Latest news with #Switch
Metro
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Metroid Prime 4 advert on London tube confuses everyone with 'out now' sticker
An advert for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond claims it has already been released, fuelling hope for a surprise announcement. The Nintendo Switch 2 launch line-up might be lacking in first party titles, but the roadmap for the rest of the year could still make up for it. Donkey Kong Bananza is set to launch next month, while Kirby Air Riders, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are all slated for 2025. However, the latter, which is a cross-gen release with the original Switch, still doesn't have a release date. For anyone anticipating Samus Aran's next gallivant through space, a new poster on the London Underground might just give you a jump scare. At the Oxford Circus station, an advert for Metroid Prime 4 is emblazoned with an 'out now' sticker – despite the fact it most definitely isn't. This has prompted wild speculation of an imminent shadow drop, and while we all like to dream, this is much more likely to just be an unfortunate mistake than a secret hint. The advert is part of a string of Switch 2 adverts across the tube station, alongside Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. The latter has the correct release date of July 17, while Mario Kart World has the same 'out now' sticker in the exact same position as on Metroid Prime 4's poster, suggesting it could be a copy and paste error. 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. Even if a shadow drop is unlikely, the poster does imply the game will be released over the summer (and that those not mentioned, such as Hyrule Warriors, are later in the year). The only other game advertised is Super Mario Party Jamboree TV, which is set to be released on July 27, so there's a chance Metroid could land in August. More Trending Metroid Prime 4 is set to launch on the original Switch as well as the Switch 2, but this advert doesn't make any mention of that fact. The upgraded Switch 2 edition will have mouse controls, HDR support, 4K resolution when docked, and run up to 120fps. It's unclear when Nintendo could announce the game's release date, but considering it recently just unveiled a Splatoon spin-off out of the blue, via its Nintendo Today! app, it could happen at any moment. Earlier this week, Nintendo dedicated an entire Direct presentation to Donkey Kong Bananza, where it revealed a young Pauline, new costumes, and a mode inspired by Mario Paint. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Games Inbox: What is the hardest video of modern times? MORE: NetEase game Blood Message may have the best video game graphics ever MORE: You can buy one of the best games ever for the price of an ice lolly
Stuff.tv
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Stuff.tv
I tested dozens of Nintendo Swatch 2 accessories, and these are ones I'd actually spend money on
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a shiny piece of hardware, our best handheld gaming console, and arguably Nintendo's most premium console ever made. While it comes built in with many great features out of the box, from its incredible noise-cancelling mic to its magnetic Joy-Con that can act as single controllers and mice, there's still plenty more you'll want to buy to enhance the experience. Of course, if you owned a Switch previously, you'll be pleased to know that many of your old accessories will still be compatible, albeit with some limitations, but some things need to be upgraded, such as the new microSD Express cards, while old controllers can't be used to turn on your console. Whether you're after extra controllers for different play styles or occasions, need extra juice when taking it on the go and also want to make sure it's well protected, we've put together some of the best accessories you'll want to get your hands on along to go with your new Nintendo investment. Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Given that the Pro Controller for the original Switch has proven popular for even those who don't own Nintendo's console, there wasn't much that needed to change with this new version. The design is almost the same but sports a sleeker matte finish that complements the new, more premium-feeling console, though it does feel a bit more slippery without textured grips. The d-pad, however, feels like an improvement, a test of Tetris in Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, showing I was no longer mis-dropping blocks like before. There are, however, more additions, such as the C-button for GameChat and a much-requested headphone jack for you to plug in a headset. But the standout feature (and likely why this is more expensive than its predecessor) is two programmable back buttons on the rear grips called GL and GR, which you can even map the capture button to so that you can finally take screenshots while still fully in control of gameplay. Nintendo Switch 2 Camera The console already has a built-in mic to take advantage of the new GameChat feature, but if you also want to be seen by your friends, then you'll want to get an official camera. While you can also plug in any USB-C webcam as well, this camera has both 1080p resolution and a wide lens to ensure it can capture you or anyone else in your living room and zoom in accordingly while ensuring you still appear visible on your friends' Game Chat feeds as if you were