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AU Deals: The Cheapest Switch 2, $700 off a Pro DD Wheel, Death Stranding 2 Dropped, and More!

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

The gaming gods are smiling on us this week, with wallet-friendly wonders across all platforms (and even the chance to preorder a whole new one). Collected below is a pixel-and-polygon-packed parade of discounts, and whether you’re into high fantasy, interstellar chaos, or cowboy epics, these price drops are hard to ignore.

This Day in Gaming 🎂

In retro news, I’m using a Flame Lantern to light a 20-candle cake for The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. This Game Boy Advance must-own was technically a prequel to Four Swords (GBA, 2002) and Four Swords Adventures (GC, 2004), and you can reexperience it on a Switch today.

Aussie bdays for notable games

– Zelda: The Minish Cap (GBA) 2005. eBay

– Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (GC) 2005. eBay

– Pokémon Dash (DS) 2005. eBay

Contents

Nice Savings for Nintendo Switch

First up on Nintendo Switch, Bravely Default II (A$52) brings classic turn-based JRPG magic with a modern polish and an IGN 8/10. Meanwhile, Persona 5 Royal (A$66) adds new confidants and endings to the Phantom Thieves’ stylish rebellion, and even has a cheeky nod to Lupin III hidden in its animation sequences.

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Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.

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Exciting Bargains for Xbox

Over on Xbox Series X, Red Dead Redemption 2 (A$20) is an epic so detailed that horse testicles shrink in the snow (amazing), while the mind-bending Metaphor: ReFantazio (A$77) channels the team behind Persona into a high-fantasy setting.

Xbox One

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Or just invest in an Xbox Card.

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Pure Scores for PlayStation

On PS5, Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (A$39) revives the concept of forgotten House of Mouse characters. Also, Helldivers 2 (A$49) serves up frenetic co-op mayhem with a wink and a satirical nod to Starship Troopers.

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, XCOM 2 (A$5!) is still the gold standard for tactical chaos. My favourite factoid about it: the “missed 95% shot” meme was so prolific, Firaxis tweaked the RNG under the hood just to appease Reddit. For story-rich space mischief, Guardians of the Galaxy (A$14) delivers, and yes, Cosmo the dog actually has more dialogue lines than Groot.

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Or just get a Steam Wallet Card

Laptop Deals

Desktop Deals

Monitor Deals

Component Deals

Storage 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.

A Minecraft Movie Sparks Chaos in Theaters, ‘CHICKEN JOCKEY!’ Screams, and Even Reports of Cops Being Called

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

A Minecraft Movie had a massive opening weekend at the box office and sparked pandemonium inside theaters, with popcorn being thrown, wild “CHICKEN JOCKEY!” screams, and even reports of police being called. But some are saying their experience was ruined by the chaos.

Social media was flooded with videos showing overly enthusiastic cinemagoers screaming lines from the movie, openly filming with their phones, throwing popcorn, and clapping rowdily.

One phrase in particular has risen to the top of the social media pile: “CHICKEN JOCKEY!” Jack Black, who plays Minecraft’s famous playable character, Steve, says the line in the movie, and videos of screenings that took place over the weekend show it is sending teens delirious.

The line is said during a scene in which Black and Jason Momoa face a cuboid Minecraft chicken who is ridden by a baby zombie in a boxing ring. Black’s Steve declares “CHICKEN JOCKEY!” after the baby zombie falls from a crate onto the chicken; a reference to the video game itself, where certain baby zombie characters are sometimes found riding a chicken.

Given these fans had already seen the chicken jockey scene via a Minecraft trailer released in February, they were primed for release when they saw the movie in the cinema. And now, the chicken jockey line has taken on a life of its own, going viral on social media which in turn is fueling even more intense reaction.

One person who filmed the reaction, X / Twitter user @ollie_twt, described the scenes: “the people behind me took their shirts off as well as the ones in the front that were standing. That was by far the loudest theater I’ve ever been in and it was awesome.”

One Tik-Tok video viewed by IGN shows a person carrying another on their shoulders, mimicking the chicken jockey itself. Another video, below, shows a teen standing ready to throw two popcorn buckets over the audience during the chicken jockey scene.

@theeggyhippo CHICKEN JOCKEY! 🗣️🔥🔥🔥#minecraftmovie #chickenjockey #chickenjockeycinemareaction #minecraft #movie ♬ original sound – TheEggyHippo

Another shows similar popcorn-throwing scenes:

@eddie_vikings13 #chickenjockey #minecraftmovie #fyp #viral @Brennan ♬ original sound – eddie_vikings13

There are even reports of police being called to eject members of the audience, and complaints from theater employees who have taken to social media and online forums to say people throwing drinks and popcorn makes their jobs even harder.

