logo
#

Latest news with #NintendoSwitch

This 15.6″ Portable Monitor With 7,000 5-Star Reviews Is Almost Free, No Profit for Amazon
This 15.6″ Portable Monitor With 7,000 5-Star Reviews Is Almost Free, No Profit for Amazon

Gizmodo

time10 hours ago

  • Gizmodo

This 15.6″ Portable Monitor With 7,000 5-Star Reviews Is Almost Free, No Profit for Amazon

Tying up with a small laptop screen can quickly become infuriating when you're doing several things at once. That's where a portable monitor comes into play, instantly doubling your workspace and making it a million times easier to multitask. The MNN 15.6-inch portable monitor is a great case in point, with incredible portability thanks to its light and incredibly thin build. Today, this model is hitting an all-time low price on Amazon (matching its Prime Day and Black Friday best) at only $61, slashed from its usual $90. See at Amazon The MNN monitor delivers you a crisp 1920 × 1080 resolution on a top-notch IPS matte display, giving you wide 178° viewing angles and accurate colors. The screen is built with prolonged sessions in mind, too, and includes a blue light reduction mode and a flicker-free experience to keep your eyes comfortable during extended sessions. Two USB-C ports with full-feature support enable true plug-and-play installation: from one cable, you can power the display and pipe the video signal through, provided your device supports Thunderbolt 3.0 or USB 3.1 Type C DP Alt-Mode. Such convenient connection is compatible with many devices including laptops, desktops, MacBooks, phones and mass-market gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch. The light and thin build fits snugly into any laptop bag or backpack so you won't think twice about taking it with you. Even when cradling the monitor for hours on end, the light weight remains unstressed. The included smart cover is not only a guardian (scratch-resistant and useful) but it also doubles as a convenient stand for portrait or landscape orientation, presenting solutions for every work process. As for usability, this monitor is very easily adjustable with different requirements throughout the day: It supports multiple display modes like Copy, Extended, Second Screen and Portrait Mode, so you can expand your laptop, expand your desktop, or switch orientations in between based on what you are undertaking then. Enable HDR for a jump in contrast, brightness and realism that adds depth to movies and games both. The built-in stereo speakers enhance multimedia sessions so you can enjoy clear sound without the need to lug a separate accessory. For all of you, that means one less cable and a little less room in your backpack. If you are looking for a way to double your work space area, this is the right choice. See at Amazon

Donkey Kong Bananza drops frames, but that doesn't mean the Switch 2 is weak
Donkey Kong Bananza drops frames, but that doesn't mean the Switch 2 is weak

