Forza Horizon 6 is just over a month away, and it looks like Xbox is preparing some themed hardware to go alongside the launch. A new leak has revealed that a limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller and a limited-edition Xbox Wireless Headset, both styled after Forza Horizon 6, are set to arrive on the same day as the game itself.

What Leaked And Where It Came From

The details come from billbil-kun via Dealabs, a leaker with an extremely strong track record when it comes to Xbox and PlayStation hardware reveals. According to the leak, Xbox is preparing two accessories for the Forza Horizon 6 launch: a themed wireless controller and a themed wireless headset. No official images have surfaced yet, but pricing and availability details were included.

Both accessories are expected to launch on 19 May 2026, the same day Forza Horizon 6 releases on Xbox Series X|S and PC. They will be sold through the Microsoft Store and authorised retailers. Xbox has not yet announced these products, and no date for a formal reveal has been shared.

Forza Horizon 6 Controller And Headset Pricing

Those prices represent a noticeable bump compared to recent limited-edition Xbox accessories. The DOOM: The Dark Ages controller, which launched in April 2025, was priced at €79.99 in Europe, making the Forza Horizon 6 controller roughly €10 more expensive. It is unclear whether this reflects a broader price increase for Xbox’s limited-edition line or is specific to this release.

The First Xbox Tie-In Headset Since Starfield

The headset is arguably the bigger story here. Xbox has only released one other limited-edition wireless headset during the entire Xbox Series generation, and that was the Starfield headset back in June 2023. Despite releasing several major first-party titles through 2024 and 2025, Microsoft did not produce another themed headset until now.

That scarcity could make the Forza Horizon 6 headset a hot item for collectors and fans of the series. Given that there is still no word on what the accessories actually look like, the full reveal should generate plenty of interest when it eventually drops.

Read More: Forza Horizon 6 Japan Map Revealed

Read More: Xbox Game Pass April 2026 Reveals Hades II, Oblivion Remastered

Could More Accessories Be On The Way?

Billbil-kun noted that additional accessories could still be in the pipeline, potentially as Microsoft Store exclusives. Xbox has done this before with past launches, offering extras like console skins or special bundles only through its own storefront. Nothing beyond the controller and headset has been confirmed so far, though.

With the game launching on 19 May and no official announcement yet, Xbox is likely to reveal these accessories fairly soon. Forza Horizon 6 will take players to a fully mapped recreation of Japan with over 550 cars at launch, and having matching hardware on day one is a solid way to mark the occasion.

The post Forza Horizon 6 Limited Edition Xbox Controller and Headset Leaked With Prices appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Pokémon Champions launched on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 today, and The Pokémon Company is already handing out freebies. The free-to-start battling game has its first Mystery Gift code live right now, giving players a free Machamp just for punching in a code. Here is every active Pokémon Champions Mystery Gift code, what each one unlocks, and how to claim your rewards.

All Active Pokémon Champions Mystery Gift Codes

There is currently one active Mystery Gift code in Pokémon Champions. We will update this list as new codes are released.

Machamp is a solid pick-up for anyone building out their roster early, and the code is valid until the end of August, so there is no rush. That said, the earlier you grab it, the sooner you can start working it into your team.

How to Redeem Mystery Gift Codes in Pokémon Champions

Before you can redeem any codes, you will need to have completed Cordy’s initial training, recruited your first Pokémon, and finished your first Ranked Battle. Once you have ticked those boxes, follow these steps:

1. From the main menu, select Submenu from the bottom bar.
2. Scroll down and select Mystery Gifts.
3. Connect to the internet and enter an active code.
4. Press Confirm.
5. Collect your reward from your in-game Mailbox.

The process is quick and straightforward. Just make sure you are online when you enter the code, and check your Mailbox afterwards to pick up the reward.

Free Rewards Beyond Mystery Gifts

The Machamp code is not the only freebie available at launch. Players who jump in during the first month can also earn a free Dragonite along with additional rewards, giving free-to-play trainers a decent head start without spending anything.

Read More: Pokemon Champions Mobile Release Date

Pokémon Champions Paid Options

Since Pokémon Champions is free-to-start, there are optional purchases for players who want to expand their experience. The Starter Pack costs US$6.99 and includes 50 extra Pokémon Storage slots, 30 Teammate Tickets, and 50 Training Tickets. A Premium Battle Pass is available for US$9.99, and there is a membership option priced at US$4.99 per month or US$49.99 for a full year.

