🕹️ X Rocker Levels Up: New Brand Identity & RGB-Powered Product Lineup 💺🎮

Celebrating 10 Years of Innovation with Veleno 2.1 RGB, Sparta RGB & Battlebunk XL RGB

X Rocker™, the global leader in gaming furniture, has officially entered a bold new chapter. Marking a decade of innovation, the brand has unveiled a striking new identity — complete with refreshed logo, dynamic iconography, and two new mascots, Neo and Melody — designed to reflect its evolution from audio-first chairs to full-spectrum gaming environments.

The rebrand, revealed in a cinematic brand film, celebrates X Rocker’s transformation under CEO Gary Shaw, spotlighting its rise as a powerhouse in immersive gaming furniture. To mark the occasion, X Rocker is launching three standout products that embody its new design direction and lifestyle-driven ethos.

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🎧 Veleno 2.1 RGB Gaming Chair – £169.99 (Smyths)

Built for eSports and everyday play, the Veleno 2.1 RGB puts gamers at the centre of the action.

• Neo Motion™ App-Controlled RGB Lighting for infinite customisation
• Integrated 2.1 Audio System with twin headrest speakers and subwoofer
• Ergonomic Foam Padding for long-session comfort
• Universal 3.5mm Compatibility with PlayStation®, Xbox®, Nintendo®, and PC
  Compact, stylish, and performance-packed — it’s a throne for serious players.

🎮 Gioteck™ Adds a Splash of Summer to Switch 2 🎮 @GioteckArmy

Introducing the Colourful New WX5 & WX5+ Wireless Controllers — Available Now!

Gioteck™ has unveiled its vibrant new WX5 and WX5+ Wireless Controllers — fully compatible with both Nintendo® Switch™ and the new Switch™ 2 consoles.

Designed to deliver next-gen performance without breaking the bank, the WX5 and WX5+ offer lag-free wireless gameplay across Switch 1, Switch 2, and PC. With bold summer-inspired designs and advanced features, these controllers are built to elevate every session — whether you're grinding through RPGs or battling online with friends.

50 Indie Games that Changed the World 📖 @BitmapBooks #IndieGames

We're super excited to announce the impending launch of 50 Indie Games that Changed the World from Bitmap Books!

https://www.bitmapbooks.com/collections/coming-soon/products/50-indie-games-that-changed-the-world

Penned by experienced video game journalist Aaron Potter, and featuring an opening guest foreword by an indie game veteran in Thomas Was Alone’s Mike Bithell, you’ll discover the stories behind 50 of the most influential indie games released in the past two decades – from pixelated classics like Shovel Knight and Dead Cells to early masterpieces like Super Meat Boy and Limbo. 

Each game’s chapter is also accompanied by a raft of behind-the-scenes concept art and high-quality screenshots that further showcase the level of variety only possible in indie games that are able to span a wide range of excitingly fresh genres and unique art styles.

RRP: £32.49

Pages: 452

Size: 250mm × 250mm

Released: 20th August 2025 at 5pm UK time

Composer World - Developer: Dynamic Voltage Games Available on: Nintendo Switch *Create music on your Switch!* 🎶🎺🥁

Write music in many styles! Classical, retro, electronic, synth, pop, jazz, etc - with a controller or touchscreen.

Composer World is a unique way to write music. It includes hundreds of instruments/drum sets across many styles. You can create music that sounds like a real orchestra, or compose a track that sounds like it's from a retro game console.

Includes a multi-touch piano with over 100 sounds to choose from - as well as drum pads. Use these to practice, brainstorm a song, or to record in music in real time.

Tassei Denki Revives Lightgun Gaming with G‘AIM’E TIME CRISIS Kickstarter 📺🔫 #Retrogaming

Tassei Denki launches an exciting new Kickstarter campaign for the G‘AIM’E TIME CRISIS Lightgun, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic arcade shooter.

Developed under license from Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. and original arcade developers, the G‘AIM’E Lightgun and its plug-and-play mini-console bring arcade-accurate gameplay to modern home setups.

The system is designed to work seamlessly on any TV or monitor using AI-powered tracking and a high-resolution camera, eliminating the need for CRTs or manual calibration.

Minecraft Players Beware: Malicious Mods Used in Sophisticated Cyberattack 💻⛏️🪧 @_CPResearch_ #MineCraft

Minecraft’s vibrant modding community has been hit by a dangerous cyber threat. Check Point Research (CPR) recently uncovered a three-stage malware campaign disguised as fake Minecraft mods, which were shared on GitHub to infiltrate players' systems.

