From an immersive digital world honoring a heavy metal legend to controller-free flag football and a packed slate of new Nintendo games, this week’s news spans screens, genres, and fandoms. Plus, Heroes vs Hordes, The Walking Dead: Aftermath, and Baseball Hits 26 are rolling out new characters, events, and updates for mobile players.
Ronnie James Dio’s Legacy Comes to KnuckleBonz360’s Immersive Digital World
KnuckleBonz and the Dio Estate are teaming up to bring the legendary Ronnie James Dio to KnuckleBonz360 BackStage Experience, an immersive 3D digital platform. The collaboration will give fans the chance to enter a Dio-themed world inspired by the late heavy metal icon’s career and imagery.
The Dio BackStage Experience invites fans to explore a fantastical castle and landscape celebrating Dio’s career, from his early years with Rainbow and Black Sabbath to his solo work, including Holy Diver and Heaven and Hell. The experience will also allow users to connect and explore together in a multiplayer environment.
The world features digital collectibles alongside physical merchandise, all available for worldwide shipping. KnuckleBonz360, which will feature more than 20 bands and artists in 2026, also includes mini-games, exclusive shopping opportunities, and interactive experiences that bring album art to life.
The Dio BackStage Experience is set to launch as part of the KnuckleBonz360 BackStage Experience platform, which is expected soon.
Nex Playground Takes NFL Flag Football to the Living Room with New Motion Game
Nex and the NFL have partnered to bring NFL Flag Heroes to Nex Playground, a new motion-powered game featuring all 32 NFL clubs. Players can use their bodies to control the action as quarterbacks and team captains in fast-paced 5-on-5 matches.
The game features two-minute halves and lets players throw, run, sprint, steer, and evade defenders through Nex Playground’s controller-free motion technology. Players can create and develop their own quarterback, build a roster, customize their team with official NFL club logos and jerseys, and progress from the School Field to NFL Flag Regionals and NFL Flag Champs. A coach-led tutorial and Training Days introduce newcomers to the fundamentals and more advanced concepts.
NFL Flag Heroes is available exclusively through Nex Playground’s Play Pass subscription service. The title is Nex’s third officially licensed sports game and joins the platform’s library of more than 60 active games.
‘Heroes vs Hordes’ Returns to Olympus as ‘The Walking Dead: Aftermath’ Adds Fan Favorites
Ares Interactive is kicking off September with new content across its mobile game portfolio. The biggest update is the return of a Greek mythology event for Heroes vs Hordes, while The Walking Dead: Aftermath will add Maggie, Negan, and Hershel throughout the month.
The Heroes vs Hordes Greek Mythology Event runs through Oct. 8, bringing Zeus, Medusa, and Ares to the battlefield alongside the new Pegasus pet and returning Cerberus. Players battle Pyros and Cyclops while defending Olympus.
Meanwhile, The Walking Dead: Aftermath is adding Maggie and Negan as new Combat Survivors, both available through the Marksman Challenge event. Hershel arrives as a Base Survivor through September’s Battle Pass.
Finally, Baseball Hits 26 received its v1.3 update this week, adding Club Tower Events and Global Leaderboards, a new Top Star Account Tier, higher level caps, and visual and performance improvements.
‘NBA 2K27,’ ‘Onimusha: Way of the Sword’ and More Arrive for Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo is beginning the month with a packed lineup of new games, updates, and classics across Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. This week’s releases are led by the launch of NBA 2K27 and Onimusha: Way of the Sword for Nintendo Switch 2.
Available now, the retro anime-inspired co-op adventure Orbitals sends players into an intergalactic mission as Maki and Omura brave the deadly Storm Wall and the dangers beyond. Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault also joins the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup, letting players balance dungeon-crawling expeditions with the responsibilities of running their own shop.
Sports fans can hit the court with NBA 2K27 when it launches Sept. 4. The latest installment introduces new gameplay animations inspired by real NBA action and expands the MyCAREER experience by offering the chance to compete against legends across five iconic eras. The Modern Era adds a new story for players looking to build their MyPLAYER’s legacy on the way to the Hall of Fame.
Also launching tomorrow, Onimusha: Way of the Sword takes players to a dark fantasy version of Kyoto overrun by monstrous Genma. As legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, players will wield the Joy-Con 2 controllers in intense swordplay combat as they work to send the otherworldly invaders back to the underworld.
Nintendo Switch Online members can revisit three more NES titles this week: Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom, Ikari Warriors, and R.C. PRO-AM II. Meanwhile, the Pikmin 3 Deluxe update optimizes the game’s visuals for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs. The update also adds local and online Bingo Battle multiplayer via GameChat.
Additional Nintendo Switch 2 releases this week include Mewgenics, My Hero Academia: All’s Justice, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants — Ninja Edition, Valheim, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Complete Edition. Nintendo Switch players can also check out new releases, including FlyKnight, Marsupilami 2 — Salsa Palombia, One-inch Tactics, and more.
