Nintendo continues to expand its Nintendo Classics library on Switch Online, recently adding two beloved Game Boy titles: Balloon Kid and Yoshi. With these additions, the total number of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games available in the West has reached an impressive 43, offering gamers a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Balloon Kid, a sequel to the NES classic Balloon Fight, invites players to guide Alice through various challenging stages as she searches for her brother Jim.

Indie game developers Team Afternoon are set to release their innovative game “Don’t You Trust Me?” on February 6, 2026, for free on Steam. This game creatively blends retro aesthetics with modern gameplay mechanics, allowing players to step into the shoes of a video editor tasked with crafting a perfect “fake clear video” from a failed dungeon raid. This unique concept not only challenges traditional gaming narratives but also invites players to engage with storytelling in a fresh and ironic way.

In a surprising turn of events, Call of Duty has managed to maintain its position as the second most played console game, trailing only behind Fortnite, despite the online discourse suggesting otherwise. Recent data from Circana reveals that while Battlefield 6 struggles to keep players engaged, Call of Duty continues to thrive, showcasing its enduring appeal in the competitive gaming landscape. The success of Call of Duty can be attributed to its consistent content updates and engaging gameplay.

We Were Here Together is redefining cooperative gaming by placing a stronger emphasis on narrative and teamwork. Released in 2019, this installment in the We Were Here series encourages players to communicate effectively while navigating through intricate puzzles and exploring a richly developed world. The games unique use of in-game walkie-talkies fosters a sense of collaboration that is both engaging and essential for success. Unlike its predecessors, which were set in isolated Antarctic facilities, We Were Here Together expands its environments and storytelling ambitions.

TR-49 is not just another puzzle game; its an immersive experience that invites players to delve into a fictional literary world filled with intrigue and mystery. Developed by Inkle, this narrative-driven game challenges you to navigate through a corrupted archive of texts, piecing together the lives of long-dead authors while uncovering a deeper storyline that intertwines personal relationships and academic rivalries. As you manipulate a retro-style machine to extract information, the tactile experience of entering four-digit codes adds a layer of engagement that harkens back to the early days of computing.

As a tech-savvy gamer, the excitement for upcoming titles often hinges on their ability to satisfy our unique preferences. One such game that has caught my attention is Hozy, a delightful sandbox puzzle game that merges the satisfying mechanics of cleaning and decorating. It promises to be a haven for those who, like me, find joy in creating order and beauty within virtual spaces. Hozy allows players to clean and decorate various rooms, offering a level of freedom that sets it apart from similar games like Unpacking.

If you find joy in tidiness and organization, then the upcoming game Hozy might just be your next obsession. This delightful sandbox puzzle game combines elements of cleaning and decorating, reminiscent of the popular titles Unpacking and PowerWash Simulator. With its charming aesthetics and engaging gameplay, Hozy offers a unique experience that allows players to unleash their creativity while maintaining a sense of order. In Hozy, players are tasked with cleaning and decorating various rooms, starting with a blank canvas.

The recent Version 3.0.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons has introduced a wealth of new features that significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Beyond the anticipated additions like the Resort Hotel and Slumber Island, players can now enjoy numerous quality of life improvements that streamline crafting and item management. For instance, the ability to craft up to 10 items at once and utilize home storage as DIY materials are game-changers that will surely delight fans.

Sony has taken a bold step into the future of gaming with its newly patented AI technology, the ‘Ghost Player.’ This innovative system aims to assist players who find themselves stuck in challenging game scenarios by allowing an AI-generated version of their character to either demonstrate solutions or complete sections of the game entirely. Imagine being stuck on a tricky puzzle in your favorite PlayStation title, only to summon an AI version of Nathan Drake to guide you through the challenge!

The release of iRacing’s NASCAR 25 Console game marks a significant moment for fans of NASCAR gaming, especially with its extensive selection of base paint schemes. This game not only brings back beloved designs but also introduces a variety of new ones, including the debut of the ARCA Menards Series in a NASCAR console game. With such a diverse lineup, players can immerse themselves in the rich visual history of NASCAR while enjoying the thrill of racing.

As we step into January 2026, PlayStation Plus subscribers are in for a treat with an exciting lineup of free games. This month features a mix of high-octane racing, nostalgic platforming, and immersive sandbox adventures that cater to various gaming tastes. From the adrenaline-fueled streets of Lakeshore in Need For Speed Unbound to the enchanting world of Disney in Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, there’s something for everyone. Need For Speed Unbound invites players to race against time and outsmart the cops in a vibrant, adrenaline-pumping experience.

In 2025, Xbox Game Pass has solidified its position as a premier gaming subscription service, offering an impressive lineup of games, including highly anticipated titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. One of the standout features is the Day One access to Xbox-published games, allowing subscribers to dive into new releases without any additional cost, a significant advantage over competitors. The various tiers of Xbox Game Pass cater to different gaming preferences and budgets.

