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Best Games From Action to Adventure to Simulation

Gamers should expect an entertaining year in 2024 with a wide selection of genres, platforms, and styles. There is something in the next releases for everyone, regardless of your preference for action, adventure, simulation, or strategy. The top games to anticipate in 2024 are listed below, with subsections for each category.

Action Games

Action games are all about fast-paced gameplay, thrilling combat, and adrenaline-pumping challenges. Some of the action games to look forward to in 2024 are:

Tekken 8

Fighting games are unique among media in their ability to combine the stylish with the bizarre; the most recent entry in Namco’s lengthy series features an intriguing roster of characters, including cyborgs, leopard-men, topless muscle-bound martial artists, boxers, and assassins.

Before facing off against others online, players may learn the ropes in the charming new Arcade Quest single-player game. Playable on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X, Tekken 8 will launch on January 26.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

For the past ten years, Square Enix has been meticulously recreating the 1997 masterpiece Final Fantasy VII into a stunning, technically remarkable trilogy. This is the second installment. Join Cloud Strife and his group as they fight to prevent the blonde supervillain, Sephiroth, from destroying the planet.

The incredible character designs by Tetsuya Nomura and the original soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu have been updated and reworked, but they still hold the same power. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will be exclusive to PlayStation 5 and will launch on February 29.

Dragon’s Dogma II

Best Games to Look Forward to in 2024

Never has a game been quite like 2012’s Dragon’s Dogma, a high-fantasy game akin to Tolkien’s but with a Japanese perspective. This strange follow-up takes us back to a dangerous fantasy realm rife with dramatic flourishes and massive creatures.

You venture into the wilderness with a group of friends you select, down to the breadth of their cheekbones, and test your mettle against ghouls, dragons, and other ominous creatures. It’s an imaginary game meant for fighters. Dragon’s Dogma II will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC on March 22.

Adventure Games

Adventure games are all about exploration, story, and puzzles. Some of the adventure games to look forward to in 2024 are:

Star Wars Outlaws

Even though everyone is sick of Star Wars by now, I find Ubisoft Massive’s spin on the franchise fascinating. Playing as the likable space rogue Kay Vess, you and your adorable little fuzzy land-axolotl go on a galactic crime spree in the first-ever open-world Star Wars game. Several famous Star Wars worlds are at your disposal, and they look gritty, exciting, and enjoyable. Star Wars Outlaws will be exclusive to PlayStation 5 and will launch in 2024.

Thank Goodness You’re Here!

The creators of this strange adventure game have compared it to “like an unnecessarily horny seaside postcard,” capturing the essence of Viz and the Beano. Assist the citizens of a made-up northern town with their bizarre issues, such as the allotment and Big Ron’s Big Pie Shop. Thank Goodness You’re Here! It will be exclusive to PlayStation 5 and will launch in 2024.

Little Nightmares 3

Although the game’s release window is only very loosely set for 2024, we do know which platforms it will be accessible on—and, shockingly, it won’t just be on current-generation consoles. When you’re ready to dive into the horrors, Little Nightmares 3 is available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One, giving you a ton of options.

Baby Steps

Nate is a complete loser, but he has to learn to walk one step at a time after being electrocuted and transported from the familiar surroundings of his parent’s basement to a confusing swamp.

In order to prevent Nate from soiling his already very grimy adult onesie, you, the player, must wrestle with the joystick to plant each of his feet on the ground and keep him upright as much as possible. It’s an Australian comedy with a weird twist. Baby Steps will be exclusive to PlayStation 5 and will launch in summer 2024.

Simulation Games

Simulation games are all about realism, creativity, and immersion. Some of the simulation games to look forward to in 2024 are:

Life By You

The first significant rival to The Sims in over 20 years allows you to have an almost unsettling amount of power and influence over the lives of your little simulants. You may interrupt their daily routines and modify their words and actions.

This social sandbox has a lot of possibilities for player-led storytelling and experimentation, but it can also disclose more about our inner selves than we would like. Life By You will be exclusive to PC and will launch on March 5.

Pacific Drive

Drive into the Pacific Northwest during a supernatural phenomenon in your perpetually breaking-down automobile, gather supplies, steer clear of all the lightning that appears to be sentient, and then, if you make it through the ordeal, get the reliable vehicle repaired at the garage.

A survival game where the player’s relationship with the car takes center stage. Pacific Drive will be available for PlayStation 5 and PC on February 22.

Manor Lords

The much anticipated city-building game Manor Lords will finally go into Early Access on PC on April 26, 2024. It has been revealed to arrive on Xbox consoles and Xbox Game Pass at a later time during the Xbox Partner Preview. It will be accessible via PC Game Pass on Day 1.

These are some of the best games to look forward to in 2024. Delve into the gaming nostalgia as we unveil the 10 Rarest Xbox 360 Games. Explore the latest additions to the Xbox Game Pass library with our list of 10 New Games to Play on Xbox Game Pass in 2024. We appreciate your interest in our website! Make Gameempress your go-to site for gaming information.

06/14/2026
Forza Horizon 6: Where To Find Vending Machines – Quickest Way To Complete Snack Attack Challenge

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.

06/11/2026
Masters Of The Universe Legends Unite Is Now Available On Amazon Luna

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.

06/10/2026
A Minecraft Movie Sequel Squared Gets Official Title Set To Release In 2027

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!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Minecraft (@minecraft)

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.

06/05/2026
Top Gun Actor James Handy Stabbed To Death By Girlfriend’s Son

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.

06/05/2026
Pragmata Crashing on Startup: Fixes for PC
Some PC players have reported Pragmata crashing on startup since the game’s Steam launch on April 16, 2026. Capcom posted an official troubleshooting thread pinned to the PRAGMATA Steam forums on April 16 — that thread is the primary source for every official step below. Community-traced fixes for two specific crash types are included separately, with their source and confidence level clearly noted.

Windows 11 Is a Hard Requirement, Not a Recommendation

The minimum OS listed on the Steam store page is Windows 11 (64-bit). Windows 10 is outside the listed system requirements and is not officially supported by Capcom, so startup crashes on Windows 10 may not receive official support. If you are on Windows 11 and still experiencing Pragmata crashing on startup, install all pending Windows updates and restart before trying anything else — Capcom recommends running Windows Update and installing the latest OS updates as part of its standard troubleshooting process.

Official Capcom Troubleshooting Steps

These steps come directly from Capcom’s pinned Steam troubleshooting thread. Work through them in order before submitting a bug report.

1. Confirm You Meet the Minimum System Requirements

Capcom does not officially support systems below the minimum specifications, and does not guarantee normal operation on mobile GPUs, external GPUs, or pre-release Windows Insider builds. The minimum requirements listed on Steam are:
- OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8500 or AMD Ryzen 5 3500
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 (6 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (8 GB)
- Storage: 40 GB available space (SSD recommended)
If your system meets minimum but not recommended specs, lower graphics settings — particularly ray tracing — before any other step.

2. Add PRAGMATA and Steam to Your Antivirus Exclusion List

Security software is a possible cause of Pragmata crashing on startup. Capcom notes that some launch issues may be attributed to antivirus or firewall programs blocking the game executable due to false-positive errors. Add the following to your antivirus and firewall exclusion list:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\PRAGMATA\PRAGMATA.exe
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe
- C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Steam
If these paths were already on the exclusion list, remove them and re-add them to refresh the rule.

