The final week of December 2025 turned into an absolute avalanche of gaming leaks and rumors. From major franchise announcements to hardware specifications, the industry couldn’t keep a secret if its life depended on it. Here’s everything that leaked, rumored, and surfaced this week in the gaming world.
Halo Master Chief Collection Coming to PlayStation and Switch 2
The biggest bombshell dropped when industry insider Jez Corden revealed that Halo: The Master Chief Collection is reportedly heading to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025. This marks a monumental shift for Xbox’s flagship franchise, which has been synonymous with Microsoft platforms for over two decades.
The leak came through Windows Central’s executive editor, who has a strong track record with Xbox-related scoops. According to the report, the Master Chief Collection won’t be alone. Microsoft Flight Simulator is also making the jump to PlayStation 5, and Corden suggested there are way more than just these two titles coming to competing platforms this year.
Evidence supporting the claim came from dataminer Grunt API, who discovered a mysterious Halo game listing in the PlayStation Network backend in June. The dataminer officially confirmed the presence of Halo on Sony’s retail API, noting that it’s marked as something distinct from the Master Chief Collection or Halo Infinite, though many believe it’s the previously rumored Halo Combat Evolved remake.
This development follows Microsoft’s increasingly multiplatform strategy. Forza Horizon 5 and Sea of Thieves already launched on PlayStation 5, and the remastered Gears of War arrived in August 2025. Xbox Gaming CEO Phil Spencer previously stated there’s no red line for exclusivity, confirming that yes, even Halo could appear on PlayStation someday. That day appears to be soon.
Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks Reach Absurd Levels
Nintendo’s refusal to officially announce the Switch 2 has reached the point of being downright ridiculous. Leaks continue pouring out from every direction, with third-party manufacturers, retailers, and even patent filings revealing details about the unacknowledged console.
Recent leaks came from a GameStop employee who shared new Switch 2 SKUs listed in the retailer’s internal systems. Third-party peripheral company Genki showcased accessories designed specifically for the unrevealed hardware at CES 2025, essentially confirming the console’s design and dimensions without Nintendo saying a word.
The leaked specifications paint an impressive picture. The Switch 2 allegedly features 12GB of RAM compared to the original Switch’s 4GB, along with 256GB of internal storage versus 32GB. Patent filings suggest AI-powered image upscaling technology, potentially using DLSS or similar tech to boost performance. There’s also a mysterious new C button on the right Joy-Con that has fans speculating about its function.
Nintendo confirmed the Switch 2 will be backward-compatible with original Switch games and will support Nintendo Switch Online. The company also stated they’ll announce the console by the end of March 2025, meaning the reveal is fast approaching. As for release date, the console won’t launch during Nintendo’s current financial year, placing it at April 2025 at the earliest.
Switch 2 Game Leaks
Multiple major titles have leaked for Switch 2 launch. Assassin’s Creed Shadows officially arrives on December 2, 2025 for the new console, with French retailers confirming it as another controversial Game-Key Card release requiring downloads rather than being fully contained on a cartridge.
Call of Duty is reportedly coming to Switch 2 soon after a December 22 leak revealed the port is nearly finished. Back in 2023, Activision Blizzard signed a 10-year deal with Nintendo to bring Call of Duty to their consoles. The delay stemmed from developers not having access to Switch 2 dev kits, with Nintendo allegedly restricting hardware access to prevent exploits and hacking before launch.
One of 2025’s most acclaimed indie titles, Dispatch, leaked for both Switch and Switch 2 through the Australian Nintendo eShop. The listing claims a January 29 release date, though neither Nintendo nor developer AdHoc Studio have officially confirmed the port.
Epic Games Store Holiday Giveaway Leak
A massive leak allegedly revealed Epic Games Store’s entire December 2025 mystery game lineup. Originating from Chinese social media, the list includes some genuinely shocking titles if proven accurate.
The leaked schedule claims Loop Hero for December 23, LEGO Batman for December 24, and builds toward major AAA giveaways at month’s end. Detroit: Become Human, Mortal Kombat 11, and most shockingly, Red Dead Redemption 2 allegedly cap off December 31. Hogwarts Legacy was already confirmed earlier in the month, lending some credibility to the leak.
However, serious red flags suggest the list is likely fake. Multiple games aren’t currently available on Epic Games Store, including Mortal Kombat 11. The Christmas Day slot lists Commander Keen, a relatively minor title, while saving massive releases like Red Dead Redemption 2 for the end of December. That doesn’t align with Epic’s historical pattern of offering bigger games on Christmas Day itself.
The December 23 mystery game was actually revealed as Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, not Loop Hero as the leak claimed. This essentially confirms the viral list was fabricated, though genuine Epic holiday giveaway leaks have happened in previous years with remarkable accuracy.
Xbox Game Pass December Additions
Microsoft officially announced the Xbox Game Pass December 2025 lineup, headlined by Mortal Kombat 11 arriving on December 15. The month kicked off strong with Marvel Cosmic Invasion as a day one Game Pass launch on December 1.
