Category Archives: Game News

Game News, Singapore Gaming Scene

MLBB at EWC 2026 Paris — Singapore’s Watch Guide for MSC and MWI

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Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is heading to Paris this July under the banner “Two Champions, One Game” — and Singapore’s MPL team has a direct slot at the biggest Mid Season Cup in the tournament’s history. If you follow MLBB esports, this is the one to circle in red.

Two Championships, One Stage at EWC 2026

MOONTON Games unveiled its “Two Champions, One Game” vision in April, placing the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) and the rebranded MLBB Women’s International (MWI) side by side as equal world championship pillars — not one marquee event with a side show, but two full-calibre titles on the same global stage.

The 2026 Esports World Cup runs 6 July to 23 August at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France. The event relocated from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in May 2026 due to regional uncertainty, with Paris confirmed as the host on 20 May. Combined, MSC and MWI carry a prize pool of US$3.5 million — the largest sum allocated to a single esports title in EWC history.

MLBB Two Champions One Game EWC 2026 key visual
Image courtesy of MOONTON Games

MSC 2026: Schedule, Format and Singapore’s Slot

The Mid Season Cup 2026 is the biggest edition of the tournament to date, with 25 teams competing for a US$3,000,000 prize pool (US$1,000,000 to the champion). Three stages decide the champion:

  • Wild Card (1–4 July): 10 teams in a single round-robin group — a pre-event qualifier held just before the main EWC festival.
  • Group Stage (22–26 July): 16 teams split into two 8-team double-elimination brackets.
  • Knockout Stage (29 July – 1 August): Single-elimination bracket culminating in a best-of-7 Grand Final.

The pool of regions has expanded significantly this year. India, Thailand, and Western Europe each have new qualification pathways, while MPL Singapore retains its direct slot, meaning Singapore will have representation at every stage of the main event. The full confirmed regional breakdown includes Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore, Middle East/North Africa, Europe, Turkey, East Asia, and the Americas.

MLBB MSC and MWI at EWC 2026 banner
Image courtesy of MOONTON Games

MWI 2026: Women’s Esports on the World Stage

The MLBB Women’s International runs 14–18 July at Paris, with a US$500,000 prize pool and open qualifiers spanning more than 60 regions worldwide — including the debut of Western Europe qualifiers. At EWC 2025, MWI became the first women’s esports tournament in history to surpass 100,000 Average Concurrent Viewers. That milestone cemented MOONTON’s case for elevating MWI to equal championship status alongside MSC.

Player Vivian from Team Vitality, who clinched her third MWI title with a flawless international run in 2025, became the first female MLBB athlete featured on the Las Vegas Sphere. The MWI 2026 field will be the largest in the tournament’s history.

When to Watch from Singapore: Your SGT Cheat Sheet

Paris operates on Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) during July and August. Singapore runs on SGT (UTC+8), meaning you’re 6 hours ahead of Paris. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

  • Paris 10:00 → 16:00 SGT — afternoon viewing, very comfortable
  • Paris 14:00 → 20:00 SGT — prime time, perfect for match night
  • Paris 19:00 → 01:00 SGT — late night territory
  • Paris 21:00 → 03:00 SGT — die-hard fans only

MOONTON typically schedules marquee matches in late afternoon to evening Paris time to maximise European viewership, which unfortunately lands in the midnight-to-3am window for Singapore. Your best bets for accessible watching are Wild Card matches (1–4 July) and early-day group stage slots in late July. Once the full schedule drops, filter for morning or early-afternoon Paris timeslots.

How to Stream MLBB at EWC 2026

MLBB Esports broadcasts live on the official MLBB Esports YouTube channel, the MLBB Esports Facebook page, and on Twitch. The EWC also hosts a centralised broadcast at esportsworldcup.com. Commentary options typically include English, Bahasa Indonesia, Filipino, and other regional languages. Check the official MLBB socials closer to the event for the confirmed streaming lineup and language options.

Keep an eye on our Singapore gaming scene coverage for schedule updates, team breakdowns, and live reaction posts as the tournament approaches.

