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Tom's Guide
05-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
I played the Switch 2 with AR glasses — here's what it's like to race Mario Kart World on a 135-inch screen in front of your face
The Nintendo Switch 2 builds on the strong foundation established by its predecessor and if you've played the original Switch, you'll be immediately at home with the hardware and controls of Nintendo's upgraded hybrid console. From the Joy-Cons to the kickstand to the home screen, the Switch 2 feels more like a refined version of what worked the first time around without any new gimmicks to sidetrack things. Sure, the screen is now 7.9-inches instead of 6.2-inches and the console itself is larger too. However, besides the switch to faster microSD Express cards (no pun intended) and what many believe is a downgrade from OLED back to LCD, the biggest change Nintendo made to the Switch 2 was equipping it with not one but two USB-C ports. Back when I first went hands-on with the Switch 2, that extra USB-C port was the upgrade that excited me the most and for good reason. With a second USB-C port just like on the Asus ROG Ally X or the Lenovo Legion Go, I initially thought Nintendo's new console would pair perfectly with the best smart glasses. As it turns out, that wasn't the case at all, or at least I thought so at first. While you can't plug a pair of Xreal One or Viture Pro AR glasses directly into either of the Switch 2's USB-C ports, with a bit of trickery and a timely firmware upgrade, I managed to play Mario Kart World and my new favorite Mario game in AR. Although the experience wasn't as plug and play as I had hoped Nintendo would've made it, playing the Switch 2 on a 135-inch screen half an inch away from my face, without the official dock no less, was awesome to say the least. Here's how I did it, the devices I used and why the inevitable Switch 2 OLED or even the Switch 2 Pro better support AR glasses right out of the box. This bundle has everything you need to start playing your Switch 2 or other game consoles in AR. You get a pair of Viture Pro XR glasses, the Viture Pro Mobile Dock and Viture is even throwing in a limited-edition controller made in collaboration with 8BitDo as a free gift. After I ditched my laptop for a pocketable mini PC and a pair of AR glasses, Viture reached out to me about testing its new mobile game controller made in collaboration with 8BitDo. This wasn't just any controller that attaches to one of the best phones though. Instead, it has an extra port equipped with DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C functionality on the bottom you can plug a pair of AR glasses into. That way, you can play games on a massive screen right from your phone. In the box with the controller and a pair of its AR glasses though, Viture also included a few extras including its Viture Pro Mobile Dock. If, like me, you think it bears a striking resemblance to one of the best power banks, you'd be right as it does have a built-in 13,000 mAh battery that can charge your devices. That's not its main purpose though. When you flip the Viture Pro Mobile Dock over, you're greeted with several ports including three USB-C ones and an HDMI port. While the two USB-C ports on the right allow you to plug in two pairs of Viture's AR glasses, the one in the middle plugs into your source device which can be a phone, a tablet, a laptop or in this case, a game console. Meanwhile, the HDMI port on the left is for connecting one of the best streaming devices such as a Roku or an Amazon Fire Stick or even a game console without a USB-C port, like the PS5 or the Xbox Series X. With support for two pairs of AR glasses simultaneously, you can do things like watch a movie with a friend from the same device. Likewise, you can also play local multiplayer games in the same way that you would in front of a TV in your living room, but both people have their own screen. I still need to try this out myself but I could really see it coming in handy on a long flight or even on the couch during those times when your TV is otherwise occupied. When the Switch 2 launched, the Viture Pro Mobile Dock wasn't compatible with the new console. You could connect the Switch 2 via HDMI using Nintendo's official dock but not directly over USB-C. Following a recent firmware update though, Viture's Pro Mobile Dock now works with the Switch 2 in the same way that it does with the original Switch. You just plug the console into the USB-C port with the blue and red ring around it and a pair of Viture's AR glasses into one of the other USB-C ports on the right side and you're good to go. I have to admit, I had my doubts at first too. Would I still need to connect my Switch 2 to an AC outlet? Would doing so damage my brand new handheld? Well, I'm happy to report that the answer is no on both fronts. Updating the Viture Pro Mobile Dock was easy enough via my browser and once the new firmware was installed, I now had a plug and play way to use the Switch 2 with AR glasses. Since Viture's Pro Mobile Dock is designed to work seamlessly with all of its AR glasses, I used the Viture Pro XR glasses with it to test out the dock's new Switch 2 compatibility. However, the dock also works with smart glasses from other manufacturers too, including ones from Xreal and RayNeo. My favorite thing about the Viture Pro XR glasses is that they use a magnetic connector instead of a standard USB-C port. Not only does this make taking them out and getting everything set up faster but it also prevents the