Gaming News — 2026-05-16#
Top Story#
Microsoft’s gaming division has officially rebranded itself to an all-caps “XBOX” under the leadership of new CEO Asha Sharma. Following a social media poll where almost 65% of fans voted for the capitalized version, the change has already taken effect across XBOX’s main X account and executive profiles, marking a loud, nostalgic shift for the platform.
News & Reviews#
[Mixtape is Here to Stay] · IGN Annapurna Interactive has firmly shot down rumors that its coming-of-age masterpiece Mixtape will eventually be delisted due to expiring music licenses. The development team paid extra to secure perpetual licenses for the game’s phenomenal soundtrack, meaning this 10/10 game won’t suffer the same digital death as Alan Wake or Rock Band 4. This is a massive win for game preservation and a huge relief for anyone worried about losing access to such a stylish hit.
[Splatoon Raiders Gets a July Release Date] · IGN Nintendo’s first single-player-focused entry in the splatter-shooter franchise, Splatoon Raiders, is officially dropping on July 23. Pre-orders are live now for the physical Switch 2 edition, launching alongside three brand new amiibo featuring Frye, Shiver, and Big Man. It’s a bold new direction for the multiplayer-heavy franchise, and definitely one to lock in if you’re a Switch 2 owner.
[First Look at Metal Sonic as Sonic 4 Wraps] · IGN Director Jeff Fowler celebrated the end of filming for Sonic the Hedgehog 4 by dropping a behind-the-scenes look at a life-sized Metal Sonic. The film, which introduces Kristen Bell as the voice of Amy Rose, is set to hit theaters on March 19, 2027. After the massive success of the third movie, the introduction of both Metal Sonic and Amy proves Paramount is fully committed to fleshing out its cinematic Sega universe.
Free Games & Deals#
While there are no new free Epic Games Store titles announced in today’s drops, the weekend sales are absolutely stacked. You can currently grab Metroid Prime 4: Beyond at Best Buy for just $39.99 (with a $9.99 upgrade available for Switch 2 owners). For the RPG fans, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties has hit its lowest price yet at $39.99, and the Final Fantasy I-VI Collection Anniversary Edition is down to $46.01 on Amazon. Switch 2 players should also jump on the physical pre-order for the Star Fox remake, currently seeing a $10 discount down to $49.94 on Amazon.
Also Worth Knowing#
- [The Boys Showrunner Defends Season 5 Cameos] (IGN): Eric Kripke insists the inclusion of Soldier Boy and Bombsight in The Boys final season was organic to the story and not just “craven commercialism” to set up the 1950s prequel Vought Rising.
- [James Cameron Seeks Cheaper Avatar Sequels] (IGN): Following Avatar: Fire and Ash’s slightly softer $1.48 billion box office haul, James Cameron says he’ll take a year to explore new tech to film parts 4 and 5 in half the time for two-thirds the cost.
- [James Franco Cast in Rambo Prequel] (IGN): James Franco has landed a small role in the upcoming John Rambo origin movie starring Noah Centineo, marking his first notable major studio film appearance since settling a 2021 sexual misconduct lawsuit.
- [Gyllenhaal and Cavill Team Up For Guy Ritchie] (IGN): Jake Gyllenhaal shared that he and Henry Cavill bonded over surviving Guy Ritchie’s chaotic, improv-heavy shooting style on the set of their newly released action heist movie, In the Grey.
- [TV Tropes: The Cybertruck Means ‘Villain’] (IGN): Television shows like The Boys, Euphoria, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia are increasingly using Tesla’s Cybertruck as a visual shorthand to let viewers know a character is an absolute loser or villain