Fortnite’s New Gamemode Has Us Blitzed

July 1, 2025

---

Fortnite has seen its fair share of limited-time modes over the years, but Blitz Royale might just be one of the most thrilling returns to form for Battle Royale veterans and casual players alike. Blitz mode is back, and it’s better, faster, and more chaotic than ever.

Overview

At its core, Blitz Royale is everything we love about Fortnite, just with the speed cranked to 11. Matches are significantly shorter, capped around 15 minutes or less. The storm starts closing in from the very beginning, meaning there’s no time to waste. Blitz demands immediate action. No more idle looting for five minutes just to get sniped from across the map. Here, you’re in the action right away - unlike regular Fortnite matches which can last around 20 to 30 minutes on average, there’s no shortage of you running, fighting, and surviving from the moment you touch down.

Movement Changes

With Blitz’s increased emphasis on fast gameplay, changes to the core Fortnite movement has made movement feel fantastic. Pickaxe movement speed is increased, encouraging quicker rotations. Reloading is quicker, giving you the edge in fast firefights. Glider redeploy is back, with increased descent speed for stylish getaways and aggressive aerial pushes.

Blitz vs. Reload

While we’re big fans of both gamemodes, what we noticed while playing Blitz is how reminiscent it is of another popular Fortnite gamemode known as Reload. 

While Blitz is a sped-up version of the classic Fortnite format, Reload is a team-based respawn mode, where eliminated players can respawn if at least one squadmate is still alive. It’s still pretty fast and engaging with the same emphasis on speed, though they both take it on in different ways.

Blitz offers a tight, storm-chased pace from the start. You’re in constant motion with very little downtime — ideal for players who like to stay in the action. Reload also keeps things fast but with a different flavor. Instead of fleeing the storm, you’re juggling respawns, revives, and tight-zone squad fights.

Overall, Blitz feels like Fortnite with all the filler trimmed off. Reload, on the other hand, feels like an arcade shooter remix with a little bit of nostalgia thrown into the mix. For the adrenaline junkie, we recommend Blitz. For the team player who hates being sent back to the lobby earlier, we recommend Reload.

What We Like

Blitz has truly revitalized the entire Fortnite experience. In a game that’s constantly evolving with new mechanics, chapters, and items, Blitz cuts through the fluff and gets straight to the heart of what makes Fortnite fun: fast drops, high-intensity fights, and clutch plays under pressure.

You don’t need to wait for the final circle to get your adrenaline rush. Every minute is packed with tension, and that 15-minute time cap means even your most chaotic games wrap up before they overstay their welcome.

Whether you’re looking to warm up with fast-paced matches or just want to play Fortnite in a more action-packed way, Blitz delivers.

Attack on Titan Funko Pop Roundup

June 29, 2025

---

The world of Attack on Titan continues to rage on in the realm of collectibles with Funko’s newest Pop releases. From ferocious Titans to beloved members of the Survey Corps, this latest wave has something for every fan. Let’s break down four of the most exciting new and returning figures making their way onto shelves: Hange Zoe, Super Jaw Titan, Armin Arlert, and the mighty Colossal Titan.

Hange Zoe

One of the standout reveals in this wave is the new Hange Zoe Funko Pop #1994. Known for their intense curiosity and scientific brilliance, Hange is finally getting a figure that does justice to their role in the series. This premium figure stands roughly 4.25″ tall and comes equipped with Survey Corps gear, a signature stance, and intense attention to detail. Currently available for pre-order, fans can expect shipments to begin in August–September 2025.

It's already drawing praise from collectors for its dynamic pose and polished sculpting. Whether you're a fan of Hange’s tactical brilliance or their chaotic energy, this Pop is a must-have for completing your Survey Corps lineup.

Super Jaw Titan

The Super Jaw Titan Funko Pop is a powerhouse entry in the oversized category, standing at 6 inches tall and ready to tower over your other figures. Based on Falco Grice’s terrifying Titan form, the sculpt captures the creature's razor-sharp teeth, haunting eyes, and beastly posture.

This version has been released as an exclusive through Crunchyroll and Hot Topic, making it a bit harder to find—but well worth it for collectors. 

