Google today announced its latest suite of hardware and software innovations, headlined by the tenth generation of Pixel smartphones: the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL. These new devices are powered by the company’s brand-new Tensor G5 chip and the latest Gemini Nano model, promising a more personalized, proactive, and helpful Pixel experience.

The Pixel 10 series features a refined design, including an updated camera bar, built-in Pixelsnap for Qi2 wireless charging, and a new range of magnetic accessories. Google emphasizes the use of more recycled materials in their construction. The phones will debut Material 3 Expressive, a new UI with fluid animations, and will receive seven years of Pixel Drops, OS, and security updates.

The standard Pixel 10 sports a satin-finish metal frame, a polished glass back, and comes in Obsidian, Frost, Indigo, and Lemongrass. Its 6.3-inch Actua display boasts a peak brightness of 3000 nits. Camera upgrades include a first-time 5x telephoto lens with fast autofocus and up to 20x Super Res Zoom.

The premium Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL (available in 6.3-inch and 6.8-inch sizes, respectively) offer Google’s most advanced design, brightest Super Actua displays, and a top-tier triple rear camera system. Color options include Obsidian, Porcelain, Moonstone, and Jade. Exclusive to the Pro models is Pro Res Zoom, reaching up to an impressive 100x zoom. These phones also feature larger batteries, upgraded speakers, 16GB of RAM, and faster charging, with the Pro XL supporting 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging.

The Tensor G5 chip represents a significant leap in Google’s custom silicon, co-designed with Google DeepMind to run the newest Gemini Nano model on-device. This enables new generative AI experiences, such as Magic Cue, a proactive feature integrated across apps like Google Messages and the Phone app to offer relevant information and actions at the right time. The Pixel 10 camera also gains AI enhancements with Camera Coach, which uses Gemini models to provide photography improvement suggestions, and the advanced Pro Res Zoom, which utilizes a large generative AI model to enhance detail at high zoom levels.

The Pixel 10 lineup is available for preorder today, with the Pixel 10 starting at $799, the Pixel 10 Pro at $999, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL at $1199. The Pro models include a year of Google AI Pro. All three phones will be available on August 28.

Google also introduced the Pixel Watch 4, featuring a complete redesign. It boasts a first-of-its-kind domed Actua 360 display with a larger active area and smaller bezels, achieving 3000 nits of brightness. The watch is the first smartwatch to support standalone Satellite Communication and integrates Gemini for on-the-go assistance via “Raise to Talk.” It also remains unique in its ability to detect a loss of pulse.

The Pixel Watch 4 features Material 3 Expressive for a more dynamic display, a stronger custom haptic engine, and an upgraded speaker. Battery life is extended by 25%, reaching 30 hours on the 41mm model and 40 hours on the 45mm model, with an even longer life in Battery Saver mode. A new Quick Charge Dock allows for 0-50% charging in just 15 minutes. The watch is powered by the Snapdragon® W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform and a faster ML-powered co-processor. It’s built with durable materials and is water-resistant up to 50 meters, and for the first time, it features a serviceable design with a replaceable battery and display.

Pixel Watch 4 LTE offers standalone emergency satellite communications. Enhanced health and fitness features include smarter sleep tracking, enhanced skin temperature sensing, more accurate route tracking with new dual-frequency GPS, real-time bike stats, and new exercise modes. A personal AI health coach, built with Gemini, will be available in preview in October. On-device AI also powers Smart Replies, and Gemini can be accessed hands-free with “Raise to Talk.”

The Pixel Watch 4 is available for preorder now and will be on shelves starting October 9, with pricing remaining the same as the Pixel Watch 3.

Joining the announcements is the Pixel Buds 2a, the latest addition to the A-series earbuds, which for the first time in the lineup, features Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 1.5 (ANC). Powered by the Tensor A1 chip and enhanced with Google AI, the Pixel Buds 2a offer impressive sound, a comfortable and lightweight design with a twist-to-adjust stabilizer, and Gemini integration for hands-free assistance. Battery life reaches 7 hours with ANC on and up to 20 hours with the charging case. The case battery is also replaceable for extended life.

