Category: News

The highly anticipated cyberpunk life simulation RPG from Ion Lands is back with a fresh new look. The game was previously known as Nivalis and has now been renamed Nivalis Nights. The developers have confirmed that it will launch on Steam on September 29, 2026.

The announcement was made on the studio’s official X (Twitter) account. The developers also clarified that this is not a new game, but it is the same game that fans have been waiting for with a new name, updated logo and refreshed look.

Nivalis Nights is a cyberpunk life simulation game where players can build a business, run restaurants and nightclubs, meet people, buy and decorate apartment, go fishing and even find love in a futuristic city.

You start with a small noodle stand and slowly grow it into the city’s top restaurants and nightclubs. Along the way, you will face CorpSec crackdowns and a mysterious serial killer, but only your ambition can lead you to the top.

The new title matches the game’s vibe much better. It also shifts the focuses on the city’s vibrant nightlife and urban atmosphere, while the gameplay remains the same.

Creative Director of Ion Lands, Marko Dieckmann said that the team faced several challenges while developing Nivalis Nights. Since the game was first announced in 2021, he also thanked players for waiting patiently.

505 Games President Neil Ralley said that the publisher is excited to see the project take shape and is looking forward to players finally exploring the city.

Nivalis Nights will launch on Steam for PC on September 29, 2026. It will also be released on Epic Games Store at a later date, with more details to be announced soon.

Valve’s recently released Steam Machine received strong criticism for its high-priced strategy. However, some industry experts believe that this could be the start of a new trend. It is said that Rising component costs could force Sony to consider a higher price for the PlayStation 6, but Sony has not confirmed any pricing strategy.

Gaming consoles could soon cost around $1,000, as they are becoming more expensive to make. Microsoft has confirmed work on its next-generation Xbox hardware, while Sony has not officially announced the PlayStation 6 release date. Since production costs are increasing, the companies may have to sell their new consoles at much higher prices.

According to KeplerL2, the estimated cost of the PlayStation 6 was around $760 in March 2026. However, the situation has changed since then, and the analyst now says that the component prices have increased by about $200 USD, bringing the estimated production cost to nearly $1,000 per console.

It is important to note that this estimate only covers the cost of the hardware components. It does not include other expenses like shipping, transportation, marketing or retail costs. Once those costs are added, the final selling price could be even higher.

What Could The Price Of The PlayStation 6 Be?

When the estimated production cost was $760, Sony could have sold the PlayStation 6 for around $700, even if it meant a small loss on each unit. However, with the production costs now close to $1,000, the console will likely cost much more. According to KeplerL2, Some reports speculate that the PS6 could approach $1,000 if component costs remain high, but Sony has not confirmed any model, edition or price.

When asked if Sony might delay the PlayStation 6 beyond 2027 to reduce costs, the analyst said that waiting longer may not help, because if the cost further continues to rise, delaying the launch could make the console even more expensive. The analyst also said that if production costs stop increasing, there is little reason to delay the release. If component costs fall after launch, Sony could lower the console’s price later, just as it did with the PlayStation 3.

Global Chip Memory Shortage Affecting Electronics Costs

Some consumers hope that Sony might cover part of production costs and could sell the PlayStation 6 for around $900. However, Console makers have often sold hardware at little profit or at a loss, but Sony has said it does not want to sell hardware at significant losses. When Sony did this with the PlayStation 3, it lost a lot of money.

It has to be noted that Sony is not the only company raising prices. Recently, Microsoft increased the prices of its Xbox consoles. Starting August 2026, the Xbox Series X with a disc drive will cost $799.99. It is believed that the prices could increase even before 2027. Also, Apple made price adjustments on several of its products this week.

One of the world’s most popular video games, Grand Theft Auto 6, is all set to be launched on November 19, 2026. The game is expected to shatter entertainment industry records worldwide. Fans across the world have been eagerly waiting for its release and have been keeping a close watch on every minute detail about it.

Amazon has started listing Grand Theft Auto 6 merchandise and has revealed some fresh details about the game. Fans have noticed that the Brazilian Amazon page includes extra information that is not seen in other regions, including details about the in-game social media system that was shown in the trailers.

According to Amazon Brazil, Grand Theft Auto 6 will deliver a more immersive experience than the previous GTA games. NPCs will follow daily routines, and players will come across interactive locations and random events that make the world feel more realistic.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to feature one of the richest and most detailed open worlds ever seen in a video game. This expectation is based on what fans have seen in the trailers, along with the promises made by Take-Two and Rockstar Games. Also, the success of Red Dead Redemption 2 has set high expectations.

