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Game News

Mega Raichu X and Y Hit Pokémon GO in Super Mega Raid Day on 18 July

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It is officially a Raichu month in the Pokémon universe. Hot on the heels of Pokémon Champions landing on mobile today with a free Raichu giveaway, Niantic has announced that Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y will make their Pokémon GO debut during a Raichu Super Mega Raid Day on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

Two GO-Exclusive Mega Evolutions, One Day

These are not forms you will find in the mainline Pokémon games — Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y are Pokémon GO’s own creations, introduced via the Super Mega Raid system. Both will be available in Super Mega Raids during the three-hour window, and there is a boosted chance of encountering a Shiny Raichu for any Trainer who wins a raid. Better still, every Raichu caught from a Super Mega Raid comes with Mega Level 1 already unlocked, so you can Mega Evolve immediately after catching it — no Mega Energy grind required.

Event Details: Date, Time and Free Bonuses

The event runs from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time on 18 July 2026 — so Singapore Trainers should be ready at 2pm SGT. Here is what everyone gets for free:

  • Up to six free Raid Passes from spinning Gym Photo Discs during the event.
  • Remote Raid Pass limit raised to 20 from the evening of 17 July through to 8:00 p.m. PDT on 18 July (that is 11:00 a.m. SGT on 19 July).
  • Timed Research with a Premium Battle Pass and a Steelix encounter as rewards (note: Timed Research expires when the event ends, so complete it during the window).
Pokemon GO Raichu Super Mega Raid Day July 18 2026 — Mega Raichu X and Y debut
Image courtesy of Niantic

Paid Ticket: Worth It for Hardcore Trainers?

A paid event ticket is available for $4.99 USD (local pricing may vary) and upgrades your experience significantly:

  • Up to 14 Raid Passes from Gym Photo Discs (instead of six).
  • Increased Rare Candy XL drop rates from raids.
  • Bonus 5,000 XP and 5,000 Stardust for each Super Mega Raid completed.

If you are planning to raid hard to land a Shiny or get both Mega forms at high Mega Level, the ticket pays for itself fairly quickly on Stardust and Rare Candy XL alone.

Finding a Raid Near You

Niantic has launched a new web-based map at pokemongo.com/map to help Trainers locate nearby Super Mega Raids and community meetups in real time. For Singapore players, popular raiding spots around town — MRT hubs, parks and community centres that typically host strong Gym clusters — are the best bet for finding groups quickly. Check local Pokémon GO Singapore Telegram groups and Discord servers for community raid trains forming on the day.

Last Words

Between Pokémon Champions giving away Raichu on mobile today and now two brand-new Mega Raichu forms coming to Pokémon GO next month, The Pokémon Company has clearly decided Raichu deserves its moment in the sun. Mark 18 July on your calendar, save your free Raid Passes, and keep an eye on our Pokémon GO coverage as we get closer to the event. Gotta mega evolve ’em all.

Game News

Zenless Zone Zero 3.0 Is Live — Sky Island, Steam Launch and Free Agents

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If you have been waiting for an excuse to finally try HoYoverse’s urban fantasy action RPG, Version 3.0 “A Sleepwalker’s Confession” just gave you the best one yet: Zenless Zone Zero is now on Steam, live as of today, 17 June 2026.

Version 3.0 Teaser – “A Sleepwalker’s Confession” — via Zenless Zone Zero on YouTube

ZZZ Arrives on Steam — Same Account, Same Progress

The Steam launch is seamless for existing players: link your HoYoverse account and your save carries straight over. Singapore PC players who were holding out because of the separate HoYoverse launcher can now jump in through Steam with no fuss — full cross-platform progression between PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and mobile means you can pick up wherever you left off.

The Steam release also brings native ray-tracing, DLSS Super-Resolution, and Frame Generation to the PC version, giving higher-end rigs a noticeably sharper, smoother look at New Eridu and beyond.

Season 3 Opens: The Sky Island of Roscaelifer

Version 3.0 kicks off Season 3 with the debut of Roscaelifer, a sky island floating above New Eridu whose landmark districts — Roarin’ Brekkies and Spotlight Theater — are now open for exploration. The storyline centres on a mysterious surge of Ether energy and a discovery tied to the Phaethon faction agent Pyrois.

