Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Announced for Nintendo Switch

Capcom is finally re-releasing all 10 Mega Man Battle Network games in 2023, with a new collection for the Nintendo Switch called Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection.

As revealed in today's Nintendo Direct Mini, a new collection featuring 10 Mega Man Battle Network games are coming to the Nintendo Switch next year.

The collection includes:

  • Mega Man Battle Network 1
  • Mega Man Battle Network 2
  • Mega Man Battle Network 3 Blue
  • Mega Man Battle Network 3 White
  • Mega Man Battle Network 4 Red Sun
  • Mega Man Battle Network 4 Blue Moon
  • Mega Man Battle Network 5 Team ProtoMan
  • Mega Man Battle Network 5 Team Colonel
  • Mega Man Battle Network 6 Cybeast Gregar
  • Mega Man Battle Network 6 Cybeast Falzar

Mega Man Battle Network was first released in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance. The series combines strategy and card-builder elements, seeing players control Mega Man on a 3x6 grid and utilize Battle Chips with different abilities and attacks to defeat monsters and bosses.

As part of the Legacy Collection, a gallery with over a thousand illustrations as well as a music mode featuring a library of the game's songs will be added to the conclusion. The package will also be split digitally as Legacy Collection Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.

The series is beloved by tactics fans and Capcom began releasing multiple versions with unique bosses and Battle Chips starting with Battle Network 3 in 2002. The games were re-released digitally for the Wii U, but remain largely absent from modern digital stores.

There hasn't been a Mega Man Battle Network game since 2006, though the series did generate several video game spinoffs and an anime series called MegaMan NT Warrior.

For everything else from today's Nintendo Direct Mini check out IGN's recap here.

Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.

Everything Announced During Today’s Nintendo Direct Mini, Including Persona 5 on Switch

A Nintendo Direct Mini focused on third-party developers premiered today and there was news for almost everyone.

Fans who've waited a long time for Persona 5 to come to the Switch finally got their wish, and then some, while developers like Square Enix, Capcom, Ubisoft, and even Valve showed off some new games coming to the Nintendo console.

Here's everything announced during the Nintendo Direct Mini:

Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable on Switch

The recent Persona games, including Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable are finally coming to the Nintendo Switch. Following the news the popular JRPGs are coming to Xbox and PC, Atlus announced that Persona 5 Royal will be coming to the Switch on October 21, and Persona 4 Golden and P3P are coming soon. All three games will be in full HD and include both English and Japanese voice acting. But note, all three games will be sold separately.

Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Announced

The popular Mega Man Battle Network series is coming to Nintendo Switch in a new bundle that combines all ten games. The Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection will also include a new art gallery and music library mode. The Collection will be coming to the Nintendo Switch in 2023 and will be sold in two parts if purchased digitally.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Gets Release Date

The sequel to Mario + Rabbids got a new look today in a gameplay overview trailer, which included the introduction of Bowser as a playable character. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will be released on Nintendo Switch on October 20, and there will be a deep-dive stream tomorrow with more information.

Portal: Companion Collection Comes to Switch Today

The critically-acclaimed Portal series are coming to the Nintendo Switch later today. Use the trusty Portal gun to solve inventive environmental puzzles trying to escaped the twisted Aperture Labs and its AI ruler GLaDOS. Portal 2 will still include local, split screen, and online multiplayer as well.

Nier: Automata The End of YoRHa Edition Coming to Switch

Nier: Automata is also making its way to the Nintendo Switch. This epic action-RPG has been lauded as one of the best RPGs in the past decade, set in the backdrop of an eternal war between androids and machines. The Nintendo Switch version will include all previously released DLC as well as Switch exclusive costumes when it's released on October 6.

Harvestella - New Game Announcement

Square Enix announced a new game that combines the developer's fantastical RPG worlds with the lifestyle-sim gameplay of Stardew Valley. Play as a villager and collect materials, grow a farm, and prevent the Quietus – the season of death – from destroying your idyllic life. Harvestella will be released on November 4.

Return to Monkey Island Coming to Consoles First on Switch

The new sequel to the Monkey Island series is coming to consoles first on the Nintendo Switch in 2022. As announced in the Nintendo Direct Mini, Ron Gilbert's newest Monkey Island puzzle game will see the return of fan-favorite characters and evolve the classic point-and-click gameplay.

Super Bomberman R 2 - New Game Announced

A new Bomberman game was announced for the Nintendo Switch. The new Castle Mode lets teams of up to 15 players blast their way to a treasure chest, while one player acts as a defense to try and stop them. You can also create and share custom battle stages. Super Bomberman R 2 is coming to the Nintendo Switch in 2023.