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the game world changes as the story progresses – People age, new buildings are completed, technology improves and the world reacts to the events in the game. This led fans to expect that even Grand Theft Auto 6 will offer an even more realistic and dynamic open world.

The latest detail found on Amazon’s GTA 6 pre-order page support these expectations and provide more hints about what players can expect.

One such new details provided on Amazon’s GTA 6 page is about the game’s integrated social network, which means players can watch viral videos, follow influencers and keep track on event in the game through their in-game smartphone.

There has long been speculation that social media will play an important role in GTA 6. Many even think that building a large following on social media could affect how the story unfolds. Since Rockstar Games often creates parodies of the real world, many expect GTA 6 to include a range of in-game apps inspired by those we use today.

In 2013’s GTA 5, the game featured parody versions of popular social media platforms, like Snapmatic, which was similar to Instagram, Bleeter, which resembled Twitter/X and Lifeinvader, a parody of Facebook. Fans expect the return of such apps, along with new ones, in GTA 6.

The Amazon page for GTA 6 also mentions that the players will be able to switch between two main characters, Jason and Lucia, and some missions will allow players to control both characters, similar to character switching in GTA 5. The page also highlights the next-generation graphics, a larger map with more biomes and a more immersive world with realistic NPCs and detailed surroundings.

However, it has to be noted that these details appear only on Amazon’s page in one region and have not been confirmed anywhere else, which means, the information is unofficial. Fans should not believe the information until Rockstar Games officially confirms it.

Disney and Pixar’s beloved animated series has made its theatrical return with Toy Story 5, seven years after the previous installment, and is already exceeding expectations at the box office. The film has earned more than initially projected in its domestic debut.

Toy Story 5 opened to an estimated/rounded $160M, with The Numbers listing $159.68M from 4,425 theaters.

Toy Story 5 beat The Super Mario Galaxy Movie domestically, but not globally

With its opening weekend earnings, Toy Story 5 has beaten The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which made $131.7 million. It has not only become the biggest domestic opening of 2026, but also the highest-opening film in the Toy Story franchise, surpassing 2019’s Toy Story 4, which made a $120 million opening at the box office, without adjusting for inflation.

With this, Toy Story 5 has become the second-biggest animated opening weekend in box office history. The only animated film with a higher domestic debut was Incredibles 2 (2018), which opened with $182.7 million.

Toy Story 5 also did well internationally. In international markets, the film earned $152 million, taking its global opening weekend total to $312 million. The production budget of the film was reportedly $250 million, not including marketing and promotion costs.

According to industry analysts, the film is expected to continue performing well in the coming weeks, especially with family audiences. The animated film has been well received by critics, around 93–94% on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of reporting, and audiences rated it an “A” grade in CinemaScore exit polls.

About Toy Story 5

Directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris, Toy Story 5 brings back many of the franchise’s most popular characters. The story follows Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) and the other toys as they face a new challenge when their owner becomes attached to children’s smart tablet called Lilypad.

The sequel has also grabbed attention for its music, with Taylor Swift adding an original song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” to the film.

For months, GTA 6 fans have been closely watching Rockstar’s GTA 6 trailers for new details. After multiple delays, the highly anticipated game is expected to launch later this year (2026). Ahead of its release, several actors’ resumes have sparked speculations about previously undisclosed roles in the game.

Marvel’s Wolverine actor Brett Gipson reportedly listed GTA 6 on his résumé before the reference was removed. The résumé reportedly listed him as a supporting character named Ellis, though Rockstar has not confirmed the role. However, no other details about the role have been revealed, and it remains unclear how important the character will be to the game’s story. There have also been no signs of Ellis appearing in any of the trailers or screenshots released so far. Although Rockstar has mainly focused on the game’s two main characters, Jason and Lucia, it has also introduced several supporting characters, including Jason’s friend Cal Hampton and Brian Heder, a drug runner/landlord figure connected to Jason.

Not just Brett, several other actors like Katie Burke, Ignacio Navarro and Massi Furlan have revealed that they are in the game. While some of them appear to be playing minor characters or NPCs, others have not disclosed their exact roles. There is no indication whether Rockstar has allowed the actors to share this information, but it could be a part of the company’s marketing strategy as promotion for the game builds up ahead of release.

GTA 6 is scheduled to release on November 19, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S and PS5. Pre-orders will officially begin on June 25. Some fans are speculating that a third trailer could be released at the same time. Rockstar recently unveiled the official cover art and continues to list GTA 6 for November 19, 2026.