Digital Trends

time16 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • Digital Trends

Donkey Kong Bananza drops frames, but that doesn't mean the Switch 2 is weak

As I rip a chunk of rock out of the ground and use it to obliterate towers of golden roots or use an explosive rock to shatter an entire cliff face, spawning a cacophony of gold to collect raining down around me in Donkey Kong Bananza, it is impossible to ignore the hit the frame rate takes. In that moment, it almost feels good — like in the days of the SNES when the game would chug when too many particles were on screen — and yet in the back of my mind, I knew it would be used as a talking point for the power of the Switch 2. The original Switch was underpowered from the start, and certainly pushed well beyond its limits in the eight long years it was on the market before the Switch 2. The early years weren't too bad, with Nintendo first party games typically running perfectly fine, but near the end even Tears of the Kingdom started to make the poor Switch buckle. And we don't even need to talk about Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The last thing players want to see is the second major release for the system already pushing the console to the limits. Recommended Videos Yes, Donkey Kong Bananza will drop frames when things get crazy — and even a couple times when I don't think it should — but don't let that convince you the Switch 2 is already maxed out. Learning the ropes Whenever I discuss topics related to hardware and development, the first place I start is with any official statement from the development team itself. Because a few Donkey Kong Bananza previews had raised concerns about the frame rate prior to the game's launch, director Kazuya Takahashi commented on the game's performance and frame rate with Lavenguardia (translated by NintendoEverything). 'There are several factors to consider. First, we intentionally used effects like hit-stop and slow motion to emphasize impacts. Second, because we use voxel technology, there are times when there are major changes and destruction in the environment. We're aware that performance may drop slightly at these times. However, as you say, overall the game is smooth, and at points where large-scale changes occur, we prioritized fun and playability.' There are a few key points to pick out of this statement. First is that Donkey Kong Bananza uses voxel technology to support the level of deformation and destruction in the game, which is certainly not typical for most titles. Because Bananza is such a special case, it wouldn't be fair to use it as a barometer for how future games would perform. An apt comparison would be something like Hyrule Warriors, which seriously chugged on the Switch due to populating the screen with hundreds of characters at once, but wouldn't be fair to hold up as a typical experience. The other point that struck me was the acknowledgment of the performance dips and deliberate choice to accept that concession in exchange for a more fun experience. To me, this sounds like Nintendo saw a way in which it could smooth over moments of slowdown, but it would come at the cost of the game's core goal — letting the player smash through the world like a force of nature. The team wanted to preserve its artistic vision at a small technical cost. Based on my playthrough with Bananza, I think that was the right call. This is Nintendo pulling out all the stops on a game in a way we haven't seen in years. I don't want to hand-wave away framerate dips as being unimportant or claim they add to the experience when any other company would be raked over the coals for the same thing. However, I will draw the line at suggesting that it should be taken as a sign that the Switch 2 is already showing its age. Cherrypicking one example to hold up as the smoking gun is never solid grounding for an argument. I don't believe anyone who is worried about what Bananza's frame rate means for the Switch 2 is doing so maliciously, but more out of genuine concern. And I get it; we just spent $450 on this new piece of hardware, and even Nintendo itself is hitting technical issues. If any developer should be able to squeeze the most power out of the Switch 2, it would be Nintendo, right? Well, yes and no. Nintendo certainly knows the hardware better than any team, but that doesn't make them experts on day one. Every console has a learning curve, and the longer a team has to learn how to best take advantage of the hardware, the more power it can squeeze out of it. We see it every generation, and there's no reason to think it won't happen here. We also need to consider the fact that Bananza was originally a Switch game before moving to the new hardware. It is easy to say that this is a point against the game running poorly, but we have to be honest about how big of an assumption that is on our part. I'm not a developer, and odds are you aren't either. We might think that starting a game on weaker hardware only to move to a vastly more powerful system would mean that there's less excuse for performance woes, but that's just an assumption. We will never know how tricky it is to completely rework a game for new hardware mid-development. Conversations about a game's performance are valuable. If performance has an impact on your enjoyment, positively or negatively, then that is completely valid, but we should aim to keep those conversations contained to each individual experience. The Switch 2 is just getting started, so let's not jump the gun just because Bananza drops frames here and there.

Fast Fusion scratches the hyper fast F-Zero itch
Fast Fusion scratches the hyper fast F-Zero itch

The Verge

time17 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Verge

Fast Fusion scratches the hyper fast F-Zero itch

The Switch 2 technically launched with an F-Zero game, as F-Zero GX was available on Nintendo Switch Online's premium tier as part of the GameCube lineup. But if you're looking for a new F-Zero or Wipeout, the console has a spiritual successor that costs just $14.99: Shin'en's Fast Fusion. Fast Fusion pits you in futuristic sci-fi hovercraft races where you fly forward at hundreds of miles per hour. Races are all about managing boosts by collecting coins to build your boost meter and driving over boost zones on the tracks themselves. (You can boost into opponents to make them spin out to earn some extra coins, which never gets old.) The game looks great — it's the first time I've been really wowed by the Switch 2's graphics. The tracks are thrilling, with rolling hills and tight turns that sometimes make you feel like you're on a roller coaster, especially when you're barreling ahead at super-fast speeds. They all feel distinct, too: In one, you'll drive over a sandy desert as whale-like creatures jump above you. A course in space forced me to dodge meteors falling on the track. One stage set around a volcano was filled with magma. There's no online multiplayer, so you're probably going to be competing mostly against computer opponents. They can be tough, even at the lowest difficulty — sometimes it even feels like they can unfairly rubber-band ahead of you. But as I got more familiar with the tracks, knowing when to boost, and learning where to find alternate rounds, I found I was better at keeping up. Fortunately, you don't have to get first place in a cup to get a good chunk of in-game currency you can use to buy new tracks or vehicles. And you can play local multiplayer, if you want to take on your friends at home. If you tire of cups, there are a few other fun modes to play and earn money from. My favorite was 'Super Hero Mode,' where you have to get first place in a track without blowing up — with the added twist that your boost meter is also a shield meter, similar to F-Zero. It creates an exciting risk-reward dynamic, and I wish there was a mode where you had to complete a whole cup that way. The game's vehicles are much less interesting than the levels. They all looked pretty generic to me. You can pay a small fee to 'fuse' vehicles together to make better racers, though I honestly couldn't tell that much of a difference between the different options. Fast Fusion isn't exactly the same as F-Zero, and I really wish Nintendo would make a brand-new entry in that series. (F-Zero 99 doesn't quite count. Sorry, Wes.) And I'm not getting my hopes up for a new Wipeout game anytime soon. For now, Fast Fusion scratches the high-speed sci-fi racing itch, and it's a great showcase for what's possible with the Switch 2 — and what a new F-Zero might, someday, possibly look like. Fast Fusion is available now on the Nintendo Switch 2.

