Patch Notes #28 - weekly gaming digest

Welcome to the 28th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.

This edition will cover the week from 16 June to 22 June.

What caught my attention this week

Donkey Kong Bananza - here are 27 new screenshots of the Switch 2 exclusive. GameSpot

Donkey Kong Bananza launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17, 2025, and Nintendo just dropped 27 new screenshots showcasing its vibrant environments, gameplay mechanics, and co-op features. The game stars Donkey Kong and a young Pauline, who now plays a central role in both the story and gameplay—using her singing to trigger DK’s “Bananza Transformations” like flight and super strength. With features like a skill point system, DK Paint, GameShare support, and local co-op, this 3D platformer is shaping up to be a major Switch 2 highlight.

Donkey Kong Bananza Direct details story, abilities, transformations, co-op play, collectibles, and more. Gematsu

Donkey Kong Bananza dives deep—literally—into a golden banana-fueled adventure beneath Ingot Isle, where Donkey Kong teams up with a young, singing Pauline to explore the Underground World. The game features powerful new abilities like Dive Punch and Turf Surfing, plus Bananza Transformations that grant DK super strength, speed, or flight via Pauline’s vocals. Local co-op lets players control both characters, with GameShare and GameChat support for broader multiplayer access. It’s a vibrant, ability-rich platformer launching July 17 exclusively on Switch 2

TLDR

• Borderlands 4's price has been announced, and it's lower than some expected

• Stellar Blade proves there’s an appetite for PlayStation 5 games on PC, as it blasts past one million sales in three days

• Composer says Kojima changed Death Stranding 2 ‘because it wasn’t polarizing enough’.

• All the Nintendo Switch 2 games (confirmed and rumoured) so far .

• Nintendo Switch 2 users create a superlist of games that have seen significant technical improvements.

• Switch 2 breaks US launch week records, selling over 1.1m units.

• After five tumultuous years, Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake is now "deep" in development.

• CD Projekt Red says The Witcher 4 will be a 'more console-first development'.

• Bungie's Marathon reboot was delayed indefinitely in response to "passionate" fan feedback.

• Xbox and AMD announce partnership for multiple devices, including next-generation Xbox consoles.

• Warner Bros. Games is restructuring to focus on Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, and DC franchises.

• Death Stranding's full story gets explained quickly in this new video.

• Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles details!

• Skate reboot "just months away" from launch, as playtests open up to all who register before the end of June.

• Beat Saber ends support for PS VR2, PS VR.

• Death Stranding animated film confirmed: Original story in the works from Raised by Wolves writer.

• Donkey Kong Bananza - here are 27 new screenshots of the Switch 2 exclusive.

• Donkey Kong Bananza Direct details story, abilities, transformations, co-op play, collectibles, and more.

• Stellar Blade for Switch 2 reportedly in development.

• Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth series launches this fall for PS4 in the West.

• Ghost Stories, Episode 3: Why Blue Zones?

• Wolves Esports secures £20m investment for Home Esports Arena.

• Sega outlines an ambitious "four mainstay games" strategy through 2028 and acknowledges recent F2P struggles.

• [Update] Nintendo admits an error in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond advert that states the game is 'out now'.

• Blood Message | Reveal Trailer.

• Onimusha: Way of the Sword won't be open-world or souls-like, promises the director.

• Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter character trailer – Scherazard Harvey

• Honkai: Star Rail version 3.4 "For the Sun is Set to Die" update launches on July 2.

• Lies of P hits 3 million copies sold.

• Persona 4 Revival and Stranger Than Heaven are due out after April 1, 2026.

• Castlevania and Devil May Cry anime producer buys Duke Nukem rights.

• The Blood of Dawnwalker – 21-minute gameplay overview.

• Sega reveals Sega Store Tokyo is on the way.

• Sega accidentally revealed sales numbers for Sonic, Like A Dragon, Persona, and more.