Zenless Zone Zero Roscaelifer sky island Season 3
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Two New S-Rank Agents — Plus a Free One

Season 3 introduces two new banner agents:

  • Velina — S-Rank Wind attribute, Anomaly build, and the first Wind attribute agent in the game’s roster.
  • Norma — S-Rank Fire attribute Stun agent, dropping in a later phase of 3.0.

Even if you are skipping banners, every player gets Pyrois for free — a Phaethon faction agent who comes complete with all future Mindscapes and an exclusive W-Engine. That is a generous handout for anyone who logs in during the Season 3 launch window.

Zenless Zone Zero new agents Velina and Norma Version 3.0
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Free Rewards: 1,600 Polychromes Up for Grabs

HoYoverse is handing out 1,600 Polychromes to celebrate the Season 3 launch: 600 Polychromes are available immediately on launch day, with another 1,000 arriving on 4 July 2026. The 3.0 update also adds a Drive Disc smart-discard function and two new permanent game modes — “Bangbang! The Genius and the Miracle Chip” and Annihilation Simulacrum — for those who want more to do between story beats.

Last Words

For Singapore players, this Steam release removes the last real barrier to entry. ZZZ is free to play, your HoYoverse account links instantly, and the day-one rewards — a free S-Rank agent plus 1,600 Polychromes — give returning and new Proxies alike a running start in Season 3. With HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore fresh in the memory, the local community is as active as it has ever been. Whether you are on PC, PS5, or your phone, New Eridu’s sky island is open today.

Game News, Singapore Gaming Scene

Stranger Than Heaven Brings RGG Studio’s Japan Epic to PS5

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The makers of Like a Dragon are stepping back a century — and taking Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur with them. RGG Studio’s Stranger Than Heaven is a bold new standalone prequel to the Like a Dragon universe, landing on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on 15 January 2027. Singapore’s PlayStation Store is already open for pre-orders, so there’s no time like now to get caught up on what the studio’s most ambitious project to date actually involves.

Fifty Years of Japan: The Setup

Stranger Than Heaven follows Makoto Daito, a Japanese-American orphan who stows away on a ship to Japan after the death of his parents — and then lives the next half-century of his life there. The game unfolds across five distinct eras in five real Japanese cities, each with its own visual identity and full supporting cast:

  • 1915 — Kokura, Fukuoka
  • 1929 — Kure, Hiroshima
  • 1943 — Minami, Osaka
  • 1951 — Atami, Shizuoka
  • 1965 — Shinjuku, Tokyo

The scope spans Japan’s transformation from the late Meiji era through imperial expansion, defeat in World War II, and the beginning of the post-war economic miracle. RGG Studio has always used real Japanese urban landscapes as dramatic stages — the jump to five separate historical periods and five cities is easily the largest canvas the studio has ever worked on.

Watch: First Official Trailer from SEGA Asia

STRANGER THAN HEAVEN | First Official Trailer — via SEGA Asia(EN) on YouTube

Combat Overhauled: Triggers, Bumpers, and Thirteen Weapons

The clearest signal that Stranger Than Heaven is something genuinely new from RGG Studio — not another Yakuza reskin — is its completely redesigned melee system. The familiar face-button combo chains are gone. Instead, independent left/right attack inputs are mapped to the controller’s bumpers and triggers: left bumper and trigger for left-hand strikes, right bumper and trigger for the right. The result is a system that rewards deliberate attack sequencing over rapid button mashing.

Stranger Than Heaven combat gameplay
Image courtesy of SEGA / RGG Studio

Thirteen weapon categories are available — unarmed, knives, katanas, crowbars, sledgehammers, and more — each with its own stance, moveset, and situational strengths. Blocking and parrying now require reading the angle of incoming strikes rather than just holding a defence button, and stamina limits penalise passive turtling. Hands-on preview coverage from the Summer Game Fest 2026 Play Days in early June described the combat as notably more demanding and cinematic than anything in the mainline Like a Dragon or Yakuza entries, with ground attacks, charged strikes, and brutal finishers rounding out a system that feels built for the grim realism of mid-century Japan.

