After eight years since the launch of the original Nintendo Switch, we finally have its long-awaited successor: the Nintendo Switch 2. The original console showed clear signs of aging in its final years, struggling to deliver decent performance in demanding titles. The most obvious case was the latest Pokémon game, where the performance was disappointing. Thankfully, the new console arrives to fix many of those issues and offer a more modern gaming experience.
One of the most notable improvements is the ability to play in 4K resolution when connected to a TV, and even reach 120 frames per second in select games. In handheld mode, the Switch 2 features an 8-inch screen with a new LCD technology that closely mimics the colors of an OLED display. Thanks to its upgraded power, the console can now run much more demanding titles, bringing it closer to the level of its competitors, though not in a one-to-one comparison. Games that previously suffered from technical or visual issues now run the way they were meant to. Pokémon Violet, for example, feels like a completely different game, and Zelda titles no longer suffer from frame drops. The environmental colors now appear vibrant and alive. In terms of build quality, the device feels more premium—less like a toy—and its larger size gives it a more visually appealing presence.
The Joy-Con controllers have also been redesigned. They now use a magnetic attachment system that provides a firmer grip and reduces wear on the locking mechanism. There’s even a new feature that allows them to function like a computer mouse, though it remains unclear how widely this feature will be used in the future. That said, not everything is perfect. The battery life remains a weak point, offering only 2 to 4 hours of regular gameplay. At launch, the system only came with one game designed to showcase its capabilities, and as of now, there’s no clear information on upcoming Nintendo exclusives. There’s also some confusion regarding how physical cartridges work, which might make the transition a bit unclear for some users.
In summary, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor many fans have been waiting for. Its improved performance, visual quality, and refined design make it a more capable and modern console. However, due to the lack of a strong game library and its focus on fixing past issues, it currently feels more like a Pro version of the original Switch than a true next-gen leap. It has potential, but at this stage, it’s still hard to fully recommend as a must-buy.
La #NintendoSwitch2 es una fabulosa consola que mejora muchos de los aspectos de la original, pero también nos deja con mucho que desear. Aparte de sentirse como un producto de calidad, el sistema solo mejora el rendimiento del catálogo preexistente sin señales de nuevos títulos. pic.twitter.com/KMEfOCjEX5
Twenty years ago, Microsoft and AMD embarked on a journey that would redefine console gaming. From the GPU breakthroughs in the Xbox 360 era to the semi-custom chips powering Xbox Series X|S, their partnership has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance and efficiency. Today, as they mark two decades of collaboration, both companies are laying out a roadmap for an even broader ecosystem—one that spans living-room consoles, portable handhelds, Windows PCs, and the cloud.
Lisa Su, AMD’s Chair and CEO, captured the spirit of their relationship: “Building on two decades of partnership, innovation, and trust, we will extend our console work to design a full roadmap of gaming-optimized chips combining the power of Ryzen and Radeon for consoles, handhelds, PCs, and cloud.”[1] That lineage began in the mid-2000s, when AMD (then including ATI) first supplied graphics silicon for Xbox platforms, and has blossomed across three console generations.
Powering the Next Generation
On June 19, 2025, Xbox President Sarah Bond unveiled a strategic, multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across an entire portfolio of devices:
Home consoles (the yet-to-be-named next-gen Xbox)
Handhelds (Xbox-branded portable systems)
Windows gaming PCs (ensuring Windows remains “the number one platform for gaming”)
Cloud infrastructure (Azure-hosted Xbox streaming services)
Accessories (controllers, headsets, and more) “Together with AMD, we are advancing the state of the art in gaming silicon,” Bond said, “delivering deeper visual quality and immersive gameplay—enhanced with the power of AI—while maintaining compatibility with your existing library of Xbox games.”
A Portfolio Approach to Xbox
Rather than viewing Xbox as a single box under the TV, Microsoft is embracing an ecosystem model. In a video presentation, Bond highlighted:
Console in the living room
Portable gaming via upcoming handhelds
PC gaming experiences optimized for Xbox technologies
Cloud-only experiences (“This is also an Xbox, by itself.”)
Backwards compatibility remains central: every new device will play your existing Xbox library, whether it’s a decade-old classic or this year’s blockbuster.
According to reporting by Tom’s Hardware, this renewed pact covers multiple future console generations and portable devices:
Semi-custom SoCs combining AMD’s latest Zen CPU cores and RDNA GPU architectures
Maintained x86-based CPU design to ensure seamless backward compatibility
Enhanced AI features baked into silicon for smarter NPCs, dynamic physics, and real-time upscaling
Expected launch cadence mirroring past cycles—if Xbox Next follows the Scarlett timeline, look for a holiday 2026 release[2]
Bond’s promise: higher performance “while maintaining compatibility with your existing library of Xbox games” alludes to a transition that gamers can make without leaving their collections behind.
