• 😅 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.

• 📈 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.

• 🧑‍⚖️ 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.

• 🏆 Nintendo has introduced “DK Challenge” for the Switch 2, offering digital cards for completing tasks in Donkey Kong games

• 😮 Challenges can be completed retrospectively and unlock immediately in-game, providing a familiar experience to other console achievement systems

• 🃏 Players can view unlocked cards via the home menu and utilize quick links to access specific areas or boss fights in Nintendo Switch Online titles

• ⏰ The feature is currently a time-limited event, serving as a potential experiment to encourage players to revisit classic and recent Donkey Kong titles

Walmart: Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Walmart: 12 months Switch Online

You might have missed it during the Nintendo Direct, but Nintendo quietly revealed its own version of achievements for the Switch 2. And perhaps somewhat predictably, Nintendo has delivered its own spin on the much-requested feature that has its own unique quirks.

‘DK Challenge’ is a selection of challenges that span older Donkey Kong games from bygone days and last year’s brilliant Donkey Kong Bananza. Complete a challenge, and you’ll earn a detailed digital card for your collection. It’s just like we’re used to from any achievement system.

Just like Xbox Achievements and PlayStation Trophies, some DK Challenges can be completed retrospectively if you have the save data. I was surprised when I earned cards for several Donkey Kong Bananza challenges after booting up the game, which was a nice reward for previously completing the story.

DK Challenge missions are also tracked as you play and are unlocked immediately once they’re earned. You’ll get a toast notification in the top left corner, and pressing the Home button lets you view the card you unlocked. It’s all very familiar, but a nice addition for Nintendo Switch 2 players to enjoy.

Things differ slightly for DK Challenges that are tied to older Donkey Kong games on Nintendo Switch Online. By clicking on a Challenge card, you’ll be taken directly to the area or boss fight you need to complete, but this only works for the Nintendo Switch Online-based challenges, at least from the ones I’ve tried. Donkey Kong Bananza won’t transport you to specific sections of a game, which is a shame.

Nintendo also provides previews of the challenges and quick example videos if you need a little help to complete them. The DK Challenge cards remind me of the PS5’s Activity Cards, though I much prefer earning a nice digital reward to look at instead of just adding another PlayStation Trophy to add to the pile.

Viewing your next DK Challenge can be a little clunky, though, as you have to back out to the home menu and open up the Nintendo Switch Online app each time. Hopefully, Nintendo can find a way to make this more seamless in the future.

It’s also strange that Nintendo has made the DK Challenge a time-limited event. Perhaps it’s an experiment, or they want the fear of missing out to drive more people to return to Donkey Kong Bananza. I mean, the tactic has worked on me, as it’s encouraged me to dust off my Switch 2 and collect bananas once again, completing challenges as I go.

Completionists will be pleased to hear that you can also earn an exclusive artwork to show people you conquered every DK Challenge. That’s interesting, considering ex-Nintendo employees previously said Nintendo never wanted players to feel “less than” with achievements.

So, the Nintendo Switch 2 finally has its own form of achievements. And I’ll admit, I’m glad we finally have an equivalent to Xbox and PS5’s popular systems. Yes, it’s limited for now, and I still have questions about how you’ll be able to showcase your hard work in the future. But I’m excited by the possibility of revisiting Switch 2 games (and retro titles) with new challenges to master.

Remember, you have until September 1, 2026, to earn all the cards in the DK Challenge. Let’s hope a Mario Kart World Challenge follows shortly after.

Up next: Nintendo Switch 2 Blue and Light Yellow Joy-Con 2 controllers: 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.

• 📷 Insta360 has announced more about its Luna Ultra vlogging camera

• 😯 It features a dual-lens setup with telephoto zoom up to 12x

• 👏 The camera boasts 3-axis image stabilization, Leica color profiles, and support for up to 1TB microSD cards

• 💰 It’s available in Cosmic Black or Stellar White, with prices starting at $769.99

Best Buy: Insta360 Luna Ultra

Amazon: Insta360 Luna Ultra

Insta360 has unveiled its flagship gimbal vlogging camera, the long-awaited Insta360 Luna Ultra, and it’s available now.

The Luna Ultra had long been rumored, and now we finally have the full breakdown of its specs, pricing, and everything else it brings to the table.

