Patch Notes #27 - weekly gaming digest

Welcome to the 27th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.

This edition will cover the week from 09 June to 15 June.

What caught my attention this week

Switch 2 becomes 'fastest-selling' Nintendo hardware ever with over 3.5 million units sold worldwide in just four days. IGN

Nintendo has announced that the Switch 2 is its fastest-selling hardware ever, with over 3.5 million units sold in just four days. Strong stock availability played a key role in this success, aligning with Nintendo of America's assurance that supply would meet demand in the U.S. The original Switch sold 2.74 million units in under a month, making the Switch 2’s launch even more impressive. Additionally, the console has set a new sales record in the UK, surpassing the Nintendo 3DS as the fastest-selling Nintendo system in the region.

Biggest news of the week

Persona 4 Revival announced

Yes, it’s a tiny teaser, but damn: I’m excited.

Atlus is on a legendary run: Persona 5 + Royal, SMT V, Metaphor ReFantazio, Persona 3 Reload, Persona 4 Revival. Love to see it.

Xbox Game Showcase 2025 round-up: everything announced. Eurogamer

The Xbox Games Showcase 2025 was packed with announcements, trailers, and surprises, highlighting both new titles and updates for beloved franchises. Key reveals included The Outer Worlds 2, launching October 29, 2025, with fresh gameplay and themes; High on Life 2, bringing its signature humour this winter; and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, closing the show with a cryptic, mind-bending teaser. Hardware wasn’t left out either, with the reveal of the ROG Xbox Ally handheld consoles. Other standouts included Ninja Gaiden 4, Super Meat Boy 3D, and remakes like Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4 and Gears of War: Reloaded. Phil Spencer also teased a big 2026 lineup with new Fable, Forza, Gears of War: E-Day, and possibly something Halo-related.

The Outer Worlds 2 lets players choose between first and third-person. GameSpot

The Outer Worlds 2 will give players the choice to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives, a major change from the original game’s strictly first-person view. Revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase, Obsidian's gameplay director Matt Singh emphasised the studio’s commitment to player freedom. The sequel features a new story centred on an Earth Directorate agent investigating mysterious rifts in the Arcadia colonies. Players can expect new companions, improved traits and faults, and a release date of October 29, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC—with day-one availability on Game Pass Ultimate and a launch price of $80.

Gears of War: Reloaded beta starts this weekend - here's how to access it. GameSpot

Gears of War: Reloaded, a remaster of the original 2006 game, is launching a multiplayer beta across two weekends—June 13–15 and June 20–22—ahead of its full release on August 26, 2025. Available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, players can access the beta by pre-ordering, being a Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass member, or owning Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. The beta features classic modes, such as Team Deathmatch and King of the Hill, across remastered maps. Preorders also unlock exclusive Adam Fenix and Anya Stroud skins.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 confirmed at Xbox Games Showcase 2025. IGN

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was officially revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, marking the first-ever back-to-back release in the Black Ops sub-series. Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, the game is set in 2035—over 40 years after Black Ops 6—and features a co-op campaign, near-future multiplayer combat, and a new chapter in Round-Based Zombies. The story follows David Mason and his team as they battle a fear-driven enemy, featuring performances by Milo Ventimiglia, Kiernan Shipka, and Michael Rooker. Releasing later in 2025, Black Ops 7 will launch on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC, with Game Pass access at launch.

Xbox ROG Ally Windows handheld revealed, releases holiday 2025. GameSpot

Xbox ROG Ally, a new Windows-based handheld developed in partnership with Asus, was officially revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase and is set to launch in Holiday 2025. Two models will be available: a premium "X" version with an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, and a base model with a Ryzen Z2A chip, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. Both feature a 7" 1080p/120Hz display, Xbox-style controls, customizable lighting, HD haptics, and native Game Pass, Steam, and cloud gaming support. Designed for a console-like experience, the handheld boots directly into the retooled Xbox app and supports full Windows gaming ecosystems.

Cronos: The New Dawn might complete Bloober Team's redemption arc. GameSpot

Cronos: The New Dawn is Bloober Team’s original survival-horror game set in a time-twisting, post-epidemic Poland, featuring a unique "merge system" where enemies combine into stronger monsters, potentially solidifying the studio’s redemption after Silent Hill 2.