SEGA is set to elevate the gaming experience for fans of Persona5: The Phantom X with the highly anticipated update 2.7, which introduces beloved characters Justine and Caroline from the original Persona 5. This update, launching on December 25, marks the game’s half-anniversary and promises to enrich the narrative and gameplay with these iconic figures. As a free-to-play gacha game, Persona5: The Phantom X offers a fresh perspective on the Persona universe, allowing players to engage with a new cast of Phantom Thieves.

A new free game on Steam has taken the gaming community by storm, boasting an impressive 97% user rating. Set during the festive Christmas season, this game has been lauded for its captivating holiday theme and engaging gameplay. Players are immersing themselves in the holiday spirit while tackling challenging levels that keep them coming back for more. With such high praise from the community, its clear that this game is a must-try for any gaming enthusiast looking to enjoy a bit of festive fun.

Quordle has emerged as a thrilling alternative to the popular game Wordle, captivating players with its unique challenge of solving four five-letter words simultaneously. Launched in 2022 by Freddie Meyer, this game tests not only your vocabulary but also your strategic thinking as each guess impacts all four grids. With a daily release, Quordle keeps players engaged and eager to maintain their streaks. For those looking for today’s hints for Quordle Game #1425 on December 19, 2025, the starting letters are M, M, F, F, and the ending letters are R, O, H, R.

The South Korean gaming industry is currently experiencing a significant shift in consumer behavior, with a notable decline in mobile gaming as more users turn to video streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch for entertainment. According to a recent report by the Korea Creative Content Agency, the average time spent on mobile games has decreased by 3.6% compared to the previous year, highlighting a trend that could reshape the gaming landscape.

November 2025 witnessed a remarkable surge in viewership for anime-style RPGs, with major titles like Kuro Games’ Wuthering Waves and miHoYo’s Zenless Zone Zero leading the charge. The Niko Partners China Games & Livestreaming Tracker highlights how these games not only captivated audiences but also leveraged significant updates and events to boost their visibility and engagement on platforms like Bilibili, Huya, and Douyu. Wuthering Waves achieved an impressive 36.5 million viewers, a staggering 103% increase month-over-month, while Zenless Zone Zero followed closely with 30.

Wordomi, the innovative mixed reality word puzzle game, has just introduced a delightful limited-time Christmas Theme that promises to elevate your holiday gaming experience. This festive update, available on Meta Quest, invites players to immerse themselves in a world filled with holiday and winter-themed vocabulary, making it the perfect way to celebrate the season while challenging your word skills. The Christmas Theme is designed to refresh the core gameplay of Wordomi, allowing players to engage with a unique set of puzzles that are not only fun but also steeped in the spirit of the holidays.

As December approaches, PlayStation Plus subscribers are buzzing with excitement for the upcoming reveal of new games for the Extra and Premium tiers. With predictions swirling around titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Resident Evil 4 Remake, fans are eager to see if these anticipated games will make the cut. The official announcement is set for December 10 at 4:30 PM GMT, promising a fresh lineup that could enhance the gaming experience for PS4 and PS5 owners alike.

Starting today, VGC is launching an exciting Patreon Christmas pledge drive aimed at expanding our festive content and providing our community with more rewards than ever before. By contributing to Patreon.com/VideoGamesChronicle, you can help unlock some of our most-requested future videos, shows, and much more, all while enjoying the holiday spirit. Throughout December, every new, gifted, or upgraded membership will contribute points to an overall total. As this total increases, well unveil stretch goals that include deep dives into our magazine archives, special appearances, commentary tracks for classic video game movies, and even plans for a unique celebration of the site and the VGC Podcast if we reach our highest goal.

This Black Friday, gamers are in for a treat with the launch of “Cart Craze,” a thrilling new game from Dimers.com that captures the excitement of shopping in Las Vegas. Players race through the vibrant streets in shopping carts, aiming to collect the best deals and discounts while navigating a fast-paced environment. The stunning graphics and engaging gameplay are set to make this game a must-play for both casual and hardcore gamers alike.

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement over the upcoming release of MotionRec, an innovative action puzzle game set to launch on PlayStation 5. This game promises to blend engaging gameplay mechanics with stunning visuals, creating an immersive experience that both casual and hardcore gamers will appreciate. As we dive deeper into the world of MotionRec, its clear that this title is not just another addition to the gaming landscape; its a fresh take on puzzle-solving that could redefine the genre.

As the spooky season unfolds, Wordle enthusiasts are gearing up for another challenge with puzzle #1595. Todays five-letter word might not scream Halloween, but it certainly invites players to stretch their vocabulary and deduction skills. The thrill of maintaining a winning streak is palpable, especially on a day filled with distractions. To help you conquer todays puzzle, weve crafted a series of strategic hints. From identifying the structure of the word to narrowing down your guesses, these clues are designed to keep the game engaging and fun.