In the past, Rockstar kept casting details secret until the game’s release. However, it remains to be seen whether or not, this time, Rockstar will officially announce the cast for GTA 6. Well, things may be different this time!

It looks like Rockstar has a clear plan, since they usually don’t announce things without a reason. What’s the plan – Keeping players engaged in GTA Online while also creating hype for what’s next.

GTA Online will introduce the Kortz Center Heist in July 2026. At the same time, pre-orders for GTA 6 have officially started. While one update keeps their live-service game fresh, the other shows that the highly awaited sequel game is getting close to release.

The Kortz Center

The Kortz Center is one of the most iconic spots in Los Santos. It is a contemporary art gallery in Pacific Bluffs and has been in GTA 5 since 2013. Players have been curious about it for years. Finally, now they can actually do something about it.

According to the GTA 5 listing on Steam, “Perched on the hills of Pacific Bluffs, the world-famous Kortz Center looms large over the Los Santos cultural scene. Priceless international works of art have adorned its hallways for years, and now the time has come to raid this prestigious gallery’s esteemed collection for personal gain in The Kortz Center Heist, this summer’s exciting new update coming to GTA Online in July.”

The heist has multiple stages. First, you explore the complex and gather information. Then you pick how to execute it. After that, you carry out the mission. This can be played by both solo players and teams. This is a good setup for a big target like this.

How To Get Access To The Kortz Center Heist?

To get in the Kortz Center Heist, you need to own a Mansion with an Art Studio add-on. Mansions are some of the most expensive properties in the game, and adding the Art Studio makes it even more costly.

Rockstar uses a common setup in GTA Online where property requirements are needed for big heists. The main intention is to make players invest first, which makes the heist feel more important. New players need to earn enough in-game money or spend real money to get access.

To help players prepare, Rockstar is running special events before the update. Ahead of the July launch, there will be bonus GTA$ rewards and discounts. The Fine Art Collector program will also run during this time. Currently, there is a 40% bonus GTA$ offer on eligible Shark Card purchases. On the whole, Rockstar is helping players to earn and save money before the heist begins.

GTA 6 Pre-Orders Are Live And The Community Has Already Started Early Copy Giveaways

Currently, GTA 6 pre-orders are officially live. The community reacted quickly. On the same day, DarkViperAU announced a giveaway. @DarkViperAU shared, “Rockstar has announced GTA 6 pre-orders, so I’m giving 6 lucky winners $1,000 USD each to help pay for a PS5 Pro and GTA VI.”

The post received 5,941 reposts (as of now), showing that people are really excited about the game, not just the giveaway.

Also, @atlasfunded ran a separate giveaway in response and shared, “The countdown to GTA VI is ON. We’re giving away 10 copies of GTA VI so ten of you can play the moment it releases, and it’s completely on us.”

Their giveaway closes on June 27, 2026. Standard giveaway terms apply, and they are not connected to Rockstar or Take-Two.

Why The Kortz Center Heist Matters After 13 Years Of GTA Online?

GTA Online has been active since 2013, giving players 13 years of heists and regular updates in a single game. By most industry standards, that is a very long and impressive lifespan.

GTA Online’s success helped Rockstar take their time making GTA 6. Most studios don’t have a long-running live game like GTA Online alongside a major new project, but Rockstar did, which explains why GTA 6 took so long to develop.

The Kortz Center Heist feels like a carefully planned update, and the art theft theme fits GTA well. Using The Kortz Center as a heist target makes it more meaningful for long-time players, as it is one of the most recognizable buildings in the game’s world.

The simple idea here is Rockstar wants GTA Online to stay strong when GTA 6 comes out. Active players in GTA Online are the most natural user base to move to the next game. The heist update and the pre-order news are not separate things- they are part of the same plan to move players from one game to the next.

No one really thought MAPPA’s 15th birthday stream could be so deadly. A highlight reel, perhaps some speeches, a few thank you moments, that was the reasonable expectation. Rather, fans were gifted with Chainsaw Man Assassins Arc’s Second Teaser Trailer as well as a first look at a brand-new Chainsaw Man mobile game. MAPPA had some big anniversaries to celebrate, and the internet did not miss.

Here is everything that came out of that stream.

Six Months of Silence, Then Chainsaw Man Assassins Arc Second Teaser Trailer

The previous big Chainsaw Man news event was the Jump Festa in December 2025. At this time, the Assassins’ Arc was actually officially announced. After that, nothing for Six months of waiting, refreshing the page,s and hoping for an update. MAPPA remained silent and then, out of the quiet, when no one was hoping, they made an announcement.