The surprise of the announcement wasn’t just a new box under the TV, but Xbox-branded handhelds co-engineered with AMD. Although ASUS’s ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X have already previewed the concept, Microsoft’s direct involvement signals a full-throttle push into portable gaming, leveraging AMD’s low-power RDNA designs and custom Ryzen cores to rival—and surpass—the Steam Deck and its imitators.
With this agreement, Xbox and AMD have set the stage for:
Unified development (one SDK for console, PC, handheld, and cloud)
Seamless cross-device saves and achievements
AI-accelerated graphics features (DLSS-style upscaling, real-time lighting, smarter world simulation)
Expanded Game Pass integration on Windows and portable hardware
As we approach the 20th anniversary, expect more deep dives from both companies—technical previews of the new silicon, developer showcases at Xbox Developer_Direct events, and early hardware teardowns that reveal the next leap in gamer-centric silicon design.
The gaming world received an exciting boost with the Xbox May Update, unveiling new features that cater to nostalgia-driven gamers, PC enthusiasts, and cloud gaming advocates. This month’s update is a statement from Microsoft, reflecting its ongoing commitment to game preservation, seamless cross-platform integration, and the future of cloud-based gaming.
Reviving Retro Classics with Activision Titles
One of the standout additions in this update is the Retro Classics collection, bringing over 50 legendary titles from Activision’s golden era to Xbox Game Pass. These games—ranging from Pitfall! to MechWarrior 2—offer players a chance to relive iconic experiences that shaped gaming history. The decision to incorporate these classics into Game Pass underscores Microsoft’s dedication to backward compatibility and ensuring gaming history remains accessible.
The timing of this addition has led to speculation about Microsoft’s broader strategy. Some believe the FTC’s unsuccessful appeal against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard King has accelerated the integration of these titles. With regulatory hurdles removed, Microsoft now has more flexibility to tap into Activision’s gaming legacy and incorporate it into its ecosystem.
PC & Cloud Gaming Gets a Boost
Beyond classic titles, Microsoft has continued refining its support for PC gamers. The Xbox app on PC now integrates with GeForce Now, providing cloud-based flexibility for players who prefer streaming games instead of traditional installations. In addition, updates to the Game Bar include quick settings tweaks and the upcoming Microsoft Edge Game Assist, an innovative tool designed to optimize browser usage for gaming-related tasks.
Microsoft’s push for cross-platform connectivity seems to be gaining momentum. With PC and console gaming becoming more intertwined, updates like these allow players to seamlessly transition across different devices
Cloud gaming remains at the forefront of Xbox’s future strategy. The latest update enhances performance optimization for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, ensuring lower latency and smoother gameplay when streaming titles on supported devices. As Microsoft continues investing in cloud technology, these improvements indicate a growing shift toward game streaming as a mainstream option.
A Turning Point in Microsoft’s Strategy?
The inclusion of Activision classics—following the FTC’s failed appeal—suggests that Microsoft’s acquisition benefits are now unfolding at full speed. The combination of nostalgic titles, enhanced PC features, and cloud gaming innovation aligns with Microsoft’s long-term vision of offering players a unified gaming ecosystem.
Whether this update is just the beginning of a larger rollout remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition has the potential to reshape the gaming industry for years to come.
One more thing….!
Microsoft confirmed the line up of games that are coming soon to Xbox Game Pass and the list goes as follows:
Monster Train 2 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 21
Creatures of Ava (Xbox Series X|S) – May 22
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 (Xbox Series X|S) – May 22
Tales of Kenzera: Zau (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) EA Play – May 22
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 27
To a T (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 28
Metaphor ReFantazio (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 29
Spray Paint Simulator (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – May 29
Crypt Custodian (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 3
Symphonia (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 3
15 More Games Coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) on May 23
Game Pass Ultimate members can look forward to a big batch of games coming to the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) library on May 23. Check them out below:
Brütal Legend
Costume Quest 2
Day of the Tentacle Remastered
Full Throttle Remastered
Grim Fandango Remastered
Max The Curse of Brotherhood
Neon Abyss
Quantum Break
Rare Replay
ScreamRide
State of Decay Year-One
SteamWorld Dig 2
Sunset Overdrive
Super Lucky’s Tale
Zoo Tycoon Ultimate Animal Collection
DLC / Game Updates
Sea of Thieves: Season 16 – Starting May 22 Flameheart’s loyal followers are working to advance his ambitions! Set sail on new Reaper quests to uncover ancient secrets and unleash The Order of Bone and Blade, recruit Skeleton Mercenaries to aid you on your various Voyages, and cause chaos with portable (and unstable) Cannons of Rage.
Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker – Available now This free DLC sends Solstice Warriors Valere and Zale on a side-adventure into the miniature, clockwork world of Horloge, where a cursed carnival threatens its innocent denizens. To survive, they’ll need to play by unfamiliar rules and confront not only the mischievous Puppeteer and her minions, but also their own darker traits.
In-game Benefits
Call of Duty: Warzone – Game Pass Pack 2 – Available now
Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can now get a free in-game bundle for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone. This pack comes with 2x Operator Skins, 4x Weapon Blueprints, 1x Finishing Move, 1x Emote, 2x Weapon Charms, 1x Loading Screen, 1x Spray, 1 hour 2XP Token, and a 1 hour 2WXP Token.
Smite 2: Summer Fun Medusa Drop – Available now She’s got shades, snakes, and serious style. Claim this drop to get Medusa and her Summer Fun skin! This Benefit requires Smite 2 to use.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks
Throne and Liberty: Commander and Firefly Items – May 22
Join the Resistance in this Xbox exclusive colored Commander Outfit and get a Firefly Amitoi to tag along on your adventures. This Perk content requires Throne and Liberty to use.
Tom Clancy The Division 2: EMS Outfit – Starting May 29
Gear up and get ready to save the day with the Emergency Medical Services-inspired outfit! The outfit includes a shirt, pants, hat, shoes and glasses.
Leaving May 31
The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Be sure to pick back up where you left off before they go and remember to use your Game Pass membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.
Cassette Beasts (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Firework (PC)
Humanity (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Remnant 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Nintendo has rolled out firmware update 20.0.0 for the Nintendo Switch, and while it introduces some exciting new features, it has also sparked controversy among fans. This update is particularly significant as it lays the groundwork for Nintendo Switch 2 compatibility, but not all changes have been well received.
Key Features of Firmware Update 20.0.0
Nintendo’s latest update introduces several new functionalities aimed at improving the gaming experience and preparing for the transition to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2:
Virtual Game Cards: Digital purchases, including games and DLC, are now stored as virtual game cards, allowing users to load and eject them between two Switch systems.
GameShare: This feature enables Nintendo Switch 2 owners to share compatible games with other nearby systems via local wireless.
System Transfer to Switch 2: Players can now transfer their data from Nintendo Switch 1 to Switch 2 using local communication or a dedicated server.
User-Verification Settings: A new security feature lets users restrict access to the Virtual Game Card menu with a PIN or Nintendo Account sign-in.
Online License Settings: Players can now play downloaded software or DLC while connected to the internet, even if they don’t have the virtual game card loaded.
Updated UI Elements: The Nintendo eShop and News icons have received a color update.
Improved Save Data Transfers: Users can now transfer multiple save data files at once.
While some players are excited about the new features, others are frustrated by certain changes. Here’s what the community is saying:
The Good
Many fans appreciate the Virtual Game Card system, which makes managing digital purchases more convenient.
The GameShare feature is seen as a welcome addition, allowing players to share games locally without needing multiple copies.
The system transfer option is praised for making the transition to Nintendo Switch 2 smoother.
The Bad
Game-sharing restrictions: Previously, players could share digital games across multiple accounts and play simultaneously. However, update 20.0.0 removes this ability, forcing users to rely on the new Virtual Game Card system.
Donkey Kong’s profile icon change: Nintendo replaced the classic Donkey Kong icon with a new design from the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza game. Some fans are upset, fearing this will be DK’s permanent look moving forward.
Multiplayer limitations: Players who used the old method to play the same game on different systems/accounts are frustrated that they can no longer do so.
What This Means for Nintendo Switch 1 and 2
This update signals a shift in how Nintendo handles digital purchases and game-sharing. While Nintendo Switch 1 users may feel restricted by the new policies, Nintendo Switch 2 owners will benefit from GameShare and improved system transfer options. The Virtual Game Card system suggests Nintendo is moving toward a more controlled digital ecosystem, possibly to combat piracy and unauthorized game-sharing.
As the Nintendo Switch 2 launch approaches, it will be interesting to see how Nintendo addresses fan concerns and whether future updates will refine these features.