Hollow Knight: Silksong developer responds to release date confusion, promises launch 'before holiday,' not tied to Xbox handheld arrival. IGN

Hollow Knight: Silksong will launch before Christmas 2025, according to developer Team Cherry, clarifying it's not tied to the Xbox ROG Ally X handheld despite appearing alongside it during the Xbox Games Showcase.

Ys X: Proud Nordics launches on August 21 for Steam and Switch 2 in Asia through Clouded Leopard Entertainment. RPG Site

Ys X: Proud Nordics, an upgraded version of Ys X: Nordics, will launch on August 21 for Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam in Asia via Clouded Leopard Entertainment. This version will feature Korean and Simplified Chinese text with Japanese voices, but no English support. The first-run retail edition includes a bonus physical CD with new music, and Steam users who own CLE’s original Ys X: Nordics will receive a limited-time discount. While save data from Ys X: Nordics won’t carry over, all non-consumable bonus content—such as ship decorations, attachments, and costumes—will be included. The game will also arrive earlier in Japan on July 31 for Switch 2.

Mario Kart World Review - A worthy marquee launch game. GameSpot

Mario Kart World, the flagship launch title for the Switch 2, builds upon the success of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with refined mechanics, stunning visuals, and a fresh approach to track design. Instead of standalone circuits, races take place within a massive interconnected world featuring iconic locations like Bowser's Castle and Moo Moo Meadows. Grand Prix cups serve as mapped routes through this world, creating a dynamic racing experience filled with surprises. Nintendo’s theme park influence is evident, with tracks offering roller coaster-like thrills, environmental interactions, and deep references for longtime fans. This installment is set to become a defining title for the console.

The Blood of Dawn walker is vampire Witcher, and it looks rad in its latest gameplay trailer. VG247

The Blood of Dawnwalker, an open-world action RPG from Rebel Wolves—a studio formed by CD Projekt Red veterans—was showcased in a new gameplay trailer at the Xbox Games Showcase. Published by Bandai Namco, the game blends fast-paced combat with vampiric abilities, distinguishing itself from its Witcher-inspired roots. Set in a fictionalised version of 14th-century Europe during the Black Death, players take on the role of Coen, a human-turned Dawnwalker, balancing power and morality while navigating both the realms of night and day. A full gameplay reveal event is scheduled for June 21 on Twitch.

Splatoon Raiders, the first-ever Splatoon spinoff game, is coming to Nintendo Switch 2!. Nintendo

Nintendo has announced Splatoon Raiders, the first-ever Splatoon spin-off, coming exclusively to Switch 2. Players will take on the role of a mechanic travelling with the Deep Cut trio to the Spirhalite Islands, with more details expected in the future. Meanwhile, Splatoon 3 is receiving a free update on June 12, introducing 30 new weapon kits, the return of Urchin Underpass, improved visuals for Switch 2, and new features like Series Weapon Power to refine matchmaking. Cross-play between Switch and Switch 2 will remain supported, ensuring all players can continue battling together.

Sony lays off 30% of Days Gone developer Bend Studio after cancelling live-service games. GameSpot

Sony has laid off 30% of Bend Studio's staff, affecting around 40 employees, following the cancellation of its live-service game. The studio, known for developing Days Gone, is now shifting focus to a new, unnamed project. Sony has been scaling back its live-service ambitions, reducing its planned releases from 12 to 6 since acquiring Destiny 2 developer Bungie. The layoffs at Bend Studio are part of a broader trend, with Sony also shutting down Firewalk Studios, London Studio, and Deviation Games in recent years.

Street Fighter 6 sales top five million. Gematsu

Capcom has announced that Street Fighter 6 has surpassed five million units sold worldwide, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. Originally released on June 2, 2023, for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, the game saw a boost in sales with its Switch 2 launch on June 5, 2025. This follows its previous milestone of four million units sold in September 2024, solidifying its status as a top-selling fighting game.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 restocked at Amazon, Lumiere Edition reprint up for preorder. GameSpot

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the best-reviewed game of 2025 with a Metacritic score of 93, has been restocked at Amazon for PS5 after selling out following its April 24 launch. Meanwhile, GameStop is accepting preorders for a reprint of the $70 Lumiere Edition, set for release on October 31, which includes a collectible steelbook and a hardcover art book. Though restocks have been slow, interested buyers should keep an eye on various retailers as availability fluctuates. The Collector's Edition, priced at $150, remains sold out with no signs of a reprint. PC players can also grab the game at a discount on Fanatical, with digital editions available.

