• 😮 Epic Games has successfully optimized its Lumen lighting system to run on the Nintendo Switch 2

• 💡 This new “Lumen Light” mode delivers high visual quality at significantly lower GPU costs, making it twice as fast as the high-quality alternative

• 💪 Developers can now aim for 60 FPS in games utilizing global illumination, ensuring Switch 2 ports stay competitive with PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

• 🙏 The update paves the way for more titles with advanced ray tracing support and continues the trend of high-profile third-party games on the console

Epic Games has shared some fantastic news for Nintendo Switch 2 developers today, which will subsequently benefit anyone who owns Nintendo’s new handheld.

At its State of Unreal event (thanks, Nintendo Everything), the publisher talked about the next release of Unreal Engine 5.8, and we learned that Lumen Light, part of Unreal Engine’s advanced lighting system, is now running on Nintendo Switch 2.

The company shared that the new mode “is designed to preserve much of the visual impact at a significantly lower GPU cost by using irradiance fields with probe occlusion” and is twice as fast as Lumen High Quality.

Essentially, it means Epic’s Lumen lighting will be more viable on Nintendo Switch 2 games than it was before, and Epic went as far to say “games that rely on global illumination for artistic purposes can run on Nintendo Switch 2 at 60 FPS.”

Any games using Lumen, which includes Fortnite, will benefit from the new advancements, and it means Switch 2 will continue to receive impressive ports that aren’t too far off their PS5 and Xbox Series X|S counterparts.

It also means we should see more Nintendo Switch 2 games with ray tracing support in the future. The first game that will benefit from Unreal Engine 6 will be Rocket League.

We’ve seen the Nintendo Switch 2 attract several high-profile third-party releases during its first year on sale, including Resident Evil Requiem, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Cyberpunk 2077.

Up next: GTA 5 players on PS4 and Xbox One just got a free upgrade – but not to GTA 6, of course

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 📅 GTA 6 has been confirmed for release on November 19, 2026

• 😮 In the meantime, Rockstar is offering a free upgrade for PS4 and Xbox One players to the enhanced PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of GTA 5, starting June 18

• 👏 These upgrades include technical improvements and simplified migration of Story Mode and Online progress

• 📈 The initiative aims to expand the console install base on current-gen hardware, strategically positioning more players for the upcoming GTA 6 launch

Millions of eager gamers are patiently waiting for Rockstar Games to release GTA 6 on November 19, 2026, a release date that’s been confirmed once again by publisher Take-Two’s CEO in rather bizarre fashion.

However, for those who are still playing GTA 5 on PS4 and Xbox One and didn’t purchase the new and shinier version on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, their patience has paid off.

In a blog post, Rockstar shared that is offering existing PS4 and Xbox One GTA 5 players a free upgrade from tomorrow, June 18, so players can “enjoy the best versions of GTA V and GTA Online”.

As Rockstar highlights, the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S release of GTA 5 features “vast technical improvements, easy migration of your Story Mode and Online progress”.

PC players can also enjoy PC-only features like ray traced ambient occlusion and global illumination by upgrading from Legacy to Enhanced for free.

While it may seem like the move is merely a generous gesture on Rockstar’s part, there’s clearly more to it.

Ahead of GTA 6’s launch,‌ Rockstar will want as many people as possible playing on a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S to maximize sales. After all, the larger the install base is for those consoles, the more chances there are to sell a copy of GTA 6.

With the game only launching on Sony and Microsoft’s consoles, and a PC release at least one year or more away, the free GTA 5 upgrade could push more people to upgrade from their aging PS4 and Xbox One consoles. It’s a calculated loss that GTA 6’s publisher will be happy to take.

With November 19 rapidly approaching, we’re still waiting for a GTA 6 pre-order date and to find out more about an inevitable GTA 6 Collector’s Edition. For now, we’ll have to stick with GTA 5 for a little while longer.

Up next: Steam Machine release date inches ever closer as benchmarks leak – here’s how it compares to PS5

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🔊 Google is finally ready to launch its first smart speaker in a long time

• 🤖 The new Google Home Speaker powered by Gemini comes out next week

• 📐 The speaker has a familiar shape to the Nest Audio and comes in a bunch of colors

• 💰 It’ll be priced at $99 and deliver better sound than the aging Nest Mini

• 🛍️ Preorders are now live on Google’s website and Best Buy

Google’s next smart speaker is almost here. After not releasing any new smart home audio products for over five years, the company is finally introducing the Google Home Speaker to the market. It was initially teased nearly 10 months ago during the company’s Pixel 10 launch event, but there was no word on when it would actually ship. Now, we have a firm date: June 25.

Best Buy: Google Home Speaker

The speaker looks a lot like a shorter version of the Nest Audio, which Google acknowledges was a bit tough to place around your home given its size. The new Google Home Speaker is shorter and easier to put on shelves, tabletops, and tighter spaces, like the Nest Mini. Speaking of which, Google says the Home Speaker will have much better audio quality than the Nest Mini, with full 360-degree audio output so that it sounds consistent from wherever you are in the room.

It’s powered by Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, which can be activated the same way you’ve always been able to interact with Google’s smart home speakers: just say “Hey Google,” and you’ll see pulsating lights glow from the bottom of the speaker. The company says it took its time to optimize Gemini for the speaker, according to The Verge, in order to reduce latency and bugs. As a result, the speaker is shipping later than Google initially promised, but is shipping nonetheless.

You’ll be able to pair two Google Home Speakers together for stereo audio output, which could be helpful if you want an accessible way to upgrade your TV’s speakers. The speaker will also support Matter and Thread 1.3 at launch for handling all of your smart home products.

The speaker itself is priced at $99, but there’s a catch: you also need to subscribe to Google Home Premium, which costs $10 per month. This is required to get Gemini Live to work. Luckily, you get a six month subscription bundled with your Home Speaker, but keep in mind that eventually, you’ll need to start paying to use Gemini (unless you subscribe to one of Google’s other AI subscriptions already, of course).

The Google Home Speaker is available in four colors: Porcelain, Jade, Hazel, and Berry. It’s up for preorder now from Google’s website and Best Buy.

Best Buy: Google Home Speaker

Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut and co-host of The Shortcut Live. He’s been reporting on the latest consumer technology since 2015, with his work featured on CNN Underscored, ZDNET, How-To Geek, XDA, TheStreet, and more. Follow him on X @LegendaryScoop and Instagram @LegendaryScoop.

• 🚨 Reservations are now open for Xreal’s new Aura spatial computing smart glasses that run Android XR

• 📅 The glasses are available to reserve for $99, with a full release expected in the fall

• 💰 Pricing is unknown, but the brand is touting a $199 pre-order credit for when you reserve

• 👀 It’s the second device to ship that runs Google’s new Android XR OS, after Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset

Xreal: Xreal Aura

Reservations for the hotly anticipated Xreal Aura smart glasses are finally open, and you can already get in line now.

As per Xreal’s official X account, the spatial computing glasses are available to reserve now with a $99 deposit. With this deposit, Xreal is offering a $199 promo credit on the final purchase price of the device.

The Xreal Aura are the first glasses to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Reality Elite platform, which runs alongside Xreal’s own X1S processor to help with real-time processing and to “deliver an industry-leading 70° FOV”.

In essence, it means Xreal’s own chip is handling tasks such as sensor fusion and spatial mapping, while the Snapdragon chip handles things such as Gemini AI integration and the Android XR operating system for an immersive and powerful experience.

Xreal’s post also notes that the glasses weigh just 95g, making them especially light for a set of spatial computing glasses, while delivering an awful lot of internal power.

Android XR was first shown off at 2025’s Google I/O and has immense potential for bringing powerful spatial computing to a more discreet and easier-to-live-with form factor than a VR headset, bringing the powers of traditional Android apps to a wearable form factor.

It sees Google learning from the mistakes of Google Glass, by partnering with other firms for the hardware – for glasses, that’s the likes of Xreal, but remember it has already released one XR device, the Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset that was shown off last year.

Xreal has made some real strides in this smart glasses space in recent times, with the likes of the Xreal 1S that were also announced at CES 2026. These feature 3D spatial tech, a 52-degree FOV, 1200p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, and retail for $449.

Likewise, the brand recently permanently cut the price of its flagship Xreal One Pro by $100 to make them $599, the gaming-grade ROG Xreal R1 have recently gone up for pre-order, and it has launched its most affordable glasses yet, with the $299 customisable X by Xreal a01s.

Pricing on the Xreal Aura isn’t known just yet officially, but we’re expecting it to be under $1,500. For reference, the Galaxy XR headset costs $1,799. The device is expected to ship this fall, so we don’t have too long to wait.

Up next: Commodore Callback is a retro flip phone inspired by the classic home computer

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 😅 The GTA 6 release date has been confirmed in the strangest way

• 🎤 Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed it in a recent TikTok interview

• 🔒 It’s more official proof that the release date is locked in

• 🙏 That’s good news for those expecting pre-orders to come very soon

We’ve just gotten the weirdest confirmation that the GTA 6 release date is locked in from Take-Two’s CEO.

Strauss Zelnick, the head of Rockstar’s publisher Take-Two, recently conducted an interview with TikToker, The School Of Hard Knocks (thanks, 80 Level).