A Multi-Stage Attack Targeting Gamers

Cybercriminals have exploited the popularity of Minecraft mods by embedding malware into seemingly legitimate files. 

The infection unfolds in three stages:

1. Java Downloader: A hidden script activates upon installation.

2. Second-Stage Stealer: This component extracts sensitive data like login credentials.

3. Final Advanced Spyware: This more sophisticated malware harvests cryptocurrency wallets, browser passwords, and system information.

Pre-orders open now for DOOM™: The Dark Ages soundtrack on vinyl and CD 💿 #Vinyl #VideoGameVinyl

Bethesda Softworks and Laced Records have opened pre-orders for the DOOM: The Dark Ages soundtrack, composed by Finishing Move. Available on vinyl and CD, the release features multiple formats:

- 4LP box set (35 tracks) and double LP (17 tracks), each with exclusive vinyl colour variants from Laced Records and the Bethesda Gear Store.

- CD version (35 tracks) in a deluxe triple gatefold sleeve.

- Standard black vinyl option also available.

The soundtrack embodies the game’s “Stand and Fight” combat philosophy, blending thrash metal, doom metal, black metal, and traditional folk instruments for a raw, primal sound. The vinyl packaging has been carefully designed by id Software, with exclusive artwork and a debossed Slayer symbol.

This latest chapter in the DOOM franchise saw over three million players in its first week, marking one of id Software’s biggest launches. The composers aimed to honour DOOM’s legacy while carving out a bold new identity for its soundscape. 

We’d like to introduce you to Sovietborgs, a top-down 16-bit run ’n' gun shooter on the SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis 🎮 #Retrogaming

We’d like to introduce you to Sovietborgs, a top-down 16-bit run’n' gun shooter set in an alternate timeline where the Soviet Empire rules supreme, created by Retro Sumus, the studio behind Xenocider for the Dreamcast.

In this brutal retro-futuristic world, you control a squad of cybernetic warriors—the Sovietborgs—on a mission to crush monsters and rebel scum, one explosion at a time. 

The game will support classic platforms such as Mega Drive/Genesis, Dreamcast, NeoGeo, and MS-DOS.Sovietborgs will launch a campaign on IndieGoGo in June 25. 
In Sovietborgs, you’ll dive into:🎮

• Old-school top-down gameplay inspired by The Chaos Engine and Gauntlet
• Pre-rendered visuals crafted with techniques used in Donkey Kong Country
• A killer soundtrack with vibes from Red Alert and Urban Strike
• Shmup-style bonus stages and massive, grotesque boss fight

🔗Sovietborgs: Sega Genesis/MegaDrive, NeoGeo & more | Indiegogo 🔗

LOST IN CULT Announces EDITIONS - "A Preservation and Design-Focused Physical Games Label" 💿 @lostincult #IndieGame #GameDev

 

Physical games designed with the care they deserve. We’re doing it differently. We’re doing it better. Lost In Cult, best known as the acclaimed video game culture and design studio behind your favourite premium quality gaming items, is exceptionally proud to finally unveil EDITIONS - our bold new vision for physical media. Launching with a trio of titles for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, our new imprint redefines the standards of what a physical game can be. Our initial launch features three distinct acclaimed indie masterpieces, available to order now: Thank Goodness You’re Here! (PS5/Switch) - a BAFTA-winning comedy adventure (limited to 3,000 on Switch/1,500 on PS5) Immortality (PS5) - a critically acclaimed interactive experience, winner of BAFTA’s Best Narrative (limited to 1,500 on PS5) The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow (Switch) - a folk horror adventure standout, with a BAFTA-winning performance (limited to 3,000 on Switch)

The Ultimate Waterslide Guide for Aquapark Tycoon 🌊🛝🌊 @boxelware #IndieGame #GameDev

Slides are among the biggest attractions in Aquapark Tycoon. To ensure your guests enjoy unforgettable thrills and plenty of action, Boxelware went above and beyond to offer an impressive selection of slides.

Today, the development team takes you behind the scenes of waterslide construction, revealing the many ways to customize your water park. Each variant comes with specialized design options that impact the slide’s dynamics, speed, and safety.

NACON Announces The New RIG 400 GEN2 Series Gaming Headsets 🎧 @Nacon @NaconFR

NACON announces the new RIG 400 GEN2 Series. Successors to the best-selling camo gaming headsets, the new generation headsets are available in two soft-touch camo designs, Arctic Camo and Urban Camo, exclusively at Walmart stores and Walmart.com.

