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Whether building a surround sound setup or simply investing in a quality home speaker, Sonos deals are essential to keeping costs low while securing excellent audio. It's easy to get carried away syncing multiple speakers for a full surround sound experience, but such a luxury audio system is well within reach if you play your cards right. After all, we're seeing more and more Sonos sales offering significant discounts across the range, so whether you're after premium or budget models, prices are looking pretty good these days.Sonos speaker systems offer a wide range of wireless connectivity options to get your music pumping throughout your home. They can tap into your personal collection of MP3s as well as streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. From soundbars to subwoofers, there are Sonos speakers for all occasions—though if you don't pick them up during sales seasons, be prepared for premium pricing.We have hot deals for the whole line-up, including the Sonos Era 100, Sonos Roam 2, Sonos Beam (Gen 2), and the Sonos Arc. Don't forget to check for Sonos promo codes, too.

Today's best Sonos sales and deals

(Image credit: Sonos)

Sonos Era 100 dealsA fantastic upgrade to the Sonos OneDimensions: 7.2" x 4.7" x 5.1" | Weight: 4.45 lbs | Power supply: 100-240V 50/60Hz internal power supply | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: YesImpressive BassCompact design3.5mm line-in option and BluetoothExpensive

The Sonos Era 100 was released in 2023 with a launch price of $249 / £249 / AU$399, which is more expensive than the popular Sonos One speaker. The Sonos Era 100 is an upgrade to the Sonos 100 with the addition of Bluetooth and more connection possibilities, including an adapter that can add a 3.5mm line-in. You're getting room-filling sound with more bass, excellent detail and clarity, and stereo playback, thanks to the two side-firing tweets. The Sonos Era 100 also features hands-free control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, a beautiful compact design, and Trueplay technology, which analyzes the acoustics of your space to optimize your speaker's EQ.

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Sonos Roam 2Dimensions: 6.6" x 2.4" x 2.3" | Weight: .95 lbs | Power supply: 5V/1.5A (7.5W) USB power adapter | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: YesImpressive audioLightweight, portable designExpensiveOnly 10 hours of battery life

The Sonos Roam 2 was released in 2024 and is our pick for the best Sonos portable speaker. The Roam 2 features a rugged design with an IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating and weighs just under a pound, making it highly lightweight if you're in the market for an ultra-portable speaker. You're also getting impressive audio with powerful, rich sound and a balanced experience that Sonos speakers are known for, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.The Sonos Roam 2 retails for $179 / £179 / AU$299 and is available in Black, White, Olive, Sunset, or Wave. While this is pricey for a portable speaker, you can frequently find deals at third-party retailers like Amazon.Read our full review: Sonos Roam 2

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Sonos Beam Gen 2Impressive sound in a compact designDimensions: 2.68" x 25.6" x 3.9" | Weight: 6.35 lbs | Power supply: Auto-switching 100-240V, 50/60Hz AC universal input | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: YesRoom-filling soundVirtual Dolby Atmos supportCompact designExpensive

Released in 2021, the 2nd generation Sonos Beam remains one of the best mid-range soundbars from the company. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 features a compact, sleek design, allowing you to easily situate it beneath your TV and seamlessly blend in. Despite its size, the Sonos Beam can still fill your home with sound, delivering impressive audio with Atmost and HDMI eARC compatibility.The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is also a great choice if you're looking for a Sonos soundbar under $500 / £500. It had a starting price of $449 / £449 / $699 at launch, and because it's been on the shelves for a couple of years now, you can find frequent discounts on the soundbar.Read our full review: Sonos Beam Gen 2

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Sonos Arc dealsThe best soundbar you can buyDimensions: 5.1" x 2" x 5" | Weight: 24.6 lbs | Power supply: Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz AC universal input | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: YesFantastic sound qualitySleek, discreet designDolby Atmos, TrueHD, and Dolby Digital PlusExpensiveOnly one HDMI port

Launched in 2020, the Sonoc Arc is still the company's best soundbar, thanks to the immersive Dolby Atmos experience. Whether listening to music, watching a movie, or playing a video game, you'll feel like you're in the center of the action - no other speakers needed. The Sonos Arc is also easy to set up and features a sleek, discreet design mounted to a wall or beneath a TV.At launch, the Sonos Arc cost $799 / £799 / AU$1,399, but after a price hike, it now retails for $899 / £899 / AU$1,499. Discounts are few and far between, so if you see the Sonos speaker on sale, you should take advantage.Read our full review: Sonos Arc

Sonos One dealsSonos and Amazon's Alexa is a match made in heavenDimensions: 4.8" x 4.8" x 6.4" | Weight: 3.92 lbs | Power supply: Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz AC universal input | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: YesFull-bodied, rich sound Combines best of Alexa and Sonos Plays music while Alexa is muted

Sonos and Alexa, Amazon's smart personal assistant, are a perfect match for one another - it's almost a wonder it's taken this long for the two of them to meet. Regardless, the Sonos One is here now, and it combines the best of both worlds. The One is able to call upon Alexa to answer basic inquiries, adjust appointments on your calendar, and, for Amazon Prime members, voice access to Amazon's expansive Music Unlimited library.Read our full review: Sonos One

(Image credit: Sonos)

Sonos Beam dealsSonos Beam makes the soundbar integral to your music listening routineDimensions: 25.6" x 2.7" x 3.9" | Weight: 6.35 lbs | HDMI ARC?: Yes | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: NoGreat compact designHDMI ARC compatibleSuperb soundApp isn't home theater friendlyNo Dolby AtmosDifficult non-HDMI ARC set-up

It was a long time coming, but the Sonos Beam was finally a Sonos soundbar worth waiting for. With a design small enough to match most TVs, it's equipped with smart features, innovation and exquisite sound that impresses. There are a few issues worth pointing out (the lack of Dolby Atmos at the price disappoints), but the way the speaker fits in with the rest of the Sonos eco-system makes it a must-have for those that have invested in other Sonos devices.Providing you've got a HDMI-ARC compatible TV (which most modern ones are) it's easy to set-up and, if you've got other compatible Sonos speakers, it's a simple way to get wireless surround sound for your movies, too.Read our review: Sonos Beam

Sonos Sub dealsLove bass-heavy music genres? You're going to need thisDimensions: 15.3" x 6.2" x 15.8" | Weight: 36.3 lbs | Speakers: 2 | Power supply: Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz 2A AC universal input | Wireless: WiFi | Voice control ?: YesAdds hefty amount of bassSuper easy set upStrange designCostly addition

Sonos systems are great. Like seriously great. We want to call them perfect, and yet without some sort of low-end support they just aren't. For that you need the Sonos Sub, the additional audio piece that adds a hefty amount of bass to your favorite music genres. The design here is a bit funky, we'll admit, but hey, if you were looking for a conversation starter (and ender) at your next house party, this is it. That said, it's 15.3 x 15.8 x 6.2 inches (389 x 402 x 158 mm) and weighs 36.3 lbs (16 kg). It's available in two colors – premium white gloss and premium black gloss – that can match either your Playbar or Play:5 speaker. Inside you'll find two Class-D amplifiers, two force-cancelling speaker drivers and dual acoustic ports that help the Sub reach a low frequency of about 25Hz.Read our hands on review: Sonos Sub

So what’s a good deal for Sonos speakers?

Good deals are subjective, obviously. But if we were in your shoes, we’d wait for at least a $50/£35/AU$75-off sale. These happen around the holidays, mostly, but do happen sporadically throughout the year as well.If you’re looking for a recommendation, your best bet is to start your Sonos system with a Play:5, the big brother of the bunch, and work your way down. We also have a soft spot in our heart for the Playbar (it’s on our best soundbar list, after all) and a Play One is a great pick for kitchens, bedrooms and studies.If you want the latest and greatest from Sonos, check out the brand-new Sonos Playbase – it's a speaker and TV stand all in one package. OK, without further ado, here are the best Sonos deals we’ve found today.

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Kirby Air Riders has been revealed at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct ShowcaseThe game is launching exclusively on the Switch 2 in 2025The racing spin-off will be directed by Kirby and Smash Bros. Masahiro Sakurai

Nintendo has announced Kirby Air Riders, a new racing game coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.The return of Kirby was revealed during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct with a charming trailer showing the adorable pink blob soaring through the skies on a motorized star.Although there wasn't gameplay footage, Kirby can be seen racing against a few other characters in their unique-looking vehicles through a vibrant race track.According to Nintendo, Kirby Air Riders will be directed by Kirby and Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai and is a racing game spinoff of the original Kirby Air Ride that was originally released on GameCube over 20 years ago.

Kirby Air Riders is a Switch 2 exclusive and you won't have to wait long to get your hands on the console, as Nintendo has finally announced that it will be launching on June 5, 2025.Although pricing details weren't revealed during the broadcast, it was later revealed that preorders open on April 8, and the console will cost you $449.99 / £395.99.The Direct also saw the return of Donkey Kong in a new 3D platformer, Donkey Kong Bananza, which is launching exclusively on the Switch 2 on July 17, 2025, as well as the reveal of Mario Kart World, another exclusive launching the same day as the Switch 2.

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Mario Kart World is arriving exclusively alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 when it hits store shelves on June 5. The day-and-date release of the latest iteration in the series was confirmed in the company's Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, along with a totally new feature: off-road driving.

That's right, Mario Kart World will allow you to "drive virtually everywhere." That means you can grind down railings, jump off walls and even drive off the race track. You can also enter a mode called Free Roam which let's you simply drive around and enjoy the scenery with friends. Cue me as my forever choice Yoshi excitedly driving across the globe.

Unsurprisingly, with a name like Mario Kart World, the courses will take place in regions around a contiguous game world. You'll also get a bit more of an immersive experience as Nintendo is going to change things up based on the time of day and the weather.

When it comes to a four-race Grand Prix, Nintendo is even having you do the legwork and drive between the courses. How you do along the way will impact your standing in the competition. There's also a new mode called Knockout Tour, which takes you from one end of the globe to another — but with elimination checkpoints along the way. You must be above the place listed on the screen, say eighth for example, or you'll get kicked out of the race. Oh and did we mention there's now 24 drivers, upping the competition?

A new Mario Kart game for the Switch 2 isn't exactly a surprise. We got a first look at a potential Mario Kart game back in January, when Nintendo released a first-look at the Switch 2. But now we have a bona fide preview on Nintendo's site, as well as YouTube (below).

Unfortunately, this same info dump confirmed a less exciting development: The game will retail for a whopping $80 when it arrives on June 5. However, you can save $30 by opting for a bundle that packs the title in with the Switch 2 hardware for $500.

Nintendo will announce more information about Mario Kart World during another Nintendo Direct on April 17.

Updated 12:21PM ET to add details on pricing and bundle. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/mario-kart-world-headed-to-switch-2-with-24-player-races-and-an-80-price-tag-134117599.html?src=rss

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is launching in Winter 2025The news arrived as part of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct todayBoth The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will also receive Nintendo Switch 2 editions

Grab your Master Sword, you've pulled; by which I mean Zelda fans have some good news as part of today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.The said news comes in the form of an official announcement for the next installment in the Hyrule Warriors series, the Age of Imprisonment, which (spoiler alert) follows Zelda's time travel adventure, which runs parallel to Link's in Tears of the Kingdom.In a two-minute segment, we saw the Princess of Hyrule take up arms alongside King Rauru and Queen Sonia, battling Ganondorf's army alongside the other Sages. Zelda was playable in the last title Age of Calamity, which took place 100 years before the events of Breath of the Wild, but given her journey through the ages was a solo venture, she'll likely be the primary playable character in this one.

Alongside this news, we also learned that both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will not only be backward compatible but there will also be Switch 2 Editions that bring new features to the games. These will be available to purchase, or you can snag them for free with an existing Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.Not only will these upgraded editions herald higher resolution, smoother gameplay, and HDR support, but you'll also be able to use the new Nintendo Switch Online app for Android and iOS to access further features like “Zelda’s Notes”.In a further video announcement (embedded above), Nintendo also revealed additional voice memories, the ability to send your friends in-game items, player data, new in-app achievements, daily bonuses, and a photo studio. This comes in addition to the shareable Tears of the Kingdom creations and Hyrule GPS shown in the Nintendo Direct live stream.Elsewhere in the presentation, it was announced that the Switch 2 is launching on June 5, 2025. Preorders open on April 8 and will cost you $449.99 / £395.99.

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Sony has announced its 2025 home audio lineup, and the new offerings include a 3.1.2-channel soundbar, a 5.1-channel soundbar system, and wireless surround speakers.The new models join Sony’s existing home audio lineup, which is led by the Bravia Theater Quad wireless Dolby Atmos speaker system, and Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 and Sony Bravia Theater Bar 8 soundbars.Also continuing in 2025 are the A3000 Dolby Atmos soundbar and S-series HT-2000, S400, and S100F soundbars. The SW5 and SW3 and RS5 and RS35 wireless surround speakers will also carry over into 2025.Pricing and availability for the new Sony soundbars and speakers have not yet been announced.

Bravia Theater Bar 6

(Image credit: sony)

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is a 3.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar with a dedicated center speaker plus upfiring speakers to convey height effects in Atmos soundtracks. It comes with a wireless subwoofer and supports DTS:X.Proprietary sound-enhancing features in the Theater Bar 6 include S-Force Pro Front Surround and Vertical Surround Engine. It also supports Sony’s Voice Zoom 3 feature when used with a compatible Sony Bravia TV, along with Bluetooth streaming for music.

Bravia Theater System 6

(Image credit: sony)

The Sony Bravia Theater System 6 is a 5.1-channel system powered by 1,000 watts. It’s comprised of a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and two surround sound speakers that connect to a wireless amp.According to Sony, the Theater System 6 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and features Multi Stereo processing for an immersive music experience. Like the Theater Bar 6, it has S-Force Pro Front Surround and Vertical Surround Engine, along with Sony’s Voice Zoom 3 feature when paired with a compatible Sony Bravia TV. Bluetooth wireless support is also onboard.

Bravia Theater Rear 8

(Image credit: sony)

The Theater Rear 8 is an upgraded wireless surround sound speaker option for the company’s various soundbars. It has a rounded design that matches the form factor of the company’s Theater Bar 8 and 9 soundbars, along with a new fabric grille.A four-channel amplifier in the Theater Rear 8 provides a power boost over the current RS3S wireless surround speaker. Like that model, it also supports Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping for a more immersive surround sound experience.We look forward to soon getting our hands on the new Sony audio lineup to see how it compares to the best soundbars.

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Nintendo just wrapped its April 2, 2025, Direct stream all about the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s safe to say we learned a boatload of new information about the much-anticipated console.For one, it’s coming in hot, landing on June 5, 2025, with several new hardware features and a slew of new games and expansion packs for existing ones.So whether you want the down low on the cost, what the new ‘C’ button is, or the major new titles like Donkey Kong Bananza or Mario Kart World, read on for the 11 things we learned about the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, with preorders on April 8

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If you’re eager to put your Switch or Switch OLED to the side, you won’t have to wait much longer. The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, in two configurations: the standard console and one bundled with a code to download Mario Kart World.Here’s a look at pricing:

Nintendo Switch 2: $449.99 / £395.99Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World: $499.99 / £429.99

Preorders will kick off on April 8, 2025, and the console releases on June 5, 2025.