I've tested the Nintendo Switch 2 for over two weeks, and while there are some teething issues, it's a phenomenal upgrade overall
I've tested the Nintendo Switch 2 for over two weeks, and while there are some teething issues, it's a phenomenal upgrade overall

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

I've tested the Nintendo Switch 2 for over two weeks, and while there are some teething issues, it's a phenomenal upgrade overall

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Nintendo Switch 2: two-minute review After what felt like an eternity of waiting after all the leaks and eventual official announcement back in January 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here. To say the console's had a rough start is an understatement, though, with retail stock difficult to come by at this early stage. This, plus the console's relatively lofty price tag (as well as those of its games), means there are some folks seeking handheld gaming console alternatives. At the time of writing, I've had my Nintendo Switch 2 a couple of weeks, and I've been spending each and every day playing its games and testing the hardware to rate its performance and assess any improvements over the original 2017 console. Despite the lack of ambition and innovation (at least compared to prior consoles like the Wii and Nintendo DS), I think Nintendo has produced an exceptional system here that finally realizes the full potential of the Switch concept. The obvious upgrades, such as support for 4K and 1440p resolutions in docked mode and 120Hz capabilities (both in portable mode and docked on compatible displays) are extremely welcome, and move the Switch 2 a step closer to parity with its more powerful peers in the PS5 and Xbox Series X and S. Of course, the Switch 2 doesn't quite have the raw graphical prowess of those Sony and Microsoft-built machines, but it's not a million miles away, as we see with certain Nintendo Switch 2 ports like Street Fighter 6 or Cyberpunk 2077. Other display-oriented modernities are present here, too, such as HDR10 and VRR support (though, confusingly, variable refresh rate is currently only available in handheld play). The former provides juicier contrast and richer colors on compatible displays, while the latter smooths out framerates for more stable performance. Unfortunately, it's fair to say that the Switch 2's launch game line-up is on the slighter side. Mario Kart World is great and an ideal title to have from day one, but a good chunk of launch day games have been ports of original Switch games or ones carried over from other platforms. While it is great to see big hitters like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom rock an extremely solid 4K/60fps on Switch 2, it hasn't been the most fulsome launch if you're coming at it from a strictly first-party point of view. Thankfully, the Switch 2 breathes life into original Switch titles via impressive backwards compatibility. I'll delve more into this in its own section, but I've seen monumental results playing some of my own Switch favorites on the new console – some of which Nintendo itself hasn't even officially mentioned. There are some downsides worth talking about, of course. For one, battery life is sorely lacking in handheld mode and feels like an abject downgrade compared to the original Switch models. I also clocked some very noticeable audio delay with multiple gaming headsets and earbuds via Bluetooth connection. Furthermore, the skeleton of the original Switch is still present in many ways, with an almost identical Home dashboard, a lack of customization, and the ongoing threat of drift prevailing in the new Joy-Con 2 controllers. Still, the Switch 2 is an accomplished bit of kit, and one that provides a night and day upgrade over its eight-year-old predecessor. I'm definitely looking forward to its game library expanding, as well as the system itself receiving various quality-of-life upgrades via future firmware updates. Nintendo Switch 2: price and availability The Nintendo Switch 2 went on sale on June 5, 2025. The console by itself costs $449.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95. There is also an official bundle that packs in a digital copy of Mario Kart World alongside the console for $499.99 / £429.99 / AU$769.95. Some US and UK retailers have also stocked their own bundles, often throwing in an extra pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers or Nintendo Switch Online subscription time, but you can expect to pay a premium for these. Price-wise, though, the Nintendo Switch 2 (while certainly more expensive than its predecessor) falls about in line with similar contemporary handheld gaming devices, including the original Steam Deck ($399 / £349 / AU$649) and the Asus ROG Ally ($549.99 / £449 / AU$999). Premium devices like the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally X are even more expensive, positioning the Switch 2 at a relatively mid-range price point among gaming handhelds, but certainly on the more affordable side within the space. In terms of home consoles, the Switch 2 does come in cheaper than the PS5 ($499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.95) and lands in the same ballpark as the PS5 Digital Edition ($399.99 / £389.99 / AU$649.95). It's also comparable in price to the Xbox Series X Digital Edition ($449.99 / £429.99 / AU$699). It's also worth noting that Nintendo Switch 2 stock has been an ongoing issue since the pre-order phase. At launch, it's been incredibly difficult to purchase a Switch 2 at retail, and flashes of stock in all major regions come and go in an instant. However, this was also the case with the original Switch and competing systems like the PS5. In both cases, stock became much more plentiful in the months after launch, so I'm hoping the same is true for Nintendo's latest. Nintendo Switch 2: specs Price $429.