Latest news with #Switch2
The Star
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Five money-saving tips for the Nintendo Switch 2
Reuse those old controllers: Original Switch owners can use their old Joy Cons on the original system. — AP The Nintendo Switch 2's price will bring sticker shock to fans. With a starting price of US$449 (locally starts at RM2,488), it's one of the most expensive machines that the company has put up for sale. The barebones system won't come with any games, and it will have minimal accessories included with the box. If you're looking for ways to get the biggest bang for your buck, here are ways to get maximum value: 1. Buy a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription: This is the company's version of Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. For US$49.99 (RM210), users gain access to select NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance and Sega Genesis games. It's a large library of games. It also opens up GameChat service so that players can use it beyond the March 31, 2026, free trial date. More importantly, it unlocks the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at no additional cost. If you need a game to show off what the new console can do, these modern classics are Nintendo at its best. 2. Reuse those old controllers: Original Switch owners can use their old Joy Cons on the original system. If you have friends over for a game of Mario Kart World , there's no need to buy additional Joy Con 2 controllers, which run at US$94.99 (locally RM258). Additionally, the original Pro Controller and third-party devices work with the Switch 2 as well. 3. Don't immediately buy a microSD Express Card: The Switch 2 has an expansion slot for those who want to add more storage to its built-in 256 GB of space. The device uses a microSD Express card, which is not compatible with the original Switch. The new format has faster speeds that are required for modern games. Right now, the top-end cards hold 1TB of data, but they sell for up to US$220 (RM927). It's better to wait for Black Friday sales or bide your time because these types of cards grow more affordable over time, and you can find better deals in the future. 4. Don't buy the official Nintendo Switch 2 camera if you already have a webcam: Because of President Donald Trump's tariffs, the Switch 2 price of accessories has gone up, including the official camera. Instead of paying US$54.99 (locally RM258), players can get by with a webcam they have it home. Of course, the device needs a USB-C plug to install into the top or users can plug it into the USB-A plug on the dock, and it will work fine. A list of compatible cameras has been compiled on the Nintendo Switch 2 subreddit. 5. Save your battery life: Similar to the current iPhones, the Switch 2 had a battery setting that sets a charging cap at 90%. You can enable it via Settings and going to System option at the bottom of the menu. This will preserve the device's battery life, so a few years down the road, the battery can remain closer to its original capacity, and you won't have to replace it. – The Mercury News/Tribune News Service
Metro
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Games Inbox: Why I sold my Xbox Series X to get a Switch 2
The Tuesday letters page wishes someone would form a new publisher to rival EA and Ubisoft, as one reader asks when the next Nintendo Direct is. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@ Jumping out The news that a former creator of Xbox thinks that Microsoft has given up, willingly or not, on making hardware came only a day after I sold my Xbox Series X in order to fund a Nintendo Switch 2. I didn't do it primarily because of the Switch 2 though, that was kind of just the excuse. I've had an Xbox console since the 360 and, like Phil Spencer said, I'm stuck in the 'ecosystem'. But I've had enough of it. I'm not going to get another next gen system that's going to be playing runner-up all generation, especially when I know it won't have any exclusives. I don't like anything Microsoft is doing at the moment, including the focus on AI and the upcoming job cuts. They bought Activision and then they just became Activision. The company that I used to like in the Xbox 360 era is gone now and it's not coming back. The Switch 2 is just an aside though. I can afford it now but what I'll look for now is getting a PlayStation 6 when It comes out. It'll be my first Sony console since the PlayStation 2 but I'm looking forward to it. 84Colbat Almost there I know Microsoft has announced their next gen plans already but I don't think there's anyone optimistic enough to think that it's anything more than a token effort. That exec has been working on Xbox since the beginning, and I'm sure knows lots of people that are still there, so if she thinks Xbox hardware is 'dead' I'm not going to call her wrong. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. Whether it matters or not I'm not sure, from Microsoft's business point of view, but I don't really care. There's no way I'm going to buy an Xbox console again, not after the last two generations, and clearly I can play anything I want on PlayStation 5. Plus, if I was that desperate for Game Pass or any future exclusives they might make, I'd just play it on PC. As I understand, designing and manufacturing a console is expensive so given how things are going not making them anymore may actually save Microsoft money, but either way I'd say in terms of gaming they are at least 90% software only already. Tamos Hardcore audience What I don't get about the Xbox hardware plans is who do they think is going to buy their new consoles, given how badly the Xbox Series X/S is doing? I wouldn't say they'd be able to count on hardcore fans at all. In fact, I'd assume they're the least likely to give them another chance, given how the last two generations have gone. And I don't see them attracting new fans either, because that means more casual gamers who certainly aren't going to pay £500+ for a PC handheld. I don't imagine they're likely to pay around that for a new home console either, unless there's something very special about it. There's no sign that Microsoft