Mortal Kombat 2 released in theaters on May 8, 2026. On Rotten Tomatoes, At the time of VGC’s report, the film sat at 73% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, Reviews have been divided, with Rotten Tomatoes skewing more positive than Metacritic. However, the film’s producer, Todd Garner, was unimpressed with the negative reviews. He took to X (formerly Twitter) and criticized reviewers who gave the movie negative ratings.

The producer suggested that some critics reviewed the film without really knowing the original material. He believed that the reviewers had not played the game and did not understand what fans wanted. Todd wrote, “It’s clear they have never played the game and have no idea what the fans want or ANY of the rules/ canon of Mortal Kombat.”

He further mentioned that one reviewer complained about a character having a laser eye. He wrote, “One reviewer was mad that a guy ‘had a laser eye!’”

The producer seemed baffled and continued his outburst, “Why the fuck do we still allow people that don’t have any love for the genre review these movies! Baffling.”

Todd’s message on X read as, “Some of these reviews are cracking me up. It’s clear they have never played the game and have no idea what the fans want or ANY of the rules/ canon of Mortal Kombat. One reviewer was mad that a guy “had a laser eye!” Why the fuck do we still allow people that don’t have any love for the genre review these movies! Baffling.”

Some of these reviews are cracking me up. It’s clear they have never played the game and have no idea what the fans want or ANY of the rules/ canon of Mortal Kombat. One reviewer was mad that a guy “had a laser eye!” Why the fuck do we still allow people that don’t have any love…

— Todd Garner (@Todd_Garner) May 6, 2026

A movie critic felt that playing games or knowing the original story isn’t necessary to enjoy or review the film. He believed the movie should be judged on how well it works as a film rather than a piece of fan service.

The critic post read as, “Idk man I’m just kinda over this wave of anti-criticism sentiment. Your movie has a 77% on RT and counting. You won. You can make something for the fans without excluding the opinion of those who aren’t. I don’t think playing the games or knowing the lore should be a prerequisite for viewing. Films should be reviewed on how they function as…films, not as a piece of fan service.”

Idk man I’m just kinda over this wave of anti-criticism sentiment. Your movie has a 77% on RT and counting. You won. You can make something for the fans without excluding the opinion of those who aren’t. I don’t think playing the games or knowing the lore should be a prerequisite… https://t.co/jI70PBM98d

— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) May 6, 2026

Todd argued that critics who already disliked the franchise’s main concepts could not fairly judge the film and felt that the reviewers should keep in mind when a movie is clearly made for fans.

Todd wrote, “I’m really sorry you feel this way. My comment was very squarely directed at a couple of reviewers that did not like the “zombies” and the fact that there was a “guy with a laser eye,” etc. Those are elements that are baked into the Mortal Kombat IP and therefore we were dead in the water going in. There is no way for that person to review how it functioned as a film, because they did not like the foundational elements of the IP. I just wish when something is so obviously fan leaning in its DNA, that critics would take that into consideration.”

When followers questioned his opinion, Todd clarified that he did not have an issue with negative reviews overall, but he felt frustrated that reviewers weren’t familiar with Mortal Kombat.

To a user comment that said, “It’s just for the fans” … who else would this movie be for lol 😂,” Todd replied, “It’s called Mortal Kombat 2 for a reason…”

To another user’s comment that read, “If we’ve learned anything from Michael, it’s that critics are losing influence and fans don’t care about their opinions. It’s all about what the fans want and care about. And I’ve seen nothing but fan excitement. Seeing it tomorrow night and can’t wait 🙏🏾🙌🏾,” the producer replied, “Absolutely. The gamification of movie reviews has gotten absurd.”

When a user pointed out that one review claimed the movie was clearly made only for fans and gave it a bad rating, but the majority of reviews are excellent and Rotten Tomatoes gave it 75%, Todd replied that he indeed “made it for fans.”

Although Todd did not seem to be taking the backlash seriously, he appeared amused by the criticism. In response to another fan, he simply wrote, “I’m genuinely laughing,” suggesting that the He replied, ‘I’m genuinely laughing.’

Mortal Kombat II brings back several cast members from the 2021 film, including Lewis Tan as Cole Young, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, Josh Lawson as Kano, Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden, and Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion. The sequel also adds major new fighters from the games, including Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, Adeline Rudolph as Kitana, Tati Gabrielle as Jade, Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn, Damon Herriman as Quan Chi, and CJ Bloomfield as Baraka.

Matt Reeves Shares Snowy Batmobile Camera Tests for The Batman: Part II

Director Matt Reeves shared the first publicly released camera-test images from The Batman: Part II on X on May 7, 2026, showing the Batmobile driving through snow. The caption: “#SnowTires 🦇.”