Armin Arlert

Next up is the ever-thoughtful Armin Arlert, the mind behind many of the series’ most brilliant moments. This figure captures Armin in a composed stance, clad in Survey Corps uniform, as if he’s mid-strategy on the battlefield.

Retailing around $12–$15, the Armin Pop is a solid pick for anyone building out the main cast. But there’s also a chase variant—rarer and featuring subtle design differences—for those looking to add a little thrill to their hunt.

Colossal Titan – The Ultimate Display Piece

Last but definitely not least: the Colossal Titan, a Pop so big and bold that it’s earned multiple versions over time. Most notably, the Hot Topic pre-release edition (#23) has become a prized figure among collectors, with listings often reaching $180+. There are also standard and FYE exclusive editions out there, ranging in size from 6″ to over 10″ depending on the version.

Colossal’s immense size and haunting skeletal design make it a centerpiece item, especially for collectors who love larger-format Funkos.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a newcomer to Funko collecting or a longtime Attack on Titan fanatic, this wave delivers a mix of intensity, detail, and personality that perfectly encapsulates the series’ spirit. From the tactical genius of Hange to the horrifying grandeur of the Colossal Titan, now’s the perfect time to reinforce your shelves.

Keeping Up With The Nintendo Switch 2 — Triumphs, Tragedies, and More

June 29, 2025

---

The Nintendo Switch has broken so many records that it’s hard to keep count. While generally being one of the best-selling and most hyped products that Nintendo’s ever released, we’d like to highlight the console’s triumphs and tragedies. Wait…tragedies? Yes, while the Switch 2 has had a fair share of generational moments in gaming history despite its short existence, it’s also been subject to some misadventures alongside its record-breaking lifespan.

Switch 2 Triumphs

The Switch 2 is the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever. While it’s hard to imagine everyone having a Switch 2 as was seemingly commonplace with the Nintendo DS or 3DS (I had a DS and DSi XL growing up), it actually might not be too surprising in the future.

Due to the insane amount of hype that the Switch 2 has garnered — it’s unbelievable to think that the first Switch launched in 2017 — it’s not only become one of Nintendo’s best-sellers, but also a game industry home run. Beating out the legendary PlayStation 2’s first week sales record by over twice that, at over 1.1 million units compared to Sony’s 500,000 units, we’d find it fair to say that the industry is going to have a tough time creating something that’ll be able to top those numbers.

The Switch 2 also broke the record for most consoles sold in a single day, surpassing the previous record held by the PlayStation 4. The PlayStation 4 sold over 1 million consoles in its first 24 hours on sale in North America, while the Switch 2 was reported to have sold over 3 million consoles in its first 24 hours on sale. That is literally insane.

Switch 2 Tragedies

What’s even more insane, however, is how hard it is to believe that even despite its short lifespan, the Switch 2 has already been victim to a few blunders.

Consumers have been reporting having trouble being able to purchase the Switch 2 due to it being in such high demand. From Wal-Mart to Target to Best Buy, some people just haven’t had any luck finding the console. Some accounts have stated that their GameStop and Wal-Mart pre-orders for the Switch 2 were cancelled for miscellaneous reasons, from failed payments to understock.

Most shockingly, in Colorado, around ~3,000 Switch 2s were stolen from a truck that was going to deliver them to a GameStop (this might explain the last bit). With a product value of over $1.4 million dollars seemingly vanished from the rightful owners, investigators have been on the case since the 8th of June in order to find the culprits. We’d say if you see any Facebook Marketplace listings for ~3,000 Switches at surprisingly low numbers that you should contact your local police dealerships…or leave us a comment telling us where to go (just kidding).

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch 2 has had an explosive start, breaking sales records left and right and proving once again that Nintendo knows how to capture the gaming world’s attention. Its triumphs are undeniable, from industry-shaking sales figures to the sheer excitement it has brought to longtime fans and newcomers alike.

However, the console’s early journey hasn’t been entirely smooth. From elusive stock shortages to high-profile thefts, the Switch 2’s launch has come with its fair share of drama. Still, if history has shown us anything, it’s that Nintendo has a knack for bouncing back. Whether you’ve already gotten your hands on one or are still on the hunt, the Switch 2 is clearly the console to watch in the years to come.

