In a surprise announcement, CRKD (makers of the CRKD Les Paul guitar, NEO S controller and others. Includes members of RedOctane.) teased us with a flame Logo and a text that reads: “They said the flame burned out over a decade ago. They Said the era of 5-fret music games was over. They were wrong. That was not the end. It wasn’t even the beginning of the end… but it was, perhaps… the end of the beginning.” Then an image of the flame logo (also shown on the CRKD Les Paul) with a date for more info on August 6th at 9:00 am PT.
Usually when CRKD teases its after a long time of cooking. if i had to guess i think its either the reveal of a new game or the reveal of more instruments (maybe a drum set???). Either way, when CRKD cooks, we eat GOOD!
Very excited to see what CRKD will show, with only 2 days to go until we find out.
Do you have any guesses? feel free to tell us in the comments below!
After nearly a year in early access, where Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks was available for free, the game has officially launched with a price tag albeit at a discount. This shift in strategy raised my eyebrows. I can’t ignore the distinct feeling that the game initially aimed to capture the free to play crowd with the expectation of monetizing down the road, only to change course and put a price on it at launch. If you’re going to make that move, you have to deliver something exceptional something that justifies asking players to open their wallets after having gotten a free taste.
Booting up Speed Freeks, I found myself thinking: Is the final product compelling enough to warrant charging for it? From the get go, the answer seems to be a solid “maybe.” There’s no denying the fun factor the thrills and chaos that a Warhammer themed vehicular mayhem game promises are alive and well here. But with that enjoyment comes a creeping awareness of how quickly the excitement plateaus.
Well, well, well. If this wasn’t the biggest surprise of 2025 (Even though it has been teased for months). A new Gibson Les Paul-style gaming guitar? I’m pretty sure that was on absolutely none of our bingo cards. But here we are, and for the 5-fret rhythm game community, it’s a momentous occasion. This week, CRKD launched their new Gibson Les Paul gaming guitar, and if you’re a veteran of plastic instruments, that name might ring a bell. Why? Because the CRKD team includes some of the original minds from RedOctane, the legendary manufacturers behind the classic Guitar Hero controllers. They’re basically the OGs of strumming and shredding, so we came in with high hopes. Let’s see if they delivered.
The Good Stuff: All Killer, No Filler
First off, let’s talk about the build quality. This guitar isn’t just a toy; it’s a genuine, premium piece of hardware. It feels sturdy, weighty, and absolutely fantastic in your hands. You won’t find any flimsy plastic here.
The Neck: The mechanical fret neck that comes with the Pro model is, without a doubt, the best stock neck I have ever had the pleasure of playing. The feel and responsiveness are truly next-level. This is where the experience of the CRKD team really shines through.
Connectivity: Connection is a seamless dream. The multi-platform version I reviewed connected to everything I threw at it-PC, Switch, PlayStation, you name it. The only one that didn’t work out of the box was Xbox, but even that can be solved with a RetroCultMods mini host adapter for an XBOX 360 connection. It’s almost as if they thought of everything. (And, next month the officially licensed Xbox model releases which supports PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series)
Community First: The CRKD team has been incredibly supportive and reactive to player feedback. It genuinely feels like they care about what the community wants, and that’s a rare and beautiful thing to see in the gaming hardware world.
Endless Customization: This guitar is a Swiss Army knife of rhythm gaming. The included mode switch lets you toggle between normal Guitar Hero mode, Fortnite Festival mode, custom keybinds, and even a special KeyJam mode that emulates a keyboard for maximum compatibility. I’m pretty sure this thing could probably do my taxes if I configured it right.
The Strum Bar: The hall effect strum sensor is a game-changer. It’s super responsive, and since it’s a hall effect sensor, it should be highly resistant to the kind of wear and tear that plagued older guitars. Here’s hoping this thing can withstand years of intense thrashing.
Full Controller Experience: This isn’t just a one-trick pony. The guitar has all the buttons of a normal controller, including two hall effect analog sticks and all the face and shoulder buttons. This means you don’t have to put your guitar down to navigate menus. (Festival players know the pain…)
Connection Options: You’ve got options for days. The guitar supports Bluetooth, wired, and dongle modes, and it even has a clever little compartment to store the dongle. No more losing that tiny piece of tech in the couch cushions. (RIP World Tour dongle. You are dearly missed 🙁 )
The App: The guitar connects to the CRKD app, where you will revel the number of the guitar (For example, mine is 5,311 out of 24,963). after the reveal experience you can use the app to configure any aspect of the guitar from key binds, to stum bar sensitivity and feedback and even the tilt angle sensor for Star Power!