The Pixel Buds 2a come in Iris and Hazel and offer features like Multipoint, Fast Pair, and Find Hub. They are available for preorder today at $129 and will be on shelves on October 9.

Finally, Google previewed Gemini for Home, an all-new voice assistant built on the same advanced AI models as the mobile version. Gemini for Home aims to be more powerful and easier to use than the current Google Assistant, understanding more nuanced and complex requests for tasks like media discovery, smart home control, calendar management, and answering general knowledge questions. Gemini Live is also coming to the home, offering intuitive conversational capabilities for more detailed and personalized help with tasks like cooking, exploring topics, troubleshooting, and creative collaboration. Gemini for Home will eventually replace Google Assistant on existing speakers and displays, with early access starting in October.

In related news for audio, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be available in a new Moonstone color, with a software update next month bringing features like Adaptive Audio, Loud Noise Protection, and enhanced Gemini Live capabilities, including hands-free call and text management with head gestures. The new Moonstone Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available for preorder today at $229, with availability on August 28.

Google also announced the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, its most durable foldable device yet. Featuring a new gearless hinge with increased durability, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a re-engineered Super Actua Flex Display with enhanced drop protection, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold boasts larger 8-inch inner and 6.4-inch outer displays with up to 3000 nits brightness. It features the largest battery on a Google foldable with over 30 hours of battery life, faster wired charging, and built-in Qi2 charging with Pixelsnap. Powered by the Tensor G5 chip, it includes the same helpful AI features as the Pixel 10 phones and significant camera improvements, including a new 48MP main camera and features like Instant View. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is available for preorder today and will be on shelves on October 9.

As an owner of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and have owned one for nearly a year now, I have no intention of upgrading to anything new unveiled today. I’m glad for the update to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 though, as a daily user of them for also nearly a year now. I anticipate these will be very successful and popular that will get numerous awards only to still just barely be beat out by Samsung’s offerings, especially in performance where Google is likely to continue to struggle but not be nearly as much as it used to.

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After raising its prices in select countries earlier this year, Sony has confirmed this morning it is raising the prices of all three of its currently-being-made PlayStation 5 models. That includes the Digital Edition, the one with a disc drive, and the Pro model, which does not have a disc drive.

• PlayStation 5 – $549.99
• PlayStation 5 Digital Edition – $499.99
• PlayStation 5 Pro – $749.99

A $50 price increase across the board, and technically $100 for the Digital Edition if we’re keeping track from its November 2020 launch price (it had a Slim revision that brought with it a price increase, but the option to add a disc drive down the line). Sony cites it’s a result of the company having to navigate a “challenging economic environment” and that its similar to many global businesses. With President Trump’s increased push into utilizing tariffs, it seemed like a possibility this could happen, especially as Sony attempted to delay the inevitable by raising its prices of its consoles across the world earlier this year. Its still nearly, if not unprecedented for a video game console to have its price go upward after launch, let alone years after.

Nintendo raised the price of its original Nintendo Switch, which launched in March 2017, a $40 price increase earlier this month. The company also raised the price of numerous accessories and other Switch models, including the Lite and OLED models, but not the Switch 2 itself nor its games. Nintendo said its decision to increase prices was “based on market conditions,” and it came after Canada had the same thing happen to them.

Microsoft earlier this year raised its Xbox Series X console by $100, bringing it to a $599.99 price point, along with increasing the Series S cost to $379.99, an $80 increase. Numerous other accessories and controllers also went up.

With these price increases, the dream of expecting lower prices for these consoles before the next generation of platforms release seems to be fading. For the original Switch to have received a price jump was already a shock considering it never had a price drop, but with Sony finally jumping on board with increasing prices, we can only imagine how newer platforms will be impacted by price expectations going forward.

