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PSA: Spotify Is Down

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Heads up: music streaming service Spotify seems to be down this morning.

According to IGN’s sister site Downdetector, Spotify outages began being reported around 6 a.m. PT today, and at the time of this piece were still flooding in. We ourselves were unable to access the service for much of the morning, and when we were able to get the app to open, it wouldn’t play music.

Spotify has acknowledged the issues and says it’s “working to resolve it as soon as possible.” The company also confirmed that reports of the outage being related to a security hack were false.

IGN will continue to monitor the situation and post updates as they happen.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Season One of Fallout Is Getting a 4K Steelbook – Get Your Preorders In Today

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Good news for fans of the apocalypse: season one of Prime Video’s Fallout series is getting a physical release. The series is releasing as a 4K steelbook, Blu-ray, and DVD, which are all now available to preorder for $39.99, $29.99, and $24.99, respectively. At the moment, there’s no official release date, but it’s worth getting your preorders in now before any of them sell out so you can be ready for a watch (or re-watch) once it’s officially released.

The official art for the 4K steelbook and Blu-ray hasn’t been released yet, either, but we’ll be sure to update this once it’s revealed. If you’ve been itching to add this excellent show into your physical media collection, head to the links below to get your preorders in today.

Preorder Fallout: Season One 4K Steelbook

If you haven’t experienced this series yet, you’re in for a great time. In our review, IGN’s Matt Purslow called it a “bright and funny apocalypse filled with dark punchlines and bursts of ultra-violence, Fallout stands up there with The Last of Us among the best game adaptations ever made.” He continues on to say that it’s “another special effort from Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, and easily earns a big thumbs up.”

Season two is sure to be another exciting adventure, too, as the series heads to New Vegas next. While we don’t know the official release date for it yet, a few set leaks provide a closer look at some of the locations and what viewers can expect to see from the highly-anticipated next season.

If you’re looking to stock up on more TV shows and films for you physical media collection, check out our roundup of upcoming 4K UHD and Blu-ray releases. In it we’ve highlighted numerous shows and films getting a physical release over the next few months so you can fill up your collection with some exciting new watches.

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

Nintendo Switch 2 Games and Accessories Now Available to Preorder at Amazon UK

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

It has taken some retailers longer than others, but Amazon UK has finally made pre-orders on Nintendo Switch 2 games & accessories available.

From its dedicated store page, you can place orders on the vast majority of games, controllers, cases, additional storage, and extra gadgets to add to your Nintendo Switch 2 preorders and complete your set-up.

You may notice that some item listings are in French, but these items will still go to your address in the UK. We assume the error is due to an onboarding issue on Amazon’s side that will hopefully be resolved soon. Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza also aren’t currently showing within the complete collection via Nintendo’s Amazon page, but each is still available to preorder for £74.99 and £64.99, respectively.

With the exception of MK World, certain physical games Amazon UK is £2 cheaper compared to My Nintendo Store—with copies of DK Bananza and the Nintendo Switch 2 versions of Super Mario Party Jamboree, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom being priced at £64.99 instead of £66.99.

Other key items like additional sets of the Joy-Con 2 controllers, the steering wheel set, charging grip, and protective case are at the same price, but Amazon UK also has stock of the Switch 2 Pro Controller—which is currently out of stock at the My Nintendo Store. The other nice find is that Amazon UK are supplying both the SanDisk and Samsung versions of the Nintendo-branded 256GB micro SD Express card at £49.99 each.

There are very few other ways to get this new type of memory card, with the regular SanDisk model not being available for delivery until the 25th of June at the latest, so these alternatives with the Mario ‘M’ put across are still the ideal way to expand your Nintendo Switch 2’s storage.

Altogether, if you’re subscribed to Amazon Prime as well, this is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to get all your Nintendo Switch extras delivered together on time, while saving a bit of money as well.

