Although many studios seemed to be holding back releases this year, a new console and retro returns are breathing new animated life into the video game industry. This summer brings the official launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, with a couple of exclusives and some older, well-known games debuting on the platform. Other highlights among this summer's video game releases include a Sega reboot and the long-awaited release of a Hideo Kojima sequel to his polarizing 2019 game.
Mario Kart World
One of the most highly anticipated releases for the new Nintendo Switch 2 is the brand-new Mario Kart game, which features a somewhat open-world twist on the familiar format. The off-track sections enable "longer races that are more interconnected across multiple tracks," Esquire said. "The online offerings, too, are more advanced," making the new game "one of the biggest leaps forward for Mario Kart that we've ever seen." The first new Mario Kart game in over a decade, the title is the "system-selling launch title of the Switch 2", which debuts alongside the system. (out now for Switch 2)
Dune: Awakening
The new multiplayer MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) has already proven to be a popular game during its advanced release period; it will likely continue on that path now that it has officially been released for PC.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The desert planet of Arrakis is "transformed into an expansive (literal) sandbox where you're free to build your own base in a world shared with other players," and the game's "concept, scale and customization are already giving us plenty of reasons to get excited" despite its release being delayed for three weeks, said Games Radar. Dune Awakening is the latest from Conan Exile's developer, Funcom, the studio "behind some of the best MMORPGs." Players can expect an "impressive survival experience." (out now for PC)
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Hideo Kojima's highly anticipated sequel to 2019's Death Stranding finally arrives this summer, and the hype is mounting. The first game "challenged the idea of human connection through refreshing gameplay mechanics that fundamentally reexamined the very act of movement," said IGN. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach can be seen as an "attempt to take the premises of the first game to the next level." (June 26, preorder for PS5)
Tamagotchi Plaza
Nostalgic millennials to the front, because the '90s era digital pets are back in this new Switch exclusive. "Tamagotchi is back," said Esquire. And not just one, but a whole plaza of them. There has not been a Tamagotchi game for consoles since 2012, so cozy game fans are in for a treat. It is a "hallmark of what we like to call 'casual hardcore,'" meaning anyone who is "down the retro Harvest Moon rabbit hole or has spent thousands of hours with The Sims will want to keep this on their radar. (June 27, preorder for Switch 2)
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
Another retro comeback, this time with Sega's revival of its retro "ninja hack-and-slash series Shinobi," which goes "all the way back to the '80s arcade days," said Esquire. The series has been "dormant since the PS2 era," and the new game is a "throwback to the side scrollers of old, with a painterly art style and fluid combat and platforming." Ninja and samurai-based games are having a moment, and Sega is "throwing its hat in the ring and going back to where it all started with a new spin on retro action." (Aug. 29, preorder for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch and PC)
-
5 thin-skinned cartoons about shooting the messengerCartoons Artists take on unfavorable weather, a look in the mirror, and more
-
Is Trump's new peacemaking model working in DR Congo?Talking Point Truce brokered by the US president in June is holding, but foundations of a long-term peace have let to be laid
-
Crossword: August 10, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
-
The return of 'Wednesday,' an 'Alien' prequel and a dramatic retelling of the Amanda Knox trial all happening in August TVthe week recommends This month's new television releases include 'Alien: Earth,' 'The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox' and a new season of 'Wednesday'
-
Go beyond the islands you already know in these 8 countries. Surprises await.The Week Recommends These destinations fly under the radar
-
The most fun road trips are the ones with the least curveballs. Use these tips to get there.The Week Recommends The music blaring, the windows wide open and a carefree drive
-
Destination unknown: the exciting ins and outs of mystery travelThe Week Recommends Surprise yourself the next time you vacation
-
5 cultural and scenic trails to wander on four wheelsThe Week Recommends Leave the hiking shoes at home
-
Time to land completely refreshed. Because it's one-and done with these pre-assembled toiletry kits.The Week Recommends All the essentials in one place
-
Not every hike has to wipe you out. These 7 treks are easy-breezy.The Week Recommends These trails won't leave you breathless
-
Real-life couples creating real-deal sparks in the best movies to star IRL partnersThe Week Recommends The chemistry between off-screen items can work wonders