None of these are required to compete. You can also transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Home or recruit them directly in-game using VP, which is earned through missions and battling. With two free Pokémon already available at launch, building a competitive roster without spending is very much on the table.

Expired Pokémon Champions Mystery Gift Codes

No codes have expired yet. We will move codes to this section once their redemption windows close, so you can always check back to see what is still active.

The post Pokemon Champions Mystery Gift Codes – All Active Codes and How to Redeem Them appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Pokémon Champions has officially launched on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 as a free-to-start download, giving players a dedicated competitive battling platform built around the same ruleset used in official Pokémon Video Game Championship events. Unlike traditional Pokémon RPGs, this one skips the story campaign entirely and drops you straight into team building, ranked battles, and seasonal progression.

A mobile version is also confirmed for a later date, and cross-platform play between Switch and mobile will be supported when it arrives. For now, the game is available exclusively through the Nintendo eShop.

What Pokémon Champions Actually Is

Pokémon Champions is not a mainline RPG. There is no overworld to explore, no gym leaders to challenge through a story, and no wild Pokémon to catch in tall grass. Instead, the game is entirely focused on competitive multiplayer battling, using the same Single Battle and Double Battle formats that feature in official Pokémon VGC tournaments.

The battle system uses familiar mechanics from previous Pokémon titles, including types, Abilities, moves, and stat tuning. Mega Evolution plays a significant role too, with transformations like Mega Dragonite, Mega Meganium, Mega Emboar, and Mega Feraligatr all available. Some of these Mega Evolutions carry brand new Abilities that were not present in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

New Mega Evolutions And Abilities

Several Mega-Evolved Pokémon debut with exclusive Abilities in Pokémon Champions. Mega Meganium gets Mega Sol, which allows it to use moves as though the weather were harsh sunlight, regardless of the actual battle conditions. Mega Emboar has Mold Breaker, letting its moves bypass the target’s Ability entirely. Mega Feraligatr introduces Dragonize, which converts Normal-type moves into Dragon-type moves and boosts their power by 20%.

Players who befriended Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja, and Eternal Flower Floette during Pokémon Legends: Z-A can bring those Pokémon into Champions via Pokémon HOME to claim their respective Mega Stones (Chesnaughtite, Delphoxite, Greninjite, and Floettite) from the in-game mailbox.

Ranked Battles, Casual Modes, And Seasonal Battle Pass

Online ranked play is live from day one. Trainers compete against players worldwide and earn Season Points based on match performance. Casual Battles offer a lower-pressure alternative for testing new teams, while Private Battles let you challenge friends directly.

Season Points feed into a seasonal Battle Pass system. Both wins and losses contribute toward progression depending on how you perform, so you are not punished for taking on tough opponents. Cosmetic rewards, avatar customisation items, and progression bonuses unlock as you advance through each season’s pass. A Premium Battle Pass is also available, unlocking exclusive seasonal outfits and additional rewards. Certain Mega Stones can be earned through the Battle Pass or purchased with Victory Points in the shop.

Read More: Pokemon Champions Mobile Release Date

Read More: Pokemon Showdown Vs Pokemon Champions, Will They Coexist After Release?

Read More: Pokémon Champions Accessibility Explained As Dev Targets New Competitive Players

How Team Building Works

Instead of catching Pokémon through exploration, Champions uses a recruitment system. You can trial a selection of Pokémon once per day before deciding whether to permanently recruit them using Victory Points. Those same points also let you adjust stats, modify Abilities, and change movesets for your permanent team members, removing the traditional grinding loop entirely.

Pokémon HOME compatibility expands your options further. Supported Pokémon from titles like Pokémon GO and Pokémon Legends: Z-A can be brought into Champions as visiting partners. Visiting Pokémon retain their training adjustments if returned through HOME in the same form. However, Pokémon obtained directly inside Champions cannot be sent back to HOME.

Pricing For The Starter Pack And Membership

While the base game is free to start, optional paid content is available for players who want more flexibility. The Starter Pack costs $6.99 and includes additional Pokémon box space along with faster training tools to help with early team experimentation.

Early Download Bonus And Launch Tournament

Players who log in before 31 August 2026 can claim a free Dragonite from the in-game mailbox. A Dragoninite stone, which allows Dragonite to Mega Evolve into Mega Dragonite, is available through the first season’s Battle Pass. The stone may also appear in the shop or other areas of the game at a later date.