#SnowTires 🦇 pic.twitter.com/XR0K1xUGqx

— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) May 7, 2026

The images, captured from a production monitor, show the Batmobile — sporting a slightly updated look and a set of snow tires — tearing through wintry conditions. Reeves also reshared Batman comic artwork set against a blizzard, suggesting pre-production is ramping up on the long-awaited sequel.

When a fan asked directly whether this confirmed test footage for the sequel, Reeves replied “Sure is!” He also responded to a fan who wrote they had always dreamed of seeing Batman in snow on screen, confirming simply: “Indeed, it is.”

Sure is! https://t.co/s30Cv3BfSc

— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) May 7, 2026

Filming has been reported for spring 2026, with the film scheduled to open on October 1, 2027. The script is by Reeves and Mattson Tomlin.

Returning cast:

• Robert Pattinson — Bruce Wayne / Batman
• Colin Farrell — Oz Cobb / The Penguin
• Jeffrey Wright — Commissioner James Gordon
• Andy Serkis — Alfred Pennyworth

Reported new additions:

• Sebastian Stan is reported to play Harvey Dent
• Scarlett Johansson is reported to play Harvey Dent’s wife; in the comics, that character is Gilda
• Charles Dance is reported to be in talks to play Harvey Dent’s father

Expected/reported:

• Barry Keoghan — expected to reprise his role as the Joker

Zoe Kravitz has been reported as not expected to return, though Warner Bros. has not publicly announced the full cast. The snowy setting has sparked fan speculation about Mr. Freeze, though no villain details have been confirmed by Reeves or the studio.

The snow tests mark the first publicly shared camera-test images from the sequel, coming four years after the original The Batman opened in March 2022.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie box office collection has climbed to about $894.2 million worldwide, putting the Illumination and Nintendo sequel within striking distance of the $1 billion mark after the first weekend of May.

According to The Numbers, the film has now banked $402.7 million in the U.S. and Canada and $491.5 million from international markets through May 3. Widely released by Universal on April 1, the sequel to 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie has held at or near the top of the domestic box-office chart for five straight weekends and could become the first 2026 release to cross ten figures if current holds continue.

Here is where The Super Mario Galaxy Movie box office collection stands as of May 4, 2026.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Box Office Collection at a Glance

Through the May 1–3 weekend, the running totals are:

• Domestic (U.S. and Canada): $402.7 million
• International: $491.5 million
• Worldwide: $894.2 million

The film was made for a reported $110 million, which puts the current worldwide gross at roughly 8.1 times its production budget before marketing costs and exhibitor splits. It is already the highest-grossing release of 2026 and the highest-grossing animated film of the year.

A Record Opening

As per Deadline, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie opened on Wednesday, April 1, and posted about $34.5 million on day one — slightly ahead of the $31.7 million opening day of the first Mario movie in 2023. The five-day domestic opening came in at $190.8 million, the fourth-largest in North American history behind Moana 2, the original Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Internationally, the film grossed $182.4 million from 80 markets, putting the global launch at $372.6 million — the largest worldwide debut of 2026 to date.

Per studio estimates and trade reporting, that opening also produced the biggest global launch of 2026, the fifth-biggest worldwide opening for an animated film, the second-biggest opening for any Illumination release, the second-biggest opening for a video game adaptation, and the fourth-biggest Easter three-day opening on record. It is also the first animated franchise to deliver back-to-back films opening above $350 million worldwide.

The Run So Far

The film held the No. 1 spot domestically for three straight weekends before being passed by Michael in its fourth frame.

• Weekend 2: $68 million (–49%), No. 1
• Weekend 3: $36.5 million, No. 1
• Weekend 4: $20.6 million, No. 2
• Weekend 5 (May 1–3): about $12.1 million, No. 3

Variety reported that the third weekend hold kept the film firmly atop the domestic chart, and the fourth-weekend slip to No. 2 came as GameSpot noted when the Michael Jackson biopic Michael opened wide. Through that stretch, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie box office collection also posted a strong $16.8 million Monday, reinforcing its weekday strength with family audiences.

Outside North America, trade reporting has pointed to especially strong grosses in Mexico, the United Kingdom, and France. Japan, where the film opened on April 24, remains a significant variable. The original Super Mario Bros. Movie earned approximately $102 million there during its full run, and the sequel’s full Japanese contribution will continue feeding into the international total over the coming weeks.

How It Compares to the First Movie

The original Super Mario Bros. Movie finished its 2023 run at roughly $1.36 billion worldwide and was running ahead of Galaxy at the same stage of release. The sequel’s domestic total of $402.7 million is also tracking below the original’s $574.9 million domestic finish, though based on its current total and fifth-weekend hold, a final domestic figure above $420 million remains plausible. Combined, the two films have now generated more than $2 billion at the global box office across three years.

