Latest news with #NintendoSoundClock:Alarmo
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
The Piranha Plant Cam for Nintendo Switch 2 is a great statement piece… and that's about it
Nintendo is no stranger to making quirky accessories to accompany its consoles, or even standalone gadgets. The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo springs to my mind when I think of "tech I didn't know I needed and still don't need but it's cute enough that I kinda want it." There's also functional tech that's quirky, fun and can act as a conversation starter, built by third-party brands exclusively for a console like the Nintendo Switch 2, like the Hori Piranha Plant Camera. Chances are you've seen this little camera pop up on your social media for one of two reasons: a) it's ridiculously cute and people can't stop talking about just how cute it is, or b) its image quality is so poor and old school that you look like you're in a 90s VHS tape. Both of those statements, in my opinion, are correct. Cute and colorful, the Piranha Plant Cam for Nintendo Switch 2 is great to look at, and it's extremely easy to set up and use. It works well in Super Mario Party Jamboree and Mario Kart World. It fits the criteria of being a statement piece but it's massively let down by its 480p video quality that makes you appear washed out. The Piranha Plant Cam is adorable, and it would be a 10/10 product for me if it wasn't a camera. See, the thing that it's designed to do, it does not do well. This is a camera — and not a very good one. If you've been thinking of buying the Piranha Plant Cam because it's cheap and (very) cheerful, you may want to reconsider based on the actual purpose you need it for. The Piranha Plant Cam is an adorable companion. It is, of course, based on the Piranha Plant enemies from the Mario universe, so it sports a colorful white, green and red design. The camera comprises of three parts: the stem (which is permanently attached to the head) slots into the base (a green Warp Pipe) and there's a pair of leaves that you can clip around the stem. The Piranha Plant Cam's "mouth" can then be opened to reveal the camera, so it essentially acts as a lens cover. Neat. I love a cute trinket. I have a Knuckles figurine perched atop my monitor at the office, and my home office features a few Funko Pop bobbleheads, so you can see why I like the Piranha Plant Cam's design so much. Its green base, or the Warp Pipe, features an L-shaped mount so you can put the camera on your TV or monitor if you're using the Nintendo Switch 2 while it's docked. Or if you want to use it in handheld mode, you can directly plug in the camera without the base into the top USB-C port. And it is delightful. I love my Piranha Plant Cam... which is why I really wish they didn't put a camera in its mouth. Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the Piranha Plant Cam's image and video quality. It has a video resolution of 480p/30fps. Yes, 480p. In 2025. Maybe this is me just being used to using cameras and webcams that are, more often than not, shooting at 1080p or just me being oblivious — but since when did it become acceptable to have 480p video in 2025? Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Thanks to the advent of technology, we have become very used to FHD and 4K screens. The Nintendo Switch 2 itself features a 1080p screen so when I saw myself on screen being recorded through the Piranha Plant Cam, the limitations of 480p became even more apparent. Colors appeared washed out and the image appeared grainy and static. Granted, your friends will see you in a small bubble on the screen when you're ahead of them in Mario Kart World, so the image won't be as bad but it won't be great either. It'll get you some laughs from your friends though — whether they'll be laughing at you or with you is unclear. The Piranha Plant Camera isn't great, no, but the Piranha Plant Trinket is fantastic. 10/10. No notes. It's appealing, its adds a touch of charm to a desk setup, and it's currently sitting proudly next to Knuckles — and that's where it will stay forever. A statement piece, not a camera.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Nintendo increases original Switch prices in US for first time since 2017 launch
Nintendo has officially raised the retail prices of its original Nintendo Switch consoles and accessories in the United States, marking the first price adjustment since the system's debut in 2017. The new pricing came into effect on August 3 2025. The standard Nintendo Switch now retails at $339.99, up from its previous price of $299.99. The OLED model has increased to $399.99, while the more compact Switch Lite is now priced at $229.99. Additionally, certain accessories, such as the Joy-Con 2 (L/R), have risen to $84.99, and the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo is now $44.99. Nintendo attributed the pricing change to shifting 'market conditions' in an official statement. However, the company did not cite recent tariff changes or economic policies as direct reasons for the move. The adjustments bring the cost of the older Switch hardware much closer to the new-generation Nintendo Switch 2, which is priced at $449.99. Despite the increases, some US retailers briefly listed consoles at older prices before aligning with Nintendo's updated structure. Retailers like Target reportedly updated their listings early but later reverted the changes. It remains unclear whether this was due to timing issues or internal policy decisions. While the Switch 2 and its game prices remain unaffected, Nintendo stated that future pricing evaluations may occur depending on economic factors.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nintendo raising original Switch console prices due to ‘market conditions'
