Nintendo Switch 2 preorders are officially live from midnight EST on April 24 (9 pm PST, April 23) at major US retailers like Walmart, alongside official games and accessories also up today. Here’s where you can lock in your preorder now.

Switch 2: Where to Preorder

When you get through to purchase, you’ve got two main options: the Nintendo Switch 2 ($449.99), or the Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99). Let us know in the comments if you manage to secure your preorder.

Which should you buy? If you’re picking up a Switch 2 at launch, the Mario Kart World Bundle is hands down the best value. You’re getting Mario Kart World for just $50 more, instead of the full $79.99 MSRP, saving you $30 versus buying the game separately.

Nintendo Switch 2: Mario Kart World Bundle

Nintendo Switch 2

The Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle is also a limited-time release, and ultimately, it’s the version most buyers will be scrambling for. This isn’t just about getting a Switch 2, it’s about getting the one that actually offers good value at launch.

PSA: You should also expect demand to be high across the board. Be ready for virtual queues, sluggish sites, and potential checkout hiccups.

To improve your odds, log in ahead of time, ideally before navigating to the Switch 2 listings, and make sure your shipping and payment info is saved to your account, or keep a backup card nearby just in case.

Nintendo Switch 2 Games: Where to Preorder

Nintendo Switch 2 is already building a stacked library, blending shiny new exclusives with upgraded re-releases of fan favorites. Heavyweights like Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) and Mario Kart World ($79.99) are leading the charge, both available to preorder right now, alongside enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, fine-tuned for the new hardware.

But don’t expect everything to drop on day one. Some titles are launching with the console on June 5, but others are lagging behind. Donkey Kong Bananza doesn’t hit shelves until July 17, and big names like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A are still missing from preorder listings entirely, on both Switch 2 and the current model.

That said, every confirmed Switch 2 game that is available to lock in is listed above, with all the retailer links you’ll need right here.

Where To Preorder Switch 2 Games

Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories: Where to Preorder

Nintendo hasn’t touched the price of the Switch 2 console itself, but almost every accessory has quietly crept up in cost. In a recent update, the company confirmed that several Switch 2 peripherals will “experience price adjustments from those announced on April 2 due to changes in market conditions.” Translation? Pretty much everything is a little more expensive now.

Expect to pay an extra $5 for the main accessories, including the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, the Switch 2 Pro Controller, and the much-hyped camera add-on. The Dock Set sees the biggest jump, climbing $10 to $119.99.

Still, if you’re planning to pick up the full ecosystem at launch, above is the full list of accessories currently up for preorder—price hike or not, alongside every retailer you can preorder from just below as well.

Where To Preorder Switch 2 Accessories

Which Retailer Should You Preorder the Switch 2 From?

Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 started on April 24 for most major US retailers, but the specifics vary slightly by store. Here’s a breakdown of what each one is offering, and what to expect when it comes to launch day delivery and in-store pickup.

TL;DR: Switch 2 Preorder – Retailer Guide

• Walmart: Fastest delivery (by 9 am on June 5) if ordered before launch day.
• GameStop: Midnight launch pickups at select stores. In-store preorders start with store hours; online starts at 11 am EST, April 24.
• Target: Online-only preorders opened at 12 am EST, April 24.
• Best Buy: Midnight launch events also planned for June 5. Online preorders started April 24.
• Amazon: No listings yet. Nintendo products have been missing lately; it’s uncertain whether this will change before launch.

Walmart is currently offering one of the most aggressive delivery promises: consoles ordered right at launch are expected to arrive by 9 am on release day, June 5. It’s a rare guarantee, and one that’s likely to drive a quick sellout. Moreover, it’s currently the cheapest offering at $499, rather than $499.99 everywhere else. Small savings, but well worth considering.

GameStop is also leaning into the midnight-release hype, with select locations set to offer in-store pickup as soon as the clock strikes twelve on June 5. In-store preorders are open during regular hours from April 24, while online availability doesn’t kick in until 11 am EST.

Target also flipped the switch at midnight, though it’s sticking to online-only preorders for now. As with most major launches, stock is expected to be tight. But, it does already have every game and accessory up for preorder as well, which is a nice bonus if you’re looking to pick up a few extras when preordering.

Best Buy, meanwhile, has confirmed April 24 as its preorder date and has also commited to a 12 am EST start time for preorders.

It’s also offering a selection of alternative Switch 2 bundles or “packages” that might be worth checking out if you’re struggling to buy the console and accessories individually. Like GameStop, it’s also planning midnight launch events at some stores, though the full rollout plan is still being finalized.

The biggest question mark, however, is Amazon. As of this writing, the retail giant has no official listings for the Switch 2 — not the console, not its accessories, not even the games.