is pivoting to casual friendly games, so I'm not sure what options are left. What I could understand is if the next gen Xbox was basically a PC in a box, but they specifically said it wasn't that, so I guess I just don't get it. Hammeriron Email your comments to: gamecentral@ Evil evolves The interesting thing to me about Resident Evil Requiem not being open world is just how tightly focused it feels. Village wasn't exactly open world, but it did have a lot of areas you could go back and forwards from. Requiem seems to be mostly set in a spooky hotel and a bombed out Raccoon City, and apparently Raccoon City isn't in it much anyway. Maybe there's more, I'm sure there is, but I like the vibe so far. There's almost a Silent Hill feel to some of it so far and that means Resident Evil is yet again evolving. I think that's great, whether I even like the changes or not. Constant change is why Resi is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and other franchises could learn a lot from that. Grando Direct information I see that Elden Ring on Switch 2 seems to be getting ready for release, since it has an age rating now, but would that just be released without warning or would they do it in a Nintendo Direct? I know it was briefly in the April one but with a game that big I wouldn't have thought it would just slip out. Surely it's time for Nintendo to do a post-launch Direct that can give us a clearer picture of what the second half of the year is going to look like. We know about games like Elden Ring, and Hyrule Warriors 3, but they have no date or much information about them. I like my Switch 2, but I want to know what's next. Probst GC: We'd be shocked if Nintendo didn't have multiple Directs this year. Although there is a possibility that all or most of them will be focused on a single game, like the recent Donkey Kong Bananza one. New players I don't know what the chances are of EA Sports FC 26 being a flop, or even just not selling as well as EA hoped, but personally I hope it doesn't. Not because I have any love for the series or EA but we cannot afford to let any other big publishers go under. It's very unlikely EA will go bust any time soon but the second they start doing badly they become prey for the likes of Microsoft and Sony, and then that's another independent publisher gone. It's the same with Ubisoft. They might not be anyone's favourite publisher, but we do not need any less choice in gaming. Or even more well-known companies to be owned by the same giant corporation. What I'd really like to see is new publishers being created but I think the only real attempt like that was Embracer Group, which took the usual dumb venture capitalist approach of trying to buy up other smaller companies and then getting impatient when they didn't immediately start making money. I think CD Projekt may eventually grow into a large publisher, that publishes more than their own stuff, but not any time soon. If I had the money, I'd set one up and sign up a bunch of AA indie games – ones like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 that look almost like AAA games – and take it from there. You don't have to own the developer, just publish them and take your cut and help nurture new studios. That sort of long term thought just doesn't seem to happen anymore though. Pinky Horrific soundtrack I've just had the best evening going about domestic mundanities but with the chip music of World Of Horror playing in the background (courtesy of a streaming site). Can't believe how good this is. I've promptly moved the game from saved for later to buy now. It's so good. I've no idea how the game will sit with me but when the music is this good then I don't think I can go wrong. Classic chiptune goodness. D Dubya Movie tie-in So, what are people's guesses as to what the next big Nintendo game to be announced will be? We've had Mario Kart and that's really it in terms of mainline entries, unless you count Donkey Kong as a 3D Super Mario. That's a whole question in itself and I have no idea of the answer, except I assume that there's going to be some kind of actual Mario game out around the time of the movie sequel next April. Whether that'd be 2D or 3D though I don't think there's any way of telling. So I guess that might be the next one, but I'd be surprised if Animal Crossing wasn't also announced within the next eight months or so. We all know how weird it was that they stopped supporting the old one, so surely that means work on the Switch 2 game must've started a long time ago? Unfortunately, most speculation for Nintendo is along the lines of not understanding why they haven't done it already. A spin-off instead of Splatoon 4 is weird, no Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Deluxe at launch is weird, and Hyrule Warriors 3 instead of a remake or better spin-off is also quite the choice. The Mario Bros. movie coming out next year is really the only thing you can base a prediction on but even then, it's nothing you can take to the bank. After all, Nintendo did exactly nothing for the first one. Badgerman Inbox also-rans I'm willing to bet that whoever used the term 'liquid metal' did it specifically to make a Terminator 2 reference. If you heat it up all metal is liquid and I'm pretty sure there's not a load of mercury, or whatever, sloshing about in my PlayStation 5. Whistler RE: EA Sports FC 26 vs. Rematch. I would rather play a game where thousands of real players are in it and tons of leagues and teams agree to be in the game than Rematch. Especially on how you can build your team and how fun it is when Team of the Season and Beyond starts. Anon More Trending Email your comments to: gamecentral@ The small print New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers' letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content. You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader's Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot. You can also leave your comments below and don't forget to follow us on Twitter. MORE: Games Inbox: Is EA Sports FC 26 going to be a flop? MORE: Games Inbox: Is AI going to ruin video games? MORE: Games Inbox: Has the Nintendo Switch 2 been a disappointment?
