Despite its release coming up very soon, little is known about the Breaking Bad movie, El Camino. The high-level plot is that it will follow the story of what happened to Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) after the events of Breaking Bad, but not much else is known. However, a new casting announcement and other intriguing details suggest the movie may feature 10 or more familiar characters.
According The Hollywood Reporter, Matt Jones will reprise his role as Pinkman’s drug-dealer friend Badger in the movie. It was previously confirmed that the character Skinny Pete (Charles Baker) would also come back to play his character again in the film. He was seen in the first El Camino teaser (below).
Jones appeared in 12 episodes of Breaking Bad over its five seasons, including the series finale. After Breaking Bad, Jones went on to play a role in the TV show Mom which ran on CBS (whose parent company owns GameSpot). Jones also appeared in the James Gunn-produced action movie Brightburn. He voices the character Wedge in the Final Fantasy VII Remake.
Jones played the role of Dwight Schrute’s cousin Zeke on The Office, and he was cast to reprise the role in a spin-off called The Farm before the show’s cancellation.
A separate THR story states that El Camino will feature “more than 10 familiar characters from the show.” So far the list seems to only include Jesse Pinkman, Skinny Pete, and Badger, leaving at least seven more to be revealed later; that’s intriguing to think about for Breaking Bad fans.
El Camino was written and directed by Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. He made a purposeful decision to keep the film shrouded in mystery–the movie wasn’t even announced until post-production work was finished. Another part of the secret-keeping effort was flying one particular cast member to the set in Albuquerque on a private jet so no one would notice them.
Filming took place over a period of only 50 days in the same Albuquerque locations as Breaking Bad, but with new locations in differences places as well due to its increased budget.
Gilligan also spoke about the origins of El Camino, saying he kept thinking about what happened to Jesse after he fled the compound in his car, an El Camino.
“You see him driving away. And to my mind, he went off to a happy ending. But as the years progressed, I thought, ‘What did that ending–let’s just call it an ending, neither happy, nor sad–what did it look like?'”
Gilligan went on to say that he initially thought he might tell the story in a five-minute short film. However, after mulling things over with his producer, Melissa Bernstein, they decided to make the story into a full movie.
El Camino comes to Netflix on October 11. It will also play in movie theatres in 68 cinemas around the US in the New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago areas–as well as Albuquerque. El Camino will then later be released on the AMC TV network in early 2020.
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.
It’s time to put that GameStop PowerUp Rewards Pro membership to good use–the retailer is launching its third Pro Day sale of 2019 this weekend, starting Friday and running through Sunday. For the 72-hour period, Pro members will have exclusive access to a limited-time trade-in deal as well as discounts on games, accessories, and collectibles.
First, let’s talk game deals. At first glance, you’ll notice many of these discounts have been offered in the past at GameStop and elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some titles here worth grabbing, if you don’t already own them. Control is a brand-new release from Remedy, the team behind Alan Wake and Max Payne, and it’s absolutely worth picking up on sale for $50 on PS4 or Xbox One. Another new release from the developers of Until Dawn, Dark Pictures: Man of Medan, is on sale for $20. Meanwhile, Battlefield V is marked down to $20 and now includes its free battle royale mode, Firestorm. There are also several PS4 classics available for $10, such as Horizon Zero Dawn, Bloodborne, and The Last of Us Remastered, and any of those are worth grabbing if you’ve never played them.
If you’ve got an old smartphone or tablet lying around, GameStop wants you to trade it in and get the new Nintendo Switch in return. During the Pro Day sale, the retailer is offering $300-$420 for various phones and tech that you can use toward the new Nintendo Switch–you can check out more details on that deal below.
As usual, there’s a wide range of controllers, headphones, memory cards, and other gaming accessories to browse through. Notably, the Xbox One special-edition Phantom White and Phantom Black controllers are down to $50. PowerA’s popular Switch Joy-Con charging dock is $17.49. The SanDisk 64GB and 128GB memory cards for the Switch are ridiculously cheap–$13 and $20, respectively. If you’ve been looking to get into PSVR, the Astro Bot and Moss PSVR bundle is on sale for $230, a fantastic price on a bundle that usually floats around $300.
GameStop PowerUp Rewards Pro membership costs $15 for one year and gets you 20 points for every dollar spent, 10% off pre-owned games and accessories, 10% extra trade credit, a free Game Informer subscription, and, of course, access to Pro Day sales.
The Nintendo Switch is a flexible little console, and you can do a lot with it out of the box. You can dock it and play it on your TV like a normal console; you can pick it up and play it like a GameBoy; you can even prop it up on the ground using its built-in kickstand and play using its removable Joy-Cons. But with so many functionalities comes a greater need for other products to keep your Switch safe and make handheld play easier.
