Latest news with #Wii
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Customers furious after Game cancels Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders
UK high street chain Game has apologised after it cancelled some pre-orders of the hotly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Gamers have waited years for the Switch 2 - the successor to one of the best-selling consoles in history - with the new model being finally released to the public on 5 June. But some of those who pre-ordered the Switch 2 through Game will now not be able to get their hands on it on its release date. "We understand how disappointing this is, especially for those who have been eagerly awaiting their order," Game wrote in a post on social media. There has been a furious reaction from those affected, with one customer calling the situation "outrageous." Game did not give any reason why the pre-orders were cancelled. The BBC has approached it for comment. In its social media post it says it is "currently working hard to reinstate as many affected pre-orders as possible." I played the £75 Mario Kart World on Switch 2 - was it worth it? The Switch 2 has already attracted some controversy from fans who questioned the price of some of its games - with a boxed edition of Mario Kart World coming in at £74.99. But this price appears not to have impacted the initial sales of the hardware, with most retailers now unable to take on new pre-orders so close to its launch. Gamers who no longer have a pre-order may consider turning to the return of the midnight launch, which used to be part-and-parcel of game releases but has become far less common in recent years. At least one retailer has held back some stock in the hope of getting people through its doors - with Smyths promising a "limited" number of consoles will be available in-store when doors open on launch day. Fans scrambling to get their hands on new consoles has been a part of Nintendo's history, for example with the Wii in 2006. The original Switch ended up becoming the fastest-selling console in history in the US when in launched in 2017. This is not just limited to Nintendo - its rival Sony's PlayStation 5 proved to be such a hot ticket item that people joined virtual queues with thousands of others just to have the chance to buy one in 2020. This trend continued throughout the first three years of the console's life, with the supply chain issues that partly fuelled the demand only being resolved in 2023. Nintendo announces Switch 2 release date - and a new Mario Kart game Will £75 be the new normal for video games after Switch 2's Mario Kart? Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world's top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Switch 2 Startup And Menu Settings Appear Online As Early Player Shows Off Console In 'Code Red' Leak For Nintendo
The Switch 2 is just days away from its official June 5 launch, but already footage is beginning to spread online of people going hands-on with Nintendo's next console. One fan based in Russia recently uploaded a nearly 10-minute video that includes the Switch 2's startup sequence and a tour through its menu settings. 'Respects to this man for sacrificing his life to unbox the console a week before launch,' reads the top comment on YouTube. The early player in question runs a Telegram channel where he's been answering questions about the new hardware. His video includes a demonstration of what sounds like some bespoke Nintendo menu music for the boot-up sequence, though it unfortunately goes away once hitting the main menu. Fans of the ambient Wii theme music will have their hearts broken once again. The leaker did answer as many fan questions as he could, and said a second video is on its way. Here's what we've learned about the Switch 2 hardware in practice, according to him: The only menu themes are black and white He couldn't find a toggle for variable refresh rate HDR calibration does exist in handheld mode The firmware version listed for the console is 19.0.0.0 The available storage is 221GB Game Share and other features don't work without the day-one update Like the Switch 2 unboxed in a separate brief video (since removed by Nintendo), this one appears to need a day-one patch to be fully capable. While early players have reported not being able to run Switch 1 games on the new hardware, it's not clear yet if that means Switch 2 games won't work right out of the box or not. Switch 1 games require a software layer for backwards compatibility, and it's possible that Switch 2 cartridges might play just fine even ahead of the launch date, though it's not yet clear if anyone out in the wild has both a Switch 2 and a Switch 2 game in their possession and has been able to test that yet. Nintendo didn't respond to a request for comment about what the reported day-one patch will entail. A similar leak happened with the original Switch when someone with early access began sharing images of the home screen and menu settings weeks ahead of release. At Nintendo it was 'like code red to find out what happened,' former marketing manager Kit Ellis said on a recent podcast episode. 'It was actually really surprising for me to see that, like, 'Oh! You actually can track this,'' he continued. 'Like, again, these things get scanned and identified, and there are so many little identifiers that you might not even think of, like they will find who it is, but the fact that the leak has happened...' 'It's almost too late,' his co-host who worked alongside him at Nintendo said, finishing the thought. The Switch 2 leaks should in many ways be less exciting to fans since the console is more of a straightforward upgrade to the existing hardware than a radical departure from the past, like the original Switch was from the Wii U. But the current console's massive success has also propelled Switch 2 hype to new levels, with players combing through each new piece of footage and information until they can try it for themselves. Watching someone else do that is the next best thing, and comes without having to worry about any consequences from Nintendo. . For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Best Buy and GameStop confirm they're getting Switch 2 restocks — here's when you can get it
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. All this preorder madness for the Nintendo Switch 2 is giving me flashbacks to trying to get a Wii back in its heyday. If you haven't already nabbed a Switch 2 pre-order, you may have more luck closer to launch day (June 5), when at least two major retailers say they'll have more Switch 2 stock available in-store and online. Both Best Buy and GameStop have confirmed Switch 2 pre-orders will return on the console's June 5 release date. Even better, many stores are holding launch parties just after midnight with a limited stock of Switch 2 consoles on sale for those quick enough to get them before they're gone. "Additional Switch 2 units will be available in-store and online at launch while supplies last," the U.S. games retailer said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Best Buy has also said it's hosting late-night store openings just after midnight on June 5, where most stores will have a "limited inventory of systems, games, and accessories" available for in-store purchase. The retailer cautioned gamers to temper their expectations, though. "Expect to see long lines at popular Best Buy stores in US cities hours in advance of the midnight release date, and some in the crowd may not be able to get the new console," Best Buy told The Shortcut. Those lucky enough to have already snagged pre-orders for in-store pickup can also get their consoles when the stores open, and customers will 'have the chance to receive a Nintendo collectible" as part of the launch event. Switch 2 pre-orders kicked off last month and sold out almost instantly. Additional pre-order inventory has popped up sporadically at Walmart and GameStop in recent weeks, but now even that's dried up as retailers across the board are putting up "sold out" signs. If you're still on the hunt, Nintendo is accepting sign-ups for those looking to secure a Switch 2. Beyond that, we suggest keeping an eye on Best Buy and GameStop as we get closer to June 5 to see if you can snag one. Or bookmark our Switch 2 pre-orders live blog for all the latest restocks. New Nintendo Switch 2 leak suggests Game-Key Cartridges might be preferred by publishers Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders live: latest restock updates and retailers to check now Nintendo is getting ahead of Switch 2 pirates with a new warning against unauthorized use — what you need to know
Tom's Guide
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Best Buy and GameStop confirm they're getting Switch 2 restocks — here's when you can get it
All this preorder madness for the Nintendo Switch 2 is giving me flashbacks to trying to get a Wii back in its heyday. If you haven't already nabbed a Switch 2 pre-order, you may have more luck closer to launch day (June 5), when at least two major retailers say they'll have more Switch 2 stock available in-store and online. Both Best Buy and GameStop have confirmed Switch 2 pre-orders will return on the console's June 5 release date. Even better, many stores are holding launch parties just after midnight with a limited stock of Switch 2 consoles on sale for those quick enough to get them before they're gone. "Additional Switch 2 units will be available in-store and online at launch while supplies last," the U.S. games retailer said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Didn't pre-order Switch 2? We got you. 16, 2025 Best Buy has also said it's hosting late-night store openings just after midnight on June 5, where most stores will have a "limited inventory of systems, games, and accessories" available for in-store purchase. The retailer cautioned gamers to temper their expectations, though. "Expect to see long lines at popular Best Buy stores in US cities hours in advance of the midnight release date, and some in the crowd may not be able to get the new console," Best Buy told The Shortcut. Those lucky enough to have already snagged pre-orders for in-store pickup can also get their consoles when the stores open, and customers will 'have the chance to receive a Nintendo collectible" as part of the launch event. Switch 2 pre-orders kicked off last month and sold out almost instantly. Additional pre-order inventory has popped up sporadically at Walmart and GameStop in recent weeks, but now even that's dried up as retailers across the board are putting up "sold out" signs. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. If you're still on the hunt, Nintendo is accepting sign-ups for those looking to secure a Switch 2. Beyond that, we suggest keeping an eye on Best Buy and GameStop as we get closer to June 5 to see if you can snag one. Or bookmark our Switch 2 pre-orders live blog for all the latest restocks.
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Posh UK spa hotel praised by mums as perfect for kids – thanks to Ofsted creche, huge playbarn and early teatime
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY hotel in the Cotswolds has been praised by mums as being perfect for relaxing with kids, thanks to plenty of activities and free childcare. As well as being a remote hotel with a relaxing spa, there's a playbarn, 12-seater cinema and special kids' tea times too. 6 Calcot & Spa has been a hit with parents for being so child-friendly 6 The hotel has two dedicated children's zones and carers Credit: Calcot & Spa Calcot & Spa Hotel is nestled in the Cotswolds countryside and is loved by parents for being a great family-friendly hotel. Mum, Em Clarkson, documented her weekend at the hotel on Instagram. She went with her two young children and said it was "totally set up for kids". She said the hotel has everything to keep children entertained from the playground to an outdoor kitchen and playbarn. Lots of other mums agreed with one writing on Tripadvisor: "I do not think that I have ever been to a hotel that is so well set up for children. "Everything has been well thought out and executed. From kid-friendly family rooms (rubber ducks, child monitors, night lights, etc) to restaurants catering for children (early kids tea, kids cups, plates and cutlery, etc) the hotel has got it right." The hotel offers four hours a day of childcare too which is included in the booking so that parents can take "time off". Parents can use that time to explore the spa that offers treatments, and has an outdoor hot tub and pool. Kids will be looked after at the Ofsted-registered purpose-built crèche called 'The Playbarn.' It's catered for children of all ages including newborns. There's plenty of toys, arts and crafts equipment too, and it's run by a team of nannies. For the children aged eight and over, The Mez is kitted out with PlayStations, Wii consoles, Xboxes, computers and even a 12-seater cinema. The family-friendly hotel in south east England with five pools and 200 activities 6 Children are allowed to use the indoor and outdoor pool 6 There are activities like crafts, nature trails, bike hire and lawn games Credit: Calcot & Spa The Playbarn and The Mez are open from 9:00am to 1:00pm and from 1:30pm to 5:30pm every day - but do require advance bookings. And those aren't the only activities, children are welcome in the outdoor pool when it's open during the summer. The indoor pool is heated and will have specific sessions dedicated to children - with other times being adult-only. Families can also hire complimentary bikes and explore multiple routes around the hotel - including its very own nature reserve. On the grounds is a nature trail as well and lawn games from boules and croquet to mini football. During the summer holidays, the team runs a timetable of activities for children from scavenger hunts to arts and crafts. There's also special children's tea time at 5pm as well as buffets and snacks during the day that are catered to them. When the kids have gone to bed, adults can enjoy dinner and take up the 'baby-listening service' which is available in the evenings and staff will listen for any disturbances. 6 The family rooms are kitted out with separate rooms for parents and children Credit: Calcot & Spa On-site are 35 rooms and suites, lots of which are designed for families. Each room has a separate bedroom for the little ones and a master bedroom for adults. Some even have their own private garden and a bathroom with twin bath tubs. For anyone booking midweek, there's an offer where children stay completely free. Breakfast for adults and children and kids' dinners are included in the cost of the stay if for anyone booking midweek. Lunch and adults' evening meals is at an extra charge. Calcot & Spa typically offers room rates starting from £292 per night, with prices varying depending on the season and specific room type. Here's another English hotel that's great for children with 'milk butlers', film screenings and cookies at bedtime. And this much-loved holiday resort that's just two hours from the UK has a Bali-style water park and is 'just as good as Disneyland'.