glasses from being ripped off your face if their cord gets snagged. With the Viture Pro Mobile Dock updated to the latest firmware (version 1.03.0.02_20250613) and my Switch 2 in hand, it was time to try to play some Nintendo games in a brand new way. As I was heading out on a family trip to the beach, I decided to bring Viture's Pro Mobile Dock and its Pro XR glasses with me along with my Switch 2. Normally, I prefer playing on the big screen in docked mode when possible instead of in handheld mode. However, since there isn't a Switch 2 version of my favorite third-party dock—the Genki Covert Mini—yet, I figured this setup would let me play on the big screen without having to bring Nintendo's larger dock with me. At the same time, I wouldn't have to mess with the TV in the place we rented for the weekend. In AR, the whole experience of dealing with Fury Bowser felt even more intense, especially when I turned electrochromatic dimming on and couldn't see anything outside of what was on the screens of the Viture Pro XR glasses. After getting everything plugged in, much to my surprise, the Switch 2's home screen suddenly appeared on the Viture Pro XR glasses. Since the console's launch, AR enthusiasts like myself have been trying to get it to work with smart glasses to no avail. With its latest firmware update for the Pro Mobile Dock though, Viture managed to pull off what myself and my colleague Jason England thought was impossible only a few weeks ago. As I had Mario Kart World open as I'm trying to unlock all the characters and the game's Special Cup, I decided to try things out with a few races. Even though I was sitting on the back porch with a pair of AR glasses on my face, it really felt like I was back at home in front of my TV. For those unfamiliar with AR glasses, one of their coolest features is that you can have a black background thanks to their electrochromatic dimming or a clear one if you turn this off. I chose the latter and as I was racing through courses in Mario Kart World, I was still able to take in the scenery with the Viture Pro XR glasses on. This also comes in handy if you want to play games or work in a room with other people without being completely cut off from the world around you. Think passthrough mode on one of the best VR headsets but with it enabled while you're playing a game. Since the full-featured USB-C to USB-C cable Viture includes in the box with its Pro Mobile Dock is definitely on the short side, I put my Switch 2 down on the table next to me and played with its Joy-Cons in their controller grip. You can use any of the best Nintendo Switch controllers with this setup if you want but as I haven't had a chance to try out Nintendo's new Joy-Con 2 Grip as I've mainly been playing with the Switch 2 Pro Controller, I figured now was the perfect time to test it out. Although you do need to carry a bit more gear than you would if you were playing the Switch 2 in handheld mode, as you can see here, it doesn't take up that much space at all. The Viture Pro Mobile Dock is just over 6.5 inches long, about 3.5 wide and less than an inch thick, which makes it even easier to slip into a bag than the Switch 2. Honestly, the Joy-Con 2 Grip was more awkward to bring with me and for a more portable setup, I'd probably use a detached Joy-Con in each hand. After a few races in Mario Kart World, I decided to boot up an original Switch game that I still haven't finished on a whim. Although I beat Super Mario 3D World back on my Wii U, I had just scratched the surface on the standalone expansion Nintendo included with it when the company brought the game to the Switch. If you're a Mario fan that hasn't played Bowser's Fury yet, you owe it to yourself to give this cat-themed open world take on 3D Mario a try. I won't go into all the details but what I really enjoy about the expansion is that besides being the first truly open world Mario game, it has a unique mechanic that really shakes up the tried-and-true formula Nintendo's been using since Super Mario 64. Around every six minutes, the sky turns dark and Fury Bowser appears. Unlike in past games, Bowser is absolutely massive in this form and it really feels as if you're running away from a Kaiju like Godzilla instead of from a normal boss. In AR, the whole experience of dealing with Fury Bowser felt even more intense, especially when I turned electrochromatic dimming on and couldn't see anything outside of what was on the screens of the Viture Pro XR glasses. Playing this way instead of in handheld mode or in traditional docked mode was also more comfortable too as I didn't have to strain my neck while looking down or take up the entire TV. In fact, before I knew it, I had collected several Cat Shines, which serve as stand-ins for the stars Mario usually gets when completing levels or challenges, and I was even closer than I had been to stopping Fury Bowser for good. Once fully charged, the Viture Pro Mobile Dock is able to power the Switch 2 just like if you had placed it in Nintendo's official dock. With the original Switch, you can play for up to eight hours on a single charge. However, on Switch 2, which uses more power while docked, you'll likely get about half this time. On the top of the Pro Mobile Dock, there are four orange indicator lights, which let you know how much battery power you have left. They stay lit but become dimmed one by one once you start depleting the dock's internal battery. This is a nice visual touch that means you don't have to look at yet another battery percentage meter. Plus, the lights are easy to see with AR