Last words

MLBB has been the banner carrier of SEA mobile esports for years, and EWC 2026 in Paris is shaping up to be its grandest showing yet. With Singapore’s MPL team confirmed in the main draw, the expanded MWI giving women’s competitors a proper world-championship platform, and a combined US$3.5M on the line, there’s plenty to get excited about. Start planning those late-night watch parties — Wild Card kicks off on 1 July.

Game News, Retro Gaming

Donkey Kong 64 Is on Nintendo Switch Online — Play It Now

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After 27 years — and only one previous digital re-release — Donkey Kong 64 is finally on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, live from toda

With the Nintendo Switch 2 having launched in Singapore on 26 June last year at SGD $719, it remains a great time to assess whether the Expansion Pack subscription is worth it for you. Priced at SGD $69.90/year for an individual plan, the subscription grants you access to 40 N64 titles (now including Donkey Kong 64), along with GBA, Game Boy, NES, SNES, and SEGA Genesis libraries—plus added GameCube access on your Switch 2. The arrival of Donkey Kong 64 today only adds more value to the service. For the full library list, visit Nintendo Singapore’s Expansion Pack page.

y, 4 June 2026. Singapore players with the Expansion Pack tier can download and play the full 1999 N64 platformer right now, with no extra charge beyond the subscription.

Donkey Kong 64 – Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics – Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack — via Nintendo of America on YouTube

What You Get with Donkey Kong 64 on Nintendo Switch Online

Rare’s legendary 1999 collect-a-thon platformer lets you take control of five members of the Kong family — Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong, and Chunky Kong — each with their own special abilities and upgrades. Together they climb, swim, and puzzle-solve their way through treacherous worlds to reclaim DK Island’s Golden Bananas from the villainous King K. Rool and his Kremling army.

The Nintendo Switch Online version comes with quality-of-life improvements: higher-resolution output, smoother ~30fps performance (fixing some of the N64’s notorious frame wobble), fully rebindable controls, widescreen display support, and save states — so you’re not forced to marathon every Golden Banana run in one session.

Donkey Kong 64 gameplay on Nintendo Switch Online showing Diddy Kong in a jungle level
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Four-player split-screen battle arenas return too, so you can settle Kong supremacy debates with friends locally.

How Singapore Players Can Access It

You need a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. In Singapore, the plan is priced at SGD $69.90 per year for an individual account, or SGD $119.90 per year for a family plan covering up to eight Nintendo Accounts. Once subscribed, DK64 is available inside the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics library app directly on your console.

This addition brings the N64 catalogue on Switch Online to 40 titles, sitting alongside Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, GoldenEye 007, and other classics. Switch 2 owners on the Expansion Pack also get access to the GameCube library — and the Switch 2 launches in Singapore on 26 June.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack June 2026 new additions including Donkey Kong 64
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Note: DK64 is not available on the base Nintendo Switch Online tier — the Expansion Pack upgrade is required.

Why This Matters for Nintendo Fans

Donkey Kong 64 is one of Nintendo’s most beloved — and most elusive — retro titles. After its Wii U eShop availability ended when that storefront closed in 2024, the game vanished from all legal digital outlets. This Switch Online addition is only its second official digital re-release, making it genuinely hard to come by for anyone who hasn’t kept the original N64 cartridge around.

For veteran Singapore gamers who grew up with the N64 in the late 1990s, this is a proper nostalgia hit. For younger players, it’s the first accessible chance to experience the DK Rap in its natural habitat — and to discover why this collect-a-thon’s scope still impresses nearly three decades later.

Last Words

With the Nintendo Switch 2 having launched in Singapore on 26 June last year at SGD $719, it remains a great time to assess whether the Expansion Pack subscription is worth it for you. Priced at SGD $69.90/year for an individual plan, the subscription grants you access to 40 N64 titles (now including Donkey Kong 64), along with GBA, Game Boy, NES, SNES, and SEGA Genesis libraries—plus added GameCube access on your Switch 2. The arrival of Donkey Kong 64 today only adds more value to the service. For the full library list, visit Nintendo Singapore’s Expansion Pack page.