Engadget
6 hours ago
- Business
- Engadget
Nintendo is increasing the price of the original Switch in Canada
Nintendo of Canada has announced that the pricing of the Switch, its accessories, its games and even Amiibo figures, will all be changing in Canada come August. The pricing adjustment is being made "based on market conditions," according to the the announcement. It's not clear how much the price of the Switch family of products will be changing — Nintendo said new prices will be posted on its Canadian website on August 1 — but presumably they'll be going up. The company currently sells the Switch for CA$400, the Switch OLED for CA$450 and the Switch Lite for CA$269 in Canada. Meanwhile, the Switch 2 launched for CA$630 in June. The market conditions Nintendo is responding to could be the result of the suite of tariffs the US government applied to nearly all of its trade partners in April 2025. When the Switch 2 debuted at $450 in the US, many people assumed the new cost of doing business in North America was being factored in. That the price of the Switch is changing before the Switch 2 could be a confirmation of that fact. While not an intentional ploy to get customers to spend more, if the Switch inches closer to the Switch 2 in price, there's plenty of good reasons to buy the newer console over the older one in August. In many ways, the Switch 2 is just a nicer Switch.
Engadget
7 hours ago
- Business
- Engadget
How to buy the Switch 2: Nintendo's restock updates from Walmart, Best Buy and more
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been available in the US for more than three weeks — and we finally saw a second wave of availability at retail as June was coming to an end. While it's too early to declare the Switch 2 to be easy to obtain, the fact that Best Buy and Walmart had units to sell online on June 23 and June 25, respectively, is a good sign that attentive shoppers may be able to take advantage of a Switch 2 restock this summer without paying a ridiculous markup. That said, if you're looking to join one of the millions of people who have already snagged the $450 console since it officially went up for sale on June 5, you may need to include in-store pickup or joining a rewards program as an option. The former (with online reservations) seems to be the methodology that Best Buy and Target currently prefer, while Walmart's latest Switch 2 drop offered early access to those with Walmart+ (its membership program). In the meantime, one place not worth checking for the Switch 2 is Amazon. A report today confirmed that its absence from Amazon's online store was the result of an ongoing dispute between the retailer and Nintendo — though there have been signs of a thaw on games and accessories. All that said, if you're still on the hunt, we've rounded up all of the latest information we could find on how to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 and where you can pick one up. Walmart most recently offered the Switch 2 online on June 25, with Walmart+ members getting an hour's head start. Currently, both the Mario Kart World bundle and the standalone console are "available" via third-party retailers, but listed for much higher than their standard $500 and $450 price tags — with limited quantities available. We wouldn't recommend buying these; instead, wait for the console to be listed at its regular MSRP. Naturally, the world's largest retailer is also selling the console at its brick-and-mortar locations, though the company has noted that quantities are limited and inventory will vary by location. Best Buy made additional consoles available on June 11 around 12PM ET, and again on June 23 after selling out quickly on launch day (June 5). Those restocks lasted for the better part of an hour and required in-store pickup, but the device is now sold out again. Target had the Switch 2 in stores on June 5 and restocked its online inventory for at least a couple of hours starting around 3:30AM ET on June 6. It then had another restock on June 12 around 2:30PM ET, but that appears to have died out in less than an hour. We also noted it showing up in stock in at least one Philadelphia location on June 24. GameStop has advertised in-store availability, though exactly how much stock your local store may have will vary by location. Online, the device has been unavailable for the past week, with the listings for the base console and Mario Kart bundle now pointing to a "Find a Store" page. We saw a $625 bundle that includes Mario Kart World , a microSD Express card and a few other accessories pop up a bit more frequently than the standard SKUs, but it's no longer listed (and it was kind of a raw deal anyway). You may still have some luck at certain membership-based retailers. A Mario Kart World bundle at Costco that includes a 12-month Switch Online subscription has gone in and out of stock since launch day. Sam's Club has had a bundle without the Switch Online sub as well, though it's out of stock now. We also saw the console at BJ's early on June 5, but it's no longer live there. Verizon briefly had the Switch 2 available on launch day, but that's dried up. Only those with Verizon service were able to order, and the process was apparently somewhat rocky. Amazon hasn't had any form of Switch 2 listing on its website, nor has it listed Mario Kart World . A June 30 Bloomberg report confirmed what had been widely rumored for weeks: Nintendo was apparently punishing Amazon for continuing to surface third-party retailers selling trans-shipped games. However, some Switch 2 games have started popping up, so it's possible the console may appear at some point, too. Newegg has listed the Switch 2 on its site for several weeks, but it's given no indication as to when it'll begin sales. While some listings are available via a third-party seller, they're at massively inflated prices. With all of these stores, we've seen the Mario Kart World bundle available in greater quantities online than the base console, which costs $50 less. But given that Mario Kart is the Switch 2's biggest launch game and retails for $80 on its own, that may not be the worst thing. Nintendo, meanwhile, is only