glasses on. So why would you want to play video games or watch movies in AR glasses to begin with? Well, doing so gives you much more screen space than you'd get with your average TV. The Viture Pro XR glasses I'm wearing here can project a 135-inch image right in front of your eyes. At the same time, they also have a refresh rate of 120Hz which the Switch 2 can take advantage of at the glasses' native 1080p resolution. The other big benefit to using AR glasses this way is that instead of craning your neck down to look at your Switch 2 in handheld mode, you can sit upright or lean back with good posture. You can also lie down and play this way without being worried that you might accidentally drop your Switch 2 on your face. The Viture Pro Mobile Dock works seamlessly with the company's AR glasses. However, as I also have a pair of Xreal One glasses on hand, I decided to try it with them when I got home. They worked and I could see the Switch 2's home screen as soon as I plugged them into the dock. There was just one problem though: everything was red. I could read text and see the games installed on my Switch 2 but instead of the black background you get with dark mode enabled, I saw a red one instead. Granted, I haven't updated my Xreal One glasses yet, so doing that could potentially fix this problem. After playing my Switch 2 in AR over the course of several days during my vacation, it was time to head home. While it was fantastic having a big screen experience with the Switch 2 using this setup when I was away from home, it's just as convenient when you're not traveling. Getting everything set up only takes a few minutes or so and then, you can play Mario Kart World and other Switch 2 games on a massive screen with the added benefit that what you're playing is completely private. Nobody can look over your shoulder or walk into the living room and see what game you're currently playing on your TV. I definitely need (and want) to play my Switch 2 in AR a bit more but for now, I really enjoyed the experience of using Viture's Pro Mobile Dock with its glasses. I would have been over the moon if Nintendo had included video out over USB-C without a dock on the Switch 2 but until the Switch 2 Pro or the Switch 3 comes along, this portable, battery-powered AR setup more than does the trick.
Web Release
03-07-2025
- Web Release
Born for Switch – AGI Technology Launches High-Speed microSD Express Card TF338
To support the new storage standard adopted by Nintendo Switch 2, AGI proudly announces the release of the TF338 microSD Express card. Built on the microSD Express standard and powered by the PCIe Gen3 x1 interface with NVMe protocol, the TF338 delivers performance far beyond traditional microSD cards—offering up to 800MB/s read and 700MB/s write speeds for lightning-fast game loading and data transfer. Compared to previous UHS-I microSD cards, microSD Express offers more than 4 times faster speeds, approaching SSD-level performance. This makes the TF338 an ideal solution for both high-performance gaming and mobile content creation. The card is backward compatible with UHS-I devices and has passed multiple durability tests—ensuring water, dust, shock, and temperature resistance for stable operation across demanding environments. AGI Technology states that the TF338 is not only engineered for next-generation gaming consoles, but also reflects the brand's ongoing commitment to next-level storage innovation—empowering gamers and creators with reliable, efficient, and ultra-portable memory solutions. For additional product details and specifications, please visit:
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Born for Switch – AGI Technology Launches High-Speed microSD Express Card TF338
High-Speed microSD Express Card TF338 TAIPEI, Taiwan, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To support the new storage standard adopted by Nintendo Switch 2, AGI proudly announces the release of the TF338 microSD Express card. Built on the microSD Express standard and powered by the PCIe Gen3 x1 interface with NVMe protocol, the TF338 delivers performance far beyond traditional microSD cards—offering up to 800MB/s read and 700MB/s write speeds for lightning-fast game loading and data transfer. Compared to previous UHS-I microSD cards, microSD Express offers more than 4 times faster speeds, approaching SSD-level performance. This makes the TF338 an ideal solution for both high-performance gaming and mobile content creation. The card is backward compatible with UHS-I devices and has passed multiple durability tests—ensuring water, dust, shock, and temperature resistance for stable operation across demanding environments. AGI Technology states that the TF338 is not only engineered for next-generation gaming consoles, but also reflects the brand's ongoing commitment to next-level storage innovation—empowering gamers and creators with reliable, efficient, and ultra-portable memory solutions. For additional product details and specifications, please visit: About AGIAGI is a leading provider of high-performance storage solutions, dedicated to delivering innovative products that cater to the evolving needs of its customers. With a commitment to offering cutting-edge storage capacity and superior performance, AGI empowers users with reliable solutions for an enhanced digital experience. Contact InformationSales Teamsales@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at 登入存取你的投資組合 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤
The Verge
30-06-2025
- 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.
