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Nintendo seeks $4.5m against reddit moderator accused of pirating Switch games, in latest crackdown against piracy
Game Reviews

Nintendo seeks $4.5m against reddit moderator accused of pirating Switch games, in latest crackdown against piracy

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Nintendo is seeking $4.5m in damages against a reddit moderator the company has accused of pirating its games.

The lawsuit was filed earlier this month with the US District Court for the Western District of Washington (thanks OatmealDome), and according to a document, Nintendo is accusing James Williams (known as “Archbox”) of piracy having “facilitated a network of unauthorised ‘shops’…that have offered to the public extensive libraries of pirated Nintendo Switch games for download.”

Nintendo has accused Williams of copying and distributing its games, as well as actively promoting their distribution as a moderator on the SwitchPirates reddit group.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 – Overview Trailer – Nintendo SwitchWatch on YouTube

“Since 2019, Williams has been either directly or indirectly the owner, manager, operator, creator, administrator, supplier, and/or overseer of several online Pirate Shops, and has worked to actively promote these Pirate Shops to communities consisting of many thousands of individuals,” the document reads.

Williams has been “instrumental in the planning, development, functioning, and proliferation” of these shops, while further promoting the shops, soliciting donations, and offering “technical advice and encouragement” through his position as moderator on reddit.

Further, Nintendo claimed Williams was “directly involved in creating, promoting, and distributing the Circumvention Software to facilitate widespread use of the Pirate Shops”.

Ahead of this lawsuit, Nintendo sent Williams a cease and desist letter back in March 2024. In response, Williams acknowledged his conduct violated Nintendo of America’s rights and “stated that he would work with NOA to satisfy its demands”. However, Nintendo claimed he did not agree to cease his conduct and denied involvement with the piracy shops.

“When NOA requested that Defendant confirm in writing that he would comply with NOA’s demands, he became combative and uncooperative,” said Nintendo.

Since then, some of the piracy shops (or their content) have become inaccessible, while Williams is also accused of deleting or hiding evidence relevant to Nintendo’s claims (such as social media posts).

Nintendo sent Williams a final opportunity to comply in May 2024, to which he stated an attorney would be in contact with Nintendo. However, “NOA never received any such outreach, and its efforts to contact Defendant’s purported counsel were ignored,” the document reads.

As a result, Nintendo has requested a default judgement be granted against Williams, along with damages of $4.5m due to a number of violations including copyright infringement, trafficking in circumvention devices, and breach of contract.

“Here, the amount of money sufficient to remedy NOA’s injury would be extremely difficult to quantify; but it is indisputable that such amount would be large,” the document reads. “Therefore, the money at stake by this Motion is nowhere near an amount that would compensate NOA for the seriousness of Defendants’ conduct.”

This lawsuit is the latest in Nintendo’s ongoing actions against piracy.

Back in March, Nintendo claimed its victory over French file-sharing company Dstorage was “significant…for the entire games industry”. Then, in July, the FBI seized a number of ROM piracy sites it claimed had seen cumulative downloads of 3.2m in just three months, representing “an estimated loss of $170m.



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Nintendo Switch 2 Camera review: a decent, if inessential accessory
Product Reviews

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera review: a decent, if inessential accessory

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Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: Review

If you’re looking to make the most of GameChat for online multiplayer, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is a decent way to go about it. Its basic design may lack the charm of the Hori Piranha Plant Camera, but rest assured that the official Switch 2 Camera is a significantly better product, even if I wouldn’t classify it as one of the best webcams out there.

I’m a believer that contemporary webcams should be aiming for at least 720p picture quality, with 1080p being the ideal. The Switch 2 Camera clears Hori’s product on this front, boasting 1080p picture quality over the Piranha Plant’s disappointing 480p. As a result, your face will come through crisply on GameChat, as well as on PC for work meetings or chats with friends.

Price will definitely be a bit of a sticking point, though. At $54.99 / £49.99 / AU$, it costs less than the Hori Piranha Plant Camera in the US, but a good deal more than it does in the UK. You’re basically paying for the official branding here, really, especially as you can pick up 720p and 1080p webcams that perform just as well for much less.

(Image credit: Future)

While the Switch 2 Camera can be used when you’re playing in handheld mode, its rigid design (not to mention the lack of a clip or mount) makes it best suited for when your console is docked. The tall stem upon which the camera sits is likely the way it is for this reason, so it can still reasonably capture your face while you sit back on the couch.

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Camera at Amazon for $17.99

It’s likely also designed to support its wide field of view, which is around 110 degrees. That’s a good deal more than most PC webcams, but it does make sense given Nintendo’s family-friendly approach. If you have a few folk sitting in the room while playing with GameChat, that wider viewing angle does a decent job of capturing everyone in the same frame.

You can also adjust the vertical angle of the camera itself by a total of around 30-40 degrees or so. That’s fairly acceptable when you take into account its otherwise unmoving design. And when you want to hide yourself, a privacy shutter is included via a circular dial around the camera. You can also manually turn off the camera feed in GameChat’s settings by hitting your controller’s ‘C’ button during play.

