Good morning. I have some exciting news for you. Today, indeed today, is Friday. Inform everyone you know. Spread the information. Friday is back, folks. And on this splendid Friday, I happily present to you the most recent edition of Morning Checkpoint, *Kotaku’s* daily compilation of video game news and other topics you may find interesting. Today, we explore what happened to an excellent *Black Ops 7* map, discover why *Hytale* is not launching on Steam, and contemplate high console prices.

### Used Xbox consoles are fetching some outrageous prices

Over on Reddit, individuals are shaking their heads in astonishment at the current state of used gaming console prices. In 2025, Microsoft is offering refurbished Xbox Series X consoles for $550. In 2020, I purchased an Xbox Series X at launch for $500. Microsoft is also selling pre-owned Xbox Series S consoles for $330. At launch, the smaller console was only $300, and you could frequently grab it for less if you could find a bargain.

These prices are ludicrous, yet not surprising given how costly consoles are in 2025, due to various factors such as tariffs, inflation, AI affecting demand, and every company aiming to increase profits. Regardless of the reasons for the high prices, it’s unfortunate that this is the first console generation where PlayStation and Xbox systems are pricier five years after their initial release. Moreover, prices are expected to continue rising for both new and used consoles. I can hardly wait to take out a small bank loan to afford a PlayStation 6.

### A well-liked *CoD: Black Ops 7* map has been inexplicably taken down

*Call of Duty: Black Ops 7*’s first season is currently live, and while it has introduced a plethora of new content to the online FPS, it has also removed something: the beloved Blackheart map. This was one of the original maps launched with *Black Ops 7* and rapidly became one of its most favored. But it’s gone now. Activision states it was removed “temporarily” from both private and public map pools as they investigate a vaguely mentioned “issue.” The map will return in a future, but-as-yet-undetermined update.

> 📢 Call of Duty: #BlackOps7
> Blackheart has been temporarily taken out from both Public and Private map pools while we look into an issue. It will make a comeback in an upcoming update.
> Details: [link](https://t.co/rmpoklhguD)

### Recently identified fish species receives *Dragon Ball*-inspired name

As noted by *Dexerto*, a recent discovery of a small fish was made deep in the ocean near an island off the coast of Japan. And, probably due to its vivid yellow markings across its body, the fish has been assigned the scientific name Vanderhorstia Supersaiyan. Indeed, this is a *Dragon Ball Z* fish. You can find further details about the fish [here](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10228-025-01047-6).

### Newly revived *Hytale* won’t launch on Steam

Earlier this year, *Minecraft*-inspired survival game *Hytale* was canceled by Riot Games. Then, in November, the original creator of the project managed to negotiate the rights back for the game, and now *Hytale* is back in development with some of the team that was previously working on it before it was shelved. However, when it launches in early access, you won’t be able to find it on Steam.

As detailed in a new FAQ on the game’s website, the developers plan to steer clear of Steam for a while to concentrate on its current community and enhance the game instead of pursuing “a surge of cold first impressions that could misdirect the game’s progress.” The post clarifies that the team is not trying to avoid “bad reviews,” but I imagine that’s part of the rationale for the team’s decision to stay away from Steam until the game reaches an acceptable state. A game on Steam with negative or mixed reviews can be tough to recover from. I’m curious to see if more teams choose this approach.

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