Rare Original Star Wars Screenings Come To BFI Film on Film Southbank

June 24, 2025

---

The BFI Film on Film Festival in London recently hosted a rare screening of the original, unaltered 1977 "Star Wars" film, complete with its unique opening crawl and the "Han shot first" version of the Mos Eisley cantina scene. This event offered a unique opportunity for fans to experience the film as it was initially released, before George Lucas made later changes. 

At Cooledtured, there’s a Star Wars fan in all of us. We thought we’d make this article in order to highlight our favorite parts of the event and to give a recap of what exactly differed between the original screening and the version of the film that we all know and love to date.

What is the BFI?

BFI stands for British Film Institute. It's a cultural charity and the UK's lead organization for film and the moving image. The BFI works to promote and preserve filmmaking and television in the UK, supporting creativity, developing new talent, and preserving the BFI National Archive.

Event Highlights

We loved that Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm, was present at the screening - why? For those familiar with George Lucas, you may be familiar with the ever-evolving vision he possesses for his projects. His uncompromising perspective on his creations also led to a reluctance to show products that didn’t line up with his creative vision at the time. NPR states that “Lucasfilm has previously only permitted screenings of the "Special Editions," [of the Star Wars films] which include the changed scenes and enhanced effects.”

Fandom enthusiasts were likely to have known how Lucas and Lucasfilm felt about screening different versions of Star Wars, let alone the highly rare original screening presented at the event. Kathleen Kennedy, therefore, served as a failsafe for the BFI in order to present the movie without backlash.

Also, as Twin Peaks fans, we couldn’t help but mention that in closing, the BFI also played the original 35mm of the US pilot episode, which they note was the very same print used for the first UK television broadcast in 1990. Even further, it was presented by Kyle MacLachlan, which fans may know better as Dale Cooper from the same series. It’s a great day for both Star Wars and Twin Peaks fans. 

Changes

Almost immediately after the first theatrical release, Lucas began tinkering with the Star Wars film as we know it. Out of all of them, the most notable change is likely him adding the "Episode IV: A New Hope" subtitle in 1981. 

 

This addition opened much of the way for what we now know as Star Wars as a vast and expansive fictional universe and media narrative. You can see the original crawl here, which as mentioned previously lacks the subtitle detailing the movie’s name: 

We’ll also bring up one of the most controversial changes to the movie that fans have been obsessed over for the longest time: in the original Star Wars movie, Han shot first. This portrayed him as much more of a roguish lone-wolf type character whose means didn’t necessarily dictate the ends. This was later changed to Greedo shooting first, which fans were quick to point out how much this undermined the character that the movie establishes. Personally, we agree that Han should’ve shot first. It just makes him that much cooler.

Here is an excellent video about what else is different in all three of the original prequel films compared to what Lucasfilms calls the “Special Editions” of the movies:

Conclusion

The BFI Film on Film Festival gave fans an unforgettable look into cinematic history, offering a rare glimpse at Star Wars as it was originally shown in 1977—untouched, unaltered, and exactly how George Lucas first imagined it. From the absent “Episode IV” subtitle to Han Solo’s famously controversial shootout, this screening reminded audiences why the original cut still holds such a legendary place in pop culture. Paired with the surprise Twin Peaks treat and the presence of Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy, the event served as a love letter to the devoted fans who’ve kept the Force alive for generations.

Nintendo Exceeds Sales Projections For The Switch 2 By A Long Shot

June 21, 2025

---

Nintendo is known for a lot of things - innovative control schemes (see the Wii, the Nintendo 64 controller, the original Joy-Con controllers, etc.), fan-favorite first-party series (Mario, the Legend of Zelda…there are a lot, okay?), and record-breaking sales numbers (the DS series of portable consoles, the Wii, and the original Nintendo Entertainment System). However, the Switch 2 has seemed to blow all of those consoles’ numbers out of the water, and has shown no signs of stopping thus far.

We’d like to do some research and compare some of the numbers that the Switch 2 has put up with some other of the most best-selling consoles and see how Nintendo’s newest baby holds up. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Price Comparison

 

It’s kind of weird to make some of these comparisons seeing that the Switch 2 is both a traditional console and an on-the-go device, but we’ll do it anyway. Here’s a breakdown of some of the consoles that we’ll compare it to price-wise, adjusted for inflation.

