Emulating GameCube and Wii games on the Nintendo Switch just got a whole lot less painful. A new release of Tico, a custom emulation frontend for the Switch, now lets you run Dolphin directly on the console’s native Horizon OS through custom firmware, cutting out the old Android or Linux dance entirely. The Tico v0.7.0 alpha dropped on 21 April 2026, and it marks the first time GameCube and Wii games have run natively on the Switch’s own operating system.

For anyone who has ever tried to get Dolphin working on a Switch, you already know what a faff it used to be. You had to install Switchroot, boot into a whole different OS, and hope the overhead did not tank your performance. Tico sidesteps all of that.

GameCube and Wii are now running on Nintendo Switch (without Android or Linux), for the first time ever.

tico alpha 0.7.0 is out. https://t.co/tpdPx7CNoK pic.twitter.com/k9JQYVVblS

— Dan (@danticoverse) April 21, 2026

What The Tico v0.7.0 Update Actually Does

Tico is not just another emulator launcher. It is a multi-platform emulation frontend built from the ground up in native C++, designed specifically for performance and portability on Switch hardware. The whole idea behind it is to strip away the configuration headaches that usually come with emulation on a handheld.

The headline change in v0.7.0 is an experimental Dolphin core, added through a new Experimental tab in the Settings menu. Dolphin has to be enabled from there before it shows up in the main Tico interface, and the core itself is distributed independently, meaning you install or update it from the Settings screen rather than bundling it with the base app.

The developers have flagged this as the most demanding core Tico has run on Horizon OS so far, which is why it is sitting in alpha. Instability is expected at this stage, and a compatibility list is being put together to track which titles behave themselves. If a game crashes on launch, the dev notes suggest simply running it again, as it often starts correctly on the second attempt once shaders start caching.

You will also need to drop your GameCube and Wii dumps into specific folders for Tico to pick them up: sdmc:/tico/roms/gc for GameCube and sdmc:/tico/roms/wii for Wii.

Boost Mode, Clock Speeds, And Why Temperature Matters

To keep things running during heavier scenes, the Dolphin core automatically flips on boost mode, pushing the Tegra X1 chip to 1,785 MHz on the CPU and 768 MHz on the GPU. The developers say these limits are within safe territory, but they are also clear that they will not be held responsible for hardware damage, so keeping an eye on your device temperature during longer sessions is a good shout.

If you would rather run at lower clocks, you can override the default values using sys-clk. The trade-off is that some games will not behave properly at reduced speeds. Luigi’s Mansion, for instance, reportedly will not boot past the first cutscene unless the clocks are cranked back up.

How Tico Differs From Previous Switch Emulation Methods

There is an important distinction to make here. When people say GameCube and Wii games are running “natively” on the Switch, they do not mean the Switch hardware is running GameCube code as if it were a first-party title. The games are still being emulated. The word “natively” refers to the operating system.

Previously, getting Dolphin onto a Switch meant installing Switchroot to run Android or Linux, then launching the emulator from there. That extra OS layer ate into performance and meant rebooting your console every time you wanted to switch between a Switch game and a GameCube one.

With Tico, Dolphin runs straight on Horizon OS via custom firmware. No second operating system, no reboots, no overhead from running a whole Android environment in the background. It is a much cleaner setup, and that alone should translate to better real-world performance even in an alpha build.

Read More: Ningtendo PXBOX 5 – Now You May Play PlayStation, Xbox And Nintendo On One Console

Read More: Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Reportedly Coming to Switch 2 This Christmas

The Features That Make Tico Worth Using

Beyond the Dolphin support, Tico has a few quality-of-life touches that matter for handheld use. The interface is controller-first, so you can navigate the whole thing with a Joy-Con or Pro Controller in either handheld or docked mode. You are not fighting with a mouse-driven UI that was never meant to live on a console.

It also handles automatic game library management, so you do not need to sit there renaming ROM files to get them recognised. Drop your files in and Tico sorts them out. The developers describe it as a “zero configuration” setup, and for anyone who has wrestled with other emulation frontends, that is a genuinely appealing pitch.

What You Need To Run Tico On Your Switch

Tico will not run on a stock Nintendo Switch. You need custom firmware (CFW) installed, which is what lets you run homebrew apps, custom themes, and anything else outside Nintendo’s walled garden. Whether you can install CFW depends on which Switch model you own.

Once CFW is sorted, you grab the Tico v0.7.0 alpha release from GitHub, install it, and add your own legally obtained GameCube and Wii ROMs. From there, everything runs through Tico’s frontend without needing to reboot or juggle operating systems.