The Not-So-Good Stuff: Minor Gripes and a Little Heartbreak
Haptic Feedback & The Encore: This is where things get a bit complicated. After spending a week with the guitar im not a huge fan of the haptic feedback on the Pro model’s strum bar. But, just before launch, CRKD announced that the upcoming Encore version would have the same hall effect strum bar but with mechanical switch feedback instead. This was a direct result of a last-minute reliability issue with the original switches. If I had known this earlier, I maybe would have gotten the Encore (but there are a few more considerations listed below).
Colorway Conundrum: This is my biggest personal gripe, and I’m convinced it’s a genius move by CRKD to get me to buy two guitars. The colorways are tied to the specific model. The Pro model, with its fantastic mechanical frets, only comes in a “Blueberry Burst” colorway. Meanwhile, the Encore, with its arguably less-desirable membrane frets, comes in a much prettier Black/Gold combo. My dream guitar-the Encore with mechanical frets-would require me to buy both and swap the parts (or just the encore and order a mechanical neck seperately), which is a significant hit to my wallet. You got me, CRKD.
Paint Job Woes: While the overall build is great, the paint job on my Blueberry Burst Pro model was a little subpar, with some jagged edges. I’ve also seen other users complaining about paint rubbing off, so that’s something to keep an eye on.
Final Thoughts & Score
Despite a few minor issues, the CRKD Gibson Les Paul is a huge step forward for the 5-fret rhythm game community. The build quality, the customization features, and the responsive design are all testaments to the fact that the CRKD team truly knows what they’re doing. The fact that they’re so supportive and reactive to player feedback makes this an even more exciting prospect.
It’s also worth giving a massive shout-out to the PDP Riffmaster. While it had its own shortcomings, it definitely paved the way and proved there was a market for high-quality new guitars, allowing the CRKD Les Paul to shred onto the scene.
Score: 8.5/10
This score is for the Pro model specifically. If the haptic feedback is improved in future iterations, or if the Encore model’s mechanical feedback proves to be excellent, this score could easily climb to a solid 9.0.
The latest Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, broadcast on July 31st, 2025, delivered a stunning and extensive look at the future of gaming for both the current Nintendo Switch and its highly anticipated successor, the Switch 2. The 25-minute presentation, dedicated entirely to third-party partners, showcased a diverse range of titles spanning multiple genres, from beloved RPGs and iconic remasters to major AAA releases and compelling new IPs.
The showcase solidified the robust support Nintendo’s publishing partners are providing for their hybrid platforms, with numerous titles launching across both consoles and many more exclusive to the new Switch 2. Here is a comprehensive overview of the biggest announcements.
RPGs Take Center Stage
Role-playing game fans have an incredible year ahead, with several major announcements leading the pack. The highly anticipated Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection was revealed for a 2026 release, promising a new canonical entry in the series that blends turn-based strategy with a deep narrative. Capcom’s announcement has already ignited significant excitement within the community.
Additionally, for all the JRPG fans:
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles is set to arrive on September 30th, offering a definitive version of the classic tactical RPG with enhanced visuals and fully voiced dialogue.
OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0, a prequel to the acclaimed HD-2D series, launches on December 4th. This entry introduces a customizable protagonist and over 30 recruitable characters, inviting players to shape their own adventure.
Persona 3 Reload brings its stylish blend of high-school simulation and dungeon-crawling to the Switch 2 on October 23rd, giving players another reason to dive into this modern classic.
From the creators of Octopath Traveler, the new action RPG The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales was announced for 2026, with a demo available for download today.
Major Action and Adventure Blockbusters
The showcase featured several high-profile action and adventure titles that are set to make a big impact on the Switch 2. One of the surprises is Star Wars Outlaws, the first open-world Star Wars game, which will launch on September 4th. Players will get to explore iconic planets and make crucial decisions as the scoundrel Kay Vess.
Other key announcements include:
Cronos: The New Dawn, a survival horror game from Bloober Team, which will take players on a time-bending journey between a dystopian future and 1980s Poland on September 5th.
Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 are making their debut on the Switch 2 on November 13th, offering fans a chance to experience these enhanced remakes with upgraded graphics.
DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO arrives on November 14th with over 180 playable characters and high-speed battles.
Borderlands 4 is scheduled to unleash its signature loot-and-shoot action on October 3rd.
Beloved Classics Get Reimagined
Nostalgia was a strong theme, with several fan-favorite titles getting modern updates for a new generation.
Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted will bring the beloved tower defense game back on October 23rd with new levels and HD visuals.
PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC modernizes the 3D platforming adventure of the iconic yellow hero on September 26th.
Once Upon A Katamari is a revived take on the quirky franchise, arriving on October 24th with online multiplayer and customization options.
A Disappointing Trend in Physical Media
While the lineup of games is exciting, the excitement is tempered by a growing concern for physical media collectors. The showcase confirmed what many feared: a significant number of these third-party titles will be released as “Game Key Cards.” This controversial new format for the Switch 2’s physical releases means that instead of containing the full game data, the cartridges often only hold a download key.
For many gamers, the appeal of a physical release lies in owning the complete game on a tangible cartridge, ensuring its preservation for years to come. This new approach effectively turns a physical purchase into a download code, requiring a full internet download and leaving collectors with a cartridge that is essentially useless without an online connection. Titles like OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0, Persona 3 Reload, and Star Wars Outlaws are confirmed to be adopting this format, which is a disappointing trend for those who value game ownership and preservation. It’s a compromise that forces gamers to choose between a digital download and a physical box that still relies heavily on online servers.
Sports and Competitive Gaming
Sports enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to this year.
EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 debuts on the Switch 2 on August 14th, featuring new gameplay systems and dynamic weather.
EA SPORTS FC 26 is kicking off on September 26th for both Switch consoles, with new Manager Challenges and cross-generation compatibility.
Apex Legends will drop on the Switch 2 on August 5th with an exclusive skin for early players.
The Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase showcased an impressive and diverse slate of titles, ensuring a steady flow of high-quality games for Nintendo users into 2026. This extensive lineup demonstrates the ongoing commitment of third-party developers to the Nintendo platform and sets a thrilling precedent for what’s to come.
Stepping into the world of Blades of Fire, I quickly realized that I was about to experience something special. Developed by the acclaimed studio MercurySteam, this action-adventure game invites players into the role of Aran de Lira, a firstborn of the King’s Ward, caught in the midst of a kingdom where steel is turned to stone by the spell of the newly crowned Queen Nerea. With only the legendary divine metal left in play wielded solely by the Queen’s monstrous army my journey began not only as a player but as an adventurer eager to forge a legend.
Bonaparte – A Mechanized Revolution offers a fresh and intriguing take on the French Revolution, set in an alternate 1789 Paris where the Bonaparte legacy continues through characters Céline or César Bonaparte. This turn based strategy game tasks you with navigating a politically charged landscape, deciding whether to defend the monarchy, push for reform, or fully embrace the revolutionary spirit. What makes this game stand out immediately is its blend of political intrigue and tactical military combat, where you must manage armies, recruit soldiers, and command colossal mechanized units on the battlefield.
Future War Tactics: SOF vs Alien Invasion – Turn-Based Strategy is one of those indie releases that drew me in with its promise of tactical depth and a grim, near future plot. As a fan of turn-based strategy, I was excited to see how this title would carve its own niche. Here, I’ll take you through its world, gameplay mechanics, visual flair, and most honestly my personal experience with its strengths and frustrating flaws.
What’s up, skaters and gaming enthusiasts! We just got our hands on the freshly dropped Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 3 + 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2, and let me tell you, it’s been a ride. This Unreal Engine-powered remake bundles two absolute legends of the skateboarding genre into one slick package. Does it nail every trick? Not quite. But as an overall experience, it’s a solid, pick-up-and-play title that feels right at home on Nintendo’s latest handheld.
The Good Vibes: What THPS 3 + 4 Gets Right
First off, let’s talk about the flow. This game loads incredibly fast. Seriously, you’ll be dropping into your next session before you can even say “ollie.” For a portable console like the Switch 2, that’s a massive win, making those quick gaming bursts genuinely quick.
If you’re new to the world of grinds and manuals, don’t sweat it. The tutorial here is surprisingly in-depth without being a total drag. It teaches you the ropes, from basic movements to chaining combos, and it does it efficiently, so you’re not stuck watching endless pop-ups when all you want to do is shred.