In a surprising twist, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has stated that the real competition for Xbox isn’t other gaming platforms, but rather short-form video content like TikTok. This insight underscores a significant shift in how gaming companies view their market landscape, emphasizing the need for innovation beyond traditional gaming experiences. During a recent live stream, Nadella elaborated on Microsoft’s vision for the future of gaming, highlighting the importance of integrating gaming with various platforms, including mobile and cloud.

As we approach the end of 2025, gamers are eagerly anticipating some of the most exciting titles yet to be released. With a mix of sequels and innovative new entries across various platforms, this fall and winter promises to be a thrilling time for gaming enthusiasts. From the comedic sci-fi adventures of The Outer Worlds 2 to the nostalgic revival of Kirby Air Riders, there’s something for everyone. Among the standout titles, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has generated immense buzz, especially given the long wait since its announcement.

Nintendo Switch Online has just made a significant addition to its SNES library, unveiling three classic games, including the long-awaited international release of “Mario & Wario.” This marks a historic moment for fans, as it is the first time this unique Mario-themed puzzle platformer has been made available outside of Japan. “Mario & Wario,” developed by Game Freak before their Pokmon fame, challenges players to guide Mario through 100 levels filled with obstacles, all while he is blinded by Wario’s antics.

If you’re on the lookout for a unique gaming experience, look no further than “Strange Antiquities.” This clever and spooky puzzle game is not just about solving riddles; it immerses players in a world filled with eerie charm and captivating challenges. Available on both PC and Switch, it offers a delightful escape for puzzle enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. And yes, the game features a pettable cat, which is a delightful bonus for cat lovers!

Wordle enthusiasts faced an intriguing challenge with puzzle #1567 on October 3, 2025. The solution, a five-letter word, was particularly tricky due to its uncommon letter structure and a repeating vowel. This highlights the importance of strategic guessing and understanding letter patterns to maintain your winning streak in this popular game. To successfully navigate today’s puzzle, players needed to focus on the hints provided: the word starts with ‘S’, contains a single vowel in the second position, and ends with ‘M’.

Sega has reignited the classic rivalry with Nintendo through its latest ad for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, cleverly referencing the iconic ‘blast processing’ campaign from the ’90s. This new ad not only showcases the speed and excitement of Sonic Racing but also directly challenges Mario Kart World by emphasizing a more traditional karting experience, contrasting it with Mario Kart’s open-world approach. The ad features a humorous take on the familiar kart racing genre, suggesting that while Mario Kart is a household name, Sonic Racing offers a fresh alternative that embraces classic gameplay elements.

In an exciting turn of events, Mario Kart World has reclaimed its spot at the top of the UK physical game sales charts, showcasing the enduring popularity of this beloved franchise. After briefly dropping to second place last week, the Nintendo racer has once again outpaced competitors, including the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, which has now fallen to third place. The charts reveal a dynamic landscape, with EA Sports FC 25 climbing back to second place and new entries like Cronos: The New Dawn making a strong debut at fourth.

Pragmata, the upcoming title from Capcom, is shaping up to be a fascinating fusion of puzzle-solving and third-person shooting mechanics that promises to engage players in unexpected ways. Set against the backdrop of a distant lunar base, players will navigate through stunning environments while tackling unique challenges that blend action and strategy. The games innovative approach, which combines shooting with a mini-game reminiscent of join the dots, creates an experience that is both dynamic and engaging.

If youre on the lookout for a truly unique gaming experience, look no further than GOST of Time. This quirky puzzle game invites players to use their own dead bodies to solve intricate challenges through a clever time-traveling mechanic. With over 42 ways to utilize your past selves, the game promises a blend of dark humor and pixelated violence that sets it apart from traditional puzzle games. Set in a distant future, GOST of Time revolves around an elderly citizen who needs vital medication.

If you’re looking for a delightful gaming experience that combines nostalgia with engaging gameplay, look no further than Woodo. This charming 3D puzzle game, recently released by Daedalic Entertainment and Tiny Monks Tales, now offers a free demo on Steam, allowing players to immerse themselves in a world crafted from wood and imagination. The demo provides a glimpse into the life of Foxy, a character on a journey of self-discovery and tranquility, set against the backdrop of a beautifully designed countryside.

In a recent Q&A session, Sony’s CFO Lin Tao confirmed that the highly anticipated game Marathon is expected to launch by the end of March 2026. This announcement comes after the game was officially delayed, with Tao emphasizing that while they are optimistic about the release, it is not yet a firm commitment. The company is currently making modifications to the game, aiming to provide a clearer timeline in the autumn.

