I bought a PS Vita instead of a Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 — and I have no regrets

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here, and I've decided to buy a PS Vita instead. We here at Tom's Guide check out the latest in tech (and beyond), but here I am with a portable console over a decade old — but I'm loving every minute of it.
Out of all the handheld consoles I've played on throughout the years, the PS Vita always stands out. I mean, exclusive PlayStation games in your pocket? Come on, it's hard to beat.
And despite its age, Sony's beloved device has amassed quite the die-hard community, so much so that Sony revoked its plans to drop PlayStation Store support for it due to quite a bit of backlash.
Perhaps it's the fond memories of whipping out Persona 4 Golden or Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater on the fly, or that it's price was heavily reduced at the second-hand retailer I found it at (it was mainly that), but I bought a PS Vita despite the launch of the long-awaited sequel to one of the best-selling handheld consoles ever: the Switch 2.
It wasn't for a lack of availability, as Nintendo Switch 2 restocks have been kind here in the U.K., nor was it because I'm not impressed by it — Donkey Kong Bananza in 4K? Yes, please. But the PS Vita reeled me back in for a few reasons.
Now, this is no hot take; you won't find me spouting how the PS Vita is outright better than the Switch 2 (it's not). But gaming on the Vita over the last month has made me realize the perks and features that have been lost in translation over the years when it comes to portable consoles, and for now, I can't get enough of it.
Launched in 2011, Sony's PlayStation Vita is no longer in production, so expect to only find pre-owned, refurbished or open-box models available. You can grab one via Amazon Renewed in "excellent" condition, but if you aren't fussed by a few nicks or scratches, then you'll certainly find one for less.
I've rambled about how the Switch 2 impressed me but I won't be buying one until 2026, and to sum that up, it's mainly to do with the list of games that are ready to play.
I mean, Mario Kart World fully embraces the furious fun the series is known for, and it was a blast to play in the short time I had with it in the office (who needs lunch when there's blue shells to throw?).
It's not exactly the sort of system seller like, say, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, though. There are upgrades for that and Tears of the Kingdom, along with other major titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Street Fighter 6 and others, but it's a little thin on those exciting exclusives (for now). I can see why our own Tony Polanco is already bored with the Switch 2 after a week.
Well, very unfairly, that hasn't been the case with the PS Vita. There are well over 1,000 games to check out, and they range from knockout exclusives you can't play anywhere else to timeless classics that are always worth revisiting. And luckily, I already have a collection of games for the system.
Seeing titles like Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Killzone: Mercenary, Gravity Rush and Tearaway take full advantage of the PS Vita's hardware both graphically and feature-wise is a treat, whether it be swiping the screen, tapping the rear touchpad or taking a snap with the (laughable) 0.3 MP camera. There's something special about playing games like these, specifically designed for the handheld.
Then there are the titles that really do work best when on the move. I've been making my way through the Sly Cooper Trilogy (then Thieves in Time) during my journey to and from work, but there's also the Jak and Daxter Trilogy, Ratchet and Clank Collection, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection and more of the classics many adore. And that's just the tip of the game-berg.
Lengthy RPGs are perfect for a system like this, and the PS Vita can pull off Persona 4 Golden, Final Fantasy X HD Remaster and Odin Sphere Leifthrasir. Oh, and I have to give a shoutout to TxK, the frantic, bewildering arcade-style shoot 'em up from Llamasoft.
It isn't like the Switch 2 (or the original) doesn't have these traits, with its mouse-capable controllers and exclusives of its own. And yes, it will play games at a much higher caliber in performance (if you've played Borderlands 2 on the PS Vita, you know what I mean).
But many games really found their footing on the PS Vita, exclusive or not. That's something I've found missing on the best handheld gaming consoles, and I hope the Switch 2 leans into having more titles that are perfect for its system — not just games that you can play, well, anywhere else.
I could talk about the PS Vita 1000's still-stunning OLED display or how its battery can last 5 hours or more, depending on the games I played (longer than the 2.5 hours on the Switch 2, at least), but what I really enjoy the most? It's size.
Portable gaming has gotten big. The Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch LCD display, the Steam Deck OLED measures 7.4 inches and the MSI Claw 8 AI+ comes in at 8 inches. In contrast, the PS Vita offers a mere 5-inch display, and it's been completely suitable.
Having a large screen to game on is always nice to see, but bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to portability. The Vita measures 7.2 x 3.4 x 0.6 inches and weighs 7.7 ounces, and that's just the right lightweight size to make this system pocketable. As in, I literally slip this into my pocket when I'm on the move.
The same can't be said about the vast majority of modern handhelds. The Switch 2 comes in at 10.71 x 4.57 x 0.55 inches and 18.8 ounces. Portable? Yes, for a bag or carrying case — not a pocket. You're not exactly whipping this out at every interval of a journey on public transport.
A smaller console can go a long way in terms of when and where it can be used, especially when it packs a masterful selection of games, and it's another thing I've been missing about handheld consoles as of late. It feels natural to slip out my PS Vita during trips outside home, which I can't say the same for with other recent handheld consoles.
The PS Vita wasn't nearly the hardware seller Sony wanted it to be due to its own lack of support, but you'll still find many whispering that it was ahead of its time — and honestly, I can see why.
It's made me realize that handheld gaming really is a different beast these days, but not all for the better. Right now, I'm enjoying the small perks and plentiful games of the PS Vita, probably more so than I would if I opted to pick up a Switch 2 at the moment.
Whether you're looking to take a trip down PlayStation lane with a host of classic titles, never got around to experiencing the joys of Sony's handheld or looking to see what all the fuss is about before the next rumored PlayStation handheld arrives, the PS Vita very much still holds up today. Of course, don't expect the graphical or performance highs of Nintendo's latest console.
I'll be kicking myself once the Nintendo Switch 2 nails its lineup of exclusives and pushes its portable power to the limit, but in the meantime, I'm keeping the PS Vita at my side (pocket).