A launch tournament called the Warm-up Challenge is already running. It pits trainers against each other worldwide, with rewards based on performance. Entry remains open until 13 April at 01:59 UTC. Finishing three or more matches with at least one win or loss earns you a Gardevoir and 100 Quick Coupons after final rankings are posted.

Nintendo Switch 2 Visual Upgrade

Pokémon Champions supports both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 as a single download. Switch 2 owners can grab a free visual enhancement update that improves the game’s graphical presentation. The game runs in TV mode, tabletop mode, and handheld mode across both systems.

Competitive Scene Starts At Indianapolis

The first official VGC event to feature Pokémon Champions will be the 2026 Indianapolis Regional Championships, running from 29 May to 31 May. That tournament serves as a preview ahead of the 2026 North America International Championships, scheduled for 12 June through 14 June. With Champions now being the game used for official championship events going forward, the competitive ladder is essentially live practice for anyone with tournament ambitions.

The post Pokemon Champions Is Out Now as a Free-to-Start Battle Game on Switch and Switch 2 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Playground Games has pulled back the curtain on the full Forza Horizon 6 map, and it’s a sprawling slice of Japan that stretches from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo City all the way up to the snowy peaks of the Japanese Alps.

This is Horizon Japan! From the iconic downtown streets of Tokyo City all the way to the snowy Japanese Alps, #ForzaHorizon6 introduces our most dense and vertical map yet.

Which roads are you most excited to cruise and drift with your friends? pic.twitter.com/78GmkqzsWt

— Forza Horizon (@ForzaHorizon) April 8, 2026

The map was shared on the official Forza Horizon X (formerly Twitter) account, giving players their first proper look at the terrain they’ll be tearing through when the game launches on 19 May 2026.

What The Full Map Looks Like

The revealed image shows the map in its Summer Season variant, covering a massive spread of environments. Tokyo City dominates the eastern portion as the largest urban area ever featured in a Forza Horizon game, reportedly five times bigger than Forza Horizon 5’s Guanajuato. Beyond the city, the map fans out into coastal roads, rural countryside, and mountainous terrain capped with snow in the Alps region.

Playground Games described it as their “most dense and vertical map yet,” which lines up with what we can see. The verticality is a big deal here, as Japan’s geography naturally lends itself to elevation changes, tight mountain passes, and layered city streets that previous Horizon maps haven’t really explored to this degree.

Seasonal Changes Will Reshape The Map

One detail worth paying attention to is that the map is specifically labelled “Summer Season.” This strongly suggests that the terrain, road conditions, and points of interest will shift as the seasons rotate, much like the system in Forza Horizon 4 and Forza Horizon 5. Playground Games has confirmed that seasonal changes will “truly inform the world,” affecting how spring, summer, autumn, and winter alter the tone, activity, and sound of the environment.

In practical terms, that means the Alpine roads blanketed in snow during summer could look and drive very differently come winter, and areas like Tokyo’s cherry blossom-lined streets will likely transform during the Sakura season. How exactly points of interest and available routes change with each rotation is something players will have to discover at launch.

Mount Fuji Is Visible But Not Driveable

For anyone hoping to send a Nissan Skyline up the slopes of Mount Fuji, you’re out of luck. While the iconic volcano has appeared prominently in promotional material and trailers, it has been confirmed that Mount Fuji will not be an explorable part of the map. It’ll serve as a backdrop rather than a destination, which may disappoint some fans but isn’t entirely surprising given the scale challenges involved.

Tokyo City As The Centrepiece

Tokyo City is clearly the flagship area of the map. The urban zone includes multiple distinct districts, each with their own identity, from the neon-lit downtown core featuring landmarks like Shibuya Crossing and Tokyo Tower, through to the suburbs, docklands, and industrial zones. Art director Don Arceta has described the city as “one of our most detailed and layered environments to date,” and it’s designed to reward exploration with shortcuts, hidden routes, and varied driving experiences across different density levels.

Outside the city, the map transitions into coastal stretches, lowland countryside, and the Alpine region. The contrast between tight urban drifting and open mountain touge runs is exactly the kind of variety that Japan’s geography makes possible, and it looks like Playground Games has leaned into that hard.

Launch Details And Early Access

Forza Horizon 6 launches on 19 May 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and PC via the Microsoft Store and Steam. Premium Edition owners get four days of early access starting 15 May. Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play the Standard Edition from day one at no extra cost, with the option to purchase the Premium Upgrade for early access. A PlayStation 5 version is confirmed for later in 2026, though no specific date has been announced.