As for what’s not currently on Amazon UK in terms of the current Nintendo Switch 2 line-up, the only items that seem to be missing compared to other retailers are Piranha Plant Camera and a couple of games—Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster and Street Fighter 6: Year 1-2 Fighters Edition – Switch 2—which can both be found at ShopTo instead.

If you’re after the new Nintendo GameCube controller designed for the Switch 2, or the all-in-one carrying case, both are still exclusive to My Nintendo Store—with the former being only available on an invite-only basis.

Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen.

Amazon Fire TV Sticks Prices Slashed in New Discount for the UK

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Big deals on Amazon aren’t just exclusive to their seasonal sales—proper bargains can find their way to the retailer all year round, including Fire TV Sticks now being priced as low as £24.99 at the UK store.

In a new price slash, you can enjoy easy streaming of TV and films across apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, YouTube, Twitch, Tubi, and Pluto TV at discounts ranging from £15 off the HD Fire Stick’s original £39.99 price tag.

The biggest deals, however, lie in the 4K and 4K Max Fire Sticks—both having £25 taken off their price to now only cost £34.99 and £44.99 respectively. For just £10 more than the HD version, the 4K Fire Stick provides the type of upgrade its name implies with added features like visually stunning 4K streaming resolution and HDR10+.

That’s also with superior Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, so you can enjoy smoother streaming speeds. With that, you can revel in hit shows like Bridgerton, The Boys, Severance, and Daredevil: Born Again with better quality and less buffering.

One of the best new perks about the Amazon Fire Sticks as well is the ability to play streamed games through the cloud streaming capabilities of the Xbox app with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, and the 4K Max Fire Stick is the best way to do it.

Utilising the even more powerful Wi-Fi 6E technology with supported routers, you’ll be granted the fastest speeds and lowest level of latency to play new titles like Avowed, South of Midnight, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle without interruption.

Also exclusive to the 4K Max Fire Stick, the added Ambient Experience feature makes use of over 2000 artworks to transform your living space into a vivid art collection you can sit back and quietly enjoy.

If you have the ability to spend a bit more, the Amazon Fire TV Cube is also on sale for £109.99, with £30 taken off its original £139.99 cost.

Providing all features of the 4K Max Fire Stick except for the Ambient Experience, this handy cube also comes with hands-free Alexa and additional connectivity features to add as a voice-activated hub between you and your other devices.

Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen.

Best Deals Today: Pokémon 151 Booster Bundle, Surging Sparks, and Journey Together Restocks

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Pokémon fans have plenty to sift through today with restocks across some of the most in-demand sets. Surging Sparks and Journey Together booster packs are back at reasonable prices, and the Azure Legends tin is a smart pickup if you’re looking for variety in a single purchase. These items have been tough to grab without markups, so it’s a good time to stock up while they’re available and shipping with Prime.

Pokémon 151 Booster Bundle, Surging Sparks, and Journey Together Restocks

The 151 Booster Bundle has also returned to Amazon, but don’t be fooled by the listed discount. Despite being marked as 20 percent off, the current $66.65 price is nearly double its original MSRP, which typically ranges from $30 to $35. If you’ve been trying to complete this nostalgic set, it’s at least back in stock, but from a value standpoint, the deal is questionable.

Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet: 151 Booster Bundle

This bundle brings back the original 151 Pokémon with modern mechanics and new artwork, making it a highly sought-after product among longtime fans and collectors. It’s marketed as a great way to access the set without buying a full booster display box, and it consistently sells out quickly. Still, at nearly twice the standard retail price, it’s worth thinking twice unless you’ve had trouble finding it elsewhere.

Pokemon TCG Surging Sparks Sleeved Booster Pack

Currently the number one best-seller in collectible booster packs on Amazon, Surging Sparks includes over 250 cards, new Pokémon ex, ACE SPEC cards, and more than 50 cards featuring special illustrations. With solid pull potential and a modest price point, it’s an easy recommendation for casual players and serious collectors. Each pack contains 10 cards and is eligible for fast, free Prime shipping.

