Week’s Top Gaming News

Gaming Shapes Aussie IT Buying, Study Finds

A new Logitech study has found that Australian IT decision-makers (ITDMs) are avid gamers, with their hobby directly shaping how they evaluate enterprise hardware and software at work.
The survey of 200 Australian ITDMs with high-level purchasing authority found all respondents linked gaming to core workplace skills such as problem-solving, performing under pressure and strategic thinking. Of those surveyed, 95% said they control tech budgets, 79% game daily, and 68% have been gaming for more than a decade. Additionally, 92% expect workplace tech standards to be increasingly shaped by gaming over the next three years.
Gaming is also influencing hiring, with 81% of ITDMs saying they’d be more likely to consider a job candidate who lists gaming as a skill.
Logitech ANZ Managing Director Damian Lepore said the overlap between gaming and IT professionals is well known, but the scale of it revealed by the study, and its impact on workplace decisions, stands out. He argued this crossover is a positive development, noting that effective enterprise tech buyers look beyond features to test systems thoroughly and prioritise smooth workflows — the same instincts gamers apply under pressure when managing complex, fast-changing environments.
Lepore said the findings reflect a broader trend already recognised by many tech executives: that today’s gamers are shaping the future of Australia’s technical workforce. He pointed to the mental agility, quick reactions and analytical thinking developed through gaming as increasingly valuable in modern workplaces, and expects the trend to accelerate. With around 17 million Australians playing video games, he said gaming’s cultural weight rivals that of sport in Australia, and as more gamers move into senior purchasing roles, their gaming-honed skills will increasingly influence the broader working world.

8BitDo Unveils Ultimate 3E Controller

Perth, Sept 14: Game Outlet Europe, an independent distributor of video games and gaming accessories, has announced the opening of pre-orders for the 8BitDo Ultimate 3E Controller for Xbox and PC, described as 8BitDo’s most advanced controller to date. The Ultimate 3E pairs the brand’s Hall-Effect impulse triggers with new TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) technology for enhanced precision and stability, alongside a hot-swappable ABXY Module, D-pad and three thumb-stick combinations for customisable gameplay.
The controller is officially licensed for Xbox and compatible with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One via 2.4GHz low-latency wireless and wired connectivity, with additional 2.4GHz wireless and wired support for Windows 10/11 and Bluetooth connectivity for iOS, iPadOS and Android devices. It also includes a built-in 3.5mm audio jack with on-controller volume and mic muting controls for connected headsets.
Key features include Next-Gen TMR Joysticks, using Tunneling Magnetoresistance sensors for sub-millimeter precision, zero stick drift and improved power efficiency; a Modular Magnetic Faceplate & Accessory Pack allowing players to swap between silicone membrane and tactile micro-switch ABXY modules, circular and classic D-pads, and analog stick heights and caps; and Hall-Effect Impulse Triggers & Quick-Stops, offering friction-free smoothness, customisable rumble feedback and two-stage physical trigger stops for competitive shooters.
Further specs include two ergonomic remappable rear paddles and dedicated top shoulder bumpers (L4/R4) for low-latency inputs, up to a 1000Hz polling rate and 6-axis gyro motion control when connected to PC, and a multifunction charging dock with an integrated wireless charging chamber and embedded 2.4G receiver.
“Keep the drift in your favourite racing game, where it belongs.”
Pre-orders are open now, with retail availability from October 23, 2026, across Europe and the UK, priced at €139.99 / £119.99.

Jurassic World Comes to LEGOLAND Melbourne

Melbourne, Sept 14: LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne will host an exclusive LEGO Jurassic World attraction takeover from September 19 to November 4, inviting visitors to build, create and explore their way through a prehistoric adventure featuring hands-on activities, dinosaur discoveries, interactive challenges and photo opportunities.
Visitors who complete the Jurassic World experience and collect a special stamp will be entered into a draw to win a LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils Tyrannosaurus rex set.

Golden Swirl Launches on Steam

Perth, Sept 14: Snako Production and Infini Fun have launched Golden Swirl, a blend of deckbuilding strategy and action-combat evasion, now available on Steam for $19.99 / €20.49 / £17.75, with a 20% launch discount for the first 14 days. The semi-real-time action card game has players controlling their character to dodge enemy attacks and reposition to strike back with cards, balancing deck-building with tactical movement.
Players choose from four starting characters, each with unique relics, and can combine over 120 cards and 100+ relics, with Card Modifiers allowing further fine-tuning to forge synergies and strategies. The game features five distinct Acts guarded by powerful foes within procedurally generated dungeons, where choices sway the “Golden Will,” permanently altering combat rewards, resource progression, and NPC appearances and offerings.
Set in a dark fantasy world after the fall of the deities and the invasion of the “Great Dreamer,” players take on the role of “The Nameless One,” the last hope against the apocalyptic Golden Swirl threatening to consume the realm.

