First Look at Yoshi and the Mysterious Book for the Nintendo Switch 2

Discovering the Magic of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book!

There is nothing quite like the release of a new Nintendo game, especially one that includes everyone's favorite Nintendo dinosaur, Yoshi!

I was recently invited to an event where I got to experience the new Nintendo Switch 2 game, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book which I found to be quite a delightful experience. I played the game and did not want to put the game down! I loved how I could play without worrying about losing lives or getting the best score -- it's just a fun game that feels brand new each timed you play. I also have to mention how the game is beautifully illustrated; it has a hand-drawn feel! 

The premise of this game is incredibly charming. Yoshi steps directly into the pages of a living, talking encyclopedia named Mr. E. The catch? Well, the book has lost its contents, and it is up to Yoshi to explore a variety of beautifully illustrated literary worlds to help Mr. E fill his mysterious book back up! There are so many elements for discovery which made gameplay even more enjoyable. I loved the addition of familiar characters like Bowser Jr. and Kamek as bosses to battle! Yoshi also rescues new characters like Crazee Dayzee and old characters like the Shy Guys! In Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Yoshi retains his classic abilities like the Flutter Jump, Ground Pound, and egg toss. Yoshi also eats up everything to taste and discover more clues to solve each puzzle. Yoshi also gained a brand-new ability called the Tail Flick where he flicks characters on his back to aide him in discovery and game play. 

Nintendo Merch & Local Fun

Recently, GameStop hosted an exclusive Nintendo game preview for Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, so I had to bring my son to join in on the fun. I knew that he would love the new game just as much as me, and I was right! 

As huge fans of Yoshi's past adventures, getting an early hands-on look at Nintendo’s next big title was an opportunity we couldn't pass up! 

Marcello absolutely loved diving into the unique chapter layouts. The gameplay is all about lackadaisical, stress-free exploration where you experiment with quirky, sandbox environments. Marcello had a blast making distinct habitat discoveries, finding hidden creatures, and figuring out how they interact with Yoshi. Seeing his face light up as he unlocked new pages and collected Stars was definitely the highlight of the trip.

Beyond the screen time, the atmosphere at GameStop was fantastic. We even got to score and take home some awesome Nintendo-themed merch, which made the day feel like an absolute celebration for the community.

If you want to catch an experience just like this one, make sure to keep an eye out! You can check GameStop’s website for information on when Nintendo is heading to your local GameStop for upcoming community events.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book officially launches on the Nintendo Switch 2, May 21, 2026. Order a copy or pick up in store at these retailers: GameStop, Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. The digital version is at the new low price of $59.99, which makes it a no-brainer on which one you should get! Save the $10 and use that money to buy some snacks, snuggle on couch with your Nintendo Switch 2 and start the journey of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book! Trust me: you will not put this game down!!

Celebrating PAC-MAN: The Ultimate Guide to PAC-MAN’s Month-Long Birthday Bash!

The Big Event: PAC-MAN Takeover at The Paley Museum (May 16, 2026)

Get ready to power up, video game fans! Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is pulling out all the stops to celebrate everyone’s favorite yellow, ghost-chomping icon of our childhoods, PAC-MAN, with a new animated shorts series, and activations nationwide.

With this year’s theme, "Connect the Dots," the celebration is bridging PAC-MAN’s legendary past with an exciting future through incredible new storytelling, in-game crossovers, and massive live events.

If you are looking to join the party, here is everything you need to know—including a massive event happening tomorrow, May 16, at The Paley Museum! Get your tickets now!

If you are in or around New York City, clear your schedule for tomorrow! Coinciding with the museum's "45 Years of PAC-MAN" exhibition running through June 7, 2026, The Paley Museum is hosting an epic birthday event packed with exclusive experiences for fans of all ages.

What’s Happening at Paley?

• Exclusive Screenings & Panel: Get a sneak peek! Catch a special advance screening of the premiere episode of the upcoming animated series, PAC-MAN: Snack Breaks™, alongside an insider panel discussion.