3. Run Steam and the Game Executable as Administrator

Right-click Steam.exe and select Run as administrator. If the problem continues, also right-click PRAGMATA.exe in the game’s installation folder and do the same.

4. Update GPU Drivers and Windows OS

Capcom says outdated GPU drivers can cause issues ranging from graphical problems to the game not starting — making them a common first thing to rule out when Pragmata crashing on startup. NVIDIA and Intel both released Pragmata-related driver updates around launch. Relevant driver updates include:
- NVIDIA: GeForce Game Ready Driver 596.21 (April 16, 2026) or later. Capcom’s troubleshooting guide lists a clean driver reinstall using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) as an option if a standard update does not resolve the issue.
- AMD: Latest Adrenalin Edition from amd.com/en/support/download/drivers.
- Intel Arc: Driver 32.0.101.8735 (April 21, 2026) is a non-WHQL beta release recommended for Intel Arc and Core Ultra users. The driver’s release notes confirm it addresses an application crash while loading into the game menu, affecting Arc A-series, B-series, and Core Ultra Series 1, 2, and 3 GPUs.
5. Verify Game Files on Steam

Missing or damaged installation files can contribute to Pragmata crashing on startup and can be ruled out by verifying the game cache. In your Steam Library, right-click PRAGMATA → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity of game files. Steam verifies the game’s files and re-downloads anything missing or damaged.

Community-Traced Fixes for Specific Crash Types

These are not from Capcom’s official thread. The DLSS/Smooth Motion workaround has user confirmation from inside Capcom’s own Steam thread. The [Render] config.ini edit is a demo-era workaround with no confirmation for the full game and should be treated as experimental. Try these only after the official steps above have not resolved Pragmata crashing on startup.

NVIDIA Smooth Motion Causing Crashes With DLSS, Frame Generation, or Path Tracing

If Pragmata crashing on startup occurs when you attempt to enable DLSS, Frame Generation, or Path Tracing, NVIDIA Smooth Motion in your driver’s global settings may be the cause for some users. A user in Capcom’s official Steam troubleshooting thread claimed the conflict happens when Smooth Motion is enabled globally — the game incorrectly defaults to Smooth Motion, a driver-level frame generation feature intended only for non-DLSS titles, causing an immediate crash when any DLSS feature is activated.

Easy fix: Open config.ini at ...\Steam\steamapps\common\PRAGMATA\config.ini in Notepad and set:
```
UpscalingAlgorithm=None
```
Save the file and relaunch. This disables DLSS at the config level before the game can trigger the conflict.

If that does not resolve it:
1. Disable Steam Cloud saves temporarily
2. Back up your saves from ...\Steam\userdata\<your_user_id>\3357650\remote\win64_save
3. Delete all files inside win64_save
4. Delete config.ini from the PRAGMATA game folder — the game recreates it with defaults on next launch
5. Launch the game, reach the main menu, then quit
6. Restore your save files from the backup
7. Re-enable Steam Cloud if you use it
8. Do not re-enable DLSS or Frame Generation until a fix is confirmed
No official Capcom patch note specifically names this DLSS/Smooth Motion conflict as fixed as of June 2026. If the crash produces a Fatal D3D or DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED error message specifically, see Pragmata Fatal D3D Error and Crashing Fixes on PC for targeted fixes by error type.

Config.ini [Render] Edit — Shader Compilation and Loading Screen Crashes

This workaround originated in a Steam discussion thread during the PRAGMATA Sketchbook demo period and may apply to the full game, but is not officially endorsed by Capcom. If Pragmata crashing on startup occurs during shader compilation or at the loading screen, the following config.ini edit may help. Open ...\Steam\steamapps\common\PRAGMATA\config.ini in Notepad, find the [Render] section, and set or add the following values:
```
[Render]
AliasBarrierWorkaround=Enable
AllowMeshShader=Enable
Capability=DirectX12
CentralUpdateTileMapping=Disable
DevelopEcoShaderForSinglePSO=Disable
FallbackShaderModel=Enable
ForceAliasBarrier=Disable
ForceMeshShader=Disable
LoadWinPixGpuCapturer=Disable
NonZeroFillResource=Enable
NvidiaRootCBVOptimization=Enable
ParallelBuildCommandList=Enable
ParallelBuildProcessorCount=8
QAMode=Disable
RenderWorkerThreadPriorityAboveNormal=Disable
TightFitShaderCache=Enable
UseAsyncCompute=Disabled
UseComputeQueuePairing=Enable
UseMultiThreadedCommandList=Disabled
UsePipelineStateCache=Enabled
UseProfileMarker=Enable
UsingIndepentRenderWorker=Enable
```
Save and relaunch. If this breaks anything, deleting config.ini from the game folder resets it to defaults.

How to Submit a Crash Report to Capcom

When Pragmata crashing on startup occurs, a CrashReport folder is automatically generated at:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\PRAGMATA\CrashReport

The folder contains a .zip file named with the date and time of the crash. Attach the most recent .zip when posting in Capcom’s official pinned troubleshooting thread. Capcom specifically requests this file to investigate hardware-specific issues.

Still Crashing After All of the Above

Some users report crashes tied to DLSS, Frame Generation, Path Tracing, or Smooth Motion that persist after driver updates. These are being tracked in the PRAGMATA Steam forums. If Pragmata crashing on startup continues after all official steps, post in Capcom’s thread with your crash report .zip, GPU model, driver version, and your Windows 11 update status. Capcom has an active bug-reporting process and the CrashReport file is the most useful data you can provide. If the game launches but stuttering or freezing starts during gameplay, that is a separate set of issues covered in Pragmata Stuttering and Freezing Fixes.
06/05/2026
Nintendo Direct 2026 Rumors Hints to June 9, but Nothing Is Official Yet
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.
06/04/2026

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis New Trailer Shows Rebuilt Lost Valley and Confirms February 2027 Launch

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

Detail	Confirmed Info
Release date	February 12, 2027
Regional note	February 13, 2027 in Japan, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, per PlayStation Blog
Platforms	PS5, Xbox Series X\|S, PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch 2
Developer	Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog
Publisher	Amazon Game Studios
Engine	Unreal Engine 5

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

06/03/2026

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Gets February 2027 Release Date for PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, and PC

Amazon Game Studios has confirmed that Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis launches February 12, 2027 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2. The release date was confirmed in the June 2, 2026 preorder announcement and the State of Play trailer that showed new gameplay. The game was originally announced at The Game Awards on December 11, 2025 with a 2026 release window, making February 2027 an effective delay from the original target. Preorders are now live on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. Switch 2 preorders will be available later.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Launches February 12, 2027

Detail	Confirmed Info
Release date	February 12, 2027
Regional note	February 13, 2027 in Japan, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, per PlayStation Blog
Platforms	PS5, Xbox Series X\|S, PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch 2
Developer	Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog
Publisher	Amazon Game Studios
Engine	Unreal Engine 5
Game type	Full reimagining of the original 1996 Tomb Raider
ESRB rating	Teen: Blood and Violence

February 12, 2027 is the confirmed global release date. Any older sources referencing a 2026 arrival are stale. The June 2, 2026 preorder announcement is the authoritative source.

PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2 Confirmed

Legacy of Atlantis is confirmed across four platforms at launch:

PS5: includes PS5 Pro Enhanced support, DualSense haptic vibration and adaptive trigger support, and offline single-player.

Xbox Series X|S: optimized for Xbox Series X|S, confirmed by the Xbox store listing and published by Amazon Game Studios.