A Cast That Made Headlines: Tupac, Snoop, Ado, and More

The voice and motion-capture roster has been one of the most-discussed aspects of Stranger Than Heaven since it was revealed at Summer Game Fest 2026. Protagonist Makoto Daito is brought to life by actor Yu Shirota. The supporting cast spans Japan and the world:

  • Snoop Dogg voices Orpheus, a figure central to the story’s mid-century chapters
  • Tupac Shakur portrays a character named Amaru — SEGA confirmed in its official announcement that the portrayal was created in close collaboration with rights holders and without the use of AI
  • Ado — one of Japan’s biggest current music acts — plays Keiko Shirai
  • Tori Kelly plays Suzy Day
  • The Japanese dramatic cast includes Dean Fujioka, Moeka Hoshi, Akio Otsuka, and Tokuma Nishioka
Stranger Than Heaven gameplay with knife weapon
Image courtesy of SEGA / RGG Studio

SEGA’s decision to be explicit about the absence of AI in Tupac’s portrayal was clearly important to the studio, and the right move given how publicly sensitive the issue of AI-generated likeness has become in entertainment. The Tupac announcement dominated conversation around the game at Summer Game Fest, drawing in audiences far beyond the usual Like a Dragon fanbase.

Last words

For Singapore players, the practical details are these: the PlayStation Store Singapore listing for Stranger Than Heaven is live now, ahead of the 15 January 2027 global launch. Xbox Singapore and Steam listings are also open for pre-orders. If you’re already on Xbox Game Pass, the game launches day one as part of your subscription — likely the most cost-efficient route.

Stranger Than Heaven is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive games of early 2027. RGG Studio has always understood Japan’s urban drama better than almost any developer working today — Stranger Than Heaven takes that instinct across five historical eras and fifty years. We’ll be covering it closely as the launch approaches. Check out more upcoming game news on GameTrader.SG.

Game News

Overwatch Season 3 Launches: Shion, Neon Junction and YOASOBI

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Overwatch Season 3: Into the Tiger’s Den went live on 16 June 2026, and it’s one of the game’s meatiest updates in a while — new Damage hero, brand-new Tokyo Hybrid map, a packed seasonal event, and a YOASOBI music collaboration dropping at the end of the month.

Season 3: Into the Tiger’s Den Official Trailer — via PlayOverwatch on YouTube

Meet Shion: Overwatch Season 3’s New Damage Hero

Shion, Overwatch Season 3 new hero, in her signature red coat
Image courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment

Hero #52 is Shion, a Damage-class Omnic and the fearsome head of the Hashimoto Clan. She’s the first human-faced Omnic in Overwatch’s roster — designed to look close enough to human that you might not immediately clock her as a robot, which feels very intentional given her background as an infiltrator who was once captured and used as a training bot before escaping and clawing her way to the top of one of Tokyo’s most dangerous criminal organisations.

Blizzard describes her kit as built around “terrifying confidence and a taste for excess” — which, in gameplay terms, means a high-mobility, high-risk playstyle.

Shion’s Ability Kit: Dual Pistols, Dashes, Throwable Motorcycle

Shion riding and launching her motorcycle in Overwatch Season 3
Image courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment

Here’s what Shion brings to a fight:

  • Dual Pistols — a three-round firing cadence tuned for precise target-switching rather than spray-and-pray
  • Dashes — rapid weaving through combat to maintain aggressive pressure
  • Motorcycle Launch — ride across the battlefield and convert the bike itself into a high-impact projectile weapon

Think Cassidy’s gunslinger energy but faster and with a vehicle she can throw at your face. Per the official Season 3 announcement on overwatch.blizzard.com, Shion “arrives on a motorcycle. Which you can throw at your opponents.”

Neon Junction: The New Tokyo Hybrid Map

Neon Junction — Overwatch Season 3's new Tokyo Hybrid map at night
Image courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment

Neon Junction is the season’s new Hybrid map, set in a fictional Tokyo district packed with arcade cabinets, capsule toy shops and neon storefronts — including in-world landmarks Hobby World, Capsule Hunt Go, and the Zuiko-za theatre. As you push the payload (an ANDROMEDA III spacecraft from the fictional in-universe series Super Cosmic War: Star★Infinite), the route transitions from bright public streets into the darker backstreets where the Hashimoto Clan runs things.

It’s a strong visual design, and the payload conceit — Pia piloting a mech from a fictional tokusatsu series — is a lot of fun. Expect this one to become a fan favourite quickly.