• The PAC-MAN CHOMPIONSHIP Tournament: Think you’ve got the highest skills? Compete against other players on the classic PAC-MAN arcade game. The top scorer will walk away with a grand prize of a PAC-MAN Arcade Pub Table, and the official title of "PAC-MAN NYC Chompion 2026."

• Fan Activations: Enjoy classic arcade games, photo-ops with PAC-MAN meet-and-greets, historic gaming artifacts, crafts for kids, and exciting giveaways.

Coming Soon: “PAC-MAN: Snack Breaks”

Can’t make it to NYC? No sweat! You can still join the fun digitally, because Bandai Namco has partnered with the New York-based animation studio Cartuna to create PAC-MAN: Snack Breaks, a hilarious, retro-inspired animated short series making its debut on May 22, 2026.

PAC-MAN's new series is all about new beginnings!  

PAC-MAN leaves PAC-Village behind for the fast-paced, neon sprawl of NEW PAC-CITY, turning everyday life into high-speed, snack-fueled adventures. Naturally, Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde (Team Ghost) are always hot on his tail!

Directed by Noah Pardo, the series features a stellar voice cast—including Mike Cefalo as PAC-MAN and Inky—and is tailored perfectly for digital audiences.

• Release Date: May 22 (PAC-MAN Day)

• Where to Watch: The official PAC-MAN YouTube Channel, with new episodes dropping every month. Check out the brand-new teaser trailer right now!

Exciting In-Game Promotions

The birthday perks extend straight to your screens with awesome gaming crossovers and freebies:

Fruit Ninja x PAC-MAN Crossover

Starting May 6, PAC-MAN is invading Fruit Ninja! Players can jump into four limited-time, PAC-MAN-themed in-game events to unlock exclusive themed blades, dojos, and other special rewards.

Free DLC for PAC-MAN WORLD™ Re-PAC

As a special thank-you to the community, a brand-new free birthday costume is being added to Nova’s Costume Shop. Suit up and take on your next grand adventure through Pac-Land in style!

The Celebration is Just Getting Started

Whether you are competing for the crown at The Paley Museum tomorrow, slicing fruit in Fruit Ninja, or waiting for the premiere of Snack Breaks on May 22, there has never been a better time to be a PAC-MAN fan. Bandai Namco has promised even more live events across NYC and Los Angeles will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled!

Are you planning to test your skills at the Paley Museum tournament tomorrow, or are you tuning in for the animated shorts?

HAPPY 46th BIRTHDAY, PAC-MAN!

Kids Stay and Play Free LEGOLAND® New York

Kids Stay and Play Free at LEGOLAND® New York! Hurry! Offer ends soon! 

Celebrate the end of the school at LEGOLAND New York Resort! 

Book the ultimate Hotel + Tickets Package with a Kids Stay & Play FREE Vacation Package that turns one getaway into a full family adventure.

• 2-Day Adult Tickets + Kids Go FREE to All Attractions
• From $180 per person, per night.

🛏️Stay Dates: Now – June 26, 2026*
📅 When to Book: Now! Offer ends May 17, 2026

At LEGOLAND® New York Resort, the magic is doubling with an offer that's hard to beat: Free 2nd Day Park Tickets when you book a "Stay & Play" vacation package!

A Family-Tested Getaway: Our LEGOLAND Experience

As a family of four, we recently took our own spring trip to the resort, and I can tell you firsthand: it is a game-changer for parents and kids alike. My husband and I watched our sons, Marcello and Rocco, dive headfirst into the creativity of the park.

The highlight for the boys was definitely staying overnight at the LEGOLAND New York Hotel. We were able to enjoy a day at the theme park, and finish the day at the hotel where there is non-stop fun in the pool (weather permitting), and even more fun inside in the hotel's lobby. If that wasn't enough, your room is a giant LEGO set in a specific LEGO-theme that will be sure to delight the youngest and oldest LEGO fans. 

