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Dune: Awakening Delayed by Three Weeks to Implement Changes Discovered During Its Beta

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Dune: Awakening, the upcoming open world survival MMO inspired by Frank Herbert’s beloved sci-fi novels and Denis Villeneuve’s films, has been delayed to June 10, 2025.

Funcom shared the news while also confirming that those who wish to get a head start will be able to jump into the game on June 5 if they purchase either the Deluxe Edition or Ultimate Edition.

As for why the game was delayed, Funcom said, following feedback from its ongoing Persistent Closed Beta, the decision was made so the team has “a bit more time to cook.” This will also let them implement some of the changes they’ve discovered and that have been requested during this beta phase.

Furthermore, Funcom said the delay will allow for a “large-scale beta weekend next month where even more of you will get the opportunity to play the game and share your feedback.”

While this may be disappointing for some who want to jump into Dune: Awakening as soon as possible, Funcom is hosting a combat livestream later today at 12pm ET/9am PT, which will reveal more about PvP and PvE mechanics, archetypes, and skills.

We here at IGN are excited about Dune: Awakening, as we said in our hands-on preview that, “It’s easy to be sceptical about an MMO survival game set in the Duniverse, but after a few bouts of dehydration and sunstroke, the day I spent in Arrakis convinced me that Dune: Awakening is one to watch.”

For more, check out details on the MMO’s business model and post-launch plans and the in-depth gameplay trailer that was revealed at Gamescom ONL last year.

Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on TikTok.

I’ve Just Caught Discounted Pokémon TCG: Journey Together ETBs and Booster Bundles

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

After the mess of a launch, I didn’t expect Journey Together to bounce back this quickly. But here we are. Amazon has the Elite Trainer Box for $70.31 and the Booster Bundle for $37.97, which is basically MSRP. These were the same products people were scalping three weeks ago like they were made of gold-foil Charizards. Now they’re just available. In stock. From Amazon. I’m not used to this kind of peace.

Discounted Pokémon TCG: Journey Together ETBs and Booster Bundles

It helps that single card prices have completely cratered. That early panic-buy energy is gone, and what’s left is actually kind of nice: a good-looking set, still fun to open, finally accessible. This feels like the most relaxed a Pokémon TCG release has been since Stellar Crown. I think it’s a great time to grab sealed product, especially if you skipped launch week and spent it watching TCGPlayer listings implode in real time like I did.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

This one’s loaded: nine Journey Together booster packs, a full-art foil N’s Zorua, card sleeves, energy, dice, condition markers, and a code card for Live. You also get the little booklet that tells you all about what you probably won’t pull, which is always a comforting touch. I like this as a shelf piece and a slow-open project. Rip one pack a night like a tiny cardboard advent calendar of hope.

As for singles, the ETB exclusive card N’s Zorua isn’t bad, but the bigger chase cards are finally landing where they probably should have started. Lillie’s Clefairy ex SIR is still pricey at $180, though that’s less than half of its pre-order peak. N’s Zoroark ex is now around $13, and even the stamped version is cheaper than a movie ticket. I think if you’re going to open sealed product, now is the time when the math doesn’t feel like a straight-up scam.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together Booster Bundle

Six booster packs, no fluff. This is the set I grab when I just want to rip packs and pretend I’m still chasing something spicy. It’s cheaper than the ETB, and you’re not paying extra for sleeves or dividers you already have too many of.

The card market around this set has basically been a free fall, which makes this a way more interesting buy now. Salamence ex SIR dropped from $250 to about $106, and I think it’ll settle closer to $100. Iono’s Bellibolt ex, which I was convinced was going to be a banger, is chilling around $8. That’s not great news if you bought in early, but it’s fantastic if you’re just now joining the party with a Booster Bundle in hand.

Pokémon TCG – Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together Sleeved Booster

I picked up one of these mostly because I had $10 of Amazon credit I forgot about, but honestly, it wasn’t a bad gamble. One pack, random blister artwork, ten cards, and either a sense of joy or quiet resignation.