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The 421-piece model is a near 1:1 scale replica of the classic 1989 console. According to the official product details, the set includes authentic features such as the +Control Pad, A and B buttons, and SELECT and START buttons, alongside mock dials for volume and screen contrast. The model measures over 5.5 inches (14 cm) high and 3.5 inches (9 cm) wide.

To further replicate the handheld experience, the set features a working Game Pak slot and comes with two interchangeable, brick-built Game Paks: Super Mario Land and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. Builders will have the option to display the model with one of three swappable screens, showing either the classic Nintendo start-up sequence or a scene from one of the two included games. The company notes that the model has no electronic light, sound, or display functions.

Part of the LEGO assortment aimed at adult builders, the LEGO Game Boy set (72046) was made available for pre-order on July 24. The official launch on October 1 will see the set sold in LEGO stores, on LEGO.com, and at select retailers globally.

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Nintendo announcing this morning its sold 3.5 million Switch 2 units in its first four days across the world, calling it the “highest global sales level” for any Nintendo console yet. They’ve previously set a goal of 15 million units sold by the end of March next year, so off to a good start it seems.

President of Nintendo of America, Doug Bowser, is understandably pleased with the results. He said in a press release, “We are thankful for their response and happy to see the fun they are already having with Nintendo Switch 2 as they explore new features and games that bring friends and family together in new ways.”

For comparison, the original Nintendo Switch, which launched in early March 2017, has sold more than 152 million units, so the successor still has a long way to go, but definitely a strong beginning.

From my personal experience, getting the Switch 2 was sometimes as difficult as expected but also somehow easier. When I went to the midnight launch for the console, as I had already pre-ordered, the line for no reservations) while long seemed fit for the units my local Best Buy store had. When I got to my store around 10:15 EST, I was only fourth in line! The following morning, my sister went to a GameStop to pick up her preorder only to see her store still selling units after a few hours of opening. Just this morning, Best Buy for a few minutes had units open up again for purchase, and reportedly it was pretty easy to buy one.

While sales reman sold out across the board more often than not, it doesn’t seem as dramatic in supply and demand problems as most previous consoles have been, including the infamously rough PS5 pre-orders (got very lucky with that one) and of course the Nintendo Switch.

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The keynote signaled a clear direction for Apple, focusing on a unified and fluid design language, deeper intelligence, and seamless integration between devices.

iOS 26: A Stunning New Look and Smarter Features

The iPhone receives its most significant visual and functional update in years with iOS 26. The new “Liquid Glass” design brings a fresh, translucent, and animated feel to the entire operating system. It’s complemented by a new “Clear Look” display option, offering a variation alongside the traditional Light and Dark modes.

Headlining the new features is a system-wide Live Translation capability built directly into the Phone, FaceTime, and Messages apps, allowing for real-time conversation translation. The Phone app itself sees a major overhaul, promising a modernized interface and new functionality.

Other key iOS 26 announcements include:

• ‘Games’ App: A new, centralized hub for the App Store, your game library, and Apple Arcade.
• Visual Intelligence: The system can now intelligently search content directly on your screen.
• ChatGPT Integration: Apple’s Image Playground will incorporate ChatGPT to expand generative AI capabilities.
• Enhanced Battery Settings: A new “Adaptive Power” mode aims to intelligently extend battery life, and the OS will now tell you how long it will take for your battery to fully charge.
• Messages & Music Tweaks: The Messages app receives new features, and Apple Music will now allow users to pin favorite playlists, albums, and artists.

iOS 26 will be compatible with the iPhone 11 and all subsequent models. This does mean those with the iPhone XR and XS will move toward receiving critical security updates beginning this fall rather than major updates going forward. Impressive stuff for seven-year-old hardware!

iPadOS 26: The iPad Gets a Mac-Sized Upgrade

The iPad takes a monumental leap in productivity with iPadOS 26. In a move that power users have long awaited, the update introduces true windowing, a dedicated menu bar, and enhanced pointer support, effectively blurring the lines between the tablet and a traditional laptop.