We had the LEGO Pirates room with a separate sleep space for the kids supplied with LEGO Duplo, their own Cable TV, bunk beds, and even a daily scavenger hunt with free prizes for each child. 

Why rush through the fun in just one day? When you book a stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel, you aren't just getting a room—you’re getting a fully immersive experience located just steps away from the park entrance.

Your stay includes:

• Fully LEGO-Themed Rooms: Choose from Pirate, Kingdom, LEGO NINJAGO®, or LEGO Friends themes.

• The lobby is always lit! From the creative workshop to the arcade and massive LEGO brick play areas, the fun doesn't end when the park closes.

• It’s close to the action! Forget the long commutes; you're right in the heart of the action. If you’re checking into the hotel the same day that you’re going to the park, make sure you park at the hotel, so you can be steps away from the LEGOLAND entrance!

• LEGO inspired breakfast is included with your stay at Bricks Restaurant located in the hotel’s lobby. I recommend making reservations. It’s all you care to eat, so fuel up!

• From Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend, enjoy the outdoor zero entry pool! 

• There are plenty of places to eat off-site, too! We dine at Texas Roadhouse just 10 minutes away for dinner!

Hurry! This offer is ending soon. Secure your getaway and enjoy the  thrills and builds of LEGO!

What's new for 2026 at LEGOLAND New York Resort?

Start Your Engines: The LEGO Ferrari Build & Race Experience

This spring, things are revving up! Be among the first to experience the brand-new LEGO Ferrari Build & Race Experience.

Build: Create your very own custom LEGO Ferrari race car.

Test: Put your design to the test on three different test tracks, each with unique obstacles.

Race: Digitally scan your car and race it on a virtual track against other builders to see who takes the checkered flag!

Just Looking for a Day of Play?

Plan Your Adventure Today

Whether you're looking for a weekend "brick-ation" or a spontaneous day trip, LEGOLAND New York Resort is the place to be this season. Between the high-speed thrills of the Ferrari experience and the cozy comfort of the themed hotel rooms, your family's best spring memories are waiting to be built.

What are you waiting for? Book Your Family Getaway Today!

Sidequest to NYC Video Game Festival 2026!

THAT’S A WRAP ON THE NYC VIDEO GAME FESTIVAL! 🎬🎮

Level 1 of the NYC Summer of Games is officially complete, and the energy at Brookfield Place was absolutely electric! Don't worry NYC is just getting started with the official kick off of the Summer of Games with the NYC Video Game Festival on May 9, 2026.

Mayor Mamdani as a Minecraft build! 

New York City is one of the fastest-growing hubs for gaming jobs in the country, and this administration is committed to making sure that growth reaches every borough,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “The students competing here today are building real skills — in coding, design, and collaboration — and we intend to make sure they have every opportunity to turn those skills into careers right here at home.

We spent the day on the show floor celebrating the 2nd Annual New York City Video Game Festival in Battery Park. The event was was sponsored by NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) along with a full event program showcasing the gaming skills of NYC schools students from Elementary to High School competing in the Mayor's Cup battling for the title of Best of the Borough (BOTB). 

Presenting the middle school winner MOME Commissioner Rafael Espinal was on hand to give out the first trophy of the day to Middle Schoolers Manhattan's NEST+. 2025 defending champions in the Elementary division, team Hyper Pigmentation from Brooklyn’s PS 889, took first place. For High School, Staten Island’s Tottenville won in their division. The students each built a sustainable NYC landmark creating inclusive spaces for all. The overall theme from all of the presentations focuses on togetherness, conservation, and energy efficiency. Students used Minecraft Education to showcase their creations, and the energy was high and the vibe was electric with HOT97 FM radio host, 

Gerard “HipHopGamer” Williams, hyping up the crowd. 

