Jul 19, 2026 · 4 min listen · Last updated July 19, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. It's Jessica, July 19th. Ten stories from overnight — sourcing first, takes second. Let's get into it. First, from Nintendo Life. Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th July). Square Enix just dropped the news that both Octopath Traveler 1 and 2 will get Switch 2 ports.
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Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (18th July)
Square Enix just dropped the news that both Octopath Traveler 1 and 2 will get Switch 2 ports. The catch? There’s no upgrade path from the original Switch versions, so you’ll be buying essentially new copies if you want the upgraded experience. It’s a tidy way to bring those classic JRPGs onto the next‑gen hardware, but it does mean a fresh spend for fans.
Hot Topic is leaning into the Pikmin love with a brand‑new merch line. Think vibrant tees, quirky accessories, and a few collector’s items that capture the series’ whimsical vibe. If you’ve ever wanted to wear your favorite little plant‑piloting critters, now’s the moment to snag something before it sells out.
FromSoftware finally gave a concrete date for The Duskbloods’ network tests – they’ll kick off next month. That’s the first real look at how the multiplayer component will function, and it should give the community a chance to iron out any kinks before the full launch. Keep an eye on the schedule if you’re planning to jump in early.
We also got hands‑on with Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The game leans into a more trainer‑like feel, offering structured workouts and a polished UI that feels right at home on the new console. It’s still the same punch‑and‑kick rhythm you know, just with a bit more polish and a few new moves to keep things fresh. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay active on the Switch 2, it’s worth checking out.
Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 18-19)
Hey, happy weekend! If you’ve got a console nearby, now’s a solid time to dive into the fresh batch of Xbox Game Pass titles that just landed. Over the last few days they’ve stacked the library with a mix of new releases, indie gems, and a few surprise classics—enough to keep the evenings busy without hunting for anything else.
One of the standouts is the new PBA (Professional Basketball Association) mode that’s been added, perfect if you’re into quick, competitive sports action. Alongside that, there are a couple of narrative-driven adventures that feel like a cozy night in, plus some high‑octane shooters that will get the adrenaline flowing if you’re looking for something more intense. All of them are ready to stream straight away, so just fire up the console and start exploring.
If you’re after something completely free, the Free Play Days window is open this weekend. That means a handful of titles are available to try without spending a dime—great for testing out games you’ve been curious about or just grabbing a quick session between chores. It’s a low‑commitment way to discover new favorites without worrying about a purchase.
And, of course, the Xbox Ultimate Game Sale is still rolling. Discounts are deep across a wide range of games, from big‑budget blockbusters to hidden indie treasures. It’s a good moment to snag a few titles you’ve been eyeing, especially if you plan to keep them in your library for the long haul. So, whether you’re looking to stream, try something new for free, or hunt for a deal, there’s plenty to keep you entertained all weekend long. Enjoy!
Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 642
The weekend’s heat is finally taking a breather in the UK, so it’s a good excuse to settle in with a controller without sweating through the night. A handful of games are making the rounds, giving you plenty of options whether you’re after a quick session or a longer marathon.
One title that keeps popping up in the chatter is the 2011 PS3 port of Daytona USA. Even after a decade, it still feels fresh thanks to SEGA AM2’s classic arcade‑driving DNA. The handling, the boost‑filled straights, and that unmistakable retro vibe make it a go‑to for anyone who loves a solid racing experience without the fuss.
If you’re looking to fill the cooler evenings with something that feels both familiar and exhilarating, give that port a spin. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best weekend plans are the simple ones: a bit of heat, a comfy couch, and a game that still knows how to make you smile.
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief for July 18th.
Wit here. July 18th. Seven pieces of comedy from the open web — let's see what stuck.
Let's get into it.
First, from The Hard Times. Hegseth to Personally Test Erection Strength of Each Soldier.
Pete Hegseth, the newly minted Secretary of War, has rolled out a program that will have him personally checking the erection strength of every male service member over thirty. The idea, according to sources inside the Pentagon, is that a harder… workforce will somehow outmatch rivals like Russia and China.