The experience is further bolstered by a revamped Files app and the inclusion of the new Phone app, complete with Call Screening and Hold Assist features. These 20+ new features collectively transform the iPad into a more versatile and capable machine for complex workflows.

macOS Tahoe: A Smarter Mac with a Fresh Coat of Paint

The Mac adopts the new “Liquid Glass” design with macOS Tahoe, creating visual harmony with its mobile counterparts. The most significant functional upgrade comes to Spotlight, which has been “supercharged” with “Quick Keys” and other enhancements to make finding files and launching applications faster and more intuitive.

After its debut on the iPhone, the Journal app is officially coming to the Mac and iPad. In a landmark announcement, Apple confirmed that macOS Tahoe will be the final version to support Intel-based Macs, marking the definitive end of an era and completing the transition to Apple Silicon.

watchOS, CarPlay, and More

• watchOS 26: The Apple Watch also gets the “Liquid Glass” treatment and introduces an AI-powered “Workout Buddy” for real-time fitness coaching. The Notes app also makes its debut on the wrist.
• CarPlay: The in-car interface gets more dynamic with the addition of widgets and Live Activities.
• visionOS 26: Apple’s spatial computing platform will be updated with Spatial Widgets, enhanced Personas, and new shared experiences.
• tvOS 26: The Apple TV receives the new design on newer models and a fun feature that turns your iPhone into a karaoke microphone for Apple Music Sing.

While the event was dense with software news, Apple noted that more advanced and personalized Siri features are still in development and were not ready to be unveiled. With how far behind Siri has gotten in the world of AI, this is not a big surprise yet of course still somewhat of a disappointment. The launch of “Apple Intelligence” continues to be a bit of surprise with how many flaws have been pointed out.

Release Schedule

The first developer betas of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and watchOS 26 were released to developers today. Apple plans to launch public betas for broader testing in July, with the official, free software updates scheduled for a full public release this September.

Overall an onslaught of reveals and updates to the surprise of no one coming out of WWDC, and for many Apple fans a lot to enjoy besides those with soon-to-be-obsolete hardware. I continue to hope however one day, iPod makes some sort of return in some capacity. I always loved the iPod Touch growing up, and its legacy I hope is not forgotten anytime soon.

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Here’s a deeper dive into the biggest announcements and what they mean for the future of gaming.

The Hardware Shocker: Xbox Officially Enters the Handheld Arena

The rumors are finally reality. In a move that directly challenges the burgeoning handheld PC market, Xbox revealed a partnership with ASUS to create the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. Launching Holiday 2025, these powerful handhelds aren’t just for Game Pass; they are full-fledged Windows gaming devices designed to access your entire library from the Xbox app, Battle.net, Steam, and other storefronts. This is a massive strategic play, acknowledging that the “box” in Xbox is no longer confined to the living room. Xbox made a point to confirm that every new game debuted in the showcase is built to run on the Ally, a powerful promise for the new platform’s future.

While it isn’t entirely a first-party handheld from Microsoft, it is a huge shock seeing one so showcased and specialized from the makers of Xbox. Knowing every game they showed off will run on it is a big deal, although the quality differences will have to be a wait-and-see. I’m just glad they gave *some* sort of update for Hollow Knight: Silksong, even if it remains release-date-less, just that it’ll launch with the console which is set for release in the holidays.

The First-Party Onslaught: Xbox’s Studios Flex Their Muscles

Microsoft’s investment in its first-party studios was on full display, with several of its most acclaimed teams bringing out their heavy hitters.