Gerard "HipHopGamer" Williams let his voice be heard during the competition,

I’m completely blown away, I saw a level of greatness in New York City that is not promoted and marketed every day and this changes now. BROOKLYN STUDENTS won the elementary championship in Minecraft, but NEW YORK CITY won the hearts of the community. We need to invest even more into this industry to show that gaming can be a path for a better society.

 

College students also participated in the The NYC Collegiate Esports Circuit Finals (NYCCEC), produced with Video Game Amateurs (VGA). The City College of NY (CCNY) won the League of LegendsⓇ competition. Pace University won the ValorantⓇ competition. For the first time this year, the collegiate finalists shared in a $10,000 prize pool thanks to Red Bull™ and proceeds from festival ticket sales. 

Here are our top highlights from our experience, and why you should visit next and experience the NYC Summer of Games 2026! 

• Battle of the Boroughs Mastery: The Minecraft Mayor’s Cup was a total masterclass in young ingenuity! It was amazing to see K-12 students from all five boroughs step up as junior urban planners, building epic, sustainable versions of NYC. Huge congratulations to the participants and the winners! As native New Yorkers, we were beaming with pride watching NYC school students compete in the Battle of the Boroughs. 

• Chit-Chatting with Indie Devs: We got to talk shop with some of the brilliant minds behind the local indie scene. Hearing their creative process and seeing their passion projects in action is all the proof you need that NYC’s developer community is unmatched. My sons loved the Work Simulator game, which gives students a peek into the daily life of actual professions in healthcare and law enforcement. There’s also a new game that incorporates PvP in real using a phone as a way to play, Thumb Wars!

• Tech for the Next Generation: One of the coolest parts of the day was seeing massive tech and gaming companies gather with a shared mission: bringing cutting-edge technology, hardware, and digital media career pathways straight into NYC schools. The future of esports and game dev starts right here in the classroom! I was so impressed with Community X. The people behind it are students themselves, and they help provide tech to schools like streaming tech, and more.  

What's in store from the Summer of Games?

Tribeca Games Gallery – June 10-14

Pier 57, Open to the Public | https://tribecafilm.com/festival/games    

Power Up Festival – June 20
La Bodega NY Studio, 696 East 135th St., The Bronx, NY 10454
https://powerupfestival.eventbrite.com/

PALEYGX GAMING & VR – July 15
The Paley Center for Media, 25 West 52nd St, NYC
https://www.paleycenter.org/events/paleygx-family

Games for Change Festival – July 21-22
The Glasshouse
https://festival.gamesforchange.org/

New York Videogame Critics Circle Stream-a-thon for Playing With Purpose – August 16, 8am-10pm
https://nygamecritics.com

Play NYC 2026 – August 22-24
Javits Center, 429 11th Ave, New York, NY
https://play.nyc/

GAME DEVS OF COLOR EXPO – September 22-25
https://www.gamedevsofcolorexpo.com/

If you missed out on a ticket, don’t forget you can still catch tons of the summer’s upcoming competitive action live on Twitch!

Here’s more info for the Summer of Games, and experience the fun in person!

Huge thank you to MOME for the invitation to New York Video Game Festival! 

NYC is the Epicenter of Gaming: Your Guide to the NYC Summer of Games 2026

NYC is the Epicenter of Gaming: Your Guide to the NYC Summer of Games 2026

The pixels are aligning, and the lag is non-existent—New York City is officially the place to be for gamers this year. While the West Coast often dominates the conversation, the NYC Summer of Games 2026 is proving that the Big Apple is the true epicenter of the gaming world. From May through September, all five boroughs are transforming into a massive, playable map filled with tournaments, indie showcases, and industry-defining festivals.

Whether you are a retro enthusiast who still dreams in 8-bit or an aspiring developer looking to build the next big engine, this summer lineup is a literal power-up for your calendar.