PC via Steam: Standard and Deluxe editions available, with Deluxe early access beginning two days before the full release date.

Nintendo Switch 2: officially confirmed for day-one release alongside the other platforms. Switch 2 preorders are not yet live and will be available at a later date.

Preorders Are Live, But Switch 2 Preorders Are Coming Later

Preorders are currently open on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. Switch 2 preorders have not yet launched; the official preorder page confirms they will be available later.

All digital preorders include the Survivor Outfit as a preorder bonus. This applies to both Standard and Deluxe Edition preorders on all available platforms.

Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s Editions Explained

Standard Edition ($59.99)

Full game digital download
Preorder bonus: Survivor Outfit

Deluxe Edition ($69.99)

Everything in Standard
48-Hour Early Launch Access: play two days before the February 12 global launch
Parisian Fugitive Outfit
Post-Launch DLC Story Pack

Collector’s Edition (Price not confirmed)

Everything in Deluxe
Premium Steel Case
Lara Croft vs. The T-Rex Statue
Mini Art Book
Croft Signet Pin
Triumvirate Talisman Keychain

The Collector’s Edition is confirmed and will be available through select physical retailers. Availability details are still being announced.

Pricing is confirmed for US digital stores via PlayStation Store, Xbox, and Steam. Regional pricing may vary.

A Full Reimagining of Lara Croft’s 1996 Debut

Legacy of Atlantis is not a sequel. It is a modern reimagining of the original 1996 Tomb Raider, Lara Croft’s debut game, rebuilt from the ground up by Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog using Unreal Engine 5. The story follows Lara as she searches for the scattered pieces of the Scion across multiple locations: Peru, Greece, Egypt, and a mysterious Mediterranean island.

The core Tomb Raider formula is intact: exploration, platforming, puzzle-solving, combat, and artifact hunting. Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog describe the project as a rebuild of the original adventure with expanded environments, redesigned puzzles, new surprises, and modern gameplay systems alongside Unreal Engine 5 visuals.

Legacy of Atlantis is a separate project from Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a distinct title also announced for 2027. Catalyst is a new chapter in the series; Legacy of Atlantis is the reimagining of the original.

Lost Valley, Rebuilt Puzzles, and Expanded Environments

The official preorder announcement gives specific details about how the original game has been rebuilt:

Lost Valley: Peru’s Lost Valley has been expanded with rebuilt puzzles and semi-connected environments, replacing the isolated room structure of the 1996 original.

Classic puzzle reimagined: the cog puzzle from Peru has been redesigned as part of the broader puzzle overhaul.

Movement and traversal: Lara uses strength, agility, and a grappling hook to climb, leap, and swing through environments. The grappling hook is a new addition not present in the 1996 original.

Puzzle types: water flow, light beams, pressure plates, and symbol-based puzzles are confirmed across the game’s locations.

Enemies: wildlife, mercenaries, and mythological creatures are all confirmed as enemy types.

PS5 hardware features: DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support are confirmed for the PS5 version, adding physical feedback to traversal and combat.

What Has Not Been Confirmed Yet

Switch 2 preorder opening date
Collector’s Edition pricing and full retailer list
Full gameplay details for Greece, Egypt, and the Mediterranean island locations
Multiplayer or co-op features: no announcement made
Post-Launch DLC Story Pack content beyond its inclusion in the Deluxe Edition

06/03/2026

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Gets 2nd October Release Date and Preorder Details

Bandai Namco has confirmed that Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches globally on October 2, 2026, with regional timing placing the North American release on October 1. Preorders are live now across all platforms. Deluxe Edition early access begins September 28 at 3 PM PDT in North America, with Bandai Namco Europe listing September 29 for its regional timing. The game was revealed at The Game Awards on December 11, 2025 with a 2026 release window as part of the franchise’s 30th anniversary, before the October date was confirmed at PlayStation’s State of Play June 2026.

Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve Launches on 2nd October 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC

Detail	Confirmed Info
Release date	October 2, 2026 (October 1 in North America)
Platforms	PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC via Steam
Developer	Bandai Namco Aces Inc. / Project Aces
Publisher	Bandai Namco Entertainment
Engine	Unreal Engine 5
Setting	Strangereal, July 2029

North American players get a precise launch window of October 1 at 3 PM PT / 6 PM ET, which aligns with October 2 at 12 AM CEST and 7 AM JST globally. Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve is confirmed for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. No PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, or Nintendo Switch 2 version has been announced.

Deluxe Edition Includes Early Access, Cosmetics, and Premium Ace Pass

Two editions are available at launch:

Standard Edition — $69.99

Base game
Preorder bonus: Playable F-14A aircraft
Preorder bonus: Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War port (version depends on platform)

Deluxe Edition — $89.99

Base game and all preorder bonuses
Customizable Cosmetic Set
Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher
3-Day Early Access (PS5 early access begins September 28 at 3 PM PDT; general Deluxe early access begins September 29)

Physical collector bundles — including the Joker Flight Pack and Premium Joker Flight Pack — are available through the Bandai Namco Europe store in select regions. These include all Deluxe Edition content plus physical extras such as vinyl records, a slipmat, and the ACES at WAR: A HISTORY 2029 artbook.

Ace Combat Zero Returns as a Preorder Bonus

Both Standard and Deluxe Edition of Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve preorders include a platform-matched port of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War — PS5 version on PlayStation Store, Xbox Series X/S version on Xbox, and the Steam version on PC. This is confirmed as a preorder bonus — not a separate purchase — and applies to both editions while preorder availability lasts.

Wings of Theve Returns to Strangereal With a New Homeland War

Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve returns to Strangereal, the fictional world used across multiple series entries. The story is set in July 2029, after the Federation of Central Usea is invaded by the neighboring Republic of Sotoa. The FCU capital, Theve, has fallen. The navy is shattered, civilians are displaced, and the player begins the game after being rescued from the sea by an aging aircraft carrier called the Endurance.

The player carries the symbolic ace identity “Wings of Theve” — a legendary name tied to the FCU capital that Bandai Namco describes as originally a morale-boosting lie. The player must now carry that name into battle to help reclaim the homeland.

Joker Squadron, Land Battleship, and Over 30 Aircraft Confirmed

Squadron: The player commands Joker Squadron, also called Joker Flight. Three confirmed squadmates:

Ellington Baxter — nicknamed “Professor”
Tasha Seversky — a former Yuktobanian acrobatic pilot
William Coster — nicknamed “Noise”

Kate Evans, nicknamed “Little Bee,” is confirmed as Lieutenant Commander and leader of Queen Flight.

Aircraft: Over 30 aircraft are confirmed, spanning fighters, attack aircraft, multi-role aircraft, and electronic warfare aircraft — a mix of real-world fighters and original fictional models.

Land Battleship: The major new large-scale threat is a Land Battleship approximately 450 meters long, capable of destroying skyscrapers in Theve with massive main-gun attacks. Mission types confirmed by PlayStation Blog include air-to-air combat, ground attack, anti-ship missions, and giant weapon battles.

Technology: The game runs on Unreal Engine 5 and uses Bandai Namco’s proprietary Cloudly technology. Cloudly is designed to make clouds and contrails functional as gameplay elements, not just visual improvements — clouds help players judge altitude, and contrails help identify enemy aircraft movement.