Moonshot AI’s Yang Zhilin presents Kimi K3 at GTC 2026, taking aim at OpenAI and Anthropic
Moonshot AI's Yang Zhilin unveiled Kimi K3 at GTC 2026, a 2.8T-parameter open-weight AI model backed by $2B in funding and a $20B valuation.
The post Moonshot AI’s Yang Zhilin presents Kimi K3 at GTC 2026, taking aim at OpenAI and Anthropic appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Live: Richmond decimated by Hawthorn in nightmare half as forwards run riot
So Richmond had a really tough time in the first half against Hawthorn, they just couldn't seem to get anything going. Hawthorn's forwards were on fire, kicking goal after goal, and by the end of the half, Richmond was in a pretty deep hole. The Hawks' offense was basically unstoppable, with their players working together seamlessly to create scoring opportunity after scoring opportunity.
Hawthorn's Mitch Lewis was one of the standout players, kicking multiple goals and getting congratulations from his teammates. The Richmond defense was struggling to keep up, and it showed in the score. The Tigers just couldn't seem to get their offense going, and as a result, they were down by a significant margin at the half.
It was a pretty bleak scene for Richmond, and it's going to be tough for them to come back from this. Hawthorn, on the other hand, is looking strong, and if they can keep up this level of play, they might be able to take the win. We'll have to see how the rest of the game goes, but so far, it's been all Hawthorn.
The game is still ongoing, but it's clear that Hawthorn is in control. Richmond needs to regroup and come up with a new strategy if they want to turn things around. For now, though, it's looking like a long shot.
Santa Pod at 60: Why home of drag racing is stronger than ever
Santa Pod Raceway in Bedfordshire is celebrating 60 years of hosting drag racing events. The track was established in 1966 by a group of British businessmen who bought Podington airfield, a former US Air Force bomber station. Today, it's Europe's premier drag racing venue, hosting 65 events a year and attracting millions of viewers online.
The track's owner, Keith Bartlett, is a key figure in the sport. He's 80 years old but looks and acts like a man half his age. Bartlett has been instrumental in transforming Santa Pod into the popular car culture destination it is today, hosting events like the Bug Jam Volkswagen festival.
Drag racing's popularity has been boosted by social media, with influencers playing a key role in attracting younger fans. The average age of drag racing fans has decreased to 22-35 years, down from 35-60 years a few years ago. The sport's 'blink and you'll miss it' action is a major draw for younger fans, who can see drivers compete in under six seconds.
While Top Fuel cars get a lot of attention, it's the doorslammers and less extreme racers that many youngsters relate to. These cars are more affordable and attainable for young drivers, who can see themselves competing in similar vehicles. Female drivers are also well-represented in the sport, with Brittany Force holding the current Top Fuel national record and Bartlett's wife, Susanne Callin, being the 2025 FIA Top Fuel champion.
Bartlett has plans to upgrade the track and introduce new events, including an EV race formula. He's passionate about the sport and believes that it's not just about speed, but also about skill and experience. Despite the high-tech nature of the Top Fuel cars, Bartlett is excited about the future of the sport and its potential to evolve and adapt to changing times.
Coinbase CEO Changed His Profile Picture and This Meme Coin Soared 37x
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong briefly swapped his X profile picture for a cartoon mascot. The move sent BRIAN, a meme coin on Coinbase’s Base network, surging.Its market cap jumped from under $1 million to $37 million in hours.
The token is officially named Coinbase Man. Developers sent roughly 80% of its 1 billion supply to Armstrong’s wallet at launch. The rally collapsed once Armstrong reverted to his original profile picture, a CryptoPunk NFT.
The Rally Behind BRIAN’s Surge
BRIAN’s climb followed a familiar pattern.
‘Love Is Inflation-Proof’: Americans Shrug Off Record-High Wedding Costs
Anyone whose vacation budget is already blown, thanks to tuxedo rentals, bridesmaid dresses destined for the back of the closet and airfare to the Chicago suburbs (substitute your childhood home here), knows that it’s peak wedding season.
More than three-quarters of the year’s marriage ceremonies occur between May and October, according to wedding-planning website The Knot.