The Last of Us – Joel With Hatchet Bust

Available now for pre-order, this officially licensed Joel bust from Dark Horse and Naughty Dog stands 8.5 inches tall, reaching 11 inches at the top of the hatchet. The statue features detailed texturing on Joel’s flannel, backpack, and face, all set on a battle-worn concrete base with moss and bullet holes. It includes a certificate of authenticity and is scheduled to ship in August 2025. Ideal for collectors and fans of The Last of Us looking to lock in a centerpiece item.

Pokemon TCG: Azure Legends Tin

This newly released tin includes five booster packs and one random foil promo card featuring either Kyogre ex, Xerneas ex, or Dialga ex. Inside, you’ll find a mix of packs from recent expansions including Surging Sparks, Temporal Forces, Stellar Crown, and Obsidian Flames. It’s a solid mid-tier pickup for anyone looking to expand their collection with newer sets in one convenient package.

Dice & Destiny Game Bundle

This bundle features seven well-reviewed indie RPGs including Disco Elysium, Citizen Sleeper, Broken Roads, Roadwarden, and both Pillars of Eternity games. With ratings as high as 94 percent positive on Steam, the value here is undeniable for turn-based and narrative RPG fans. Plus, 15 percent off Citizen Sleeper 2 is included as a bonus coupon. The deal supports Care.org and is available for the next 15 hours only.

Pokémon TCG – Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together Sleeved Booster

Marked down from $15.99, this pack is part of the Scarlet and Violet expansion and comes in assorted packaging. Each blister contains 10 cards, with a chance to pull some of the newer generation cards and artwork styles. While the pack style you receive is random, this is a good opportunity to sample the set at a much lower price than usual.

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.

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.

This Beautiful Illustrated Edition of Eragon Has Dropped to a New Low Price on Amazon

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

I’ve perused a surprising number of books about dragons in my time, but Eragon was one of the most impactful because I was just a kid when I first read it. The Inheritance Cycle was one of my first proper introductions into the fantasy genre as a whole and got me excited to read more in a way that I hadn’t really experienced outside of Harry Potter.

So when I found out that the illustrated edition of Eragon not only existed, but was also at it’s lowest-ever price, I couldn’t help but buy it for myself. The art I’ve seen in the preview for it looks incredible and seems to portray the story in a way that feels perfect for the series. The rich painted strokes from artist Sidharth Chaturvedi seem to really bring the images to life, and it seems like the perfect fit for my growing illustrated collection of some of my favorite fantasy books.

Eragon: The Illustrated Edition Deal on Amazon

This is the first illustrated edition in the Inheritance Cycle, with an original release date of November 2023. Since its release, the price has dropped a few time but this price is the lowest we’ve ever seen. Newer illustrated editions, such as George R.R. Martin’s upcoming Feast of Crows, can come at a high price and stay there for a long time. If you are thinking of adding this version of Eragon to your collection, there’s never been a better time.

That being said, it’s also worth considering some of the other popular illustrated editions that come at a similar price. There’s the Hunger Games Illustrated edition, which recently received a similar Amazon price reduction. And there’s also a new upcoming Harry Potter interactive illustrated edition that was discounted as soon as it was available for preorder.

See more popular illustrated editions

Will There Be More Illustrated Editions in the Inheritance Cycle?

One issue with buying illustrated editions is that there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to complete your set. While the illustrated edition of Eragon looks awesome, it came out almost two years ago and is still the only book in the series to receive this deluxe treatment. I did a bit of research about whether or not there’s been any word from Christopher Paolini about new illustrated editions, but the only thing I could find was this Reddit thread discussing the topic. Basically, there is no official news about Eldest, Brisinger, and Inheritance getting illustrated versions, but if this one sells well enough they will make more of them.

Outside of the books, Eragon will be receiving a Disney+ TV series that will likely breathe new life into the books. The upcoming series does not yet have a release date, but it is still on track to happen.

Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 Ending Explained – How the Series Sets Up Season 2 and the Punisher Special

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Warning: this article contains full spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again Episode 9! Be sure to check out IGN’s review of the Season 1 finale.