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Gizmodo

an hour ago

• Gizmodo

Nintendo Switch 2 Review: The Ultimate Handheld and It's Not Even Close

The Switch 2 "1-Ups" the groundbreaking original in every single way. 2025 After the massive flop that was the Wii U, consumers had every reason to believe the original Switch, released in 2017, would be yet another Nintendo gimmick that would push people to buy a PlayStation or Xbox instead. But the original $300 Switch's handheld/console design, with its detachable Joy-Con controllers, proved to be a major hit with gamers of all ages. The handheld and TV-dockable game system was inventive and could be understood immediately. It felt like another Wii moment for Nintendo, only this time the Switch was the game console's final form. How could the company that gave us Mario, Pokémon, and Zelda possibly top that? See Nintendo Switch 2 at Walmart See Switch 2+ Mario Kart World Bundle at Walmart Apparently, with a $450 Switch 2 that has just enough new hardware upgrades and nothing too wacky. You get more performance, a bigger and sharper screen, Joy-Con 2 controllers that now magnetically attach and support mouse controls for exciting possibilities in shooters and real-time strategy games, and GameChat video and voice communications. The Switch 2 hardware is iterative—a specs bump—but it'll also be the exclusive platform for Nintendo's biggest and most recognizable gaming franchises. If you want to play Nintendo's latest and greatest titles, like the now-available Mario Kart World or the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza, the Switch 2 is the only option, even if you have a PS5 or Xbox Series S/X. In the same breath, Nintendo has also crafted a console that's more restrictive than any other similar device in recent memory. Only Nintendo could make game ownership so onerous when the hardware is this good and the top-quality games aren't available anywhere else. It's extremely frustrating that sharing games or managing game saves is so needlessly cumbersome on the Switch 2, and it's outright maddening that a company that's perfected making complex hardware easy to use—with arguably the best music and sound design—is also so reluctant to embrace how basic gaming features work on other, more open, game platforms. Nintendo Switch 2 The Switch 2 has just enough new things to keep it interesting, but most importantly it lets you play original Switch and modern games with higher fidelity. Pros Lightweight feel with solid controls Lightweight feel with solid controls Great display with HDR support Great display with HDR support Mouse controls offer new gaming possibilities Mouse controls offer new gaming possibilities Powerful enough for games like Cyberpunk 2077 Powerful enough for games like Two USB-C ports Two USB-C ports Access to GameCube games Cons LCD, not OLED screen LCD, not OLED screen 256GB of storage is low for 2025 256GB of storage is low for 2025 Subpar GameChat video and audio quality Subpar GameChat video and audio quality Way too much DRM The Switch 2 is the communal console for our current gaming era. There is no better system around for couch multiplayer—especially one you can easily pack up and take with you. The Switch 2 is its own beast, and it takes the 8-year-old design of the original Switch and allows it to compete—and beat—the growing number of handheld platforms available today. With more horsepower for high-fidelity games like Cyberpunk 2077 and a slate of already-announced Nintendo-only games coming this year and next, we have very little fear that there will be a dearth of compelling titles for the Switch 2. Nintendo's new game console is no Sony PS5/PS5 Pro or Microsoft Xbox Series S/X, but at least it now has the performance to last well into the future. The Switch 2 Looks Better and Plays Better Actually getting into Switch 2 games is more enjoyable than maneuvering around Nintendo's fascination with digital rights management, or DRM. Playing both new and old games on Switch 2 is a superior experience in every way. The 7.9-inch IPS LCD display is about 30% brighter than the original Switch's 6.2-inch screen, and it has wider dynamic range and higher contrast, which helps make games pop more. The screen also supports high dynamic range, or HDR (although the specifics are a bit more complicated), and can refresh games at up to 120Hz thanks to its variable refresh rate technology (VRR), which automatically adjusts the refresh rate based on individual content. However, VRR is inexplicably tied to handheld mode, and it isn't available when docked and connected to a TV or monitor. We could play a variety of games in handheld mode and not feel like we were missing much, other than support for 4K. When the Switch 2 is hooked up to a TV via its dock, the device becomes a quiet powerhouse (the new inclusion of a fan in the dock for cooling definitely helps), at least for those games designed for its unique hardware. You can huddle next to the Switch 2 in handheld mode and not hear a mouse burp from the fans compared to the miniature jet engine you can occasionally hear blasting from a PlayStation 5. With the original Switch, Nintendo proved that stylized, artistic-minded in-game visuals were the remedy to the graphics realism of other consoles and PC gaming. Simply put, its performance was underpowered even compared to a PS4 or Xbox One, both of which came out four years earlier in 2013. Its custom Nvidia chipset was, at times, overburdened by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild at launch. And when pitted against the current-gen PS5 and Xbox Series S/X, the original Switch was lapped hard. It's been eight years since the revolutionary Switch, so an upgrade was overdue. Performance matters so long as it makes games enjoyable. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom running on the OG Switch at all was a minor miracle, but rampant frame rate dips inevitably made the experience worse. We've played the game on both the original Switch and Switch 2 with the $10 enhanced edition upgrade, and there's no question Zelda on the new handheld—even when bushes and other foliage tend to 'pop in' or render only when you get close—is the better way to play the game. There's no way we can go back. Even games without a 4K upgrade, like Super Mario Odyssey, were a more enjoyable experience on Switch 2 at 1080p than the original at 720p. Would we buy a Switch 2 just to play original Switch games without upgrade packs? No, but we also know we have little reason to return to the 8-year-old handheld. One hardware spec that we were hoping for was an OLED screen. For the uninitiated, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) is a type of display technology that is desired for its true deep blacks. Unlike LCD screens that use a panel of backlights to illuminate pixels, OLED displays turn the individual pixels themselves on or off, allowing not only blacks that are pure black because they can be left off, but also the added bonus of power efficiency. Despite lingering love for the Switch OLED from 2021, it seems like Nintendo is saving the display tech for an inevitable mid-cycle refresh when sales for the Switch 2 start to slump. That will also likely make a $450 device even more expensive since Nintendo rarely drops the price of its systems. Case in point: Nintendo's still selling the original Switch for $300, the same price it cost at launch. It's better to have a Switch 2 available to start with rather than waiting to spend potentially $500 or $550 for a prettier screen. The Switch 2's LCD display, with its support for HDR, is more than sufficiently vibrant that we weren't eyeing our Steam Deck OLED with any subtle or not-so-subtle envy. All this makes it seem like we're settling. Instead, all you have to do is compare the Switch 2's display to devices of this size and price. Even if the screen is LCD, the Switch 2 has a larger, brighter, and better-looking display than many other LCD-based handhelds that cost more. Yes, once you go OLED, it's hard to go back, but when you're in the thick of a game, whether or not blacks are dark grays isn't going to be what breaks any suspension of disbelief. Oh, and don't peel off the screen's protective plastic layer or you might just shatter the whole thing. There are other delightful and easily overlooked improvements that Nintendo made to the Switch 2. The aforementioned Joy-Con 2 controllers connect with a satisfying click to the console using magnets instead of the sliding rail mechanism on the original Switch. Now, you just press the Joy-Con 2 release buttons located right below the ZL/ZR triggers, and they pull apart. Be careful, though, because accidentally pressing the release buttons when grabbing the Switch 2 from either side could mean dropping it. On several occasions, we caught our Switch 2 just in time before it took a hit to the ground. And speaking of the new magnetic attachment system—the SL and SR buttons tucked inside of each Joy-Con 2 are now larger, clickier, and made of metal. Additionally, while the U-shaped kickstand on the Switch 2 doesn't span the entire length of the backside like it does on the Switch OLED, it's at least not the flimsy gumstick-sized one on the original Switch. We're also glad to see the 3.5mm headphone jack didn't get removed, and it's nice to have a second USB-C port on the top of the device for charging or connecting accessories, along with the one located on the bottom. The built-in speakers are also audibly louder and fuller, producing clearer sound at higher volume levels compared to the crackling tinniness you got on the original Switch. See Nintendo