CRKD’s Nitro Deck 2 Starts Shipping

Perth, Sept 14: CRKD, the premium collectible gaming brand, has begun global shipping of the Nitro Deck 2, the follow-up to its original Nitro Deck accessory, designed to level up handheld play for the Nintendo Switch 2 while remaining fully backward compatible with the original Switch.
The Nitro Deck 2 introduces upgraded CRKD CaptiStick Technology, using capacitor-based thumbsticks with adjustable resistance, EMI shielding and ultra-low power draw to eliminate stick drift and extend console battery life. It is also compatible with PC, mobile and smart TVs via integrated Bluetooth technology, and features a retractable locking mechanism for a secure fit across both Switch and Switch 2 hardware generations.
Design updates include an offset right thumbstick for improved ergonomics, sculpted contours for better in-hand feel, new L2 and R2 secondary shoulder buttons, swappable Stick Tops and a new swappable D-Pad system offering four styles. The triggers have been upgraded to smooth, tactile Digital Triggers, and the kickstand has been redesigned in durable metal for improved stability, alongside motion control compatibility and adjustable rumble.
The device remains part of CRKD’s True Collection System, with the CRKD CTRL app allowing players to personalise performance through remapping, calibration, rumble tuning and firmware updates. Nitro Deck 2 is available now at crkd.gg in four colourways, including a limited-edition Fusion collaboration with Limited Run Games, priced at $99.99 USD / £89.99 GBP / €99.99 EUR, with select colourways also available on Amazon.

Stage Tour Adds Three More Tracks

Perth, Sept 14: Stage Tour has added three new songs to its growing setlist, bringing the total to 48 confirmed tracks ahead of the game’s December 10, 2026 release on PC and consoles. The latest additions are “Parklife” by Blur, “Night Witches” by Sabaton, and “When Worlds Collide” by Powerman 5000, following the 20 tracks originally revealed at Opening Night Live.
The full confirmed setlist now spans a wide range of genres and eras, featuring artists including Metallica, Radiohead, The Rolling Stones, blink-182, Avril Lavigne, Paramore, Slipknot and Olivia Rodrigo, alongside newer acts such as Good Kid and Honey Revenge.
The next setlist reveal, featuring three more tracks, is scheduled for September 16.
Pre-orders for Stage Tour hardware and game bundles are open now at StageTour.com, alongside a recently released launch date trailer and developer deep dive offering further insight into the game.

Crossout Launches “New Horizon” Season

Perth, Sept 14: Gaijin Entertainment has announced the launch of “New Horizon,” a new season in the post-apocalyptic online action game Crossout. In the update, the Engineers, Steppenwolfs and Scavengers are forced to join forces against the treacherous Aris and the Ravagers, with survivors able to unlock new vehicle parts and weapons, experiment with combat builds, and take part in unusual brawls and additional PvP scenarios.
One of the season’s most unusual additions is the “MVP Flagship” air cushion, a massive new car part capable of carrying armored cars across the battlefield at speeds of up to 70 km/h, with a perk that increases cabin power when enemies are nearby. The new arsenal also includes the “Smasher” cannon, which fires naval cannonballs that gradually gain damage and impulse during the first 125 metres of flight, and the “ATGM Cornet” launcher, which fires manoeuvrable missiles guided by a laser designator, with the option to release guidance early and split the projectile into four explosive fragments. Additional new parts include the MPR-8 “Slice” radar, capable of periodically detecting concealed and invisible opponents, and the heavy “Wildhog” cabin, whose bonuses shift depending on the balance of nearby allies and enemies.
“New Horizon” also introduces a series of special PvP brawls, including “No signal,” in which player names and minimap icons disappear and friendly fire is enabled, leaving armored car colour as the only way to distinguish friend from foe. The “Blind fire” brawl pushes visibility further still, making every participant invisible until firing a weapon, activating a module, taking damage or colliding with something reveals their vehicle, while players can still track invisible rivals by sound and dust clouds; everyone is briefly revealed at certain moments, turning stealth into sudden firefights.
The “New Horizon” season and its Battle Pass will remain available through November 25, with the Deluxe Battle Pass expanded to include instant access to recipes for upgraded seasonal parts, additional Bearings and other bonuses.

