You won’t want to miss these quick-fire updates — from a surprising Microsoft move to a Nintendo leak that could change the next console, plus a weekend full of demos and a minor handheld refresh.
Microsoft plans a July launch for its own mobile game storefront — starting in the browser
Microsoft has revealed plans to open a new games storefront for Android and iOS users in July. Sarah Bond, president of Xbox, outlined the company’s strategy during an interview at the Bloomberg Technology Summit: the service will initially run through a web browser so it can be accessed on a wide range of devices and in many countries without being constrained by other app stores’ rules. At launch, the catalog will include Microsoft-owned titles such as Minecraft and Candy Crush, with the intention of adding third-party publishers’ games later.
When pressed about recent studio closures — including Tango Gameworks, Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Games and Roundhouse Studios — Bond stuck to generalities about making tough decisions to protect the business long-term. The line of questioning came from Bloomberg’s Dina Bass and was met with cautious answers rather than specifics.
Nintendo successor reportedly shows up in customs records with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage
A community of users on the Famiboards forum has been poring over import-export filings and related shipping data tied to components that appear to be for Nintendo’s next console. By cross-referencing countries of origin and destination and connections to companies such as Nintendo, Nvidia and manufacturing partners in Vietnam, the group concluded the successor to the Switch may ship with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage. That would represent a big jump from the current Nintendo Switch’s 4 GB of memory and could indicate the console will use two 6 GB memory modules.
Handheld hardware tweak and the game many people say you should try
On the portable gaming front, the new ROG Ally X is shaping up to be a modest update rather than a sweeping redesign. Early impressions suggest the main change is improved battery life, with few other major upgrades. That apparent lack of dramatic change was phrased wryly by observers: hardware makers may have made incremental improvements, but the bigger buzz from players is aimed elsewhere — many who’ve already played it are recommending Animal Well, which is getting a lot of attention right now.
Steam’s LudonarraCon returns — free demos, sales, and narrative indies to explore
LudonarraCon 2024, the digital festival focused on narrative-driven games, launched on Steam and runs through May 13. It’s a good excuse to download demos like Nirvana Noir, sample trending indie titles and shop discounts. Among the indies generating chatter are Crow Country, Cryptmaster and 1000xRESIST. Additionally, Inscryption is currently available at half price during the event.
Want more audio content or to support the project?
If you’d like extended coverage or exclusive material, the team points to their Patreon for additional content and perks. They also offer podcasts where you can listen to related discussions and episodes.
Similar Posts
- Nintendo Switch 2: Could It Be the Perfect Console for Playing Switch 1 Games?
- Nintendo Unveils Switch 2: Next-Gen Console Details Revealed!
- Nintendo Removes Twitter Integration from Switch: What Players Need to Know
- Nintendo’s Next Console Will Have Backward Compatibility: Furukawa Confirms!
- Sony Develops New Handheld Console: Gaming Industry Buzzes with Excitement!
Logan Whitmere is a gaming enthusiast who lives and breathes video games. Whether it’s reviews, gaming tips, or news about the latest releases, Logan’s passion and expertise bring the virtual world to life for every reader.