The game ships with over 550 cars, a heavy emphasis on JDM classics, and new features like Touge Battles and cooperative building through the upgraded CoLab toolset. With the map now out in the open, expect Playground Games to ramp up the reveals as we get closer to launch.

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Xbox Game Pass is stacking April 2026 with one of its strongest monthly lineups in recent memory. Headlined by Hades II finally arriving on Xbox alongside a remastered Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, the service is adding over 20 titles across its various tiers this month, with a mix of heavy hitters, day one indie launches, and a few beloved classics making their Game Pass debut.

The Headline Additions

Supergiant Games’ Hades II lands on Game Pass on 14 April after spending six months as a Switch console exclusive following its full launch. The roguelike sequel, widely considered a 2025 Game of the Year contender, is now making the jump to Xbox Series X|S, Cloud, Handheld, and PC through Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. If you missed it on Switch or PC Early Access, this is arguably the single best reason to fire up your Game Pass subscription this month.

Two days later, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered arrives on 16 April, modernising the 2006 Game of the Year with completely overhauled visuals and refined gameplay. It joins Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, with Game Pass Premium subscribers gaining access at the same time. For anyone who has been itching to revisit Cyrodiil (or experience it for the first time), this is a significant get.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) rounds out the big three on 17 April, joining Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass across Cloud, Console, and PC. The 2019 reboot remains one of the most acclaimed entries in the franchise, with its grounded campaign and fluid gunplay still holding up well.

Day One Launches Worth Watching

Beyond the marquee names, April’s lineup includes three day one Game Pass launches that deserve attention. Replaced (14 April) is a long-awaited HD-2D pixel art cyberpunk thriller set in an alternate 1980s America, blending cinematic 2.5D platforming with free-flow combat. You play as an AI trapped inside a human body, which is exactly as unsettling as it sounds.

Vampire Crawlers (21 April) comes from the creators of Vampire Survivors and reimagines that formula as a hyper turn-based, card-driven dungeon crawler. Early demo impressions suggest it is dangerously addictive, leaning into busted deck-building and world-ending combos while letting you play at whatever pace suits you.

Kiln (23 April) is Double Fine’s pottery-themed party game where you sculpt ceramic creations and then bring them into online arena battles. It is a bizarre concept that sits right in Double Fine’s wheelhouse of creative, offbeat game design.

Read More: PlayStation Plus April 2026 Monthly Games Lords of the Fallen, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream

Read More: Hades 2 Global Launch and Review: Melinoë’s Roguelike Adventure Awaits

Read More: Plants vs. Zombies 3 Evolved Hits Early Access on Mobile

Every Game Coming To Xbox Game Pass In April 2026

Game Pass Essential Additions

Game Pass Essential subscribers are not left out entirely. On 8 April, Warhammer Vermintide 2 joins the Essential tier on Cloud and Console, offering four-player co-op combat against the forces of Chaos and Skaven. DayZ also becomes available on PC for Essential subscribers on the same date.

The Other Highlights You Should Not Sleep On

Tiny Bookshop (10 April) is a cosy narrative management game about running a second-hand bookshop by the sea. It originally launched on PC and Switch last August and is now making its way to Xbox. If you are after something low-stakes and charming between bigger sessions, this is the one.

The Thaumaturge (14 April) is a character-driven RPG set in a city on the brink of change, with morally ambiguous choices and turn-based combat. You use mystical powers to read emotions, command folklore-inspired demons, and navigate a story that rewards careful decision-making.

Football Manager 26 (13 April) is the first entry in the series built on the Unity engine, promising a redesigned interface and a more immersive matchday experience. Both the PC and Console versions arrive on the same day, each tailored to their respective control schemes.

FBC: Firebreak (8 April) is a cooperative first-person shooter set within the world of Control, tasking players with plunging into the Federal Bureau of Control’s strangest crises to contain otherworldly chaos.

Notable Game Updates And In-Game Benefits

Dome Keeper receives its multiplayer update on 13 April, adding four-player co-op to the tower-defence roguelike. You can now defend your dome with friends or go head-to-head in versus modes focused on survival and resource delivery.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 03 is live now, adding new maps (Beacon and Abyss), new weapons, and the Ashwood Survival Map for Zombies. EA Sports NHL 26 arrives via EA Play on 16 April, and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can claim an EA Play Supercharge Bundle until 16 May alongside a 10% discount on EA digital purchases.