Culdcept Returns on Modern Consoles

Perth, Sept 14: Clear River Games, in partnership with developers City Connection and in cooperation with series creators Omiya Soft, has released Culdcept The First Saturn Tribute digitally on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, joining the PC version launched at the end of July. A physical edition is expected to ship in November.
The 1997 strategy title is set within Culdra Space, where players take on the role of a Cepter wielding a self-constructed 50-card deck, rolling dice to traverse the board, claim territory, and summon creatures in battle. This enhanced version includes English subtitles for the first time, alongside a range of quality-of-life updates aimed at Western audiences new to the series.
New features include Rewind, allowing players to return to any Checkpoint passed at a Fort or Castle; Quick Save & Load, independent of the game’s standard save function; a toggleable Bonus Pack that increases Reward Cards received at the end of a match; Reveal Hands, which constantly displays both players’ hands on-screen; and Language Switching between Japanese and English.
Culdcept The First Saturn Tribute is available digitally now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S for $29.99 / €29.99, and on Steam for $29.99 / €29.99 / £24.99. The physical edition launches November 5, 2026, on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 via the Clear River Games store.

Duelist: Idle Expedition Launches October 8

Perth, Sept 14: One Interactive Studio and Infini Fun announced their JRPG-style idle combat game, Duelist: Idle Expedition, will launch on Steam on October 8, 2026.
Built to run from the taskbar, the game lets players build and manage a travelling Guild of hand-drawn Duelists that battle and progress even when players step away. It features a dual-progression loop, with continuous frontline battles alongside camp life management. The game offers 91 unique roles across 7 main classes, more than 200 pieces of equipment to collect, and a camp system including a Tavern, Blacksmith, and Shopkeeper.
Players build their Guild by recruiting Duelists, discovering role combinations, gearing them up, and leading them into battle across the Continent, while growing camp facilities and unlocking followers and new Combat Styles.
CK, Game Producer at One Interactive, said: “Whether you’re a nostalgic fan of pixel JRPGs, a hardcore min-maxer obsessed with build-crafting, or a busy professional in dire need of a quality secondary-screen game, you’ll find your fun here!”
Key features include 91 Duelist roles across 7 classes with individual abilities and hand-drawn animations; automatic taskbar-based idle progression; an equipment system with over 200 items including 60+ class-exclusive Legendary pieces and enchanting customisation; camp management through the Tavern, Blacksmith, and Shopkeeper; a Followers and Combat Styles system unlocked by defeating rival Duelists; and multilingual support across 31 languages, including English, French, German, Japanese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Russian.

Aether & Iron Heads to Consoles

Perth, Sept 15: Seismic Squirrel has announced that narrative RPG Aether & Iron, set in an alternate 1930s New York reshaped by anti-gravitational technology, is coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S in 2027.
A new content update launches tomorrow, adding two side quests set in Nations Crusade — one exploring the relationship between characters Gia and Benny, the other digging into the aether research that transformed the game’s world. The update goes live on Steam at 3:00 PM PT / 11:00 PM BST on September 15th.
The game is also part of the Steam Party-Based RPG Festival, with a 20% discount running from September 14th to 21st.
Aether & Iron is currently available on Steam for Windows and macOS, with full English voice acting and text localisation in Spanish, French, German, Polish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese and Simplified Chinese. Console release details will be shared at a later date.

Active Matter Launches Worldwide

Perth, Sept 15: Gaijin Entertainment and Matter Team have launched Active Matter, a hardcore online shooter set in a fractured multiverse, for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The game is available through Steam and the Gaijin Store for PC and comes in Standard, Advanced and Deluxe editions.
Active Matter combines modern military-style combat with science-fiction environments affected by unstable gravity and other anomalies. Players take on the role of operatives entering quantum-unstable zones to recover active matter, a valuable substance capable of distorting space and gravity.
Gameplay includes PvPvE and PvE raids as well as dedicated PvP battles, with players exploring ruined environments, collecting equipment and deciding when to extract before potentially losing their gear.
Launch locations include an abandoned Soviet restricted island, a Central African quarantine zone and the streets of a ruined American metropolis. Additional locations, creatures and weapons are planned for future updates.
The game also features more than 100 soundtrack tracks from independent composers, invited artists and licensed musicians, including composer Akira Yamaoka. The soundtrack is available separately on Steam and as part of the Deluxe Edition, with a release on major streaming platforms also planned.