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95 Weight 1.18lbs / 535g (with Joy-Con 2 attached) Dimensions 10.7 x 4.5 x 0.6in / 272 x 114 x 15mm Storage capacity 256GB internal Storage expansion microSD Express Connectivity WiFi 6, ethernet, Bluetooth Display Vivid LCD Resolution (docked) Up to 4K Resolution (handheld) Up to 1080p GPU Custom Nvidia processor CPU Custom Nvidia processor Battery life 2-5 hours Ports 2 x USB, 1 x HDMI, 1 x LAN, 2 x USB-C, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack Nintendo Switch 2: design and build quality What's most striking about the Nintendo Switch 2 out of the box is its look and build quality improvements over its predecessor. The console looks distinctly less toy-like, largely helped by an overall sleeker design and the ditching of the original Joy-Con's neon red/blue aesthetic. Some may lament the loss of whimsy, and that's fair enough. But it nonetheless stands out amongst the busy gaming handheld crowd. The Switch 2, despite its increased size, remains impressively slim. In fact, it's just as thin as the original Switch, and importantly, lacks the bulk of the likes of the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally X. This means that even though it is bigger thanks to the larger display size, it remains an eminently portable console. Though I would recommend investing in a carry case if you're planning on taking your Switch 2 out and about. While it's undoubtedly sturdier than the Switch, it's still prone to the same environmental wear and tear of any handheld system. The Switch 2 dock has also seen a size increase, but for good reason. This time, the dock houses an internal fan to help keep the unit cool during lengthy play sessions. Thankfully, the dock is still small enough to fit into even the most compact gaming spaces. Whether that be on a TV stand or your computer desk, or elsewhere, you should have little issue incorporating your Switch 2 into a docked setup. The dock also houses two USB ports, one ethernet port, and a HDMI slot for use on TVs or gaming monitors. As for the handheld itself, there's a lot to go over in terms of design. The unit now houses two USB-C ports - one on the top and the other at the bottom. Next to each port are sets of speakers. At the top, you'll also find the power and volume buttons, as well as the game card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a built-in microphone. The Switch 2's kickstand is a huge improvement. The 2017 model had a simple stub kickstand on one side, which felt extremely rigid. The Switch OLED did widen this design idea, but it wasn't much better overall. On Switch 2, the kickstand has been entirely redesigned. It spans almost the entire length of the handheld and can be rotated to a much greater degree. This allows for greater freedom with how you place your Switch 2 on a surface for tabletop play. Another massive improvement comes in how the Joy-Con 2 controllers attach to the handheld. Instead of the original Switch's rigid rail system, the Switch 2 opts for a magnetic connection. As such, the Joy-Con 2 click into place seamlessly and instantaneously. You can also easily pop them back out by pushing in a button housed just underneath the ZL/ZR trigger buttons. One last thing to note is that the Switch 2 is impressively lightweight. At just 1.18lbs (535g), it's only marginally heavier than the original Switch, which was 0.88lbs (399g), and the Switch OLED's 0.93lbs (422g). Admittedly, I was expecting something much heavier before my hands-on preview some months ago, but I remain pleasantly surprised by the Switch 2's slimness. And when compared to the bulkier Steam Deck OLED's 1.41lbs (640g), playing with Switch 2 in bed or on the go is less strenuous overall. Nintendo Switch 2: display Unlike the namesake screen of the Switch OLED, Nintendo has opted for an LCD display for the Switch 2. This may come across as a downgrade on paper, but in reality, the move back to LCD has its own advantages. For one, LCD is less prone to screen burn-in than OLED, allowing for a panel that should last longer. I have no complaints when it comes to the Switch 2's display. It is a monumental upgrade over the original's 720p LCD screen. Furthermore, Nintendo has still managed to ensure that your games still look crisp and vividly colorful during portable play. Nintendo describes its display as 'Vivid LCD,' and it's an accurate description to say the least. The display supports HDR10, meaning games that support this screen tech (like Super Mario Odyssey and the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond) can be just as eye-poppingly colorful on the handheld as they would be on a larger OLED panel. This 1080p screen also supports VRR (variable refresh rate), helping demanding games maintain a smooth framerate and helping 120Hz-compatible titles meet that target. At launch, there aren't many games that benefit from the Switch 2 screen's 120Hz capability, though Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is confirmed to have a 1080p performance mode that targets this high refresh rate. It's bound to look stunning on the handheld that already has a native 1080p resolution. Of course, there will be times when you won't want to make use of HDR10, perhaps in order to save battery or to have a play experience that's less demanding on the eyes. Nintendo has thankfully thought of this, and there are options in the settings menu to disable HDR entirely or to only enable it for true HDR-compatible