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7: The show kicked off with the deafening roar of Call of Duty. Treyarch and Raven Software confirmed they are developing back-to-back Black Ops titles, a first for the franchise. Set in the near-future of 2035, the reveal trailer for Black Ops 7 teased a twisted, psychological narrative campaign, the next evolution of its signature multiplayer, and the welcome return of classic Round-Based Zombies. I’m not surprised Call of Duty got the final big reveal, but I was always hoping something different would steal the show at the end.
• Two New Titles from Obsidian: Fans of deep role-playing games were treated to an incredible one-two punch from the masters at Obsidian Entertainment. First, a gorgeous new trailer for The Outer Worlds 2 landed with a firm release date of October 29, 2025. Then, in a genuine surprise, the studio revealed Grounded 2, a full-fledged sequel to their co-op survival hit. The new entry takes players out of the backyard and into a larger suburban park, complete with rideable bugs and a host of new threats. It enters Game Preview on July 29, showing Obsidian is firing on all cylinders. On another note, finding out The Outer Worlds 2 will cost $79.99 is a huge yet expected dissapointment… Nintendo started it with Mario Kart World, and now I’m deeply worried Sony is next. It was just a few years ago games started approaching $69.99 only for Microsoft to hold off until they couldn’t anymore. A real shame, but how successful this game will be could decide the short-term fate of these new starting prices (and possibly affect Rockstar… with Grand Theft Auto VI next year).
• Gears of War Gets a Return to Form: The legacy and future of one of Xbox’s cornerstone franchises had some big moments. Gears of War: Reloaded, a remaster of the 2006 classic, is launching on August 26, 2025. In a huge move for the series, it will be available on Xbox, PC, and, for the first time, PlayStation 5, with full cross-play. A multiplayer beta kicks off June 13. As if that wasn’t enough, Phil Spencer closed the show with a heart-pounding tease for Gears of War: E-Day, confirming a new mainline entry that will take fans back to the beginning of the Locust invasion in 2026. I played through Gears of War titles previously and had a lot of fun, but Reloaded’s performance will be a big indicator on how successful Xbox’s multi-platform approach will be going foward.
• Ninja Gaiden 4 Delivers the Action: The legendary ninja action series is back. Ninja Gaiden 4, emerging from the shadows on October 21, is a fascinating collaboration between Team Ninja and the action virtuosos at PlatinumGames. The gameplay reveal showcased lightning-fast, stylish combat that fans of both studios will recognize, promising a brutal and technically demanding experience.

Third-Party Surprises

A large amount of third-party partnerships were also dove in, showing off games that have long been requested by the Xbox community and may have thought to never make it there.

• The Final Fantasy Bombshell: In what was arguably the biggest “shadow drop” of the summer, Square Enix and Xbox revealed that Final Fantasy XVI is available to purchase and play on Xbox consoles right now. This move, ending a period of console exclusivity, was met with audible shock and applause. The publisher didn’t stop there, confirming that the critically lauded Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will also make its way to Xbox this winter. This is a monumental win for the platform, officially making every mainline single-player Final Fantasy game playable on Xbox.
• Persona is Here to Stay: Continuing to build on its relationship with Atlus, Xbox revealed the Persona 4 Revival. This full remake of the beloved JRPG classic looks to bring the iconic murder mystery and its unforgettable cast to a new generation with a gorgeous visual overhaul. It’s slated to launch directly into Game Pass, solidifying Xbox’s position as a new home for Japanese RPGs. I want to say its a bit dissapointing not seeing a new mainline Persona title announced, but as a huge (!!!) fan of Persona 4 Golden, I’m extremely excited for more! Guess those voice actors confirming they’re not in the game were true after all…
• When Superheroes Collide: Capitalizing on the immense popularity of the Amazon Prime series, Skybound’s new in-house studio revealed Invincible VS. The trailer showcased a brutal, 3v3 tag-team fighting game that authentically captures the bloody, high-stakes combat of the comic book universe. Launching 2026, and as a huge fan of the Invincible show, I’m genuinely excited and can only hope this is a good game.
• Must-Watch Indies from Acclaimed Creators: The showcase was also a platform for exciting new projects. Beast of Reincarnation is a new action-RPG from Game Freak, the legendary studio behind Pokémon, not unprecedented but still obviously a big surprise. We also saw At Fate’s End, a beautiful and emotional new game from Thunder Lotus, the celebrated team behind the masterpiece Spiritfarer.