LIVE A LIVE - Demo Announced

The cult-classic RPG is coming to the Nintendo Switch with a new HD-2D look. While the full game will be released on July 22, a demo that includes three chapters will be released later today on the Nintendo eShop. These chapters include Imperial China, Twilight of Edo Japan, and The Distant Future.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak - Roadmap Revealed

Capcom detailed its roadmap for the upcoming expansion Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. Alongside the massive new expansion, Capcom revealed that a free title update featuring the Seething Bazelgeuse will be released in August 2022, with more free title updates coming in the fall, winter, and 2023.

Sonic Frontiers - Gameplay Trailer

The free-roaming Sonic Frontiers is also coming to the Nintendo Switch and we got a new look at its combat in today's Nintendo Direct Mini.

Minecraft Legends - New Trailer

The action-strategy spinoff Minecraft Legends is coming to the Nintendo Switch in 2023. Control a hero and team up with allies as you roam the Minecraft world which is under invasion by monsters.

Blanc

Play as a fawn and wolf cub who must work together to find their way home in the snow. Described as an emotional adventure, Blanc is completely text-free, so anyone can experience this story. Play with a friend in local or online co-op when Blanc is released in February 2023.

Disney Dreamlight Valley

A life-sim game set in a world filled with popular Disney and Pixar characters. Explore the world and build a life while farming, cooking, and interacting with famous characters. Disney Dreamlight Valley will be released on September 6 in Early Access.

Dragon Quest Treasures

The latest Dragon Quest spinoff will be released on the Nintendo Switch on December 9. Plays as Eric and Mia who can team up with monsters and use their treasure tracker to find buried loot.

Little Noah: Scion of Paradise

A new roguelite action game titled Little Noah: Scion of Paradise will be released later today on the Nintendo Switch. Play as Noah who along with her cat Zipper must explore ancient ruins, recruit allies, and fight enemies and bosses. But if you're defeated, you'll have to start over.

RPG Time: The Legend of Wright

Kenta is an aspiring game creator who is working on their first hand-drawn RPG, The Legend of Wright. Play through Kenta's notebook with over 200 pages with puzzles to solve, draw, and erase. RPG Time will be released on the Nintendo Switch on August 18.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

A surreal puzzle mystery game evoking the golden era of detective mystery novels. The puzzle adventure game is coming to consoles first on Nintendo Switch in 2023.

Doraemon Story of Seasons: Friends of the Great Kingdom

The famous Japanese mascot Doraemon stars in a new game where players can harvest crops, tend to animals, and use Doraemon's secret gadgets. Hang out with your friends and build a ranch in the Doraemon life-sim coming to Switch in 2022.

Pac-Man World Re-PAC

A remake of Pac-Man World is coming to Nintendo Switch on August 26. This 3D Pac-man game features the iconic character, who must rescue his family after they're taken to Ghost Island.

RAILGRADE

A rail management game in which players will build railway systems that can best transport cargo and keep the economy chugging. Railgrade will be released on Nintendo Switch this fall.

Captain Velvet Meteor: The Jump+ Dimensions

Play as a young boy who recently moved to Japan with no friends. Damien chooses to live in his imagination as the superhero Captain Velvet Meteor who teams up with his favorite manga characters to help escape a mysterious world. Captain Velvet will be released on the Nintendo Switch on July 28.

Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.

Return to Monkey Island Is Coming to the Nintendo Switch First on Consoles

Return to Monkey Island, the new sequel in the famous point 'n click adventure series, will be released on the Nintendo Switch first when the game comes to consoles later this year.

As announced in today's Nintendo Direct Mini, Ron Gilbert's sequel to Monkey Island and Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge, will be coming to consoles starting with the Nintendo Switch. While no other platforms have been announced, we know at least that players who want to Return to Monkey Island on consoles can expect it on the Nintendo Switch first.

A direct sequel in the Monkey Island franchise, Return will take place after the events of LeChuck's Revenge. Hero Guybrush Threepwood, as well as Elaine and Murray, are all set to return.

Writer-director Ron Gilbert, along with co-writer Dave Grossman and composers Michael Land, Michael McConnell, and Clint Bajakian are all set to return for the sequel.

Along with the returning cast, there will be some modern updates including an Easy Mode and Hint System. The classic point 'n click format raised a generation of adventure game enthusiasts, but early game design was sometimes byzantine. The optional modes should help new players jump into the format with ease.