Gizmodo
27-06-2025
- Gizmodo
Finally, We're Seeing More Ways to Quadruple Your Switch 2's Paltry Storage
If you're like me, your hungry Switch 2's belly is already full up with a slate of launch games combined with your backlog of original Switch titles. When a growing number of games take up 60GB or more on your new handheld, you'll want to look for extra storage options. Unfortunately, every option available right now costs close to half of what you already need to spend on Nintendo's $450 handheld console. The Switch 2 only accepts microSD Express cards, not stock-standard microSD. Express-level cards first debuted in 2023 to enable faster write speeds. For cameras, this meant images would load onto the card much faster after you press the shutter button. For gaming, the cards write faster, but they also read quicker as well. When games take up more storage space, being able to load that data faster matters. Fellow memory card maker Lexar announced the first 1TB microSD Express card back in April. That card cost $200 and had 900MB/s read and 600MB/s write speeds. GameStop also sells a 1TB card for $190. UK-based company Team Group, which makes memory cards and SSDs, dropped details about its Apex SD7.1 microSD Express with a standout 1TB of storage. That's four times the amount of space you get with the Switch 2, and it seems extra enticing until you realize there's no word about when it will be available and little to hint about how much it will cost. Team Group's Apex card has read and write speeds of up to 800MB/s and 700MB/s, respectively. Such a card would technically be able to handle 16 60GB games or 45 games the size of Mario Kart World. These newfangled microSD Express cards can plug into older handhelds, but you won't see the same read and write speeds on devices that normally support base microSD. Older full-size SD Cards with the SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) standard with storage options up to 2TB max out at around 300 MB/s read speeds. You don't have to look too far in the past to see how the cost might scale on such a new form of flash storage. The first 1TB microSD card from SanDisk cost $450 at launch in spring 2019. That's as much as a Switch 2 today. Prices slipped fast once more manufacturers jumped on the 1TB train, and today you can grab that same SanDisk card for under $90. Currently, you can get a Nintendo-branded 256GB Samsung microSD Express card with a little Mario 'M' for $60. A 512GB ONN card also goes for $60, but that's currently sold out on sites like Walmart. Pricing doesn't scale linearly, but with more cards available, the cost of 1TB Express-level cards could come down at a relatively fast pace. Nintendo was very excited to tell the world the Switch 2 had eight times the amount of storage capacity of the original Switch. However, all that means is the sequel handheld has a bare 256GB to hold your mountain of games. Games like Street Fighter VI ask for 48.3 GB, while Split Fiction demands a full 73GB. What compounds this issue is the number of launch titles that don't exist on Nintendo's game cards. Games can come in three different digital formats: either as digital download only, as a code-in-a-box, or as a game-key card. The latter is a physical card that essentially acts as a code to download the game from Nintendo's eShop. You can't play the game without the card inserted into the Switch 2. Older microSD cards have completely different pin configurations, and they aren't compatible with the Switch 2. MicroSD Express can use two more modern standards of interfacing with devices, including PCI Express or NVM Express, which allow for faster speeds than the microSD card interface. Still, if you're installing your games on your system, you should look to fill up your internal storage first. Tests of load speeds on Mario Kart World show that the game loads three seconds faster through internal storage than through a microSD Express card. The Lexar card with the highest storage space played catch-up with the smaller Samsung and SanDisk cards. Coming up last was the flash storage on the physical game card. I would sacrifice slightly faster load times for the sake of actually owning the games I play, but if you play on Switch 2, you may not have the choice.
