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Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
"It's not only chaos but an absolute clown show": Switch 2 price could still rise after launch in the US, analysts warn amid tariff uncertainty
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. At long last, the Switch 2 is almost here, and pre-orders have been flying off the shelves worldwide – despite the initial cries from many to "drop the price." But if you thought the new console was pricey now, some analysts have warned that there's "a real risk of further price increases in the United States." To see that tariffs were having an immediate impact on the Switch 2 situation, you need only cast your mind back a couple of months to Nintendo announcing that pre-orders were being delayed in the United States "in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions." Although some feared an immediate price increase could be on the cards, this didn't happen (even though certain accessories did get a price hike). A few weeks after this, GamesRadar+ reached out to a number of games industry analysts to get their take on the situation, and so we could ask if we should expect the console to get more expensive in the US down the line. And, yes, many do believe that the console might not remain at its current price tag forever. "If the tariff talks do not progress quickly and Nintendo runs out of the first batch of hardware, price increases are certainly possible," Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Japan games industry consultancy Kantan Games tells us. "It's not only chaos but an absolute clown show, so nobody knows what is going to happen even 24 hours from now." This is a point echoed by Circana executive director and games industry analyst Mat Piscatella, who tells us: "Absolutely, there's the potential for future price increases in the US for any video game product that is sourced from tariff-impacted countries. "As to how likely this is and the potential timing of further price increases, well, the crystal ball doesn't help much there," he continues. "The chaotic nature of the tariff rollout – and the rapid shifts in policy we've seen – do not provide a firm foundation for predicting scale and timing of potential price increases." On the other hand, David Cole, CEO of market research and consulting firm DFC Intelligence, is slightly more optimistic, noting that "when it comes to pricing, Nintendo is in a tough spot because they've announced the price." He adds: "If prices rise, many consumers may hold off waiting for them to come down. The threat of tariffs has been around for a while and we assume Nintendo modeled that in when doing the initial pricing. So we consider further price increases unlikely." However, games industry researcher Joost van Dreunen, who writes the SuperJoost Playlist and teaches at NYU Stern School of Business, isn't convinced that the price already being announced will protect the console from increases in the future. "There is a real risk of further price increases in the United States, despite Nintendo's public commitment to maintaining the initial price point," he tells us. "The economic pressures from abrupt policy changes present ongoing challenges that could necessitate adjustments. "While the recent 90-day tariff postponement provides temporary relief, it also creates additional market uncertainty," he continues. "If tariffs exceeding Nintendo's built-in buffer (which I estimate was designed for 10-20% increases) are eventually implemented, we could see price adjustments by late 2025." Van Dreunen notes that, while Nintendo "has historically emphasized economic accessibility, with inflation-adjusted console prices generally becoming more affordable over time," when it comes to the Switch 2, the console's "pricing trajectory represents a deviation from this pattern, reflecting both global inflationary pressures and the specific challenges of the current trade environment." He continues: "Rather than immediate price increases, we might first see changes in bundle configurations or reduced holiday discounting before formal price adjustments." Nintendo itself already noted when it announced the actual Switch 2 pre-order date in the US that "other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future depending on market conditions." More recently, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser pointed out that the tariffs make for a "very fluid situation, and it's difficult to determine what may be happening in the upcoming months or weeks." At the start of last month, Xbox consoles got a significant price increase globally, with Xbox Series X consoles now costing $600 in the US – $100 more than before. This shortly followed what was the PS5's second price hike in less than three years in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia (notably not the United States). Let's just hope that Nintendo isn't set to follow in its competitors' footsteps here. Keeping up with Nintendo Switch 2 news? While you're here, make sure to check out our list of upcoming Switch 2 games. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"We didn't start off by saying, 'let's aim to build a roguelike'": Elden Ring Nightreign director says FromSoftware wasn't really aiming for a roguelike feel, it just kind of happened
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Elden Ring Nightreign offers a unique roguelike twist on the Souls genre we all know and love, but it turns out that the devs at FromSoftware didn't set out with that exact term in mind when they began creating it. Asked about whether the term "roguelike" came up a lot internally when speaking in an interview with GamesRadar+, Elden Ring Nightreign director Junya Ishizaki tells us that while "a lot of our team members and developers are familiar with these games and how they work," he doesn't "feel like they are an axis for how we base these projects and how we branch out the gameplay ideas." Rather, this came after "a lot of feeling out the gameplay and the structure." Ishizaki explains: "We didn't start off by saying, 'let's aim to build a roguelike,' or something, a game that features a lot of random elements. It's not necessarily a jumping off point for the game design, is what I'm trying to say. It was more the result of a lot of feeling out the gameplay and the structure, and figuring out what the best solution to a certain problem was or what made sense in terms of where that particular gameplay element was headed at the time. "So these are, again, quite serendipitous elements, but they are more answers or solutions to problems than actual game design templates or axes, if you will." Regardless, the final result sees Nightreign as a refreshing take on FromSoftware's brutal action RPG formula. In fact, producer Yasuhiro Kitao recently acknowledged that it has "some peculiar aspects," and is thankful that so many fans have already "bravely jumped into this world." While you're here, be sure to check out our Elden Ring Nightreign review, as well as our roundup of other upcoming new games for 2025.
Tom's Guide
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
'The Last of Us' season 3: Everything we know so far
With 'The Last of Us' season 2 now finished (and leaving fans divided in its wake), attention has quickly turned to what's next. The second season picks up with Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal) living in Jackson. But that peace is short-lived, as Ellie sets out on a brutal path after a devastating loss. Along the way, we're introduced to new characters, including Abby Anderson (Kaitlyn Dever), whose connection to Joel changes everything. Season 2 adapts only the first portion of 'The Last of Us Part II,' ending on a major cliffhanger that leaves much of the game's narrative still to be explored. With HBO confirming the show's renewal and even teasing the possibility of a fourth season, the adaptation is clearly far from over. Below, we break down everything we know so far about 'The Last of Us' season 3, including casting, possible story direction, release speculation, and how it all ties into the source material. Since 'The Last of Us' season 1 debuted in 2023 and season 2 followed in 2025, it's reasonable to assume season 3 might arrive after another two-year gap. In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, co-creator and lead writer Craig Mazin confirmed that writing for season 3 hasn't started yet. With season 2 now wrapped, the writers' room is expected to kick into gear soon, but as of now, nothing is set in stone. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. If the production follows a similar schedule to previous seasons, a 2027 premiere seems like a realistic estimate. Season 3 is expected to dive into Abby's storyline in Seattle, unfolding her perspective during the time Ellie and Dina were tracking her. That means we'll likely see members of Abby's original crew again, which includes Owen (Spencer Lord), Mel (Ariela Barer), Manny (Danny Ramirez) and Nora (Tati Gabrielle). Two key figures in Abby's storyline from the second game are Lev and Yara, siblings from the Seraphite faction who play a major role in her arc. While their inclusion in season 3 hasn't been officially confirmed, it would be surprising if they were left out given how integral they are to Abby's development and the emotional weight of her journey. Bella Ramsey (Ellie) and Isabela Merced (Dina) are almost certain to return, along with Jeffrey Wright as Isaac, whose presence in the show has been expanded, making him a more prominent (and intimidating) figure than in the game. Tommy (Gabriel Luna) is also guaranteed to return. As for characters like Joel and Jesse (Young Mazino), who didn't survive season 2, there's a chance they could show up in flashbacks, but don't get your hopes up. Here's a speculative list, which we'll continue to update over the coming months: Catherine O'Hara, who portrayed Gail in season 2, recently told Variety that season 3 will be the 'Abby story.' This aligns perfectly with what fans have long anticipated, as the game itself is divided into two distinct parts, each following Ellie and Abby on their respective journeys before their fateful reunion. With season 2 concluding on their intense confrontation, season 3 is set to explore Abby's journey leading up to the moment she finds Ellie in the theater. The season 2 finale rewound to 'Seattle Day One,' so season 3 will likely follow Abby as she navigates the aftermath of killing Joel and her role within the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). Season 3, like the game, will dig deeper into Abby's side of the story, showing what drives her, what she's lost and the battles she's fighting, inside and out. As we get to know her and see the people she cares about, it gets harder to see her as just the villain. You might find yourself unexpectedly rooting for her, or at the very least, understanding her in a way you didn't before. Viewers can also expect to see the complexities of the WLF's conflict with the Seraphites (also nicknamed "Scars") and gain insights into the origins of the cult-like group and the motivations of key figures like Isaac. If the show closely follows the structure of the game, Ellie's screen time in season 3 may be limited. However, given Ramsey's central role in the show so far, it's possible the showrunners could include additional scenes or flashbacks to keep her involved in some capacity, even if she's not the main focus. With the pacing of the show and how season 2 only covered half of the second game, it's likely that the game's intense third act (including Ellie and Abby's emotional journeys after the theater showdown) will be reserved for season 4. This would allow season 3 to fully explore Abby's side of the story without rushing key developments, and give the final chapter the space it needs to land with the same emotional weight as it did in the game. A fourth season of 'The Last of Us' is not only likely but has been deemed essential by the show's creators. Co-showrunner Craig Mazin told Collider that completing the narrative of the second game would be impossible within just three seasons: 'There's no