Summary

Pokémon will require mandatory facial-recognition scans at five temporary card stores in Japan tied to the Storm Emerald Mega expansion launchThe system enforces a one-entry, one-queue-ticket limit per person each day, automatically flagging anyone who tries to returnThe rollout extends a widening campaign against Trading Card Game scalping that has recently included proposed identity checks and government-level intervention

Pokémon is deploying mandatory facial recognition at five temporary Pokémon Card Stores in Japan, requiring shoppers to clear a scan before they can enter or collect a numbered queue ticket. The measure arrives with the launch of the Trading Card Game's Mega expansion Storm Emerald and marks the most forceful entry in a steadily escalating effort to keep resellers away from limited stock.

The move fits a pattern that has been building for some time. Scalping has become one of the defining pressures on the Pokémon TCG, with limited print runs and surging collector demand turning sealed products into a speculative commodity that routinely sells out before ordinary buyers reach the shelf. The company has responded with a widening toolkit rather than a single fix, and the facial-recognition trial reads as the latest and most direct escalation in that campaign.

The immediate predecessor is a separate proposal to fold Japan's My Number identity system into certain Pokémon Center Online sales, lotteries, and official events, a plan still under consideration for a possible launch around August 2026 that has not yet gone live. That effort sits alongside other recent friction points in the resale fight, including a broader Japanese push to police trading-card scalping and counterfeits. Seen together, they suggest a company willing to test increasingly stringent verification methods, moving from purchase caps toward hard identity and biometric gates.

Pokémon has stopped short of branding the store system an anti-scalping tool, instead describing it as a way to provide a safe shopping environment, deter crime, and enforce entry and purchase limits fairly. The practical effect is harder to separate from the reseller problem, since blocking repeat entries directly frustrates professional buyers who rely on clearing stock in volume before collectors and children get a chance. That gap between stated intent and obvious outcome has become a familiar feature of these rollouts, and it raises questions the company has largely left unanswered, including how long biometric data will be retained before deletion.

The scope, for now, remains deliberately narrow. The policy applies only to these temporary pop-ups running from July 31 to August 16, and Pokémon has not signaled any intention to bring facial recognition to its permanent Pokémon Centers or to stores outside Japan. Whether the trial becomes a template or stays a one-off experiment tied to a single high-demand launch is the open question, and the Storm Emerald window will likely serve as an early read on how far the company is prepared to take biometric gatekeeping.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

Sony Interactive Entertainment announced that God of War Laufey will launch exclusively on the PlayStation 5 on February 16, 2027The upcoming title departs from Kratos to center on his wife Laufey as she battles through a mythological afterlife known as the EverywhenSanta Monica Studio confirmed a subsequent Kratos-led sequel is currently in development and will connect directly to Faye’s overarching narrative

Sony Interactive Entertainment is officially handing the Leviathan Axe over, figuratively speaking. During a dedicated San Diego Comic-Con 2026 panel, Santa Monica Studio announced that the highly anticipated God of War Laufey will launch exclusively on the PlayStation 5 on February 16, 2027. Departing from the franchise's traditional focus on Kratos, the upcoming title shifts the spotlight to his late wife Laufey. Following her death prior to the events of God of War Ragnarök, the formidable warrior awakens in a perilous realm and must fight to protect the future of her family from beyond the grave.

The new journey plunges players into the Everywhen. This sprawling ethereal afterlife serves as a battleground where ruthless deities from across various mythologies vie for absolute power. According to the official PlayStation Store listing, Faye’s solo outing sheds light on her untold history as the legendary Guardian of the Jötnar, a fierce rebel leader against the oppressive Aesir gods and the lone protector of the Wildwoods. Instead of navigating the emotional weight of fatherhood that defined the Norse saga's recent entries, players will experience a high-stakes survival story deeply rooted in a mother's desperate bid to ensure the safety of Kratos and Atreus.

Gameplay previews reveal a stark contrast between Kratos’s heavy brawling and Faye’s lethal agility. Game director Ariel Lawrence and head of creative Cory Barlog detailed her combat prowess during the SDCC showcase, emphasizing speed, relentless aerial maneuvers and devastating magical abilities. Faye slices through enemies with decisive precision, leveraging the innate power of the Giants to overwhelm a fresh array of mythological creatures and rival gods that have yet to appear in the mainline series.

The Comic-Con showcase also featured insights from the expanded voice cast. Deborah Ann Woll returns as Laufey alongside Christopher Judge as Kratos and newcomers Jack Quaid and Perlina Lau. Beyond exploring the mechanics of Faye's standalone adventure, the developers provided a massive update on the broader future of the cinematic universe. Santa Monica Studio confirmed that another Kratos-led God of War game is officially planned to follow the 2027 release. The sequel will directly connect to the narrative threads established in Faye’s afterlife odyssey.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

MSI released the Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition Draco Epic, a limited-edition $6,999 gaming laptop commemorating the company's 40th anniversaryThe flagship machine features top-tier specifications including an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPUA premium collector's bundle accompanies the device featuring a numbered mousepad, gaming mouse, commemorative coin and a copy of LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Celebrating 40 years in the hardware industry, MSI launched a specialized "Draco Epic" edition of its flagship Titan 18 HX laptop. The brand deliberately moved away from traditional aggressive gaming aesthetics in favor of a collector-focused design inspired by the mythic Draco constellation. Its chassis features five-layer silk-screen printing, a custom Dragon RGB logo and specialized Greek lettering. A 40th-anniversary emblem is also worked directly into the body to highlight its limited production run. Designers cooled the interior using an advanced vapor chamber system equipped with a dedicated PCIe Gen 5 SSD cooling pipe. This thermal solution prevents the processor, graphics card and storage drives from competing for heat dissipation in a confined space.

