The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has taken the unusual step of re-examining a recently granted Nintendo patent that claims ownership of the concept of summoning a character within a game. As reported by VGC, the patent—initially approved in September—seeks to protect Nintendo's method of allowing players to call forth in-game characters to assist or battle. This mechanic, however, has a long and rich history, predating even Pokémon Red and Blue. Classic franchises such as Final Fantasy, Persona, and Shin Megami Tensei have relied on summoning systems for decades, making Nintendo's claim appear, at best, overly broad.
Hardly ever. When the USPTO Director orders a re-examination, it signals significant concern about the validity of a claim. In the case of Nintendo's summoning patent, many in the gaming community have called the move "the silliest patent news ever". The dispute raises questions about how far a company can go in attempting to lock down familiar gameplay mechanics. If this re-examination results in revocation, it could reinforce the industry's collective understanding that creative expression—rather than mechanical ownership—drives game innovation. For now, developers and fans alike are watching closely, wondering how this decision might affect future game design and intellectual property rights.
After years of silence, Nintendo has finally reignited excitement for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond with a powerful new trailer titled Survive. The video, available through Nintendo of America's official channel, offers a stunning look at Samus Aran's latest interstellar adventure, set to launch on December 4, 2025, for both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This marks the long-awaited continuation of the Metroid Prime series, which first redefined first-person exploration back in 2002. The new footage hints at darker themes and survival-driven gameplay that pushes both Samus and the player to their limits.
According to IGN's coverage, fans have been waiting nearly eight years for meaningful footage from Metroid Prime 4. The new trailer doesn't just deliver—it establishes a bold visual tone that suggests a return to the series' roots: isolation, tension, and awe. The title Beyond feels intentional, hinting at new planets and possibly fresh mechanics designed to stretch the boundaries of the Prime formula. The shift to Nintendo Switch 2 also means enhanced visuals and smoother performance—an upgrade longtime fans have been craving. After such a prolonged development cycle, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond appears poised to reward patience with an ambitious reimagining of sci-fi exploration.
SEGA has offered an inside look at the upcoming Yakuza Kiwami 3 and its Dark Ties DLC, diving deep into the world of voice acting and character development. The studio shared a behind-the-scenes featurette, Behind the Scenes with Takaya Kuroda (Kazuma Kiryu), which showcases how the Japanese voice performances are recorded with emotional precision and physical immersion. The attention to detail mirrors the series' commitment to authenticity, ensuring that each scene—whether a heartfelt moment or a chaotic street fight—feels alive and cinematic. Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties will launch across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12, 2026.
In the Yakuza and Like a Dragon franchises, storytelling is everything. Each entry balances gritty realism with heartfelt drama, and that emotional tone depends heavily on the voice performances. The Dark Ties DLC, first teased in SEGA's official trailer, appears to expand Kiryu's narrative arc with new allies, rivalries, and combat dynamics. The production team highlighted how subtle changes in dialogue delivery can shift the emotional gravity of key scenes. As someone who's spent decades immersed in Japanese action games, I can say that Yakuza Kiwami 3 continues the proud tradition of blending intense gameplay with soulful storytelling—a combination that keeps players emotionally invested long after the credits roll.
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