The Summer Game Fest 2025, held from June 4 to 9 in Los Angeles, kicked off with a whirlwind of announcements shaking up the gaming world. Sony took center stage with a State of Play on June 4 at 5 p.m. ET, spotlighting PlayStation 5 titles, while Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2 launch for June 5, with midnight events at retailers like GameStop and Best Buy. Replacing the defunct E3, the event gathers global developers and promises over 20 showcases, including Summer Game Fest Live and the Xbox Games Showcase. The week also brought details on accessories, exclusive games, and sustainable initiatives, cementing the fest as the industry’s premier stage for news. All this unfolds amid a packed schedule, with live streams on YouTube and Twitch accessible to players worldwide.
Sony’s focus drew immediate attention, with its 40-minute-plus stream promising “must-play” PS5 games. Without revealing specific titles, speculation points to involvement from both first-party studios and third-party partners. Meanwhile, Nintendo detailed the Switch 2 rollout, with pre-orders sold out since April and limited launch stock. The simultaneous announcements and launches create a feverish atmosphere for fans, who track every detail via streaming platforms.
- Key highlights of the week:
- Sony’s State of Play, emphasizing PS5 games.
- Nintendo Switch 2 launch on June 5.
- Summer Game Fest Live, unveiling new titles.
- In-person and online events for players and media.
The Summer Game Fest’s lineup reflects the industry’s diversity, with showcases ranging from indie studios to giants like Xbox and Square Enix. Each event offers something unique, whether a world premiere or updates on highly anticipated games.
Sony emphasizes variety in State of Play
Sony’s broadcast, announced just a day prior, surprised with its promise of diversity. Held on June 4 at 5 p.m. ET, the stream was offered in English with subtitles and Japanese audio, ensuring global accessibility. Over its 40-minute runtime, the company showcased games from developers across regions, reinforcing its strategy to support third-party studios.
While Sony kept titles under wraps, its recent track record suggests potential updates on previously announced games. In February, it revealed Soros from Housemarque and a Days Gone remaster. April’s event centered on Borderlands 4, detailing multiplayer mechanics. This time, expectations lean toward release date announcements or new partnerships, especially since the last State of Play was in April.
The State of Play also sets the tone for the Summer Game Fest, opening the week with a bang. By not limiting the event to first-party titles, Sony signals an inclusive approach, leaving room for surprises from indie developers. The stream is available on YouTube and Twitch, with language options broadening its reach to international audiences.
Nintendo Switch 2 launch shakes up retail
The Nintendo Switch 2’s arrival on June 5 is a week’s high point. After months of buzz, Nintendo confirmed the console’s availability in physical and online stores, though with limited stock. Pre-orders, opened in April, sold out quickly, and retailers like Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy are now hosting midnight launch events to meet demand.
Walmart will start online sales at midnight on June 5, with select US stores opening at the same time. Target plans to restock online inventory from the morning of June 6, while Costco offers a Mario Kart World bundle with a 12-month Switch Online subscription. Amazon’s absence from pre-orders, however, caught attention, as the retailer has yet to list the console.
- Where to buy the Switch 2:
- GameStop: Midnight launch events.
- Best Buy: Limited in-store stock.
- Walmart: Online and select store sales.
- Target: Online restock starting June 6.
- Costco: Exclusive Mario Kart World bundle.
The console launches with accessories like the Joy-Con 2, Pro Controller, and a compatible camera, plus games such as Mario Kart World and a special The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom edition. Another title, Donkey Kong Bananza, is slated for July but is already available for pre-order.
Summer Game Fest Live promises major reveals
Scheduled for June 6 at 5 p.m. ET, Summer Game Fest Live is the event’s core. Spanning two hours, the showcase pledges world premieres and updates on awaited titles. Organizer Geoff Keighley emphasized that 2025’s edition will be bolder, featuring trailers for Mafia: The Old Country, set for August, and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, an action RPG due in July.
Hideo Kojima’s presence, tied to Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, is a major draw. The game, nearing release, will see new details unveiled, with a deeper dive planned for June 8. Confirmed partners include PlayStation, Nintendo, Xbox, Steam, Epic Games, and Square Enix, alongside studios like Embark, developing the shooter Arc Raiders.