I picked up one of these mostly because I had $10 of Amazon credit I forgot about, but honestly, it wasn’t a bad gamble. One pack, random blister artwork, ten cards, and either a sense of joy or quiet resignation

Pokémon TCG: Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection

I got this because I’m a sucker for dumb little acrylic standees and mildly chaotic Pokémon. Six booster packs, a full-art Bellibolt ex, a foil Tadbulb, and some fun extras like a sticker and a display backdrop. Is any of that necessary? No. Did I want it anyway? Absolutely.

Bellibolt’s cards are doing what most of this set’s full arts have done: falling like a rock. The standard full-art Bellibolt ex is now $7 to $8, and the Special Illustration Rare is around $80. That’s still expensive, but it’s a far cry from the early days when people were pricing it like it was a lost Iono alt-art. I think this is a fun pick for fans of the character, and I don’t mind paying for charm when the market has stopped pretending it’s gold.

Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.

Score $10 Off Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 in First Discount This Year

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

With so many Spring Sales popping up, now is a great time to stock up on games at a much lower price than usual. If you’ve been looking to sink your teeth into a massive medieval action RPG, this is one deal you definitely don’t want to miss: Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (for both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X) has received its first discount at Amazon and Walmart. It’s down to $59.99, $10 off its list price of $69.99. Head to the links below to pick it up for your collection while the deal is still live.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 for $59.99

If you’re still on the fence about this one, it’s worth having a read through our glowing 9/10 Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review. Reviewer Leana Hafer said, “Armed with excellent melee combat and an exceptional story, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is one part sequel and one part coronation, bringing a lot of the original’s ideas to fruition.”

This isn’t the only game deal that’s crossed our path recently. At the moment Best Buy has a Spring Sale going on that’s filled with some excellent discounts on games, including offers on Silent Hill 2, Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition, Star Wars Outlaws, and more. If you’re building out your library of games, this is a sale worth checking out to save big on some popular options.

For a more in-depth look at the best game deals available right now, it’s worth checking our roundups of PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch deals. In each of these we’ve gathered up the best discounts on games, hardware, and accessories so you can save on a variety of items for your preferred platform. Our overall roundup of the best video game deals includes some great PC gaming deals alongside the console-specific offers, too.

More Games on Sale Right Now

Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.

Dreadmoor, a First-Person Fishing/Post-Apocalyptic Mystery Game Inspired by Dredge, Announced for PC

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Developer Dream Dock has announced Dreadmoor, a new first-person single-player action-adventure inspired by the 2023 hit Dredge where you’ll fish from your trawler, explore, fight monsters, craft items, upgrade your boat, and deal with whatever unexpected mysteries lurk in the post-apocalyptic Drownlands. It’s in development for PC. Check out the announcement trailer above and the first screenshots in the gallery below.

Dream Dock describes Dreadmoor like so: “Step behind the helm of a fishing trawler and set sail into a world where, after a global nuclear war, continents have sunk beneath the waves, replaced by scattered islands and submerged ruins of ancient civilizations. Sell your catch to survivors, complete quests, and move one step closer to survival. Keep an eye on your ship’s cargo hold—creatures might devour each other! Upgrade your ship and craft equipment to explore hidden depths and secret locations. Mutated creatures and sinister mysteries lie hidden in the deep and within abandoned structures, especially at night. Beware of radiation, as the danger is even greater out there…”

There are over 100 species of fish to catch, with the deepest and toughest catchest requiring the craziest bait but fetching the biggest rewards. You’ll scavenge for resources and explore both above the surface and below it. You can wishlist Dreadmoor on Steam if you’re interested.

Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s executive editor of previews and host of both IGN’s weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, as well as our monthly(-ish) interview show, IGN Unfiltered. He’s a North Jersey guy, so it’s “Taylor ham,” not “pork roll.” Debate it with him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.

LEGO Reveals Jango Fett’s Starship, New Star Wars Sets Ahead of May the Fourth

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

LEGO has revealed nine brand new Star Wars sets, all scheduled to launch on May 1, 2025. They’re part of Disney’s multi-pronged rollout of May the 4th (aka Star Wars Day), which LEGO typically celebrates by releasing a new Ultimate Collector Series Starship. In 2023, it was Luke’s X-Wing Starfighter. In 2024, it was the TIE Interceptor.

This year, it’s Jango Fett’s Firespray Starship, better known to longtime Star Wars fans as Slave I (see it on the LEGO Store). The name change, which dates back to 2021, was at Disney’s request (confirmed by LEGO), presumably due to the discomfort of associating ‘slave’ imagery in their brand. Four years on, the name change is apparently here to stay.