It was exciting seeing some things not only be unveiled but also become available today, like a new demo for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 (still waiting on more for Spongebob, but exciting to see TMNT make an appearance), and a surprise showing of Final Fantasy XVI heading to Xbox.

Big Teases Ahead of Xbox’s 25th Anniversary

Phil Spencer closed the show not with a recap, but with a powerful look ahead. He spoke about the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Xbox brand in 2026, promising a celebration for players that will include the long-awaited new Fable, the next entry in the Forza franchise, the just-announced Gears of War: E-Day, and cryptically, “the return of a classic that’s been with us since the beginning.” Odds are he was referencing Halo CE, with a rumored remaster in the works, but we can only wait and see what comes out of that.

Xbox is shaping up to have a new era to its previous approaches. No longer just a console, they’re all in on every platform it can sink its teeth into. Having platforms besides Microsoft’s appear at the end of trailers was a huge deal that I don’t think Sony or Nintendo ever do (maybe Sony references PC), so whether or not this pro-consumer move continues to hold up will be seen. The Outer Worlds 2 launching at a higher price is unfortunate but expected considering they announced it before, but if Microsoft keeps making money, surely, they won’t stray from this path too far.

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Sony Interactive Entertainment’s latest State of Play broadcast delivered a dense showcase of upcoming titles, confirming long-held rumors and unveiling brand-new blockbusters for PlayStation 5. The event featured major new game reveals, deep dives into anticipated titles, and a slew of release dates for the near future.

Headlining the show was the explosive reveal of “MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls,” a new tag-team fighting game from genre veterans Arc System Works. Developed in partnership with Marvel Games and PlayStation Studios, the game promises an intuitive yet deep fighting system set in a reimagined Marvel Universe.

Spy-thriller fans received a first look at “007 First Light,” an original James Bond origin story from IO Interactive. The new trailer for the third-person action-adventure game, launching next year, promises to explore the events that shaped the iconic MI6 agent. The trailer was frankly a thriller, as expected, and as a fan of some of the James Bond films (Casino Royale!), I’m actually pretty excited to see more of this title.

After much speculation, Square Enix officially announced “Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles,” an enhanced version of the beloved 1997 strategy RPG. Launching September 30 for PS5 and PS4, the game will feature fully voiced dialogue, graphical improvements, and a new, more accessible “Squire” difficulty setting. A lot of rumours were flying for this game and I’m glad to see it finally get its big moment.

The action continued with Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja announcing “Nioh 3” for PS5, which will allow players to switch instantly between Samurai and Ninja combat styles. A limited-time demo was made available on the PlayStation Store following the broadcast. Another major sequel, “Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound,” a side-scrolling entry from the developers of “Blasphemous,” is set to launch on July 31. I know a lot of fans are excited for these, especially when its been a while since the last Ninja Gaiden title. A franchise as long-lasting as that one, you can appreciate it sticking around through all these generations.

Konami provided a closer look at the remake of “Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater,” showcasing the fearsome Cobra Unit and confirming the return of the “Snake vs Monkey” mode. The highly anticipated title will launch on PS5 on August 28. I’m curious how the performance of this title will be for the future of Metal Gear Solid and potential remakes for other titles. I’m glad Konami has been releasing ports through its collections releases.