Game News, News

PlayStation State of Play June 2026: God of War Laufey, Wolverine & the Fall Hits You Need to Know

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Sony’s June 2 State of Play ran for over 60 minutes and packed in more than a dozen game reveals — but one announcement silenced every PlayStation fan in the room. We now have a new God of War, and Kratos is not the one holding the axe.

State of Play | June 2, 2026 [English] — via PlayStation on YouTube

God of War Laufey — A New Protagonist, a New Era

The show’s finale dropped the biggest surprise of the night: God of War Laufey, starring Faye — Kratos’ wife, Atreus’ mother, and a warrior who was supposed to be dead. The premise is tantalising: “Death was supposed to be the end, but for Laufey, a new adventure is just beginning.”

No release date was confirmed beyond TBA 2026, but the gameplay footage shown was clearly running on PS5 hardware, and the mythology-soaked world looks every bit as stunning as Ragnarök. For Singapore PS5 gamers who have been waiting for the next chapter after Ragnarök‘s cliffhanger, this is it — and we are watching Faye’s story unfold.

Marvel’s Wolverine Gets a Date: 15 September 2026

Marvel's Wolverine PS5 gameplay - State of Play June 2026
Image courtesy of PlayStation

Insomniac Games’ long-awaited Marvel’s Wolverine finally has a launch date — 15 September 2026, PS5 exclusive. The extended gameplay reveal showed Logan fighting alongside Jean Grey and clashing with cybernetic Reavers serving the industrialist Bolivar Trask. Sabretooth appears to be lurking as a key antagonist.

Combat looks brutal in the best way: a Rage meter builds with successful hits, Tier 3 unlocking a stylised monochromatic slaughter mode. The Healing Factor activates as a Last Stand mechanic when health hits critical. This is a full single-player action game — no multiplayer, no live service — and that alone has us excited.

Confirmed pricing: Standard Edition at US$69.99 / ¥8,980; SGD pricing has not been officially announced at the time of writing, though local PlayStation partners typically price at a comparable SGD rate to Japan’s yen figure. Keep an eye on the PlayStation Singapore store.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword — 25 September, and It Looks Stunning

For fans of Capcom’s beloved samurai series, Onimusha: Way of the Sword now has a firm date: 25 September 2026 on PS5. Set in early Edo-period Kyoto, the game brings the demon-slaying, oni-gauntlet action of the classic PS2 series into full modern 3D for the first time. A playable demo was also announced as part of the State of Play reveal.

This one matters particularly for Singapore and Southeast Asian gamers — Onimusha has always had a devoted following in this region. The feudal Japan aesthetic, the brutal sword combat, the yokai enemies: it all holds up, and then some.

The Full Fall 2026 PS5 Lineup at a Glance

Beyond the headliners, the State of Play confirmed a stacked September–October 2026 window for PS5:

  • Dune: Awakening — 22 September (open-world survival MMO)
  • Marvel’s Wolverine — 15 September
  • Control Resonant — 24 September
  • Silent Hill: Townfall — 24 September
  • Onimusha: Way of the Sword — 25 September
  • Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve — 2 October
  • Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition — 1 October
  • Rayman Legends Retold — 1 October
  • Phantom Blade Zero — 29 October
  • No Rest for the Wicked — October (date TBC)

That is eight confirmed releases between mid-September and end of October. Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition alone will have Southeast Asian gaming cafes buzzing — the Warriors franchise is a staple here.

Longer-Term Reveals Worth Noting

Until Dawn 2 is coming in 2027 as a standalone horror sequel from Firesprite, this time dropping ghost hunters onto an abandoned tropical island — branching choices intact. Kemuri, a yokai-hunting co-op action game from Ikumi Nakamura’s studio UNSEEN, also debuted for 2027; the Tokyo setting and supernatural enemy design look genuinely original.

PlayStation Plus subscribers get some treats too: Runescape: Dragonwilds hits Game Catalog day one, and Premium members get Gitaroo Man this June and Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams in August — great timing to revisit the series before Way of the Sword drops.

Last Words

For Singapore PS5 owners, the State of Play just turned the second half of 2026 into one of the most expensive gaming seasons in recent memory. God of War Laufey has no date yet, but Wolverine, Onimusha, Dune Awakening, and Dynasty Warriors 3 all land within six weeks of each other. Budget wisely.