The last ‘large’ version of this LEGO starship dates back to 2019, when LEGO released a 20th anniversary set with 1007 pieces, depicting the ship as seen in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. This new LEGO version of the ship, composed of 2970 pieces, depicts the ship as seen in Star Wars: Episode 2 Attack of the Clones. It` is nearly three times the piece count of its comparable predecessor, and it measures 7.5 inches high, 17.5 inches long, and 15.5 inches wide.

Its features include a detailed interior, adjustable blasters, and seismic charges. It is displayable either on its side in its landing mode – or upright and mounted on a black stand in its flying mode. It comes with two minifigures: one of Jango Fett, and the other of Boba Fett, back from when he was still a child.

The set will retail for $299.99. Check out our photo gallery above for a closer look. And stay tuned – we’ll be building, photographing, and reviewing this set in the weeks ahead. For more, check out our picks for the best LEGO Star Wars sets available now.

Kevin Wong is a contributing freelancer for IGN, specializing in LEGO. He’s also been published in Complex, Engadget, Gamespot, Kotaku, and more. Follow him on Twitter at @kevinjameswong.

Google Pixel 9a Review

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Following in the footsteps of the Pixel 9 lineup, Google has at last introduced the budget-minded Pixel 9a. This new model trims here and there to deliver a phone that’s still built around a respectable Tensor G4 chipset and a bright OLED display while costing just $499. It’s a cute phone, but the ways Google has pared it back are fairly apparent. And aside from a seven-year update promise, the Pixel 9a isn’t quite pushing the boundaries of what a mid-range phone can be quite like others, such as the OnePlus 13R. And considering I’ve seen the Pixel 9 go on sale for $549 recently, the Pixel 9a may have a hard time selling itself.

Google Pixel 9a – Design and Features

Google’s efforts to reduce price on the A-series show themselves most clearly in the design. The Pixel 9a doesn’t look bad, but next to its full-fat siblings, it doesn’t stack up quite as well. Notably, the black bezels bordering the display are girthier, and though they are pleasingly even all around, they still stick out more than those on the Pixel 9.

I can’t knock the plastic back of the Pixel 9a, as it actually feels surprisingly glassy and should prove far less prone to shattering than glass. Google ditched the signature camera bar for a smaller and simpler camera bump housing the two rear cameras. While this improves the thinness and pocketability of the phone, it gives it a more bland look. Dropping the camera bar also didn’t profoundly impact the size of the phone, as it ends up larger all around than the Pixel 9.

At least Google went in for splashy colors, with the Peony colorway tested here offering a vibrant appeal and a matching frame. Google also saw fit to bump up the protections on the Pixel 9a, giving it upgraded water resistance compared to last year’s model. It now boasts an IP68 rating to withstand dunks under water. That should help the Pixel 9a to better survive the seven years it will receive software support.

Though Google makes no note of this, the Pixel 9a is curiously attracted to magnets. The phone isn’t Qi2 certified, but that may not stop it from working with Qi2 chargers. I found a Mag Safe wallet snapped onto the back of the Pixel 9a well enough. It was a little weak and slid around too freely because of the smooth back of the phone. But if you have a stationary bedside MagSafe charger with a strong magnet and grippy surface, it would probably work.

The display only gets a Gorilla Glass 3 cover. It hasn’t scratched or cracked in my limited time testing, but it’s very likely not going to withstand as much as the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covering the front of the Pixel 9. That display is otherwise very similar to what you’ll see in the Pixel 9. It measures 6.3 inches, has a 1080×2424 resolution display, and hits peak brightness of 1800 nits in HDR content and 2700 nits for small highlights. It’s a great looking display and easy to see in most conditions, but it misses out on some of the advantages offered by LTPO OLED displays found in the likes of the OnePlus 13R, like the ability to drop down to 1Hz for extra battery savings.

The display is paired with decent speakers. They get sufficiently loud to listen to at a distance in a quiet room. They’re not terribly distorted at max volume either, though they do duck a little so it’s better to avoid max volume for music, as the EQ will be inconsistent.

