Digimon and Esports Take Center Stage This Week

From major game launches and live events to esports competition and convention exclusives, this week’s gaming news is packed with updates for fans across console, mobile, and competitive gaming. Here’s what you need to know…

‘Digimon Story Time Stranger’ Leads Nintendo’s Latest Weekly Lineup

Nintendo’s latest weekly update is headlined by the launch of Granblue Fantasy: Relink — Endless Ragnarok and the upcoming release of Digimon Story Time Stranger, which arrives July 10 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Players can also preorder Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit, launching July 15, while Nintendo Switch Online members gain access to classic titles including Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, Fortified Zone, The Sword of Hope II, and Dr. Mario & Puzzle League through Nintendo Classics.

Elsewhere, Nintendo added new Super Mario and Wario Land playlists to Nintendo Music, announced a Splatoon 3 Splatfest tied to Splatoon Raiders, kicked off new Donkey Kong Bananza and Star Fox activities, and expanded the Nintendo eShop with another wave of new releases across Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Esports World Cup Opens in Paris with Star-Studded Ceremony

The Esports World Cup kicked off its 2026 tournament with an Opening Ceremony at La Seine Musicale in Paris, marking the event’s first international edition outside Saudi Arabia. The ceremony featured performances by Aya Nakamura, DJ Snake, Theodora, and Mosimann alongside orchestral music, augmented reality, and cinematic storytelling before revealing the Esports World Cup Club Championship trophy. Over the next seven weeks, more than 2,000 players representing 200 clubs from more than 100 countries will compete across 25 tournaments in 24 games for a record $75 million prize pool.

Nintendo Brings New Games, Demos, and Live Events to San Diego Comic-Con

Nintendo is heading to Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) with hands-on demos, live competitions, and interactive experiences centered on Nintendo Switch 2. Attendees will be among the first in the U.S. to play Nintendo Switch Sports Resort ahead of its Oct. 22 launch and celebrate the debut of Splatoon Raiders with playable demos on the show floor. The company will also host activities outside, a chance to compete against social media creator The Rizzler, and a Splatoon Raiders-themed trolley circulating through downtown San Diego during the convention.

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Katherine Hill

Katherine is a writer and editor. She has more than a decade of experience crafting engaging content and managing editorial projects. She spends an inordinate amount of time looking for rare Care Bears and baseball jerseys online.