@salesmenpod This whole night was surreal and one of the most unforgettable movie experiences I’ve ever had. . . #minecraft #movie #minecraftmovie #chicken #jockey #chickenjockey #fyp #viral #reaction #funny #meme #moviereview #featureme #clips #comedy #video #videogames #games #game ♬ original sound – Salesmen: After Hours

While it’s clear a significant portion of the Minecraft movie audience is loving all the chaos, there are a number of fans who have expressed frustration that their experience was ruined by all the shouting and clapping.

Then there are the bemused audience members who aren’t in on the joke. Parents taking their young children, friends and family members who aren’t as… online as the rest of us.

@ickysnotbubble_ the audience was so hype 🔥 #minecraftmovie #minecraftmoviememe ♬ QKThr – Aphex Twin

Warner Bros. will no doubt be delighted by the virality of A Minecraft Movie, of course, as it heads into its second weekend. It’s already secured an incredible $301 million during opening weekend. Could it eventually beat The super Mario Bros. Movie as the highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time?

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

The Best Deals Today: LEGO Super Mario, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, Dan Da Dan, and More

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

The weekend is officially here, and we’ve rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for April 6 below:

Save on LEGO Super Mario

You can save on these two LEGO Super Mario sets right now at Amazon. The first is DK Jumbo, featuring Donkey Kong riding in a unique kart, and the second is Baby Mario vs. Baby Luigi, with two karts included! If you’re a Mario fan, don’t miss out on adding these two amazing LEGO sets to your collection.

Pre-Order the Dan Da Dan Season 1 Blu-ray for $24.49

Dan Da Dan was one of my favorite anime series of 2024, and the fact that you can take home all of Season 1 for just $24.49 is an absolute steal. Following Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura, Dan Da Dan is a comedic adventure that throws together aliens, spirits, and so much more.

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed for $33.99

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed brought the Epic Mickey series back for the first time in years, offering new visuals and retooled combat to the original game. Right now, you can save on this memorable 2024 game, with the Nintendo Switch version priced at $33.99.

Logitech G915 TKL Tenkeyless Lightspeed Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

This weekend, you can save over $100 off the Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Keyboard. This wireless mechanical keyboard is perfect for any setup, with a wide variety of customization options available. You can expect around 40 hours of battery with one full charge, with low profile mechanical switches to deliver faster speed and accuracy with each key press.

Pre-Orders Are Live for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter has officially opened pre-orders at Amazon, with both PS5 and Nintendo Switch copies available for $59.99. If you’re unfamiliar with the Trails series, this is a remake of the very first Trails game, making 2025 the perfect time to jump into the series for the very first time. NIS America is set to bring the latest game in the series, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon, to North America and Europe later this year, which is the first time ever the series will be caught up worldwide.

SanDisk 1TB Extreme M.2 NVMe SSD for $59.99

If you’re in the market for a new SSD, this SanDisk 1TB Extreme Gen 4 SSD is on sale this weekend for just $59.99. It’s perfect for media storage, games, or anything you need!

Pre-Order A Minecraft Movie Steelbook

A Minecraft Movie is taking over the internet right now, whether for one of Jack Black’s lines or the sold-out cinemas across the world. As the movie is out now, you can now pre-order this limited edition Steelbook from Amazon. Don’t miss your chance to lock in your pre-order for A Minecraft Movie!

Save on LEGO Animal Crossing

You can also save on LEGO Animal Crossing this weekend. These two sets are very high quality with a lot to offer! First, there’s the Dodo Airlines set, which includes the iconic airport found in Animal Crossing New Horizons, plane and all. You can also save on the K.K.’s Concert in The Plaza Set, which includes town hall, a vehicle, and figures of K.K. Slider, Isabelle, and more!

Apple AirTag 4 Pack

Why buy one AirTag when you can get four for just $69.99, down from $99? Throw one in your luggage, attach one to your keys, slap one in your backpack, and hand one to a forgetful friend. With Ultra Wideband Precision Finding and the Find My network, losing your stuff is basically impossible. This 4-pack is one of the best deals Apple offers, so grab it while it’s discounted.

$40 Off This LEGO Back to The Future Time Machine Set

You can also save $40 off the LEGO Icons Back to The Future Time Machine set. If you’re a fan of the beloved sci-fi trilogy, this is the perfect set to add some out of this world decor to your collection.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for $32.99

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is $32.99 at Woot right now, making this the lowest we’ve ever seen the RPG. The massive adventure across the planet to track Sephiroth was one of the biggest games of 2024, and it’s absolutely a must-play game. A 40+ hour main story awaits, with over 35 side quests available after you clear the story.