Anima Strike: Three Weeks of Story Events

Running 16 June to 6 July, Anima Strike is a narrative event built around Neon Junction that unfolds through daily and weekly challenges. Players uncover secrets tied to the Hashimoto Clan, the Yokai underground, and the city’s subway network, with 50+ themed rewards on offer. A Prestige path unlocks after you clear the main progression track.

YOASOBI Collaboration Drops 30 June

The headline collab of the season: YOASOBI — the Japanese duo behind “IDOL” (Oshi no Ko) and countless other hits — are partnering with Overwatch in an event live from 30 June. It includes an original song, an animated music video, a short story, and dedicated cosmetics for Kiriko, Genji, Hanzo, and others.

For Singapore’s anime-and-gaming crossover crowd this is a genuine treat. YOASOBI’s music is already a constant presence at local ACG events, and seeing them officially tied into Overwatch gives fans something to look forward to as we head into the July school-holiday stretch.

Ultra Skins, Mythics and Battle Pass

Season 3 introduces a new cosmetic tier sitting above Legendary: Ultra Skins. The first two are Nyan Cafe Kiriko and Nyan Cafe Sierra, each with custom sound suites and visual effects. On the Mythic side there’s Ascendant Phoenix Illari (four-tier evolution with wing and colour customisation) and the Tokyo Rebel Hanzo Weapon Skin (ronin-themed bow with holographic dragon kill effects).

Battle Pass skins include Cyber Biker Shion (Ultimate tier) alongside Matsuri Junkrat, Vigilante Genji, and Street Rebel Lucio among the seasonal Legendaries. The Pass also unlocks up to 80 Mythic Prisms. A separate Community Crafted event (30 June to 13 July) brings creator-designed gameplay experiments for Reinhardt, Baptiste, Ashe, and Sombra.

Stadium and Hero Balance

The Stadium competitive mode gets a full roster refresh: major reworks for Hazard, Tracer, Kiriko, Sojourn, and Doomfist, grouping restrictions removed from Ranked, and a new Oasis University map added to the pool. The hero selection screen has also been redesigned with role filters, larger portraits, and one-click skin access.

Last words

Between Shion’s flashy toolkit, the Tokyo-flavoured Neon Junction, and a YOASOBI collab on the horizon, Overwatch Season 3 has something for almost everyone in Singapore’s gaming and anime scene. The season is live now across PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox — free to play as always. Check the full rundown on the official Blizzard blog and mark 30 June on your calendar for the YOASOBI drop. For more gaming coverage see our Game News section.

Game News, News

Pokémon Champions Hits Mobile Today — Battle on the Go From 10am SGT

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Singapore Pokémon fans, clear some storage space — Pokémon Champions is now free to download on iOS and Android, with a global simultaneous launch rolling out today at 10am SGT. The competitive battling game that arrived on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on 8 April is finally in your pocket.

🏆 Pokémon Champions is coming to mobile platforms June 17! — via The Official Pokémon YouTube channel on YouTube

What is Pokémon Champions?

Pokémon Champions is The Pokémon Company’s dedicated competitive battle simulator — a free-to-start title built from the ground up for serious trainer-vs-trainer battles. Think of it as the official home of the Pokémon Video Game Championships (VGC) format, playable on your own terms. Since its Switch debut in April, the game has built a dedicated following despite a mixed initial reception, and the mobile launch is set to open it up to a much wider audience.

Gameplay is structured around complex, strategy-driven 6-on-6 battles. A rental system lets you build competitive teams without grinding a mainline game, and ongoing updates are steadily adding more Pokémon to the roster.

Pokémon Champions gameplay screenshot showing Dondozo and Aegislash vs Charizard and Hisuian Samurott
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Cross-Save and Cross-Play: Your Progress Moves With You

If you have been grinding on Switch or Switch 2, your progress is not left behind. Link your Nintendo Account and your save data transfers seamlessly to the mobile version — and cross-platform multiplayer means you can battle against Switch players from your phone and vice versa. One account, all platforms.

Free Raichu Launch Bonus — With Two Mega Evolutions

To mark the mobile launch, every player on any platform — Switch or mobile — can claim a Raichu, Raichunite X, and Raichunite Y from the in-game mailbox. The promotion runs from today (17 June) through 2 September 2026.

Both Mega forms bring distinct competitive value:

  • Mega Raichu X — gains the Electric Surge ability, setting Electric Terrain for five turns on entry. Grounded Pokémon see a 30% boost to Electric moves and are shielded from sleep.
  • Mega Raichu Y — gains No Guard, meaning all moves used by and against it land with 100% accuracy. Thunder and Thunder Wave become perfectly reliable in any weather.