This isn’t an isolated case; over the past year, Nintendo products have quietly disappeared from Amazon’s US storefront, including staples like Switch Online memberships and digital game codes.

Whether this signals a behind-the-scenes distribution snag or a strategic shift is unclear, but for now, it leaves would-be buyers without one of the most convenient ordering options.

Switch 2 FAQs: Delays, Price, Release Date

• Preorder Date: April 24, 2025
• Start Time: 12 am EST at major retailers like Walmart
• Release Date: June 5, 2025 (still on track)
• Price: $449.99 for the standard model, $499.99 for the Mario Kart World Bundle (limited stock)
• Accessories: Prices have crept up by about $5 each compared to initial announcements
• Nintendo: Can’t meet demand, preorders likely to sell out

It’s been a chaotic few weeks for anyone in the US trying to lock down a Nintendo Switch 2. After the Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct in early April, Nintendo unexpectedly delayed preorders across the US and Canada. Originally set to go live on April 9, the launch was pushed back due to the impact of Trump-era tariffs and what the company called “evolving market conditions.”

Meanwhile, the UK got a head start. Preorders went live on April 8 and 9, with some retailers jumping the gun even earlier on April 2. And now? They’re wiped out. So if you’re hesitating in the US, take note: stock won’t hang around forever—especially not for the bundle.

So should you preorder the Switch 2 or wait? Nintendo is already saying it will currently struggle to meet worldwide demand. Stating: “We received an extremely large number of applications [at My Nintendo Store], approximately 2.2 million people in Japan alone.”

“However, this number far exceeds our expectations, and far exceeds the number of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles that can be delivered from the My Nintendo Store on June 5th. Therefore, unfortunately, we expect that a significant number of customers will not be selected when the winners are announced tomorrow, April 24th.”

What We Said in Our Switch 2 Preview

Here’s what Logan Plant had to say in IGN’s Nintendo Switch 2 preview: “Switch 2 is a more premium product and the price tag reflects that. It’s also a better version of a great thing, and it’s trying to pull off a bunch of cool new tricks at the same time, like mouse controls.

“Obviously we’re both buying Switch 2 on day one, and I did really love our hands-on time with the console. But I’ll be honest and say I have some concerns about if the general public is willing to adopt a $450 Nintendo console with an $80 Mario Kart.”

“It’s a big ask for a company that traditionally targets families and younger players, and I feel like the high cost of entry limits the Switch 2’s potential to take off in the way its predecessor did.”

“But for those of you that do decide to take the plunge, you’ll be getting what’s shaping up to be a great hybrid console that makes a ton of worthwhile improvements on the original Switch and adds some fun bells and whistles for good measure.”

How to Increase Your Chance of Getting a Switch 2

When a major piece of gaming hardware goes up for preorder at a retailer, there’s no telling how long it will be available. We’ve seen sought-after hardware sell out in seconds. With demand expected to be high, here are some key tips from the IGN commerce team to improve your chances of getting a Switch 2 at launch.

1. Follow IGN Deals on X and Bluesky
2. Log in to retailer accounts: Walmart, Amazon, etc.
3. Have a credit card saved in your account
4. Subscribe to our IGN Deals Email Newsletter
5. Opt into push notifications

While it may leave it up to chance, and we’re recommending folk to buy from major retailers ASAP to avoid disappointment, Nintendo is also still offering a registration system through My Nintendo Store. Invites to purchase will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Priority will go to Nintendo Switch Online members with at least 12 months of paid membership and 50+ gameplay hours (as of April 2, 2025). Even if you are still planning to buy elsewhere, if you qualify it’s worth registering even just as a backup option.

Other Preorder Guides

2025 is already shaping up to be an exciting release year for games. Alongside the Switch 2, there are plenty of other great games releasing in the coming months that are worth keeping on your radar.

Below you can see some more of our preorder guides covering exciting releases like Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Doom: The Dark Ages, and more.

Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Senior Editor, Commerce, for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter/X or Bluesky.

Another Thursday, another unexpected avalanche of discounts worth digging yourself out from under. Whether you’re chasing co-op chaos, heartstring-pulling indies, or high-octane epics with triple-A swagger, this week’s cross-platform sales bin is brimming with picks that are equal parts wallet-friendly and critically adored. There’s never been a better time to equip your wallet.

This Day in Gaming 🎂

In retro news, I’m using a rocket start to light a 17-candle cake for Mario Kart Wii. I played the pedals off this pioneering entry, which added motorbikes, a trick-based drifting system, and the worldwide MP of Nintendo Wi-Fi online. Admittedly, my heart belongs to Mario Kart 64 above all, but I still couldn’t put my Wii Steering Wheel down for months (another series first addition).