GameCube Games Tested On Tico v0.7.0

The dev has put out a proper compatibility list for this release, and the GameCube side is looking healthier than you might expect for a first alpha. Shader compilation causes early stutter in most titles, which is normal for Dolphin and smooths out once cached.

Wii Games Tested On Tico v0.7.0

The Wii compatibility list is shorter but cleaner, with most tested titles running without major issues. Only one outright failure has been logged so far.

Other Changes In The v0.7.0 Release

Dolphin is the main event, but it is not the only thing in this update. The Sega Saturn core (Yabasanshiro) has picked up a simulated BIOS option, which lets you skip the Saturn BIOS entirely if you would rather not deal with it. The dev has also flagged that fixes and updates for other cores will be rolling out throughout the week, pullable from the Updater in the Settings screen whenever you are ready.

Where Switch Emulation Goes From Here

If you have not upgraded to a Switch 2 yet, this is a solid reason to hang onto your original console. The original Switch was already a capable emulation machine for older systems, and pulling GameCube and Wii into the mix through Horizon OS turns it into something much closer to a proper retro handheld, without the performance hit of running Android in the background.

There is still work to be done before Tico’s Dolphin core hits the polish of running the same games on PC or a Steam Deck, but the direction is clear. As the alpha matures and the compatibility list fills out, the Switch is shaping up to be one of the most convenient ways to play through your GameCube and Wii libraries on the go.

The post Now You Can Run GameCube and Wii Games on Switch Without Android appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Pokémon Champions launched on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 today, and The Pokémon Company is already handing out freebies. The free-to-start battling game has its first Mystery Gift code live right now, giving players a free Machamp just for punching in a code. Here is every active Pokémon Champions Mystery Gift code, what each one unlocks, and how to claim your rewards.

All Active Pokémon Champions Mystery Gift Codes

There is currently one active Mystery Gift code in Pokémon Champions. We will update this list as new codes are released.

Machamp is a solid pick-up for anyone building out their roster early, and the code is valid until the end of August, so there is no rush. That said, the earlier you grab it, the sooner you can start working it into your team.

How to Redeem Mystery Gift Codes in Pokémon Champions

Before you can redeem any codes, you will need to have completed Cordy’s initial training, recruited your first Pokémon, and finished your first Ranked Battle. Once you have ticked those boxes, follow these steps:

1. From the main menu, select Submenu from the bottom bar.
2. Scroll down and select Mystery Gifts.
3. Connect to the internet and enter an active code.
4. Press Confirm.
5. Collect your reward from your in-game Mailbox.

The process is quick and straightforward. Just make sure you are online when you enter the code, and check your Mailbox afterwards to pick up the reward.

Free Rewards Beyond Mystery Gifts

The Machamp code is not the only freebie available at launch. Players who jump in during the first month can also earn a free Dragonite along with additional rewards, giving free-to-play trainers a decent head start without spending anything.

Read More: Pokemon Champions Mobile Release Date

Pokémon Champions Paid Options

Since Pokémon Champions is free-to-start, there are optional purchases for players who want to expand their experience. The Starter Pack costs US$6.99 and includes 50 extra Pokémon Storage slots, 30 Teammate Tickets, and 50 Training Tickets. A Premium Battle Pass is available for US$9.99, and there is a membership option priced at US$4.99 per month or US$49.99 for a full year.

None of these are required to compete. You can also transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Home or recruit them directly in-game using VP, which is earned through missions and battling. With two free Pokémon already available at launch, building a competitive roster without spending is very much on the table.

Expired Pokémon Champions Mystery Gift Codes

No codes have expired yet. We will move codes to this section once their redemption windows close, so you can always check back to see what is still active.

The post Pokemon Champions Mystery Gift Codes – All Active Codes and How to Redeem Them appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Pokémon Champions has officially launched on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 as a free-to-start download, giving players a dedicated competitive battling platform built around the same ruleset used in official Pokémon Video Game Championship events. Unlike traditional Pokémon RPGs, this one skips the story campaign entirely and drops you straight into team building, ranked battles, and seasonal progression.

A mobile version is also confirmed for a later date, and cross-platform play between Switch and mobile will be supported when it arrives. For now, the game is available exclusively through the Nintendo eShop.

What Pokémon Champions Actually Is

Pokémon Champions is not a mainline RPG. There is no overworld to explore, no gym leaders to challenge through a story, and no wild Pokémon to catch in tall grass. Instead, the game is entirely focused on competitive multiplayer battling, using the same Single Battle and Double Battle formats that feature in official Pokémon VGC tournaments.

