Microsoft has explained its decision to once again use AA batteries to power the Xbox Series X controller, saying it provides "flexibility" for players. According to Microsoft's Jason Ronald (via Eurogamer), both fan and internal feedback was split on the issue, with half preferring AAs and half preferring a rechargeable internal battery, like those found in Sony's DualShock controllers. Ronald says the decision to stick with AAs as the default power supply ultimately provides players "flexibility," as they can use those or purchase a rechargeable battery pack. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=xbox-series-x-controller-6-new-images&captions=true"] Those in the AA camp generally favor the option for its provided longevity, in terms of both battery and controller life. Fans of internal batteries argue for its convenience — simply plug in and play with no additional cost. In speaking to Eurogamer, Microsoft also explained its decision to largely keep with the Xbox One controller design, noting players are both happy with and used to it. Though there aren't many cosmetic differences, the company highlighted a number of changes it made in service to accessibility and performance: the Series X controller is slightly smaller to accommodate more hand sizes, a dedicated button was added to enable convenient game capturing and sharing, and bumpers and triggers now sport a matte finish for improved grip. It also features enhanced Bluetooth capabilities and a more intuitive d-pad. For more on Microsoft's next-gen console — including specs, features, and confirmed games — check out IGN's Xbox Series X wiki. You can also read up on why Xbox Series X looks like a fridge. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/16/microsoft-reveals-full-xbox-series-x-tech-specs"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan is a freelance writer for IGN.

There's never been a better time to be an anime fan, with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Crunchyroll, and Funimation all competing to provide an ever-expanding selection of anime shows and movies for viewers around the world. And now a new player has entered the arena - IGN can exclusively announce the launch of RetroCrush, a new digital streaming service "devoted to streaming classic anime TV and movies, including more than 100 series and 40 features at launch." Check out a sizzle reel of some of RetroCrush's current offerings in the trailer below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/30/retrocrush-launch-trailer-for-new-anime-streaming-platform"] RetroCrush will be available for free (with ads) from March 30, with apps on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Smart TVs as well as at www.retrocrush.tv. What RetroCrush is hoping might differentiate the service from its rivals is a focus on classic anime from the '70s, '80s, and '90s with a more curated approach, spearheaded by Will Chao and Mary Gibson, with Selin Kilic and John Stack providing acquisitions support. "What makes this channel exciting is its focus on shows that have exhibited an influence on the creation of the current crop of hit anime series,” said Chao. Gibson added, “As a longtime anime devotee, I’m always uncovering classic series that are as fun and exciting as many of my current favorites, and we’re eager to share those shows so that other fans can discover them too." “Via our distribution partnerships, we are able to provide classic anime fans with a vast library of the best series and films available in the world today,” said David Chu, CEO of Digital Media Rights, the publisher behind the platform. “The launch of RetroCrush further cements our company’s leadership position in the classic anime genre.” Check out a selection of the titles available at launch, provided by RetroCrush: ● Devil Lady (TV series, 26 episodes) - A supermodel attacked by a monster which brings her inner devil out is recruited by a secret government agency to help them fight the demonic forces that secretly threaten Japan and the world. ● Creamy Mami (TV series, 52 episodes) - In this anime classic, ordinary schoolgirl Yuu Morisawa leads a double life as the magical singer Creamy Mami. ● Magical Emi, the Magical Star (TV series, 38 episodes) - Elementary student Kozuki Mai is eager (but too young) to be a magician and perform in her family's magic act. But a magical encounter gives her the power to turn into the 18-year-old magician "Magical Emi." ● Persia, the Magical Fairy (TV series, 48 episodes) - 11-year-old Persia grows up among the animals of the Serengeti in Africa. Returning to Japan with her family, she is summoned to “Lovely Dream,” the land where dreams are born and grow, to help become its protector. ● Pastel Yumi, the Magical Idol (TV series, 25 episodes) - Gifted with a magic cane and pendant by flower fairies, schoolgirl Yumi can now summon anything she draws with the cane into reality. But her mischievous nature has a way of getting her into trouble sometimes. ● Cybersix - A genetically engineered super-soldier, one of the creations of the former Nazi Dr. Von Reichter's diabolic experiments, rebels against her creator and vow to protect the world from his evil creations. ● Cat’s Eye - The three Kisugi sisters rob art galleries as the smart and mysterious thief "Cat's Eye" in the hope that their artist father's works can give them clues about his mysterious vanishing. ● Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer - In this movie sequel to the beloved '80s anime series, teen alien Lum and her earthling friends find themselves stuck reliving the same day over and over. Directed by Mamoru Oshii (GHOST IN THE SHELL). ● Black Jack: The Movie - A genius (but unlicensed) surgeon specializes in super-powered mutant medical cases, uncovering a dark conspiracy along the way, in this movie adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's legendary manga. ● Golgo 13: The Movie - This action-packed anime tells the story of a hitman who becomes the target of American soldiers and superhuman killers after killing the son of a powerful oil tycoon. ● Arcadia of My Youth - Returning to Earth from the front lines of an interstellar war, Captain Harlock finds that his home has been occupied by an oppressive alien species, The Illumidus Empire. ● Galaxy Express 999 - The adventures of a brave young boy who travels from planet to planet in a determined quest to avenge his mother's death. ● Space Adventure Cobra - Based on Buichi Terasawa's 1978 manga Cobra, specifically on Cobra's involvement with the Royal Sisters, and his fight against Crystal Boy, which was the first major arc of the manga. What are you looking forward to watching on RetroCrush? Weigh in below.