Serving as an uncompromising desktop replacement, the portable PC sports an 18-inch 4K UHD+ Mini LED display. The factory-calibrated panel boasts a 240Hz refresh rate, VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification and full coverage of the DCI-P3 color space. System performance is driven by 270W of total power via the MSI OverBoost architecture. Inside, the configuration pairs an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU carrying 24GB of GDDR7 memory. The massive rig supports up to 96GB of DDR5 memory and achieves sequential read speeds of 18,000 MB/s through a SuperRAID 5 setup utilizing four distinct SSD slots. A 99.9Wh battery pushes the device to the legal flight limit for portable electronics.

Connectivity features include dual Thunderbolt 5 ports offering up to 120 Gbps bandwidth, HDMI 2.1 output for external 4K monitors and Wi-Fi 7 networking. The physical interface is anchored by a 99-key Cherry mechanical keyboard with per-key RGB lighting. Dropping a $6,999 USD portable PC onto the market represents a bold move during an era when premium gaming rigs often struggle to justify exorbitant price tags. The company clearly aims to court a highly specific buyer who views the device as a display piece as much as a daily driver. Beyond the raw hardware, a bundled physical commemorative coin, numbered mousepad and a copy of LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight reinforce the status of the machine as a luxury collectible.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

EA SPORTS has officially revealed EA SPORTS FC 27 featuring Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappé and Jude BellinghamThe latest entry introduces a new social football neighborhood called The Grounds alongside a collectible FUT GalleryGlobal launch is scheduled for September 25 with early access starting September 18 for eligible editions

EA SPORTS has officially revealed EA SPORTS FC 27, setting a worldwide launch date of September 25, 2026. The upcoming entry features Real Madrid superstars Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham as joint cover athletes for the limited-time Ultimate Plus Edition.

The latest installment introduces major gameplay and structural additions to the football simulation series. Leading the updates is "The Grounds," a brand-new social playground designed to expand the traditional Clubs experience into dynamic neighborhood districts. Players can customize their footballer, join casual or competitive matches, and progress with guidance from iconic mentors like Mbappé, Chloe Kelly, Paulo Dybala, and Alex Hunter.

Beyond social hubs, EA SPORTS FC 27 introduces the FUT Gallery, allowing players to curate and grade sets of past and present player items across leagues and nations to unlock seasonal rewards. Career Mode receives a rebuilt Transfer Market powered by TransferRoom mechanics, while general pitch gameplay gets enhanced with dynamic corner controls, rebalanced AI defending, and improved fluid movement.

EA SPORTS FC 27 releases worldwide on September 25, 2026, across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2, with early access beginning September 18.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EA SPORTS FC (@easportsfc)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EA SPORTS FC (@easportsfc)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EA SPORTS FC (@easportsfc)

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

Razer has introduced the Soma Chroma, its first wireless Chroma RGB gaming chairThe chair integrates reactive RGB lighting that syncs across more than 300 games through Razer SynapseErgonomic features include a built-in lumbar arch, dual-density cold-cured foam and up to 155 degrees of recline

Razer has unveiled the Soma Chroma, the brand's first wireless Chroma RGB gaming chair. The debut model brings Razer's signature lighting ecosystem into a seat for the first time, pairing fully integrated RGB with a wireless power system and a construction focused on long-session comfort, effectively extending the immersive battlestation from the desk to the chair itself.

Lighting sits at the heart of the design. The Soma Chroma carries fully integrated Razer Chroma RGB that reacts in real time across more than 300 Chroma-integrated PC games, drawing on 16.8 million colors and 10 lighting presets configured through Razer Synapse. The chair connects wirelessly to a PC using an included USB Type A HyperSpeed Wireless dongle, and a built-in control panel lets users cycle effects, adjust brightness and switch between a 2.4 GHz PC connection and a Bluetooth mobile link without leaving their seat.

Powering all of that without cable clutter is a USB Type C connection. Rather than tethering to a fixed source, the chair can run from a standard power bank or a wall outlet, preserving the clean, wireless setup that the lighting system is built to complement. That flexibility is central to the Soma Chroma's pitch as a chair designed to slot into a pristine, cable-free gaming space.

Comfort and structure round out the build. A built-in ergonomic lumbar arch supports the lower back and encourages a neutral sitting position to reduce fatigue, while a dual-density cold-cured foam cushion pairs a plush top layer with a firmer base to distribute pressure and improve airflow across long sessions. Underneath, a reinforced steel frame and 5-star steel wheelbase anchor the chair for stability and durability, and the backrest reclines up to 155 degrees to shift between upright competitive play and a laid-back viewing position. The chair accommodates users from 160 to 200 centimeters and supports up to 150 kilograms, and it ships with a 3-year limited warranty.

