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Explore the Steam Next Fest Demo of The Ratline: A Detective Game Featuring Nazi Fugitive Guess Who Mechanics

Sometimes you get a note through the door, nestled among the bills and flyers for local takeaways. Oi, it says, some priest’s been murdered, and we need you to track down the folks on a list of Nazis he smuggled out of Germany after the war. Ok, you reply, it’s the 1970s and I’ve got nothing better to do.

That’s the setup for Owlskip Games’ The Ratline, the Steam Next Fest demo of which has just put my beleaguered Monday brain to the test.

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Will Wario Make an Appearance in the Super Mario Galaxy Film?

### The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Anticipations for the Upcoming Sequel

The eagerly awaited animated sequel, **The Super Mario Galaxy Movie**, is scheduled to premiere in theaters this April, bringing back cherished characters and welcoming new ones to the franchise. In light of the success of its predecessor, fans are keen to witness how the narrative unfolds in this new cinematic journey.

#### Returning Characters and New Introductions

The film will feature the return of legendary characters such as Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and Princess Peach. Moreover, beloved characters including Yoshi, Bowser Jr., and Rosalina are confirmed to appear. These iconic figures have had significant roles in the Mario franchise, and their return is sure to thrill audiences.

In an unexpected turn, a recent leak from the Everyman theater chain has suggested that Wario, a character not previously revealed by Nintendo, will be included. This information stems from a description shared by the theater that states, “After defeating Bowser and rescuing Brooklyn, Mario confronts Wario and Bowser Jr.’s malicious alliance. Now, with his friends and Yoshi by his side, he must thwart their ambitions for world domination.” This indicates that Wario will play a crucial part in the film’s storyline, paving the way for an engaging plot.

#### Significance of Wario’s Inclusion

Wario’s surprising incorporation into the plot opens up intriguing opportunities for the film. Renowned for his mischievous and greedy nature, Wario’s character could bring forth new comedic aspects and challenges for Mario and his companions. His presence alongside Bowser Jr. hints at a powerful alliance that will test the heroes’ resolve and collaboration.

Additionally, Chris Pratt, the voice behind Mario, has hinted that there are further surprises awaiting viewers. While it remains unclear what other characters may arrive, Wario’s presence raises speculation about the possible return of other fan-favorites, such as Waluigi.

#### Excitement and Promotion

As the film’s release date approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting more updates and trailers that will likely unveil further character surprises and plot insights. The promotional strategy by Nintendo and Universal is anticipated to intensify as April nears, leaving fans eager for sneak previews and teasers that are sure to highlight the film’s remarkable animation and captivating storyline.

#### Final Thoughts

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is shaping up to be an essential viewing experience for fans of the series. With a blend of returning heroes, the introduction of new villains like Wario, and the classic humor and adventure that characterize the Mario franchise, audiences can expect an exhilarating cinematic experience. While we await its release, the excitement keeps building, leaving fans wondering what additional surprises this film might encompass.

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PS5 Keeps Surpassing Switch 2 in Sales

**The PlayStation 5 and Switch 2 Sales Trends in 2026**

Within the gaming console sector, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and the newly released Switch 2 are witnessing notable sales numbers. Nevertheless, the PS5, which has been available for five years, continues to surpass the freshly launched Switch 2, which has only been on the market for nine months. This article examines the elements affecting this sales trend in the U.S. gaming scene.

**Sales Performance Snapshot**

As reported by Mat Piscatella, a senior director at Circana, in January 2026, the PS5 topped hardware sales in the U.S., despite a drop in sales from the previous year. It retained the lead in the sales hierarchy, with the Switch 2 following, and the Xbox Series X/S and PC gaming handhelds taking the third and fourth positions, respectively. Overall, hardware expenditure in January 2026 rose by 16% relative to January 2025. However, year-over-year sales for the PS5 declined by 17%, and the Xbox Series X/S experienced a 27% drop. In contrast, the original Switch faced a significant 79% sales reduction.

**Market Standing and Competition**

The enduring success of the PS5 might signify a stable gaming environment and a dedicated customer base, while the performance of the Switch 2 raises concerns regarding its initial sales boost. Although the sales of the Switch 2 exceed those of the original Switch on a time-aligned scale, it still lags behind the PS5, which is five years old. Factors such as substantial Black Friday discounts, offering the PS5 at a price lower than that of the Switch 2, may have played a role in this difference. Moreover, excitement for major game launches, like *Grand Theft Auto 6*, could drive further demand for the PS5.

**Absence of Major Exclusives for Switch 2**

A critical factor affecting the Switch 2’s sales is the lack of significant exclusive titles. Gamers often seek console exclusives as an incentive to buy, and currently, there are no announcements for a new 3D *Mario* or a new *Zelda* game. The forthcoming title, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, while eagerly awaited, is also set to be released on the original Switch, reducing the urgency for a Switch 2 acquisition.

**Economic Considerations and Future Pricing**

The economic climate may significantly influence sales performance. Reports suggest that Nintendo might have to raise the price of the Switch 2 due to ongoing RAM shortages—an expectation many analysts deem likely for 2026. However, a recent decision against President Trump’s tariffs on imported goods raises uncertainties around possible price changes. These tariffs had previously increased costs for consoles, and their elimination could afford Nintendo some leeway in pricing the Switch 2, potentially allowing the company to sustain its current price of $450 for a longer period.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, while the PlayStation 5 maintains its sales supremacy despite its established presence, the Switch 2 encounters obstacles related to market rivalry, insufficient appealing exclusives, and looming economic challenges. The approaching months will be crucial for Nintendo as it addresses these challenges and aims to solidify the Switch 2’s position in the gaming market. The dynamics of this landscape continue to shift, influenced by consumer demands, exclusive offerings, pricing tactics, and broader economic factors.

