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Steam, Itch.io are pulling ‘porn’ games. Critics say it's a slippery slope

Late in the evening on July 23, developers with games tagged as NSFW on Itch.io, a digital marketplace, began to notice something strange. Their work—whether it was a game about navigating disordered eating as a teenager, or about dick pics—no longer appeared in search results. “No notification or anything,” says former NYU Game Center educator and developer Robert Yang, whose work explores gay history and culture. “Just found out via Bluesky.” Itch.io is deindexing, or removing from its searc

You can now easily buy a Switch 2 without jumping through hoops

Perhaps we’ve been thinking the same thing, you and I. That there won’t be a long-standing drought of Nintendo Switch 2 availability after all. The console has been easy to buy online from several retailers this week, including Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Amazon, which didn’t sell the Switch 2 at launch, is currently selling it by invitation only. The console’s messy preorder process and spotty launch availability made it feel a little like late 2020 all over again, when the PlayStation 5, X

Steam, Itch.io are pulling 'porn' games. critics say it's a slippery slope

Late in the evening on July 23, developers with games tagged as NSFW on Itch.io, a digital marketplace, began to notice something strange. Their work—whether it was a game about navigating disordered eating as a teenager, or about dick pics—no longer appeared in search results. “No notification or anything,” says former NYU Game Center educator and developer Robert Yang, whose work explores gay history and culture. “Just found out via Bluesky.” Itch.io is deindexing, or removing from its searc

Steam, Itch.io Are Pulling 'Porn' Games. Critics Say It's a Slippery Slope

Late in the evening on July 23, developers with games tagged as NSFW on Itch.io, a digital marketplace, began to notice something strange. Their work—whether it was a game about navigating disordered eating as a teenager, or about dick pics—no longer appeared in search results. “No notification or anything,” says former NYU Game Center educator and developer Robert Yang, whose work explores gay history and culture. “Just found out via Bluesky.” Itch.io is deindexing, or removing from its searc

Steam and Itch.io Are Pulling ‘Porn’ Games. Critics Say It’s a Slippery Slope to More Censorship

Late in the evening on July 23, developers with games tagged as NSFW on Itch.io, a digital marketplace, began to notice something strange. Their work—whether it was a game about navigating disordered eating as a teenager, or about dick pics—no longer appeared in search results. “No notification or anything,” says former NYU Game Center educator and developer Robert Yang, whose work explores gay history and culture. “Just found out via Bluesky.” Itch.io is deindexing, or removing from its searc

Once a relative haven for adult games, itch.io begins removing explicit titles

Indie game clearinghouse itch.io is the latest online gaming storefront to take action to remove or limit the availability of some adult content, bowing to pressure from payment processors spurred by an Australian grassroots group's campaign against certain sexualized content. Wednesday night, itch.io creators and users began noticing that many adult-oriented games and content were no longer appearing in search results on the platform. Other creators reported that their adult-focused titles had

The VTuber world is in crisis over ‘owed’ donations

is a reporter who covers the business, culture, and communities of video games, with a focus on marginalized gamers and the quirky, horny culture of video game communities. On July 21st, 6,669-year-old demon queen Ironmouse, posted an 11-minute video explaining that she is leaving her talent management agency, VShojo. Ironmouse is a VTuber, or “virtual YouTuber” — a type of a streamer who doesn’t typically show their human face, instead creating elaborate digital personas to create content. “I

Itch.io is removing NSFW games to comply with payment processors' rules

Itch.io has deindexed and hidden all adult games from its browse and search pages to make sure it doesn't lose the ability to sell with the payment processors it uses. The gaming marketplace, which mainly hosts titles from indie developers, has admitted in an announcement that it wasn't able to give creators advance notice. It "had to act urgently to protect the platform’s core payment infrastructure," it said, because the "situation developed rapidly." The website explained that it recently ca

How to buy the Switch 2: Nintendo's restock updates at Walmart, Best Buy, Target and others

Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . Update (7/24/25): Only a couple of days after the new Switch 2 Pokémon Legends: Z-A bundle was announced, you can now pre-order it at various retailers or pick up an existing Switch 2 bundle that's back in stock. The Pokémon bundle, which will be widely available in October, is availab

There's No Way a Controller This Good Should Be So Affordable

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. GameSir Super Nova Multiplatform Controller $50 at Amazon Pros Solid hardware Lots of customization Plenty of pro features Mappable buttons Affordable Cons Mobile app is limited PC app UI needs work No Xbox support I've used a lot of GameSir products over the years, and it's gotten to the point where I'm never sure what to expect when they send a new

