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Japanese gaming giant Nintendo's first-quarter profit rose 53.5% as strong demand for its Switch 2 console and the success of its latest Super Mario movie helped lift earnings. Nintendo Co., based in Kyoto, reported a profit of 147.4 billion yen ($933 million) for April-June, up from 96 billion yen in the same period a year earlier. However, quarterly sales fell 9.5% to 517.8 billion yen ($3.3 billion). Nintendo, like many Japanese companies, is also facing pressure from US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, along with higher prices for memory chips and other components. For the fiscal year ending March 2027, Nintendo expects profit to reach 310 billion yen ($2 billion), down nearly 27% from the previous year. Annual sales are forecast to fall 11% to 2.05 trillion yen ($13 billion). The company said it sold 3.82 million Switch 2 consoles worldwide during the quarter. Sales of the original Switch console and its games also remained strong despite the launch of the newer system. Switch 2 software sales totaled 9.46 million units during the quarter. Games such as "Yoshi and the Mysterious Book" and "Pokemon Pokopia" were among the popular titles, Nintendo said. Nintendo is looking to maintain the momentum by expanding its game lineup. "Splatoon Raiders" was released last month, while new titles including "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" are in development. The company expects to sell 16.5 million Switch 2 consoles during the current fiscal year, nearly 17% lower than the previous year. Console sales typically decline after a strong launch year. At the same time, Nintendo expects game software sales to rise 23% to 60 million units during the fiscal year. Nintendo's shares rose 2.9% in Tokyo trading following the earnings announcement.

Viewers have several new streaming options this week, including Taylor Sheridan's neo-Western family drama series ‘The Madison’on Paramount+ and Disney’s animated hit ‘Zootopia 2’ on Disney+. Other highlights selected by AP entertainment journalists include the Academy Awards on Hulu, Nicole Kidman starring as forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta in a new series, and Kim Gordon’s third solo album, ‘Play Me’.   Movies (March 9-15)  Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’, the sequel to the 2016 hit, arrives on Disney+ Wednesday after earning $1.85 billion at the box office. The story continues the adventures of rabbit cop Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and fox partner Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), as a mysterious viper (Key Huy Quan) uncovers new secrets in the animal metropolis. AP’s review described it as “a more timid and tame movie that leans largely on the duo of Hopps and Wilde.” For the first time, the Oscars will be streamed on Hulu alongside ABC’s live broadcast on Sunday, March 15. Subscribers can watch without a cable connection. Viewers can also catch nominated films on various platforms, including HBO Max, Netflix, Peacock, Apple TV+, and Hulu.   Music (March 13)  Kim Gordon, co-founder of Sonic Youth, releases her third solo album Play Me, following her Grammy-nominated The Collective (2024). The album features propulsive, confrontational tracks exploring themes from convenience culture to billionaire obsession with space. Heavy metal band Lamb of God launches their tenth studio album, ‘Into Oblivion’, reflecting frontman Randy Blythe’s take on current world affairs.   Series (March 9-15)  Netflix adds four new Sesame Street episodes Monday as it continues the show’s 56th season. One Piece  returns for Season 2 Tuesday, following Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat pirates on their quest through the Grand Line. Nicole Kidman stars as Kay Scarpetta in a new series released Wednesday, portraying the character across two timelines with Rosy McEwen as the younger Scarpetta.  Taylor Sheridan’s ‘The Madison ‘ premieres Saturday on Paramount+, centering on the Clyburn family who move to Montana after a tragedy.   Video Games (March 9-15 Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection launches Friday on PS5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2, and PC, letting players team up with monsters and engage in turn-based battles amid warring kingdoms.  