Ace Combat Online Promises the Series’ Biggest Multiplayer Mode

Ace Combat Online is described by PlayStation as the largest online mode in series history. Confirmed features include:

The series’ first online lobby — an air-base space with a customisable avatar
Multiplayer missions
Co-op play
Cross-platform play

Bandai Namco has stated that additional multiplayer details will be revealed closer to launch. The full scope of online modes has not been completely detailed yet.

Premium Ace Pass

Ace Combat 8 introduces an Ace Pass system with free and premium seasonal progression tracks. The premium track — Premium Ace Pass — is available as a separate purchase. The Deluxe Edition includes a Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher, which adds Premium Ace Pass rewards plus a 30-level skip on top of the standard premium track.

Confirmed seasonal contents:

Aircraft skins and avatar costumes
Upgrade items
Playable ADFX-02 MORGAN -PIXY- additional aircraft (Season 1 premium content)

VR Support

Ace Combat 8 does not support VR. Ace Combat brand director Kazutoki Kono stated that the team considered VR but chose not to pursue it, concluding that making a strong flat-screen game and a strong VR game would effectively require developing two separate products.

What Bandai Namco Has Not Confirmed Yet

Full breakdown of all online multiplayer modes — PlayStation gives strong details, but Bandai Namco states more information is coming closer to launch
Complete aircraft roster beyond the confirmed 30-plus count
Regional pricing outside of PlayStation Store USD listings
Full Premium Ace Pass seasonal content schedule

Where to Preorder

Preorders are live now on PlayStation Store, Xbox, and Steam. Digital store listings show Standard at $69.99 and Deluxe at $89.99 in the US — pricing may vary by region and storefront. Physical collector bundles are available through the Bandai Namco Europe store depending on regional availability.

06/03/2026

Nintendo Switch Lite: Specs, Features, and Everything You Must to Know Before Buying

The Nintendo Switch Lite is Nintendo’s dedicated handheld console — a purpose-built, handheld-only device stripped of every feature that requires a TV. No dock, no detachable Joy-Con, no kickstand, no HDMI output. What remains is a lighter, smaller, more affordable gaming system built entirely around portable play.

Nintendo Switch Lite At a Glance

Spec	Detail
Price (US MSRP)	$229.99
Release date	September 20, 2019
Screen	5.5-inch LCD, 1280×720
Storage	32 GB internal (expandable to 2 TB)
Battery	3570 mAh / 3–7 hours
Weight	0.61 lbs (277g)
Dimensions	3.6″ H × 8.2″ L × 0.55″ D
Play mode	Handheld only
TV output	None
Joy-Con	Integrated, non-detachable
Colors	Blue, Yellow, Gray, Turquoise, Coral

Design

The Switch Lite is a single unibody unit. Controllers are built directly into the chassis — there are no rails, no detachment mechanism, and no Joy-Con grip needed. The left side replaces the four directional buttons of the standard Switch Joy-Con with a proper +Control Pad (D-pad), which some players consider an improvement over the original configuration for 2D games.

At 0.61 lbs and measuring 8.2 inches across, it is substantially smaller and lighter than both the standard Switch (0.88 lbs, 9.4 inches) and the OLED Model (0.93 lbs, 9.5 inches). It has no kickstand on the back and no dock in the box.

Display

The Switch Lite uses a 5.5-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen at 1280×720 resolution. Despite being the smallest screen in the Switch family, it achieves the highest pixel density of the three models — the same resolution packed into a smaller panel. Colors and brightness are comparable to the standard Switch’s 6.2-inch LCD.

There is no TV output under any configuration. The USB-C port on the bottom of the unit is for charging only, not display output. The Switch Lite cannot be connected to a dock.

Internal Hardware

Nintendo lists the Switch Lite as running on a custom NVIDIA Tegra processor, the same official processor description used across the Switch 1 family. Nintendo does not advertise a CPU or RAM performance advantage for the Lite over other Switch 1 models. Its battery life benefits from the revised hardware generation and smaller screen rather than any advertised processing upgrade.

Nintendo Switch Lite Storage

The Switch Lite ships with 32 GB of internal storage, a portion of which is reserved for system use. Storage is expandable via microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC cards up to 2 TB (sold separately). A system update over the internet is required when inserting a microSDXC card for the first time.

Game save data is stored to system memory, not to the microSD card. Screenshots and gameplay videos can be moved between system memory and the card.

Battery Life

Scenario	Estimated life
General gameplay range	3.0–7.0 hours
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild	Approximately 4 hours
Charging time (sleep mode)	Approximately 3 hours

Battery capacity is 3570 mAh — smaller than the standard Switch and OLED Model’s 4310 mAh — but the Lite’s smaller screen and revised hardware generation produce battery life that exceeds the original 2017 Switch’s 2.5–6.5 hour range.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band)
Bluetooth: 4.1
NFC: Present on all units — supports amiibo read/write
USB-C: Charging only
Headphone jack: 3.5mm 4-pole stereo (CTIA standard)
Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope (no ambient brightness sensor)

Nintendo Switch Lite Multiplayer

Local wireless: Up to eight Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite systems can connect wirelessly for local multiplayer anywhere, no internet required.

Online play: Compatible with Nintendo Switch Online for online multiplayer in supported games. A paid Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account are required. Not available in all countries.

Same-system local multiplayer: Possible in supported games with separately purchased compatible controllers connected wirelessly. However it is less practical than on the standard Switch — the Lite has no TV output, no kickstand, and a 5.5-inch screen that is small for shared viewing.

Nintendo Switch Lite Colors

The Switch Lite is available in five colorways, all at $229.99:

Blue
Yellow
Gray
Turquoise
Coral (availability varies by retailer)

Special edition colorways tied to specific game releases have also been produced and sold while supplies lasted.

Game Compatibility

The Switch Lite plays all Nintendo Switch games that support Handheld Mode — Nintendo says this covers the vast majority of the Switch library.

Games that do not fully support Handheld Mode, or that rely on detached Joy-Con features (HD Rumble, IR Motion Camera, motion controls in detached configuration), may require separately purchased compatible controllers to play. Even with external controllers connected, the Switch Lite will not output to a TV.

To verify a game’s compatibility before purchasing: look for the handheld mode icon on the game’s physical packaging, or check the game’s detail page in the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo’s Switch play mode compatibility FAQ also covers specific cases in detail.

Notable games confirmed compatible in handheld mode:

Games with restrictions on Switch Lite:

Nintendo Switch Sports (requires motion controls without handheld mode support)
Ring Fit Adventure (requires detached Joy-Con)
Nintendo Labo kits (incompatible by design)

Parental Controls

The Switch Lite includes the same parental control system as the rest of the Switch family. Controls can be set directly on the console or managed remotely via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smartphone app, which allows parents to set play-time limits, restrict content by age rating, and limit online communication features.

System Features

Nintendo eShop — browse, purchase, and download digital games and DLC directly on the system or via the Nintendo website.

Nintendo Switch Online — access online multiplayer and cloud saves for supported games. The base membership includes classic NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles. N64, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, and Virtual Boy libraries require the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier. GameCube titles are limited to Nintendo Switch 2.

News — in-system feed for game updates, announcements, and Nintendo news.

Album — capture screenshots and gameplay videos using the dedicated Capture Button, add text, and transfer to a smart device or PC. Social media posting options vary; check current Nintendo support for available sharing features.

Pricing Context

The Switch Lite launched in September 2019 at $199.99. In August 2025, Nintendo raised prices across the Switch 1 family in the US, citing market conditions. The Switch Lite’s current US MSRP is $229.99 — a $30 increase from the original price.