College Football 25 for $9.99

College Football 25 is only $9.99 at Best Buy right now for Xbox Series X. The world of college football is ever-expanding, and this is by far the biggest celebration ever made in a video game. Every FBS team is playable, totaling up to 134 different teams to choose from, with all unique traditions, songs, and chants implemented as well.

Sonic Prime Season 1 Blu-ray for $11.33

Sonic fans, you can take home season 1 of Sonic Prime today for only $11.33 at Amazon. All eight episodes of the first season are available in this set, which is perfect for starting your Blu-ray collection.

A Minecraft Movie Leapfrogs The Super Mario Bros. Movie With Biggest Domestic Box Office Debut in History for a Video Game Adaptation

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

A Minecraft Movie has enjoyed a record-breaking start at the box office, leapfrogging The Super Mario Bros. Movie to secure the biggest domestic debut in history for a video game adaptation.

The Xbox game adaptation starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, the latter of whom also starred in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, smashed box office expectations with an enormous $157 million at North American theaters. The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which for now remains the highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time, enjoyed $146 million domestically during its opening weekend in April 2023.

A Minecraft Movie added $144 million via the international box office for a global opening weekend total of $301 million. A Minecraft Movie reportedly cost $150 million to produce before global marketing costs, so it may already be profitable for Warner Bros.

A Minecraft Movie is of course based on Mojang’s Minecraft, the best-selling video game of all time. The Microsoft-owned sandbox remains one of the most popular video games in the world, and has movie tie-in DLC to capitalize on the film’s launch.

IGN’s A Minecraft Movie review returned a 6/10. We said: “Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess puts a surprisingly specific and funny comic spin on A Minecraft Movie’s kid-friendly adventure, especially in its less antic first half.”

If you’ve seen the film, be sure to check out IGN’s A Minecraft Movie Ending and Post-Credits Scene Explained With Director Jared Hess and Minecraft’s Torfi Frans Ólafsson.

Meanwhile, Disney’s live-action Snow White looks set for disaster status after a disappointing opening weekend box office. It’s now up to $168.4 million globally ($77.5 million domestic and $90.9 million international), and with a reported $250 million production budget, a Mufasa: The Lion King-style sleeper hit comeback may be beyond it.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Nintendo Switch 2 Direct: 7 Biggest Surprises

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

New video game hardware announcements can become somewhat predictable. With each new generation of consoles you can expect to see near-certain staples like better graphics, faster load times, and new takes on beloved, plumber-and-turtle-oriented franchises.

Even Nintendo, which has done this consistently across several generations, from the N64 analog controller, tiny GameCube discs, wacky Wii motion controls and Virtual Console, the Wii U tablet screen, and the Switch’s built-in portability, has delivered these improvements with the Switch 2.

But being Nintendo, the company again unveiled a few genuine shockers during the Switch 2 Direct.

It’s 2025 and we finally get online play.

When I was four years old in 1983, my babysitter used to roll footballs at me like Donkey Kong rolling barrels at Mario. I would jump over them, making a Donkey Kong sound effect in the air, then grab a toy hammer and smash them like Mario. That’s how long I’ve been a Nintendo fan. So I say this from a place of long-suffering experience: it’s going to be impossible to talk about this awesome reveal without revealing a little loving bitterness.

Nintendo, as we all know, does not really play online well. Satellaview and Metroid Prime: Hunters aside, Nintendo has barely scraped the surface of what’s possible with a unified multiplayer platform like those created by Sony and Xbox. It’s never as easy to find and talk with friends on a Nintendo platform. Even the Switch required a separate app for voice chat.

Shockingly, change appears to be here now. During the Direct, Nintendo unveiled GameChat, and it looks… really neat?! It’s a four-player chat that supports noise suppression, video cameras for showing friends’ faces, and screen sharing across consoles, allowing you to keep an eye on up to four different displays inside a single screen. We know from the new Switch 2 accessibility features page that GameChat also supports text-to-voice and voice-to-text, allowing players to communicate multiple ways.

Now we haven’t seen what, if any, unified matchmaking interface might tie into this just yet. But it’s already a big step, and I’m hoping it means the last nail in the coffin for the abominable friend code forever.

Miyazaki is bringing new blood exclusively to Nintendo

When I saw the first frames of this trailer, I thought I was seeing Bloodborne 2. The ambiance, the character design, and the environments all screamed the FROM Software house style. Thanks to Eric Van Allen at IGN, I now know that I was watching footage from The Duskbloods, a multiplayer PvPvE game designed by the softly-smiling monarch of video game masochism, Hidetaka Miyazaki.

I do not know where this man found time to direct a Nintendo-exclusive game. I’m starting to think that he may never leave his office nor sleep, much like one of his own confused, hollowed characters wasting away in the high tower of some gothic prison. But I’m grateful. FROM doesn’t really miss anymore, so I’m anticipating a tasty treat.