Other key announcements from the State of Play:

• Release Dates: The quirky walking simulator “Baby Steps” arrives September 8, the origami platformer “Hirogami” on September 3, survival-climber “Cairn” on November 5, and the horror title “Silent Hill f” will release on September 25. It feels like Silent Hill has had a bit of a lull with new information so its good to see more, and reviews for that title will be very interesting to watch.
• New Reveals: New titles announced include “Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement,” a 2.5D action RPG sequel; “Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow” for PlayStation VR2; and “Romeo is a Dead Man,” an action title from Grasshopper Manufacture.
• Updates and Collections: A “Mortal Kombat Kollection” featuring early games and interactive documentaries is coming later this year. “Astro Bot” will receive five new free levels this summer.
• PlayStation Plus: “Sword of the Sea” will join the Game Catalog on its release day, August 19. The classic PS2 version of “Deus Ex” joins in June, with “Twisted Metal 3 & 4” and the original “Resident Evil 2” and “Resident Evil 3: Nemesis” coming to the Classics range later this summer. Seeing more classics re-release is great to see and I hope this practice continues. I’m a big fan of backwards compatibility if it wasn’t obvious.
• Hardware: PlayStation revealed “Project Defiant,” a new wireless fight stick set to launch next year.
• Future Showcase: A dedicated State of Play episode for “Ghost of Yōtei” was announced for this July, promising an extended look at the game’s mechanics.

A lot of big reveals, especially with a new Marvel fighting title from the makers of Guilty Gear! A new Marvel Vs. Capcom seems to remain a pipe dream, but having these characters in another fighter is always nice to see… I’ve got high expectations for it.

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Headlining the event was the official reveal of Resident Evil 9: Requiem, the next mainline entry in Capcom’s iconic survival horror series. The cinematic trailer was a huge surprise, considering halfway into the reveals was a message from CAPCOM saying to wait a bit longer for the next Resident Evil title. Considering the rumors surrounding the franchise I was a bit surprised, but figured it was legit… until the very end. Its release date is scheduled for February 27, 2026.

The show was also a haven for fans of challenging action RPGs. Mortal Shell II was announced with a prety dark trailer, showing off some hardcore combat and a 2026 release window. Bandai Namco also unveiled Code Vein 2, a sequel to their popular anime-styled soulslike, which is also targeting a 2026 launch. Numerous soulslike games were shown off throughout, making it pretty clear its the big thing right now… When a game like Elden Ring succeeds so much, it was bound to happen.

Strategy game enthusiasts have a new epic to look forward to with the announcement of Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, a real-time strategy game set in the turbulent world of the Seven Kingdoms, arriving in 2026.

Deeper Dives into Already Announced Titles

Several previously announced titles received new gameplay showcases, offering a more in-depth look at their mechanics and worlds. Capcom’s upcoming samurai action game, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, presented a new trailer featuring its fast-paced and bloody combat. Techland provided an extended look at Dying Light: The Beast, a standalone story expansion for the popular zombie parkour series, which is set to launch on August 22, 2025.

The highly anticipated PvPvE extraction shooter Arc Raiders finally received a release date of October 30, 2025, accompanied by a new gameplay trailer highlighting its intense squad-based action.

Surprise Announcements and Shadow Drops

One of the biggest surprises of the show was the “shadow drop” of the Lies of P: Overture DLC. The new content for the critically acclaimed soulslike was made available for purchase and play immediately following its announcement. I’ve seen this title in a bit of speculation and leaks, so not a huge surprise, but I heard plenty of good things about the game, so good for the players!

Other shocker reveals included Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver, a new action RPG featuring the legendary hip-hop group, and MindsEye, a new title from former Grand Theft Auto developers in collaboration with IO Interactive.

Key Announcements and Release Dates:

The showcase also featured a look at the Year 3 character roadmap for Street Fighter 6, with fan-favorites Sagat and C. Viper returning alongside Alex and Ingrid. Additionally, a new “Elusive Target” mission for Hitman featuring the James Bond villain LeChiffre was made available to players immediately with a reward for those who complete it will get the new 007 game next year! Only available for one month, however.

