Monthly Archives: March 2021

Nintendo Can’t Repair Some Japanese 3DS Models Because It’s Run Out of Spare Parts

Nintendo is ending repairs of the original Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL a few weeks earlier than expected in Japan. This news comes by way of 4Gamer.net, as translated by Siliconera, which reports that the final batches of original 3DS units sent in by March 8, 2021 — so today — will be the last batches repaired by Nintendo. The company previously announced on February 25 that it would no longer be offering repairs of the original 3DS and 3DS XL in Japan due to "difficulty in securing spare parts" after March 31, 2021, according to Siliconera. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/10/19/top-25-3ds-games"] That February announcement reportedly led to more units than expected to be sent in for repair, which further drained Nintendo's supply of spare parts to repair the handheld devices. That's why the company has pushed back its final repair date to today. All of this is to say that if you're someone with a Japanese model of the original 3DS or 3DS XL unless you've already sent your unit in, you're out of luck as far as an official repair by Nintendo goes. As noted by Siliconera, though, Nintendo's online 3DS services will remain online for the foreseeable future and Nintendo's official Japanese repair centers will still be accepting repairs for all other 3DS models like the New Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 2DS, and their XL counterparts. The two models being phased out of repairs, the original 3DS and 3DS XL, were released in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Production of those two models and all other 3DS models ended back in September of last year after nine years of being on the market. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/10/31/nintendo-will-make-more-3ds-franchises-available-on-switch"] The Nintendo 3DS was the last device to be co-developed alongside another console by Nintendo — the WiiU, in this instance — as the company focused its home console and handheld development into one system with the release of the Nintendo Switch back in 2017. Check out our list of the 25 best 3DS games and then check out IGN's thoughts on the latest 3DS consoles released in our New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL review. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes

Justice League Snyder Cut: New Teaser Includes a Little More Deathstroke, a Lot More Darkseid

A new Justice League Snyder Cut teaser has been spotted as an ad on Twitch and it features 30 seconds of what appears to be the Flash, Joker, and Deathstroke in Batman's Knightmare as well as footage featuring Darkseid. The teaser hasn't officially been released on YouTube or social media, but comicbook.com has the footage in their story. The teaser begins with Darkseid sitting on a fiery throne, talking about how he's turned "1000 worlds to dust," before it cuts to Ben Affleck's Knightmare Batman and a new look at Ezra Miller's Flash in the Knightmare. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=justice-league-snyder-cut-all-the-known-differences-from-the-theatrical-version&captions=true"] As the teaser continues, it becomes pretty clear that Darkseid is quite upset at "those who robbed [him] of [his] true glory," which he says while pummeling through dozens of soldiers that appear to be from the likes of Atlantis and elsewhere. The ad then cuts to Jared Leto's Joker in the Knightmare, holding up a Joker playing card while laughing, before cutting to Joe Manganiello's Deathstroke, who appears to be in the Knightmare as well. This is likely alluding to the team-up between Deathstroke and Batman, something director Zack Snyder discussed during IGN's Fan Fest 2021 Justice League Snyder Cut panel. "Joe's character in this movie when we find him clearly he and Batman have struck some sort of a deal and they have a bit of a partnership," Snyder said. "There's a bigger enemy, I guess." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/21/snyder-cut-of-justice-league-will-cut-this-superman-line"] From there, the teaser cuts between different Justice League heroes like Superman, Aquaman, and Cyborg before showing what appears to be an entire planet being devoured or destroyed in some way — presumably by way of Darkseid. The teaser finishes with a Darkseid that looks quite different from the one at the beginning of the trailer. This Darkseid is all-black with embers erupting ever so lightly out of him. Something tells us that this is a powered-up Darkseid, but it's anyone's guess. We'll learn more about what's going on with Darkseid in that scene, and what Batman and Deathstroke's team-up looks like, when Zack Snyder's Justice League is released to theaters and HBO Max on March 18. For more Justice League Snyder Cut, read this story of 27 things IGN learned from talking to Snyder about the movie, and then check out this story about how the movie fleshes out the full arc of Affleck's Batman. Read about why Snyder's cut of Justice League isn't widescreen after that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes

Justice League Snyder Cut: New Teaser Includes a Little More Deathstroke, a Lot More Darkseid

