Gaming Updates : Apple Arcade adds NFL Retro Bowl ’26 and Jeopardy! Daily

Source : 

https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-arcade-adds-nfl-retro-bowl-26

ChatGPT : 

Apple Arcade is adding major titles in September, including the exclusive NFL Retro Bowl ’26 and Jeopardy! Daily on Sept 4. NFL Retro Bowl ’26 offers official NFL rosters, retro graphics, and a live Championship Leaderboard tied to the real 2025 season. Jeopardy! Daily delivers authentic clues, daily boards, tournaments, and global leaderboards. On Sept 18, Hello Kitty Island Adventure adds Wheatflour Wonderland with new quests and characters. Other additions include My Talking Tom Friends+, plus big updates to Disney Dreamlight Valley and Mini Motorways. The service costs $6.99/month with 200+ ad-free games.

Opinion : 

New games are not exciting? 😏

Updates are nice.

Still subscribed to the service. My children like it.

Gaming Updates : Why I Want More Mobile Games to Come to Consoles

Source : 

https://www.howtogeek.com/why-i-want-more-mobile-games-to-come-to-consoles/

ChatGPT : 

The article argues that many high-quality mobile games deserve console ports to improve accessibility, preservation, and player experience. While some console games get mobile adaptations, the reverse is rare, leaving many mobile titles trapped on app stores until they're delisted or shut down. Touch controls, hardware limitations, and storage issues make complex mobile games less enjoyable than on consoles with controllers and large screens. Examples like Genshin Impact, Fantasian: Neo Dimension, and Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition show that console ports can expand audiences and save games from disappearing. The author urges developers to overcome the stigma against mobile games and bring more of them to consoles.

Opinion : 

Console games are so much pricier than mobile games.

Agree with article that mobile games cannot survive without porting to consoles though.

Gaming Updates : iOS 26: Here's What You Can Do With Apple's New Games Ap

Source : 

https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-26-games-app/

ChatGPT : 

Apple’s new Games app in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe expands the gaming experience by turning the Games tab in the App Store into a full-featured app. Key features include:

- Home Tab: Personalized game suggestions, “Continue Playing,” friend activities, and curated lists like top played games and new releases.

- Events: Showcases limited-time gameplay events and updates.

- Apple Arcade Tab: Dedicated section promoting the $6.99/month Apple Arcade subscription with recommendations.

- Library Tab: Unified library of all games played across devices, showing achievements and quick access to content.

- Play Together Tab: Social hub for multiplayer games, friend lists, and a new Challenges feature for asynchronous competitive gameplay.

- Game Center Integration: More visible with achievements, friend invites, and real-time leaderboards.

- Game Mode: Overlay in Control Center offering quick access to leaderboards, invites, and game settings without leaving the game.

- Multiplayer: Easy invites with Party Codes and links, requiring all players to be on iOS 26+.

- Search & Profile: Improved game discovery and social interaction tools.

The app enhances social gaming on Apple devices but does not support cross-platform play with Android or other systems.

Opinion : 

I think it's a good time for a refreshed gaming app.

Missed the Game Center app days.

Gaming Updates : 8BitDo’s Pro 3 is a super customizable controller that’s too limited on Switch 2

Source : 

https://www.theverge.com/reviews/755307/8bitdo-pro-3-controller-review-pc-nintendo-switch-2

ChatGPT : 

The 8BitDo Pro 3 ($69.99) is a highly customizable, comfortable controller with swappable face buttons, joystick caps, adjustable triggers, macro buttons, and improved TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers. It works across many platforms via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz and includes a charging dock. While excellent for PC and multi-platform use, it’s limited on Switch 2—its rumble feels imprecise, and it can’t wake the console. It’s a worthwhile upgrade from the Pro 2 for most users, but Switch 2 players may prefer the official Pro controller.

Opinion : 

I've 3 x 8BitDo Pro 2 controllers. They work well with my iMac, Macbook and iPads.

This brand is good and can be made with purchases via Shopee, Lazada.

Gaming Updates : Plants vs Zombies: Replanted Is a New 'Anchor for the Franchise,' PopCap Says, and a Chance to Reacknowledge the Series' Roots

Source : 

https://www.ign.com/articles/plants-vs-zombies-replanted-is-a-new-anchor-for-the-franchise-popcap-says-and-a-chance-to-reacknowledge-the-series-roots

ChatGPT : 

Plants vs Zombies: Replanted is a remastered version of the original tower defense game, releasing on October 23, 2025 for $19.99 across PC and major consoles. PopCap calls it a chance to "reacknowledge the series' roots" and reintroduce the franchise with modern 4K visuals, local co-op, PVP, and new modes like Rest in Peace (a roguelike) and Cloudy Day (hard mode).

