Super Mario Odyssey is the latest installment of Nintendo’s tenured franchise starring the lovable Italian plumber. You once again control Mario as he works to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. But this time around, he has the help of a new hat sidekick named Cappy, who he can throw at certain objects or enemies to temporarily posses them and use their unique abilities.
With Super Mario Odyssey’s release date set for October 27 on Nintendo Switch, we’ve compiled our most important features and gameplay videos detailing everything you need to know about the game. Check back often as we update this article with our in-depth review, guides, additional articles, and videos.
Features
As a 3D-style Mario game, the emphasis is on exploration in Super Mario Odyssey. The game sports a multitude of open sandbox environments to navigate, which are each packed with enemies and platforming challenges. For more about our impressions about the game thus far, check out the features below:
Like that rash you hate to see but love to scratch, Xur is back. This week, Destiny 2‘s shadiest salesman is hanging around on Titan and is very easy to find. Simply fire up your PS4 or Xbox One, fast travel to The Rig, and he’s a hop, skip, and a jump away from you with new wares to peddle.
Take a look below and you’ll find a list of all the Exotic gear Xur has to offer this week–with the usual array of one weapon and three pieces of armor (one per class). We also have images of them, so you can read up on the exact stats they have and see how they might fit into your gameplay style. Alternatively, watch the video above to see us hunt Xur down and show off his stock.
Click image to view in full screen
Sweet Business (Auto Rifle): 29 Legendary Shards
Raiden Flux (Hunter Class Chest Armor): 23 Legendary Shards
Doom Fang Pauldron (Titan Class Gauntlets): 23 Legendary Shards
Winter’s Guile (Warlock Class Gauntlets): 23 Legendary Shards
Following Destiny 2‘s launch on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in September, the shooter comes to PC on October 24. Bungie has detailed a roadmap for the rollout of endgame activities in the PC version. At launch, players will be able to try the normal or Prestige Nightfall Strikes. A week later, the Raid will go live. For more on Destiny 2, take a look at the list of recent stories below.
Bungie has also detailed Destiny 2’s winter activity, which is called The Dawning event. It includes the ability to play hockey at the Farm, and throughout Destiny 2’s playable areas there will also be snowballs you can throw at enemies to do damage. Of course, there’s also new gear. You can see all the details on Destiny 2’s winter event here.
Unlike its predecessor, Destiny 2 will release on PC. Although players have had to wait longer for it, there’s not too long left now. Destiny 2 doesn’t launch on PC until October 24, and for those of you that didn’t pick it up on Xbox One and PS4, the PC version features a variety of improvements and differences compared with its console counterparts. To help you get an idea of what to expect from the PC release of Bungie’s hotly anticipated sequel, we’ve gathered all of the essential details below. Take a look and you’ll find detailed information on everything from what’s different, to recommended PC hardware specs, and how it works with Blizzard’s Battle.net client.
Unfortunately, if you didn’t try it already, the Destiny 2 PC beta has already passed. For more on the game, check out our Destiny 2 review. We also have tons of Destiny 2 guides, tips, and tricks for those who have already begun playing on consoles or are simply looking to get a head start on how things will work on PC.
Destiny 2 PC Release Date and Differences
The PC version is confirmed to have release date on October 24, while the Xbox One and PS4 versions are already out, having launched on September 6. Bungie has announced the game’s servers will become available at 10 AM PT on October 24, which works out to 1 PM ET / 2 PM BRT / 6 PM BST / and 4 AM the next day in Australia.
In terms of actual playable content, everything is the same on PC–with one exception. Sony’s timed-exclusive content for Destiny 2 affects not just Xbox One players, but those on PC. The PS4 version comes with an extra Strike, Crucible map, and some items that will not be available on other platforms for at least one year. There’s no precise date for it yet, but after PlayStation-exclusive content in Destiny 1 remained exclusive for longer than expected, Bungie has explicitly stated that this Destiny 2 content will be out by the end of 2018.
Destiny 2 PC Minimum Requirements and Recommended Specs
While there may be changes made for the final release, Destiny 2’s PC beta brought a list of minimum and recommended system specs. Additionally, Bungie provided a list of hardware for those looking to upgrade their systems, with CPU and GPU minimums and recommendations.
