Latest news with #FrasersGroup
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders pulled by Game, but Amazon steps in with fresh restock
It's gone from hype to headache for some fans. With the Nintendo Switch 2 launching in a matter of days, UK retailer Game has abruptly cancelled pre-orders, leaving customers scrambling just days before release. The company has apologised and says 'it's working to reinstate as many orders as possible', but hasn't provided a reason for the cancellations. The cancellations come as Game continues to scale back its UK presence. Since being bought by Frasers Group, most standalone shops have shut down, with the remaining ones folded into Sports Direct and House of Fraser branches. In April, the company also closed its Basingstoke head office and warehouse, auctioning off equipment and fittings. If you pre-ordered through Game, you should check your order status now, and if you're now racing to find a new pre-order, you'll need to move fast. The window to receive a console on release day is starting to close. But it's not all doom and gloom. The console is back in stock at Amazon, and Smyths Toys has announced it will open at midnight at all UK shops on 5 June, with click-and-collect pre-orders ready from 12:01am and limited walk-in stock available too. A handful of branches – including Boucher Road (Belfast), Glasgow, Stockport, Romford and Hull will open even earlier at 11pm on 4 June for demo events, where the first 100 fans can try Mario Kart World before launch and bag a free goodie bag. If you're still hoping to pre-order or grab a console on launch day, I'm rounding up all the retailers with live stock below, plus the best accessories and bundles to pair with your new console. This page is constantly updated with the latest drops. Where to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 in the UK The Switch 2 keeps the same hybrid design as the original. You can play it handheld or dock it to your TV, but there are some improvements to the hardware. The new Switch has a bigger 7.9in HDR-ready LCD screen, 256GB of internal storage, and improved performance. The big change is a new pair of magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers. Unlike the original Switch, these new Joy-Cons can be used like computer mice, offering new ways to play and interact with the console. The standalone Nintendo Switch 2 console includes everything you need to get going. It comes with the console, the dock, a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a grip that turns the controllers into a single pad for comfort. It's backwards compatible with your existing Switch library, and now supports 4K output when docked. In our hands-on preview, The Independent 's Steve Hogarty called it 'a different beast entirely', praising the performance, visuals, and the Joy-Con 2's mouse-style control trick. Right now, the standalone console is coming in and out of stock at Amazon and the My Nintendo Store, though you'll need an active Switch Online membership (was £6.99, now £5.99, to secure it. If you don't mind pre-ordering a bundle, you can also pick up a console from Currys. Nintendo's official Switch 2 bundle includes everything you get with the standalone console (the device, Joy-Con 2 controllers, grip, dock and cables) plus a digital download code for Mario Kart World. The game normally costs £79.99, so you save about £40 by picking up the bundle instead. In our hands-on preview, The Independent's Steve Hogarty called Mario Kart World 'the most exciting' of the new titles. 'It's absolutely massive,' he wrote, praising the expanded roster, new vehicle types, and the game's ability to let players drift across water, not just under it as in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. He also said Mario Kart 'looks spectacular on the big screen,' especially when docked and running in 4K at 120Hz. Right now, the official Mario Kart World bundle is coming in and out of stock at Amazon and the My Nintendo Store, though you'll need an active Switch Online membership to purchase it (was £6.99, now £5.99, Don't have a Switch Online account? Currys also has one bundle in stock. Best Nintendo Switch 2 bundles But that's not all. Other retailers are offering the Switch 2 as part of bigger launch bundles, with some retailers packaging the console alongside extra Joy-Cons, charging docks, the new Switch 2 camera and additional games. Right now, Currys is the only retailer with the Nintendo Switch 2 in stock, though it is part of a bigger, more expensive bundle. Currys Nintendo Switch 2 bundles Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, Switch 2 camera and microSD Express memory card: £579, Currys doesn't have the standalone Switch 2 console or the official Mario Kart World bundle in stock, but it's offering one larger bundle with added extras. It includes Mario Kart World, Street Fighter 6, the Switch 2 camera, a microSD Express memory card, a carrying case and a screen protector for £579. It's available for home delivery on release day, but it can't be collected in-store. Check Nintendo Switch 2 stock at other UK retailers Amazon: In stock now My Nintendo Store: Coming in and out of stock for Switch Online members Currys: In stock now The Game Collection: Sold out on Friday, 30 May Very: Sold out on Thursday, 22 May ShopTo: Sold out on Sunday, 25 May AO: Sold out on Friday, 30 May Smyths Toys: Sold out on Tuesday, 27 May EE: Bundles sold out on Wednesday, 21 May JD Williams: Sold out on Thursday, 15 May John Lewis: Sold out on Wednesday, 14 May Kaleidoscope: Sold out on Sunday, 13 April H MV: Sold out on Tuesday, 13 May Game: Restock sold out on Wednesday, 16 April Best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and games Now that you've successfully pre-ordered a Nintendo Switch 2, you're probably looking to grab some accessories and new games to go with it. Nintendo is also selling extra storage, charging grips, Joy-Con 2 controllers, and the Switch 2 camera. Donkey Kong Bananza, which is releasing in July, is also available to pre-order. The only other Switch 2 exclusive other than Mario Kart World is Donkey Kong Bananza. Launching on 17 July, Bananza is a fresh 3D platformer with a twist. As The Independent 's Steve Hogarty wrote in his hands-on preview, 'you can punch holes through rock to burrow a path toward your objective and pick up chunks of earth to hurl at enemies, leaving gaping, permanent holes in the landscape as you smash your way around levels'. The result is a game that feels part Minecraft, part classic Donkey Kong, with a fully destructible world that encourages chaotic exploration. The redesigned Switch 2 Pro Controller sees some big improvements over the original Switch Pro controller. It's a more traditional-looking gaming pad with better thumbsticks, extra durability, a new button for multiplayer social features, added shoulder buttons, and improved rumble effects. The Switch 2 camera lets you video chat with friends during multiplayer games. A few launch