For reference, the Switch 2 was slated to release for $450:

• Sony PlayStation 2: $548 (21% more expensive)

• Nintendo Wii: $394 (13% less expensive)

• Nintendo Wii U: $484 (7% more expensive)

• Nintendo DSi XL: $279 (38% less expensive)

• Nintendo 64: $402 (11% less expensive)

It’s hard to compare and contrast with such wildly different numbers, but in terms of pure consoles we can say that the Switch 2 pretty much hangs within 20% of every other console in terms of price. Of course, the most comparable console to the Switch 2, other than the original Switch, would have to be the Wii U, by which the Wii U was only 7% more expensive on release. Pretty good numbers so far.

Sales Numbers Comparison

We’ll use the same consoles to compare what their sales within the first week were in the United States, since the Switch 2’s only been out for that long and it’s a good comparator of “hype” for each console, so to speak.

For reference, the Switch sold over 1.1 million units (wow) in its first week:

• Sony PlayStation 2: No weekly numbers, but sold over 500,000 units on its first day alone

• Nintendo Wii: 600,000 units (46% less)

• Nintendo Wii U: 400,000 units (64% less)

• Nintendo DSi XL: 435,000 units (61% less)

• Nintendo 64: 350,000 units (69% less)

It’s pretty easy to see that the Switch 2 has been on a killer run with its sales lately, and people have been noticing.

Reasons for the Hype

There’s no denying it - Nintendo’s Switch 2 launch has been nothing short of historic. But what exactly is fueling the hype and these record-breaking numbers? A few factors immediately stand out:

1. Backwards Compatibility

One of the biggest selling points has been the Switch 2’s ability to play original Switch games right out of the box. For a console with one of the richest libraries in recent memory, this means that new buyers immediately have access to hundreds of polished, high-quality titles - no waiting for a game drought to end. 

2. Improved Hardware

With enhanced graphics, a smoother OLED display, better ergonomics, and improved battery life, Nintendo focused on refining rather than overhauling. Those who didn’t originally purchase the first Switch get to relish in its robust library as well as the new hardware that the Switch 2 offers over the original.

3. Pent-Up Demand

Let’s not forget that Nintendo held off longer than expected to release the Switch 2. With whispers and leaks stretching back over two years, fans were more than ready. It’s also been hard to believe that the original Switch design dates back to over seven years since its release - pretty crazy to think now.

Conclusion

The Switch 2’s launch has been nothing short of a phenomenon. With a competitive price point, strong first-week sales, and a refined hybrid experience, Nintendo has once again proven its unique ability to balance innovation with accessibility. While it’s still early, all signs point to the Switch 2 becoming another major pillar in Nintendo’s long history of hardware success.

What did you think of this article? Let us know by reaching out to us on our social media!

Pearlescent Pokémon Funkos Have Arrived At Pokémon Centers Near You

June 15, 2025

---

Missing out on your Funko fixation lately? Fret no more, as a Pokécenter near you is slated to carry a new selection of three classic Pearlescent Pokémon Funkos. Let’s take a look at the three new Funkos in this article - gotta catch ‘em all!

Piplup – A Pearlescent Pop of Penguin Charm

 

For fans of Sinnoh and adorable Water-types, Piplup’s Pearlescent Funko is a must-have. This figure captures the confident little penguin in all its glory, now with a dazzling shimmer that reflects light beautifully from every angle. The soft blue hues combined with the pearlescent finish give it a fresh, almost icy glow, making it a standout piece whether you're a Gen 4 nostalgic or just a sucker for well-dressed birds. Piplup’s royal attitude has never looked so refined!

 

Flareon – Fiery Funko Figurine Goodness

 

Bringing the heat in more ways than one, Flareon’s new Pearlescent Funko makeover does justice to the Fire-type favorite. With its glossy red-orange finish and elegant pearlescent shine, this figure practically glows on any shelf. Long-time Eeveelution fans will no doubt want to snap this one up quickly, as this limited-edition version is bound to be a hot commodity.