On the reception side, the gap is wider than the first film’s. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie holds a 42% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes against an 88% Popcornmeter audience score, while the original sat at 59% with critics and around 95% with audiences. Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, called the negative critical reception “truly baffling” in a recent interview with Japanese media. The mixed critical reception has not stopped the film from maintaining strong commercial momentum.

What Comes Next

With the worldwide total now at $894.2 million and Japanese receipts still being added, the film could cross $1 billion globally in mid-to-late May if current holds continue. That would make it the first film of 2026 to reach the milestone, the second consecutive Mario film to clear it, and one of a small group of animated films to hit $1 billion on a budget under $120 million.

Either way, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie box office collection has already made its commercial success clear. It is still likely to land short of the original’s $1.36 billion finish, but it is well positioned to challenge the $1 billion mark on a relatively modest $110 million production budget for a studio tentpole. Additional Nintendo and Illumination film plans have also been reported, though details remain unofficial. The live-action Legend of Zelda movie remains scheduled for May 7, 2027.

Gurei now has a release date for PC. Publisher Astrolabe Games and developer Lobo Sagaz Studio have announced that the hand-drawn action platformer will launch on Steam on July 23, 2026.

The news arrived through a new release date trailer, giving players a fresh look at the game’s fast sword-based combat, boss-driven structure, and Japanese mythology-inspired world. Console versions are also planned, but Astrolabe Games has not yet confirmed which platforms will get the game or when those versions will arrive.

The Trailer Puts Gurei’s Boss Fights Front And Center

Gurei follows Rei, a human spirit who must take on mystical Kami and gain new powers by defeating them. The trailer uses that idea to show a game built around direct fights, route choice, and tougher enemy encounters as you progress.

The trailer’s most interesting reveal is the way how Gurei handles boss order. Players are not locked into a fixed path. They can choose which Kami to fight first, and that choice reshapes the difficulty curve entirely. A boss fought early may feel very different from the same boss fought later, because enemies grow more dangerous depending on the route players take.

That gives Gurei a stronger hook than a standard action games. The game is not only asking players to master combat; it is also asking them to think carefully about the order in which they take on its major fights.

Combat Built Around Timing, Not Button-Mashing

Gurei is a precise and unforgiving action game. The trailer makes it clear that success will depend on reading enemy patterns, reacting quickly, and making careful attacks instead of just mashing the buttons.

The chambara influence — the classic Japanese samurai film style — gives the combat a clear identity. Gurei leans into tense duels, clean swordplay, and dramatic enemy encounters rather than pure fantasy spectacle. Each fight is meant to feel sharp, weighty, and earned.

For a game where the same boss can show up early or late in your run, the moment-to-moment combat needs to hold up across every order. The trailer suggests it will.

Steam Demo Gives Players An Early Test

A Steam demo is already available, giving players a chance to try the combat before the full release. The demo was first featured during Steam Next Fest in June 2025, and player response has been strong — it currently sits at “Very Positive” on Steam, with around 84% of nearly 200 reviews rating it positively.

That kind of reception matters for a game like Gurei. Its appeal depends on precision, difficulty, and whether boss fights feel fair rather than frustrating. The demo lets players judge the core loop for themselves: learning enemy patterns, surviving tough fights, and using powers gained from defeated bosses. For a game built around timing and challenge, that hands-on test may matter more than the trailer alone.

What To Watch Before Launch

With Gurei now dated for July 23, 2026 on PC, the next big thing to watch is the console rollout. Astrolabe Games has confirmed that console versions are planned, but players still do not know which platforms will get the game or when those versions will arrive.

Player feedback from the demo may also shape what we hear next. Since the build is already public, the team will have months of community reaction to draw from before launch — and that could mean small balance tweaks, new trailers focused on specific bosses, or a deeper look at the powers Rei gains across different routes.

For now, Gurei looks aimed at players who enjoy difficult action games, boss-focused progression, and hand-drawn worlds with mythological roots. The release date trailer gives the game a clear PC launch date. The bigger test will be whether its route-based boss structure feels as sharp in play as it looks on paper.

Karl Urban’s casting as Johnny Cage gave Mortal Kombat fans plenty to talk about, and the actor has now admitted he felt real pressure stepping into one of the franchise’s most recognizable roles. Urban was not the safest or most predictable choice on paper for Johnny Cage, the cocky actor and martial artist pulled into Earthrealm’s fight for survival. The trailers have since given viewers a clearer look at his version of Cage, including the character’s confidence, physicality, and role in the sequel. With Mortal Kombat II scheduled to open in theaters on May 8, 2026, fans are now waiting to see how The Boys and The Lord of the Rings actor brings Johnny Cage to the big screen.

Karl Urban Felt the Pressure of Playing Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat II

Playing Johnny Cage comes with obvious pressure because the character has one of the most loyal fan bases in the Mortal Kombat franchise. Urban said that pressure became clear almost immediately after he told his two sons he had been cast in the role.