It comes with 256GB of storage, 8x the first Switch

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Considering that a laundry list of games has been shown off, it’s good news that Nintendo is significantly expanding its starting storage. The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB of storage, eight times the original Switch's capacity.This should mean you’ll have plenty of room to download games right out of the box, and you'll be able to expand it with a microSD express card.

Mario Kart World is nearly entirely open-world with dynamic elements

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The Nintendo Direct kicked off with a deep dive into Mario Kart World, and it simply looks incredible. For starters, you can still have 24 karts racing at once, but you’re no longer limited to just the track.Nintendo turned Mario Kart into an open-world title in that you can drive off the courses and into the vast world (as described) encompassing several regions. You can even drive yourself after one race concludes to the start of the next one. The lands in the game will be dynamic based on your region for both time of day and weather conditions.From the scenes shown, it looks very impressive and is very worthy of being the launch title for the console. We'll learn more about it during a dedicated Nintendo Direct on April 17, 2025.

We finally know what the ‘C’ button is for

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In the lead-up, teaser photos showed off a new ‘C’ button on the right Joy-Con, and we can now confirm it’s for a new voice chat service exclusive to the Switch 2. Dubbe GameChat, you can chat with up to four folks while in game. There is even the ability to share your screen, and courtesy of the built-in microphone, Nintendo promises you’ll sound crystal clear thanks to voice isolation.While you’ll eventually need Nintendo Switch Online to use GameChat, it will be free as a trial for all users at launch – likely to encourage sign-ups. There will also be a video component, as Nintendo showed off the Switch 2 Camera that can plug right into the console via USB-C to enable video calls. This way, you can share your scree,n and your friends can see and hear you. The Switch 2 Camera will also launch on June 5 for $49.99.Beyond the ‘C’ button on Joy-Con 2, it’s also on the new Pro Controller and a limited-edition GameCube controller exclusive to Switch Online subscribers.

The best way to play your favorite games

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Switch 2 Edition games are older titles upgraded for the new console, and they might be one of the best reasons to pick up a Switch 2 on launch.Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, and even new games like Pokemon Legends Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, will all perform better on the new hardware.Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will be available physically and digitally, and owners of the original games can upgrade to the enhanced version for a fee.More Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will be released in the future, but this is an excellent incentive for Nintendo Switch owners to upgrade to the latest console. Games like 2024’s Tears of the Kingdom struggled to run smoothly on the original Switch, but now they should run flawlessly like a AAA game made in 2024.

Switch 2 just got one of the DS’s best features

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GameShare is the spiritual successor to Download Play, a local multiplayer feature that was discontinued with the launch of the original Nintendo Switch.Nintendo Switch 2 users will be able to play locally with their friends in games like Mario Kart World without needing a second cartridge. That means you’ll be able to have races with all your friends as long as they own the new console.However, Nintendo hasn’t announced exactly what games will be compatible with GameShare yet. Even so, seeing the feature return with the new console is exciting, especially considering the June 5 launch date, which is perfect for your summer vacations.

Something beefy is powering it

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Yes, Nintendo rattled off many specs about Switch 2, including the fact that the 7.9-inch screen is an HD LCD panel with support for HDR and 120 frames per second refresh rate, as well as two USB-C ports. Even so, though, we don’t know what processor is exactly powering the next-generation console.We simply know it’s pretty powerful, though, as Cyberpunk 2077 is confirmed to arrive on the Switch 2. That’s a pretty spec-heavy game, so it’ll undoubtedly be more powerful than the first Switch or even the Switch OLED.Plus, this system on a chip will also support the 256GB storage’s faster read and write speeds, power two USB-C ports, and enable faster read speeds on the new Game Cards.

'Silksong' and a new 'Hyrule Warriors' get 2025 releases

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Silksong might have only received five seconds of screen time, but for Hollow Knight fans eagerly awaiting the game’s release, that – and a 2025 release year confirmation – is more than enough. No clown makeup is needed today, folks.We also got a brand new Hyrule Warriors title. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment will be set during the Imprisoning War we see glimpses of during Tears of the Kingdom, with this new title looking to serve as Tears’ version of Breath of the Wilds’ Hyrule Warriors tie-in Age of Calamity.Will this new game also feature a topsy-turvy time travel component? We’ll find out when the game releases sometime this year.

There’s a new Pro controller coming

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Among a few other accessories revealed alongside the Switch 2, such as the Switch 2 camera and Joy-Con 2 controllers, Nintendo confirmed that a new full-size gamepad, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, will be released.Sporting a similar asymmetrical stick layout as its predecessor, it’s got a slightly different aesthetic with a black and gray colorway that makes it look pretty slick. It’ll also feature the C button for GameChat functionality and an audio jack port for connecting a headset, which is a new feature and adds another string to the controller's bow.Elsewhere, it’ll feature HD Rumble 2, built-in amiibo functionality, motion controls, and GL/GR buttons that can be mapped to any button you like. We also know the pricing: the Switch Pro 2 Controller will cost you $79.99 / £74.99, which is a fair chunk of change.

GameCube games coming to Switch Online

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One of the best software announcements for many was that classic GameCube titles, starting with The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soul Caliber 2, and F-Zero GX, will be available on the Switch Online service.If the list seems a little short, don’t fret. Nintendo has said other titles, including Pokémon Colosseum, Super Mario Sunshine, and Luigi’s Mansion, are set to hit the service at some point.The titles will be available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 to players who subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which costs $49.99 / £34.99 / AU$59.95 for a 12-month subscription.Beyond the new GameCube titles, players can access a library of games from other Nintendo Systems like the N64 and GameBoy Advance.

There is a new Donkey Kong title coming in July

(Image credit: Nintendo)

While it won't be out on June 5, 2025, Donkey Kong fans should mark the calendar for July 17, 2025. That's when Donkey Kong Bananza – a Switch 2 exclusive – will launch and it looks incredible.It's a new 3D platformer featuring Donkey Kong and you'll be smashing and bashing your way through an underground world. Of course, you'll likely encounter mine kart rides – I mean, would it be a Donkey Kong title without that? – and it seems like the main character has some new abilities like wall climbing.

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England's top-tier soccer league will soon use optical tracking to automate portions of offside calls. The Premier League said on Tuesday it will adopt semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) in live matches beginning on April 12. The league said the new tech won't change the accuracy of offside calls, but it will make them 30 seconds faster on average.

SAOT uses sensors from up to 30 cameras mounted high above the field in each Premier League stadium. They track the ball's precise location and up to 10,000 surface data points for each player. The sports tech company Genius Sports explains that the tech "provides more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, using optical player tracking, and generates virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for fans."

Premier League

For the uninitiated, offsides is called in soccer when the attacking team's lead player is closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender. (The last defender is usually the goalie.) In recent years, the Premier League defaulted to the offsite Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team, which would determine the kick-point (the moment the lead attacker's teammate passes it) and add calibrated lines with a crosshair for the attacker and defender's locations at that time.

SAOT cuts a big chunk out of this (often lengthy) process by suggesting the kick-point and automatically creating offside lines based on the relevant defender and attacker's positions. The VAR team still has a chance to review the algorithm's suggestion before approving it.

At that point, a "decision visual" like the one below will roll for the fans in the stadium and those watching the broadcast at home to help clarify the call. The animation shows a white vertical wall representing the offside line, with a red (offside) or green (onside) line indicating whether the player crossed it.

This SAOT decision visual shows the attacker's right arm crossing the offside line.Premier League

VAR will still be available as a backup for offside calls. "Most offside decisions will be quicker, but VAR will still have the option to draw crosshairs as a backup to the SAOT system if required," the Premier League explained. "This process may be necessary in 'edge cases' where several players block the view of the ball or other players for the system's cameras."

This isn't the first use of the tech. The Premier League has tested it in non-live matches and in live FA Cup games. The BBC notes that SAOT was also used in the 2022 World Cup, Serie A, La Liga and the Champions League. The Premier League's version is a custom offshoot that Genius Sports developed with PGMOL (the referees' organization) and the league itself. Unlike previous adaptations, the Premier League's version doesn't put a chip inside the ball.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/the-premier-league-will-speed-up-offside-calls-with-optical-tracking-tech-starting-next-week-163327195.html?src=rss

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is officialIt has three new buttons, including the 'C' button and the new GL and GR buttonsAnd there's finally a 3.5mm headphone jack

As part of the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, we also got a new Pro Controller to go with the hybrid console.You’ll need to squint a bit at the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller to immediately spot any differences from the current Switch Pro Controller, other than the shoulder and triggers being rendered in a light grey rather than black.But let your gaze linger on the controller and you’ll spy the new C button that triggers the Game Chat features; this is the first baked-in chat function Nintendo has brought to its console.And there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack, which seems like a small thing but wasn’t a feature on the previous Pro Controller, despite Xbox and PlayStation controllers having such a jack for years.Thanks to the technical wizardry of wireless audio passthrough, this means you’ll be able to play the Switch 2 in docked mode and get sound to your headphones when they are plugged into the Switch 2 Pro Controller. Hardly revolutionary, but a welcome addition.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Another new feature is the new GL and GR buttons that sit on the back of the grip handles.“Players can assign any button inputs they want to these two new buttons. What's more, the assigned button inputs are saved for each game as well as each player. So you can easily customize them by assigning button inputs that you frequently use to them, or buttons that are hard to reach at the same time,” explained Kouichi Kawamoto, a producer at Nintendo's entertainment, planning and development department. “For example, if you assign the Capture Button to the GL Button, you can use it to take screenshots without taking your thumb off the L Stick.”

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Outside of these new… features, you won’t find much else that’s fresh, as the Switch 2 Pro still comes with Bluetooth connectivity, HD rumble, NFC support for use with amiibo models and cards, and the Switch 2 Pro Controller also has gyroscopic aiming for games that support it.I rather liked the original Switch Pro Controller, though I do wish it had analog triggers to modulate inputs, and that’s not the case with this new controller. Priced at $79.99 / £74.99 (Australian pricing is TBC but would likely be around AU$125), the Switch 2 Pro Controller is a little pricier than its predecessors, but that’s unfortunately the overall theme of the Switch 2 and console gaming in general.While I don’t think the Switch 2 Pro Controller will be an essential purchase, I do feel it’ll be the controller to get if you plan on playing the Switch 2 docked a lot.Want more Switch 2 news and views? Then head on over to our Nintendo Switch 2 Direct live blog for a blow-by-blow account of what was announced at the latest Direct.

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What do John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González and Domhnall Gleeson have in common with Sherlock director Guy Ritchie and one of U2's biggest hits? They're all right here in the newly released trailer for Fountain of Youth, a new movie exclusive coming to Apple TV+.

According to Apple, it's an epic quest filled with adventure. And it looks like it'll be fun in a kind of Indiana Jones, Uncharted kinda way.

(Image credit: Apple TV+)

What is the Fountain of Youth?

In mythology, the Fountain of Youth is the ultimate water feature: if you can find it, it'll make you immortal. And according to the synopsis, that's exactly what the characters in this movie are hoping to discover.Here's Apple TV Plus's description: "Fountain of Youth” follows two estranged siblings (John Krasinski and Academy Award winner Natalie Portman) who partner on a global heist to find the mythological Fountain of Youth. They must use their knowledge of history to follow clues on an epic adventure that will change their lives … and possibly lead to immortality."Written by James Vanderbilt (Scream, Zodiac, White House Down) and directed by Guy Ritchie (The Gentlemen, Snatch, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), this promises to be a kinetic adventure: Ritchie's great at action, and Vanderbilt's work is usually a lot of fun. More details are currently under wraps, but the film will be available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+ from May 23, 2025.

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The Samsung Galaxy tri-fold phone may launch in China and Korea only, if a new rumor is anything to go byAlso, a new patent filing suggests Samsung has created a design for a quad-fold phone with three hingesSamsung has not acknowledged either the rumor or the patent

At this year’s first Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung hinted that it’s working on a multi-fold phone – also referred to as a tri-fold phone – which has since come to be known on the rumor mill as the Samsung Galaxy G Fold.However, a new rumor suggests that keen Samsung fans in many parts of the world could be left disappointed by the Galaxy G Fold’s availability at launch.As GSMArena reports, listings were discovered in the GSM Association’s database for two new Samsung model numbers, SM-F968N and SM-F9680. It’s suspected that these refer to the supposed multi-fold phone.The report adds that Samsung typically uses the N suffix for phones destined for its home market of South Korea, while a code ending in 0 denotes a Chinese release.There are no other listings for the SM-F968 at the moment, which suggests the phone will be coming to China and Korea first and foremost.It’s also possible that Samsung isn’t planning a wider release for the Galaxy G Fold – we previously saw a similar release for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold SE in October 2024, and that phone has yet to appear on store shelves outside of China and Korea.However, this would seem like an odd choice considering the company previously teased multi-fold devices at the globally-streamed Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event in January.

A fourth fold?

(Image credit: SamMobile)

Though we haven’t even had official confirmation of a specific tri-fold device from Samsung, another rumor suggests that the company could be pushing ahead with the next stage of folding phone evolution.A patent uncovered by SamMobile shows that Samsung has patented a new design that would allow for a three-hinged, four-panelled folding phone.The design features a hinge right in the middle of the inner display, with the phone folding inwards on either side.We don’t know whether Samsung intends to make this design a reality any time soon – it could just be an example of them sitting on intellectual property.In any case, if Samsung does skip over the West with the Galaxy G Fold, I hope we're at least considered for any quad-fold phones that crop up in years to come.

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Beats headphone deals are far more commonplace these days. The previously premium cups have taken some serious price cuts over the years, which means cheap Beats headphones are often lining the shelves if you're browsing at the right time. We often see these headphones taking heavier discounts during holiday sales but if you're browsing outside of an event, there are still likely to be some solid offers on the table.For you Beats deals hunters, that means some fantastic cheap Beats Headphones sales on the older models, although the new ones are often for sale as well. Thankfully, there are Beats Headphones prices for everyone as well, as prices range from just $69/£69 to $249/£249.We're helping you find all the latest Beats headphone deals right here, with our price comparison software running through all the biggest offers on the web every half hour. Whether you're after one of the more luxurious models or a budget pick, you'll find all the lowest prices right here.Beats headphones are something of an institution when it comes to consumer audio tech and are absolutely up there with the very best brands when it comes to popularity. Acquired by Apple back in the heady days of 2014, the Beats brand has gone from strength to strength and now encompasses a wide range of over-ear headphones and in-ear earphones, including some of the best wireless headphones.

Today's best Beats headphone deals

The best Beats headphone deals

(Image credit: Beats)

1. Beats Solo Buds (2024)Best earbuds for battery lifeDesign: In-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 18h | NFC: No | Controls: Touch | Weight: 5.7g | Colors available: Black, Arctic Purple, Transparent Red, Storm Gray | Year released: 2024 | Launch price: $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.95Long-lasting batteryCompact caseAffordableLacks active noise cancellation

Released in 2024, the Beats Solo Buds are the company's smallest, cheapest, and longest-lasting earbuds, retailing for only $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.95.The most impressive feature of the Solo Buds is its exceptional battery life, with an incredible 18 hours of listening time. The Beats earbuds also feature a compact case and comfortable fit with four ear tip sizes included. While The Solo Buds lack audio features such as active noise cancellation and spatial audio, they still provide quality sound at an affordable price.