 

Cubone – A Shiny Tribute to a Lonely Legend

 

Cubone’s story may be one of the saddest in the Pokédex, but its new Pearlescent Funko brings a sense of quiet strength and reflective beauty. This limited-edition version enhances the Ground-type’s trademark skull helmet and bone weapon with a soft, glistening finish that gives it an almost ethereal quality. It's a stunning homage to a fan-favorite Pokémon that’s long been known for wearing its heart - and its past - on its sleeve. Whether you collect for aesthetics or emotion, Cubone adds undeniable depth to any display.

 

Fortnite’s Metaverse: A History & How It’s Evolved

June 13, 2025

---

We all know of Fortnite - a video game that only seemed to grow larger as its contemporaries (PUBG, H1Z1, etc.) have shrunken quite considerably. While we’re far from the heyday of battle royale games, we’d like to offer a theory as to why Fortnite has been able to stay relevant this whole time while other games seemingly just…stayed in the shadows. Without further ado, we’ll present a history of what Epic Games calls its “Metaverse”, and how it’s evolved ever since its inception. Stick around and we’ll also answer exactly what goes on in the Metaverse and how it’s allowed Fortnite to keep ahead of the competition by tenfolds.

Topic Overview and History

 

It’s likely you’ve experienced the Metaverse, even if you don’t actually know what it is. According to Epic Games, the Metaverse is “an online social entertainment experience in real time, where people play and connect in a 3D world”. It’s really as simple as that.

This definition is pretty vague, but it also allows us to see what exactly it is that Epic considers the Metaverse (which is a lot). Some examples would include:

• User-created experiences through the Fortnite workshop

• Player-made lobbies/parties through the Epic Games social launcher

• Shared events such as the Travis Scott or Marshmello in-game concerts

• Customizing your avatar through the Item Shop

• Limited-time gamemodes such as Star Wars events

Though with such a broad concept in mind, how did the Metaverse get its beginnings? Many point to the beginnings of Fortnite’s storyline as an early example of Epic’s realization of something bigger. Shared events that tied into the lore of Fortnite paved way for greater entries into the Metaverse, such as 2023’s “Big Bang” event that unveiled quite a few changes in how players would experience Fortnite. 

Gone were the days of the tried-and-tested battle royale experience - the Minecraft-esque Lego Fortnite gamemode, Fortnite Festival (a Guitar Hero clone), and partnerships with record labels led to it being pretty hard to call Fortnite just a third-person shooter. It was more than that - the Metaverse had finally come to fruition.

With collaborations between brands like Disney, Balenciaga, and strangely enough the National Football League (yes, that is a real thing), Fortnite cemented itself as a mainstay in gaming. 

The Metaverse Now

People have come to expect lots of things from Fortnite’s Metaverse, such as new character additions, brand collaborations, and gamemodes. However, it’s been quite the case that Epic likes to keep players on their toes when it comes to speculating about new updates to the game. A Sabrina Carpenter skin in the Item Shop could be just as likely as a Darth Jar Jar skin. Both of those are in the game right now and were added within a week of each other but that’s not the point.

 

Fortnite is empowering its creators by giving them tools outside of the standard Fortnite Workshop arsenal, such as the ability to import maps from Unreal Engine, an Epic Games creation used by many triple-A studios to create their games. More and more brands are investing billions into Fortnite in order to stake their chunk of the wildly popular Metaverse. User-created content makes up a huge portion of the amount of playtime that people spend on Fortnite. It’s easy to see how successful the Metaverse has been, but difficult to see where it’ll be going next.

 

Conclusion

 

Fortnite’s evolution into a full-fledged Metaverse has redefined what a video game can be. What started as a battle royale has transformed into a constantly shifting digital playground — one where players, creators, and brands coexist in a shared space of creativity and entertainment. Epic Games has pushed the envelope by merging pop culture, music, fashion, and gaming into one platform, turning Fortnite into something closer to a digital lifestyle hub than just another online shooter. 

 

With user-generated content continuing to thrive and partnerships expanding in scope and ambition, Fortnite’s Metaverse is an industry blueprint for the future of interactive entertainment. Where it goes next is anyone’s guess, but if history’s any indicator, it’ll be somewhere no one expected. We're just happy we get to be Peter Griffin playing the drums to a Nine Inch Nails song and somehow everyone just accepts the fact that that's happening.