Albion Online also expands to Cloud and Console on 21 April, with Game Pass subscribers unlocking an exclusive Green Knight vanity set, mount, 100,000 Fame, three days of Premium status, and 3,000 Victory Emote charges.

Games Leaving Game Pass On 15 April

As always, some titles are rotating out. Grand Theft Auto V, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, Ashen, My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery, and the Game Preview build of Terra Invicta all leave the library on 15 April. GTA V leaving is a notable loss, and Terra Invicta is worth a look for 4X strategy fans before it goes. All departing titles are available at up to 20% off for those who want to keep them permanently.

A Month That Sets A High Bar

April 2026 is shaping up as one of Game Pass’s most compelling months in a long time. Between Hades II, Oblivion Remastered, and a string of creative indie day one launches, there is something here for practically every type of player. The real challenge this month is not finding something to play, it is finding the time.

The post Xbox Game Pass April 2026 Reveals Hades II, Oblivion Remastered, and Every New Game This Month appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Plants vs. Zombies 3: Evolved has officially launched in early access on mobile devices, marking a major step forward for a game that’s been in various stages of development for roughly nine years. The early access rollout begins today in Ireland and the Philippines, with more regions set to follow in the coming months ahead of a worldwide launch later in 2026.

PvZ 3 is now in Early Access 🌱

Starting today in Ireland & the Philippines, we’re beginning our global rollout, with more regions coming in the months ahead.

This is just the beginning! We’ll be growing and evolving the game with your feedback throughout development.

Learn… pic.twitter.com/Mi0LMgOYXC

— Plants vs. Zombies (@PlantsvsZombies) April 7, 2026

PopCap Games, the studio behind the beloved tower defence franchise, confirmed the news alongside EA this week. The game is available on both iOS and Android, and the plan is to keep early access running continuously through to the full global release.

What’s Changed Since The Seedling Build

This isn’t the first time players have gotten their hands on PvZ3. PopCap ran an earlier test phase last autumn called the Seedling Build, which launched in select regions to gather player feedback. That feedback has directly shaped what’s arriving in early access, with several notable changes making their way into this version of the game.

Levels are now longer with more substantial battles, giving players more room to experiment with higher-tier plant combinations. PopCap has also slowed down the pace at which new plants are introduced, aiming to let players build deeper familiarity with each one before moving on. The avatar system that appeared in the Seedling Build has been removed entirely, putting the focus back on the plants themselves.

Perhaps the biggest structural shift is a narrower gameplay focus. Rather than spreading across a wider neighbourhood setting, the experience now centres on the player’s own lawn, which is where the core tower defence action plays out.

How Plants vs. Zombies 3: Evolved Plays

At its core, PvZ3: Evolved sticks with the lane-based tower defence formula the series is known for. The twist this time around is a plant merging system tied to a meteorite belonging to Crazy Dave. Players can combine plants in various ways to create new hybrid variants, and naturally, Dr. Zomboss is trying to steal the meteorite for himself. That conflict forms the backbone of the game’s progression.

Read More: Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted Review – A Nostalgic Comeback That Misses Its Bloom

Read More: Pokemon Showdown Vs Pokemon Champions, Will They Coexist After Release?

PopCap has described the early access period as a living development phase. New systems, features, and content will be added over time, while elements that aren’t working will be cut. Community feedback remains central to the process, much as it was during the Seedling Build.

When Will PvZ3 Launch Worldwide

A specific global release date hasn’t been confirmed yet, but PopCap has said the worldwide launch is planned for later in 2026. Between now and then, early access will expand to additional regions gradually. Players who join during early access will retain their progress through to the full launch.

For a franchise that’s been quiet on the mainline front since Plants vs. Zombies 2 launched back in 2013, this is the closest PvZ3 has come to a proper release after multiple soft reboots and extended testing phases. Whether the early access feedback loop produces the game fans have been waiting for remains to be seen, but the foundation is now publicly playable for the first time in a meaningful way.

The post Plants vs. Zombies 3 Evolved Hits Early Access on Mobile After Years in Development appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Esports Awards is officially coming back for 2026, with the annual ceremony set to take place in North America later this year. Exact dates and a venue haven’t been locked in yet, but the organisers have confirmed that fan-favourite categories, community voting, and the Esports Awards Golf Invitational will all return.

What We Know So Far

The announcement confirms the broad strokes: the 2026 ceremony will be held somewhere in North America, with specifics on the venue, date, nominees, and voting to follow in the coming months. Fans are being pointed to the Esports Awards’ X account as the primary channel for updates.

