I'm writing about this cute cat plush so you play one of 2025's best games
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is one of my favorite games of the year, so you'll forgive me if I spend the next 300 words or so writing about a limited-edition plush the game's creator, Gareth Damian Martin, is producing with the help of crowdfunding platform Makeship. Starting today, you can pledge $30 to support Martin's campaign, and if enough other people do as well, everyone will get a cute cat plush sometime later this year. The toy was designed by French illustrator Guillaume Singelin, who also did the character designs for the game. Right now, the campaign is sitting at 45 percent funded with 90 toys sold, and the better part of 22 days to go.
And I mean look at the plush, isn't it one of the cutest things you've seen? For the uninitiated, the Stray, not to be confused with another cyberpunk cat, is one of the characters Citizen Sleeper 2's protagonist can encounter during their journey. As far as I'm aware, they only appear in one scene throughout the entire runtime of the game (how very cat-like of them, I know), but it's a moment that's emblematic of so many of Citizen Sleeper 2's strengths.
"This cat, the one on your ship, was born here. That much is obvious," writes Martin in the scene. "It is a creature of zero-gravity, a being that orbits and glides, not one that leaps and stalks." Without spoiling anything, what follows is a touching and thoughtful meditation on memory, and how we can choose whether our memories define us.
If you haven't played Citizen Sleeper 2 yet, consider this a recommendation. It is easily worth your time and more. You can play the game on Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. As for the Stray, they're expected to start shipping on June 12, 2025.
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Tom's Guide
5 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I tested the world's first mobile game controller with AR glasses support — and it completely transformed my 16-hour flight
Regardless of how hard I try, I'm never truly prepared for an ultra-long-haul flight even after doing them for years but this time, I had a feeling things would be different. Flying back and forth from North America to Asia without a layover is no easy feat, especially since you're going to spend at least 14 hours on a plane. Of course, I always come prepared with a tech bag full of gadgets and my last trip to Taiwan was no different. From one of the best Android tablets to my work laptop and even a mini PC, I pack as many electronics as possible to bring with me on the plane. This does make things awkward at airport security but I'd rather have too many devices than wish I had brought something I hadn't. While my trusty Nintendo Switch has gotten me through a bunch of extended flights, I decided to leave it at home this trip as there are plenty of games in my backlog that I've been itching to play on the Nintendo Switch 2. Instead, I decided to give mobile gaming a go with a few of the best Android games but with a twist. One of the best phone controllers can certainly give you a more console-like experience from your smartphone but you lose out on the big screen experience you get when playing on your TV at home. Fortunately though, I've been testing a new mobile game controller that gives you that same experience in a form factor that's small enough for your seat-back tray table. After a 16-hour flight there and then a 14-hour flight back home, I don't think I've ever had this much fun on an airplane and I owe it all to Viture and 8BitDo's new mobile game controller. This bundle gives you everything you need to start playing your favorite mobile games in the most immersive way possible. You get a pair of Viture Pro XR glasses, a carrying case and of course, the new Viture x 8Bitdo Mobile Gaming Controller. At first glance, Viture and 8BitDo's new collaboration looks quite a lot like the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller that was released last year. Well, that's because it's essentially the same controller with a new translucent design and one major upgrade under the hood. Unlike with other, smaller mobile game controllers, this one features longer handles and full-sized, Hall Effect-equipped thumbsticks to prevent stick drift while offering a more comfortable feel overall. The Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller also has clicky bumpers and a D-pad that provide a nice tactile bump when pressed which is something I always look for in a pro controller. Around back, there are two remappable back buttons just like on the new Backbone Pro I recently tried out. After wearing out my right thumb from years of mashing buttons, these have become a must for me and they can really make or break a new controller in my eyes. Another thing that I really like about