Switch 2 at Walmart See Switch 2+ Mario Kart World Bundle at Walmart The Switch 2 feels good in hand, even if it's thinner than most other handhelds sold today. It's light, and we didn't have a problem sitting up with the device on a couch or bed for hours at a time. How many hours will depend on what game you're playing. For 2D games like the award-winning Hades, it'll last for a little more than four hours. For original Switch games like Super Mario Odyssey, we found the Switch 2 could go just over three hours before needing a recharge. Playing a graphics-intensive game like Cyberpunk 2077, we ran out of juice at exactly two hours. The Steam Deck OLED will do slightly better on battery life overall, but you'd have to look at $800 handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally X with its bigger battery capacity for anything better. Future versions of the Switch 2 may improve on battery life, but Nintendo would likely charge more for that, like they did with the Switch OLED. You can improve battery life by limiting refresh rate and HDR, but let's be honest, most of us would prefer a higher-quality experience over playing for longer. If you're noticing really poor battery life and think something might be up, you may need to put the Switch 2 into 'recovery mode,' which should reset the battery indicator so that it's actually accurate. About the only thing that gives us pause is the joysticks. The Switch 2 was notorious for Joy-Con drift, a hardware issue that caused the joysticks to register movement even if you weren't touching them. Nintendo originally didn't acknowledge Joy-Con drift, but later began repairing them for free after widespread outcry. Considering we've only had the Switch 2 for two weeks, we can't say if drifting joysticks will be a problem for the Joy-Con 2 controllers. Nintendo could have used Hall effect joysticks to guarantee Joy-Con drift wouldn't return, but the company didn't. Instead, Nate Bihldorff, Nintendo's Senior Vice President of Product Development & Publishing, said the Joy-Con 2 were 'designed from the ground up.' Although we didn't experience any Joy-Con 2 drift, there are a relatively small (but increasing) number of reports claiming the joysticks still drift. The gadget teardown and repair experts at iFixit and CT scanning company Lumafield both independently suggest the joysticks, while improved, could still suffer the same issue with enough wear and tear over time; also, the magnetic attachment system may be the reason why Nintendo couldn't use Hall effect sticks. At the very least, Nintendo will repair any Joy-Con 2 controllers exhibiting the input problem for free. Cyberpunk 2077 Sets a New High Bar for Handhelds The biggest surprise to us was how well Cyberpunk 2077 plays on the handheld. We picked up a physical game card version, which meant the download took less than three minutes before we were in the game, though the load times are slightly slower than if you're booting it directly from the Switch 2's 256GB of internal storage or from a microSD Express memory card sold separately. (Note: microSD Express cards are not the same as regular microSD cards, so you will have to buy Express-speed ones.) Game environments remain colorful and detailed, perhaps even better than at 720p resolution on a Steam Deck LCD. This is the benefit of when developers work hand-in-hand with the console maker to optimize the game to get the most from the hardware. The Switch 2 can also make use of Nvidia's DLSS (deep learning super sampling)—an AI-based upscaler that also helps improve frame rates for crispier graphics and smoother performance. DLSS can create some graphical glitches and odd textures, but those flaws can easily be overlooked. Cyberpunk 2077 is a showcase for more than just graphics, but also how well the console can handle various control options—especially the new mouse controls. The feature has proved divisive, though not because the mouse sensor on the Joy-Con 2 is imprecise or you need a flat surface for the best results (they work surprisingly well on most pants, but the surface area won't be as large as a table). The cursor on menus and in games is responsive and quick, plus games like Cyberpunk 2077 offer a multitude of options for deadzones and cursor speed. The bigger issue is comfort. Most people won't find their hand can fully relax on top of a rigid Joy-Con 2 without room for the rest of their fingers. (GameStop sells a 'mouse shell' grip to make the Joy-Con 2 more ergonomic, but we haven't tested it, so there are third-party 'fixes' if you look for them.) Even with a grip that better fits a hand, you may find it hard to press any buttons other than the trigger without playing finger twister on the controller. We wouldn't spend hours using only mouse controls, but already upcoming games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond promise you'll be able to easily swap between mouse and joysticks just by placing the Joy-Con 2 on a flat surface. Quick-aiming and then going back to motion controls seems like the perfect compromise for shooters. A few of the minigames in Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour—effectively a $10 interactive instruction manual for the console—explore how these controls could offer innovative games in the future (and it's why it's so ludicrous Nintendo didn't package the 'game' for free with the new console). The Switch 2's Joy-Con 2 controllers simply feel like larger versions of the original ones on the first-gen Switch. Nintendo's new console is thin and light, and if you don't like the feel of it digging into your palms, you need to consider other accessories that add more grip. The Switch 2 is a device that lends itself to handing off a controller for quick and dirty multiplayer, exemplified by Nintendo's premier first-party title, Mario Kart World, which was the perfect launch game. We've played more than a dozen hours in the game with various groups of friends—all of whom were jonesing to try the ultra-hyped handheld—and they all left with smiles on their faces. The Switch 2 is running a custom Nvidia chip, and it's ostensibly as powerful as some of Nvidia's lower-end Ampere-era GPUs from four years ago—or about equivalent in power to consoles from the PS4 era. Even if it's less impressive on paper than what you expect from today's PS5-level graphics, the more important thing is whether developers can mold their software to the hardware. For example, even Mario Kart World four-player split screen didn't show any noticeable frame rate drops, and as hard as we looked, we didn't get the sense that the graphics were dumbed down. Nintendo wanted to push the graphics capabilities for its new console, but it also offered an exclusive blast from the past for anybody willing to pay $50 annually for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The Switch 2 allows you to play a select variety of GameCube games, of which there are only three available at launch—F-Zero GX, Soul Calibur II, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. All three are fun games in their own right, though none but Wind Waker are the kind of titles you 'must play' before you kick the bucket. Nintendo also sells a $65 GameCube controller exclusively through its online store. You can't play the GameCube games or use the revitalized controller on the original Switch. Still, we wouldn't suggest you run out and grab a Switch 2 right now for such a limited selection of nostalgic titles. The Switch 2 is as powerful as it needs to be for modern games. It supports current-gen features like ray tracing, at least to some small degree, and has DLSS to help it keep up with systems that are rendering games natively. How well it will stack up with future hardware from PlayStation and Xbox is a more difficult question. Game developers will need to program with the Switch 2 in mind, especially if they try to port any ultra-demanding title like Grand Theft Auto VI in the future. See Nintendo Switch 2 at Walmart See Switch 2+ Mario Kart World Bundle at Walmart GameChat Isn't All That As good as the Switch 2 is for local co-op in regular sessions of Split Fiction or Mario Kart World, Nintendo still hasn't figured out what players want from online multiplayer. Playing games with online video and voice chat is hampered by subpar camera and mic capabilities. The Switch 2's minuscule built-in microphone is supposed to pick up your voice even when you're a good six to eight feet from the TV. In our tests with a colleague, we found that you really need to be at least four feet from the mic for it to pick up your voice. On our colleague's end, he wasn't clearly audible until he took the Switch 2 off the dock and held it in front of his face. Hori's Piranha-shaped camera has a lower 480p resolution compared to Nintendo's official $55 Switch 2 Camera, but the fact that it can clip to the Switch 2's top USB-C port without a dangling cable or stand should theoretically make microphone pickup better. Nintendo wanted GameChat to be such a defining feature on Switch 2 that it put a 'C' button on all its first-party controllers. The button allows you to quickly send or receive calls and change video settings without going to the main menu. Of course, it's not as easy as it sounds. You can only send calls to friends over Switch Online, and you need to provide a phone number when you first try the feature. We used GameChat with the Switch 2 Camera, which users are expected to plug into the console when it's docked to a TV. Despite having 1080p resolution, its video quality is washed out in light, and it grows extra pixelated in low-light environments. Over GameChat, you have the choice