Bill Loguidice's Blog

September deals at Loaded (formerly CDKeys) – Big savings on digital console and PC codes!

Loaded (formerly CDKeys) has some great September 2025 deals. Here’s a sampling:

1 Month Game Pass Ultimate
NBA 2K26 450,000 VC
Borderlands 4 – All Editions
EA FC 25 18,500 points 
Xbox Game Pass Core – 12 Months
EA FC 26 Ultimate Edition

Hot Deals

Path of Exile 2 42% off
Available for PC
Get Deal

Lego Voyagers 20% off
Available for PC.
Get Deal

EA FC 25 Points up to 46% off
Available in 1050, 2800, 5900, 12000, 18500
Get Deal

LEGO Voyagers (PC Steam)

The post September deals at Loaded (formerly CDKeys) – Big savings on digital console and PC codes! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Nintendo Switch 2 named console with best game releases this year – where does your favorite rank?

Thanks to https://chicksgold.com/ for the information that follows.

A new analysis of player data has revealed the Nintendo Switch 2 has had the best-received new game releases in 2025 so far.Player stats were pulled for 100 games released this year: number of people playing, backlogs, replays, percentage retired, and rating.  The Switch 2 scored best across every category, with the lowest retired rate and highest player rating for games available on the platform. Xbox Series X/S ranked second and the PlayStation 5 was third, while Xbox One performed the worst across all consoles analyzed. 

A new analysis of player data has identified which games consoles have released the best-received new games this year so far – and which have let fans down.

The analysis came from video game asset marketplace Chicks Gold, which analyzed the following metrics from HowLongToBeat across 100 games released in 2025: number of people currently playing, number of backlogs, number of replays, percentage of players who retired the game, and percentage rating.

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

Games analyzed included Hollow Knight: Silksong, Borderlands 4, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Monster Hunter: Wilds. Consoles considered were the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4 and 5, the Xbox One, and the Xbox Series X/S. 

On average, the typical game saw the following: An average of 79 people currently playing it, added to 260 backlogs, 2.6 replays, 3% retired, and a rating of 78%.

The Nintendo Switch 2 led by a landslide, scoring a perfect 100 out of 100 for average game reception this year. Of the 2025 games released on this console, each sees an average of 127 current players and appears in 328 backlogs, suggesting many more intend to play even if they haven’t gotten around to it yet.

The typical game released on the Switch 2 this year is replayed 3.9 times, and holds a retired rate of just 1.9% – the lowest of any console in the study. It also holds an average player rating of 82% – 5% above the study average (78%). 

Among the best-received games on the console this year is Hollow Knight: Silksong, despite a fairly high retired rate of 1.5%, Hades II, and Donkey Kong Bananza. 

Second is the Xbox Series X/S – which struggled to catch up to the Nintendo Switch 2 – scoring 39 out of 100 for new game reception. The typical game released on the X/S sees 80 people playing it at any given time, with 318 adding it to their backlogs.

The typical game also sees 4.2% of players retiring it, which is the highest rate of any console analyzed. It’s also 40% above the study average (3% retired). The average X/S game is replayed 3.2 times, and holds a 76% player rating.

Of the games that scored the best across the same metrics, the fan favorite Xbox Series X/S releases were found to be: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Split Fiction. 

Rounding out the top three consoles for new content this year is the PlayStation 5, scoring 36 out of 100. The typical new game attracts 77 current players, sits in 285 backlogs, and holds an average player rating of 77%. It’s also replayed 2.9 times, and is retired at a rate of 2.9%. 

The top-performing newly-released games available on the console also included Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Split Fiction, as well as Monster Hunter: Wilds and Deltarune. 