(Image credit: Beats)

2. Beats Studio Buds Plus (2023)The best Beats earbuds you can buyDesign: In-ear | Noise cancelling: Yes | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 9h | NFC: No | Controls: Touch | Weight: 5g | Colors available: Black, Silver, Ivory, Transparent | Year released: 2023 | Launch price: $169/£179/AU$269Unique transparent designImpressive noise cancellationImproved microphone qualityLacks wireless charging

The Beats Studio Buds Plus were launched in 2023 with a starting price of $169 / £179 / AU$269, only $10 more than the original Beats Studio Buds cost. The earbuds feature improved Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency Mode and better microphone quality that filter background noise for crisp and clear calls. The most glaring new feature of the Studio Buds Plus, is the transparent design option, which allows you to see the inner workings of your earbuds, including circuits, power supplies and components. The Beats Studio Buds provide up to 36-hours of battery life and feature enhanced compatibility with both Apple and Android devices.

(Image credit: Beats)

3. Beats Fit Pro (2021)A cheaper alternative to the AirPods Pro 2Design: In-ear | Noise cancelling: Yes | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 6h | NFC: No | Controls: Touch | Weight: 5.6g | Colors available: Black, Red, White, Gray, Blue, Pink, Yellow, Purple, Nude | Year released: 2022 | Launch price: $199/£199/AU$299.95Comfortable and secure fitActive noise cancellationH1 chip for hands-free SiriExpensive

The Beats Fit Pro were released in 2021 as workout-friendly earbuds that are an alternative to Apple's pricey AirPods Pro 2, costing $199 / £199 / AU$299.95 at launch.The wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation and deliver impressive sound quality thanks to Apple's powerful H1 chip that gets you access to hands-free Siri. You're also getting a comfortable and secure fit thanks to the wing tip design, plus an impressive six hours of battery life, on-device controls, and new fun color options like Stone Purple and Sage Green.

(Image credit: Beats)

4. Beats Studio Buds (2021)Budget earbuds with active noise cancellationDesign: In-ear | Noise cancelling: Yes | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 8h | NFC: No | Controls: Touch | Weight: 10g | Colors available: Black, Red, White, Gray, Blue | Year released: 2021 | Launch price: $149/£159.99Active noise cancellationCheaper than the AirPods ProQuality soundComfortable fitLacks H1 Wireless Chip

The Beats Studio Buds were released in 2021 as a cheaper option to Apple's AirPods Pro, with a starting price of $149.99 / £129.99 / AU$199.95, which is considerably less than Apple's earbuds.The Beats Studio Buds deliver a powerful, balanced sound with dynamic range and active noise cancellation, a feature the below Powerbeats Pro lack. You're also getting a comfortable fit with three soft eartip sizes included and full volume and track controls on the earbuds, so you don't need your device to adjust your music. The Beats Studio Buds also provide an impressive 8 hours of battery life and are compatible with Apple and Android devices.

5. Beats Flex (2020)Beats cheapest earbudsDesign: In-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 12h | NFC: No | Controls: Touch | Weight: 18.6g | Colors available: Black, Blue, Gray, Yellow | Year released: 2020 | Launch price: $69.95/£69.99AffordableFast chargingLong-lasting battery lifeNot true wireless earbuds

The Beats Flex wireless earbuds are the brand's cheapest earbuds, retailing for just $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$99.95, which is significantly less compared to other premium earbuds. You're getting many of the same features of the Powerbeats Pro, including the Apple W1 Wireless Chip for seamless connectivity and a built-in sensor that automatically plays music when they're in your ears and pauses when attached around your neck. The Beats Flex also offer an impressive 12 hours of battery life, and a 10-minute Fast Fuel charge will give you 1.5 hours of playback time when the battery is low

6. Powerbeats Pro (2019)Workout-focused earbudsDesign: In-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 9h | NFC: No | Controls: Touch | Weight: 22g | Colors available: Black, Ivory, Navy, Moss | Year released: 2019 | Launch price: $249/£219Excellent battery lifeSnug fit while exercisingThe best in-ear Beats soundStill expensive

Released in 2019, the Powerbeats Pro were the most exercise-friendly Beats headphones at the time, thanks to the hook that reaches behind the ear that ensures your Beats stay in place during any activity.In addition to that signature bass-heavy sound, you're getting surprisingly adept quality in mid-range clarity as well as superior noise-isolation to the AirPods. Make no mistake, though, Beats are at their best with high-energy, big tunes. So, if you're hitting the gym, these are the Beats you want. They're not waterproof, mind, so be careful if you go running in the rain.We're loving the 9-hour battery, and that can be boosted to around 24 hours thanks to the charging case that comes with the new Powerbeats Pro headphones. Running late? A five-minute quick charge gives you 90 minutes of playback. Nice.Even better, the Powerbeats Pro see regular inclusion in cheap Beats headphones sales, making them a fantastic option for deal hunters in particular.

Cheap Beats deals on headphone models

(Image credit: Beats)

1. Beats Solo 4 (2024)Beats latest over-ear headphonesDesign: : On-ear | *Active Noise canceling: No | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 50h (22 with NC) | NFC: No | Controls: Touch and voice | Weight: 217g | Colors available: Black, Slate Blue, Cloud Pink | Year released: 2024 | Launch price: $199 / £199AffordableImpressive battery lifeLightweight designLacks active noise cancellation

Released in 2024, the Beats Solo 4 are the company's latest over-hear headphones with a starting retail price of $199 / £199 / AU$329. The Beats Solo 4 are the successor to the 2016 Solo 3 and feature updates such as improved audio and a longer battery life. The Solo 4 also includes an ultra-lightweight design, with comfortable earbuds and a secure fit, which make them great headphones for working out. You're also getting smart features for both Android and iOS – including Personalized Spatial Audio for Apple fans, which works great. While the Solo 4 headphones lack active noise cancellation, the price reflects that compared to similar over-ear headphones with ANC.

(Image credit: Beats)

1. Beats Studio Pro (2023)Beats best noise canceling over-ear headphonesDesign: : On-ear | *Active Noise canceling: Yes | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 40h (22 with NC) | NFC: No | Controls: Touch and voice | Weight: 260g | Colors available: Black, Deep Brown, Navy, Sandstone | Year released: 2023 | Launch price: $349 / £349Active noise cancellationImpressive battery lifeSleek designExpensive

The Beats Studio Pro are the company's latest over-ear headphones, and their retail starting price is $349 / £349 / AU$530. The 2023 Studio Pro features a beautiful design that Beats is known for and come in a sleek fabric case with four different colors available: black, deep brown, navy, and sandstone. You're getting impressive sound, deep bass, and active noise cancellation with personalized spatial audio. The wireless headphones feature 40 hours of battery life, and a 10-minute fast charge will give you four more hours of playback.

2. Beats Solo 3 (2018)Still a fantastic pair of headphonesDesign: On-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 40h | NFC: No | Controls: touch+wired | Weight: 215g | Colors available: Matt Black, Satin Gold, Satin Silver, Gloss Black, Gloss White, Rose Gold, Gold, Silver, Red, Black/Red | Year released: 2018 | Launch price: $299/£250Punchy soundExcellent wireless connectionOften available at a discounted price

If you have a modern iPhone and want a pair of the best Beats headphones made specifically for Apple's latest range, you really should take a look at the Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones. In addition to a fantastic wireless connection and punchy sound, you're getting a huge battery run-time. A single charge can last for up to 40 hours which could last you for an entire week's worth of commuting between charges.The Solo 3 Wireless are the most popular over/on-ear headphones in the Beats range and are regularly featured in cheap Beats headphones sales. They're also available in a whole range of different color designs so there's plenty of scope to choose a color scheme that best represents your personality - whether that's jet black or blingy gold!They fold neatly away in a bag and don't look massive on your head - although there are no noise cancelling options with this model - for that you'd need either the Beats Studio 3 Wireless or the newer Beats Solo Pro. If you're looking for cheap Beats headphones prices on a set of over-ear cans that don't feel outdated in their spec, the 2018 Solo 3 model is for you.

(Image credit: Beats)

3. Beats Solo Pro (2019)Difficult to find in stockDesign: : On-ear | *Noise canceling: Yes | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 40h (22 with NC) | NFC: No | Controls: Touch and voice | Weight: 267g | Colors available: Black, Ivory, Dark Blue, Light BLue, Red, Gray | Year released: 2019 | Launch price: $299 / £269Great noise-cancelation40-hour battery lifeUseful transparency mode

Studier than the Solo 3 line and sporting a cool matte finish in each color, the Beats Solo Pro feels like the biggest step up in quality the series has seen in some time for its larger line of headphones. Beats work best with iPhones and pairs fast thanks to modern chipsets, and we love the hands-free Siri integration, too, which is a first on the Beats Solo Pro.The active noise cancellation brings Apple's Beats somewhat closer to the best offerings from Sony and Bose, although those two are still ahead by some distance. We do like the simple one-button access to the transparency mode here, though. This optional feature allows some outside noise to come through, which can be handy in an office if you want to be aware of someone calling your name or make sure you're aware of traffic around you when walking or cycling.You'll see one of the higher Beats headphones prices attached to this particular set of cans, but for a 2019 model with such power as these, it's easily worth it.

4. Beats Studio 3 (2017)The best Beats headphones for noise-cancellingDesign: Over-ear | Noise cancelling: Yes | Wireless: Bluetooth | Battery life: 22-40h | NFC: No | Controls: touch+wired | Weight: 260g | Colors available: Black, White, Blue, Red, Grey, Black/Red | Year released: 2017 | Launch price: $349/£299Excellent noise-cancellingBetter batterySolid performance

The Beats Studio 3 were first launched in 2017 with a starting price of $349 / £299, but since then, you can find frequent discounts on the wireless headphones. Using an over-ear, closed-back design, the Studio 3 is one of the best noise-cancelling sets of headphones Beats has ever made. The battery has massively improved, too, so that you can enjoy music for up to 22 hours, or 40, with the active noise cancellation turned off.The Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones are a great match for users of modern iPhones missing 3.5mm jacks - you can pair them with any smartphone, though, thanks to the Bluetooth technology. The Studio 3 is available in multiple colors, including red, matte black, white, porcelain rose, blue, and shadow grey. They are more expensive compared with the Solo 3 Wireless, and they're bulkier and heavier, too - so do make sure you're aware of this before you buy.

5. Beats EP headphones (2016)The cheapest big Beats headphones currently availableDesign: On-ear | Noise cancelling: No | Wireless: No | Battery life: N/A | NFC: No | Controls: Wired | Weight: 204g | Colors available: Black, White, Blue, Red | Year released: 2016 | Launch price: $99/£89Budget-friendly BeatsGreat color optionsBalanced and rounded sound

The Beats EP headphones are the cheapest on-ear headphones in the Beats by Dre lineup and are a fine place to start if you've had your eye on the colorful stylings for a while. They're wired via a 3.5mm jack, but at least you'll never have to worry about them running out of battery juice.

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Which cheap Beats headphones should you buy?

On the over-ear and on-ear side of the Beats headphones range you'll find the Beats Solo Pro and Beats Studio 3 Wireless leading the charge with the best sound and highest price. The Beats Solo 3 Wireless is the most popular option, and also one of the more recent, with an on-ear slightly more compact design. Meanwhile, the Beats EP is a cheap Beats headphone option that goes for under $100. You can also still pick up a pair of Beats Pro headphones, made for DJs - though they're no longer listed on the Beats website.Meanwhile, the Powerbeats Pro are the latest true wireless earbuds in the Beats in-ear headphone range, offering totally wireless listening with a sporty finish – think Apple Airpods but with better noise isolation and better sound.They're backed up by the Powerbeats3 Wireless, the previous wireless option that connects the earphones behind your neck. The Powerbeats3 and the slightly newer Beats X, a more traditional style of wireless earbuds, are your best bet for cheap Beats headphone sales right now. However, at the bottom end, you also have the wired urBeats3 earphones, available with either 3.5mm or Lightning connector for an iPhone. This is where you'll find the best Beats headphones prices, but not necessarily the quality to back them up.

Back to the top ^

Cheap headphone deals are always ready and waiting to offer up a discount - whether you're on the hunt for the latest and greatest cups or something a little more wallet-friendly. We're rounding up all the biggest discounts on everything from Sony and Apple to Bose right here, as well as some of our favorite budget picks for extra strong value for money.With every new product release, older generations will shuffle further down the price scale. That's a lot of tracking to make sure you're getting the best value for your cash possible. We've gathered this roundup of the headphones we're currently watching for the biggest offers - and our price comparison software will bring you all the lowest rates every half an hour.We cover all the best headphones released, including over-ear headphones, noise-canceling headphones, and wireless headphones, so there's plenty on offer. Luckily, you'll find some pretty low-cost headphone deals here, so you won't have to break the bank to find a pair that should last. Prices start at around $20 / £20 on our list this week, and what's more, most of these headphones have been impartially reviewed by us, so you know what you're getting here.

Best headphone deals

(Image credit: Apple)

1. Apple AirPods 4Apple's latest AirPods at a discounted priceHeadphone type: In-Ear | Weight: .15 oz | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Bluetooth range: 800ft | Battery life: 6 hours **Battery life (charging case):** 30 hoursAffordableImpressive noise cancellationQuality soundLacking on-ear volume control

Apple's all-new AirPods 4 were released in September of 2024 and are available in two models: one with active noise cancellation, priced at $179 / £179, and one without, costing $129 / £129.Apple says the AirPods 4 are the best-fitting AirPods ever and feature a new refined contour and shorter stem. The AirPods include Apple's H2 chip that supports personalized spatial audio and voice isolation to improve the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Other features include new controls for playing music and muting calls, a case that delivers 30 hours of battery life, and support for USB-C for wireless charging.

(Image credit: Apple)

2. Apple AirPods Pro 2Apple earbuds with premium sound and noice cancellationHeadphone type: In-Ear | Weight: .18 oz | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Bluetooth range: 15m | Battery life: 6 hours **Battery life (charging case):** 30 hoursFrequently on saleBattery life is exceptionalImmersive soundExpensive

In September 2022, Apple's AirPods Pro 2 were launched with a starting price of $249 / £249 / AU$399. The earbuds feature enhanced noise cancellation and overall sound quality thanks to Apple's new H2 chip and improved in-ear detection and touch controls for volume adjustment. The 2nd generation AirPods Pro also pack an extended battery life and a redesigned case that provides up to 30 hours of total listening time with Active Noise Cancellation using ‌the MagSafe‌ Charging Case.Thanks to the release of the AirPods 4, you can find impressive AirPods Pro 2 sales, with record-low prices reaching well below $200 / £200.

3. Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)Apple's cheapest earbudsHeadphone type: In-Ear | Weight: .14 oz | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Bluetooth range: 10m | Battery life: 5 hours **Battery life (charging case):** 24 hoursAffordable for Apple earbudsSound is greatOne-size-fits-all designDon't lose them!

Don't discount the Apple AirPods; while they may indeed be a pricier option, recent sales have driven prices down to an almost bargain price point, so much in fact, you can often pick them up for as low as $99 / £110.There’s a lot about the AirPods that we like. They sound great, their battery life and charging speeds run laps around the competition, and it’s hard to overstate just how seamless the pairing process is. If the prices go down even further, as we expect later this year, they could just be a great value pickup - especially for those with an iOS device.

