Games We Want On Switch 2, Hands-On With Assassin's Creed Shadows, And More Of The Week's Takes
The original Switch was a trailblazing device that proved you could take console-quality games on the go, but it was demonstrably less powerful than its PlayStation and Xbox competitors. In the years since the Switch was released, that gap has only grown with the release of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. We still don't have official specs for the Switch 2, but it will likely be a decent leap forward for Nintendo's line of handheld/console hybrids. As such, it wouldn't be too surprising to see some older games make their way to the device that couldn't feasibly run on the original, so we got to thinking about some big games that we'd like to see ported to the Switch 2. Here are a few of our ideas. - Kenneth Shepard Read More
There is a reasonable chance you have not heard of Jonathan Nash. However, the games journalist and comedy writer has been such an inspiration for a generation of games critics, and the generation inspired by them, that his influence has almost certainly reached you. J Nash was extraordinary, and I'm very sorry to report he has died. I also can't wait to tell you why you will want to read everything he ever wrote. - John Walker Read More
Earlier this month, I got to try out Assassin's Creed Shadows via a livestreamed four-hour preview. Just a week before that preview, Ubisoft had announced that the next main entry in the open-world franchise about sneaky assassins and evil Templars had been delayed. Again. - Zack Zwiezen Read More
Nintendo made an interesting decision with Mario Kart 8. They chose to make it so good, and so comprehensive, that it removed the need to make any more. It has now been over ten years since Mario Kart 8 first released, more than double the length that's ever come between an entry in the series before. Honestly, they could re-re-release 8 for the Switch 2, and it'd still sell millions. Given this, here's an idea: why not do something dramatically different with Mario Kart 9? - John Walker Read More
Here's an interesting question: If the subject of a really good remaster is a bad game, does that mean the remaster is also bad, or just a good way to experience the original flawed product? That's the question I've been pondering since playing Star Wars: Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles. - Zack Zwiezen Read More
As we've extensively covered, Pokémon TCG Pocket is a lovely mobile card game version of the 30-year-0ld trading card game, but also a wide-open doorway to gambling mechanics. It's shocking to realize, early on in your time with the game, that it lets you pour as much as 720 Poké Gold a day into opening new packs, meaning it only cuts players off at roughly $105. Per day. Which is how much one Japanese player has been spending as he celebrates acquiring his 50,000th card. - John Walker Read More
While Xbox Game Pass rarely goes a month without getting at least something new that's worth checking out, it's certainly had its dry spells in recent years. The back half of January, however, has quietly revealed a surprising number of cool new games hitting the Netflix-like subscription service, and with several more day-and-date releases announced during Thursday's Xbox Developer Direct, 2025 is looking like it might be one of the service's best years yet. - Ethan Gach Read More
One of the biggest developments in gaming isn't just the growing number of games to play, with thousands more being released every year, but how sticky the biggest blockbusters are, monopolizing players' money and attention long after they've come out. And not just live-service multiplayer games either. New sales data shows how over a third of 2024's best selling games, like Elden Ring, came out years ago. - Ethan Gach Read More
Phantom Blade Zero was first revealed back at Sony's 2023 gaming showcase. At the time, the Chinese-made PlayStation 5 exclusive looked like another project heavily inspired by FromSoftware's Soulsborne games. But playable demos last year revealed it's much closer to a Ninja Gaiden or Devil May Cry-style action game. A new six-minute trailer shows exactly why, and gives the vibe that Phantom Blade 0 could be the next Black Myth: Wukong. - Ethan Gach Read More
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CNET
3 hours ago
- CNET
Act Fast to Score This HORI Piranha Plant Camera for the Nintendo Switch 2 While It's at a Record-Low $40
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been on the market for a little while now. The console has resonated with fans and continues to sell out occasionally. On top of gaming on the go, gamers can also use a camera to enjoy video chats as they play. If you've been looking for one, you're in luck. We've spotted this HORI Piranha Plant camera for just $40 at Amazon -- its lowest-ever price. This saves you $20 on a playful and functional device that looks just like the popular Piranha Plants from the Mario World franchise. The HORI Piranha Plant video camera is officially licensed by Nintendo and is compatible with the Switch 2. The Piranha Plant's mouth opens and closes, and the green bottom vase allows the camera to be mounted on your Nintendo Switch 2 or other item so you can start video chatting right away. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. This HORI camera can be used in tabletop, TV and portable modes. It also has a 640 x 480 resolution mode and a 30-fps frame rate. Your purchase also includes a USB cable and a 3.5mm stereo cable. Can't get enough Nintendo Switch 2? We have a list of everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch 2 games. Why this deal matters The Nintendo Switch 2 has been around for two months and has won over Nintendo's many fans. And using a camera can enhance the experience, enabling you to video chat as you play. This HORI Piranha Plant camera can be a festive and functional addition to your setup, easily mounting to your Nintendo Switch 2 while showing off that Nintendo love with the game-inspired design. Plus, it's down to a record-low $40, which can help gamers save.