There's never been a better time to be an anime fan, with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Crunchyroll, and Funimation all competing to provide an ever-expanding selection of anime shows and movies for viewers around the world. And now a new player has entered the arena - IGN can exclusively announce the launch of RetroCrush, a new digital streaming service "devoted to streaming classic anime TV and movies, including more than 100 series and 40 features at launch." Check out a sizzle reel of some of RetroCrush's current offerings in the trailer below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/30/retrocrush-launch-trailer-for-new-anime-streaming-platform"] RetroCrush will be available for free (with ads) from March 30, with apps on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Smart TVs as well as a desktop site at www.retrocrush.tv. What RetroCrush is hoping might differentiate the service from its rivals is a focus on classic anime from the '70s, '80s, and '90s with a more curated approach, spearheaded by Will Chao and Mary Gibson, with Selin Kilic and John Stack providing acquisitions support. "What makes this channel exciting is its focus on shows that have exhibited an influence on the creation of the current crop of hit anime series,” said Chao. Gibson added, “As a longtime anime devotee, I’m always uncovering classic series that are as fun and exciting as many of my current favorites, and we’re eager to share those shows so that other fans can discover them too." “Via our distribution partnerships, we are able to provide classic anime fans with a vast library of the best series and films available in the world today,” said David Chu, CEO of Digital Media Rights, the publisher behind the platform. “The launch of RetroCrush further cements our company’s leadership position in the classic anime genre.” Check out a selection of the titles available at launch, provided by RetroCrush: ● Devil Lady (TV series, 26 episodes) - A supermodel attacked by a monster which brings her inner devil out is recruited by a secret government agency to help them fight the demonic forces that secretly threaten Japan and the world. ● Creamy Mami (TV series, 52 episodes) - In this anime classic, ordinary schoolgirl Yuu Morisawa leads a double life as the magical singer Creamy Mami. ● Magical Emi, the Magical Star (TV series, 38 episodes) - Elementary student Kozuki Mai is eager (but too young) to be a magician and perform in her family's magic act. But a magical encounter gives her the power to turn into the 18-year-old magician "Magical Emi." ● Persia, the Magical Fairy (TV series, 48 episodes) - 11-year-old Persia grows up among the animals of the Serengeti in Africa. Returning to Japan with her family, she is summoned to “Lovely Dream,” the land where dreams are born and grow, to help become its protector. ● Pastel Yumi, the Magical Idol (TV series, 25 episodes) - Gifted with a magic cane and pendant by flower fairies, schoolgirl Yumi can now summon anything she draws with the cane into reality. But her mischievous nature has a way of getting her into trouble sometimes. ● Cybersix - A genetically engineered super-soldier, one of the creations of the former Nazi Dr. Von Reichter's diabolic experiments, rebels against her creator and vow to protect the world from his evil creations. ● Cat’s Eye - The three Kisugi sisters rob art galleries as the smart and mysterious thief "Cat's Eye" in the hope that their artist father's works can give them clues about his mysterious vanishing. ● Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer - In this movie sequel to the beloved '80s anime series, teen alien Lum and her earthling friends find themselves stuck reliving the same day over and over. Directed by Mamoru Oshii (GHOST IN THE SHELL). ● Black Jack: The Movie - A genius (but unlicensed) surgeon specializes in super-powered mutant medical cases, uncovering a dark conspiracy along the way, in this movie adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's legendary manga. ● Golgo 13: The Movie - This action-packed anime tells the story of a hitman who becomes the target of American soldiers and superhuman killers after killing the son of a powerful oil tycoon. ● Arcadia of My Youth - Returning to Earth from the front lines of an interstellar war, Captain Harlock finds that his home has been occupied by an oppressive alien species, The Illumidus Empire. ● Galaxy Express 999 - The adventures of a brave young boy who travels from planet to planet in a determined quest to avenge his mother's death. ● Space Adventure Cobra - Based on Buichi Terasawa's 1978 manga Cobra, specifically on Cobra's involvement with the Royal Sisters, and his fight against Crystal Boy, which was the first major arc of the manga. What are you looking forward to watching on RetroCrush? Weigh in below.

