Nintendo's Super Mario 35th anniversary celebration continues this weekend with a new Splatfest event in Splatoon 2. The game's Super Mario Splatfest runs from January 15-17, and it asks players to choose between two of the plumber's most iconic power-ups.The Splatfest kicks off at 2 PM PT / 5 PM ET and runs for 48 hours. This event asks players which Mario power-up they'd rather have: Super Mushroom or Super Star? You'll need to cast your vote at the terminal in Inkopolis Square before you can take part in the competition.As usual, everyone who participates in the Splatfest will earn Super Sea Snails, which can be used to either add a new ability slot to a piece of gear or re-roll one that has already been maxed out. On top of that, Nintendo is giving away commemorative Splatoon 2/Mario 35th anniversary coins to the top 35 players on each team. To be eligible, you'll need to sign up for the Online Challenge before the Splatfest ends.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Drew McIntyre had a very successful 2020 after winning the men's Royal Rumble and going to Wrestlemania to win his first world championship in the company. Drew is in his second WWE Championship reign, but that could be in jeopardy as WWE has announced he has tested positive for COVID-19 and has initiated quarantine.In three weeks, the Royal Rumble event is taking place with Drew being pushed into a match with WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg for the WWE Championship--a title, Goldberg has yet to hold. It's been recommended that those infected with COVID quarantine for up to two weeks, so there is time for McIntyre to recover, but will he? Should he?Championships have been relinquished about a dozen times because of injury or sickness. Even Bret Hart's Intercontinental Championship in 1992 was upheld because of the flu (in actuality, Bret was going through a contract dispute) but in this situation with Drew, it's very real. There were a few outbreaks in the summer last year with multiple wrestlers being pulled from high-profile matches and had to be moved around at the last minute.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

The TV brand Vizio has issued a firmware update for its slate of TVs that makes them perform better with the new generation of consoles. The update is now available for its OLED series of TVs and its 2021 P-Series Quantum and Quantum X models.The Verge reports that the update is said to enable full bandwidth 4K at 120fps support for PS5, along with support for variable refresh rate for games that use 4K at 120Hz on Xbox Series X. For PCs with the requisite amount of power, it also supports 4K resolution with up to 120Hz refresh rate, plus variable refresh rate for 4K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz settings.All of those improvements are classified under "Gaming" in the patch notes, which mentions the platforms by name. It also includes a handful of other features, like improved audio support for Xbox, discrete IR codes for users with control systems, and some screen saver functionality.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

The new Willow TV series that is in development for Disney+ has lost its director. Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) has announced that he can no longer direct the show due to scheduling issues and the forthcoming birth of a child this summer."I'm heartbroken to let you all know that I unfortunately have to step away from directing Willow. With the production schedule moving due to continued lockdowns in the UK, and with a new baby coming this summer (surprise!), the timing is just not going to work for me and my family," Chu said.He went on to say that he looks forward to being able to see the new Willow revival as a fan, going on to tease that fans should be excited about the "magical new world" that Disney has created.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

BioWare has been in fairly dire straits for a while now, after the very public failure of their online shooter Anthem and the departure of several key staff, including general manager Casey Hudson. That said, the developer is still working on a new Dragon Age game--which is seemingly titled simply Dragon Age--and a producer at the company shared some concept art to indicate that it's still in the pipe.Just wanted to say Happy New Year to everyone. I hope all are safe and well. Here's to new beginnings... 🏹💘🏹🐲🐉🐲 pic.twitter.com/Hy22jd0swl — Christian Dailey (@ChristianDailey) January 8, 2021Dragon Age is one of the most-acclaimed fantasy RPG series of all time, with legions of fans baying for any update on the game. Another BioWare staffer provided a similar update on the game's development six months ago. However, BioWare courted a certain degree of controversy when they announced a new Mass Effect game at The Game Awards.While many would be happy to play a new Mass Effect, fans can't help but wonder how the studio can work on new games in their two most beloved franchises when they're still ostensibly working on a "reboot" for Anthem that they've termed Anthem Next. Last year, producer Christian Dailey indicated that a "small team" is working on the project, and that it would end up being a "long process." Another update showed how the game's Javelins will change in the Next update.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Joe Barton will be stepping in as the new showrunner on HBO Max's upcoming The Batman series, replacing Boardwalk Empire's Terrence Winter, who quit the show back in November. It was revealed that Winter's vision for the planned TV spin-off from Matt Reeves' upcoming movie The Batman "did not match what Reeves and other producers had in mind." Barton getting the gig was reported by Variety.Barton is best known for creating the Tokyo and London crime drama Giri/Haji for Netflix. (The show's name translates to Duty/Shame.) Previously, he has also worked on the AMC sci-fi show Humans, and the BBC drama Troy: Fall of a City. Barton had not yet provided a comment for the media.HBO Max announced the Gotham City TV show last summer. Adapted from the comics series with the same name, the series will focus on the corrupt police department in Gotham City, which butts heads with Batman.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