PopCap sees Replanted as a "definitive remaster" and a potential new anchor for the franchise after mixed reception to mobile-centric titles and 3D shooters. While there’s no word on PvZ 3 or smartphone release plans, Replanted reflects a return to what longtime fans loved. PopCap hints that if successful, this could be a template for reviving other classics in its library.

Opinion : 

Can't believe it has been 16 years since PvZ launched 😮

It's quite timeless. My kids love the characters. 

Remastered versions still cost too much 😋

Technology Updates : Switch 2 Accessory Attaches McDonald's Fries to the Console

Source : 

https://gamerant.com/switch-2-accessory-mcdonalds-fries-holder/

ChatGPT : 

A creative fan, user7R135, has made a 3D-printable accessory called GamiFries that lets Nintendo Switch 2 players attach a McDonald's fries container to the console or controller. Shared on MakerWorld, it comes in two modes: handheld (mounts beside the screen) and controller mode (replaces the grip). It mimics McDonald's red branding and even frames the logo. While amusing, it’s unofficial and not for sale—users must print it themselves. However, caution is advised, as food near electronics could cause damage or attract pests.

Opinion : 

Weird technology... 😂

Innovative but weird.

Gamers should walk around more for toilet and food 😚

Gaming Updates : Akihabara Loses Former Sega Arcade Landmark After 32 Years

Source : 

https://geekculture.co/akihabara-loses-former-sega-arcade-landmark-after-32-years/

ChatGPT : 

The landmark Akihabara Gigo 1 arcade—formerly Sega’s flagship site—is set to close at the end of August 2025. Originally opened in 1992 as High Tech Land Sega Shintoku, the iconic red building evolved through multiple rebrandings. Its closure marks another step in Akihabara’s shift from niche gaming and anime culture to mainstream tourism.

Acquired by Genda in 2022, the arcade business continued under the Genda Gigo name. Rising rental costs likely prompted the closure. However, Genda still operates three arcades in the area and plans to convert the site into a new amusement hub. Meanwhile, Sega will open a new flagship store in Shibuya PARCO on July 18.

Gaming Updates : The best mobile games of 2025 so far (July 2025)

Source : 

https://www.pocketgamer.com/best-games/mobile-games-of-2025/

ChatGPT : 

Pocket Gamer and affiliated sites reviewed hundreds of mobile games released in 2025, selecting the best across various rating tiers. Highlights include:

⭐ 5 Stars (10/10 – Platinum Award):

- Crunchyroll: Shogun Showdown

- EvoCreo 2

- I Am Your Beast

⭐ 4.5 Stars (9/10 – Gold Award):

- Dredge, Jump King, Lara Croft: Guardian of Light, True Fear 3, Resident Evil 2, Songs of Conquest, Vampire’s Fall 2, and more.

⭐ 4 Stars (8/10 – Silver Award):

- Crashlands 2, Duck Detective, Primrows, Thronefall, Wargroove 2, etc.

⭐ 3.5 to 3 Stars (7–6/10):

- Backyard Baseball '97, TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, Persona 5: The Phantom X, and more.

⭐ 2.5 Stars (5/10):

- Ultimate Chicken Horse

Games were filtered and reviewed by Pocket Gamer, 148Apps, and others in the Steel Media group, with decades of experience in mobile gaming. The list is regularly updated.

Gaming Updates : Steam Users Have Until July 17 to Claim 3 Games for Free

Source : 

https://gamerant.com/free-games-on-steam-july-2025/

ChatGPT : 

Steam users can claim three free strategy games — Battlestar Galactica: Deadlock, Field of Glory 2: Medieval, and Fantasy General 2 — until Thursday, July 17, 2025. All three games are published by Slitherine Ltd and have received "Very Positive" reviews. No subscription is required; users simply need to claim the games on their Steam store pages to keep them permanently. Steam regularly offers free games, but these giveaways are often unannounced in advance.

Gaming Updates : What’s Next for 'MapleStory Universe'? More Ways to Play

Source : 

https://decrypt.co/327787/whats-next-maplestory-universe-more-ways-play

ChatGPT : 

Summary: What’s Next for MapleStory Universe?

Following the launch of MapleStory N, Nexpace (blockchain arm of Nexon) plans to *expand the MapleStory Universe* into a broader, more accessible ecosystem with mobile and web-based experiences by Q1 2026**.

🔹 Key Highlights:

- MapleStory N is a PC-based MMORPG where in-game items are represented as NFTs on the Avalanche-based Henesys blockchain.

- Nexpace aims to lower the entry barrier by launching over a dozen lighter mobile/web apps tied to the core game.

- First web app (launching by August 2025) will allow players to enhance items.

- Future apps will let users level characters, do quests, or grind XP on the go.

- A character rental system—where players can pay others to level up for them—is also being developed for release by early 2026.

🔧 Builder Ecosystem:

- Currently, third-party developers must get Nexpace approval and an API key to build.

- A developer portal is set to launch in Q3/Q4 2025, moving the platform toward a permissionless model.