Beloved for its colourful track designs, iconic character roster, and upbeat soundtrack, Mario Kart Wii delivered the perfect blend of whimsy and competition. The revamped Battle Mode arenas rekindled classic head-to-head fun, making every match a chaotic joy. Its accessible pick-up-and-play mechanics ensured newcomers could dive in instantly, yet there was depth in drifting and item-strategy.

Aussie bdays for notable games

– FlOw (PSP) 2008. eBay

– Mario Kart Wii (Wii) 2008. eBay

– Time Crisis 4 (PS3) 2008. eBay

– The World Ends With You (DS) 2008. eBay

– Trials Fusion (PC) 2014. Get

Contents

• Nintendo
• Xbox
• PlayStation
• PC
• PC Gear
• LEGO
• Headphones
• TVs

Nice Savings for Nintendo Switch

Exciting Bargains for Xbox

Over on Xbox Series X, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Gold Edition is down to A$49, a hefty drop for a visually stunning open-worlder built in The Division’s Snowdrop engine. And for a bite-sized bargain, Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (A$15) serves pulpy Nazi-punching with a B-movie edge. MachineGames originally pitched it as DLC, but had too much fun and turned it into a standalone. You’ll find out why.

• Avatar: FoP Gold Ed. (-69%) – A$49
• Sniper Elite: Resistance (-23%) – A$69
• Ace Combat 7 (-65%) – A$34
• Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (-62%) – A$15

Xbox One

• Inside (-90%) – A$2
• Crysis Remastered Trilogy (-75%) – A$18
• Marvel’s GotG (-85%) – A$14

Expiring Recent Deals

• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (-35%) – A$71
• Disco Elysium – The Final Cut (-70%) – A$17
• Borderlands Legendary Col. (-80%) – A$17
• Mass Effect Legendary Ed. (-90%) – A$9
• Psychonauts 2 (-80%) – A$19
• Lego Marvel Super Heroes (-78%) – A$19
• Owlboy (-75%) – A$8
• Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen (-85%) – A$4

Or just invest in an Xbox Card.

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Pure Scores for PlayStation

PlayStation 5 owners should note Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is just A$41. The game went viral for protagonist Jack’s single-minded love of punching “Chaos”, an inside joke now fully embraced by Square Enix. Also worth grabbing: Judgment (A$28), a Yakuza spin-off so stylish that it reignited actor Takuya Kimura’s TV career in Japan.

• Stranger of Paradise FF Origin (-58%) – A$41
• Monster Hunter Wilds (-23%) – A$89
• Borderlands 3 Ult. Ed. (-74%) – A$37
• Lego Horizon Adventures (-46%) – A$59
• Judgment (-48%) – A$28
• F1 24 (-67%) – A$36

PS4

• Sleeping Dogs Def. Ed. (-38%) – A$24
• Jurassic World Evolution 2 (-29%) – A$59
• WWE 2K25 (-26%) – A$89
• EA Sports FC 25 (-65%) – A$39

Expiring Recent Deals

• Metaphor: ReFantazio (-33%) – A$77
• Kingdom Hearts All-in-One – A$74
• Tales of Arise (-67%) – A$32
• Octopath Traveler II (-23%) – A$65
• RoboCop: Rogue City AM Ed. (-85%) – A$14
• Batman: Return to Arkham (-51%) – A$34
• Moving Out (-80%) – A$6
• Persona 5 Strikers (-70%) – A$29
• XCOM 2 Col. (-90%) – A$12

PS+ Monthly Freebies
Yours to keep from Apr 1 with this subscription

• RoboCop: Rogue City | PS5
• The Texas Chain Saw Massacre | PS4/5
• Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth HM | PS4

Or purchase a PS Store Card.

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Purchase Cheap for PC

PC folks can’t miss Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak for A$19 and a titanic 79% off. The expansion added Silkbind skills, elevating mobility to anime levels. Or you should try Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (A$56), an artsy newcomer with brushstroke visuals and turn-based flair. It wasn’t on my radar, initially, but it’s flashing like a big ol’ blimp now.

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (-20%) – A$56
• Monster Hunter Wilds (-20%) – A$83
• Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak (-79%) – A$19
• CoD Franchise Col. (-50%) – A$690
• Farming Simulator 25 (-20%) – A$59

Expiring Recent Deals

• TES: Oblivion Remastered (-17%) – A$70
• A Plague Tale: Requiem (-64%) – A$28
• Lords of the Fallen (-69%) – A$27
• Doom: The Dark Ages (-17%) – A$99
• Blue Prince (-15%) – A$37

Or just get a Steam Wallet Card

Laptop Deals

• Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch (-12%) – A$2,197
• Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 (-36%) – A$879
• Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen7 (-27%) – A$1,018

Desktop Deals

• HP OMEN 35L Gaming (-10%) – A$2,799
• Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra (-25%) – A$2,249
• Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50q (-35%) – A$629