games. In my testing, I have no complaints when it comes to the Switch 2's display. It is a monumental upgrade over the original's 720p LCD screen. The jump to 1080p helps both Switch 2 and OG Switch games look incredibly sharp. Even titles that utilize a dynamic resolution in handheld mode - like Bayonetta 3 and Astral Chain - are better able to meet this target thanks to the increased power of the Switch 2. Nintendo Switch 2: user interface and settings The Switch 2's Home dashboard is a disappointment at first glance. In fact, you might not be able to tell it apart from the original console's menu if it weren't for the rounded edges applied to game icons on the Switch 2. It's still aggressively bland, then, and you've still only got the choice between two basic white and black themes, but there have been some key improvements worth talking about. The big thing to make note of is performance. Issues with the glacial input delay are practically nonexistent now, and nowhere is this more apparent than the revamped Nintendo eShop. There's a completely new user interface here, and items are organized much more cleanly and smartly than before. And while, yes, you still won't be escaping the mountains of genAI shovelware when looking through the deals section, I'd still argue that the eShop now is a good deal more responsive than even the PlayStation and Microsoft Stores. Over to System Settings, then, and you'll find much of what was available on the original Switch. On Switch 2, there are plenty more options to take advantage of the hardware's new features. These include setting TV output to 1440p or 4K, fine-tuning HDR, as well as preventing your system from topping up its battery all the way to full in order to help the battery last longer in the years to come. A similar option is common with best iPhones and best Android smartphones, so it's nice to see it here on a portable gaming device. Nintendo Switch 2: audio One important addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 is the implementation of a bespoke surround sound system, supported by the speakers on both the top and bottom of the handheld. What impressed me the most here was the surprising level of audio quality when not using a pair of headphones in handheld mode. The speakers are significantly less tinny than the original Switch (though that did also see an improvement with the OLED model), and they provide surprisingly clear audio for such a compact device. The speakers work great for a wide range of games, whether that's the vast immersive soundscape of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or the infectiously catchy tunes of Splatoon 3. Even older NES and SNES games that are playable via Nintendo Switch Online benefit, with their simpler melodies coming through with great clarity. Bluetooth support is where the Switch 2 falters in the audio department. Don't get me wrong, you're still getting strong surround sound support here. But with the gaming headsets and earbuds I tested - including the RIG 900 Max HS and the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds - there was a very noticeable audio delay of around half a second. This was the case in both docked and handheld modes, though it was certainly more pronounced with the latter. On that note, I'd recommend hooking up a pair of wired headphones via the 3.5mm jack. In this case, I tested my Razer BlackShark V2 headphones, and audio came through crystal clear without a hint of delay. Nintendo Switch 2: Performance Now, overall gaming performance is where the Nintendo Switch 2 really impresses. At least at this early stage in the console's life, the notion of poor framerates and heavily compromised Nintendo Switch ports seems to be a thing of the past. Nintendo's own output has thus far been stellar on this front. Mario Kart World runs at a clean 1440p while docked (1080p on the handheld) at a solid 60 frames per second (fps) at all times. That's especially impressive given the series' shift to a vibrant open world. However, I was even more surprised by some of the console's ports. Street Fighter 6, for example (while slightly worse off in terms of image quality with some noticeable graining), runs superbly at 60fps both online and offline. The marquee single-player World Tour mode does take some hits with battles being locked to 30fps, but that's the only real blemish on this otherwise exceptional port. The one major downside to all this is the Switch 2's shockingly poor battery life. In handheld mode, Nintendo itself estimates that you can get anywhere between two to six and a half hours. However, in all my testing, I simply didn't find this to be the case. Of course, more demanding titles will drain the battery a good deal more, but even with original Switch games, I struggled to get more than three hours at full charge. And yes, that's even after bypassing the bug where the console thinks it's got around 10% less battery life than what it actually has. Even when playing less demanding titles, such as side-scrollers or Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) retro games, battery life struggles. You can, of course, mitigate things by turning down the console's brightness and disabling HDR for certain games, but this does come at the cost of overall image clarity. I'd say, at a push, you can get around five hours tops with less visually demanding games, after testing titles like Hollow Knight, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, and numerous Switch Online classic titles. Heck, even idling on the Home dashboard seems to drain the battery at an alarming clip, so do make sure to keep your console in standby when you're out and about and it's not in