To unlock the Pixel 9a, you can use a fingerprint scanner underneath the display or facial recognition. The latter works quickly, but I’ve had more frequent issues with the fingerprint scanner failing to recognize my finger.

While the Pixel 9a is a proper 5G phone, its support isn’t as complete as its siblings. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro models can support mmWave for ultra-fast connections in certain regions, but the Pixel 9a is limited to 5G Sub-6. This can still be fast, and it reached over 200Mbps in my testing, but it’s just not as fast.

Google Pixel 9a – Software

The Pixel 9a comes running Android 15 and will be supported for seven years from its launch with software and security updates. Like the other Pixel phones, Google’s customizations create a very simple software experience. Google streamlines user customization options, and avoids overcomplication, but this also limits the freedom to set the device up how you like it. I’ve been a long-time opponent of the changes to the quick settings menu on Pixels given how little information you can get at a time, and there’s no getting around it. Google also limits the homescreen app grid to 5×5 or smaller. Thankfully, there’s nothing too egregious about the software – other than maybe the Google app, which lives to the side of the home screen, including advertisements. It’s an overall good experience. And if you’re after AI capabilities, the Pixel 9a supports a great many of those coming from Google.

Google Pixel 9a – Gaming and Performance

One of the big promises of the A series is that they don’t skimp on performance compared to the main versions. The Pixel 9a comes running on Google’s Tensor G4, the same chip found even in the top-tier Pixel 9 Pro. For everyday performance, this is more than up-to-snuff, with the phone switching between apps, browsing the web, and operating smoothly all around.

Considering this, it should come as little surprise that its performance is in the same ballpark as the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. Across Geekbench and 3DMark benchmarks, the Pixel 9a performed within just a few percentage points of the other two. The only exception was the Pixel 9 Pro’s better single-core performance and the Pixel 9a’s better Geekbench 6 GPU performance. That latter win was evidently just the result of newer operating software that Android Authority reported boosted GPU performance (an update the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro were not privy to at the time of testing). With the Pixel 9 updated, it actually saw its Geekbench 6 GPU performance leap back ahead of the Pixel 9a, though 3DMark tests were largely unchanged.

Despite the plastic back, the Pixel 9a also manages its thermals fairly well. It can get a little warm, but I’ve never felt it threaten to sear my hand or even prove uncomfortable to hold, even after downloading Wuthering Waves and compiling shaders – a daunting task for any phone. And in 3DMark’s Steel Nomad Light stress test, the Pixel 9a only saw its performance sink by 19.7%. That’s right in line with the performance range and throttling of the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, but it’s also enough to hinder performance in games. The phone struggled to keep up performance playing Wuthering Waves maxed out at 60fps when it had warmed up, exhibiting frequent stutters. But dialed back down to balanced graphics settings, it managed smoother gameplay.

While the performance is good, it’s not excellent. Putting this into perspective. The iPhone 16 comes close to doubling the Pixel 9a’s Geekbench 6 CPU scores, nearly triples its GPU score, and has a dramatic lead across all of the 3DMark benchmarks. The Tensor G4 is no beast. On the Android side of the fence, the Pixel 9a is also thoroughly shown up by the OnePlus 13R, with Google offering 20 to 50 percent less performance in our benchmark suite.

The Pixel 9a can operate and game well enough. But mobile games have seen their demands grow quickly. A phone that can play Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves today may be brought to its knees by whatever games supplant them in a couple of years. Google also only included 8GB of memory on the Pixel 9a. This is still enough for everyday operation, but with AI applications relying on memory, it could prove a hard barrier for larger models.

Keeping the party going is a 5,100mAh battery – an upgrade over what you’ll find in even the Pixel 9 Pro XL. That gives the Pixel 9a plenty of juice for all-day use, and if you’re a light user, don’t be surprised if you can make it through two full days without needing to recharge. Running the phone at 50% brightness and streaming a movie over Wi-Fi, the battery dropped by only 4%, making it a solid option for marathon streaming sessions.