Daredevil: Born Again has just ended its first season on Disney+, and the finale is quite a doozy. We’ve seen Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock brought low several times over the years, but this might be the bleakest ending yet for old Hornhead. Suffice it to say, MCU fans are in for a very interesting Season 2 when the show makes its return in 2026.

As the dust settles from the latest clash between Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin, let’s break down the dramatic ending to Season 1. Who’s still standing, and how does it all set up Season 2? And what about that recently announced Punisher special? Here’s what we learn from Born Again’s season finale.

Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 Ending Explained

All season long, Born Again has been exploring the question of whether a person can permanently and fundamentally change themselves. Can Matt Murdock just be a lawyer, free of the burden of acting as a vigilante and defying the law he’s sworn to uphold? Can Wilson Fisk truly live on the right side of the law, or is he simply talking a big game when he claims to be looking to make his city a better, safer place?

By the events of the finale, the answer appears to be a resounding “No.” Matt has been called back into action as Daredevil, spurred on by his clash with Muse and his renewed feud with Fisk. Not that this is necessarily presented as a failure on Matt’s part. He’s been forced to accept that there’s no point in adhering to “the system” when there are many whom the system simply doesn’t protect. As much as he’d like to believe otherwise, the city still needs Daredevil.

As for Fisk, at one point, he may have had genuinely good intentions in running for mayor, but we know what they say about those with good intentions. Repeated clashes with disloyal underlings and contemptuous billionaires – as well as his desperate desire to rekindle Vanessa’s (Ayelet Zurer) love for him – have caused Fisk to retreat into his old persona. By this point, Fisk has fully reverted to Kingpin mode and has surrounded himself with an army of cops proudly wearing the Punisher skull and operating completely above the law.

Again, the odds are stacked against Matt like never before in the finale. No sooner does he begin to recover from literally taking a bullet for Fisk than Fisk attempts to remove him from the board permanently, reasoning that a martyred hero can only further his mayoral agenda. Fisk’s first big move is to shut off power to the city and turn his army loose on the looters, justifying the need for martial law.

No sooner does he begin to recover from literally taking a bullet for Fisk than Fisk attempts to remove him from the board permanently, reasoning that a martyred hero can only further his mayoral agenda.

It’s here that the wounded, desperate Matt finds two badly needed allies in Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle and Deborah Ann Woll’s Karen Page. Karen has called in a favor with Frank (building on their long shared history in both the original Daredevil series and The Punisher spinoff), forcing Frank to take action even though he claims to be disinterested in the chaos sweeping the city.

After a bloody showdown that leaves Matt’s apartment in shambles, Matt, Frank, and Karen regroup and plot their next move against Fisk. Matt and Karen know that the key to taking down the Fisks is to find the legal motion Foggy (Elden Henson) was preparing to file before his death. They find that motion tucked away in Foggy’s storage locker. Frank stays behind, again feigning disinterest in the fight against Fisk and his army of “fanboys.” But that facade breaks, and Frank eventually confronts the corrupt cops, killing several before being captured.

Daredevil and Karen prepare to storm Fisk’s compound at the Red Hook port, but even Matt can’t deny that the odds are too stacked against them. He won’t be one-shot hallway fighting his way out of this predicament. Instead, the two retreat to lick their wounds and gather what allies they have to fight another day.

And that’s basically where the series leaves things at the end of Season 1. Fisk is triumphant, having extended his grip over the city and imprisoned or killed most of his enemies. Costumed vigilantes are now strictly outlawed in the city. Evil wins, for now. But that doesn’t stop Matt from delivering a rousing speech about the importance of resistance and the enduring strength of New York in Josie’s Bar. The tone has been set for Season 2. Matt has once again embraced his Daredevil persona and is ready to fight for his city by any means necessary.

Does Daredevil: Born Again Have a Post-Credits Scene?

Like so many MCU projects before it, Daredevil: Born Again does indeed have a post-credts scene (or a mid-credits scene, to be specific). That scene revisits Frank Castle, who after enduring a savage beating at the hands of Fisk’s fanatically loyal cops, is now imprisoned in Red Hook alongside the city’s billionaire elite. Frank wastes no time cozying up to the guard, who makes the mistake of shaking hands with The Punisher. One savage bone breaking later, Frank is free and ready to resume his campaign of vengeance.

Does that mean we can expect Bernthal to reprise his role in Season 2? Possibly, but Marvel appears to have other plans in mind for The Punisher as well. We’ll get to him in a bit.

What to Expect From Born Again Season 2

Marvel doesn’t have a strong track record of following up their various Disney + shows with second seasons. On the live-action front, so far only Loki has returned for Season 2. Given that Born Again effectively ends on a cliffhanger, it would be pretty frustrating if the series met with the same fate. Luckily, fans needn’t worry about Born Again becoming trapped in limbo. Season 2 is definitely happening.

Marvel originally announced Born Again as being an 18-episode series. Plans have shifted somewhat since then, but now we can expect an 8-episode second season to follow up on this initial batch of 9 episodes. Dario Scardapane will again serve as showrunner of Season 2, and directors/producers Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson are also returning. Best of all, the new season is already in production, making a 2026 release very possible.

In a roundtable interview with IGN, D’Onofrio revealed that he’s read the scripts for Season 2 and had a very emotional reaction.

“There’s already information about what we’re about to start shooting in the second season that I had to have a little cry about,” D’Onofrio tells IGN. “So it’s quite something. This show can be quite intense as an actor.”

Based on how Episode 9 ends, we have a pretty good idea of the tone and direction of Season 2. Expect an even darker pivot next time around. Fisk has successfully installed himself as the all but untouchable monarch of the city. He’s outlawed costumed vigilantes, which gives his militant police force carte blanche to target anyone rioting or protesting against the government. Daredevil has a few allies – Karen, Clark Johnson’s Cherry, Ruibo Qian’s Detective Kim, etc. – but he’s still just one man staring down the void of facism and systemic rot.

It’s here where the thematic similarities to the original Daredevil: Born Again comic really start to become apparent. In the comic, Fisk systematically dismantles Matt’s life after discovering his secret identity, leaving Matt homeless and destitute. But as Fisk soon discovers, a man without hope is also a man without fear. Matt rises from the ashes more driven than ever, delivering a shattering blow to Fisk’s criminal empire and public reputation.

The circumstances in this series are somewhat different. Fisk has already known Matt’s secret for some time now, and Matt’s arc in Daredevil: Season 3 was arguably a more direct adaptation of the Born Again comic. But this series still presents a scenario where Daredevil’s back is against a wall and he’s been stripped down to his core. His life as Matt Murdock is seemingly over until the present crisis is dealt with. He’s now 100% Daredevil, reborn and fully committed to bringing down Fisk’s regime. Thanks to Foggy, he and Karen have the ammo. Now they have to make their city understand the truth about the monster they elected.

We’re expecting most of the Season 1 supporting cast to return for Season 2. That includes Woll’s Karen Page, who appears to be positioned for a bigger role next time around.

Scardapane tells IGN, “I will say only as I’ve said time and time [again], Karen Page is the heart and soul of this universe and of this Daredevil mythology and Karen’s interaction with our story. And this season and beyond is huge.”

Fisk’s ban on masks affects a great many characters in the MCU. It’s sort of Captain America: Civil War’s Sokovia Accords in a New York microcosm.

However, Season 2 also opens the door for more costumed vigilantes to make an appearance. Fisk’s ban on masks affects a great many characters in the MCU. It’s sort of Captain America: Civil War’s Sokovia Accords in a New York microcosm. Anyone in the city who wears a mask and attempts to use it for either good or ill is now directly in Fisk’s crosshairs.