(Image credit: JBL)

4. JBL Tune 510BTCheap over-ear headphonesHeadphone type: Over-Ear | Weight: 5.6 oz | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery life: 40 hoursAffordableImpressive sound40 hours of battery lifeLacks noise cancellation

The JBL Tune 510BT have over 50,000 positive reviews on Amazon and are one of the best-selling headphones on the site. The over-ear headphones come with JBL's renowned Pure Bass sound to deliver powerful audio and feature Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Streaming, so you can stream music and podcasts and take calls from your device. You also get an impressive 40 hours of battery life plus a quick five-minute recharge, which gives you two additional hours of listening time.The best part about JBL's headphones is perhaps the price, retailing at just $49.95 / £39.99 and frequently discounted during holiday sales.

(Image credit: Sony)

5. Sony WH-1000XM5Sony's latest over-ear headphonesHeadphone type: Over-Ear | Weight: 4.5 oz | Connectivity: Wireless | Battery life: 30 hoursExcellent noise cancellationSmart ambient featuresSleek designExpensive

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones follow their predecessor's steps by offering superb sound, active noise cancellation, and an expensive price tag. Sony's headphones retail for $399/£380/AU$650, which is more than the previous generation, the Sony 1000XM4s, which were priced at $349/£350/AU$549 at launch.Sony's WH-1000XM5 offer improved noise cancellation, voice microphones for better video and audio calls, and an impressive 40 hours of battery life. Perhaps the most significant change in the WH-1000XM5 is the new design. Sony has gone with a sleeker and curvier style with slimmer headphones for superior comfort.

(Image credit: Sony)

6. Sony WH-1000XM4Premium headphones frequently on saleHeadphone type: Over-Ear | Weight: 4.5 oz | Connectivity: Wireless | Battery life: 30 hoursDiscounted regularlySuperb noise cancellation30-hour battery lifeExpensive

The Sony WH1000XM4 are ranked in the top spot of TechRadar's best noise-cancelling headphones list, offering industry-leading digital noise cancellation technology. Whether traveling, walking, or in a busy office, these headphones will adapt to the sounds around you and block out background noise accordingly. The Bluetooth headphones also include Touch Sensor controls so you can easily skip tracks, control volume, answer phone calls, and more. The Sony WH1000XM4 provide up to 30 hours of battery life, with quick charging if you need a fast recharge.The premium headphones don't come cheap, retailing for $349 / £349 / AU$549, but thanks to the release of Sony's WH1000XM5, you'll frequently find deals on the headphones, especially during holiday sales.

7. Sony WH-CH510Budget over-ear headphonesHeadphone type: Over-Ear | Weight: 4.6 oz | Connectivity: Wireless | Battery life: 35 hoursImpressive soundSmart noise cancellationAffordableLacks 3.5mm jack and USB audio

The Sony WH-CH510 is our top pick for the best budget over-ear headphones, offering industry-leading digital noise cancellation technology. Whether you're traveling, walking, or in a busy office, these headphones will adapt to the sounds around you and block out background noise accordingly. The Bluetooth headphones also include Touch Sensor controls so you can easily skip tracks, control volume, answer phone calls, and more. The Sony WH-CH510 provide up to 35 hours of battery life, with quick charging if you need a fast recharge.

8. JLab Go Air True Wireless EarbudsBargain true-wireless earbudsHeadphone type:: In-ear | Weight:: 3.2 oz | Frequency response:: 20Hz-20kHz | Drivers: 8mm | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Wireless range: 30ft | Battery life: 5 hoursUnbelievable priceGood connectivityIPX5 waterproof ratingPoor audio

No longer is true-wireless tech a feature reserved for the most premium of buds, thanks to the JLab Go Air - a pair of totally wireless earbuds available for the almost unbelievable price of just $29 / £29.Sure, these are definitely on the more "budget" end of things, and subsequently, you shouldn't expect world-beating audio, amazing build quality, or premium features like active noise cancellation, but for $30 - you're definitely getting a pair of functional buds here.Available in white, khaki green, black, and navy blue, the JLab Go Air True Wireless Earbuds feature an IPX5 sweatproof rating, 5 hours of battery life, and three different equalizer settings, which you can use to cater to your tracks of choice. Overall, that's not bad in our books and definitely worth considering if you want to get your hands on a pair of truly wireless buds without spending the $99 that the (admittedly much better) Lypertek Tevi go for these days.

(Image credit: JBL)

9. JBL Tune 750BTNCGreat headphones which are often discountedHeadphone type: : Over-ear | Weight:: 7.76 oz | Drivers:: 40mm | Connectivity:: Bluetooth | Battery life:: 22Great valueGood audio and comfortNo waterproofingAverage battery life

Want a pair of extremely solid, Bluetooth headphones that also pack in excellent active noise cancellation for under $100? Check out the JBL Tune 750BTNC.While the JBL Tune 750BTNC have an official listing price of $129 / £120, we often see them go for as little as $99 / £89, which makes them one of the best headphone deals around right now. For that price, you're getting a ton of excellent features for the money, including active noise cancellation, great audio, and a pretty damn sturdy pair of headphones for the price.The only downside we've found with these headphones is the lack of the latest Bluetooth support. These are on a slightly older version so don't quite have the wireless range of the newest premium headphones. There's also no waterproofing on these JBL's either, but otherwise, they get a hearty recommendation for us.

(Image credit: Tascam)

10. Tascam TH-02The cheapest studio-quality over-earsHeadphone type:: Over-ear closed back | Weight:: 1.01 lbs | Drivers:: 50mm | Sensitivity:: 98 dB ± 3dB | Connectivity:: Wired (3.5mm)Excellent sound for the priceFoldableCan be a tight fit for bigger headsFairly dated aesthetic

If you're looking for a cheap, no-nonsense set of wired headphones for your work desk or home use, check out the Tascam TH-02. These fully over-ear closed-back headphones aim to provide a detailed, studio-ready audio experience, but most importantly, retail for just $20 / £20 at Amazon currently.Tascam is a trusted brand that has been around for many years, and the TH-02 is a good choice over the many nameless and unbranded headphones that tend to sit at this price point. You're getting some powerful drivers here, as well as a fairly robust (albeit slightly dated) plastic design that should last for a good time.Of course, you probably won't want to be seen out with these giant old-school headphones, but for home use and sitting at the office desk, these headphones will give you plenty of quality and isolation for the price.

11. AKG K92Quality over-ears from an Industry giantHeadphone type: Over-Ear | Weight: 1.2 lb | Frequency response: 16Hz-20KHz | Drivers: 40mm | Connectivity: WiredGreat soundingComfortable to wearBudget plastic constructionNo detachable cable

When it comes to headphones, the general consensus is that you very much get what you pay for. But with AKG's K92, what you're getting is so much more. These headphones offer a level of sound quality that far outstrips their budget price tag. That being said, these are some of the largest cans you might ever find, and therefore might not be the best choice for anyone out there who has a petite noggin. Specs-wise, however, it's all good. The K92's professional 40mm drivers offer an extended 16 - 20,000Hz frequency response with a 113 dB SPL/V sensitivity level. It has a cable length of about 9 feet (3 meters) and weighs around 200 grams.

(Image credit: 1more)

12. 1MORE Triple DriverGreat value wired earphones that are often on saleHeadphone type: In-ear | Weight: 0.6 oz | Frequency response: 20-40kHz | Drivers: 3 proprietary | Connectivity: Wired (3.5mm)Excellent build qualitySound fantasticRubber cable can snag

One for the audiophiles among you, the 1MORE Triple Driver offers quite simply some of the best audio quality available for under $100, and even better news, they also happen to go on sale frequently for as little as $70 / £80 right now.For that price, you're getting a pair of specially tuned, audio engineer-approved earbuds that have a pretty novel set of (as the name suggests) proprietary drivers to blast out all your favorite tunes in perfect clarity. Subsequently, you can expect great performance from these, and the built and fit isn't too shabby either.Remember though, these are fully wired earphones and therefore are subject to tangles, snagging, and general noises unless careful. If you'd prefer wireless, then definitely check out the other great recommendations on our list.

(Image credit: Lypertek)

13. Lypertek Tevi true wireless earbudsAstoundingly good value earbudsHeadphone type: In-ear | Weight:: 3.53 oz | Frequency response:: 20Hz-20KHz | Drivers:: 6mm | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery life: 10 hoursAwesome valueGreat soundAbove average battery lifePedestrian design

The Lypertek Tevi firmly get our nod for the best true wireless earbuds you can buy under $100, and even better news for headphone deals hunters is that they are often discounted to just $89 / £89.For that price, what's on offer here is pretty unbeatable. Not only have they got a great, balanced sound, but the excellent battery life, USB-C charging, and waterproofing just make for an overall awesome value package here.While their asking price is firmly on the higher end, especially when compared to the cheaper options on our list, these headphones look, feel and sound like a much more premium set in themselves. Subsequently, if you're happy to spend that little extra that week, you definitely won't be disappointed with these great mid-range earbuds from Lypertek.

(Image credit: Amazon)

14. Amazon Echo BudsAlexa powered earbuds Weight: 7.6 grams | Battery Life: 5 hours | Connection: Wireless | Bluetooth: 5.0 | Noise Cancellation: Yes | IPX rating: IPX4 (earbuds only)Built-in Alexa voice assistantActive noise cancellation by BoseCheaper than AirPods

The Amazon Echo Buds were released in 2019 with an affordable starting price of $129.99/£119.99. Thanks to sale events like Prime Day, we've seen the earbuds drop to as low as $99.99/£89.99.The earbuds include Active Noise Reduction technology that was developed by Bose and feature an advanced microphone that allows you hands-free access to Amazon Alexa. The Alexa-enabled earbuds allow you to skip songs, adjust the volume, ask questions, and more completely hands-free. The sweat-resistant earbuds provide up to five hours of battery life and come in three different sizes for a secure and comfortable fit.

If you're interested in wireless headphones see more of the best cheap wireless headphone deals and sales

There’s a trailer for the upcoming third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and it’s absolutely filled with goodies. It looks like there will be an episode soaked in the 1960s retro vibes of the original show, complete with period-accurate costumes and sets.

This is an episodic show, meaning that each episode is (more or less) standalone. The trailer shows off a few of the sci-fi concepts that will populate this third season. There’s a clip of the crew trying to connect dial-up phones to the ship (?!) and one that involves a murder mystery.

There are also two puzzling TNG-era additions. The famous Holodeck will be incorporated this season, or something that looks a whole lot like it. For the uninitiated, this is like VR but way, way better. Also, the trailer strongly indicates that Rhys Darby (Our Flag Means Death) will be playing a version of the prankster alien Q. We knew he was going to be in the show, but didn’t know who he’d be playing.

Now for some bad news. There’s no release date, other than summer. That could mean June. It could mean August. We’ll keep you updated when Paramount+ drops some new info.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a prequel series that follows Christopher Pike, the captain of the Enterprise prior to Kirk. However, the show has begun working in elements of the original iteration. Spock and Uhura have always been in it, but now Kirk, Bones and Scotty are starting to show up.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-star-trek-strange-new-worlds-season-3-trailer-has-some-serious-retro-vibes-164425733.html?src=rss

Nintendo has finally confirmed the long-rumored mouse mode for the Nintendo Switch 2Each Joy Con 2 controller comes with an optical sensor that allows it to be used like a mouseMetroid Prime 4: Beyond and Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct livestream has been and gone, leaving us in a daze of new hardware features, new games, and new ways to play them.The livestream has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Con 2 controllers will have mouse functionality, allowing users to drag the controller on its side to control cursors and allow for more accurate aiming in games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.During the livestream, we saw the new control mode demonstrated with new games like the wheelchair basketball-focused Drag x Drive and the expanded Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Both Joy-Con 2 controllers can be used in mouse mode at the same time.It seems that each Joy-Con controller is fitted with an optical sensor on its flatter edge (the side that magnetically snaps onto the side of the Switch 2). The shoulder buttons are used as mouse buttons, creating a somewhat familiar mouse experience, though we can't imagine it'll be ergonomically suitable for long periods of gameplay.Though the livestream demonstrated the Joy-Con 2’s mouse function on flat surfaces, a press release shared by Nintendo to Business Wire confirms that sliding the Joy-Con 2 controllers over a pair of pants will also work.

Nintendo Switch 2 mouse control games

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is confirmed to support the new mouse mode (Image credit: Nintendo)

As mentioned, the livestream demonstrated a handful of games that use the new Joy Con 2 mouse function.Metroid Prime 4: Beyond makes use of the Joy Con 2 mouse mode for precise aiming. Mario Party: Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition uses the mouse mode for cursor control in specific party games, and Drag x Drive uses both Joy Con 2 controllers in mouse mode at the same time, to emulate pushing the wheels of a wheelchair.

What about motion controls?

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The addition of a mouse mode for the Joy-Con 2 and Nintendo Switch 2 could represent a shift in direction for Nintendo, echoing the Direct’s focus on games with an older target audience and single-player games.It seems likely that the Joy-Con 2’s mouse mode will be used most often on a flat surface like a desk with these launch and early titles, whereas earlier games on the original Nintendo Switch – like Arms and 1-2 Switch – focused more on motion controls.There were relatively few mentions of motion control during the Direct – but the presentation for Drag x Drive suggests that the Joy-Con 2 still supports it.Let us know what you think of the new Nintendo Switch 2 mouse mode in the comments below.

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Deltarune set to release on Nintendo Switch 2It will be a launch day title, coming out on June 5, 2025The release will include the brand new chapters 3 and 4

For many the Nintendo Switch was their handheld indie machine where they enjoyed a bevy of excellent non-AAA titles – it certainly was for me. And at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the company honored that heritage with a suite of indie announcements including that Deltarune will be released on June 5, the Nintendo Switch 2 launch date.What's more, this release will include not only Chapters 1 and 2 but brand-new Chapters 3 and 4 with both new entries released on the same date.It's been a long wait for fans to squeeze more Deltarune content from creator Toby Fox. The first chapter debuted back in 2018, and the second was released in September 2021, and finally, the wait is almost over.Here's the full announcement trailer:

If you aren't planning to pick up a Nintendo Switch 2 then fear not. As confirmed in the Deltarune trailer's YouTube description it's also coming to Steam, Switch, PS4, and PS5 on the same day (June 5).With Chapters 1 through 4 complete fans will still need to wait for the final Chapter 5 release, which Fox has previously said is the game's "finish line."Back in 2023 Chapter 5 was being described as "pretty far off" which aligns with the fact that in 2025 it's still not finished.Given the roughly two years per chapter development time here's hoping Chapter 5 will be with us sometime in 2027 – though for now, I'm honestly happy to sink my teeth into two new chapters in a couple of months.

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Last spring, Ooni debuted the dual-zone Koda 2 Max outdoor oven that can cook lots of things, including pizzas up to 20 inches. Now the company is expanding the gas-powered Koda line with the new Koda 2 and Koda 2 Pro. Like the Max, these two models feature Ooni's latest burners, improved heat efficiency, a more resilient stone and compatibility with the Ooni Connect Digital Temperature Hub.

The Koda 2 Pro will be the midrange option in Ooni's revamped gas-burning lineup. The oven can accommodate pizzas up to 18 inches thanks to 30 percent larger capacity than the Koda 16. The Koda 2 Pro offers a temperature range of 320-950 degrees Fahrenheit, which gives you the ability to sear, roast and bake in addition to the intense heat needed for pizzas. Twin gas burners are equipped with Ooni's G2 tech for improved heat distribution thanks to a powerful tapered flame.