The battle system uses familiar mechanics from previous Pokémon titles, including types, Abilities, moves, and stat tuning. Mega Evolution plays a significant role too, with transformations like Mega Dragonite, Mega Meganium, Mega Emboar, and Mega Feraligatr all available. Some of these Mega Evolutions carry brand new Abilities that were not present in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

New Mega Evolutions And Abilities

Several Mega-Evolved Pokémon debut with exclusive Abilities in Pokémon Champions. Mega Meganium gets Mega Sol, which allows it to use moves as though the weather were harsh sunlight, regardless of the actual battle conditions. Mega Emboar has Mold Breaker, letting its moves bypass the target’s Ability entirely. Mega Feraligatr introduces Dragonize, which converts Normal-type moves into Dragon-type moves and boosts their power by 20%.

Players who befriended Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja, and Eternal Flower Floette during Pokémon Legends: Z-A can bring those Pokémon into Champions via Pokémon HOME to claim their respective Mega Stones (Chesnaughtite, Delphoxite, Greninjite, and Floettite) from the in-game mailbox.

Ranked Battles, Casual Modes, And Seasonal Battle Pass

Online ranked play is live from day one. Trainers compete against players worldwide and earn Season Points based on match performance. Casual Battles offer a lower-pressure alternative for testing new teams, while Private Battles let you challenge friends directly.

Season Points feed into a seasonal Battle Pass system. Both wins and losses contribute toward progression depending on how you perform, so you are not punished for taking on tough opponents. Cosmetic rewards, avatar customisation items, and progression bonuses unlock as you advance through each season’s pass. A Premium Battle Pass is also available, unlocking exclusive seasonal outfits and additional rewards. Certain Mega Stones can be earned through the Battle Pass or purchased with Victory Points in the shop.

Read More: Pokemon Champions Mobile Release Date

Read More: Pokemon Showdown Vs Pokemon Champions, Will They Coexist After Release?

Read More: Pokémon Champions Accessibility Explained As Dev Targets New Competitive Players

How Team Building Works

Instead of catching Pokémon through exploration, Champions uses a recruitment system. You can trial a selection of Pokémon once per day before deciding whether to permanently recruit them using Victory Points. Those same points also let you adjust stats, modify Abilities, and change movesets for your permanent team members, removing the traditional grinding loop entirely.

Pokémon HOME compatibility expands your options further. Supported Pokémon from titles like Pokémon GO and Pokémon Legends: Z-A can be brought into Champions as visiting partners. Visiting Pokémon retain their training adjustments if returned through HOME in the same form. However, Pokémon obtained directly inside Champions cannot be sent back to HOME.

Pricing For The Starter Pack And Membership

While the base game is free to start, optional paid content is available for players who want more flexibility. The Starter Pack costs $6.99 and includes additional Pokémon box space along with faster training tools to help with early team experimentation.

Early Download Bonus And Launch Tournament

Players who log in before 31 August 2026 can claim a free Dragonite from the in-game mailbox. A Dragoninite stone, which allows Dragonite to Mega Evolve into Mega Dragonite, is available through the first season’s Battle Pass. The stone may also appear in the shop or other areas of the game at a later date.

A launch tournament called the Warm-up Challenge is already running. It pits trainers against each other worldwide, with rewards based on performance. Entry remains open until 13 April at 01:59 UTC. Finishing three or more matches with at least one win or loss earns you a Gardevoir and 100 Quick Coupons after final rankings are posted.

Nintendo Switch 2 Visual Upgrade

Pokémon Champions supports both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 as a single download. Switch 2 owners can grab a free visual enhancement update that improves the game’s graphical presentation. The game runs in TV mode, tabletop mode, and handheld mode across both systems.

Competitive Scene Starts At Indianapolis

The first official VGC event to feature Pokémon Champions will be the 2026 Indianapolis Regional Championships, running from 29 May to 31 May. That tournament serves as a preview ahead of the 2026 North America International Championships, scheduled for 12 June through 14 June. With Champions now being the game used for official championship events going forward, the competitive ladder is essentially live practice for anyone with tournament ambitions.

The post Pokemon Champions Is Out Now as a Free-to-Start Battle Game on Switch and Switch 2 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Pokémon Champions launches on Nintendo Switch this Wednesday, April 8, but if you were planning to hold out for the mobile version, you might not have to wait long. A listing spotted on the Korean Pokémon website has pointed to a June 2026 release window for the iOS and Android versions of the arena-focused battler.

According to the Pokémon Korea website, Pokémon Champions for mobile launches in June. pic.twitter.com/K0O2KctupL

— Centro LEAKS (@CentroLeaks) April 7, 2026

Korean Website Briefly Listed A June Launch

The leak came from the official Korean Pokémon Champions website, which advertised the game for mobile platforms with a June 2026 window before the listing was noticed and circulated online. No exact date was given, but a June release would place the mobile launch roughly two months after the Switch version hits shelves.