It remains the most affordable entry point into the Nintendo Switch library, sitting $110 below the standard Switch ($339.99) and $170 below the OLED Model ($399.99).

Who Should Buy the Nintendo Switch Lite

The Switch Lite is the correct choice for players who are certain they will never need TV output — children, commuters, travelers, and anyone who treats gaming as a strictly portable activity. Its lower price leaves more budget for games, and its lighter, smaller form factor is a practical advantage for bags and pockets.

It is the wrong choice for anyone who wants the flexibility to play on a television, share the screen in tabletop mode, or play games that require detached Joy-Con. For those use cases, the standard Switch or OLED Model are the appropriate options.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 now available at $449.99, first-time buyers should also consider whether the Switch Lite’s $229.99 price represents better value than investing in Nintendo’s current-generation hardware, which supports most Switch 1 games and offers a significantly more capable platform going forward.

06/03/2026

Nintendo Switch OLED vs. Switch vs. Switch Lite: Differences Explained

Nintendo’s Switch lineup spans three distinct hardware configurations — the Switch OLED Model, the standard Nintendo Switch, and the Nintendo Switch Lite — each designed for a different kind of player. The official Nintendo comparison page makes clear that these aren’t merely cosmetic variants. Screen, play modes, storage, dock features, size, battery life, and price differ meaningfully across the three. This article breaks down every spec, explains the real-world implications of each difference, and tells you exactly which model fits which use case.

The Three Models at a Glance

	Nintendo Switch – OLED Model	Nintendo Switch (Standard)	Nintendo Switch Lite
Current US MSRP (after Aug. 3, 2025 adjustment)	$399.99	$339.99	$229.99
Release	October 2021	March 2017 (revised 2019)	September 2019
Screen	7.0-inch OLED, 1280×720	6.2-inch LCD, 1280×720	5.5-inch LCD, 1280×720
Storage	64 GB	32 GB	32 GB
Battery	4.5–9 hours	4.5–9 hours	3.0–7.0 hours
Weight (with Joy-Con)	0.93 lbs (421g)	0.88 lbs (399g)	0.61 lbs (277g)
Play Modes	TV, Tabletop, Handheld	TV, Tabletop, Handheld	Handheld only
Joy-Con	Detachable	Detachable	Integrated
Dock included	Yes (with LAN port)	Yes (no LAN port)	No
Kickstand	Full-width, adjustable	Small, fixed-angle	None

Screen: The Most Important Difference

This is where the models diverge most dramatically for handheld play.

The OLED Model’s 7.0-inch OLED panel produces true blacks by turning off individual pixels rather than using a backlight. The result is sharper contrast, more vivid color saturation, and deeper shadow detail compared to any LCD panel. The screen is also 0.8 inches larger than the standard model’s 6.2-inch LCD and 1.5 inches larger than the Lite’s 5.5-inch LCD.

Critically, all three models share the same 1280×720 resolution. Pixel density is highest on the Switch Lite (its smaller screen compresses the same pixels into a tighter area), while the OLED Model’s larger panel has the lowest pixel density of the three — but OLED’s display characteristics more than compensate in perceived image quality.

For TV mode, the screen type is irrelevant. The OLED and standard Switch output up to 1080p in TV mode via HDMI. The Lite has no TV output at all — its USB-C port is for charging only.

Play Modes and the Dock

The OLED Model and standard Switch support three play configurations:

TV Mode — Console docked, output through HDMI at up to 1080p
Tabletop Mode — Console propped using the kickstand, Joy-Con detached for nearby multiplayer
Handheld Mode — Console held in hand with Joy-Con attached

The Switch Lite supports only Handheld Mode. It cannot connect to a TV. For games that do not fully support Handheld Mode, or that rely on detached Joy-Con features, separate compatible controllers may be required — and the Lite still will not output to a TV.

The OLED’s New Dock

The OLED Model ships with an updated dock that includes a built-in wired LAN port, eliminating the need for a USB LAN adapter previously required for stable online play. The standard Switch dock has no LAN port and requires that third-party adapter (approximately $15–30) to access wired internet. The OLED dock is also cross-compatible — a standard Switch can be connected to the OLED dock to gain LAN access.

The standard dock provides three USB 2.0 ports (two on the side, one on the back). The OLED dock provides two side USB 2.0 ports plus the LAN port.

Storage

Model	Internal Storage	MicroSD Support
OLED Model	64 GB	Up to 2 TB (microSDXC)
Standard Switch	32 GB	Up to 2 TB (microSDXC)
Switch Lite	32 GB	Up to 2 TB (microSDXC)

The OLED Model’s 64 GB is double what the other two offer — enough for several smaller games or a few large downloads before a microSD card becomes useful (a portion is also reserved by the system). On any model, a microSDXC card is the practical solution for library management. Once inserted, a system update is required (internet connection needed).

Internal Hardware: CPU, RAM, and Performance

All three Switch 1 models share the same processor family:

CPU/GPU: NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor (Nintendo’s official description for all three models)
RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4
System RAM reservation: Approximately 1 GB reserved for OS functions

Nintendo does not advertise any CPU or RAM performance difference between Switch 1 models. All three run the same game code at the same frame rates and resolutions. Performance differences in games are environmental, docked mode enables slightly higher GPU clocks, not hardware-model-specific.

Battery Life

Model	Battery Capacity	Estimated Range
OLED Model	4310 mAh	4.5–9 hours
Standard Switch (2019 revision, serial XKW)	4310 mAh	4.5–9 hours
Standard Switch (original, serial XAW)	4310 mAh	2.5–6.5 hours
Switch Lite	3570 mAh	3.0–7.0 hours

The 2019 revision of the standard Switch, identifiable by serial numbers beginning with “XKW”, matches the OLED Model’s 4.5–9 hour range through chip efficiency improvements. The original 2017 launch Switch runs 2.5–6.5 hours on the same battery due to the older Tegra X1’s higher power draw. Nintendo uses The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as their battery life benchmark: roughly 5.5 hours on the OLED and revised Switch, 4 hours on the Lite.

All three models charge via USB-C and reach full charge in approximately 3 hours (in sleep mode).

Physical Dimensions and Weight

Model	Dimensions (with Joy-Con)	Weight
OLED Model	4.0″ H × 9.5″ L × 0.55″ D	0.93 lbs (421g)
Standard Switch	4.0″ H × 9.4″ L × 0.55″ D	0.88 lbs (399g)
Switch Lite	3.6″ H × 8.2″ L × 0.55″ D	0.61 lbs (277g)

The OLED Model is 0.1 inches longer than the standard Switch — negligible in practice, though it may affect fitment in some third-party cases and grips designed for the original model. The Switch Lite is substantially smaller and lighter, making it the most portable of the three.

Connectivity

All three models share the same wireless specification:

Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band)
Bluetooth: 4.1
NFC: Present on all models (for amiibo functionality)
Headphone jack: 3.5mm 4-pole stereo (all models)
USB-C: All models; the Lite uses USB-C for charging only, not dock connectivity

Sensor differences:
The OLED Model and standard Switch include an accelerometer, gyroscope, and ambient brightness sensor. The Switch Lite has only the accelerometer and gyroscope — no brightness sensor.

Game Compatibility

OLED Model and Standard Switch

Both are compatible with the full Nintendo Switch game library. The OLED Model has a noted exception: it does not cleanly fit within all Nintendo Labo kit designs due to its slightly larger dimensions.