streaming directly to them. The camera also comes with a stand that is easy to adjust, at a height you can place behind the Switch 2 dock, or you can also use it when playing in handheld or tabletop mode. SanDisk MicroSD Express Card While the Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, the larger size of Switch 2 games means you'll definitely need to expand your storage, and your old microSDs will not be good enough. MicroSD Express has much faster read speeds and enables games to load much faster than previously. However, the only cards you're likely to find only offer an additional 256GB, with larger sizes either scarce or running extortionate prices. You might get confused by the labelling over whether or not you have the right card. Fortunately, you'll be glad to know that Nintendo is selling an officially licensed express card and isn't charging extra for it. GameCube Controller – Nintendo Classics GameCube games are finally available to Switch Online members with the expansion pack tier, and the best way to enjoy them is with a GameCube controller – indeed, the analogue shoulder buttons make it essential for F-Zero GX. While it's been possible to use OG wired GameCube controllers and an adaptor for dedicated Super Smash Bros. players, this new wireless controller, available exclusively on My Nintendo Store, has a nicer matte finish as well as additional buttons like the Home, Capture and C-Button. Just bear in mind that it's not going to be ideal as your only other controller since it's missing several inputs that a modern controller has. Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro Gaming Headset While this is a professional studio-quality open-back gaming headset for PC, a console adaptor means you can still plug it into either your Switch 2's audio jack or a Switch 2 pro controller so that you can enjoy incredible sound and comfortable pads for extended gaming sessions, whether at home or on the go. It's admittedly quite pricey for what it is, and annoyingly, its microphone isn't detachable, which might make it less appealing to take on the train, but you'll at least also be able to make use of it during GameChat sessions, as the noise-cancelling tech is in the Switch 2 hardware itself. Belkin Portable Power Bank with Integrated Cable Switch 2's battery life is unfortunately not great, so you want to ensure you have a power bank if you're planning to take it on a long-haul trip. This power bank from Belkin is about the size of an iPhone (albeit thicker) and has a rechargeable 20,000 mAh battery, which can recharge your console twice. It also comes with an integrated cable in case you forget to bring a cable, just enough to plug into the device's USB-C port on top when playing in tabletop mode. Of course, it also has an additional USB-C and USB 2.0 port if you need to charge your phone or another device. SnakeByte System Organiser S2 This is a bargain because only for a quid more than the official carry case, you actually get not just a carry case for your Switch 2 but also for its other components, including the dock, cables, and even room for other accessories like a controller and power bank. The Switch 2 case itself is moulded nicely for the triggers, buttons and sticks and contains space for 10 game cards and comes with a wrist strap if you want to carry it hands-free. This can then fit on the top part of the system organiser, while an an attachable and adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy and comfortable to take your whole console with you whether it's for a house party or you're heading home for the holidays. Belkin Gaming Nintendo Switch 2 Charger Case If you're taking your Switch 2 places, then a protective case is essential, but this dedicated case also comes with a power bank that fits snugly inside the case with a cable that can neatly plug into the console while stored, ensuring that once you're seated and have time to relax you'll find your Switch 2 has plenty of juice. That does however make for a bulkier case though it does have a handle so that you can carry it in your hand instead of putting it in your bag, while it also has room to store 12 game cards, additional cables or Joy-Con wrist straps, and even a hidden space you can fit an AirTag. PowerA Advantage Wired Controller If you're after a budget controller, PowerA has a range of wired Switch 2 controllers, each sporting some Nintendo-themed designs. On the whole, it's not that different from the company's Switch 1 range, apart from of course the addition of a C-button and headphone jack to take advantage of GameChat functionality. Its lower cost does mean it skimps on a few other features, such as HD rumble, gyro controls and NFC support for Amiibo, but it does have programmable back buttons. The caveat is that these are not the same as the GL and GR buttons on the official Switch 2 pro controller. For that reason, you won't be able to use these back buttons to take a screenshot. SnakeByte Twin Charge S2 While you can still use Switch 1 Joy-Cons, if you do plan to buy more Switch 2 Joy-Cons you'll also want new charging docks for them since they have new designs. For this Twin Charge, you just need to put each Joy-Con down on its side much like when using them as a mouse and an LED light on the front will let you know when it is charging or fully charged. There's also a Quad Charge available if you plan on buying more of Joy-Con 2s, perhaps when more colours and designs are available in future.
