Gaming News – April 7th
- Yefune Kenizi
- Apr 8
- 8 min read
Published: April 8, 2025
By: Yefune Kenizi
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo has unveiled the Japanese eShop pages for several forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games, detailing their file sizes, which are significantly larger compared to those on the original Nintendo Switch. Specifically, Mario Kart World is listed at 23.4 GB, Donkey Kong Bananza at 10 GB, and Super Mario Party Jamboree at 7.7 GB, exceeding the 5.3 GB size on the original platform. The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled for release on June 5th and will be priced at $449.99.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Prepare for Donkey Kong Bananza, an innovative 3D platforming action-adventure exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. Players can crash, bash, and climb through various obstacles in DK’s path, while tearing off chunks of terrain to use in exploration. The more that is destroyed with powerful punches, the more accessible areas become. This adventure is filled with chaos, surprises, and bananas as players navigate through it when Donkey Kong Bananza launches on Nintendo Switch 2.
Mario Kart World
Experience Mario Kart racing like never before with Mario Kart World, set in a vast interconnected environment. Twenty-four drivers can race seamlessly across connected courses. The new Knockout Tour mode challenges players to barrel through consecutive courses and checkpoints without pit stops; failure to reach each checkpoint with a high-enough placement results in elimination. In Free Roam mode, players can explore off the racetrack, drive in any direction, discover interesting areas, and take photos at scenic spots with friends. Mario Kart World is set to release on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Marvelous announced a one-week delay for Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, now releasing June 5th alongside Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch version get an upgrade pack to play on Switch 2, with details coming soon. The game features Japanese-inspired visuals and enhanced gameplay on the new console. Marvelous also revealed a limited "Earth Dancer Accessory Set" for $49.99, available soon on their online store, including the soundtrack, art book, folding fan, and plush keychain.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
SNK announced that DJ Salvatore Ganacci will be a playable character in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, set for release on April 24th on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Salvatore, voiced by Sean Chiplock (English) and Hinata Tadokoro (Japanese), is an artist seeking inspiration in South Town to complete his anime music video. His versatile fighting style mixes DJing and martial arts.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves features new REV System tools offering unique offensive options, such as REV Arts, Accel, Blows (while S.P.G. is active), and more. Classic battle systems like Combination Attacks, Just Defense, Braking, Dodge Attacks, and Feints return and are upgraded for modern gameplay. Players can choose between Arcade Style with precise inputs or Smart Style for easier combos using single button presses.
The Fatal Fury series debuted in 1991, and Garou: Mark of the Wolves was its last major release in 1999.
Check out the trailers:
LUNAR Remastered Collection
GungHo Online Entertainment has released the story trailer for LUNAR Remastered Collection, featuring animated sequences, gameplay, voice lines, and a story summary. The collection includes LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete, launching on April 18th for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam.
Dive into the worlds of LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete. In Silver Star Story, join Alex and friends as they battle the Magic Emperor. In Eternal Blue, follow Hiro and friends on a quest to find the Goddess Althena and fend off enemies.
This remastered edition offers enhanced graphics, audio, quality-of-life improvements, and supports English, Japanese, French, and German. Enjoy nostalgic cutscenes, iconic characters, and turn-based combat. Experience strategic battles with fully-voiced attacks and incantations in both Japanese and new English voiceovers.
Choose between classic or remastered mode with updated visuals and high-definition cutscenes. Speed up battles and benefit from improved strategy settings. Relive these JRPG classics with a modern twist.
Zenless Zone Zero
miHoYo announced that Zenless Zone Zero will be available on Xbox Series. An "Xbox Spotlight" live stream will be hosted on April 11th, viewable on Twitch and YouTube, featuring details about the Xbox release and new updates. Currently, Zenless Zone Zero is available on PlayStation 5, PC via client and Epic Games Store, iOS, and Android.
Zenless Zone Zero is set in a post-apocalyptic city with a futuristic art style, distinctive characters, and action-oriented combat. Players act as "Proxies," guiding diverse partners to defeat enemies and uncover mysteries in New Eridu—the last urban shelter. The civilization was destroyed by "Hollows," creating dimensions where monsters, "Ethereal," roam. New Eridu acquired technology to extract resources from Hollows, leading to exploration, tension between monopolies, gangs, conspirators, and fanatics.
As Proxies, players help others explore Hollows, battle enemies, achieve goals, and uncover their stories. The game features a cinematic combat system with different characters' skills and QTE combos, along with roguelike gameplay.
Horizon
According to a recent interview with Variety, the previously announced adaptation of Sony’s Horizon series has transitioned from a movie to a television series. In the interview, head of PlayStation Productions Asad Qizilbash revealed that this change was due to the team's desire to execute the project appropriately. “It just wasn’t creatively going how we wanted to,” said Qizilbash. This likely indicates that the production of the adaptation is still in its early stages, such as the writing phase. He further expressed his confidence in the production, attributing it to recent changes in the industry. “I think what people have seen in Hollywood is that video game adaptations, if done right, can actually be very popular, and they scale really well. That’s been a big sea change that I’ve seen in the last five, six years, since we’ve really started to come and deliver some great content.”
