Visual Novel News:
Bushiroad Games has announced that The Ancient Magus’ Bride: Midsummer Pilgrimage will be released in both Japanese and English on October 2nd, 2025. It will be released on Nintendo Switch, Steam, and PlayStation 5.
Not much information has been revealed at this time, but you can watch the opening movie while you wait for more to be revealed.
Battlefield Waltz is coming to Nintendo Switch on April 8th, 2025. Originally released in Japan on PS Vita in 2014, this Nintendo Switch port brings this otome visual novel to international audiences for the first time.
Meet Lan, The Maiden of the Cursed Sword, as she trains in combat alongside elite warriors and compassionate lovers. Upon facing tragedy, Lan is both blessed and cursed by a new power–the power of the Cursed Sword. She shall now forge new bonds in search of a place to belong. With up to 6 romanceable characters, can love bloom on the battlefield for Lan?
Visual Arts have announced that planetarian: Snow Globe will be getting a PC release via Steam. This short prequel to planetarian features support for Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and French. Don’t want to wait? It’s already on Nintendo Switch.
In the near future… Yumemi Hoshino, a companion robot equipped with autonomous AI, is assigned to work at a planetarium at a suburban town department store. Yumemi, known for her diligent work, one day starts to ignore orders and repeatedly abandons her duties. This is a story about Yumemi, her co-workers, and their simple, everyday moments of happiness.
Following a successful Kickstarter, Noodletub Games has released Renai Bakudan, an 18+ yuri visual novel set in a love hotel. As well as the story itself, it features 35 unlockable books to read in game.
Having just dealt with the roughest time in her life, Juri Kido’s luck is finally turning around. At the invitation of her best friend, Juri moves to the small, coastal town of Akiyama; leaving behind the big city of Tokyo for good. But what Juri doesn’t know is just what kind of place this cozy locale really is… Because Akiyama is not only home to a massive red-light district, but also houses the biggest, hottest, and weirdest love hotel in the world; HOTEL BAKUDAN! After meeting seven beautiful ladies and scoring a job at the hotel, Juri knows that this is the golden opportunity she’s been searching for. With so much sex, drama and romance at every turn, Juri has no doubt that living in Akiyama is going to change her life. Just what awaits her on these sunny shores? Welcome to HOTEL BAKUDAN. We hope you enjoy your stay!
More Visual Novel News
- Letter from Heart Antique Shop has been announced for a 2026 Steam release
- EastAsiaSoft plan to release Secrets In Green on multiple consoles on April 9th, 2025
Gaming News:
Many Nintendo fans were eagerly waiting for the Direct presentation that would fully reveal all the details for their latest console: the Nintendo Switch 2! That Direct has come and gone, and it brought with it not only information on the console but a ton of game reveals too! There’s quite a lot here, so let’s get right to it:
Regarding the console itself, there’s quite a lot that Nintendo showed off. First off, the Nintendo Switch 2 has a full voice chat feature that utilises noise-cancelling technology to capture your voice without much background noise, as well as an optional camera that is compatible with some supported games. The new Joy-Cons can act as mice to allow for new and unique ways to play games. The system comes with 256 GB of internal storage without added microSD express cards. Last but not least, the dock for the system allows gameplay for up to 4K and includes a built-in LAN port for wired online play.
The Nintendo Switch 2 releases on June 5th 2025 and will cost $449.99.
But what about the games? Well, Nintendo had quite a lot to show, and they put their best foot forward to start the Direct: a brand-new Mario Kart title! This new game in the franchise is titled Mario Kart World and comes with a ton of all-new additions to make this new entry truly stand out. The game supports races for up to 24 players, with it all taking place in a massive open world that you can freely explore, with grand prixs taking section of this environment to act as race tracks. This new open world allows for a new game mode called Knockout Tour, which sets out a path that all players will race through, but as you pass checkpoints, players who can’t make it within a certain position are knocked out. We’ll be getting more information on this new game in a Direct focused purely on Mario Kart World on April 17th.
Mario Kart World launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th.
Watch the announcement trailer for Mario Kart World
Want to learn more intricate details about your newly purchased Nintendo Switch 2? Nintendo has created a game that acts as a tour for all the features of the console titled Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour! This paid game provides players with intricate details on everything you could possibly want to know about the console, all in the presentation of an interactive museum.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour releases exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th.