 

Xbox’s New Handheld Gaming PC Has Been Announced: Is It Worth It?

June 12, 2025

---

 

The Steam Deck has made its mark on handheld gaming history for the most part, despite how slim the pickings may be. Its compact yet dependable form factor and powerhouse ability to play most any game on Steam has cemented it amongst other market offerings. Despite other (punchy in their own right) systems like the GPD WIN, MSI Claw 8, or Lenovo Legion Go, it’s hard to beat Valve customer service and SteamOS, the Deck’s built-in operating system tailored for on-the-go gaming.

 

However, we’d like to take a moment to showcase something that’s been catching our attention lately: of all people, Microsoft has come out with a series of handheld gaming PCs, which they’ve dubbed the “ROG Xbox Ally” collection. Gone are the days of seemingly “second”- or “third”-party offerings like those mentioned above; Microsoft says they’d like to step in. 

 

Without further ado, we’ll take a look at the console and see what separates it from the other offerings on the market and tell you if it’s worth it or not.

 

Overview

 

 

In partnership with ASUS and Republic Of Gamers (ROG), Xbox recently announced their venture into the handheld gaming scene with the ROG Xbox Ally. To keep it short, there are two versions: The ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. 

 

“Developed in partnership with the incredible team at Xbox, the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X offer best-in-class ergonomics and a full-screen Xbox experience that marries the best of Xbox and PC gaming in one cohesive package.”

 

From what we can gather, the biggest difference between the two is that the ROG Xbox Ally has a less potent processor (but by our standards, still pretty fast). While the ROG Xbox Ally sports an AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor, the Ally X will be sporting the new AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor for what ASUS calls “next-level gaming performance”.

 

Additionally, we’re given a good look at what constitutes the software that the Ally series will be running. What’s exciting is that Microsoft seems to be supporting the ability to mod Ally series devices, which is mentioned a little in the text:

 

“Powered by Windows 11 underneath, this software has been optimized for the ROG Xbox Ally, reducing system overhead and offering easy joystick and button navigation. Quick access to settings and customizable widgets are available via Game Bar with a single press of the Xbox button. But with the full freedom of Windows 11 running under the hood, games and mods from other sources are still easily accessible.”

 

Other hardware to note is that both consoles come with at least 512GB of storage (with the Ally X having 1TB of storage) and at least 16GB of RAM (the Ally X again sporting a more potent 24GB of RAM).

 

What We Like

• The grips are contoured to resemble gamepad handles, which is something that we haven’t seen on very many platforms; very nice

• Familiar and dependable software (Windows 11) running underneath the hood

• Xbox Play Anywhere, seemingly Microsoft’s version of Steam, allows you to pick back up and play games that you previously played on your Xbox or PC

• Xbox Game Bar integration allows you to create clips and screenshots live, as well as chat with friends and perform other social features

What Could Use Some Work

• As a result of the much more powerful internals of the Ally X, the price will likely reflect the upgrade (to be expected, but may be higher than what others may be hoping to pay for)

• The resolution is slightly lower for both consoles (both share the same display configuration) than other options we’ve seen

• The screen is also smaller, with the Switch 2’s being nearly an inch larger (7 inch vs. 7.9 inch)

 

Verdict: Should You Purchase the Xbox Ally Series?

 

The Xbox Ally series, particularly the higher-end Ally X, represents a strong and compelling entry into the handheld gaming PC market. It brings with it the pedigree of Microsoft and ASUS ROG, blending Xbox's familiar gaming ecosystem with the flexibility and customizability of a Windows-powered device. For gamers already tied into the Xbox ecosystem, the Ally makes a lot of sense - it offers a seamless transition between console, PC, and now, mobile gaming.

 

When compared to other handhelds like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, or MSI Claw, the Xbox Ally series holds its own - especially with the Ally X's upgraded specs. If you're looking for a handheld that acts more like a full-fledged gaming laptop with true Xbox integration—and you’re okay with a slightly smaller screen and a potentially steeper price point—the ROG Xbox Ally or Ally X is well worth your attention.

We’d say go for it - our team thinks it’s easily the most exciting gaming offering that Microsoft has had in a while.