New Regulation M-B Launches Simultaneously

The mobile release also brings in Regulation M-B, the first ruleset change since Pokémon Champions’ April launch. Both Switch and mobile players step into the new format at the same time, so the competitive field resets cleanly across all platforms.

How to Download in Singapore

Pokémon Champions is free to download and play, with optional in-game purchases for cosmetics and quality-of-life features. No upfront cost.

  • iOS: Search Pokémon Champions on the App Store (App ID 6741503079) or visit the official site for the direct link.
  • Android: Available on Google Play under the same name.

iOS 16.0 and above is required for mobile play.

Last Words

Singapore players now have a legitimate, official competitive Pokémon client in their pocket — for free. Whether you are a long-time VGC competitor or just someone who wants to settle who truly has the best team among friends, Pokémon Champions on mobile removes the Switch paywall from the equation entirely. The Raichu bonus is a solid reason to log in today even if you are already on Switch. Check out our other game news for more on what is landing in Singapore this week.

Game News

Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition Launches on Switch 2 This June

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Dante has never run on a Nintendo platform — until now. Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on 23 June 2026, and Netflix has simultaneously greenlit a third and final season of its DMC animated series. It has been a big few weeks for fans of Capcom’s stylish-action franchise.

Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition Nintendo Switch 2 announcement
Image courtesy of Capcom

Devil May Cry 5 Switch 2: A First for the Franchise on Nintendo Hardware

Capcom unveiled the Devil Hunter Edition during the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, marking the first time a mainline Devil May Cry title has appeared on a Nintendo system. Built on Capcom’s RE Engine, the port targets 60fps in both TV and handheld modes — essential for a game where every frame counts when you’re chasing S-rank style scores.

The digital version launches on 23 June 2026. Pre-orders and early purchases through 31 July are priced at USD$29.99 (standard price: USD$39.99). SGD pricing on the Nintendo eShop Singapore is to be confirmed; check the eShop closer to launch. A physical copy follows on 28 August 2026.

Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition | Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Trailer — via Nintendojo Channel on YouTube

What Is in the Devil Hunter Edition?

The Devil Hunter Edition bundles the complete DMC5 campaign with every major DLC, including the fan-favourite Vergil as a playable character. That gives you four distinct playable protagonists out of the box: Nero (with his modular Devil Breaker prosthetics designed by Nico), the legendary Dante, the summon-based V, and Vergil himself. Rounding things out are costume colour variants, bonus taunts, and extra battle tracks to customise your sessions.

Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition characters Nero Dante Vergil V Switch 2
Image courtesy of Capcom

DMC5 first launched in 2019 on PS4 and Xbox One before arriving on PS5 and Xbox Series X in a Special Edition with Vergil already playable. The Switch 2 release brings that definitive package to a portable platform for the first time — perfect for Singapore commuters and students who prefer handheld gaming.

Netflix’s Devil May Cry Anime Enters Its Final Arc

On the animation side, Netflix confirmed the Devil May Cry animated series — available on Netflix Singapore right now — will return for a third and final season. Showrunner Adi Shankar outlined the grand design in a statement to Variety: “This was always Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’ with guns and a red coat. Season 1 was ‘Inferno.’ Season 2 was ‘Purgatorio.’ Season 3 will be ‘Paradiso.'” All three chapters together form what Shankar calls The Force Edge Saga, conceived from the start as “a movie trilogy disguised as a television series.”

Devil May Cry Netflix animated series Dante Johnny Yong Bosch
Image courtesy of Netflix

Season 2 debuted on 12 May 2026 and racked up 6.4 million views in its first two weeks, keeping the show on Netflix’s Global Top 10. Season 1 has accumulated 21.7 million views to date. No premiere date for Season 3 has been confirmed yet.

Last Words

Singapore Switch 2 owners have a clean opportunity on 23 June: DMC5 Devil Hunter Edition is one of the most technically polished action games of the past decade, and the early-adopter window makes it an easy recommendation. Meanwhile, if you have not started the Netflix series, Seasons 1 and 2 are on Netflix Singapore now — ideal prep for the Paradiso finale whenever it arrives. Keep an eye on the Nintendo eShop Singapore for SGD pricing closer to launch. Find more Switch 2 game news on GameTrader.SG.