Some original Nintendo Switch games are getting enhanced versions for Nintendo Switch 2! The first port they revealed was Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, which will include new mini-games that take advantage of the built-in microphone and the mouse control scheme. A new game mode titled Bowser Live has you and three of your friends use the optional camera to play some newly designed games for a whole new way to play.
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV launches on July 24th. If you’d like to know more about the game, we’ve reviewed the original Switch version.
Two of the most successful Zelda games on the Nintendo Switch are getting an overhaul for Nintendo Switch 2! The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are both getting enhanced ports that improve both the performance and resolution with HDR support to breathe new life into these games. You’ll also be able to make use of a new addition called Zelda Notes, which is a feature in the Nintendo Switch App that can not only help find in-game items or locations but will also include newly recorded commentary from Princess Zelda that wasn’t in either of the original games.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition both launch on June 5th.
Kirby’s most recent adventure is getting all-new content exclusive for Nintendo Switch 2! Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World boasts improved performance and visuals, but also more story content and levels to explore, known as the Star-Crossed World.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World releases on August 28th. We’ve reviewed the original Nintendo Switch version if you’d like to learn more about that.
While it isn’t available for the original Nintendo Switch yet, the latest entry in the Metroid Prime series is also coming to Nintendo Switch 2! Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition includes an optional control scheme that uses the Joy-Con 2’s mouse controls, as well as two options for graphics: A quality mode for 4K and 60fps or a performance mode at 1080p and 120fps.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is coming in 2025.
Even the latest Pokémon game is getting an enhanced port to Nintendo Switch 2! Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition offers the same gameplay experience as the Nintendo Switch version but with higher frame rates and resolution.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches in late 2025.
If you’re looking for a game that fully takes advantage of the Joy-Con 2’s dual mouse controls, Nintendo has got you covered! Drag x Drive is a three-on-three basketball game where all players are in wheelchairs, with the mouse controllers acting as your arms to move, catch, and shoot hoops.
Drag x Drive releases exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 this Summer.
Watch the announcement trailer for Drag x Drive
Nintendo exclusives are great to see, but what about the third-party support for the Nintendo Switch 2? There were a ton of publishers that announced many games coming to the platform, with the announcements starting with a massive game from FromSoftware! Elden Ring Tarnished Edition will include both the base game and the DLC content, Shadow of the Erdtree. Alongside this, new items and customization options are also coming to this new version, with this content also planned for other platforms.
Elden Ring Tarnished Edition launches for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.
Watch the announcement trailer for Elden Ring Tarnished Edition
But that was only the beginning, as a lot of time in the Direct focused on Nintendo Switch 2 ports of some highly regarded games. There are too many to focus on each one individually, but here’s the full list:
- Street Fighter 6
- Hades II
- Madden NFL
- EA Sports FC
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
- Split Fiction
- Hitman World of Assassination
- IO Interactive’s 007 Project
- Yakuza 0
- Borderlands 4
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
- NBA 2K
- WWE 2K
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
- Goodnight Universe
- Two Point Museum
- Wild Hearts
- Witchbrook
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
- Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Nobunaga’s Ambition Awakening Complete Edition
- Fast Fusion
- Shadow Labyrinth
- Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
- No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files
- Sonic X Shadow Generations
- Reanimal
- Fortnite
- Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer
- Tamagotchi Plaza
- Human Fall Flat 2
Remember Daemon X Machina for the original Nintendo Switch? If you do, you’ll be happy to hear it’s getting a sequel! Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion has you taking on the Axiom for the sake of humanity with a customizable suit of mech armor while also exploring the vast open world.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on September 5th.
Watch the announcement trailer for Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
A classic RPG originally released on Nintendo 3DS is finally getting a re-release after almost 13 years! Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is an enhanced version of the original title that uses the now iconic Brave and Default combat system, but now in high definition. This new release redesigns the user interface, adds new mini-games, and includes the option to speed up event scenes.
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th.