The Pokémon Company has not officially confirmed the June window, and the listing appears to have been a premature reveal rather than a planned announcement. Still, given that it appeared on an official regional site rather than a third-party source, it carries more weight than a typical rumour.

What Is Pokémon Champions?

Pokémon Champions is a new title developed by The Pokémon Works in partnership with The Pokémon Company. Unlike mainline entries, the game focuses exclusively on Pokémon battles within an arena setting, stripping away the exploration and story-driven structure of traditional games in favour of pure competitive battling.

The game is free-to-play, which aligns with the mobile release making strategic sense. A free arena battler is a natural fit for phones and tablets, and launching on mobile shortly after the Switch version could help the title build momentum quickly across both platforms.

Read More: Pokemon Showdown Vs Pokemon Champions, Will They Coexist After Release?

Read More: Pokémon Champions Accessibility Explained As Dev Targets New Competitive Players

A Busy Year For Pokémon

Pokémon Champions arrives in a year that has already seen Pokémon Pokopia dominate sales charts and player attention. Adding another title to the lineup signals The Pokémon Company’s confidence in expanding beyond its core RPG formula, with Champions representing a distinct competitive angle that complements rather than competes with Pokopia’s appeal.

For now, Switch players can jump in from April 8, while mobile players will likely need to wait until sometime in June for official confirmation and a concrete launch date.

The post Pokemon Champions Mobile Release Expected in June 2026 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Traysia, a mostly forgotten 1992 Sega Genesis JRPG developed by the now-defunct Telenet Japan, is making a surprise comeback on modern platforms. Publishers Ratalaika Games and Shinyuden have confirmed the game will launch on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam on April 24, 2026.

A Deep Cut From The Mega Drive Library

For those unfamiliar, Traysia (known as Minato no Traysia in Japan) is a traditional fantasy RPG that follows a young adventurer named Roy as he leaves his hometown to explore the world. The game’s story is told across five scenarios, blending classic party-based RPG mechanics with a romance narrative centred on Traysia, a girl who waits for Roy’s return in their home port town of Johanna.

The game originally launched on the Sega Mega Drive in 1991 in Japan before receiving a North American localisation from Renovation Products for the Genesis. To put it kindly, it was not well received. The Japanese magazine Famitsu scored it just 13 out of 40, while Beep! Mega Drive Magazine gave it 5.25 out of 10. The North American release fared roughly the same, and UK publication Sega Pro singled out the game’s poor graphics and shallow gameplay in an import review from 1993. German outlet Video Games compared it unfavourably to far stronger Mega Drive RPGs of the era, including the Phantasy Star series and Shining in the Darkness.

Not Its First Revival

Despite that underwhelming reception, Traysia has quietly experienced a second life in recent years. The game appeared in Evercade’s Renovation Collection 1 back in 2022, and then received a brand new physical cartridge release in 2025 courtesy of Shinyuden, Ratalaika Games, and Edia. That physical re-release featured a redone English translation along with an all-new Spanish language option.

The upcoming digital release appears to be based on that 2025 version. The Steam page lists Spanish as an available language alongside English and Japanese, which strongly suggests it carries over the updated localisation work rather than shipping with the original, rougher translation.

Read More: Final Fantasy 7 New Version Coming To Steam, 2013 Edition Delisted

Modern Quality-Of-Life Features

As with most retro re-releases from Ratalaika, this version of Traysia comes bundled with a set of emulation-based convenience features designed to smooth out the rougher edges of a 30-plus-year-old game.

• Rewind and Turbo functions let players undo mistakes or speed through slower sections at will.
• Save states allow saving and loading at any point, removing reliance on the original save system.
• Screen filters offer visual options including retro-style monitor effects and a black-and-white mode.
• Cheats such as infinite lives and invulnerability are available for those who just want to experience the story.
• A gallery features artwork from the original game’s manual and box design.
• A jukebox provides access to all 21 music tracks composed by Shinobu Ogawa, who also worked on the Valis series. The soundtrack is widely considered one of the game’s few genuine highlights.

Pricing And Availability

Traysia launches across all platforms on April 24, 2026. A price has not yet been announced, and the PlayStation Store page has yet to go live at the time of writing. The game is already available to wishlist on Steam for those keen to grab it on PC at launch.

Whether Traysia deserves a second chance is genuinely debatable, but the quality-of-life additions and updated translation at least give curious players a far more accessible way to find out for themselves. For retro RPG enthusiasts and Mega Drive collectors, it is an interesting curiosity if nothing else.