A Gaming Tradition Continues in Battery Park

Kicking off the video games season and the push to bring video game development to the Big Apple starts with the 2nd Annual NYC Video Game Festival 2026 on May 9, 2026. The NYCVGF is the perfect place for gamers, video game developers, and retro game enthusiasts to come together and share their love of video games. 

Bringing the Boogie to the Bronx -- Miles Music Kid Brings 1,000 Ukuleles to Bronx Classrooms

Music has the power to transform a classroom, but for many students, the biggest barrier to creativity isn’t a lack of talent—it’s a lack of tools. NYC students were blessed this week with a gift of musical instruments and a visit from viral sensation, Miles Bonham, also known as Miles Music Kid on social media. 

Bonham isn't just a person gone viral, he is a kid and a multitalented musician with a passion for helping people, especially kids his own age. 

Bonham teamed up with Education Through Music (ETM) and The Guitar Center Music Foundation to bridge that gap in a big way.

More Than Just a Donation

It’s one thing to talk about music education; it’s another to put an instrument in a child's hands. During his visit, Bonham helped facilitate a massive donation of 1,000 Ukuleles and three DJ Decks. 

These instruments, provided by The Guitar Center Music Foundation, ensure that students in under-resourced schools have the same opportunity to express themselves as the pros do. Bonham shared his thoughts on why this initiative is so important:

I’m so lucky that I have instruments around my house... but some people don’t have that even though they love music just as much as I do. I’m really happy knowing that we are giving these kids all of this musical gear so they can have something to go to whenever they feel like they want to express themselves.

Creativity in Action

The visit wasn't just about the gear—it was about the music. Bonham spent the day diving into the creative process with the students. He performed on the guitar and, in a true display of his production skills, sampled the students' voices and classroom sounds to build a track right then and there.

By introducing both traditional instruments like the ukulele and modern tools like DJ decks, the initiative gives students a diverse toolkit to explore their own unique sounds.

A Mission for Equity

This event supports ETM’s “Making Minds Sing!” mission. For over 30 years, Education Through Music has fought to make music a core subject in New York City schools, providing instruction and training where it’s needed most.

Bree Bowles, Senior VP at Republic Records: Kids & Family, noted the impact of seeing the students' reactions firsthand: "Being in the classroom with Miles and seeing how students respond to music in real time is a powerful reminder of why this work matters."

Why It Matters

When a child learns to play an instrument, they aren't just learning notes; they are building confidence, collaboration skills, and a sense of belonging. As Dr. Janice Weinman, CEO of ETM, put it, these experiences are truly transformative.

Through the combined efforts of artists like Miles, the support of Republic Records, and the generosity of the Guitar Center Music Foundation, 1,000 students in the Bronx just got a lot closer to finding their voice.

ABOUT REPUBLIC RECORDS: KIDS & FAMILY
Kids & Family launched as the official children’s division of Republic Records in 2022. The division caters to audiences ages 0-12 with fun and family-friendly music, collaborations, and experiences tailored to early development. Aimed to entertain the whole family, it offers engaging, educational, and explorative content, leveraging innovative partnerships with trusted brands such as Nickelodeon, Dreamworks, Paramount Pictures, Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBC Universal and many more. With an emphasis on high-quality music and world-class presentation, Republic Records: Kids & Family appeals to little ears and beyond. 

ABOUT EDUCATION THROUGH MUSIC (ETM):

Founded in 1991, Education Through Music (ETM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality music education by making it a core subject in under-resourced schools. ETM partners with school principals to provide comprehensive music programs, integrated into the school day and delivered by qualified music teachers, that foster academic achievement, emotional resilience, and personal growth. By providing music education to thousands of underserved students across New York City who would otherwise go without, ETM is “making minds sing” and building the foundation for the next generation of leaders. For more information, visit www.ETMonline.org.

