When are Xbox One X pre-orders coming? Phil Spencer seems to know

We’ve already talked here about how I’m the target audience for the Xbox One X. Ever since Microsoft unveiled the console at E3 this June, I’ve been wondering when I might be able to pre-order the thing. My friend Tom would message me, demanding answers about when he might be able to pre-order his, too. Well, we won’t have to wait much longer.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer took to Twitter, replying to a few messages, but one stuck out. Asked about when Xbox One X pre-orders will be available, Spencer said that Microsoft’s “plan is set for this. All approvals are done, so now just landing the announce with all the info, won’t be too much longer.”

There’s a big game show coming up soon

If I had to put a date on it, I’d guess pre-orders will go live to coincide with Microsoft’s Gamescom show on August 20, but Spencer’s comment makes it sound like it could be even sooner.

The Xbox One X is launching no November 7, and will go for $499 when it hits shelves. The system is Microsoft’s smallest and most powerful console yet, and is making lots of promises about 4K gaming. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on one as soon as possible.

Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite adds five new fighters and Infinity Stones

Comic-Con is usually the place for a game like Marvel vs Capcaom: Infinite to shine, and it can do so if it includes the words “spider” and “man” together anywhere in a sentence. Luckily, the web-slinger has decided to show up in the game, to the relief of Marvel fans all around the world, and he is joined by Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy from the Marvel side in this latest roster update.

On the Capcom side, Dead Rising’s Frank West, Resident Evil’s Nemesis, and Final Fight’s Mike Haggar all got name dropped for their inclusion in the game.

The new trailer, seen below, also introduces the Mind Stone mechanic, which Capcom describes like this:

The Mind Stone is the fifth announced Infinity Stone for Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite. This stone brings a command grab type of attack to its wielder in the air and on the ground. Upon landing a successful Infinity Surge attack, the opponent will fall to the ground and wake up in a daze, giving the wielder plenty of time to set up their next attack. Activating the Infinity Storm gives players a boost in hyper gauge regeneration. Hyper gauge will naturally increase without performing any additional actions, letting players build up their powerful super attacks much faster.

Man, this is starting to give me Power Stone flashbacks. Way to tool the Infinity Stones into the gameplay, Capcom. Marvel vs Capcom Infinite will be released for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in 2017.

Pokémon GO is finally ready to unleash the Legendary birds

It’s been a year in waiting, but from this weekend, you’ll be three steps closer to finishing your first generation Pokedex. Niantic has confirmed that the three legendary birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres will be appearing this weekend in Pokémon GO.

The update containing the three birds is already rolling out. My phone just downloaded automatically as I’m writing this!

The first of these legendary creatures will make an appearance at a huge event in Grant Park, Chicago. If enough trainers at the event defeat the legendary bird in a one-time raid, all of the birds will start to spread to raids throughout the world.

Best of luck and happy hunting to all.

Samurai Shodown V Special returns with bloodraged, uncensored fights

Well, this is one way to reintroduce us to a cult-classic. SNK’s often Japan-exclusive fighting series Samurai Shodown made a surprise appearance at EVO 2017 this past weekend, and the recently updated Samurai Shodown Vbrought along a new element to it.

Straight from Mortal Kombat’s playbook no less

.Samurai Shodown V Special adds a new, uncensored gore mode, which just gets really unsettling when you consider that the series has never been especially dark. Where as Mortal Kombat sees you committing gruesome murder on people who at least look like they deserve it, the bright, happy anime aesthetic in Samurai Shodown is just… weird.

Samurai Shodown V Special adds a new, uncensored gore mode, which just gets really unsettling when you consider that the series has never been especially dark. Where as Mortal Kombat sees you committing gruesome murder on people who at least look like they deserve it, the bright, happy anime aesthetic in Samurai Shodown is just… weird.

Raunchy! Still, it’s nice to see that SNK is still kicking around after years of corporate shuffling, and the chance to play this elusive fighting game on modern consoles is a welcome treat.

Samurai Shodown V Special will be released for the PlayStation 4 and PS Vita in 2018.

Pokemon Go Acknowledges First Birthday, But No Event....Yet

Pokemon Go commemorated its first anniversary by releasing a new piece of artwork that showedseveral of the game's characters along with many of the game's most popular Pokemon. In an accompanying tweet, the game asked fans to share their favorite memories of the last year.

Thanks for joining us for an amazing first year of #PokemonGO, Trainers! Tweet us your favorite Pokémon GO story. pic.twitter.com/E6EAvaiLjj

— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) July 6, 2017

 Of course, a goofy piece of artwork and a single tweet was not what many players were expecting to hear from Pokemon Go today. After new code was found in the game's latest update, many players were expecting an event of some kind to celebrate the game's first birthday in style.

However, while Pokemon Go's new artwork appears to just be a goofy celebration of the game, it could also be a hint as to a possible surprise for tomorrow. After all, the "party hat Pikachu" makes an appearance in the image, and we know Pokemon Go is set to release a "rare Pikachu" at the event next month.

You'll also notice the PokeStops in the imageare all lured, which could be a hint at tomorrow's alleged event as well.

Of course, this is all idle speculation and it's possible that Pokemon Go wanted to remind players that Professor Willow was still alive and kicking. Looks like we'll find out if Pokemon Go has something bigger planned for their first birthday tomorrow.

Bayonetta 1 and 2 coming to Nintendo Switch? Seems Platinum is teasing it

Platinum Games, the makers of Bayonetta, Vanquish, The Wonderful 101 and the team behind NieR: Automata opened up a new Twitter account. The first tweet they fired off? This one.

Now, that’s obviously an image featuring Bayonetta from Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2. The coloring of the images also draws a direct line to the neon blue and red Joy-Con for the Nintendo Switch. Plenty have made that connect, and some tweeted about it.

The interesting thing? Platinum actually liked one of the tweets making the connection. Are they teasing Nintendo Switch ports of Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2? Seems like it.

Having played through both already, I’d absolutely buy these games again on the Nintendo Switch if they really happen. Bayonettais a beautiful example of Japanese action game development, and Platinum are one of the best in the modern era for the genre.

If this turns into more than a tease, we’ll have the news.