way to complete this narrative in a third season. Hopefully, we'll earn our keep enough to come back and finish it in a fourth.' He also said: "We thought ahead to season 3 and season 4, to try to get as much visibility as we can, so that we don't end up in a situation where we're sitting down and getting into details for a season and then going, 'Oh, man, if only we hadn't had that person say that one line or be in that spot or wear that jacket, this would be so much cooler.'" While HBO has officially confirmed season 3, a formal announcement for season 4 has yet to be made. However, the show's creators have expressed their intention to extend the series to a fourth season to ensure a comprehensive adaptation of the game's storyline. Therefore, while awaiting official confirmation, it's clear that the creative team envisions a four-season arc to faithfully bring the game's narrative to the screen.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Final Destination Bloodlines Gives Tony Todd a Proper Goodbye
Final Destination Bloodlines ended up being the last role for Tony Todd, who died of cancer in November at 69. Because Todd knew he was ill going into filming, directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein wanted to give him and his character, William Bludworth, a proper goodbye. Despite his illness, Todd urged the directors to 'not write him out of the movie,' saying he wanted to participate. Stein and Lipovsky shared what it meant to work with Todd in an interview with GamesRadar+. 'When he got there on set, he was so incredibly joyful and excited to be there, and excited to meet the new cast and basically give Bludworth not only a proper ending, but a proper beginning,' Stein said. 'And a proper explanation for who his character is as a person.' William Bludworth first appeared in Final Destination as the coroner who explains the rules of death to the teenagers who face it. Bludworth would also make appearances in Final Destination 2 and Final Destination 5. In Bloodlines, Stein made sure to work with Todd to develop Bludworth's farewell. 'We really worked closely with him to not only give a goodbye in the movie for his character to the other characters, but to craft what we thought might be a goodbye to the audience, because these Final Destination movies take several years to make,' says Stein. 'We knew this would probably be his last Final Destination movie. We didn't realize it would be his last movie. We wanted him to be able to say goodbye. We asked him in that final moment to put it in his own words. You know, put the script away. What do you wanna say to your fans? What has all this been about? You know, what is life about?' Stein called Todd's appearance 'inspirational,' citing that the late actor spoke 'directly from the heart to the audience.' Final Destination Bloodlines arrives in theaters on May 16, 2025. (Source: GamesRadar+) The post Final Destination Bloodlines Gives Tony Todd a Proper Goodbye appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Mandalorian & Grogu footage teases Rotta the Hutt, Baby Yoda using the Force, and classic Star Wars action, while a new photo shows a maskless Pedro Pascal
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. At this year's Star Wars Celebration, The Mandalorian & Grogu screened new footage behind closed doors for those in attendance. GamesRadar+ is on the ground for the convention in Japan, and Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, and even Grogu were also in attendance to show off the film, which was announced back in January 2024. The footage opens with Mando blasting his way through some troopers on a ship. It's classic, season 1 style action. Then, we see Weaver's character telling Mando that "right now, you work for us." Grogu uses the Force to try and steal some food, which doesn't escape Weaver's notice. We also see Grogu using the Force to destroy a droid, while he also goes swimming at one point. Then, right at the end, we saw a brief tease of what appears to be Jeremy Allen White's Rotta the Hut, though he's all grown up now. The Hutt was cheering in a fighting ring, with Mando and Grogu seated in the audience (and Grogu was eating some snacks). Plus, it appears Mando will be going without his helmet at least once in the movie, as a new look at the film shows Pascal without his mask. Check out some pictures below. The movie is set to release in theaters on May 22, 2026. The Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau is directing, with Lucasfilm's chief creative officer Dave Filoni and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy producing. Beyond The Mandalorian & Grogu, other Star Wars movies in the works include Shawn Levy's Star Wars movie starring Ryan Gosling, which will arrive in 2027 (as confirmed at Celebration). Next up for Star Wars is Andor season 2, which arrives in a triple episode premiere on Disney Plus this April 22 in the US and April 23 in the UK. For more, check out our guide to all the upcoming Star Wars movies and shows – and see our roundup of what to expect from Star Wars Celebration 2025 through the link.