While you're cooking, the Koda 2 Pro has a glass visor that helps keep heat inside while also giving you a clear view of your progress. The Ooni Connect Digital Temperature Hub puts a clearly visible display on the front of the oven, and its food probes can keep tabs on things like meat and fish. What's more, this device has Bluetooth connectivity, which can send temperature updates to your phone. Session logs are stored in the Ooni app, where you'll find recipes, tips and other useful info.

Ooni's Koda 2

Ooni

The Koda 2 is the smallest option in Ooni's overhauled gas-only line. It's only 33 pounds, which the company says makes it portable enough for camping, tailgates and cookouts. And since the Koda 2 can also hit 950 degrees Fahrenheit, you can cook pro-level pizza in about a minute. This model is also equipped with the newest G2 burners for maximum efficiency and the 14-inch cooking area is larger than that of the previous comparable model, the Koda 12. What's more, the Koda 2 is compatible with the Ooni Connect smart hub, but it doesn't come in the box like the Koda 2 Pro and Koda 2 Max. The extra purchase will cost you $99.

The Koda 2 is available now for $449 while the Koda 2 Pro will be available May 1 for $749. Those prices are $150 more than the existing Koda 12 and Koda 16 models. And for the first time, Ooni ovens will be available in something other than the company's trademark Foundry Black. You'll also be able to choose a Slate Blue option with these new models.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/ooni-debuts-koda-2-and-koda-2-pro-pizza-ovens-with-new-burners-and-bluetooth-smarts-170056892.html?src=rss

According to a recent Digital Education Council survey, as many as 86 percent of university students globally use artificial intelligence to assist with their coursework. It’s a staggering statistic that’s likely to have far-reaching consequences for years to come. So it’s not surprising to see a company like Anthropic announce Claude for Education, an initiative it says will equip universities to "play a key role in actively shaping AI's role in society."

At the heart of Claude for Education is a new Learning mode that changes how Anthropic’s chatbot interacts with users. With the feature engaged, Claude will attempt to guide students to a solution, rather than providing an answer outright, when asked a question. It will also employ the Socratic method in conversations, asking questions like “What evidence supports your conclusion?” as a way to guide users to understanding. All of this is powered by 3.7 Sonnet, Anthropic’s new hybrid reasoning model, and tied to Claude’s Projects feature, which gives you a way to organize your chats around specific topics.

Claude for Education is available to all Pro users with an .edu email address. Additionally, Anthropic is partnering with Northeastern University, the London School of Economics and Political Science as well as Champlain College to make Claude available to all students at those institutions.

At the same time, the company is launching two new programs. The first, Claude Campus Ambassadors, gives students the chance to work directly with Anthropic to launch educational initiatives at their school. The second, meanwhile, will see Anthropic award API credits to students working on projects involving Claude. Separately, the company says it will work with Instructure, the company behind the Canvas learning software, to increase access to tools universities are using to integrate AI into their teaching.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/claudes-new-learning-mode-will-prompt-students-to-answer-questions-on-their-own-172057828.html?src=rss

It's almost time to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2, now that we finally know how much it'll cost, when it comes out, some of the games it's getting, and the fact that you can use the new Joy-Con as a mouse, even on top of your pants. The Nintendo Switch 2 costs $450 and pre-orders are set to go live on Wednesday, April 9. If you're ordering from a third-party retailer, your best bet is to make an extra cup of coffee that morning and get your clicking fingers ready — an exact time for pre-orders to activate hasn't been announced yet, but it'll likely be around 9AM ET, as these things often are.

If you're ordering directly from Nintendo, things will work a little differently.

Nintendo's US and Canada purchasing site asks interested customers to register to receive an emailed invitation to order the Switch 2. These invites will start going out on May 8, giving each recipient 72 hours to complete their purchase. The fine print clarifies that invites will be sent first to people who meet the following criteria as of April 2, 2025:

They've purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership

They've had any paid NSO membership for a minimum of 12 months

They've opted in to share gameplay data and have logged at least 50 hours of total play time

Registrants who fit this criteria will be included in the priority group and receive email invites in the initial batches. All other hopeful customers will get in line on a first-come, first-served basis behind them. The UK pre-order guidelines are similar.

On the negative side, this means folks who have opted out of Nintendo's data-sharing program or never used NSO will be lumped in with the non-priority group, even if they've played their Switch every day for the past eight years. This also makes it harder for non-playing people to pre-order a Switch 2 from Nintendo as a surprise for a friend or family member. That's a bummer.

On the positive side, this seems to be Nintendo's attempt to thwart scalpers, and it should be an effective roadblock. It'll simply be harder for profit hunters to receive the initial batch of Switch 2 consoles directly from Nintendo, which should curtail the influx of price-jacked resales — at least a little bit, and at least for a little while.

On the most positive side, this is actually a nice, unexpected benefit for people with a track record of actually playing the Switch. Sure, the benefit is simply enabling them to more easily spend their money on Nintendo products, but as far as capitalistic ploys go, this one's pretty kind.

That said, retailers including Gamestop, Walmart and Best Buy won't have these restrictions on pre-orders, so things should operate as usual there. This means you won't have to prove you're a Real Gamer in order to pre-order a Switch 2 from a third-party store, but neither will the scalpers.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-is-prioritizing-switch-online-subscribers-in-its-switch-2-pre-orders-171645498.html?src=rss

ReactOS is a free Windows-like OS built from scratch without Microsoft code A new version just launched after a four year wait with lots of changes The OS targets compatibility with Server 2003 - yes, you read that right

If you’re looking to move away from Windows, there are plenty of alternative operating systems to consider - from the many Linux distributions on offer to macOS (if you're open to switching to Apple).One of the more intriguing options is ReactOS, which aims to be Windows, but without Microsoft - more specifically, it’s designed to be an OS that’s compatible with Windows applications and drivers, without using any proprietary Microsoft code. Unlike Linux, which is built on a Unix foundation, ReactOS reimplements the Windows NT architecture from the ground up.It's currently targeting compatibility with Windows Server 2003, yes 2003, although it can run software like LibreOffice, Firefox, and some older versions of Adobe Photoshop. ReactOS integrates parts of the Wine project and even supports booting 64-bit Linux systems via its Freeloader utility.

Four years in the making

Originally launched as FreeWin95 in the late 1990s, it evolved into ReactOS with a goal of becoming a true Windows alternative.Today, it looks like Windows 2000 in appearance and functionality, although compatibility is very hit and miss - some classic games and apps run perfectly well, while others crash or simply fail to launch at all.The last named release, version 0.4.14, came out in December 2021, and since then development has continued apace, with new builds automatically produced each time a change is committed, although these releases aren’t tested in the same way as the stable ones.Now, four years after the last stable update appeared, ReactOS 0.4.15 has arrived and you can download it as a boot CD or liveCD here.The latest release offers Plug and Play fixes, audio fixes, memory management improvements, registry healing, and enhancements to accessories and system tools including Notepad, Paint, RAPPS, the Input Method Editor, and the shell.As you can tell from the version number, 0.4.15, ReactOS is still in alpha, and will likely remain so for a very long time.It may never reach beta, let alone ever be finished, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time.You won’t want to use it as your daily driver, but take it for a spin in VirtualBox and marvel at what the team has managed to create here.ReactOS, while impressive for what it is, will for many remain little more than a retro curiosity - but the team is planning some major additions in the next big release, which hopefully won’t take another four years to arrive.Planned future features include UEFI support, a new graphical installer, a new NTFS filesystem driver, symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), power management, and broader application compatibility.

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With Nintendo's April 2 Direct showcase over and done, we now know more about the Switch 2 than ever before, including its release date (June 5) and price ($450!).

Thanks to Nintendo's January 16 teaser trailer, we've long known what the Switch 2 will look like, and that it will arrive in 2025 — over eight years after its predecessor. The Nintendo Switch 2 looks very similar to the original system, albeit with a larger display, magnetic Joy-Cons and a sleeker design. The company also reaffirmed that the upcoming console will be backwards compatible with Switch games.

Looking to catch up on everything we know about the Switch 2? Read on.

What are the key new features of the Nintendo Switch 2?

Display and dock

The Nintendo Switch 2 has a 1080p 7.9-inch display with a 120Hz refresh and HDR compatibility. It also supports up to 4K output at 120Hz (with variable refresh rates) when docked.

Joy-Con and Pro Controller

The new Joy-Con for Nintendo Switch 2 attaches magnetically with a button to release them. They have larger SL and SR buttons (the ones hidden when the Joy-Con are attached) to make playing multiplayer games on one Joy-Con more feasible. The analog sticks are no longer tiny nubs, and are closer in size to the ones you might find on a PS5 or Xbox controller. They have what Nintendo is calling “HD Rumble 2” built in, which seems to be a refinement of the original (and still very good) vibration function. Finally, each Joy-Con has an optical sensor that allows you to use it as a mouse, and a C button, which we’ll get to in a minute.

Nintendo

The new Pro Controller for the Nintendo Switch 2 comes with everything you’d expect based on the refreshed Joy-Con: Namely HD Rumble 2 and the C button. There are also remappable GL/GR buttons around the back and a standard audio jack for connecting a headset.

Both options come with Amiibo support built in. The Switch 2 comes with two Joy-Con as you’d expect, and additional pairs are priced at $90. The Pro Controller will cost $80.

The C button stands for “chat”

The new C button is a dedicated way to enter a chat session with friends. As well as the standard features you’d expect from voice chat, Nintendo has built a Discord-like video-sharing feature, which lets you show your gameplay to others and see other people’s screens while you’re playing.

The chat function works with a mic built into the console, though headsets are also supported. Nintendo will also sell a $50 camera that plugs into the USB-C port on the top of the console, which will allow you to stream your face along with your game.

Nintendo

GameCube support

The Switch 2 will work with GameCube games via the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. The three titles available at launch will be F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Soul Calibur II.

Improved specs

Perhaps the biggest feature, though, is one you can’t see: The Switch 2 has an all-new processor and GPU and significantly more storage (256GB vs 64GB in the Switch OLED), along with support for faster and more capacious microSD cards. This will obviously lead to better first-party games and upgraded Switch experiences, but more importantly it will mean multi-platform games that had to skip the original, underpowered Switch will be able to be ported over. With games like Cyberpunk 2077 coming to the Switch 2 at launch, it seems like far more ports will be feasible than on the original console.

How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available for $450 standalone, or for $500 with a bundled digital copy of the new Mario Kart game, Mario Kart World. That’s significantly more expensive than the original Switch, which launched at $300, and has remained at that price ever since. It’s also more expensive than the entry-level current-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft.

The comparison looks a little better up against Valve’s Steam Deck, which costs $400 for the LCD model or $550 for the basic OLED model. The Steam Deck is more affordable than most PC handhelds.

When will the Nintendo Switch 2 come out?

June 5, 2025.

When do pre-orders open for Nintendo Switch 2?

Pre-orders begin on April 9, from a variety of retailers and Nintendo itself.

When can I try the Nintendo Switch 2?

Nintendo is planning a worldwide roadshow to let gamers go hands-on with the console. These events start in New York and Paris on April 4-6, with others taking place throughout the following two months.

Ticket registration for many of the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events has closed, but waitlists are available. However, given that Nintendo is taking a first come, first served approach, your chances of attending the roadshow if you don't already have a ticket (or unless you signed up for the waitlist immediately) seem very small at this point.

The full list of Nintendo Switch 2 Experience dates is as follows:

North America:

New York, April 4-6, 2025

Los Angeles, April 11-13, 2025

Dallas, April 25-27, 2025

Toronto, April 25-27, 2025

Europe:

Paris, April 4-6, 2025

London, April 11-13, 2025

Milan, April 25-27, 2025

Berlin, April 25-27, 2025

Madrid, May 9-11, 2025

Amsterdam, May 9-11, 2025

Oceania:

Melbourne, May 10-11, 2025

Asia:

Tokyo (Makuhari), April 26-27, 2025

Seoul, May 31-June 1, 2025

Hong Kong, To be announced

Taipei, To be announced

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatible?

Nintendo confirmed in November 2024 that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible. It will also feature access to Nintendo Online, so users will be able to play all of those old retro titles.

In the initial Nintendo Switch 2 press release, Nintendo reiterated that physical and digital Switch games will work on the new system. However, it noted that "certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2." We now have more information on which games are working thanks to a guide Nintendo put together.

Nintendo's software compatibility chart on April 2, 2025.Nintendo

As of April 1, the vast majority of Switch 2 games are marked as compatible, but many popular games are said to have some issues. Nintendo has marked most of these as “under investigation,” suggesting a fix may be on the way in time for launch. Nintendo says it is manually testing every Switch game for compatibility.

Only one title is marked as incompatible: Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit. This was part of Nintendo’s Labo range of games that worked with Cardboard accessories, and is incompatible as the Switch 2 doesn’t physically fit in the VR headset.

Will old games be enhanced in any way?

The original Switch has, to put it mildly, struggled to run some of the late-generation software that's come down the pike. Could these games be enhanced to take advantage of the increased horsepower of the Switch 2? That’s unclear. In an “Ask the Developer” page on its site, Nintendo says that old games are working through a real-time translation system, which sounds similar to how Rosetta allows modern Macs to run old software. With that said, the new and old Switch are much closer in hardware than that.

In the same developer interview, it’s said that in its testing of old games for compatibility, there were some occasions “where loading times became faster, or game performance became more stable,” but we don’t have any detail beyond that.

As well as backward compatibility, Nintendo is also offering up premium ‘Switch 2 Edition” upgrades for a select few games, which have improved resolutions and frame rates, and (in some titles) some bonus features and content. What exactly that means will vary, but Nintendo did confirm that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will have 4K/60 and 1080p/120 options on the Switch 2.

In the case of the two mainline Zelda games, those will be free to Switch Online Expansion Pack members, while others will be paid upgrades. Games confirmed to have a Switch 2 Edition to date include:

Super Mario Party Jamboree

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Nintendo has not said how much the paid upgrades will cost.

What will the cartridges taste like?

You may remember that the original Switch cartridges taste absolutely awful. This was on purpose, to discourage folks from putting the games in their mouth. Will the successor follow suit and continue to dip cartridges in a foul-tasting bitter coating? Only time will tell.

What are the launch games?

We expect this list to change substantially over the coming weeks and months, but the titles currently confirmed to be available on day one follow:

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster

Cyberpunk 2077

Deltarune

Hitman: World of Assassination

Hogwarts Legacy

Mario Kart World

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Split Fiction

Street Fighter 6

That's everything we know about the Nintendo Switch 2 today. We'll update this article with any information we can gather directly from sources. Any changes made to the article after its initial publishing will be listed below.

Update, January 24, 2025, 12:36 PM ET: This story has been updated to include speculation about price, potential game enhancements and the taste of cartridges.

Update, February 5, 2025, 9:30AM ET: This story has been updated to note the time when the April 2 Nintendo Direct starts.

Update, February 24, 2025, 12:30 PM ET: This story has been updated to include speculation about storage and information about the new microSD Express standard.

Update, March 6, 2025, 2:30PM ET: This story has been updated to note recent FCC filings to indicate the presence of Wi-Fi 6 and NFC support.

Update, March 14, 2025, 12:15PM ET: This story has been updated to include pricing and sales speculation from analysts.

Update, March 20, 2025, 12:45PM ET: Updated to include a note about the Seattle Mariners new jersey patches featuring Nintendo and the Switch 2.

Update, March 27, 2025, 3:50PM ET: Updated to add details about the C button, Nintendo Today! and Virtual Game Cards.