Google Pixel 9a – Cameras

The Pixel 9a doesn’t get the same suite of sensors that the Pixel 9 did. Instead, it gets a slightly lower-quality 48MP main sensor and a much more basic 13MP wide sensor. Around front, it has a higher-resolution 13MP selfie camera. Here’s a closer look at the details:

  • 48MP wide, f/1.7, 1/2”, OIS, EIS
  • 13MP ultrawide, f/2.2, 1/3.1”, 120-degree FoV
  • 13MP Selfie, f/2.2, 96.1-degree FOV

For what it’s worth, the Pixel 9a’s downgrades don’t make it a bad camera system. The main sensor is definitely the star of the show, though. It captures a good deal of light, can get a lovely bokeh in the right conditions, and brings out a ton of detail. Its colors are natural, for better or worse. That can mean realistic, lifelike images in most cases, though that also means photos taken on cold, overcast days are going to look as lifeless as they do in real life. The camera can punch in for slightly digital zoom and macros, but it’s not very impressive. It won’t hold a candle to optical zoom, like what you’ll find on the OnePlus 13R.

The ultra-wide keeps consistent color and lighting with the main sensor, which is always a plus. But it can struggle more readily with noise if it’s not shooting in bright conditions. It’s a serviceable complement to the main camera, but I wouldn’t use it for much more than well-lit landscapes

The Pixel 9a isn’t always smart about picking its shooting modes. While trying to snap a photo of my cats in a dim setting, it switched over to night mode, for instance. While that could let in more light, it also ensured the cats were a blur. In other cases, it swapped over to the macro shooting mode and ended up with worse focus than it might have had otherwise. The main sensor proves itself perfectly capable of some close-up shots.

The selfie camera on the front is a great little snapper. It can struggle to decide how it’s going to shoot in low-light, but even then it’ll get a decent shot. With better exposure, it captures great details.

Today’s Best Deals: Pokémon TCG, Like a Dragon Kiryu Statue, Lepro Smart Lights, and More

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

It’s not often that I get to write about Pokémon TCG deals and smart light bulbs in the same guide, but here we are. Amazon’s finally offering decent prices on Journey Together sealed product, which is the closest thing we’ve had to a “normal” launch since Stellar Crown. Meanwhile, the IGN Store just opened preorders on a legitimately good-looking Kazuma Kiryu statue, Humble dropped a train simulator bundle for $15 that somehow has $283 worth of content, and Lepro’s doing their AI lighting thing again, except now it’s even cheaper. I didn’t expect to be tempted by half this stuff. Yet here I am.

Today’s Best Deals: Pokémon TCG, Like a Dragon Kiryu Statue, Lepro Smart Lights, and More

The best part? Most of this is first-party stock. These aren’t third-party resellers or warehouse dumps. The Pokémon deals come straight from Amazon, the statue is from the IGN Store, and Lepro’s discounts are backed by coupons and Prime shipping. Even the Humble bundle supports CALM, so you can simulate locomotives and feel slightly better about your backlog at the same time.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

This is the first time I’ve seen the ETB for a reasonable price without having to buy it from someone’s backseat eBay hustle. Nine booster packs, full-art N’s Zorua promo, card sleeves, energy, dice, the works. I’ve seen this box selling for $90+ since launch, so $70.31 from Amazon is genuinely solid. Lillie’s Clefairy ex is still floating around $180 and N’s Zoroark ex has dropped to $13, which tells me the hype has deflated and we’re in “buy because it’s fun” territory again. I like it here.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together Booster Bundle

This is the low-frills version for people who just want to open packs without pretending they’re going to organize their collection. Six Journey Together boosters and none of the ETB fluff. Honestly, this is how I like to test a set when prices cool off. You still have a shot at cards like Salamence ex SIR, which tanked from $250 to around $106, or a sub-$20 N’s Reshiram. Even if you pull nothing, at least you didn’t overpay trying to win the cardboard lottery.

Like a Dragon – Kazuma Kiryu Statue

I’m not usually a statue guy, but this one’s sharp. Kiryu looks like he walked straight out of Yakuza 0 mid-heat-action combo, and the 11.4-inch sculpt from Kotobukiya actually does him justice. It ships in October, which gives me time to clear desk space and justify the price. It’s not cheap, but I’ve seen statues this size with way less detail go for more. I think if you’re a Like a Dragon fan, this is an easy preorder.

Pokémon TCG – Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together – Sleeved Booster

I threw one of these in my cart last week just to hit the free shipping minimum. One pack, random art, decent discount. There’s no reason to expect anything big, but the price is finally low enough that I don’t feel bad if I just pull a Furret. And if you happen to land something like Articuno’s Illustration Rare (now $18.69) or Wailord (around $14.55), it’s a nice win from a $10 impulse buy.