Consoles ranked by average reception for a new game released in 2025

 ConsoleNew Game Score (Out of 100)Average Current PlayersAverage BacklogsAverage ReplaysAverage Retired Average Rating Best-Received Game1Nintendo Switch 21001273283.91.9%82%Hollow Knight: Silksong2Xbox Series X/S39803183.24.2%76%Clair Obscur: Expedition 333PlayStation 536772852.93.9%77%Clair Obscur: Expedition 334Nintendo Switch31542111.82.1%79%Hollow Knight: Silksong5PlayStation 427622062.02.5%78%Hollow Knight: Silksong6Xbox One14682121.63.2%76%Hollow Knight: Silksong

At the bottom of the ranking is the Xbox One, scoring just 14 out of 100 for new game reception. Across the 100 games analyzed, just one-quarter (25%) were available on the console, with the typical game holding a player rating of 76%. 

The platform was largely let down by a high retired rate of 3.2%, and the number of replays at 1.6 – the lowest in the study. The typical game is added to 212 backlogs, and is being played through by 68 players at any given time.

Although the platform sees the least enthusiastic reception for a new game release, it does still offer some of the best-received games this year, including Hollow Knight: Silksong and Elden Ring: Nightreign. 

Overall, the game that saw the best reception across the metrics (number of people currently playing, number of backlogs, number of replays, percentage of players who retired the game, and percentage rating) was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, scoring 97 out of 100, followed by Hollow Knight: Silksong at 63.4, and Hades II at 57.4. 

Xbox Series X and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

The 10 best games released in 2025, based on player reception

 GameScore (Out of 100)Current PlayersBacklogsReplaysRetired Rating 1Clair Obscur: Expedition 3397.11,1002,500641.3%95%2Hollow Knight: Silksong63.49481,10081.5%89%3Hades II 57.41241,900211.6%85%4Donkey Kong Bananza52.859553070.7%89%5Kingdom Come: Deliverance II50.31381,100162.4%89%6Split Fiction49.8217853110.7%89%7Monster Hunter: Wilds49.52071,000182.6%84%8Deltarune49.0137550231.0%88%9The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered48.12421,300165.7%81%10Death Stranding 2: On The Beach47.626665440.3%90%

The worst-received game of the 100 analyzed was FBC Firebreak, scoring just two out of 100. The game sees 23 current players, is in 48 backlogs, has seen no replays so far, holds an exceptionally high retired rate of 21.9%, and a low player rating of 51%. The game is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. 

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

“There’s a lot of discussion about which game releases fans are most eagerly anticipating throughout the year, but not much on how a game is actually received once players access it. And while some consoles are generally considered better investments than others at the moment, it’s clear that game reception differs drastically by platform and that the Nintendo Switch 2 is the best at the moment when it comes to actual gaming experience.

“It’s impressive that such a new console has dominated the ranking, and it suggests that Nintendo are well aware of which titles to prioritize on their new platform in order to offer players the best value for money. Meanwhile, the Xbox One isn’t really providing that much value in terms of new content this year so far.

“It remains to be seen how upcoming game releases affect the ranking, as the long-awaited GTA VI is rumored to be ‘the largest game launch in history’ and will be on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The Switch 2’s domination could be rocked by that – unless the games they release in the meantime continue to impress.”

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:

Playing (current players)BacklogsReplaysRetired %Rating %

Each metric was scored out of 10, added and doubled, to calculate a final reception 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 reception per console.

The post appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Save $40 – $110 on TABWEE Android Tablet and 10.1-inch WiFi Digital Calendar!

Get the TABWEE Android 16 11-inch 120Hz tablet that comes with a case, keyboard, and mouse for $229.99, with an additional $110.00 off, bringing the final price to just $119.99. Get the tablet at this link.

The TABWEE 10.1-inch Digital Touchscreen Calendar is $169.99, but has an additional $40.00 off, bringing the final price to just $129.99. Get the touchscreen calendar at this link.

TABWEE 10.1-inch Digital Touchscreen Calendar

Both items pack a lot of features, and, more importantly, performance, for the low price.