Karl Urban’s Sons Had a Blunt Reaction to His Johnny Cage Casting

Speaking to IGN, during a press event, Urban recalled the blunt reaction he received from his sons after telling them he would play Johnny Cage. “I definitely felt the pressure. I remember when I got cast, I said to my two sons — who I actually played the game with, which was my first introduction to the world of Mortal Kombat — and I said, ‘Hey guys, I’m going to be Johnny Cage.’ And they were like, ‘Oof… Big fan base. Don’t f**k it up.’” (sic)

Urban said the only way to handle that pressure was to put his energy into preparation rather than anxiety, “So right from the get-go from my own family, I was like, ‘Oh.’ I felt the pressure. But when you’re in that situation, all you can do is just channel all of your energy away from any of those fears and anxieties and just focus it on the work, focus it on your preparation. And for me, it was a deep dive into the world of martial arts.” (sic)

How Karl Urban Prepared for Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat II

To prepare for the role, Urban said he took a deep dive into martial arts. He attended a karate tournament in New Zealand to better understand the culture around the sport and also trained with movement, agility, and speed drills similar to those used by professional athletes.

Urban also studied the Mortal Kombat games and Johnny Cage’s history so he could understand the character beyond the surface-level ego and one-liners.

Karl Urban Says Johnny Cage Has a Real Character Arc

Urban credited screenwriter Jeremy Slater for giving Johnny Cage more than just ego, saying the film presents him as a damaged and dispirited character with room to grow. Explaining why that version of Cage worked for him, Urban said, “This is a very dispirited character, which was a very smart choice because it gave not only me but the audience somewhere to go with the character. It gave a journey.” (sic)

Karl Urban Calls Mortal Kombat II His Most Physically Challenging Role

Urban also said the sequel was the most physically demanding production of his career, largely because the martial arts choreography required precision rather than brute force. “Coming into Mortal Kombat 2 was hands down the most challenging, physical undertaking that I’ve ever embarked on when it comes to a production. The skillset required was definitely an exponential learning curve that I have never encountered. I’d be lying to say that I didn’t feel a little bit terrified. I mean, you’re stepping into a movie with martial artists who are accomplished, like Ludi [Lin, Liu Kang], and Max [Huang, Kung Lao], and Lewis [Tan, Cole Young], and Joe [Taslim, Bi-Han], and they are all so fantastic at what they do.” (sic)

He said that they didn’t waste any time and recalled how he landed in Brisbane and was taken straight to a stunt rehearsal while he was still carrying his bags. He added that the re-entry felt real, and that everyone understood the importance of getting it right.

Karl added, “The exponential skillset that’s required, like when you do stunt fighting on other projects, you can kind of be a bit burly and you sort of bullishly bulldoze your way through it. You can’t do that in martial arts. Everything is so specific in a ballet kind of way, a beautiful violent choreography.” (sic)

The hype around Resident Evil movies isn’t as strong as it once was. But the positive response to the trailer at CinemaCon, combined with the talented team behind the film, makes it look increasingly promising.

Resident Evil’s Release Date And Official Website Launch

Zach Cregger’s movie is all set to hit theaters on September 18, 2026. The film is picking up momentum as its marketing campaign gets underway. While fans are eagerly awaiting the public release of the trailer, which was previewed exclusively at CinemaCon, Sony Pictures has already launched the movie’s official website this week.

With the release date confirmed, an official website has gone live. For now, it just shows a brief preview featuring the film’s logo, its release date and confirmation that it will be shown in IMAX.

What’s The Resident Evil Plot?

Austin Abrams plays Bryan, a medical courier who is forced to fight to survive when a terrifying night turns into total chaos.

Zach Cregger Calls Resident Evil A Scary Ride

At CinemaCon, Zach Cregger described it as a “big, scary ride.” He added that the movie follows a main character on a long journey walking through a dangerous world that feels like it is trying to destroy them. Critics at CinemaCon compared its relentless pacing to Mad Max: Fury Road.

Cregger clarified that he is not sticking closely to the video game storyline. He wants the film to feel like the experience of playing the games.

Resident Evil Requiem Sells Over 7 Million Copies

Separately, on the gaming side of the franchise, momentum is equally strong. Requiem has sold over 7 million copies since its release. Director Koshi Nakanishi even shared the excitement by posting an image of Requiem-themed cakes on his social media.

Resident Evil Reqiuem Director Koshi Nakanishi celebrated Resident Evil Requiem hitting 7 million units with a party and cake.

He posted this on his personal Instagram. pic.twitter.com/I4RtRuYrW7

— Stealth (@Stealth40k) April 24, 2026

Capcom Has More Planned For Resident Evil Requiem

This is not all, Capcom still has more planned for Requiem, with a new DLC on the way that will bring extra story content.

