Lego Harry Potter Collection Coming to Switch 2 (Gaming News Roundup)

The “Lego Harry Potter Collection” is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on Oct. 16.

Developed by Warner Bros. Games, TT Games and The Lego Group, the collection includes “Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4” and “Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7.”  The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the collection will be available in both physical and digital versions, with the physical edition including both games on one key card.

The first four years of the game draw from the first four films—”Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” — allowing fans to experience Harry’s first years at Hogwarts through Legos. “Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7” transports players through the final four films—”Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” Part 1 & 2 — to experience Harry’s last years at Hogwarts and his ultimate showdown with Voldemort.

Pre-orders are available now for this classic compilation, which brings together “Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and “Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7,” as well as all previously released downloadable content packs in one magical package for $49.99.

See more gaming news from the week below.

NEWLY ANNOUNCED GAMES

The New York Times is introducing a series of bonus puzzles released every Wednesday for Games and All Access subscribers starting Sept. 2. 

These puzzles are the New York Times’s classic games with a twist, including “Wordle in 1,” “Connections 3×3,” “Colorful Strands,” “Mystery Mini,” “Easy Mode Crossword” and “Special Crossword.” 

“Bonus puzzles are an exciting addition to continue diversifying our portfolio, with each puzzle built on mechanics that our solvers already know and love, but with novelty to make them feel distinct from the daily puzzles,” said head of games Jonathan Knight. “Designed for flexible, low-pressure play, the weekly drop gives solvers more ways to play with no daily obligations. And this new offering builds upon the value of a New York Times Games subscription, introducing fresh and exclusive puzzles that leave solvers excited to return for more.”

“Wordle in 1” is a variation of “Wordle” where players are given one clue and there is only one possible word solution. “Connections 3×3” is a take on “Connections” where there are three groups of three instead of four groups of four. “Colorful Strands” is “Strands” with editorially-designed boards. “Mystery Mini” has the same rules as “Mini,” but with a twist to the presentation of the grid or the clues. “Easy Mode Crossword” is version of the “Friday Crossword” with easier clues. “Special Crossword” is a themed version of the “Crossword,” published on the first day of each month.