Rumors have persisted that Born Again will bring back other actors from the Netflix days, such as Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones and Mike Colter’s Luke Cage. The status quo heading into Season 2 certainly justifies bringing both characters into the fold. Born Again hints that we may meet at least one new costumed hero in Season 2. Camila Rodriguez’ Angela Ayala is showing every sign of wanting to follow in her uncle’s footsteps and becoming the new White Tiger (as happened in the comics). She may not have much in the way of training, but a mystical amulet has to count for something, right?

Check back tomorrow for a deeper dive into the MCU’s current lineup of street-level heroes and vigilantes.

How Born Again Sets Up the Punisher Special

If there’s one takeaway from the Season 1 finale, it’s that there’s a definite future for Bernthal’s Frank Castle in the MCU. We see Frank making his violent escape from Fisk’s homemade prison. There’s definitely going to be some more punishment on the menu.

Bernthal probably has a part to play in Season 2, but that’s not all. We recently learned that Marvel is developing a standalone Punisher Disney+ special in the vein of Werewolf by Night and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. Bernthal will star and is also writing the screenplay alongside We Own This City’s Reinaldo Marcus Green.

Presumably, the Punisher special will delve deeper into the conflict between Frank Castle and the corrupt cops who have co-opted his image and mission. It’s a big real-world problem facing the character that Marvel has finally started to address, and Born Again appears to be just the start of a larger storyline. We’ll probably see Frank go on the offensive again, and likely deliver some version of his famous speech to two NYPD officers from 2019’s The Punisher #13:

“We’re not the same. You took an oath to uphold the law. I gave all that up a long time ago. You don’t do what I do. Nobody does.”

That doesn’t necessarily preclude Bernthal from also appearing in Born Again: Season 2. As long as Frank remains active as a vigilante, the Fisk regime is a clear and present danger. That means we can probably expect another reluctant Daredevil/Punisher team-up in the near future. And who knows? Maybe Karen will finally accept that offer of a cup of coffee.

Which vigilante do you most want to see in Born Again Season 2? Vote in our poll and let us know in the comments below.

For more on the future of the MCU, learn about the 75 comics that may be inspiring Avengers: Doomsday and brush up on every Marvel movie and series in development.

Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on BlueSky.

AU Deals: First-Party Switch AAAs for $53, Bargain Baldur’s 3, RoboCop, Space Marine 2, and More!

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

From pixel-perfect platformers to deep, sprawling RPGs, my Wednesday bargain bin is loaded with gold. Across many storefronts, publishers are slashing RRPs like a Buster Sword through butter, and there’s never been a better excuse to finally tackle that backlog (or cram a few more in).

This Day in Gaming 🎂

In retro news, I’m celebrating three things: the 26th birthday of Ridge Racer Type 4 plus a weird and wonderful bunch of Namco-built controllers supported by it. The game itself? Well, it was an incredibly stylish arcade racer with ludicrously exaggerated drift mechanics, a “car-PG-lite” GP mode, and a banger soundtrack. Sadly, it was massively overshadowed by the original Gran Turismo, but it’s well worth a low-cost look on the PlayStation Store today.

However, by taking that modern digital route, you’ll be missing out on two novel ways to play, as Ridge Racer Type 4 was at its best when controlled by either the NeGcon or JogCon controllers (which I eBayed for retrospective testing purposes). The former peripheral has you twisting its two halves and provides a remarkably precise cornering experience. I rated the JogCon higher with its pretty rad force feedback, which delivers the tug of torque steering, collisions, and turning feedback through its central dial. All in all, two fascinating evolutionary dead ends of input.

Aussie bdays for notable games

– Ridge Racer Type 4 (PS) 1999. eBay

– Painkiller (PC) 2004. Get

– Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (PS3,X360) 2009. eBay

– Trials Fusion (PS4,X360/O) 2014. Get

Contents

Nice Savings for Nintendo Switch

On Nintendo Switch, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is down to just A$19 (-75%), a tactical romp born from a surprising Ubisoft–Nintendo crossover that was so heartfelt, Shigeru Miyamoto personally endorsed it. Meanwhile, Superliminal (A$10, -60%) plays with forced perspective in clever, reality-bending ways. It was inspired by optical illusion artists like M.C. Escher and a desire to “break brains without breaking controllers.”