The full 60-minute show is on PlayStation’s YouTube channel if you want to watch every reveal back to back. And check out our coverage of other gaming news to stay up to date ahead of Summer Game Fest this week.

Game News

Phantom Blade Zero Pushed to 29 October — What Singapore Gamers Need to Know

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Singapore’s PS5 and PC gaming calendar just reshuffled. Phantom Blade Zero, the kung fu action RPG from Chinese studio S-GAME, has been pushed from its original 9 September 2026 date to 29 October 2026 — a 50-day delay confirmed alongside a brand-new Special Teaser trailer that dropped alongside the announcement.

Why S-GAME Delayed Phantom Blade Zero

The studio was direct about the reason: this is a polish delay, not a sign of development trouble. S-GAME identified a final window to raise the game’s visual quality — upgrading character models and reworking environmental textures — without sacrificing the performance targets already locked in. Importantly, the improvements do not lean on ray tracing, keeping the game accessible to a wider range of hardware.

“We do not want to release Phantom Blade Zero knowing there is still an opportunity to take it one step further,” the studio said. “While 50 days cannot change everything, it is enough time to finalize the critical improvements that players will notice the moment they start the game.”

For Singapore gamers, the move also clears a brutal late-September window that already has Marvel’s Wolverine (15 September), Control Resonant (24 September), and Onimusha: Way of the Sword (25 September) competing for attention and wallet space. Landing on 29 October gives Phantom Blade Zero breathing room to be its own event.

What Is Phantom Blade Zero?

Phantom Blade Zero protagonist Soul in high-speed kung fu combat
Image courtesy of S-GAME / PlayStation

If this is your first time hearing about it, here is the quick brief. Phantom Blade Zero is an action RPG built in Unreal Engine 5, set in a “Kung Fu Punk” world that fuses classic wuxia storytelling with kinetic combat that has drawn comparisons to Ninja Gaiden, Sekiro, and Devil May Cry. You play as Soul, a warrior with 66 days to live who must uncover the truth behind his master’s murder.

Combat is stamina-free and built around two primary bladed weapons — each with a “power surge” ultimate ability — plus two secondary Phantom Edges ranging from cannons and lances to axes and hammers. The world is semi-open with interconnected regions and paths that unlock as you gain new weapons and abilities. The pitch: relentless, precise, and spectacularly stylish.

Phantom Blade Zero semi-open world environment
Image courtesy of S-GAME / PlayStation

New Teaser Trailer and What’s Still to Come

S-GAME released a new Special Teaser alongside the delay announcement — roughly one minute of footage that shows Soul in full combat flow while, in a striking visual choice, protecting a baby mid-fight. It is the kind of image that crystallises the game’s tone: wildly cinematic but grounded in precise martial arts logic.

Phantom Blade Zero action sequence showcasing multi-weapon combat
Image courtesy of S-GAME / PlayStation

There is more to look forward to before launch. S-GAME has confirmed that pre-orders open this summer with a full trailer attached, and a dedicated State of Play deep dive is scheduled for late summer 2026 — covering the world, combat system, exploration, and character progression in detail. If the brief State of Play segment in June already had the community excited, the full showcase should give Singapore gamers everything they need to make a call on day-one.

Phantom Blade Zero launches 29 October 2026 on PlayStation 5 (with a console-exclusive window) and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. SGD pricing has not been announced yet — that is expected alongside the pre-order opening this summer.

Last Words

A 50-day slip is never great news on paper, but S-GAME’s track record of transparency makes this one easy to accept. The September PS5 schedule was always going to force Singapore gamers into some painful pick-one choices; October 29 clears that crunch and lets Phantom Blade Zero land with the attention it deserves as one of the most visually ambitious Asian-developed action games in years. Mark the date, watch for the summer pre-order trailer, and keep an eye on our gaming news for more updates as they drop.

Game News, Singapore Gaming Scene

Star Fox Is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on 25 June — What Singapore Players Need to Know

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Fox McCloud is back, and this time he’s bringing the whole Lylat system with him. Star Fox, a sweeping remake of the beloved Nintendo 64 classic Star Fox 64, launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on 25 June 2026 — and Singapore is on the launch roster. Whether you grew up screaming “Do a barrel roll!” or you’re discovering the mercenary crew for the first time, here’s everything you need to know before take-off.