A new Justice League Snyder Cut teaser has been spotted as an ad on Twitch and it features 30 seconds of what appears to be the Flash, Joker, and Deathstroke in Batman's Knightmare as well as footage featuring Darkseid. The teaser hasn't officially been released on YouTube or social media, but comicbook.com has the footage in their story. The teaser begins with Darkseid sitting on a fiery throne, talking about how he's turned "1000 worlds to dust," before it cuts to Ben Affleck's Knightmare Batman and a new look at Ezra Miller's Flash in the Knightmare. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=justice-league-snyder-cut-all-the-known-differences-from-the-theatrical-version&captions=true"] As the teaser continues, it becomes pretty clear that Darkseid is quite upset at "those who robbed [him] of [his] true glory," which he says while pummeling through dozens of soldiers that appear to be from the likes of Atlantis and elsewhere. The ad then cuts to Jared Leto's Joker in the Knightmare, holding up a Joker playing card while laughing, before cutting to Joe Manganiello's Deathstroke, who appears to be in the Knightmare as well. This is likely alluding to the team-up between Deathstroke and Batman, something director Zack Snyder discussed during IGN's Fan Fest 2021 Justice League Snyder Cut panel. "Joe's character in this movie when we find him clearly he and Batman have struck some sort of a deal and they have a bit of a partnership," Snyder said. "There's a bigger enemy, I guess." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/21/snyder-cut-of-justice-league-will-cut-this-superman-line"] From there, the teaser cuts between different Justice League heroes like Superman, Aquaman, and Cyborg before showing what appears to be an entire planet being devoured or destroyed in some way — presumably by way of Darkseid. The teaser finishes with a Darkseid that looks quite different from the one at the beginning of the trailer. This Darkseid is all-black with embers erupting ever so lightly out of him. Something tells us that this is a powered-up Darkseid, but it's anyone's guess. We'll learn more about what's going on with Darkseid in that scene, and what Batman and Deathstroke's team-up looks like, when Zack Snyder's Justice League is released to theaters and HBO Max on March 18. For more Justice League Snyder Cut, read this story of 27 things IGN learned from talking to Snyder about the movie, and then check out this story about how the movie fleshes out the full arc of Affleck's Batman. Read about why Snyder's cut of Justice League isn't widescreen after that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes

Falcon and Winter Soldier: 4 New Character Posters Revealed

Marvel Studios and Disney+ have released four new character posters for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The new posters spotlight Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka The Falcon, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier, Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter, and Daniel Brühl as Helmut Zemo, offering fans a closer look at who's who before they take off on their global adventure, which is scheduled to hit Disney+ on March 19. Check out the very latest images in our gallery below: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=marvels-the-falcon-and-the-winter-soldier-character-posters&captions=true"] The titular characters appear suited and ready for action alongside Sharon Carter aka Agent 13, the niece of SHIELD founder Peggy Carter, who previously helped the duo when Bucky was framed for a terrorist bombing by Helmut Zemo. The villainous Zemo also makes an appearance in the posters, wearing his comics-accurate purple mask, after skipping the look in Captain America: Civil War. There may be practical reasons for Zemo donning a costume this time. For example, in the comics, the mask is shown to give him resistance to psychic attacks, similar to how Magneto's helmet safeguards against Professor X's powers. However, the real significance of the purple mask lies in its family history, with Helmut being the second character to use the Baron Zemo title, after his father Heinrich Zemo. In the upcoming superhero adventure, Sam Wilson/Falcon and Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier are teaming up on a global escapade that "tests their abilities—and their patience" after Steve Rogers bestowed his shield upon Sam at the end of Avengers: Endgame, trusting him to carry on the legacy of Captain America. The six-episode series will dig into Sam's decision in regards to taking up that mantle. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/28/the-biggest-streaming-movies-and-shows-of-march-2021"] To revisit the journeys of these characters before The Falcon and The Winter Soldier launches, tune into Marvel Studios' Legends series on Disney Plus. The individual Falcon and Winter Soldier character episodes debuted on Friday, March 5, while the Sharon Carter and Zemo episodes are scheduled to drop on Friday, March 12, just one week before the next big MCU show premieres. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Falcon and Winter Soldier: 4 New Character Posters Revealed