CES 2021 is officially underway, and while the show might look different this year with its online-only setup, it's still bringing lots of news. Technology giant Panasonic has announced a new TV set as part of the show, and it's powered by AI that may make your life easier.Panasonic's flagship OLED TV for 2021 is the JZ2000, which will be available in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes. The new model is billed as having low latency and support for HDMI 2.1 variable refresh rate and high frame rate. Inside the TV is a new AI processor that can automatically detect what you're watching or playing and select settings that is best for it. Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

LG has announced the next series of Gram laptops at CES. There will be five new models that feature a new design and some internal upgrades. The Gram 14, 16, and 17 are clamshell models, while the Gram 2-in-1 14 and 16 are convertibles."Synonymous with unprecedented portability and first-class performance, the LG Gram brand continues to raise the bar for the ultra-lightweight and slim laptop market," LG senior vice president Jang Ik-hwan said in a statement. "With sleeker, more refined designs and 16:10 aspect ratio displays while maintaining their light weight, our latest LG Gram lineup gives consumers the ability to enjoy better productivity and more immersive viewing experiences wherever they go."While changes are coming, the features Gram laptops are known for are sticking around. They're called Grams because they're notoriously lightweight, and the new models follow suit; the Gram 14 is 2.2 pounds, the 16 is 2.62 pounds, and the 17 is 2.98 pounds (the same weight as its predecessor). Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

LG took to the virtual stage during CES 2021 to unveil a swath of new products, including gaming monitors and OLED TVs. Tucked into the end of the company's approximately 30-minute livestream was an official albeit brief look at the LG Rollable phone."Brief" is an understatement. LG wrapped up its CES 2021 presentation with someone holding a phone with a screen that slowly collapses on itself. Once the movement is done, the device's display cuts to black and the text "More to Explore" pops up above the phone's name--LG Rollable--in white. This all occurs in a 10-second sequence before the broadcast ends.According to GameSpot sister site CNET, the LG Rollable is slated to launch this year. However, LG hasn't outlined a price point or announced a release date for the phone yet.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Cyberpunk 2077's launch has been anything but smooth, and now Poland's Office of Competition and Consumer Protection has begun investigating its developer, CD Projekt Red. As reported by Polish business newspaper Dziennik Gazeta Prawna, the consumer protection office will monitor the company's progress on upcoming patches that are meant to improve Cyberpunk 2077 on console after its rocky start."We are asking the company for explanation regarding problems with the game and actions taken by them," the office said, as translated by IGN. "We will check how the developer is working on patches or solving issues preventing playing on various consoles, but also what steps [the company] is planning to take regarding people [who requested refunds] and are not happy with their purchase because they can't play the game on owned hardware, despite assurances by the producer."According to the report, the investigating office will give CDPR time to offer an explanation. After that, it's reported that CDPR could be fined up to 10% of income for the latest financial year. The report also said, via IGN, that the office could request CDPR to offer "digital bonuses" to those who bought Cyberpunk 2077 on PS4/Xbox One as a means of recompense. Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Microsoft's Xbox cloud gaming service (Project xCloud) officially launched last September, allowing you to play Xbox games on the go using an Android phone or tablet. Now, Otterbox has unveiled a new line of mobile gaming accessories aimed at keeping your phone and controller damage-free. Announced during CES 2021, the new Otterbox mobile gaming line features an Xbox controller shell, a carrying case, a mobile gaming clip, and more. As you'll see, the new products aren't exactly cheap, but their prices are in line with what Otterbox usually sells its cases, screen protectors, and other accessories for--you're paying for top-notch durability here.The following mobile accessories release in mid-February, and preorders will open on January 25.Easy Grip Controller Shell | $40Otterbox Easy Grip Controller ShellWhile there are many controllers that work well for Xbox cloud gaming, the best mobile controller to use is the official Xbox wireless controller, which xCloud's games are designed for. The new Otterbox Easy Grip Controller Shell offers durable protection for the Xbox wireless controller, protecting it against any drops or scrapes. The most appealing feature is the grip pads on the side of the shell, which help you maintain a comfortable grip while gaming.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

