Patch Notes #20 - weekly gaming digest

Welcome to the 20th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.

This edition will cover the week from 21 April to April 27.

What caught my attention this week

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 sales top one million.

Playing it, and what a game so far.

I will write a piece about its marketing :).

Biggest news of the week

Clair Obscur Expedition 33 reviews!. Genki Twitter

Metacritic - 92

OpenCritic - 92

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Official launch trailer.IGN

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG from Sandfall Interactive, is now available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game follows a cast of characters—led by Gustave (voiced by Charlie Cox) and joined by others like Maelle, Monoco, and Renoir—as they confront a deadly curse. Each year, the mysterious Paintress marks a number on a monolith, causing everyone of that age to disappear, and this year, the fatal number is 33. The group embarks on a final mission to destroy the Paintress and end her terrifying cycle once and for all.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered announcement live stream set for April 22. Gematsu

Bethesda Softworks has confirmed a live stream event on April 22 to officially announce The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, following recent leaks. The stream will go live at 8:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. ET and will be available on YouTube and Twitch. Fans of the classic RPG can expect full details and reveals during the broadcast.

Sega's OutRun getting movie adaptation from Michael Bay and Sydney Sweeney. EuroGamer

Sega's iconic arcade racing game OutRun is being adapted into a movie by Universal, with Michael Bay set to direct and actress Sydney Sweeney producing. Scriptwriting duties fall to Jayson Rothwell, though plot details remain vague. Given the game's racing theme, the film is expected to center around high-speed driving—likely featuring a Ferrari. The adaptation joins a wave of video game-to-film projects, including Five Nights at Freddy's 2, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Helldivers 2, as Hollywood continues tapping into gaming IPs for cinematic storytelling.

A classic GBA Fire Emblem has been added to Switch Online’s retro library. VG Chronicles

Nintendo has added Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones to the Game Boy Advance library for Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. Originally released in 2004, this standalone entry in the Fire Emblem series features a classic tactical RPG experience with permadeath mechanics. It marks the second GBA Fire Emblem title available on Switch Online in the West, due to many earlier series entries remaining Japan-exclusive. Nintendo also confirmed plans to bring Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance from the GameCube to the upcoming Switch 2’s retro library.

Devolver Digital reveals which IP's and platform have made the most money as it shares its future strategy. VG Chronicles

Devolver Digital has revealed its top-earning IPs and outlined a strategy focused on maximizing known franchises. Cult of the Lamb leads with over $90 million in revenue, followed by titles like Astroneer and Stronghold. With data showing gamers prefer familiar IPs, Devolver plans to double down on successful series through sequels, paid DLC, and definitive editions. It will also reduce spending on third-party games while optimizing first-party development. Additionally, Devolver is developing for Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2, the successor to its most successful platform to date. Upcoming titles include Enter the Gungeon 2, Monster Train 2, and Forestrike.

Kingdom Come 2 director hopeful "AI Revolution" can help him make games faster. GameSpot

Daniel Vavra, game director at Warhorse Studios, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of AI to accelerate game development, allowing him to pursue more creative ideas before retiring. While not revealing specific upcoming projects, he believes AI can aid—rather than replace—developers by streamlining workflows. Vavra also discussed broader industry trends, including the risks of big-budget AAA games, the potential benefits of smaller investments, and the recent wave of layoffs potentially sparking creative rejuvenation. Despite industry turbulence, Warhorse continues to operate independently under Embracer, with creative freedom and ongoing success from Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.

Fortnite is getting its first full Star Wars season next month, featuring Darth Jar Jar. VG Chronicles

Fortnite is launching its first full Star Wars-themed season, Galactic Battle, on May 2 as part of Chapter 3 Season 6. The five-part event will roll out through June 7, featuring themed segments like Imperial Takeover and Death Star Sabotage, culminating in a major in-game narrative event. The season introduces Darth Jar Jar, a Force Lightning ability, a Star Wars Battle Pass with characters like Emperor Palpatine and themed mashups, plus the ability to pilot X-Wings and TIE Fighters. This marks Fortnite’s most expensive Star Wars collaboration yet.

Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 uses DLSS, making it the first Switch 2 game confirmed to use it .VG Chronicles

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition has become the first officially confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 game to use Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology. DLSS allows games to run at lower native resolutions while being upscaled using AI to deliver higher-quality visuals without a heavy performance hit. CD Projekt Red confirmed to Digital Foundry that the game utilizes DLSS across all four modes—handheld, docked, performance, and quality—enabled by the Switch 2’s Nvidia Tensor cores. While it doesn’t match PS5-level visuals, the fact it runs Phantom Liberty at all on a handheld is a notable technical feat.

Nintendo comments on hopes for new 3D Mario on Switch 2: 'Stay tuned'. IGN

Nintendo is hinting at a new 3D Mario game for the Switch 2, though no official announcement has been made yet. In a recent interview, Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, teased fans by saying, "Stay tuned," when asked about the possibility of a new Mario entry. While Bowser didn't confirm a follow-up to Super Mario Odyssey, his comments suggest something may be in the works, especially since a 3D Mario game was notably absent from the Switch 2's launch lineup. The last major Mario game was Super Mario Odyssey in 2017, and while other titles like Donkey Kong Bananza have been revealed, many fans are still eagerly awaiting news of a new Mario adventure.

Diablo 4 x Berserk crossover event: Release date and what to expect.Esports.gg

The Diablo 4 x Berserk crossover event starts on May 6, 2025, coinciding with Season 8. It features free-to-earn Berserk-themed cosmetics, including the "Hawks Destiny Back Trophy" and "Skull Knight’s Heraldry Mount Armor," which can be unlocked by collecting Behelits dropped from elite enemies. Premium items such as four Berserk-inspired armor sets for Barbarian, Rogue, and Necromancer, a pet bundle, and a horse bundle will be available for purchase. Additionally, Twitch drops will allow players to earn the Skull Behelit Mount Trophy. The event runs until the end of Season 8, offering exclusive items for players to enjoy.

Switch 2 GameCube controller compatible with other games, but there may be some "issues". Nintendo Life

Nintendo has confirmed that the new wireless GameCube controller is only compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 and will not work on the original Switch. While the controller is primarily designed for GameCube classics available through the Switch Online + Expansion Pack, it can be used with other games on Switch 2. However, players may experience some issues due to missing buttons and features. Nintendo did not confirm whether the controller's triggers are analogue. Wired GameCube controllers can still be used on the original Switch via the GameCube Controller Adapter, which is also compatible with Switch 2.

Onimusha Warlords free update coming on April 23rd!. Genki Twitter

Onimusha: Warlords is getting a free update on April 23, adding a new "Hell Mode," additional text language options, and minor functional improvements.

Oblivion Remastered sails past 120,000 concurrent players on Steam just a few hours after launch. PCGamer

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has achieved remarkable success just hours after launch, surpassing 120,000 concurrent players on Steam alone. This number exceeds Skyrim Special Edition's all-time peak of 69,906 players from 2016. Despite being a 19-year-old game with a $50 price tag. The remaster has resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers who may be experiencing the game for the first time. Bethesda began the project in 2021, working with Virtuos to comprehensively update the game's art, animations, effects, and gameplay systems while preserving its core experience. The remaster is also available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows Store, and Game Pass, suggesting the total player count is significantly higher than the Steam numbers alone indicate.

Oblivion Remastered makes the original's most infamous dialogue blooper even better. GameSpot

Oblivion Remastered revives one of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion's most infamous and beloved bloopers—an accidental double take by NPC Tandilwe—by preserving it exactly as it appeared in the original game. In the scene, the character awkwardly delivers a full line of dialogue, then immediately says, “Let me do that one again,” and repeats it with slight variation. Though it's clearly a voice actor’s retake that was never edited out, the blooper became a fan favorite and now shines even more thanks to the remaster’s improved lip-syncing, which fully animates both takes. Alongside new Unreal Engine 5 visuals, UI updates, and remixed voiceovers, this moment captures the quirky charm that defined the original, reinforcing Bethesda’s effort to preserve Oblivion’s spirit while modernising it.