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 key art featuring Fox McCloud
Image courtesy of Nintendo

What Is Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2?

This is not a remaster or a port. Nintendo has rebuilt Star Fox 64 from scratch — same stage layouts you know by heart, but everything else is brand new. The visuals have been completely overhauled, the characters redesigned with a more animalistic look, and the entire game voiced from scratch with a full orchestral soundtrack replacing the original MIDI compositions. New cutscenes have been added between every campaign stage to flesh out the story of the Star Fox mercenary team and their mission to save the Lylat system from the mad scientist Andross.

Most notably, the game kicks off with a brand-new prologue: you play as James McCloud, Fox’s father, in a mission that sets up the events of the main campaign. It’s the kind of lore expansion long-time fans have been asking for since 1997.

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 gameplay screenshot
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 Game Modes Breakdown

There’s more here than a straightforward story replay. Nintendo has added three distinct game modes:

Campaign Mode

The classic rail-shooter campaign with branching paths — complete or miss optional objectives to unlock different routes through the Lylat system. Three difficulty levels are available, from a more forgiving entry point right up to the punishing Expert run that series veterans will remember.

Challenge Mode

Replay individual stages with fresh objectives not found in the main campaign. Think time attacks, score challenges, and new mission parameters. Normal and Expert difficulties are both available here, giving you a reason to keep coming back long after the credits roll.

Battle Mode — 4v4 Online Dogfights

This is the big new addition. Up to eight players split into Team Star Fox and Team Star Wolf for competitive online dogfights across three dedicated stages: Corneria, Fichina, and Sector Y. Objectives rotate between zone control and cargo retrieval, adding some tactical variety to the classic space battles.

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 multiplayer Battle Mode
Image courtesy of Nintendo

Switch 2 Features: Mouse Controls, Co-op and GameChat

Nintendo has built in several Switch 2-specific features that set this apart from simply playing the N64 original:

  • Joy-Con 2 mouse mode — Place a Joy-Con flat on a surface and use it like a mouse for aiming. It’s an optional targeting style that some players may find far more precise than analogue stick aim.
  • Co-op Pilot and Gunner mode — Two players can tackle the campaign together sharing one console: one pilots the Arwing, the other handles weapons. Great for playing with a sibling or friend who prefers not to worry about navigation.
  • GameChat AR filters — Chat with friends mid-session using Star Fox character filters overlaid on your face, similar to AR avatar features on other platforms.
  • GameShare — Compatible with the original Nintendo Switch, so you can share the game wirelessly with a friend nearby.

One thing for Singapore players to note: the Nintendo 64 Wireless Controller is not available for purchase in Southeast Asia, as confirmed by Nintendo’s Singapore page. You can still use Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller 2 without any issues — it’s just the optional nostalgia controller that won’t be on local shelves.

Star Fox Nintendo Switch 2 Arwing in flight
Image courtesy of Nintendo

How to Pre-Order Star Fox in Singapore

Pre-orders are open now on the Nintendo eShop Singapore. The global digital price is US$49.99 and the physical edition is US$59.99 — check the Nintendo eShop Singapore for local SGD pricing, as regional prices may vary. Physical copies should be available through local game retailers; keep an eye on GameTrader news for Singapore retail listings as they go live closer to 25 June.

The game requires a Nintendo Switch 2 to play — it is a Switch 2 exclusive and will not run on the original Nintendo Switch.

What This Means for Singapore Gamers

Star Fox has been on ice for nearly a decade. The last mainline game — Star Fox Zero for Wii U — landed back in 2016, and the series has been largely dormant since. This remake is Nintendo signalling that it believes in the franchise again, and the Switch 2 exclusive status means it doubles as a system-seller for anyone on the fence about upgrading.

For Singapore Switch 2 owners, 25 June is shaping up to be a genuinely exciting date. The Battle Mode online component also means Singapore players can jump into competitive dogfights with the global community from day one. If the online servers hold up in the SEA region — and Nintendo’s recent Switch 2 network performance has been solid — this could be a game people are grinding well into the second half of the year.