Marvel Studios and Disney+ have released four new character posters for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The new posters spotlight Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka The Falcon, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier, Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter, and Daniel Brühl as Helmut Zemo, offering fans a closer look at who's who before they take off on their global adventure, which is scheduled to hit Disney+ on March 19. Check out the very latest images in our gallery below: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=marvels-the-falcon-and-the-winter-soldier-character-posters&captions=true"] The titular characters appear suited and ready for action alongside Sharon Carter aka Agent 13, the niece of SHIELD founder Peggy Carter, who previously helped the duo when Bucky was framed for a terrorist bombing by Helmut Zemo. The villainous Zemo also makes an appearance in the posters, wearing his comics-accurate purple mask, after skipping the look in Captain America: Civil War. There may be practical reasons for Zemo donning a costume this time. For example, in the comics, the mask is shown to give him resistance to psychic attacks, similar to how Magneto's helmet safeguards against Professor X's powers. However, the real significance of the purple mask lies in its family history, with Helmut being the second character to use the Baron Zemo title, after his father Heinrich Zemo. In the upcoming superhero adventure, Sam Wilson/Falcon and Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier are teaming up on a global escapade that "tests their abilities—and their patience" after Steve Rogers bestowed his shield upon Sam at the end of Avengers: Endgame, trusting him to carry on the legacy of Captain America. The six-episode series will dig into Sam's decision in regards to taking up that mantle. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/28/the-biggest-streaming-movies-and-shows-of-march-2021"] To revisit the journeys of these characters before The Falcon and The Winter Soldier launches, tune into Marvel Studios' Legends series on Disney Plus. The individual Falcon and Winter Soldier character episodes debuted on Friday, March 5, while the Sharon Carter and Zemo episodes are scheduled to drop on Friday, March 12, just one week before the next big MCU show premieres. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Six Days In Fallujah Publisher Seemingly U-Turns on Politics Comments

Update 03/09/2021: Victura CEO Peter Tamte has clarified his comments on the inclusion of politics in Six Days In Fallujah, in light of the publisher's recent statement. In a statement to IGN, Tamte wrote: “Anybody making a game about the Iraq War obviously understands these events are intertwined with politics. What we’ve said is that we’re not trying to make a statement about how the war in Iraq began. Instead, we are focused on this battle, the events that led up to this battle, and we want the people who were in Fallujah during this battle to speak for themselves through the game." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Six Days In Fallujah publisher Victura has said that it understands the events of its game are "inseparable from politics", somewhat contradicting the comments of company CEO Peter Tamte last month. In February, Tamte said the game is not attempting to "make a political commentary about whether or not the war itself was a good or a bad idea,” and "will not grapple with the political machinations that led to the titular conflict." The comments drew criticism for, among other things, seemingly displaying a wish to remove important context from a game about a real-life battle in which more than 100 members of the military, over 1,000 insurgents, and at least 800 civilians were killed. Victura today released a statement that seems to walk back on Tamte's remarks. It begins, "We understand the events recreated in Six Days in Fallujah are inseparable from politics." The statement continues:

"The stories in Six Days in Fallujah are told through gameplay and documentary footage featuring service members and civilians with diverse experiences and opinions about the Iraq War. So far, 26 Iraqi civilians and dozens of service members have shared the most difficult moments of their lives with us, so we can share them with you, in their words.

"The documentary segments discuss many tough topics, including the events and political decisions that led to the Fallujah battles as well as their aftermath. While we do not allow players to use white phosphorous as a weapon during gameplay, its use is described during the documentary segments.

"During gameplay players will participate in stories that are given context through the documentary segments. Each mission challenges players to solve real military and civilian scenarios from the battle interactively, offering a perspective into urban warfare not possible through any other media.

"We believe the stories of this generation's sacrifices deserve to be told by the Marines, Soldiers and civilians who were there.

"We trust you will find the game -- like the events it recreates -- to be complex."

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/articles/ex-bungie-devs-new-old-fps-is-controversial-unlocked-482"] While it seems apparent that Victura's statement has been released to counter some of the aforementioned criticism, it has provided no surrounding explanation for the timing of the post, nor includes any mention of Tamte's previous comments. Tamte himself has not yet commented, and the statement is not attributed to any member of Victura in particular. We've contacted the publisher for comment. Six Days In Fallujah was announced and cancelled in 2009 after criticism of its approach, before being revived for a 2021 release. The publisher has previously insisted that the game is not an Army recruiting tool. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Six Days In Fallujah Publisher Seemingly U-Turns on Politics Comments

Six Days In Fallujah publisher Victura has said that it understands the events of its game are "inseparable from politics", somewhat contradicting the comments of company CEO Peter Tamte last month. In February, Tamte said the game is not attempting to "make a political commentary about whether or not the war itself was a good or a bad idea,” and "will not grapple with the political machinations that led to the titular conflict." The comments drew criticism for, among other things, seemingly displaying a wish to remove important context from a game about a real-life battle in which more than 100 members of the military, over 1,000 insurgents, and at least 800 civilians were killed. Victura today released a statement that seems to walk back on Tamte's remarks. It begins, "We understand the events recreated in Six Days in Fallujah are inseparable from politics." The statement continues:

"The stories in Six Days in Fallujah are told through gameplay and documentary footage featuring service members and civilians with diverse experiences and opinions about the Iraq War. So far, 26 Iraqi civilians and dozens of service members have shared the most difficult moments of their lives with us, so we can share them with you, in their words.

"The documentary segments discuss many tough topics, including the events and political decisions that led to the Fallujah battles as well as their aftermath. While we do not allow players to use white phosphorous as a weapon during gameplay, its use is described during the documentary segments.