A potent dual-lens system

It features a 1-inch image sensor paired with a 20mm-equivalent f/1.8 lens, along with a secondary 60mm-equivalent f/2.0 telephoto lens using a 1/1.3-inch sized sensor. This setup delivers up to 6x lossless zoom and 12x digital zoom. Both lenses were co-engineered with Leica, continuing Insta360’s recent collaborations seen on products like the Ace Pro 2.

Video recording goes up to 8K/30fps with Dolby Vision and support for 10-bit I-Log, offering more flexibility for professional workflows and up to 14 stops of dynamic range.

For stills, the Luna Ultra captures both 37MP UltraPhotos and 200MP Scenic Panorama images. Low-light video is enhanced by Insta360’s PureVideo mode, which reduces noise and boosts brightness and detail up to 4K/60fps.

A lightweight, stable design

The camera weighs just over 200g and includes a detachable 2-inch OLED touchscreen for remote monitoring and control. It supports HD transmission at distances of up to 20 meters, giving creators more flexibility when shooting.

Insta360 has also equipped the Luna Ultra with 3-axis image stabilization alongside electronic image stabilization to keep footage smooth and steady. The camera features advanced autofocus powered by Deep Track 5.0, enabling precise subject tracking across several modes, including Auto Tracking, Active Zoom Tracking, Group Tracking and Smart Framing.

The company’s partnership with Leica brings Leica color profiles to the Luna Ultra, including Leica Natural, Leica Vivid and Leica Chrome. There’s also a range of cinematic filters for flexible in-camera looks.

For professional workflows, Insta360 has also included built-in timecode for multi-cam synchronization, with support for editing software such as Premiere Pro and Final Cut.

Strong battery life, storage and more

A built-in mic with an included wind guard helps reduce wind noise outdoors, and the camera is directly compatible with Insta360’s Mic systems (the Mic Air and Pro) for single or dual transmitter setups.

The Luna Ultra uses a 1550mAh battery that Insta360 says delivers up to four hours of runtime. Fast charging gets you to 80% in just 23 minutes, so you can get back to shooting quickly.

The camera also includes 47GB of built-in storage space and supports microSD cards up to 1TB for additional capacity.

Insta360 is also offering a wide range of accessories for the Luna Ultra, including a POV Head Tracker for hands-free capture, a Wide-Angle Lens that expands the field of view to 108 degrees, plus both Black Mist and ND filters.

The Luna Ultra is available starting June 10 (today!) from Insta360’s online store, as well as Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers. Prices start at $769.99, and the camera comes in two colors: Cosmic Black or Stellar White.

Up next: Anthropic releases Claude Fable 5, an AI model that can build playable video games from a single prompt

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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.

• 🆕 Nintendo has announced some new Joy-Con 2 color controllers

• 📆 A blue and light-yellow set will be available on July 23, 2026

• 🤔 We don’t know how much they’re going to cost just yet, though

• 💰 Previous releases have been $99.99, for reference

During the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, Nintendo announced a further set of colors for the Joy-Con 2 controllers, with a new blue and light yellow variant available soon.

These follow on from the previous purple and green Joy-Con 2 controllers that launched a few months ago, and provide a completely new colourway for fans to get hold of. Nintendo says the blue and light yellow Joy-Con 2 controllers are inspired by the characters in Deep Cut from the Splatoon series.

If you’ve been wondering when you can get your hands on these funky Joy-Con 2 controllers and how much they’re going to cost, we’ve rounded up all the details you need to know and will update this article when more information is available.

Nintendo Switch 2 Blue and Light Yellow Joy-Con 2 controllers price

Nintendo hasn’t announced a price for these upcoming Joy-Con 2 controllers just yet, although we have a pretty good idea of how much they will cost.

For reference, the previous purple and green Joy-Con 2 controllers that launched a few months ago alongside Mario Tennis Fever cost $99.99, and it’d make sense for these new ones to cost the same amount.

We’ve already seen Nintendo raise Switch 2 accessory prices even before the console went on sale, while Switch 2 consoles are going up by $50 in September, so it remains to be seen if further price rises may affect the controllers.

Nintendo Switch 2 Blue and Light Yellow Joy-Con 2 controllers release date

Unlike the price, we know exactly when these new color options for the Joy-Con 2 controllers will be released, and we don’t have long to wait.

