Engadget review recap: Switch 2, Playdate games and a Framework laptop
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been all the rage around the Engadget HQ for the last few weeks. Even the editors who didn't write the official review have had their hands glued to their new toys. Of course, we've been testing other things too, mainly a repairable laptop that's design for student use. Read on to catch up on the reviews you might've missed over the last two weeks.
With the Switch 2, Nintendo improved everything we liked about the original while retaining its sleek and portable design. $449 at Walmart
Nintendo Switch 2 finally made its way to gamers this month and several of us have been putting the portable console through its paces. Senior reviews reporter Sam Rutherford wrote our full review, noting that the company managed to take everything that make the original model so good and make it better. However, there's still room for improvement, especially with regards to battery life. "The Switch 2 has everything that made the original so great, but now there's more of it to enjoy," he said. "Granted, Nintendo's latest console commands a higher price, but as the successor to the iconic system that revived handheld gaming, this thing is worth it."
The Switch 2 Pro controller is clearly the most refined gamepad Nintendo has ever made. It's just a shame that it's so expensive and doesn't have Hall effect sticks. $85 at Best Buy
A new Switch means a new Pro Controller, so senior reviews reporter Devindra Hardawar took a deep dive on Nintendo's new accessory. Despite being "the most refined gampad" the company has ever made, he took offense to the price and the lack of advanced design features. "As much as I like the Switch 2 Pro Controller, it's undoubtedly an extravagance at $85 when 8Bitdo's Ultimate gamepad offers even more features for $50," he explained. "But if you're a dedicated Nintendo fan, or you just can't accept third-party controllers, it's also one of the best gamepads you can buy today."
Framework's 12-inch laptop is an alternative to low-cost laptops, but it is too expensive to compete. $799 at Framework
The Framework Laptop 12 takes the company's familiar spin on modular, repairable machines and puts it in a smaller body with students in mind. However, the price is an issue and overall performance isn't good enough. "The limited performance and battery life here gives me pause and I'm not sure a machine that, right now, needs a stretch to run Fortnite would be too popular," senior reporter Dan Cooper wrote. "My gut tells me Framework had intended to sell this for less before tariffs pushed the prices up beyond what made sense."
Weekend editor Cheyenne Macdonald recently proclaimed that there haven't been any flops at the halfway point of Playdate Season Two. The two newest additions are Long Puppy and Otto's Galactic Groove!!, two games that are fun but still offer a challenge. You can also revisit her thoughts on The Whiteout and Wheelsprung or the initial column on Fulcrum Defender and Blippo+.
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Tom's Guide
an hour ago
- Tom's Guide
Nintendo Switch 2 restocks live — Best Buy drop confirmed and retailers to check now
1. Quick links2. Full retailer listings3. U.K. restocks4. LIVE: Latest updates Nintendo Switch 2 continues to be sold out across retailers, but restocks are the way this week, giving you a chance to get your hands on this seriously popular hybrid console. The Switch 2 is almost a month old, but the demand doesn't appear to be slowing down. The console hasn't been consistently in stock since launch, and while restocks are appearing across major retailers, it remains a console that's frustratingly tricky to purchase in the U.S. In a bit of good news, Best Buy has confirmed it will hold an in-store restock on Tuesday, July 1, and I'm hoping this is just the start of Switch 2 restocks this week. The likes of Walmart, Target and GameStop could also offer opportunities to score a Switch 2 over the next few days. Meanwhile, in the U.K., the Switch 2 has been significantly easier to purchase with more frequent restocks that have often lasted several hours. The console is again sold out in the U.K., but could change soon, so watch this space if you've got a Switch 2 on your wishlist. The Nintendo Switch 2 costs $449 / £395 standalone or $499 / £429 bundled with a copy of the popular launch game, Mario Kart World. Resellers are hoping to tempt impatient players to spend considerably more, but Tom's Guide is here to help you secure one at retail price. I've been tracking restocks for hard-to-buy gaming items for five years, and I'm putting all that expertise and experience to good use in this live blog to bring you the latest