Latest news with #Mario
RTÉ News
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Nintendo Switch 2 – what to expect from the gaming event of 2025
With over 152 million units sold, the Nintendo Switch remains one of the best-selling consoles of all time. First released back in 2017, its tight grip on exclusives like Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon, as well as its innovative take on handheld gaming, means that number will continue to rise well into the future. But like all great things in gaming, after a couple of years, it's time for a well-deserved revamp. Yes, amidst a successful console, Nintendo has been busy developing its highly anticipated sequel – the Switch 2. And the wait is nearly over. Set for release on June 5th, the Switch 2 promises a host of new features, games, updates, and plenty more surprises for gamers of all ages to enjoy. To no one's surprise, stores and websites are already sold out, highlighting the seismic demand. So, whether you're counting down the seconds till you're holding your own Switch 2 or simply curious to see what all the fuss is about, here's a little about what we know to expect and what we can look forward to. The basics: expect a bigger screen, more pixels, and more memory Handheld gaming can be a difficult thing to balance; go too small, and your eyes will strain. Go too big, and you'll hardly want to carry it about. The Switch 2 does expand on the size of its predecessor but has new ways to ensure it remains practical and comfortable to use. Firstly, let's talk about screen size. The new model features a 1.6 times larger screen and double the pixel count of its predecessor, though said to be just as slim. Measuring 7.9 inches, the LCD screen is capable of Full HD (1080p) resolution in handheld mode and can reach up to 120 frames per second with compatible games. In layman's terms, expect crisp, sharp and fluid visuals. You have the choice to connect the Switch 2 dock to a TV instantly and enjoy high-res gaming in 4K, depending on your setup. It also comes with a clever, adjustable stand that opens up the opportunity for tabletop gaming. The stand can rotate up to 150 degrees, allowing you to set up and play on a wide range of surfaces, all the while staying at maximum comfort. Finally, the Switch 2 also comes with a juicy 256GB of internal storage. This means there's ample space to keep your favourite games on the system without having to delete them to make space. What can you expect to play on the new console? Speaking of games, what's a new console without something new to play? For now, all eyes will be firmly set on Mario Kart World, the exclusive racer debuting alongside the console's launch. From released footage, the game looks slick, polished and pristine, offering plenty of new features, game modes, and a healthy dose of cartoonish chaos to shake up the staple Mario Kart formula. The game promises a vast, open world of sprawling courses for you to explore, making everywhere you drive a racecourse. A variety of modes have so far been unveiled, including Grand Prix (which features an incredible 24 drivers!), Knockout Tours, and more. Since the game is included in many bundle offers, expect a lively multiplayer scene as soon as you power your console on. Happy racing! Alongside Mario, there's also the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour to play upon launch, which gives you an inside look at the features and mechanics of the new console. In the future, you can look forward to other Nintendo goliaths joining the fold, including a brand new 3D platformer Donkey Kong Bananza (July 17th), as well as Kirby Air Riders, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and Drag x Drive. There are also Switch 2 versions of the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Super Mario Jamboree and the brand new Pokémon Legends: Z-A (October 16th), with plenty more surprises no doubt in store. From Elden Ring to Final Fantasy – the Switch 2 is bringing third-party power To flesh out the initial launch, more than 24 third-party games are being ported to the Switch 2 for release. And I must admit, the list is impressive, including many games that would honestly put the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles through their paces. You can enjoy classics like Fortnite and Street Fighter 6, as well as huge games like Split Fiction, Hogwarts Legacy, and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition from launch. There are also upcoming goliaths like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Star Wars Outlaws, and Elden Ring to look forward to. Early footage of how these games run on the console looks very promising -and that's not all on the release front. After all, the gaming industry likes to keep everyone on their toes. With the recent news that Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed until 2026, we can expect the release floodgates to open as third-party publishers start announcing their release dates. There is no doubt that the Switch 2 will be a go-to platform. The Summer Game Fest event, scheduled for June 6th, is a night when major announcements are made for the remainder of the year and beyond. Host Geoff Keighley has already revealed that the Nintendo Switch 2 is one of 60 partners involved, so get the popcorn ready for the soon-to-be viral announcements of the night. Compatibility - can you play your Switch 1 games? With every new console, backwards compatibility becomes a core question: can I still play all the games I already own on the new system? Nintendo are periodically updating compatibility information on their website, and so far, the news is great. Over 112 Nintendo games and more than 15,000 partner games are reported to be compatible, with either no issues during testing or planned patches soon. Happy days! What's more, there is a selection of free updates for popular Nintendo games to take advantage of the new console, including Game Builder Garage, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, and more. These promise improved visuals, new modes, and new features, depending on the game. For more recent hits, including the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, there are dedicated premium upgrade options available. So, if you're itching for a revamped revisit of Hyrule, you've