Gaming
Counter-Strike 2 is now available
Free upgrade for CS:GO players
Amid the unabated popularity of Valorant, the iconic Counter Strike still stands tall as a classic choice for multiplayer shooters. Now, the Valve franchise is finally stepping into its next generation. Counter-Strike 2 is now online.
Announced back in March, Counter-Strike 2 is a free upgrade for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Though the announcement promised the same fun of the original titles, the sequel features better graphics, mechanics, and connectivity to keep the matches going.
Spotlighting the entire upgrade, the sequel will revamp all the maps including the iconic de_dust2. Smokes are now volumetric objects, which means they react to the player and player actions. A lot of effects were improved to keep up with modern hardware. After all, Global Offensive was launched way back in 2012.
Besides the graphics, Counter-Strike 2 will introduce “sub-ticks,” a new system designed to reduce latency and improve the fluidity of matches. Since the game was in beta since the announcement, Valve likely had the time to test out the technology before the launch.
In any event, Counter-Strike 2 is now available on Steam. If you already have Global Offensive, Steam automatically updated its entry in your library to the sequel. If you don’t, the new game is currently free to play.
AMD Update
Not wasting any time, AMD launched a software update that supports and optimizes Radeon graphics for the popular first-person shooter. Users can download AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 23.9.3 here.
SEE ALSO: Counter-Strike 2 is official!
Gaming
Gundam Rogue Orbit coming to consoles, PC in 2027
Bold new take on Gundam through fast, cinematic action
Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia has announced that Gundam Rogue Orbit is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam in 2027.
The announcement trailer has also been released, showcasing high-mobility action. The title delivers a bold new take on Gundam through fast, cinematic combat in an all-new universe.
Gundam Rogue Orbit lets players suit up for humanity and become the pilot they were born to be.
RE-X is the protagonist and pilot of Gundam Helix. He boards the Gundam and fights to confront threats.
As players step into the cockpit, they will join a rag-tag crew of unsung soldiers, ready to face a powerful unknown threat.
Meanwhile, Sophia serves as the title’s heroine. She is a mysterious girl who monitors RE-X’s situation.
Gaming
K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut lets you become a K-pop group’s manager
K-pop Idol management sim launches July 16th
PQube and Wisageni Studio have announced that K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut will release on July 16.
The K-pop Idol management sim is launching both physically and digitally on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, as well as digitally on Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam).
In addition, a newly updated demo is available right now on Xbox Series X|S and Steam.
The title invites players to recruit and manage their dream K-pop group on their journey to debut — a behind-the-scenes process those well into K-pop culture and fandom are pretty knowledgeable about.
The game lets players get a taste of life as a K-pop Idol manager, navigating the unpredictable challenges of the industry. There’s scouting talent, managing schedules, choosing outfits, planning social media, and organizing the perfect album.
Players can choose from eight unique trainees, from Minji to Ai. The lineup and skillset of your group is in your hands.
As the manager, it is your job to balance stamina, finances, and workload. Moreover, the bonds you build shape every outcome. Decisions influence how each character perceives you, unlocking new encounters, storylines, and endings.
K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut also features exclusive music and special vocal tracks for your group’s debut, produced just for the game. In between, there are mini-games which also contribute to your success as a manager.
As players wait for the game’s release next month, the new demo offers French, German, and Spanish localization, new interactions between trainees, and improved graphics.
Gaming
Kingdom Hearts IV gets new trailer, confirms Switch 2 release
Collection [I~III] launches October 8
Square Enix has released a new trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV, offering another look at Sora’s next adventure and confirming the game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Alongside the update, the company announced that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] will launch on October 8, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC. Pre-orders are now open, while a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind is available starting today.
Kingdom Hearts IV returns
The new trailer offers another look at Quadratum, the mysterious city first revealed when Kingdom Hearts IV was announced.
According to Square Enix, Sora will encounter new characters, visit new worlds, and awaken new powers as the next chapter of the long-running action RPG series unfolds.
The publisher did not announce a release date for the game, saying more details will be revealed in the future.
Kingdom Hearts IV will launch for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Collection bundles the series’ major releases
Square Enix also confirmed that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] brings together Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind in a single package.
The collection includes Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts III, and the Re Mind DLC, alongside several movie and cutscene compilations.
The release marks the arrival of native versions of these titles on Nintendo Switch 2. Previously, the games were available on Nintendo’s platform through cloud versions.
Free demo available now
Players can download a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind starting today.
The demo includes the opening portion of the game through Olympus, with save data carrying over to the full release. It also features a separate section set in Toy Box, the Toy Story-inspired world, although progress from that segment will not transfer.
Players who purchase the collection or Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind will receive platform-exclusive Keyblades. Nintendo Switch 2 players get Long Night, PlayStation 5 players receive Midnight Blue, while Xbox Series X|S players receive Phantom Green.
Digital pre-orders on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S also include 48-hour early access for Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.
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