(Image credit: Future)

As for performance, the camera’s 1080p output is decent, if a little soft around the edges. While you’re using GameChat, the Switch 2 attempts to crop you out of the background and place you onto a blank one that takes on the color of your profile picture. That’s a nice touch, and also means you don’t have to fiddle around with blur settings.

One major problem I had, though, had to do with the space between myself and the blank background. I have a blank wall behind me in my office space, and the surroundings were still noticeably fuzzy. I also had moments during a Mario Kart World play session where I appeared to phase in and out of existence on the screen, so it’s not a perfect implementation by any means. To be fair, your mileage may vary here depending on your background and lighting conditions.

Thankfully, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is blissfully simple to set up. Being an officially licensed product, simply plugging it into the console via USB-C caused it to be registered immediately. That was the same case on PC, too, when using it as a webcam. There’s no fussing with drivers or installs. Just plug it in and you’re good to go. It also works with a USB-A adapter on both Switch 2 and PC, if you prefer that.

(Image credit: Future)

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: Price & Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Price

$54.99 / £49.99 / AU$69.95

Resolution

1080p at 30fps

Field of view

Around 110 degrees

Dimensions

6.3 x 2.5 x 1.5in x 160 x 64 x 38mm

Weight

0.3lbs / 136g

Compatibility

Nintendo Switch 2, PC, MacOS

Should you buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera?

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: Also consider

How I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera

  • Tested for one month
  • Used for Switch 2 GameChat multiplayer and as an office webcam
  • Largely tested with Mario Kart World and chat apps like Discord

I’ve been using the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for a little over a month now, as both a Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat device and as a webcam for work and social gaming sessions over Discord. On Switch 2, I primarily played in docked mode while using the camera with an AOC Gaming 24G2SP 1080p gaming monitor.

While gaming, I tested the camera’s functionality with sessions of Mario Kart World with my TechRadar Gaming colleague Dash Wood. While here, I also made sure to test out GameChat’s various settings, including screen size and in-game face capture options.

  • Read more about how we test
  • First reviewed: October 2025

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: Price Comparison



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Get Super Mario And Kirby Switch 2 Wireless Controllers For Up To 50% Off
Game Updates

Get Super Mario And Kirby Switch 2 Wireless Controllers For Up To 50% Off

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With Nintendo’s official Pro Controllers for Switch 1/2 now priced at $80/$90, it has become quite expensive to pick up first-party gamepads for Players 2-4. Thankfully, there are officially licensed third-party controllers with lower prices and Nintendo’s seal of approval. And ahead of next week’s Prime Big Deal Days sale, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 owners can save big on over a dozen wireless controllers produced by PowerA, Nintendo’s most prolific official partner.

Most of the controllers on sale are themed around popular Nintendo franchises, with plenty of Super Mario and Pokemon models discounted by up to 50%. Arguably the best design on sale–and currently the top seller of the bunch–is the ultra-cute Kirby Mouthful Wireless Controller for $30 (was $50). You’ll also find Princess Peach and Super Mario versions for $30 each. For King Koopa fans, the Bowser-themed wireless controller with back buttons is only $27 (was $45). You can check out those three models and more with huge discounts in the gallery below.

$30 (was $50)

Inspired by Mouthful Mode in Kirby and the Forgotten Land, the adorable design makes it appear as if Kirby just inhaled your Nintendo Switch controller.

This is a standard PowerAo Wireless Controller, which means it uses AA batteries (included) and doesn’t have back buttons. You can get up to 40 hours of game time before needing to swap out the batteries. We’d recommend grabbing a pack of rechargeable batteries such as this popular 8-pack with a charger for $22 (was $29).

PowerA’s Switch controllers offer great ergonomics and solid performance for the price. The Kirby Mouthful Controller has six-axis motion controls, but it doesn’t have rumble motors, an IR camera, or an NFC reader for Amiibo.

Note: PowerA’s Enhanced Wireless Controllers have two remappable back buttons and charge via USB-C. The Bowser controller and this Legend of Zelda controller split the difference by having back buttons and AA batteries. You’ll also see a couple Enhanced models with PowerA’s Lumectra RGB lighting effects. All of the controllers have very similar form factors with the exception of the Mario Victory Nano Controller, which has a compact form factor and is on sale for 50% off.

While none of the controllers in our gallery have the Switch 2’s new C button for GameChat, PowerA is releasing three wireless models in its Advantage line with the GameChat button and Hall Effect sticks on October 30.

If you like having back buttons on your controllers and want even more customization options, we’d highly recommend checking out 8BitDo’s Ultimate and Pro series. 8BitDo released new iterations of both this year. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller is on sale for $60 (was $70); if you prefer aligned thumbsticks like a PlayStation controller, the 8BitDo Pro 3 Gamepad with GameCube-inspired color schemes is up for grabs for $63 (was $70). Check out our story on the Ultimate 2 for more details.