of sharing your full video or your cropped-out body. The background blur software built into the Switch 2 is so poor that it makes early pandemic Zoom calls look like Google Beam by comparison. There's probably a generation of younger players who will be playing separate sessions of Fortnite who want to see each other's gameplay on their screen. GameChat is functional, but that's the best word we could use for it. You Don't Really Own Your Games We hold the Switch 2 in our hands with a sense of foreboding. Because of virtual game cards, the games you own are locked to a single system at a time. You can mitigate this by going into your account settings and turning on 'Use Online License,' which lets you have games on two consoles at once. The problem is, two systems with the same account profile can't play the game at the same time. Plus, your save data will remain tied to one system at a time—as we learned the hard way, moving a game save from one Switch to another deletes it off the original one instead of copying it over like how it works on every other game system. Either way, due to the proliferation of code-in-a-box and game key cards (a cartridge that's a 'key' to downloading a game from the eShop and must be inserted in the Switch 2 to play said game), Nintendo has made owning your games far trickier. Features like GameShare are amazing for playing titles with friends who don't own them or don't even have a Switch 2, but since it only supports a mere six first-party games at launch, the feature is overshadowed by Nintendo's leering gaze that mandates you can't have your games—or even your game save data—in more than one place at a time. Games now come in four flavors: game card, game key card, code-in-a-box, and digital download. Games installed on the Switch 2's internal storage will load the fastest, but with only 256GB, it'll run out fast. You may be thinking 256GB—eight times the 32GB in the original Switch—seems like plenty, and maybe it is if you're sticking to smaller indie games, but the Switch 2 operating system eats up about 10GB and games like Cyberpunk 2077 hog up 60GB; Split Fiction uses close to 70GB. Other third-party titles like Street Fighter 6 and Yakuza 0 will take up almost 48GB and 54GB, respectively. A microSD Express card, especially if you're planning to install Switch games and Switch 2 titles, helps alleviate these issues at a cost (we paid $60 for 256GB Samsung one), but the lingering problems with virtual game cards mean it's that much harder to own your games and easily swap them between friends. You can't simply offer your account to your friend so they can play your games on their Switch or Switch 2. Both consoles have to be nearby, and you can only give them a two-week trial to play that game, which also temporarily removes it from your own account. Changing your license settings keeps you from sharing virtual game cards in this way. Nintendo Wins Without Reinvention Nintendo will sell consoles because fans can't get enough of its exclusive games. At the time of this writing—two weeks after launch—all signs already point to the Switch 2 being a mega mushroom-sized success. People worldwide turned up on launch day in record numbers—many even attending midnight launches—to buy Nintendo's new game system. Nintendo's already shattered global sales records with over 3.5 million Switch 2 units sold within its first four days of going on sale. That's a lot of damn Switch 2 units sold just to play a refreshed version of Mario Kart and Cyberpunk 2077, a game that came out five years ago. Do we yearn for the days of Nintendo introducing a new gimmick with every new console release? Yes, but the Switch 2 is the familiar sequel to the original Switch, as the iPhone 3G was the successor to the first-gen iPhone. The Switch 2 is more powerful, and games run better in every way, but Nintendo routinely proves that if you design games specific to hardware, you'll get more out of them—not just in graphics but in controls and gameplay. The Switch 2 is the console that we'll keep with us often, perhaps even closer than our Steam Decks because we may bring it out for a single session on the go or share it with friends in various ways that you can't with a PS5, Xbox, or PC. There were few wholly new, must-have games on launch day, but they're coming. Nintendo knows a steady release of games featuring its most beloved characters will keep the Switch 2 momentum going. Third-party developers have been dying for more power to port their typically more graphics-intensive games to Nintendo's consoles—and now they're getting just that. So long as there's no drought of big game releases—like there were in the dark GameCube and Wii U days—Nintendo may just '1-Up' itself with the Switch 2. See Nintendo Switch 2 at Walmart See Switch 2+ Mario Kart World Bundle at Walmart