The Blood of Dawnwalker release date is now official. Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco have confirmed that the dark fantasy action RPG will launch on September 3, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

The date was confirmed during the game’s Road to Launch event, where Rebel Wolves also showed a new story trailer, more than 10 minutes of gameplay footage, system requirements, edition details, and new information about the game’s world. Pre-orders are now open digitally and at participating retailers, according to Bandai Namco’s release-date announcement.

This gives RPG fans a much clearer picture of what to expect from The Blood of Dawnwalker. It is not just another vampire game built around gothic style. Rebel Wolves is selling it as a choice-heavy, open-world RPG where time, identity, and consequences are central to how the story plays out.

The Blood of Dawnwalker Release Date Is September 3, 2026

The Blood of Dawnwalker release date is September 3, 2026. The game is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, with pre-orders now available across supported platforms.

Bandai Namco says the Road to Launch event included a story trailer, gameplay footage, system requirements, and edition details. The publisher also confirmed that the game is being developed by Rebel Wolves using Unreal Engine 5.

Xbox’s official store page also lists the game for September 3, 2026, and confirms Xbox Play Anywhere support. That means players who buy it through Xbox can play on both Xbox console and PC at no additional cost through the Xbox ecosystem, according to Xbox’s official store page.

What Is The Blood of Dawnwalker?

The Blood of Dawnwalker is a single-player, open-world dark fantasy action RPG from Rebel Wolves, published by Bandai Namco. It is set in 14th-century Europe, during a period marked by war, plague, and instability.

The setup is direct. As Europe weakens under conflict and the Black Death, vampires step out of the shadows and seize power. The official site describes the game as the first chapter of a new dark fantasy role-playing saga, with players shaping the story through their actions, the secrets they uncover, and the alliances they build.

Players take on the role of Coen, a young man turned into a Dawnwalker. He is not fully human and not fully vampire, which gives the game its central tension. By day, Coen operates with one set of limitations and possibilities. By night, his vampiric side changes how he moves, fights, and interacts with the world.

Coen Is Human by Day and Vampire by Night

The strongest hook in The Blood of Dawnwalker is Coen’s dual identity. The official The Blood of Dawnwalker website describes him as human by day and vampire by night, fighting to save his family in a story shaped by player choices.

That day-and-night split is not just cosmetic. Rebel Wolves says the game offers two different gameplay loops depending on the time of day. Different abilities, mysteries, and routes open depending on whether Coen is acting as a human or leaning into his vampiric powers.

That matters because it gives the game a clearer identity than a standard fantasy RPG. The question is not only which quest you take or which dialogue option you choose. It is also when you act, what form you use, and how much of Coen’s humanity you are willing to risk.

The 30-Day Time System Makes Choices Matter

The Blood of Dawnwalker is also built around a time-pressure system. PlayStation Blog says Coen has 30 days and nights to save his family, and that major actions can move the clock forward. Some side quests, dialogue choices, and even ability unlocks can carry a visible time cost, according to PlayStation Blog’s gameplay breakdown.

This is the part RPG fans should pay attention to. A time system can make choices feel sharper, but it can also frustrate players if it becomes too restrictive. Rebel Wolves appears to be aiming for pressure rather than punishment, with the system designed to make players think carefully about what they do, who they help, and what they ignore.

That could make the game more replayable. One player might rush to save Coen’s family as quickly as possible. Another might spend more time preparing, finding allies, unlocking abilities, or exploring Vale Sangora before taking bigger risks. The quality of the game will depend on whether those choices actually lead to meaningful differences.

Vale Sangora Is the Heart of the Game

The Blood of Dawnwalker takes place in Vale Sangora, a region in the Carpathian Mountains ruled by vampires. Bandai Namco says the Road to Launch footage showed more locations across the region and explained how exploration can unlock abilities, reveal secrets, and trigger unexpected challenges.

That setting gives the game room to lean into both historical and supernatural horror. Fourteenth-century Europe already gives Rebel Wolves war, disease, superstition, and political instability to work with. Adding vampires into that world gives the studio a darker fantasy layer without needing to abandon the grounded medieval backdrop completely.

For readers, the important point is this: Vale Sangora is not being framed as a simple checklist open world. Rebel Wolves is pitching it as a reactive region where exploration, timing, and decisions can shift the player’s journey.

Pre-Orders and Editions Are Now Available

Pre-orders are now open for The Blood of Dawnwalker on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Bandai Namco has revealed several editions, including a Standard Edition, Day One Edition, Eclipse Edition, and limited Collector’s Edition.

The Eclipse Edition includes digital bonuses such as a world compendium, digital soundtrack, and digital comic book. The Collector’s Edition includes the base game, Eclipse Edition digital upgrade, steelbook, world map, physical world compendium, collector box, and a Coen figurine by PureArts.