- Builders will be rewarded in NXPC tokens, with 80% of supply reserved for contributors.

💬 Vision:

- Inspired by games like EA FC Ultimate Team, Nexpace wants MapleStory fans to casually engage with the universe throughout the day (e.g., while commuting or working), saving deep gameplay for weekends.

- All efforts aim to accommodate the aging player base, many of whom now have less time for PC gaming.

---

Bottom Line: MapleStory Universe is evolving beyond the PC with mobile/web expansions, contributor incentives, and eventual decentralization—making the iconic RPG more accessible for modern, time-strapped players.

Entertainment Updates : Steam finally goes native on Apple Silicon, here’s how to try it

Source : 

https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/12/steam-finally-goes-native-on-apple-silicon-heres-how-to-try-it/

Apple Intelligence : 

• Steam Update: Steam for Mac is now a native Apple Silicon app.

• Performance Improvement: The update brings faster launch times, smoother scrolling and navigation, and improved access to Store and Community pages.

• How to Try: Users can opt into the beta by going to Steam > Settings > Interface.

• Steam Update: Steam released a beta update for macOS, addressing the upcoming deprecation of Rosetta 2.

• Rosetta 2 Deprecation: Apple announced that Rosetta 2, which allows Intel-based apps to run on Apple silicon, will be deprecated in a future macOS version.

• Future Support: Apple will continue to provide security updates for Intel-based Macs for three years and will keep a subset of Rosetta functionality for older, unmaintained games.

Entertainment Updates : How Video Games Made Me Better at Typing

Source : 

https://www.howtogeek.com/how-video-games-made-me-better-at-typing/

Apple Intelligence : 

• Typing Games’ Effectiveness: Typing games are surprisingly effective in improving typing skills.

• Engaging Learning Experience: Typing games make typing practice fun and rewarding, unlike traditional typing lessons.

• History of Typing Games: Educational games, including typing games, have existed since the early 1980s.

• Modern Typing Games: Immersive gameplay experiences that subtly improve typing speed and precision.

• Gameplay Mechanics: Progress and survival often depend on typing speed and accuracy, creating a natural incentive for improvement.

• Game Examples: Glyphica: Typing Survival and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun – Words of Vengeance demonstrate how typing can be integrated into various genres.

• Game Genre: First-person shooter (FPS) game.

• Game Rating: Mature 17+ due to blood and gore, and violence.

• Release Date: May 23, 2023.

• Gameplay Experience: Blood Typers is a unique and enjoyable typing game that can be played solo or with friends.

• Vocabulary Improvement: Typing games, like Blood Typers and Cryptmaster, subtly expand vocabulary through gameplay.

• Skill Development: Typing games offer a fun and engaging way to improve typing skills, regardless of prior experience.

Entertainment Updates : Microsoft unveils Xbox-branded ROG Ally handhelds with AMD’s new Ryzen Z2 chips

Source : 

https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-microsoft-xbox-branded-rog-ally-handheld-amd-ryzen-z2-gaming

Apple Intelligence : 

• Product Launch: Microsoft launched two Xbox-branded ROG Ally handhelds.

• Design: The handhelds feature Xbox-inspired design elements, including hand grips, colored rings around the sticks, and a dedicated Xbox home button.

• Hardware Specifications: The Xbox Ally X boasts AMD’s Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chip, 24GB of LPDDR5X memory, and a 1TB SSD, while the Xbox Ally comes with the Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

• Display: 7-inch 1080p LCD panel with 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus, and DXC anti-reflective coating.

• Software: Custom version of Windows 11 with a new Xbox full-screen experience designed for controller use.

• Gaming Features: FreeSync Premium support, USB 4 for external GPU connectivity, and a new initiative to identify controller-friendly games.

Entertainment Updates : Brave the nights for a chance to complete the Cobolo Primary 30th Anniversary card collection and uncover the secrets of the school.

Source : 

https://cobolo.itch.io/schoolbound

Apple Intelligence : 

• Game Genre: Singleplayer 3D Stealth Horror Narrative.

• Gameplay: Players explore a haunted primary school at night, collecting cards and avoiding ghosts.

• Game Length: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Entertainment Updates : PC Gamers Have 5 Free Games to Claim Right Now

Source : 

https://gamerant.com/free-pc-games-right-now-june-2025-steam-epic-games-store-egs/

Apple Intelligence : 

• Free Games on Steam: Borderlands 2, Hellslave, and Tell Me Why.

• Free Games on Epic Games Store: Deathloop and Ogu and the Secret Forest.

• Time Sensitivity: PC gamers need to act fast to claim the free games.

• Free Steam Games: Borderlands 2 (until June 8), Hellslave (until June 16), and Tell Me Why (until July 1).

• Free Epic Games Store Games: Deathloop and Ogu and the Secret Forest (until June 12).

• Upcoming Epic Games Store Game: Two Point Hospital (available June 12 at 10am CT).