Split Gate 2 boss apologizes for the 'division' caused by his MAGA-style hat but still insists it wasn't meant to be political: 'There's division in the community, and for that I am truly sorry'. PCGamer

Split Gate 2 CEO Ian Proulx has apologized for the controversy surrounding his "Make FPS Great Again" hat, which he wore during Summer Game Fest. While he initially defended the slogan as a statement on the state of multiplayer FPS games rather than a political message, backlash from the community led him to acknowledge the division it caused. Proulx admitted the hat was intended to grab attention but insisted it was not meant to be political. Despite the apology, reactions remain mixed, with some questioning the intent behind the marketing stunt and others focusing on the game's upcoming features.

A Silent Hill remake has been announced as "in development" during the Konami Press Start showcase. EuroGamer

Konami has officially announced that Bloober Team is developing a Silent Hill 1 remake, marking the first time the 1999 classic is receiving a full remake treatment. The reveal came during the Konami Press Start showcase, accompanied by the Silent Hill 1 intro theme, strongly hinting at a faithful reimagining of the original horror experience. While details remain scarce, Bloober Team—known for its work on the Silent Hill 2 remake—will once again collaborate with Konami to bring the eerie town of Silent Hill back to life

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater adds online battle mode ‘Fox Hunt’. Gematsu

Konami has announced Fox Hunt, a new online battle mode for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Unlike Metal Gear Online, this mode emphasizes stealth, camouflage, and survival, creating a unique hide-and-seek style multiplayer experience. While details remain scarce, the developers aim to craft an online mode that fits modern gaming trends. Additionally, the Xbox Series version will feature a "Snake vs. Bomberman" minigame, while PS5 and PC will retain the classic "Snake vs. Monkey" crossover.

Suikoden Star Leap is coming to Steam in addition to iOS and Android. RPG Site

Konami has announced that Suikoden Star Leap will be launching on Steam, in addition to its previously confirmed iOS and Android release. The free-to-play RPG features pixel art graphics and introduces 108 stars to meet and befriend, staying true to the series' classic aesthetic. Although a release window has not been announced, the game is confirmed for a worldwide launch on PC, as well as on mobile platforms.

Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy starter kit restocked ahead of Friday's release. GameSpot

Magic: The Gathering's Final Fantasy Starter Kit has been restocked at Amazon ahead of its June 13 release, priced at $20. The kit includes two premade 60-card decks, making it the most affordable product in the set. Additionally, Commander Decks themed around Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy VII have been restocked for $70, while the Play Booster Box with 30 packs (420 cards total) is available for $190. Given the high demand, restocks tend to sell out quickly, so checking major retailers frequently is recommended.

I love Hideo Kojima's games, but last night's fawning over his genius from Geoff Keighley and the Death Stranding 2 cast got me the opposite of hyped. PCGamer

The Death Stranding 2: On the Beach premiere event, hosted by Geoff Keighley at the Orpheum Theatre, featured Hideo Kojima and the game's cast discussing the project. While the event showcased 20 minutes of gameplay, much of the focus was on praising Kojima's creative vision, which some found excessive. The gameplay revealed third- and first-person perspectives, a dynamic soundtrack, and a new antagonist, but overall, the presentation felt more like a straightforward sequel than expected. The event concluded with a panel discussion, reinforcing Kojima’s auteur status, though some viewers felt it lacked fresh insights into the game’s themes.

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart hid a prototype mini game Easter egg so well, no one actually found it. EuroGamer

Four years after its release, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart still has surprises up its sleeve—like a deeply hidden Easter egg that no one had discovered until now. During a recent livestream, senior designer Grant Parker revealed a secret prototype mini-game that lets players ride a mechanical bull inside Zurkie’s. Unlocking it involves a particular sequence of shooting signs near the bar’s entrance, with no visual or audio confirmation to guide the player. The minigame was meant as a fun hidden detail, and the reveal came as part of Insomniac’s anniversary celebration. Eurogamer continues to praise the game for its inventive charm and unpretentious fun.