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one

Speaking of people who need a vacation, apparently Super Smash Bros. director Masuhiro Sakurai has moved on from Smash to a new Kirby game? Did not see that coming. Get that man a nap!

The original Kirby’s Air Ride was, to put it bluntly, a pleasant-looking but aggressively unfun Kirby racer for GameCube. But Sakurai has made no secret of his deep affinity for Nintendo’s round, pink elder god, and it’s practically a certainty that a Sakurai-helmed take on the franchise will be a far more refined and enjoyable experience.

Control issues

It was almost a throwaway moment, but the Pro Controller 2 sounds genuinely Pro this time around when Nintendo announced the Pro Controller 2 has an audio jack now, which is another feature that’s welcome about a decade later. More importantly, they’ve added two mappable extra buttons. I LOVE customizable buttons, so this tiny surprise actually tickled me pink.

No Mario?!

This one genuinely shocked me. Near as I can tell, a lot of Nintendo’s Mario makers have been locked up in a secret bunker for years working on his next 3D adventure, which I assumed would be the big summer game for Switch. I was very wrong. Turns out the Odyssey team is the force behind Donkey Kong Bananza, the captivating new 3D platformer with a focus on destructible environments. Nintendo is once again playing against expectations as it so often does, trusting hardcore fans to flock to Donkey Kong’s biggest game in generations and saving Mario for another day.

Switch will also launch with extensive third party support and Mario Kart World. While World looks like a system-seller, I figured it would be timed as a Christmas-window family game. Nintendo usually leans on Mario, Zelda, or both to sell to their biggest fans during a console’s first year. But Nintendo is looking at Mario Kart 8’s record sales with confidence, betting their most popular party game, alongside Bananza, will help move enough Switch 2 units to make launch a success.

Forza Horizon x Nintendo was not on my bingo card

Open-world Mario Kart is here, whether it be for good or for ill. I’m betting on good, as the zany physics, weird vehicles, and combat mechanics of Mario Kart should lend themselves well to navigating between and across tracks battling friends and sewing chaos. The short look we got seems to indicate a continuous world a la Bowser’s Fury, but much larger and supporting myriad drivers.

It’s very expensive

The Switch 2 costs too much. I get that everything is expensive right now, as tariffs go up, the yen goes down, and American inflation reignites. But $449.99 USD is a hefty price by any standard, and Switch 2 is the most expensive launch in Nintendo’s 40-plus US sales history. In fact, Switch 2 costs $150 dollars more than its predecessor’s launch price, and is $100 dollars more than the next-most-expensive Wii U. Successful Nintendo consoles and handhelds have often relied on lower prices as a differentiator, but Switch 2 will be looking to succeed without a price advantage.

Jared Petty is a former IGN editor who likes writing about how wonderful and silly video games are. You can find him at Bluesky as pettycommajared.

AU Deals: Rattling Wrists With the Moza R3 PC Bundle and Wreckfest 2, Cheapest Prices, and More!

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Moza’s R3 PC Wheel and Pedals bundle is a competitively priced and compelling pit stop for any newcomer looking to dip a leaden foot into simming. Also, it’s an ideal, ready-to-race package that will rev the engines of anybody who dreams less of shaving PBs on a track and more about shredding POS cars in Wreckfest 2.

That’s pretty much what I decided to throw my Moza R3 at. I took a lovely, metal-twisting holiday away from my usual MO of testing Direct Drive wheels with hypercars and perfect lines. Was that an unorthodox test bed? Kinda. But I maintain that the Wreckfest series is a low-barrier gateway racer that can create serious rally addicts eventually.

Better than that, though, it’s just big gobs of fun with physics a-go-go and punchy force feedback aplenty.

While the 3.9Nm thrumming in this wheelbase doesn’t exactly redline with its peak power, it’s still a solid and stylish DD unit that hums along like a finely tuned machine. Unlike its clunkier, noisier gear-and-belt-driven rivals at the entry level, the R3 is whisper-quiet and ridiculously compact in comparison. Better yet, the bundle is extremely mod-friendly, so upgrading your ride down the road is a cinch—no need to swap out the whole chassis.

Moza R3 – Design and Features

The Moza R3 Racing Wheel and Pedals bundle is a full-throttle, plug-and-play racing system. Inside the box, you’ll find Moza’s new 3.9 Nm R3 wheelbase, a 280mm PC-compatible steering wheel, a set of SR-P Lite pedals, and a separate table clamp is also included. Believe you me, you’re going to need that last bit of kit once the FFB gets going. Nothing jerry-rigged or half-arsed is going to hold this sucker down when the cars start cartwheeling.