Game News, Manga Anime

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet — Run Sanji’s Floating Restaurant This October

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Kairosoft — the studio behind beloved management sims like Game Dev Story and Mega Mall Story — is setting sail for the Grand Line. ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet, a pixel art restaurant management sim co-developed with Bandai Namco, was announced during the June 9 Nintendo Direct and launches 23 October 2026 across Switch 2, Switch, PC, iOS, and Android.

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet | Announcement Trailer — via Bandai Namco Entertainment America on YouTube

Welcome to Baratie Number Two

The premise is perfectly on-brand: you’ve just signed on as a rookie staff member helping Sanji and the Straw Hats open a second floating restaurant — a sequel to the legendary Baratie from the East Blue arc. Design the dining room, craft the menu, keep the customers fed, and manage the chaos of an ocean-going eatery where the clientele includes pirates, Marines, and Luffy, who will absolutely try to eat everything before it reaches the table.

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet restaurant management gameplay screenshot
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco

What’s on the Menu

The gameplay follows Kairosoft’s signature build-upgrade-optimise loop. You’ll develop recipes inspired by One Piece lore — dishes like Water-Water Meat BBQ feature on the menu — and even channel Devil Fruit abilities to push your cooking to the next level. Unlock exclusive character events as your restaurant’s reputation grows, and dress the place up with over 200 furniture and decorative items.

The biggest draw for fans is the roster: over 400 One Piece characters appear as staff and customers in pixel art, covering characters from across the whole series timeline. Expect plenty of fan-service cameos when series favourites — and villains — walk through your doors.

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet pixel art character roster
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco

Platforms and Singapore Availability

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet launches on 23 October 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam), iOS, and Android. The multi-platform release — particularly mobile — makes this accessible to Singapore One Piece fans regardless of whether they’ve picked up a Switch 2 yet.

ONE PIECE: Grand Gourmet Sanji cooking scene
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco

SGD pricing and Asia-region eShop availability are to be confirmed by Bandai Namco. Kairosoft management titles have historically been affordably priced, though the Bandai Namco co-publishing arrangement may affect the final number. We’ll update once regional pricing drops.

More game news on GameTrader.SG

Last words

Singapore has a massive One Piece fanbase, and Kairosoft’s cosy loop — the kind of game that pulls you in for “just one more day” — is a perfect fit for the franchise. Whether you’re playing on Switch 2 or on your phone during the MRT commute, Grand Gourmet looks like a genuinely fun way to spend time in the world of the Straw Hats. Mark 23 October, and start brainstorming a restaurant name.

Game News

Zelda: Ocarina of Time Is Coming to Switch 2 — Everything Singapore Players Need to Know

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It’s the announcement that stopped Switch 2 fans mid-scroll: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is being remade for Nintendo Switch 2, confirmed during the June 9 Nintendo Direct. The N64 masterpiece — the game that defined 3D action-adventure for a generation — is coming back, rebuilt for modern hardware and landing exclusively on Switch 2 in 2026.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake key art
Image courtesy of Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Nintendo Direct 6.9.2026 — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

What Nintendo Has Confirmed About the Ocarina of Time Remake

The June 9 Direct reveal was short but loaded with intent. Nintendo’s official description: “The Nintendo 64 classic returns for a new generation in 2026, reborn exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.” That single line tells us three things — it’s Switch 2 exclusive, it’s arriving this year, and Nintendo is calling it a reimagining, not a port.

Nintendo further described the project as featuring “stunning visuals, updated designs, and timeless gameplay” — language that signals a genuine visual overhaul while preserving the core dungeon-crawling and exploration that made the original legendary. The teaser showed a redesigned Link in a clean, modern art style that respects the source material without looking like a straight upscale.

The developer has not been announced. More details are promised “in the future” from Nintendo, so expect either a dedicated Direct or a shadow drop sometime before year end.

Why Ocarina of Time Still Matters in 2026

First released on the Nintendo 64 in November 1998, Ocarina of Time sits at a Metacritic score of 99 and is still cited by many as one of the most important games ever made. It introduced Z-targeting combat, cracked the code for 3D adventure design, and gave us unforgettable set-pieces — Hyrule Field’s opening horizon, the Temple of Time’s organ chord, the final Ganondorf duel under a storming sky.