“The Esports Awards continues to shine a spotlight on the very best in esports and gaming, and we’re pleased to return for 2026,” said Michael Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards. “Following the success of the Decade Awards and our 10th anniversary celebrations, we look forward to recognising the individuals, teams and moments that defined the past year in esports.”

Returning Categories

The confirmed categories for 2026 include some of the show’s biggest draws:

• Esports Game of the Year
• Esports Personality of the Year
• Streamer of the Year
• Esports Team of the Year

Winners will be decided through a combination of community voting and input from the Esports Awards Panel, a group made up of industry veterans, broadcasters, creators, and players. That dual approach is meant to keep things balanced between public sentiment and expert credibility.

The Golf Invitational Is Back Too

Alongside the main ceremony, the Esports Awards Golf Invitational will return for another year. The event brings together industry leaders, creators, and competitors for a day of networking and competition ahead of the awards show itself. It’s become a fixture of the broader Esports Awards weekend, giving the business side of the industry a more casual setting to connect.

Read More: Esports Awards 2025 Full Winners List Featuring Faker, ZywOo, xQc, and League of Legends

Read More: Pokemon TCG Pocket Will Not Be an Esport, Confirms Pokemon Company

Last Year’s Milestone Edition

The 2025 ceremony was a landmark one, marking the Esports Awards’ 10th anniversary at the HyperX Arena in Las Vegas. It honoured some of the scene’s biggest names, with Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, iShowSpeed, and Animesh “Thug” Agarwal among the winners. Six new inductees were also welcomed into the Lifetime Achievement in Esports: Class of 2025 award.

League of Legends took home Esports Game of the Year following a standout stretch of League Worlds events, while Team Vitality claimed Esports Team of the Year off the back of a dominant Counter-Strike run. Mercules picked up Esports Breakthrough Player of the Year after leading OpTic Texas to COD Champs and the top spot at the Esports World Cup, and Riot Games earned Esports Publisher of the Year.

Earlier in the year, the Esports Awards also hosted a one-off Decade Awards ceremony, presented by Trevor “Quickshot” Henry, Jessica “JessGOAT” Bolden, and Barney Banks. That event pulled in 36.25 million live views globally, underlining the growing reach of the awards brand.

Looking Ahead

With the 2025 edition setting new benchmarks in viewership and engagement, the pressure is on for the 2026 show to match or surpass those numbers. The North American setting keeps the ceremony in a region with strong esports infrastructure and audience reach, though exactly where it lands remains to be seen. More details on nominees, voting windows, and the event venue are expected over the coming months.

The post Esports Awards 2026 Confirmed for North America Later This Year appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Hamzah “Hera” El-Baher has taken the crown at Red Bull Wololo: Londinium, defeating teammate Kai “Liereyy” Kallinger 5-3 in the Grand Final to secure Team Vitality’s first ever LAN trophy in Age of Empires II. The victory, which took place at London’s Royal Albert Hall, extends Hera’s remarkable run to 16 consecutive S-Tier tournament wins.

Back to reclaim his crown 👑

Last years Red Bull Wololo winner and the current King of AoE2@Hera_Aoe 🦁 pic.twitter.com/o38PYrJCwJ

— Red Bull Gaming (@redbullgaming) April 6, 2026

Team Vitality Dominate The Grand Final

Red Bull Wololo: Londinium wrapped up on 7 April with one of the most anticipated Grand Finals in recent Age of Empires II history, pitting two Team Vitality players against each other in a best-of-nine showdown. Hera came out on top with a convincing 5-3 scoreline, taking home US$50,000 in prize money, while Liereyy earned US$30,000 for his second-place finish.

The result meant Team Vitality were guaranteed the trophy regardless of the outcome, but Hera’s win carries particular weight. It marks his second consecutive title of 2026, following his triumph at T90 Titans League 5: Platinum League earlier in the year, and cements his status as the most dominant force in competitive AoE2 right now.

Fellow Team Vitality teammate Hernan “Hearttt” Pizarro rounded out an impressive showing for the organisation with a fifth-to-sixth place finish. Onimaru Esports’ The Viper and Wonders’ Sebastian claimed third-to-fourth place.