Be sure to check out our interview with Gilbert on how he returned to Monkey Island. And for more announcements from the Nintendo Direct Mini, check out IGN's round-up here.

Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.

Nuclear-Powered Flying Hotel Is a Fun (if Ridiculous) New Concept

An outlandish concept for a nuclear-powered floating hotel has been unveiled, designed to fly with 20 electric engines and an AI pilot in a nearly non-stop flight.

As reported by The Independent, Hashem Al-Ghaili posted a YouTube video showing conceptual plans for the Sky Cruise vessel, dubbed the "hotel of the future," with room for 5,000 guests. Its design combines "features of a commercial plane while offering the epitome of luxury" for passengers who would arrive at the hotel via airliner or private jet.

The narrator claims Sky Cruise would have no carbon footprint, as it would boast 20 electric engines powered solely by "clean, nuclear energy." This theoretically means that the hotel would never run out of fuel and could stay airborne for several years without ever needing to touch the ground, with maintenance and repairs also carried out above the clouds.

The concept for the cruiser, originally designed by Tony Holmsten and reimagined in the animations by Al-Ghaili, includes a command deck that would use AI to predict air turbulence so that it can "glide over the vibrations with ease," as well as a medical facility equipped with technology to keep passengers safe, healthy, and fit during their journey.

The flying hotel would have plenty of recreational activities to keep guests occupied while they're onboard, too. The video render unveils an entertainment deck filled with shopping malls, sports centers, swimming pools, restaurants, bars, playgrounds for children, cinemas, and theaters. There's also a separate section for events and business meetings.

Outside of the main hub of activity, there is a panoramic hall inside an observation tower that offers 360-degree views of the sky above the clouds, plus three individual viewing domes for stargazing. The Sky Cruise would feature exterior elevators to shuttle guests from one location to another, provided people would be on board for the idea.

While it's a fun idea, many spectators called out the concept design after identifying some of its potential flaws, with one person commenting on YouTube: "If physics and aerodynamics didn't exist, then this vessel might actually be able to take off," while another added: "The designers forgot this thing is supposed to fly… Ergo, they need to adhere to the principles of aerodynamics."

Some people were concerned about the size of the cruiser, as one YouTube user pointed out how big the runway would need to be for such a "monster-sized" aircraft, and another added: "That thing is massive, it's at least 20 times larger than any commercial airplane. I can't even imagine the amount of maintenance something this massive would need." That's to say nothing of the potential danger of a nuclear-powered aircraft, well, crashing.

The use of AI also raises ethical questions, though it admittedly hasn't stopped people from experimenting. One person recently found themselves in a bizarre situation after they turned their imaginary friend into an AI microwave that attempted to kill them. That cautionary tale was followed by reports of a Google engineer claiming an AI chatbot had become sentient.

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.

Thumbnail image credit: Hashem Al-Ghaili/Tony Holmsten.

Nuclear-Powered Flying Hotel Is a Fun (if Ridiculous) New Concept

An outlandish concept for a nuclear-powered floating hotel has been unveiled, designed to fly with 20 electric engines and an AI pilot in a nearly non-stop flight.

As reported by The Independent, Hashem Al-Ghaili posted a YouTube video showing conceptual plans for the Sky Cruise vessel, dubbed the "hotel of the future," with room for 5,000 guests. Its design combines "features of a commercial plane while offering the epitome of luxury" for passengers who would arrive at the hotel via airliner or private jet.

The narrator claims Sky Cruise would have no carbon footprint, as it would boast 20 electric engines powered solely by "clean, nuclear energy." This theoretically means that the hotel would never run out of fuel and could stay airborne for several years without ever needing to touch the ground, with maintenance and repairs also carried out above the clouds.

The concept for the cruiser, originally designed by Tony Holmsten and reimagined in the animations by Al-Ghaili, includes a command deck that would use AI to predict air turbulence so that it can "glide over the vibrations with ease," as well as a medical facility equipped with technology to keep passengers safe, healthy, and fit during their journey.

The flying hotel would have plenty of recreational activities to keep guests occupied while they're onboard, too. The video render unveils an entertainment deck filled with shopping malls, sports centers, swimming pools, restaurants, bars, playgrounds for children, cinemas, and theaters. There's also a separate section for events and business meetings.

Outside of the main hub of activity, there is a panoramic hall inside an observation tower that offers 360-degree views of the sky above the clouds, plus three individual viewing domes for stargazing. The Sky Cruise would feature exterior elevators to shuttle guests from one location to another, provided people would be on board for the idea.