The Razer Soma Chroma is available now, starting at $499.99 USD via Razer.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

LEGO Super Mario is releasing a 'Donkey Kong' arcade set that recreates the classic arcade game in brick formThe build features Jumpman, Donkey Kong and Lady across a playable scaffold level with working barrel mechanicsThe 18+ collectible is positioned as retro decor for adult fans of video game history

LEGO Super Mario is turning one of gaming's foundational moments into a display piece with the Donkey Kong Arcade, a brick-built tribute to the original arcade cabinet. The 18+ set recreates the barrel-launching, ladder-climbing action of the classic game, pairing authentic play features with a form built to sit on a shelf as nostalgic decor rather than a toy.

The set leans hard into the source material that started it all. Donkey Kong first hit arcades in 1981 as Nintendo's breakout hit, and it introduced two characters who would go on to define the company: the barrel-hurling ape himself and a mustachioed carpenter originally called Jumpman, who was soon renamed Mario and became the face of the entire industry. LEGO nods directly to that origin by naming the minifigure Jumpman rather than Mario, alongside Donkey Kong and Lady, staying faithful to the era the cabinet came from.

That authenticity carries into how the model plays. Rather than a static diorama, the build recreates a Donkey Kong arcade level with scaffold, ladder and hammer details, plus a mechanism that circulates the barrels in a continuous loop. Builders pull a lever to release one of 21 barrels at a time, as if hurled by Donkey Kong, then steer Jumpman with a joystick and hit a button to make him leap over the obstacles. The interactivity mirrors the tension of the original game, where timing each jump was the whole challenge, and translates it into a physical, hands-on experience.

Under the nostalgia sits a substantial build. The set comprises roughly 1,367 pieces and comes together into a finished model that stands over 15.5 inches (39 centimeters) high, 10.5 inches (27 centimeters) wide and 5.5 inches (15 centimeters) deep, giving it a footprint sized to anchor a shelf or desk rather than disappear into one. The vertical, cabinet-inspired proportions echo the upright arcade machine it references, letting the scaffold-and-ladder level climb the way the original screen did.

Every element reinforces the collectible framing. The scaffold, ladder and hammer details recreate a full Donkey Kong stage rather than a single snapshot, while the looping barrel mechanism keeps the display in motion instead of frozen. Marked for ages 18 and up, the model is positioned as retro decor for a game room, shelf or home office, and slots into LEGO's wider assortment of sets for adults built around mindful, hands-on assembly, doubling as both a gamer gift and a piece of video game memorabilia.

The LEGO Super Mario Donkey Kong Arcade is available to pre-order now via the official LEGO Shop, with orders shipping from August 1.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Xbox has launched Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC, making a batch of classic original Xbox games playable on PC and handhelds for the first time. Rolling out today in early release, the program arrives with four legacy titles and support for devices including the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, marking the start of a broader push to preserve older Xbox games and carry them onto PC over time.

The launch lineup pulls together four cult favorites from the original Xbox era. Players can jump into BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge and Fuzion Frenzy starting today in supported regions. All four are now available to purchase on PC and come included with every Xbox Game Pass plan, giving both new players and returning fans multiple ways in.

Ownership carries across hardware, too. Anyone who already holds a digital license for these games on console will see it transfer to PC and handheld automatically. Through Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming, that means the same title can move between console, cloud, PC and handheld without a second purchase, reinforcing the cross-device flexibility at the center of the program.

Beyond simply making the games playable, Xbox has layered in enhancements that preserve the original gameplay while sharpening it for modern hardware. The titles support customizable graphics settings, including up to 4x resolution upscaling, VSync, fullscreen and windowed display modes, anisotropic filtering and enhanced anti-aliasing, alongside customizable language and audio options. More is on the way as well, with Achievements set to arrive for the first four games in the coming months as one of the most requested additions. Access runs through the Xbox on PC app for any system that meets the minimum requirements, which start at Windows 11, 8 GB of RAM, and a GPU on the level of an Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550.

Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC is available now in early release, with all four launch titles playable through the Xbox on PC app and included across Xbox Game Pass plans.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

2K has revealed Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark and Derrick Rose as the three cover athletes for 'NBA 2K27'Each star fronts a separate edition, with Clark taking the first solo WNBA global cover in franchise historyThe game launches worldwide on September 4 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2

2K has revealed the cover athletes for NBA 2K27, spreading the honor across three players who each anchor their own edition of the game. Victor Wembanyama fronts the Standard Edition, Caitlin Clark headlines the Deluxe Edition, and Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose is celebrated on the limited-time Ultra Edition, a lineup that pairs the league's present with its recent past while pushing women's basketball onto the global stage.

Each athlete brings a distinct résumé to the cover. Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs center, made history as the NBA's first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, a nod to the way he has reshaped expectations for the modern big man. Clark, the Indiana Fever guard and 2024 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year, arrives as a three-time WNBA All-Star starter whose logo-range shooting has reset the terms of the women's game. Rose, the youngest MVP in league history and a three-time NBA All-Star, closes the loop on a personal arc that began with his NBA 2K13 cover more than a decade ago.