That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best Nintendo Switch accessories to own in 2019. Whether you’ve got a launch-edition console, recently picked up the newer model with improved battery life, or plan to buy the smaller, handheld-only Switch Lite when it releases September 20, these Switch accessories will definitely make your life easier.
In a hurry? Check out an overview of our favorite accessories below; plus, see our roundup of this month’s best Nintendo Switch deals in case anything is on sale.
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.
Quick look: The best Nintendo Switch accessories
1. Carrying Case
RDS Industries Deluxe Travel Case for Nintendo Switch
If you’re planning to step outside of your house with your Nintendo Switch, you’ll definitely need a carrying case. I bought this sturdy carrying case from RDS Industries soon after the Switch launched in 2017, and after countless cross-country and international trips, I still have no complaints about traveling with it. The hard-shell exterior is durable, and the interior screen protection pouch prevents any scratches. It also comes with cases for storing game cards and microSD cards, and the zippered pouch can carry earbuds and other small accessories.
Orzly Portable Travel Case for Nintendo Switch Lite
Need a protective case for your Switch Lite? Accessories maker Orzly recently released carrying cases for the Switch Lite that come in 12 different colors, including matching shades for the yellow, gray, and turquoise handhelds. The case includes a microfiber cover to protect your Switch Lite screen, eight game card slots, and a zippered pocket.
The Pro Controller is one of the best Switch controllers on the market today. If you’re new to the Nintendo Switch, the Switch Pro Controller is an obvious and worthwhile upgrade from the Joy-Con grip that comes with the console, but it will run you $70 unless you find it on sale somewhere. While there are plenty of alternative Switch controllers and adapters out there, the Pro Controller will likely suit your needs if you’re simply looking for a more comfortable, traditional experience.
PowerA’s enhanced wireless controllers are one of our favorite alternatives to the Switch Pro Controller, which is why we’re always excited when new designs launch. These officially licensed controllers provide a much more affordable option–new designs launch at $50 and will often get discounted on Amazon, where we’ve seen pricing as low as $35. The enhanced wireless Switch controllers have an ergonomic design similar to the Pro Controller, and while there’s no rumble or NFC reader, the controllers have motion controls and allow for custom button mapping. The biggest drawback is that they’re powered by two AA batteries, although the batteries provide up to 30 hours of gameplay. With that in mind, this controller might be better suited as a backup for multiplayer purposes, but if you’re looking for a controller with cool Nintendo-themed designs that won’t break the bank. you can’t go wrong with PowerA’s enhanced wireless gamepads.
With a design inspired by the SNES, the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Plus controller also made our list of the best Nintendo Switch controllers for 2019. If you’re looking for a Switch controller with deep customization options, this is it. The SN30 Pro Plus allows for extensive button mapping, adjustment of analog sticks and trigger inputs, and macro customization of up to 18 inputs. The downside is all this customization must be done on a computer, but thankfully, the process is simple. A major plus: This gamepad comes with a removable, rechargeable battery and also allows for disposable batteries. Like PowerA’s enhanced wireless controllers, the SN30 Pro Plus is a cheaper alternative to the Pro Controller, listed at $50 on Amazon.
The Nintendo Switch only comes with two Joy-Cons, of course, but if you plan to enjoy multiplayer games like Super Mario Party or Rocket League, having another pair of Joy-Cons will come in handy. These days, a wide range of colors are available, with two new color combos–Purple/Neon Orange and Blue/Neon Yellow–releasing October 4 for $80.
This Switch controller from Hori solves a very specific issue that may or may not bother you: the lack of a traditional D-Pad on the Switch’s Joy-Cons. Unless you plan on picking up the Switch Lite, which does include a D-Pad, the only way to get that feature is purchasing a custom left-side Joy-Con. These colorful D-Pad Joy-Cons from Hori is a great option for those who play Switch handheld a lot and miss that key feature, especially when playing classic games like Super Mario World or Super Metroid. Note that Hori’s D-Pad Joy-Cons can only be used in handheld mode and don’t feature rumble or motion controls. No matching right Joy-Con is available. But for $20-$25, the Hori D-Pad Joy-Con is still a great controller to invest in.
The Switch’s handheld mode remains a popular choice for many Switch owners thanks to its ease of use. But if your hands have ever felt sore and cramped after extended time in the handheld mode, you might want to try an ergonomic grip. This Satisfye grip case remains my personal favorite, as it fits the shape of my hands perfectly and doesn’t make my Switch feel any heavier; in fact, the more ergonomic design makes the console easier to hold for long periods of time.