Biggest news of the week

Borderlands 4's price has been announced, and it's lower than some expected. GameSpot

Borderlands 4 will launch on September 12 with a $70 standard edition, undercutting the $80 trend seen in other major releases. Despite having more than double the budget of Borderlands 3, Gearbox and 2K opted for a flexible pricing strategy. Deluxe editions will range up to $150, though the top-tier Collector’s Edition doesn’t include the base game. Post-launch content includes two Story Packs and four Bounty Packs, sold separately. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford acknowledged rising development costs but emphasised the need to stay consumer-friendly.

Stellar Blade proves there’s appetite for PlayStation 5 games on PC, as it blasts past one million sales in three days. EuroGamer

Stellar Blade shattered expectations with over one million PC sales just three days after launch, helping it surpass three million total sales across all platforms. Its peak concurrent player count on Steam soared to more than 192,000, setting a new record for single-player games developed in South Korea. Much of its PC success stems from the Chinese market, bolstered by tailored localization and pricing. This breakout performance aligns with Sony’s broader strategy to expand beyond console exclusivity, while developer ShiftUp has already confirmed a sequel, aiming for release before 2027.

Composer says Kojima changed Death Stranding 2 ‘because it wasn’t polarizing enough’. VG Chronicles

In a recent interview, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach composer Woodkid revealed that Hideo Kojima altered parts of the game because early playtesters responded too positively. Kojima reportedly felt the narrative lacked emotional friction, saying, “If everyone likes it, it’s mainstream.” As a result, he revised aspects of the script to make the story more polarizing and emotionally provocative. The sequel is set to launch on June 26, exclusively on PlayStation 5.

All the Nintendo Switch 2 games (confirmed and rumored) so far . GameSpot

Nintendo Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025, with a strong lineup of first- and third-party games. Key titles include Mario Kart World, remastered Zelda games, and upgraded versions of Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy VII Remake. It also introduces Joy-Con 2 controllers with mouse-like precision. Upcoming exclusives like Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are set for 2026, with backward compatibility for classic Switch titles.

Nintendo Switch 2 users create a superlist of games that have seen significant technical improvements. VG247

Nintendo Switch 2 users have compiled a list of 147 legacy games that now run significantly better on the new hardware. Thanks to upgrades like DLSS support, a faster CPU, and 12GB of RAM, even unpatched titles—such as Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen—see smoother frame rates and faster load times. Notably, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity now holds a steady 30FPS, showcasing how the Switch 2 breathes new life into older games without needing updates.

Switch 2 breaks US launch week records selling over 1.1m units. GamesIndustry

Nintendo Switch 2 has set a new U.S. launch week record with over 1.1 million units sold, surpassing the PlayStation 4’s previous record. Notably, 79% of those purchases included Mario Kart World bundles. The milestone doesn't even count sales from the My Nintendo Store. Globally, the console sold 3.5 million units in its first four days, and in Japan, it became the country's biggest console launch with nearly one million units sold. Nintendo expects to hit 15 million units sold by March 2026, with analysts projecting at least 13 million sales in its debut year.

After five tumultuous years, Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake is now "deep" in development. Eurogamer

After five years of delays and a complete studio shift, Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake is now “deep” in development, with a release expected in 2026. Initially revealed in 2020, the game faced harsh criticism and was later rebooted under Ubisoft Montreal. In a recent social media update, Ubisoft reassured fans that the team is passionately committed to the project. The remake comes amid broader challenges for Ubisoft, which recently restructured to focus more tightly on flagship franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry.

CD Projekt Red says The Witcher 4 will be a 'more console-first development'. PCGamer

CD Projekt Red has confirmed that The Witcher 4 will follow a “console-first” development strategy, prioritising 60 FPS performance on PlayStation 5 before scaling up to PC. This marks a shift from the studio’s traditional PC-first approach, influenced by the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077. Despite the change, CDPR still plans to leverage PC capabilities once console optimisation is complete fully. A recent Unreal Engine 5 tech demo showcased the game’s visual ambition, right down to a remarkably detailed pine tree.

Bungie's Marathon reboot was delayed indefinitely in response to "passionate" fan feedback. EuroGamer

Bungie’s Marathon reboot has been delayed indefinitely following critical fan feedback from its reveal and alpha playtest, prompting the studio to reassess its direction and refocus on delivering a darker, more strategic, and narratively rich experience. The delay comes amid broader live-service cutbacks across Sony’s portfolio, and Bungie plans to use the time for further closed testing while promising an update this autumn.