The post Traysia, the Obscure 1992 Sega Genesis RPG, Is Getting a Modern Re-Release This Month appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Pokémon Champions now officially has a release date, and it’s arriving sooner than many expected.

The The Pokémon Company has confirmed that the new battle-focused title launches on April 8, 2026 for the Nintendo Switch, with support for Nintendo Switch 2 via a free upgrade patch. Alongside the date, we’ve also got a clearer look at how the game plays, plus some genuinely interesting new Mega Evolution abilities that could shake up competitive strategies.

Pokémon Champions Release Date And Platforms

Pokémon Champions will launch globally on April 8, 2026, bringing a battle-centric experience to Nintendo Switch players. A version optimised for Nintendo Switch 2 will also be available through a free update, offering improved visuals, though the exact upgrades haven’t been fully detailed yet.

The game is positioned as a free-to-play experience, meaning players can jump in without paying upfront. However, a Starter Pack bundle will be available on day one, offering optional extras like additional Pokémon storage, bonus music tracks, and other in-game perks for those who want a bit more.

A mobile version is also in development, and importantly, cross-platform play is confirmed. That means Switch players will be able to battle against mobile users, expanding the competitive pool significantly from day one.

Classic Battles With A Competitive Focus

At its core, Pokémon Champions sticks closely to traditional Pokémon battle mechanics. You’ll still be working with familiar systems like types, moves, and Abilities, which keeps things grounded for long-time players.

What sets it apart is its clear focus on battling as the main experience. Rather than a full RPG journey, this is built around competitive play, offering both Ranked Battles for players chasing the top and Casual Battles for those who just want to experiment or play more casually.

The game also connects with Pokémon HOME, allowing players to bring in select Pokémon from past games and even Pokémon GO. That opens the door for long-time fans to reuse their collections in a new competitive environment.

New Mega Evolution Abilities Introduced

One of the biggest surprises is how Mega Evolution is being handled. While the mechanic itself isn’t new, Pokémon Champions introduces entirely new abilities tied to Mega forms, something we haven’t seen before.

Several examples have already been confirmed, including Pokémon originally introduced in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Mega Meganium – Mega Sol

Mega Meganium gains a new Ability called Mega Sol. This allows it to use its moves as if harsh sunlight is active, effectively boosting certain strategies without needing to set up weather conditions manually.

Mega Emboar – Mold Breaker

Mega Emboar comes with Mold Breaker, an Ability that lets its attacks ignore the opponent’s Ability entirely. That can be a major advantage in matchups where defensive or reactive abilities would normally disrupt damage output.

Mega Feraligatr – Dragonize

Mega Feraligatr introduces Dragonize, which converts Normal-type moves into Dragon-type moves and boosts their power by 20 percent. This gives it access to a broader offensive toolkit while increasing its damage potential.

A Growing 2026 Pokémon Line-Up

Pokémon Champions joins what is shaping up to be a packed year for the franchise. Between recent releases, remasters like FireRed and LeafGreen returning, and new projects on the horizon, 2026 is clearly a major moment for Pokémon.

Within that line-up, Champions fills a specific niche. It leans into competitive battling, cross-platform play, and ongoing updates, rather than the traditional single-player adventure structure.

With its free-to-play model, integration with Pokémon HOME, and new twists on Mega Evolution, it looks designed to keep players engaged long-term rather than delivering a one-and-done experience.

What To Expect At Launch

When Pokémon Champions arrives on April 8, players can expect a mix of familiar mechanics and new competitive features. Ranked and Casual modes will be available from the start, along with access to Mega Evolutions and their newly introduced abilities.

The addition of cross-platform play and connectivity with Pokémon HOME suggests the game is aiming for a broad, connected player base right out of the gate.

If the balance holds up and the new abilities land well with players, Pokémon Champions could easily become a central hub for competitive Pokémon battles going forward.

The post Pokemon Champions Release Date Set For April 8, New Mega Abilities Revealed appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The MARVEL MaXimum Collection has officially been announced, and yes, it finally brings X-Men: The Arcade Game back to modern consoles in a proper, physical release. Konami has teamed up with Marvel Games and Limited Run Games to bundle together 13 classic Marvel titles from the 8-bit and 16-bit era, spanning arcades, home consoles, and handhelds.

Marvel Super Heroes, assemble!

Presenting MARVEL MaXimum Collection! Featuring 13 illustrious games, preserved across all their console and handheld counterparts. Including X-Men: The Arcade Game, Maximum Carnage, and more!

