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Stuff.tv
an hour 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.
Stuff.tv
17 hours ago
- Stuff.tv
Soundcore P41i earbuds will stop your phone dying when you least want it to
Phones such as Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge might be slimming down at the expense of battery life, but the new Soundcore P41i earbuds are heading in the opposite direction. The chunky case that the Soundcore P41i buds come in might put a bit of a bulge in your pocket, but with a 3000mAh battery inside it can either keep the IPX5-rated buds going for a whopping 192 hours (that's up to eight whole days of constant listening), or you can use the built-in USB-C cable to top up your phone. It's not the first set of buds we've seen to double as a portable charger – HMD's Amped Buds do the same trick and also support reverse wireless charging – but the Soundcore P41i's case has almost twice as much power available. It also doubles as a stand for your phone when the lid's open. It's not the fastest – a 30% charge of an iPhone 16 Pro will take about 40 minutes – but for a little top-up to keep your phone on until you get home it'll do the job. In terms of audio performance you get 11mm drivers with Soundcore's bottom end-boosting BassUp technology and adaptive ANC. Multipoint Bluetooth and Google's Fast Pair are also supported. The Soundcore P41i are available to buy now for £90. You can choose between black or white.
Stuff.tv
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Stuff.tv
SpyraGravity is the ultimate weapon for your next water fight
When you absolutely, positively want to soak everyone in the garden, accept no substitutes – the SpyraGravity should be your new weapon of mass saturation. The SpyraGravity is the kind of water pistol Rambo would use. It comes with four SpyraBlasts: silicone balls that you fill with water before loading them into the launcher and firing them towards the enemy at 13m per second, which is as much power as Spyra says is legally allowed. Wowsers. It has a range of 16m (or 9m straight upwards if the tango has managed to secure higher ground) and the bombs burst open on impact, depositing 100ml of liquid embarrassment onto your target. It has a colour LED display to help you keep track of your ammo, which should come in handy for anybody who's unable to count to four, and the battery inside has enough power to fire 2000 times before you need to retreat to the conservatory to recharge it, by which time everyone should be well and truly drenched. The SpyraGravity comes in blue or red and will set you back £99/$109/€109, but that's a small price to pay for such water-based shock and awe, right?
Stuff.tv
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
How the fast bits from the F1 movie were shot on a custom built iPhone camera
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've no doubt heard about F1: The Movie. It's one of the most anticipated movies of 2025. But what you might not know, is that Apple is behind the film. It's an Apple TV movie which is heading to cinemas first. But Apple didn't just fund the movie and offer a platform for you to stream it – it actually helped to film it. Apple actually built a customer camera for Formula 1 cars to use during filming. This wasn't Tim Cook rocking up to set with an iPhone taped to a steering wheel. The tech giant built a bespoke bit of kit from the inside out using iPhone parts. Read more: Apple Maps free update brings Monaco to life for F1 fans How Apple built a custom F1 car camera with iPhone parts The upcoming F1 film from Apple, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski (behind Top Gun: Maverick), wanted to put the viewer right in the cockpit. Problem is, F1 cars are aerodynamic nightmares for anything bulkier than a bolt. You can't slap a Hollywood-grade cinema camera on one and expect it not to fly off. Or melt. While the standard broadcast cameras F1 already uses are great for telly, it turns out that they're absolutely dire for cinema. So Apple's solution was to tear an iPhone apart and build a camera that fits in the same spot as existing F1 broadcast units. Wired got the behind-the-scenes look at this camera tech, which is some seriously impressive gear. The firm took the 48MP sensor from the iPhone 15 Pro Max and put it inside a module (most likely) powered an A17 Pro chip. Let's be clear, this wasn't smartphone shoot. An iPhone didn't film this footage. It's a purpose-built device encased in a shell that looks just like the original F1 camera. It complies with weight and design rules so could be used on the cars on track. But the fact that it's the same camera sensor as an iPhone that slips into your pocket is seriously impressive. Shock-proof, heat-proof, and strong enough to survive the kind of g-forces that would make the average DSLR weep, the module was tested beyond even what Formula 1 requires. The footage, captured in ProRes Log, is fully gradeable for editors. That Log format, and support for the professional ACES colour pipeline, both showed up later as an iPhone feature. Coincidence? I think not. Turns out this secret little movie project has been influencing the iPhone's feature set from behind the curtain. As for controls, F1 cars aren't allowed to have onboard wireless systems, because the FIA apparently doesn't fancy seeing a camera take off mid-race. So the whole setup had to be wired. To work with this, Apple designed an iPad control panel that let the filmmakers tweak ISO, shutter angle, frame rate, and more via USB-C. Very un-Hollywood, but very Apple. The high-speed shots it enabled are scattered throughout the movie. Apparently there's no 'shot on iPhone' tag in sight, so you'll just have to keep your eyes peeled for the magic. F1: The Movie hits international cinemas and IMAX theatres on 25 June, with a US release two days later on 27 June. Prepare for noise, speed, and the most expensive use of an iPhone camera sensor to date.
Stuff.tv
19 hours ago
- Stuff.tv
Samsung is launching an Ultra folding phone – and it could be arriving very soon
If you've been waiting for Samsung to release its next bendy phones, your wait might be over sooner than you think. This year, we're expecting an Ultra folding model for the first time, alongside regular refreshes in the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip line-up. A report from reliable leaker Evleaks points to 9 July as the date for the next Galaxy Unpacked launch. That's the event where we're expecting Samsung to show off the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. Given last year's foldables got their debut on 10 July, this leak doesn't feel like much of a stretch. Apparently, things are due to kick off at 10am ET/3pm BST. This leak doesn't come with any new specs, sadly, but that hasn't stopped the rumour mill from grinding away. Word is the new foldables will have upgraded cameras and some new AI software features. Samsung has also already confirmed the new devices will launch with One UI 8. Then there's the so-called Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra, which Samsung seems to be increasingly hinting at. Recent official announcements promise 'industry-leading hardware, cutting-edge performance and seamless AI integration optimised for the foldable format'. Whatever that means. The next Galaxy Unpacked: 9 July 2025 @ 10AM EDT — Evan Blass (@evleaks) June 18, 2025 While we're yet to get official confirmation on the names, I'd put money on them being called the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, because of course they are. We may also finally get eyes on Samsung's long-rumoured tri-fold foldable, supposedly dubbed the Galaxy G Fold. It's been teased and rumoured for a while now, and this could finally be the year it trots onto the stage. And let's not forget the wrists. The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic are also expected to make an appearance, which will be the perfect companion to the latest Galaxy smartphones. Although, the Watch Ultra 2 might be keeping a low profile until 2026. If the launch does happen on 9 July, then I expect pre-orders to go live later that day. Based on past launches, pricing is likely to sit in high-end flagship territory – we're talking north of $1700/£1749 for the Fold 7, and closer to $999/£1049 for the Flip 7.