Switch Lite

The Switch Lite can play all games that support Handheld Mode. Games without Handheld Mode support, or games relying on detached Joy-Con features, may require wirelessly connected controllers (sold separately) and still won’t display on a TV. When using separate Joy-Con controllers, a charging solution such as the Joy-Con Charging Grip is required since the Lite has no Joy-Con rail.

To check a specific game’s compatibility before purchasing, consult the game’s packaging or the Nintendo eShop listing for the handheld mode icon.

Current Pricing Context (US, Post-August 2025)

In August 2025, Nintendo raised prices across the Switch 1 family in the US. Nintendo’s official statement cited “market conditions” as the reason; reporting at the time connected the move to tariff pressure on imports from Vietnam, where Nintendo handles a significant portion of its production. The increases:

Model	Original MSRP	Current MSRP
Switch OLED	$349.99	$399.99 (+$50)
Standard Switch	$299.99	$339.99 (+$40)
Switch Lite	$199.99	$229.99 (+$30)

These increases also narrow the value gap between the Switch 1 lineup and the Nintendo Switch 2, which launched at $449.99. The OLED Model is now just $50 below the Switch 2’s base price — a relevant consideration for first-time buyers.

Who Should Buy Which Model

Nintendo Switch – OLED Model is the right choice if you primarily play in handheld or tabletop mode and value screen quality. The OLED display is a meaningful upgrade for handheld gaming. The included LAN-equipped dock and 64 GB of storage strengthen the overall package. It is the most refined version of the Switch 1 experience.

Standard Nintendo Switch makes sense for players who spend most of their time docked to a TV, where the OLED screen advantage disappears entirely. At $60 less than the OLED, the performance in TV mode is identical. Confirm you’re buying the revised 2019 model (serial starting with XKW) for the better battery life.

Nintendo Switch Lite is the correct pick for players who will never use TV mode — children, commuters, or dedicated portable-only gamers. Its smaller size and lighter weight are genuine advantages. The significantly lower price accommodates a larger game budget. Verify game compatibility before purchasing titles, as some games have handheld-mode or controller-feature restrictions.

Skip all three if you’re a new buyer primarily interested in future Nintendo software. The Switch 2 has launched, supports most physical and digital Switch 1 games (check Nintendo’s compatibility page for exceptions), and its $449.99 price is now only marginally above the OLED’s $399.99 MSRP.

06/03/2026

Nintendo Music Gets Major Update With Web Player, CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mario Kart World Music

Nintendo Music is no longer just a phone app. The latest update expands the service to browsers, tablets, and car displays, while also adding music from Mario Kart World — giving Nintendo Switch Online members more ways to stream the Nintendo game music available through the service.

Nintendo Music Expands Beyond Phones

The headline change in this update is platform reach. Nintendo Music is now accessible through a web browser on PC or laptop, letting users listen, browse, and organize their music on a larger screen. The web version also allows anyone to preview the library without a Nintendo Switch Online membership, though actual use of the service still requires one.

The update also adds proper tablet support, including full-screen browsing in both horizontal and vertical orientation. For users on the road, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support are now available, allowing playback and playlist control directly from a car display. Nintendo says users can listen and control playlists with voice commands while driving, while app-store notes also point to Siri search support on Apple devices and voice-command support through Android Auto.

Nintendo-focused outlets identify the mobile app update as version 1.6.0, with app-side additions such as iPad/tablet support, CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice/search support. The web browser player and Mario Kart World music arrived alongside the broader Nintendo Music update.

My Mix Adds Personalized Playlists

The update introduces My Mix, a feature that generates playlists based on your play history. It works across phone, tablet, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Nintendo is specific on one point: My Mix is not available in the web browser version of the service.

It is also worth noting that Nintendo describes this as play history — not listening history. That is the exact language used in Nintendo’s own description of how My Mix works.

Mario Kart World Music Joins the Library

Nintendo has officially confirmed that music from Mario Kart World is now available on Nintendo Music. Secondary reports from Nintendo Life and Vooks put more detail on the release: the current upload contains 130 tracks with a runtime of 4 hours and 13 minutes. Free Roam tracks are planned to be added through future updates and are not part of the current release.

Nintendo’s own wording is careful — it confirms that music from Mario Kart World is now available, without claiming the full soundtrack is present. That distinction matters, and the Free Roam caveat is worth keeping in mind. Nintendo says the browser version of the service offers over 250 hours of music across more than 130 titles in total.

Nintendo Music Is Still Tied to Switch Online

This is not a standalone streaming service. Nintendo Music is included for Nintendo Switch Online members at no extra cost, but a Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account are both required to use it. The web browser preview is available to anyone, but access to the full library is gated behind an active subscription.

It is also not available on Switch or Switch 2 as a console app. The platform additions in this update are web, tablet, CarPlay, and Android Auto — not a native console interface.

Why This Update Matters

Before this update, Nintendo Music was a mobile-only experience with a fairly narrow use case. The changes here push it into everyday listening territory in a meaningful way. Desktop support makes it practical for listening while working. Tablet support gives it a proper big-screen interface. CarPlay and Android Auto bring it into one of the highest-frequency listening environments most people have — the car.

The Mario Kart World addition gives the update a strong Switch 2 hook. But the more durable change is the platform expansion. Nintendo Music is becoming a more practical streaming service, not just a novelty app.

06/02/2026

Nintendo Direct Rumor Points to June 9, But Nintendo Has Yet to Announce Its Next Showcase

Nintendo has held no general Direct in 2026. A new rumor now claims a Direct could arrive on June 9, but the format remains unclear. Here is what is confirmed, what is not, and why the date is drawing attention.

Nintendo Has Not Confirmed a June Direct

As of June 3, 2026, Nintendo has not announced a Nintendo Direct presentation for any date this month. The company’s last major general showcase was in September 2025. Since then, Nintendo has held smaller, title-specific presentations but nothing that functions as a broad software showcase for Switch 2.

Nintendo told investors it is preparing additional unannounced titles for the second half of the fiscal year — a signal that more announcements are coming, but not proof of a dated showcase.

Where the June 9 Rumor Started

Spanish gaming insider Nash Weedle posted a hint that points to June 9 as the date for an upcoming Nintendo Direct. He did not name the date directly. Instead, he used imagery associated with the American release of Animal Crossing: New Leaf, which launched in the U.S. on June 9, 2013 — using the date itself as the coded message.

Weedle has made Nintendo-related predictions before, though his overall accuracy rate has not been independently verified at scale. He did not specify the format of the event, so whether this would be a full general Direct or a more limited presentation is unknown.

Nintendo has not responded to or acknowledged the claim.

What Jeff Grubb Has — and Has Not — Corroborated

Games journalist Jeff Grubb stated separately that he has been hearing a Nintendo Direct is coming by mid-June. That window is consistent with June 9 but does not confirm it. Grubb also said he had not been told whether it would be a full general Direct or a narrower showcase, though he speculated it was likely a full one given the timing.

That leaves two independent sources pointing toward the same general window, with only one naming a specific date, and neither having confirmation from Nintendo.

Nintendo’s Official 2026 Direct Schedule So Far

Nintendo’s own Direct archive shows the following for 2026 up to this point:

No general Nintendo Direct has aired in 2026. The last one was September 2025.
Smaller Nintendo-led presentations have taken place, but none functioning as a broad software showcase.

This gap is notable. In 2024, Nintendo held a full general Direct in June. In 2023, it did the same. In 2022, it held a Partner Showcase in June. The one exception in recent years was 2025, when the June slot was used for a Donkey Kong Bananza-focused presentation, with the general showcase held in September instead — during the wider Switch 2 launch period.

A full general Direct has not happened yet in 2026. That absence, combined with the investor remarks about unannounced titles, is what gives the June 9 rumor structural plausibility independent of Weedle’s claim alone.

Confirmed Switch 2 Games That Could Use a Spotlight

Several Nintendo titles with firm 2026 release dates are close enough to launch that a Direct appearance would make logistical sense:

Title	Status	Date
Star Fox	Confirmed	June 25, 2026
Rhythm Heaven Groove	Confirmed	July 2, 2026
Splatoon Raiders	Confirmed	July 23, 2026
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave	Confirmed 2026	TBA

Star Fox in particular — confirmed for June 25 — would have only a two-week gap between a June 9 Direct and its own release. A pre-launch showcase appearance at this stage would be standard practice.

Beyond confirmed titles, insider NateTheHate has claimed a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is targeting the second half of 2026, and that a new 3D Mario is in development for a 2027 release. Whether either surfaces in June is speculative, but the holiday-window claim on the Zelda remake makes a summer reveal at least logically timed.

Why Fans Are Watching June 9

The date lands inside the busiest gaming showcase week of the year:

Date	Event
June 2 (US) / June 3 (some regions)	PlayStation State of Play
June 5	Summer Game Fest (Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles)
June 7	Xbox Games Showcase
June 9	Nintendo Direct (rumored)

Nintendo is not part of the official Summer Game Fest lineup, but the company has consistently used the same cultural window to run its own events. June 9 would place Nintendo at the end of that sequence — after Sony, after the SGF show, after Xbox — with its own dedicated slot and no competing noise.

That positioning is consistent with how Nintendo has handled June in previous years: separate, self-contained, and on its own schedule. None of that makes June 9 confirmed. It makes it a date worth watching.

06/02/2026

ROG Xbox Ally X Explained: Price, Specs, Game Pass, and What It Actually Is

The ROG Xbox Ally X is not a traditional Xbox console. It is a premium Windows handheld gaming PC made by ASUS in partnership with Microsoft, with Xbox software integration, Game Pass access, and the freedom to run PC storefronts like Steam and Battle.net. If you are searching for the Xbox ROG Ally X, this is it — Microsoft and ASUS officially call it the ROG Xbox Ally X, but both names refer to the same device.

What Is the ROG Xbox Ally X?

The ROG Xbox Ally X is a Windows 11 handheld gaming PC. That distinction matters. It is not a portable version of an Xbox Series X, and it does not run Xbox console firmware. What it does is run Windows 11 Home with a custom Xbox Full Screen Experience layered on top, designed to give the device a console-like feel while retaining the full flexibility of a PC.

That means you can play supported PC Game Pass titles, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Remote Play, and Xbox Play Anywhere games through the Xbox app, but you can also install Steam, Battle.net, the Epic Games Store, and any other PC launcher. It is Xbox on top, Windows underneath.

ROG Xbox Ally X Price and Release Date

The ROG Xbox Ally X launched on October 16, 2025, following pre-orders that opened in September. The official US ERP is $999.99. That price is confirmed by the Microsoft Store, ASUS’s US product page, and Best Buy, which also bundles in three months of Xbox Game Pass Premium.

The standard ROG Xbox Ally is a separate, cheaper model at $599.99. The two are different devices with meaningfully different hardware.

ROG Xbox Ally X Specs

Feature	ROG Xbox Ally X
Processor	AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
RAM	24GB LPDDR5X
Storage	1TB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradeable)
Display	7-inch FHD 1080p IPS, 120Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium / VRR
Battery	80Wh
OS	Windows 11 Home
Ports	1x USB4 Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 compatible; 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C; UHS-II microSD; 3.5mm audio
Weight	1.58 lbs
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4

ASUS claims up to 9.9 hours in light gaming and up to 2.7 hours in heavy AAA gaming under its own stated test conditions. In demanding games, real-world battery life is usually closer to two to three hours, depending on wattage, settings, and the game.

What Games Can It Play?

Because it runs Windows 11, the ROG Xbox Ally X has access to essentially every PC game storefront and service:

Xbox and Game Pass: The Xbox app is built in with the Xbox Full Screen Experience UI. Supported PC Game Pass titles, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Remote Play, and Xbox Play Anywhere games work through the app.

Steam: Windows-compatible Steam games can be installed, though performance and controls vary by title.

Battle.net, Epic Games Store, and others: These install like they would on any Windows PC.

Cloud gaming and remote play: Both work through the Xbox app and other services.

One important clarification: the ROG Xbox Ally X does not automatically play your entire Xbox console library natively. Games need to have a PC version, a Play Anywhere designation, or be available through cloud gaming. Console-only Xbox purchases do not become native PC licenses automatically.

How It Compares to the Standard ROG Xbox Ally

These are two different devices. A lot of coverage treats them interchangeably, so here is the clear breakdown:

Feature	ROG Xbox Ally	ROG Xbox Ally X
Price	$599.99 ERP	$999.99 ERP
Processor	AMD Ryzen Z2 A	AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
RAM	16GB LPDDR5X	24GB LPDDR5X
Storage	512GB SSD	1TB SSD
Battery	60Wh	80Wh
USB4	No	Yes
Weight	1.48 lbs	1.58 lbs

Both share the same 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display, Xbox Full Screen Experience software, and general chassis design. The differences that matter most in practice are the processor, the battery size, and USB4 support on the Ally X.

Where the ROG Xbox Ally X Looks Strong

Performance. The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme is AMD’s top-tier handheld chip at the time of the Ally X’s release, with eight cores and RDNA 3.5 graphics. It handles demanding PC games better than the Ryzen Z2 A in the standard model.

Memory and storage. 24GB of RAM gives it more memory headroom than many mainstream handheld PCs, and the 1TB upgradeable SSD adds room for a large game library.

Battery size. The 80Wh cell is meaningfully larger than the standard Ally’s 60Wh. Real-world gaming time varies heavily by game and settings, but the larger battery gives headroom the standard model does not have.

Xbox Full Screen Experience. Reviews consistently note this as a genuine improvement over older Windows handhelds. The UI is built for thumbstick navigation and makes the device feel more like a console than a traditional Windows laptop squeezed into handheld form.

USB4 / Thunderbolt 4. The Ally X’s USB4 Type-C port opens the door to compatible Thunderbolt/USB4 eGPU docks, including newer Thunderbolt-based options. Just be careful with older ASUS ROG XG Mobile units, because earlier models used ASUS’s proprietary XG Mobile connector rather than standard USB4. The standard Ally does not have USB4.

Ergonomics. The Xbox-inspired chassis with contoured grips and impulse triggers has been well-received across reviews. Reviewers have repeatedly praised the Xbox-inspired grips and comfort, especially compared with flatter Windows handheld designs.

Where It Still Has Trade-Offs

No OLED display. The 7-inch IPS panel is sharp and smooth at 120Hz, but it cannot match the contrast, black levels, or color of the OLED screens on the Steam Deck OLED or Lenovo Legion Go 2. At $999.99, this is the most common criticism.

Windows friction. The Xbox Full Screen Experience improves the interface significantly, but Windows 11 is still underneath. Driver updates, Windows Update behavior, and occasional software quirks are realities reviewers mention. It does not match the seamlessness of SteamOS or a native console.