Opinions online for SGF 2025 have been a bit mixed, but to me it was overall a fine showing of a large selection of titles. A bit more than I expected was revealed in just the span of two hours, but a lot of smaller indie titles was probably annoying to some. I’m glad smaller studios get to have a limelight as big as one with more than 700,000 watching on YouTube alone. Some moments were controversial I can see, including a developer for SplitGate 2 wearing what some saw as a very dividing hat, and the early devastation those had originally thinking the next Resident Evil would not be shown off yet. Even I was fooled, seeing a special message just be a new sale, followed up with that! I’ll be keeping my eye on it as I liked some of the more recent titles (Resident Evil 7 and 4 in VR).

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Apple’s decision to support RCS comes after years of resistance and pressure from regulators, competitors, and consumers. Apple has long considered iMessage as one of its unique selling points and a way to lock users into its ecosystem. However, the company has faced criticism for not allowing interoperability with other messaging platforms and for creating a “green bubble” stigma for Android users.

In a statement to 9to5Mac, an Apple spokesperson said “Later next year, we will be adding support for RCS Universal Profile, the standard as currently published by the GSM Association… We believe RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS. This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users.”

Apple’s move to support RCS is expected to have a positive impact on the messaging experience for both iPhone and Android users. It will enable seamless and secure communication across different devices and platforms, and reduce the fragmentation and confusion caused by multiple messaging apps. It will also allow users to enjoy the benefits of RCS features, such as suggested replies, location sharing, and enhanced media quality.

However, some challenges and uncertainties remain for the implementation and adoption of RCS. For instance, RCS relies on the support and cooperation of mobile carriers, who may have different interests and incentives than Apple and Google. Moreover, RCS may face competition from other popular messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, which already offer end-to-end encryption and other advanced features. Finally, RCS may not be able to fully replicate the unique features and functionalities of iMessage, such as Animojis, Memojis, and Apple Pay.

Apple’s announcement to support RCS in iMessage in 2024 is a significant and surprising development in the messaging landscape. It marks a shift in Apple’s strategy and a recognition of the changing market dynamics and consumer preferences. It also signals a potential opportunity for more collaboration and innovation in the messaging industry.

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“Coyote vs. Acme”, a live-action-animated hybrid film that featured superstar actor and wrestler John Cena and the beloved Looney Tunes insanity many of us have come to love, has been shelved and will never be released. Even though it was reportedly nearly complete!

It’s the third nearly done film that Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has shelved for financial reasons. The film, according to The Hollywood Reporter, cost around 72 million dollars to make and will result in a 30 million dollar tax write-off.

Previous films “Batgirl” and “Scoob! Holiday Haunt” were shelved for the same reasons last year as part of a larger tax write-off to cut billions of dollars in costs.

The film, which was originally planned for release in July this year, was inspired by a 1990 humor article named the name, which had Wile E. Coyote file a lawsuit against the Acme Company for all those injuries and suffering he received over the decades while chasing the infamous Road Runner.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, a spokesperson for Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group said the following:

“With the re-launch of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation in June, the studio has shifted its global strategy to focus on theatrical releases… With this new direction, we have made the difficult decision not to move forward with Coyote vs Acme.”

Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group spokesperson

My take? This continues to be a massive problem where films close to completion, with the heart and soul of many different people spanning years, just end up never being released for monetary reasons. But not because the company couldn’t afford it, rather they just decided to further cut costs and determined not enough money would ever be made out of releasing it or providing the film to other streaming services. It’s shameful and all it does is upset people further. I never seem to see people support these sorts of decisions.

This sort of decision seems to directly contradict what Zaslav himself said earlier in a recent earnings call, saying the company has to bulk up its content with what he called “underused” franchises. I guess a Looney Tunes hybrid film, that apparently from what I’ve read received good testing scores by audiences, even though that property seems to never get the spotlight it deserves. As a nearly finished film involving a beloved piece of intellectual property, it makes you wonder what Zaslav means when he says “underused” franchises.

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