Said clamp is made entirely of steel and is rigid as hell—quite sturdier than the plastic alternatives, and it has a generous 50mm of clamp space. Via the chaos of Wreckfest 2, I certainly gave that rigidity a run for its money. Thanks to a beefy desk and a straightforward system of four mount holes to secure the R3 wheelbase, this setup holds up well under the stresses of force feedback.

Via the chaos of Wreckfest 2, I certainly gave that rigidity a run for its money.

Weighing in at just 2.29 kilos and measuring a compact 120mm high, 135mm wide, and only 93mm long (excluding the steering shaft), the R3 is a pocket rocket of a wheelbase. Its boxy, industrial design gives it a serious motorsport aesthetic—far more race-ready-looking than some of the older, plastic clamshells that are out there competing.

I also like that the ports on the back are neatly arranged for easy access, with slots for pedals, a dash display, a shifter, a handbrake, and even an emergency stop device. Out of the box, the only one you’ll need is the pedal port, but expansion is as easy as adding aftermarket mods to a project car. There are also two threaded holes up top for mounting Moza’s dash display.

Wheel-wise, the one you’re getting default here is a comfy D-shape affair with a grippy polyurethane wrapping. I like the feel of the clicky, short-throw paddle shifters that are crafted from sturdy black metal. And I dig that Moza allows for some customisation here—the brushed metal wheel rim is removable, and alternative rims are available to better serve your race discipline of choice.

Heading below the equator, we have the R3’s pedal set, which is only an accelerator and a brake. If you’re searching for a clutch experience—and that’d make perfect sense for OG muscle cars in Wreckfest 2—you can make an extra pit lane purchase of a third pedal. Prices seem to be reasonable for that, and I know from experience that Moza’s ecosystem is all about easy installation.

Beyond that, these metal pedals feel a heck of a lot more robust than some of the plastic-heavy alternatives on the market. Resistance comes from springs rather than a load cell, so while they’re not championship-grade, they should be more than enough for entry-level sim racers. There’s also a surprising degree of adjustability, with pedal pads that can be repositioned higher or lower, and the entire pedal units can be moved left or right.

Moza R3 x Wreckfest 2: Performance

With 3.9 Nm of peak torque, the R3 isn’t exactly a torque monster, but it’s right in the slipstream of other entry-level contenders with similar price pricepoints. It’s also perfect for some low-stakes, throw-around fun in a physics-heavy (yet nonetheless arcade-y) title like Wreckfest 2.

I’m not going to lie to you, though; I did need to do some tinkering to make Wreckfest 2 speak correctly with the R3, at least initially. However, thanks to the ever-changing landscape of Early Access, a few hotfixes meant I no longer had to constantly rebind/reverse my pedals in Moza’s (usually quite capable) Pit House software. Everything works pretty much as it should now, and, obviously, support will only get better as yet more fixes roll out.

The R3’s FFB feels wonderful when you laterally thunk into other cars—typically when you’re using “dodgem cars” cornering logic to pinball past an apex while pinging some competitor off into a tree. Likewise, the feelings you get through the wheel when you’re on the receiving end of such tactics and are forced to shred through some random fence or tyre pile are nice and visceral.

Car-nage collisions aside, I’d also be remiss if I didn’t highlight how satisfying a stretch of clean racing can be—that basic yet intimate FFB conversation between balding tyres and terra firma. Obviously, with Wreckfest 2 having closer DNA to a rally experience than a staid, single-surface track racer, every lap can (literally) feel like a series of plot twists. You’d better believe your hands will notice the difference when you drift in and out of bitumen to gravel to mud and back again.

Oh, and it goes without saying that any time there’s a momentary lull in any and all force feedback followed by a wrist-rattling jolt, that is just…well, a chef’s kiss experience. I can furnish you with two memorable examples of this. One, whenever you get some sick Dukes of Hazzard air and land on something you shouldn’t have. And two, reversing from a bad corner upset, flicking into neutral, and then getting utterly and unexpectedly blindsided by some AI trying to break the land speedbump record through you.

Incidentally, I would like to say that POV racing in Wreckfest 2 with a decent FFB wheel such as this is the rough racing equivalent of a mini horror game. With your peripherals increasingly blinkered by the cabin of a crumpling car, every race is basically a series of untelegraphed jump scares that reach out and grab you through this wheel. Obviously this “driving on eggshells” sensation becomes more pronounced when you’re engaged in an actual demolition derby event, and some bastard has just bent your bonnet up over 80% of your windscreen.

I honestly shudder to think what those unexpected crashes will feel like for any gamer gripping a Moza R12 or higher. Those impacts you’ll get with 12 or 16 Nm worth of grunt will surely be the stuff of warning label justification. Hell, even a surprise bash through the 3.9 Nm force of the R3 delivers a respectable hand rattle. As unthinkable as it may sound, you may actually find yourself turning it down.