Classic console themes return to PS5 starting tomorrow.IGN

Sony is reintroducing its 30th anniversary classic console themes to the PlayStation 5 starting April 24, following their removal earlier this year. These themes—based on the PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4—allow players to customize their PS5 home screen with nostalgic visuals and audio, and can be found under the Appearance settings after the latest system update rolls out. Originally launched in late 2024, the themes were fan favorites and are returning unchanged due to strong community demand. Alongside the theme, the update also adds a new Audio Focus accessibility feature that lets users fine-tune specific sound elements while gaming with headphones.

Sonic x Shadow Generations for Switch 2 launches June 5. Gematsu

SEGA has announced that Sonic x Shadow Generations will launch as a day-one title for Switch 2 on June 5, priced at $49.99. Originally released in October 2024 on multiple platforms, the game has sold over two million copies and will arrive on Switch 2 with enhanced graphics compared to the original Switch version. The title includes a new Shadow campaign showcasing his unique abilities and a remastered version of Sonic Generations, combining iconic 2D and 3D stages with updated visuals and bonus content.

Ghost of Yotei release date announced.VG Chronicles

Ghost of Yōtei, the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima from Sucker Punch, will launch exclusively on PS5 on October 2, 2025. Set in 1603 in the Mount Yōtei region of Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido), the game features a new protagonist, Atsu, and promises a fresh story and setting. Pre-orders include a unique in-game mask and PSN avatars, while a Collector’s Edition offers extensive extras like a replica Ghost mask, Atsu’s sash, katana tsuba, coins for an in-game minigame, and themed art cards. The announcement came alongside a new trailer and detailed a range of digital and physical bonuses for fans.

Nintendo says 2.2 million people applied to pre-order a Switch on the My Nintendo Store in Japan alone and warns a ‘significant’ number of customers will miss out.IGN

Nintendo has revealed that 2.2 million people in Japan alone applied to pre-order the Switch 2 from the My Nintendo Store, far exceeding expectations. As a result, a "significant" number of customers will miss out on the first round of pre-orders, with winners to be announced on April 24. Those who don't secure a pre-order will be carried over to a second lottery sale, but there are no guarantees. Nintendo is working to improve production and distribution, with additional pre-orders being accepted from April 24 through retailers and online stores. The company also plans to continue production and shipment to meet demand. Similar pre-order systems will be implemented in the U.S. starting May 8.

The first cards from Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals have been revealed.Esports.gg

The first 36 cards from Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals, the upcoming Scarlet & Violet series set, have been officially revealed. Launching May 30, 2025, the English set combines cards from Japan’s Heat Wave Arena and The Glory of Team Rocket. Highlights include Misty's Psyduck, Ho-Oh EX, Kangaskhan, and Team Rocket-themed cards featuring Moltres EX, Zapdos, Meowth, and Giovanni. Trainers like Misty, Ethan, Steven, Cynthia, Arven, and Marnie are also represented with Owner’s Pokémon. A restock of Pokémon Center ETBs is confirmed for launch day, and more products will be available at major retailers.

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army opening movie. Gematsu

ATLUS has released the opening movie for RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, ahead of its June 19 launch. The remaster will be available on PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam.

FromSoftware Games Event Spring 2025 is happening on May 6th and 10th in Tokyo and Osaka! Genki Twitter

FromSoftware will host a free fan event, FromSoftware Games Event Spring 2025, on May 6 in Tokyo and May 10 in Osaka. The event will feature playable demos for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Elden Ring, stage shows, merchandise, and art exhibits celebrating various FromSoft titles.

Digital Foundry | Forza Horizon 5 on PS5/PS5 Pro.

Digital Foundry reports that Forza Horizon 5 has received a high-quality port on PS5, with the PS5 Pro offering a "noticeable step up" in visual fidelity over both Xbox Series X and the base PS5. On PS5 Pro, Performance Mode delivers 60FPS with settings matching Series X/PS5 Quality Mode, including native 4K, better textures, foliage, parallax occlusion, and LOD. Its Quality Mode also features ray-traced car reflections during gameplay. Meanwhile, the base PS5 and Series X versions remain "virtually identical" across both modes.