Take to the streets, and welcome to MARVEL MaXimum… pic.twitter.com/qrhEdSSkXZ

— Marvel Games (@MarvelGames) February 25, 2026

For longtime fans who grew up crowding around that massive six-player X-Men cabinet, this is a big one. And for newer players who have only heard stories about it, this might be the easiest way yet to see what all the fuss was about.

X-Men: The Arcade Game Leads The Lineup

Despite its legacy, the game has had a surprisingly limited afterlife. It received a digital release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 back in 2010, but it has never had a physical console port. The MARVEL MaXimum Collection changes that, marking its first-ever physical release on modern hardware.

This new version includes six-player online multiplayer with rollback netcode, aiming to recreate that crowded arcade energy over the internet. That rollback support should make online co-op feel far smoother than older retro re-releases.

Every Game Included In MARVEL MaXimum Collection

Here is the full lineup:

• X-Men: The Arcade Game, Arcade
• Captain America and The Avengers, Arcade, Sega Genesis or Mega Drive, NES
• Spider-Man/Venom: Maximum Carnage, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis or Mega Drive
• Venom/Spider-Man: Separation Anxiety, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis or Mega Drive
• Spider-Man/X-Men: Arcade’s Revenge, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis or Mega Drive, Game Boy, Game Gear
• Silver Surfer, NES

That means you are not just getting one version of a game. In several cases, you can directly compare the SNES and Genesis editions, complete with their different visuals, soundtracks, and performance quirks.

And yes, the infamous Silver Surfer on NES is here too. If you know, you know.

Modern Features And Quality Of Life Upgrades

This is not just a straight ROM dump. MARVEL MaXimum Collection includes rewind functionality and save states across all games, which should make brutally difficult sections far more manageable.

There are also cheat menus and display filters, letting players switch between crisp modern visuals and CRT-style scanline effects for a more authentic retro look.

An Archive section is included as well, featuring high-resolution scans of original box art, instruction manuals, and vintage advertisements. A built-in music player allows you to listen to the classic chip-tune soundtracks from every included version.

Composer Chris Huelsbeck is also contributing new music for the collection, adding something fresh alongside the preserved originals.

Platforms And Release Window

MARVEL MaXimum Collection is confirmed for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Windows PC via Steam.

A specific release date has not yet been announced. The publishers have only said it is coming soon, with more details including pricing expected at a later date.

Limited Run Games is handling the release alongside Konami and Marvel Games, with Carbon Engine supporting the project’s technical side.

Marvel Games In 2026

The timing is interesting. 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year for Marvel Games overall. Marvel’s Wolverine is set to launch on PlayStation 5 on September 15, while other titles like Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls and Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra are also slated for release this year.

The MARVEL MaXimum Collection sits at the opposite end of that spectrum, looking backward instead of forward. Instead of cutting-edge visuals and cinematic storytelling, this one leans fully into arcade chaos, pixel art, and punishing difficulty.

For anyone who missed these games the first time around, or who just wants to relive that era without digging out old hardware, this could end up being one of the more interesting retro releases of the year.

The post Marvel MaXimum Collection Brings X-Men Arcade Back On PS5, Switch And Xbox appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Nintendo has issued a fresh wave of DMCA takedown notices targeting Nintendo Switch emulators hosted on GitHub, continuing its long-running crackdown on Switch emulation.

Multiple projects, including Eden, Citron, Kenji-NX, MelonNX, Skyline, Sudachi, Suyu and others, have reportedly received notices via GitHub’s Trust & Safety team. While some repositories remain visible at the time of writing, developers were given a short deadline to respond before facing potential disablement.

The move follows earlier legal action against major Switch emulators and signals that Nintendo’s enforcement campaign is far from over.

Multiple Switch Emulator Repositories Hit With DMCA Notices

As first highlighted by PC Gamer and shared across Reddit, a number of Nintendo Switch emulator repositories on GitHub were notified that they had been targeted under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

GitHub’s message reportedly stated it is “never our desire or goal to take down open-source projects”, but explained that it must act when presented with valid DMCA claims. Developers were given one business day to respond before repositories risk being disabled.

Among the affected projects are forks and successors to earlier Switch emulators. Some, like Skyline and Sudachi, are no longer actively developed, yet were still included in the sweep.

According to reports, even projects that are inactive or forks of previous emulators did not escape attention, suggesting this was a broad action rather than a targeted strike at a single team.

Eden Developer Says “Nothing Major” But Releases Moving Off GitHub

An Eden developer known as maufeat addressed the situation on the project’s Discord server, confirming their release repository received a notice.

“It is true, but nothing major,” maufeat wrote. “Our release repo got the notice so you will probably have to download future releases and nightlies directly from us.”

They added that many affected projects are forks and said it was “just a matter of time” before GitHub-hosted versions were targeted. The developer also explained that this is precisely why some emulator teams avoid hosting their source code on GitHub in the first place.