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Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2's ports bring two all-timers to the Switch 2, but I wish Nintendo made that just a little easier to celebrate
Game Reviews

Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2’s ports bring two all-timers to the Switch 2, but I wish Nintendo made that just a little easier to celebrate

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While Super Mario Galaxy has appeared on Nintendo Switch before, via 2020’s Super Mario 3D All-Stars, this week’s re-release is still momentous. For one, 3D All-Stars was bizarrely only for sale for a limited time – so this will be the first time this game has a ‘standard’, ever-available Switch version. More importantly, this is the first time that Galaxy 2 is on Switch, meaning we now have one of gaming’s finest duologies reunited and available on modern hardware. All of this is great news.

Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2

  • Developer: Nintendo
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Platform: Played on Nintendo Switch 2
  • Availability: Out 2nd October on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Having spent a fair chunk of time with each of the new ports, I’m looking forward to an inevitably reignited debate about which of these two games is better. The rare Nintendo direct sequel, Galaxy 2 is doubtless more refined, tightly organized to push its best ideas early and hard before offering up bold experimentation and fiendish late-game challenges. But that game can only exist because of the original Galaxy – experimental, charming, and wildly atmospheric.

The two form a fascinating one-two punch in this sense. Take the core structure of the games: Galaxy goes all-in on breezy hangouts in an attractive and story-rich but relatively inconsequential hub world. Galaxy 2 jettisons that for a very simple hub with a dialed-back narrative. The first title generally channels the levels of Super Mario 64, with multiple run-throughs and the like – Galaxy 2 embraces more of a linearity reminiscent of Mario’s 2D outings, in turn allowing for more attempts at joyous one-off level design spectacle.

Image credit: Nintendo / Eurogamer

Anyway, I digress. The funny thing about writing about a new release of games such as these is that there’s little point in litigating about the quality of the work. These are undeniably classics. The march of time is not going to change that for the Galaxies any more than it has for the very first Super Mario Bros. With that said, there are curious wrinkles in how these titles play that are only now visible because our minds have been collectively rewired by Odyssey – ways in which you realise Odyssey’s physics are slightly superior, its narrative waffling better delivered, and the game’s visual identity more refined. I feel if you showed that trio to somebody who had never seen them before, they’d easily identify which game is the newest – but none of this takes away from the brilliance of the Galaxy games.

What is more important, then, is the quality of the port. And it’s, you know… it’s fine, right? We know that Nintendo can port over GameCube and Wii games well enough to new hardware. Titles like the 3D Mario games have an art style that ages and scales exceptionally well, too. There was a time when this primarily benefited emulation enthusiasts who were running Wii or 3DS Mario games at much higher resolutions – but now, Nintendo can also reap such benefits first-hand.

Watch on YouTube

Both games run at 1080p on Nintendo Switch and 4K on the Switch 2. Things like the user interface have been tidied up, and everything is smooth. It’s nice, and from that perspective doubtlessly the new definitive way to play these games. I’m less enamored with the control setup, however.

The Mario Galaxy games were built as system-defining, hardware-shifting tentpoles for the Wii, and so they ooze that 2006 energy. The menus are all designed for the pointer interface, for instance – all great big buttons and the like. These of course can be navigated more traditionally and the UI has been subtly adjusted, but the design hasn’t fundamentally changed. The same is true of the game proper, which assumes you’re playing with a Wii Remote and a nunchuck – your right hand free to point at the screen to pick up or fire off starbits, or in Galaxy 2 to interact with the environment using Yoshi’s tongue.

You probably sense where this is going. If you want to play these games in handheld mode, or with a Pro Controller – in a more traditional way, more reminiscent of Odyssey – the act of controlling all of Mario’s skillset becomes uncharacteristically hard work. Some mechanics naturally fade to the background, which naturally is a shame. On the other hand, the Joy-Con is not a Wii remote. The gyroscopic-style cursor control is not as natural or as immediate as a sensor-powered pointer.

Image credit: Nintendo

Image credit: Nintendo

Image credit: Nintendo / Eurogamer

Image credit: Nintendo

Again, it’s fine and you do get used to it. You’ll gradually dial into a ‘zone’ where it becomes more natural over time, too. Still, it’s undeniable that this isn’t as intuitive or as good as on the Wii. I’m reminded of 3D All-Stars and its version of Super Mario Sunshine, which without the GameCube controller’s analogue triggers works just fine but is nevertheless somewhat compromised. In that case, support for the triggers was later patched in – but obviously, there’s no Wii Remote support on Switch, so that’s impossible here. What we have is what we’re going to get.

There’s also a sadly missed opportunity here, which is in the lack of mouse controls. The Switch 2 might not have a proper pointer, but it does have that going for it – but it’s unused! Or, well, not exactly. In a classic baffling Nintendo move, the Joy-Con 2 mouse is supported for the second player in the co-star mode, where a second player can join in the fun in a limited way – but the mouse can’t be used in any form when playing solo. It was probably deemed too awkward, given how your right hand also needs to liberally use the analogue stick to control the camera (though this is less important in this game, as the originals lacked camera control in the first place) and of course use those all-important action buttons. At the same time, I could easily see a scenario where a split Joycon player might seamlessly transition to temporary mouse control for pointer-intensive moments. No such luck.