Texture Anisotropy (Anisotropic Filtering, up to 16x)
Texture Quality
Shadow Quality
Depth of Field
Environmental Detail Distance
Character Detail Distance
Foliage Detail Distance
Foliage Shadow Distance
Light Shafts
Motion Blur
Wind Impulse
Render Resolution
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Chromatic Aberration
Film Grain
Destiny 2 PC Control Scheme
The PC version uses a relatively straightforward control scheme, which you can see in the image below. It’s worth noting that the controls are completely customizable.
Destiny 2 Doesn’t Use Dedicated Servers
Unfortunately, the game will use peer-to-peer servers. However, this doesn’t work quite the same as in the previous game; when Bungie explained why Destiny 2 doesn’t use dedicated servers, it noted that you’ll never run into a host migration situation.
Destiny 2 PC Impressions
During our hands-on time with the game, we found the mouse and keyboard support to be a welcome addition. It enhanced the overall feel of multiplayer, though it did seem to make the single-player portions we played easier than we anticipated. You can check out our analysis of the PC beta for a technical look at the game; for further impressions of the PC version, watch the video below.
If you’re hoping the game is dramatically different from the original Destiny, you may be in for a disappointment, but those seeking a refined version of that game will likely be pleased. You can read our impressions of the full game on console in our Destiny 2 review diary and Destiny 2 review-in-progress.
Destiny 2 Uses Blizzard Battle.net
Destiny 2 uses Blizzard’s desktop app. It’s the first game not directly developed by Blizzard to appear on the platform. Activision and Blizzard have changed its name several times recently, but moving forward it will be referred to as Blizzard Battle.net.
Destiny Progress Doesn’t Transfer to Destiny 2
Unfortunately, Destiny 1 power, possessions, and Eververse-related items and currency will not transfer over. While your character’s appearance will not be abandoned in the sequel for console owners, there’s no word if it’ll support any kind of transfer from console to PC.
After launching for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in September, Bungie’s Destiny 2 comes out for PC on October 24. Bungie has announced the game’s exact unlock time and revealed the final PC requirements. Servers will become available at 10 AM PT on October 24, which works out to 1 PM ET / 2 PM BRT / 6 PM BST / and 4 AM the next day in Australia. Check out the map below to find out precisely when Destiny 2 unlocks where you live.
Bungie also today announced the final minimum and recommended specs for Destiny 2, following the preliminary specs from the beta. You need 68 GB of free space to install Destiny 2, while Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 are supported operating systems. You can check out the full minimum and recommended specs in the image below, which Bungie shared in a recent blog post.
The PC version of Destiny 2 will be available at physical retailers and through Blizzard’s Battle.net, but not Steam or other digital stores. That’s notable because Destiny 2 is the first non-Blizzard game to be offered on Blizzard’s PC gaming platform. For more, check out GameSpot’s roundup of everything you need to know about Destiny 2 on PC.
Provided you’re willing to pre-order the game, you can also get a head start on downloading it. Pre-loading for Destiny 2 on PC has begun on Battle.net. Even on a fast connection, 68 GB will take some time to download, so this ensures you’ll be able to jump right into the action on release day.
For those looking for something festive, Destiny 2’s new winter activity, which is called The Dawning event, has been revealed. It includes the ability to play hockey at the Farm, and throughout Destiny 2’s playable areas there will also be snowballs you can throw at enemies to do damage. Of course, there’s also new gear. You can see all the details on Destiny 2’s winter event here.
Update: Bungie has replaced this week’s Nightfall Strike due to issues players were experiencing with Exodus Crash. For the remainder of the week, you can try your hand at the Nightfall version of Pyramidion. Along with that change, there are also new modifiers in place: Timewarp: Zero Hour (which prevents you from extending the time limit) and Torrent (increasing the rate at which your skills recharge).
Original Story: Every seven days, Destiny 2’s weekly reset changes a bunch of variables within the game, from the activities on offer to the rewards available to the items on sale in shops. This week’s Nightfall Strike, Exodus Crash, is set in Arcadian Valley, while Eververse have some new gear on offer.
Two modifiers are active in Exodus Crash this week, one of which again offers a way to earn additional time. Timewarp: Rings presents a set of large white circles throughout the mission for you to jump through; each one provides an additional 30 seconds of time to finish the Strike. The other modifier, Prism, rotates through each of the three elements, with the chosen element doing additional damage (and the others doing less than usual). Following the release of a Destiny 2 update last month, this now functions correctly, as the message indicating the chosen element no longer lasts for just a brief moment. Additionally, an on-screen effect helps to highlight when the element changes from one to the next.