Update, April 1, 2025, 10:16AM ET: Updated to add link to livestream and details on its length.

Update, April 2, 2025, 7:34AM ET: Added final pre-Direct details.

Update, April 2, 2025, 12:45PM ET: Added details from the April 2 Nintendo Direct event, including price, release date and launch titles.

Jeff Dunn contributed to this report.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-everything-we-know-after-the-direct-announcement-195136505.html?src=rss

Amazon has reportedly joined the growing list of suitors angling to acquire TikTok as a new ban deadline approaches. According to The New York Times, the retailer has made a “last-minute bid” to buy the app, and has approached Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about the offer.

It’s not clear why Amazon is making an offer this late in the process. TikTok is currently facing an April 5 deadline to strike a deal, though President Donald Trump has said he would likely extend it if necessary. The Times reports that White House officials don’t seem to be “seriously” considering the longshot bid. Amazon declined to comment.

Amazon joins several other companies and investors that have proposed bids. The group includes YouTuber MrBeast (with backing from a group that includes Roblox CEO David Baszucki), Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian (who joined a group of investors known as “Project Liberty”) and Perplexity AI, which has proposed integrating the shortform video into its search engine.

Even with the deadline just days away, we still don't know exactly when a decision will be made about TikTok’s future. Trump has said he wants to announce a deal before the Saturday deadline.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/amazon-reportedly-wants-to-buy-tiktok-now-too-173957102.html?src=rss

Nintendo just dropped a boatload of Switch 2 news, including the release date, price and a launch title or two. It also announced a bevy of accessories that’ll be available for the console on June 5. Let’s go over the most notable of these doodads.

For my money, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is the highlight here. This was featured heavily in the company’s livestream, as the Switch 2 will allow for in-game video chat. This is thanks to the magical “C” button on the right Joy-Con controller. The camera will also shrink down your head to use as a live avatar in certain games. It costs $50.

It wouldn’t be a Nintendo console without a pro controller. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller will cost $80, but it includes the aforementioned “C” button, a screen capture button, an audio jack and HD rumble 2. It also allows for motion controls and Amiibo functionality. The GL/GR buttons can be mapped to suit different playstyles.

The company also announced a dedicated GameCube controller for use with Nintendo Online. It comes in iconic purple and also includes a “C” button. It charges via USB-C so you won’t burn through AA batteries like Wall-E or something. We don’t have a price on this yet, but Nintendo did say it’s launching with the console. We do know, however, that it’s only available to Nintendo Online subscribers.

The Switch 2 is launching with a new Mario Kart game, so you know what that means. The Joy-Con wheel controllers are back. The Joy-Con 2 Wheel ships in a two-pack, which costs $20. The set includes one blue wheel and one red wheel.

There are two official carrying cases. There’s one just for the console, for handheld mode, that costs $35. There’s also a much larger one that holds everything, including the console, dock, cables and game cards. That one costs $80.

Those are the most interesting items, but Nintendo also announced the usual replacement components. An AC adapter costs $30, while a dock set costs $110. A pair of Joy-Cons will set you back $90 and replacement straps cost $13.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-official-switch-2-accessories-include-a-camera-a-gamecube-controller-and-more-173912613.html?src=rss

The entry-level laptop from modular computing company Framework, which we first saw in February, is almost ready to roll. Founder and CEO Nirav Patel said on Wednesday that you can reserve the Framework Laptop 12 on April 9 at 11AM ET.

The Framework Laptop 12 is a colorful 12.2-inch notebook with a 360-degree hinge that lets you fold it back into a (chunky) tablet. This zillionth iteration of that form factor stands out because of Framework's ethos of modular repairability. If you decide it's time for an upgrade in a couple of years, there's no need to fork out $1,500 for a new device; you can simply upgrade its modular parts.

The Framework Laptop 12 has a 12.2-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 touchscreen display that, at 400 nits, gets "much brighter than you typically see from an entry-level or lower-cost laptop." It will be available with a 13th-gen i3 or i5 Core processor and up to 48GB of DDR5 RAM. You can also get up to a 2TB 2 TB M.2 2230 SSD, Wi-Fi 6E and the company's standard choice of Windows 11 or Linux.

Framework

Although it's helpful to have those general spec guidelines, Framework says it won't share the modular machine's full spec breakdown, ship date or pricing until it's available for pre-order. So, you won't know how "entry-level" it is until the clock is ticking to reserve one. Although seeing Big Tech marketers weaponizing FOMO to increase sales numbers isn't exactly a rarity these days, it stands out all the more coming from a startup that, in other ways, is among the most consumer-friendly.

Patel even cautioned in today's announcement, "We have a hunch that the early batches are going to go very quickly." In other words, you'd better not take too long scanning that spec sheet and weighing it against pricing before the train pulls out of the station.

Regardless, you can learn more about the Framework Laptop 12 in the video below before checking out its full specs on April 9 at 11AM ET. Patel advises pre-order customers to create an account on the company website in advance.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/you-can-pre-order-frameworks-entry-level-2-in-1-touchscreen-laptop-on-april-9-182310021.html?src=rss

While there are still a few question marks, the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct has taught us pretty much everything we need to know ahead of the console's June 5 release date, and I have some mixed feelings.GameChat seems fun (though suspiciously reminiscent of Discord), Switch 2 Editions of both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom caught my interest, plus a litany of new games and ample examples of why mouse mode could be a silver bullet for an otherwise iteratively updated console.One area sorely missing an overhaul is the user interface (UI), which, based on a screen capture shared by Nintendo, looks much the same as the original Switch with a few minor tweaks: rounded corners on the game library and a slightly expanded menu bar.The menu bar features a few new options, though. Those include a green scroll, which I'd expect to be for news, a 'C' button for the new GameChat features, and a teal button, which I'd wager is for GameShare.Now, UI news may not take pride of place on your Nintendo Direct Bingo card, but I've always been surprised that Nintendo has gutted so many of its personalization and customization features over the years.Gone are the days of wacky menus, peppy menu music, and Miis; now, it's sterile, stripped-back, and, in my opinion, entirely at odds with Nintendo's design ethos.Especially when you consider the pared-back Joy-Con 2 design, too, it feels like Nintendo has lost its look.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

I was really hoping for UI themes to be announced or for some new features to bring Miis back to its former glory. Even the new, bizarrely positioned Welcome Tour game (which, to everyone's surprise, seems to be a paid-for title, not pre-installed free software) opted for a lifeless, basic design instead of utilizing anything remotely Nintendo-like.Time will tell if Nintendo plans to bring back some of its iconic whimsy to the Switch 2's UI, but I'm certainly hoping for a suitably garish Splatoon UI theme at some point to bring back a splash of color to the more sleek-looking Switch 2.

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More than $1.5bn of crypto was lost to scams and theft in Q1 2025, report saysMost of the funds were lost in the ByBit hackWallet compromise is the most common way people lose their crypto

When it comes to scams and theft, crypto hasn’t had a great year so far. Just in the first quarter of the year, hackers stole more than $1.67 billion across 197 security incidents. This is according to a new report published by blockchain cybersecurity pros CertiK.The Q1 2025 Hack3d Report says the figure represents a 303.38% increase in value compared to the previous quarter. Across the industry, the average loss per incident was $9,549,339, CertiK further said, while the median loss per incident was $66,303.The total value of funds returned was $6,390,698, leading to adjusted total losses of $1,662,600,186 for the quarter. Sadly enough, just 0.4% of stolen funds were returned to customers, but that’s basically how blockchain works, since most transactions are irreversible.

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Wake-up call

Without a wider context, these figures could be a bit misleading, though. Almost all of the money stolen fell on just one incident - the ByBit hack in late February 2025.ByBit, a major cryptocurrency exchange, lost $1.5 billion in Ethereum, in an attack that was attributed to North Korea's state-sponsored Lazarus Group. The hackers infiltrated Safe{Wallet}'s infrastructure, injecting malicious JavaScript that deceived ByBit's security team into approving unauthorized transactions.Lazarus is one of the world’s most infamous threat actors, deploying enormous state resources to steal cryptocurrencies, which are then used to fund the government’s state apparatus and its weapons program.“Hackers are using increasingly sophisticated techniques, and it is now more important than ever for blockchain businesses and projects to proactively invest in robust security measures,” said CertiK Co-Founder Ronghui Gu. The Bybit breach is a wake-up call for the entire industry. Security is not simply a competitive edge - it is a shared responsibility.”The most costly attack vector is wallet compromise, followed by private key compromise, code vulnerability, and phishing.

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Following its big Switch 2 presentation, Nintendo revealed in an interview with the team behind the console that one of the (arguably better) names the company was considering before it landed on Switch 2 was "Super Nintendo Switch."

"There were a lot of ideas for the name, and we really struggled to find the right one," Kouichi Kawamato, the producer on the Switch 2, says. "We even considered ideas like 'Super Nintendo Switch.'" The issue with the name was that even though drawing a parallel to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was fun, it was also potentially confusing. The SNES was the successor to the NES, but it couldn't play NES games. "Since Switch 2 can play Switch games, it didn't feel right to use the same naming convention as Super NES."

Adding a number to the end of the original console's name (the general strategy Nintendo's competitor Sony has taken with the PlayStation) just made things a lot simpler and easier to understand. Nintendo's caution isn't totally unfounded. The Wii U was more powerful than the Wii and featured a unique controller in the Wii U GamePad. Because it's name was so similar to Nintendo's older console, it was backwards compatible with the Wii and it supported pre-existing accessories like Wii Remotes, though, it was viewed as an add-on rather than a new device worth upgrading to.

There were other problems that helped do the Wii U in, like a steep decline in support from third-party game developers and a failure on Nintendo's part to explain what made the console distinct, but the name certainly didn't help. The Switch 2 is much better set up for success than the Wii U, but "sticking to what works" seems like the defining idea of the new console, so the name is following suit.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-switch-2-was-almost-called-the-super-nintendo-switch-184243089.html?src=rss

Nintendo has some requirements for access to Nintendo Switch 2 priority salesOne of them is a Nintendo Switch Online membershipIt might be an awesome anti-scalper strategy

What if on April 8, you queued up to buy the just fully announced Nintendo Switch 2 and didn't find that inventory was empty before you even had a chance to hit enter? Nintendo might have a fascinating new plan for leveling the consumer gaming console playing field.The new Nintendo Switch 2 is bigger and better in almost every way than the original Nintendo Switch and even the more recent OLED model. It's got a bigger screen, magnetic Joy-Cons, USB ports, four times the storage, and 4K support (when docked). My personal favorite is support for classic GameCube games.Even though it costs $150 more than the last model, it's sure to be a hot item and one that you might struggle to get your hands on. Unless, that is, Nintendo's unusual purchasing restrictions make it harder for scaplers to scoop up thousands of units and deplete what is sure to be limited supply.The requirements, as outlined on Nintendo's How to Buy FAQ page, are simple:

You must have been the one who purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membershipYou must have had any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 monthsYou must have opted in to share gameplay data and have at least 50 hours total gameplay hours.

This is not "one of the above." It's all of them.On the face of it, I might be against the rules. Who is Nintendo to force us to pay almost $20 a year on a service membership just for the privilege of owning a Nintendo Switch 2? But when viewed through the prism of a reality hurdle, meaning a real Switch gamer who's anxious to upgrade, it makes sense.Combining that with the one-year of active membership is smart because while it's easy to sign up for Nintendo Switch Online membership today, that won't be enough.I might also give the last requirement some privacy side-eye. After all, why would I want to share my gameplay data with Nintendo? Who might they share it with?Still, in this case, it shows, through the additional task of 50 hours of gameplay, that you're serious about the platform.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

All of this is undoubtedly designed to separate real Switch fans from scalpers who will try to flood the zone and use countless auto-generated Nintendo IDs and virtual credit card numbers to scoop up as many Nintendo Switch 2 consoles as possible. They'll then turn around and sell them on third-party reseller sites, eBay, and elsewhere at a significant markup.These rules could make that difficult, if not impossible.Looking at it another way, though, I see that this is also a smart strategy for managing supply chain issues. Causal buyers may be cut out of the mix, and what already looks to be a limited supply will only go to the most invested Nintendo Switch 2 buyers.Nintendo describes the priority availability as going out "in batches...until purchasing on My Nintendo Store is opened to everyone." Who knows when that wil be. It could take all year for Nintendo to open up the purchasing doors.

Gaming supply and demand

The Nintendo Switch was notoriously limited in supply for years and took forever to overtake its predecessor, the Nintendo Wii, in sales.If Nintendo is successful in selling mostly to real, motivated buyers, that equation may change, and we could go from batches to full availability and have the Nintendo Switch 2 surpass the original Nintendo Switch in sales in no time.Overall, I applaud this and hope that we see similar loyalty programs applied to the PlayStation 6 and future Xbox launches. It might not hurt to do it with Apple's first foldable iPhone and Samsung's first tri-fold either.Your best customers are usually connected to your brand through previous purchases and service memberships (look at Apple customers and iCloud).This is the best way to reward them and ensure that demand and supply stay in balance and that those who deserve to buy your new product get a chance to do so at the original retail price.

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Vibe coding—creating and editing software simply by giving instructions to AI—enables businesses and individuals to unleash their creativity without requiring a developer. Some worry that vibe coding will replace developers, but that’s not the case. This trend proves that programming is evolving, and those who adapt will find more opportunities, not fewer.

The evolution of AI coding

AI-powered coding assistants have been around for a while. They started as “autocomplete” tools, similar to how your phone predicts the next word when you text.GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and similar tools boosted developer productivity by helping them finish lines of code, detect mistakes, and suggest improvements.In fact, software engineering is the field where AI is most commonly applied. To put things in perspective, over 37% of all queries sent to Claude cover tasks like software modification, code debugging, and network troubleshooting.Even major tech companies, such as Google, now rely on AI for coding—more than a quarter of their new code is AI-generated.But vibe coding takes this concept even further. Instead of merely assisting developers, tools like Hostinger Horizons, Lovable, or Bolt.new can now generate complete applications based on user prompts.People with no coding knowledge are creating personal web apps, automating tasks, and even building successful SaaS businesses.This marks a fundamental shift: AI is no longer just assisting developers—it’s taking on entire development tasks.While vibe coding is impressive, it comes with notable limitations that make human oversight essential. However, with research advancing rapidly, AI’s coding capabilities will continue to improve. AI already outperforms humans in creative tasks, decision-making, and some other tasks, so similar progress in software development is inevitable.

What AI currently can and can’t do

Basically, current large language models (LLMs) are advanced text predictors. They analyze patterns and generate outputs based on training data, but unlike humans, they can’t comprehend the meaning of what they generate.AI's lack of true understanding causes several significant limitations:

AI can’t think out of the box to find better solutions on its own. It simply generates code based on given instructions and examples from the training data.AI hallucinates and makes errors. In some cases, a subtle mistake or oversight can require extensive efforts to correct later on.To create a large, complex application, users must clearly explain the app's logic to the AI because it’s unlikely to come up with that structure on its own.

In other words, current vibe coding tools are similar to junior software developers. They help non-developers bring their software ideas to life with minimal effort.That said, complex projects still require more time, deeper expertise, and often the involvement of a professional developer.

The new role of developers

Vibe coding tools are evolving rapidly. In just a few months, we could see significant improvements—bringing them closer to the expertise of mid-level or even senior developers.Nevertheless, AI will need humans to guide it, test, and refine the outputs. This is where the future developers will step in, ensuring AI-generated code is reliable and secure, managing and integrating different AI solutions, and solving complex and unique challenges.AI isn’t a threat but rather a tool to solve tedious, repetitive tasks, allowing developers to focus on new, unique challenges, and create innovations.That’s what we see in our business today. AI fully solves more than half of all client queries, allowing our Customer Success experts to focus more on advanced technical issues.

Adapt or step back

As AI becomes an integral part of software development, the skill set required for developers is evolving. Future-proof developers will need to master AI literacy, prompt engineering, code analysis, debugging, and problem-solving to stay ahead in the job market.This shift also necessitates changes in education. Schools and universities must integrate AI-powered tools into their curricula to ensure graduates are relevant and competitive in the job market.Yet, this transformation is not limited to programming. With 400 million weekly ChatGPT users, it’s hard to imagine any industry without AI, at least in terms of intellectual work.However, rather than replacing human ingenuity, AI helps people be more productive and efficient. Businesses will always need smart people for strategic thinking, decisive action, and driving innovation.The future of coding isn’t about choosing between AI and human developers—it’s about collaboration. The best developers will be those who know how to harness AI effectively.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

GameCube Classics are headed to the Nintendo Switch 2The first three titles are The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soul Caliber 2, and F-Zero GX, coming on June 5, 2025Other games like Pokémon Colosseum, Luigi's Mansion, and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

Nintendo’s major Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event was brimming with game releases, but forget about Mario Kart World, FromSoftware’s new The Duskbloods and that sweet five seconds of Silksong footage for a minute and join me in celebrating the two actual biggest announcements: Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness are hitting the new console (alongside other GameCube games).With limited opportunities to capture and train your Pokémon companions adding some real challenge compared to the core series, combined with some incredible music and a unique plot, these spinoffs are my favorites in the whole Pokémon series.And after misplacing my copy of Gale of Darkness (which is very costly to replace on the secondary market) I’m beyond excited to be able to replay both of these titles again soon.

They’re being released via a new GameCube addition to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. This expanded version of the Online subscription includes access to DLC and exclusive classic console game libraries (including the N64 and GameBoy Advance) for $49.99 / £34.99 / AU$59.95 a year.The only downside for Pokémon fans is that while these two best-in-class spinoffs have been confirmed to be launching on the service at some point they won’t be available at the new console’s launch.Instead, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Soul Caliber 2, and F-Zero GX will be the first trio of GameCube titles to hit the service on the Switch 2’s launch date.One thing to note is that it appears that Nintendo Switch original players with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack won’t be able to access these GameCube titles. Instead, the GameCube expansion will be exclusive to Nintendo’s latest console.

Complete the GameCube setup

(Image credit: Nintendo)

To capture the authentic GameCube experience, Nintendo announced it’s releasing a wireless GameCube controller (complete with the new C button) for £58.99 (likely around $75 based on exchange rates; Nintendo has yet to confirm a US price).It’ll only be available through the MyNintendo online store, and – to make things more frustrating – you’ll only be able to preorder one if you’re a Nintendo Switch Online member, and initially it will “only be offered to those invited to pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2 console” according to the MyNintendo UK store.This is presumably a move to prevent scalpers from sucking up all the stock before anyone else can react, so just be prepared to jump through some hoops if you’re keen to get this Switch 2 GameCube accessory.

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Hear me out. I too rolled my eyes when A Minecraft Movie was announced. We're all tired of seeing Jack Black in video game movies — he was fine in Super Mario Bros., but good god Borderlands was a disaster. And the Minecraft film's trailers did it no favors, another soulless movie produced on a virtual set about a game that's completely open-ended and plotless. But it turns out A Minecraft Movie is actually good.

Honestly, I'm as surprised as you are.

A Minecraft Movie isn't exactly groundbreaking, to be clear. It certainly never reaches the heights of The Lego Movie. But it's surprisingly funny for a children's movie, and it delivers a decent message about championing creativity in a world that wants to beat down free-thinking non-conformists. And if you were around for the inexplicable Napoleon Dynamite craze of the mid-2000's, you'll notice plenty of that film's quirky sensibility from director Jared Hess.

From the beginning, A Minecraft Movie seems well aware of the ridiculousness of its own existence. The story starts off with Jack Black's Steve (dressed just like the game's default skin) retelling his obsession with "the mines," and his inability to go digging while he was a kid. He later grows up, gets a boring office job and remembers his erstwhile calling to make holes in the earth. Once he makes his way into a cave, he stumbles into a portal that brings him to the blocky "Overworld" of the Minecraft universe. It's classic isekai stuff — the genre of anime where the main character is transported to another (often digital) world.

And yes, I know all of this sounds incredibly contrived as I write this, but Black's zaniness really sells the absurdity of the film. It's as if he's saying out loud, "Yes, I know the idea of a Minecraft movie is beyond dumb, but at least you get to spend time with me in classic Jack Black mode!" Now if you're tired of his schtick, that may be a major knock against the film. But for me, it was a nice reminder of his Tenacious D days.

Warner Bros.

The film eventually focuses on two siblings, Henry (Sebastian Hansen) and Natalie (Emma Myers), who are moving to a small Midwestern town after the death of their mother. Natalie is gearing up for a social media producer role at a local business, while Henry is forced to adapt to a new school. Coincidentally, a former gaming superstar lives in their town, Jason Mamoa's Garret "The Garbageman" Garrison, who befriends Henry as another outcast. Danielle Brooks' Dawn, a struggling local realtor/mobile zookeeper, ends up taking Natalie under her wing after seeing how much she's sacrificing for her brother.

Inevitably, thanks to a glowing MacGuffin, those four characters also stumble into the same portal that sent Steve to the Overworld. They quickly run into Steve, break their glowing MacGuffin and then head off to find a way to fix it and return home. If any of this sounds boring, don't worry, it's not really important. What works best in A Minecraft Movie is the humor and personality Hess stuffs in between the trappings of a big budget Hollywood game adaptation.

Warner Bros.

The majority of the film hinges on Jack Black's persona, but I also enjoyed seeing Jason Mamoa play an egotistical manchild who's in love with video games. He's decked out in an absurd wig and hot pink jacket, and Mamoa hams it up just as well as he did Fast X. He's a jerk at times, but he's also kind to Henry and clearly doesn't care what anyone thinks of his personal style. The rest of the cast mostly plays it straight against the force of Black and Mamoa's personalities, but they each get a few moments to shine.

Whenever the core story starts to fall flat, A Minecraft Movie veers into more interesting territory, like a hapless Minecraft villager who stumbles into the real world. For those who don't play the game, villagers are simple NPC who can't speak, and often find themselves in danger. I got a kick out of seeing him navigate traffic and have a meet-cute with Jennifer Coolidge's Vice Principal Marlene, a relationship that gets weirder than you'd think. (Again, it's like something straight out of Napoleon Dynamite.)

Warner Bros.

I’m no Minecraft devotee, but I wish the film’s interpretation of the game’s blocky graphics were a bit more pixelated. While the characters and animals we see resemble their game counterparts, their over-designed look clashes with the beautiful simplicity of Minecraft’s aesthetics. I’m sure it’s tough to unite the low-poly look with live action, while also delivering polished CG that audiences expect, but the path A Minecraft Movie took just feels over-cooked. That being said, the film’s game world seems more alive than the empty virtual sets in Quantumania. There are tons of characters milling about, and the environments all feel distinctly Minecraft.

The kids in my press screening didn’t seem to mind the shift in visual language. They loved seeing the game’s creatures in any form — a family of pandas got a theater-wide “awww.” And they also loved seeing in-game Minecraft tricks represented on the big screen, like using a water block to cushion a fall.

My daughter Sophia’s verdict? “I liked it, but I don’t think I’d want to see it again,” she said. But I know she’s lying. We’ll likely end up seeing this thing hundreds of times at home, and even more so once her brother jumps aboard the Minecraft bandwagon. I won’t mind, though. As far as kid’s movies go, it’s a world I wouldn’t mind revisiting.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a-minecraft-movie-review-its-good-actually-190035499.html?src=rss

If you’ve got your eyes on the Nintendo Switch 2 and are in the US, Best Buy might be your best place to secure the hybrid console.That’s because Best Buy will open at midnight ET / 9pm PT on launch day so that those who secure a pre-order can pick up the console as soon as possible on June 5.The pre-orders are set to start on Wednesday, April 9, and to be in the best position to get the Switch 2 as soon as possible, you’ll want to pre-order through the BestBuy.com website or the Best Buy Mobile App.

Best Buy is one of the best places to pre-order gaming gear, and we envisage it being the same for the Nintendo Switch 2 - it should have plenty of stock, too, we hope. All you can do at the minute, though, is register your interest

“There are some moments gamers don’t forget, and one of those is the excitement and anticipation that comes with being one of the first to get the hot new console on launch night,” said Patrick McGinnis, chief merchandising officer at Best Buy. “We can’t wait to bring that moment to life with the Nintendo Switch 2, and help customers level up their gaming experience.”There’s more good stuff, too, if you’re a My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total member. For every $150 spent on Nintendo hardware, accessories, and games, you can get a $20 Best Buy certificate, ramping up to $100 worth. There’s a caveat: This offer is only valid from April 2 to August 3.While I expect the Switch 2 to be offered by a whole range of the big US retailers, I’d cautiously suggest that Best Buy might be one of the best places to go to in order to secure the new Nintendo console; the retailer tends to be one the the companies that has healthy amounts of stock for such devices.Given the massive success of the original Nintendo Switch, if you’re super-keen on the Switch 2, I’d suggest you be prepared to get a pre-order in so that you’re not left disappointed on its release day.And as a reminder, the Switch 2 on its own will be $449.99 or $499.99 with a download code for Mario Kart World.

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MediaTek challenges Broadcom in Google's evolving AI hardware strategyNext-gen TPU aims for better AI processing and lower costsGoogle diversifies AI chip supply, reducing reliance on Broadcom

MediaTek and Google will collaborate to develop the next-gen tensor processing units (TPUs), a move which means Google will likely be reducing its reliance on Broadcom in its AI tools hardware business strategy. The aim of this collaboration is to design an affordable and energy-efficient TPU, produced by TSMC and will likely launch as part of Google’s 7th-gen TPU series.While Google will lead the overall design, MediaTek will handle input/output modules to facilitate communication between the processor and peripherals, marking a shift from Broadcom’s previous role in TPU core development, though Google is not cutting ties with Broadcom entirely.

Developing more efficient AI processors

Google’s TPUs, designed for demanding AI computations and essential for training the best LLMs, will reportedly see improved efficiency and performance, addressing the increasing demand for powerful AI processing.Google has been developing its own AI server chips for internal use and cloud services to reduce reliance on external providers like Nvidia, whose dominance in AI hardware contrasts with Google’s push for a more self-sufficient ecosystem through TPU investments.Meanwhile, Mediatek has been expanding its presence in AI chip development, including partnerships in AI supercomputers.Ine arly 2025, the company announced an AI supercomputer project collaboration, with its latest partnership with Google aligning with its broader strategy to strengthen its position in the AI industry.If this collaboration is successful, it may influence the development of the best LLM models by making AI processing more efficient.Via UDN

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The Nintendo Switch 2 had its big debut on Wednesday, and the new console looks to be a sizable, if mostly straightforward, upgrade over its mega-popular predecessor. Tucked between the new Donkey Kong and (pricier) Mario Kart games, mouse mode and overhauled party chat features, though, was another significant update: The device supports faster microSD Express cards. This may not be the sexiest feature, but it should bring quicker load times and generally improved storage performance to the upcoming handheld. The company briefly showed new 256GB cards from Samsung and SanDisk during its presentation, complete with Mario logos printed on.

However, the news came with a major caveat: The console is only compatible with microSD Express. The cards most people use today — which are based on the older UHS-I bus interface — will only work for loading videos and screenshots from an original Switch, not playing games, according to Nintendo’s support site. Nintendo says this restriction is necessary to preserve the Switch 2’s performance upgrades, and it’s worth noting that the console itself comes with a much more generous 256GB of space by default. But if you ever need to expand the device’s storage, this change will likely make doing so cost extra, while drastically shrinking the options you have to choose from.

Unlike traditional UHS-I cards, a microSD Express card like the SanDisk model on the right comes with a second row of pins on the back.

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

What are microSD Express cards?

SD Express is a relatively recent but seldom-used standard that lets SD cards take advantage of the NVMe protocol and PCIe interface, which is the underlying tech used by SSDs. A microSD Express card has a second row of “pins” on its back and can utilize a single lane’s worth of PCIe bandwidth. As a result, it can produce dramatically faster read and write speeds than its UHS-I counterparts. Whereas the latter advertise sequential transfer rates up to 104 megabytes per second (MB/s), microSD Express cards have a theoretical maximum of 985 MB/s.

That’s far behind the NVMe SSDs used by the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, but in theory, it makes Express cards faster than some older SATA-based SSDs when it comes to loading game levels, retrieving saves or copying games to the external storage. It’s worth noting that many UHS-I microSD cards can exceed the 104 MB/s limit with proprietary card readers, but they still fall well short of microSD Express levels even with those. The same goes for speedier UHS-II cards, which are mostly used by professional types with select cameras and PCs and max out at 312 MB/s. (There’s also a UHS-III interface, but nobody uses it. Getting all of this?)

Prior to Wednesday, the only reliably available microSD Express card we could find was this model from SanDisk. We recently tested it for our microSD card buying guide, and the upgrade was pretty dramatic. In the synthetic benchmark CrystalDiskMark, the SanDisk card achieved sequential reads up to 899.12 MB/s and sequential writes up to 650.41 MB/s. For comparison, the absolute fastest UHS-I card we’ve tested (Lexar’s Professional Silver Plus) topped out at 209.25 MB/s for reads and 193.93 MB/s for writes — so, three to four times slower.

In one of our “real-world” tests, the SanDisk Express card took an average of 20 seconds to move a 12GB folder containing various file types and subfolders to a PC and 52 seconds to write the folder back to the card. The Lexar card averaged 67 and 76 seconds, respectively. The gulf in random speeds — which measure how quickly a card can read and write small bits of data scattered throughout a device and tend to be particularly important for gaming — was similarly large, and in some benchmarks even greater.

SanDisk's microSD Express card is one of the (very) few options you can actually buy today.

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

Nintendo has not provided any official transfer speed ratings for the new console just yet, but all of this suggests that the Switch 2’s storage should be much faster than before, even if it’s not on par with the speeds of a PS5 or Xbox Series X. It’s also possible that, like those other consoles, the Switch 2 has hardware dedicated to decompressing files, which could make the real-world improvements over the original Switch’s storage performance even greater. (We’ve reached out to Nintendo and will update this post if we receive any further details.)

The original SD Express standard was released in 2018, but the tech has mostly gone nowhere in the years since. There’s been the SanDisk card noted above, a full-size SD card from ADATA and not much else. Previously, Samsung and Lexar announced microSD Express cards that wound up missing their original release windows — though Samsung’s card may just be the same one unveiled today, and Lexar did release a new “Play Pro” microSD Express card on Wednesday.

Host devices that support the standard, which are required to even see any improved speeds, have been highly uncommon over the same time frame. (If you put a microSD Express card in a device that doesn’t support the underlying tech, such as the original Switch, it’ll be limited to standard UHS-I speeds.) And while compatible card readers can deliver the faster transfer rates on certain PCs, they aren’t cheap, so at that point most people have been better off buying a faster external SSD.