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Best deals on Loaded (formerly CDKeys) for digital PC and console games!

CDKeys, which is now Loaded, is one of the go-to hubs for big discounts on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch instant digital codes. They have a daily Deals section, with some crazy discounts. Of course, there’s also a new release section called Latest Games.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII (PC Steam)

Some of my favorite current deals are Sid Meier’s Civilization VII for PC Steam at 43% off, Hogwarts Legacy for PC Steam for 80% off, as well as the Deluxe Edition for 78% off, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, also for PC Steam, for 44% off.

The post Best deals on Loaded (formerly CDKeys) for digital PC and console games! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Atari GameStation Go Preorders Plus Full 200+ Game List!

As we mentioned in our preview way back in January 2024, My Arcade and Atari have teamed up for what should be an ultimate gaming handheld, the Atari GameStation Go. It’s now available for pre-order direct from Atari for $179.99 (Amazon link and link for My Arcade GameStation Retro Gamepad). While that may seem like a lot, it’s packed with over 200 console, arcade, and modern games, as well as a d-pad, spinner, trackball, and a numeric keypad to make controlling its various built-in games as authentic as possible. This is the type of handheld I was trying to get made for years, and now, My Arcade and Atari have finally done it.

Atari Gamestation Go (My Arcade)

There’s no word yet on whether or not you can add your own games, but it would be criminal if you couldn’t considering what’s onboard and given My Arcade’s past history with allowing you to do so, at least with the GameStation Pro. Besides Wi-Fi (“for updates” for now) and HDMI output, there’s also a very cool special feature called “SmartGlow,” which lights up only the buttons a particular game uses. No more guesswork.

Atari Gamestation Go (My Arcade)

It features a 7-inch display, as well as a built-in rechargeable battery that should get you at least four hours of playtime.

Atari Gamestation Go (My Arcade)

Here’s the full game list:

ATARI 2600

3-D Tic-Tac-Toe

Adventure

Adventure II

Air-Sea Battle

Aquaventure

Asteroids

Atari Video Cube

Basic Math

Basketball

Berzerk

Bowling

Breakout

Canyon Bomber

Centipede

Championship Soccer

Circus Atari

Combat

Combat Two

Crystal Castles

Dark Chambers

Demons to Diamonds

Desert Falcon

Dodge ’Em

Double Dunk

Flag Capture

Football

Frog Pond

Golf

Gravitar

Hangman

Haunted House

Home Run

Human Cannonball

Indy 500 (spinner!)

Maze Craze

Millipede

Miniature Golf

Missile Command

MotoRodeo

Night Driver

Off the Wall

Quadrun

Radar Lock

RealSports Baseball

RealSports Basketball

RealSports Boxing

RealSports Football

RealSports Soccer

RealSports Tennis

RealSports Volleyball

Saboteur

Save Mary!

Secret Quest

Sky Diver

Slot Racers

Solaris

Space War

Sprint Master

Steeplechase

Stunt Cycle

Submarine Commander

Super Baseball

Super Breakout

Super Football

Surround

Swordquest: Earthworld

Swordquest: Fireworld

Swordquest: Waterworld

Video Checkers

Video Olympics

Video Pinball

Warlords

Yars’ Revenge

ATARI 5200 (keypad!)

Centipede

Meebzork

Millipede

Missile Command

RealSports Baseball

RealSports Basketball

RealSports Soccer

RealSports Tennis

ATARI 7800

Asteroids

BasketBrawl

Centipede

Dark Chambers

Desert Falcon

Fatal Run

Food Fight

MotorPsycho

Ninja Golf

RealSports Baseball

Scrapyard Dog

ATARI ARCADE

Agent X

Asteroids

Asteroids Deluxe

Atari Baseball

Atari Football

Atari Soccer

Basketball

Berzerk

Black Widow

Canyon Bomber

Centipede

Cloud 9

Crystal Castles

Dominos

Drag Race

Food Fight

Frenzy

Gravitar

I Robot

Liberator

Lunar Lander

Major Havoc

Millipede

Missile Command

Monte Carlo

Night Driver

Pool Shark

Red Baron

Runaway

Skydiver

Sky Raider

Space Duel

Super Breakout

Super Bug

Tempest

Warlords

ATARI RECHARGED (modern)