The second teaser came out during the studio’s lineup reveal event. Well, just to see the arc move again was a relief, after all of these many years. But it was clear in the teaser that production is happening, and it appears powerful.

The Right People Are Still in the Room

For anime long running productions, continuity is important. This project suffers when the wrong people are given the task. Therefore, it is worth seeing the creative team from the Assassins Arc.

Director Tatsuya Yoshihara is returning for the Assassins Arc after directing Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. He is all too familiar with this world and these characters, so the handoff from them works well. Back on scripting for Hiroshi Seko, and the character designs are back with Kazutaka Sugiyama. Kensuke Ushio returns as a musical power that was essential to anime’s unique soundtrack throughout.

The TV anime began in October and ran through December 2022, and set a very high bar to follow. The Assassins Arc continues the creative direction from Reze Arc, with Tatsuya Yoshihara returning as director, taking up the entire lead chair, but the main creative staff remains the same. This level of consistency will reflect on the screen, which is one way to boost confidence about what will be presented.

The Mobile Game Was the Real Surprise

The teaser trailer was expected, at least in the sense that fans knew more news was eventually coming. The mobile version was quite a different game altogether, though.

During the stream, MAPPA revealed an untitled Chainsaw Man mobile game, and the first thing that immediately came to mind is the production behind the project. MAPPA themselves produced the opening movie, and that is not a small thing. Studios do not work hard on something they don’t believe in.

Next, the music started playing, which is composed of the theme The opening theme is ‘ALL THE LYNCH!! ALL THE MINCE!!’ by Maximum the Hormone. They were so attached to the franchise after being shown in the previous season and the Reze Arc movie, so there was no way they could leave it behind. It was enough to hit their theme music for the mobile game to let them know their message.

The rest of the information remains a mystery. No titles have been confirmed, The title, release window, and exact app-store details have not been announced yet, and there is no release window mentioned. This is the one thing that does exist at this moment, the opening movie and the song. More are coming, but it is not publicly announced when.

What the Chainsaw Man Assassins Arc Second Teaser Trailer Actually Covers

For anyone less familiar with the manga, the Assassins Arc is one of its most packed and intense stretches. Denji becomes the target of assassins who are after his heart. New characters appear quickly, fights grow large,r and the story provides not much breathing time. That’s a challenging arc to master, and MAPPA has a lot of work to do.

The arc has not been announced with a premiere date. After months of no news, the stream said production is moving, but no mention was made of a date for when that will be done.

So far, it’s worth the wait, but it is certainly not the end.

This June was a very exciting event, and I had the opportunity to test out Nintendo Switch Online Game Trial for EA SPORTS FC 26 for Nintendo Switch Online Members. The game is EA Sports FC 26, and you can try it on Nintendo Switch, especially the newer Switch 2, right now.

I was amazed the first time I was involved in the trial at the number of things I could do without spending a dime. I could create my own dream team and play online against other players. Also, I was able to play with friends locally, which was fun. Then I could take my team through the various practical challenges in football or create one of my players from scratch. It was definitely not a short preview of a game, but it was a full game experience.

There is also a handy lesson I learned in this trial. I would not lose any progress if I bought the game during the trial period. My save data would be instantly transferred to the complete version of the game. That is a really well thought-out aspect that really strikes me, and I appreciate it.

This offer comes with many deals attached. EA Sports FC 26 is also available as a digital copy and is on sale in some areas at up to 80 percent off for both Switch and Switch 2. This sale continues until July 1, 2026, so be sure to make use of it. Also, for playing in the trial, I got 100 Platinum Points as a reward, which is a good bonus for just playing for free.

Last but not least, EA Sports introduced a feature that we can call “The World’s Game Update” in FC 26. This update celebrates soccer, which seems to go hand in hand with the current World Cup. It gave the game a sense of timeliness and relevance in a very cool manner.

Lastly, I just saw that Konami has also released eFootball™ Kick-Off! on Nintendo Switch 2, featuring national teams and an International Cup mode. The game is great, and if you are also a football fan like me, that is a bad time to have a Nintendo Switch, anyway.

