1. The Wait is Over: Analogue 3D Finally Ships

After a series of delays, the highly anticipated Analogue 3D is finally shipping to customers. This high-end, FPGA-based console is designed to play original Nintendo 64 cartridges in stunning 4K resolution. Analogue has built a reputation for its “reference quality” recreations of classic hardware, and the Analogue 3D is set to be the new gold standard for playing the N64 on modern televisions. Expect to see the first in-depth reviews from lucky owners very soon.

2. Relive the Arcade: G’AIM’E ‘Time Crisis’ Light Gun Released

In a wonderful nod to arcade history, the G’AIM’E Plug and Play Time Crisis Gun has hit store shelves. This new peripheral brings the iconic light-gun experience home in a simple, easy-to-set-up package. Time Crisis was a staple of 1990s arcades, and this new device aims to capture that magic for a new generation, as well as for those of us who spent a fortune in quarters trying to beat the clock.

3. Nintendo Locks Down: Switch 2 Update Reportedly Blocks Third-Party Docks

A new controversy is brewing for early adopters of the Nintendo Switch 2. A recent system update (Version 21.0.0) has reportedly removed the console’s compatibility with most third-party docks and video adapters. It’s believed Nintendo has implemented a new encryption scheme to prevent unauthorized accessories, likely to avoid the “bricking” issues that plagued the original Switch. While this is a clear move to protect the hardware, it’s a significant blow to consumer choice and the many popular third-party accessory makers.

4. Classic Franchises Land on Switch 2

It’s a big week for classic series arriving on Nintendo’s new hardware. Sega is bringing two of its most beloved remakes to the console with the Yakuza Kiwami & Yakuza Kiwami 2 Bundle, giving players a chance to experience the start of Kazuma Kiryu’s story. In other news, the classic GameCube racer Kirby Air Riders is officially making its return, with a new version set to launch on the Switch 2 on November 20.

5. A Pair of PC Classics Get Remastered

Two beloved, and very different, PC games from the 2000s have just been re-released for modern hardware.

• Syberia: Remastered: The iconic 2002 point-and-click adventure game has been given a full 3D redesign, an updated interface, and numerous quality-of-life upgrades to make Kate Walker’s classic journey feel new again.
• Sacred 2 Remaster: The 2008 open-world action-RPG Sacred 2: Fallen Angel has also received a surprise remaster, bringing its massive, content-rich world of Ancaria to a new audience with updated visuals and mechanics.

The post Armchair Arcade news roundup: Analogue 3D Ships, Switch 2 Blocks Docks, and Time Crisis Returns appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

The Nintendo Switch 2 crowned the console with the easiest games, based on player data 

• The Nintendo Switch 2 is home to the easiest games of 2025 so far, based on current retired rates and completions.
• The average game on the console has seen 1.9% of players stop playing it and 284 players completing it.
• In comparison, the typical Xbox One game has a retired rate of 3.2% and sees just 162 players reaching the end.
• Among the easiest Nintendo Switch 2 games released this year are Split Fiction, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, and Hades II. 

A new study by video game asset marketplace Chicks Gold has identified which consoles have seen the most difficult new games this year, according to players. 

The analysis collated the following data points from HowLongToBeat across 100 games released in 2025: percentage of players who retired the game (retirement rate) and the number of players who have completed it (completion count).

The results for these games were then grouped and averaged based on which platforms the games are available on, with each console then given a final score out of 100 to indicate which has released the most challenging content this year.

Games analyzed included Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades II, Mario Kart World, and Deltarune. Consoles considered were the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4 and 5, the Xbox One, and the Xbox Series X/S.

The Nintendo Switch 2 offers access to the easiest games this year, scoring just 11 out of 100, where 100 indicates more challenging content. The average game released on the platform this year sees just 1.9% of players retire it, and 284 players complete it. This is the lowest retired rate of any console in the study.

The easiest games released on the Switch 2 are as follows: Split Fiction (scoring 34.6 out of 100, where 100 indicates a higher difficulty level), Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (45.3), and Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter (47.9 out of 100).

In comparison, the console with the most difficult games – the Xbox One – sees an average retired rate of 3.2% and just 162 players completing a title. Splitgate 2 was found to be the most challenging game released on the console, with a high 11.8% retired rate and just 21 players marking it as complete.

The second console with the easiest games is the Xbox Series X/S, scoring 50 out of 100 for difficulty. The completion count across games released on the platform is 329, while the retired rate is considerably higher than the Switch 2 at 4.2%.

Consoles ranked based on the ease of the average new game 

Discussing the study findings, Al Alof, CEO of Chicks Gold, said:

“These results indicate which consoles pose steeper challenges for players this year, with high retired rates suggesting either a game has proven too difficult for them, or they’ve lost interest in pursuing it further. Completion rates tell a similar story, and it’s interesting to see which titles players see through to the end.

“Gamers with higher skill levels may not be deterred by the ranking, but others who are looking for a relaxing experience may wish to opt for a console with easier releases like the Nintendo Switch 2. For the gamers who don’t feel at peace unless they’ve completed a game, the Switch 2 offers a more rewarding experience.” 

 The five easiest games on the Nintendo Switch 2 

Overall, the game title that proved the most challenging for players regardless of platform was FBC: Firebreak, available on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The game has a high retired rate of 22.5% and has seen just 46 players mark it as complete to date.

At the other end of the scale, the easiest game released this year is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the game holds a 1.4% retired rate and has a whopping completion count of 6,300.

-ENDS-

Methodology: Player data was analyzed via howlongtobeat.com, which allows players to catalog their games collection and share data. The following metrics were pulled for 100 games released in 2025: retired rate (%) and completion count.

Each metric was scored out of 10, added and multiplied by five, to calculate a final difficulty score out of 100. Games were grouped based on the consoles they’re available on and then averaged across the metrics, to reveal the average difficulty level per console. Full data for all 100 analyzed games is available on request. 

The post New study says Nintendo Switch 2 has the easiest games in 2025 appeared first on Armchair Arcade.