In terms of Challenges, Speed of Dark is active as always, which requires you to finish the Strike with at least five minutes remaining. Unbroken tasks you with completing the Strike with fewer than three deaths. And finally, Faster Than Lightning asks your Fireteam to kill nine Shanks with melee attacks before defeating Thaviks.
Exodus Crash in Arcadian Valley has a recommended Power level of at least 240. If you haven’t made it to that point, you may want to consider waiting until after you’ve raised your Power level before grabbing the Nightfall reward, which is Powerful gear. This Nightfall will be available until Destiny 2‘s next weekly reset, which occurs at 2 AM PT / 5 AM ET / 10 AM BST / 8 PM AET on Tuesday, October 24.
Away from the Nightfall Strike, you can grab a new bundle from Eververse. Costing 2000 Silver, the legendary Golden Sevens bundle contains seven bright Engrams, seven shaders, 500 Bright Dust, and a unique Nothing Gold ship. Take a look at the ship for yourself below. [Update: It appears this bundle is no longer for sale on the Eververse store.]
Plenty more has likely changed for the week, with previous resets offering new Milestones, Challenges, and treasure maps to buy from Cayde. Sadly, the weekly reset also means last week’s Iron Banner event is now over. However another event, the Leviathan Prestige Raid, goes live tomorrow, October 18, after it was delayed last week.
Destiny 2’s new winter activity, which is called The Dawning event, has also been revealed. It includes the ability to play hockey at the Farm, and throughout Destiny 2’s playable areas there will also be snowballs you can throw at enemies to do damage. Of course, there’s also new gear. You can see all the details on Destiny 2’s winter event here.
In other Destiny 2 news, Bungie has removed the Monty Python-inspired, high-kicking walk emote. Although the developer hasn’t officially said why this has been removed, it may have something to do with the emote letting players get into some walled-off, unfinished areas.
Assassin’s Creed Origins‘ release is drawing near, and developer Ubisoft has revealed the minimum PC specs and system requirements you’ll need to play. The company says that optimizing the game for PC play has been very important, as has making the game accessible to players on a wide variety of systems.
“The PC version was developed in parallel with all the other versions by the main team in Montreal, in collaboration with our PC-dedicated team in Ubisoft Kiev,” said Jose Araiza, the coordinating producer on Assassin’s Creed Origins. “This approach was adopted while the game features were being designed, making PC and mouse-and-keyboard controls a full part of the equation from the get-go.”
Araiza said the minimum system requirements will be the same as Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, which released two years ago. “This means that the range of supported machines is wider than ever,” he said.
Assassin’s Creed Origins comes out on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on October 27. It’s the latest instalment in a series that has been around for a decade, and if you need help catching up on the story, check out our look back at every Assassin’s Creed game. In the meantime, here are the minimum and recommended system requirements.
Minimum System Requirements
OS: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (64-bit versions only)
Processor: Intel Core i5-2400s @ 2.5 GHz or AMD FX-6350 @ 3.9 GHz or equivalent
Video Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 or AMD R9 270 (2048 MB VRAM with Shader Model 5.0 or better)
RAM: 6GB
Resolution: 720p
Video Preset: Lowest
Recommended System Requirements
OS: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (64-bit versions only)
A big new update for the Nintendo Switch is out now. Update 4.0.0 adds a number of notable and welcome features, perhaps the biggest of which are video capture support and the ability to transfer data to a new system. It’s a big update. [Update: It turns out there’s more to this update than expected, as it introduces wireless headphone support to Switch. Additionally, a new Mario Kart 8 Deluxe update is out, adding support for the new video capture feature.]
With the update applied, you can hold down the Capture button and this will record the previous 30 seconds, saving to your album. You can then edit your video and share it to Facebook and Twitter. Supported games include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Arms, and Splatoon 2. This feature is not working yet for Mario Kart 8. An message in the Switch’s news channel says the feature is supported at Mario Kart 8 Deluxe version 1.3.0, but the current version is 1.2.1. So it sounds like the feature will be unlocked later in the racing game. Nintendo also says “many more games” will add support for video capture in the future.
The other major new feature in the 4.0 update is the ability to transfer user and save data to another Switch. You must have the 4.0 update to do this. And it sounds like this is a permanent migration, so be aware of that. “Once the process is complete, the user information, the associated save data, and the software purchased with the user account that is transferred will no longer be available on the source console,” reads a line from Nintendo’s explanation. Complete instructions on how to perform the data transfer can be found here on Nintendo’s Support site.
