PlayStation
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Stardew Valley will finally launch on PS Vita on May 22 (my wedding anniversary!) and will be cross-buy with the PS4 version, meaning owning it on PS4 grants you access for Vita (and the other way around).
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Sony announced its plans for E3, and it doesn’t seem like we’ll be getting a traditional press conference from the platform holder. Instead, PlayStation is choosing to highlight four upcoming titles via livestreams on Junw 11th: Death Stranding, Ghost of Tsushima, Spider-Man, and The Last of Us: Part II. Shawn Layden took to the PlayStation Blogcast to state that there will be third-party announcements, but they won’t take place on a Sony stage. With most of Sony’s first party toiling away, there simply isn’t anything new to reveal. This is the perfect time for Xbox to strike while the iron is hot with their big separate event they’re holding alongside E3.
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Sony is ending all physical game card production for PS Vita. Games will still be available digitally via the PlayStation Store.
Nintendo
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We reported a while back that the physical release of Bethesda’s upcoming Wolfenstein II would require a hefty 13GB of storage space on your microSD. Well it appears that number is significantly higher, now requiring a lofty 23GB of additional storage!
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Nintendo is also releasing a special gold edition Famicom mini in Japan to mark the 50th anniversary of manga magazine Weekly Jump. It will be priced at 7,980 yen ($73) and will be release on July 7. Don’t expect an international release.
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If you missed to on a NES mini like I did, then I’ve got good news—Nintendo will be restocking the shelves this June. Nintendo said “Both NES and SNES classics should be readily available through the end of the year”.
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Fantasy Life Online has been delayed from Spring to Summer. Give us a proper Fantasy Life 2 on Switch already!
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Wolfenstein II’s digital version on Switch will require at least 23GB of free storage upon release
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Nintendo has updated their website with the ability to create a family account prior to the online service launching in September
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Minecraft’s Bedrock update is coming to Switch on June 21, bringing it current with all other versions other than 3DS. The new update will add the Minecraft Marketplace, Xbox Live Achievenemts, and cross-platform play with Xbox One, iOS, Android, and PC.
Xbox
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Microsoft has leapfrogged both Sony and Nintendo by allowing game gifting on both the Xbox digital store and the browser-based store on PC.
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The Bedrock Engine update is finally releasing foe Minecraft on Switch, bringing with it cross-play support for Xbox One, ios, Android, and PC as well as Xbox Live achievements.
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Microsoft has designed a new controller for those with limited mobility, which through a base unit and add-ons will make playing Xbox One games a lot easier for those who might struggle with the current controller. The Xbox Adaptive Controller features a large white base unit, which has a few buttons and large pads on it, but the real meat comes from the back of the controller, which has room for a ton of extra joystick and button inputs that can be fully customised via both their plugs and an app. The controller is slated to go on sale later this year for a reasonable $100.
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Microsoft showed off Halo: Fireteam Raven, a lightgun shooter for arcades that’s set during the events of the first game in the series. You’ll be able to play it this Summer at Dave and Busters.
Industry News
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Cliff Bleszinski steps away from games, saying he’s taking time to focus on family and his sick pet. He also revealed that his studio, Boss Key Productions, is “no more”.
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SUPERHOT is getting a spiritual successor of sorts with the newly announced SUPERHOT JP. titled SUPERHOT JP, which promises to be a Japanese-themed iteration of the puzzle-shooter developed by the Tokyo-based GameTomo as opposed to the original SUPERHOT Team. The second entry in the series will take you to places like samurai castles, karaoke bars, and even a bullet train. The new game will also include a bunch of new weapons (including a bow and arrow), as well as more endless levels to enjoy. Unfortunately, it won’t be playable in virtual reality – but we’re down for more SUPERHOT all the same.
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Gamestop CEO Michael Mauler resigns after only three months in position.
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After rumors, a SKU leak from Walmart, and then a trailer leak earlier today, Bethesda dropped a live-action trailer officially announcing RAGE II. You can check out the trailer below.
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In a move that will probably surprise no one, Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki announced this week that Shenmue III has been delayed into 2019. While this is no doubt a disappointment after several delays, the last thing gamers want is a repeat of the Kickstarter disaster that is Mighty No. 9.
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No Man’s Sky next massive update, titled NEXT, will launch on July 24 for PS4, PC, and now Xbox One. This update focuses on the addition of true multiplayer. allowing players to group up with friends to survive, build, race and simply relax in the massive space world that is No Man’s Sky.
Word on the Street
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Retro Studios is supposedly working on a new Star Fox racing game
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According to industry leaker Emily Rogers, The Pokemon Company is gearing up to reveal information about the new Pokemon game for Switch at the end of the month. Here are some of the supposed details:
– Yellow remakes for Switch
– Pikachu and Eevee versions
– Red and Blue play a role in the story
– You and your rival are new trainers
– Following Pokemon return
– HMs still replaced with Pokeride from Alola
– Online has a hub for players
– GO integration
– Catching Pokemon works like in GO
– Rewards in game and in GO for linking the two together
– New accessory can be used with both GO and the games
– Announcement soon, releasing this year