The 400 GEN2 delivers epic game audio with powerful 40mm audio drivers and crystal-clear comms via a redesigned flip-to-mute microphone. Gamers can seamlessly connect with squad mates across platforms with a universal 3.5mm audio jack, built to plug and play on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2, and more.

Designed for extended gaming sessions, the 400 GEN2 features redesigned oval earcups that form comfortably around the ear. The signature snap-fit sizing and a cushioned headband ensure a perfect fit for all head sizes, offering unmatched comfort and durability.

GameSir Launches X5 Lite Mobile Controller and GameHub Gaming Platform 🎮 @mygamesir

X5 Lite - Ideal entry-level mobile controller with precise hall effect sticks, cushioned triggers, and turbo function, pass-through charging, and software support

GameHub - Free Gaming Platform that supports cloud gaming and game streaming, breaking the barriers between mobile and desktop platforms

GameSir has announced the launch of the GameSir X5 Lite mobile controller and GameHub, a free gaming platform that bridges the gap between mobile and desktop gaming. 

Both innovations aim to provide an unparalleled gaming experience for mobile gamers while maintaining flexibility, precision, and convenience. 

The GameSir X5 Lite is available for $34.99/£34.99 from Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA and the GameSir website in both Black and Wasabi colour options.

GameHub is available for download at GameHub, giving gamers access to a dynamic and interactive gaming experience that seamlessly connects mobile and desktop environments.

Toaplan Shooters Collection Vol 2 - Ready for Re-Launch! Pre Orders Are Live NOW! 💥

Two iconic Toaplan shoot 'em ups are now available for your collection! Building on the success of re-releasing four of their titles for SGN 16-bit consoles five years ago in collaboration with Tatsujin and Masahiro Yuge, this new collection showcases the evolution of Toaplan’s craft with one of their earliest classics, Slap Fight, and one of their final masterpieces, Grind Stormer. The community’s incredible response has made this nostalgic revival a reality.

Slap Fight and Grind Stormer are both iconic shoot 'em ups with distinct features:

Slap Fight: Known for its innovative power-up system, players can collect stars to upgrade their ship's abilities, including speed, weapons, and shields. The game offers strategic gameplay, allowing players to customize their ship to suit different challenges. Its vertical scrolling design and intense enemy waves make it a classic in the genre.

Grind Stormer: features two gameplay modes—instant power-ups and a strategic upgrade bar system. Players control the NA-00 space fighter through six stages, battling enemies with various weapons like missiles and lasers. It includes unique mechanics like a smaller hitbox for the ship and a sci-fi FM soundtrack by Masahiro Yuge, enhancing the immersive experience.

Both games showcase Toaplan's creativity and evolution in arcade gaming.

PRE ORDER LINK: https://retro-bit.com/toaplan-shooters-2/

PRE-ORDERS END JUNE 1ST, 2025

What We Learned About The Nintendo Switch 2 on The 2nd of April 2025 Nintendo Direct 🎮

I sat waiting for the Nintendo Direct that was going to lay out the details for the much anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and overall it was a good Direct with most of our questions getting answered in the process. So let's take a quick look at what we learned:

Release Date: 

05/06/2025

Pre Orders: 

According to a page on the My Nintendo Store, pre-orders will be available from April 8

Boulies launches the cool new MagVida standing desk with EMO™ System 🪑 @BouliesChairs

Able to be setup in just 5 minutes, the MagVida offers the perfect workspace with an easy control panel and high-quality materials to get through the full day in comfort. It also has an EMO™ System that helps to keep everything organised and out the way.

To celebrate the launch, Boulies is also offering substantial discounts on its website, making it currently only £599.99 for UK customers and $699.99 for US customers (reduced from £679.99 and $799.99 respectively).

Game Informer Magazine and Website Is Back?! 📖

When I heard last year that Game Informer was being shut down I became immediately nostalgic and sad for a magazine and a website that I'd heard soooo much about but never really engaged with.

Game Informer was and still is regularly referenced in the video games Podcasts from the USA that I insatiably consume on a weekly basis. This has created a knowledge of Game Informer by osmosis as I lap up my daily dose of Video Games goodness via intravenous Podcast to the ear lug.

So to my absolute surprise I saw a news article on VGC that proclaimed: 

"Game Informer rescued by blockchain firm, with ‘entire team’ reunited"

At this news I instantly went over to GameInformer.com to read this great letter from the editor Matt Miller.

To say I'm excited for something that I've never read is an understatement and my next obsession will be to collect Game Informer Magazines from over the years.