"During gameplay players will participate in stories that are given context through the documentary segments. Each mission challenges players to solve real military and civilian scenarios from the battle interactively, offering a perspective into urban warfare not possible through any other media.

"We believe the stories of this generation's sacrifices deserve to be told by the Marines, Soldiers and civilians who were there.

"We trust you will find the game -- like the events it recreates -- to be complex."

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/articles/ex-bungie-devs-new-old-fps-is-controversial-unlocked-482"] While it seems apparent that Victura's statement has been released to counter some of the aforementioned criticism, it has provided no surrounding explanation for the timing of the post, nor includes any mention of Tamte's previous comments. Tamte himself has not yet commented, and the statement is not attributed to any member of Victura in particular. We've contacted the publisher for comment. Six Days In Fallujah was announced and cancelled in 2009 after criticism of its approach, before being revived for a 2021 release. The publisher has previously insisted that the game is not an Army recruiting tool. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Xbox Still Has Unannounced Games Coming in 2021

Xbox Director of Program Management Jason Ronald has made clear that there are unannounced Xbox games scheduled for release in 2021. Speaking on an Iron Lords Podcast episode about the Xbox Series X and S, Ronald was asked what game he was most looking forward to in the year ahead, to which he replied, "Not all games that are releasing this year have been announced." While not specifically referencing Xbox Games Studios games, the remark has sparked speculation about whether Ronald is referring to games coming from Microsoft's owned studios – or even its soon-to-be owned studios, given its acquisition of Bethesda has taken major steps forward over the weekend. Ronald didn't elaborate on the point. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=all-2021-games-with-confirmed-release-dates&captions=true"] The 2021 Xbox lineup already has heavy hitters like Halo Infinite and Psychonauts 2 on the way but, clearly, Microsoft is planning to add more to the roster. Interestingly enough, Xbox Marketing boss Aaron Greenberg recently said at the start of the month that there was "nothing coming soon" with regards to major game announcement events, so perhaps don't expect these mystery games to be revealed in the extremely near future. In other Xbox news, Series X, S and Xbox One are getting an upgraded browser that can seemingly play Google Stadia games. The Biden administration is currently reviewing the supply chains that are causing shortages in supply for the Xbox Series X and S, as well as the PS5. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/05/xbox-series-x-review"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Xbox Still Has Unannounced Games Coming in 2021

Xbox Director of Program Management Jason Ronald has made clear that there are unannounced Xbox games scheduled for release in 2021. Speaking on an Iron Lords Podcast episode about the Xbox Series X and S, Ronald was asked what game he was most looking forward to in the year ahead, to which he replied, "Not all games that are releasing this year have been announced." While not specifically referencing Xbox Games Studios games, the remark has sparked speculation about whether Ronald is referring to games coming from Microsoft's owned studios – or even its soon-to-be owned studios, given its acquisition of Bethesda has taken major steps forward over the weekend. Ronald didn't elaborate on the point. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=all-2021-games-with-confirmed-release-dates&captions=true"] The 2021 Xbox lineup already has heavy hitters like Halo Infinite and Psychonauts 2 on the way but, clearly, Microsoft is planning to add more to the roster. Interestingly enough, Xbox Marketing boss Aaron Greenberg recently said at the start of the month that there was "nothing coming soon" with regards to major game announcement events, so perhaps don't expect these mystery games to be revealed in the extremely near future. In other Xbox news, Series X, S and Xbox One are getting an upgraded browser that can seemingly play Google Stadia games. The Biden administration is currently reviewing the supply chains that are causing shortages in supply for the Xbox Series X and S, as well as the PS5. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/05/xbox-series-x-review"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Rust Finally Gets its Console Launch This Spring

Several years after it was initially announced to be coming to consoles, competitive survival title Rust at last has a clear release window on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One -- it's coming this spring. Though no specific date has been given, Double Eleven announced today that Rust's console debut would take place this spring following an ongoing closed beta. It also showed off a new trailer illustrating the experience on console. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/08/rust-console-launch-reveal-trailer"] Rust first launched on Steam back in 2013 but has recently seen a new surge in popularity due to numerous content creators picking the game up. It was first announced for consoles at the end of 2019 with a 2020 release window, but was delayed in 2021 due to challenges with remote working last year. It was rated by the ESRB on consoles in January, leading many to rightfully speculate that the console launch was imminent. Just last month, Rust saw the addition of a new softcore mode to the game to help it appeal to more casual players -- possibly a response to Rust's increased popularity -- while the game's regular survival mode remains ruthless as ever. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine. Correction: A previous version of this article cited the announcement as coming from original PC developer Facepunch, but the console version is being developed and published by Double Elven.