Clark's placement carries the most weight for the franchise. She becomes the first WNBA player to headline her own global cover, a milestone she framed as women's basketball earning its spot on a stage that reaches fans worldwide. The three-athlete structure lets 2K tell a broader story about obsession and drive, the throughline SVP and GM Zak Armitage used to connect a shot-blocking phenom, a boundary-pushing guard and a comeback-defined former MVP under a single banner.

The editions themselves scale up in content alongside their cover stars. The Standard Edition centers purely on Wembanyama, while the Deluxe Edition tied to Clark bundles in a stack of Virtual Currency, MyCAREER skill and Gatorade boosts, player jerseys, and a run of MyTEAM packs and pass content. The Ultra Edition built around Rose includes everything in the Deluxe tier and layers on additional Virtual Currency, a Season 1 Pro Pass, a multi-season pass bundle stretching into summer 2027, a Roses oversize hoodie for MyCAREER, and premium MyTEAM cards that guarantee a 98 OVR pull and an Invincible card down the line.

When you're truly obsessed with basketball, the game doesn't stop when you leave the arena. NBA 2K is the court that never locks up, it's always open whether you're in Paris or San Antonio. It's how you study the game, sharpen your IQ, and live basketball 24/7,” said Standard Wembanyama. “To be the face of a game that fuels that hunger for hoops and whose covers immortalize the all-time greats, that’s a dream come true for me.”

"Being on the cover of NBA 2K27 is special because this game reaches fans all over the world,” said Clark. “To be the first WNBA player on her own global cover means women's basketball gets to show up on that stage too, and I am proud to be part of that."

“It’s crazy looking back at being on the NBA 2K13 cover to now having my own edition for NBA 2K27,” said Rose. "During my journey there have been coaches who believed in me, teammates who made me better, and fans who showed up louder than I ever expected. So, this is a chance to inspire young athletes to stay obsessed with the game. To show them that when you put in the countless hours of hard work, it rewards you.”

Pre-orders are live now, with Deluxe and Ultra owners unlocking Early Access on August 28, up to a week ahead of the September 4 worldwide launch. The Ultra Edition carries limited availability through September 6. 2K has also teed up a first look at gameplay, with the official NBA 2K27 trailer set to arrive on July 28. Developed by Visual Concepts, the game is rated E for Everyone, though 2K notes the Deluxe and Ultra Editions will not be available in Brazil.

NBA 2K27 launches worldwide on September 4 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch 2, with Early Access for Deluxe and Ultra Edition owners beginning August 28 via the official NBA 2K website.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

Topps is releasing a commemorative trading card featuring the viral 2007 photograph of Lionel Messi holding an infant Lamine YamalThe image was originally produced for a charity calendar by the Catalan newspaper Diario Sport in partnership with UNICEFThe original photoshoot occurred in the Camp Nou locker room after Yamal's family won a neighborhood raffle

Sports collectibles company Topps is officially releasing a commemorative trading card featuring the now-viral 2007 photograph of Lionel Messi holding an infant Lamine Yamal. The image recently gained worldwide fame for capturing an improbable early meeting between the Argentine legend and the rising Spanish teenage sensation.

At the time of the original photoshoot, Messi was a 20-year-old rising star establishing his legacy at FC Barcelona. Yamal was only a few months old. The striking picture was initially produced for a charity calendar organized by the Catalan newspaper Diario Sport in partnership with UNICEF.

Organizers hosted the gathering in the Camp Nou locker room after Yamal's family won a raffle in the neighborhood of Roca Fonda. For nearly two decades the photo remained an obscure piece of local memorabilia until Yamal emerged as a global soccer prodigy.

The release immortalizes a unique generational crossover in global football history and provides fans with a physical piece of the serendipitous moment connecting two celebrated eras.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

Bethesda has officially confirmed that remasters of 'Fallout 3' and 'Fallout: New Vegas' are in active development, ending months of leaks and speculation'Fallout 5' remains the studio's "long-range destination," while a separate unannounced project is being developed in collaboration with Obsidian EntertainmentNo release dates were provided for any of the four projects, though Bethesda teased that something "special" is planned for the franchise's 30th anniversary in 2027

Bethesda has confirmed that it is working on remasters of both Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, alongside continued development on Fallout 5 and a newly revealed collaboration with Obsidian Entertainment on an unannounced Fallout project.

The confirmation arrives after an extended cycle of leaks and near-misses. A toy company inadvertently revealed the New Vegas remaster earlier this year, and a mysterious Fallout countdown in January fueled widespread speculation about a Fallout 3 remaster shadowdrop that never materialized. Reports subsequently indicated the Fallout 3 remaster remained in "active development" despite the missed window. Until this blog post, Bethesda had never publicly acknowledged any of the remaster projects.

The language in the announcement is carefully staged. "Fallout is one of our biggest priorities today," Bethesda wrote. "Fallout 5 remains our long-range destination, and we have multiple Fallout projects in active development right now." The studio then addressed the remasters directly: "We also know many players want to revisit previous Fallout experiences. While we're not announcing any dates today, we have been working on remasters for both Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas." The phrasing "have been working on" suggests both remasters are past the early conceptual phase, though the explicit absence of dates signals that neither is close to a shipping window.