The TikTok blogger has over 6.7 million followers and usually posts clips of short interviews with famous people, such as Tom Cruise and Shaquille O’Neal. He asks how they became successful, along with some advice for aspiring business owners and young people.

In one recent clip, the account had a chat with Zelnick. Over the course of the interview, one question was, “When is GTA 6 coming out, man?” The Take-Two CEO simply responded, “November 19th.”

@theschoolofhardknocks$8 BILLION from WHAT 🤯 I interviewed the CEO of one of the biggest video game companies in the world, Strauss Zelnick and I asked him how he got RICH! Since his company publishes the “GTA” video games, I asked him when GTA XI is coming out! I also asked him the number one lesson about business he would teach to people that’s not taught in a classroom. Lastly, I asked him the best advice he’d give the younger generation. #wealth #entrepreneur #financialfreedom #motivation

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This is further evidence that the GTA 6 release date is locked in for November 19. We had recently heard similar news from a reliable insider, so it’s excellent to get more official confirmation of this after some gamers had feared it could be delayed into 2027.

The TikToker then asked why it had taken so long for GTA 6 to come out, to which Zelnick explained that the team at Rockstar is seeking to do something that has never been done before, which is difficult and takes a long time.

The interview then moved into the account’s more usual content, asking the Take-Two CEO how much money he’d made in a single year. In response, Zelnick quoted Take-Two’s revenue figures for 2025, $6.7 billion, alongside the projected $8 billion it’s expecting this year.

Ongoing rumors indicate that marketing for GTA 6 will begin very soon, as we’re at the beginning of summer. Supposedly, the last big update for GTA Online is scheduled for next month, which would seem high time for Rockstar to start marketing GTA 6 in earnest.

Recent reports from Insider Gaming have noted that GTA 6 pre-orders are expected in July or August 2026, which would line up with Rockstar’s ramping up of marketing and promo rather nicely.

Up next: Steam Machine release date inches ever closer as benchmarks leak – here’s how it compares to PS5

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 👀 Leaked Geekbench scores suggest an official reveal of Valve’s Steam Machine is likely only weeks away

• 💪 The system uses a custom AMD Zen 4 CPU with six cores and 12 threads, which is more modern than the PS5’s Zen 2 architecture

• 🆚 In benchmark testing, the Steam Machine is 40% faster than the PS5 in single-core performance, though it trails by 10-12% in multi-core tasks

• 💰 Due to the ongoing component crisis, analysts speculate the final price could potentially exceed $1,000

It feels like an official reveal of the Steam Machine’s release date, price, and specs is mere weeks away, as new benchmarks have leaked for Valve’s upcoming system.

Steam Machine, which is codenamed Fremont, has appeared on the testing site Geekbench, which measures a system’s performance. As first highlighted by Olrak29_ on X, the Steam Machine benchmark focuses on the CPU only, so we’re still in the dark over what its GPU is truly capable of.

According to the Geekbench score, the Steam Machine scored 2,282 and 2,334 for single-core performance, and multi-core hit 7,392 and 7,316. The Steam Machine features a custom AMD CPU, which has six cores and 12 threads. It has a 4.86 GHz base clock, 16MB L3 cache, and is based on the Zen 4 architecture.

To put the Steam Machine scores into perspective, it outperforms the PS5 in single-core CPU performance, which scored 1,650 to 1,700. That means the Steam Machine is 40% faster per core.

However, the PS5 inches ahead of the Steam Machine’s CPU when it comes to multi-core performance with a score of 8,000 to 8,500. It’s around 10 to 12% faster thanks to having eight cores. That’s actually a decent result for the Steam Machine, considering it has two fewer cores.

Steam Machine’s CPU is also more modern, running on the Zen 4 architecture instead of the PS5’s aging Zen 2. It should avoid bottlenecks at 1080p and 1440p, and allow for high-fps gaming at 120fps in CPU-heavy titles.

Early indications suggest that the PS5 features a slightly more powerful GPU than the Steam Deck, at least on paper. But again, with more modern architecture and optimization, expect the Steam Machine’s GPU to be comparable.

With the Steam Machine’s benchmarks leaking early, it’s more than likely we’ll hear about Valve’s powerful little box soon. How much it will cost will be a huge factor, as many now believe it will cost more than $1,000 because of the ongoing component crisis.

Up next: GTA 6 release date update shared by a reliable insider – and it’s good news

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 👻 Snap just unveiled Specs, its first AR glasses for consumers, at AWE 2026

• 👓 They blend the everyday wearability of normal glasses with the see-through, spatial-computing power you’d expect from a headset

• 🐉 Two Qualcomm Snapdragon chips run the show, with up to 4 hours of mixed-use battery and no tethered battery

• 📺 The 51º field of view and 16M-color display feels like a 24-inch monitor for work – or a 115-inch movie screen for streaming

• 🤖 Voice control, hand tracking, and AI that can actually see what you’re looking at

• 💰 $2,195, shipping this fall in the US, UK, and France. Pre-orders open today with a $200 refundable deposit

Picture a 100-inch movie theater that only you can see, floating on the wall of your apartment. Walking directions painted onto the sidewalk in front of you so you never get lost. AI that answers questions about whatever you’re actually looking at – no phone, no looking down.

That’s the everyday pitch behind Snap’s new Specs, and after years of “smart glasses” that mostly just snapped photos and relayed your texts, this is the first pair that feels like the future strapped to your face.

Snap – yes, the company behind Snapchat – made it official today at Augmented World Expo: Specs are its first pair of augmented reality glasses built for actual people instead of developers in a lab. (And no, that’s not a typo for “spec sheet.” Specs is the name.)

Full disclosure: I’ve been on this ride since the very start. I reviewed the original Snapchat Spectacles at TechRadar back in 2016 – the yellow camera-sunglasses that shot circular video for Snapchat and, true story, nearly got me thrown out of Yankee Stadium. My verdict at the time boiled down to “fun, but it’s a toy for Snapchatters.” 10 years later, Snap has come a very long way – this is no longer a toy.

Where Specs out-see the Apple Vision Pro

Specs are a fully standalone wearable computer crammed into a pair of glasses. No puck. No tether. No phone required. You put them on, look straight through the lenses like normal eyewear, then flip on Snap OS and watch your field of view fill up with apps, AI, and 3D experiences floating in the space around you.

Here’s the part that matters: these aren’t a heads-up display bolted onto sunglasses. They’re real see-through AR – digital content anchored in the actual room in front of you. Think Apple Vision Pro magic, minus the ski-goggle silhouette and the battery brick on your hip. Maybe this is what an “Apple Vision Air” was supposed to be.

The Vision Pro fakes “seeing the real world” by piping camera feeds to screens inside the headset. Specs skip all that – you’re literally looking through clear glass. That difference is bigger than it sounds, and it’s the reason these can pass as everyday glasses instead of a gadget you strap on for a demo.

The killer feature might be never getting lost again

Max and I have been banging this drum for years, both on The Shortcut and back when I was at TechRadar: the single most useful thing true AR glasses can do is guide you through physical space. Not a tiny map in the corner of your eye – an actual line on the ground leading you exactly where you need to go.

Snap demoed precisely that: directions appearing right on the street in front of you. But here’s the version I can’t stop thinking about: imagine a glowing path leading you down a stadium aisle to your exact seat location – at the same kind of sports stadium that once tried to eject me for wearing Spectacles. Or a line snaking through the grocery store straight to that one item buried on shelf four of aisle 11. Or my favorite techie example: navigating CES, where an Uber drops you off at the front of a hotel in Las Vegas, and the meeting room you need to go to is located through a casino that feels like a labyrinth.

That’s the moment AR glasses stop being a novelty and start being something you’d genuinely miss when you take them off.

The biggest screen nobody else can see

The headline feature lives in the lenses. Snap uses its own liquid-crystal-on-silicon display tech to beam a 51º field of view with 16 million colors right into your sightline.

That 51º number is worth pausing on: it’s genuinely wide for true see-through AR. The waveguide “notification” glasses that just float a little box of text in front of you – think Meta’s Ray-Ban Display – work in a much narrower window.

Specs give you enough room that, per Snap, it feels like a 24-inch monitor when you’re working or a 115-inch home theater when you’re watching a movie. (Tethered “display glasses” like Xreal and Viture quote similar numbers, but those are essentially a floating screen you plug into a phone – Specs pull it off standalone.) Either way: it’s a movie-theater-sized screen only you can see.

Tinted like a Boeing 787 Dreamliner

The lenses pull another neat trick. They use electrochromic tinting – the same idea behind the dimmable windows on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner – shifting from clear to tinted in about 10 seconds so the display stays readable whether you’re inside or out in the sun.

Here’s why that’s a bigger deal than it sounds, and a personal gripe of mine: the photochromic “transitions” lenses in a lot of sunglasses – yes, including my Meta Ray-Bans – react to UV light, which makes them slow to darken and unreliable when you’re constantly ducking between sun and shade. Not ideal for a bright walk through NYC. Electrochromic lenses are electrically controlled instead, like a 787 window you dim on command rather than one waiting on the weather.

Snap’s developer Spectacles let you both auto-adjust the tint to your surroundings and set it yourself from a menu – so here’s hoping the consumer Specs keep that deliberate control instead of leaving it to a laggy light sensor.