Xbox and AMD announce partnership for multiple devices, including next-generation Xbox consoles. Gematsu

Microsoft has announced a multi-year partnership with AMD to co-develop silicon for a new generation of Xbox hardware, including consoles, handhelds, and cloud-based devices. This collaboration aims to deliver cutting-edge graphics, AI-enhanced gameplay, and full backward compatibility, while supporting a more open ecosystem not tied to a single store or device. Xbox president Sarah Bond emphasized the goal of creating a seamless gaming experience across platforms, with Windows positioned as the premier destination for gaming.

Warner Bros. Games restructuring to focus on Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, and DC franchises. IGN

Warner Bros. Games is undergoing a major restructuring to focus on four core franchises: Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, DC, and Game of Thrones. The move follows a rocky start to 2025, including leadership changes and studio closures after the underperformance of titles like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. No layoffs are planned, but key leadership roles have shifted to support long-term franchise roadmaps. The company aims to stabilize its gaming division by doubling down on its most successful and recognizable IPs.

Death Stranding's full story gets explained quickly in this new video. GameSpot

Sony has released a six-minute recap video that condenses the entire story of the original Death Stranding. It covers the key plot points—like the blending of the living and dead worlds, the Timefall phenomenon, and Sam Porter Bridges’ mission to reconnect a fractured America. It’s a quick and efficient refresher, especially with the sequel introducing even more threats like natural disasters and mechanized enemies.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles details!. Genki Twitter

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles launches on September 30, 2025, delivering a faithful yet modernized version of the 1997 classic. It features both the original game and an enhanced edition with a revamped UI, full Japanese and English voice acting, and quality-of-life upgrades like fast-forward, auto-save, and adjustable difficulty. Notably, it excludes War of the Lions content but includes new dialogue penned by original director Yasumi Matsuno. Players can also recruit Cloud much earlier this time around. It’s coming to all major platforms, including PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Skate reboot "just months away" from launch, as playtests open up to all who register before the end of June. EuroGamer

EA’s Skate reboot is officially set to enter early access this summer, with its biggest playtest yet launching on July 2. Anyone who registers as a Skate Insider by June 27 will be eligible to join. Update 0.27.0 brings major upgrades including improved visuals, over 140 new challenges in San Vansterdam, expanded customization, and support for up to 150 players per server. While no exact early access date has been confirmed, EA says the full launch is now “just months away”. Want help registering or a quick rundown of the new features? I’ve got you.

Beat Saber ends support for PS VR2, PS VR. Gematsu

Beat Saber has officially ended support for PlayStation VR and PS VR2, with no new updates or DLC coming after June 18, 2025. While the game remains playable and purchasable—with cross-buy still active—multiplayer will shut down on January 21, 2026. Beat Games says this move is part of preparing for the “next big leap” in Beat Saber’s future, though no details have been shared yet. If you’re still slicing beats on PSVR, now’s the time to enjoy what’s left before the lights dim on multiplayer. Want a quick list of platforms still getting updates? I can pull that up.

Death Stranding animated film confirmed: Original story in the works from Raised by Wolves writer. VG Chronicles

An animated Death Stranding film is officially in the works, co-produced by Kojima Productions and LA-based studio Line Mileage. Rather than retelling the original game’s story, the film will explore a new narrative within the same universe, penned by Raised by Wolves and Prisoners writer Aaron Guzikowski. While no release date has been announced, the project aims for a tone similar to Predator: Killer of Killers. This joins the already announced live-action adaptation from A24, as Kojima continues expanding the Death Stranding universe across multiple mediums.

Stellar Blade for Switch 2 reportedly in development. EuroGamer

Stellar Blade is reportedly in development for Nintendo Switch 2, marking a major step in Shift Up’s multi platform strategy. Following its record-breaking PC launch, the studio has received a Switch 2 dev kit and is now optimizing the game for the platform’s lower specs compared to PS5 and PC1. This move aligns with Shift Up’s broader expansion beyond PlayStation exclusivity, and comes alongside news of a Stellar Blade sequel slated for 2027. Director Hyung-tae Kim also revealed that the sequel will address narrative gaps caused by cutscene reductions in the original.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth series launches this fall for PS4 in the West. RPG Site

The Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth trilogy—Re;Birth 1+, Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation, and Re;Birth 3: V Generation—is officially launching for PS4 in North America and Europe this fall, both physically and digitally. After a canceled Switch release and initial uncertainty about localization, Idea Factory International has confirmed the western PS4 release, giving fans a chance to revisit these classic JRPGs with enhanced features. Preorders for the physical editions are already open via the IFI Online Store.

Ghost Stories, Episode 3: Why Blue Zones?. Fantastic Pixel Castle

Studio founder Greg Street explains that Ghost’s “blue zones” aim to recapture the lost magic of exploration in MMOs by blending handcrafted design with procedural generation. Unlike generic, repetitive maps, blue zones feel distinct on each run—offering fresh layouts, quests, and emergent storytelling shaped by roguelike-inspired systems. The goal is to move beyond static, one-time-use zones like Grizzly Hills, ensuring that players face dynamic challenges and meaningful surprises every time they play.

Wolves Esports secures £20m investment for Home Esports Arena. Esports Insider

Wolves Esports, the competitive gaming arm of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, has secured a £20 million investment from Chongqing Lvfazhiye Group to build a new esports arena in Chongqing, China. The 10,000-square-meter venue—set to open by the end of 2025—will seat 2,000 spectators and serve as a hub for Wolves’ growing esports operations. The funding will also support team upgrades, brand expansion, and commercial development. Already active in titles like Honor of Kings, VALORANT, and Call of Duty: Mobile, Wolves Esports aims to deepen its “esports + city” model and evolve into a globally recognized brand through a “tournament-content-commerce” strategy.

Sega outlines ambitious "four mainstay games" strategy through 2028, and acknowledges recent F2P struggles. Sega Official Site

Sega plans to release four major titles annually starting after March 2026 and is addressing setbacks with recent free-to-play games. It’s also revitalizing Total War and expanding into film, with Sonic the Hedgehog 4, The Angry Birds Movie 3 (both due in 2027), and a Golden Axe adaptation in the works. Five more game-based films remain in development, signaling a push to broaden Sega’s entertainment reach.

[Update] Nintendo admits an error in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond advert that states the game is 'out now'. IGN

Nintendo has acknowledged an error in a London ad that falsely claimed Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is "out now." The game, still slated for a 2025 release alongside the Switch 2, has no set launch date. While the ad stirred fan speculation, it's likely part of broader marketing rather than a sign of imminent release. The long-delayed cross-gen title is expected to debut between Donkey Kong Bananza and Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Blood message | Reveal trailer.

Blood Message is NetEase’s first AAA single-player game, developed by ThunderFire Entertainment. Set during the 848 AD Dunhuang Uprising, it follows a nameless messenger on a 1,000-mile journey through harsh landscapes. The cinematic action-adventure blends stealth, survival, and emotional storytelling rooted in Chinese history, powered by Unreal Engine 5.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword won't be open-world or souls-like, promises the director. GameSpot

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is steering clear of modern gaming trends like open-world exploration and souls-like difficulty, according to director Satoru Nihei. Instead, the 2026 title will focus on delivering a more accessible, action-driven experience that emphasises the visceral clash of blades. New mechanics like deflecting and the stamina-draining Break Issen attack aim to make swordplay more immersive, while the classic soul-absorption feature returns. The game introduces a fresh protagonist, Miyamoto Musashi—modelled after legendary actor Toshiro Mifune—and is entirely separate from previous entries in the series.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter character trailer – Scherazard Harvey. Gematsu

Falcom has unveiled the third character trailer for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, spotlighting Scherazard Harvey, a seasoned Senior Bracer known as the “Silver Flash.” A former apprentice of Cassius Bright and a mentor to protagonists Estelle and Joshua, Scherazard blends strength, elegance, and a fiercely protective nature. She’s portrayed as a dependable big-sister figure who offers guidance and emotional support, though her fondness for alcohol occasionally leads to some clingy antics. The game is set to launch worldwide on September 19 for PS5, Switch, and PC