Monitor Deals

• LG 24MR400-B, 24″ (-30%) – A$97
• Z-Edge 27″ 240Hz (-15%) – A$279
• Samsung 57″ Odyssey Neo Curved (-22%) – A$2,499

Component Deals

• MSI PRO B650M-A WiFi Motherboard (-41%) – A$229
• AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (-7%) – A$876
• Corsair Vengeance 32GB (-35%) – A$82
• Kingston FURY Beast 16GB (-30%) – A$48

Storage Deals

• Seagate One Touch Portable HDD (-24%) – A$228
• Kingston 1TB USB 3.2 SSD (-17%) – A$115
• SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO (-63%) – A$29
• SanDisk 32GB Ultra SDHC (-53%) – A$9.90

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Legit LEGO Deals

• Tenoo Jedi Temple (-46%) – A$34
• Captain Rex Y-Wing (-32%) – A$13
• Mario Kart (-31%) – A$20
• Batman Tumbler vs. Two-Face (-30%) – A$63

Expiring Recent Deals

• New Captain America (-50%) – A$25
• Construction Steamroller (-36%) – A$9
• Grogu with Hover Pram (-34%) – A$99
• Boarding Tantive IV (-34%) – A$59

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Hot Headphones Deals

Audiophilia for less

• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro (-49%) – A$179
• Sony WH-CH520 Wireless (-27%) – A$73
• SoundPEATS Space (-25%) – A$56.99
• Technics Premium (-36%) – A$349

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Terrific TV Deals

Do right by your console, upgrade your telly

• Kogan 65″ QLED 4K (-50%) – A$699
• Kogan 55″ QLED 4K (-45%) – A$549
• LG 55″ UT80 4K (-28%) – A$866

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Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.

It’s no secret that Delicious in Dungeon has quickly become one of the most popular manga out there. The series has taken off ever since the anime was released, with a second season currently in the works. Manga as a whole can be an expensive hobby, as standard volumes can cost upwards of $12. Box sets are usually the best way to save money, and you can now save over $80 off the Delicious in Dungeon 14-volume box set. Take home the complete series today and add 14 manga volumes to your shelf at a steep discount during Amazon’s massive book sale happening now.

The Best Delicious in Dungeon Manga Deal on Amazon

As part of Amazon’s ongoing book sale, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion is discounted by 57%, the lowest it’s been on Amazon in 2025 so far. Get it while it’s hot, because this sale is ending Monday, April 28. This is the illustrated edition, which includes hand-drawn color illustrations by Tolkien himself, detailed maps of Middle-Earth, deeper lore and world-building, and early histories of key characters throughout the epic saga. Christopher Tolkien took on finishing and editing the Silmarillion after his father’s passing, offering a deeper look into the storied author’s vision for what Middle-Earth would become.

The Silmarillion: Illustrated Edition Is on Sale Now

While an iPad is a great investment in itself, typing on a touch screen is a huge pain, especially when you have to type more than a few words at a time. This makes a keyboard the best iPad accessory for anyone who wants to type away on their iPad like they would a laptop.

TL;DR – These Are the Best iPad Keyboards:

In some instances, you can find a keyboard that doubles up as a great iPad case. Because these keyboards are made by hundreds of different manufacturers, we went ahead and gathered our favorites here. Many of our selections work seamlessly with the latest iPad Air and 11th generation iPad models for those looking to accessorize Apple’s newest tablets.

Additional contributions by Dave Johnson

1. Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s

Best iPad Keyboard

2. Apple Magic Keyboard

Best Keyboard for iPad Pro

3. Omoton Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard

Best Budget iPad Keyboard

4. Harburfine 7 Color Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard

Best Backlit iPad Keyboard

5. iClever BK03

Best Folding iPad Keyboard

6. Logitech MX Mechanical

Best Desktop iPad Keyboard

7. iClever BK06

Best Ergonomic iPad Keyboard

8. Logitech Combo Touch

Best iPad Keyboard Cover

9. Zagg Pro Keys Wireless Keyboard

Best Detachable iPad Keyboard

iPad Keyboard FAQ

Do you need a keyboard for your iPad?

If you don’t foresee yourself doing tons of typing on your iPad – maybe just writing short messages and notes – then you can get by with just the device’s touchscreen keyboard. But for those planning to write more than a couple of sentences, your typing experience will greatly improve when pairing a phyiscal keyboard. Keyboards deliver a satisfying response, allow you to type faster, and don’t take up a portion of the valuable screen real estate like the touchscreen keyboard on the iPad. Keyboards can even give you an advantage when playing some of the best iPad games.

Danielle is a Tech freelance writer based in Los Angeles who spends her free time creating videos and geeking out over music history.

Amazon is hands down one of the overall best places to buy books online. Although the site has now expanded to selling every other type of product under the sun, the mega-retailer got its start as an online book store and it definitely shows whenever there’s a sale. The big Amazon Book sale has just begun and it’s already the largest collection of discounts on novels, comics, and box sets we’ve seen in 2025.

I’ve highlighted some of the best discounts from the sale below, but if you’re hoping to check out the sale yourself, you can dive right into the main landing page right here. With prices as low as $6 for popular titles, now is a great time to buy some books for your personal collection.

The Amazon Book Sale Is Live Now – Here Are the Best Deals

The Amazon book sale is fairly robust and it can sometimes be hard to find what you’re looking for within it. I’ve featured the best deals I’ve found so far, which leans pretty heavily toward my own reading interests, but the sale expands to all other genres. If you are looking for something very specific, the best way to go about searching for it is to first go to Amazon’s main deals landing page and then use the search bar to narrow it down. This will automatically populate your search with only things on sale rather than filtering by category.

Of the things that I have found in this sale, the discounts on Lord of the Rings books seem like the most obvious callout. There is a cool box set that is currently at its lowest price for 2025 and the incredible illustrated Silmarillion has also dropped to its lowest ever price. Outside of this, there’s a deal on the new Kindle Colorsoft that drops the price to the lowest it’s ever been. This model is a great option if you’re hoping to use an ereader for comics specifically. And if you are looking for deals on comics and graphic novels, there’s currently a sale on Marvel comics that is worth browsing. We’ve already found a really great discount on The Death of Wolverine Omnibus that’s worth checking out there.

Outside of books, comics, and manga, I also found a pretty cool Harry Potter gift at its lowest price. The collectible Quidditch set features a small trunk filled with a Quaffle, two Bludgers, and a removable Golden Snitch. Unfortunately, no Harry Potter books are included in this sale.

When Does This Sale End?

According to Amazon, the book sale is set to end on Monday, April 28. Based on that information, you should have plenty of time to shop the discounts over the upcoming weekend.

Amazon is offering a great discount on one of the best budget headphones you can find. For just $49, the JLab JBuds Lux Over-Ear Headphones offers features you’d find in headphones that can cost 5x-10x as much, like wireless connectivity with Bluetooth Multipoint, active noise cancellation, spatial audio technology, and more. Most importantly, sound quality is better than any other headphone in its price range.

JLab JBuds Lux Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones for $50

SoundGuys recently reviewed the JLab JBuds Lux and gave these headphones an absolutely glowing review, mentioning that they were one of the best headphones under $100. SoundGuys considered them an extremely good value at their retail price of $79. At the current price of $49.99, it’s hard to find a better bang for your buck, and it’s especially nice that all four color options have been discounted.

The JLab JBuds Lux’s laundry list of premium features include large 40mm drivers, Dolby Atmos compatible Spatial Audio, support for PlayStation Tempest 3D AudioTech and Windows Sonic, hybrid active noise cancellation, a “Be Aware” mode that lets you listen in on your environment, built-in microphone for hands-free calling, up to 70 hours of battery life on a single charge (40 hours with ANC enabled), USB Type-C charging, and Bluetooth Multipoint.

These headphones even look the part. The JLab JBuds Lux are thoughtfully designed for both comfort and performance, with cushy earcups that conform to your ear while also providing an effective seal for passive isolation, a padded headband for prolonged comfort, and a foldable design that makes them easy to tote around.

For more options, check out our list of the best noise canceling headphones of 2025. Be forewarned that they are far more expensive than the JLab Lux. Our top pick – the Sony WH-1000XM5 – for example, sells for over $300 on Amazon.

Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn’t hunting for deals for other people at work, he’s hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

When it comes to fantastical book series that shaped our childhoods, Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians is one of the best. With the first season two of the Percy Jackson Disney+ series arriving later this year, we’re here to lay out what makes the books so special and the order you need to read the books in to make the most of the series.

Jump to Series:

• Percy Jackson and The Olympians Books
• The Heroes of Olympus Books
• The Trials of Apoll Books

What Are the Percy Jackson Books About?

Imagine a world where modern Greek gods have children with the powers of demigods. That’s the fantastical concept at the center of the Percy Jackson and The Olympians book series. Created by Rick Riordan, the stories begins following the titular son of Poseidon as he traverses the secret world of mythical gods, goddesses, and their superpowered offspring. Over the original series and two sequel series The Heroes of Olympus and The Trials of Apollo, the world has expanded massively bringing new characters and new generations of fans to the Greek-myth inspired universe that has been enchanting readers since 2005.

How Many Books are in the Series?

There are a total of 18 books in the Percy Jackson universe, which are spread across three different series. The original Percy Jackson and the Olympian series features 7 books as of 2025 with the release of Wrath of the Triple Goddess just last year.

Percy Jackson Book Sets

If you’re looking to add a collection of books to your shelves at home, there are a few box sets available. Below are links to both the paperback and hardcover versions for each series:

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Books in Order

1. The Lightning Thief

In the original novel that sparked off the series, Percy Jackson, discovers that his normal life is not what it seems. Rather than being a normal 12 year old trying to get through school with ADHD and Dyslexia, he’s actually a demigod! His life is turned upside down when he’s accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt. It’s not just that he’s accused of being a thief though, as he also learns that he’s the son of none other than the god Poseidon. Soon he’s swept away to a summer camp for demigods known as Camp Half-Blood where he must solve the mystery of Zeus’ stolen master bolt and find his way as the son of a god that he’s never known.

2. The Sea of Monsters

After discovering Camp Half-Blood and his new life in the first book, in The Sea of Monsters Percy and his friends have to come together to save the place they first met. When the magic that protects the camp begins to fail the crew must head to the titular ocean in order to find a powerful artifact. But they don’t have much time and in case you didn’t realize the Sea of Monsters is filled with just that. Many, many dangerous creatures fill the pages of this epic adventure, as Percy navigates rough seas and family secrets as he tries to save the day.

3. The Titan’s Curse

As the title hints, this story pushes the Greek mythology of Percy Jackson into the realm of the legendary Titans. When Percy is enlisted to help his old friend Grover he knows something dangerous must have happened, but not even he can guess what’s coming. New demigods are on the horizon and with them comes the threat of one of the oldest beings in the world Kronos who hasn’t forgiven the teens for besting him. That’s not all though as there’s also the matter of a massively powerful ancient monster, and the titular curse to keep them busy.

4. The Battle of the Labyrinth

Though he’s starting freshman year, things are far from normal for Percy Jackson. With the war between the Titans and the Gods threatening to spill over into every part of life he can barely catch a break, so when demon cheerleaders show up at school he can’t believe his bad luck. Reimagining the classic Greek Myth of Daedalus and the Minataur, Percy and his Camp Half-Blood buds have to venture deep into the depths of the Earth to defeat the challenges of an intricate maze in order to stop the destruction of all that they hold dear.

5. The Last Olympian

It’s a race to save the legendary Mount Olympus as Percy and his friends must come together in order to defeat the Titans. Luckily they’ve been training all year for just this but as Kronos starts his attack on New York, can the young demigods actually stand against him? This is the epic finale to the battle that began long ago in The Lightning Thief and throws the mythical world of Camp Half-Blood onto the streets of Manhattan for a world-changing fight of the ages.

The Heroes of Olympus Books in Order

1. The Lost Hero

Introducing a new roster of young characters to root for, this book centers on a demigod named Jason who loses his memory on a school trip and ends up becoming entangled in the world of the Olympians. After revealing his powers and being taken to Camp Half-Blood, Jason and his friends must help find the now missing Percy Jackson. But as they undertake their quest they discover some shocking truths about Camp Half-Blood and come up against its rival Camp Jupiter. This super fun expansion of the Percy Jackson universe melds Greek and Roman mythology to set up a whole new series of Olympian adventures!

2. The Son of Neptune

Fans were desperate to know what happened to Percy and in the second Heroes of Olympus book they got an insight into his new status quo. Just like Jason, Percy has lost his memory and in a shocking twist finds himself on the run in California with nowhere to turn. Helped by Roman deities and new friends, Percy manages to reach Camp Jupiter discovering that Camp Half-Blood isn’t the only demigod training ground in America. As always Percy ends up wrapped up in a mythological battle with huge stakes but this time he’s surrounded by Roman gods!

3. The Mark of Athena

What should have been a celebratory reunion for Annabeth and Percy is overshadowed by the threat of war as Camp Jupiter prepares to face down a foe of mythological proportions. The young Demigod takes center stage in this epic seafaring adventure that sees our young heroes travel to Rome in order to connect with the Demigods there, all the while Annabeth tries to work out her place in the story as the daughter of Athena and hero of Olympus.

4. The House of Hades

It’s a quest to escape the underworld when Annabeth and Percy find themselves there after the events of Mark of Athena. In their journey to find the Doors of Death, the duo and their friends who are still in the mortal world will have to work together in order to survive. As if Hades wasn’t enough to contend with someone trying to raise the Greek iteration of Mother Earth, Gaea, which the kids also have to stop. Who said it would be easy being a Demigod?

5. The Blood of Olympus

In the final novel from The Heroes of Olympus series, Percy and Annabeth have to battle the horror of Gaea along with their crew in order to stop the deities’ horrific plan. As the title suggests she needs the blood of Demigods to truly rise but luckily the Demigods have each other, though they’ll have to solve the brewing tension between Camps’ Half-Blood and Jupiter before they can really come together and solve their Titan sized problem.

The Trials of Apollo Books in Order

1. The Hidden Oracle

In the second spin-off of the Percy Jackson and the Olypians series, Zeus is back to his old terrible father shenanigans as he transforms his son — the god Apollo — into a teenager and banishes him to New York City. Once on Earth he has to enlist the help of a Demigod named Meg and of course the heroic Percy Jackson to save the day and earn the forgiveness of his father. This means he’ll have to wrangle control of the Five Oracles which will take the crew on another mythologically charged adventure through Riordan’s fantastical world.

2. The Dark Prophecy

Continuing the story of Apollo and his quest to find the Oracles in order to take his place as a god once again. Alongside his Demigod buddies, Apollo must venture across America in order to free the next Oracle, all the while battling against mythical creatures and the mysterious Triumvirate Holdings, along with one of its leaders Commodus. Expanding the new lore introduced in The Trials of Apollo this is a gripping continuation of the Percy Jackson series.

3. The Burning Maze

Apollo’s battle against the evil emperors of Triumvirate Holdings takes center stage here as he comes up against multiple mythological creatures and famed historical figures. You’ll catch appearances from Caligula, Madea, Strix, and even Caligula’s favorite horse Incitatus. This is another epic adventure that pits Apollo against fearsome foes and tragic losses as he unravels the Triumvirate’s shocking plans and tries to regain his immortality while keeping his friends safe. And trust us when we say that’s not an easy set of responsibilities to juggle.

4. The Tyrant’s Tomb

The penultimate book in the Trials of Apollo series takes Apollo and friends to the edge as they find themselves up against the brutal Caligula and his followers. In order to help protect Camp Jupiter from the onslaught of Triumvirate Holdings, Apollo and his crew must venture into the ancient tomb of a terrifying tyrant that will put them in more danger than ever before. It’ll also lead to the final trial of Apollo, which will define and seal his fate forever.

5. The Tower of Nero

In the final Trials of Apollo book the stage is set for an epic battle back in New York City. It’s all been leading to this as the young god and his demigod buds have come up against their biggest foe yet. It’s an epic finale with massive stakes as mythical families are reunited, friendships are tested, and Apollo finally learns whether or not he’s done enough to return to his place on Mount Olympus. But if you’re desperate for more stories in this universe, don’t despair as there’s one more standalone novel that ties into the world of Percy Jackson.

6. The Sun and the Star

Bringing two fan favorite characters to the forefront of their own story, The Sun and the Star centers on Nico di Angelo and Will Solace who were introduced in earlier Percy Jackson novels. Nico is the son of Hades which means that life is far from easy for him, and as the son of Apollo, Will has had his fair share of adventures too. But when Nico starts hearing a voice calling him to the depths of the underworld the pair are tested like never before, in this story that will sate the appetites of Percy Jackson fans everywhere, especially those who miss Camp Half-Blood.

What’s Next for the Percy Jackson Series?

Following the recent release of Wrath of the Triple Goddess, Rick Riordan will be adding a final book to this trilogy. He stated this clearly in a November 2024 update where he confirmed he “will be writing the third and final ‘Senior Year Adventure’ about Percy Jackson’s quest to get into college”. We don’t yet know the name of the upcoming book, but we know it will somehow involve Percy acquiring his final recommendation letter. Once that book wraps up, the future of the Percy Jackson books is unclear.

As for the TV show, Disney has confirmed that season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians will arrive in December 2025. This is a full two years after the release of the first season, which IGN’s review described as “adding a hint of modernity” to the world of gods and monsters.

Rosie Knight is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything from anime to comic books to kaiju to kids movies to horror flicks. She has over half a decade of experience in entertainment journalism with bylines at Nerdist, Den of Geek, Polygon, and more. Rosie is a published comics author who has written titles including Godzilla Rivals vs. Battra and The Haunted High-Tops. She co-hosts the weekly Crooked Media pop-culture podcast X-Ray Vision. When she’s not writing, you can find her playing Dragon Ball FighterZ or rewatching weird old horror and martial movies in her free time. She loves making comics and zines as well as collecting VHS and reading much manga as humanly possible. You can find her on social at @rosiemarx.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is now playing at the Marquis Theatre in New York City and The Phoenix Theatre in London.

Is mega-budget stage prequel Stranger Things: The First Shadow a necessary addition to the hit Netflix show’s lore? Definitely not. But is this breathtaking theatrical spectacle a hell of a lot of fun? Absolutely so.