Tom's Guide
15 hours ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Best Amazon deals under $50 ahead of Prime Day — 21 deals I'd shop now on Yeti, Carhartt, Lego, Switch games, headphones, smart home tech and more
We're just a few weeks out from Amazon Prime Day deals, but you don't need to wait a day longer to start making some savings. Some of my favorite products have seen epic discounts ahead of the event, with many dropping under the $50 mark. For example, right now you can get up to 20% off Yeti tumblers, mugs and coolers. This includes the popular Yeti Rambler 42 oz Straw Mug on sale for $36 at Amazon. Plus, you can currently shop Carhartt deals from $9 and Lego deals from $8. And coming right in under $50 is the Ring Battery Doorbell on sale for $49 at Amazon. We rank this as one of the best video doorbells you can buy, and it's a steal at this price. Keep scrolling to see all my favorite Amazon deals under $50. Plus, check out our Amazon promo codes, and see this Ring sale at Amazon with up to 50% off. YETI sale: up to 25% off @ AmazonIf you're a fan of YETI, you know that a sale doesn't come around often enough. That's why now is the perfect opportunity to save big on drinkware and cooler deals starting at just $15. So don't wait — snag a new cooler or water bottle before these discounts disappear! Adidas sale: deals from $6 @ AmazonThe Adidas Store at Amazon is offering a wide variety of deals on men's/women's/children's sweat pants, hoodies, socks, and more. After discount, deals start as low as $6. Lego sale: deals from $8 @ AmazonThe best Lego deals can usually be found in November and December, but early Prime deals are slashing the prices of select sets. You can get everything from Disney to Star Wars as well as generic sets. This little SanDisk drive holds up to 128GB of your files in a lightweight plastic chassis that fits in the palm of your hand. The drive has a rotating plastic cover that shields either the USB-A or USB-C end from the world while freeing the other up to plug into your laptop, PC, smartphone or tablet, allowing you to easily move up to 128GB of files between devices. It's since been replaced by another model, but the Iniu 10000mAh Portable Charger is a previous winner on our list of the best power banks. Combining its compact size, 10,000 mAh battery capacity, and two USB-A ports, it's the affordable portable charger for anyone that needs on-the-go power. Nothing adds outdoor ambiance like a killer playlist and the very best solar lights. This outdoor-rated pack is built with shatterproof plastic bulbs that are currently 54% off at Amazon. Plug them in when the sun sets and enjoy 27 feet-worth and up to six full hours of a soft, white glow. Switch games sale: deals from $19 @ AmazonAmazon is offering big discounts on Switch games. As part of this week's sale, you can find popular titles on sale from $19. The sale includes Just Dance 2025, Sonic Superstars and more. Adidas sale: deals from $6 @ AmazonThe Adidas Store at Amazon is offering a wide variety of deals on men's/women's/children's sweat pants, hoodies, socks, and more. After discount, deals start as low as $6. Carhartt sale: deals from $9 @ AmazonIf you're looking to upgrade your wardrobe, Carhartt has tons of rugged and stylish pieces you'll want to rock all season long. Skechers