Every pre-order for The Blood of Dawnwalker includes the Sangoran Wayfarer’s Armour Set as an early unlock bonus across editions and platforms. However, players should not pre-order only for this armor set, because official listings note that it can also be obtained later in the game.

Why RPG Fans Are Comparing It to The Witcher

The Blood of Dawnwalker will inevitably draw comparisons to The Witcher, partly because Rebel Wolves was founded by developers with CD Projekt RED experience.. That comparison is understandable, but it should not be stretched too far before release.

The better way to frame it is that The Blood of Dawnwalker appears to share some broad RPG priorities with major narrative-driven fantasy games: player choice, moral consequence, a dark world, dangerous monsters, and a protagonist caught between human and inhuman forces.

But this is not The Witcher 4, and pretending it is would be lazy. The Blood of Dawnwalker has its own hook with Coen’s Dawnwalker identity, the day/night split, and the 30-day time structure. Those systems are what will decide whether the game stands on its own.

Should You Pre-Order The Blood of Dawnwalker?

If you are already sold on dark fantasy RPGs, vampire stories, and choice-heavy open worlds, The Blood of Dawnwalker is worth keeping on your radar. The September 3, 2026 release date is confirmed, platforms are clear, and Rebel Wolves has now shown enough gameplay to give the game a stronger identity.

Still, pre-ordering is not the smartest move for everyone. The game looks ambitious, and ambition can cut both ways. The time system, dual-form gameplay, and reactive world all sound promising, but they need to work smoothly across a long RPG campaign. Bandai Namco has not fully detailed every mode structure yet, so the depth of those modes remains to be judged.

For most players, the better move is to watch the gameplay footage, compare the editions, and wait for deeper hands-on impressions closer to launch. For now, the Blood of Dawnwalker release date is confirmed, pre-orders are open, and Rebel Wolves has given RPG fans a stronger reason to watch this one closely.

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After a lot of leaks and rumors, Valve’s new Steam Controller is finally launching, but it is arriving without the rest of the company’s hardware lineup.

Valve’s official Steam page lists the controller for purchase on May 4, 2026, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, while The Verge reports that it will cost $99 in the U.S., with regional pricing set at $149 AUD in Australia, $149 CAD in Canada, €99 in the EU, and £85 in the UK.

This release is unusual because Valve originally revealed the Steam Controller in November 2025 as part of one big hardware plan that also included the Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset. Now, the controller is coming first, giving PC and Steam Deck players an early option while Valve prepares for the rest of the lineup.

Steam Controller Release Date

The new Steam Controller will go on sale on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET or 10 a.m. PT. Valve confirmed the launch details one week before release, with sales opening on May 4, 2026, at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.

Before the Steam Controller Release Date, Valve is not taking pre-orders for the Steam Controller; purchases are scheduled to open directly on launch day.

This is the first confirmed launch from the company’s latest Steam hardware plan.

This is the first confirmed launch from the company’s latest Steam hardware plan. The Steam Machine and Steam Frame are still planned, but Valve has not given any confirmed release date for them. The Verge reports that the Steam Controller is launching before the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, while Valve says it still expects to share more news about the rest of the hardware lineup later.

How Much Does the Steam Controller Cost?

The Steam Controller will cost $99 in the United States. The Verge also listed regional pricing as $149 AUD in Australia, $149 CAD in Canada, €99 in the EU, and £85 in the UK. PC Gamer noted that the controller is more expensive than many basic PC gamepads, but described it as a couch-friendly Steam controller built for players who want PC-style controls away from a desk.

The controller will not be available in every market at launch, and Valve has not listed India among the official launch regions. Valve is releasing it in regions where Steam hardware is currently supported, including Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. India is not listed as an official launch market for the Steam Controller.

This price does not come as a complete surprise because a similar $99.99 figure had surfaced a few days earlier after YouTube channel Techy Talk briefly posted what appeared to be an early Steam Controller review before taking it down. Screenshots and reuploads from that video quickly spread across Reddit, with Steam Deck HQ cautioning at the time that the figure should be treated as unofficial until Valve confirms it. Now that the company has announced the controller’s price, the earlier leak appears to have been accurate.

Why Is Valve Releasing the Steam Controller Alone?

The Steam Controller is launching first because it is easier for Valve to ship than the Steam Machine, while the company has not yet announced final release timing for the Steam Machine or Steam Frame. Reports say memory and storage shortages complicated Valve’s wider hardware plans, but Valve also says the Controller and Steam Machine were not strictly required to launch on the same day.

Valve’s Pierre-Loup Griffais told The Verge that the company does not have a Steam Machine or Steam Frame update to share yet, but said Valve is working to get them out the door.