Expiring Recent Deals

Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.

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Exciting Bargains for Xbox

Over on Xbox Series X, F1 24 races in at a whopping 67% off (A$36), giving players a taste of Formula 1’s cutting-edge tech and telemetry systems. Fun fact: Codemasters’ internal team collaborates closely with real-world drivers to fine-tune car feel. And if you’re after pure nostalgia, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (A$39, -61%) revives a cult favourite that was originally directed by Warren Spector of Deus Ex fame.

Xbox One

Expiring Recent Deals

Or just invest in an Xbox Card.

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Pure Scores for PlayStation

Today’s PS5 deals are no slouch either: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is half price (A$57), continuing Square Enix’s epic reimagining with new open-world flair and hidden chocobo-riding side quests. What Remains of Edith Finch (A$6, -75%) is a masterclass in interactive storytelling. Come see why it won a BAFTA for Best Game in 2018.

PS4

Expiring Recent Deals

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, RoboCop: Rogue City (A$10, -86%) delivers pure cybernetic justice voiced by the original RoboCop himself, Peter Weller. And Slay the Spire (A$12, -66%) continues to dominate the roguelike deckbuilder scene, inspiring countless copycats but never losing its crown.

Expiring Recent Deals

Or just get a Steam Wallet Card

Laptop Deals

Desktop Deals

Monitor Deals

Component Deals

Storage Deals

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Legit LEGO Deals

Expiring Recent 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.

Daredevil: Born Again Episode 9 Review

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Warning: This review contains full spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again episode 9!

The first season of Daredevil: Born Again has been quite the rollercoaster in terms of quality, but boy does it end on a high note. The dueling storylines of Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk have finally crashed together, exploding into numerous devastating developments that fundamentally change the trajectory of the show. Originally, Born Again was envisioned as one season with 18 episodes, but it’s been cut into two seasons instead, so it’s not a surprise that this finale ends on a cliffhanger. Yet with New York City now in Fisk’s clutches and Daredevil faced with his most impossible challenge, what a cliffhanger it is.

In an episode with several incredible highlights, my favorite has to be the reunion of Daredevil and Punisher. They are two polar opposites, with one showing his worst enemies mercy and the other making sure the bad guys meet the most gruesome end possible. And Frank Castle calling out Matt Murdock for saving Fisk’s life? Amazing. The apartment fight scene between the two heroes and Fisk’s task force is one of the most brutal ever put to the screen by Marvel. After so many episodes of buildup, it felt extra satisfying to watch.

Helping to balance out the rift between those two is Karen Page, whose return is most welcome. Her intimate connection to both Frank and Matt makes her the perfect person to reset tensions and refocus their efforts on what matters most. Matt listening to her heartbeat to intuit her true feelings was a very nice, very Daredevil touch, too.

Last episode, Murdock figured out it was Vanessa who arranged to have Foggy Nelson killed after he stumbled upon the Fisks’ plans for Red Hook. Getting to see how Vanessa manipulated Benjamin Poindexter by taking away his support systems, just like her husband did, adds the last piece of the puzzle to this season-long mystery. Best of all, Bullseye isn’t treated as just a gun for hire and is finally given back the nuance that made him such a fascinatingly tragic villain back in season three.

Fisk’s master plan to turn New York City into his own personal city-state is the kind of audacious supervillain scheme I can get into. It’s a dastardly plan comic-book fans have seen before – like when Bane did the same thing to Gotham City in The Dark Knight Rises – but this version feels like it has one foot in reality, making it all the more scary when we see how Fisk is able to threaten and brute force his way to ultimate power. I especially enjoy how Fisk has taken to wearing his signature white suit when making public appearances. Mayor Fisk and the Kingpin of Crime are now one in the same, and he’s no longer trying to hide it.