Mark 25 June in your calendar. Do a barrel roll.

Event, Game News

Singapore’s Guide to Summer Game Fest 2026

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The biggest gaming showcase week of the year is already underway — and for once, Singapore fans have a front-row reason to stay up on Saturday night. The SEA Games Showcase joins the Summer Game Fest season for the first time, spotlighting games made right here in our region. Here’s the full schedule in Singapore time, a recap of what PlayStation already revealed, and what we’re watching for.

Summer Game Fest 2026: What Is It?

Summer Game Fest has been filling the gap left by E3’s exit — a sprawling multi-day season where publishers, indie studios, and platform holders all take a turn in the spotlight. This year’s season runs from 1 to 8 June, anchored by a two-hour main show hosted by Geoff Keighley and Lucy James, broadcasting live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. For Singapore gamers, most streams land in the early hours or late evenings, so planning ahead makes the difference between catching reveals live and waking up to spoilers.

PlayStation State of Play Recap — What You May Have Missed

PlayStation fired first on Tuesday with a showcase packed with reveals. The flagship announcement was God of War Laufey, a new entry that swaps Kratos for his late wife Faye as she battles through the afterlife of the gods. No release date was given, but the reveal made it clear Sony Santa Monica is taking the series in a fresh direction.

September is shaping up to be stacked: Marvel’s Wolverine from Insomniac Games arrives 15 September, and Capcom finally gave Onimusha: Way of the Sword a date — 25 September — with a demo available right now on PS5. Control: Resonant, the sequel to Remedy’s cult hit, lands 24 September. Until Dawn 2 was also shown, carrying a 2027 window. If you missed it, the State of Play replay is on PlayStation’s official YouTube channel.

Southeast Asian Games Showcase 2026 banner — part of Summer Game Fest
Image courtesy of Southeast Asian Games Showcase

Full Summer Game Fest 2026 Schedule in SGT

All times are Singapore Standard Time (SGT, UTC+8). Live streams are available on each event’s YouTube and Twitch channels.

  • Thu 4 Jun, 5:30am — Shacknews Indie Showcase
  • Fri 5 Jun, 5am — Latin American Games Showcase
  • Fri 5 Jun, 7am — Women-Led Games Showcase
  • Fri 5 Jun, 11pm — Access-Ability Summer Showcase
  • Sat 6 Jun, 5am — Summer Game Fest Main Show (world premieres, Geoff Keighley, Dolby Theatre)
  • Sat 6 Jun, 7am — Day of the Devs (indie spotlight)
  • Sat 6 Jun, 11pm — Southeast Asian Games Showcase ← don’t miss this
  • Sun 7 Jun, midnight–3am — Wholesome Direct, Story-Rich Showcase, Green Games
  • Mon 8 Jun, 1am — Xbox Games Showcase (Gears of War: E-Day spotlight follows)
  • Mon 8 Jun, 3am — PC Gaming Showcase

The SEA Games Showcase: Five Titles From Our Region

Saturday night at 11pm SGT is when Southeast Asian gaming gets its own spotlight. The SEA Games Showcase — streaming on its YouTube and Twitch channels, and simulcast on The Game Awards YouTube — has confirmed five titles for this year’s show.

No Straight Roads 2 key art showing Mayday and Zuke in vibrant music-action style
Image courtesy of Metronomik / Shueisha Games
  • No Straight Roads 2 (Metronomik / Shueisha Games, Malaysia) — The sequel to one of Southeast Asia’s best-loved indie games. The original’s mix of music-driven action and irreverent boss design earned a cult following here, and the sequel teases a customisable band van and new playable characters alongside returning duo Mayday and Zuke.
  • TCG Card Shop Simulator (O.P. Neon Games, Malaysia) — Open your own card game store, hire staff, stock shelves, and host tournaments. Anyone who’s spent an afternoon in a local game shop will get the fantasy immediately.
  • Montabi (Manikibo, Indonesia) — A creature-collector roguelike deckbuilder with tactical turn-based combat. Think Pokémon meets Slay the Spire in a hand-crafted world.
  • Building Relationships (Tan Ant Games, Thailand) — You play as a sentient building navigating an island. It’s an indie puzzle game, and yes, we’re intrigued.
  • Am I Nina (HO! Games / Outersloth) — A psychological horror title that explores a mother-daughter relationship through wordplay mechanics.
TCG Card Shop Simulator showing a cozy card game store interior
Image courtesy of O.P. Neon Games

What This Means for Singapore Gamers

The State of Play made September look very full — if you’ve been waiting on Onimusha, the demo is live now and worth a download to see whether the Capcom revival lands. The SGF main show on Saturday morning is the big wildcard: world premiere announcements are rarely telegraphed in advance, so anything could happen. But the event we’re most looking forward to is the SEA Games Showcase at 11pm Saturday night — it’s one of the few times a year that games from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the broader region get a dedicated global stage. Give these studios a watch, wishlist the ones that catch your eye, and check back here on GameTrader.SG Events for post-show coverage all weekend.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Nintendo Switch 2 launch trailer banner
Game News, Singapore Gaming Scene

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Hits Nintendo Switch 2 on 3 June

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Final Fantasy VII Rebirth — Square Enix’s sprawling second chapter in the FF7 remake trilogy — hits Nintendo Switch 2 this Wednesday, 3 June 2026. And for fans in this region: a physical edition has been confirmed for Southeast Asia, which means local game shops here will have box copies from launch day.

What Is Final Fantasy VII Rebirth?

Rebirth is the second entry in Square Enix’s multi-part reimagining of the 1997 PlayStation classic. Following 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake and the Intergrade update, Rebirth picks up after Cloud and his allies escape the walls of Midgar and expands into a vast open world — the Grasslands, Junon, the Gold Saucer, and beyond. It was critically acclaimed on PlayStation 5 at its February 2024 launch, and Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S players are finally getting their turn.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2
Image courtesy of Square Enix

Nintendo Switch 2 Version: What You Need to Know

The Switch 2 port is expected to run at 1080p and 30fps in docked mode, using Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling technology built into the console. Rebirth is one of the most demanding RPGs Square Enix has produced, so DLSS is doing some heavy lifting here — but the results should be solid based on what’s been previewed so far.

All purchasers at launch receive three in-game bonuses:

  • Posh Chocobo Summoning Materia
  • Shinra Bangle Mk. II armour
  • Midgar Bangle Mk. II armour

Physical Switch 2 Edition — And That Exclusive MTG Card

The physical Switch 2 copy comes with something no other platform or format offers: an exclusive Magic: The Gathering — Final Fantasy promo card featuring Zack Fair, with variant art by none other than Final Fantasy character designer Tetsuya Nomura. Stock is limited, so if you want the card, don’t sit on this one.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth physical Nintendo Switch 2 edition with MTG Zack Fair card
Image courtesy of Square Enix

There’s also a save-data bonus for returning players: if you have Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade save data on your Switch 2, you’ll receive the Leviathan Summoning Materia. Clear the INTERmission DLC and you’ll also unlock Ramuh materia — a nice nudge to play Intergrade first if you haven’t already.

New: Streamlined Progression Mode

The Switch 2 (and Xbox) version introduces Streamlined Progression, an optional mode that gives Cloud’s party unlimited HP, MP, and Limit Break and ATB gauge during battles, along with simplified weapon ability acquisition. It keeps the RPG DNA intact — damage is still capped at 9,999 — but removes most of the grind, making Rebirth far more accessible for players who want to experience the story without getting stuck on combat.

Veterans can ignore it entirely. But for those who bounced off the difficulty on PS5 or are new to the series, this is a genuinely useful addition.

Editions and Pricing

Two digital editions are available on the Nintendo eShop:

  • Standard Edition — USD $49.99 (SGD retail price to be confirmed at local stores; other major Switch 2 titles retail around SGD $79–$110 locally)
  • Digital Deluxe Edition — USD $69.99 — adds the Magic Pot Summoning Materia, Reclaimant Choker accessory, Orchid Bracelet armour, a digital art book, and a digital mini soundtrack

Not ready to commit? A free demo is already live on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop, letting you sample the opening chapters of Rebirth before purchasing.