Switch 2 restock updates, and also give you easy access to all the retailer links you'll need to buy. Walmart last restocked the Nintendo Switch 2 on Wednesday, June 25. The restock event was initially exclusive to Walmart Plus members, starting at 9 p.m. ET, before opening up to everyone at 10 p.m. ET. Stock has since run Kart Bundle: $499 @ Walmart Best Buy last restocked the Switch 2 online on June 11. The electronics retailer has been another regular source of Switch 2 stock, and has confirmed an in-store restock for Tuesday, July 1. Mario Kart Bundle: $499 @ Best Buy Target last restocked the Switch 2 on Friday, June 6. This could mean the next drop is a little ways off as the retailer may need some time to build up its inventory again. Mario Kart Bundle: $499 @ Target GameStop is currently sold out of Switch 2 consoles. However, as a specialist video game retailer, we're expecting more stock to arrive shortly, so watch this space. Mario Kart Bundle: $499 @ GameStop After being absent from the Switch 2 pre-order phase, Amazon U.S. launched a Nintendo Switch 2 listing page last week. But in a very strange move, it's now taken it down again, so at present there are no signs of Switch 2 stock at Amazon U.S. Over in the U.K., the mega retailer has been stocking Switch 2 for weeks and restocked often. My Nintendo Store is using an invite system to allocate its available Switch 2 stock. You will need to meet specific criteria, including having a Nintendo Switch Online account and then be selected and sent an invite to order the console. Mario Kart Bundle: $499 @ Nintendo Store Antonline's Switch 2 listings have a "coming soon" message. This could be a sign that the tech retailer is planning to restock the console in the near future, though that message has been there quite a while now, so it's a little puzzling. Mario Kart Bundle: $499 @ Antonline Newegg's Nintendo Switch 2 pages are live, but there's currently no stock. Newegg may restock the console soon, but nothing is confirmed yet, so this is another one to watch closely for now. Mario Kart Bundle: $499 @ Newegg Sam's Club has a listing page for the Nintendo Switch 2, which currently advises the console is "coming soon." This could be an indication that the retailer is planning to take Switch 2 orders in the near future, so be sure to watch this space. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is practically guaranteed to be the most in-demand Switch 2 accessory, and it packs a suitable upgrade over its predecessor adding a headphone jack, the new "C" button, and customizable back buttons. Additional retailers: Best Buy | GameStop Need an extra set of Joy-Con 2 controllers for multiplayer, or just because it's always nice to have a spare? You can pick up an additional set of Joy-Con 2 at various retailers for $94. Additional retailers: Best Buy | GameStop One of Switch 2's new features is GameChat, and to get the most out of this new addition you'll need a Nintendo Switch 2 Camera to video chat with your friends online. Additional retailers: Best Buy | GameStop The official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is pretty dull, but this licensed third-party one from Hori is anything but. It's modeled after the iconic Piranha Planet from the Super Mario series and offers all the same features, plus you can close the Piranha's head to give yourself some privacy as needed. Huge caveat: it's resolution maxes out at 480p, whereas the Nintendo camera is retailers: Best Buy You don't need the Switch Joy-Con 2 Wheel to enjoy games like Mario Kart World, but it'll sure make the experience much more fun. You can get a set of two for just $24. Additional retailers: Best Buy | GameStop It's not the most exciting Switch 2 accessory, but should you need a spare AC adapter for your Switch to you can get one for $34. It connects directly to the Switch 2 Switch 2 retailers: Best Buy | GameStop Take your Switch 2 on the road with the official Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case. It's big enough so you can carry the Switch 2, Nintendo Switch 2 dock, Joy-Con 2 controllers, various cables, and up to six game retailers: Best Buy | GameStop The Switch 2 comes with an increased storage capacity of up to 2TB. However, the Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards, which means you'll need new storage cards for your console. Additional retailers: Best Buy | GameStop Mario Kart World will launch on the same day as the Switch 2. This new entry will allow up to 24 drivers to take part in each race, and you'll be able to drive anywhere on the track. Nintendo also said gamers can expect new retailers: Best Buy | GameStop| Walmart Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 is the definitive way to enjoy CDPR's