Train Sim world 5 Route Remix Bundle

I don’t know how many people wake up wanting ten train simulator add-ons, but if you’re one of them, today is your day. For $15, you get Train Sim World 5’s Starter Pack plus nine routes and loco add-ons. Antelope Valley, Cajon Pass, Thameslink, Santa Fe F7—the whole diesel buffet. It’s Steam keys, it supports CALM, and the value is so off the rails (pun fully intended) that I bought it just to mess around with the Railpool BR193 Vectron. Don’t judge me.

Lepro O1 AI Floor Lamp

This is one of those “tech that doesn’t make sense until you try it” products. It’s a smart LED floor lamp with AI-generated lighting modes, music sync, voice control, app scheduling, and a vibe for every mood. It’s absurdly bright at 2300 lumens, and it looks clean in any corner setup. The AI stuff isn’t just fluff either. Say “I want relaxing light” and it’ll give you ten preset scenes. I think it’s great if you want one light to do everything without fiddling with settings for half an hour.

Lepro B2 AI Smart Light Bulbs

These are the same AI bulbs as the ones in the floor lamp, but in classic 75W-equivalent LED form. They’re bright, colorful, and weirdly helpful if you’re too tired to fine-tune your lighting manually. The music sync is fun, the AI scenes work well, and the voice commands actually feel smart instead of gimmicky. I bought a set of these last month and haven’t touched the wall switch since. At $8 per bulb, it’s kind of a no-brainer.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Surging Sparks

I picked up Surging Sparks because six booster packs under $50 is lower than what Amazon has been charging recently (It’s still above MSRP though) Honestly, I wanted something new to crack open. It’s part of the latest Scarlet & Violet expansion, so if you’re trying to keep up with current sets or just enjoy the chaos of pulling a good card, this one’s a smart grab.

Pokémon TCG: Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection

This one’s for the collectors who care as much about presentation as they do the pulls. Iono’s Bellibolt ex Premium Collection comes with six packs, a full-art promo, and a display sheet that’s more elaborate than it needs to be — in a good way. It’s also a cool way to snag Journey Together packs with a fantastic promo card.

Mass Effect Merchandise

I think anyone who’s replayed Mass Effect more than once knows exactly why these statues are tempting. I pre-ordered Jack immediately because, well, it felt necessary. The line includes Shepard, Tali, Legion, and others, and they look good enough that I’ve already made space for them on the shelf. If you’re still quoting Garrus unironically, these are for you.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet: Paldean Fates: Booster Bundle

Paldean Fates is priced a double MSRP, but it’s also very hard to come by in 2025. I grabbed it because the baby shiny sub-set is awesome, but if you just want to grab the single cards from this set, it might actually save you money.

Fellow Traveller Publisher Bundle

This bundle has some of the better narrative indies from the last few years. I paid the $12, added the games to my backlog like I always do, and immediately booted up The Pale Beyond. It’s a strong lineup if you like character-driven games and don’t mind occasionally being emotionally wrecked by minimalist storytelling.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box

I think of this one as the all-in-one box for when you want cards and a bunch of gear you probably won’t use but still want around. Nine booster packs, a promo, sleeves, dice, and enough extras to make you feel like you’re doing more than just opening packs. It’s a solid option if you like having a little structure with your chaos.

Pokémon TCG: Terapagos ex Ultra-Premium Collection

I hesitated on this one, then immediately remembered it includes 18 booster packs and a playmat. It’s definitely a big spend, but if you’ve been waiting for a premium bundle that actually justifies the price, this checks out. I picked it up more for the experience than the individual cards, and that’s the right way to approach it.

Pokémon TCG: Shining Fates Collection Pikachu V Box

I grabbed Shining Fates Pikachu V mostly because I never actually opened it when it first dropped, and now seemed like a good excuse. Four booster packs, a Pikachu promo, and the oversized card that ends up somewhere near your desk — standard stuff, but still a nice throwback if you missed it the first time around.

Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.

AU Deals: A Free Metro, Hot Holiday Drops on Joy-Cons, Blue Prince, Sonics, CODs, and The Last of Us!