The best microSD cards for the Nintendo Switch 2

Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . If you're lucky enough to have a new Nintendo Switch 2 in hand right now, you're probably filling it up with old and new games alike. The console comes with 256GB of storage built in; that's eight times more than the original Switch and four times more than the Switch OLED. But the new

Itch.io follows Steam in removing adult games

The indie-focused open gaming marketplace Itch.io has abruptly deindexed adult content from its browse and search pages, warning that some games will be permanently removed from the platform. In a blog post on Thursday, Itch.io creator Leaf Corcoran said that the update was due to concerns that the website’s payment processors had “about the nature of certain content” hosted on the platform, following similar scrutiny against Steam. “Our ability to process payments is critical for every creator

Itch.io: Update on NSFW Content

We have “deindexed” all adult NSFW content from our browse and search pages. We understand this action is sudden and disruptive, and we are truly sorry for the frustration and confusion caused by this change. Recently, we came under scrutiny from our payment processors regarding the nature of some content hosted on itch.io. Due to a game titled No Mercy, which was temporarily available on itch.io before being banned back in April, the organization Collective Shout launched a campaign against St

I Test Cooking Tools for a Living. This Is the Best $25 You Can Spend on Your Kitchen

As a former girl scout I believe in leaving a place better than I found it. As a food writer and former culinary school student, this entails leaving behind a certain feature in any kitchen where I've lived. (As a former NYC resident, there were numerous kitchens.) It's the first thing I buy for a new kitchen, without even needing to take measurements. Where I put it might be up for grabs, but it's guaranteed to be going somewhere. I'd sooner live without a microwave or a (*gasps*) air fryer th

The Switch 2 had a very good launch month

We already knew that Nintendo got off to a strong start with the Switch 2’s launch, and now that the console has been out for a bit, we’re getting a clearer picture on exactly how it performed. According to market research firm Circana, Nintendo’s new console “debuted as the fastest selling video game hardware device in US history,” selling 1.6 million units in June. That topped the previous launch month record held by the PS4, which moved 1.1 million units in November of 2023. Unsurprisingly,

I Asked Pro Chefs: What Are the Most Worthless Kitchen Tools?

Our kitchens have become hotbeds of innovation, packed with high-powered air fryers, countertop smokers and other impressive tools designed to make cooking easier. But not every gadget deserves a spot on your counter -- some are better off in the trash with the food scraps. Rather than falling for every shiny new trend, it's wiser to invest in reliable, versatile gear that can actually make life easier. To help separate the helpful from the hype, we asked chefs and kitchen pros to weigh in on t

Switch 2 owners can play Borderlands 4 on October 3

Switch 2 owners won't have long to wait for Borderlands 4. On Tuesday, Gearbox founder and CEO Randy Pitchford said it will arrive on October 3. While some had worried the game would be pushed back to 2026, it will land on Nintendo's console less than a month after other platforms. Pitchford's video begins with a sober build toward what sounds like bad news. Just when you think he's about to announce a delay, he turns into an excited 10-year-old, yelling about the game's October release date. "

Waterfield Magnetic Case review: The most lavish way to carry your Switch 2 around

Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . Gamers aren't usually known for their sartorial elegance. But that doesn't mean we don't deserve nice things. So after checking out a very utilitarian carrying case for the Switch 2, I wanted to explore the other side of things with a more lavish travel bag. And while Waterfield's Magn

A Surprise Pokémon Game Just Dropped for Switch and Mobile

The Pokémon Company is releasing a new, unexpected game today: Pokémon Friends, a daily puzzle game you can download now for mobile devices, Switch, and Switch 2. The company revealed the game as part of a Pokémon Direct presentation that included new details on Pokémon Legends: Z-A and a Switch 2 bundle, Pokémon Champions, and more. In Pokémon Friends, players untangle yarn—essentially solving different puzzles, like freeing pokémon from a box or fixing tracks—to make and collect plush toys. O

There's a Switch 2 bundle with Pokémon Legends: Z-A dropping on October 16

Now that AAA video games cost a full $70, console bundles are the way to go to save a few coins. Nintendo is dropping another Switch 2 bundle just in time for the holiday season, and it's a real treat for Pokémon fanatics. The Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Bundle drops on October 16 and costs $500 . As the name suggests, this bundle includes a shiny new Switch 2 console and a digital copy of the enhanced version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The game itself wil

A daily Pokémon puzzle game is out now as part of a busy lineup

There’s a lot going on in the world of Pokémon — and you can play at least one of them right now. During its latest Pokémon Presents presentation, the Pokémon Company surprise launched Pokémon Friends, a puzzle game with daily challenges, an increasingly common style of game. In a cute Pokémon twist, solving puzzles earns you adorable (virtual) plushies you can use to decorate a room. It’s out today on iOS, Android, and the Nintendo Switch. Elsewhere, we also got looks at a pair of animated ada