GameSpot editor Mat Paget swears by this Skull & Co. grip case, which turns the flat Nintendo Switch into something that more closely resembles a controller, producing a shape with improved ergonomics. The Skull & Co. grip notably features interchangeable handles to help you find the best fit for your hands. If you have a full-sized Switch (rather than a Switch Lite), you can’t go wrong with either Satisfye or Skull & Co. when it comes to grip cases, and you can read more about each product in our best Nintendo Switch grip cases guide.
Orzly is the first major accessories brand to launch a Switch Lite-specific grip case, and it comes in turquoise, black, pink, grey, and yellow colors. The grip case comes with a built-in adjustable stand, which is quite nice, and it’s made with shock-absorbent material for an added layer of protection. This attachment even has a space in the back to store an extra game card while you’re on the go.
The Flip Grip is another quality Switch grip, but it was designed with a very different purpose from the grips shown above. The Flip Grip was made for vertical-mode gaming on the Switch, and it’s compatible with the Switch’s numerous arcade ports, many of which were designed to be played with the screen at a 90-degree angle. Normally, that would require you to remove the Joy-Cons and prop your Switch up somehow, but the Flip Grip allows you to connect your Joy-Cons to either side of the rotated screen and keep playing. You can check out GameSpot’s Flip Grip review and see the full list of compatible games at Retronauts. The Flip Grip is available for $12 exclusively at Fangamer.
The Nintendo Switch only has 32GB of internal storage, and you’ll almost certainly exceed that limit eventually, even if you exclusively buy physical games over downloads. An easy solution is a microSD card, which inserts into your Switch and provides additional storage space for games. These SanDisk memory cards are officially licensed by Nintendo and come in 64GB, 124GB, and 256GB versions, with transfer rates up to 100MB/s.
5. Screen Protectors
Orzly Tempered Glass Screen Protectors for Nintendo Switch
One of the Switch’s perks is its nice, large screen, and there’s no better way to prevent your $300 console from getting scratched than to pick up a screen protector. The best thing you can say about a protector is that you only notice it when you need it, and that’s true of Orzly’s tempered glass protectors, which will take the damage (instead of your Switch) in the case of an accident. Thankfully, Orzly’s screen protectors come in pairs.
Hori Protective Screen Filter for Nintendo Switch Lite
If you need a screen protector with Switch Lite dimensions, accessories maker Hori is now offering screen protectors made to fit the Switch Lite screen, available for $10.
The Nintendo Switch doesn’t allow for wireless headphones to connect to the system via Bluetooth, so you’ll need a third-party wireless dongle. If you’re looking for a solid, all-in-one wireless headset that’s compatible with the Switch, go for the Steelseries Arctis 1 Wireless, which comes with a 2.4 GHz dongle that plugs directly into the Switch’s USB-C port. In docked mode, the dongle can be plugged in using a USB adapter, which is also included.
For extended tabletop play, you’ll appreciate having a stand to prop up your Switch while simultaneously charging it. Coming from Hori, this adjustable stand can hold your Switch at three different angles: 30, 50, and 60 degrees. Its bottom hooks are also rubberized to help hold your console steady during active play. The best part is that it folds up flat, which makes it perfect for taking on the go. There’s also a slick Zelda-themed version for the same price.
If you picked up a Switch Lite, having a good playstand becomes even more important. Hori is also releasing a dual USB playstand that can connect two USB controllers for multiplayer while charging the console at the same time. While made specifically for the Switch Lite, this compact stand is also compatible with the original Switch.
If you own multiple sets of Joy-Cons, this charging station is a no-brainer purchase. For only $20, you can keep up to four Joy-Cons charged, so there’s always one ready to go for multiplayer games.
When your Switch dock is already plugged into your TV, it’s a hassle to unplug the AC adapter and take it with you when you travel. Having an extra, smaller AC adapter to take on the go is much more convenient than having to unplug it from your Switch dock all the time.
Playing your Switch for hours at a time will eventually drain your battery, and if you don’t have access to a power outlet, this portable battery will come in clutch. The Anker PowerCore Speed 200000 PD will actually charge your console as you play in handheld mode. While a bit pricey at $100, this powerful charger is also compatible with most laptops, phones, and tablets, so you’re sure to get plenty of use out of it.