I’d be more inclined to accept all of this without comment, by the way, if these were particularly cheap re-releases. At £34 individually and almost sixty quid for the pair, however, I’d expect every stop to be pulled out and a bit more bespoke tailoring to fit this Wii experience to the Switch machines. The one thing these joyous games aren’t remotely is cynical – but these releases might just be, a bit.

Image credit: Nintendo / Eurogamer

It has to be said that Nintendo has made smart changes, too. Assist Mode is lovely, and makes the elements of these games that did get surprisingly punishing a bit more accessible without damping the ‘core’ experience. The visual improvements are good, the new storybook stuff is cute, and while the soundtrack and amiibo support additions are basic, I appreciate them nevertheless.

So now I sit back, and scroll up, and think to myself: Oh. That’s a lot of negative words about perfectly fine ports of two of the greatest games of all time. And I suppose that’s the thing: these games are so good, and were so perfect in their original forms (we’re talking a pair of Eurogamer tens – remember those? – and a Eurogamer Game of the Generation) that to some extent all one is left with is nitpicks, frustrations, and unfavorable comparisons to near-perfect originals and an even-better-still successor in Odyssey.

And that’s the rub, really. The only thing one with any real light in their heart can do is to fully and loudly say that these games deserve to be played. They are always and forever an instant recommendation and a vital piece of platform gaming history. These ports are solid enough, and the best new, easily accessible way to play these games. So of course it’s a recommendation, in the end. I just wish the journey of my feelings to get to that recommendation were a little less complicated.



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Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
Product Reviews

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 review: The Switch 2 versions are the definitive way to play some of the best platformers of all time

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Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

It is hard to overstate how magical the original Super Mario Galaxy felt when it launched on Wii back in 2007. Gravity-defying levels, soaring orchestrated music, and a sense of wonder that still stands out alongside the other staples in the platforming genre, almost 20 years later.

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
Release date: October 2, 2025

In celebration of the Italian plumber’s 40th anniversary, Nintendo has re-released this classic alongside Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in one enhanced package.

I was curious to see if these classics could shine just as brightly two decades later. The good news is they’re as magical as ever, offering the same incredible journeys now with gorgeous visuals and the ability to play the sequel on the go for the first time ever.

Cosmic performance

On Switch 2, both games look fantastic. Docked, you get crisp 4K resolution that makes every planet sparkle. Handheld mode delivers smooth 1080p visuals that feel perfectly tuned for portable play.

I encountered no performance hiccups across either adventure. Frame rates remain locked, load times are snappy, and the vibrant art style still feels timeless. These games were stunning on Wii, but the extra fidelity here makes them genuinely pop on modern displays, like my Samsung S90D OLED TV.

It is worth noting that Super Mario Galaxy did appear on Switch once before, as part of the limited Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection. That version didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it gave Switch users access to the game alongside Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. Unfortunately, Nintendo no longer sells 3D All-Stars, an odd choice that has led to inflated prices on the second-hand market.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

This new Switch 2 release offers the same core experience, now enhanced with sharper visuals, better performance, and bundled alongside Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the first time on modern hardware. For fans who missed out on 3D All-Stars, or who simply want the most definitive way to play, this collection is a clear step forward.

The sound design has also aged remarkably well. Koji Kondo’s orchestral score is given room to breathe with a cleaner mix, and it feels cinematic in a way that very few modern platformers achieve.

Hearing the soundtrack through my Sonos Arc Ultra is a reminder of just how ambitious Nintendo was with these titles and genuinely brought me back to my childhood.

In my time playing this game, I’ve been listening to both games’ soundtracks on repeat as I work. In fact, as I write this review, I’m bopping my head to Gusty Garden Galaxy – gorgeous.

Galaxies intertwined

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The core adventures remain intact, so if you’ve played through either game recently, you might not want to jump back in. Nintendo has a solution, however, offering both games as a complete package or as individual titles, perfect for those who luckily own the aforementioned 3D All-Stars.

Super Mario Galaxy’s planet-hopping platforming eases players into its gravity-bending tricks, while Super Mario Galaxy 2 embraces creativity and challenge right from the start. Having them bundled together only highlights how well the sequel doubled down on experimentation.

Galaxy 2 adds Yoshi to the mix, alongside power-ups like the Cloud Flower and Rock Mushroom, each of which introduces new mechanics that feel clever even today. Returning to these levels reminded me how bold Nintendo was in the Wii era, layering complexity onto Mario without losing accessibility.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo has added some small but welcome touches for this new release. In Super Mario Galaxy, there is an additional chapter in Rosalina’s picture book that fleshes out her story in a way longtime fans will appreciate.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 goes a step further with a completely new tale in its own picture book, offering fresh lore and a reason to revisit the Comet Observatory between levels. These are not game-changing additions, but they add warmth and make this edition feel more than a simple upscaled port.