What This Means for Singapore Gamers

The Nintendo Switch 2 has gained a solid foothold in Singapore since its launch, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is shaping up to be one of the biggest RPG releases on the platform this year. The confirmed SEA physical edition means local retailers here won’t be empty-handed — you can grab a box copy from your nearest game shop rather than importing.

SGD retail pricing had not been confirmed at the time of writing; check with your local game retailer or the Nintendo eShop Singapore for the final figure. And if you’ve already put hours into Rebirth on PS5, that exclusive Tetsuya Nomura MTG card might still be enough to tempt a double-dip on Switch 2.

Game News

PokéPark KANTO: Where Pokémon Dreams Come to Life!

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Attention all Pokémon trainers and enthusiasts! The Pokémon Company has just unveiled a thrilling new adventure that’s set to make your wildest Pokémon dreams a reality. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Kanto region with the announcement of PokéPark KANTO LLC.

Picture this: a fusion of the enchanting world of Pokémon and the vibrant landscape of Japan’s Kanto region, where nature’s beauty meets the imaginative realm of Pikachu, Charmander, and all your favorite Pokémon companions. This new entertainment marvel, nestled within the legendary Yomiuriland amusement park, promises an immersive experience like no other.

Why Kanto, you ask? It’s not just any location; it’s where the iconic Pokémon journey began. The birthplace of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, the Kanto region holds a special place in every trainer’s heart. Now, it’s being brought to life as PokéPark KANTO, an ode to the roots of this beloved franchise.

What can you expect? Think of a space where Pokémon devotees from across the globe unite, transcending barriers of language, culture, and borders. Imagine wandering through lush landscapes, encountering Pokémon in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in the essence of this fantastical world.

This announcement is merely the tip of the iceberg. The Pokémon Company pledges more updates and tantalizing details in the pipeline, so brace yourselves for an influx of excitement!

So, mark your calendars, trainers! Stay tuned for further revelations about this unprecedented venture. PokéPark KANTO is on the horizon, and it’s poised to redefine what it means to be a Pokémon fan. Prepare to live, breathe, and experience Pokémon like never before!

Get ready to catch ’em all, once again, in the enchanting realm of PokéPark KANTO!

Source: https://sg.portal-pokemon.com/topics/event/pokepark_kanto.html

Event, Game News

Finally our very first Singapore Comic Con 2019!

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This year Singapore will finally have her very own Singapore Comic Con! While the name is new, the convention is actually a continuation of the yearly Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention (STGCC), one of Singapore’s top Pop Culture show. We are just two weeks away from the convention which will take place on the 7th and 8th Dec 2019 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo Hall A/B/C from 10am-7pm. Ticketing information can be found here.

Image Courtesy of SGCC 2019
Image Courtesy of SGCC 2019

Although the word ‘Toy’ has been taken out from the show name, what’s a Comic Con without toys? Exhibitors will be bringing their latest toy collections to the show. For Star Wars fans, be sure to check out the Star Wars Chess set complete with Princess Leia, Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker.

Image Courtesy of SGCC 2019

Besides the latest pop culture merchandise, fans can look forward to a star-studded line-up, including three-time New York best-selling artist famed for his artwork in graphic novels such as Batman: The Black Mirror series, Mark Simpson or better known as Jock. Alongside Jock, comic book artist and penciller, Greg Capullo will also be present for a special meet & greet session. Fans can also catch a glimpse of pop surrealist, Tara McPherson in action this year.

Image Courtesy of SGCC 2019
Image Courtesy of SGCC 2019
Image Courtesy of SGCC 2019

A visit to the Good Game Experience (GGXP) area is a must for all gamers. PVP Esports zone will be holding the finals of Singtel’s PVP Campus and Corporate Leagues featuring Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Dota 2 at the area.

From console games to tabletop games, be sure to check out this area to get all your gaming fix. If you are a Pokemon Trading Card gamer, do participate in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Special Event Championship at the Comic Con Pokémon Special Event, by Maxsoft and Project EXT. Register here on their website.

Image Courtesy of SGCC 2019

With so much to do and see, Singapore Comic Con should definitely be on your agenda for your next weekend outing!