The Verge
4 hours ago
- The Verge
This see-thru Game Boy is a work of art — because she designed a transparent circuit board
Have you heard of Natalie the Nerd? She's a pillar of the Nintendo Game Boy modding scene who taught herself to reverse engineer and design Game Boy circuit boards. Now, she's put her skills to work in probably the most beautiful build I've ever seen: a working see-through Game Boy Color where even the circuit board is made of clear plastic. Because she designed and created that board herself from scratch, you see. I've been floored by console mods before, but I'd typically limit praise to saying they're 'damn clean.' But this thing, to paraphrase Indiana Jones, belongs in a museum. 'Damn that's lovely,' says one of my colleagues. 'It's such a delight,' says another. Another reason why it's probably a museum piece: she agreed with one commenter that it's likely too flimsy and fragile for extended use. 'Yeah not practical at all, just art work TBH,' she wrote. Natalie lives in Australia, where she sometimes sells RGB lighting kits and other aftermarket components for Game Boy modding and offers repair services. You can also support her work at from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Sean Hollister Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gaming Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Nintendo
The Verge
4 hours ago
- The Verge
These are my favorite Switch 2 accessories
The Switch 2 can be enjoyed right out of the box, but it's even better with the right accessories. Some of these add-ons are more crucial than others, especially if you're deciding what to buy early on. For example, a case and a screen protector can keep your console safe from scuffs, scratches, and drops, so both are what I'd consider to be essential. On the other hand, a microSD Express card lets you add even more digital games to your library, although the console's somewhat generous 256GB of internal storage means you may not need one right away. Some others don't add enough to the gaming experience to be worth it. Those Joy-Con 2 steering wheel accessories? You can pass on those. The Switch 2 and its games are expensive enough, so we've assembled this guide with picks that are a great value. You don't need to spend hundreds on accessories — many of us at The Verge certainly aren't. No matter your budget, we've included numerous categories, beginning with a starter kit of recommendations we think everyone should consider. This two-pack of glossy screen protectors is a great value. A slim, durable case that comes in multiple color schemes. The Switch 2 wireless controller with the most features, but it's not cheap. Grab this to be able to use your Xbox or PS5 controller on your Switch 2. Once you've filled up the Switch 2's built-in 256GB SSD, add some extra storage. Switch 2 Wi-Fi download speeds are painfully slow. This can help speed things up in handheld mode. A great accessory for households with original Switch Joy-Con laying around. The Switch 2 Pro is Nintendo's latest flagship wireless controller. It's similar in several ways to the excellent Pro controller that debuted alongside the Switch, especially in design, with its analog stick layout, and because it's the most replete with features you won't find on other Switch 2 gamepads. Its motion control support isn't a novel feature (many third-party controllers offer that), but its Amiibo NFC support is still something that almost no alternatives offer. Another feature that makes this one worth considering despite its high price is its 3.5mm headphone jack, in case you want to plug in a set of wired headphones for private listening. Additionally, it can wake the Switch 2 from standby via Bluetooth (only a select few wireless models possess this ability), so you don't have to get off your couch to hit the console's power button. Lastly, this model has two additional buttons that can be mapped to mimic almost any other button. (some cheaper alternatives, including the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and Pro 3, feature four extra buttons). The Switch 2 Pro is very comfortable, and it's the controller that I always want to use when given the choice between the options below. But it's not perfect. For one, it's pricey at $89.99, and you'd think for that price Nintendo might have opted for drift-resistant sticks. Alas, you owe $5 to your buddy who bet that Nintendo would doggedly opt again for potentiometer sticks that are proven to tear down over time. Its sticks haven't caused issues so far, but it's possible that they might not fare as well — and as long — as models below that feature more durable Hall effect or TMR joysticks. The Switch 2 Pro Controller features new remappable 'GL' and 'GR' rear buttons, the 'C' button to access in-game chat features, and a headphone jack. 8BitDo's Pro 3 is a good alternative to the Switch 2 Pro controller: it's slightly cheaper, yet better in some ways (and a bit worse in others) that might matter to you. Starting with the good, the company upgraded its joysticks to the even more durable TMR sensors. The two back paddles are carried over from the first iteration, though there's a new pair of buttons (L4 and R4) near the triggers that can be customized. Also of note are new toggle switches around its backside (similar to what we saw on the DualSense Edge) that let you alter the travel distance of its two triggers. Toggling a switch makes the corresponding trigger feel more like a mouse click. It's also worth noting that this controller is significantly more customizable than the Switch 2 Pro, as well as most other controllers out there. Its face buttons are magnetically attached, and can be removed to let the Pro 3 flip between the Switch layout and the Xbox layout. While the Pro 3's TMR sticks might make it last longer, there are some trade-offs compared to the pricier Nintendo alternative — none of which are deal-breakers if saving money is a top priority. For example, its attempts to replicate the subtle blips and buzzing of Nintendo's impressive HD haptics in the Switch 2 Pro controller are just not good. Its attempts at replicating the smallest, nuanced vibrations of Donkey Kong walking in Bananza makes it go full boar. I'd sooner turn off the vibration entirely than deal with how jarringly intense it feels, and thankfully you can in the app. Other downsides are more minor, but are still worth knowing about. It lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, and it doesn't have the C button to launch