Asteroids: Recharged

Berzerk: Recharged

Breakout: Recharged

Centipede: Recharged

Missile Command: Recharged

M-NETWORK (Atari 2600)

Air Raiders

International Soccer

Sea Battle

Space Attack

Super Challenge Baseball

Super Challenge Football

BALLS OF STEEL (modern)

7 Pinball tables (Barbarian, Centipede, Darkside, Devil’s Island, Firestorm, Missile Command, Mutation)

PAC-MAN

PAC-MAN (Atari 2600)

PAC-MAN (Classic mode)

PAC-MAN (Speed up mode)

JALECO 8-BIT (NES)

Bases Loaded

Bases Loaded II

Bases Loaded 3

Bases Loaded 4

Battle Unit Zeoth

City Connection

Fortified Zone

Goal!

Hoops

Pinball Quest

Racket Attack

Totally Rad

JALECO 16-BIT (SNES/SFC)

Brawl Brothers

Goal!

Hammerlock Wrestling

Operation Logic Bomb

Rival Turf!

The Ignition Factor

The Peace Keepers

Tuff E Nuff

JALECO ARCADE (various)

Aeroboto

Argus

Avenging Spirit

Big Striker

Chimera Beast

Cisco Heat

Cruisin

Cybattler

Exerion

Field Combat

Kick Off

Ninja Kazan

P47: The Phantom Fighter

Parallel Turn

Plus Alpha

Rod Land

Saint Dragon

Sky Fox

Soldam

The Astyanax

PIKO 8-BIT (NES/FC)

8 Eyes

Bad Street Brawler

Dash Galaxy

Free Fall

Mermaids of Atlantis

Metal Mech

Motor City Patrol

Nightshade

PIKO 16-BIT (Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, SNES/SFC)

Brave Battle Saga

Jim Power

The Humans

Thunderbolt II

Top Racer

Top Racer 2

Top Racer 3000

Water Margin

PIKO ARCADE (Unico, Galeco, Playmark)

Fancy World

Lucky Boom

Maniac Square

World Rally

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The Bilestoad (Apple II) versus Crusader (MSX) cover art – It’s a mystery!

The Bilestoad, by Marc Goodman, aka, Mangrove Earthshoe, for the Apple II, published by Datamost in 1982, was a commercial flop due, in part, to piracy. It’s a shame too, because while it ended up being Goodman’s only game, it was absolutely brilliant in execution as a more brutal and graphic take on the equally classic and groundbreaking 1979 Vectorbeam arcade game, Warrior.

Interestingly, Goodman also did the excellent cover art for The Bilestoad, which you can see below.

The Bilestoad (Apple II, 1982)

Truly a talented guy! Anyway, color me surprised when I came across this 1987 Eaglesoft-published version of a 1985 Pony Canyon-published game, Crusader. While the original Pony Canyon version features what appears to be unique cover art, not so much for the Eaglesoft version, as you can see below.

Crusader (MSX, 1987) [Source: Generated MSX]

Since Goodman effectively left the business after The Bilestoad, how did his artwork make it onto the European version of Crusader, a very different type of game? Is it another case of Goodman’s work being stolen, or did he somehow get to squeeze out just a tiny bit more compensation for his earlier work? We’ll have to investigate further, though I suspect the conclusion won’t be positive.

Warrior (1979)The Bilestoad (1982)Crusader (1985)

The post The Bilestoad (Apple II) versus Crusader (MSX) cover art – It’s a mystery! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

AMPOMOV Wireless Lavalier Microphone – Quick Video Review

Amazon link (less than $20!).