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Saints Row Design Director Expresses Concerns About Series’ Future After Prequel Pitch Feedback

Make sure the dildos are flying at half mast. Saints Row 1 design director Chris Stockman has said he believes the series is “dead”, following conversations with Embracer Group about his pitch for a prequel. According to the developer, who currently heads VR studio Bit Planet Games, that chatter about a potential Saints Rowssurection post Embracer’s closing of Volition has ended in the publishers ghosting Stockman.

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Logan Paul’s Auction of the Most Costly Pokémon Card in the World Provokes Inquiries Regarding Speculative Wagering, Eleventh-Hour Bidding, and Cryptocurrency Participation

Logan Paul’s recent transaction involving the Illustrator Pikachu card has attracted considerable attention, not only due to its astounding $16.5 million price but also because of the fascinating circumstances surrounding the auction, which intertwine collectible markets with prediction betting.

On February 15, 2026, Logan Paul finalized a weeks-long auction of his Pokémon card collection, setting a record with the PSA 10 Illustrator Pikachu card. This card, one of just 41 known to exist and the sole one graded as a perfect 10, was sold for $16,492,000, eclipsing all previous records for collectible cards. The winning bidder, AJ Scaramucci, son of financier Anthony Scaramucci, initially acquired the card for $13.3 million, with added auction house fees leading to the final amount. Scaramucci’s surprise appearance at Goldin Auctions’ headquarters during the sale introduced an element of suspense and excitement, facilitating a public exchange that was visually highlighted.

As speculation surrounded the exceptionally high sale price, focus shifted to the reasons behind such a purchase. Logan Paul obtained the card in 2022 for $5.275 million, suggesting a calculated approach to benefit from the rising value of collectible cards. Scaramucci regarded the card as a long-term investment, even forecasting that it could be valued at $100 million in the future. Meanwhile, Goldin Auctions profited significantly from the transaction, earning a considerable fee for hosting the auction.

The auction process concluded dramatically, with a last-minute flurry of bids elevating the card’s price from around $6.3 million to over $16 million. This unforeseen climax incited comparisons to the fluctuations often observed in online auctions, though the substantial increase prompted further investigation into market manipulation or collusion.

Compounding the discussion, the prediction market Polymarket offered insights into public opinion regarding the auction’s result. Prior to the final bidding day, Polymarket assessed a 72 percent likelihood of the card exceeding $7 million. However, as bids soared past critical pricing thresholds, the odds shifted, mirroring a changing viewpoint among bettors concerning the card’s potential worth. One individual leveraged this market by making numerous bets, ultimately winning a significant amount after accurately forecasting the sale price.

Concerns emerged regarding the integrity and credibility of these predictions, particularly after a social media user pointed out inconsistencies in auction assessments. The auction house’s projection of a $4 million valuation for the card before its sale raised questions among speculation analysts. Investigations into possible collusion or influence stemming from these betting actions initiated discussions among collectors and investors around the transparency of such markets and their effect on auction results.

Additionally, Paul’s prior attempt to fractionalize the card through his venture Liquid Marketplace stirred further controversy. This platform, designed to enable multiple investors to acquire shares of high-value collectibles, faced scrutiny following allegations of fraud against the company, even though Paul himself was not involved. The unsuccessful endeavor led to a decline in customer confidence, but Paul later reassured that all investors could retrieve their funds.

The discourse also addressed the grading process of the card. Despite achieving a PSA 10 classification, experts remarked that contemporary grading standards are more stringent than those during the card’s evaluation, implying that its perfect score may not withstand current assessment. This inconsistency sparked additional debates about the nature of collectible grading and the valuation of items in a changing marketplace.

Ultimately, Scaramucci articulated a wish for the Illustrator Pikachu card to be showcased in the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan, with hopes of cementing its status as a cultural landmark within the Pokémon franchise. However, it remains uncertain whether Nintendo would allocate the necessary funds for insurance to facilitate such an exhibition.

In conclusion, while the sale of Logan Paul’s Illustrator Pikachu card shattered records and garnered headlines, the associated circumstances—from prediction market dynamics to historical controversies—illustrate a more intricate narrative about the contemporary collectible card landscape and its trajectory.

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This Week’s Highlight in PC Gaming: Resident Evil Requiem, Alongside The Witcher Series, Pirate Adventures, and Pinball Classics.

Happy this week all! It’s time for another Steam Next Fest. A time to stock up on unfinished business. A time to litter your desktop with dead-ends. A time to install 30 game demos and play exactly three of them – unless you are RPS supporter Mr_B, who I think accounts for the majority of Valve’s downloads traffic these days.

We’re not doing the whole Wishlisted thing this year due to a chronic shortage of wishfulness brought on by our collective advancing age, but we’ll be writing up the hottest demos as they arrive, in a dramatic departure from our regular news coverage of… writing up the hottest demos as they arrive. It’s not all demos, mind: a few developers have scandalous plans to unleash complete games into the storm of prototypes and playtests. Here are the ones we’re thinking about feeding to the Maw.

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