SelectaPlay Unleashes Terrifier: The ARTcade Game Collector’s Edition. Prepare for Pixelated Carnage! 🔪🤡🩸

A blood-drenched physical edition slashes its way to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch

Brace yourself for a massacre of the most magnificent kind! Publisher SelectaPlay and developer Relevo are bringing horror fans the ultimate grisly treat, a killer physical Collector’s Edition of Terrifier: The ARTcade Game, launching for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch alongside its digital release for Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Step into the oversized, blood-splattered shoes of Art the Clown in this old-school, arcade-style beat ‘em up inspired by the most brutal horror games of the ‘80s and ‘90s. 

But don’t expect a scripted scream-fest as Art carves his own path of chaos, gutting cops, mangling stunt performers, and terrorizing film sets with his signature blend of sadistic humour and nightmarish brutality. 

Gorgeously grotesque pixel art brings the madness to life, while fluid animations ensure that every slash, stomp, and skull-crushing finisher is as satisfyingly savage as the films.

SpecialEffect’s GameBlast25 charity gaming weekend raises over £130,000 💙

💙The amazing charity that we have been helping with fundraising for over a decade have once again managed to raise an amazing amount of money as part of GameBlast25!

The total raised for GameBlast25, the UK’s largest charity gaming weekend, has been confirmed at over £130,000.

Gamers across the UK and beyond took on gaming marathons and game-themed events over the weekend of 21-23 February to raise money for the charity, who help people with physical disabilities to experience the fun and inclusion of video games.

Hundreds of gamers, creators and communities signed up for the event, along with many major names in the games industry including Rare, Kinetic Games, Dovetail Games, Digital Extremes and Team Terrible.

“We’re amazed and humbled by the final figure,” said Paige Harvey, the GameBlast Event Coordinator, “To have the support of so many gamers around the world is a huge boost for the charity, and we’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of everyone involved. We couldn’t be more thankful for their support, time, and generosity.”

“Both the funds and awareness for SpecialEffect will help us have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of disabled people around the world by assisting them in discovering the magic of video games.”

Funds raised from the event will help support the charity’s lifelong gaming accessibility support service that enables gamers like Maxine to play to the very best of her abilities. The charity does not charge for any of its services.

GameBlast has raised over £1.8M to support disabled gamers over the past twelve years, and the dates for GameBlast26 have been announced as 17 February - 1 March.

Donations for GameBlast can still be made at https://bit.ly/40hQYCG

THE NEXT LONDON GAMING MARKET IS ON 29 JUNE - TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 💰🕹️ @ReplayEvents #retrogaming #gamersunite

The ONLY dedicated gaming market in London is back for its TENTH year. 

The London Gaming Market is THE place to buy retro video-games, board games and merchandise all in one place.

The next market will take place on Sunday 29th June 2025. 

The event starts at 10:30 and the event will close at 16:30.

-Advance Entrance starts from 10:30, tickets cost £8.00 per person. Under 16's must purchase a ticket for this at the door.

-Second door entry is at 12:00 for just £5.00 per ticket. Under 16's must purchase a ticket for this at the door.

-Third door entry is at 13:30 for just £5.00 per ticket. Under 16's must purchase a ticket for this at the door.

-Fourth door entry is at 15:00 for just £3.50 per ticket, with under 16's free with a paying adult.

Under 16s require a ticket for entry before 15:00. Under 5s do not require a ticket for this event.

Brought to you by experienced games expo organisers Replay Events, the London Gaming Market is the only event of its kind held in the heart of London.

So if gaming is your passion you are sure to find unique, nostalgic and rare items from our fantastic vendors.

Whether you are a veteran market attendee or new to the show, come along and join us for a fantastic day of gaming and shopping.

🔗Click the link below to purchase your ticket!

London Gaming Market - Sunday 29th June 2025 Tickets, Sun 29 Jun 2025 at 10:30 | Eventbrite

Double Dragon Revive’s bonus game, "Double Dragon Dodgeball" reveals its newest trailer! 🐲🐉🀄

Arc System Works is pleased to announce the arrival of the new trailer for the bonus game “Double Dragon Dodgeball”. The game will be available as a pre-order bonus for every player pre-ordering the game Double Dragon Revive on PC and consoles. ‘Double Dragon Dodgeball’ is a unique game starring the iconic characters of the Double Dragon series in an action packed game of dodgeball.

‘Double Dragon Dodgeball’ includes several modes: a Story mode in solo with missions to save Marian. The multiplayer modes feature 1v1 matches and a Survival mode playable up to 4 players. Players will be able to enjoy ‘Double Dragon Dodgeball’ for free by pre-ordering "Double Dragon Revive" on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC Steam. Double Dragon Revive will be available on these platforms on October 23, 2025.