There are lots of options for wireless lavalier microphones, but few are as inexpensive and straightforward as the AMPOMOV Wireless Microphone set.

In the box, you get a charging case that displays charge level remaining, a USB-C transmitter, two lapel microphones, a short USB-C to USB-A charging cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, a USB-C female to USB-C male adapter, and a user manual.

There’s little you have to do to get this setup to work. Using my Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max as the test device, I plugged the USB-C transmitter in and powered on one of the lapel microphones, whose light turned green once connected. That was it, it just worked.

Recording quality is very good overall. As you can tell from me reading this script, voice quality is clear. While it doesn’t have superior noise isolation and will pick up movement on your shirt or wherever else you clipped it with its 360-degree recording field, as long as you’re thoughtful about the microphone’s placement, it gets the job done.

You can get more sophisticated solutions with better voice isolation, but considering this has a roughly 65-foot range and is as plug-and-play simple as it gets, this is a great device to have handy when you need to be a distance from your video recording device. At less than $20, it’s a steal.

AMPOMOV Wireless Lavalier Microphone

The post AMPOMOV Wireless Lavalier Microphone – Quick Video Review appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

GameSir Unveils X5s Wireless Mobile Game Controller with Tri-Mode Connectivity

The new GameSir X5s Wireless Mobile Game Controller delivers what is referred to as pro-level control in an ultra-lightweight, travel-ready design. It features tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4GHz), Hall Effect sticks for drift-free precision, HD rumble, native motion control, and swappable ABXY layouts. Weighing just 174g and complete with a protective carry case, the X5s is a multi-platform companion for mobile gamers.

You can get it for just under $50 via Amazon using this link.

The full press release follows:

GameSir Unveils X5s Wireless Mobile Game Controller with Tri-Mode Connectivity

Tri-mode connectivity, Hall Effect sticks, HD rumble, native motion control, and swappable ABXY layouts combine in an ultra-lightweight, travel-ready design for Switch, Android, iOS, and PC gaming

Video here

SHENZHEN, China — August 26th, 2025— GameSir, a leading innovator in gaming peripherals, has announced the launch of the X5s Wireless Mobile Game Controller, a high-performance, multi-platform controller that delivers precision engineering and immersive features for gamers on the go. Building on the success of the X5 Lite, the X5s retains its lightweight, travel-friendly design while introducing tri-mode connectivity for broader compatibility, native motion control, dual HD rumble motors, and swappable ABXY layouts. The result is a controller designed to meet the demands of modern gaming, whether at home or on the move. The GameSir X5s is available for $49.99/£49.99 from Amazon US, Amazon UK, Best Buy and the GameSir website.

With Bluetooth, USB-C wired, and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity (dongle sold separately), the X5s works seamlessly across Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Android, iOS, and PC. Supporting devices between 105–213mm in length, it adapts to a wide variety of smartphones and handheld consoles. At just 174 grams, the X5s is exceptionally portable, and comes complete with a durable PP storage case for protection during travel.

Precision is at the heart of the X5s, thanks to GameSir Hall Effect sticks. Using non-contact magnetic sensors, these sticks eliminate the risk of stick drift while delivering ultra-smooth 360° control and an extended lifespan of up to two million cycles. The controller also features Hall Effect analog triggers for accurate, responsive input, enhanced by a dedicated hair trigger mode—activated by pressing M+LT/RT—for rapid response in competitive titles.

Immersion is taken to the next level with dual HD rumble motors embedded in each grip, delivering finely tuned haptic feedback. From the recoil of gunfire to the subtle rumble of an engine, every movement is felt with precision. For Switch users, the integrated 6-axis gyroscope offers native motion control, enabling intuitive aiming, steering, and movement in compatible titles for an even more engaging gameplay experience.