use. Nintendo Switch 2: Backwards compatibility Nintendo Switch 2's backwards compatibility is - in a word - excellent. Particularly when it comes to running and playing original Switch games. Firstly, most Switch games at a baseline level benefit from Switch 2's faster internal storage. That means you can expect games to boot and load scenes much faster on average. For example, booting Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition took me from the Home dashboard to the in-game menu in around 4 seconds. Then, from the menu to in-game was roughly 10 seconds. It's a similar story with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which loads into a match in literally less than 3 seconds. Another standout example is Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, which I've already written about as being one of my favorite Switch 2 experiences so far, despite being an original Switch title. In the main story mode, the game transitioned from level selection to loading to gameplay in, again, around 3 or 4 seconds. Many Switch games also benefit from an increase in image quality and overall performance, not just games that have received paid Nintendo Switch 2 Editions. The standout example here is Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Most would agree that the original Switch release was a mess, with horrific image quality and choppy animations. On Switch 2, the game has been transformed, rocking a solid 60fps and targeting 4K while docked and 1080p on the handheld. Now, the game's overall art style still does feel a bit flat, but with its key performance issues solved on Switch 2, it's now well worth playing, as it's still a fine Pokémon adventure. Another game that benefits is, again, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition. That game originally had an uncapped framerate, meaning the Switch 2 is able to brute force a 60fps performance at all times. Image quality in handheld mode is also sublime, with the game sporting a 1080p output and no longer needing to downsample to 720p to fit the original Switch display. If you know of any other OG Switch titles with uncapped framerates, definitely give them a try on Switch 2, as the results may surprise you. Nintendo Switch 2: Joy-Con 2 Now onto the Switch 2's pack-in controllers - the Joy-Con 2. And again, we find a pretty sizable improvement over the previous model in some ways. Their overall design is much sleeker, and they're slightly rounder than the original Joy-Con controllers. Their larger size also makes them much more comfortable to play with for longer sessions - even when sharing an individual Joy-Con 2 with a pal for co-op play. The big addition here is mouse controls, which are supported by certain titles, including Civilization 7 and Cyberpunk 2077. Mouse controls can also be used to navigate the Switch 2's Home dashboard and Nintendo eShop (though the lack of a scroll wheel does hurt things a little here). It's a very smart implementation, and performance is extremely smooth with no unnecessary acceleration. You can even adjust mouse sensitivity in the System Settings menu and in supported games. It is worth mentioning that there have already been reports of Joy-Con 2 controllers suffering from stick drift, and the sticks themselves appear to have the same design as the originals. This is a huge shame and a big disappointment, as one of my biggest concerns before launch was the lack of improvements in this regard. Nintendo does offer a free repair and replacement service for Joy-Con 2 controllers suffering from stick drift, but I'd obviously prefer a Hall effect solution in order to avoid this issue entirely. Nintendo Switch 2: GameChat Finally, Nintendo has a true party voice chat solution built into one of its consoles. While numerous titles on the original Switch supported voice chat via the official Nintendo Switch Online app, chatting with friends this way was nothing short of awful - often thanks to forced disconnections between matches and low-quality audio. So, is GameChat a decent alternative to the likes of Discord? Well, yes and no. GameChat obviously takes great inspiration from the world's leading group chat software. Audio quality via the Switch 2's built-in mic is surprisingly clear, and headset microphones are also supported. It is objectively a big improvement over Nintendo's prior efforts. The problems come with its implementation. Namely, shrinking the game screen down in order to display your friends' Switch 2 profile icons. This seems needless, especially when not using the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory, not to mention the fact that GameChat adds massive black borders around your game screen. Discord already solved this with its simple and effective overlay that maintains image resolution while displaying profile icons off to the side in a semi-transparent manner. Editor's note Good news - the potential issue we identified with GameChat compressing your game's live feed has been accounted for. If you head to the settings within GameChat, you'll see you have two further display options; Extend Main Screen and Fullscreen. The former shrinks the GameChat UI, and the latter removes your friends' icons entirely, instead showing a small overlay in the lower right-hand corner with the name of whoever is currently speaking. GameChat isn't lacking ambition, though, and there are some neat ideas here. For example, being able to see your friends' game screens is a novel idea, and a neat way of translating split-screen play in an online space. The problem, again, is the execution of it. Your friends' displays are rendered at an uncomfortably low framerate, to the point where it can actually be quite distracting. I hope Nintendo continues to improve the GameChat service going forward and flesh it out with more customizable options, because it is a handy thing to have for party chat with friends online, and it does have some neat ideas of its own. But for now, I would still recommend setting up a chat with friends via Discord. Should I buy the Nintendo Switch 2? Buy it if... You want a night and day upgrade over the original SwitchSimply put, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the Switch's vision fully realized. An astronomical performance improvement, paired with superb load times and a crisp 1080p display, arguably makes it the definitive gaming handheld. You already have a decent-sized Switch game collectionYour original Switch games play better than ever on Switch 2. While not all benefit from image quality and performance improvements, those that do have never been better. Plus, most games do benefit from the console's snappier load times. You want a handheld gaming device that's genuinely portableWhile larger than the original Switch, it remains just as thin. If you're put off by the bulk of the Steam Deck in particular, then the Switch 2 is an excellent portable alternative if you like to game while out and about. Don't buy it if... You're waiting on more first-party gamesNintendo's own launch roster for the Switch 2 is very slim. If Mario Kart World isn't your bag, and you're not too keen on playing some of these Switch 2 Edition games again, I'd say it's best to hold off until the game library improves. You want a gaming handheld that'll go the distance, battery-wiseThe Switch 2's battery life is incredibly poor. And while battery packs do exist to extend portable playtime, these do have the unfortunate side effect of bulking up the console. If you're a frequent flyer or regularly find yourself on long commutes, the Switch 2's battery life might let you down. Also consider... If the Nintendo Switch 2 isn't quite for you, or if you simply can't find stock for the currently hard-to-get console, here are a couple of alternatives that might better suit your preferences. Nintendo Switch 2 Steam Deck OLED Asus ROG Ally X Price $429.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95 $549 / £479 (around AU$849) $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599 Weight 1.18lbs / 535g 1.41lbs / 640g 1.49lbs / 678g Dimensions 10.7 x 4.5 x 0.6in / 272 x 114 x 15mm 11.7 x 4.6 x 1.9in / 298 x 117 x 49mm 11 x 4.5 x 1.5in / 280.2 x 114 x 37mm Storage capacity 256GB internal 512GB NVMe SSD 1TB M.2 2280 SSD Storage expansion microSD Express microSD microSD Connectivity WiFi 6, ethernet, Bluetooth Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 Display 7.9in Vivid LCD 7.4in OLED 7-inch FHD Resolution 4K docked, 1080p handheld 1080p 1080p CPU Custom Nvidia processor AMD Zen 2 four core 2.4-3.5GHz AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme GPU Custom Nvidia processor AMD RDNA 2 AMD Radeon Graphics Battery life 2-5 hours 2-3 hours Around 8 hours Ports 2 x USB, 1 x HDMI, 1 x LAN, 2 x USB-C, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack 1 x USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD 2x USB-C, 1 x combo jack, 1 x SD card reader slot Steam Deck OLEDValve's premium gaming handheld is impressively customizable, supporting your entire Steam library as well as third-party apps and emulators. The OLED screen is a real treat, too. Just be prepared for some Steam games not being perfectly compatible with the handheld, and expect some performance hits for the more demanding titles. Read our full Steam Deck OLED review Asus ROG Ally XA performance powerhouse and decent battery life position the Asus ROG Ally X as a seriously tempting gaming handheld. While still not quite up to spec with gaming laptops and Windows 11 not being the best fit as an operating system, it's nonetheless a superb way to play Steam, Xbox Game Pass, GOG titles, and more. Read our full Asus ROG Ally X review Nintendo Switch OLEDIt does belong to the original Switch family, meaning it's certainly not packing the power of the Switch 2. But still, the OLED is still a worthwhile and more affordable alternative, and packs a gorgeous 7-inch OLED display. Read our full Nintendo Switch OLED review How I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 for just over two weeks for this review. In docked mode, I played on a 4K-capable LG CX OLED TV, but I also split my time evenly between docked and handheld play. My picks for controllers during my testing were the Joy-Con 2, Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and the wireless Nintendo GameCube Controller for use with the new GameCube classics library via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. My testing also involved playing a whole bunch of Switch 2 and original Switch games. These include Mario Kart World, Street Fighter 6, Yakuza 0: Director's Cut, Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Deltarune, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, and Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition. I also compared the Switch 2's gaming performance to that of the base PS5 and the Switch OLED. While it does lack the sheer power of the former, it's not too far off the mark as we see with some of the Switch 2's excellent ports. And in the case of the latter, it's no contest, and I found it exceptionally hard to revisit my older Switch especially when the new system is almost fully backwards compatible. For audio, I mostly relied on the Switch 2 handheld's in-built speakers, but tested headset audio with the RIG 900 Max HS, Nothing Ear (a) earbuds, and the Razer BlackShark V2 gaming headset.