MONOWAVE Launches on Steam, Switch

Perth, Sept 17: South Korean studio Studio BBB has released its puzzle-adventure platformer MONOWAVE on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch, priced at $9.99 USD with a 10% launch discount. Players guide Mono, a newborn Guardian, through a wordless emotional journey to reunite four scattered Emotions — Anxiety, Anger, Sorrow and Happiness — each granting new movement abilities and unlocking interactions with 18 spirits scattered across the game’s world. The adventure includes four boss encounters tied to each Emotion, eight hidden stages, and support for local co-op play. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are due later in 2026.
“We wanted players to experience emotions and empathy through play,” said Gwonyeong Lim, CEO of Studio BBB. “In MONOWAVE, paying attention to how a spirit feels can help you find a way forward. We hope players enjoy discovering those connections, whether they’re playing on their own or sharing the adventure with someone else.”

R-Type DX Returns on Cartridge

Perth, Sept 17: Limited Run Games and Retro Bit are bringing R-Type DX back to physical cartridge, complete with collectible extras. Originally developed by Brits Studios for Game Boy Color in 1999, the release packs five ways to play: monochrome and color-enhanced versions of both R-Type and R-Type II, plus the merged R-Type DX Mode with battery saves.
The Cosmic Cartridge release works across Game Boy and Game Boy Color hardware and ships in numbered hardcover packaging featuring art by Paul “Otaking” Johnson, alongside a full-color manual.
Alongside the game, Limited Run’s music arm ClariceDisc is releasing the R-Type DX Original Soundtrack on CD and vinyl, featuring 33 tracks composed by WASi303 (Masato Ishizaki) and Masahiko Ishida, with original Game Boy audio arranged by David Whittaker. The CD includes a booklet with cover art by Johnson and an interview with producer Nobuhiro Yoshikawa; the vinyl LP comes in a gatefold jacket with the same interview insert.

Stage Tour Expands Setlist

Perth, Sept 17: Upcoming music game Stage Tour has expanded its confirmed setlist with new tracks from The Bites, The Dust Coda and The Karma Effect.
The latest additions are “Do Me a Favor” by The Bites, “Limbo Man” by The Dust Coda and “Raised on Rock N Roll” by The Karma Effect.
The announcement brings the confirmed Stage Tour setlist to 51 songs, with more than 90 tracks spanning six decades expected in the full game.
Previously announced artists include Metallica, Avril Lavigne, Paramore, Slipknot, Muse, The Cure, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Megadeth, Def Leppard and Duran Duran.
The next setlist announcement is scheduled for September 23, ahead of the game’s December 10 launch.

Hyperkin Unveils New SupaBoy Colors

Perth, Sept 16: Hyperkin has opened pre-orders for two new versions of its SupaBoy portable retro gaming console ahead of their October 28 release in the US and Europe.
The SupaBoy Crimson and SupaBoy Prime feature translucent cases and are designed to play original Super Nintendo and Super Famicom cartridges across PAL, NTSC and Japanese regions.
Both models feature a 4.3-inch IPS display, rechargeable battery offering up to 10 hours of use, AV output for television play and two front-facing controller ports for multiplayer gaming.
The limited-edition Crimson takes inspiration from the original Japanese Famicom, while the Prime uses a colour palette influenced by the Japanese and European Super Famicom.
The new models will replace Hyperkin’s existing SupaBoy versions and are expected to ship from October 28.
Pricing is expected to start at US$129.99, €129.99 or £119.99, depending on the market.

Battle Dock Hits Europe

Karlstad, Sept 17: Retro Fighters has launched its new Battle Dock for Nintendo Switch 2 across Europe, bringing support for GameCube-style controllers to Nintendo’s latest console.
The Battle Dock connects directly to the Switch 2 through USB-C and features four wired GameCube controller ports designed for low-latency multiplayer gaming.
Inspired by the original GameCube console, the dock comes with four interchangeable magnetic faceplates in Spice Orange, Indigo, Jet Black and Platinum Silver. Two additional USB-C ports are positioned at the rear.
The accessory supports wired GameCube controllers as well as WaveBird wireless controllers and Retro Fighters’ BattlerGC wireless controllers.
The Battle Dock is now shipping through selected European retailers, including Amazon UK, Germany and Italy, with availability in other markets to follow.
It carries an MSRP of €39.99 in Europe and £34.99 in the UK.

