easy to pick up, almost impossible to put down

Last year, Xbox teased it was working on a handheld console to rival the Nintendo Switch. In June, boss Phil Spencer said “the future for us in hardware is pretty awesome. The work that the team is doing around different form factors, different ways to play, I’m incredibly excited about.”

A few months later he said that the “expectation is that we would do something” in the handheld gaming space, with a team already working on prototypes.

Now Microsoft has confirmed two new handheld consoles will be released later this year.

The ROG Xbox Ally is “the essential handheld at a great value for everyone from the casual player to the avid enthusiast” while the ROG Xbox Ally X will be “the ultimate high-performance handheld, built for the most demanding players.”

“Everything at Xbox starts with the player,” continued a statement from Microsoft. “That’s why we’ve dedicated years to reimagining how to make it easier to enjoy the games you love—wherever you are. Whether you’re at home or on the go, your favourite games should follow you.”

The handheld consoles will see Microsoft collaborate with Taiwanese manufacturer ASUS and include several “new and first-of-their kind features on both devices—from an immersive Xbox full screen experience, an aggregated gaming library with access to installed games from leading PC storefronts, and more.”

It’s been confirmed that ROG Xbox Ally owners will have access to all games that are available on Xbox Game Pass, while Fortnite will also be playable on the handheld.

Details about price, release date and pre-order details are yet to be confirmed, but Microsoft has shared the technical specifications for the new console here.

Players in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States will be able to get the ROG Xbox Ally later this year, while other markets will have to wait until 2026.

In other news, Microsoft has confirmed 18 huge Day One releases will be available for Xbox Game Pass subscribers in the coming months including the recently-announced Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7. The sequel to last year’s Black Ops 6 will be set in 2035 and star Milo Ventimiglia, Kiernan Shipka and Michael Rooker.

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