Valve hardware engineer Steve Cardinali explained that the Steam Controller is easier to release first because it does not use RAM, unlike the Steam Machine. He said, “This doesn’t have RAM in it, and it’s not as complicated to start getting out the door for us. We’re ready for it. We wanted to build up quantity so that we could try to address everybody who wants one at launch, but it’s possible that the demand for it far exceeds our expectations.”

This means the Steam Machine is not launching alongside the Controller on May 4, though Valve still says more news on the wider hardware lineup is expected later.

What Are the Features and Specifications?

The new Steam Controller is built directly around the same idea that made Steam Deck successful, which is “providing comprehensive PC control inputs that just work for any game.”

Valve’s official Steam Controller page lists magnetic thumbsticks using TMR technology, which are designed for better feel, long-term reliability, and responsiveness. TechRadar also highlighted the controller’s dual touchpads, TMR thumbsticks, HD haptics, gyroscope controls, and four remappable rear buttons.

The controller is not limited to the Steam Machine, but its deepest functionality is built around Steam and Steam Input. Valve says it is designed to work with any computer running Steam, including macOS, Windows, and Linux systems. It can also work with smartphones and tablets through Steam Link or as a general-purpose controller, although full feature support may depend on the device and setup.

The controller also includes the Steam Controller Puck, which works as a wireless receiver/transmitter and charging dock. TechRadar says the controller connects to the puck magnetically, charges through it, and pairs with a PC through the same accessory.

For a detailed breakdown of the controller’s specs and features, look below:

• Gamepad Controls: A B X Y buttons, D-pad, L & R analog triggers, L & R bumpers, View & Menu buttons, Steam & QAM buttons, 4x assignable grip buttons.
• Thumbsticks: 2x full-size magnetic thumbsticks (TMR) with capacitive touch.
• Haptics: 4x haptic motors, 2x LRA haptic motors in trackpads for HD tactile feedback, 2x high output LRA haptic motors in grips for HD game haptics, including rumble.
• Trackpads: 2x 34.5mm square trackpads with haptic feedback, pressure-sensitive for configurable click strength.
• Grip Sense: 2x capacitive areas along the back of the Steam Controller handles.
• Gyro: 6-axis IMU.
• Steam Controller Puck: 2.4GHz wireless connection, ~8ms full end-to-end, 4ms polling rate (measured at 5m), Up to 4 Steam Controllers per Steam Controller Puck, Steam Controller Puck connects to a PC via USB-C.
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2 minimum, 5.0 or higher recommended.
• USB: USB-C tethered play.
• Charging: Steam Controller Puck charging interface, USB-C connector.
• Battery: 8.39 Wh Li-ion battery, 35+ hours of gameplay (Battery life for tracked gameplay with Steam Frame is reduced).
• Weight: Steam Controller: 292 g, Steam Controller Puck: 16 g.
• Size: Steam Controller: 111mm x 159mm x 57mm, Steam Controller Puck: 50mm x 28mm x 9mm.
• For now, the Steam Controller is the clearest part of Valve’s new hardware plan. It has a confirmed launch date, a fixed price, and early hands-on reviews by many outlets, including IGN’s Steam Controller unboxing video. The Steam Machine, on the other hand, is still waiting for its chance.

More than a decade after its first Steam Machine experiment failed to change PC gaming, Valve is returning with a much more serious attempt. The new Steam Machine is a compact, cube-shaped gaming PC built around SteamOS, designed to bring a player’s Steam library to the living room without the hassle of a full desktop setup.

With hardware shaped by the success of the Steam Deck, Valve is positioning the Steam Machine for 4K gaming at 60 FPS with FSR in supported titles, but that should be treated as an upscaling-based target rather than a guarantee for every game. Valve is clearly trying to make PC gaming feel easier and more console-like. Here is everything we know so far about the Steam Machine’s release window, features, specs, expected price, and availability.

Steam Machine Release Date: When Will It Launch?

The Steam Machine does not have an exact release date yet, but Valve says it still plans to ship the device in 2026. Valve’s launch language has shifted from early 2026 to the first half of 2026, and the company later clarified that the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller remain planned for 2026. Final launch and pricing plans are still being affected by memory and storage shortages.

The Verge also reported that Valve clarified its 2026 plan after earlier wording caused confusion, with spokesperson Kaci Aitchison Boyle saying that “nothing has actually changed” about the company’s timeline. Valve later updated its wording to more clearly say that it expects to ship all three products in 2026.

These shortages are linked to wider pressure on memory and storage supply, including increased demand from AI companies and data centers, and they have also affected Steam Deck availability. For now, the safest answer is that the Steam Machine is planned for 2026, but Valve has not announced a final release date, preorder date, or price.

Steam Machine Price

Valve has not announced the official Steam Machine price yet, and there is still no confirmed price for either the 512GB model or the 2TB model. The company has said that memory and storage shortages are affecting its pricing plans, which may be one reason the final price has not been revealed.