I has been a kind of a roller coaster week for the Nintendo segment of gaming fans since the announcement and presentation for the Nintendo Switch 2, and the almost immediate unrelated news about Trump Administration imposing new tariffs to Vietnam has prompted Nintendo on delaying preorders (not release date [yet]) to assess on how it will impact if Nintendo can have the price set or needs adjustments.
But I believe we are in another wave of ups and downs, depending on your perspective on some revealed expectations and that are new outside that Nintendo Switch 2 games will be distributed physically as Switch 1 games which generated of course, a interesting debate regarding people’s expectations on the technical capacities of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Now for the new things…
Nintendo Switch 2 will not have a favored anti-drifting detail
Nintendo Life confirmed that Nintendo acknowledged that the Joy-Con 2 devices of Nintendo Switch 2 will not have the Hall Effect design.
Hall Effect, named after US physicist Edwin Hall, is when you use magnets and electrical conductors to measure the position of the stick which makes them in theory and practice immune to drifting, one of the most hated “Achilles’ heel” of the original Nintendo Switch.
Let’s jump off the sensitivity stuff then and talk about the stick of the Switch 2 Joy-Con because it feels so different to the original Switch’s analog stick. So is it a Hall Effect stick? Were you inspired by the Hall Effect stick?
Well, the Joy-Con 2’s controllers have been designed from the ground up. They’re not Hall Effect sticks, but they feel really good. Did you experience both the Joy-Con and the Pro Controller?
Both!
So, I like both, but that Pro Controller, for some reason the first time I grabbed it, I was like, “this feels like a GameCube controller.” I was a GameCube guy. Something about it felt so familiar, but the stick on that especially. I tried to spend a lot of time making sure that it was quiet. I don’t know if you tried really whacking the stick around but it really is [quiet]. I’m thinking back to my Smash Brothers days, where you just whack it. [The Switch 2 Pro Controller] is one of the quietest controllers I’ve ever played.
Let’s hope that time treats this particular topic well.
If your only desire for the Nintendo Switch 2 is Achievements hunting, bad news!
Polygon brought the question if the Nintendo Switch 2 is going to support Achievements to proper make an appeal like Playstation does with its Trophies system or Xbox with their own Achievement Platform to Nintendo’s vice president of player and product experience, Bill Trinen.
Unfortunately, Trinen confirmed with a “nope”, that this will not be the case.
The confusion might arise because The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will both get Switch 2 editions, as well as a new app, Zelda Notes, which will be part of the Nintendo App.
And ironically, that app will have its own Achievements list, so in this perspective, I can assume that game developers can have their own Achievement within their game’s ecosystem.
Nintendo basically is already done with Nintendo eShop Music
Also via an inquiry by Polygon, Nintendo via Nintendo Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto, that eShop Music is not part and will not be part of Nintendo Switch 2 offerings.
Unlike back then, the eShop now has lots of videos that are showcasing the games. We didn’t want to intrude on that, so we don’t have music there.
Of course, it was acknowledge that Nintendo is focusing on improving the eShop experience ahead of the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Originally Nintendo Switch is not being phased out (as expected and for now)
This time and via The Washington Post, Nintendo of America president Bowser was asked about the original Nintendo Switch following the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and while it is disingenuous to think that Nintendo will maintain a legacy platform (history speaks for itself), it will be remain to be supported while the transition period is in course.
What I would say is that we’ll continue to observe consumers and how they engage and enter into the platform at various levels to try to really understand what the future may look like.
Here’s the other point. We have an install base [for the Switch] of 150 million plus units. We’ll probably announce more on May 8, when we have our next earnings call. We want to keep those players engaged. Not all of them may be ready to jump to Switch 2.
In average, Nintendo has historically maintained support for its previous consoles for a few years after launching a new system and the average goes between 2 to 3 years, by just looking at past transitions:
Nintendo 64 → GameCube (2001): Nintendo 64 saw a gradual decline in support, with its last first-party game released in 2002.
GameCube → Wii (2006): GameCube support continued for a few years, with some late releases like “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” in 2006.
Wii → Wii U (2012): The Wii remained relevant for a while, especially with its strong casual audience, but first-party support slowed down significantly after 2013.
Wii U → Switch (2017): The Wii U had a short lifespan, and support faded quickly after the Switch’s success.
Now, with the Nintendo Switch 2 launching on June 5, 2025, Nintendo has confirmed that Switch 1 will continue to receive support as long as there is demand. This suggests that:
2025-2026: Nintendo will likely continue releasing some new titles for Switch 1, similar to how it supported the 3DS after the Switch launched.
2027-2028: Support may gradually decline, with fewer first-party releases.
Beyond 2028: The Switch 1 could still receive third-party games, but official support will likely phase out.