Wii controls reimagined

As someone who hasn’t played 3D All-Stars in nearly five years, one of my biggest questions going back to these games was how well the controls would translate to modern hardware. The original games were designed with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk in mind, leaning heavily on motion controls.

Best bit

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 have some of, if not the, best video game soundtracks of all time. It has been a magical experience reliving my childhood through gorgeous orchestral music that makes me feel just like that famous scene from Pixar’s Ratatouille.

On Switch 2, motion is still present with the Joy-Con, but it feels far less intrusive than it once did. You can play comfortably in handheld, docked, or with a Pro Controller, and I found myself gravitating to the latter for longer sessions.

All you need to do is hold down ZR and use the gyro in the Pro Controller to pick up Star Bits. In fact, I much prefer it to the Wii experience, but that might be my cynical 30-year-old brain that no longer appreciates a gimmick.

A trip down memory lane

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The biggest compliment I can give Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Nintendo Switch 2 is that these adventures feel as fresh today as they did at launch in 2007 and 2020, respectively.

The level design is inventive and playful, constantly surprising you with new mechanics that rarely outstay their welcome. Few platformers manage to strike the same balance of accessibility and depth.

Nintendo has not tinkered much beyond resolution, performance, and the new story content, but that restraint works here. The design is so strong that all it needed was a modern coat of paint.

Mario’s journey through the stars is still a cosmic marvel

While part of me would have liked to see some new content like we’ve seen in the past with the addition of Bowser’s Fury in the remaster of Super Mario 3D World, I’ve just enjoyed the simplicity of replaying these classics in 4k.

If you have never played Super Mario Galaxy or its sequel, this is the definitive way to experience them. And if you have, the combination of rock-solid performance, upgraded visuals, and new story content makes these experiences worth revisiting.

Few platformers feel as inventive, joyful, or downright magical as Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. Nearly twenty years on, Mario’s journey through the stars is still a cosmic marvel.

Should you buy Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Accessibility

Not much to write home about in terms of accessibility. Both games include an Assist Mode, which increases your life and bounces you back from falls.

Settings allow you to change the way you interact with the camera via thumbsticks and motion controls.

It would’ve been nice to see more additions to accessibility, but it appears as if Nintendo has kept even the settings faithful to the originals.

How I reviewed Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

I played around 25 hours total, split between both games, and used my OLED TV for a full 4k experience. I played Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition in a mixture of handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch 2 itself and on one of the best OLED TVs, the Samsung Q90D, using the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

I had previously played both games on the Wii and had experienced Super Mario Galaxy on Nintendo Switch as part of Super Mario 3D All-Stars.

First reviewed September 2025

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2: Price Comparison



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Yakuza Kiwami 1-3 Are Up For Preorder For PS5, Xbox, And Switch 2
Game Updates

Yakuza Kiwami 1-3 Are Up For Preorder For PS5, Xbox, And Switch 2

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Yakuza and Like a Dragon developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has kept the franchise thriving with a constant stream of releases, and this strategy will continue through the holiday season and into 2026. Most notably, the Kiwami remake series is expanding with Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties. The remake of Yakuza 3 comes with a new spin-off game Dark Ties and features a complete overhaul of the gameplay and graphics. Yakuza Kiwami 3 is available to preorder now for $60 on PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X and PC ahead of its February 12, 2026 release.

Upcoming Yakuza Game Preorders for Console:

Sega is also bringing Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2 to PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2 this fall. A Kiwami 1 & 2 bundle for PlayStation and Xbox releases December 8 for $60, while Nintendo Switch 2 players can preorder Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 separately for $35 each. Along with the rereleases of the first two remakes, the Director’s Cut of Yakuza 0 will no longer be exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 starting December 8. Check out all of the upcoming Yakuza physical editions below.

$60 | Releases February 12, 2026

For the preorder bonus, you’ll unlock Ichiban Kasuga from the Like a Dragon games as a member of your motorcycle gang, the Ryukyu Gals. The digital-only Yakuza Kiwami 3: Deluxe Edition throws in several extra pieces of cosmetic DLC as well, like outfits for your gang, a flip-phone customization pack, and more music to listen to in the game.

If you’re planning to play on PC, you can get a pretty good deal right now through Fanatical, as the preorder price for the standard edition is $52.79. If you feel like getting the Digital Deluxe Edition, that has also been discounted and will cost you $66 (was $75).

Preorder for:

A remake of 2009’s Yakuza 3, Yakuza Kiwami 3 is easily the biggest remake yet when compared to previous chapters. Not only does it benefit from an even bigger jump in visual quality, but it also expands on the overall story with new cutscenes, dialogue, and side-stories. Kiryu will also be able to use a new weapon-based combat style based on Okinawan martial arts, and fans can even take part in a life-simulator minigame at his orphanage, Morning Glory, through various outdoor activities.