The SD Association pointed us to a LinkedIn page (!) with other compatible devices when reached for comment, but the pickings are still slim, and very few of those support microSD Express cards specifically. The Switch 2 is by far the highest-profile device to embrace the standard, so it could be the thing that finally takes these cards from “cool idea” to “useful niche.”

The Samsung and SanDisk microSD Express cards Nintendo quickly teased during its Switch 2 unveiling on Wednesday.

Nintendo

Questions of price and heat

That said, there are multiple reasons why SD Express has failed to take off before this week, and it remains to be seen whether the Switch 2 will truly fix them. First and foremost is price. We’ve reached out to SanDisk and Samsung for confirmation, but for now we don’t know how much the microSD Express cards that Nintendo has teased will cost. If the couple other Express models available today are any indication, though, they’re likely to be much more expensive than the conventional cards you may have bought for the previous Switch.

SanDisk’s Express card, for instance, costs $45 for a 128GB model and $60 for the 256GB version. The 256GB Lexar Play Pro is $10 cheaper, but its 512GB and 1TB versions cost a whopping $100 and $200, respectively. For reference, Samsung’s Pro Plus — another UHS-I card we recommend in our buying guide — costs $17 for 128GB, $23 for 256GB, $38 for 512GB and $80 for 1TB as of this writing. That’s a huge difference.

What’s more, the Play Pro is the only purchasable microSD Express card we’ve seen thus far that even supports capacities greater than 256GB. Nintendo says the console can support up to 2TB of external storage, but no Express card with that capacity appears to exist yet. The Switch 2 will be one of the first mainstream devices to truly push SD Express in earnest, so we’d expect it’ll drive prices down and increase competition over time. But how quickly, and by how much, remains up in the air.

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The other concern relates to thermal management. MicroSD Express cards can pump out significantly faster transfer speeds, but they’re still working with tiny little frames that don’t leave much room to dissipate heat. When we tested SanDisk’s microSD Express model for our guide, we noticed that it slowed down under longer, more sustained loads — not enough to fall behind than UHS-I cards, but still below its peak by a few hundred MB/s.

The SD Express spec does have mechanisms for keeping heat in check, and manufacturers like SanDisk advertise similar protections. Nintendo presumably has come up with ways to further avoid severe throttling with the Switch 2. (We already know that the new dock comes with a cooling fan built in, for instance.) But it’ll be something to keep an eye on once we can move large game files around the device.

In a developer Q&A posted to Nintendo’s website on Wednesday, Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto notes that the move to microSD Express will help the console’s performance hold up better in the long-term. With the new Mario Kart World, for instance, he says the faster transfer speeds will help make far-off destinations in the game’s open world visible faster. He also notes that Switch 2 games will have larger file sizes, but that he “doubt[s] most people will need a microSD Express card immediately after buying the system” thanks to the Switch 2’s larger built-in capacity.

Hopefully that’s the case. It’d be unfair to call this a PlayStation Vita situation, as that portable console relied solely on proprietary memory cards, and the Switch 2 will support options from several third-party manufacturers. But as it stands now, storage upgrades for the new console look like they’ll be much pricier and more limited to start. And just how much of an advantage the new tech provides is something we won’t know until the console arrives in June.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-nintendo-switch-2-promises-major-storage-upgrades-but-itll-cost-you-193758964.html?src=rss

It seems fitting that Nintendo didn’t reveal the Switch 2’s $450 price during its Direct stream this morning — it would have just bummed everyone out. After spending an hour hearing about how the Switch 2 practically fixes almost every problem we had with the original console, and seeing teasers for exciting games like Mario Kart World, why spoil the good vibes with the harsh reality of market economics? Instead, Nintendo revealed the console’s price in the lowliest of media communications: A simple press release.

My first reaction was shock. $450 for a mostly portable console? That’s the same retail price as the PlayStation 5, a system that’s also currently on sale for $400 together with Astro-Bot. Sure, the Switch 2 is vastly superior to the original Switch, but it likely doesn’t have PS5-level hardware. The price jump is also surprising since the original Switch launched at $300 in 2017. Can you imagine we thought the $350 Switch OLED was too high-priced?

Unfortunately, it’s not 2017. NVIDIA now has mid-range GPUs selling for upwards of $600, the cost of almost every product has gone up, and massive companies like Nintendo are bracing for the potential impact of the Trump administration’s long-threatened tariffs.

A $450 Switch 2 is expensive, I’m not denying that. But in the current economic landscape, I would hesitate to call it too expensive.

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Consider this: The Switch 2 is just $50 more than the cheapest Steam Deck, a portable PC gaming handheld with significantly slower hardware, a smaller and lower quality (7-inch, 1280 by 800, 60Hz) screen, and a much bulkier frame. The Switch 2, meanwhile, is just as thin as the original model, it has a 7.9-inch 1080p screen that can run up to 120fps with HDR, and it’s powerful enough to play games at up to 4K/60fps while docked. Based on the games we’ve seen so far, the Switch 2 seems surprisingly powerful for its size.

The Switch 2 also improves on its controls with the Joy-Con 2, which now magnetically attach to the consoles, feature larger analog sticks and can also work as mice across a variety of services. You won’t be removing the Steam Deck’s controls without the use of a small saw. And I’ve yet to see a handheld PC maker deliver removable controls that are as comfortable and easy to use as the original Switch (that means you, Lenovo). Nintendo’s original Joy-Con were far from perfect, but they did the job, and I’d wager the company has learned enough to make the Joy-Con 2f even better.

Nintendo

And while you can technically dock other PC gaming handhelds, they won’t see the performance upgrade Nintendo is claiming with the Switch 2. The company says its new console can reach up to 4K/60fps for some titles, thanks to an additional fan in the dock. We don’t know exactly what’s powering the Switch 2 yet, so Nintendo could be drastically overselling its capabilities. But given how seamless docking worked on the first Switch (where it also delivered a bit of a performance upgrade, sans an additional fan), it’s also something I think Nintendo has optimized more than PC companies, who are only just now dipping their toes into portable gaming.

Maybe I’m just trying to justify my own purchases (I just realized I’ll probably need a second Switch 2 for my kid), but I just can’t get too angry about a $450 Switch 2. If we see many more $80 games like Mario Kart World, though, we should absolutely riot in the streets.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/is-the-450-nintendo-switch-2-too-expensive-195750206.html?src=rss

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct has been a rollercoaster of emotions with highs like the GameCube game announcements for Switch Online and the Mario Kart World showcase, and then lows like the eye-wateringly high prices.The Nintendo Switch 2 will cost $449.99 in the US or £395.99 in the UK (AU pricing is TBC), games like Mario Kart will set you back $79.99 / £74.99, and that cute Welcome Tour title that will explain the console’s features to you? You'll have to pay for that as well.Cue the Michael Scott reaction:

That can’t be true, you must be thinking. I thought the same, but the official Nintendo of Europe account on Twitter – complete with Gold verification checkmark – described it as a “a paid downloadable launch title for Nintendo Switch 2.” There’s no more solid confirmation than hearing it from Nintendo itself.

Discover all the secrets inside your new console with #NintendoSwitch2 Welcome Tour, a paid downloadable launch title for Nintendo Switch 2. pic.twitter.com/X4SqIPDRtJApril 2, 2025

When the Direct’s Welcome Tour trailer showed us a handful of minigames and digital information desks detailing overly in-depth information on the magnets in the new Joy-Cons my initial reaction was that it looks like a harmless interactive manual and eventual bloatware – the sort of software we’ll hop into for a few minutes while we wait for our actual games to finish installing and eventually delete when we run out of Switch 2 storage.It didn’t once cross my mind that Nintendo would charge anyone to 'play' Welcome Tour. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but frankly even $1 / £1 feels too high.

I know this title would have taken time to develop and to fill with demos and info, but surely its cost could have been eaten up by the high Switch 2 price? Right?I was cautiously excited for the Nintendo Switch 2, and the Direct mostly morphed that into true anticipation. June 5, 2025 was marked on my calendar, and as hype grows I could see myself putting in a preorder despite my promise to myself that a new Mario Kart wouldn’t be enough of a draw.Now, with this Welcome Tour announcement, and several other missteps, I’m just feeling deflated by the whole launch. Hopefully my frustrations will mellow out in the coming days, but in the Switch 2 vs Steam Deck battle, in my mind the Nintendo console is in a losing position for now.

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Sonos has given two of its audio products price cuts. The Era 100 smart speaker and Ray soundbar now retail for $199. The change offers new customers a $50 savings for the Era 100 and $80 on the Ray. Both speakers would frequently show up on sale, but Sonos has confirmed that this is a permanent pricing change for the products.

These items have been available for a few years, so the price drop might signal that a refresh is in store for both. When it debuted in 2023, the Era 100 was an upgrade on the Sonos One, bringing overhauled touch controls and even better audio quality to the same cylindrical form factor. At $200, it's now selling for what the Sonos One cost, making it a solid choice for a home speaker. The Ray came out in 2022, offering a solid home theater performance without the most high-end audio or accompanying high-end price tag.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/sonos-cut-retail-prices-for-its-era-100-speaker-and-ray-soundbar-201049055.html?src=rss

Following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, we've got our first glimpse at how Nintendo might make use of its new top-mounted USB-C port.When Nintendo unveiled the new Switch 2, the secondary USB-C port caught my attention. No, not because I want a more convenient charging port for playing in tabletop mode or because I use wired controllers and can't be bothered to re-plug them into the dock's USB-C ports.Instead, I was mostly excited by what this new port could represent for the Switch 2's future accessories, and Nintendo delivered with its new Nintendo Switch 2 Camera.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

As part of its latest livestream, Nintendo unveiled GameChat, which utilizes the new Camera for video calls, in-game AR features, and emotes. It'll be available at launch – June 5, 2025 – for $49.99 / £49.99.As of this writing, we haven't seen any single-player games use the camera, but in time, you may be able to use it for motion-capture games like the good old heyday of EyeToy and Kinect gaming.My hope, however, is that the Camera is only the beginning. I'd love to see the likes of the Super Scope 6, the Game Boy Camera and Pocket Printer, or even the Wii's Balance Board.In an otherwise slightly underwhelming Direct with no major first-party launch titles to catch my eye beyond Mario Kart World, this second USB-C port and its peripheral potential remains one of the most interesting developments in the console.

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In 2002, Microsoft launched Xbox Live with built-in voice chat as one of the main selling points of the then new service. Now, nearly 25 years later, Nintendo is finally giving its fans an easy way to talk to their friends online over a friendly match of Mario Kart World.

Considering some of the solutions Nintendo has offered in the past, GameChat is surprisingly elegant. A tap of the Switch 2's new C button, conveniently located below the Home button on the right Joy-Con, brings up a dedicated interface that allows you to quickly start screensharing, mute and unmute your mic and, if you decide to buy the optional Switch 2 Camera, enable video.

What's more, the Switch 2 has a built-in mic. We'll need to test the handheld to see how well the microphone performs in a noisy environment; Nintendo touted its noise-reduction features in today's introduction. But if nothing else, kudos to Nintendo for realizing it couldn't release a new console in 2025 without voice chat built-in and making that feature standard on all models.

However, if the demo Nintendo showed off today is any indication of the final product, the company has some work to do. Voice chat looks like it works well enough, with users allowed to invite up to 11 other people to join their conversation. That said, screen sharing and video chat look very rough.

When everyone in the video started streaming their gameplay, it looked like the games were running at less than 30 frames per second, making it difficult to see how it would be possible to use the feature to guide a friend through a tricky section, like Nintendo suggested in the demo. Video chat was equally janky, with the footage from the Switch 2 Camera looking like something captured by a webcam from the mid-aughts. Moreover, if you want to see your friend's screen, there's an additional tradeoff.

Nintendo showed off three different interface options, with two of them devoting a fair amount of screen space to tiles for your friends. I imagine this won't be a problem if you're playing on a TV, but even on the Switch 2's large 7.9-inch screen, the interface looks like it could get cramped fast.

To Nintendo's credit, the company has thought a lot about parental controls, with features that allow parents and guardians to decide who their kids can chat with online and if they can join a session with video. But the thing is none of GameChat’s capabilities are new. They've existed in apps like Discord for years, which begs the question why some of them look so rough this close to launch.

Nintendo has time between now and June 5 to polish GameChat, but in 2025, making a technically competent chat app shouldn't be so hard. Of course, I imagine most of the Switch 2's audience won't care if some of GameChat's features are half-baked. For the rest of us, the company plans to offer the feature for free until the end of March 2026. One would hope that's enough time for the company to catch up on two decades worth of progress in online gaming.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/gamechat-is-decades-late-and-looks-pretty-janky-202309823.html?src=rss

Semimetals promise more efficient conductivity, outperforming copper in energy useCopper’s limitations drive the search for semimetals like niobium phosphideNiobium phosphide conducts electricity better, even at nanometer thicknesses

For nearly two centuries, copper has been the standard for electrical conductivity, used in wiring, microelectronics, and computing - but as electronic devices become portable power stations, it's clear that copper is reaching its physical limits.To that end, recent research at Stanford University has shown niobium phosphide can outperform copper in ultra-thin films, making it a promising candidate for nanoscale electronics.Researchers are exploring semimetals as a potential alternative because these materials possess unique electronic properties that could enhance efficiency, minimize energy loss, and improve performance in next-generation technology.

Unlocking new possibilities in conductivity

Unlike traditional metals, semimetals such as niobium phosphide exhibit distinctive band structures and topological properties, allowing for improved electron transport.Niobium phosphide (NbP) thin films exhibit much lower resistivity than copper at nanometer scales. As the film thickness decreases, the resistivity of NbP decreases as well, reaching just one-sixth of copper's resistivity at a similar thickness.At approximately 1.5 nanometers, NbP has a resistivity of about 34 microohm-centimeters at room temperature, significantly outperforming copper’s resistivity of around 100 microohm-centimeters at similar scales.“Better materials could help us spend less energy in small wires and more energy actually doing computation,” said Eric Pop, a professor at Stanford’s School of Engineering.The problem with copper is that it becomes less effective as it gets thinner, particularly below 50 nanometers, and struggles to handle rapid electrical signals, resulting in energy loss as heat, yet the Stanford team discovered that NbP, even at just five nanometers thick, conducts electricity more efficiently than copper due to its topological nature, where the material’s outer surface is more conductive than its core.“Now we have another class of materials – these topological semimetals – that could potentially act as a way to reduce energy usage in electronics,” said Akash Ramdas, a doctoral researcher involved in the study.One of the key advantages of niobium phosphide is its compatibility with existing semiconductor technologies, as it can be deposited at just 400°C, a temperature low enough to avoid damaging silicon chips. This means it could be integrated into current manufacturing processes without requiring expensive redesigns.The Stanford team is now exploring other topological semimetals that could further improve performance and efficiency.“This kind of breakthrough in non-crystalline materials could help address power and energy challenges in both current and future electronics,” Pop explained.However, there are challenges in making NbP a viable commercial material, such as maintaining the correct layer tolerances during production, as variations in the thickness of the seed Nb layer can impact the resistivity and quality of the NbP film.As the demand for smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient devices grows, semimetals could play a crucial role in shaping the future of microelectronics. If research continues to advance, nanometer-thick semimetal conductors may soon replace copper in high-performance computing, setting a new standard for electrical conductivity.Via IEEE Spectrum

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