A recent leaked $99 figure appears to refer to the new Steam Controller, not the Steam Machine. Tom’s Hardware reported that the number came from an early controller review that appeared online before being removed, and Valve has not officially confirmed that price.

For the Steam Machine, Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais has suggested that the device will be priced more like a comparable gaming PC than a subsidized console, saying that if someone built a PC with a similar level of performance, that would be the general price window Valve is aiming for.

Earlier estimates placed the Steam Machine lower, but those estimates are now unreliable because Valve has not announced pricing and component costs have shifted since the hardware was first shown.

Unconfirmed Czech retailer listings reportedly placed the lower-storage model around $950 and a higher-storage model around $1,070, but because these were retailer leaks, converted prices, and not Valve-confirmed pricing, they should be treated only as rough speculation.

For now, the only confirmed answer is that Valve has not announced the Steam Machine’s final price and any exact price should be treated as speculation until the company confirms it.

Steam Machine Specs and Features

Valve has shared enough details to show that the Steam Machine is much stronger than the Steam Deck. It uses a semi-custom AMD setup with a Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 graphics.

According to SteamDB’s summary of Valve’s announcement and press information, the Steam Machine includes a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU with 6 cores and 12 threads, running up to 4.8GHz, and a semi-custom AMD RDNA 3 GPU with 28 compute units, a 2.45GHz max sustained clock, and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM. The system also includes 16GB of DDR5 memory.

Valve is offering two storage models, 512GB and 2TB. Both models support expandable storage through a microSD card slot. The Steam Machine will also be available standalone or bundled with the new Steam Controller.

Here are the announced and press-reported Steam Machine specifications:

• Models: 512GB model and 2TB model.
• Size: 152mm tall, or 148mm without feet; 162.4mm deep; 156mm wide.
• Weight: 2.6 kg.
• CPU: Semi-custom AMD Zen 4, 6 cores / 12 threads, up to 4.8GHz, 30W TDP.
• GPU: Semi-custom AMD RDNA 3, 28 compute units, 2.45GHz max sustained clock, 110W TDP.
• Gaming Performance: Valve says the Steam Machine is designed for 4K gaming at 60 FPS with FSR in supported titles, with ray tracing support and more than six times the power of the Steam Deck. Actual performance will vary by game and settings.
• Memory: 16GB DDR5 RAM plus 8GB GDDR6 VRAM.
• VRAM Bandwidth: 18Gbps GDDR6 memory modules with 288GB/s total bandwidth.
• Storage: 512GB and 2TB SSD models.
• Expandable Storage: microSD card slot for expanded storage and portable game catalog.
• Upgradeability: SSD and DDR5 SODIMM memory are accessible and upgradeable; the SSD can support M.2 2230 and 2280 drives.
• Power Supply: Internal power supply with AC power support from 110V to 240V.
• DisplayPort 1.4: Supports up to 4K at 240Hz or 8K at 60Hz, with HDR, FreeSync, and daisy chaining.
• HDMI 2.0: Supports up to 4K at 120Hz, with HDR, FreeSync, and CEC.
• Ethernet: 1Gbps Ethernet.
• USB-C: One USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, 10Gbps, located on the back.
• USB-A Ports: Two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports on the front, with one positioned for the Steam Frame wireless adapter. Also includes two USB-A 2.0 high-speed ports on the back.
• Wireless: 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 with dedicated antenna, and integrated Steam Controller 2.4GHz radio.
• Compatibility: Works with other controllers, accessories, and PC peripherals. It can also wake with the Steam Controller.
• Operating System: SteamOS 3, based on Arch Linux.
• Desktop Mode: Includes the KDE Plasma desktop environment.
• Software Features: Familiar gaming-first user experience, fast suspend/resume, Steam Cloud saves, and other expected Steam features.
• Game Verification: Valve has said Steam Deck Verified games will also be Verified on Steam Machine, while the Steam Machine Verified program is expected to have fewer constraints than Steam Deck verification.
• Customizable LED Bar: 17 individually addressable RGB LEDs. Users can personalize colors and animations, and the bar can reflect system status such as downloads, booting, and updating.

Steam Machine Availability: Where Will It Launch?

The Steam Machine is expected to launch in the same broad regions where Valve already sells Steam hardware, but Valve has not yet announced final regional rollout or preorder details. Komodo Station lists Valve’s Steam hardware family for Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, where Komodo says it is the official licensed provider of Steam Deck., with the Steam Machine currently marked as coming soon.

The new Steam hardware lineup is expected to follow Valve’s current Steam hardware markets, including North America, the UK, the EU, Australia, and Komodo-supported Asian markets, but final preorder and shipping details have not been announced. Valve has not yet confirmed final pre-order dates.