Tech Desk 
Feb 17, 2025
The gaming industry this month has been a roller coaster of several major announcements from key gaming giants. As companies introduce new projects, updates, and possible changes in release plans, excitement is growing among gamers globally.
Gadinsider has got you the weekly roundup of all the announcements that happened this week.
Elden Ring: Nightreign disables multiplayer passwords in playtests
Elden Ring: Nightreign, an upcoming multiplayer-focused expansion of the popular action RPG Elden Ring, is making significant changes to its multiplayer system. During the latest playtests, FromSoftware announced that multiplayer passwords have been disabled, preventing players from using them to join specific friends in co-op mode.
This temporary removal is likely aimed at testing the game’s online stability and matchmaking efficiency. Many players rely on multiplayer passwords for cooperative gameplay, but for now, the game will focus on random matchmaking. Speculation suggests that previous playtests may have faced server strain, prompting this adjustment.
Drastic Nintendo DS emulator removed from Google Play
Google Play has removed the Drastic Nintendo DS emulator. Reports indicate that the removal was initiated by the developer, Exophase, rather than Nintendo.
DraStic has been available for over a decade, and last year, Exophase made it free to download, hinting at plans to remove the app and open-source its code.
However, this never materialised. The removal follows Nintendo’s legal actions against Yuzu and Citra emulators. This marks another blow to the emulation community, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Nintendo DS emulation on Android devices.
Microsoft finalises plans for next-gen Xbox console
Microsoft has reportedly advanced its next-generation Xbox console beyond the concept stage, with development kits (devkits) expected to roll out soon. The next-gen Xbox is rumoured to include a traditional home console and a handheld gaming system, possibly launching between 2027 and 2028.
Microsoft documents were leaked in 2023 and suggested a 2028 release, but the company may adjust its timeline based on market trends and competition.
Historically, Microsoft announces new Xbox consoles 6 to 12 months before release, meaning an official reveal might not happen soon. Fans can expect more details in the coming years.
Wario Land 4 joins Nintendo Switch online GBA library
Nintendo Switch Online has expanded its Game Boy Advance (GBA) collection with the addition of Wario Land 4. Originally released in 2001, this beloved platformer follows Wario’s adventure inside the Golden Pyramid searching for hidden treasure.
The game features unique mechanics, including transformations like Flat Wario and Fat Wario, allowing players to navigate levels and defeat enemies.
Previously available on the Nintendo 3DS, Wario Land 4 is now accessible via the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, which offers a selection of retro games from NES, SNES, and Game Boy consoles.
PlayStation State of Play February 2025: Biggest reveals and updates
The PlayStation State of Play event in February 2025 showcased over 40 minutes of game announcements, trailers, and updates for PS5 and PSVR 2. Highlights included:
- Monster Hunter Wilds: New trailer and free update
- Shinobi: Art of Vengeance: Official reveal trailer
- Sonic Racing CrossWorlds: New Sonic racing game
- Borderlands 4: First gameplay trailer, launching September 23, 2025
- Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny: Launching May 23, 2025
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater: New trailer, launching August 28, 2025
- Days Gone Remastered: Releasing April 25, 2025, for PS5
- Saros: A PlayStation exclusive from Housemarque, launching in 2026
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 might join Xbox Game Pass soon
Following Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) is rumoured to join Xbox Game Pass between March and April 2025. If true, it would become the third Call of Duty title added to the service, following Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops 6.
Activision typically announces new Call of Duty titles in April or May, aligning with the rumoured Game Pass release. However, Microsoft has not confirmed whether the game will include its full multiplayer experience.
Cat Quest 3 update adds Mew game mode with new challenges
Cat Quest 3 has received a major update introducing the Mew Game mode, a customisable New Game Plus experience. Players can enable modifiers like:
- Nine Lives: Limits players to nine game-overs before deleting the save file.
- Fast Furwards: Doubles game speed.
- Naked Paws: Prevents the use of armour and weapons.
- Purre Magic: Restricts combat to magic spells only.
- No Leveling: Stops XP gain.
- Ruffer Enemies: Strengthens foes.
- No Upgrades: Blocks gear enhancements.
Additionally, the update includes balance tweaks and bug fixes, such as reduced damage from Mewteor and Ice Paw attacks and adjustments to the shield dodge animation.
Humble Choice Games for February 2025
The February 2025 Humble Choice bundle offers eight games for $11.99, including:
- Immortals of Aveum: A magic-based FPS.
- Trepang2: A high-speed action shooter.
- Total War: Pharaoh Dynasties: A historical strategy game.
- Fabledom: A city-building game set in a fantasy world.
- Griftlands: A deck-building RPG.
- Tales & Tactics: A roguelike auto-battler.
- Naheulbeuk’s Dungeon Masters: A dungeon-building sim.
- My Little Universe: An adventure and crafting game.
Subscribers also receive a 20% discount on the Humble Store. The offer is available until March 3, with a new lineup coming on March 4.
GTA 6 PC release teased by Take-Two CEO
Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X in Fall 2025, but PC players may have to wait longer. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick hinted that Rockstar Games might follow its usual pattern of releasing PC ports years after console launches.
Historically, GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 launched on consoles first before arriving on PC one or two years later. While no official PC release date has been announced, past trends suggest GTA 6 could follow a similar timeline.