The most notable reveal may be the Obsidian collaboration. Bethesda confirmed it is "teaming up with original New Vegas devs, Obsidian" on a separate, unannounced Fallout project. The blog post did not specify whether this is a full new title, a standalone expansion, or something else entirely, nor did it clarify the project's scope or development stage. Obsidian, now owned by Xbox, developed the original Fallout: New Vegas in 2010 under a tight 18-month production timeline and has not worked on the franchise since.

On the Fallout 5 front, the blog post offers no new specifics beyond reaffirming it as a "long-range destination." Todd Howard has previously indicated the game will be directly impacted by the events of the Amazon Prime Fallout TV show, but the blog post does not elaborate on timeline, setting, or development milestones. The phrasing suggests Fallout 5 sits behind The Elder Scrolls VI in the studio's production queue, which the same blog post described as Bethesda's "primary development focus today, with the majority of our team currently working on" it.

Bethesda also noted it is "planning something special" for the Fallout franchise's 30th anniversary in 2027, without offering details. Whether that anniversary event involves one of the confirmed projects or something separate remains unaddressed.

What the blog post establishes, in concrete terms, is the existence of at least four distinct Fallout projects in some stage of active development: the Fallout 3 remaster, the New Vegas remaster, Fallout 5, and the unnamed Obsidian collaboration. What it does not provide is any indication of release sequencing, the technical scope of the remasters, or which internal teams or partner studios are handling each project. The confirmation resolves the question of whether these projects exist. It leaves open nearly everything else.

A NOTE FROM BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS

We love making these worlds as much as you love playing in them. Today, we want to share what's next for Bethesda Game Studios and what you can expect from us in the years ahead.

For forty years, we've built games that have entertained almost… pic.twitter.com/slD4pMWqW1

— Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) July 17, 2026

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

Epic Games has officially announced that football icon Sir David Beckham is joining the 'Fortnite' Icon SeriesThe upcoming virtual drop includes multiple customizable character outfits alongside specialized in-game gear and pickaxesA unique shirtless outfit option features reactive gold tattoos that glow brighter with every player elimination

Epic Games is officially bringing legendary English football star Sir David Beckham into the metaverse with the debut of the Fortnite Sir David Beckham Icon Series Collection. The highly anticipated collaboration brings the iconic athlete's historic career and signature style to the hit battle royale title as a fully playable character.

The digital collection showcases an array of specialized cosmetics modeled directly after Beckham’s famous looks on and off the pitch. Players can equip the sleek "Club Owner" outfit style, which features a sharp black suit accented with an official club crest, or opt for a traditional football kit sporting his classic number seven jersey. For an elevated visual option, the collection includes an additional style where the character is shirtless, exposing intricate gold body tattoos that cover his torso, arms, hands, and neck. These tattoos are fully reactive, dynamically glowing brighter with each elimination secured during a match.

Beyond the skins, the capsule incorporates a curated range of custom tools and movements. Fans can activate the unique "Shot Emote," which replicates the football legend's world-renowned "Bend it like Beckham" free-kick technique. The release is fully rounded out by two exclusive harvesting tools: the technical Meteor Baller Pickaxe, designed to deliver the perfect strike, and the sleek Number Seven Scythe Pickaxe.

The Fortnite Sir David Beckham Icon Series Collection drops on July 18 via in-game Fortnite Item Shop.

Read more at Hypebeast

Epic Games is bringing the high-stakes world of ancient Greece to its battle royale island with the release of the Fortnite The Odyssey Skin Collection. The official crossover celebrates the theatrical release of director Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated cinematic epic, The Odyssey.

The collaborative collection introduces two main cosmetic skins based on key characters from the film: Odysseus, portrayed in the movie by Matt Damon, and Agamemnon, played by Benny Safdie. In addition to the character outfits, players will be able to equip themed accessories including Odysseus’ Xiphos Pickaxe and the Bow of Iphytus Back Bling. Early leaks also suggest that a skin for Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway in the film, may follow in a future update.

For players looking to claim the main skin early, Epic Games is hosting "The Odyssey Cups" tournament on July 15 and July 16. The competitive event spans Battle Royale, Zero Build, and the mobile-exclusive Reload playlist. High-performing players across each global region will earn the Odysseus skin and its matching cosmetics for free, while those who miss out can buy the outfits directly from the in-game shop.

The Fortnite The Odyssey Skin Collection drops on July 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET via the Fortnite Item Shop.

Read more at Hypebeast

Summary

Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino signaled a major strategy shift during a recent investor meeting by emphasizing gaming "beyond the living room" and transitioning to a "true digital platform business/"The executive's comments coupled with a recent decision to phase out physical game discs suggest the upcoming PlayStation 6 will likely be designed as a handheld or hybrid device similar to the Nintendo Switch.Future hardware is expected to prioritize digital distribution through the PlayStation Store while maintaining backward compatibility for digital PS4 and PS5 libraries.

Sony's hardware future is coming into sharp focus following remarks by CEO Hideaki Nishino at a recent business meeting. The executive positioned the PlayStation Portal as a precursor to a "beyond the living room" strategy. This pivot aims to distance the brand from its traditional association with a fixed television setup to address the explosive popularity of portable gaming devices and PC handhelds. Leadership wants to break away from the perception that PlayStation equals the living room by offering a seamless experience naturally enjoyed anywhere. Industry whispers suggest the heavily rumored PlayStation 6 stands as the ultimate focus of this transition.