You’ll be able to get your hands on these beginning on July 23, 2026, meaning we’ve only got a few more weeks until they release. That’s the same day as Splatoon Raiders’ release date, which makes sense considering they’re inspired by the game’s Deep Cut characters.

Nintendo Switch 2 Blue and Light Yellow Joy-Con 2 controllers pre-order date

Nintendo is remaining coy on any pre-order availability for its latest controller variants, which is unlike other brands, as both Sony and Xbox’s latest releases have featured a short pre-order window ahead of the official release.

The last color variants didn’t have a pre-order window, it appears, so this just seems to be how Nintendo does things for its respective releases. If you want them, make sure you’re ready to go on July 23, 2026.

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

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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.

• 🍎 Apple’s upcoming iPhone Fold keeps leaking, this time in more dummy photos

• 👀 The images line up with rumors we’ve heard about what the foldable iPhone will look like

• 📲 Meanwhile, new features and clues in iOS 27 seem to indicate bigger-screened iPhones are on the way

• 📅 Apple’s iPhone Fold is expected to arrive this September

Apple is on track to release its first folding phone later this year, and we’re slowly learning what it’ll look like and what types of features it’ll have.

The iPhone Fold recently surfaced in a fresh set of photos, courtesy of Sonny Dickson, though it was depicted as a dummy unit rather than a fully functional sample from Apple’s supply. Meanwhile, new features in iOS 27 seem to hint at Apple’s preparation for a phone with multiple aspect ratios.

• More: Apple just fixed 10 things you hated about your iPhone and Mac

The images aren’t unlike the dummy unit image we saw last week, which showed off a short and wide folding phone with a white glass back. Dickson’s photos are a bit clearer and there are more angles to look at, revealing what the phone could look like when it’s open and where the buttons will be. From dual cameras to the stubby stature of the device, the alleged iPhone Fold in the photos aligns with virtually every rumor we’ve heard about the device’s design.

If the constant leaks and rumors weren’t enough to convince you that there’s a foldable iPhone on the way, iOS 27 is filled with features and deep references that all but confirm the iPhone Fold is on the way. There are some direct references to a device running iOS 27 that can fold, as spotted by Sam Henri Gold on X. Another example of the system adapting to bigger screens are full-screen widgets; you can expand some widgets like the Calendar to fill an entire app grid on your home screen, which will undoubtedly be helpful when you have a big folding screen to multitask with.

Perhaps the biggest hint is in Xcode. Apple is incorporating its upgraded Apple Intelligence models into the coding tool that lets developers expand and adapt their apps to larger aspect ratios, all without needing to manually program an entirely new layout. This will make it far easier and quicker for apps to adapt between iPhone and iPad, and it’ll significantly benefit the future iPhone Fold since users will be switching between a normal iPhone layout and a wide tablet layout often.

One thing worth noting: there’s no sign of split-screen multitasking… yet. Rumors suggested it would be added to iOS 27 in general to be used in landscape on your iPhone, but that didn’t arrive. We still expect it to come to the iPhone Fold, but for normal iPhone users, it doesn’t look like it’ll be offered.

The iPhone Fold is expected to arrive this September, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. We’ll be tracking more rumors as they pop up, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out.

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• Up next: Nomad brings Stellar Orange to its 2-in-1 Charging Stand for iPhone and AirPods

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.

• ⚡️ Nomad is giving its 2-in-1 Charging Stand a fresh coat of paint

• 🟠 The stand is now available in Stellar Orange with a transparent Qi2 charger

• 📱 It delivers up to 25W wireless charging to juice up your iPhone and AirPods

• 💳 Nomad is also bringing the color to its popular Tracking Card Pro

• 💰 The 2-in-1 Charging Stand is priced at $135 and is available starting today

Nomad is always dropping some of the best-looking accessories you can get for your Apple devices, and the company’s latest is the perfect complement to the orange iPhone 17 Pro.

Today, Nomad announced the new Stellar Orange Charging Stand. It’s a fresh take on the company’s popular 2-in-1 Charging Stand with an orange-coated aluminum body, orange glass on the front, and an orange charging puck with a unique bonus: the glass is transparent. This puts the Qi2 charging coils on full display, giving the stand a futuristic look that’s been quite trendy as of late.

I was able to get the new Charging Stand a few days early, and it’s a stark change compared to the typical black and white accessories Nomad sells. It has a much louder personality and stands out on your desk or nightstand. I’ll be switching to it as my new go-to charging station on my desk at my apartment.

The 2-in-1 Charging Stand remains unchanged otherwise. It has 25W wireless charging support for juicing up your iPhone, and the secondary charging pad on the back gives you a place to charge your AirPods. It’s priced at $135 and is available starting today in Stellar Orange.

That’s not all. Nomad is also giving its popular Tracking Card Pro a Stellar Orange paint job as well. The new card adds a bold finish to one of Nomad’s most sought after products, letting you further round out your tech accessories with as much orange as possible. The Tracking Card Pro offers a slim design perfect for slipping into your wallet, Find My integration, and up to 16 months of battery life. It’s available for $39 and also launches today.

Nomad: Charging Stand in Orange

Nomad: Tracking Card Pro in Orange

• Up next: Apple just fixed 10 things you hated about your iPhone and Mac

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.

• 💰 Nintendo has been fined $40 million by the French equivalent of the FTC

• 🫠 The authority says the fine is for misleading users over issues with stick drift in Switch Joy-Con controllers

• 🤔 As per the DGCCRF, Nintendo failed to acknowledge the problem when it first occurred, leading to accusations of deceptive business practices between 2018 and 2023

• 🆓 Nintendo has been offering free repairs for affected users since 2019

Nintendo has found itself in some expensive hot water, as the Japanese firm has been fined $40 million by French authorities over faulty Joy-Con controllers suffering from stick drift.

The French equivalent of the Federal Trade Commission, the Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes or DGCCRF for short, hit Nintendo of Europe with a 35 million Euro fine, or more than $40 million.

The authority says the fine is for misleading consumers over issues with stick drift users have found in Switch Joy-Con. Nintendo of Europe has agreed to pay the fine.

This isn’t the first time Nintendo has been found at fault over Joy-Con stick drift. After the original console’s release in 2017, users found that after years of wear and tear, the Joy-Con thumbsticks would register inputs without users even touching the controller. This issue became so widespread that it led to class action lawsuits and investigations, and brought stick drift to the fore as an issue with more traditional game controllers.

As a result, we’ve seen lots of game controller manufacturers move away from potentiometer-based mechanisms to Hall effect or TMR joysticks, like those found on Valve’s new Steam Controller and the GameSir G7 Pro 8K PC which eschew a physical mechanism entirely and eliminate the issue of stick drift once and for all.

With this in mind, the DGCCRF’s latest fine for Nintendo is over the brand’s handling of the situation. According to the body, Nintendo only acknowledged the stick drift issue in 2020, instead of when it first learned of the problem. This has led the DGCCRF to accuse Nintendo of committing deceptive business practices between 2018 and 2023.

Along with the fine, Nintendo has to put a notice of deceptive business practices on the homepage of its French website, as per the parameters of the DGCCRF’s punishment.

Nintendo has been offering free repairs of Joy-Con controllers on the original Switch for affected customers since 2019. The Nintendo Switch 2, for now, seems to have fixed the stick drift problem, but it’s still early days.

Up next: Nintendo Direct live blog: all the announcements, trailers and real-time reactions

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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 Nintendo Direct took place today at 7am PT / 10am ET / 3pm BST

• 📣 We were expecting to see loads of new Switch 2 games (and we did)

• 🗡️ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake was heavily rumored

• 😮 At 50 minutes, this was one of the longest Nintendo Direct presentations

Walmart: Nintendo Switch 2

10:56 AM: And that’s a wrap. We’re closing with a message from Devon Pritchard, the new President and COO of Nintendo of America. Sorry for the horrible screen grab, Devon, but time waits for no one! She’s reminding everyone that Treehouse: Live is up next, where we’ll see more about a few games we’ve seen today. Don’t expect to see The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, obviously.

If you enjoyed the live blog, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to The Shortcut to support our work! You’ll also find all the trailers from the Nintendo Direct below. Thanks, and have a great day, everyone!