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Welcome back to a Tuesday filled with hidden treasure. If you’ve been meaning to bulk up your pile of shame without gutting your wallet, now’s a stellar time to do it. Across Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, today’s crop of digital (and physical) discounts is stacked with bangers. Grab ’em while they’re hot and set yourself up for a memorable holiday.

This Day in Gaming 🎂

In retro news, I’m celebrating the 15th birthday of Patapon 3, a PSP great and the highest point of an all-time franchise. Best described as a musical RPG where four-beat patterns and rhythmic button taps produce heroism, Patapon 3’s catchy-arse songs still live rent free in my head a decade-and-a-half later.

Aussie bdays for notable games

– R.C. Pro-Am (NES) 1988. eBay

– Viewtiful Joe 2 (GC,PS2) 2005. eBay

– The Matrix Online (PC) 2005. eBay

– Midnight Club 3: Dub Ed. (PS2,XB) 2005. eBay

– Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (PC,PS2,XB) 2005. eBay

– Nintendo DSi XL launch 2010. eBay

– Patapon 3 (PSP) 2011. Redux

Contents

Nice Savings for Nintendo Switch

Let’s start on Switch, where Burnout Paradise Remastered can drift into your collection at a mere six bucks. I adored it for its seamless open-world carnage, and some bad arse DLC inspired by iconic film cars was the cherry on top. Meanwhile, Mortal Kombat 1 has been leg-swept down to A$21, bringing with it brutal Fatal Blows and a lore reboot that retcons everything.

Expiring Recent Deals

Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.

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Exciting Bargains for Xbox

Over on Xbox Series X, NBA 2K25 dunks hard with a 72% drop. Look out for the MyCareer mode’s hilariously wooden cameos from real-life NBA stars. Grand Theft Auto V, still chugging along a decade after launch, sits at A$24 and is packed with Easter eggs, like a submerged UFO in the ocean and a literal Bigfoot cameo.

Xbox One

Expiring Recent Deals

Or just invest in an Xbox Card.

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Pure Scores for PlayStation

On PS5, Helldivers 2 deploys for A$44, and it’s designed to make friendly fire not just possible, but likely and hilarious. Also on offer is Need for Speed Unbound, whose graffiti art style was inspired by French street artists.

PS4

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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

On PC, Metro 2033 Redux is absolutely free. That’s right, pay zero dollars (or in this universe…zero bullets) for a game whose world-building was directly overseen by the novel’s author, Dmitry Glukhovsky. Pair it with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 for A$27, and you’re golden.

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Laptop Deals

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Legit LEGO Deals

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Hot Headphones Deals

Audiophilia for less

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Terrific TV Deals

Do right by your console, upgrade your telly

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

Sling TV Plans: How Much Does a Subscription Cost in 2025?

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Although it may not be a household name like Netflix or Hulu, Sling TV has played an important role in the streaming wars as it became the first service to offer live TV when it was unveiled back in 2015. Since then, it’s positioned itself as a great low-cost alternative to a traditional cable subscription that offers its subscribers dozens of popular channels, a DVR service, and the ability to watch at home or on the go on up to three devices. Check out the full rundown below to learn more about Sling TV including which channels it includes, available sports (like MLB games), and how much it will run you per month.

What Is Sling TV?

Sling TV is a subscription-based live TV service that offers a number of popular channels, live sports, news, and more, with no long-term commitment. It’s a popular first choice for cord cutters since it’s more affordable than some of the bigger names in live TV streaming such as YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, and features different plans that cater to specific interests instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to its content lineup. All plans include 50 hours of DVR, which allows you to record live TV and your favorite shows and movies to watch later.

One notable difference (and much of the reason Sling TV is a less expensive option) is that it doesn’t include local channels such as ABC, CBS, and NBC. Instead, Sling recommends you pair your subscription with an HD antenna (sold separately) to receive your local channels.

Sling TV is available on just about every device including Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV devices, PS5, PS4, Xbox consoles, select Samsung, LG, and Vizio smart TVs, Google TV, Xfinity devices, TiVo, and more.

Does Sling TV Have a Free Trial?

Unlike other live TV streaming services, like Fubo, Sling TV does not offer a free trial for new subscribers. That being said, there is a related free streaming service that Sling does offer. Sling Freestream offers tons of free channels and ad-supported content that doesn’t cost you anything.