All that being said, multiplying the Moza R3 Bundle with the Early Access antics of Wreckfest 2 is one of the funnest things I’ve done all year thus far. Even as a proud owner of a Moza R12 wheelbase and pretty much every fancy add-on that comes with it, I was impressed by the performance and value proposition of this younger brother bundle. If you have budget aspirations of joining the simming scene—or you just wanna feel stuff crash harder than a stock market after tariffs—I say turn the key on an R3.

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

Lazarus, the Original Anime From Cowboy Bebop Creator and Mappa Studio, Premieres Tonight

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Lazarus brings together some of the most celebrated names in not just anime but all of entertainment. The completely original sci-fi series is helmed by none other than Cowboy Bebop’s Shinichirō Watanabe, though critic Ryan Guar’s review of the first five episodes states that Lazarus is far from a Cowboy Bebop revival. The animation was led by Mappa Studio (Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen) alongside Sola Entertainment (Tower of God), while Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick movies, designed the action sequences.

With so much hype (and a little bit of mystery), it isn’t surprising that Adult Swim picked up the anime to air new episodes in the U.S. at the same time as Japan. If you’re wondering how to watch new episodes of Lazarus online, check out the details below.

Where to Stream Lazarus

New episodes of Lazarus will be available to stream on Max (instead of Crunchyroll or Netflix) the day after they broadcast on Adult Swim. That means new episodes of Lazarus will arrive on Max every Sunday. Max subscriptions start at $9.99 and can be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.

According to a Warner Bros. press release, subbed versions of Lazarus episodes will air and arrive on Max 30 days after the dubbed episodes.

How to Watch New Episodes Live

Lazarus is airing simultaneously in Japan and the United States. In the States, you can watch new dubbed episodes of Lazarus live on Adult Swim during its Toonami block on Saturday nights. Aside from cable, Adult Swim is included in live TV subscriptions like Hulu + Live TV (which offers a three-day free trial).

Lazarus Episode Release Dates

The first season of Lazarus will include 13 episodes total. Each episode will air live on Adult Swim before arriving on Max. Note that episodes air at midnight (technically Sunday), but are part of Adult Swim’s Saturday block, which is why that date is used. Think of it as you’ll be staying up, not waking up, to watch new episodes.

Assuming it won’t have a mid-season break, here’s what I predict the episode release schedule will look like for Lazarus Season 1:

  • Episode 1: “Goodbye Cruel World” – April 5 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: April 6, 2025
  • Episode 2: “Life in the Fast Lane” – April 12 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: April 13
  • Episode 3: “Long Way from Home” – April 19 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: April 20
  • Episode 4 – April 26 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: April 27
  • Episode 5 – May 3 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: May 4
  • Episode 6 – May 10 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: May 11
  • Episode 7 – May 17 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: May 18
  • Episode 8 – May 24 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: May 25
  • Episode 9 – May 31 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: June 1
  • Episode 10 – June 7 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: June 8
  • Episode 11 – June 14 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: June 15
  • Episode 12 – June 21 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: June 22
  • Episode 13 – June 28 (12am EST/9pm PST)
    • Streaming: June 29

What Is Lazarus About?

In a rare move for the anime industry, Lazarus is entirely original. No manga inspiration here, so no reading ahead to find out what happens. Here’s the official plot synopsis from the Lazarus website:

Lazarus Voice Cast and Characters

Lazarus was created by Shinichirō Watanabe. Here’s the main voice cast in Japanese and English:

  • Mamoru Miyano (Japanese) and Jack Stansbury (English) as Axel
  • Makoto Furukawa (Japanese) and Jovan Jackson (English) as Doug
  • Maaya Uchida (Japanese) and Luci Christian (English) as Christine
  • Yuma Uchida (Japanese) and Bryson Baugus (English) as Leland
  • Manaka Iwami (Japanese) and Annie Wild (English) as Eleina
  • Megumi Hayashibara (Japanese) and Jade Kelly (English) as Hersch
  • Akio Otsuka (Japanese) and Sean Patrick Judge (English) as Abel
  • Koichi Yamadera (Japanese); David Matranga (English) as Dr. Skinner

How to Watch the March Madness Final Four Games Online for Free

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

We’re nearing the end of the 2025 Men’s March Madness Tournament. In perhaps one of the least interesting outcomes of all time, all four top seeds made it to the semi-finals. So, if you happened to base your entire bracket on the number 1, congratulations!

With the rest of the tournament playing out over the next couple of days, it might not be worth picking up a new subscription or cable plan. But that shouldn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. With the magic of free trials, here’s how you can watch the March Madness Final Four games online for free.