EA Sports announces Madden NFL 26, College Football 26 release dates and preorders. GameSpot

EA Sports has announced release dates and preorder details for Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26, both exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S at launch. Madden NFL 26 drops on August 14 and will also be available on PC, while College Football 26 launches earlier on July 10 but won't be released on PC. Preorders are now live, including a $150 MVP Bundle that includes both games and exclusive items. Deluxe editions, priced at $100 each, offer early access, in-game points, and special Ultimate Team bonuses. Players who preorder the MVP Bundle by April 29 will also receive a limited-time 99 OVR Travis Hunter card in both titles, along with exclusive MUT and CUT elite items.

Pokémon TCG Pocket busts out another major expansion, Celestial Guardians, themed around Pokémon Sun and Moon. IGN

Pokémon TCG Pocket is set to launch its sixth expansion, Celestial Guardians, on April 30, themed around Pokémon Sun and Moon. This major update features Solgaleo- and Lunala-themed booster packs, a strong focus on Alolan Pokémon—including starters like Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio—and regional variants such as Alolan Raichu and Marowak. It also introduces new trainer cards, a fresh binder cover, and a display board. A unique twist includes day and night versions of the starter trio with distinct abilities, potentially diversifying deck strategies. Celestial Guardians follows major expansions like Genetic Apex and Space-Time Smackdown, continuing the game’s rapid monthly expansion pace. Despite past criticism over its costly trading system, TCG Pocket has seen massive success, generating around $500 million in under three months.

EA Sports FC adding first paid battle pass .EuroGamer

EA Sports FC 25 is introducing its first paid battle pass, launching alongside Season 7 and the Team of the Season (TOTS) event. Priced at 500,000 in-game UT Coins or 1,000 FC Points (about £9), the 40-tier Premium Pass offers rewards like tradeable packs, TOTS items, boosters, and retro cosmetics. Its highlight is a 96-rated Immortal Icon Franck Ribery card. EA is collecting player feedback through Discord and its website but reactions are mixed—some players appreciate the value, while others criticize locking exclusive cards behind a paywall in an already monetized mode. The feature is available starting April 24.

NIS America shares the Steam launch trailer for Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero. RPG Site

NIS America has launched Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero on Steam, following its earlier release on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. The game supports resolutions up to 4K, mouse and keyboard controls, and ultrawide aspect ratios. To celebrate, NIS America is offering launch bundles and various DLC on Steam, available until May 7. Buyers of the Steam version will receive the Putty Outfit: Minty as a bonus, with Deluxe Edition purchasers also receiving the official soundtrack. After May 7, these bonuses will be available with the Ultimate Edition.

PS4 and PS5 are tied for best console launch ever each selling 4.5 million units in their first 2 months. Genki Twitter

The PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 currently share the record for the best console launch ever, with each selling 4.5 million units within their first two months. However, analysts predict that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 could surpass this milestone, potentially reaching 6 to 8 million units sold at launch, driven by strong consumer demand and anticipation.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remastered has clocked up over 4 million players in under 5 days. EuroGamer

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion remastered has surpassed 4 million players in less than five days since its stealth launch, according to Bethesda, who thanked fans for venturing into Cyrodiil. Developed by Virtuos' Paris studio in collaboration with Bethesda, the ground-up remake runs in Unreal Engine 5 at 4K 60fps. Although there is no official mod support, over 100 mods are already available. Players looking for an advantage can also use a duplication glitch across Xbox, PS5, and PC, with guides available.

Doom: The Dark Ages | Cosmic Realm Reveal Trailer.

The Doom: The Dark Ages | Cosmic Realm Reveal Trailer introduces a new area combining Hell and the Lovecraftian Cosmic Realm. This update features a new weapon and powerful, unique enemies for players to face.

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster details story, characters, world, new features, battle system, and job classes. Gematsu

Square Enix has unveiled the first details and screenshots for Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, which will launch on Nintendo Switch 2. The remastered game features the classic RPG’s story of light and shadow, focusing on crystals and warriors of light, with job-based party customisation and the Brave & Default battle system. In addition to improved visuals, modernised conveniences have been added to enhance playability. The Bravely Default series, which has sold over three million units worldwide, is considered the precursor to Octopath Traveller.

Biggest releases this week