The trial will be active through June 24, 2026, so I hope you will log in and try a few before it expires.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which was released on April 1, 2026, has achieved a major milestone! The film produced by Universal Pictures, Nintendo and Illumination Entertainment, has become the first movie of 2026 to cross the $1 billion mark at the box office. The first film in the franchise, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which was released in 2023, grossed more than $1.3 billion worldwide.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie debuted at No. 1 worldwide and stayed at the top of the global and international box office charts for three consecutive weekends. It has earned $428.5 million in the U.S. and Canada, making it the highest-grossing movie of 2026 domestically so far. Overseas, it made $571.5 million, making it the highest-grossing MPA film internationally this year.

The production budget of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is $110 million, which is relatively low for an animated film, so it is expected to make a huge profit.

The two Mario movies have earned around $2.4 billion worldwide, making them one of the Hollywood’s most successful animated film franchises.

In fact, the Mario films now rank alongside Inside Out, which has earned $2.56 billion from two films, Kung Fu Panda, which has made $2.37 billion from four films and Madagascar, which has earned $2.26 billion across seven films. The highest-grossing animated franchise is still Despicable Me (also from Universal and Illumination), which has earned $5.64 billion worldwide from six films.

Domestically, the Mario movies are currently the fifth biggest animated franchise, followed by Despicable Me, Shrek, Toy Story and Inside Out.

Currently, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is the highest-grossing film of the year. Other top-earning movies of the year include Michael, Project Hail Mary and The Devil Wears Prada 2.

Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic returned to helm The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The sequel sees Chris Pratt return as the voice of Mario, alongside returning cast members Anya Taylor-Joy, Keegan-Michael Key, Charlie Day and Jack Black. The film also features the voices of Donald Glover, Benny Safdie and Glen Powell.

Seven years after the release of Toy Story 4, Disney and Pixar’s iconic animated franchise will make its long-awaited return to the big screen with Toy Story 5. The movie is projected to deliver the biggest opening weekend in Toy Story franchise history, with some industry estimates pointing to around $275 million worldwide.

In North America, Toy Story 5 is expected to earn around $140 million during its opening weekend across 4,425 theaters. If this turns out to be true, then the film will record the biggest domestic opening of any movie released in 2026 to date.

The movie will be released in all major premium formats, including Premium Large Format screens and IMAX. These screenings usually generate more revenue since tickets cost more.

International Markets To Play Major Role

A large share of the film’s earnings will come from international markets. Overseas, the projected total is around $135 million, with the movie releasing in about 87% of international markets, including China. However, Japan and Germany, which are two major markets, will not be part of the opening weekend, as Japan releases the film on July 3, while Germany releases it on July 23. Germany will release Toy Story 5 on July 23, after Minions & Monsters, which opens earlier in July.

Targeting Toy Story 4’s Opening Record

Toy Story 4 (2019) had the best opening box office record in the franchise. It opened with $120.9 million in North America and collected $249 million worldwide in its opening weekend.

However, these numbers were lower than expected. Analysts had predicted the film would make about 160 million domestically and $260 million worldwide.

So, it can be concluded that a movie can make a lot of money, but still be considered disappointing if it doesn’t match expected predictions.

Will Toy Story 5 Beat The Super Mario Galaxy Movie And Zootopia 2?

Earlier, it was expected that Toy Story 5 would open at around $150 million in North America, which is now revised down to about $140 million. Presale ticket data gives some early clues about how the movie would perform at the box office opening. Currently, presales stand at $25 million, which is higher than The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at the same stage before release. It is also ahead of Zootopia 2, which earned $100.2 million in three days and $158.8 million over five days. However, Toy Story 5 is still behind Moana 2, which opened with $139.7 million in three days and $225.4 million over five days.

One challenge for predictions is the Juneteenth holiday, which falls on the same weekend as the release. Holidays usually increase Friday ticket sales, so it makes it difficult to predict how Saturday will perform.

Pixar’s Box Office Records

Incredibles 2 remains Pixar’s highest domestic opener with $182.6 million, while Inside Out 2 (2024) holds the global record with a $295 million opening – including $154 million from North America and $230 million from international markets.

Toy Story 5 might not beat these numbers. However, it is expected to set a new record for the Toy Story franchise.

The new Snack Attack Series 1 Festival Playlist challenge in Forza Horizon 6 might leave some players scratching their heads! This challenge requires players to find and smash five vending machines across the map, which at first, seems super simple. However, most players rarely pay attention to vending machines while they are busy focusing on races and other activities.

Fortunately, players can find five machines in one location, making the challenge quick and easy to finish. It only takes 30 seconds to complete, and as a reward, players will earn a free car.

Vending Machines Locations In Forza Horizon 6?