The Xbox Series X hasn’t broken the ‘pizza box’ style console form factor just to stand out from the crowd. The new, tall design is actually fundamental to delivering the extra power of the console. In a new report from Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry, Microsoft explains that the tall dimensions of the Xbox Series X, likened by many online to a fridge, are actually dictated by several factors. One of the most important of these is airflow; powerful components need to get very hot, and so dispelling air upwards is vital. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/16/microsoft-reveals-full-xbox-series-x-tech-specs"] “The ODD [optical disc drive] sets one dimension, the volume of the heat sink sets the other dimension,” explained Chris Kujawski, principal designer at Microsoft. “The height is set by airflow and throughout this kind of complex negotiation of figuring out how this stuff comes together, we landed on a square form factor which we love." The tall case has a powerful fan at the top, which reportedly helps draw 70% more airflow through the console than the previous generation Xbox. The heatsink attached to the main board inside also achieves 20% more airflow. Further contributing to the design is that instead of one large rectangular board, the motherboard has been split into two and mounted either side of a metal chassis block that helps cool the hottest components in the console. This split also helps keep the footprint of the console smaller despite the added height. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=9-new-xbox-series-x-images&captions=true"] The Xbox Series X is still slated for a Holiday 2020 release, and there are no delay concerns yet. It will sport a slightly redesigned controller and that all important 12 teraflops GPU. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter. 

The Xbox Series X hasn’t broken the ‘pizza box’ style console form factor just to stand out from the crowd. The new, tall design is actually fundamental to delivering the extra power of the console. In a new report from Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry, Microsoft explains that the tall dimensions of the Xbox Series X, likened by many online to a fridge, are actually dictated by several factors. One of the most important of these is airflow; powerful components need to get very hot, and so dispelling air upwards is vital. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/16/microsoft-reveals-full-xbox-series-x-tech-specs"] “The ODD [optical disc drive] sets one dimension, the volume of the heat sink sets the other dimension,” explained Chris Kujawski, principal designer at Microsoft. “The height is set by airflow and throughout this kind of complex negotiation of figuring out how this stuff comes together, we landed on a square form factor which we love." The tall case has a powerful fan at the top, which reportedly helps draw 70% more airflow through the console than the previous generation Xbox. The heatsink attached to the main board inside also achieves 20% more airflow. Further contributing to the design is that instead of one large rectangular board, the motherboard has been split into two and mounted either side of a metal chassis block that helps cool the hottest components in the console. This split also helps keep the footprint of the console smaller despite the added height. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=9-new-xbox-series-x-images&captions=true"] The Xbox Series X is still slated for a Holiday 2020 release, and there are no delay concerns yet. It will sport a slightly redesigned controller and that all important 12 teraflops GPU. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter. 

In honor of Super Mario Bros.' 35th anniversary, Nintendo is said to be getting ready a big celebration that will include "plans to re-release most of Super Mario's 35-year back catalogue this year." As reported by VGC, multiple sources have confirmed this news that also states a new installment in the Paper Mario series will be arriving on Nintendo Switch in 2020. These games are set to be revealed alongside new details on both the Super Nintendo World theme park and the animated Super Mario movie, projects that Nintendo is working with Universal on. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/15/mario-dominates-your-favorite-franchises"] One part of the celebration, according to VGC, was the special interactive LEGO Mario set that slightly blurs the line between a toy and a video game. The Super Mario...party was set to be revealed during E3 2020, which has since been canceled. Nintendo is now said to be reviewing its plans and deciding how it will hold the event in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Eurogamer has also confirmed parts of VGC's report, and its sources have indicated that Super Mario Galaxy is "indeed one of the games being readied for a remaster, alongside a couple of other 3D Mario favourites." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-super-mario-review-ever&captions=true"] Eurogamer also states that new Paper Mario is in fact "in the works" and that a deluxe edition of the Wii U's Super Mario 3D World will arrive on Switch with "an array of new levels." Gematsu has also "heard similar reports," and adds in that Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine will also be brought to Nintendo Switch. If these reports are accurate, and assuming the games will not be delayed due to COVID-19 or other factors, Nintendo Switch owners will be able to look forward to the following Mario titles in 2020:

• Super Mario 64 (N64 - 1996)
• Super Mario Sunshine (Gamecube - 2002)
• Super Mario Galaxy (Wii - 2007)
• Super Mario 3D World (Wii U - 2013)
• A new Paper Mario game
• Other "3D Mario" titles

These games would help fill a year that will, according to Nintendo, not include a new Switch model and it will only help further push the success of the Switch, which has recently crossed the 50 million units sold milestone. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

In honor of Super Mario Bros.' 35th anniversary, Nintendo is said to be getting ready a big celebration that will include "plans to re-release most of Super Mario's 35-year back catalogue this year." As reported by VGC, multiple sources have confirmed this news that also states a new installment in the Paper Mario series will be arriving on Nintendo Switch in 2020. These games are set to be revealed alongside new details on both the Super Nintendo World theme park and the animated Super Mario movie, projects that Nintendo is working on Universal with. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/15/mario-dominates-your-favorite-franchises"] One part of the celebration, according to VGC, was the special interactive LEGO Mario set that slightly blurs the line between a toy and a video game. The Super Mario...party was set to be revealed during E3 2020, which has since been canceled. Nintendo is now said to be reviewing its plans and deciding how it will hold the event in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Eurogamer has also confirmed parts of VGC's report, and its sources have indicated that Super Mario Galaxy is "indeed one of the games being readied for a remaster, alongside a couple of other 3D Mario favourites." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-super-mario-review-ever&captions=true"] Eurogamer also states that new Paper Mario is in fact "in the works" and that a deluxe edition of the Wii U's Super Mario 3D World will arrive on Switch with "an array of new levels." Gematsu has also "heard similar reports," and adds in that Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine will also be brought to Nintendo Switch. If these reports are accurate, and assuming the games will not be delayed due to COVID-19 or other factors, Nintendo Switch owners will be able to look forward to the following Mario titles in 2020:

• Super Mario 64 (N64 - 1996)
• Super Mario Sunshine (Gamecube - 2002)
• Super Mario Galaxy (Wii - 2007)
• Super Mario 3D World (Wii U - 2013)
• A new Paper Mario game
• Other "3D Mario" titles

These games would help fill a year that will, according to Nintendo, not include a new Switch model and it will only help further push the success of the Switch, which has recently crossed the 50 million units sold milestone. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Locke and Key, the Netflix show based on the graphic novel series of the same name, has been renewed for Season 2. Announced by Netflix on the Locke and Key social platforms, the show is due to return for a second season. No date has been announced yet - potentially due to the continued uncertainty around COVID-19 that has caused Netflix to halt production on many shows - but showrunners Carlton Cuse and Meredith Averill will return to helm Season 2. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/08/locke-and-key-showrunners-explain-season-1-ending-tease-season-2"] The announcement provides no details on what to expect from Season 2, aside from mentioning that the “stakes grow higher” for the Locke family. Fans who have already read the original graphic novels by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez may have a few ideas of where the show is heading, though. If you were left confused where things left off, take a look at our Locke and Key ending explained article. We already knew that more episodes were on the way thanks to executive producer Carlton Cuse saying that season 2 was already being written ahead of the Season 1 premiere and Netflix even ordering it. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=locke-key-every-graphic-novel-in-the-horror-saga&captions=true"] The first season of Locke and Key launched February 7 this year, and was well received by us. Our own David Griffin gave Season 1 a good write up in his review, noting the great visuals and performances, but criticising the decision to lean more on whimsy than horror. Perhaps a second season will increase the spook factor. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter. 

Locke and Key, the Netflix show based on the graphic novel series of the same name, has been renewed for Season 2. Announced by Netflix on the Locke and Key social platforms, the show is due to return for a second season. No date has been announced yet - potentially due to the continued uncertainty around COVID-19 that has caused Netflix to halt production on many shows - but showrunners Carlton Cuse and Meredith Averill will return to helm Season 2. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/08/locke-and-key-showrunners-explain-season-1-ending-tease-season-2"] The announcement provides no details on what to expect from Season 2, aside from mentioning that the “stakes grow higher” for the Locke family. Fans who have already read the original graphic novels by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez may have a few ideas of where the show is heading, though. If you were left confused where things left off, take a look at our Locke and Key ending explained article. We already knew that more episodes were on the way thanks to executive producer Carlton Cuse saying that season 2 was already being written ahead of the Season 1 premiere and Netflix even ordering it. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=locke-key-every-graphic-novel-in-the-horror-saga&captions=true"] The first season of Locke and Key launched February 7 this year, and was well received by us. Our own David Griffin gave Season 1 a good write up in his review, noting the great visuals and performances, but criticising the decision to lean more on whimsy than horror. Perhaps a second season will increase the spook factor. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter.