Latest news with #SmythsToys
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Nintendo Switch 2 live: Last chance to pre-order a console as release date nears
We're days away from the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, and excitement is starting to set in. This is your last chance to pre-order a console before the big day. Some retailers have already pulled listings (and, in Game's case, pre-orders themselves), and others are still drip-feeding bundles. I'm seeing fewer choices out there now, but you have options. For example, there will be midnight launches across the country. Every Smyths Toys shop will open at 12am for early pick-ups, with a little extra stock on hand for the first few through the door. Currys is running its own launch event too, but only at the Oxford Street store and just for customers who've already pre-ordered a console. However, I've been tracking bundles for weeks, and Nintendo Switch 2 stock is dwindling as we get closer to the big day. If you're chasing down a console, camp out right here. I'll be hunting down every Nintendo Switch 2 console and bundle so you can play Mario Kart World from day one. If you want to buy a console ASAP, here are your best bets right now: Nintendo Switch 2 stock at UK retailers Nintendo Switch 2 launches this week Good morning! Launch week has finally arrived! It's been a long wait – more than four months since the gaming giant first announced the console – but the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally landing this Thursday on 5 June. If you're still hunting down the console, there are only two retailers with stock available right now – Amazon and Very. I'll be rounding up all the consoles and bundles and their delivery dates throughout the day, as well as reporting on the latest Nintendo Switch 2 news, and watching for more stock drops. Stay tuned. Alex Lee2 June 2025 09:45
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
The ‘Stay Safe with Jessy' competition brings farm safety to the classroom
Teagasc is proud to announce the launch of the 'Stay Safe with Jessy' farm safety art competition and webinar, a new initiative aimed at promoting farm safety among children. The competition invites all primary school-going children across Ireland to participate in creating pieces of art that highlight the importance of safety practices in agriculture and on Irish farms. The art competition will be followed by a live webinar on Thursday, June 19, at 11am. This 40-minute webinar, hosted by Alison Maloney of Teagasc, will be live-streamed from the Teagasc studio in Oak Park, Carlow. Joining Alison in the studio will be Jessy the Sheepdog and Francis Bligh, Farm Safety Specialist in Teagasc. They will be going live to St Joseph's National School in Rathwire, County Westmeath, where Alma Jordan from Agrikids will be discussing farm safety with students. During the webinar on June 19, winners of the art competition will be announced. There are three prize categories in the art competition, with an overall winner and runner-up in each. The categories are: Junior and Senior Infants; 1st–3rd Class; and 4th–6th Class. Get your entries in quickly, as the closing date is Friday, June 6 at 5pm. Prizes include Smyths Toys vouchers to the value of €100 for each category winner, and an Agrikids Farm Safety Workshop with Alma Jordan for their school during the 2025/2026 school year. Each runner-up will receive a €25 Smyths Toys voucher. In addition, each winner will receive a Lily Nolan Memorial Trophy for their school. Jessy the Sheepdog was originally developed in 2007 by the late Lily Nolan of Teagasc and the HSA. The storyline in the original book follows a dog called Jessy and her three puppies as they encounter various dangers on the farm. The book is available to download here. Francis Bligh, Farm Safety Specialist in Teagasc, said: 'Farms can be dangerous places, especially for children. Through this campaign, we will be highlighting the main dangers and risks on farms, how to avoid them, and how to stay safe.' Alison Maloney, Digital and Online Communications Specialist with Teagasc, said: 'I'm looking forward to hosting the Stay Safe with Jessy event. I'm thrilled to see Jessy come to life, and I would encourage all teachers and parents to support children in participating in the campaign. It's a great opportunity to start the conversation around farm safety with children who live on or visit farms.' 'It's been a real privilege to work alongside Teagasc on the Stay Safe with Jessy campaign,' added Alma Jordan of Agrikids. 'This initiative is specifically focused on children, who can be powerful messengers for safety at home and on the farm. By making these lessons engaging and age-appropriate, we're helping to build safer habits from a young age — and that can have a lasting impact.'
The Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Nintendo Switch 2 setup video leaks ahead of next week's launch – here's where to pre-order
It's almost time. The Nintendo Switch 2 launches next week, and if you haven't secured a pre-order yet, you might be cutting it close. Stock has been appearing in waves and selling out in minutes, and it may be your last chance to secure a console if you want it to land on your doorstep on release day. As we approach the launch, leaks have started trickling in online. A since-deleted unboxing video popped up earlier this week, and a full setup YouTube video surfaced yesterday, showing the menus, updated Joy-Cons and system settings in action. Most features are still locked behind a day-one update, but it seems like it's already out there in the wild. Smyths Toys 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. They'll also get 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 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 and The Game Collection. Nintendo Switch 2 with 'Mario Kart World': £429.99, 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 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 and The Game Collection also have bundles in stock. Best Nintendo Switch 2 bundles But that's not all. Other retailers are still 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. Currys Nintendo Switch 2 bundles 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. Nintendo Switch 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman: World of Assassination, microSD Express card and Switch 2 camera: £609.95, Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman: World of Assassination, microSD Express card and Switch 2 camera: £644.95, The Game Collection has just two Nintendo Switch 2 bundles left available to pre-order. One pairs the console with Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman: World of Assassination, a microSD Express card and the Switch 2 camera (£609.95, The other includes everything in that bundle, plus Mario Kart World, bringing the price to £644.95. Both are scheduled for delivery on release day, 5 June. My Nintendo Store: Coming in and out of stock for Switch Online members The Game Collection: In stock now Currys: In stock now Very: Sold out on Thursday, 22 May ShopTo: Sold out on Sunday, 25 May Amazon: May be in stock using a workaround link 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.
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The Independent
7 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Popular UK retailer announces Nintendo Switch 2 midnight launch party – here's how to pre-order
It's almost time. The Nintendo Switch 2 launches next week, and if you haven't secured a pre-order yet, you might be cutting it close. Stock has been appearing in waves and selling out in minutes, and it may be your last chance to secure a console for release day. In a delightful move, Smyths Toys has also confirmed it'll be holding midnight launches at all UK shops on 5 June. If you've pre-ordered via Click and Collect, you'll be able to pick it up from 12:01am, and even if you haven't, Smyths says limited walk-in stock will also be available. Select Smyths Toys branches will also host early demo events from 11pm on 4 June, giving fans the chance to try out Mario Kart World on the Switch 2 before doors officially open. The first 100 customers at each of these stores will also receive a free goodie bag. The participating shops include Boucher Road (Belfast), Glasgow, Stockport, Romford and Hull. 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 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, there are plenty available, and I've rounded up the cheapest ones below. 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 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? I've rounded up even more Switch 2 bundles available on launch day below. But that's not all. Other retailers are still 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. Currys Nintendo Switch 2 bundles Currys doesn't have the standalone Switch 2 console or the official Mario Kart World bundle in stock, but it's offering two larger bundles with added extras. One includes Mario Kart World, Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild, a carry case and a screen protector for £579. The other swaps the Zelda games for Street Fighter 6, the Switch 2 camera and a microSD Express memory card, bundled with Mario Kart World as well. It also costs £579. Both are available for home delivery on release day, but they can't be collected in-store. Nintendo Switch 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman: World of Assassination, microSD Express card and Switch 2 camera: £609.95, Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman: World of Assassination, microSD Express card and Switch 2 camera: £644.95, The Game Collection has just two Nintendo Switch 2 bundles left available to pre-order. One pairs the console with Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman: World of Assassination, a microSD Express card and the Switch 2 camera (£609.95, The other includes everything in that bundle, plus Mario Kart World, bringing the price to £644.95. Both are scheduled for delivery on release day, 5 June. My Nintendo Store: Coming in and out of stock for Switch Online members The Game Collection: In stock now Currys: In stock now Very: Sold out on Thursday, 22 May ShopTo: Sold out on Sunday, 25 May Amazon: May be in stock using a workaround link 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.
Agriland
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Agriland
Primary school art competition to promote farm safety
Teagasc has launched the 'Stay Safe with Jessy' farm safety art competition and webinar, a new initiative aimed at promoting farm safety among children. The competition is open to all primary school children across Ireland to create pieces of art that highlight the importance of safety practices in agriculture, and on Irish farms. A live webinar will take place on Thursday, June 19, at 11:00am, with the winners of the art competition set to be named afterwards. The 40-minute webinar, hosted by Alison Maloney of Teagasc, will be livestreamed from the Teagasc studio in Oak Park, Co. Carlow. Maloney will be joined in studio by farm safety specialist in Teagasc, Francis Bligh, and Jessy the sheepdog. The event will also be going live to St. Joseph's National School in Rathwire, Co. Westmeath, where Alma Jordan from Agrikids will be discussing farm safety with students in the school. Art competition There are three categories for prizes in the art competition, from which there will be an overall winner and a runner-up in each category. These categories are junior and senior infants, first to third class, and fourth to sixth class. The prizes up for grabs in the competition include a €100 voucher for Smyths Toys for each category winner, and an Agrikids farm safety workshop with Alma Jordan for their school during the 2025/2026 school year. There will be three category runners up, who will each receive a Smyths Toys voucher to the value of €25. Farm safety specialist in Teagasc, Francis Bligh said: 'Farms can be dangerous places, especially for children. Through this campaign we will be highlighting the main dangers and risks on farms, and how to avoid them, and stay safe.' The closing date for the Teagasc art competition is 5:00pm on Friday, June 6.