The X5s further enhances versatility with physically swappable ABXY buttons, allowing quick layout changes between Xbox and Switch configurations using the included button clip. Turbo functionality is supported across the A, B, X, Y, LB, RB, LT, and RT buttons, providing an edge in fast-paced gameplay.

Performance-conscious gamers can pair the X5s with the optional FX5 or FX5 Lite thermoelectric coolers (sold separately) to help manage device temperatures during extended sessions. Meanwhile, the included GameHub platform unlocks access to PC emulators, cloud gaming, and game streaming services, with support for both controller and touch inputs.

Personalisation is made easy through the GameSir app, which allows firmware updates, stick and trigger dead zone adjustments, vibration intensity tuning, and button testing—ensuring the X5s performs exactly how each player prefers.

Launching globally on August 25, the GameSir X5s delivers a feature-rich, ultra-portable solution for gamers looking to take full control—anytime, anywhere, on any platform.

The GameSir X5s is available for $49.99/£49.99 from Amazon US, Amazon UK, Best Buy and the GameSir website.

Media Kit and High resolution imagery of the GameSir X5s available here.

About GameSir:

Founded in 2013, GameSir is one of the world’s leading providers of high-performance gaming peripherals, providing high-tech gaming hardware and excellent gaming experience for every gamer. In the name of “Just in Game”, GameSir knows exactly what each gamer really crave – the accurate control and enhanced gaming experience. Therefore, GameSir has been testing every potential solution to meet the needs of gamers, which is the GameSir mission.

For more information, visit www.gamesir.com

GameSir X5s

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PB Tails Three-Body Problem Droplet Edition Chromeposite Mirror Controller Unboxing Video!

This wild The Three-Body Problem controller from PB Tails – designed around the Ghost Silver Crush as a new Droplet edition – is only available in China. However, you can get a similar Chromeposite Mirror controller, except with upgraded TMR – rather than Hall Effect – sensors.

You don’t get The Three-Body Problem branding and related special inclusions, but you do get one heck of a multi-platform wireless controller for around $100 with the PB Tails Metal Crush Chromeposite Mirror TMR.

I previously reviewed the PB Tail Metal Crush Defender TMR controller for IGN, and came away impressed. This is no different.

As you can see in my video, if you’re in China, you get the shiny controller, pin, cleaning cloth, and – removable from its acrylic display case – a heavy chrome droplet that represents the small, manoeuvrable unmanned spaceships from The Three-Body Problem. While the non-Chinese version doesn’t feature any of that except for the controller and cleaning cloth, I’d say the arguably best-in-class TMR sensor upgrade more than makes up for it.

PB Tails Three-Body Problem Droplet Edition Chromeposite Mirror Controller Unboxing

Video content (script and unboxing) and editing by me (Bill Loguidice). Voiceover, Kore from Google AI Studio. Opening and ending videos generated from Google Veo. Background music, Pixabay, Growing Corporate (Corporate music, background music) by Artur_Aravidi_Music.

PB Tails Three-Body Problem Droplet Edition Chromeposite Mirror Controller

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Fanttik T1 Max Wireless Soldering Iron plus various bundles up to 40% off!

The highly rated Fanttik T1 Max Soldering Iron, either by itself or bundled with other useful tools, is up to 40% off. Here are the various options:

You can get the iron itself for $76.99 and then an additional $20.79 off!

You can get the iron and the B8 Ace Electric Air Duster for $89.96, a savings of $60.02, or 40%!

The iron and K2 Nano 3.7V Mini Power Drill is just $105.97, a savings of $64.01!

The iron and E1 Max 3.7V Mini Electric Screwdriver in white is just $105.99, a savings of $43.97!

The iron and F2 Master Mini Cordless Rotary Tool Kit is just $106.99, a savings of $67.99!

The iron and E2 Ultra 3.7V Mini Electric Screwdriver is just $107.97, a savings of $62.01!

Fanttik T1 Max Soldering Iron.

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