10:54 AM: Zelda! Zelda! Zelda! It’s true. We’re getting a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Expect to see grown men cry. Women scream. And everyone to join hands and sing in unison. It’s out later in 2026, but nothing much was shown. More details will be announced later. Oh, Nintendo. What a tease!

10:52 AM: All the Kingdom Hearts games are coming to Switch 2, and they’re no longer cloud versions! I know a lot of people have been asking for that, so expect some very happy Kingdom Hearts fans. And wow, we’re getting our first look at Kingdom Hearts IV in, like, forever. It’s launching on Switch 2 the same day as other platforms.

10:50 AM: A montage of games are being shown now, including Rise of the Tomb Raider, which is out later today, the next entry in the Metal Gear Solid Collection, Day-Z, and Snow Runner, which is also out later today. Oh, and there’s Fitness Boxing 3, out July 16, and Everbloom, which is available Spring 2027. Oh, and don’t forget about Final Fantasy 14, which is out in August.

10:48 AM: Another notable port is coming to Switch 2 in Metaphor ReFantazio. It’s out November 12, 2026. Minecraft is also getting a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. It’ll have Vibrant Visuals, better lighting, and you can carry over your worlds from Switch. Fun fact: I’ve still never played Minecraft. It’s out this year.

New Joy-Con 2 colors

10:46 AM: To celebrate the launch of Splatoon Raiders, we’re also getting two new Switch 2 Joy-Con colors: Blue and Light Yellow! They’re out July 23.

10:44 AM: A closer look at Splatoon Raiders now. You can make use of awesome gadgets to take down enemies, but there are loads of salmonids to defeat. You’ll level up as you go and customize upgrades you unlock. More details are coming in a Splatoon Raiders Direct on June 30. A Splatfest will also be held in Splatoon 3.

The Duskbloods gets a closed network test

10:43 AM: The Duskbloods, the next big game from FromSoftware, is getting a closed network test this summer. Expect a lot of excitement about that.

10:40 AM: Pikuniku 2 lets you wander, solve puzzles, and even gossip. It’s out next year for Switch 2. But you’ll probably be more interested in a brand-new Dragon Quest game, right? Well, Dragon Quest is getting its own Pokémon-style game that lets you create and combine monsters that will fight for you. It’s called Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World. It’s out December 3, 2026.

10:38 AM: Final Fantasy Resonance is the next game in Square Enix’s beloved HD-2D art style. It features turn-based battles, but also characters from other FF games like Cloud Strife? It’s out October 22, 2026.

10:36 AM: Okay, I’ve managed to catch my breath after that reveal. More games now, including Hello Kitty Party Land, a Switch 2 exclusive coming October 29, 2026. Star Fox is also being shown again, a game I’m really looking forward to. A reminder: it’s out June 25, 2026. And what’s this? A free demo will be available later today.

Nintendo Switch Sports Resort announced

10:34 AM: A closer look at thumb wrestling now. Only on Nintendo Switch 2. You can’t thumb wrestle on Xbox or PS5, or even Steam. The console war is over.

10:31 AM: Oh, we’re going back to Wuhu Island for Nintendo Switch Sports Resort. There’s boxing, table tennis, archery, and tennis. Plus, volleyball, bowling, basketball, golf, and… thumb wrestling? There’s also skateboarding, power cruising, prop plane, and jump rope. That’s a crazy amount of sports. And yes, you can use your Miis. Game of the year confirmed? It’s out on October 22, 2026, and it’s a Switch 2 exclusive.

New Xenoblade revealed and Switch 2 Editions on the way

10:28 AM: And then Nintendo casually reveals the next Xenoblade game! Damn, that was smooth. It looks like you play as a female character this time around, and it looks very visually impressive. It’s called Xenoblade: Genesis and it’s slated for 2027.

10:26 AM: Apologies to the Muramasa game, but this is more important. Nintendo is making Switch 2 Editions of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3. The games are also getting some new content, like a high-speed vehicle in Xenoblade Chronicles 1. The digital version and upgrade pack are available later today. Xenoblade 2 and 3 will be available July 30 and December 1, respectively.

Impressive Switch 2 ports are coming

10:24 AM: Nintendo Switch 2 is also getting Devil May Cry 5, and it’ll run at 60fps in both TV and handheld mode. New content is also included in Devil May Cry 5: DeviL Hunter Edition. It’s out June 23, 2026.

