Gaming

Esports added to the official sports for the 2019 SEA Games

First done during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta

Published

on

The Philippines will be hosting the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) next year, featuring 56 sports in total. The Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PSGOC) gave the go-signal for the list of sports that southeast Asian countries will participate in. Across the more popular sports such as basketball and volleyball, one sport will be making its debut coming off its stint in the 2018 Asian Games.

As confirmed by numerous media outlets, esports will be an official sport for the SEA Games next year. The sport belongs under Category 3, which is dedicated mostly to regional sports or sports making their first appearance in the event. It’s in the same category as sports like arnis and jiu-jitsu, and the PSGOC will be awarding medals.

Esports made a mark in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia as a demonstration sport. Its success became one of the primary reasons for its inclusion in this year’s lineup for the SEA Games. To further strengthen the efforts, Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan recently visited Manila to meet up with PSGOC Chairman Emeritus Alan Cayetano. Both the PSGOC and Razer hope to elevate the status of competitive esports in lieu of its inclusion in the 2022 Asian Games in Huangzou, China.

The PSGOC recently finished an ocular inspection of the competition venues in Clark, Pampanga. On Friday, the group will host the 11 participating countries, through their chefs de mission for the One Year Countdown Celebration. The celebration will kick off a series of activities and gatherings leading up to the opening of the 30th SEA Games in November 2019.

Gaming

Switch 2 finally gets a Choose Your Game bundle

Choose from Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia.

Published

on

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.

SEE ALSO: The Switch 2 is getting more expensive this year

Continue Reading

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Gaming

The Switch 2 is getting more expensive this year

The price increases will start this month.

Published

on

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.

SEE ALSO: Switch 2 now lets you play old games in 1080p

Continue Reading

Trending