critically acclaimed first-person open-world RPG on the go. You play a mercenary named V, completing missions in the dark city of the future, Night City, though your main aim is surviving the chaos that surrounds you. This Ultimate Edition also includes the essential Phantom Liberty DLC expansion, which opens up a new area of the map, the ruthless Dogtown. Additional retailers: Best Buy | GameStop Donkey Kong Bananza will launch on July 17 and allow DK to smash his way through (and down into) the surrounding terrain. He can punch his way through mountains or head underground in search of collectibles. It's hands-down one of the Switch 2's biggest titles. Additional retailers: Best Buy | GameStop| Walmart Street Fighter 6 1-2 Fighters Edition features 26 characters and 20 stages. You'll fight your way to the top with all-new content and game modes exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, like Local Wireless One-on-One and Avatar retailers: GameStop | Walmart An enhanced edition of Kirby and the Forgotten Land will make its way to the Switch 2. It'll feature everything we loved about the original as well as some improvements like better graphical fidelity, HDR support, and frame rate improvements. The ever-adorable Kirby gets a bump from 30fps to 60fps and you can enjoy 1080p gameplay in handheld mode or 1440p when retailers: GameStop | Walmart The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is being ported over to the Switch 2. It promises improved visuals and performance. It also brings support for Zelda Notes, a game-specific service found in the Nintendo Switch app that's exclusive to the Switch 2. It brings voice-assisted navigation, voice memories, and item sharing. Additional retailers: GameStop| Walmart The original Switch's definitive launch game has returned for the Switch 2, and now it's been enhanced for Nintendo's new hardware. It's the masterpiece you (probably) know, but it looks and runs better than ever. If you've never played Breath of the Wild, there really isn't a better time to jump into Hyrule than via this Switch 2 retailers: Best Buy I'm a Senior Entertainment Editor at Tom's Guide with more than five years of experience tracking restocks for loads of in-demand gaming items. From the PS5 and Xbox Series X, to limited-edition collector's items like the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection. I'm now using all of my restock expertise to help you secure a Nintendo Switch 2 console as soon as possible.
Bloomberg
2 hours ago
- Bloomberg
Amazon Lost Right to Sell Nintendo Switch 2 Amid Sales Dispute
By Nintendo Co. pulled its products from Inc. 's US site after a disagreement over unauthorized sales, meaning the e-commerce company missed out on the recent debut of Nintendo's Switch 2 — the biggest game console launch of all time. The Japanese company stopped selling on Amazon after noticing that third-party merchants were offering games for sale in the US at prices that undercut Nintendo's advertised rates, according to a person familiar with the situation. Enterprising sellers were buying Nintendo products in bulk in Southeast Asia and exporting them to the US, said the person, who requested anonymity to discuss confidential information.
New York Times
4 hours ago
- New York Times
Date Everything! From the Comfort of Your Anthropomorphic Home
The frenzy around the Nintendo Switch 2 included the release of Mario Kart World, which our critic said was an elegant experience but one without any oil drips or skid marks. Another critic called The Alters, a sci-fi adventure about a stranded space miner who can select alternative life paths, an extraordinary survival game. Here are three other games you may have missed this month: Date Everything! Reviewed on the Nintendo Switch 2. Also available on the PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Date Everything! stands out as a bright, welcoming dating simulation with an unusually comely twist. You meet and consider the attributes of everyday objects that come alive as humans. It's surprising to witness how magnetically sexy they are. After being replaced by A.I. at a megacorporation, you head home to the cold solace of a desktop computer. A drone delivers special glasses that bear a red heart above the bridge. Once you don the spectacles, the magic of anthropomorphism occurs. In Date Everything!, there is no requirement to leave home for nervous flirtation at a bar. One hundred potential mates emerge from a light switch, a fireplace, a refrigerator, a dust bunny, or even a piano. Phoenicia, a woman of color with a bald head who was created from a smartphone, was my early favorite. Joyful and positive, she emanated strength and empathy. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