A complete shift toward an all-digital ecosystem serves as a calculated method to maximize profitability. Sony plans to direct every software sale through its proprietary digital storefront. Executives confirmed the brand will not sell hardware at significant losses moving forward. Removing a disc drive from future console designs marks a definitive end to the secondhand game market and physical media for the entire PlayStation ecosystem. Players who buy the next handheld will experience the convenience of playing the latest releases anywhere but will only be able to purchase brand-new digital titles directly from the manufacturer.

Industry reports indicate a high-end stationary console might still exist for premium consumers, but a handheld-first approach for the PS6 allows the gaming giant to firmly lock users into its digital infrastructure. This overarching strategy directly addresses rising component costs. Sony can ensure strict quality standards without heavily relying on expensive onboard processing power by focusing on thin client technology and dedicated cloud streaming environments. Brand representatives explicitly rejected the idea of expanding their cloud strategy to smartphones and PCs because touch controls and keyboards fail to deliver a premium controller-based experience.

Blockbuster sales of the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck clearly laid the groundwork for this paradigm shift. Hybrid do-it-all consoles stand as the most lucrative hardware format in the current gaming landscape. Sony appears determined to keep physical PlayStation controls in the hands of players while Microsoft scrambles to establish an Xbox Play Everywhere cloud model. Dedicated portable terminals ensure the Japanese gaming juggernaut can maintain high profit margins amid surging component prices while offering an uninterrupted single-player experience on the go.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

We just played the FIFA World Cup™: Launch Edition game exclusively on Netflix, and we had one of the most exhilarating gaming experiences, especially with soccer fever absolutely taking over the world right now, the timing of this release couldn’t be more perfect.

We crowded around the screen right here at the Hypebeast office to see if Netflix's latest game could actually deliver the goods. The verdict? It’s an absolutely good time. We love that it’s not an overly complex sports simulation like some other titles we’ve experienced before. This one’s a streamlined, high-energy football game designed to capture the pure emotion, joy, and instant thrill of the pitch right from your couch.

What makes this edition a total game-changer is how it completely removes the usual barriers to entry. There are no pricey next-gen consoles or complicated controller layouts required. Instead, your phone acts as the controller and your TV is the stadium. Setup was insanely easy: we just launched the game on Netflix, downloaded the Netflix Game Controller app on our phones, scanned a quick QR code, and we were instantly connected and ready to play. Even some of us at the office who’ve never touched a video game in their lives were pulling off incredible plays, swiping to pass, and screaming at the top of their lungs after scoring match-winning goals.

Supporting up to four players at home, the game kept us hooked as we jumped into an intense tournament mode, randomizing international squads and testing our skills. There's plenty of depth to keep you coming back, too. We racked up thousands of in-game coins to unlock daily rewards and upgrade elite national team athletes like Lionel Messi to maximize our roster. Best of all, it's included with your standard Netflix membership at no extra cost, giving you access to all 48 tournament teams, 16 real-world stadiums, and over 1,200 players.

If you're looking for a fast, fluid, and fiercely fun way to celebrate the World Cup with your friends and family, this is it. Play instantly on your TV or computer right now.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

Microsoft reportedly canceled an Avowed sequel to direct Obsidian Entertainment toward developing a new Fallout titleThe pivot arrives alongside 3,200 layoffs across the Microsoft gaming division and a 25 percent reduction in the Obsidian workforce

Microsoft is initiating a massive restructuring of its gaming division, resulting in deep cuts at Obsidian Entertainment. The acclaimed studio is reportedly losing approximately 25 percent of its workforce. According to reports, the reduction impacts roughly 60 to 70 employees across all disciplines. The layoffs swept through the company ranks, affecting producers, writers, programmers and veteran staff members with over a decade of tenure.

Amid the widespread downsizing, Microsoft is shifting the developer focus toward higher-priority intellectual property. Obsidian is reportedly developing a new entry in the beloved Fallout franchise. To accommodate the pivot, executives canceled a planned sequel to the recently released fantasy game Avowed. The strategic realignment arrives as part of a sweeping corporate mandate that eliminated 3,200 positions across the broader Xbox organization.

Despite the severe personnel reductions, the developer retains several active projects. Work will continue on Grounded 2, a cooperative survival sequel currently in early access across PC and consoles with a planned release for the PlayStation 5. The title introduces new mechanics where shrunken players can hatch, raise and ride insect companions to navigate an overgrown backyard environment. Alongside the survival adventure, the studio is also proceeding with announced downloadable content for The Outer Worlds 2. However, remaining employees are reportedly waiting on formal guidance regarding how the current production pipeline will function with a significantly diminished headcount.