While it's a fun idea, many spectators called out the concept design after identifying some of its potential flaws, with one person commenting on YouTube: "If physics and aerodynamics didn't exist, then this vessel might actually be able to take off," while another added: "The designers forgot this thing is supposed to fly… Ergo, they need to adhere to the principles of aerodynamics."

Some people were concerned about the size of the cruiser, as one YouTube user pointed out how big the runway would need to be for such a "monster-sized" aircraft, and another added: "That thing is massive, it's at least 20 times larger than any commercial airplane. I can't even imagine the amount of maintenance something this massive would need." That's to say nothing of the potential danger of a nuclear-powered aircraft, well, crashing.

The use of AI also raises ethical questions, though it admittedly hasn't stopped people from experimenting. One person recently found themselves in a bizarre situation after they turned their imaginary friend into an AI microwave that attempted to kill them. That cautionary tale was followed by reports of a Google engineer claiming an AI chatbot had become sentient.

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.

Thumbnail image credit: Hashem Al-Ghaili/Tony Holmsten.

Game of Thrones: Don’t Expect Emilia Clarke to Return for a Spin-Off Show

Fans hoping for further Game of Thrones cast members to join Kit Harrington in getting their own HBO's spin-off shows shouldn't expect much from Daenerys Targaryen actress Emilia Clarke.

In a BBC interview spotted by GameSpot, Clarke discussed the Jon Snow centric spin-off that was recently announced by Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin. Harrington was seemingly eager to return, having pitched the show to Martin and HBO himself, and Clarke was asked if she would also reprise her role in a new series.

"No", she replied simply. "I think I'm done." Clarke was one of just a handful of stars that featured in all eight seasons of Game of Thrones, which ran from 2011 until 2019, effectively spending her entire 20s in the Mother of Dragons role.

While Clarke likely isn't returning to Westeros, however, her character's family will be. The Targaryens are soon to feature in Game of Thrones' first spin-off show, House of the Dragon, which premieres on August 21.

Clarke says she'll be "fascinated" to watch the first Game of Thrones spin-off. "I'm going to watch this as a fresh viewer because it's [set] a be-jillion years before our show, so it's going to feel different," she explained.

There are several other spin-off shows also in development at HBO, though Martin warned they may not all come to fruition. One was even cancelled after a $30 million investment in the pilot episode.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

Game of Thrones: Don’t Expect Emilia Clarke to Return for a Spin-Off Show

Fans hoping for further Game of Thrones cast members to join Kit Harrington in getting their own HBO's spin-off shows shouldn't expect much from Daenerys Targaryen actress Emilia Clarke.

In a BBC interview spotted by GameSpot, Clarke discussed the Jon Snow centric spin-off that was recently announced by Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin. Harrington was seemingly eager to return, having pitched the show to Martin and HBO himself, and Clarke was asked if she would also reprise her role in a new series.

"No", she replied simply. "I think I'm done." Clarke was one of just a handful of stars that featured in all eight seasons of Game of Thrones, which ran from 2011 until 2019, effectively spending her entire 20s in the Mother of Dragons role.

While Clarke likely isn't returning to Westeros, however, her character's family will be. The Targaryens are soon to feature in Game of Thrones' first spin-off show, House of the Dragon, which premieres on August 21.

Clarke says she'll be "fascinated" to watch the first Game of Thrones spin-off. "I'm going to watch this as a fresh viewer because it's [set] a be-jillion years before our show, so it's going to feel different," she explained.

There are several other spin-off shows also in development at HBO, though Martin warned they may not all come to fruition. One was even cancelled after a $30 million investment in the pilot episode.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

Fallout: London, a ‘DLC-Sized’ Mod For Fallout 4, Gets Brand New Trailer And Release Window

Fallout: London, a highly anticipated, DLC-sized mod for Fallout 4, has received a lengthy new trailer alongside confirmation of a 2023 release window.

Shared on the mod's YouTube channel and in a tweet (below), the four-minute trailer shows off a ton of the game's derelict locations, from decimated tube stops to an overgrown Tower Bridge.

We also get a look at some of the NPCs in the mod, though whether these are enemies, allies, or a bit of both is unclear. The trailer highlights a handful of relatively normal looking characters that wouldn't look out of place in a regular Fallout game, alongside some wackier individuals – including a wild-looking tree man.

Fans eager to find out exactly who these NPCs are will have to wait a little longer given the announcement that Fallout: London is coming next year. Nothing more specific was revealed in the trailer, but this is the first indication of a release window the developers have offered in the mod's four years in development.