 

What did you think of this article? Let us know by reaching out to us on our social media!

Epic Games vs. Apple: Fortnite Returns to the iPhone

June 8, 2025

---

Fortnite is...back? To the Apple Store? After a lengthy legal battle spanning years, Fortnite has returned as a free download for iPhones and iPads in the United States. Its return signals a change in the type of control that Apple has over how it licenses products on the App Store and specifically how it makes revenue from that licensing. Learn about how Fortnite sparked these changes and more in this article.

The Overview

As it's likely that we all know, Fortnite is a game that subsists on the free-to-play model that more and more games have begun to adopt (see Counter-Strike 2, THE FINALS, Zenless Zone Zero, FragPunk, Splitgate, etc.). In order to make money, most of these games derive their profit from the inclusion of purchases such as digital currency or in-game cosmetics, financed by real money. The game distribution platforms that these games exist on, such as Steam or the App Store, mandate that they usually take some sum of money from each purchase made while the game is being hosted on their platform - usually, this is around 30%.

Developers and game developer studios have long argued that the 30% standard that many digital game distribution platforms (including the App Store, to the extent that they offer games) boasts an unnecessarily high takeaway. In Fortnite and the App Store's case, Epic Games (the developer of Fortnite) created a system that circumvented the automatic fee processing that Apple would undertake on every purchase - something Apple didn't like, which led it to remove Fortnite from the Apple Store until further notice.

The Lawsuit

With the removal of Fortnite from the Apple Store in 2020, Epic Games sought to file a lawsuit against Apple that same year. Epic Games alleged that Apple's policies relating to the forcing of the usage of Apple's payment processing systems (those which would take away 30% of revenue made from in-game purchases), as well as its censorship of other alternative means of payment being able to be made to the developers of the game, was unfair. 

Apple counter-sued and alleged that Epic violated the Apple Store's terms of usage and that compensation for missed revenue should be allotted to Apple due to the inclusion of the fee circumventing feature. Fast-forward to 2021: a few legal roadblocks in Apple's favor made it such that only some of the charges against Apple stuck in federal court - namely, the censorship of other alternative means (known in law as the "anti-steering policy". 

Neither Apple nor Epic Games were happy with the suit, and appealed the decision once more before the case reached the Supreme Court, where it was declined to be heard. The case was laid to rest - for now...

Outcomes

The anti-steering policy wasn't a hit in court. Apple's new policy allows developers to provide links within apps that redirect users to make purchases outside of the app, but it isn't really much better in the case of developers, as if an individual makes a purchase within 7 days of accessing that link, Apple still takes a 27% cut. Developers also must be granted permission by Apple to feature such a link in their app. Sucks.

However, this decision gave a great way to another major event within the development of the lawsuit - app creators such as Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and others alleged in court again that the leeway that Apple provided was insufficient.

With the support of these companies in court and a wholly provision against Apple of the former allegations, it was found that Apple is to be prohibited from taking cuts on payments made to developers of apps, as well as impede the redirection of alternative payments to developers of apps (such as those methods in the case of Epic Games). It was an absolute win for game and app developers, and a pretty upsetting loss for Apple who seemed to have held a market majority of the revenue share between mobile application hosting platforms for a while.

Conclusion

Fortnite’s reappearance on the Apple App Store comes after years of legal battles that challenged the foundations of mobile app distribution. With new policies now limiting Apple’s ability to control third-party payments, developers are beginning to see cracks in a system that once seemed untouchable - thanks to the combined efforts of Epic Games alongside Meta, X, and other entities generally just kind of tired of Apple, the stage has been set for a more competitive and developer-focused mobile ecosystem.

What did you think of this article? Let us know by reaching out to our social media!

Valve’s Open-Source Steam Deck vs. Nintendo’s Closed-Off Switch 2: A Philosophical Review

June 6, 2025

---

Two gaming industry titans walk into a bar. Valve orders an IPA with extra hops while Nintendo orders apple juice - chilled, on the rocks. 