How to Watch the Final Four Games for Free

The rest of the Men’s March Madness tournament takes place today and Monday. That means you only need three days of a streaming service to watch the semi-finals and the National Championship. All three games will be airing live on CBS and simultaneously streamed on Paramount+, which happens to offer a 7-day free trial. In other words, if you sign up for Paramount+ right now, you can watch the Final Four games as well as the National Championship before your trial ends. Alternatively, you could use an HDTV antenna to watch the games live via your local CBS channel.

Other Free Trials That Let You Watch March Madness

Paramount may have the longest free trial (and cheapest ongoing subscription cost if you forget to cancel it), but plenty more live TV subscriptions include CBS. Services like Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream might make sense for anyone who wants ongoing sports coverage, including NBA livestreams.

March Madness Final Four Game Schedule

There’s only three games left in the March Madness tournament, all of which are being played in San Antonio at the Alamodome. See the full tournament schedule at the NCAA website.

Final Four (Semi-Finals) – Saturday, April 5

  • (1) Florida vs. (1) Auburn – 6:09pm (CBS, Paramount+)
  • (1) Duke vs. (1) Houston – 8:49pm (CBS, Paramount+)

National Championship – Monday, April 7

  • TBA – 8:50pm (CBS, Paramount+)

All Top Seeds, But a Range of Experience in the Final Four

Every one of these top-seeded teams has something to prove. This is Duke’s first time reaching the Final Four since Coach K retired back in 2022, and the Blue Devils lead predictions for taking the crown. Florida won back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007, though the last time they made it to the Final Four was in 2014. Meanwhile, this is only Auburn’s second time ever making it to this stage. Houston actually holds the record for the most Final Four appearances without any Championship wins (seven total), most recently reaching the semi-finals in 2021.

Blythe (she/her) is an SEO Coordinator at IGN who spends way too much time in character customization screens and tracking down collectibles.

The Best Deals Today: Dan Da Dan, Sonic Prime, Super Mario RPG, and More

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

The weekend is officially here, and we’ve rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for April 5 below:

Pre-Order the Dan Da Dan Season 1 Blu-ray for $24.49

Dan Da Dan was one of my favorite anime series of 2024, and the fact that you can take home all of Season 1 for just $24.49 is an absolute steal. Following Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura, Dan Da Dan is a comedic adventure that throws together aliens, spirits, and so much more.

Super Mario RPG for $19.99

The remake of Super Mario RPG is $19.99 at Target right now, which is a great price for this classic title. If you’ve yet to either play the original or check out the remake, this is the perfect time to do so. Composer Yoko Shimimura returned to compose the remake’s original soundtrack, and each boss and environment has been expertly recrafted for the Nintendo Switch.

Logitech G915 TKL Tenkeyless Lightspeed Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

This weekend, you can save over $100 off the Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Keyboard. This wireless mechanical keyboard is perfect for any setup, with a wide variety of customization options available. You can expect around 40 hours of battery with one full charge, with low profile mechanical switches to deliver faster speed and accuracy with each key press.

Pre-Orders Are Live for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter has officially opened pre-orders at Amazon, with both PS5 and Nintendo Switch copies available for $59.99. If you’re unfamiliar with the Trails series, this is a remake of the very first Trails game, making 2025 the perfect time to jump into the series for the very first time. NIS America is set to bring the latest game in the series, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon, to North America and Europe later this year, which is the first time ever the series will be caught up worldwide.

SanDisk 1TB Extreme M.2 NVMe SSD for $59.99

If you’re in the market for a new SSD, this SanDisk 1TB Extreme Gen 4 SSD is on sale this weekend for just $59.99. It’s perfect for media storage, games, or anything you need!

Pre-Order A Minecraft Movie Steelbook

A Minecraft Movie is taking over the internet right now, whether for one of Jack Black’s lines or the sold-out cinemas across the world. As the movie is out now, you can now pre-order this limited edition Steelbook from Amazon. Don’t miss your chance to lock in your pre-order for A Minecraft Movie!

Apple AirTag 4 Pack

Why buy one AirTag when you can get four for just $69.99, down from $99? Throw one in your luggage, attach one to your keys, slap one in your backpack, and hand one to a forgetful friend. With Ultra Wideband Precision Finding and the Find My network, losing your stuff is basically impossible. This 4-pack is one of the best deals Apple offers, so grab it while it’s discounted.

$40 Off This LEGO Back to The Future Time Machine Set

You can also save $40 off the LEGO Icons Back to The Future Time Machine set. If you’re a fan of the beloved sci-fi trilogy, this is the perfect set to add some out of this world decor to your collection.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for $32.99

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is $32.99 at Woot right now, making this the lowest we’ve ever seen the RPG. The massive adventure across the planet to track Sephiroth was one of the biggest games of 2024, and it’s absolutely a must-play game. A 40+ hour main story awaits, with over 35 side quests available after you clear the story.