Self-hosted repositories, including official project websites for Eden and Citron, appear to remain online for now.

Community Reaction: “They Can Never Kill Emulation”

The news quickly spread across Reddit and emulator Discord communities, where frustration was clear.

One widely shared comment read, “If they kill one, 10 more will pop up. Kill 10, 100 more will pop up. They can never kill emulation.” Another user advised, “It’s never a bad time to back up your favourite emulators.”

While those reactions reflect community sentiment, the legal reality is more complicated. Emulation itself is not automatically illegal under US case law. However, when it intersects with bypassing technological protection measures or facilitating piracy, companies like Nintendo have aggressively pursued action.

In previous filings, Nintendo argued that certain emulators enabled widespread piracy, including early downloads of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom prior to its official release.

This Follows Major Legal Action Against Yuzu And Ryujinx

This latest round of DMCA notices comes after a turbulent period for Switch emulation in 2024.

Nintendo sued the creators of Yuzu, one of the first major Nintendo Switch emulators. The case ended in a reported US$2.4 million settlement. Shortly after, Ryujinx was discontinued after its creators were reportedly offered an agreement to stop working on the project.

Discord servers for related emulator projects such as Suyu and Sudachi were also taken offline during that period.

In response, new forks like Citron and Eden emerged. The current GitHub notices suggest Nintendo is now addressing those successors directly.

Nintendo’s Broader Position On Emulation And Piracy

Nintendo has consistently taken a strict stance on emulation and piracy, particularly when it involves current-generation hardware like the Nintendo Switch.

The company has previously revised its account agreements and privacy policies to tighten rules around emulation and unauthorised use. It has also banned users from online services for using flash cartridges capable of storing pirated game files.

A key part of Nintendo’s legal argument in past cases has centred on technological protection measures, including encryption keys used to decrypt Switch games. Even if those keys are not bundled directly with emulator code, Nintendo has argued that circumvention tools enable infringement.

While the removal of repositories from GitHub does not erase emulator development entirely, it can make projects harder to discover and distribute.

For now, it appears the battle between Nintendo and Switch emulation developers is entering yet another phase. Whether this wave of DMCA notices significantly slows development or simply pushes projects further underground remains to be seen.

The post Nintendo Issues DMCA Notices To Switch Emulators On GitHub In Latest Crackdown appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Konami has officially announced Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, confirming an August 27, 2026 launch date and, at long last, bringing Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots to modern platforms. The collection was revealed during PlayStation’s latest State of Play and is headed to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.

For many fans, the headline is simple. Metal Gear Solid 4 is no longer trapped on PlayStation 3.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Finally Leaves PS3 Behind

When Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots launched in 2008, it quickly became one of the PS3’s defining titles. However, it also became one of the most inaccessible entries in the series due to its platform lock. With Master Collection Vol. 2, Konami has ported MGS4 to modern systems for the first time.

The updated version includes improved internal resolution, an increased maximum frame rate, and fully customisable button controls. According to PlayStation Blog details, these enhancements are designed to smooth out the experience while preserving the original design.

The package also includes a scenario book and master book covering the story and characters, along with the original MGS4 database. A digital soundtrack, Metal Gear Solid: Digital Soundtrack Vol. 2, is bundled in the digital edition.

However, there is one notable omission. Konami has confirmed that Metal Gear Online, the multiplayer component originally bundled with MGS4 in 2008, will not return in this release. That version of Metal Gear Online ran until its servers were shut down in 2012, and it will remain unavailable in Master Collection Vol. 2.

Peace Walker Multiplayer Returns

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is also included, specifically the PS3 HD Collection version of the original PSP title.

Unlike MGS4, Peace Walker will support online multiplayer in this collection. Co-Ops mode allows two to four players to tackle missions together, while Versus Ops supports competitive matches for up to six players. Customisable controls are included here as well.

For Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 players, local wireless multiplayer is also supported, giving handheld fans additional flexibility.

As with MGS4, Peace Walker comes with its own scenario and master books, expanding on the Big Boss era storyline set in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Ghost Babel Included As Bonus Content

Metal Gear: Ghost Babel, originally released for Game Boy Color in 2000, is included as bonus content within the collection.

This alternate story set in the early 21st century features Solid Snake infiltrating the fortress of Galuade to stop another Metal Gear threat. While its two-player Vs. Battle mode will not return, this version includes modern quality-of-life features such as screen filters, pixel-perfect display options, a rewind function, and customisable controls.

Although listed separately in promotional materials, Ghost Babel is playable within the bonus section of the collection.