And the stages? Oh, the stages! You’re getting a collection of iconic levels from both THPS 3 and THPS 4. From the bustling streets to the more outlandish locales, the nostalgia hits hard, and they’re still fantastic playgrounds for racking up those high scores. Plus, there’s a big selection of characters to choose from, whether you’re sticking with the legends or trying out some fresh faces.
Speaking of hitting hard, the music selection is absolutely killer! It’s a fantastic mix, blending those iconic tracks from the old games that’ll have you humming along, with some fresh new tunes that fit the vibe perfectly. It really keeps the energy high while you’re grinding rails and pulling off insane combos.
Finally, the short session times are a perfect match for the Switch 2. Whether you’ve got five minutes on the bus or an hour chilling on the couch, you can jump in, land some sick tricks, and feel like you’ve accomplished something without needing to commit to a marathon gaming session. It’s truly built for on-the-go play.
The Bails: Where It Stumbles
Now, let’s get real. While the game looks fine, the graphics aren’t exactly blowing us away. It feels more like a slightly polished Switch 1 port than a true next-gen visual upgrade. Don’t expect mind-bending textures or hyper-realistic character models. It gets the job done, but it won’t be winning any beauty contests.
The biggest kickflip to the face for many long-time fans, especially those who grew up with THPS4, is the altered campaign for Pro Skater 4. Instead of the semi-open-world, mission-based structure with character progression that made the original so unique, Iron Galaxy (and let’s be real, probably Activision calling the shots) decided to reformat THPS4’s campaign to be in the style of THPS3. This means timed sessions and a more linear challenge structure. As some players have pointed out, it feels like the “soul” of THPS4’s progression system is gone, replaced with “cookie-cutter arcade score points.” It’s a huge letdown for those who cherished the original’s unique approach, stripping away the free-roam and the satisfying stat point gains.
And speaking of annoying, there’s already paid DLC even before the game officially dropped. Mostly skins, but it’s still a bit of a bummer to see extra content locked behind a paywall right out of the gate.
Then there’s the physical release situation: no cartridge for Switch 2. If you’re a collector who loves having those game cards, you’re out of luck. The “physical” version is just a code in a box, which is a pretty disappointing move for a console that prides itself on its physical media.
Oh, and for those hoping for a robust online experience reminiscent of THUG2 or THAW, some players are reporting that multiplayer is completely botched and feels practically non-existent. So, if online sessions are your jam, you might want to temper your expectations.
The Verdict
Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 3 + 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2 is a mixed bag, but ultimately, it leans towards the positive. It’s a fantastic way to revisit two classic skateboarding games with modern controls and a snappy pace that’s perfect for portable play. The quick loads and accessible tutorial make it easy to jump in, and the iconic levels are as fun as ever.
However, the visual upgrade isn’t massive, and the changes to THPS4’s campaign are a genuine disappointment for many veterans who loved its original, more open-ended design. The pre-launch DLC and the lack of a physical cartridge are also minor annoyances.
If you’re a casual fan looking for some nostalgic shredding on the go, or a newcomer wanting to experience the magic of THPS for the first time, this package is a solid, enjoyable ride. Just be prepared for THPS4 to feel a little different than you remember, and don’t expect a groundbreaking visual overhaul. It’s a good time, but it’s not quite a perfect 1080.
Overall: A nice package, perfect for pickup and play on Nintendo Switch 2!
Every once in a while, a video game achieves legendary status not through technical brilliance or big-budget spectacle, but by embedding itself deep in the memories of those who grew up with it. For me, Little Fighter 2 is that game. a cornerstone of my childhood and a constant reminder of joy, camaraderie, and shared discovery. With the release of Little Fighter 2 Remastered in July 2025, the door has opened wide for a new generation to experience what shaped so many of us, while longtime fans like myself are granted the gift of rediscovering a beloved classic with a fresh coat of paint.
The gaming world is abuzz as developer Messhof, renowned for their critically acclaimed Nidhogg series, alongside publisher Annapurna Interactive, unleash their latest creation, Wheel World. This innovative open-world cycling racer, a significant departure from Messhof’s previous work, officially launched on July 23, 2025, across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, where it’s also available via Game Pass. Priced at $19.99, early adopters can take advantage of a limited-time 10% discount, making it an enticing proposition for both racing enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