We are witnessing a remarkable surge in the popularity of unconventional games from Eastern Europe, with titles that challenge traditional gaming norms and explore unique narratives. One standout example is “One-Eyed Likho,” a horror puzzle game that immerses players in a surreal journey through Slavic mythology, where two old men embark on a quest to understand the essence of evil. This game, like many others emerging from the region, showcases a blend of artistic storytelling and innovative gameplay mechanics.

The upcoming release of NASCAR 25 is set to revolutionize the racing game landscape by including the ARCA Menards Series for the first time. This addition not only introduces a roster of 57 drivers, including notable names like Cleetus McFarland, but also signifies a shift in how racing games can engage with grassroots motorsports. With the inclusion of both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, NASCAR 25 aims to create a more authentic and diverse racing experience.

Cygames has officially announced the upcoming Legend Races for Umamusume: Pretty Derby, featuring fan-favorite characters Taiki Shuttle and Curren Chan among others. Set to kick off on July 27, 2025, these races promise exciting gameplay and the chance to earn Star Pieces, which are essential for unlocking new characters. With the inclusion of King Halo and Sakura Bakushin O, players can anticipate a thrilling race lineup that mirrors the Japanese schedule.

Ubisoft is currently facing scrutiny over its approach to game accessibility, especially in light of the Stop Killing Games petition, which has garnered nearly 1.4 million signatures. This movement calls for regulations to prevent game publishers from making purchased titles unplayable after official support ends. During a recent shareholder meeting, CEO Yves Guillemot acknowledged the challenge of maintaining game accessibility, stating that it is an issue all game publishers contend with.

Nintendo’s ongoing battle against piracy has taken a significant turn with the recent seizure of a major Nintendo Switch piracy site by the FBI. This operation, executed under a seizure warrant from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, highlights the escalating measures being taken to combat the rampant distribution of pirated Nintendo games. The site in question had been a notorious hub for thousands of illegal game downloads, further complicating Nintendo’s efforts to protect its intellectual property.

Million Victories, a rising star in the mobile gaming industry, has successfully secured nearly $40 million in funding from Haveli Investments. This significant investment marks a pivotal moment for the studio, which has seen its revenue double annually since its inception in 2017. With over 4 million players engaged in their flagship game, Million Lords, the company is poised to expand its global footprint and solidify its leadership in the competitive 4X mobile strategy genre.

Capcom’s upcoming title, Pragmata, is set to redefine the puzzle-shooter genre with its innovative gameplay mechanics. In a recent gameplay reveal, the game showcased a unique blend of puzzle-solving and shooting, where players must hack robots through a mini-game while simultaneously dodging their attacks. This duality not only adds a layer of complexity but also keeps players engaged in a fast-paced environment. Set in a near-future lunar research station, players will step into the shoes of Hugh, a combat-ready spaceman, alongside his android companion, Diana.

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as a fan-made PC port of the beloved classic Mario Kart 64 has just been released. Developed by the talented Harbour Masters team, this unofficial port, dubbed ‘SpaghettiKart’, not only allows players to relive their childhood memories but also enhances the experience with modern graphics options like ultrawide and 4K resolutions, high frame rates, and antialiasing. This project stands out as a testament to the dedication of fans who have poured months of work into reverse-engineering the original game.

Steam has just unveiled five exciting new free games that you can download and keep forever, offering a fantastic opportunity for gamers looking to expand their library without spending a dime. From puzzle games to visual novels, there’s something for everyone, but the question remains: how many of these titles are actually worth your time? First on the list is GeTrix, a Tetris-like puzzle game that utilizes camera-based hand-tracking controls. While it promises a unique gaming experience, it may take some getting used to.

Gentoo Rescue is not just another puzzle game; it’s a cerebral challenge that promises to engage and frustrate in equal measure. With its charming visuals and deceptively simple premise, this game invites players into a world filled with intricate puzzles that require strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. As you navigate through over 300 hand-crafted levels, each designed to test your wit, you’ll find that the real joy lies in the triumph of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.

In a world where gaming often leans towards action and competition, Instants stands out as a heartwarming puzzle game that invites players to engage with family stories through the art of scrapbooking. Launched during the Wholesome Direct, this game allows players to piece together a family’s journey by organizing photo albums and creating personalized scrapbooks, making it a unique blend of nostalgia and creativity. As you dive into the game, you’ll experience significant life events, from learning to ride a bike to family vacations, all while crafting beautiful scrapbook pages.

In a remarkable trend within the gaming industry, domestic game companies are stepping up their game by rewarding their development teams with the highly coveted Nintendo Switch 2. Recently, Neowiz announced a generous incentive of 10 million won per developer, alongside a two-week reward leave, in celebration of the global success of their action RPG “P’s False.” This initiative not only recognizes the hard work of developers but also highlights the growing importance of employee satisfaction in a competitive market.