Gobby Gang Gets Visual Overhaul

Perth, Sept 17: Wandering Wizard has unveiled a redesigned art style for Matrioshka Games’ upcoming four-player co-op title Gobby Gang, alongside a new trailer showcasing character customisation, tools and gameplay.
The overhaul introduces a broader selection of playable creatures, including dragons, raccoons, fish and mushrooms, along with expanded customisation options.
Gobby Gang is a physics-based heist game in which teams transport oversized bombs, treasure orbs and other volatile objects through destructible underground voxel environments. Players must dig and create their own routes while dealing with collapsing caves and unpredictable physics.
The game also features progression systems, unlockable items and treasure-hunting elements, with each underground mission, known as a Shift, requiring players to work together before the environment collapses around them.
The project is being developed by a team of no more than a dozen people at Matrioshka Games. The developer said the game has been substantially rebuilt since its initial reveal in March 2026.

Culdcept BEGINS Goes Physical

Karlstad, Sept 17: Clear River Games and Neos Corporation have launched physical editions of Culdcept BEGINS for Nintendo Switch 2, with worldwide shipping now underway.
The latest entry in the long-running series combines card-game strategy with board-game mechanics and marks the franchise’s first new instalment in more than a decade. The game has surpassed 100,000 digital and physical sales since its July 2026 release.
Two physical versions are available. The Standard Edition, priced at US$54.99 or €49.99, includes the game with a reversible cover and a 32-page booklet featuring a game guide, story and franchise information, character details, beginner strategy tips and artwork.
The Steelbook Edition costs US$89.99 or €79.99 and adds a themed slip-lid box, Steelbook case, 10 creature art cards and an original soundtrack CD.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is also compatible with the original Nintendo Switch.

Guild Saga Adds Ship Travel, New Island

Canada, Sept 18: Ocelot Technologies has released the 0.8 update for Guild Saga: Vanished Worlds, its tactical RPG in Early Access, introducing ship-based travel and letting players sail beyond Respite Island for the first time to the ancient realm of Arborea. The new island brings fresh narrative content, including encounters with an Elven character and rival forest kings, offering an early glimpse of the expanded multi-island adventure planned for the game’s full Version 1.0 release.
The update also adds the Fighting Pits, an underground arena beneath the fortress of Gladeheim where players face increasingly difficult opponents for exclusive rewards, providing an optional endgame challenge built around strategic party composition.
Character progression has been expanded with more than 60 new skills spread across all 10 schools of magic and combat, with a particular focus on the Engineer school, which gains new machines and battlefield-manipulation abilities.
Mike, CEO at Ocelot Technologies, said: “We’re incredibly thrilled to finally share Arborea with our community in Early Access. Update 0.8 is a major milestone for Guild Saga: Vanished Worlds, introducing sailing, new areas to explore, over 50 new skills and an entirely new arena. This is just the beginning, but player feedback will be invaluable as we develop toward 1.0. We can’t wait to see what players discover and how they help shape the game’s future.”
Guild Saga: Vanished Worlds is available now on Steam in Early Access, with a free demo and text localisation support for English, Simplified Chinese and Brazilian Portuguese.

VZR Audio Launches Model One Delta

Perth, Sept 18: VZR Audio has launched the Model One MKII “D” Delta, its new flagship audiophile gaming headset, available now for $379. Founded by Apple’s former lead acoustics engineer Vic Tiscareno, the company says the Delta delivers greater spectral neutrality, improved clarity and overall listening performance through a newly refined acoustic model, while retaining the brand’s patented CrossWave acoustic lens.
The Delta builds on the existing Model One MKII, offering a more cohesive, natural sound signature alongside enhanced tonal accuracy, which VZR says benefits music, gaming, movies and professional applications. It retains features from the MKII including a detachable audio cable, broadcast-quality boom mic, carrying case, and replaceable Hybrid earpads with the patent-pending Talisman acoustic device for added clarity and impact.
The wired headset targets gamers and music enthusiasts prioritising audio quality and low latency, drawing power and signal from any source, whether a controller’s headphone port or a high-end audio amplifier.
Vic Tiscareno, Founder of VZR, said: “We’re constantly planning for future products, and our research led us to find ways to improve the Model One MKII with existing technology. We’re so confident in the Delta that we’ve made it our new flagship model going forward.”
The VZR Model One MKII “D” Delta is available today for $379 through VZR Audio, Amazon and independent retailers worldwide, and includes a detachable mic, custom cable with 3.5mm TRRS combined headphone/mic plug, a 6.3mm adapter, a 3.5mm headphone/mic splitter, and a carrying case.