Nintendo Switch 2 launch: Live updates as the new console hits store shelves today
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
The big day has finally arrived. The Nintendo Switch 2 is now officially available in stores (and we're already in line). While we've already gotten a couple of detailed hands-on opportunities for the Switch 2, we now have unfettered access to the new $449 Nintendo portable console with its day one software installed.
Join us for our first thoughts — and some retail shopping experiences. I actually stopped by the flagship Nintendo Store in NYC last night for the launch. There were a handful of celebs in attendance including Bowen Yang from SNL, who was actually wearing a Nintendo DS shirt, which was pretty cool. I also saw some YouTubers like Scott the Woz. But I'm sure I missed a bunch, it's getting harder and harder to keep tabs on who's hot on YouTube.
Yea, it was a real event between lines forming up outside of stores yesterday combined with the launch itself.
This was the scene right before midnight at a GameStop in Vancouver, BC, as captured by Engadget's Steve Dent. It was one of many stores that had midnight launch events. The line right before midnight at a GameStop in Vancouver, BC. (Steve Dent for Engadget)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
21 minutes ago
- Business Wire
Mecha BREAK Unleashes Fast-Paced, Multiplayer Mech Combat On PC, Steam Deck and Xbox On July 1st
IRVINE, Calif. & BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Amazing Seasun Games, the international games developer behind hits such as JX3 Online and Snowbreak, revealed that the intensive multiplayer third-person shooter Mecha BREAK will launch on July 1st, 2025, on Steam, Steam Deck and Xbox. Players can glimpse the story and conflicts within the game's universe through the recently released cinematic trailer showcased during the Summer Game Fest livestream here: Within the trailer, viewers can hear the newly revealed score 'UPGRADE(D)' created by iconic composer Hiroyuki SAWANO (Attack on Titan, The Seven Deadly Sins, Solo Leveling, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, Xenoblade Chronicles X, and more). The full song will be available worldwide June 8th on streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and more. Additionally, Amazing Seasun Games CEO and Mecha BREAK Executive Producer Kris Kwok will host a livestream on Monday, June 9th to reveal major updates ahead of the game's launch based on feedback from the February Open Beta, which had over 3.5 million players worldwide. The livestream can be viewed on Amazing Seasun Games' Official YouTube channel / Twitch stream here: YouTube： Japanese： Mecha BREAK【公式】 English： MechaBREAK Korean： Mecha BREAK KR Twitch： MechaBREAKOfficial 'With Mecha BREAK, Amazing Seasun Games is focused on delivering an action-packed mecha shooter. As huge fans of the genre, we're as eager to play as our passionate player base,' said Kris. 'Crafting the ultimate player experience has been our top priority. From day one, we've listened closely to community feedback to shape Mecha BREAK into a game that everyone, especially mecha fans, will love.' Mecha BREAK is a multiplayer third-person shooter that offers three unique game modes: 3v3 Ace Arena, 6v6 Operation VERGE and PvPvE extraction-mode Mashmak, filled with high-octane ground and aerial combat. Choose from assault, melee, sniper, reconnaissance or support classes. Customize the Strikers and pilots and battle other hostile mechs across treacherous terrain. In Catastrophe's aftermath, a mysterious carbon-silicon mineral known as Corite has breathed new life into Earth's energy industry. But its gift came with a curse— its pathogenic nature and uncontrollable spread are slowly devouring the last habitable spaces on the planet. Within 30 years, heavily polluted areas known as ' Marcens Zones ' threaten to engulf the globe, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. A decade later, players take on the role of a hero granted the rare opportunity to pilot a third-generation BREAK Striker. Alongside the secretive S.H.A.D.O.W. special task force, they must rebuild their own destiny and humanity's future. Players can access Mecha BREAK on Steam, Steam Deck and Xbox Series X|S on July 1st. About Amazing Seasun Games: Focused on crafting high-quality game franchises and innovative products, Amazing Seasun Games aims to bring joy to gamers worldwide. Founded in 1995, the company was established as Kingsoft's first game studio, a pioneer in China's gaming industry. Committed to innovation, Amazing Seasun Games explores a variety of genres, including wuxia, mecha, and ACGN to contribute to a dynamic digital culture. The company's cutting-edge, proprietary 3D engine has received support through China's "863 Program," supporting popular game franchises worldwide.