The other Switch accessories on this list may be practical, but these light-up Switch dock shields are just pretty. With multiple Nintendo-themed designs and 17 different colors and light effects, these dock shields will add a gorgeous, colorful glow to your Switch setup. The product comes with a base, which your dock will sit on, and two acrylic panels will slide into either side so the front and back of your dock are covered. Ranging from $15-$20, these dock shields are an affordable way to liven up your Switch gaming setup.
Developer Gearbox is working hard to ensure Borderlands 3 remains in tiptop condition. A week after release on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, Gearbox is deploying a series of hotfixes to address some of the looter-shooter’s growing pains.
A list of hotfixes was outlined on Gearbox’s forums. These include making completion paths more obvious, leveling down some enemies, scaling back the growth frequency of Eridium crystals, and more. Along with the hotfixes comes an adjustment to the “loot cave,” meaning you can no longer farm legendary weapons from a purple-tinged loot tink in Mayhem mode. Gearbox is aware these hotfixes don’t address “issues the community is immediately concerned with.” However, the studio is toiling away at “evaluating performance problems and potential solutions for them.”
The hotfixes will be automatically applied when connected to the internet. When you boot up Borderlands 3, the only thing you have to check for is the “updates are available” message in the in-game menu. Hang out in the menu screen and the hotfixes should apply after a minute.
Full Borderlands 3 Hotfix Update Notes
Bugs
Yellow paint has been added to Ambermire to mark a more obvious path to complete the Sabotage Crew Challenge.
The New-U Station in front of the Halcyon Suborbital Spaceport (used during the “Space-Laser Tag” Mission) in the Meridian Metroplex now has a larger activation range.
The New-U Station in front of Titian’s Gate (used during the “Atlas, At Last” Mission) in the Meridian Metroplex now has a larger activation range.
The first Guardian a player runs into during the “Beneath the Meridian” mission is no longer over-leveled.
The Eridian chest by the Grotto in the Jakob’s Estate is no longer invisible.
Balance
Eridium crystals in Voracious Canopy grow less frequently.
Scaled down the amount of loot drops in Mayhem Mode.
Torgue shotgun sticky damage has been reduced.
Reduced E-Tech shotgun elemental damage from “flesh off your bones” to “a lot.”
Chupacabratch dropped too much of his hard-earned loot.
Adjusted spawn rate of Loot Tinks in Mansion. They’re special again.
The voice cast for Superman: Red Son has been revealed along with the first image from the movie.
TV Insider reports that Jason Isaacs will play Superman against Diedrich Bader (Batman: The Brave and the Bold) as Lex Luthor and Paul Williams (Batman: The Animated Series) as Brainiac.
Vanessa Marshall will return to play Wonder Woman after voicing her in the Crisis on Two Earths and Flashpoint Paradox movies as well as the upcoming Harley Quinn series. Batman will be played by Roger Craig Smith, who previously played the character in Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman Unlimited.
What is it?: One of the possible Netflix killers, Peacock is NBC’s long-awaited new streaming service. It will contain NBCUniversal TV shows, movies, and originals, combining properties from NBC, USA Network, Universal Pictures, Dreamworks, Telemundo, and more.
Launch Date: April 2020
Price: Unknown, but their will be both ad-supported and ad-free tiers.
Highlighted Content: TV shows like The Office, 30 Rock, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Married…With Children, Monk, Psych, Saturday Night Live, and more. There is also a solid movie foundation featuring E.T., the Fast & Furious films, Bridesmaids, Back to the Future, and a whole lot more. 15,000 hours of content will be available at launch.
Other notes: NBC’s first service, Seeso, featured classic NBC sitcoms, late night talk shows, and original programming shut down its doors in November 2017 after 22 months running. It was beloved by fans, and hopefully, some of the original content from Seeso finds new life on Peacock.
Whimsical, heartfelt, and visually comforting–these are the ways in which I describe my first experience with the then-PS3 exclusive Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. It has the RPG sensibilities of developer Level-5, but with the deft touch of storied anime producers from Studio Ghibli, Ni no Kuni came to life in the same way many Ghibli films have. Now with a remaster, anyone with a Switch, PS4, or PC can jump into this imaginative journey, faults and all.
The title roughly translates to “The Second Country,” which alludes to the world beyond the one which our youthful protagonist Oliver lives in. Motorville is a peaceful town with friendly neighbors, but not much in the way of excitement. Thus, Oliver and his friend Phil (think Tombo from Kiki’s Delivery Service) get into some tomfoolery, whipping around a makeshift car Phil constructed himself. However, things get dark when the looming evil, otherworldly forces attempt to kill off Oliver, who they refer to as the boy who’ll save the world. Tragedy strikes in this opening, but hope lies in a parallel universe. The truth about Oliver’s mom, Allie, drives him to journey through this magical second world.