Nintendo revisited the game on 3DS in 2011 with Ocarina of Time 3D, which added improved textures and gyroscope aiming. The Switch 2 remake is the first major reimagining in 15 years — a full generation leap, not a touch-up.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake reveal trailer still
Image courtesy of Nintendo

What Singapore Switch 2 Owners Should Know

The Nintendo Switch 2 is available in Singapore through retailers including GameXtreme, Qisahn, and the Nintendo Asia eShop. The Ocarina of Time remake is confirmed for a 2026 launch, but no exact release date or SGD price has been announced — both are to be confirmed. All previous Zelda titles in the Asia region eShop have shipped with English-language support, and the same is expected here, though Nintendo has not specifically confirmed this for the remake.

This is a Switch 2 exclusive — there will be no Switch 1 version. If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading, this is exactly the kind of first-party exclusive Nintendo uses to make the decision for you.

More game news on GameTrader.SG

Last words

For a generation of Singapore gamers who grew up navigating the Deku Tree on a CRT television, seeing Hyrule rebuilt for Switch 2 is a genuinely exciting moment. Nintendo hasn’t shown gameplay yet, and the release date remains vague — but the intent is clear. We’ll be covering every reveal as it drops. Stay tuned.

Game News

Echoes of Aincrad Free Demo Out Now — Save Data Carries Over

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Singapore SAO fans, your time is now — the free demo for Echoes of Aincrad: Sword Art Online is live as of today (16 June) on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. Better yet, progress from the demo transfers directly to the full game when it ships on 9 July.

Echoes of Aincrad — Story Trailer, via Bandai Namco Entertainment America on YouTube

What the SAO Echoes of Aincrad demo covers

The demo drops you into the “beta test” section — the opening chapter of the game where Aincrad’s true nature has not yet been revealed. It is a tightly scoped slice, but a meaningful one: you get to build your avatar, learn the combat system, and get a feel for the partner AI before the full death-game reality sets in.

A few things are limited compared to the final release:

  • Character customisation is fixed to the beta test appearance
  • Difficulty capped at Story and Normal (Hard and Very Hard unlock in the full game)
  • Level cap: 15
  • Weapon proficiency cap: 3
  • Some balance specs may differ from the version that ships in July
Echoes of Aincrad — Aincrad floating castle environment
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment

Save data carries over — but there is a catch

Your demo save transfers to the full game, so any progress you make is not wasted. The one caveat: transferred save files cannot be switched to Death Game Mode — the permadeath mode where a game over permanently deletes your save data. If you plan to play Death Game Mode from the very start, begin a fresh run on launch day rather than carry over from the demo.

About Echoes of Aincrad

Developed by Game Studio Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Echoes of Aincrad is a brand-new action RPG in the SAO franchise — not a retelling of the anime but a fresh story set inside Aincrad, with a fully customisable player avatar. You are not playing as Kirito: you create your own hero, forge bonds with an AI partner whose tactics adapt to yours, and climb the floors of the floating castle using Sword Skills and real-time combat. Original characters from the SAO lore, including Argo, Kirito, and Asuna, appear alongside your custom protagonist, with story and character designs overseen by series creator Reki Kawahara.

The game’s theme song is “Live to Survive” by Aimer, which debuted in the second story trailer released on 13 June.

Echoes of Aincrad — key art
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco Entertainment

Editions and pricing

Three digital editions are available for pre-purchase on Steam (USD; check the Singapore Steam store for current SGD pricing):

  • Standard Edition — US$69.99 (base game + Proto-Elucidator Series weapon pack)
  • Deluxe Edition — US$89.99 (+ expansion DLC, Day 1 Starter Pack, early Death Game Mode unlock)
  • Ultimate Edition — US$109.99 (+ special anime app, digital artbook, soundtrack, and exclusive armour pack)

A physical Aincrad Edition collector’s set is also available in select markets, including a beanie, wall scroll, stickers, and patches. No Singapore retail pricing has been confirmed locally yet.

Last words

Singapore players can grab the demo right now from the PlayStation Store or Steam — no purchase required. The full game launches on 9 July 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and 10 July 2026 on Steam. If you are an SAO fan who has been waiting for a proper RPG that puts you inside Aincrad as your own character, this is the demo to queue up this week. Catch up on more Game News on GameTrader.SG.