Lenses are the apps – and Snap OS is a real computer

The thing to understand about Specs is that they run a full operating system, Snap OS, not a glorified notification ticker. This is where they pull away from something like Meta’s Ray-Ban Display glasses, which mostly surface a voice assistant and a few alerts. Specs have apps, tools, games, and a whole environment you actually do things in.

Those apps are called Lenses, and you can think of them as apps for your face. Developers have already built hundreds for Specs, ranging from genuinely handy to delightfully weird:

• PuttView reads your golf green and shows you the line

• Apollo 11 drops you into the moon landing

• Vector Fields makes invisible physics forces visible for students

Each one leans on hardware your phone simply doesn’t have, which is the whole point – these aren’t phone apps floating in the air, they’re experiences that only make sense when the computer can see the room.

Two Qualcomm Snapdragon chips do the heavy lifting

Here’s where the slightly bigger frames pay off. Specs are a touch chunkier than your Meta Ray-Bans, but that extra room means Snap didn’t have to skimp on silicon.

Inside are two Qualcomm Snapdragon processors splitting the workload: one handles computer vision – understanding the room you’re standing in – while the other is dedicated to running Lenses. The payoff is fast hand tracking and a claimed 7ms motion-to-photon latency, quick enough that, per Snap, digital objects feel genuinely glued to the real world instead of lagging a beat behind your head.

You drive the whole thing with your hands and your voice. In Snap’s demos, you can ask the built-in AI a question out loud and watch the interface act on it – no controllers, no fishing for your phone.

Built to wear – no battery bank required

Snap clearly obsessed over the part where you actually have to wear these. They’re made from Swiss TR90 polymer and come in two sizes – the 47mm pair weighs 132g, the 52mm pair 136g. Removable inserts handle prescriptions, so glasses-wearers aren’t left out.

Battery life is the asterisk. You get up to four hours of mixed use – audio, video, AI, notifications, the works. The included charging case tops you off 4x more times for around 20 total hours. Four hours isn’t all-day, but it’s a solid hour-plus more than even the latest M5 Apple Vision Pro manages – and you’re not dragging a battery pack around on your hip to get it.

AI that can see what you see

The pitch Snap keeps coming back to is that AI gets dramatically more useful once it can see what you see. Instead of typing a question into a chat box, you look at something and ask about it, and the help shows up right where you need it. As CEO Evan Spiegel framed it, this is intelligence that understands what you’re trying to do in the moment, rather than intelligence stuck in a text window.

Snap is also opening the floodgates for developers. It’s rolling out a developer preview of what it calls agentic development – essentially building Lenses with AI coding assistants you may already use, including Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor. There’s also a new SPECS Spatial Benchmark, which measures how well AI models handle real-world spatial tasks like reasoning about layouts and how digital content should sit in a physical room, plus tools to help studios port existing projects over. More developers building means more reasons to actually wear the things at launch.

Privacy, because of course

Strapping cameras to your face invites the obvious questions, and Snap is getting ahead of them. Specs ask before tapping into sensitive info, lean on on-device processing, and light up an LED whenever they’re recording so the people around you know.

Back in 2016, I argued the original Spectacles’ obvious recording light was the right call – “we’re Snapchatters, not spies.” A decade later, that principle matters a lot more. Whether it’s enough to win over the room is a very 2026 problem we’ll all be living through together.

The price tag – and my early read

Now, the splash of cold water: Specs are not cheap. Pre-orders open today at Specs.com for $2,195, locked in with a $200 refundable deposit. They’re slated to ship this fall in the US, UK, and France. Earlier rumors floated $2,500 – so $2,195 is, weirdly, a small relief.

Will these outsell the impossibly trendy Meta Ray-Bans? Probably not. Those are a fashion accessory first and a gadget second. But that’s kind of the point. Specs aren’t trying to be jewelry – they’re trying to be the first AR glasses that put real spatial computing on your face without making you look like Carl from Up – which is more than I can say for Meta’s display glasses.

If Snap pulls this off, it just beat Apple, Meta, and Samsung to a product they’re all still working up to – and shipped quite possibly the most futuristic thing you’ll be able to buy this year. We’ll have a lot more to say once we get a pair on our face.

For now? A decade ago, a pair of Spectacles nearly got me thrown out of Yankee Stadium. If Snap’s right about where this goes, the next pair might just walk me back to my seat.

Up next: Xreal launches a more affordable range of AR glasses with HDR10 support

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• 👋 Microsoft plans to close three gaming studios acquired between 2018 and 2019: Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine

• 📉 The decision follows a “reset” announced by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, aiming to improve profitability amid declining annual revenue

• 😔 Despite receiving resources and creative freedom, the studios failed to produce commercially successful titles that boosted Xbox’s financial performance

• 😬 This move continues a trend of restructuring at Microsoft, following previous closures of other acquired studios like Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin

After an extremely positive showing at the Xbox Games Showcase this year, reports indicate that Microsoft is set to close three studios it acquired in 2018 and 2019.

The studios that are reportedly on the chopping block are Ninja Theory (as reported by The Verge), which created Senua’s Saga 2: Hellblade II, Compulsion Games (as reported by Kotaku), responsible for South of Midnight, and Double Fine, which recently released Kiln.

Double Fine’s social media account responded to the news with a sweating face emoji.

The news broke after new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed Microsoft’s gaming division was undergoing a reset, which hinted at potential layoffs.

However, no one expected Microsoft to close three studios that it recently acquired, though it’s not all that surprising, really.

Since its acquisition in 2018, the only game Ninja Theory released was Senua’s Saga 2: Hellblade II, which, by all accounts, didn’t exactly sell well. A new game was announced at the Xbox Games Showcase called Senua, but it’s not out until next year.

Compulsion Games released South of Midnight, a game that may have attracted a few niche industry awards, but that praise never materialized into sales.

Finally, Double Fine technically released three games since its 2019 acquisition in Psychonauts 2, Keeper, and Kiln. Aside from Psychonauts 2, which was crowdfunded before Microsoft’s acquisition and a multiformat release from day one, both Keeper and Kiln weren’t exactly popular by any means.

To Microsoft’s credit, all three studios were seemingly given the resources, time, and freedom to focus on the projects they wanted to make. However, none of the games they made have helped transform Xbox’s fortunes.

Clearly, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has identified the three studios as being a drain on the coffers, especially as we recently found out that the Xbox division, while still profitable, has seen its annual revenue decline by almost half a billion in the past five years.

As Sharma’s public memo to staff on Xbox Wire highlighted, “We will end this fiscal year at about a 3% accountability margin, down year-over-year. Excluding Activision Blizzard King, over the past five years, we have spent over $20 billion on ongoing investments in our content, platform, and hardware subsidy, but our annual revenue has declined nearly half a billion during that time. Going forward, this cannot continue.”

The last studios Microsoft shut down were Tango Gameworks, Arkane Austin, and two other Bethesda-owned studios.

Microsoft famously went on a buying spree between 2018 and 2021, acquiring Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Playground Games, Undead Labs, Double Fine, ZeniMax Media/Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard/King.

While the move sent shockwaves through the gaming industry at the time, there’s no doubt that the acquisitions made Xbox a more bloated, and significantly more expensive division. Expect more changes to come as Xbox resets, to use Sharma’s term.

Up next: Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition: price, pre-order, and release date

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🤔 The Commodore Callback is a retro-styled flip phone designed to reduce screen time by bridging the gap between smartphones and dumb phones

• 📷 It includes a 48MP camera, audiophile-grade audio support, and FM radio, while intentionally blocking social media, email, and productivity apps.

• 🕹️ The device runs 99% of Android apps in Linux – such as WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Spotify – and comes pre-loaded with classic Commodore 64 games and Snake

• 📅 Pre-orders begin on June 30, 2026, with prices starting at $499 and a $100 discount available for waitlist members.

Commodore, synonymous with the classic home computre from the 80s, is now creating a flip phone that aims to bridge the gap between a smartphone and a dumb phone, and it’s fittingly called the Commodore Callback.

The phone is designed so that you spend less time staring at a screen, but if you want to take a photo, it’s armed with a 48MP Sony rear camera that includes flash and intelligent autofocus.

If you want to listen to music, the Commodore Callback includes an audiophile-grade DAC, which supports HD audio and lossless files, and there’s a pair of HQ IEM earphones included in the box. It also includes a built-in FM radio.

The Commodore Callback may be positioned as a dumb phone, but it runs 99% of Android apps in Linux. That includes Google Maps, Spotify, and other compatible apps you may want to install.

In terms of gaming, the Callback ships with a modest selection of classic and modern Commodore 64 games, and with Nokia heritage, it also includes Snake. Retro gaming fans can also enjoy ringtones and alarms, which include several officially licensed classic and new tunes from the Commodore 64’s legendary SID chip.

Interestingly, the Commodore Callback seemingly blocks social media apps, email, Slack/Teams, and there’s obviously no system AI. You can install WhatsApp, though.

Specs wise, it has a 3.25-inch IPS display, 4GB of RAM with 64GB of internal storage, along with a 32GB microSD. It also has a rear 1.77-inch VFD-style screen, a removable 1550mAh battery, and Dome-LED notification system.

If you’re interested in purchasing the Commodore Callback, pre-orders begin on June 30, 2026, and it starts at $499. You can save $100 by joining the waitlist, and there are five colors to choose from.

