Gaming

Final Fantasy XVI release date, pre-order details

Are you excited?

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Final Fantasy XVI

After a jaw-dropping trailer showcased at the Video Game Awards 2022, the official release date and pre-order details for Final Fantasy XVI (Final Fantasy 16/ FFXVI) has been revealed.

The game is launching as a PlayStation 5 console exclusive on June 22, 2023. Some reports say exclusivity will last for only six months.

FFXVI features Clive Rosfield. He is a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix, Eikon of Fire. The latest mainline Final Fantasy game is a dark medieval fantasy. The fate of the land is decided by deadly creatures known as Eikons and the human Dominants who can wield the powers of these mysterious beings.

Watch the trailer

Now for pre-order

Multiple editions of the game are now available for pre-order. Here’s what you’re getting:

Collector’s Edition (US$ 299/ PhP 19,990)

  • Box — A beautiful metallic-sheen box featuring impressive artwork by legendary FINAL FANTASY series illustrator, Yoshitaka Amano
  • “FINAL FANTASY XVI” Game — Base game package, including reversible cover art
  • Premium Statue – Phoenix vs Ifrit — A premium statue depicting a battle between two eikons – Phoenix and Ifrit
  • Metal Eikon Pin Collection — A premium metal pin collection featuring eight eikons
  • Special Clive Rosfield SteelBook® Case — A SteelBook case featuring artwork of Clive Rosfield, the protagonist
  • Cloth World Map of Valisthea — A cloth map of Valisthea where the story unfolds • Blood Sword (Weapon) DLC — The fabled scarlet steel of Firion, hero of Final Fantasy II.

Deluxe Edition (US$ 99/ PhP 4,990)

  • Base game package, including reversible cover art
  • Cloth World Map of Valisthea
  • Special Clive Rosfield SteelBook® Case
  • Early purchase bonus: Braveheart (Weapon) DLC and Cait Sith’s Charm (Gil Boost Accessory) DLC

Standard Editon (US$ 69.99/ PhP 3,490)

Gaming

Switch 2 finally gets a Choose Your Game bundle

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

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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

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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

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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.

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Gaming

The Switch 2 is getting more expensive this year

The price increases will start this month.

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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

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