Pre-Order Bonuses And Save Data Rewards

Players who pre-order Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 will receive in-game items for both MGS4 and Peace Walker.

For MGS4, pre-orders include the Cardboard Camouflage item. Peace Walker players receive the LOVE BOX uniform. Those with save data from Master Collection Vol. 1 will also unlock additional bonuses, including Gold Camouflage for MGS4 and a Gold uniform for Peace Walker.

Konami also confirmed that a final post-launch update for Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 is rolling out, adding new visual updates to titles in that collection. To mark the announcement, both Master Collection Vol. 1 and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater are currently discounted on the PlayStation Store for a limited time.

Release Date And Platforms Confirmed

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 launches August 27, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. Pre-orders are live now on the PlayStation Store, with other platform storefronts expected to follow.

For long-time fans who have waited nearly two decades to replay Guns of the Patriots without dusting off a PS3, this collection represents a major milestone. While the absence of Metal Gear Online will disappoint some, the return of Peace Walker’s multiplayer and the inclusion of Ghost Babel round out a package aimed at preserving a key era of the series on modern hardware.

With Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater also on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a significant year for the franchise’s legacy.

The post Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 Launches August 27, 2026, Bringing MGS4 To Modern Platforms appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Konami has officially announced Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, a brand-new 2D entry in the long-running gothic action series, revealed during Sony’s State of Play. The game is set to launch in 2026 on PlayStation 5, with additional releases confirmed for Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

It marks the first new 2D Castlevania in years, arriving as the franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary. And yes, the whip is back.

A New 2D Castlevania Set In 1499 Paris

According to Konami’s PlayStation Blog post, Belmont’s Curse is set in medieval Paris in the year 1499. The city is under siege by monstrous creatures emerging from the shadows, with burning streets and a looming castle setting the tone.

You step into the boots of Trevor Belmont’s successor, wielding the legendary holy whip, the Vampire Killer. The story is positioned 23 years after 1989’s Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, anchoring this new entry firmly within the classic timeline.

This period setting gives the game a grounded historical backdrop while leaning into the supernatural chaos that defines the series.

Developed By Konami And The Dead Cells Teams

Belmont’s Curse is being co-developed by Konami, alongside indie studios Evil Empire and Motion Twin.

If those names sound familiar, it is because Motion Twin created Dead Cells, with Evil Empire supporting its extensive post-launch content. Dead Cells has long worn its Castlevania inspiration proudly, even receiving a full Castlevania expansion in the form of Return to Castlevania.

Evil Empire has also worked on The Rogue Prince of Persia, further reinforcing its credentials in fast-paced, side-scrolling action design.

The partnership feels deliberate. Castlevania helped shape the modern “Metroidvania” genre, and now one of that genre’s most successful modern torchbearers is collaborating directly with the original IP holder.

Whip Mechanics And Combat Options

The Vampire Killer whip is central to the experience. Konami describes it as more versatile than ever, allowing players to swing like a trapeze artist to traverse environments and chain movement into combat.

In the reveal trailer, the protagonist also uses a sword, described as an accessible, solid damage option. Konami has confirmed additional weapons and abilities will be revealed later, suggesting layered combat systems rather than a single-tool focus.

Strategic planning appears to be emphasised. Players will need to make full use of their available tools to survive increasingly aggressive enemy encounters.

Classic Castlevania Elements Return

Belmont’s Curse stays true to the series’ roots. Secret chambers are hidden throughout the world, breakable walls conceal health-restoring meat, and familiar enemies such as Zombies make an appearance early on.

The Zombies move slowly and are easy to handle individually, but can overwhelm players in large numbers. That small detail alone hints at thoughtful enemy design, where pressure builds through crowd control rather than pure speed.

The game maintains a side-scrolling exploration structure, reinforcing its 2D identity rather than shifting into 3D reinterpretation.

A Stylised Gothic Art Direction

The trailer also highlights a bold, colourful art style that retains Castlevania’s gothic tone while presenting it with a more vibrant edge.

Rather than strictly imitating the pixel aesthetic of earlier entries, the game adopts a stylised look that feels modern while respecting the franchise’s dark roots. Konami describes it as a colourful approach that allows players to discover the world “like never before”, suggesting a visual refresh without abandoning identity.

With this being the first of several announcements tied to Castlevania’s 40th anniversary, Belmont’s Curse may only be the beginning of a broader revival.

For longtime fans who have waited years for a new 2D entry, and for players who discovered the series through Dead Cells or Netflix adaptations, 2026 is shaping up to be a significant year for Castlevania.

The post Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Announced For 2026 Release, From Dead Cells Devs Releasing on PS5 And More appeared first on Shane the Gamer.