Tom's Guide

3 hours ago

• Tom's Guide

I tried Amazon's best-selling headphone sleep mask — and it's my new favorite travel companion

I've been a diehard eye mask user for over a decade now and I credit masks with transforming my sleep. I can drop off pretty much anywhere thanks to the super-cheap eye mask I take on every single trip. The humble eye mask needs no improvement in my opinion but as a sleep writer I'm always trying things to help my rest, whether that's the joy of testing the best mattress for my sleep style or the misery of taping my mouth shut. And I was intrigued by the concept of headphone sleep masks, which use Bluetooth speakers to combine light blocking with immersive sound. After several nights of testing the sleep mask I've been pleasantly surprised and I might have found a new must-have for my carry-on. Headphone sleep masks are pretty self-explanatory — this is an eye mask with integrated headphones. There are numerous options available on Amazon but MUSICOZY is by far the most popular (the eye mask I opted for has upwards of 18,000 reviews, largely positive.) From the front, the MUSICOZY looks like almost any other blackout eye mask, apart from the control panel in the middle. Tucked inside the mask are two thin speakers, designed to sit over the ear. Using a Bluetooth connection, you can pair your mask to your phone, pumping music into your ear while you sleep without disrupting your comfort. MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones Bluetooth Headband: from $29.99 Amazon US / £25.99 Amazon UKEstablished in 2012, MUSICOZY sells Bluetooth sleep masks to customers in both the US and UK. Available in a range of colors (as well as a few different styles, for different face shapes) the MUSICOZY mask uses breathable materials to prevent overheating while the adjustable strap allows you to tighten the mask to a perfect fit. My first thought after putting the MUSICOZY sleep mask was "wow, this is dark." That's a good thing. The primary goal of any eye mask is, in my opinion, to block out light. If it can't, it's not a good eye mask regardless of whatever else it has to offer. Next came the set-up. Okay, I took the MUSICOZY off my head for this but honestly? I could have done most of it in the dark. Only three buttons are needed to activate the MUSICOZY and they're intuitive to use. I paired the mask quickly to my phone and after minimal fussing, music was pumping through the speakers. Admittedly the sound quality isn't fantastic. We review the best headphones at Tom's Guide and I doubt the MUSICOZY would crack the top 100. But that's less of an issue that you might expect. For white noise, soothing sleep sounds and calming background music, the MUSICOZY's sound quality is good enough. Then it was time to go to sleep. MUSICOZY promises the headphone eye mask is designed for side sleepers. After a bit of wiggling I managed to get ear, mask and speaker into a semi-comfortable position. However, with my left ear pressed against the speaker, the music was significantly louder on one side and after a full night lying on the MUSICOZY, my left ear was sore in the morning. Which is why I probably won't be using the MUSICOZY every night. But I will be using it next time I travel — it's ideal for helping you sleep on the go. I have a multi-hour road trip coming up (as a passenger) and I can't wait to strap the MUSICOZY to my face and completely disengage from everyone else in the car. Here's why... I tried the MUSICOZY eye mask in bright sunshine and dark night and the effect was the same: pitch black. The interior of the headband features padded molding around the eye with a soft nose barrier that can be prodded into place for total blackout. At the back, a Velcro band allows you to secure the eye mask tightly around your face, for no slipping no matter how much you toss and turn. On public transport, the MUSICOZY can effectively block out other passengers (even if they are your own family). High tech sleep aids can often be needlessly complicated but the MUSICOZY is small, sleek and easy to fit in your hand luggage (it even comes with its own pouch). It also looks like any other sleep mask, meaning you won't feel self-conscious about strapping it to your face. And it charges via USB-C (cable included), which means you can power up just about anywhere. With the mask blocking out light and music playing right into your ears, the MUSICOZY is suitably enveloping. In my bedroom, it was like being tucked up in a cozy cocoon. The effect is likely to be diminished in a public place but it should still help you block out the often unwelcome presence of total strangers when traveling. And once you've reached your destination, the MUSICOZY can help a hotel feel like home. If you're someone who struggles to fall asleep in new places, the combination of blackout and surround sound will help you feel like you're tucked up in your usual bed. The biggest point in favor of the MUSICOZY is that it succeeds as an eye mask, blocking out light and staying secure on your face as you sleep. As a headphone set, the MUSICOZY isn't great. But at under $30 that's not a surprise and the sound quality is best described as fine. Admittedly I'm not much of an audio snob, but I could listen to my favorite songs happily. And as someone who used to burn through cheap earbuds, I've experienced worse. Side sleepers and back sleepers should feel comfortable in the MUSICOZY, although it's best suited for back sleepers. This is standard for almost any high-tech eye mask, however, so it's not a point against the MUSICOZY. But in my opinion, the MUSICOZY excels as a travel companion. Light, comfy and immersive, it helps you block out all the other people on your long-haul flight. It's also affordable and while some users have found the battery ages poorly, it should still get you through several holiday weekends with the family...