The quickest way to complete the challenge and find all five vending machines is by heading to the 365 convenience store near the Minimino Golf Course, which is located near the Airfield Trail dirt racing event and the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T Treasure Car. Players can find three vending machines outside 365 convenience store and two machines nearby. Players simply need to smash all five vending machines with their car and destroy them to complete the challenge.

Another good place to find vending machines and complete the challenge easily and quickly is in Tokyo City, near Shibuya Crossing and Edogawa Baseball Stadium. Head towards the Inner City Run drift zone in the northern part of the city. Near the end of the road, you will come across a small parking area, where you can find six vending machines – two are placed against one wall, two more are located against the brick wall at the back of the parking lot and the remaining two can be found across the street next to a bush.

Players who complete the Snack Attack collectables challenge get to earn three Festival Playlist points and the 2023 Lotus Emira, a supercar with a mid-A rating. It’s a handy car, and also features a sleek and stylish design.

Finally, the wait is over! Amazon Luna and Mattel have launched Masters of the Universe: Legends Unite, which is exclusively available on Amazon Luna. The game launches alongside the new live-action Masters of the Universe movie from Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Studios, allowing fans to experience the action both on the big screen and in the game.

It is free for Prime members and is available exclusively on Amazon Luna. The game brings together popular characters and stories from Eternia. It can be played either solo or with friends, allowing players to build decks based on their favorite characters, fight enemies and compete with each other in fun arcade competitions. The game features a unique control system that lets players use their phones as controllers. With just a single click, players can send cards to the screen to attack enemies, heal friends and perform more actions.

Director of Amazon Game Studios, J.C. Connors was quoted as saying, “We’re thrilled to partner with Mattel to bring Masters of the Universe: Legends Unite to Amazon Luna. With the movie hitting theaters and the game available on Luna the same day, fans can experience all the great heroes, villains, and humor of one of the most iconic franchises, whether watching on the big screen or playing together in their living room.”

Head of Business Development – Digital Gaming at Mattel, Erika Winterholler added, “Masters of the Universe has inspired fans for generations through storytelling, action, and imagination, and with Legends Unite coinciding with the film, we’re creating a way for fans new and old to engage with the franchise. Partnering with Amazon Luna allows us to reach audiences wherever they are and continue expanding Eternia’s universe through innovative digital play.”

Players can choose from six iconic characters, including He-Man, Man-At-Arms, Teela, Evil-Lyn and Skeletor each with their own distinct abilities and playstyles. In Adventure Mode, players can team up to fight Hordak and his forces, use powerful attacks, collect rare cards and upgrade their characters as they progress through different challenges and landscapes.

Not only can players team up to battle enemies, but they can also take part in Trials of Eternia, a collection of arcade-style mini-games where they compete against each other for special bonuses. Players can earn rewards by completing the challenges, like collecting treasures from the Faceless One, avoiding obstacles under Snake Mountain and surviving the dangers hidden in the depths of darkness.

GameNight Expands Its Collection

Amazon Luna GameNight now includes Masters of the Universe: Legends Unite, a fun and easy-to-play game that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. The game doesn’t require controllers, consoles or gaming PCS, and can be played solo or with friends or family. All you need is a phone and a TV to join the fight against Hordak.

For over 40 years, Masters of the Universe has remained a popular entertainment franchise, connecting fans through its toys, animated shows, movies and games. Now, this new game launch marks the next step in expanding the franchise, while also reflecting Mattel Digital Studios’ efforts to bring its popular brands into the digital world and to create engaging experiences for fans of all ages.

Masters of the Universe: Legends Unite Availability And Access Details

Masters of the Universe: Legends Unite is available for all Prime members and Amazon Luna subscribers across multiple countries, including the U.S., UK, Canada, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, Portugal, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Fans can now enjoy both the game and the movie as the latest adventure in Eternia begins.

Warner Bros. is returning to the Minecraft universe with A Minecraft Movie Squared, the sequel to last year’s blockbuster A Minecraft Movie.

In a joint Instagram post with the studios and Minecraft, the title of the sequel was revealed. The post read, “Ready for another adventure?  The world of #Minecraft is expanding once again with  A Minecraft Movie Squared!”

 

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The 2025 hit A Minecraft Movie is based on the massively popular video game franchise. The movie followed a group of misfits who unexpectedly enter the Minecraft universe through a mysterious portal, where they team up with Steve, an expert crafter played by Jack Black. It was a major box-office hit and earned nearly $1 billion globally. Following its huge success, Warner Bros. Discovery approved a sequel, which is currently being filmed in New Zealand.