Splatoon 3's free Switch 2 update now live, here are the patch notes. VG Chronicles

Splatoon 3 has just rolled out its version 10.0.0 update, bringing major performance boosts for Switch 2, including higher resolution and 60fps support in areas that previously ran at 30fps. Enhancements cover smoother animations in various hubs, improved Salmon Run visuals, and crisper image captures. The update also introduces 30 new weapons, the return of the Urchin Underpass stage, and gameplay tweaks across both Switch and Switch 2 versions. Notably, it adds a Series Weapon ranking feature for high-level Anarchy Battle players. Meanwhile, Nintendo teased Splatoon Raiders, a spin-off adventure headed to Switch 2.

MindsEye dev 'heartbroken' amid troubled launch as players report success with refunds, and sponsored streams are cancelled last minute. IGN

MindsEye’s launch has hit rough waters, with widespread reports of bugs, crashes, and performance issues leading to refunds, even from Sony. Developer Build A Rocket Boy has cancelled several last-minute sponsored streams and issued an emotional statement, saying it's “heartbroken” by the rocky debut. The team has identified a memory leak affecting approximately 10% of players and will deploy a hotfix soon, with broader updates planned through June. Despite a modest peak of 3,302 concurrent Steam players, the studio remains committed to improving the game and regaining player trust.

Devil May Cry 5 has sold over 10 million units. Wario64 Twitter

Sony removes regional restrictions on four of its biggest games on Steam. PCGamer

Sony has quietly lifted regional restrictions on four major PlayStation titles on Steam—God of War Ragnarok, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, Spider-Man 2, and Helldivers 2—making them available in countries that previously couldn’t access them. This shift follows months of backlash over PSN requirements and delistings. While Sony hasn’t officially commented, the move aligns with a broader, more deliberate strategy to expand its PC presence. Observers speculate that the success of Stellar Blade may have influenced this policy change.

The Witcher 4 is being built with a console-first mindset with a 60FPS target from the start, says CD Projekt RED. Shinobi602 Twitter

The Witcher 4 is being built with a console-first mindset with a 60FPS target from the start, says CD Projekt RED.

The studio also notes 60FPS on Xbox Series S will be "extremely challenging".

PlayStation boss reacts to Microsoft's pivot to multiplatform releases. GameSpot

Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino responded to Microsoft’s growing multi-platform strategy by calling it a “healthy” move that encourages innovation across the industry. While Microsoft expands its reach by bringing titles like Gears of War: Reloaded and Doom: The Dark Ages to PlayStation, Nishino emphasised that Sony remains confident in its current console-focused approach. He acknowledged the evolving landscape but stated that there is no urgent need for Sony to pivot, reaffirming their commitment to monitoring trends and adapting as needed.

Inside the ‘Dragon Age’ debacle that gutted EA’s BioWare studio. Bloomberg

Dragon Age: The Veilguard's commercial failure has devastated BioWare, with the game selling only 1.5 million copies—50% below EA's expectations—leading to massive layoffs and staff reassignments at the storied studio. The disappointing performance stemmed from a chaotic 10-year development cycle that saw the game repeatedly rebooted from single-player to multiplayer and back again, resulting in a disjointed final product that failed to deliver the meaningful choices and dark storytelling that fans had expected from the franchise. This marks BioWare's third consecutive flop following Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, prompting EA to gut the studio and raising serious questions about its future. However, the company may continue to support BioWare, given the potential profitability of successful single-player RPGs in today's market.

Xbox handheld device "essentially cancelled" - report. GameSpot

Microsoft's rumoured Xbox handheld device has been "essentially cancelled," according to a report from The Verge, despite ongoing speculation about its role in next-gen plans. While the company is no longer pursuing its own handheld, it remains focused on developing next-generation Xbox hardware through partnerships with PC makers, such as Asus, whose ROG Ally handhelds are being positioned as Xbox-compatible devices. Phil Spencer emphasised tighter integration between Windows and Xbox, framing high-performance PCs as flexible alternatives to traditional consoles. Meanwhile, Xbox president Sarah Bond reiterated the company’s commitment to hardware innovation, promising the most significant generational leap yet. Although Microsoft's own handheld won’t materialise, it continues to back third-party devices designed to deliver console-like gaming on the go.