Danger lies beyond Ding Dong Dell, but Oliver and company will save the day.
Oliver’s exclamations “Neato!” and “Jeepers!” will make you feel like a kid again, but it’s your stumpy Fairie sidekick, Mr. Drippy, that brings fiery glee to it all. His energy, wisdom, and Welsh-isms make him a character for the ages and he always has Oliver’s back. Ni no Kuni is but a wholesome story of a boy who is always virtuous and always growing. Charm lies around every corner in as it’s brought to life by the wondrous stylings and animation of Ghibli, and uplifted by the majestic orchestral scores of composer Joe Hisaishi that effortlessly fit every moment. It’s these timeless qualities that make the long adventure worth the effort.
That said, this remaster is very much the original game; there are no quality-of-life changes, resulting in what feels more like a port than a remaster. The PC version (via Steam) comes with a few graphics options and controller support, and the PS4 version offers 4K/30 fps on a Pro and 1080p/60 fps on either console model. Note that the Switch version is a straight port of the PS3 game, and not designated as “remastered.” Aside from packing all the DLC, and the inherent visual improvement from higher resolution on PC and PS4, the core game remains untouched, for better or worse.
If you’re unaware, the original Ni no Kuni uses a combat system that has you moving and making decisions in real-time while you execute actions in a turn-based fashion. Core to the game is its system of Familiars, which function very much like Pokemon–they level up separately from party members and bring different elemental types and movesets to the table. You’ll capture many, train some of them for battle, and evolve a few to their final forms along the way. Each party member carries three at once and carefully swapping between them (and party members themselves) in battle is the key to overcoming the game’s tough fights. It’s an inventive system that brings about a surprising level of depth, but one that feels more clunky now than it did back when it first launched.
Tidy! A Ghibli reference en’it?
Wrapping your head around its combat system is going to take a few hours as you’re introduced to its several layers. Even then, much of it will feel out of your control. Since you can only command one combatant at any given moment, you have to rely on AI to handle many aspects of fights. Telegraphing enemy attacks is a challenge, too, and the system doesn’t exactly put you in the best situation for reacting. Until you get a groove with a lineup of Familiars, you’ll find yourself frantically fumbling through menus of actions more often than not.
Combat isn’t as tight as you’d expect from an RPG, but that’s not to say it’s a deal-breaker. For all the faults I see gameplay-wise, its RPG trappings deliver the satisfaction of growing stronger and smarter in combat. Other fundamentals are quite basic and hardly stray from RPG conventions, like the simplistic dungeon layouts or the sometimes tedious traversal from one area to another for side quests or between save points. At the very least, its foundation provides a good vehicle for taking you through Ni no Kuni’s world that bursts with boundless charm.
Former GameSpot reviews editor Kevin VanOrd awarded the original release a 9/10 back in 2013 and said, “This is a wonderful world that you will be eager to lose countless hours in as you adventure through its enticing realms.” Six years later, that remains true. It speaks to the joy of unraveling Ni no Kuni, because there are so many smaller moments that are emblematic of the imagination put into the game. From the so-bad-it’s-good comedy show put on by the Fairies to the terrifying monsters Oliver and friends conquer, Ni no Kuni stands out in how it gives an earnest tale of whimsy and youthful determination.
Yer a wizard, Ollie!
If you’re willing to overlook or account for some of its rougher spots, there’s a world of wonder waiting for you in Ni no Kuni. In many ways, it transcends those shortcomings. While this new version doesn’t streamline anything, you’re still getting one of last generation’s standout RPGs with its DLC, nothing more, nothing less.
Having been through the original release once, there isn’t a specific incentive unless you’re drawn to revisiting its spirited world, and newcomers are at least given the opportunity to experience something mostly delightful and unique that may have flown under their radar. After about 10 hours with the remaster on PC, memories are flooding back and I’m starting to hit a stride where I want to see it all unfold again. Your gateway to Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch opens on September 20 when it hits the PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
French courts have just struck down several user agreement clauses for Valve’s online PC storefront, Steam, including restrictions on the resale of digital games. Valve has announced that it will appeal the court’s decision.
As reported by French publication Numerama, French consumer advocacy group UFC- Que Chosoir announced a legal victory against Steam today. According to the report, the group successfully got the courts to cancel clauses within Steam the group claims were anti-consumer. This includes Valve’s policy against reselling digital games purchased from Steam.
“The most significant of those concerns
the one that forbade the resale of
video games,” it says in the Numerama report. “That means the products are not related to a particular physical medium (a cartridge or a disk, for example).”