Jared Hess will return to direct the upcoming sequel, with Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks and Jennifer Coolidge are expected to return, while Matt Berry is also back in an undisclosed role. Kirsten Dunst has also joined the cast.

While Matt Berry is set to return in a role that has not yet been revealed, Kirsten Dunst will be seen playing the role of Alex, the female counterpart to Minecraft’s Steve. Details about her character were announced through a behind-the-scenes video showcased during the TwitchCon livestream.

The sequel is being produced by Mary Parent, Kayleen Walters, Roy Lee, Cale Boyter, Torfi Frans Ólafsson, Eric McLeod, Jason Momoa and the late Jill Messick. Executive producers include Jen Conroy, Jay Ashenfelter, Jon Berg, Brian Mendoza and Jonathan Spaihts.

Along with the announcement of the sequel title, Warner Bros. also launched The Minecraft Movie Build Challenge – a contest that allows fans to submit their creations for a chance to be featured in the film or during the end credits.

As part of the challenge, fans can unlock a special Builder Cape on TikTok, Minecraft and Twitch from May 30 to June 14. The competition is open to anyone aged 16 and above, Build submissions are open from May 30 to June 8  at 11:59 p.m. PT, 2026, while the overall contest runs through July 6.

A Minecraft Movie: Squared is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 23, 2027.

Veteran actor James Handy, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji, was stabbed to death on Wednesday (June 3, 2026) in the Tarzana neighborhood of the Los Angeles. According to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the suspect in the killing is Michael Gledhill, the 44-year-old son of Handy’s girlfriend.

Police officers responded to a call of a possible disturbance in Tarzana on Wednesday morning (June 3, 2026). Upon arrival, they discovered Handy in the front yard of a residence with a serious stab injury to his chest. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to a report by Variety, the LAPD said in a statement, “On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, around 9:30 a.m., West Valley area patrol officers responded to a radio call of unknown trouble in the 19200 block of Erwin Street. The 911 caller stated, ‘I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.’”

The statement further said, “Detectives believe this is an isolated incident and there appears to be no danger to the public at this time.”

Police believe that the suspect Michael Gledhill, 44, who is the son of Handy’s girlfriend, stabbed the veteran actor. Gledhill, who lived with his mother and Handy, was later arrested and booked into Van Nuys Jail on a murder charge, with bail set at $2 million.

A rep for the actor was quoted by Variety as saying, “With great sadness I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy.”

James Handy has appeared in several films, including Logan, The Rocketeer and K-9 as well as television shows such as Melrose Place and NYPD Blue.

Check Nintendo’s official Direct page right now and you will find nothing scheduled for June 9, 2026. No announcement, no Nintendo Direct 2026 countdown, no confirmation. What you will find instead is a growing cluster of insider claims pointing toward the same week, with enough reason to understand why this particular rumor has more traction than most.

Where the June 9 Nintendo Direct 2026 Rumor Came From

The current speculation did not arrive fully formed. It developed in stages over several weeks.

In March 2026, insider Nate the Hate said on his podcast that Nintendo was planning a Nintendo Direct 2026 for June. No specific date, no specific type of presentation; just a June window.

That claim sat mostly dormant until June 2, when Spanish insider Nash Weedle posted a cryptic image on X. Wccftech reports the imagery pointed to the North American release date of Animal Crossing: New Leaf, which launched in North America on June 9, 2013. Wccftech also reports Weedle followed up indicating he had already told people the date, without stating June 9 directly. Our earlier coverage of the June 9 rumor covers the initial claim as it emerged that day.

The same day, Jeff Grubb said on his Last of the Nintendogs podcast that he had heard it could be Tuesday, June 9, though he added Wednesday is also possible depending on time zones.

Then on June 3, Nate the Hate said on his podcast that a presentation is happening next week (the second week of June), without committing to a specific day.

Three sources. Broad agreement on the week. June 9 as the most specific date on the table. Nintendo has confirmed none of it.

What Is Actually on Nintendo’s 2026 Direct Calendar

Before assessing what the rumored Direct might be, it helps to look at what Nintendo has actually held this year.

Nintendo’s official archive lists the following 2026 presentations:

• Star Fox Direct: May 6, 2026
• Partner Showcase: February 5, 2026
• Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream Direct: January 29, 2026
• Super Mario Galaxy Movie-focused Direct: 2026

Every confirmed presentation this year has been either a game-specific showcase or a partner-focused slot. None has been a broad general Direct covering Nintendo’s full software plans for the year. That gap is what makes the current rumor credible. Not because insiders said so, but because Nintendo’s own calendar shows it has not happened yet.