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🆕 Nintendo has released a firmware update for Switch and Switch 2

• 💨 It’s dramatically improved the performance of the Nintendo eShop on the original Switch

• 👏 Dutch and Russian languages are now better represented on Switch 2

• 🥳 It’s a small but important update that comes as Switch 2 celebrates its first birthday

Nintendo has released a new firmware update for both Switch 2 and Switch, with both consoles now on version 22.5.0.

Intriguingly, the OG console is the one that’s seen a bigger update, with changes made to the eShop, while the Switch 2 has received some accessibility options.

To be specific, Nintendo has redesigned the layout of the eShop on the original Switch and changed the color so it’ll now reflect the theme color if your theme in the settings menu is set to “Basic Dark”.

It’s now far quicker to load content, and has finally fixed one of the original Switch’s biggest problems. It’s strange that it’s taken Nintendo all these years to fix it, but it’s better late than never.

The new update has also added a user verification PIN option that can be used to confirm the use of saved payment methods as an additional authentication option.

As for the Switch 2, Nintendo’s changes mostly focus on Dutch and Russian accessibility options, with both being added as text-to-speech languages in the console’s accessibility settings and as an option during GameChat use.

Nintendo also says it’s made general improvements to the Switch 2’s stability and added the ability to rewind or advance ten seconds when watching a fullscreen video in the News or Nintendo eShop tabs by using the ZL and ZR buttons.

In the grand scheme of things, this is quite a small update, but nonetheless an important one. Nintendo’s biggest update of 2026 has been 22.0.0, which added the Handheld Boost Mode feature that allows compatible Switch 1 games to run with higher resolutions and frame rates, similar to TV Mode performance, plus improvements to GameChat and other optimizations.

Nintendo has brought a steady stream of updates to the Switch and Switch 2 over their lifespan, the latter of which is now a year old and has been a smash hit beyond even Nintendo’s own expectations.

Up next: Best Switch 2 games 2026: 10 titles you need to buy for Nintendo’s new console

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 📅 GTA 6 seems on track for its November 19 release date

• 🤔 That’s according to reliable insider NateTheHate who says it’s on track unless something unexpected happens

• 🙏 That’s good news, as it had been feared the game could have been delayed again

• 🔜 Rockstar is rumored to begin marketing GTA 6 this summer, alongside opening up pre-orders

After months and months of delays, we might finally have gotten some good news regarding GTA 6’s release date, according to one insider.

As was first reported by ComicBook, industry insider NateTheHate has said regarding GTA 6 that, “Unless something unexpected & catastrophically goes wrong with GTA VI in the immediate future... it’ll hit in November as planned” in a post on X.

As much as leaks should be taken with a pinch of salt, Nate the Hate is quite a reliable insider with a good track record. For instance, they posited the release of both the Star Fox and Ocarina of Time remakes ahead of Nintendo’s official confirmation.

We had already heard that the GTA 6 release date was seemingly locked in for November 19, but it’s always helpful to hear multiple sources corroborate on such a big story, which is reassuring for folks who feared it could be delayed into 2027.

The ongoing rumor is that we could see marketing for GTA 6 begin very soon, as we’re at the beginning of summer. Supposedly the last big update for GTA Online is scheduled for next month, which would seem high time for Rockstar to start marketing GTA 6 in earnest.

Recent reports from Insider Gaming have noted that GTA 6 pre-orders are expected in July or August 2026, which would line up with Rockstar’s ramping up of marketing and promo rather nicely.

We had been expecting an impending pre-order several weeks ago, courtesy of a Best Buy affiliate email sent to websites and creators that mentioned GTA 6 as a ‘new product’ with a window of May 18 to May 21, although this never came to fruition.

If there were going to be a further delay to GTA 6, we would have arguably expected it by now, especially with the recent Take-Two earnings call being a forum where such large events like a potential delay would have been mentioned.

All we can do now is sit and wait until November 19, it seems.

Up next: GTA 6 release date delay has forced one AI founder to vibe code his own Grand Theft Auto ripoff

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 🥇 The Nintendo Switch 2 offers brand-new titles and upgraded versions of classic games with improved visuals, performance, and features

• 😍 Enhanced classics like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom now boast 4K resolution, smoother frame rates, and added content

• 👏 New titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza deliver fresh experiences

• 💪 Games like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Resident Evil Requiem showcase the Switch 2's power, delivering stunning graphics and high-octane performance

The Nintendo Switch 2 has only been on sale for just over a year, but it already has an extensive library of must-have exclusives, excellent third-party ports, and refreshed classics you need to play.

If you’ve just picked up a Switch 2, or are looking for something new to play, our best Switch 2 games guide can steer you in the right direction. We’ve played all the games on this list, which means we can genuinely recommend them.

Just like our lists of the best PS5 games and best Xbox games, some of our Switch 2 were technically released years ago. However, thanks to a free or paid upgrade for Switch 2, they've been given a new lease of life on Nintendo's more powerful system. Some of the updates are truly transformative, too, and make many of the best Switch games even more of a joy to behold.

• Walmart: Switch 2 console

• Best Buy: Switch 2 console

• GameStop: Switch 2 console

• Target: Switch 2 console

• Sam’s Club: Switch 2 console

If you've just got your Nintendo Switch 2 or are planning to upgrade to Nintendo's next console in the near future, these are the best Switch 2 games you need to buy in 2026. We'll update this list regularly in the future, so check back when the latest Switch 2 games are released.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

“It should have been a pack-in game.” That was the consensus around Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour ahead of the console’s launch. However, it turns out the game is far more in-depth and compelling than initial hands-on impressions revealed, leading many to change their minds.

With minigames and tech demos designed to show off exactly what the Switch 2 is capable of, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour suddenly feels like an essential title. It’s full of charm, interesting information, and an excellent way to get to know your new console.

9. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

A game that was too much for the PS4 and Xbox One to handle is now running beautifully on Switch 2. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition includes the Phantom Liberty DLC expansion and doesn’t make any compromises, even though it’s running on a handheld.

• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition at Walmart - $69

• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition at Best Buy - $69.99

• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition at GameStop - $69.99

• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition at Amazon - $69

If you wanted a game that proves just how powerful the Switch 2 is, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is the perfect showcase title. It’s still an engrossing game, and the sort of release that would never be possible on the original Switch 1.

8. Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are widely celebrated as two of the best 3D platformers of all time. And thankfully, both games are now playable on the Nintendo Switch 2.

• Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 at Walmart - $69

• Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 at Best Buy - $69.99

• Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 at GameStop - $64.99

• Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 at Amazon - $69

The games benefit from a boost in resolution to 4K in TV mode and 1080p in handheld mode, and look absolutely glorious as a result. There’s also some new content, accessibility options, and minor tweaks that make Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the Nintendo Switch 2 the definitive versions. If you haven’t played either of these games, fix that today.

7. Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition takes one of the best Switch games and makes it even better. Yes, the upgrade pack price is steep at $19.99, but it includes an additional expansion called Star-Crossed World.

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition at Walmart - $79.99

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition at Best Buy - $79.99

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition at GameStop - $79.99

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition at Amazon - $79

Kirby and the Forgotten Land also benefits from a performance boost to 60fps instead of its current 30fps target on Switch. In addition, the game's gorgeous visuals are brought to life at a higher resolution.

6. Yoshi and the Mysterious Book

A truly charming adventure, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is all about the joy of discovery. As you explore a lovingly crafted, storybook-style world, you’ll need to use your intuition to research curious creatures and unlock all the ways they interact with the environment.

• Yoshi and the Mysterious Book at Walmart - $49

• Yoshi and the Mysterious Book at Best Buy - $59.99

• Yoshi and the Mysterious Book at GameStop - $49.99

• Yoshi and the Mysterious Book at Amazon - $69

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a charming and ultimately rewarding experience to play through, and one of the many unique games that you’ll only find on Nintendo Switch 2.

5. Super Mario World 3D + Bowser’s Fury

While Super Mario 3D World was originally released on Wii U in 2013 and then on the Switch in 2021 with the Bowser’s Fury expansion, Nintendo has given fans another reason to play it on Switch 2 in 2025.

• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury at Walmart - $49

• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury at Best Buy - $59.99

• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury at GameStop - $49.99

• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury at Amazon - $52.99

The game has received a free Switch 2 update that adds GameShare support, so you can play with up to four people even if they don’t own the game. The frame rate has also been optimized, along with the visuals, and HDR support has been added in the Bowser’s Fury mode.

4. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

A game that truly showcases the Nintendo Switch 2’s new display capabilities. Running at 4K/60fps or 1080p/120fps with HDR enabled, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a sight to behold. Its presentation is immaculate, making its alien worlds feel more alive than ever before.

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition at Walmart - $69

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition at Best Buy - $69.99

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition at GameStop - $69.99

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition at Amazon - $69.99

There’s a few wrinkles during the game’s campaign, but fans of the Prime series will find plenty to enjoy. It may have taken eight years to arrive since its announcement, but it captures the essence of what the series is renowned for.

Check out our full Metroid Prime 4: Beyond review for more.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom need no introduction. They're two of the best Switch games, and arguably two of the best games ever made. Period. Both have been enhanced for Switch 2, boosting performance from an often shaky 30fps to a locked 60fps.

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at Walmart - $79

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at Best Buy - $79.99

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at GameStop - $79.99

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at Amazon - $79

The game's resolution, ambient occlusion, and shadows have also been improved. However, it isn't just a graphical upgrade that makes these games even better on Switch 2. You can now access the Zelda Notes app, which adds features such as in-game achievements, the ability to share items with friends, and discover more of the game's lore.

2. Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World is an exciting entry that throws away the series' rulebook. You're no longer confined to racing around a set number of tracks. Instead, the entire world is a racecourse, and everything is interconnected.

• Mario Kart World at Walmart - $79

• Mario Kart World at Best Buy - $79.99

• Mario Kart World at GameStop - $79.99

• Mario Kart World at Amazon - $79

You can also ride along walls, grind on rails, and discover countless challenges as you roam around. New modes like Knockout Tour are a blast to play, and the game's cast of characters and toe-tapping soundtracks have never looked or sounded better. We may have had to wait nine years for a follow-up to Mario Kart 8, but it was certainly worth it.

1. Donkey Kong Bananza

It’s been 20 years since the last 3D Donkey Kong game, but Donkey Kong Bananza has certainly been worth the wait. It’s undoubtedly the killer app the Nintendo Switch 2 has been waiting for, harnessing the console’s new power to deliver unprecedented levels of destructible environments.

• Donkey Kong Bananza at Walmart - $69

• Donkey Kong Bananza at Best Buy - $69.99

• Donkey Kong Bananza at GameStop - $64.99

• Donkey Kong Bananza at Amazon - $69.99

You’ll need to smash through terrain to uncover hundreds of delicious bananas for DK to feast on, upgrade your abilities with skill points, and unlock powerful transformations to access new areas. If you enjoyed Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananza is a must-buy for Switch 2.

• Up next: Nintendo Switch 2 120fps games: Enjoy silky-smooth frame rates in these titles

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Last updated: June 16, 2026

Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

🏆 Rating: 4/5

✅ Pros

• 🚀 Fantastic performance thanks to the Snapdragon X2 Elite

• 🔋 Battery life that lasts all day (and then some)

• 📐 Sleek design that’s lightweight and thin

• ⌨️ Very comfortable keyboard

• 📺 OLED display is perfect for watching videos

❌ Cons

• 💰 You have to pay a premium to get a 2.8K 120Hz display

• 📷 1080p webcam isn’t as sharp or clear as others

• 🕹️ Gaming isn’t one of its strong suits

• 👆 Diving-board trackpad feels dated

The Shortcut review

Lenovo is no stranger to making some of the best Windows laptops on the market, and the Yoga Slim 7x Gen 11 (2026) fits perfectly in that category. It’s an upgraded version of the 2024 model that helped put the ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite chip on the map, which proved to be an incredible performer in the laptop. The new version of the laptop includes the Snapdragon X2 Elite, an even more capable chip, and it doesn’t disappoint.

After three weeks of testing this $1,379.99 laptop, it’s proven to be not just a great Windows laptop, but also a great MacBook Air alternative. Between its design, performance, battery life, and size, it’s a fantastic option if you want the perks of a MacBook Air, minus macOS.

With very few compromises and a reasonable price, the Yoga Slim 7x is a great choice for anyone who just needs a good laptop. Unless you plan to play heavy games or edit complex videos, it’s ideal for nearly every workflow.

Best Buy: Yoga Slim 7x (2026)

Review notes

📐 Same thin-and-light design. When I unboxed the Slim 7x, I did a double-take to make sure it wasn’t the old version. The new model has the same exact design as the original, which isn’t a bad thing. The laptop weighs just over 2.5 pounds and measures 13.9mm thick (just over half an inch), making it ideal for portability. The 14-inch screen also keeps its footprint compact, so it won’t take up much room in your bag. As a productivity machine for on the go, this laptop aces it.

🔵 Hope you like blue. Similarly, much like the last generation, Lenovo is only selling this laptop in a dark blue finish. While it does look nice straight out of the box, it collects fingerprints like a magnet. It’s pretty easy to clean, but you’ll be doing it often if you want it to look its best all the time. I just decided to ignore it and hope that Lenovo eventually ships a version in dark gray or silver.

📺 A lovely OLED screen… The 14-inch display on the Yoga Slim 7x uses an OLED panel, which helps make colors vibrant and punchy. Black levels remain deep and rich, and there’s support for HDR content with Dolby Vision. It’s also a touchscreen, which is always a nice touch. It really is a lovely screen, but there’s a catch: there are two tiers.

💰 … but for a price. I was sent a Yoga Slim 7x with a Full HD 60Hz display. While that isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, the old model came standard with a 2.8K 90Hz display, which looks sharper and smoother in comparison. That option is still available in Lenovo’s lineup (with an upgraded 120Hz refresh rate, too), but you have to pay an extra $200-$300 depending on which model you’re eyeing up. Again, it’s not a dealbreaker, but it’d be nice if the better screen came standard as it did on the old Slim 7x.

⌨️ Comfortable keyboard with a dated trackpad. I love the keyboard on this laptop. Lenovo never fails to impress with its ability to make a comfortable keyboard, and the Slim 7x delivers. Key travel is satisfying with good clicking sounds across the board, and it’s great for long typing sessions. The trackpad is another story; while it’s certainly functional and capable enough for multi-touch gestures, the diving board mechanism feels dated in 2026. With so many premium laptops switching to haptic touchpads, it’d be nice to see Lenovo bring one to one of its premier Snapdragon-powered laptops.

🍎 MacBook Air-like performance. The Snapdragon X2 Elite inside the Yoga Slim 7x is a game-changer for anyone coming from older, inefficient Intel chips. It uses a similar ARM architecture as Apple’s M series, and it delivers even better performance than the first X Elite chip. With up to 31% faster CPU performance, better graphics, and better AI processing, the Slim 7x is a speedster. This is where the most parallels between it and the MacBook Air come into play; it’s way faster than you think, it sips power, and it’s somehow crammed into a laptop this thin and light. All that for under $1,500 is pretty great.

✅ Great for productivity, general use, and more. This is a very powerful laptop for the price and its size, which makes it ideal for anyone who needs something dependable to get work done on the go. The boosted CPU performance makes the experience feel smooth and snappy, and with up to 32GB of RAM, you can keep a bunch of stuff running at the same time with no issue. Even the 16GB model I’ve been testing has handled all the apps I need every day like Google Chrome (with a bunch of tabs open), Spotify, Lightroom, Slack, and Todoist.

🔥 It runs warm, but only under serious stress. You have to have a ton of things going on this laptop for it to get warm. Unlike a MacBook Air that will stay cool during almost any workload, the Yoga Slim 7x will eventually reach a point where it gets quite hot in the middle of the base toward the hinge. I noticed this a couple of times when sitting outside working; between the heat of the New York City sun and Lightroom running on all cylinders, it didn’t stand a chance staying cool. Most of the time, it’ll be fine, but it’s definitely susceptible to heating up.

🕹️ Gamers: skip this one. If there’s one thing the Yoga Slim 7x isn’t designed for, it’s gaming. Trying to get your favorite titles to run on all cylinders with an ARM-based Windows laptop is tough to begin with, and between the lackluster graphics and middling heat management, it’s not a great idea to buy this laptop in hopes of playing Red Dead Redemption 2 on the go.

🔋 Battery life that lasts all day. The efficiency of the Snapdragon X2 Elite coupled with the 70WHr battery give the Yoga Slim 7x impressive endurance. It can last a full 8-hour day with no issue with my heavier-than-average usage. Those who stick to typical office work and productivity apps can probably extend it to 12-14 hours of usage, which falls way behind Lenovo’s claim of 20-24 hours of usage but is still enough to be considered great battery life. Plus, the supplied 65W charger is fast enough to juice up the laptop in well under two hours from 0%.

🔌 Limited IO. The Yoga Slim 7x has three USB 4 ports on its sides and… that’s it. There’s no SD card reader, HDMI port, or even a headphone jack. You’re stuck with just three USB-C ports. Granted, they’re very versatile ports that all support 40Gbps speeds, but if you want to connect anything beyond a USB-C cable, you’ll have to use an adapter.

🔊 Middling speakers and webcam. The speakers on this laptop have a decent amount of bass, but don’t provide much clarity or richness for listening to music. They’re passable for video calls and listening to podcasts, but for anything more, you’ll want a Bluetooth speaker or a pair of headphones. Meanwhile, the 1080p webcam is sharp (and can be electronically disabled with a physical switch on the side of the Slim 7x), but makes you look washed out and grainy in most lighting conditions. Again, fine for video calls, but not the best on the market.

Should you buy the Yoga Slim 7x Gen 11?

Yes, if…

• ✅ You want great performance and battery life

• ✅ You need a thin and light laptop

• ✅ You want a Windows-powered alternative to the MacBook Air

No, if…

• ❌ You need more ports beyond USB-C (get the ThinkPad X1 Carbon)

• ❌ You’re a gamer (get the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10)

• ❌ You want a nicer screen for less money (get the Acer Swift 16)

Best Buy: Yoga Slim 7x (2026)

Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut and co-host of The Shortcut Live. He’s been reporting on the latest consumer technology since 2015, with his work featured on CNN Underscored, ZDNET, How-To Geek, XDA, TheStreet, and more. Follow him on X @LegendaryScoop and Instagram @LegendaryScoop.

• 😅 One AI founder is attempting to vibe code his own version of GTA 6

• 🤖 Ziwen Xu is using Claude’s Max20 generative model to help

• 🤷‍♂️ So far, he’s got basic character formation and backgrounds, but has a long way to go

• 📅 Rockstar has nothing to fear, with GTA 6 scheduled to release in five months or so

We’ve been waiting so long for GTA 6 that it’s gotten to the stage where people are trying to make their own version of the game with the help of AI.

Startup founder Ziwen Xu has taken it upon himself, with the help of Claude’s most powerful Max20 generative model, to try to vibe code his own version of GTA 6, as he posted on X.

Since starting a few days ago, he’s been posting updates on X about Claude’s progress and has even shared the code on GitHub – his goal is to “beat the retail GTA 6 to launch”, as per an X update post. With the GTA 6 release date seemingly locked in for November 19, that means we’re just over five months away.

Of course, Rockstar has no real reason to feel threatened by what is a small piece of fun, but there has been progress since Xu started this vibe coding journey. His non-descript oval character is turning into a vaguely recognizable human figure, and the background is taking shape into something vaguely approaching Vice City.

Of course, there is a long way to go for things such as cars, weapons and so on, but with months to go, it’s an intriguing litmus test as to what’s possible with AI for game development, and how relevant it is to helping a game take shape.

We recently got a GTA 6 pre-order update from a surprising source as official Xbox social media accounts have encouraged users to wishlist GTA 6 for the first time in several months, while Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick also recently admitted that the expectations for Grand Theft Auto VI are “terrifying” and said that meeting those expectations is “a pretty daunting challenge”. It probably doesn’t help that a former GTA 6 dev said the game “probably won’t look as good as the trailers”.

We had been expecting an impending pre-order several weeks ago, courtesy of a Best Buy affiliate email sent to websites and creators that mentioned GTA 6 as a ‘new product’ with a window of May 18 to May 21.

That pre-order never went live during the original window, although reports from Insider Gaming have noted that this may not have been the case originally, with pre-orders expected in July or August 2026.

We don’t know how much the game is going to cost, nor what editions will be available when it eventually goes up for pre-order, although a more expensive GTA 6 Collector’s Edition is likely based on previous Rockstar releases.

Rumors had suggested that the standard game may cost upwards of $100, although others have corroborated on a more sensible $70-$80 retail price.

Up next: Nintendo Switch 2: one year on – how Nintendo has quietly built something special

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 💪 OneXPlayer has announced a new Strix Halo-powered gaming handheld

• 👀 The X2 Mini Pro is one of the first to use AMD’s new Ryzen AI Max+ 388 SoC

• 💰 Prices start at $2,399 and can rise as high as $2,859 for a liquid-cooled version

• 😬 It’s more than double the cost of the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and even the price being targeted for Intel’s G3 Extreme-powered handheld from MSI

OneXPlayer is launching a new Strix Halo-powered PC gaming handheld, and its price point makes everything else seem affordable.

The OneXPlayer X2 Mini Pro is available via crowdfunding as of today, and is one of the first to feature AMD’s new Ryzen AI Max+ 388 SoC that it introduced at CES 2026.

It’s a chip that cuts down on the quantity of CPU cores and threads against higher-end Strix Halo chips, but retains the same full 40 Compute Unit GPU as the same top-end chips.

In its base configuration with this chip, complete with 48GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, the X2 Mini Pro costs $2,399. If you bump it up to 64GB of RAM, you’ll pay $2,699, while choosing a 2TB SSD brings the cost to an eye-watering $2,799.

Even with the hefty Steam Deck price rise from Valve and Lenovo’s monstrous Legion Go 2 price hike, they’re still less than half the cost of this OneXPlayer handheld, even though it comes at the cost of not having as much internal grunt.

We recently saw Intel Arc G3 Extreme-powered choices unveiled at Computex 2026, such as the Acer Predator Atlas 8 and MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, which probably won’t be anywhere near as much as the OneXPlayer.

MSI is targeting a $1,500 price tag for its handheld, meaning it’s potentially half the cost of the OneXPlayer option, while offering competitive levels of performance to Strix Halo, judging by early hands-on testing.

OneXPlayer is also offering a variant with liquid cooling – pricing starts at $2,459.99 for the base configuration, rising to $2,859 for 64GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.

In any case, the X2 Mini Pro comes equipped with a hefty 8.8-inch 144Hz refresh rate OLED screen with VRR support, detachable controllers, a dedicated magnetic keyboard, and a replaceable 85Whr battery. It feels like a cross between the GPD Win 5 and the Lenovo Legion Go 2 in one immensely expensive package.

Up next: Nintendo Switch 2: one year on – how Nintendo has quietly built something special

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 🙌 We’ve rounded up all the games that work with the Switch 2's new mouse mode

• 🙌 They include Nintendo's own Drag x Drive, as well as big third-party games, including Hogwarts Legacy and Cyberpunk 2077, which have mouse mode as an option

• 🐭 As it stands, there is only one game where the mouse mode is a requirement – Mouse Work

• 👏 Mouse mode has been one of the most exciting features of the console and has been praised by both fans and game devs alike

The Nintendo Switch 2's clever new mouse mode has received a lot of high praise from people, including excited game developers. But which Switch 2 games take advantage of the control scheme? We’ve rounded up all the Nintendo Switch 2 games with mouse mode support.

The headline title is Nintendo's own Drag x Drive, which uses both Joy-Con 2 optical sensors to recreate the experience of playing wheelchair basketball. There are also several Nintendo Switch 2 launch games that include the new feature in various guises.

Third-party games such as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition let Switch 2 players enjoy a more PC-like experience, while some games have been created entirely around the new control option, like Mouse Work.

Nintendo Switch 2 games with mouse support

Here’s the full list of Nintendo Switch 2 games with mouse mode support. We’ll update this page with any new entries in the future.

• 🚂 A-Train: All Aboard! Tourism Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🏝️ Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🔫 Apex Legends

• 🐝 Arcade Archives 2 GEE BEE

• 🃏 Balatro

• 👑 Blue Prince

• 🌍 Bokura: planet

• 🧚 Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster

• ⚔️ Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged

• 🃏 Card-en-Ciel Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🧑‍🚀 Cronos: The New Dawn

• 🦾 Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

• 🪦 Dead Zone: Rogue

• 🤔 Dear me, I was…

• 🌼 Deltarune

• 😈 Demon Castle Story

• 🐵 Donkey Kong Bananza (DK artist mode)

• ♿️ Drag x Drive

• ✏️ Draw King

• 💭 Dream Shogi 4K

• 🖌️ Epic Mickey: Rebrushed

• 🧪 Exit Lab 15 Rooms

• 🏭 Factorio

• 🧙 Final Fantasy XIV Online

• ⛏️ Fortnite

• 🤖 Game Builder Garage

• 🏑 Handy Hockey

• 😺 Hello Kitty Island Adventure – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 👽 High on Life Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🪄 Hogwarts Legacy

• 👋 Human: Fall Flat

• ⚽️ Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🐍 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

• 😇 Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

• 🙂 KUUKIYOMI 4: Consider It – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• ⚡️ Lynked: Banner of the Spark - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🎨 Mario Paint (SNES)

• 🧩 Mario’s Super Picross (SNES)

• 🍄 Mario & Wario (SNES)

• 👽 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🐭 Mouse Work (Mouse mode required)

• 🙏 Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

• 😴 No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files

• 🇯🇵 Nobunaga’s Ambition (SNES)

• ♟️ Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition

• 📖 Novel Rogue

• 🗡️ Overrogue

• 🧟 Plants vs Zombies: Replanted

• 🩷 Pokémon Pokopia

• 👮 Pritto Prisoner - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🎩 Professor Layton and The New World of Steam

• 🧩 Punyan for Nintendo Switch 2

• 🧩 Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S

• 🤠 Red Dead Redemption Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🧙 Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

• 🤔 Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

• 🐭 Simogo Legacy Collection - Nintendo Switch 2

• 🐷 Stardew Valley: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🦊 Star Fox

• 🐛 Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!

• 🍂 Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar

• 🐈 Stray

• 🤿 Subnautica/Subnautica: Below Zero

• 🐘 Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (when playing as co-star Luma)

• 🪐 Super Mario Galaxy (multiplayer)

• 🪐 Super Mario Galaxy 2 (multiplayer)

• 🥳 Super Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

• 🤖 System Shock Remake

• 🤖 System Shock 2

• 🐶 Tamagotchi Plaza: Switch 2 Edition

• 👯 They Are Billions

• 🗡️ The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition

• 🦊 The Fox’s Way Home

• 🏹 Tomb Raider Definitive Edition

• 👽 Warframe

• 🌳 Woodo

• 🤼 WWE 2K26 (menus + Creations mode)

As well as its clever mouse mode, the Switch 2 also brings some other noteworthy boosts and upgrades, such as a larger and higher-res 7.9-inch Full HD screen, complete with support for up to 120fps in selected games. It’s also far more powerful, capable of a 4K output when docked, and faster load times thanks to microSD Express cards.

Does mouse mode work on your pants?

Yes! While the optimal way to play will obviously be on a hard surface like a desk with a mouse mat, the optical sensor does work on your pants. That’s a relief for those who enjoy gaming while slumped on the couch, or if you’re taking part in minigames and don’t want to keep getting up.

Why is mouse mode a big deal on Switch 2?

There’s a reason why people still use mice today. The device offers a level of accuracy and ease of use that’s unmatched for certain applications, and the same is true for specific genres of games. Real-time strategy games and first-person shooters still play best with a mouse, and it’s now an option for developers on Switch 2, should they wish to implement it. You could say Switch 2’s mouse mode is Nintendo’s secret weapon.

• Up next: Nintendo Switch 2 120fps games: Enjoy silky-smooth frame rates in these titles

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Last updated: June 15, 2026

Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 📈 Despite a controversial high price, the Switch 2 became the fastest-selling console through effective bundling and strong critical reception

• 🎮 The hardware offers modern features like 4K output and ray tracing, driving unprecedented third-party game support

• 🚀 Nintendo has maintained momentum with a mix of new exclusives, enhanced classic ports, and useful system updates like “Boost Mode”

• 🤔 While the future roadmap includes exciting titles, Nintendo faces challenges regarding a scheduled price increase and keeping up momentum

Walmart: Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle - $499

Walmart: Nintendo Switch 2 - $449

It’s fair to say that the gaming landscape has shifted considerably since the Nintendo Switch 2 launched over a year ago. But even with the economic uncertainty that continues to affect the video game industry in unthinkable ways, Nintendo has established the Switch 2 as the console to beat once again.

12 months on, it seemed pertinent to reflect on the Nintendo Switch 2’s first year and highlight where it’s succeeded and where there’s still room for improvement.

A controversial launch that paid off

Priced at $449.99, many thought the Nintendo Switch 2 would struggle because of its high price tag. After all, the console was the most expensive system Nintendo ever released, and many felt that the novelty of the original had worn off.

To combat the malaise, Nintendo launched a $499.99 bundle that included Mario Kart World, a shrewd move that helped the Switch 2 become the fastest-selling console of all time, reaching six million units sold in seven weeks, even with stock shortages.

It helped that the console received strong critical reviews. Our Nintendo Switch 2 review praised Nintendo’s hardware for its excellent build-quality and new innovations like the magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers. We also praised its modern-day capabilities like 4K output, 120Hz support, HDR, VRR in handheld mode, and even ray tracing. Plus, unique features like GameShare and mouse mode helped the console stand out from its predecessor.

And while the Switch 2 won’t beat a PS5 or Xbox Series X in like-for-like performance comparisons, Nintendo’s decision to include forward-thinking features helps it come close enough for most people. It’s clearly a far more capable machine than the original Switch was, which has been reflected in the level of unprecedented third-party support. Switch 2 is getting games no one would have expected – including day-one blockbuster releases like Resident Evil Requiem – and they include far fewer compromises than before.

An impressive library

We’ve also seen a steady lineup of compelling Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives since the console released in June last year. A new Mario Kart was always going to be a system seller, but unexpected gems and brand-new IP such as Donkey Kong Bananza, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, and Pokémon Pokopia prove Nintendo is willing to innovate beyond safe remakes and sequels.

Those who may have missed out on prior Nintendo Switch hits, or were simply waiting for enhanced versions, have been catered for too, with several Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrades making games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons feel fresh again (though the latter could have been better).

Beyond refreshed classics, Nintendo has also steadily refined the Switch 2 itself through a series of system updates. A performance setting called ‘Boost Mode’ was added, letting Switch games played in handheld mode run at their docked settings on Switch 2, and Nintendo is even experimenting with its own version of achievements with its timed DK Challenge event.

The road ahead looks bright

Those wondering what’s coming next will have enjoyed June’s Nintendo Direct presentation, which laid out the future roadmap for Switch 2 with an impressive lineup of third-party games and first-party releases. A remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time stole all the headlines, but players can also look forward to Splatoon Raiders, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Star Fox, Rhythm Heaven Groove, and Xenoblade Genesis.

Everyone is still waiting impatiently for a new 3D Mario, naturally. But you can’t deny that Nintendo is releasing exclusive games at a healthy rate, far exceeding the glacial output that we saw from Sony and Microsoft with the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Room for improvement

Unfortunately for consumers, the price of a Nintendo Switch 2 will increase by $50 on September 1, 2026, which means the console will cost $499.99 without a game. Compared to the price rises we’ve seen with the PS5, Xbox Series X, and more recently the Steam Deck, Nintendo’s console remains competitive for what it offers.

Nintendo has at least given consumers plenty of notice before the price goes up, too. But it means Nintendo will need to work even harder to convince people to upgrade or purchase its new console and therefore can’t afford any software lulls.

There are some key areas that Nintendo needs to address in the months ahead for existing players, too. The console still isn’t capable of VRR in docked mode, which creates an annoying discrepancy between TV and handheld mode.

Many would also appreciate an ‘overdrive’ setting for the Switch 2’s LCD display, which has often been criticized for being unresponsive, leading to noticeable ghosting and smearing for those who are sensitive to it. A Nintendo Switch 2 OLED could obviously fix this, but purchasing a brand-new console is an expensive ask for existing owners.

Physical game collectors have also expressed their anger at Nintendo’s ‘Game Key-Card’ system, where the cartridge acts as a digital download key and doesn’t contain the actual data. This situation has improved slightly, but it’s clearly a limitation Nintendo has run into. The cost of creating high-capacity cartridges and the fact that game data streams faster off the internal storage and a microSD Express card than from a Switch 2 cartridge means Game-Key Cards are likely here to stay.

More to come

All in all, it’s been a remarkably solid first year for Switch 2. With a strong mix of exclusives, impressive third-party support, pleasing backwards compatibility, and smart software updates like Boost Mode, the Switch 2 feels like the console to own right now. Nintendo still has work to do, but momentum is firmly on its side

Up next: Best Switch 2 games 2026: 10 titles you need to buy for Nintendo’s new console

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🎶 The Nintendo Music app lets you enjoy all of Nintendo’s iconic tunes

• 🆓 It’s free for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers

• 👍 The app features recommendations based on your Switch play history

• 👏 You’ll also find curated playlists, background play and offline play

Walmart: Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Walmart: 12 months Switch Online

Nintendo’s iconic soundtracks are now available on a dedicated smartphone app called Nintendo Music. It’s available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers at no extra cost and takes aim at YouTube Music, where the company’s tunes are often uploaded, much to the anger of Nintendo.

Nintendo Music updates keep coming thick and fast, with new games and songs being added every month for fans to enjoy. However, it can be hard to keep track of what’s been recently added, so we’ve rounded up all the Nintendo Music updates in one place as well as an explainer if you’re new to Nintendo’s app.

Nintendo Music updates and game soundtracks

Nintendo continues to add new tracks and famous franchises to the app, but you can find all the games, songs, and platforms included on Nintendo Music below. We’ll update this list with any new entries as and when they arrive.

So far, Nintendo has added the likes of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Wii Sports, F-Zero X, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training, Splatoon 2, Wave Race 64, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Super Mario 64, and the Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble! soundtracks to the app since it launched. You can see the full list of Nintendo Music games below.