What Channels Does Sling TV Include?

Sling TV has two primary plans to choose from: Orange or Blue. Both plans will run you the same $45.99 per month, but offer vastly different selections of channels depending on your interests. If you want it all, you can combine Sling’s Orange and Blue plans to receive the entire 46 channel lineup (including all 22 exclusive channels) for a combined rate of $60.99 per month.

Sling describes its Orange plan as being best for sports fans and families as it includes channels such as ESPN, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Food Network, Lifetime, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, TBS, and more. In total, the Orange plan includes 35 channels (eight are exclusive to this plan) as part of the subscription and allows you to watch on one device at a time, although more can be added if you desire.

Sling’s Blue plan is tailored towards pro football fans and avid news watchers. It includes a total of 43 channels (16 of which are exclusive news and entertainment channels) with some highlights being CNN, Bloomberg TV, Fox (in select markets), FS1, Fox News, MSNBC, NFL Network, and more. The Blue plan also allows you to watch on up to three devices simultaneously.

Can You Watch Live Sports on Sling TV?

Yes, you can watch live sports on Sling TV, athough most of your local games won’t be available without buying an HD antenna (sold separately). Because of Sling’s channels being split between two plans (Orange and Blue), you’ll need to decide which sports networks are more important to you when signing up.

Sling’s Orange plan includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, while Sling’s Blue plan omits these in favor of NFL Network and FS1. You’ll be able to catch a number of live sporting events including NFL, NBA, MLB, and more, across these channels, but if you’re an avid sports fan you’ll likely want to add on Sling’s sports bundle to gain access to even more channels including NCAA-specific networks, NFL Redzone, MLB Network, NBA TV, NBC Golf, and the Tennis Channel, just to name a few.

This means that you can watch March Madness games with this service as well.

How Much Does Sling TV Cost?

As previously mentioned, Sling TV offers its Orange or Blue plans for $45.99 per month, or the ability to combine them to receive all channels for $60.99 per month. Sling is also running a limited-time deal where you can get 50% off your first month for whichever subscription you choose. If you’re looking for even more savings, you can even prepay for three months of Sling TV for as low as $99.

Additional upgrades can be added to your Sling TV subscription to enable additional features or allow access to even more channels. If you frequently record live TV, you can upgrade to Sling’s Unlimited Cloud DVR for an extra $5/month that can save all live sporting events for you for up to three days with its Auto Record feature.

For sports fans, you can add on a sports bundle for $11-15/mo (depending on your base plan) that provides access to even more live sports. If you’re looking for the best way to catch NFL games across its months of coverage, here’s how to watch NFL games online.

For more streaming platform guides, check out 2024 Hulu Subscriptions, Netflix Plans, ESPN+ Plans, and Disney+ Plans.

Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.

Save $112 Off the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, the Best Wireless Gaming Headset

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Amazon is currently offering a SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless gaming headset starting at only $257.55 shipped. The least expensive model is the Xbox edition in White. The Xbox edition is the only one that will work with the PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. The PS5 edition is also on sale, but for $269.99, and it won’t work with the Xbox console. The Nova Pro is our top rated gaming headset of 2025; I’ve personally use headset on a daily basis for the past few years and love it.

SteelSeries Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset for $258

The Arctis Nova Pro is the highest-end gaming headset in SteelSeries’ repertoire. It combines excellent sound quality with comfortable ergonomics, a high-performance mic, and unique yet extremely practical features. One of the biggest standout features of the SteelSeries Nova Pro wireless headset is the ingenious hot-swappable battery system. SteelSeries was generous enough to includes two batteries: one that’s in use in your headset and the other that’s charging in the separate DAC controller. This way, you get wireless freedom with no waiting to recharge. Each battery lasts for up to 22 hours of continued use, so you won’t be constantly swapping them out either.

Other great features include an OLED base station with volume control knob, active noise cancellation (rare in a gaming headset), retractable boom microphone, all-day comfort thanks to the suspension headband and leatherette ear cushions, simultaneous 2.4GHz WiFi and Bluetooth pairing, onboard audio presets, and the versatile Sonar software for creating your own custom sound profiles (for PC gamers).

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.

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