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4 hours ago

• Yahoo

Why Nintendo Stock Surged Today

Nintendo stock surged again today thanks to strong demand for its Switch 2 console. After selling out of its initial launch shipments, Switch 2 is now being restocked by retailers. The Switch 2 launch has been a big success for Nintendo. 10 stocks we like better than Nintendo › Nintendo (OTC: NTDOY) stock saw another day of big gains in Wednesday's trading. The company's share price gained 6.1% in the daily session and is now up 56.5% across 2025. Nintendo's gains today were driven by indications that demand for its recently released Switch 2 gaming console remains quite high. The Switch 2 quickly became the fastest-selling gaming platform in history following its release earlier this month, and the new system is powering a strong rally for Nintendo stock. Nintendo released its Switch 2 platform on June 5, and the new console has gotten off to a fantastic start. The console, which launched at a $449 price point, sold more than 1.1 million units in the U.S. within its first week on store shelves. The performance was good enough to make it the most successful video game platform launch in history. On a worldwide basis, the Switch 2 managed to sell 3.5 million units in just four days -- a performance that also set a new sales record. Now, new shipments from Nintendo mean that retailers are restocking the red-hot console -- and reports suggest that the platform is continuing to quickly sell out. Nintendo appears to have a big hit on its hands with the Switch 2. Unlike some other console launches, the company did a commendable job ensuring that it had a lot of units produced -- but demand still appears to be significantly exceeding supply at some point. While there is some risk for investors that front-loaded demand for the new console may not provide a great indicator as to the platform's long-term performance outlook, the launch has clearly gone very well. Before you buy stock in Nintendo, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Nintendo wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $658,297!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $883,386!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 992% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 172% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 9, 2025 Keith Noonan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Nintendo. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Nintendo Stock Surged Today was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data