This $20 Item Is the Thing I Buy First for My Kitchen When I Move

As a former girl scout I believe in always leaving a place better than I found it. As a food writer and former culinary school student, this entails always leaving behind a certain feature in any kitchen where I've lived. (As a former NYC resident, yes, there were numerous kitchens.) It's the first thing I buy for a new kitchen, without even needing to take measurements. Where I put it might be up for grabs, but it's guaranteed to be going somewhere. I'd sooner live without a microwave or a (*g

Chrome will let you switch between personal and work accounts on iOS

is a news editor with over a decade’s experience in journalism. He previously worked at Android Police and Tech Advisor. Google is introducing the option to easily switch between personal and work profiles in its Chrome browser on iOS, with data kept separate between the two. The new option is part of Google’s enterprise software package, and doesn’t allow non-enterprise users to switch freely between two Google accounts in the browser. Companies that adopt Chrome Enterprise can let employees

Best Nintendo Switch 2 Controllers (2025), Tested and Reviewed

One of the best things about the Nintendo Switch 2 is its versatility. The new console continues to balance on-the-go handheld gaming with big-screen TV play, remains backward compatible with most Switch games, and adds more retro games to its digital library with the arrival of classic GameCube games. That variety makes for several ways to play. From the upgraded Joy-Con 2 grips that introduce point-and-click mouse controls alongside the familiar motion tracking features, to the dedicated Swit

The Switch 2’s Pro Controller Beats the Competition, for All the Wrong Reasons

With Donkey Kong Bananza now making its case as the real launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2, I needed a controller that could keep up with Kong’s crashing fists. When it came to a game that epitomized joy and catharsis in equal measure, Nintendo’s own Pro device proved a leading contender as best all-around, but not for the reasons you may think. I spent my own money on an $85 Switch 2 Pro controller. Accounting for tax, it was closer to $95, which is nearly one-fifth of the total price I p

Donkey Kong Bananza Review: Like Mario And Zelda Smashed Together on Switch 2

Summers are about big, fun, mind-numbing movies. Great escapes in the best of ways. I need that right now, and maybe you do too. I'm happy to say that Donkey Kong Bananza is here to whisk you off to multilevel worlds of satisfyingly smashing madness, to cheer you up and give you an excuse to punch the heck out of things. It's a game my 12-year-old son has loved playing along with me, although I've had to find ways to wrestle the game back to play for myself. I was wowed by Bananza during an ear

Donkey Kong Bananza Is Satisfyingly Smashing Madness

Summers are about big, fun, mind-numbing movies. Great escapes in the best of ways. I need that right now, and maybe you do too. I'm happy to say that Donkey Kong Bananza is here to whisk you off to multilevel worlds of satisfyingly smashing madness, to cheer you up and give you an excuse to punch the heck out of things. It's a game my 12-year-old son has loved playing along with me, although I've had to find ways to wrestle the game back to play for myself. I was wowed by Bananza during an ear

Nintendo’s slow drip of Switch 2 games is a feature, not a bug

When Nintendo first announced the Switch 2’s slate of launch titles, people were very quick to cry foul about how few original, exclusive games the company had lined up for its latest console. There were ports from other systems and updated versions of original Switch games. But Mario Kart World was the Switch 2’s only major new exclusive title, which, for some, put a further damper on a launch that was already mired in confusion about pricing and game key cards. Back in April when Nintendo fir

Nintendo launches another Switch Online test program for 40,000 players

Nintendo has posted a call for participants for another Playtest Program, and this time, it's looking for 40,000 testers and not just 10,000 like in the first one. If you'll recall, Nintendo looked for 10,000 participants for the first Playtest event last year to test an unnamed, mysterious Switch Online feature. The new program still only welcomes active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members, but as you'd expect, it now supports both the original Switch and the Switch 2. Interested p

Nintendo Switch 2 account bans continue: warning after buying old copy of Bayo 3

A Switch 2 owner has had their console “restricted by Nintendo” after installing a Switch game they bought on the used market. Quinn Nelson, the creator behind popular YouTube channel Snazzy Labs, fell foul to the long arm of Nintendo law, and now assumes the “old copy of Bayo 3 on eBay” they bought must have been dumped/ripped by its previous owner and got flagged by big N’s anti-piracy servers. PSA: be EXTREMELY careful buying used Nintendo Switch games. Bought an old copy of Bayo 3 on eBay a