the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is that there's a bit of texture on the back of its handles which makes it easier to grip for long periods of time. Connectivity wise, you can slip any of the best phones with a centered USB-C port right into the middle of this controller to get everything set up. Not only is this fast and convenient but you don't have to worry about making sure the controller is charged, like before a long flight. Underneath its main USB-C connector, the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller has another USB-C port on the inside of its right handle. While you can often find an extra USB-C port on a lot of mobile gaming controllers, they're usually just for passthrough charging so you can keep playing without having to take your phone out. That isn't the case here though as this USB-C port is special. Sure, it can be used to charge your phone at up to 45W but you can also use it to connect a pair of the best smart glasses, specifically the Viture One XR or the Viture Pro XR glasses. With a pair of Viture's XR glasses and your phone docked inside, the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller takes gaming on the go to the next level. And better yet, nobody can peek at what you're currently playing. This wasn't my first time trying out a pair of specs like these as I recently got to spend some time with the Xreal One AR glasses and my favorite pocketable mini PC. While I really enjoyed that experience, I was a bit bummed out when I realized I couldn't use them simultaneously with my Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 as part of my ultimate remote play setup. So when Viture reached out to me about testing out its new Ultimate Mobile Gaming Pack, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Besides the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller, you also get a pair of Viture Pro XR glasses with the bundle. They're just as comfortable to wear for extended periods as the Xreal One glasses but in my opinion, they have more of a sporty look to them thanks to the orange accents on one side. One thing that I immediately liked after unboxing the Viture Pro XR glasses was the included case. It is slightly larger than the one that comes with the Xreal Ones but there's a separate compartment for storing the USB-C cable you use to connect them to your phone, tablet, laptop and other devices. Another key difference between the two is that Viture uses a magnetic connector on its glasses as opposed to a standard USB-C port. I do prefer non-proprietary cables but in this case, the magnetic connector makes it a cinch to quickly start using the Viture Pro XR glasses, and I love how the cable just snaps into place. And with my bags packed for Taiwan, that's exactly what I did the moment I made it through airport security. With 30 minutes or so to kill before my flight, I decided to break out the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Pack and give everything a try before takeoff. I briefly tested them out at home but in preparation for my trip, I loaded up my phone with as many console-quality Android games as I could from Dead Cells and Stardew Valley to the game I was most excited about (and dreading) playing with AR glasses: Alien Isolation. It took me a minute or so to get my phone set up inside the controller and to connect the Viture Pro XR glasses and then, I jumped right back where I left off in my last Dead Cells run. Since I didn't want to miss when boarding started for my flight, I short pressed the smaller button on the front of the glasses to toggle their electrochromic film off. If you're unfamiliar with XR or AR glasses, changing this setting causes their display to go from blacked out like when you're wearing one of the best VR headsets to transparent. That way, you can see what's on their screen and the world around you at the same time. Since I've worn AR glasses before when out in public, I wasn't embarrassed at all. However, I did get a few looks here and there but that was likely because I had my camera set up on the other side of the table snapping pics. Even though I only got to play for 15 or so minutes before I had to find my seat, I had an absolute blast. And unlike with your standard mobile game controller, I didn't have to crane my neck forward to see what I was playing. Once on the plane, I waited till we reached cruising altitude before taking the Viture Pro glasses and 8BitDo controller back out. Compared to a laptop or even one of the best handheld gaming consoles, this setup felt a whole lot more compact and easy to stow away if my in-flight meal arrived or turbulence struck. I started my 16-hour flight's worth of mobile gaming slowly with some smaller, less intensive titles before ramping things up. Since I can't play my go-to game, the skateboarding sim Session, on mobile, I did the next best thing and loaded up The Ramp first. After a few rounds getting big airs and doing grabs on the game's virtual halfpipe, I raced around a few courses in the Art of Rally. Getting the controls set up and mapped to the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller took some time though as the mobile version isn't as controller friendly as the PC or console one. Speaking of remapping controls, before I left I also downloaded 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2 app along with Viture's GamePal launcher. In 8BitDo's app, I was able to remap the controller's two back buttons as well as set up separate profiles for individual games. This really came in handy and I'm glad I downloaded it beforehand. Meanwhile, Viture's GamePal gives you a more console-like experience as all of your installed games show up neatly in one place. I've been using the Nothing Phone 2 as my daily driver for almost two years now but during this trip, I left it behind. The reason being is that as a mid-range phone, it lacks the most important feature to make a setup like this one work: DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C. Without it, you won't see a thing when you plug in a pair of AR glasses, which sadly I learned after I took a chance on this lesser-known Android brand. Fortunately, my colleague John Velasco sent over a Samsung Galaxy S24 FE ahead of my trip and it did the trick and then some. One of the coolest features on the best Samsung phones by far is DeX. Once plugged into a portable monitor or in this case, a pair of AR glasses, you get access to an extended Desktop eXperience that makes using your phone a whole lot more like a computer. On the S24 FE with this particular setup, I really liked how I could use the phone's screen as a trackpad while seeing everything else in the Viture Pro XR glasses. This really came in handy when I started a new farm in Stardew Valley a few hours into my flight. I could harvest my crops and interact with the residents of Pelican Town using the controller while sending my character to and fro with the touchpad. As the overhead lights dimmed in the cabin during the part of the flight where you're supposed to be sleeping, I figured it would be the perfect time to give Alien Isolation a try. For this one, I switched the Viture Pro XR's electrochromic film on and found myself in complete darkness aboard Sevastopol Station. Even though Alien Isolation is over a decade old and I was playing on mobile, everything looked fantastic. I found myself getting lost in the details of the space station and playing a first-person game like this with AR glasses was a very unique experience. Before I knew it, my lengthy 16-hour flight was coming to an end and I had to pack up the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Pack. I don't know if I'd feel comfortable using this setup while traveling together with my family but while on my own on a work trip, it was the perfect way to get through a long flight while catching up on some of the better mobile games that have come to Android over the years. Compared to one of the best gaming laptops or a Steam Deck, slipping the Viture Pro XR glasses and this one-of-a-kind mobile game controller into a bag was a whole lot easier (and lighter). I hate to say it but part of me almost considered switching to one of the best iPhones for a second there so that I could play actual console games like Resident Evil 4 or even Death Stranding with this setup. Google certainly has some catching up to do when it comes to getting full-sized games on Android. After running around Taipei for a week at Computex 2025, I came down with a bad cold the minute I got home. However, instead of being upset I got sick, it gave me a chance to try out this setup at home and let me tell you, there's no better way to rest up than by playing your favorite games remotely on a 135-inch screen inches from your face while cosied up on the couch.
USA Today
11 hours ago
- USA Today
Nintendo Switch 2 games and accessories at Amazon, plus a hidden spot to buy the console
Nintendo Switch 2 games and accessories at Amazon, plus a hidden spot to buy the console Order games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Sonic X Shadow Generations here and find out who actually still has the console available to purchase. Show Caption Hide Caption Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here with a new Mario Kart game The new Nintendo Switch is now available. It retails for $449.99, and is expected to sell out fast due to heavy pre-order volume and low retail stock. The Nintendo Switch 2 has launched, and accessories and games are available on Amazon with fast shipping. Enhance your Switch 2 experience with screen protectors, cases, controllers, and charging docks. Popular games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Sonic X Shadow Generations are available for the new console. The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched on June 5, and pretty much sold out immediately. If you were one of the lucky gamers to get your hands on the new tech, it is time to figure out what you're going to play and how you're going to make the most out of the coveted release. While you won't find the console itself on Amazon yet, there are still a ton of must-have accessories and games you can shop to help power up your play. From tempered glass screen protectors and carrying cases to wireless controllers and charging docks, you can totally customize and upgrade your Switch 2 experience at Amazon. Even better? USA TODAY Shopping did the work for you. We found popular games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Sonic X Shadow Generations for Nintendo Switch 2, gaming accessories, plus the only place you can actually still order the 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 right now. Whether you're shopping for yourself or grabbing a quick Father's Day gift, Amazon's fast shipping and wide selection make it easy to gear up and game on. Nintendo Switch 2 shopping guide Are original Nintendo Switch games compatible with the Switch 2? Yes, most original Nintendo Switch games work on the new Switch 2—and some are expected to run even better thanks to performance upgrades. Are Switch 2 accessories compatible with older gear? Good news—many Nintendo Switch accessories like Joy-Con controllers and docks work with the Switch 2. That said, some gear might need updates or replacements to function properly. Check out a few top picks for Nintendo Switch 2 accessory upgrades below. Buy at Amazon: ivoler 3-Pack Screen Protector Tempered Glass for Nintendo Switch 2 Buy at Amazon: JSAUX Thumb Grips for Nintendo Switch 2 The Nintendo Switch 2 sold out almost immediately at Walmart, Target, Sam's Club and GameStop. Lucky for you, we found it at StockX. The price might be higher than the original cost but if you want the console, you might have to pay. The Nintendo Switch 2 is a big leap forward from its predecessor. With a 1080p OLED display, 4K TV compatibility, magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers and built-in video chat capabilities, this 2025 gaming device is designed for both solo adventures and group gaming marathons. It even supports most original Switch games, so your library will stay relevant once you upgrade. More: The Lebron James Kenbassadors Doll is sold out everywhere: We found one available When did the Nintendo Switch 2 come out and how much is it? The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched on June 5, 2025, with a retail price starting at $449.99. There was also a bundle with Mario Kart World released for $499.99. 📲 More: Follow USA TODAY Shopping on Instagram for deals, trends and more How much does Amazon Prime cost? New members can try one week of Amazon Prime benefits for just $1.99. After that, Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. The annual plan will save you about $40 total compared to paying monthly. What are the benefits of an Amazon Prime membership? The biggest benefit for Amazon Prime members is same-day, one-day and two-day delivery options on millions of products. The free and fast delivery perk makes shopping more convenient than ever. The newest Prime benefit will come with the launch of Alexa+, Amazon's new virtual assistant. There will be a fee of $19.99 per month to utilize the new assistant, but that fee only applies to non-Prime members. Prime members will get Alexa+ for free. More: Is an Amazon Prime membership worth it? Here's what you need to know Shop popular Amazon deals
Hypebeast
11 hours ago
- Hypebeast
Jonathan Anderson Heads All of Dior & Demna Unveils Final Balenciaga Ready-to-Wear Collection in This Week's Top Fashion News
Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the top fashion stories of the week so you can stay up to date on trends in the industry. In a major shift for the legendary French maison, Dior has confirmed Jonathan Anderson as its eighth couturier, taking the reins as the creative director for both its women's, men's and haute couture collections. The appointment marks the first time a single designer will have creative helm over all three divisions since Monsieur Christian Dior himself. Anderson was initially appointed as the creative director of Dior Homme on April 17, 2025, succeeding Kim Jones. Days prior to the latest development, Maria Grazia Chiuri's departure from Dior's womenswear and couture lines was confirmed on May 29 following her Cruise 2026 show. His first women's ready-to-wear collection for the maison is expected to debut during Paris Fashion Week in October, following his highly anticipated first Dior menswear collection on June 27. Anderson said in a statement, 'I am incredibly honored to be given the opportunity to unite Dior's women's, men's and couture collections under a single, cohesive vision. My instinct is to be led by the house's empathetic spirit. I look forward to working alongside its legendary ateliers to craft the next chapter of this incredible story. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Bernard Arnault and Delphine Arnault for their trust and loyalty over the years.' For Spring 2026, Demna has revisits to his famously controversial Balenciaga 'archetypes' — all of the references, shapes, sentiments and concepts that have come to define his decade-spanning tenure at the House. In those years, the designer transformed the Spanish label from a $400 million USD business into a $2 billion USD mammoth. Titled 'Exactitudes,' inspired by Ari Versluis and Ellie Uyttenbroek's scientific photographer series, the collection spotlights Demna's anthropological approach to fashion and dress codes. 'This collection embodies the multitude of design codes that have been part of my creative vision and research on fashion at Balenciaga for a decade,' the designer said. 'It combines pieces from 35 different collections with new pieces and garments from my personal wardrobe, representing the volumes, silhouettes, and attitudes that have defined my vision and my questioning of the contemporary wardrobe, what people actually wear, how they wear it, and what the fine line is between luxury and fashion.' On Monday morning, Kontoor Brands, parent to heritage denim labels Lee and Wrangler, finalized its previously announced deal to acquire performance gear brand Helly Hansen, closing at $900 million USD. The move arrives as major players in the apparel sector look to get in on the growth of the outdoor and performance gear market, a development particularly relevant to Kontoor, whose bread and butter has been its small group of heritage lifestyle labels. ccording to Kontoor, Helly Hansen is expected to boost the company's revenue, adjusted earnings per share, and cash flow with immediate effects in fiscal 2025. Per a report from Ecotextile News, the brand is anticipated generate upwards of $680 million USD in revenue and $80 million USD in adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2025. Matthew M. Williams iet to debut his new namesake clothing brand during Paris Men's Fashion Week, expanding his breadth beyond 1017 ALYX 9SM and his recent tenure at Givenchy. Williams' aesthetic has been defined by his application of utilitarian elements, industrial aesthetics, and sophisticated minimalism. However, details around what approach he will adopt in his first namesake collection are sparse. The independent clothing project will be unveiled at the Seiya Nakamura showroom in Paris, with men's and women's collections expected to reflect the American designer's product-based approach. The Seiya Nakamura showroom will also showcase Craig Green, Taiga Takahashi, Arpa Studio, Amomento, Song for the Mute, Khoki, and Edward Cuming. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue on Tuesday revealed the ten finalists for the 2025 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, an award created to help establish the next generation of American designers. The 2025 finalists include Ashlynn Park of Ashlynn, Julian Louie of Aubero, Bach Mai, Bernard James, Ashley Moubayed of Don't Let Disco, Gabe Gordon and Thomthy Gibbons of Gabe Gordon, Stephanie Suberville of Heirlome, Jamie Okuma, Meruert Tolegen, and Peter Do. This year, the program will award one honoree with a $300,000 USD cash prize and two runner-ups with $100,000 USD, while offering all finalists meaningful business mentorships. The aforementioned designers' works will be judged by the 2023 Selection Committee, which includes Vogue's Anna Wintour, Mark Holgate, and Nicole Phelps, Instagram's Eva Chen, Fifteen Percent Pledge founder Aurora James, moddel Paloma Elsesser, Nordstrom's Rickie De Sole, Saks' Roopal Patel, CFDA chairman Thom Browne, and Gap's Zac Posen. The winner is slated to be announced on November 18. NY-based sportswear designer Eric Emanuel's eponymous label is embarking in its next chapter with the unveiling of its first-ever full seasonal collection. Styled by Ian Bradley and photographed by Menelik Puryear, the hefty lookbook celebrates Emanuel's energetic ethos and sense of humor with casual styling and bold hues for the summertime. Comprising tailored essentials, colorful, textured knits, retro sports gear, branded underwear, and more, the label's inaugural SS25 collection expands on its sports-focused aesthetic with playful colors and textures. The Eric Emanuel SS25 Collection launches first with the Summer Cableknit Shorts & Zip-Ups in Navy, Green & Yellow, Oxford Shirting in Blue, Pink and White, and Linen Track Pants in Brown/Blue, Green/Blue, and Ivory/Blue, today at the brand's web store. The brand will subsequently launch its Striped-Knit Shorts & Button-Downs on June 6.