Tom's Guide
21 minutes 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.
Business Insider
37 minutes ago
- Business Insider
GameStop's (GME) Contrarian Market Path Leaves Wall Street Divided
For over five years, GameStop (GME) has moved beyond its roots as a traditional brick-and-mortar video game retailer. Its transformation began in 2021, when the meme-stock phenomenon catapulted the company into financial headlines and dramatically reshaped its investor base. Since then, GameStop has remained one of the most polarizing stocks in the market, driven by retail investor enthusiasm and a leadership overhaul led by activist investor-turned-CEO Ryan Cohen, who aimed to revitalize a business facing consistent losses and declining relevance. Confident Investing Starts Here: As of 2025, the company has eked out a modest profit and built a substantial cash reserve, largely through opportunistic equity offerings that capitalized on retail-driven momentum. GameStop is now pivoting toward digital assets, including a sizable bet on Bitcoin, supported by a recent $1.3 billion convertible bond issuance. Despite these bold moves, the company's core fundamentals remain uncertain. Revenue continues to decline, and its valuation remains difficult to justify through traditional financial metrics. Cohen, until recently, has maintained a low public profile, while insider buying activity has subtly supported ongoing investor interest. In my view, this highly unconventional situation—where the fundamentals are neither weak enough to justify a sharp sell-off nor strong enough to support a clear long-term value thesis—makes it difficult to adopt a definitive stance. As such, I'm maintaining a Hold rating for now. The CEO Who Finally Spoke Far from standard practice for a mid-cap publicly traded company, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen rarely speaks publicly. Since taking the helm, he's never hosted an earnings call and has only given one interview since 2023. More recently, though, Cohen sat down for a rare conversation with crypto-focused media outlet The Crypto Times. In the interview, Ryan Cohen offered a candid assessment of GameStop's past, acknowledging that the company was in poor financial condition and experiencing significant losses when he first became involved. He attributed much of the decline to the broader industry shift from physical game sales to digital downloads—a trend that severely impacted GameStop's legacy business model. To reverse the company's trajectory, Cohen and his team implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures and instilled greater fiscal discipline. The strategy appears to have paid off: in Fiscal 2024, GameStop reversed a $313 million net loss from the prior year and reported a modest profit of $6.7 million. By Fiscal 2025, the company posted net income of $131.3 million, with operations approaching breakeven margins. Cohen also emphasized GameStop's strategic pivot toward collectibles, particularly in the trading card segment, spanning both sports and trading card games (TCGs). Most notably, he underscored that GameStop has become a leaner and more profitable retailer, despite the continued decline in quarterly revenue. One of the more revealing aspects of the interview was Cohen's candid account of his years-long battle to reshape the company. He made it clear that cleaning house—both at the executive and board levels—was critical to realigning GameStop with long-term shareholder interests. 'We got rid of all of that nonsense, and we focused on running the business profitably,' he said. Since becoming GameStop's largest shareholder in 2020, Ryan Cohen has played a central role in reshaping the company's leadership. He led a complete overhaul of the board, facilitated the departure of then-CEO George Sherman, supported the appointment of Matt Furlong as his successor, and ultimately assumed the CEO role himself in 2023. Meme Hype, Net Cash, and Bitcoin Bets As much as skeptics may be reluctant to acknowledge it, GameStop's management has made meaningful progress in steering the company toward profitability, despite significant challenges. Perhaps even more noteworthy is how Ryan Cohen and his team have successfully managed the complexities of the meme-stock phenomenon. Rather than resisting the volatility, they capitalized on it—executing timely equity offerings during momentum-driven rallies, such as those triggered by high-profile events like