Oli Welsh

London

Senior UK Editor at Polygon

senior editor, UK @polygon / formerly editor-in-chief @eurogamer / games, film, TV / he/him

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Articles

Blue Prince is the major indie contender for Game of the Year — for now

2 weeks ago | polygon.com | Oli Welsh

Blue Prince, an engrossing puzzle game about exploring a mysterious mansion that is never the same from one day to the next, is the first breakout indie game of 2025. It’s also currently the best-reviewed game of 2025 outright. You would think that would put it in contention for Game of the Year at The Game Awards, and you would probably be right, if it were November and not April.
Has Nintendo just set up the original Switch to be the best-selling console of all time?

2 weeks ago | polygon.com | Oli Welsh

Photo: James Bareham/PolygonOli Welsh is senior editor, U.K., providing news, analysis, and criticism of film, TV, and games. He has been covering the business & culture of video games for two decades. The sticker shock of Nintendo’s $449.99 pricing for Switch 2 has not yet subsided — and it could yet get even worse, if Nintendo decides to increase the price further in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Astro Bot dominates surprisingly unsurprising BAFTA Games Awards

2 weeks ago | polygon.com | Oli Welsh

Best Game: Astro Bot Animation: Astro Bot Artistic Achievement: Neva Audio Achievement: Astro Bot British Game: Thank Goodness You’re Here! Debut Game: Balatro Evolving Game: Vampire Survivors Family: Astro Bot Game Beyond Entertainment: Tales of Kenzera: Zau Game Design: Astro Bot Multiplayer: Helldivers 2 Music: Helldivers 2 Narrative: Metaphor: ReFantazio New Intellectual Property: Still Wakes the Deep Performer in a Leading Role: Alec Newman, Still Wakes the Deep Performer in a Supporting...
Astro Bot dominates surprisingly unsurprising BAFTA Games Awards

2 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Oli Welsh

16 hours agoThe White Lotus Season 4: Plot, Location, Changes, and Everything We Know So FarNo rest for the wicked. The White Lotus season 3 just ended, but we already have The White Lotus season 4 on our minds — and we are not the only ones.
Are PC handhelds like Steam Deck really competitors for Switch 2?

3 weeks ago | polygon.com | Oli Welsh

Graphic: Polygon | Source images: Valve, Nintendo, LenovoOli Welsh is senior editor, U.K., providing news, analysis, and criticism of film, TV, and games. He has been covering the business & culture of video games for two decades. When Nintendo launched the Switch in 2017, it had no competition in dedicated handheld gaming, a sector it had established with the Game Boy in 1989 and ruled ever since.
Nintendo Switch 2’s launch game slate looks rough - but it’s strategy

3 weeks ago | polygon.com | Oli Welsh

During an hourlong presentation on Wednesday, Nintendo bombarded prospective Switch 2 buyers with information about the new console and its games, including a torrent of ports from third-party publishers. But, once the dust had settled, it was easy to succumb to a creeping anxiety. Where were all the first-party launch titles from Nintendo itself? Mario Kart World looks great, but is it $79.99 great? Yes and no.
Where are all the first-party Switch 2 launch games?

3 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Oli Welsh

10 hours agoJudging by the online discourse, the Switch 2 reveal did not win over fans as much as Nintendo might have hoped. Nintendo held its big Switch 2 event on Wednesday, where it revealed its Switch successor and key details about the console like as its June 5 launch date, and starting price of $450. …
Is Nintendo making a mistake by charging for upgraded Switch 2 titles?

3 weeks ago | polygon.com | Oli Welsh

During Wednesday’s Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo revealed that some games for the original Switch could be upgraded to enhanced Switch 2 Editions by purchasing an upgrade pack. This isn’t surprising, coming from a company that has long loved to repackage old games for new consoles and sell them to fans a second (or third, or fourth) time. But it left some observers feeling Nintendo was nickel-and-diming its fans — and it’s a strategy that comes with risks.
Is Nintendo making a mistake by charging for upgraded Switch 2 titles?

3 weeks ago | flipboard.com | Oli Welsh

We spent four hours with the Switch 2, here's our thoughts... 23 hours agoNintendo made its own Switch emulator... for the Nintendo Switch 2It turns out even the Nintendo Switch 2 is emulating Switch games. The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been announced, and the good news for anyone upgrading is that it will be (mostly) backwards compatible.
Shenmue is the most influential game of all time, according to new poll

3 weeks ago | msn.com | Oli Welsh

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