In fact, Fisk is so confident in his position of total control and feels so immune to consequences that he has no problem grabbing the head of the rebellious commissioner and squishing it like a melon. Gross! Born Again showrunner Dario Scardapane had teased “There’s a moment in this [show] that is just absolutely batshit,” and he wasn’t kidding! That moment may very well go down as the most unbelievably violent act ever shown in the MCU. And I thought Matt breaking that dude’s knee back in episode five was bad!

What a cliffhanger this finale ends on.

As the episode wraps up in poetic fashion, it’s hard to imagine a way Daredevil could ever hope to win back the city. Murdock always had the law on his side, but what’s he to do when Fisk is able to bend and corrupt the law so that everything he does is legal? That’s the question we’re left with as we eagerly await season two. However, I do sincerely hope Daredevil recruits a few more notable faces for his “army.” As he waxed on about how the city without fear needed to resist, rebel, and rebuild, it felt like it was leading to a big reveal. I was expecting to see some of the Defenders such as Jessica Jones or Luke Cage, or maybe even Spider-Man or the new Hawkeye, since New York City is their home, too. But it ended up being just a few cops and allies, the same ones who just failed to stop Fisk.

Other Thoughts

  • As if there weren’t enough crazy awesome moments in this episode, at long last the Punisher confronts Fisk’s task force and lets them know what he really thinks of them co-opting his symbol. On one hand, it’s key to hear Frank voice his disapproval by calling them a bunch of clowns. But I wish he would’ve gone one further and really hammer home why they fundamentally misunderstand what that skull represents.

Here’s Where You Can Read Batman Comics Online in 2025

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

It’s never a bad time to get into reading the Batman comics, but 2025 is an especially great year to do so. With multiple ongoing series, spin-offs, and sequels to older legendary runs, the Caped Crusader has never been more popular. We have you covered with the best way to read the Batman comics online, and breakdown some of the best series to check them out. For a full list of upcoming comics, check out our guide for every upcoming Batman single issue comic and graphic novel releasing in 2025.

Where to Read Batman Online

Start For Free on DC’s Website

If you’re not sure where to start or want to check out multiple series before fully diving in, we recommend checking out DC’s official site, where they offer the first issue of many ongoing series for free. DC Go! Edition comics are made to work seamlessly on desktop or mobile. This is a great way to decide which comic is the best for you!

Hoopla is a Great Way to Read For Free

Hoopla is an online service for borrowing digital books and comics for free, but your selection may vary based on location. To use Hoopla, you must first have a library card and set your location to your nearest library. Your available selection is based on whatever books or comics that library has at the time, so for ongoing series, Hoopla may not be the move for you. However, older runs like Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee’s Batman: Hush or Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns are more widely accessible.

Kindle and ComiXology are the Easiest Routes to Digital Reading

Kindle and ComiXology also have older runs available, like Alan Moore’s The Killing Joke, but reading ongoing series like Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman or Philip Kennedy Johnson’s Batman and Robin is easily done here. You can browse their selection with a free trial of ComiXology Unlimited, giving you access to thousands of digital titles. Also, new issues are available every Wednesday just like physical comics. This is arguably one of the easiest places to read some of the best Batman comics and graphic novels without too much hassle.

GlobalComix is a Useful Alternative

GlobalComix is a creator-focused reading and distribution platform that helps comic creators monetize and gain analytics from their digital comics. Signing up is free, and they have over 85,000 comics to read, including countless runs from Batman’s almost 80 year history! Anything from DC Universe Rebirth’s Batman run to Batman: The Three Jokers by Geoff Johns, you have the pick of the litter here.

What if I Want to Read Batman Physically?

There’s nothing better than holding a physical comic or graphic novel. Sure, reading comics digitally saves on time and space, but we can’t deny the nostalgic feeling of pulling open a long box or display an omnibus collection on a shelf. Above are some of the best Batman collection deals we’ve found that are available right now.

Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.

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