Nintendo is raising the prices of its original Nintendo Switch game consoles, the company announced on Friday. The price increases, which are taking effect on August 3, are due to 'market conditions,' Nintendo says. The company's reference to 'market conditions' likely hints at President Donald Trump's tariffs. The affected products include the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and select Nintendo Switch accessories. Other Nintendo products, including certain Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, select amiibo, and the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, will also see price increases. It's not yet clear what the new prices will be. Currently, the original Nintendo Switch retails for $299.99, while the OLED model costs $349.99. Nintendo said it isn't ruling out a future price hike for the Nintendo Switch 2, which retails for $450. 'Pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, physical and digital Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 games, as well as Nintendo Switch Online memberships, will remain unchanged at this time,' Nintendo wrote in its announcement post. 'However, please note that price adjustments may be necessary in the future.' Earlier on Friday, Nintendo reported its fiscal first-quarter earnings and shared that sales of the Switch 2 console have reached 5.82 million units since its release on June 5. Nintendo transferred most of its production from China to Vietnam in the past to avoid tariffs. However, Trump this week announced changes to reciprocal tariffs, which extend to Vietnam. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Nintendo is raising prices on the original Switch game consoles due to 'market conditions'
Being a Nintendo fan keeps getting more expensive. The company's latest round of price hikes impact the original Nintendo Switch game consoles and some Switch 2 accessories. Nintendo is raising prices on the original Nintendo Switch game consoles — along with some Switch 2 accessories too. "Pricing for the original Nintendo Switch family of systems and products will change in the United States based on market conditions, effective August 3, 2025," the company said. "These include Nintendo Switch — OLED Model, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite and select Nintendo Switch accessories." It's not yet clear what the new prices will be. The original Nintendo Switch was listed at $299.99, with the OLED model with an improved screen selling for $349.99. "Other Nintendo products, including certain Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, select amiibo, and the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, will also see adjustments," the company said. The company is not raising the price of its more expensive Switch 2 game console, though it said it's not ruling out a future price hike, saying that "price adjustments may be necessary in the future." Nintendo previously delayed pre-orders of the Nintendo Switch 2 amid tariff uncertainty before deciding not to raise the price of the game console itself — instead boosting the price of Switch 2 accessories. Nintendo's mention of "market conditions" is a likely reference to President Donald Trump's tariffs, which continue to evolve.
Business Insider
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Nintendo is raising prices on the original Switch game consoles due to 'market conditions'
Mario is asking for more gold coins. Nintendo is raising prices on the original Nintendo Switch game consoles — along with some Switch 2 accessories too. "Pricing for the original Nintendo Switch™ family of systems and products will change in the United States based on market conditions, effective August 3, 2025," the company said. "These include Nintendo Switch — OLED Model, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite and select Nintendo Switch accessories." "Other Nintendo products, including certain Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, select amiibo, and the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, will also see adjustments," the company said. The company is not raising the price of its more expensive Switch 2 game console, though it said it's not ruling out a future price hike, saying that "price adjustments may be necessary in the future." Nintendo previously delayed pre-orders of the Nintendo Switch amid tariff uncertainty before deciding not to raise the price of the game console itself — instead boosting the price of Switch 2 accessories.