Horizon Zero Dawn was initially set to be adapted into a series on Netflix, with The Umbrella Academy showrunner Steve Blackman assigned to write the show. However, after years of development, the series was never produced.
Earth is ours no more.
Experience the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn with stunning new visuals and upgraded features.
In a distant future where colossal machines dominate the Earth, pockets of humanity survive within unique tribes amidst the lush, overgrown ruins of our lost civilization.
Take up bow and spear as Aloy, a young machine hunter and outcast of her tribe, as she uncovers her origins, the truth about this mysterious world, and her destiny to save it from impending disaster. On her journey, Aloy encounters distinctive tribes, lively settlements, and compelling characters and companions. Yet this open world is also teeming with wildlife and peril. Awe-inspiring but deadly hostile machines patrol the majestic landscape, corrupted by an unknown force.
In combat, players will unleash devastating, tactical attacks using an exciting arsenal of weapons against formidable machines and nefarious rival factions. Horizon Zero Dawn is a multi-award-winning action role-playing game, and this remastered edition brings Aloy’s beloved world to life in greater detail, leveraging the power and potential of the PlayStation 5 console.
PlayStation 5 Features:
Breathtaking visuals with 4K and HDR support.
Near-instant load times with Ultra High-Speed SSD.
Fully immersive sound via PlayStation 5 Tempest 3D AudioTech.
Experience every thrill with the DualSense wireless controller’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
Marathon
Bungie has announced that it will broadcast a Gameplay Reveal Showcase for the upcoming PVP extraction shooter Marathon on April 12th. It will be viewable on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. A save the Date trailer was also released. The trailer shows what seems to be a map with lush, green fauna and gunshots in the distance. Marathon will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. A release date has yet to be announced. In Marathon, players are cybernetic mercenaries venturing into the unknown in a fight for survival and fortune where any run can lead to notable achievements.
Marathon is set on a massive ghost ship that hangs in low orbit over a lost colony on Tau Ceti IV. The 30,000 inhabitants have disappeared without a trace. Signals suggest mysterious artifacts, long-dormant AI, and significant wealth are present.
In Bungie’s upcoming science-fiction player-versus-player extraction shooter, Marathon, players become Runners—cybernetic mercenaries exploring unknown territories for survival and fortune. Game Director Christopher Barrett commented on the game:
“With Marathon, one of our primary focuses is player-based storytelling. Unlike the original Marathon games which revealed story moments through text terminals, we now have many more ways to immerse players in this world. Our design philosophy allows players to influence the story of the world through their choices and actions. This approach enables us to shape the overall narrative direction while giving players a sense of agency and power.
"Marathon is designed as a player-versus-player-focused game without a single-player campaign. We aim to create opportunities for player-driven stories integrated with the overarching game narrative. The game features persistent, evolving zones where players craft their journey with each run, potentially facing other crews or encountering unexpected challenges.
"We want players to impact these zones and the larger world with their actions. For example, discovering an artifact that unlocks a new area for all players to explore. Our goal is to create a game where player actions affect the world and the unfolding seasons.
"We aim to offer an engaging experience for both newcomers and fans familiar with the Marathon universe. Prior knowledge of Marathon is not required to play, but there are references and elements that long-time fans will recognize.”
Trailer URL
Another Crab's Treasure
Developer Aggro Crab has announced that the free update "Year of the Crab" for Another Crab’s Treasure will be released on April 21st. It will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, with a later release date for Nintendo Switch. The update introduces several new features, including New Game Plus, Boss Rush Mode, and new costumes. In addition, physical editions of the game for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 will be launched this year by iam8bit, including both the base game and DLC. A trailer for the update has also been released. Another Crab’s Treasure is currently available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store.
as been New Game Plus. Due to the overwhelming response, the developers decided to implement it. They have not merely scaled up enemy stats but have added new moves to bosses, introduced new items, and remixed almost every enemy encounter in the game. Players will be able to upgrade their fork and stowaway weight even higher, with New Game Plus featuring four stowaway slots and exclusive stowaways known as Sigils.
Additional features outside of New Game Plus include:
Refight Bosses: Players can revisit their favorite boss fights through Combat Memories and re-fight any defeated boss from any Moon Snail Shell.
Boss Rush Mode: Topoda offers Boss Rush challenges with themed sequential fights, rewarding players with new costumes upon completion.
Museum Bestiary: The Museum has reopened, showcasing a constantly updated display of all enemies encountered and defeated during the journey.
One New Boss Fight: A new boss fight has been added, providing a well-deserved challenge.
Community Updates: New achievements and community trading cards have been added due to popular demand. Speed-running enthusiasts should watch out for speedy snails around the world
For more information, please view the trailer at https://youtu.be/f1COQzF_ucI.
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