Watch the announcement trailer for Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
A new Warriors spin-off from Koei Tecmo is in the works, and it’s connected to a popular Nintendo IP! Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom that focuses on Princess Zelda and her allies taking on hundreds of enemies during the events of the Imprisoning War.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment releases exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 in Q4 2025
Watch the announcement trailer for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
While Nintendo’s classic library has grown to include a variety of consoles from the NES to the Game Boy Advance, one console was noticeably absent, and fans are eager to see its game library finally available for Nintendo Switch. That day has finally come, as it’s been confirmed that Nintendo GameCube games will be coming to the Nintendo Classics line-up! While only available on Nintendo Switch 2, it will be available on the same day of the console’s release. Three games will be available at launch:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- Soulcalibur II
- F-Zero GX
These games will also allow for local and online multiplayer, customisable controls, and more. More classic GameCube titles will be added to the future, such as Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi’s Mansion, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Chibi-Robo! Plug Into Adventure, and more. A wireless GameCube controller for Nintendo Switch 2 will also be available for purchase on the same day at launch for those with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Watch the announcement trailer for GameCube Nintendo Classics for Nintendo Switch 2
Fans of Toby Fox’s Deltarune have been patiently waiting for the follow-up to Chapter 2, and this Nintendo Direct gave us the goods! Deltarune‘s first two chapters are coming to Nintendo Switch 2, along with two brand-new story chapters. All four chapters will be available at the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch, with Chapters 3 and 4 being available for other platforms on the same day.
Deltarune Chapters 3 and 4 release for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC on June 5th.
Watch the announcement trailer for Deltarune on Nintendo Switch 2
Looking for a new co-op survival game you can play with your friends? Konami has got you covered with Survival Kids! You and a bunch of friends find yourselves stranded on a set of uninhabited islands and, with the help of a giant turtle named Whurtles, work as a team, gather supplies, and hopefully find a way to get back home. Survival Kids (or Stranded Kids in Europe) is a reinterpretation of the 1999 Game Boy Color release.
Survival Kids launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th.
Watch the announcement trailer for Survival Kids
Devolver Digital and Dodge Roll officially announced a follow-up to the incredibly popular Enter the Gungeon with the aptly titled Enter the Gungeon 2! The biggest difference is that the series is entering the realm of 3D graphics as you explore the Gungeon and utilise a wide variety of gun-themed weapons.
Enter the Gungeon 2 is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 and PC. No release window was announced at this time.
Watch the announcement teaser for Enter the Gungeon 2
There was one final third-party game announced at the Direct, and it was a big one! FromSoftware are making an all-new game titled The Duskbloods; a multiplayer action game that focuses on PVP combat. At the end of the announcement, it came with the news that this game will be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.
The Duskbloods launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
Watch the announcement trailer for The Duskbloods
A sequel to a GameCube classic is coming to Nintendo Switch 2! Developed by Sora Ltd and directed by legendary game developer Masahiro Sakurai, Kirby Air Riders was officially announced with a pre-rendered trailer and the confirmation of a release window.
Kirby Air Riders releases exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.
Watch the announcement trailer for Kirby Air Riders
Finally, to close out the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, there was one last game to announce. One of Nintendo’s oldest and most iconic characters is getting an all-new adventure, and it will likely have something to do with bananas! Donkey Kong Bananza stars gaming’s most famous primate in a 3D platformer that lets you smash, dig, and thrash everything in your path with a key emphasis on destructable environments to make progress.
Donkey Kong Bananza launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17th.
Watch the announcement trailer for Donkey Kong Bananza
Just when we thought the guest characters for SNK’s new fighting game were already wild, it was only the beginning! Salvatore Ganacci, a famous DJ, is joining the roster in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves with a design that helps mesh him into the game’s universe.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves releases for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, and PC on April 24th.
Watch the announcement trailer for Salvatore Ganacci in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Hope none of you fell for a prank on April Fool’s Day last week, but it looks like one company had the last laugh as a joke they made is actually happening! On April 1st, Hoyoverse created a custom Bangboo character themed on the Xbox Series X for their action gacha game, Zenless Zone Zero. While many people took this as a joke, it turns out it was leading up to a future release for the title on Xbox, as we’re getting an Xbox Spotlight stream on April 11th all about Zenless Zone Zero.
Anime News:
After a hugely successful first season, the anime adaptation of Yukinobu Tatsu’s DAN DA DAN is getting a second season! The first three episodes of the new season will be premiering in theaters outside of Japan on June 6th titled DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE, with the full TV premiere taking place on July 3rd.
Watch the trailer for DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE
An anime/gaming aficionado, experienced content creator and lovable goofball. Name a game genre and Seamus has likely played it… yes, even that one. Follow him @TrueStorySeamus