Red Bull Wololo: Londinium Prize Distribution

A Historic Venue For A Historic Win

Red Bull Wololo is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious tournament series in Age of Empires II esports, and the Londinium edition leaned into that reputation by hosting the event at the Royal Albert Hall, one of London’s most iconic venues. The tournament ran from 1 to 6 April, featuring a best-of-five round robin group stage before moving into single-elimination playoffs with rounds of six. The semi-finals were played in a best-of-seven format, building to the best-of-nine Grand Final in front of a sold-out crowd.

Read More: Team Vitality Enters Age Of Empires II With Hera, Liereyy, And Hearttt

Read More: Team Vitality Enter Trackmania With 2x World Champion Pac

Team Vitality’s Ambitions In Age Of Empires II

Danny Engels, Corporate Director of Global Operations at Team Vitality, framed the win as validation of the organisation’s push into Age of Empires II. Engels noted the team entered the tournament as clear favourites and were determined not to leave empty-handed, calling the first and second place finishes “exceptional results” and expressing pride in performing in front of the AoE2 community at such an iconic venue.

The organisation is not slowing down, either. Team Vitality will co-host their own major Age of Empires II LAN tournament alongside event organiser BEING Esports later this year. The Garrison 2026 is set to welcome up to 1,000 spectators in Hamburg, Germany from 25 to 29 November, adding another significant stop to what is becoming an increasingly active AoE2 esports calendar.

For Hera, the question now is whether anyone can break the streak. Sixteen consecutive S-Tier wins is a staggering run of form by any esports standard, and with Team Vitality investing heavily in the scene, the gap between him and the competition does not appear to be closing any time soon.

The post Hera Wins Red Bull Wololo Londinium, Clinches Team Vitality First AoE2 LAN Trophy appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

ZOWIE has locked in a multi-year partnership with Riot Games to become the official monitor of the VALORANT Champions Tour Americas. The deal means every professional match at the Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles will be played on ZOWIE’s flagship hardware, starting with VCT Americas Stage 1 on 10 April.

ZOWIE is now the Official Monitor Partner of VCT Americas.​

With roots in the FPS community, ZOWIE ensures every product addresses the true demands of competitive play. We are dedicated to designing professional esports equipment for FPS players, and that’s why we’re partnering… pic.twitter.com/ri9v7sgXJ6

— ZOWIE Esports North America (@ZOWIEbyBenQUSA) April 7, 2026

The timing is deliberate. Stage 1 kicks off a high-stakes five-week stretch leading into the next global international event, and ZOWIE’s monitors will be front and centre throughout. It is a significant get for the BenQ-owned brand, placing its gear on one of the most visible stages in competitive VALORANT.

What Hardware The Pros Will Be Using

The monitor going on stage is the ZOWIE XL2566X+, which sits at the top of the company’s current lineup. It runs a 400Hz Fast TN panel at native 1080p and features DyAc 2 technology, ZOWIE’s proprietary motion clarity system designed to reduce blur during fast-paced gameplay. The monitor also includes enhanced colour modes tailored specifically for FPS titles.

For context, ZOWIE claims that 70% of professional FPS players use its products, a figure the brand has leaned on for years to reinforce its position in the competitive space. Whether or not you take that number at face value, the company’s presence at major tournaments is hard to dispute.

ZOWIE’s Broader Competitive Footprint

The VCT Americas deal does not exist in isolation. ZOWIE already maintains partnerships with professional organisations including ENVY and Sentinels, ensuring its monitors are validated through daily use in scrims and ranked play, not just on broadcast stages. That kind of integration matters because it means pro players are already familiar with the hardware before they sit down for an official match.

Read More: ESL Expands ZOWIE Partnership For All CS2 Events Through 2027

Read More: ZOWIE Signs Team Vitality IGL apEX As New CS2 Partner

ZOWIE was also an official partner at the StarLadder Major Budapest 2025, where the company outlined its broader strategy of embedding itself within competitive communities rather than simply slapping a logo on events.

The Monitor Arms Race in Esports

ZOWIE’s move comes during what has become an aggressive global race for monitor dominance across esports. LG Electronics recently renewed its decade-long partnership with Brazilian organisation MIBR to keep its UltraGear line in the competitive spotlight, while ASUS ROG has expanded through title sponsorships for the NECC National Championships and a full-season deal with BLAST for Counter-Strike 2.

Samsung has pushed into the Nordic scene through a partnership with Metizport, and AGON by AOC has secured collaborations with both Gaimin Gladiators and Method. Even consumer television brands like TCL are entering the space, most recently through a sponsorship with Brazilian powerhouse FURIA. Display technology has clearly become a competitive differentiator that hardware companies are willing to invest heavily in, and locking down a league-wide partnership like VCT Americas is about as high-profile as it gets.