CES is raging right now, and though the event is virtual this year, it's bringing a wide variety of new product announcements from big tech companies. Now, Western Digital has revealed a fresh line of portable solid-state drives, and they're bigger than ever before, though they've got a price tag to match.WD's new portable SSDs will now max out at 4 TB, which is double the size of the previous max for flash-memory based SSDs. If you aren't familiar, solid-state drives are smaller and faster than traditional hard drives, though they typically cost more for the same amount of space. The 4 TB portable SSD will start at $700 for the 1050 megabyte per second read speed, while the faster 2000 megabyte per second model will cost $900. No word yet on international pricing. See at Western Digital Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

While it wasn't originally supposed to be this way, Disney+'s WandaVision is the first entry in Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the COVID-19-related delays of the movies Black Widow and Eternals, as well as Disney+ original series Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the pseudo sitcom about Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) is introducing the next chapter in Marvel Studios' epic story. What's more, it's also the first new Marvel Studios project released in well over a year.That means a lot of fans are looking to the new series to give them some idea about what to expect from the upcoming slew of Marvel movies and TV shows. So, as the first entry in this new phase, what does WandaVision have to say about what's to come? Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige was asked that very question during a press conference for WandaVision."I hope it says get ready for the new and the different," he said. "I hope all of our movies have said that one after the other over the years. But certainly, the Disney+ opportunities [have] allowed us to expand creatively what we do."Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

The Mandalorian is the first thing you unlock when you purchase the Fortnite Season 5 battle pass, but there is a lot more you'll need to find in order to complete the Star Wars skin. The bounty hunter has pieces of Beskar Armor that can be equipped--each tied to an individual quest that you'll unlock as you level up the battle pass.A fully decked out Mandalorian skin.The first challenge is unlocked as soon as you purchase the battle pass, while others are unlocked when you get to a specific tier. Here's a map of all the locations you'll need to visit to finish the 4 location-based Beskar challenges:Fortnite Beskar Armor LocationsHere's a list of all challenges and how to complete them with ease.Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com

Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Pi) has set The Whale, his next movie, with independent studio and film distributor A24. Deadline first reported the partnership, which is the first collaboration between Aronofsky and A24. Given A24's track record with movies like VVitch, Hereditary, and The Light House, this should prove to be a good fit for Aronofsky.Given Aronofsky's tendency to work on heavier--or at least pretty dark--film, it's no shock to learn that The Whale is not exactly going to be a pick-me-up. Playwright Samuel D. Hunter (Greater Clements) will write a script adapting his critically acclaimed 2012 play of the same name into a movie--the story is being described as being about a 600-pound recluse who hides away from the world to eat himself to death. Aronofsky will direct, and Brendan Fraser (The Mummy) is set to star."Adapting my play into a screenplay has been a real labor of love for me," said Hunter, via Deadline. "This story is deeply personal and I'm very thankful it will have the chance to reach a wider audience. I've been a fan of Darren's ever since I saw Requiem for a Dream when I was a college freshman writing my first plays, and I'm so grateful that he's bringing his singular talent and vision to this film."Continue Reading at GameSpotInfo from Gamespot.com