Additionally, today’s Switch update adds a number of new user icons for Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild, giving users even more customisation options. Another new feature is the ability to pre-buy and pre-load “certain games” from the eShop. This follows a previous update that added a new eShop tab for games that are on sale.
The new Switch 4.0 update also gives the News feed a new look and a new feature that removes a particular channel’s content from the feed when you unfollow the channel. Another nice, behind-the-scenes feature in this update is “Match Version with Local Users.” As its name suggests, this feature updates everyone’s games to their latest versions, which sounds handy for people who multiple profiles installed on one system.
Finally, the patch makes a change to wireless connectivity. Networks that use TKIP security will now show up as grayed-out instead of being totally hidden.
Up to maximum of the previous 30 seconds will be saved in the Album. You can trim the beginning and end of each clip, and post to Facebook and Twitter.
As of October 18th, 2017, this feature is compatible with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS, and Splatoon 2
Select from 12 new Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild icons for your user
To edit your user icon, head to your My Page on the top left of the Home Menu > Profile
A pre-purchase option will be available for certain games. This option allows pre-load of the game to your system for quicker play when the game is released.
This feature will be supported by future game releases
News channel updates
The news feed has been updated with a new look.
Unfollowing a channel will remove that channel’s content from the news feed and following the channel again will make it reappear.
Match software version with a group of local users
Everyone’s software will be updated to match the most recent version in the group
All users must be on system menu version 4.0.0 or later to view and join a group
General system stability improvements to enhance the user’s experience, including:
Changed the specification which hid wireless networks using TKIP security from the network search results. Wireless networks using TKIP security will now display in search results as a grayed-out selection instead of not being displayed
The Nintendo Switch console supports WEP, WPA-PSK(AES), and WPA2-PSK(AES). If your router is using a different security type (e.g. WPA-PSK(TKIP)), you will need to change this security type within your router’s settings.
Like that rash you hate to see but love to scratch, Xur is back. This week, Destiny 2‘s shadiest salesman is hanging around on Titan and is very easy to find. Simply fire up your PS4 or Xbox One, fast travel to The Rig, and he’s a hop, skip, and a jump away from you with new wares to peddle.
Take a look below and you’ll find a list of all the Exotic gear Xur has to offer this week–with the usual array of one weapon and three pieces of armor (one per class). We also have images of them, so you can read up on the exact stats they have and see how they might fit into your gameplay style. Alternatively, watch the video above to see us hunt Xur down and show off his stock.
Click image to view in full screen
Sweet Business (Auto Rifle): 29 Legendary Shards
Raiden Flux (Hunter Class Chest Armor): 23 Legendary Shards
Doom Fang Pauldron (Titan Class Gauntlets): 23 Legendary Shards
Winter’s Guile (Warlock Class Gauntlets): 23 Legendary Shards
Following Destiny 2‘s launch on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in September, the shooter comes to PC on October 24. Bungie has detailed a roadmap for the rollout of endgame activities in the PC version. At launch, players will be able to try the normal or Prestige Nightfall Strikes. A week later, the Raid will go live. For more on Destiny 2, take a look at the list of recent stories below.
Bungie has also detailed Destiny 2’s winter activity, which is called The Dawning event. It includes the ability to play hockey at the Farm, and throughout Destiny 2’s playable areas there will also be snowballs you can throw at enemies to do damage. Of course, there’s also new gear. You can see all the details on Destiny 2’s winter event here.
Unlike its predecessor, Destiny 2 will release on PC. Although players have had to wait longer for it, there’s not too long left now. Destiny 2 doesn’t launch on PC until October 24, and for those of you that didn’t pick it up on Xbox One and PS4, the PC version features a variety of improvements and differences compared with its console counterparts. To help you get an idea of what to expect from the PC release of Bungie’s hotly anticipated sequel, we’ve gathered all of the essential details below. Take a look and you’ll find detailed information on everything from what’s different, to recommended PC hardware specs, and how it works with Blizzard’s Battle.net client.
Unfortunately, if you didn’t try it already, the Destiny 2 PC beta has already passed. For more on the game, check out our Destiny 2 review. We also have tons of Destiny 2 guides, tips, and tricks for those who have already begun playing on consoles or are simply looking to get a head start on how things will work on PC.