ABOUT THE GUITAR CENTER MUSIC FOUNDATION:

For some, music may be just a hobby. But for others, music serves as a crucial lifeline – a path to healing, an opportunity to nurture untapped talent, an escape from the grim realities of everyday life, a break from generational trauma, or the start of a social revolution. The Guitar Center Music Foundation (GCMF) is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to the healing, transformative power of music. Thousands of individuals nationwide benefit yearly from GCMF’s grants and other efforts aiding veterans, hospital patients, the unhoused, and those affected by natural disasters, as well as youth in both schools and after-school programs. By providing these programs with all types of instruments and advocating for the benefits of music education and music therapy, GCMF furthers its mission of giving people the chance to create and express themselves through music. For more information about The Guitar Center Music Foundation, please visit http://guitarcenterfoundation.org/.

5 Reasons Why to Stay On-Site at LEGOLAND New York Resort 2026 Deals and Why You Should Stay On-Site

Double the LEGO® Fun: Grab Your FREE 2nd Day Tickets at LEGOLAND® New York!

Spring has officially arrived, and there is no better way to celebrate the sunshine than by surrounding yourself with millions of LEGO bricks. If you’ve been dreaming of the ultimate family getaway, now is the time to act.

At LEGOLAND® New York Resort, the magic is doubling with an offer that's hard to beat: Free 2nd Day Park Tickets when you book a "Stay & Play" vacation package!

A Family-Tested Getaway: Our LEGOLAND Experience

As a family of four, we recently took our own spring trip to the resort, and I can tell you firsthand: it is a game-changer for parents and kids alike. My husband and I watched our sons, Marcello and Rocco, dive headfirst into the creativity of the park.

The highlight for the boys was definitely staying overnight at the LEGOLAND New York Hotel. We were able to enjoy a day at the theme park, and finish the day at the hotel where there is non-stop fun in the pool (weather permitting), and even more fun inside in the hotel's lobby. If that wasn't enough, your room is a giant LEGO set in a specific LEGO-theme that will be sure to delight the youngest and oldest LEGO fans. We had the LEGO Pirates room with a separate sleep space for the kids supplied with LEGO Duplo, their own Cable TV, bunk beds, and even a daily scavenger hunt with free prizes for each child. 

Why rush through the fun in just one day? When you book a stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel, you aren't just getting a room—you’re getting a fully immersive experience located just steps away from the park entrance.

Your stay includes:

• Fully LEGO-Themed Rooms: Choose from Pirate, Kingdom, LEGO NINJAGO®, or LEGO Friends themes.

• Non-Stop Entertainment: From the creative workshop to the arcade and massive LEGO brick play areas, the fun doesn't end when the park closes.

• Proximity: Forget the long commutes; you're right in the heart of the action.

Hurry! This offer is ending soon. Secure your spring getaway and enjoy that second day of park thrills on the house!

What's new for 2026 at LEGOLAND New York Resort?

Start Your Engines: The LEGO Ferrari Build & Race Experience

This spring, things are revving up! Be among the first to experience the brand-new LEGO Ferrari Build & Race Experience.

Build: Create your very own custom LEGO Ferrari race car.

Test: Put your design to the test on three different test tracks, each with unique obstacles.
Race: Digitally scan your car and race it on a virtual track against other builders to see who takes the checkered flag!

Just Looking for a Day of Play?

If you can’t stay the night, you can still join the fun at an incredible value. This spring, single-day tickets are available for as low as $49! It’s the perfect excuse to get the family out of the house and into a world of imagination.

Ticket Type	Best For	Starting Price
Stay & Play Package	Multi-day explorers & LEGO superfans	Free 2nd Day Included!
Single Day Ticket	Quick spring day trips	As low as $49

Plan Your Adventure Today

Whether you're looking for a weekend "brick-ation" or a spontaneous day trip, LEGOLAND New York Resort is the place to be this season. Between the high-speed thrills of the Ferrari experience and the cozy comfort of the themed hotel rooms, your family's best spring memories are waiting to be built.

What are you waiting for? Book Your Family Getaway Today!