Let’s hope that I am wrong and Nintendo Switch transition to Switch 2 means more years of support for a previous generation and this is good news for gamers at all!
As we edge closer to 2026 and 2027, the gaming world is abuzz with speculation about the next generation of Xbox consoles. Two prominent sources, Windows Central and The Verge, have painted intriguing yet distinct pictures of what lies ahead for Microsoft’s gaming division. Let’s dive into their visions, compare their insights, and explore the possibilities if both are right—or wrong.
Windows Central’s Vision: A Handheld Revolution and Premium Consoles
Windows Central suggests that Microsoft’s gaming future is multifaceted. They report that Microsoft is working on an Xbox-branded gaming handheld, codenamed “Keenan,” slated for release as early as 2025. This device is expected to run full Windows, integrating PC Game Pass and Steam, and serving as a research platform for Microsoft’s broader gaming ambitions.
Looking further ahead, Windows Central claims that the next-generation Xbox consoles are already in production, with a targeted release in 2027. These consoles are described as premium successors to the Xbox Series X, promising the largest technological leap in Xbox history. The report also hints at new controller designs and a continued focus on backward compatibility.
The Verge’s Perspective: A Cloud-Driven Future
The Verge, on the other hand, emphasizes Microsoft’s commitment to cloud gaming and hybrid technology. They speculate that the next Xbox could leverage the combined power of local hardware and cloud computing to deliver unprecedented gaming experiences. This aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of making gaming accessible across devices, from consoles to PCs and mobile platforms.
The Verge also highlights the potential for a more integrated ecosystem, where Xbox hardware seamlessly interacts with other Microsoft services like Azure and Windows. This could pave the way for innovative features, such as real-time game streaming with minimal latency and enhanced AI-driven game mechanics.
Comparing the Visions: Where They Align and Diverge
Both sources agree that Microsoft is aiming for a significant technological leap in its next-generation consoles. However, their focus areas differ. Windows Central leans towards hardware innovation, emphasizing the handheld device and premium consoles. The Verge, meanwhile, prioritizes the integration of cloud technology and ecosystem synergy.
If both are correct, we could see a future where Xbox offers a diverse range of gaming experiences, from high-performance consoles to versatile handhelds and cutting-edge cloud gaming. This would position Microsoft as a leader in both hardware and software innovation.
What If They’re Wrong?
If these predictions don’t materialize, Microsoft’s gaming strategy could face challenges. A lack of compelling hardware updates might alienate core gamers, while insufficient cloud infrastructure could hinder the adoption of next-gen features. In such a scenario, Microsoft would need to double down on its existing strengths, such as Game Pass and exclusive titles, to maintain its competitive edge.
The future of Xbox is undoubtedly exciting, with both Windows Central and The Verge offering compelling yet distinct visions. Whether it’s through groundbreaking hardware, innovative cloud technology, or a combination of both, Microsoft’s next steps will shape the gaming landscape for years to come. As gamers, all we can do is wait—and speculate
Valve, the renowned developer behind the Steam platform, has officially denied rumors suggesting it is planning to re-enter the gaming console market with a new line of Steam Machines. The speculation arose from a leak by well-known industry insider eXtas1s, who claimed that Valve was working on a new console to rival the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Original video:
According to eXtas1s, Valve is collaborating with AMD to utilize their upcoming RDNA 4 technology for this new console.
The rumor suggested that Valve’s new console would be a significant step up from the Steam Deck, aiming to offer a more powerful gaming experience. However, Valve has firmly denied these claims via a clarification that the changes on a Mesa patch change is about the Vulkan support within the Open Source RADV Radeon Driver for RDNA4 and nothing much else:
This initial support should be good enough but it’s missing two features (cooperative matrix and video decode/encode) compared to GFX11 (RDNA3) because lack of time.
DCC is still under active development but it might be possible to finish it during the RC period.
Valve’s previous attempt to enter the console market with Steam Machines in 2015 was met with limited success. The concept behind Steam Machines was to provide small PCs, either made by Valve or other manufacturers, running SteamOS (with the option to boot Windows). Despite the innovative idea, the Steam Machines did not achieve the expected success due to various factors, including limited game compatibility and high prices.
In recent years, Valve has focused on the success of the Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device that has gained popularity among gamers. The company has sold “multiple millions” of the device since its release, although exact sales figures have not been disclosed. The Steam Deck’s success has been attributed to its portability, performance, and the extensive library of games available on Steam.
We are less than a month away from the gaming industry telling us what is the future of gaming, but for the company Analogue, it is time for a future that will bring memories from the past of gaming and fans of PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 are the target.