December 4 brought Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to Game Pass Premium for cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X/S. The adventure title from MachineGames and Bethesda generated significant buzz as one of the year’s surprise hits. Routine also launched day one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass the same day.
The full December lineup includes Stellaris, World War Z: Aftermath, and Medieval Dynasty on December 3. December 15 adds Still Wakes the Deep and Wildfrost alongside Mortal Kombat 11. The month closes with Carrion and Hell Let Loose joining on December 31, giving subscribers plenty of options heading into 2026.
Major December Game Releases
Beyond leaks and rumors, several major titles officially launched this week. Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally arrived on December 2 after multiple delays, bringing Ubisoft’s massive feudal Japan adventure to current-gen consoles and Switch 2.
Destiny 2: Renegades, the latest expansion for Bungie’s looter shooter, dropped December 2 for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC. The expansion introduces new storylines continuing the ongoing narrative while adding fresh activities and weapons.
Elden Ring Nightreign: The Forsaken Hollows DLC launched December 4 for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC. FromSoftware’s follow-up to the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion brings new areas, bosses, and lore to the critically acclaimed action RPG.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 made its surprising PlayStation 5 debut on December 8, marking another Xbox exclusive making the jump to Sony’s platform. The simulation title showcases impressive visuals and realistic flight mechanics optimized for PS5 hardware.
PlayStation Plus December Leak
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium December 2025 games leaked ahead of official announcement. The list includes Assassin’s Creed Mirage as the headliner, offering subscribers the 2023 action-adventure set in 9th century Baghdad. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, the challenging action RPG from Team Ninja, also joins the service. Soulcalibur III rounds out the leaked additions, bringing classic fighting action to PS Plus Premium subscribers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Halo officially coming to PlayStation?
No official announcement has been made. The report comes from industry insider Jez Corden and evidence found in PlayStation Network backend code by dataminer Grunt API. Microsoft has not confirmed Halo: The Master Chief Collection for PlayStation or Switch 2.
When will Nintendo announce Switch 2?
Nintendo confirmed they will announce the Switch 2 by the end of their fiscal year on March 31, 2025. The console won’t launch during that fiscal year, meaning the earliest release date is April 2025. Based on leaks, a full reveal seems imminent in early 2025.
Is the Epic Games Store free game leak real?
No, the viral leak claiming Red Dead Redemption 2 and other major titles appears to be fake. The December 23 game was revealed as Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, not Loop Hero as the leak stated. Multiple games on the leaked list aren’t even available on Epic Games Store.
What’s the biggest game on Xbox Game Pass in December?
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launching day one on December 4 is the biggest addition. The MachineGames-developed adventure received critical acclaim. Mortal Kombat 11 joining December 15 is also a significant addition for fighting game fans.
Will Call of Duty come to Nintendo Switch 2?
According to a December 22 leak, a Call of Duty port for Switch 2 is nearly finished and could launch soon. Activision signed a 10-year deal with Nintendo in 2023 to bring the franchise to their consoles. No official release date has been announced.
What games are confirmed for Switch 2 launch?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is confirmed for December 2, 2025 on Switch 2. Multiple developers have openly discussed releasing games on the unannounced console. Based on retailer leaks and eShop listings, dozens of titles are in development for the platform.
Are Xbox exclusives going multiplatform permanently?
Xbox has adopted an increasingly multiplatform strategy. Phil Spencer stated there’s no red line for exclusivity, meaning any Xbox game could potentially appear on competing platforms. Sea of Thieves, Forza Horizon 5, and Gears of War have already made the jump to PlayStation 5.
What This All Means
This week’s deluge of leaks reveals an industry in transition. Microsoft’s walls around Xbox exclusivity are crumbling as Game Pass becomes the primary focus rather than hardware sales. Nintendo continues its bizarre silence about Switch 2 even as every detail leaks publicly. Third-party publishers are scrambling to support new hardware while managing increasingly expensive development cycles.
The Halo on PlayStation leak, if accurate, represents a seismic shift in gaming’s platform wars. For 20 years, Master Chief defined Xbox. Bringing that franchise to Sony’s console acknowledges that hardware exclusivity matters less than reaching the broadest possible audience. It’s a pragmatic business decision that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
Switch 2’s inevitable reveal will likely feel anticlimactic given how much information has already leaked. Nintendo’s tight control over messaging completely collapsed as third-party manufacturers decided showing products at trade shows mattered more than respecting Nintendo’s secrecy. The console will still sell phenomenally well, backward compatibility ensures the massive Switch install base can transition smoothly.
As we head into 2026, expect even more boundaries to dissolve. Platform exclusivity is dying except for first-party flagship titles, and even those are increasingly fair game for multiplatform releases a year or two after initial launch. Gaming is becoming platform-agnostic, focused on services and ecosystems rather than plastic boxes under televisions.
For players, this is overwhelmingly positive news. More games on more platforms means greater accessibility. The downside is that hardware differentiation becomes harder to justify when everything eventually goes everywhere. But that’s a problem for console manufacturers to solve, not consumers. This week’s leaks remind us that in the modern gaming industry, secrets don’t stay secret for long. And honestly, that’s probably for the best.