titles make use of it too, like Super Mario Party Jamboree, where it lets you appear inside minigames to balance Goombas on your head and sing karaoke songs with friends. The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage. This can quickly fill up with downloaded games, so it's worth investing in some added storage. Nintendo's official SanDisk microSD card comes with another 256GB of storage, with fast read and write speeds that work seamlessly with the Switch 2. Exclusive to the My Nintendo Store, the GameCube controller brings a touch of nostalgia to your console setup. Whether you're revisiting classics or just prefer the old-school layout, it's a must-have for long-time Nintendo fans. This official My Nintendo Store exclusive is designed to hold everything you need for TV-mode play, including the Switch 2 console, the dock, Joy-Con 2 controllers, various cables, and up to six game cards. Its structured interior keeps your gear secure and organised, making it ideal for travel or tidy storage at home. Don't need an entire travel kit? The official option from Nintendo includes a screen protector and cleaning cloth, with room inside for up to six game cards and two Joy-Con 2 straps.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Frasers Group takes over XXL as largest shareholders sells its shares
UK sportswear and fashion group Frasers said that, according to preliminary results, it now controls over 92% of share capital in the struggling Norwegian sporting goods retailer XXL. Frasers Group, majority owned by billionaire Mike Ashley, has been expanding its global retail investments, raising its stake in fashion retailer ASOS and closing deals in Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Gulf and Egypt. However, in Norway it faced resistance from XXL's board of directors. The UK-based company first made a bid for XXL in December but dropped it two months later, saying it could not secure acceptances from other large shareholders. XXL's board of directors recommended shareholders rejected Frasers' second bid made in March, saying it did not offer a sufficient premium. However, on May 27, XXL's largest shareholder Altor Invest decided to sell all its shares to Frasers. Since 2019, XXL has been struggling with declining sales and liquidity constraints amid a weaker market, and began downsizing its retail network. "Frasers is acquiring a business which is in significant distress. As such, all stakeholders, including but not limited to, brand partners, landlords, suppliers and partners, will need to work collaboratively with Frasers in its efforts to save the XXL business in its current form," Frasers said in a statement. The British retailer warned, however, that given limited information it had at the moment "there is no guarantee that XXL can be saved in its current form or at all." Frasers is set to buy the remaining XXL shares, based on the March offer document. No plans for XXL's delisting have been proposed yet, but this could change pending approval from a general meeting.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Frasers Group takes over XXL after largest shareholders sells its shares
May 29 (Reuters) - British sportswear and fashion group Frasers (FRAS.L), opens new tab on Wednesday said that, according to preliminary results, it now controls over 92% of share capital in the struggling Norwegian sporting goods retailer XXL ( opens new tab. Frasers Group, majority owned by billionaire Mike Ashley, has been expanding its global retail investments, raising its stake in fashion retailer ASOS (ASOS.L), opens new tab and closing deals in Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Gulf and Egypt. However, in Norway it faced resistance from XXL's board of directors. The UK-based company first made a bid for XXL in December but dropped it two months later, saying it could not secure acceptances from other large shareholders. XXL's board of directors recommended shareholders rejected Frasers' second bid made in March, saying it did not offer a sufficient premium. However, on May 27, XXL's largest shareholder Altor Invest decided to sell all its shares to Frasers. Since 2019, XXL has been struggling with declining sales and liquidity constraints amid a weaker market, and began downsizing its retail network. "Frasers is acquiring a business which is in significant distress. As such, all stakeholders, including but not limited to, brand partners, landlords, suppliers and partners, will need to work collaboratively with Frasers in its efforts to save the XXL business in its current form," Frasers said in a statement. The British retailer warned, however, that given limited information it had at the moment "there is no guarantee that XXL can be saved in its current form or at all." Frasers is set to buy the remaining XXL shares, based on the March offer, opens new tab document. No plans for XXL's delisting have been proposed yet, but this could change pending approval from a general meeting.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Frasers boss calls for 'bold' reforms to save ailing High Street
Frasers Group's boss has called for 'bold' business rates reform to save the 'dying' High Street. Michael Murray called on the Government to slash the levy, which is paid based on the value of a commercial property. 'Town centres are dying, the system is broken and physical retail is being priced out of high streets,' Murray said. 'Retailers need radical reform, not more red tape.' The Government must seize a 'golden chance' to 'give retailers a reason to return to town centres' by easing the burden, he added. Bricks-and-mortar retailers claim they suffer an unfair business rates burden compared with online giants such as Amazon. But many warn Labour's plan to address the issue – by hitting larger commercial properties with higher taxes – will backfire. Tesco, Sainsbury's and the Co-op, as well as Frasers, have said this risks large retailers abandoning shops.
Fashion Network
19-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Frasers Group CEO takes seat on Hugo Boss board
Frasers Group CEO Michael Murray has joined the supervisory board of German premium and luxury fashion giant Hugo boss. The news didn't come as a surprise as it had been announced last Decembers when Hugo Boss had also revealed that Stephan Sturm was to take over as chairman. But it's a reflection of the importance of Frasers group both as a stockist of Hugo Boss products through several of its chains (such as Flannels and its department stores) and as a major shareholder in the German business. In fact, the UK group is Hugo Boss's biggest individual shareholder with almost a 20% interest in the firm. Murray said of his new boardroom seat that he's 'honoured to be joining the supervisory board, adding: 'Our long-standing collaboration with Hugo Boss is one of our most successful brand partnerships, reflecting our shared values and strong cooperation, and I am looking forward to supporting Hugo Boss in its next stage of growth.'
