Gaming
Unknown 9: Awakening release date announced
Pre-orders now available
Bandai Namco and Reflector have finally unveiled the release date for Unknown 9: Awakening. Announced two months ago, the action-adventure will launch on October 18, 2024 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.
In addition, digital preorders are available now. Players may choose from the Pre-order Edition or the Deluxe Digital Edition. The former has the base game and a pre-order bonus cosmetic DLC. The latter, meanwhile, also includes all DLCs.
To celebrate the release date announcement, Bandai Namco has also released a live-action trailer featuring The Witcher actress Anya Chalotra.
Unknown 9: Awakening trailer
The 90-second clip delves into the Fold, where all possible futures exist in motion. Of course, Unknown 9: Awakening has a simple premise wherein the protagonist Haroona has the ability to switch in between the real world and the Fold, while trying to save humanity.
This trailer also showcases some of Haroona’s other abilities, including invisibility and stealth. In the previous trailer, the protagonist could be seen fending off enemies. There was also a scene where what seemed to be her astral projection separated from her physical body. This highlighted her ability to switch from the mysterious world to the real, present one.
It was also discussed during the title’s announcement that Haroona is targeted by the Leap Year Society’s Ascendants. This splinter faction of the secret organization wants to use the Fold to alter the course of human history.
Adding another dynamic is radical antagonist Vincent Lichter, who killed Haroona’s mentor Reika. It was Reika who oriented Haroona regarding the Unknown 9, or immortal figures wanting to preside over humanity’s knowledge.
Lichter believes the Unknown 9 has kept humanity from realizing its potential. However, Haroona disagrees, and sets off on a journey to stop humanity’s secrets falling into the wrong hands.
Gaming
Switch 2 finally gets a Choose Your Game bundle
Choose from Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia.
When the console launched, Nintendo fans had only two options when buying a new Switch 2: the console by itself or packaged with Mario Kart World. Since then, Nintendo has very occasionally released more bundles for more games. Finally, a new bundle will let you pick your bundled game from three hard-hitting options.
The best way to buy a new console is through a bundle. It allows you to save a few dollars on a game you’re probably buying anyway and lets you play right as you unbox your new purchase.
Today, Nintendo announced a new bundle that adds more options for gamers. These options include Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Pokémon Pokopia. The bundle lets you pick one.
As someone who’s played all three games, this selection isn’t too shabby at all. In fact, they’re the best first-party games you can currently get for the console.
It’s also a cost-efficient purchase that gives you more savings before the price of a new Switch 2 goes up in September. It’s likely that Nintendo introduced the option to soften the blow of the upcoming price hike.
The bundle will cost US 499.99. Being the most expensive game of the bundle, selecting Mario Kart World will save you US$ 29.99. Meanwhile, both Donkey Kong Bananza and Pokémon Pokopia will save you US$ 19.99.
The Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle will come out in early June and will be available until supplies last. If you’re still craving for a Switch 2, this might be the perfect time to grab one.
Gaming
SEGA/ATLUS, animate launch year-long collaboration featuring popular IPs
Fairs, live music events, more to be held, featuring globally-renowned SEGA group franchises
SEGA/ATLUS and animate have officially announced a massive, year-long global partnership. This shall bring the gaming giant’s most iconic franchises to over 140 retail locations worldwide.
Marking the first cross-regional collaboration of its scale for both companies, the project is set to feature a rotating lineup of eight major IPs from the SEGA Group.
This includes titles from group companies like ATLUS and Rovio Entertainment. The featured franchises will be rolled out in phases.
The initiative kicks off in June 2026 with Sonic the Hedgehog taking center stage. Then, it will be followed by PUYOPUYO, HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE!, the Persona series, and the highly anticipated Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Moreover, the schedule continues through early 2027 with spotlight events for Yakuza / Like a Dragon, Angry Birds, and the classic Sakura Wars.
The project includes animate stores both in Japan and overseas (including locations in China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and the U.S.).
Fans visiting will experience a mix of limited-time exhibitions, exclusive merchandise, hands-on gameplay sessions, and “Cafe Gratte” collaborations.
The massive partnership is part of SEGA’s “Transmedia Strategy” which aims to expand its IPs beyond the digital screen and into the daily lives of fans.
Leveraging animate’s extensive retail network definitely creates an immersive experience for fans of different franchises under SEGA.
The festivities begin June 6, 2026, with the Sonic “Only Shop” and Fair. Fans are encouraged to check local animate listings for specific event dates and regional availability.
For the full schedule, including dates, locations, and activities involved, visit this microsite.
Gone are the days when consoles get cheaper as time goes by. These days, especially because of the RAM crisis, gaming consoles are getting more expensive. Joining this worrying trend, the Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a price hike.
Even upon launch, the Switch 2 was already pricier than its original counterpart. Currently, without the incoming price hikes, the console retails for US$ 449.99. It’s a lot but not completely out of reach.
Last week, Nintendo announced a price hike that might push the console to less than attainable levels. Starting May 25, the Switch 2 will cost JPY 59,980 (up from JPY 49,980) in Japan. The original generation is also getting a hike: JPY 47,980 for the Switch OLED, JPY 43,980 for the base Switch, and JPY 29,980 for the Switch Lite.
Abroad, you can expect price hikes on September 1. The Switch 2 will jump to US$ 499.99, CAN 679.99, or EUR 499.99, depending on where you live. These are the only official hikes announced right now, but Nintendo has confirmed that price revisions will be implemented in other regions, too.
As you might expect, the price increases are due to the ongoing RAM crisis. Though the console is an undeniable hit, the Switch 2 can’t hide behind its popularity against the price shortage dealt by unnecessary data centers. At the very least, users worldwide have time to grab the console in its original pricing before the hikes.
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