Aim Challenge Gives Fans a Shot at VIP Access

To mark the partnership launch, ZOWIE has teamed up with ENVY and 2023 VALORANT World Champion Max “Demon1” Mazanov for the Aim Challenge, running from now until 5 May. The challenge tasks players with clearing 50 bots in the VALORANT Range as quickly and precisely as possible.

The top three scorers will each receive an XL2566X+ monitor. The overall winner gets a trip to the VCT Americas Stage 1 Qualifiers at Riot Games Arena, VIP meet-and-greet access with ENVY players, a signed jersey from Demon1, and limited-edition ZOWIE merchandise. The challenge will also have an on-site presence at the VCT Americas fan event in Los Angeles during the Stage 1 Playoffs, where attendees can try the XL2566X+ at the ZOWIE booth.

What This Means For VCT Americas Stage 1

With Stage 1 beginning on 10 April, the partnership goes live almost immediately. Bear Jemison, Head of VALORANT Esports Americas, noted that having ZOWIE’s monitors as part of the competitive fleet will elevate the experience for teams heading into a stretch that directly feeds into the next global event. For ZOWIE, the deal is a clear statement of intent in a crowded market, and for fans tuning in, it is another layer of production value on one of the biggest stages in tactical shooter esports.

The post ZOWIE Is the Official Monitor of VCT Americas in Multi-Year Riot Games Deal appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Bite by Night codes give you free Scrap, the main currency in this FNAF and Dead by Daylight inspired Roblox experience. Scrap lets you unlock new Survivors, Animatronics, skins, and emotes, so grabbing every code early is well worth your time. The game only just left paid early access, so codes are limited for now, but we will keep this page updated as new ones drop.

All Working Bite By Night Codes (April 2026)

This code was added on 7 April 2026 as part of a quality-of-life update. With 1,000 Scrap, you can unlock one character purchasable with in-game currency, whether that is a new killer or a survivor. Each character comes with unique stats, so choose carefully since you will only have enough for one pick right now.

How To Redeem Bite By Night Codes

You can only redeem codes while you are in the waiting area between matches. Here is how to do it:

• Launch Bite by Night on Roblox.
• Click the Settings icon on the left side of the screen.

• Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings menu where you will find the codes section.
• Type or paste a code into the “Code Goes Here” box.

• Click Redeem to claim your reward.

Codes are case-sensitive, so copying and pasting directly from the table above is the safest way to avoid typos.

Read More: Roblox Sailor Piece Redeem Codes April 2026 – All Working Codes For Free Gems, Rerolls, And Secret Chests

Expired Bite By Night Codes

There are no expired codes yet. Bite by Night is still a new experience, so the SORRYGUYS code is the first one released. There is no confirmed expiry date for it, but Roblox codes rarely last forever, so redeem it sooner rather than later. Whenever a code stops working, we will move it to this section.

Why Are My Bite By Night Codes Not Working?

If a code is not going through, it usually comes down to one of two things. The most common issue is a simple typo or an extra space slipping in when you type the code manually. Copy-pasting from the table above avoids that entirely. The code system in Bite by Night does not display an error message, which makes it harder to tell what went wrong, so pasting directly is your best bet.

The other possibility is that the code has expired. If you have pasted it correctly and it still is not working, it has likely been deactivated. In rare cases, newly released codes may also need a server reset before they become redeemable, so give it a little time if a brand new code is not accepting.

How To Get More Bite By Night Codes

The quickest way to stay on top of new codes is to bookmark this page. We check and update our list regularly, adding new codes as they release and removing expired ones. Beyond that, joining the official Bite by Night Discord server is your best source for early announcements and upcoming update details straight from the developers.

What Is Bite By Night?

Bite by Night is an asymmetrical horror survival game on Roblox developed by Totally Not Secret Games. It draws heavy inspiration from both Five Nights at Freddy’s and Dead by Daylight, featuring recognisable FNAF characters like the Mimic and Springtrap as playable Animatronics. One player takes on the killer role while the rest try to survive until 6 AM and complete objectives. Scrap, the currency you earn from codes, is also used to purchase the VIP Gamepass, skins, and emotes on top of new characters.

The post Roblox Bite By Night Codes for April 2026 – Free Scrap for Survivors and Killers appeared first on Shane the Gamer.