Gaming

Pokémon Go update adds Buddy Pokémon feature; new Easter egg uncovered

Published

September 12, 2016

Monch Lopez

The Pokémon Go community can apparently look forward to a new update this week. The update, referred to as version 0.37 for Android and version 1.7.0 for iPhones, will address a number of bugs and performance issues and introduce the Buddy Pokémon feature to the wildly popular mobile game.

You can find the release notes from Niantic Labs’ development team below:

– Implemented Buddy Pokémon: Trainers will now be able to choose one of their Pokémon to be their buddy. A Trainer can earn Candy for their Buddy Pokémon by walking a certain distance
– Made it easier to select smaller Pokémon on the screen
– Fixed an issue where Eggs would sometimes hatch without displaying the animation
– Improved performance reliability when a device switches networks to no longer cause the application to hang or stop updating
– Pokémon Go Plus support
– Minor text fixes

Pokémon Go Plus is slated for release on September 16 so a patch that adds compatibility with the $50 wearable is expected. It connects to your Android or iPhone via Bluetooth and alerts users when something occurs in the Pokémon Go app.

The new buddy system will allow trainers to walk their pokémon for candy, though you won’t exactly see your avatar walking on the map alongside your creature of choice. The candy you receive depends on the creature you’ve chosen, and some pokémon, stronger pokémon, will score you fewer candies than others for the same distance traveled. Also: Evolving pokemon will reset any progress it has made towards generating a new candy.

The Silph Road has put together a nice infographic showing you far you have to travel to generate one candy for every pokémon in the game — excluding the ones that haven’t been found yet; Mewtwo is rumored to dispense one candy every five kilometers. Yikes! Another thing to keep in mind is that you can’t use a buddy pokémon in gym battles.

The new feature also contains an Easter egg that ties back to the game’s roots. Those who can recall the original anime series will know that Pikachu didn’t trust Ash at first, and it took a bit of time for it to sit on Ash’s shoulder. But it appears anime Pikachu isn’t the only one with bonding issues; players will have to walk at least 10 kilometers to see the iconic electric mouse do the same thing in Pokémon Go.

Easter Egg Found! Just as Pikachu didn't bond with Ash at first, walk 10k with Pikachu and he'll ride your shoulder! pic.twitter.com/S9kOD9h4YE

— The Silph Road (@TheSilphRoad) September 11, 2016

In addition to announcing the new update, Niantic Labs reiterated that it is killing support for rooted and jailbroken devices to mitigate cheating in the game.

[irp posts=”7981″ name=”How to catch Ditto in Pokémon Go”]

Image credit: Penn State at Flickr

Gaming

Star Wars: Galactic Racer shows off new gameplay at State of Play

Podracing returns

Published

February 15, 2026

GadgetMatch

Star Wars: Galactic Racer made a fresh appearance at Sony’s State of Play, revealing new gameplay ahead of its 2026 launch.

The new trailer highlights high-speed races across both new and familiar planets from the Star Wars galaxy. It also confirms the return of podracing, the franchise’s most iconic motorsport, alongside a wider range of repulsorcraft built for different racing styles.

Players step into the role of Shade, a lone pilot drawn into the Galactic League. The league operates outside the law in the Outer Rim and is currently controlled by Kestar Bool, a powerful and corrupt figure. With his league on the brink of collapse, organizer Darius Pax turns to Shade to fight back and reclaim control.

The campaign features a branching structure. Choices affect events, alliances, and access to parts, tools, and upgrades. Players can experiment with landspeeders, skim speeders, speeder bikes, and podracers, then fine-tune each vehicle with the help of mechanic Hibi.

Beyond the story, the game offers multiple modes. Online races support up to 12 players across several competitive formats. Arcade mode focuses on instant action, time trials, and leaderboard runs. Scenarios mode introduces unique challenges, from practice sessions on new tracks to demanding races designed to test mastery and precision.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer launches on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2026.

Gaming

New Resident Evil Requiem trailer teases a return to the RPD

The title officially launches on February 27.

Published

February 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Fresh off a stellar 2025 filled with award-winning titles, the world of games is now going through a calm before another inevitable storm. We’re still some ways away from the next explosion of amazing titles. For now, however, an upcoming major title is looking to kick off 2026 with a huge bang. Coming very soon, Resident Evil Requiem just got another trailer, and yes, there’s more Leon to go around.

Late last year, Capcom revealed a bombshell announcement it’s been saving up since the title’s big reveal. Resident Evil Requiem will feature the return of the franchise’s most iconic protagonist, Leon Kennedy. The suave agent will play alongside FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, who heads to Raccoon City to investigate a series of strange deaths.

Since the two characters clearly have opposing personalities, fans have speculated that they will have opposing playstyles. Now, through a new trailer, Capcom has confirmed that Resident Evil Requiem will mix the two genres that the franchise is known for.

Ashcroft, unused to fighting, will have portions more tailored for survival horror, akin to the more recent titles in the series. Meanwhile, Kennedy is back to his gun-toting ways, featuring the same action he’s known for in Resident Evil 4.

Beside the playstyles, there are few Easter eggs for the upcoming title. For example, Sherry makes a very subtle appearance. Also, and this is the kicker, Leon is coming back to Raccoon Police Department in the trailer’s final moments.

Resident Evil Requiem is now available for preorders. The title will officially launch on February 27 for all major platforms.

Entertainment

Jason Momoa will star in upcoming Helldivers film adaptation

Justin Lin is set to direct.

Published

February 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Jason Momoa in A Minecraft Movie

PlayStation’s State of Play is about games. However, there are a few times when the semi-regular event can spawn hype for something outside the realm of gaming. Today is one of those times. Sony Pictures and PlayStation have released more information about the upcoming Helldivers movie adaptation.

Early last year, Sony teased a variety of upcoming adaptations for its tentpole franchises. This announcement included Horizon Zero Dawn, Ghost of Tsushima, and Helldivers.

Today, as reported by Variety, the Helldivers film finally has a leading man. Jason Momoa, who starred in the Minecraft adaptation previously, will star in the film.

Since the franchise isn’t really known for a specific main character, it’s unknown who the star will play. We also don’t know his co-stars yet.

Alongside Momoa, Justin Lin will direct the film. The director is known for his work with the Fast and Furious franchise.

Plot-wise, the Helldivers franchise seems tailor-made for the movies. It’s not a supremely story-driven game, but its premise is endlessly adaptable. The games always revolve around a group of soldiers called Helldivers, who protect Super Earth from a host of alien threats. These threats include rogue robots and bug-like creatures.

The film, whatever it might tackle, will premiere on November 10, 2027.

Helldivers 2 launched back in 2024. At the time, the game was exclusive for the PlayStation and PC. However, it recently launched on the Xbox, too.

SEE ALSO: Helldivers 2 review: SIP ON SOME LIBER-TEA!