The recent restructuring signals a shifting era for the storied company. Acquired by Microsoft in 2018, the team consistently delivered critically acclaimed narratives like the Peabody Award-winning Pentiment. Now, the organization faces the challenge of maintaining its prolific output while navigating one of the most substantial corporate contractions in recent gaming history.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

Nintendo will cease selling the original Switch family of systems in Europe starting mid-February 2027The decision stems from upcoming European Union regulations requiring user-replaceable batteries in portable electronicsCompliant revisions for the upcoming Switch 2 console and its accessories will begin rolling out in summer 2026

Nintendo is officially pulling the plug on the original Switch family across Europe. The gaming heavyweight announced it will discontinue the sale of all first-generation models to European retailers and through its regional online store by mid-February 2027. This hard stop includes the standard hybrid console, the handheld-only Switch Lite and the premium Switch OLED. The definitive cutoff date arrives just weeks shy of the system's monumental tenth anniversary. Phasing out the original hardware marks the end of a defining chapter for one of the most successful gaming platforms in history.

The transition is a direct response to stringent new European Union battery regulations. Regional mandates taking effect in 2027 dictate that consumer electronics must feature user-replaceable batteries without the need for professional service. Rather than re-engineering an aging hardware platform to meet these requirements, the brand is opting to phase out the original hardware completely. The pivot highlights how regional legislation is increasingly dictating global tech lifecycles and forcing legacy manufacturers to adapt their product strategies.

Instead of modifying the original systems, Nintendo is rolling out compliant revisions for its highly anticipated Switch 2 ecosystem. The brand confirmed the forthcoming console will hit the European market in the autumn of 2026. The new device features a 5172mAh battery and weighs roughly 411 grams. Attaching the updated Joy-Con 2 controllers pushes the total weight to 548 grams. These updated peripherals will also incorporate user-replaceable power sources to ensure full regulatory compliance.

A rolling release schedule for updated accessories begins in summer 2026 with revised standalone Joy-Cons. Players can expect compliant versions of the Pro Controller and retro peripherals like the Nintendo 64 and GameCube pads to arrive through early 2027. While European stock of the original Switch will dwindle as production shifts, the outgoing consoles will remain widely available in other global territories. Existing owners will maintain full access to their digital libraries, the Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch Online services indefinitely.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Sony may have quietly offered publishers a narrow reprieve within its physical disc phaseout policy. According to a report by Game File, Sony sent a private message to PlayStation developers and publishers indicating that re-orders for existing physical disc titles will remain possible after January 2028, provided the game in question is released before that cut-off date.

The distinction, if confirmed, matters in practice. Sony's PlayStation blog post on the phaseout stated that its discontinuation of physical disc production would have no impact on games already released or releasing before January 2028 in disc format, but the reported private message goes a step further, making explicit that re-ordering physical stock of those titles would remain an option beyond that date. The ordering process itself is expected to change following the transition, though Sony has not yet reportedly detailed how.

The report arrives as Sony has already committed significant resources to winding down its disc manufacturing infrastructure. The company's disc factory in Salzburg, Austria is in the process of being repurposed to manufacture optical microlenses, a move that signals the phaseout is a structural shift rather than a reversible business decision. Against that backdrop, the reported re-order provision reads as a narrowly defined carve-out rather than any softening of Sony's broader direction.

Sony has also reportedly indicated it will provide publishers with the opportunity to release new games at retail using digital codes, a mechanism that would preserve a physical retail presence for new titles without requiring disc production. No further details on that program have been shared at this stage. While the digital code option would address concerns about new releases being confined to Sony's online store ecosystem, the overall implications for game preservation and physical media collecting remain significant, with the loss of new disc-based releases expected to have lasting effects on the industry.

Sony's physical disc production cut-off is slated for January 2028.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced it will discontinue physical disc production for all new PlayStation console games starting January 2028New games released after that date will be available exclusively in digital formats through PlayStation Store and participating retailersGames released or scheduled to release before the January 2028 cutoff will still ship on disc as planned

Sony Interactive Entertainment has confirmed that PlayStation will stop producing physical game discs for all new console releases beginning January 2028, marking one of the most significant shifts in the platform's distribution strategy since it first embraced disc-based media. The announcement, made via the official PlayStation Blog by Senior Director of Content Communications Sid Shuman, positions the change as a response to long-running shifts in how players buy and access games.

The transition applies exclusively to new games launching after the January 2028 cutoff, which will be sold in digital form only through PlayStation Store and at participating retailers. Titles already on shelves or scheduled to release before that date will remain unaffected, meaning existing disc-based libraries and any pre-2028 releases will continue to function as usual on compatible hardware. Sony has not addressed whether future PlayStation consoles will continue to include disc drives at all, leaving open questions about backward compatibility and long-term physical media playback.

In its framing of the decision, Sony pointed to what it described as a natural progression, citing consumer preference for digital media as significantly outpacing physical discs and calling the shift a way to align more closely with how most of its community accesses and plays games today. Shuman emphasized that the move would allow the company to concentrate resources on innovating game access and preserving retail choice, though the announcement stopped short of detailing what those innovations might look like.

The decision arrives alongside a broader industry drift that has been building for the better part of a decade. Sony had already tested the water with the PS5 Digital Edition, a disc-less version of its current-generation console released in 2020, while competitors have taken parallel steps, with Microsoft's Xbox Series S launching as a fully digital SKU and physical game production reportedly scaling back across major publishers. Sony also published a separate same-day update regarding the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita, though details of that announcement fall outside the scope of this piece.