GameChat. However, you can easily assign the feature to one of the Pro 3's buttons via the Switch 2's OS — but not to its additional buttons (the two R buttons near the triggers, and the two rear paddles). If you'd prefer to use the controller's built-in button combo to reassign in-game commands to any of its buttons, that's easy to do, per the instructions in its PDF manual. It's technically not a controller, but I'm a broken record when it comes to recommending 8BitDo's USB Adapter 2 for households already with more than one console. In the case that you have an Xbox or a PS5 and would rather not buy a bespoke Switch 2 controller, just buy this $20 adapter instead, and use it to connect a wireless controller you already own. This adapter goes into the Switch 2's dock (or directly into the console, if you have a USB-A to C adapter). Connecting your controller is as easy as putting it into pairing mode, then ensuring that the 'Pro Controller Wired Communication' option is turned on within the console's settings. Click and hold the adapter's coin-shaped button to initiate pairing, then you should be good to go. The DualSense's rumble and motion controls work seamlessly, and you can remap buttons as you please within the console's OS, just like you would an official Switch controller. The 8BitDo's latest adapter resembles a flash drive, but once connected to your Switch's dock, it allows you to wirelessly pair it with a variety of PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo controllers. The Killswitch is a great Switch 2 companion, whether you're someone who primarily uses the console in handheld mode or while it's docked. It's a case that wraps around the Switch 2's back, with detachable components that snugly grip onto each Joy-Con 2, adding some extra bulk that makes them more comfortable to hold. Above all else, it's a great way to protect your console from scratches and slightly more significant damage. What's also great is that it doesn't limit its flexibility as a hybrid console. Each Killswitch ships with a USB-C dock adapter that is inserted into the Switch 2 dock. Since the case-equipped console can no longer fit in Nintendo's dock, this adapter lets you connect it to your TV without taking off the case. It's tougher to correctly align the Switch 2's USB-C jack with this adapter than it is to put it in the dock, but it gets easier with practice. The best, slimmest zip-up case you should buy is made by Tomtoc. Compared to the Belkin hard zip-up case that I got my hands on before the Switch 2's launch, the Tomtoc FancyCase slim case feels more durable; anecdotally, it holds up much better to being squeezed by hand. It even has more vertical clearance above the Joy-Con 2 sticks, so it'll never press them in on accident. Like most zip-up cases, it features a screen cover that doubles as cartridge storage. This one can hold 12 cartridges. I'm confident that it'll absorb more potential damage over time than other cases I've tried. Plus, it just looks cooler, with low-profile designs for gamers who don't want to draw attention to their console. That said, its 'Froz Edition' has ice cream-inspired looks that are a lot more expressive. This hard case has a soft touch and a slim fit, and includes a flap that can hold up to 12 cartridges as it protects the console's screen. Belkin's $29.99 zip-up case is another competent, good-looking option that's slim and lightweight. It's worth considering over the Tomtoc for one reason only: its built-in pocket, which is great if you need to stow a charging cable or any other small doo-dads. Not to mention, this pocket contains another pocket for an AirTag or similar Bluetooth tracker, so you can track this case's location should you lose track of it. Belkin makes a thicker, pricier version of this case that has a 20,000mAh 20W battery inside. It's nearly identical until you open it. A cutout fits this (and only this) Belkin battery perfectly, and it lets you charge your Switch 2 at top speeds while it's protected. The best webcam that you can get for your Switch 2 should be the cheapest one you can find that's guaranteed to work with it. So far, Logitech has confirmed that almost all of its webcams support the Switch 2, and Elgato has updated its Facecam MK.2 to support it, as well. Elgato's model is pricier than we recommend most people spend, but it's a solid option if you also have a PC to use it with. It's worth knowing that the Switch 2 displays low-fidelity video feeds during gameplay, so unless you plan to use the webcam with your PC as well, it's not worth spending a lot for a model that promises great video quality. The Switch 2 is more powerful than the original Switch. However, it doesn't require all that much more power to charge, even while you're playing games. While new phones and tablets are breaking new ground with fast charging speeds, getting a power bank that can deliver at least 20W is totally sufficient to get the fastest-possible charging speeds with the Switch 2 in handheld mode. By using a display-equipped USB-C cable with a wattage reading, I was able to see that the Switch 2 usually pulls a maximum of about 15-17W of power (sometimes less) from a USB-C battery during gameplay. When the system was asleep, the rate went down to between 8-13W, fluctuating at different points during the charging process. From a totally dead state, the console took almost 90 minutes to reach 69 percent with a 20W battery plugged into it. You'll likely drain your USB-C battery more quickly if you're playing as you charge. Thankfully, your options for compatible batteries are plentiful. You'll likely be paying for more power than you'll need with the Switch 2, but more power (and especially more ports) are never a bad thing to have too much of. The Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards of up to 2TB, even though models with that amount of storage aren't yet available for purchase. Most brands make cards in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations, and some offer 1TB cards as well. I'd suggest grabbing the cheapest microSD Express card you can find, as so far they all offer similarly fast read/write speeds. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Cameron Faulkner Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Buying Guides Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Entertainment Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gaming Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Nintendo Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