Chiefly an origin story for Henry Creel, a.k.a. the fourth-season big-bad Vecna, The First Shadow is set up to expand on the bizarre goings-on in Hawkins, Indiana and satisfy fans with some familiar characters, all without messing with anything of significance to the series’ continuity. There’s enticement for diehards in the form of younger versions of Joyce Byers (né Moldanado), Jim Hopper, the sadistic Dr. Brenner and, of course, Bob Newby. (If you don’t remember who that is, don’t worry – it scarcely matters.) And since Vecna will return for the show’s much-delayed fifth and final season, First Shadow makes sense as a bridge between seasons. But it’s not like you’ll be completely at sea if you can’t make it to the play before the last batch of episodes drops on Netflix.

What you’ll see, however, is hugely enjoyable – packed with astonishing stage images, impressive jump scares, and genuinely exciting feats of theatricality. And if the script sometimes gets bogged down in fan service, it does find a surprising emotional potency in its main character’s doomed effort to save himself.

The setting is 1959, and a teenage Henry (Louis McCartney) is seeking a fresh start, following a violent incident at his last school. At Hawkins High, he finds romance with the kindly Patty Newby (Gabrielle Nevaeh) when the two are cast as leads in the student play. But at night, a dark power takes hold of Henry’s body, using his powers of telepathy and telekinesis to horrible ends – brought to life by a seemingly bottomless bag of theatrical tricks.

Ably guided by seasoned director Stephen Daldry and co-director Justin Martin, The First Shadow’s makeup, effects, and scenic teams conjure wonder after wonder on stage, a healthy mix of huge set pieces and old-fashioned stage magic. The opener, in which a battleship is beached by attacking Demogorgons, is jaw-dropping. Creel’s telepathic jaunts across Hawkins use doubles, stage tricks, and puppetry to haunting effect. And when the Mind Flayer makes her appearance, the big girl does not disappoint.

The First Shadow also holds onto Stranger Things’ oddly pleasing clash of teenage hijinks and bloodthirsty violence. Since Daldry ensures the play is always moving at a steady clip, harsh jumps from fratricide to theater-club drama can certainly feel jarring. But the tonal whiplash is, for all its grossness, in keeping with Stranger Things as we know it.

A little more about that play-within-the-play, since it takes up about as much storytelling real estate here as Henry himself (barely an exaggeration): The kids are pretending to put on Oklahoma! But secretly, their student director, an impassioned Joyce (Alison Jaye), has a different vision. She conceives a “revolutionary” production of Dark of the Moon, an obscure 1945 play (not to be confused with the Transformers sequel) centering on a witch-boy who falls for a young girl and seeks to become human. The parallels with Creel’s story are, fortunately, not excessively underlined.

Jaye pulls off an artful Winona Ryder impression, echoing Ryder’s strange mannerisms without overdoing it. Joyce is always fending off the interest of a young Jim Hopper, also nicely captured by Burke Swanson, who finds an overcompensating machismo that is, again, of a piece with David Harbour’s beloved take on Hopper. But ultimately, outside of the fan-pleasing need to feature some familiar faces, there is no reason for either of them to be in The First Shadow. Joyce and Jim’s storyline technically has connections to Henry’s, but it always feels like it’s happening in its own play. The inclusion of Bob Newby (played in the show’s third season by Sean Astin) is even more needless, and Juan Carlos’ breathlessly frenzied take proves grating.

Though its 2-hour-and-45-minute running time flies by, First Shadow loses focus a bit in a jumbled second act. Henry’s outsider bond with Patty is genuinely touching, but their central relationship gets lost amidst much gruesome business with Dr. Brenner. Alex Breaux does well as the future father figure/tormentor of Henry’s fellow telekinetic Eleven, and it’s fun to watch him and McCartney have a freak-off. But after about a scene and a half with Brenner, we basically get the gist: He’s evil!

The anchor amidst all the madness is McCartney, a virtuosic breakout talent who brings a sweetly yet demonic flair to young Henry. The battle raging inside Henry always feels palpable, even as he makes valiant attempts at a normal life. It’s the anti-Eleven story, and McCartney holds the whole thing together.

Razer’s new 2025 lineup of Razer Blade 16 and Razer Blade 18 gaming laptops, which are currently exclusively available only at Razer.com and Razer stores, are now shipping out for as early as late April delivery. Prices for the Razer Blade 16 start at $2,999.99 for the RTX 5070 Ti configuration, $3,499.99 for the RTX 5080 configuration, and $4,499.99 for the RTX 5090 configuration. Currently the Razer Blade 18 is out of stock.

Razer Blade laptops are well known for their impeccable build quality. The chassis is built from a single piece of aluminum and is designed to be exceptionally thin and light for a gaming laptop. In order to get away with the svelte form factor, Razer employs its own proprietary cooling design which incorporates a vacuum sealed, liquid filled, copper vapor chamber to effectively whisk away the heat. Much like Apple MacBook Pros, a lot of engineering goes into a Razer Blade laptop, which is why they command a premium price compared to other mainstream brands.

Razer Blade 16

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