Destiny 2 PC Release Date and Differences
The PC version is confirmed to have release date on October 24, while the Xbox One and PS4 versions are already out, having launched on September 6. Bungie has announced the game’s servers will become available at 10 AM PT on October 24, which works out to 1 PM ET / 2 PM BRT / 6 PM BST / and 4 AM the next day in Australia.
In terms of actual playable content, everything is the same on PC–with one exception. Sony’s timed-exclusive content for Destiny 2 affects not just Xbox One players, but those on PC. The PS4 version comes with an extra Strike, Crucible map, and some items that will not be available on other platforms for at least one year. There’s no precise date for it yet, but after PlayStation-exclusive content in Destiny 1 remained exclusive for longer than expected, Bungie has explicitly stated that this Destiny 2 content will be out by the end of 2018.
Destiny 2 PC Minimum Requirements and Recommended Specs
While there may be changes made for the final release, Destiny 2’s PC beta brought a list of minimum and recommended system specs. Additionally, Bungie provided a list of hardware for those looking to upgrade their systems, with CPU and GPU minimums and recommendations.
Texture Anisotropy (Anisotropic Filtering, up to 16x)
Texture Quality
Shadow Quality
Depth of Field
Environmental Detail Distance
Character Detail Distance
Foliage Detail Distance
Foliage Shadow Distance
Light Shafts
Motion Blur
Wind Impulse
Render Resolution
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Chromatic Aberration
Film Grain
Destiny 2 PC Control Scheme
The PC version uses a relatively straightforward control scheme, which you can see in the image below. It’s worth noting that the controls are completely customizable.
Destiny 2 Doesn’t Use Dedicated Servers
Unfortunately, the game will use peer-to-peer servers. However, this doesn’t work quite the same as in the previous game; when Bungie explained why Destiny 2 doesn’t use dedicated servers, it noted that you’ll never run into a host migration situation.
Destiny 2 PC Impressions
During our hands-on time with the game, we found the mouse and keyboard support to be a welcome addition. It enhanced the overall feel of multiplayer, though it did seem to make the single-player portions we played easier than we anticipated. You can check out our analysis of the PC beta for a technical look at the game; for further impressions of the PC version, watch the video below.
If you’re hoping the game is dramatically different from the original Destiny, you may be in for a disappointment, but those seeking a refined version of that game will likely be pleased. You can read our impressions of the full game on console in our Destiny 2 review diary and Destiny 2 review-in-progress.
Destiny 2 Uses Blizzard Battle.net
Destiny 2 uses Blizzard’s desktop app. It’s the first game not directly developed by Blizzard to appear on the platform. Activision and Blizzard have changed its name several times recently, but moving forward it will be referred to as Blizzard Battle.net.
Destiny Progress Doesn’t Transfer to Destiny 2
Unfortunately, Destiny 1 power, possessions, and Eververse-related items and currency will not transfer over. While your character’s appearance will not be abandoned in the sequel for console owners, there’s no word if it’ll support any kind of transfer from console to PC.
After launching for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in September, Bungie’s Destiny 2 comes out for PC on October 24. Bungie has announced the game’s exact unlock time and revealed the final PC requirements. Servers will become available at 10 AM PT on October 24, which works out to 1 PM ET / 2 PM BRT / 6 PM BST / and 4 AM the next day in Australia. Check out the map below to find out precisely when Destiny 2 unlocks where you live.
Bungie also today announced the final minimum and recommended specs for Destiny 2, following the preliminary specs from the beta. You need 68 GB of free space to install Destiny 2, while Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 are supported operating systems. You can check out the full minimum and recommended specs in the image below, which Bungie shared in a recent blog post.
The PC version of Destiny 2 will be available at physical retailers and through Blizzard’s Battle.net, but not Steam or other digital stores. That’s notable because Destiny 2 is the first non-Blizzard game to be offered on Blizzard’s PC gaming platform. For more, check out GameSpot’s roundup of everything you need to know about Destiny 2 on PC.
Provided you’re willing to pre-order the game, you can also get a head start on downloading it. Pre-loading for Destiny 2 on PC has begun on Battle.net. Even on a fast connection, 68 GB will take some time to download, so this ensures you’ll be able to jump right into the action on release day.
For those looking for something festive, Destiny 2’s new winter activity, which is called The Dawning event, has been revealed. It includes the ability to play hockey at the Farm, and throughout Destiny 2’s playable areas there will also be snowballs you can throw at enemies to do damage. Of course, there’s also new gear. You can see all the details on Destiny 2’s winter event here.