Why a June General Direct Would Matter

Nintendo’s Switch 2 launched in 2025. A June 2026 general Direct would be the first major summer showcase for the console entering its second year. Nate the Hate framed it exactly that way, describing the rumored presentation as essentially the Direct that starts the Switch 2’s second year and sets up the rest of 2026.

Nintendo has also historically used June for broad general Directs, even after E3 ended. The absence of one so far this year, combined with the Switch 2’s second year beginning, gives the June timing more logical weight than it would in a normal year.

What Fans Should Not Treat as Confirmed

Two titles keep appearing in discussions around this rumored Direct: a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and a new 3D Mario. Neither is confirmed for any Direct.

Jeff Grubb said on his podcast that the Ocarina of Time remake appears increasingly likely as a major Nintendo release this year. He framed it as his read of the situation, not something confirmed. Insiders have also discussed a new 3D Mario as a title Nintendo has yet to show publicly, but no one has specifically predicted it for June 9 rather than a later presentation.

These are titles people expect Nintendo to announce at some point in 2026. Whether they appear next week, in September, or later is not something the current rumor addresses.

What to Actually Watch For

Nintendo tends to announce Directs close to when they air, based on past patterns. If June 9 is accurate, an official announcement would most likely come on June 8 at the earliest.

Until Nintendo says something, the honest summary is this: three insider sources are pointing to the second week of June, the most specific date mentioned is June 9, and Nintendo’s own 2026 calendar makes the timing plausible. That is meaningfully more than most Nintendo Direct rumors manage to establish, but it is still a rumor, and Nintendo has not confirmed it.

Amazon Game Studios presented the first substantial gameplay footage of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis during PlayStation’s State of Play on June 2, 2026. The trailer includes Peru’s rebuilt Lost Valley and the ruins of Greece, showing Lara solving puzzles, using dual pistols, and facing dinosaurs across cinematic environments built on Unreal Engine 5. Alongside the trailer, Amazon Game Studios confirmed February 12, 2027 as the release date and Nintendo Switch 2 as a launch platform.

What the Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Trailer Shows

The State of Play trailer is the first look at new gameplay for Legacy of Atlantis. PlayStation Blog describes the gameplay as moving from Peru’s Lost Valley to the ruins of Greece, with expanded environments, modernized combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving visible throughout.

GamesRadar reports the trailer shows Lara solving puzzles, using dual pistols, facing dinosaurs, and moving through cinematic environments. The footage reflects how significantly the original 1996 game’s structure has been rebuilt.

Legacy of Atlantis is a complete reimagining of Lara Croft’s 1996 debut, not a new sequel. The separate next chapter in the series is Tomb Raider: Catalyst, announced for 2027.

Peru’s Lost Valley: What Has Been Rebuilt

PlayStation Blog specifically highlights the rebuilt Lost Valley section. The 1996 original moved players from one self-contained room to the next. Legacy of Atlantis expands those spaces into semi-connected environments with new exploration paths, secrets, collectibles, and resources.

The classic cog puzzle returns in a fully reimagined form, grounded in the world around it rather than existing as an isolated set piece.

Additional gameplay details confirmed via Steam: Lara uses a grappling hook for traversal — a new addition not in the 1996 original — and puzzles include water flow, light beams, pressure plates, and symbol-based challenges. Enemies include wildlife, mercenaries, and mythological creatures. The confirmed locations across the full game are Peru, Greece, Egypt, and a mysterious Mediterranean island, though the trailer focuses on Peru and Greece.

Release Date, Platforms, and Switch 2

February 12, 2027 is a delay from the original 2026 window announced at The Game Awards on December 11, 2025. Nintendo Switch 2 is confirmed as a launch platform. Switch 2 preorders are not yet live and will be available at a later date.

Preorders and Editions

Preorders are live now on PlayStation Store, Xbox, and Steam in Standard and Deluxe Editions, with a Collector’s Edition available through select physical retailers. All preorders include the Survivor Outfit bonus. Deluxe Edition buyers receive 48-hour early access, meaning they can play from February 10, 2027. For full edition details and pricing, see our complete release date and preorder breakdown.

What Has Not Been Confirmed Yet

• Switch 2 preorder opening date
• Collector’s Edition pricing and full retailer list
• Full gameplay reveal for Egypt and the Mediterranean island locations
• Post-Launch DLC Story Pack content details