Surprises are also on the horizon, including a Splitgate 2 announcement and potential Sega updates for franchises like Like a Dragon or Sonic. The stream, available on over 20 platforms like YouTube and Twitch, will broadcast live from the YouTube Theater, with tickets for in-person attendees.
Side events highlight diversity
Beyond major showcases, Summer Game Fest features smaller events celebrating the industry’s range. Day of the Devs, on June 6 at 7 p.m., focuses on indie games, showcasing 20 titles like Possessor(s) from Heart Machine and Neverway, a dark RPG. Airing right after Summer Game Fest Live, the event is known for spotlighting indie gems that often rank among the year’s best.
On June 7, Wholesome Direct presents 60 cozy games, while the Women-led Games Showcase highlights 39 titles from women-led studios. The Latin American Games Showcase, featuring over 50 regional games, strengthens local production, and the Green Games Showcase emphasizes sustainability, with a campaign to plant 50,000 trees.
- Events slated for June 7:
- Wholesome Direct: 60 cozy-themed games.
- Women-led Games Showcase: 39 titles from women-led studios.
- Latin American Games Showcase: Over 50 regional games.
- Green Games Showcase: Focus on sustainability and environment.
These events, all streamed on YouTube, expand the fest’s reach, connecting players to niche projects and social causes.
IO Interactive and Devolver Direct bring surprises
IO Interactive, known for Hitman, debuts its showcase on June 6 at 9 p.m. The event promises the first look at 007 First Light, a James Bond game in development for years. It will also cover Hitman: World of Assassination updates and MindsEye, an action-adventure title set for June 10.
The Devolver Direct at 8 p.m. the same day centers on a single game: Ball x Pit: The Kenny Sun Story. Devolver Digital, behind hits like Hotline Miami, calls the project addictive, with hundreds of hours of internal playtime. The lack of details fuels curiosity, given the publisher’s track record for innovative releases.
Xbox and other week highlights
The Xbox Games Showcase, set for June 8 at 1 p.m., is another key moment. Billed as Microsoft’s biggest annual event, it promises new games and updates on titles like Avowed and Fable. The stream comes at a strategic time, with Microsoft aiming to solidify its market stance post-Activision Blizzard acquisition.
On June 9, Black Voices in Gaming spotlights Black developers, while the Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Live Game Premiere on June 8 at 10 p.m. dives into Kojima’s next project. These events round out the schedule, ensuring Summer Game Fest caters to varied audiences.
Switch 2 accessories and games
The Switch 2 launch extends beyond the console. Nintendo unveiled accessories like the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip, Pro Controller, and a camera for interactive games. Third-party options, like the Hori Piranha Plant Camera, are also available.
Among games, Mario Kart World leads the pack, available at launch. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom gets a Switch 2 edition, while Donkey Kong Bananza arrives in July. Samsung’s 256GB microSD Express cards, optimized for the console, ensure ample storage.
- Accessories available June 5:
- Joy-Con 2: New design and features.
- Pro Controller: Enhanced precision for gaming.
- Switch 2 Camera: Supports interactive titles.
- Carrying Case: Protection and portability.
Sustainability takes center stage
The Green Games Showcase, a 2025 addition, reflects the industry’s environmental focus. Set for June 7 at 4 p.m., it highlights games supporting green causes, like reforestation efforts. Amazon Games and Team17 are involved, with a Q&A exploring how games can drive climate action.
The campaign to plant 50,000 trees has already gained traction among players and developers. Titles like Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game tie into sustainability themes, strengthening the link between gaming and environmental responsibility.
A packed week for fans
Summer Game Fest 2025 solidifies its status as the first half’s biggest gaming event. With over 20 streams, it spans blockbusters to indie projects across platforms like PS5, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S. The absence of events like Ubisoft Forward doesn’t dim the excitement, as surprises like Splinter Cell may emerge in side showcases.
Media coverage, including Engadget’s on-site presence in Los Angeles, ensures real-time updates for players. Streams on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok, available in 4K with multilingual subtitles, let global fans tune in live.