One of the best retro gaming controllers we've ever tested is finally getting a successor
One of the best retro gaming controllers we've ever tested is finally getting a successor

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

One of the best retro gaming controllers we've ever tested is finally getting a successor

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The 8BitDo Pro 3 has just been announced by the popular controller brand It's due to release in August in the US, and October in the UK Pre-orders have now begun at Amazon Controller manufacturer 8BitDo has announced its next big gamepad, the 8BitDo Pro 3. It'll be a successor to the 8BitDo Pro 2, which remains listed in our guide to the best Xbox controllers and is a superb budget retro gaming option. The brand revealed the 8BitDo Pro 3 controller via its official X / Twitter account. You're able to pre-order it now for $69.99 / £59.99 at Amazon, and it'll begin shipping from August 12, 2025 in the US. However, UK folks will seemingly have to wait a bit longer until October 10, 2025. Color-wise it comes in three flavors; a SNES-inspired 'G Classic', a more traditional 'Gray', and an eye-catching 'Purple' variant. The 8BitDo Pro 3 sounds like it has a mightily impressive feature set, packing Hall effect-like TMR thumbsticks, extra remappable bumper buttons, Hall effect triggers, and Trigger locks. For me, though, the standout feature has to be its swappable magnetic face buttons, as well as the optional joystick modules that could make the 8BitDo Pro 3 perfect for the best fighting games. And much like the 8BitDo Pro 2 before it, likely also a great fit for retro gaming, be that on PC or via Nintendo Switch Online's various retro libraries. On that note, 8BitDo has confirmed the controller is compatible with both Switch and Switch 2, as well as PC, Mac, SteamOS, and Android devices. While this initial model doesn't appear to be compatible with Xbox like its predecessor, there's the possibility another model will be made for the console, as 8BitDo tends to do with its other pads including the 8BitDo Ultimate 2. You might also like... Cyberpunk 2077 update 2.3 will take immersion to the next level with realistic taxis and more Another Pokémon Presents teaser has dropped, this time with an image of Pikachu in front of a rather ominous DJ deck Nintendo's anti-piracy rules have got one Switch 2 owner's console banned after they bought pre-owned games that they later found out were cloned

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store