Discord has postponed the worldwide rollout of its age verification system following strong criticism from users who raised concerns about privacy and data security. In a blog post published Tuesday, Discord Chief Technology Officer and co-founder Stanislav Vishnevskiy acknowledged the company had “missed the mark,” announcing that the global expansion of age checks will now be pushed back to the second half of 2026. Vishnevskiy said many users fear the policy is another attempt by a major tech firm to collect more personal data. He said he understood that skepticism, noting it reflects broader mistrust of the technology industry, but insisted Discord is not seeking to introduce intrusive data practices. The platform, which says it has more than 200 million active users, will still comply with legal requirements for age verification in certain jurisdictions. However, broader implementation will wait until the company revises the policy it first outlined in early February. Earlier this month, Discord said it planned to introduce age verification in March, potentially requiring face scans or government ID uploads for users whose age could not be confirmed. The proposal sparked immediate backlash, particularly after users pointed to a recent data breach involving a third-party provider that exposed government ID images of up to 70,000 Discord users. Addressing the breach, Vishnevskiy said Discord no longer works with the vendor involved and claimed the company applies strict privacy and security standards when selecting partners. He said all vendors undergo security and privacy reviews, with contractual limits on data use and tight data retention rules. Information submitted for age verification, he said, is stored only for the shortest time possible and often deleted immediately. One vendor that failed to meet Discord’s requirements was Persona, which Discord tested on a limited basis in the United Kingdom in January. Vishnevskiy said Persona could not meet Discord’s standard that facial age estimation be carried out entirely on a user’s device, ensuring biometric data never leaves the phone. Social media can be addictive for adults Discord later distanced itself from Persona amid online criticism of the company’s links to Founders Fund, run by Peter Thiel, a co-founder of Palantir Technologies. Palantir has faced scrutiny over its government surveillance work, including a recent agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Vishnevskiy said that for more than 90 percent of users, the new system would not change their experience. Discord, he explained, can already estimate most users’ ages using account-level signals such as account history, payment methods, server participation and general activity patterns. He stressed that the company does not read messages or analyze conversations to determine age. For users whose age cannot be identified through these signals, Discord is now developing additional verification options beyond facial scans and ID uploads, including credit card checks. The company said it will fully develop and expand these alternatives before introducing the revised system. Users who decline to verify their age will still be able to keep their accounts, contacts, messages and voice chats, but they will lose access to age-restricted content and be unable to modify certain safety settings aimed at protecting teenagers. Discord also promised greater transparency, saying it will publish a detailed explanation of how its automated age estimation works and provide public documentation of all verification vendors and their data practices.

Mobile games continue as one of the most coveted pastimes. More people are spending time playing games on their smartphones than ever. With over 3 billion players worldwide, the mobile gaming industry is thriving. Last year's (2024) 3 trillion gross revenue from the mobile-phone-gaming industry makes the current year even more optimistic. Let’s delve into 2025’s top smartphone game titles that are leading the hierarchy list with the highest downloads and revenue earned. World’s Highest Grossing Mobile Games in 2025 The top chart is always updating with new releases taking over the old ones’ places or some fallen titles regaining their positions. Both scenarios reflect what gamers are spending their time and money on over the year. Here are the top names that have collected the most appreciation and in-game purchase money from the gaming community this year. Honor of Kings The multiplayer hot arena of Honor of Kings gets the highest-grossing title in 2025. With it, the 5v5 live showdown makes it 3 times in a row. After an intense competitive run and a few drops in the mid-quarters, the game manages to reclaim the lead with a glorified momentum. Collecting over 2.5 billion and dominating the Chinese gamers, Honor of Kings proves that its strategic planning in player and event layout resonates with the expectations it set in the past years. Right now, it boasts a lifetime collection of $13.25 billion. Read more: Best Free and Paid Airplane Games for Android and iOS in 2025 Last War: Survival Last War: Survival got the US gamers glued to their phones since its launch in August 2023. What was a modest start for the game, marked by an annual collection of $1.5 billion, only accelerated in the latter year, adding another $2 billion to its total lifetime earnings of $3.5 billion. The Singapore-based developer and publisher company FUNFLY PTE. LTD. had been optimistic about their creation ever since the game hit the market. Area-specific marketing campaigns, perpetual upgrades, bug fixes, and strategic event designs have led them to satisfy the initial dissatisfactions in the gaming community and build a strong fanbase quickly. The effort has ever been lucrative. Roblox The revenue graph has been steep for Robolox since its beginning in 2023. Which, in 2025, has only become steeper. The fan-favourite virtual gaming workshop has pulled off a $4.1 billion haul, and in pursuit of even a higher total, as the year still has a few days to pass. Manufacturer Roblox Corporation seemingly has done it right this time by launching the user-generated experience, Brookhaven RP. Stirring a frenzy among gamers, it has drawn about 111.8 million users to daily sign-ins.  Whiteout Survival Strategy games prove they are still in business as Whiteout Survival makes the top chart by the number of users and in-app purchases. The timid 2023 entry, scoring only about $200M in the launch year, has leveraged casual ads and web shops to a massive $1B collection in 2025. According to analysts, the game is soaring to touch the $2B horizon before the year concludes. Read more: Top 10 Football Live Streaming Apps for iOS and Android in 2025 Royal Match Royal Match dropped jaws when it outranked Candy Crush Saga last year, hinting at its potential to become among the best in its category. The current year hasn’t moved much from the course set in 2024, propelling towards a $2B year-round collection. Creative minds at Dream Games have been successful in designing and coordinating some major boosted events and offers, driving about 61.5% paid downloads. Enticing long-term acquisitions, the game has also brought tweaks in gameplay, like room-building progression.   MONOPOLY GO! Monopoly Go, redefining the nostalgic and ever-popular FnF board game setting, has captured more audience this year. Being one of the most talked-about 2023 fresh releases, the game has reached $5B lifetime revenue quicker than any other titles in US history. The wildfire set in 2024 that compelled gamers to spend about 2.5B has dimmed a bit this year. However, the flame hasn’t stopped burning, as the game remains in the top chart, proving its worth, setting off for a $1.5B estimation.  Candy Crush Saga The Candy Crush Saga, the household name for recreation, entered its second decade of legacy in 2022, as it was released in 2012. Dominating the top charts in more than 50 countries, it has long held its position with an annual average of $1B to $1.5B. 2025 is approaching a similar output, grossing nearly 1.08M. While the loyalty of an astoundingly large fanbase has done its part. New acquisitions and constant gameplay upgrades have helped sustain income in the face of competition, like Royal Match. Read more: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Game Review: What’s New PUBG MOBILE For PUBG Mobile, 2025, instead of a smooth slippery slope, has been a roller coaster, with drops and bounces in the monthly gains. The first, third, and fifth months overperformed their consecutive months, with a minimum average margin of $100M, except for June ($94M). The game’s round-up collection has hit $1.2B, which, although not a breakout, maintains a linear progression. Wrapping Up The slots in the 2025 mobile game top chart are filled with old titles. Not a single name from the fresh releases has been up to the mark to exceed what gamers are already getting from their usual entertainers. Apart from it, the chart sets an example for developers and manufacturers, rewarding focused marketing, innovative upgrades, and regular engagements more than safe surfers. Despite the disappointment from the new entries, the gaming industry has thrived this year. The trend is ever stronger, forecasting an optimistic 2026.

Simulation games invite players to a world where reality is arranged on a pixelated display, and they rule out other genres in popularity. Mobile airplane games are designed to bring the thrill of piloting an actual carrier or fighter while being educational in every way. Here are some of the most played and highest-rated free and paid aeroplane games for Android and iOS that promise an exciting playtime. Top 10 Free & Paid Airplane Simulation Games for Mobile in 2025 . Infinite Flight Simulator Anyone looking for a comprehensive aeroplane simulation experience will find the Infinite Flight Simulator highly enjoyable. The game will sit you in a plane’s cockpit and leave total control in your hands. There are numerous plane models and routes to choose from, where every combination will set you up for a unique experience. One of the most popular flight games developed by Infinite Flight LLC, the Infinite Flight Simulator, was first released on July 7, 2013, and later updated on June 4, 2025. With a downloadable size of 570 MB for Android and 685 MB for iOS devices, the game is currently celebrating a 3.8-star rating on the Play Store and a 4.3-star rating on the App Store. Flight Pilot Simulator 3D Wildlife Studios’ Flight Pilot Simulator 3D, which was launched in 2015 and updated on June 9, 2025, delivers what you look for in an arcade flying game. With realistic 3D visuals and mesmerising animations, the game unloads a pack of exciting missions. From emergency rushes and rescue missions to flying for your life with raging fire on your plane, you will get a solid aero fighter gaming experience. The Flight Pilot Simulator 3D takes 255MB of storage on Android and 307.5MB of storage on iOS devices. It has a 3.8-star Play Store rating and a 4.6-star App Store rating. Read more: Top 10 Football Live Streaming Apps for iOS and Android in 2025 Airline Commander Airline Commander sets itself apart from other airplane games by being uncompromisingly true to its genre. The game offers real airlines coordinating their flights according to the real-time world. You can pick any location, set a course to anywhere, take complete control, track yourself and others on HD satellite view, and show off your skill in the competition mode. Airline Commander, offered by RORTOS, first came out in 2018 and had a recent update on May 20, 2025. The game requires 525MB of storage on Android and 1.2GB of storage on iOS devices. It has a 4.1-star Play Store rating and a 4.6-star App Store rating. X-Plane Flight Simulator Manoeuvre your fingers through hundreds of buttons, knobs and switches in an interactive cockpit and navigate your aircraft following a predefined course. Developed by Laminar Research, the game is designed to bring the flight simulation experience from desktop to mobile. After its release in 2015, the game received an update on April 5, 2025, adding new features and gameplay options. It’s an easy download for both Android and iOS users, requiring only 1GB of storage. F18 Carrier Landing II F18 Carrier Landing II is a challenging game that will test not only your navigational and landing abilities but also your fighting spirit. You will fly military aircraft, being accompanied by Top Gun comrades, and run critical missions, which will end with the successful landing on the limited runway of an aircraft carrier. Released in 2011 and updated in June 2025, F18 Carrier Landing II is one of many aero adventure games offered by RORTOS. It is a premium game priced at BDT 1,100 and has a download size of 210 MB. Read more: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Game Review: What’s New Modern Warplanes: PvP Jet Fighter Advance your game and fly at a supersonic speed across dangerous enemy territories while drawing hell to the earth in Modern Warplanes: PvP Jet Fighter. Multiplayer functionalities, PvP dogfighting sessions, and spectacular visuals are set for an immersive aerial combat experience. Brought by ForgeGames Mobile, Modern Warplanes: PvP Jet Fighter first became available in 2016 and added updated features in September 2024. Downloadable at 160MB of storage, the game has a 4.2 rating on the Play Store. Turboprop Flight Simulator 3D During play, Turboprop Flight Simulator 3D will give you an educational journey, as all the planes in this game are of Boeing types. Several tutorial missions, movable parts, a faithfully arranged cockpit, different landing and take-off strategies, and flight missions will make you a veteran virtual pilot in an enjoyable way. AXgamesoft released the game in 2017 and refurbished it on July 22, 2025. Downloadable at 74 MB of free storage in Android and 252.1 MB of storage in iOS devices, the game promises quality gaming with a 4.6 rating in the Play Store and a 4.7 rating in the App Store. Wings of Heroes This is the third RORTOS and WWII number in this list, clearly a hymn to the developer company’s expertise in making aeroplane simulations and the popularity of war games. Wings of Heroes takes a different approach to war flight frenzy, offering a 5v5 multiplayer setting. Players must come up with their strategies and demonstrate skill while destroying opponent planes. The game first came out in 2022 and was last updated on June 9, 2025. It has a 4.2-star rating in the Play Store and a 4.4-star rating in the App Store. Read more: Top 10 Best Offline Android Games Under 200MB for Low-End Phones Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders 2 The renowned aerial combat game developer Atypical Games launched Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders 2 in 2020 and relaunched it on October 7, 2023. The game lets you dogfight with enemy planes while flying over the cities of different countries like the UK, the US, Egypt, Russia, Norway, and Germany. All the planes and settings are taken from the eve of WWII and kept true to the original inspirations. It extends a rewarding multiplayer mode, which can be a thrilling pastime to spend with friends. The game occupies 2GB of storage on Android devices and 2.6GB on iOS devices. It currently has a 4.0 rating on the App Store and comes at a price of BDT 420. War Dogs: Air Combat Flight Simulator WW2 Aeroplane combat games set in the enthralling sky of World War 2 have always rocked the world of flight action game lovers. While playing War Dogs, you will course your bomber among the roving enemy fighters and shoot down their numbers. Whether you want to somersault in the air with a dogfighter and release a mass payload onto the enemy heads from heavy bombers, or numerous single missions and multiplayer sessions will create such opportunities. A tribute from Teapot Games, War Dogs first landed in 2019 and got redesigned in 2023. You need 94 MB of free space on Android and 296.1 MB on your iOS device to indulge in this exciting game rated with 4.2 stars in the Play Store and 4.7 stars in the App Store. Conclusion From realistic cockpit controls to intense WWII dogfights, the best free and paid aeroplane games for Android and iOS in 2025 deliver immersive experiences for every flight enthusiast. Whether you're into simulation, strategy, or aerial combat, these top 10 titles offer diverse gameplay, stunning visuals, and educational value for hours of engaging playtime. Read more: Greatest Video Game Inspired Movies and TV Series You Shouldn’t Miss

Hong Kong police on Tuesday accused a mobile game application of advocating armed revolution and promoting secessionist agendas, saying that those who publish it or share it with others online may risk violating national security laws. The announcement — the first to publicly denounce a gaming app — indicates that authorities are widening the crackdown that has followed anti-government protests in 2019. Authorities have crushed or silenced many dissenting voices through prosecutions under the 2020 national security law imposed by Beijing and a similar, homegrown law enacted last year. In a statement, police warned residents against downloading the “Reversed Front: Bonfire" application, saying those with the app installed might be seen as possessing a publication with a seditious intention. They also warned people against providing financial assistance to the application developer, including making in-app purchases. “'Reversed Front: Bonfire' was released under the guise of a game with the aim of promoting secessionist agendas such as ‘Taiwan independence’ and ‘Hong Kong independence,’ advocating armed revolution and the overthrow of the fundamental system of the People’s Republic of China,” police said. The game application was developed by ESC Taiwan, which did not immediately respond to The Associated Press' request for comment. On the application's Facebook page, the developer posted about surging searches for the game name and a Hong Kong broadcaster’s news report about Tuesday’s development. Apple unveils software redesign while reeling from AI missteps According to the application’s introduction, players can assume the role of Hong Kong, Tibet, Uyghur, Taiwan or Cathaysian Rebel factions, among others, to overthrow the communist regime. They may also choose to lead the communists to defeat all enemies. The game’s website says it “is a work of nonfiction. Any similarity to actual agencies, policies or ethnic groups of the PRC in this game is intentional.” On Tuesday night, the app was still available on Apple's App Store but not on the Google Play store. The game publisher last month said Google Play had taken the app down because it did not prohibit users from adopting hateful language in naming. Apple, Google and Meta have not immediately commented. After playing the game for about three months, Kuo Hao Fu in Taiwan said he found that its content uses a humorous approach to describe serious political issues. Fu disagreed with the police accusations, saying players can also choose to be part of the force representing China. “The Hong Kong police's actions demonstrate how Hong Kong's democratic freedoms have been controlled by the Chinese Communist Party,” he said. “When even this level cannot be tolerated, it completely destroys creative freedom in gaming.” China considers Taiwan its own territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary. Many Taiwanese in the self-ruled island showed concerns about Hong Kong's declining freedoms under Beijing's grip. The Beijing and Hong Kong governments insist the city's national security laws were necessary to return stability to the city following the protests.

As Memorial Day nears and National Military Appreciation Month concludes in US, an unexpected leader in veteran employment has emerged, the video game franchise Call of Duty. The Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.), a nonprofit initiative tied to the popular military video game published by Activision, has placed over 150,000 US veterans in meaningful jobs since its launch in 2009. According to the organisation’s President Dan Goldenberg, the initiative has been outpacing the federal government’s veteran placement efforts since 2022, reports AP. The initiative has raised $48 million through sales of special accessory packs in “Call of Duty” games alone (one of which recently launched in collaboration with real-life vets First Sergeant Korey Staley and Captain Florent “Flo” Groberg), in addition to other donation streams, and “every cent of which is going to putting vets in jobs,” Goldenberg said. “And one thing I know for sure is we’ve had more measurable social impact than anyone I know of in the gaming industry. I can’t think of another cause where it’s not so much the money raised, it’s the impact out,” he said. He mentioned that others may have raised more money, but they have put — including the in-game stuff and other donations and corporate partnerships — close to $100 million against this problem. And as a result, 150,000 vets have jobs, their families are more secure. The average starting salary for veterans placed through C.O.D.E. is $75,000, with 93 per cent securing full-time roles. Rockstar confirms GTA VI to launch 'May 26, but not this year' The organisation reports an 89 per cent six-month retention rate and notes that 20 per cent of those placed are women. Remarkably, each placement costs just $628 — a fraction of what government programs spend. Launched in 2009 by former Activision chief Bobby Kotick and co-chaired by General James L. Jones beginning in 2012, the Call of Duty Endowment started out a time when the unemployment rate for veterans “was super high,” Goldenberg said. C.O.D.E. is currently bracing for a higher number of unemployed veterans amid the recent job cuts across government service, a popular sector for vet placement, under the administration of President Donald Trump. But Goldenberg says the techniques the endowment already has in place — methods it has been building on through years of trial and error — will help significantly with this influx. Beyond employment, video games like Call of Duty have served as a form of relief for veterans. A study by the Entertainment Software Association found that 86 per cent of surveyed US veterans said gaming helped relieve stress and anxiety — and Call of Duty was their favourite title. “When I’ve talked to friends who’ve been forward, when I’ve gone forward... you would think, and people from outside will say, ‘Don’t you get enough of the military thing?’” Goldenberg said. “And no, it’s like a great way for them... to decompress and have fun.”

Grand Theft Auto VI delayed again, this time until May 2026Rockstar Games announced on X (formerly Twitter) Friday that the release of Grand Theft Auto VI has been postponed to May 26, 2026. The company issued an apology for the delay but did not offer specific reasons for pushing the launch from its previously expected fall 2025 window. OnePlus Nord 5: What We Know So Far “With every game we’ve released, our aim has been to surpass expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception,” Rockstar said in a statement. “We hope you understand that this extra time is necessary to meet the high standards you’ve come to expect from us.” The delay had an immediate impact on the market, with shares of Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, falling nearly 7% on Friday. Take-Two CEO and chairman Strauss Zelnick expressed full support for Rockstar’s decision, stating that the company backs the additional development time needed to bring the team’s creative vision to life. He reaffirmed expectations for the game to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster experience. “Although we take changes to our release schedule seriously and recognize the global anticipation surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI, we remain committed to delivering excellence,” Zelnick said. “As we roll out more titles from our strong development pipeline, we anticipate entering a period of sustained growth and increased shareholder value.” While fans expressed frustration over the latest delay, many responded with resigned acceptance, as the game's release has already been rumored for both 2024 and 2025. On a Reddit discussion forum dedicated to the game, several fans noted they had seen this before and wouldn’t be surprised if the release was delayed again. Others took a more optimistic tone, saying an exact release date means it will actually happen this time around. One of the last times the game garnered this much buzz was in 2023, when a trailer for the game was leaked online. At the time, Rockstar released the first look of the sixth game 15 hours earlier than planned, citing the leak. That 90-second trailer gave fans a taste of what comes next for the game. The trailer suggested the next installment would be set in the Miami-inspired Vice City and star a female protagonist, a first for the franchise, named Lucia. It is unclear whether the delay means any, or all, of these details will remain part of Grand Theft Auto VI.      

Rockstar Games has officially announced that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on May 26, next year. The release date marks a delay from earlier expectations, with the developer citing the need for additional time to ensure the game meets the high standards fans have come to expect from the franchise, according to Rockstar. "We are very sorry that this is later than you expected," Rockstar said in a statement released Friday. "The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team." The company emphasised its commitment to quality, stating that the extra development time is necessary to deliver an experience that lives up to players’ expectations. Microsoft increases Xbox prices globally amid tariff-driven industry uncertainty "With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception," the statement added. Rockstar thanked fans for their continued patience and support, promising to share more updates in the near future. Started in 1997, the Grand Theft Auto series almost immediately created a name for itself as a nihilistically provocative and crudely satirical pop-culture sensation, in which players took on the roles of urban criminals testing the frameworks of US society as they tried to rise up the ranks of a gangland underworld. Created by Rockstar, a games development studio based in Dundee, Scotland, the GTA games have always been a parody of US excess, with witty in-game jokes on everything from heart attack-inducing burgers to smart homes.

As trade tensions and tariff-related uncertainty continue to cloud the global economy, gamers worldwide are beginning to feel the impact through higher prices. Microsoft has increased the suggested retail prices for its Xbox consoles and accessories globally this week. In the U.S., the Xbox Series S now starts at $379.99—an $80 increase from its original $299.99 launch price in 2020. The more advanced Xbox Series X will now retail for $599.99, up $100 from its previous cost. “We recognize these changes may be difficult,” Microsoft said in a support update and a statement to the Associated Press. While the company didn’t directly cite tariffs, it attributed the increases to broader "market conditions and rising development costs." The price hikes are not limited to the U.S. — Europe, the U.K., and Australia will also see revised pricing, with additional regions to follow. Accessories such as wireless controllers and headsets are also affected, including in the U.S. and Canada. Microsoft also signaled that prices for some of its upcoming first-party games could rise to $79.99 by the holiday season. These adjustments come during a volatile period for the gaming industry, which has been rattled by new U.S. tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump and retaliatory measures from countries like China. Economists warn these tariffs will drive up prices on a wide range of goods that depend on international supply chains, including electronics. Microsoft isn't alone. Sony recently raised PlayStation 5 prices in parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, citing economic pressures such as inflation and volatile exchange rates. Nintendo also delayed preorders for its upcoming Switch 2 console in April to assess the potential impact of tariffs. While the base price of $449.99 remains unchanged, the new console is significantly more expensive than the original $299 model, a hike experts partly attribute to rising import duties. Although many tech firms have already reported cautious forecasts due to tariff uncertainty, the full impact on their financial results may take time to surface. Microsoft’s price hike followed a strong quarterly earnings report: the company earned $70.07 billion in revenue and $25.8 billion in net income for the January–March period. Its personal computing division, which includes Xbox, saw a 6% revenue increase—prior to the enforcement of the latest tariffs.