Honkai: Star Rail version 3.4 "For the Sun is Set to Die" update launches on July 2. RPG Site

Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.4, For the Sun is Set to Die, drops globally on July 2, headlined by a Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] collaboration. New characters—Phainon, Saber, and Archer—join the roster, with Archer available for free to early logins. The crossover event begins July 11, alongside major story content in Amphoreus, returning characters, combat tweaks, and long-awaited quality-of-life upgrades.

Lies of P hits 3 million copies sold. RPG Site

Lies of P has officially surpassed 3 million copies sold, combining sales of the base game and its recently released Overture DLC. This milestone comes less than two years after its original launch and just weeks after the surprise drop of the DLC during Summer Game Fest 20252. The game previously hit 1 million sales by October 2023, and its momentum has clearly continued, bolstered by strong global reception, particularly outside of Korea. With its dark Belle Époque setting and Soulslike gameplay, Lies of P has carved out a distinct niche, and this latest achievement cements its place as a standout in the genre.

Persona 4 Revival and Stranger Than Heaven are due out after April 1, 2026. Gematsu

SEGA has confirmed that Persona 4 Revival and STRANGER THAN HEAVEN are scheduled to release no earlier than fiscal year 2027, which spans from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Persona 4 Revival was recently revealed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC with a teaser showing early development footage, while STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, a new IP from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, was officially titled this month following its initial reveal at The Game Awards 2024.

Castlevania and Devil May Cry anime producer buys Duke Nukem rights. GameSpot

Adi Shankar, known for producing Castlevania and Devil May Cry anime adaptations, has acquired the rights to the Duke Nukem franchise—though not the gaming rights—from Gearbox. He emphasised his intent to preserve the franchise’s rebellious spirit, stating that Duke Nukem “can’t be made by a corporation.” While his exact plans remain under wraps, Shankar also teased that Devil May Cry Season 2 will take a bold new direction, with a stylistic shift and a greater focus on Virgil.

The Blood of Dawnwalker – 21-minute gameplay overview. Gematsu

The Blood of Dawnwalker is a dark fantasy action-RPG set in 14th-century Europe, where vampires rise amid the chaos of war and plague. You play as Coen, a newly turned Dawn Walker caught between humanity and vampirism. The game emphasises player choice, with branching storylines, time-sensitive quests, and a dual gameplay system that shifts between day and night. By day, Coen uses swords and magic; by night, he unleashes vampiric powers like claws and Shadowstep. The open world of Vale Sangora is rich with secrets, ancient ruins, and moral dilemmas that shape the fate of your family—and your soul.

Sega reveals Sega Store Tokyo is on the way. Eurogamer

Sega has officially announced Sega Store Tokyo, set to open in Shibuya’s Parco department complex this summer. The store will be located near other major gaming destinations like Nintendo Tokyo, the Capcom store, and the Pokémon Center. While details are still under wraps, Sega aims to spotlight its broader brand—not just Sonic—by offering immersive experiences and exclusive merchandise. A second store is also planned for Shanghai, but there’s no word yet on expansion to Europe or the U.S.

Sega accidentally revealed sales numbers for Sonic, Like A Dragon, Persona, and more. VG Chronicles

Sega unintentionally disclosed detailed sales figures for several of its major game franchises, including Sonic, Like A Dragon, and Persona, through a presentation uploaded to its investor relations site. The data, which was hidden in a slide and later removed, was archived by users online. Highlights include Persona 5 Royal surpassing 7.25 million units sold, Sonic Frontiers reaching 4.57 million, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon selling 2.86 million. The leak also revealed strong performances from titles like Persona 3 Reload, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, and Total War: Warhammer III. This comes as Sega continues to enjoy critical success, having been named Metacritic’s top-rated publisher in 2024. Additionally, Sega announced plans to open a flagship store in Tokyo’s Shibuya district.

Biggest releases this week