For collectors and preservationists, the timeline sets a firm horizon on an era of PlayStation physical media that began with the original PlayStation in 1994. The shift raises longer-term questions about Microsoft Xbox Series S Tag | Hypebeast - Fashion, Sneakers, Art, Design & Culturegame ownership, resale markets, and archival access that Sony's announcement does not directly engage with, but which are likely to shape the conversation as the 2028 date approaches.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

The Pokémon Company International has officially unveiled the product lineup for the upcoming Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG): 30th Celebration expansion Commemorating three decades of the iconic tabletop card game, the special set is composed entirely of premium foil cardsThe expansion introduces an all-new card rarity tier titled "Futuristic rare," boasting vibrant aesthetics illustrated by renowned Japanese artist YOSHIROTTEN

The Pokémon Company International has officially pulled back the curtain on its full introductory product slate for the highly anticipated Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG): 30th Celebration expansion. Slated to arrive at participating global retailers in mid-September, the monumental anniversary collection honors three decades of trading card history by delivering a completely holographic master set alongside innovative visual rarities and structural throwbacks designed to excite collectors and competitive players alike.

The structural foundation of the 30th Celebration expansion introduces several unprecedented shifts to the standard TCG formula. Most notably, the collection is configured as an "all-foil" set, ensuring every single pulled card features holographic engineering. The set will also pioneer a brand-new mechanical and visual classification called "Futuristic rare," featuring surreal, neon-infused graphic treatments illustrated by celebrated Japanese digital artist YOSHIROTTEN. To anchor the anniversary theme in the franchise's mascot, every single 30th Celebration booster pack is guaranteed to contain at least one of 30 unique, highly collectible Pikachu rare cards, showcasing the Electric-type Pokémon across varying beautifully illustrated daytime and nighttime environments. Nostalgia-focused collectors can also look forward to tracking down 30 iconic, historically significant classic cards making a direct return to the layout.

The initial tabletop product wave launching on September 16 covers a vast array of collection styles. The flagship Elite Trainer Box will include nine expansion booster packs, gameplay accessories, and an exclusive illustration rare-style promo card featuring Nidorina—with a specialized Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box version scaling up to include 11 booster packs. For fans looking to decorate their spaces or electronics, the Poster Collection bundles three booster packs with legendary Kanto bird promos (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres) and a double-sided master poster, while the Tech Sticker Collection packages three booster packs with an Alolan Exeggutor or Lucario foil promo card alongside matching technical decal sheets.

Competitive players looking to instantly upgrade their decks will be directed toward the Pokémon ex Boxes, which contain four booster packs alongside a standard and an oversized jumbo promo card highlighting either Sylveon ex or Greninja ex. Rounding out the opening wave is the lean Knock Out Collection, containing two booster packs, a foil Eevee promo card, and a custom commemorative coin. The Pokémon Company has confirmed that additional products—including specialized booster bundles, all-foil theme decks led by Espeon ex and Umbreon ex, and a premium figure collection featuring Mew or Mewtwo—will continue rolling out onto retail shelves through the remainder of the 2026 holiday calendar.

The physical edition of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG): 30th Celebration expansion will launch simultaneously across global markets on September 16, 2026. Digital-first players will receive early access to collect, trade, and battle with the entire set beginning September 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM PDT via the official Pokémon TCG Live application supported on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows platforms.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast

Summary

Retroid announced the Pocket Nova, a new handheld gaming console featuring a 4.5-inch AMOLED display with a 4:3 aspect ratioThe device is powered by a Qualcomm QCS8550 processor, which provides performance similar to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 to support PlayStation 2 and GameCube emulationStarting at $229 USD, the handheld includes a 5,000mAh battery with 27W fast charging, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity

Retroid announced the Pocket Nova, a dedicated gaming handheld that brings premium hardware to the competitive retro emulation market. The device targets enthusiasts seeking a high-performance 4:3 display format. This specific screen ratio naturally fits the native output of fifth and sixth-generation console libraries. Modern emulation requires serious computational overhead and the brand addresses this demand directly.

Powering the experience is the Qualcomm QCS8550 processor. This chipset functions identically to the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 but omits the 5G cellular modem to keep manufacturing costs reasonable. Built on a 4nm process node with an Adreno 740 GPU, the silicon guarantees sufficient headroom for demanding PlayStation 2 and GameCube titles. Active cooling prevents thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.

Visuals take center stage with a custom 4.5-inch AMOLED screen. The panel pushes a crisp 1280 by 960 resolution alongside a fluid 120Hz refresh rate. Navigating the Android 13 operating system feels responsive on this hardware setup. Physical controls include dual Hall effect analogue sticks, analogue triggers and a traditional D-pad situated on the top left of the chassis.

Storage options remain robust across all configurations. The handheld features 128GB of internal UFS 3.1 storage and includes a microSD slot for expanding large game libraries. Memory configurations dictate the entry cost. Buyers can choose an 8GB LPDDR5x RAM model for $229 USD or upgrade to a 12GB variant for $269 USD. The system houses a 5,000mAh battery equipped with 27W fast charging via USB-C.

Connectivity standards meet modern expectations with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 support. DisplayPort output also allows users to push gameplay to external monitors at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second. Retroid continues a proven track record of delivering premium emulation hardware at accessible price points. The aggressive pricing structure forces rival compact Android handhelds to adapt or risk irrelevance in an increasingly crowded hardware space.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast