Sonic Generations was already a fairly good game (though it holds up less well today than it did at launch), but the addition of Shadow Generations – which can lay a claim to being the best 3D Sonic entry this side of the Adventure saga – really elevates the whole offering, and provides platforming fans with a substantial and good entry in the genre right at the Switch 2’s launch.

"The Switch 2 release sees an improvement across the board. Sonic Generations now runs at a locked, blistering 60 frames per second."

Sonic X Shadow Generations launched last year on every system, including Nintendo’s own Switch, which means it’s a known quantity. The 2011 Sonic game, which was widely viewed as one of the best 3D entries in the series at the time of its release, paired with Shadow’s first headlining adventure since the ill-fated Shadow the Hedgehog, are both available in this package. Compared to the Switch version, the Switch 2 versions run significantly better – the Switch versions of Sonic and Shadow Generations ran at 1080p and 720p respectively, but more than the resolution, the big hit came via the frame rate, which only targeted 30fps. 

The Switch 2 release sees an improvement across the board. Sonic Generations now runs at a locked, blistering 60 frames per second, as a platformer, particularly a platformer about one of the speediest creatures alive, should. Of course, Sonic Generations is also a 14 year old game, so it running well on a brand new machine in 2025 isn’t inherently surprising (although the improvement over the original Switch version is most definitely welcome). Rather, the point of interest here is Shadow Generations, which was already running worse on Switch than even Sonic Generations, and which, as a brand new 3D game, was more challenging on the hardware.

With Shadow Generations too, thankfully, there are improvements. There is a performance mode that locks the frame rate to 60 frames per second (which is excellent, and exactly what it should be), although for those who prefer the image clarity and legibility that a higher resolution image can provide, there is a Quality Mode available as well, which bumps the resolution while locking the frame rate to 30fps.

"I am merely happy to have the ability to play the game on 60fps, as a platformer should be, hardware permitting."

The quality mode isn’t one I would personally ever use or even recommend for a Sonic platformer; nonetheless, it is a good thing that the option is available for those who prefer it. I am merely happy to have the ability to play the game on 60fps, as a platformer should be, hardware permitting. 

Other than the graphical upgrades, however, there’s no other upgrades to this version of the game. Both Sonic Generations and Shadow Generations are the exact same games they were last year, on the Switch and on every other system – they are simply looking and running better. Inherently, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that – as I have repeatedly specified, Sonic Generations is still fairly good, even if it has lost its lustre a little, and Shadow Generations is the best a 3D Sonic game has been in almost two decades.

Both of those are excellent platformers, featuring strongly designed levels that lend themselves incredibly well to repeated playthroughs, as you try to find secrets or shortcuts, or you try to shave off time from your completion and bump your grade higher. The arcade score attack style mentality that pervades the design of a Sonic game is still here, and with the level design and character movement both being as great as they are, continually replaying these levels comes almost naturally, without the game having to do anything to induce the player to do so.

However, this being a straight port of a reasonably straightforward re-release means that it inherits a lot of the flaws of those other releases too. These are most evident with Sonic Generations, which suffers from feeling a bit too dated sometimes, particularly with some of its 2D “Classic Sonic” levels, which can be almost too simplistic. Additionally, both Sonic and Shadow Generations suffer from a relatively uninteresting hub world, particularly compared to some of the series’ own previous highlights in these areas.

"Overall, then, this is a great version of a great couple of games, and the Switch 2 version has very little of the obvious cutbacks and compromises that made the Switch version so hard to recommend last year."

The story of Sonic Generations particularly is also far more streamlined and simplified than a lot of the blue blur’s more popular adventures, which tend to have fairly elaborate and overwrought stories. Personally, as someone who doesn’t particularly care about the storytelling in Sonic games, I don’t mind a simple story that stays out of the way, but I also recognize that within the Sonic fanbase, there is a huge cadre of fans that does care about the story and mythos of the franchise. For them, Sonic Generations may still prove to be disappointing on this front. Thankfully, however, Shadow Generations taps in a lot more into the exact kind of storytelling that Sonic Generations eschews, so even for more plot oriented Sonic fans, this package has a lot to offer.

Shadow Generations benefits over Sonic Generations in a bunch of other ways besides. The core design for the levels is significantly better here, making the levels inherently a lot more fun to play. Shadow also feels better to control on a base level, with the added Doom Powers that he slowly unlocks over the course of the campaign further adding to his moveset, and surprisingly enough, doing so without interrupting the flow or pacing of the levels or encounters. 

Shadow Generations also, obviously, has a great soundtrack – though this is an area where Sonic Generations is no slouch either, because what Sonic game has ever truly disappointed when it comes to music? None of them, and it isn’t about to start here either.

Overall, then, this is a great version of a great couple of games, and the Switch 2 version has very little of the obvious cutbacks and compromises that made the Switch version so hard to recommend last year. Sonic X Shadow Generations on the Switch 2, rather, can stand side by side with the PlayStation and Xbox versions of the game (though as should be obvious, it’s running at lower settings than those builds of the game do). If you are a Nintendo owner who hasn’t played through this already, or doesn’t own it on Switch, and you have a hankering for a good platformer, this is an easily recommended purchase.

If, however, you did own the Switch version of the game already, the calculus becomes a lot more complicated. You see, Sega, in their infinite wisdom, are not allowing Switch 1 owners to upgrade their existing copies of the game. Unlike so many other first and third party games, Sonic X Shadow Generations on Switch cannot be upgraded to the Switch 2 version for free or even for an upgrade fee; instead, you need to buy the whole game again. Doing so does allow you to import your Switch save over to the Switch 2, so you at least don’t have to start over, but it’s extremely disappointing that there’s not even an option for a paid upgrade being offered.

"Whatever the situation may be, however, don’t let the pricing decisions take away from the ultimate takeaway – Sonic X Shadow Generations is good."

That unnecessary sour note in how the release has been handled aside, however, anyone who does get Sonic X Shadow Generations is in for a treat, with a surprisingly great new game in the guise of Shadow, and a beloved fan favorite that manages to hold up mostly well in Sonic. If you haven’t played it yet, and are interested in platformers, then the Switch 2 version is as easily recommended as the PC, PlayStation, or Xbox versions are; if you do already own the game on Switch itself, it’s a lot harder to recommend you having to by the same game again. 

Whatever the situation may be, however, don’t let the pricing decisions take away from the ultimate takeaway – Sonic X Shadow Generations is good. And with the Switch 2 version bringing the performance and visuals of the game back in line with the other versions, this is the best version of the best batch of Sonic games available to Nintendo players.

This game was reviewed on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Metroid Prime 4

The Metroid Prime games have been one of the biggest games in recent years, and funnily enough at one point, Metroid Prime 4 was supposed to be an early release title for the original Switch. It’s finally coming out for the Switch 2 (and even the original Switch) after undergoing plenty of delays, and it looks absolutely fantastic. Samus looks quite resourceful, decked with so many powers and weapons, and it’s going to be an absolute blast. It’s scheduled to come out sometime this year.

Save data can be transferred from the Nintendo Switch version to Switch 2 (though not vice versa). However, there is no pre-order or early purchase bonus, and you can’t upgrade the Switch 1 version to Switch 2, which also applies to the DLC.

Furthermore, since it ships on a Game-Key Card, Switch 2 owners must download up to 24 GB to install the physical version. You may also need additional space for any updates.

This fits a recent report noting that most third-party Nintendo Switch 2 titles are shipping on Game-Key Cards, resulting in mandatory downloads. Some exceptions include Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which packs 64 GB onto the cartridge.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is also available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and PS5. Check out our review.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is going to release for the Nintendo Switch 2 as a launch title, which means it will be available on the console upon its worldwide launch on June 5. It will be one of three Sega titles to release alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, alongside Puyo Puyo Tetris 25 and Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut. Two other title will also follow from the publisher for the console before the end of the year, in the form of Two Point Museum and Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army.

In our review of Sonic X Shadow Generations, we awarded it a score of 8/10, saying, “With an enhanced version of one of the series’ best 3D outings to date, as well as a legitimately great brand-new adventure starring a returning fan-favourite, Sonic X Shadow Generations is well worth a look for fans of Sega’s platforming franchise.” Read the full review through here.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It has sold over 2 million units worldwide.

Several major third-party multiplatform games that have been previously elsewhere were officially announced for the Switch 2. That includes the likes of Split Fiction, Star Wars Outlaws, Civilization 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Wild Hearts, Two Point Museum, and Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. Separately, Sega also announced Sonic X Shadow Generations for the upcoming Nintendo console. 

Split Fiction, Civilization 7, Hogwarts Legacy, and Kunitsu-Gami will be available for the Switch 2 on launch day, which is June 5, while Wild Hearts will arrive later that month, on July 25. Meanwhile, Two Point Museum, Sonic X Shadow Generations, and Star Wars Outlaws will all launch before the end of 2025. 

That isn’t the extent of confirmed third-party support for the Switch 2 either. Several major games have been confirmed, including Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, Hitman: World of Assassination and Project 007, Borderlands 4, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, and others.  

