Nintendo’s quiet firmware patch turned into a massive compatibility fix for Switch 2, while Microsoft and AMD revealed bold plans for a multi-platform future. PlayStation VR, however, took a hit with the end of Beat Saber support. Here’s a quick roundup of the biggest gaming news this week.
Switch 2 Firmware 20.1.5 Fixes Massive Compatibility Issues
Nintendo’s latest firmware update for the Switch 2, version 20.1.5, seemed like a standard stability patch. But under the surface, it made major changes. Players noticed several previously non-functional games now run correctly, including Grid Autosport, Pikmin 3 Deluxe, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, and Portal 2—the latter requiring Wi-Fi to be disabled at boot.
Support was also restored for Harvestella and many Limited Run Games titles using the Carbon Engine, like Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection, Tomba! Special Edition, Shantae, and Rocket Knight Adventures. A patch for Gex Trilogy is still pending Nintendo’s approval. Meanwhile, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate received a fix to prevent crashes when Miis from different Switch generations are nearby.
This update marks a turning point, making nearly the entire Switch 1 library playable on Switch 2, while also improving frame rate handling and handheld resolution options.
Xbox and AMD Plot a Unified Multi-Device Future (Gaming News)
Microsoft’s hardware lead Sarah Bond and AMD CEO Lisa Su confirmed their ongoing partnership is evolving beyond custom Xbox chips. They’re now co-developing a full roadmap of gaming-optimized processors for handhelds, consoles, PCs, and cloud platforms. These chips will combine Ryzen and Radeon technology and support full backward compatibility—spanning Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Series games.
If successful, this move could enable seamless transitions between devices, allowing features like quick resume across handhelds, consoles, and cloud. Imagine pausing on a handheld, then picking up where you left off on a high-end Xbox or PC instantly. Microsoft hinted this could also lead to a unified OS across platforms.
While they didn’t provide a timeline, speculation points to 2026–2027. If Microsoft can deliver a true cross-device ecosystem, it may redefine platform expectations for both players and developers.
PlayStation VR Loses Beat Saber Support in 2025
In a move that raises questions about the future of Sony’s VR platforms, Beat Saber will stop receiving updates on PS4 and PS5 (via PSVR and PSVR2) starting June 2025. Multiplayer support for those platforms will shut down entirely in January 2026.
This announcement is notable because Beat Saber is one of VR’s most mainstream successes. The decision signals potential stagnation or reevaluation of PSVR2’s position. Despite a few new titles and a PC adapter announced recently, interest around Sony’s VR headset has faded.
As of now, players can still purchase the game and access previously owned content, but new features and multiplayer functionality will disappear within the next year. This move could signal the end of consumer-facing VR support for PS5—or at least a major pause.
Metroid Prime 4 Confusion and Donkey Kong Bonanza Demo News
A strange Metroid Prime 4 ad spotted in the London Underground sparked confusion after it claimed the game was “out now.” It turns out the billboard likely used placeholder text in error. Nintendo hasn’t announced a release, and no shadow drop has occurred.
On a more positive note, Donkey Kong Bonanza—revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct—has a playable demo now appearing in Switch 2 kiosks. This may be a newer build than the one seen at recent preview events, possibly featuring Pauline and more content from the full game.
Famitsu Sales: Switch 2 Drops, But Demand Remains High (Gaming News)
Switch 2 saw an expected drop in week-two sales in Japan, down to 153,205 units (an 80% decrease), likely due to supply constraints. Still, over 1.1 million units have sold in two weeks—faster than the original Switch, which took 20 weeks to reach that figure.
Mario Kart World held the top software spot with 134,900 copies sold, followed by Fantasy Life i, Rune Factory: Guardians of Iuma, and Minecraft. Notably, the original Mario Kart 8 Deluxe saw a 15% sales bump, likely boosted by franchise interest.