It certainly looks impressive, however, evidenced by Fallout developer Bethesda actually hiring one of the mod's lead writers as a quest designer in August last year.

Fallout: London is also the only taste of the franchise (albeit unofficially) that fans will get for a long time. Director Todd Howard revealed recently that Fallout 5 is planned to be released after the Elder Scrolls VI, which is likely still years away given it was put to one side while Bethesda focuses on its space RPG Starfield.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

Sandman And Game Of Thrones Confirmed For Comic-Con, But No Word On DCEU

House of the Dragon, Sandman, and Harley Quinn will be heading to Comic-Con, but it's unclear how much to expect from the DC Extended Universe.

Warner Bros. Discovery revealed its plans for Comic-Con today, with highlights including House of the Dragon and The Sandman. Gotham Knights and MultiVersus will also have a presence from the games side, along with the customary comics presence.

However, the newly-merged Warner Bros. Discovery is apparently taking a different approach than years past.

“Warners, including DC, will have no presence on the convention floor,” The Hollywood Reporter reports. “[It’s] a move that breaks with decades of precedent. The company had one of the bigger presences on the floor, with movie and TV costumes on display. In some years, A-list stars such as the cast of Justice League or Watchmen appeared for signings.”

Plans for DCEU movies including Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods are also reportedly "still being hashed out." Releases set for 2023, including The Flash and Blue Beetle, reportedly won't have panels.

Notably, several shows from The CW will also be absent, including The Flash, Superman & Lois, and the upcoming Supernatural prequel, as the network faces a possible sale. Meanwhile, the appearance of Warner Bros. Discovery brings several fan favorites back to Hall H – a move that’s likely intended to reassure fans as the company faces widespread disruption. Whether or not this will lead to even more high-profile projects remains to be seen.

In the meantime, Game of Thrones will be bringing its upcoming prequel, House of the Dragon, to Hall H with fans hoping we might even get some news about the upcoming Game of Thrones sequel following Jon Snow.

What else is in store for Game of Thrones? Find out about the upcoming Jon Snow spinoff, and everything we know about House of the Dragon.

Neil Gaiman’s Sandman will also be there with a special presentation followed by a Q&A.

“Prepare to enter the Dreaming as the live-action adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s beloved DC comic series arrives in Hall H of San Diego Comic-Con. There is another world that awaits us when we close our eyes and sleep — a place called the Dreaming, where The Sandman, Master of Dreams (Tom Sturridge), gives shape to our deepest fears and fantasies. But when Dream is unexpectedly captured and held prisoner for a century, his absence sets off a series of events that will change both the dreaming and waking worlds forever.”

Want to find out more about The Sandman? Check out our who's who guide to all the characters in the recent Sandman trailer, and get your first look at Lucifer.

The upcoming Season 3 of Harley Quinn will also make its debut, with an advanced screening of the first two episodes of the new season.

Find out more about Harley Quinn including when you can watch Season 3, and details of a pretty cool cameo from the upcoming season.

Update: The headline has been updated to more accurately reflect the status of the DC Extended Universe at San Diego Comic-Con. The story has also been updated to clarify that Warner Bros' plans for its DCEU films are still in flux.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

Skyrim Mod Offers 16K Dragon Textures For the Inevitable 2050 Release

Skyrim has already received countless editions and upgrades, but this new PC mod will seemingly future proof the game for a good few years. A 16K texture mod uploaded by Nexus Mods user xilamonstrr ensures that players can see every scale and scar on the game's dragons.

While this might seem excessive, the page offers a somewhat reasonable explanation as to why 16k might be a useful addition in a time when most games are still sticking with 1440p. Basically, the dragons in Skyrim are way bigger than any other enemy in the game, meaning their skins are stretched out much more than a normal enemy.

"I would recommend that you think of this as two 8K files next to each other", xilamonstrr said in the post. "With 16K, a dragon wing is 7380 x 4020 pixels, a head is 3320 x 2480 pixels, and the entire rear body and legs is only 6080 x 4580 pixels. If you are fighting a dragon up close and want to see it in 4K resolution, then you need the dragon to be in 16K."

The post also features a handful of screenshots (above) from the updated dragons that do look pretty good, so players with high end PCs may want to consider adding this mod to their collection if they're still roaming around Skyrim more than a decade after it was released.

There isn't an alternative, of course, as the Elder Scrolls VI is likely still years away. Director Todd Howard revealed last year that Bethesda's new space RPG Starfield had taken priority over the Skyrim sequel and this was recently delayed until next year as well.

Image Credit: xilamonstrr on Nexus Mods

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.