now got the perfect excuse! Mouse, camera, action! New ways to play and play together No article on the Switch 2 would be complete without touching upon new accessories, new features, and, of course, new controllers! The console's Joy-Cons have undergone a technical makeover, where they now snap into place on the side of the console. They're said to be more comfortable when held and more responsive during gameplay. What's most exciting about them for me is that you will be able to use them like a PC mouse. In gameplay footage from the upcoming game Drag x Drive, you can see the new tactile options the controllers offer. With mouse-like capabilities, the console can also finally embrace strategy and RTS games such as Civ VI (available at launch, by the way), which may have been too awkward to play on the original console. The Switch has always been the go-to family console at home. And new features arriving on the Switch 2 aim to expand that to family and friends from far away, too. The brand new online feature GameChat allows you and a group of up to 12 friends to talk with each other while playing. The console features a built-in microphone, so you don't need any additional equipment, either. That said, there is an option to plug in a USB-C camera (sold separately) to add yourself to the on-screen antics. GameChat is sure to shake up how we play and enjoy Nintendo games together, especially with its rich library of party and co-op titles. You also have GameShare to consider, which allows you to share supported games with family and friends, even if they don't have a copy of the game. A win-win for consumers, and it's clear that no matter what power or visuals the Switch 2 is after, it will still continue to hold family-friendly and collaborative gaming at its core. The Switch 2 – an exciting halfway mark for 2025 2025 has easily been one of my favourite years in gaming, with colossal releases across platforms that have raised the bar in interactive entertainment. And it's only the start of June! With new controllers, new communication options, and a healthy supply of big games scheduled for release, the Switch 2 only fuels the excitement for the rest of the year. It seemingly takes everything you love about the original console, refines it, and adds more than just a new coat of paint. Streamlined communication and new twists to controllers mean that over the next few weeks, expect to see a plethora of new and old games making the jump to Nintendo. I, for one, can't wait to get my hands on it.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Shoppers spot tubes of rare Pringles scanning through for just 25p at major supermarket
SNACK ATTACK Shoppers spot tubes of rare Pringles scanning through for just 25p at major supermarket BARGAIN hunters are flooding Sainsbury's after shoppers spotted rare tubes of Pringles scanning for just 25p. The budget snack finds were spotted at a Sainsbury's store in Kingsway, Derby, with eager customers rushing in to snap them up before they're gone. Advertisement 3 The rare flavour first launched in January and seems to be making a surprise return — this time at a price that's hard to beat Credit: Facebook 3 The post quickly caused a stir on social media, with excited snack fans flocking to the comments to share their thoughts and tag friends Credit: Facebook One thrilled shopper posted online: 'Today in Sainsbury's (Derby, Kingsway) 25p per can. Not sure who is more happy me or my lil ones.' The post quickly caused a stir on social media, with excited snack fans flocking to the comments to share their thoughts and tag friends. One user said: 'Great find. Wish they would do it online.' Another wrote: 'I need to pop to Sainsbury's.' Advertisement A third added: 'Wish they would do this all the time.' Others simply tagged their mates in the post, encouraging them to dash to their local branch while stocks last. Some joked that they were planning a detour on their way home to see if the bargain crisps were still available. The rare flavour first launched in January and seems to be making a surprise return — this time at a price that's hard to beat. Advertisement Alongside the 25p Pringles, shoppers are also buzzing over the arrival of a brand new Kinder bar. Although Kinder has released many variations over the years, this latest addition is already causing excitement among fans of the popular chocolate brand. Shopping discounts - How to make savings and find the best bargains It's not just the low price that's grabbing attention — it's also the mystery around the flavours. Earlier this year, Pringles launched a Super Mario-themed mystery crisp, sparking debate online about what it actually tastes like. Advertisement One person guessed: "Yoshi flavoured." Another quipped: "It's going to be mushroom!" A third chimed in: "Magic Mushroom flavour?" The official flavour hasn't been confirmed by Pringles, leaving it up to fans to figure it out. Advertisement Many say it tastes like pizza, while others think it's more like spaghetti or even ketchup. A YouTube reviewer claimed the taste was 'a mix of ketchup, pizza and spaghetti in Mario style', which would make sense given the Italian roots of the iconic Nintendo character. This isn't the first time Pringles has teased shoppers with mystery flavours. Past limited-edition releases have included Southern Fried Chicken, Pickle, and even Carbonara. Advertisement So if you're craving something new, or just after a great deal, it might be worth heading to your nearest Sainsbury's. But be quick, because with prices like this, they won't stay on shelves for long. How to save money on your supermarket shop THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop. You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they've been reduced. If the food is fresh, you'll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time. Making a list should also save you money, as you'll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket. Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too. This means ditching "finest" or "luxury" products and instead going for "own" or value" type of lines. Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they're misshapen or imperfect. For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50. If you're on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too. Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Top Gear