Sonic Prime Season 1 Blu-ray for $11.33

Sonic fans, you can take home season 1 of Sonic Prime today for only $11.33 at Amazon. All eight episodes of the first season are available in this set, which is perfect for starting your Blu-ray collection.

How to Cut Down Your Monthly Streaming Bill in 2025 and Beyond

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, IGN

Streaming has gone from being a cheaper alternative to cable, to an actually worse version of cable. The price of streaming services has skyrocketed since the early days, and content has been haphazardly strewn across different subscriptions. Not only that, each of the streaming services are continually raising prices on consumers. If you find yourself subscribed to Netflix, Max, Hulu, Paramount+, and Disney+ all at once you’re probably paying way too much for streaming right now.

Thankfully there are some options to cut down on your budget without just canceling your access to everything. There are ways to bundle services together, free trials, and streaming alternatives out there you can take advantage of. Below I’ve gathered a quick list of ways I’ve found to save money and still watch an endless stream of quality entertainment on the daily.

Bundle Services Where You Can

The overall best way to save money on streaming is to take advantage of streaming bundle options. The first and most obvious bundle worth mentioning is the Disney+, Hulu, Max combo that puts all three of the popular streamers in a single monthly charge that is pretty good discount. This is the overall best deal in streaming right now and something I myself have taken advantage of. If you’re currently paying for all three of those services separately, you are spending way too much money for no reason. Bundle it up while you still can.

Outside of this bundle, there are also various live TV streaming services that bundle a cable-like experience with streaming. There’s the Hulu + Live TV subscription that includes ESPN+ and Disney+ all in one bill. This is a great option if you want an all-in-one service that includes regular channels.

Take Advantage of Free Trials

Another great option for saving money is to utilize free trials. Although some a major streaming service like Netflix does not have a free trial, there are plenty of other options available. Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV+ all include a free streaming trial you can test drive for seven days or more. It’s entirely possible to grab a free trial of Apple TV+ and binge both seasons of Severance within that seven-day period. You just need to remember to cancel the service before you start getting charged a monthly fee.

Free trials can also be helpful if you’re trying to catch a live sporting event. Many of the popular sports streaming services offer some sort of free trial for new subscribers that work in a pinch. Some of the best choices in this regard are the Hulu + Live TV free trial and the Fubo free trial, which get you access to a great variety of channels.

Utilize Free Streaming Sites

With even some paid subscriptions now including ads, there are many free streaming sites out there that don’t cost a penny. Sure, they have ads, but if you’re already paying for the basic tier of a site like Hulu just so you can watch TV and movies that are available for free, you might as well not be paying at all. One great option I’ve used occasionally is Sling Freestream, which offers a ton of free channels and the option of free DVR when you create a free account. There’s also Kanopy, which allows you to stream movies for free with the use of a library card.

If you’re looking for a place to more specifically stream anime for free, there are actually quite a few places with episodes available for free. Though the overall best option is the Crunchyroll free tier. You can also upgrade to premium with a free trial of the paid tiers if you want to test a full subscription.

Get Yourself an HD TV Antenna

The last suggestion I have for anyone who specifically wants to watch live channels without having to log in somewhere online is to get yourself a good TV antenna. Some TVs come with a way to access live TV channels, but if yours doesn’t then you just need to pick up an antenna and plug it in for free channels straight from the air. This will automatically get you access to major networks as well as local channels. I have one myself that I’ve used to watch live sporting events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics last year. It’s also great for shows like The Bachelor, which tend to air live before they hit streaming anyway.

A good indoor TV antenna costs around $50 or more, but it’s a one time purchase you shouldn’t need to make again. There’s no recurring monthly payment involved, you just get some good old-fashioned live TV with ads.

Find Free Movies on YouTube

Similar to the free streaming sites we’ve mentioned above, YouTube offers quite a few free movies you can stream at any given time. There are literally hundreds of movies you can watch for free at any given time. In addition to those, there’s also seemingly endless videos about every other topic available on YouTube. There are usually a lot of ads on videos if you don’t have a premium subscription, but if you can get past that it’s a pretty good free alternative to major streamers.

For students who want to avoid the ads altogether, there’s also a discount available that makes the service pretty cheap.

Jacob Kienlen is a Senior SEO Strategist and Writer for IGN. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he has considered the Northwest his home for his entire life. With a bachelor’s degree in communication and over 8 years of professional writing experience, his expertise is spread across a variety of different topics — from TV series to indie games and popular book series.

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