The biggest reason for Stellar Blade’s success is its combat, says former Sony chief. Automation Media

Former Sony Interactive Entertainment president Shuhei Yoshida credits Stellar Blade’s success primarily to its challenging and rewarding combat system, rather than its visual appeal. After playing an early prototype in 2019, Yoshida was so impressed by the gameplay that he offered Shift Up a publishing deal, making the game a timed PS5 exclusive. He praised the studio’s commitment to refining the combat based on player feedback, while director Hyung-tae Kim acknowledged Yoshida’s pivotal role in bringing the project to life.

Capcom's history is on display at Japan's Creation exhibit. Here's a look. GameSpot

Capcom’s Creation: Moving Hearts Across the Globe exhibit at Osaka’s Nakanoshima Museum of Art offers a rich, interactive journey through the company’s legacy, celebrating franchises like Street Fighter, Resident Evil, and Mega Man. Running from June 22, 2025, to an unspecified date, it features original artwork, design documents, and hands-on experiences that explore pixel art, motion capture, sound design, and 3D modelling. From life-sized character projections to playable pixel art stations and motion capture demos, the exhibit blends nostalgia with behind-the-scenes insight into Capcom’s creative process. Want a visual breakdown or a quick list of highlights next? I can whip that up.

Stellar Blade is off to a roaring start on PC. GameSpot

Stellar Blade has made a powerful debut on PC, surpassing 147,000 concurrent players on Steam and outperforming the peak numbers of major PlayStation titles like The Last of Us Part 2, God of War Ragnarok, and Horizon Forbidden West.

Disgaea 7 Complete announced for fall 2025 release on Nintendo Switch 2 in the West. RPG Site

Disgaea 7 Complete, the definitive edition of Vows of the Virtueless, is officially launching in the West this fall—exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. Originally released in Japan across multiple platforms, this enhanced version includes all prior DLC, new story content, and gameplay upgrades like uncapped stats and tougher challenges. NIS America is also offering a special Ewwdo Edition with collectible extras. With its signature over-the-top strategy and quirky Netherworld antics, this release marks a major milestone for the series on Nintendo’s next-gen console.

Over 4 years later, PS5 has more monthly users than PS4. GameSpot

For the first time since its November 2020 launch, the PlayStation 5 now boasts more monthly active users than the PS4, tipping the balance within Sony’s combined 124 million-strong player base as of March 2025. After years of stock shortages and cross-gen releases that slowed adoption, PS5-exclusive titles and current-gen-only games have driven deeper engagement, alongside growing spend on services and peripherals. Looking forward, Sony says it’ll continue prioritizing local console play over cloud, fine-tuning its live-service strategy, and thoughtfully planning its next-gen hardware roadmap.

Sony doesn't sound too concerned about Switch 2, even after a record-breaking debut. GameSpot

After Nintendo sold 3.5 million Switch 2 units in just four days, Sony Interactive Entertainment boss Hideaki Nishino said the company isn’t worried—calling Nintendo’s success a positive “catalyst” that energizes the whole industry. He and Hermen Hulst emphasized that PlayStation will stay “thoughtful” about if and when it brings its flagship games to other platforms, continue monitoring player behaviors, and remain confident in the PS5’s immersive, high-performance console experience—even as rumors swirl of a portable PS5 device and Sony doubles down on live-service titles like Bungie’s Marathon.

SAG-AFTRA suspends strike against video game companies, paving way for return to work. The Holywood Reporter

After nearly a year on strike over artificial-intelligence protections and other contract concerns, SAG-AFTRA has suspended its work stoppage against major video game companies after reaching a tentative new Interactive Media Agreement. Members are set to return to work while the union’s national board meets to review the deal and send it to the membership for ratification. Although the precise terms haven’t been disclosed, the agreement is expected to include stronger safeguards for voice- and performance-capture talent, particularly around AI use and compensation.

Biggest releases this week