Nintendo Music: game list, and every platform included

Nintendo Switch 2

• Donkey Kong Bananza 🍌

• Kirby Air Riders ⭐️

• Mario Kart World 🚗

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond 👽

• Star Fox 🦊

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup in Bellabel Park 🐘

• Super Mario Party Jamboree 🎲

Nintendo Switch

• 51 Worldwide Games 🎯

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons 🎣

• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker 🍄

• Fire Emblem Engage ⚔️

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land 🩷

• Kirby’s Dream Buffet 🎂

• Kirby Star Allies ⭐️

• Mario & Luigi: Brothership 🤝

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 🚘

• Mario Tennis Aces 🎾

• Metroid Prime Remastered 👽

• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe 🍄

• Paper Mario: The Origami King 👑

• Pikmin 4 🌸

• Pokémon Legends: Arceus 🐉

• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet ❤️

• Princess Peach: Showtime! 🍑

• Splatoon 2 🦑

• Splatoon 3 🦑

• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury 😻

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder 🐘

• Pokémon Sword & Shield 🗡️

• Super Mario Odyssey 👀

• Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door 🚪

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 🍃

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom 👸

• Tomodatchi Life: Living the Dream 🏝️

• Yoshi’s Crafted World 🧶

Wii U

• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker 💰

• Mario Kart 8 🚘

• New Super Mario Bros. U 🍄

• Super Mario 3D World

• Splatoon 🦑

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 🍃

Wii

• Super Mario Galaxy 🪐

• Super Mario Galaxy 2 🪐

• The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword 🗡️

• Wii Channels 📺

• Wii Fit Plus 🧘

• Wii Party 🎉

• Wii Sports 🎾

• Wii Sports Resort 🏝️

Nintendo GameCube

• Animal Crossing 🏠

• Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance 🔥

• Luigi’s Mansion 👻

• Metroid Prime 👽

• Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door 🚪

• Pikmin 🌸

• The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker 🌊

Nintendo 64

• F-Zero X 💨

• F-Zero X Expansion Kit 💨

• Mario Kart 64 🚘

• Pilotwings 64 ✈

• Star Fox 64 (Lylat Wars) 🦊

• Super Mario 64 🍄

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 🕰️

• Wave Race 64 🌊

• Yoshi’s Story! 🍎

Super NES

• Donkey Kong Country 🐵

• Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest 🙊

• Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble! 🐒

• F-Zero 💨

• Mario Paint 🎨

• Pilotwings ✈

• Super Mario Kart 🚘

• Super Mario World 🦝

• Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island 🥚

• Super Metroid 👽

• The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 🗡️

• Yoshi 🥚

NES

• Balloon Fight 🎈

• Baseball ⚾️

• Clu Clu Land 💎

• Devil World 😈

• Donkey Kong 🐵

• Donkey Kong 3 🐵

• Donkey Kong Jr. 🐵👶

• Donkey Kong Jr. Math 🧮

• Dr. Mario 🩺

• Duck Hunt 🦆

• Excitebike ✌️

• F1 Race 🏎️

• Golf ⛳️

• Gomoku Narabe Renju 🧩

• Gyromite 💣

• Hogan’s Alley 🔫

• Ice Climber 🧊

• Kid Icarus 😇

• Kid Icarus (Famicom Disk System) 😇

• Mach Rider 🏍️

• Mah-Jong 🀄️

• Mario Bros. 🍄

• Metroid 👽

• Metroid (Famicom Disc System) 👽

• Pinball 🩶

• Soccer ⚽️

• Stack-Up 🆙

• Super Mario Bros. 🍄

• Super Mario Bros. 2 🤝

• Super Mario Bros. 3 🎶

• Tennis 🎾

• Tetris 🧩

• The Legend of Zelda 🗡️

• The Legend of Zelda (Famicom Disk System) 🗡️

• Urban Champion 👊

• Wild Gun Man 🤠

• Wrecking Crew 👷🏻

• Zelda II - The Adventure of Link 🗡️

Nintendo 3DS

• Animal Crossing: New Leaf 🍁

• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker 🍄

• Fire Emblem Awakening ⚔️

• Luigi’s Mansion 👻

• Mario Kart 7 🚘

• Pilotwings Resort ✈

• StreetPass Mii Plaza 👋

• The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds ⚔️

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D 🗡️

• Tomodatchi Life 🏡

Nintendo DS

• Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old is Your Brain? 🧠

• New Super Mario Bros. 🍄

• The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass ⌛️

• Tomodachi Collection 👯

• nintendogs 🐶

Game Boy Advance

• Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade 🔥

• Golden Sun ☀️

• Golden Sun: The Lost Age ☀️

• Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen 🍃

• Wario, Inc.: Minigame Mania 🕹️

Game Boy

• Dr. Mario 🩺

• Kirby’s Dream Land 😴

• Metroid II: Return of Samus 👾

• Super Mario Land 🍄

• Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins 💰

• Tetris 🧩

• Yoshi 🥚

What is Nintendo Music?

Nintendo Music functions like your typical music streaming app, though there are some unique features. The app provides recommendations based on your Nintendo Switch play history and includes curated playlists, and each track features an in-game screenshot. If you’re worried about spoilers for games you haven’t played, there’s also an option to hide certain game art.

Those who want to keep the party going can extend tracks up to 60 minutes or loop them, which means I can spend an entire day working with ‘Aquatic Ambiance’ from Donkey Kong Country playing in the background.

You can also download tracks, play tracks in the background, and create your own playlists.

While the move to create a proprietary music streaming app may anger those who dislike Nintendo’s protective practices over its IP, it makes sense. Nintendo has an enviable library of tracks that people enjoy, and having an app that collates all past, present and future titles is something that fans have been hoping to see for years.

It also continues to add more value to its already excellent Nintendo Switch Online service, which includes thousands of classic games to play, and free DLC and perks if you subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier. Nintendo just added two new N64 Mature games to Switch Online in time for Halloween.

At just $19.99 for a 12-month membership ($49.99 for the Expansion Pack), I think Nintendo Switch Online has become the best subscription service for gamers.

Hopefully, Nintendo brings its music app to the web and other devices, but remember you’ll need to be a Nintendo Switch Online or Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber to access it.

• Up next: N64 Mature games list: every title you can play right now and expect to see

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Last updated: June 12, 2026

Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🧑‍⚖️ DJI has sued Insta360 over its new Luna gimbal cameras

• 🤔 There are two suits, one for alleged design patent violation and the other for four alleged utility patent violations

• 💰 DJI is seeking a permanent injunction and an award of damages “no less than a reasonable royalty”

• 👀 The brand had been waiting for the new Insta360 Luna Ultra in the US to launch before filing the two suits

DJI has filed two patent lawsuits against Arashi Vision Inc., which trades as Insta360, regarding its new Luna gimbal cameras.

One lawsuit alleges two violations of design patents, while the other alleges four utility patent violations. Both have been filed in the US, with the first accusing Insta360 of infringing its design patents by producing and selling the Luna series cameras, which DJI says closely copy the design and features of the popular Osmo Pocket 3.

“The Luna line comprises at least two products: the Insta360 Luna Pro and the Insta360 Luna Ultra. According to Insta360’s own promotional materials, product teasers, and demonstrations at the 2026 NAB Show, the Accused Products are handheld gimbal cameras with integrated optics—the same product architecture pioneered by the DJI Osmo Pocket—and Insta360 markets them expressly as competitors to DJI’s Osmo Pocket line,” DJI says in its lawsuit.

To be specific, DJI states that the “ornamental design” described in one of its patents covers the form factor of an ““elongated handheld body, neck connecting the body to the gimbal arm connection point, gimbal assembly and camera” while the “module at the top, rotatable display and bezel, lower control section housing the scroll wheel and record button, side-mounted accessory slot, and the port opening at the base” are covered in a second patent. DJI alleges Insta360 has violated both with its new Luna cameras, including the recently released Luna Ultra.

The lawsuit alleges that Insta360 has “actual knowledge of each of the Asserted Patents and of their infringement thereof no later than the filing and service of this Complaint. Defendants’ continued importation, manufacture, use, sale, and offer for sale of the Accused Products, and associated acts to induce or contribute to infringement of the Accused Patents by users of the Accused Products, with knowledge of the Asserted Patents, constitutes willful infringement warranting enhanced damages”.

The second lawsuit cites four of DJI’s utility patents that Insta360 has allegedly violated:

1. A patent describing a control device for a gimbal allowing mode switching between follow and locked modes via a single control.

2. A handheld gimbal with integrated subject tracking and real-time display, eliminating the need for a separate app.

3. A gimbal control method where the device’s own image of the target drives the gimbal’s motor commands.

4. A self-contained system for tracking a subject and displaying the image on the gimbal’s screen.

DJI asserts that Insta360’s new Luna line of cameras, accessories, and the mobile app “(collectively, the “Accused Products”) blatantly copy DJI’s patented inventions wholesale.”

Both lawsuits have been filed in the Eastern District of Texas, with DJI seeking a permanent injunction and an award of damages ““no less than a reasonable royalty,” profit disgorgement, and further enhanced damages in both cases.

It appears that DJI had been preparing these lawsuits since the NAB show earlier this year, and was waiting for Insta360 to sell the Luna in the United States before filing them. For reference, the Insta360 Luna Ultra was released on Wednesday, June 10.

This isn’t the first time DJI has filed a lawsuit against Insta360. The company sued Insta360 for alleged patent infringement of its drone-based image processing technology.

Up next: Trump Mobile T1 Phone teardown reveals it’s just a tweaked HTC phone

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 👀 A recent iFixit teardown of the Trump Mobile T1 has revealed it’s a tweaked HTC U24 Pro

• 🤔 Both phones share the same SoC and case, although they source their memory and storage from different places

• 🆚 The T1 has a large battery, a different pattern for the speaker holes, and the flash is in a different position

• 🌎 It brings into question the phone’s claim of how American it really is

A recent teardown of the Trump Mobile T1 Phone has revealed it isn’t as original a design as was first suggested.

As per iFixit, the folks who disassemble electronics and provide DIY repair kits, it found that the Trump T1 is essentially a clone of the HTC U24 Pro, although with some cosmetic differences and a couple of components sourced from alternative vendors.

iFixit put the T1 under a CT scanner and compared it to a scan of the HTC U24 Pro, finding that the two phones look nearly identical. It also confirmed that the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC and other internals were the same.

The T1 has some small differences, though, including a larger battery and a different pattern for the speaker holes. The storage and RAM on the Trump Mobile device are sourced from Micron, rather than SK Hynix on the HTC phone. The camera flash on the T1 is also in a different position, owing to a longer internal flex cable.

Otherwise, the T1 has a gold paint job and associated decals on the outside. The two phones are so similar that iFixit was able to run the HTC mainboard inside the T1 body, with it working without a hitch.

Made in America?

Questions have been raised about where the Trump Mobile handset is manufactured, considering that the brand had doubled down on its ‘Made in America’ claim last year, before the specs changed and the website was updated.

The phone’s box says it’s “proudly assembled in the USA”, with executives stating in a recent interview that the phone was mostly made in a favored partner nation, and the final 10 or so pieces assembled in a factory in Miami.

iFixit stated that it’s possible that Trump Mobile is importing the chassis and display as a pre-assembled unit, and then adding the other components in the USA.

Up next: Apple AirPods 3 price drops to an all‑time low in early Prime Day deal

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.