Other additions include a new team battle mode where Kiryu’s motorcycle gang takes on rival outfits, and most importantly, there’ll be new Karaoke songs to sing along to. But perhaps the biggest draw here is Dark ties, an all-new prequel to Yakuza Kiwami 3 that reveals more details about Yoshitaka Mine, one of Kiryu’s greatest foes and the primary antagonist of this remake. RGG says this is a gritty crime story set in Kamurocho, where Mine rises to power. The prequel also adds a new mission-based mode called Kanda Damage Control and a survival mode set in an underground fight club.

$60 | Releases December 8

If you’re looking to catch up on mainline Yakuza entries, you’re in luck as both Yakuza Kiwami 1 and 2 are being bundled together into a single physical edition for PS5 and Xbox Series X for $60. Both games are also being released on Switch 2, but the physical editions for Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 are being sold separately for $35 each.

Yakuza Kiwami is a complete remake from 2016 of the first Yakuza game that was released, retaining its story while polishing up its visuals and gameplay. One of the big changes here was that the combat system was overhauled entirely to be closer to Yakuza 0, giving Kiryu four unique fighting styles to choose from–Brawler, Beast, Rush, and Dragon–during his adventure. While Yakuza 0 featured a powerful antagonist in the form of Mr. Shakedown–an absolute brute who could be randomly encountered in the game world and would rob you blind if he beat you in a fight–Yakuza Kiwami featured the “Majima Everywhere” challenge instead.

This saw Kiryu’s rival, Goro Majima, randomly pop up during gameplay to challenge him to a street fight or minigames like darts and bowling. Defeating him would unlock new abilities in Kiryu’s Dragon style.

On a technical level, the resolution, framerate, textures, and loading times were greatly improved when compared to the original game, more substories were added, and the remake had a Japanese dub that was far superior to the English audio track. Another noteworthy improvement was to the overall story, as additional cutscenes fleshed out Yakuza’s antagonist, Nishiki, went on, providing crucial insight to his betrayal of Kiryu. The cherry on top was an expansion of Heat Actions that Kiryu could perform, giving him even more over-the-top finishers to use during combat.

Released in 2017, Yakuza Kiwami 2 saw ex-Yakuza Kiryu embroiled in a massive gang war in the Japanese underworld, following the assassination of the Tojo clan’s Fifth Chairman, Yukio Terada, by the rival Omi Alliance. At the center of this conflict was Ryuji Goda, the Dragon of Kansai who was hellbent on defeating Kiryu and cementing his legend as the only dragon of the Yakuza. The remake also added a new scenario centered around Goro Majima, revealing just what the loose cannon gangster had been up to since he left the Tojo clan to form his own construction company.

For this sequel, gameplay was also revamped significantly to be more in line with Yakuza 0 and Kiwami, and the visual upgrade also made a big difference to the bone-crunching action.

$35 each | Releases November 13

Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2 are also coming to Switch 2, but the physical editions for Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 are being sold separately for $35 each. Nintendo Switch 2 players will be able to play their physical editions a bit earlier, though, as each game arrives November 13.

Like Kiwami 3 and Nintendo Switch 2 launch title Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, these are Game-Key Cards that require full downloads from the eShop upon inserting the cards for the first time.

$50 | Releases December 8

Chronologically, Yakuza 0 is the first game in the franchise and it stars both Kiryu Kazuma and Goro Majima. Considered to be the very best game in the entire franchise, Yakuza 0 overhauled the series in 2015 to be leaner, meaner, and even more ambitious with its grand and sweeping narrative set during the late ’80s Japanese financial boom. The PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC versions will be priced at $50, the same MSRP as the Switch 2 edition. That said, the Switch 2 version is on sale for $37 at Amazon.

Th Director’s Cut adds several new scenes, a brand-new English voiceover, and Red Light Raid mode, a series of co-op battles where players unite to make some fast cash with their fists.

While the main campaign is thrilling, the management sim side stories where Majima gets roped into hosting a hostess club and Kiryu joins the dangerous world of real estate are also unmissable in this 3D beat-’em-up masterpiece.

More Yakuza games

Beyond the upcoming preorders, you can dive into several more Yakuza adventures as well. Each game is designed to have an episodic feel to its story, and the series has evolved over the years with new protagonists and spin-offs. In case you already have one of the two current Kiwami games in your collection, you can pick them up individually, and if you feel like taking a step back in time, you can get The Yakuza Remastered Collection. This collects Yakuza 3,4, and 5 in one bundle and it offers substantially improved performance.

Granted, these are the original games given an HD makeover, and the gameplay largely remains the same, which might result in some of these titles feeling dated. What this collection also adds is a completely redone English localization, visual and audio changes to several characters, content that was originally cut from the Western releases have been added back in, and certain problematic content has also been removed.

Yakuza 0

The other big recommendation here is Judgment and its sequel, Lost Judgment. While these games are mechanically similar to the Yakuza titles and also feature an episodic storyline structure, they focus on a new character and add investigative elements to the franchise formula. The Judgment games also deal with heavier subject matter, focusing even more on institutionalized corruption, Japan’s controversial legal system, medical malpractice, murder, and high school suicides, while weaving together a tight narrative.