Y ouTuber Keith 'Roaring Kitty' Gill disclosing a sizable stake in the stock. In FY 2024 alone, GameStop raised an impressive $3.45 billion through stock sales, resulting in substantial shareholder dilution—nearly 50%, including that of Cohen himself. Prior to the offering, the company held a net cash position, with $921 million in cash against $616 million in debt. Following the capital raise, GameStop's net cash position rose sharply to $4.36 billion, according to its most recent filings. Following that, Cohen made a pivotal—though largely quiet—change to GameStop's strategy by revising the company's investment policy. Previously limited to fixed-income securities, the updated policy now permits broader equity investments, all under Cohen's direct oversight. This strategic shift set the stage for a bold move: an allocation to Bitcoin. As of the latest filings, GameStop holds 4,710 bitcoins, currently valued at approximately $513 million. In a recent interview, Cohen outlined his rationale, describing Bitcoin as a modern hedge against global currency debasement and systemic financial risk, similar to gold, but with distinct advantages. Unlike gold, he argued, Bitcoin offers superior portability, greater transparency, and more long-term upside. While gold's market capitalization hovers around $20 trillion, Bitcoin's remains under $2 trillion. Cohen also emphasized that the decision was his own, stating clearly that he's not following anyone else's playbook. A Calculated Dilution for Strategic Growth Back in March, GameStop announced a $1.3 billion private offering of convertible senior notes to be used for general corporate purposes, including buying more Bitcoin, somewhat following the playbook of companies like MicroStrategy (MSTR) when it comes to strategic moves to acquire Bitcoin. Instead of issuing traditional debt with fixed interest obligations, GameStop opted for convertible bonds—securities that allow investors to convert their holdings into equity. Each $1,000 bond can be converted into 33.4970 shares, implying a conversion price of approximately $29.85. Should the stock rise significantly above that level, bondholders are likely to convert, capturing upside potential while diluting existing shareholders. Notably, the bonds include no lock-up restrictions, meaning conversions can occur as soon as they become economically advantageous. This feature could contribute to added share dilution during rallies, potentially amplifying stock volatility. While this structure may put some pressure on near-term share performance, it provides GameStop with meaningful financial flexibility, thereby enhancing cash flow and avoiding the recurring burden of fixed interest payments. In essence, it's a strategic trade-off that Ryan Cohen appears willing to embrace in pursuit of long-term optionality. Is GameStop a Good Stock to Buy? Given the highly unconventional nature of GameStop's evolving fundamentals, most Wall Street analysts have largely stepped away from covering the stock. One of the few remaining voices is longtime skeptic Michael Pachter of Wedbush, who continues to maintain a Sell rating. In April, following the announcement of GameStop's Bitcoin investment, Pachter modestly raised his price target to $13.50 per share following the news that GameStop had invested in Bitcoin. GameStop's Remains a Puzzle Bears Just Can't Solve GameStop remains a company whose current market valuation—over $13.6 billion—is difficult to justify based on its underlying business fundamentals. Revenue continues to decline annually, operations are hovering around breakeven, and the company lacks a clearly defined strategy for long-term value creation beyond cost-cutting and opportunistic investments, such as its recent move into Bitcoin. If assigning a valuation, one could argue that the company's equity is largely supported by its sizable net cash position, with a modest premium for its gradually diminishing core business. That said, a mix of lingering—albeit more subdued—retail investor enthusiasm, an unconventional leadership approach, a bold Bitcoin allocation, and insider share purchases with limited disclosure have helped keep the stock trading at elevated levels. In a market where sentiment can override fundamentals, the stock remains unpredictable and difficult for bearish investors to challenge. Given the speculative nature of this setup and the absence of strong fundamental support, I'm maintaining a Hold rating.
