This week’s gaming news is packed with major franchise expansions, platform updates, and fan-focused experiences. Nintendo leads with a reimagined Star Fox and a slate of new events and releases, while Nex Playground continues its rapid growth through partnerships with BTS and Sonic the Hedgehog. Elsewhere, Yahoo Games debuts a new daily word puzzle, Neopets enters Fortnite, Clash of Clans heads to San Diego with an immersive live experience, and Wild River Games prepares to bring the Horse Club franchise to the Wild West this fall.
Star Fox Leads Nintendo’s Latest Wave of Releases and Events
Nintendo’s latest update is headlined by the launch of Star Fox for Nintendo Switch 2, a reimagining of the Nintendo 64 classic featuring updated visuals, voiced cutscenes, an orchestral soundtrack, and online multiplayer. The company also released Devil May Cry 5 Devil Hunter Edition for Switch 2 and rolled out Deltarune Chapter 5 as a free update for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 players.
Beyond new games, Nintendo is expanding its event and subscription offerings with a Star Fox-themed Tetris 99 Maximus Cup, a limited-time Pokémon Pokopia event centered on Jirachi, and an ongoing promotion that grants Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members an extra month of service with the purchase or redemption of a 12-month membership. Nintendo Music subscribers can also access new playlists featuring tracks from Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Nintendo 64 favorites, and classic Mario titles.
Additional releases this week include Citizen Sleeper — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Destroy All Humans!, R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos, and dozens of indie titles across Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Nintendo is also kicking off its Summer Sale, offering discounts on select digital games and DLC through July 8.
Sonic the Hedgehog Speeds Onto Nex Playground
Nex and SEGA are teaming up to bring Sonic the Hedgehog to Nex Playground later this year, marking the platform’s first Sonic the Hedgehog experience. Developed by SEGA’s HARDlight Studios, the game reimagines the franchise’s fast-paced running action as a motion-controlled experience that encourages players to get up and move.
The title is being released as part of Sonic’s 35th anniversary celebration and was developed in response to demand from the Nex Playground community. Using the platform’s controller-free motion-tracking technology, the new title adapts gameplay from the popular mobile series into a family-focused active play experience designed for repeat play sessions.
The game launches through Nex Playground’s Play Pass subscription service later this year. The announcement follows a period of growth for Nex, including its expansion into the U.K. and Ireland.
Yahoo Games Launches Daily Word Puzzle Circuits
Yahoo Games introduced Circuits this week, a new daily word puzzle developed by Puzzmo. The game challenges players to connect words to create common compound phrases, with each answer linking to the next through a network of related clues. Players can use rechargeable hints called “bolts” to help solve puzzles and improve their scores. Like all Yahoo Games titles, Circuits is free to play on mobile and desktop with no downloads required.
Neopets Brings Aisha to Fortnite as First Sidekick
Neopets teams up with Fortnite to bring Aisha into the game as the first-ever Neopets Sidekick. Available in the Fortnite Shop from July 2-9, the Sidekick features both classic Aisha and Alien Aisha styles, along with a Nosh-o-Matic Emote inspired by Neopian treats. Players can also earn Sidekick Points in compatible experiences to unlock additional rewards. The collaboration marks Neopets’ latest expansion beyond its virtual pet platform, introducing one of its most recognizable characters to a new generation of players.
Nex Playground Teams Up with BTS for Interactive Music Experience
Nex is partnering with HYBE to bring a BTS-themed experience to Nex Playground later this year. The collaboration marks the first artist-focused version of Starri, Nex Playground’s motion-based music game, giving fans a new way to engage with BTS through interactive gameplay.
Powered by Nex Playground’s controller-free motion-tracking technology, the experience will transform BTS music into full-body challenges designed for players of all ages. Nex says the collaboration builds on the popularity of Starri while expanding the platform’s music offerings and creating a new way for families and fans to connect through movement and play.
The partnership is the latest addition to Nex Playground’s growing library of more than 60 active-play games and experiences. HYBE says the collaboration represents a new opportunity to bring music, gaming, and fandom together, while Nex views the project as an important step in evolving Starri into a broader entertainment franchise.
Clash of Clans Brings Clash for the Stache Experience to San Diego
Clash of Clans is heading to San Diego this summer with Clash for the Stache, an interactive challenge-room experience that runs July 15-Sept. 7 at Seaport Headquarters in Seaport Village. The live activation invites fans to step into a real-world Clash village and help recover the Barbarian’s stolen mustache through a series of physical, puzzle-based challenges inspired by the hit mobile game. The experience will also feature themed snacks, exclusive merchandise, giveaways, photo opportunities, and immersive environments designed to bring the world of Clash of Clans to life.
Timed to overlap with San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), the attraction casts visitors as heroes working alongside the Archer Queen to defeat the Goblin King and reclaim the village. Tickets go on sale July 1 through Fever.
‘Horse Club Ride West’ Gallops Onto Consoles This Fall
Wild River Games is expanding its Horse Club series with Horse Club Ride West, a new open-world adventure launching Oct. 9 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Inspired by the Schleich Horse Club brand, the game shifts the action to a Western-themed setting filled with deserts, canyons, abandoned mines, hot springs, and other locations to explore.
Players join the Horse Club characters as they tackle story missions, side quests, tournaments, and mini-games, including archery and campfire guitar sessions. The game introduces several new features to the series, including an overhauled riding system, improved horse animations, riding mechanics, and six horses with unique traits that can be upgraded over time.
More than 100 customization options for riders and horses will also be available, allowing players to personalize their experience. Wild River Games says the title features a visual style that more closely reflects the original Horse Club illustrations while offering longtime fans and newcomers a fresh adventure in a Western-inspired world.