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Top Gear
Mario Kart World is the most exciting Mario Kart since the first one
Gaming Hands on with Nintendo Switch 2's stellar launch title Skip 4 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Mario Kart, but in an open world. It's one of those combinations that didn't seem blindingly obvious until Nintendo went and did it, at which point suddenly it made perfect sense. For the developers, it must have been a moment akin to the first time someone accidentally elbowed a salt shaker into a batch of caramel and invented the best flavour on the planet. We've had a chance to play Mario Kart World ahead of its launch alongside Nintendo's new Switch 2 console on 5 June and we're pleased to report it's the most exciting Mario Kart since the first one way back in 1992. In the same way Forza Horizon completely revolutionised the Forza series, the open world in Mario Kart World promises to do the same for Nintendo's kart racer. Only with significantly more banana peels. Advertisement - Page continues below Not that we didn't have a few concerns when Mario Kart World was first announced. There was a danger that some of the distinctive character of Mario Kart's courses would be lost with the transition to a single, giant sandbox. But whereas a Forza Horizon game has to be a vaguely coherent landscape in a particular region, Mario Kart World's map boasts diversity that other more grounded racers can only dream of. You'll seamlessly transition from racing along Terminator 2 -style dry canals, into a snow-capped peak, through a wild west canyon, and then on to a construction site that's home to a giant robotic ape. It'll be some time before we see that last one in a Forza game. What's more, each area isn't just background scenery; the tracks within that open world boast the same fiendish design and Nintendo attention to detail we've come to expect from a standalone Mario Kart circuit. Our favourite was a haunted cinema course that allowed you to leap directly into the screen and power slide along film reels through a silent, black and white horror movie. Having previously tried to sit through the original 1920s Nosferatu film, we're now certain it would be elevated with the addition of a go kart race. You might like The other thing the open world allows for is Knockout Tour, an online multiplayer mode which could well become your new favourite way to play Mario Kart, as long as you can handle the enormous amount of temple-throbbing stress that comes with it. It's a mad, sustained dash across the whole map, stopping off at a series of locations along the way. At each checkpoint the 24 starting racers are whittled down, with the trailing four karts knocked out permanently, and, this being Mario Kart, the race order is constantly shifting as players get clobbered with power ups including the dreaded blue shell. It might be worth getting in early with a prescription for blood pressure medication just so you're good and ready for launch day. Advertisement - Page continues below Mario Kart World doesn't appear to have lost anything in the transition to an open world design and, worry not, if all you want to do is play classic, split screen Mario Kart races on a single circuit that's catered for as well. We're yet to find out what activities are available when cruising around the traffic-filled roads of the Mushroom Kingdom between races, but with Nintendo's reputation for prioritising fun, we're not likely to be short of things to do. That's if we can tear ourselves away from one more go at Knockout Tour... Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
AU Financial Review
2 days ago
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Sydney hotelier Oscars goes to Adelaide for $80m venues deal
Mario and Bill Gravanis' Sydney-based hospitality company Oscars Group is expanding into South Australia for the first time with the purchase of three hotels in Adelaide for about $80 million. Fresh from their purchase of Sydney's Luna Park at the end of last year for more than $50 million, the Gravanis brothers have now established a substantial foothold in the Adelaide market, acquiring the Lakes Resort Hotel, Bridgeway Hotel and Maid & Magpie Hotel.
Digital Trends
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
All confirmed tracks in Mario Kart World
The big attraction for Mario Kart World is the fact that all the courses exist in the same open world. For the first time ever, we will be able to roam around between tracks in one seamless world to practice driving, find secrets, or just hang out with our friends. This will easily be the biggest Switch 2 launch game, but exactly how big is the world in Mario Kart World? Or more specifically, how many tracks are there? Nintendo hasn't revealed all the courses we can look forward to racing on, but we combed through all the footage to pick out every new and returning track revealed so far. Every new track in Mario Kart World Based on the screenshots and trailers for Mario Kart World, we have spotted nine new courses among the new circuits. Since there are seven circuits, each one having four tracks, that would mean the total number of courses should be 28 (or 29 if Rainbow Road is in the game but not included in these track lists). We do still see a few courses that haven't been named yet, so we know this isn't the full list. Here's each one we know in alphabetical order: Acorn Heights Boo Cinema Cheep Cheep Falls Crown City Dandelion Depths DK Spaceport Faraway Oisis Great Block Ruins Mario Bros. Circuit Peach Stadium Salty Salty Speedway Starview Peak Whistlestop Summit Recommended Videos Every returning track in Mario Kart World It wouldn't be a true Mario Kart game without at least a few returning classic tracks. By our count, Mario Kart World has 14 returning courses from across the franchise's history. We are almost sure that number will actually be 15 since Rainbow Road isn't technically confirmed, but was heavily hinted at in the Direct. For now, these are all the returning courses: Airship Fortress Choco Mountain Desert Hills Dino Dino Jungle DK Pass Koopa Troopa Beach Mario Circuit Moo Moo Meadows Peach Beach Shy Guy Bazaar Sky-High Sundae Toad's Factory Wario Shipyard Wario Stadium