In the modern era, the Yakuza games have evolved into the Like a Dragon series. These games follow a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, on his adventures and so far two titles have been released–Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. In the gameplay department, they’re a massive departure from the beat-’em-up games starring Kiryu as they use turn-based RPG elements instead. The first spin-off of this series, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii was released earlier this year and it reverts back to the old-school action that veterans are familiar with.

Yakuza 0

Yakuza Kiwami

Yakuza Kiwami 2

The Yakuza Remastered Collection

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Like a Dragon: Ishin

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Judgment

Lost Judgment

Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical are both owned by Fandom.



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Nintendo's own Zurich Pop Con display reveals five Lego games are getting Switch 2 ports
Game Updates

Nintendo’s own Zurich Pop Con display reveals five Lego games are getting Switch 2 ports

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A number of Tt Lego games could be on the way for Nintendo Switch 2, including Lego games based on notable franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter.

Whilst not confirmed by either Nintendo or Lego directly, an eagle-eyed fan spotted a number of classic Lego games advertised under the Switch 2 banner at Zurich Pop Con over the weekend. Of the five games included on the banner, not a single one has been formally announced for Switch 2, although all are available on the OG Switch.

Nintendo Switch 2 – Is It Good?Watch on YouTube

However, all five games included on the banner – LEGO City Undercover, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, LEGO Jurassic World, LEGO Harry Potter Collection, and LEGO DC Super-Villains – are clearly badged beneath a Switch 2 logo.

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With several other images purportedly taken at the same event, it would appear to suggest the image is authentic, leading many fans to hope a formal announcement is coming soon. Until then, of course, all we can do is chalk this up to a convincing rumour and wait for the official reveal.

If you’re looking for the best deals for Switch 2 memory cards, cases, chargers, and other peripherals like headsets, webcams and controllers, we’ve got you covered. Earlier this week, we learned Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser is set to retire at the end of the year, and will be succeeded by the company’s first female president, Devon Pritchard.



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Switch 2 controllers and the OnePlus Watch 3 top our list of the best deals this week
Gaming Gear

Switch 2 controllers and the OnePlus Watch 3 top our list of the best deals this week

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Nintendo’s first-party Switch 2 Pro Controller can’t be beaten when it comes to its breadth of features and comfort. But at $89.99, let’s be real, it’s way too expensive for most people. Thankfully, a controller I’ve been testing recently, which is nearly as good despite lacking a 3.5mm audio jack, is currently on sale for $40 less. The EasySMX S10, as it’s called, is available for $50.39 from EasySMX with code GETS10.

The S10 is comfortable to use for long gaming sessions, and it has features that aren’t commonly built into third-party gamepads, including amiibo support and rumble that feels like it’s in the same ballpark as Nintendo’s HD rumble. It can also remotely wake the Nintendo Switch 2, not just the original Switch, from standby.

The S10 would be easier to recommend than Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller even if they were the same price, since EasySMX’s model features accurate, power-efficient TMR joysticks, plus some satisfyingly clicky buttons and triggers (note: these are divisive, you might not like them as much as I do). But at $40 less, you don’t need to feel bad about getting this instead of Nintendo’s official gamepad. Take that leftover money and treat yourself to something nice instead.

If you’re an Android user looking for an unobtrusive Bluetooth tracker for your wallet, Ugreen just launched the FineTrack Slim Smart G. It’s just 1.7mm thick (approximately the thickness of two credit cards), letting it to sit next to your other cards without sticking out, and its built-in battery can last for up to five years. For its launch, Ugreen has knocked $2 off the $25.99 tracker, dropping it to $23.99 at Amazon.

The downside is that it can’t be charged, so you’ll need to dispose of it and buy a new tracker once those five years are up. That stinks, but its specs mean it should provide a pretty good five years of service. It features a built-in 80db alarm to help you find it via Google’s Find Hub network, after all, along with IP68 protection against dust and water. Just keep in mind that, if it’s submerged, you won’t be able to track it.

Now through October 5th, OnePlus has a few back-to-college deals up its sleeve that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re a student or not. The one that caught my eye is the 43mm OnePlus Watch 3, which is available for $269.99 ($30 off) from Amazon and OnePlus (with coupon code HARVEST). The Wear OS 5-equipped smartwatch has gone on sale before, but after a nearly month-long period when it wasn’t discounted, it’s returned to its second-best price to date.

If you’re shopping for an Android watch, we recommend including OnePlus’ latest wearable on your shortlist. Outside of Samsung’s recent Galaxy Watch 8 series, the OnePlus Watch 3 is one of the newest models available. It offers a better value than its predecessor, the OnePlus Watch 2, with updated software, a rotating crown, an enhanced GPS antenna, and a suite of new health features.

Other deals we loved from this week



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Final Fantasy 7 Remake's progression-helping boosts aren't exclusive to Switch 2 and Xbox, will also arrive via patch for PS5 and PC
Game Reviews

Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s progression-helping boosts aren’t exclusive to Switch 2 and Xbox, will also arrive via patch for PS5 and PC

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Final Fantasy 7 Remake is set to release on Switch 2 and Xbox next January and will come with boost features familiar to players of the Pixel Remasters, known as Streamlined Progression.