We’re well and truly fans of both companies, with Valve releasing cult classics such as Half-Life and Team Fortress 2, while Nintendo has provided us with absolute gaming mainstays such as the Mario and Legend of Zelda series of video games. However, what we’re here to talk about (as we find appropriate, since the Switch 2 is hot off the presses) is that while many people compare the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch(es) in terms of hardware and playability, we’d like to take a moment to compare the philosophies that Nintendo and Valve encompass and how that affects their end products. Stick around - this one is interesting.

 

Audience

Firstly, we need to talk about what kind of audience both companies gear themselves towards. Let’s look at Valve first.

Steam:

• Population-wise, typically focuses on the adult gamer with games like Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS dominating the Steam Charts

• Largest gaming distribution platform on the market by far; despite player counts being dominated by “core” gamers, most people do in fact shop on Steam for games

• Overwhelmingly PC gamer-oriented, especially male PC gamers

Nintendo:

• Focuses on gamers of all ages, though there is a strong child-leaning approach due to the emphasis on accessibility and family-friendliness

• “Family” approach is crucial to the Nintendo image, as many of their consoles promote being shared amongst family.

• Gender is no matter, as the fanbase is pretty split between male and female

End-Product Comparison

Now that we have that out of the way, the easiest way to see the difference within this audience philosophy is to create a comparison between the Switch 2 and Steam Deck. Really, it’s mostly about how while the Steam Deck and Switch 2 are pretty similar from a high level, the choices that Valve and Nintendo have allowed to manifest in the development of each is what makes the difference between them.

Steam Deck and Steam:

• Very open-source, with the operating system being built on Linux and modification being encouraged by Valve.

• “SteamOS is an Arch Linux-based Linux distribution, and all of the base operating system components are open source.” (SteamOS page)

• Built with right-to-repair in mind

• Valve has partnered with third-party companies (such as iFixIt) to provide replacement parts and teardown guides on how to fix a malfunctioning or faulty Steam Deck

• Steam is more than a platform for developers to launch games off - Steam is a fully functioning ecosystem for developers that Valve is dedicated to supporting

• In general, Valve is just more open to usages of their products in creative ways than Nintendo is

Being built by a company founded on modding (see how Counter-Strike was a mod of Quake, how Half-Life was a Quake mod, etc.) and seeing how they’re very open to community reworks of their products, it’s easy to see how Valve was a company founded by gamers for gamers, which reflects in the way the Steam Deck is built. If you can think of a way to do it with the Steam Deck, you probably can.

Now, onto the Nintendo Switches and their Nintendo eShop:

• Completely closed-source, from the internal operating system to modifications on hardware with massive sanctions on those who do

• Nintendo reserves the absolute right to render one’s device "unusable in whole or in part" if their devices aren’t used within the limits of their user agreement.

• Store focuses on first-party games, with a much more rigorous and closed-off ecosystem that tends to not promote innovation

• Most best-sellers are games that Nintendo has developed, with an emphasis on renewing well-known IPs by introducing new technologies such as physical control schemes or mechanics

We’re not saying that these are bad things at all - in fact, Nintendo is well-known for making products that just work. Products like the Nintendo DS and Wii may have been known for their lacking in features or functionality than similar products like Sony’s PSP or the PlayStation 3. However, Nintendo products have never really been criticized for not being seamless and memorable experiences. This is a result of their focus on quality control, and the company’s belief in the significance behind making games and products that just work.

 

Conclusion

At first glance, the Steam Deck and Switch 2 might seem like comparable devices: handheld gaming consoles aimed at delivering high-quality gaming experiences on the go. But beneath their similar appearances and functions lies a fundamental difference in philosophy.

Valve’s Steam Deck is an embodiment of the open-source, community-first ethos, inviting tinkerers, modders, and developers alike to take part in shaping how the device is used. Nintendo’s Switch 2, by contrast, is a product of careful curation and tight control—built with the intention of creating a unified, accessible experience that aligns with its broader family-friendly brand.

Neither approach is inherently better than the other. Valve appeals to the experimental, tech-savvy gamer who values freedom, customization, and community empowerment. Nintendo courts players of all ages by delivering polished, intuitive experiences that put fun and nostalgia front and center. 

What did you think of this article? We sure had fun writing it as both fans of Nintendo and Valve. Did we miss anything or did you feel like we didn’t bring something up we should’ve? Let us know by reaching out to us on our social media!