Metaphor: ReFantazio and Sonic X Shadow Generations were among Sega’s last major releases of 2024, and both are enjoying steady commercial momentum. During a recent quarterly Q&A with investors, the company said both games “are performing better than expected”, allowing the company to offset at least some of its losses in projected revenue because of the cancellation of Football Manager 25.

Speaking specifically about the sales of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Sega said, “The recent number of units sold has been steadily increasing and is on pace to exceed our initial forecast. Those responses support our confidence about the title, and we believe we can expect the further sales by raising awareness of the title in the future. We will continue the effort to increase repeat sales while always closely monitor the appropriate price levels.”

Metaphor: ReFantazio sold over 1 million units on the day of its release, becoming Atlus’ fastest-selling game of all time. Sonic X Shadow Generations matched that achievement, and as of January, had hit 2 million units sold.

“The plan is currently being formulated, but we expect the volume of new titles in Full Game to be lower than this fiscal year,” said Sega. “On the other hand, we expect continuous revenue contribution from repeat sales of new titles in Full Game this fiscal year and full-scale revenue contribution from new titles in F2P.”

When Sega says “Full Game”, it refers to its major releases that aren’t free-to-play. This would include its releases like Metaphor: ReFantazio or the upcoming Shinobi: Art of Vengeance.

Sega also discussed its plans to invest in subsidiaries like Atlus, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, and Sonic Team. The company wants to expand and strengthen these companies by hiring new talent and via mergers and acquisitions.

“Atlus is an important studio for us to expand Japanese IPs overseas, and we think it is necessary to strengthen it, and the studios involved in the Sonic and Like a Dragon IPs are also short of staff, and we are looking to reinforce personnel through additional hiring and M&A,” said Sega.

The company also revealed that it had sold almost 20 million copies of its newer releases up to December 31, 2024. In the first three quarters of the fiscal year, Sega reported that over two million copies of Sonic X Shadow Generations were sold, while Metaphor: ReFantazio sold over a million copies.

Its older titles have also been incredibly popular, with Persona 5 and Unicorn Overlord being among the games that were part of the 12 million sales of legacy releases.

With its library of IPs growing, Sega president and COO Shuji Utsumi had revealed in an interview that the company might get its own subscription service. He described the idea of a subscription service as “very interesting”. Sega is seemingly “evaluating some opportunities” surrounding the idea.

The most recent Sega release has been Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios’ Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. The game, available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, puts players in the shoes of an amnesiac Goro Majima who ends up getting involved with gangs of pirates around Hawaii.

Released back in February, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii was launched alongside a new game plus mode added through its day one patch. Its launch was a successful one in Japan, selling more than 105,000 physical copies in the country. Over 68,000 sales were for the PS5 version, while about 37,000 copies were sold on PS4.

Sega has also been working on bringing back some of its older franchises. Alongside the recently-revealed Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, the company has also confirmed that it is working on new Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio games as well.

Sega has announced that Sonic X Shadow Generations has sold 2 million copies across all platforms since it launched in October. That means the expanded platforming remaster has sold another 500,000 units over the course of the last two months, maintaining solid momentum. Sega released a DLC pack for the title in December that added a new level and featured voice acting for Shadow by Keanu Reeves, which may have helped bump up the sales.

In our review of the game, we awarded it a score of 8/10, saying, “With an enhanced version of one of the series’ best 3D outings to date, as well as a legitimately great brand-new adventure starring a returning fan-favourite, Sonic X Shadow Generations is well worth a look for fans of Sega’s platforming franchise.” Read the full review through here.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Silent Hill 2 Remake

There’s something about the second entry in Konami’s survival horror series that keeps fans coming back years and years after its launch. Perhaps it’s the Crime and Punishment-styled plot and how complex James Sunderland’s character, ego and all, is portrayed as he roams this nightmare manifest. While concerns arose over Bloober Team adapting the classic (especially given its previous horror titles), it ultimately delivered on its vision of Silent Hill 2.

Changes seemed a given, whether the over-the-shoulder camera, new attacks for enemies, a more extensive range of areas to explore or a new voice cast. However, Silent Hill 2 remake is a masterpiece in dread-inducing terror, whether you’re walking through its fog-covered streets and watching something scurry nearby or locked in a desperate battle with Pyramid Head. Several sections witnessed significant alterations but didn’t hamper the pacing or story-telling, and the presentation, especially composer Akira Yamaoka’s music, is top-notch. The restless dreams of Konami’s classic will likely continue for generations to come, but the remake offers an excellent homecoming for longtime fans.