Square Enix has confirmed to Eurogamer these boosts will also be coming to the PS5 and PC versions of the game in a future update, though there’s no date yet. The PC version’s enhanced lighting features will be coming to PS5 too.

As outlined previously in a Square Enix blog, players will have access to a new menu where they can implement a number of boosts such as HP full, MP full, Limit gauge full, and maximum damage dealt, which can be toggled individually.

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE – Release Date Announcement – Nintendo Switch 2Watch on YouTube

“I feel that the way people enjoy content has become more flexible these days, as we see with video streaming platforms, and that people also want the same thing from games, with options to tailor the experience based on the time they have and their levels of interest,” said director Naoki Hamaguchi. “I have also had personal experiences where I wanted to play something with the limited time I have but gave up because of the time it takes to level up characters or traverse the game.

“That’s exactly why I think that the Streamlined Progression feature is very effective – to give players smooth access to the story.”

Meanwhile, Hamaguchi stated Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is “doing very well” on PS5 and PC in an interview with Automaton, so there’s no need to worry about part three.

For its remake of Final Fantasy 7, Square Enix decided to create a trilogy. But as sales appear to have decreased with each installment, some fans have been worried about the quality of the third game, presuming the company may be keen to move on.

“I know some fans have expressed concerns, but please rest assured, we’ll be able to deliver a proper, high-quality third installment,” said Hamaguchi.

He additionally provided a status update on the project.

“Development is going extremely well, and the game is shaping up nicely,” he said. “A lot of the content is already playable, and the game’s direction and form are firmly set in place. Right now, the team is united around refining everything.”

For now, the game remains without a release date, but as Remake is heading to Switch 2 and Xbox in January, and Square Enix has confirmed the whole trilogy will be coming to both platforms too, the final part presumably won’t be released until after then. Perhaps it’ll even be a simultaneous multiplatform release.

Indeed, the multiplatform release of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake project will certainly boost sales, helping to counter any decline in sales.

Speaking to Windows Central, Hamaguchi declared himself an Xbox fan. “I’m going to do my best to make sure that Square Enix can continue to reach a wider audience, including Xbox,” he said. “So thank you from me as well.”

He also discussed optimising the game for the Xbox Series S, which is notoriously tricky due to its lower specs.

“In terms of hardware specs, I would say the Xbox Series S is actually quite solid in terms of spec,” said Hamaguchi. “We didn’t come across much of a processing challenge, but many of the challenges were more memory related.

“Optimisation is something we were strongly cognizant of as we worked on the PC version as well. For Final Fantasy 7 Remake, we took some of the philosophies found in Nanite for Unreal Engine 5 and created our own solution for Unreal Engine 4. We were successful in delivering stable graphics there, and gain Steam Deck verification as well. We have been pretty proud of what we were able to achieve, even on lower spec systems.”

Meanwhile, Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida has hinted that game may also be headed to Switch 2.



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Hades 2 Reveals Every Big Change As It Finally Hits Version 1.0 On Switch 2
Game Updates

Hades 2 Reveals Every Big Change As It Finally Hits Version 1.0 On Switch 2

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Hades 2 is finally out of Early Access and Supergiant Games has rolled out the red carpet with patch notes showing every major change as the game enters version 1.0 on PC and comes to Switch 1 and Switch 2. The true ending to Princess Melinoë’s adventure is now live, along with fresh secrets and a bevy of balancing tweaks.

Supergiant Games put Hades 2 out in Early Access back in May 2024 and it was already pretty decent. The studio’s been adding more content and fine-tuning its more ambitious scope ever since. In addition to the True Ending and Epilogue, there are also new story events, gift events, keepsakes to discover and fresh artwork and music for players to enjoy. Most of the balance changes are buffs or bug fixes. Appearance rates for resources have undergone some changes as well—all Prestige are now Kudos—and Tablet of Peace and Rod of Fishing sequences have been sped up.

“While Hades 2 spent more than four-and-a-half years in development, including about a year and a half in Early Access, it’s also the culmination of all the experience we’ve gained together as a team since Supergiant Games started back in 2009,” director Greg Kasavin wrote in the game’s Discord. “Early Access development was foundational to the entire idea of the original Hades, and proved instrumental to this latest game as well. So, from all of us, thank you for inspiring us to do our best, and we hope you enjoy your time with Hades 2.”

Opinions may vary on how well this sequel builds on the foundations of the original, but Hades 2 is an impressive achievement for a studio that’s retained all seven of its founding members and continues releasing popular indie hits without a CEO or conventional business structure. “I don’t have some kind of magical explanation for why we’ve been able to stick around for this long while some others haven’t been as fortunate,” Kasavin told SFChronicle in a new interview. “I do attribute it to the value that we place on sticking together as a team, on keeping our ambitions relatively modest. We don’t have an ambition to grow big for its own sake.”



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