shoes/apparel: from $11 @ AmazonAmazon is having a massive Skechers sale. This includes sneakers and apparel for men, women, and children on sale from $11. Score these comfortable Skechers sneakers starting from $21. They feature a Skechers memory foam footbed and come in four stylish color options. Reviewers on Amazon say these are sturdy and fit true to size. If you're willing to live without active noise-cancellation, these Soundcore by Anker P20i buds are fantastic value for money. Offering 10mm drivers for impressive "big" bass, along with Bluetooth 5.3, 30-hour battery life, water-resistance, 22 preset EQs and in-app customisation, which is great for this price. While they aren't technically true wireless, on account of the wire that connects the buds, the Flex are a great pair of fitness earbuds. They're super comfortable thanks to their lightweight, and this deal is a solid discount. They may cost less than $55, but the 1More SonoFlow SE are still an incredible pair of headphones. Packing 50-hour battery life, robust sound, great ANC and excellent sound quality, these 'phones delivery pretty much everything you could want for a very low price. In our 1More SonoFlow SE review, we rated them 4/5 stars. The Sony SRS-XB100 is one of the best cheap Bluetooth speakers we've tested. In our Sony SRS-XB100 review, we praised its strong sound quality, portable design, and long battery life. It offers a playback range of 131 feet and is IP67 rated against sun, sand, rain and accidental submersion. The Blink Outdoor is a fully wireless home security camera that records video in 1080p, lets you store video locally (or in the cloud) and has a two-year battery life. The Editor's Choice camera holds a spot in our list of the best home security cameras. At just $49, the best value Ring Video Doorbell got even better. The newest of Ring's doorbells has head-to-toe video and package detection. You can't replace its battery, but it's a fantastic option at this price. Not a fan of straws or chug lids? The Stanley All Day Slim Bottle Water Bottle has a twist lid and a slim design that you can easily sip and effortlessly slip into your bag or backpack. Like many Stanley cups, it's insulated to keep your drinks at their optimum temperature and it fits in most car cup holders. The MZOO sleep mask is an Amazon best seller sporting over 73,500 perfect reviews from customers who give it the "night shifter seal of approval," and say it provides 100% darkness while the pressure it puts on the eyes is "just perfect." This sleep mask will see you through your summer flights with more $$$ to spend on snacks onboard. The 42oz Rambler Straw Mug is on sale for a nice 20% discount. With its large handle and straw, it's one of the most comfortable Yeti mugs to drink from and it has the capacity to keep you hydrated all day. We can't forget about our furry friends! This orthopedic dog bed is designed to give your pet a deep, dreamy sleep and provide the perfect amount of pressure relief and joint support. It comes in several sizes for all kinds of pups and dozens of fun colors. A buzzy TikTok product, this heat tool promises to straighten hair in a few passes, offering 5 temperatures to choose from. Its amassed more than 56,000 positive reviews for taming frizzy manes into a head full of smooth strands.
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Nintendo can put your Switch 2 permanently offline if you use mods
People are learning the hard way what happens if you try to run modified games on Nintendo Switch 2. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 may mark a new era for Nintendo, but one thing that will never change is the company's dislike of pirates and modders. Nintendo is fiercely protective of its hardware and software, which is why it has routinely forced emulators to be shut down. The story of Gary Bowser in 2023 also shows how ruthless the company can be towards those it catches modifying Nintendo hardware. So, it should come as no surprise that Nintendo has been proactive in preventing such activity with the Switch 2, with reports throughout the week revealing that the console can detect pirated or modified software and permanently disable all online connectivity as punishment for using them. Some Switch 2 owners have reported such instances after attempting to use a device called a MIG Switch on the console. The MIG Switch is a cartridge that you can dump Switch games onto, essentially serving as an all-in-one cartridge for your game library. While you can download pirated game files from the internet onto the MIG Switch, some use it as a means of backing up Switch games they've legally bought, though Nintendo clearly doesn't care about that distinction. Since the Switch 2 is backwards compatible, those who own a MIG Switch cartridge decided to see if it works on the new console. Apparently, it should following a firmware update, but it seems Nintendo was one step ahead of them. 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. According to the likes of SwitchTools on X and givemeupvotes on Reddit, using the MIG cartridge will prompt an error message and ban you from accessing Nintendo's online services forever more. It doesn't appear to brick the console entirely, however. As demonstrated in a YouTube video by Scattered Brain, it's still possible to access and play games offline, so it's not as if the ban turns the console into a paperweight. More Trending That said, the ban is believed to be built into the hardware itself, and is independent of your Nintendo account. The ban makes it impossible to unlink the account and virtual game cards from the console and when Scattered Brain attempted a factory reset, that wound up bricking their console entirely. Nintendo's policy is that it warns Switch 2 owners not to mess around with the hardware like this. In fact, ahead of the console's launch, it updated its account services user agreement to say it has the right to 'render the Nintendo Account Services and/or the applicable Nintendo device permanently unusable in whole or in part' if you violate its policy. At least, that's what the US version reads, though we can't imagine there's any more leeway here in the UK since it still states any hardware modifications violate Nintendo's code of conduct. Despite all this, it's unlikely this will put an end to any Nintendo related piracy. People are stubborn and are bound to try and come up with workarounds, regardless of the threat of legal action. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Switch 2 replica leaker learns why you shouldn't upset Nintendo and their lawyers MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 owner loses 20 years' worth of save data in botched transfer MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 sales numbers smash records in the US and worldwide
The Age
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Nintendo pulls off an incredible expansion with open world Mario Kart
Mario Kart is one of Nintendo's most popular franchises, producing the single bestselling game on each of the company's last four consecutive systems. So it's understandable that Nintendo chose the party-favourite racing series as an exclusive launch title for its brand-new Switch 2 console. What was less expected is that it would overhaul the design so fundamentally. While each previous Mario Kart has featured a variety of circuits to choose from, World has a completely open and navigable continent to drive across, taking in deserts, grasslands, cities, jungles, snowfields, wetlands and even lava plains. Where Mario Kart 8 – which was updated over the course of a decade – ended up having close to 100 courses to race in on the original Switch, World has 29 major locations, which can function as traditional circuits but can also be driven past, through and between during exhilarating rallies, with a massive 24 racers taking part. The result is a game that feels fresh and exciting, even as it keeps everything great about the series. All the major locations, including 16 original concepts and 13 areas inspired by tracks in previous games, are stitched together ingeniously in the open world. So while Toad's Factory can be raced as a traditional circuit, feeling much like it did originally on the Wii, it's also a location you can come at from any angle; through the front gates, or directly into the central yard after floating down from an overpass. Being able to see the towering Bowser's Castle or DK Spaceport in the distance, or skipping across the ocean from Crown City to Peach Stadium, gives the entire game a cohesion unlike anything previously seen in the series, and the main game modes make great use of that. In the remixed Grand Prix you take a road trip through four locations, with the roads between also serving as part of the race. In the brilliant new Knockout Tour you go on a huge rally, usually coast to coast, with the slowest four racers being eliminated at each checkpoint. And in Free Roam, you can go anywhere you like in the world, completing challenges and hunting collectibles. Out on the road Free Roam is a great way to get to know the game without the pressure of racing, and a showcase for the impressive scale of the map. There are more than 100 buttons scattered around that activate tasks from mini races to stunt challenges, as well as panels and coins that can require some tricky driving to get to. I do wish this stuff was easier to track, or resulted in some tangible rewards – each one nets you a sticker you can attach to your character as bragging rights – but as an addition to the core racing platform, it's a nice option for casual driving. If you've played Mario Kart before, you'll largely know what to expect from the actual racing. You jockey for position and drift around corners, using items like mushrooms and koopa shells to attack and defend along the way. The most powerful items are only found if you're further back in the pack, making comebacks commonplace and first position generally fleeting.
