Mario Kart 64 PC Port and Physical Cartridge Talk (Gaming News)
Mario Kart 64 just landed on PC thanks to a fan-made port developed by Harbor Masters, the same team behind the Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, and Star Fox 64 PC ports. This new version supports ultrawide resolutions, anti-aliasing, high frame rates, and even full lighting effects. Players must use a legal ROM of Mario Kart 64 to extract assets, but the final result looks impressive—if a bit surreal for anyone used to the original CRT experience.
This project ties into a broader conversation around game key cards on Switch. Third-party games often ship with partial downloads rather than full cartridges, which has caused frustration. But signs of change are emerging. Sonic Racing Crossworlds may launch with a complete version of the game stored entirely on a cartridge. Notably, the marketing material includes the transparent Switch 2 banner—typically used on enhanced physical releases like Rune Factory or Zelda—rather than the solid white game key card label.
If confirmed, this would mark a shift. Publishers like Lost in Cult are actively encouraging developers to consider full physical releases. Ryan Brown recently urged studios to get in touch for Switch 2 physical editions that avoid download-only content. These premium 64 GB cartridges cost more—about $16 each—but fans are clearly willing to pay for convenience and preservation.
Final Fantasy 16 on Switch 2?
While Square Enix continues to promote Final Fantasy 16 for Xbox, there’s been a quiet tease about a potential Switch 2 version. During a panel, the producer mentioned Nintendo as the only platform left, and the creative director added they’ll “do their best.” Given the game’s demanding specs—even the PS5 Pro struggles to maintain 60 FPS—it would be a technical achievement if Final Fantasy 16 ever runs smoothly on the Switch 2, even at lower resolution and capped frame rates.
It’s unclear whether Square Enix could bundle both Switch versions on a single cartridge. However, with Sonic Racing’s rumored use of a 64 GB physical release, it opens the door for others. If more third-party studios follow suit, especially with increased cartridge demand, it could drive costs down in the future.
Death Stranding 2 Gameplay Leaks Ahead of Reviews
Kojima’s highly anticipated sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is leaking just days before launch. Insider Gaming reported that the first hour of gameplay made it online before Sony quickly issued takedowns. Streams appear and vanish within minutes, but spoiler-heavy clips are circulating, risking major narrative reveals.
The game, reportedly 70 hours long, features a strong cinematic structure. Even though reviews are expected to go live today, early access for preorders may drive some players to jump in early. A recent poll shows 44% of fans expect a Metacritic score between 85–89, while 31% are predicting 90–94. The current estimate sits around 91—higher than the original game’s score, suggesting Kojima Productions may have addressed past criticisms.
Sega’s Sales Data Accidentally Goes Public (Gaming News)
Sega accidently leaks 6 years of sales data for some of their games
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Sega unintentionally revealed six years of sales data after publishing an investor presentation without properly redacting sensitive figures. The data showed impressive performance from multiple franchises:
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Persona 5 Royal: 7.25 million units
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Sonic Frontiers: 4.5 million
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Team Sonic Racing: 3.5 million
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Yakuza: Like a Dragon: 2.86 million
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Shin Megami Tensei V (incl. Vengeance): 2.1 million
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Persona 3 Reload: 2+ million
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Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth: 1.6 million
The numbers suggest consistent year-over-year growth for key titles like Persona 5 Royal. Sega appears to be positioning Persona 6 as a major tentpole release. The leak also adds clarity to their decision to invest in Sonic spin-offs like Crossworlds, given Team Sonic Racing’s strong performance.
Xbox-Branded Meta Quest 3S Launching June 24 (Gaming News)
Microsoft is teaming up with Meta to release an Xbox-branded version of the Meta Quest 3S. According to Game Sandwich and Pure Xbox, this new headset bundle will cost $399 and include a wireless Xbox controller, an Elite Strap, and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
While the standard Meta Quest 3S retails for $299, this upgraded bundle offers enhanced value and targets Game Pass users looking to dip into VR without buying a separate headset ecosystem. Microsoft’s strategy of “everything is an Xbox” continues, expanding Game Pass into as many platforms as possible.
It’s an interesting contrast to Sony’s PSVR2, which required extensive in-house development. Microsoft, meanwhile, opts to rebrand and bundle within existing hardware, effectively sidestepping the need for a proprietary VR headset while still supporting immersive experiences.
