Christian Thoma

Well it's finally happened: the Switch 2 has been announced!

January is the cruelest month, at least for those of us who follow gaming. Relatively few titles get released as many studios made sure to get them out before Christmas or are waiting until February and there also tends not to be many events where news could happen.

This year may be a huge exception though. Microsoft announced there will be an Xbox Direct next Thursday showcasing South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and DOOM: The Dark Ages — and a secret fourth title rumored to be from a “legendary” Japanese IP with decades of history. The rumor mill is in full swing over what this title might be with guesses ranging from Persona 6 to a new Final Fantasy title to even a new entry in the Ecco the Dolphin series.

The even bigger rumor that’s resounding throughout gamingdom is that we’ll finally be getting the Switch 2 announcement tomorrow. As of this moment there is no confirmation, but the report is credible and major outlets are treating it as highly likely. By this time on Friday we may be have all the details on Nintendo’s next generation console.

While we patiently look forward to jubilation or disappointment, let’s answer some questions!

It's hard to believe but it's already almost three years since we got the first iteration of the Catalyst mechanic in Shadowlands patch 9.2.

Update!

2025 has arrived and while I’m not one to eschew resolutions for personal improvement (see below for more specific answers), I feel like sometimes the focus on “New Year, New Me” detracts from current version of you. While most of us have aspects of ourselves that we’d love to change or improve, suggesting a radical transformation assumes there’s not a lot already worthwhile in a person and I don’t think that’s true at all. So yes, make plans to exercise more or be more attentive to family/friends or to finish watching Season 2 of Arcane (we’re up to Episode 8!) but don’t forget to take the time to reflect on what’s already good and beautiful about yourself. It may be hard to see, but I’m sure it’s there.

While we all pledge to make 2025 the best year so far, let’s start it off well by answering some questions!

Winter Veil's boss fight against the Abominable Greench is a little bit of an anomaly as it's not a fight you can queue for -- instead players need to trek out to the Alterac Valley section of Hillsbrad Foothills to rescue Metzen the Reindeer and reclaim the stolen treats.

The second half of December is a popular time for people to acquire new video games.

Whoa! What’s that sound? Is that the tippy-tapping of secular boots on the roof? Oh, well, it must be yet another sign that it ’tis the season, because rumor has it that non-denominational Mr. Winter is on his way!

Hopefully everyone that is celebrating a holiday this week is having a joyous and relaxing one, and hopefully both Mister and Greatfather Winter delivered plenty of delightful items for you to play with.

While we wait to see whether we can get people to move their giant mounts out of the way to grab presents in Orgrimmar and Ironforge, let’s answer some questions!

December and thus 2024 is rapidly approaching completion, and every organization is rolling out their Game of the Year Awards -- including us!

World of Warcraft has maintained a solid content cadence ever since the start of Dragonflight and the recently-revealed 2025 roadmap for The War Within demonstrates there’s no suggestion it’ll stop any time soon. The War Within patch 11.2.5 will launch the week of October 7, 2025.  Patch release consistency has improved over the past year so a default expectation of seven to eight weeks between patches seems like a safe bet.