offering the Switch 2 via an invite system. This requires you to have been a Switch Online member for at least 12 months and logged at least 50 hours of Switch 1 playtime as of April 2. It can't hurt to sign up if you meet the criteria, but don't expect it to bear fruit immediately — it's taken weeks for many people who registered in April to receive their invite. You can find a list of every Switch 2 retail listing we could find below. Just be aware that this is meant to be a reference, not a rundown of everywhere the device is available right this second. Where to buy Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle: Where to buy Switch 2: Nintendo is selling a number of Switch 2 accessories alongside the console, from its (pricey) Pro Controller to cases to cameras for the new GameChat feature. Most of these became available on June 5. The same goes for games like Mario Kart World and the Switch 2 version of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom . Another big Switch 2 release, Donkey Kong Bananza , won't be available until mid-July but is still up for pre-order now. As of this publication, just about all Switch 2 games are broadly available. Stock for the accessories remains a little spottier, but most devices are still available at multiple retailers. Nintendo's official Switch 2 carrying cases have been the main exceptions, so you may need to look to third-party alternatives if you want some protection for your console right away. Mario Kart World ($80) Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Donkey Kong Bananza ($70) Nintendo Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Costco (membership required) Additional Switch 2 games Nintendo Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Samsung microSD Express Card (256GB) for Nintendo Switch 2 ($60) Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon Joy-Con 2 bundle ($95) Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Switch 2 Pro Controller ($85) Switch 2 Camera ($55) Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant Camera ($60) Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip ($40) Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Joy-Con 2 Wheels (set of 2) ($25) Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Switch 2 All-in-One Carrying Case ($85) Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector ($40) Nintendo (invite required) Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set ($120) Nintendo GameCube Controller for Switch 2 ($65) Nintendo (Switch Online required)
The Verge
8 hours ago
- The Verge
I tested a bunch of Switch 2 screen protectors, and these are the best
A glass screen protector is one of a few 'set it and forget it' purchases that every Switch 2 owner should make, along with buying a microSD Express card and a protective case for the console. In fact, it should be a priority to stick one onto the console's screen as soon as possible to avoid accidental scratches. I've been installing and removing Switch 2 screen protectors to test others on my console at an alarming rate, more than any sane person should, and here are the most important takeaways: I've included a gallery to illustrate some of the differences I noted above. It shows shows various angles of my Switch 2 with a glossy screen protector equipped, and some taken with a matte screen protector installed. The only way to test a screen protector is to go through the installation process for each option. We use the tools included to ensure a proper installation, analyze the fit and finish, and then remove it very, very carefully to proceed with the next candidate. Every screen protector we mention in this buying guide comes with more than one (sometimes three!), which is good because they can sometimes break in the line of duty. We'll note how many you get with your purchase, as well as what tools are included to make the installation process simpler. All of the protectors in this buying guide claim to be a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning they should be tough to crack. I don't put those particular claims to the test because I'm using my personal Switch 2, paid for with my money. Also, all models included feature an oleophobic coating to resist oils from fingerprints. I'm ensuring that, during installation, screen protectors fit the entirety of the Switch 2's screen, including its bezel. I haven't encountered one yet during testing that doesn't fit. My go-to screen protector brand for years has been amFilm. Three glossy tempered glass sheets come in the box, and the tools make installation fairly simple. JSAUX's model is just as good based on my testing, and just as affordable. In keeping up with some brands that offer faster installations, amFilm offers a two-pack of glossy protectors that includes a 'OneTouch' tray. Remove the protector's bottom film, attach the tray to your device, and then press gently on the protector until it's fully applied. Dbrand's Prism 2.0 includes two glass protectors for the Switch 2, each nestled into plastic cases that fit perfectly around the edges of the console (with the Joy-Con 2 removed). $34.99 is expensive for two protectors, but if simplicity and elegant packaging trump value, then this is a good option. Genki offers a cheaper alternative to Dbrand with the Aegis Shield. It includes two protectors, and the installation process is nearly identical: just align the plastic frame with the console, pull the tab, and run your finger across the exposed section of the frame. Spigen makes a similar product that costs $24.99 for a two-pack. Let's start with one of the most affordable options if you want to go the matte-textured route. AmFilm sells a two-pack of protectors at Amazon for $8.99. The set includes a plastic frame that serves as a guide to align the protector just right. JSAUX makes a similar product that's the same price. AmFilm also sells a two-pack with a OneTouch frame for easier installation. Again, keep in mind that opting for matte over glossy will reduce glare, but at the cost of viewing angles as well as the full vivid quality of the Switch 2's screen. That'll be an acceptable tradeoff for some, but not all people.