Expensive. $999.99 is a lot to ask for a handheld gaming PC. The value case improves depending on your existing Game Pass subscription and PC library, but the upfront cost is real.

Battery depends heavily on settings. ASUS’s light-gaming estimates are produced under controlled conditions. In demanding AAA games, real-world battery life is usually closer to two to three hours depending on your settings and wattage.

Not every Xbox game is available. Players expecting to access their full Xbox console library may be disappointed. Native playability requires a PC version, a Play Anywhere title, or cloud gaming.

Should You Buy the ROG Xbox Ally X?

Buy it if: You are already invested in Xbox Game Pass or a PC game library, you want strong handheld performance at 1080p, and you are comfortable with Windows as your operating system.

Consider the standard ROG Xbox Ally instead if: You play lighter titles, budget matters, or you do not need the extra RAM, battery, or USB4 support. At $599.99, it covers the same software ecosystem at a meaningfully lower price.

Look elsewhere if: You prioritize an OLED screen, want SteamOS simplicity, or prefer a more console-like out-of-the-box experience. The Steam Deck OLED (now $789 for 512GB after its 2026 price hike) remains the benchmark for screen quality and software polish, though the price gap has narrowed considerably.

The ROG Xbox Ally X is the closest Microsoft has come to an Xbox handheld. It is still a Windows gaming PC first — and whether that is a strength or a limitation depends entirely on what you want from a handheld.

06/02/2026

Steam Deck OLED Price Hike Has ROG Xbox Ally X Owners Calling It a Better Deal

A Reddit discussion has reignited the handheld PC value debate after Steam Deck OLED pricing moved sharply closer to Windows handheld territory. The trigger is real: on May 27, 2026, Valve raised Steam Deck OLED prices by up to $300, citing rising memory and storage costs. That single move narrowed what was once a comfortable price gap between Valve’s handheld and premium Windows devices like the ROG Xbox Ally X to just $50.

Why Reddit Is Suddenly Talking About the ROG Xbox Ally X

Before the price hike, the Steam Deck OLED 1TB sat at $649. The ROG Xbox Ally X was $999.99. That $350 gap made Valve’s handheld a clear value pick for many buyers. Now that the 1TB Steam Deck OLED costs $949, the math looks different.

A thread on r/ROGAlly saw users arguing the ROG Xbox Ally X had quietly become one of the strongest value propositions in the handheld market. One user called it “Hands DOWN the most affordable and most bang for your buck handheld out right now.” Another pointed to the regular ROG Ally X as “the real champ” if you can still find one. A third summed up the display trade-off bluntly: “Better performance and battery mainly, losing OLED sucks but I’m not a huge snob about it and jumping from 1280x800p to 1920x1080p VRR is great so it’s a bit of a mixed bag there.”

These are user opinions, not official verdicts. But the sentiment reflects a real market shift.

What the ROG Xbox Ally X Actually Costs

The ROG Xbox Ally X carries an official US ERP of $999.99. That is confirmed by Xbox’s product page, ASUS’s US store, and Best Buy, which lists the device with its Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and a three-month Xbox Game Pass Premium subscription included.

The standard ROG Xbox Ally sits at $599.99 with a less powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 A chip. The Reddit thread mixes both models, so it is worth being clear: the $999.99 figure applies to the Ally X specifically. The standard Ally is a different, cheaper device.

Neither is cheap. The Ally X is only “better value” relative to where the Steam Deck OLED now sits, not in absolute terms.

Why the Ally X Looks Stronger on Paper

The ROG Xbox Ally X launched in October 2025 as a collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS. Its hardware specifications are a clear step above the Steam Deck OLED:

The AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor offers stronger raw performance than the older APU inside the Steam Deck. The display is a 7-inch FHD 1080p panel running at 120Hz with VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium, compared to the Steam Deck’s OLED panel running at a 1280×800 resolution. The Ally X carries 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD, plus an 80Wh battery, which is meaningfully larger than the Steam Deck’s cell. It runs Windows 11 Home, giving access to Steam, the Xbox app, Game Pass, and any other PC storefront side by side.

For players who want to run demanding titles at higher resolutions or need the flexibility of a full Windows environment, those specs represent a real advantage.

Where Steam Deck OLED Still Wins

The Steam Deck OLED is not a bad device that got exposed by a price hike. It is still one of the most refined handheld gaming experiences available.

The OLED display, even at lower resolution, produces better contrast, truer blacks, and more vibrant color than the Ally X’s IPS panel. That matters for players who prioritize screen quality. Many Steam Deck users prefer SteamOS because it offers a more console-like handheld experience than Windows, with fewer driver issues, better sleep/wake behavior, and automatic compatibility checking through Proton. The Steam Deck’s trackpads remain a genuine advantage for strategy games, older PC titles, and anything that benefits from mouse-style input. Valve’s ecosystem is also mature, with years of community support, a large library of verified titles, and a well-established refurbished program.

Users who prefer a console-like experience out of the box, or who run Linux-based alternatives like Bazzite, often still prefer the Steam Deck’s software environment over Windows friction.

The Real Debate Is Price-to-Performance, Not Brand Loyalty

What the Reddit thread is actually saying is not that Xbox beat Valve or that one device is objectively superior. It is that the pricing logic that made the Steam Deck an obvious choice has changed.

At $649, the 1TB Steam Deck OLED was easy to recommend over a $999.99 Windows handheld for anyone who did not specifically need Windows. At $949, that argument requires more justification. The $50 price difference between the two devices now comes down to what you value: OLED and SteamOS simplicity on one side, stronger hardware, 1080p VRR, and Windows flexibility on the other.

Tom’s Hardware noted after the price hike that the ROG Xbox Ally X at $999.99 “doesn’t seem quite as outrageous anymore” — a fair reflection of how quickly the market shifted.

What Buyers Should Watch Before Jumping

A few things are worth noting before making a purchase based on this value shift.

Stock and open-box pricing. The regular ROG Ally X, the non-Xbox-branded predecessor, is harder to find new. Some Reddit users mentioned open-box deals as a better entry point. If you find one, check that the warranty transfers.

Windows update and driver concerns. Some Ally X owners have flagged ASUS driver updates and Windows update behavior as occasional pain points. This is a known trade-off with Windows handhelds in general and worth researching before buying.

Valve’s refurbished options. Multiple outlets report that refurbished Steam Deck OLED models remain available at lower prices than new units, with the 512GB model at $629 and the 1TB model at $759, each with a one-year warranty. If you want a Steam Deck, the refurbished tier is now one of the better value options in the whole market.

A newer ROG Xbox model is on the way. ASUS announced the ROG Xbox Ally X20 at Computex 2026, which carries the same Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme specs as the Ally X but adds a 7.4-inch OLED display and a transforming D-pad. Pricing has not been confirmed, though the bundle format and the included ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 glasses suggest it could land well above the current $999.99 model. For context, the standard ROG XREAL R1 glasses retail separately for around $849. If OLED was your main reason to hold off on the Ally X, that may change the picture once pricing lands.

The handheld market is shifting fast. Neither device is standing still, and neither is clearly winning.

06/01/2026

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Nintendo Switch Lite At a Glance

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Internal Hardware

Nintendo Switch Lite Storage

Battery Life

Connectivity

Nintendo Switch Lite Multiplayer

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Parental Controls

System Features

Pricing Context

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Storage

Internal Hardware: CPU, RAM, and Performance

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Physical Dimensions and Weight

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Game Compatibility