10:22 AM: Lords of the Fallen II is an unexpected Switch 2 port, but shows just how impressive Nintendo’s hardware is. It’s out this fall and also joins Lies of P: Complete Edition. It’s out August 6, 2026, and includes Overture, the prequel expansion to the main game.

Donkey Kong fans rejoice

10:20 AM: A DK Challenge event is coming to Switch Online, which are basically mini challenges in older games. What’s cool is you can earn collectable cards to show off to your friends. Are these Nintendo achievements? The challenges begin today and end September 1.

New Mario themed-content is also coming Donkey Kong Bananza. Smash through blocks, collect coins, and dress up DK and Pauline as Mario and Luigi. Cool!

10:19 AM: Ninjala 2 is up next, and it’s taken quite a different direction. It’s now open world, and apparently it’s pronounced Ninja-la, not Nin-jala like I’ve been saying for years. Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet is a Switch 2 system and it’s out next spring.

Fire Emblem release date

10:16 AM: Fire Emblem time. There’s no way I can condense the often convoluted story and names of a Fire Emblem game here, so I’ll give you the key info. You’ll need to use your free time to train, and combat is obviously turn-based tactical battles. You’ll need to consider your unit’s strengths and weaknesses, and each of the four main characters has special techniques to turn the tide of battle.

Fire Emblem: Fortunes Wave launches September 17, 2026. A special edition will be available to fans.

Pokopia free update and DLC

10:13 AM: Pokémon Pokopia, a game I’m still yet to play, is getting a free update that lets you build underwater. It’s out August 2026. There’s also a paid Expansion Pack on the way, which includes a new town, furniture, outfits and, of course, new friends. It’s actually available later today! Part 2 and 3 of the pass will launch at a later date.

10:13 AM: One Piece fans, how about a cooking game? One Piece Grand Gourmet is out October 23, 2026, and is coming to Switch 2 and the OG Switch. Nice.

10:13 AM: The announcements are coming thick and fast! My poor fingers. October 1, 2026, is when Rayman fans can get their hands on the limbless hero’s impressive-looking remake of Rayman Legends. You’ll have to leap, glide, and punch your way through colorful worlds. There’s also local co-op and additional content like three new music levels.

10:08 AM: A release date for Orbitals has also been shared. It’s out September 3, 2026, and supports GameShare, handy for a co-op title like this one.

Stellar Blade is coming to Switch 2

10:08 AM: Oh, yes! Nintendo Switch 2 fans can look forward to playing one of the best PS5 games, Stellar Blade. I loved the game (which you can read all about in my Stellar Blade review). It’s out sometime this year.

10:05 AM: Right, time for the meat in this main course: the Nintendo Switch 2. Capcom’s partnership with Nintendo continues, as the new Onimusha: Way of the Sword is coming to Switch 2 on September 25, 2026.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is also coming to Nintendo Switch 2! It’ll be interesting to see how the game fares on Nintendo’s hardware, as it wasn’t exactly a technical masterpiece on PS5 and even PC. It’s out October 9, 2026.

Rhythm Heaven release date

10:04 AM: Nintendo is starting the Direct with Rhythm Heaven Groove. If you’ve never played this series, it’s time to put that right. They’re incredibly fun and simple, but devilishly tricky, too.

Nintendo says there’s over 80 new games, and there are also new modes to enjoy, including an RPG-like campaign. Of course, there’s four-player multiplayer, too, which should make for some hilarious moments.

Rhythm Heaven Groove is out on July 2, 2026.

Let the show begin!

9:59 AM: Good morning, Nintendo fans. Who’s ready for a jam-packed Nintendo Direct full of exciting new reveals, and possibly a remake of one of the greatest games of all time?

We’re minutes away from June’s Nintendo Direct taking place, which will focus on upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch 2 and even the old Nintendo Switch. With a runtime of around 50 minutes, we’ll have a crystal clear view of what the year ahead holds for Switch 2 fans, and what games we can look forward to.

So join us (or more specifically, me) as I round up the biggest announcements from today’s Nintendo Direct, right here. Don’t forget to refresh this page regularly to receive new updates as fast as I can type them.

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.

Update 6/9/2026: Apple has confirmed that the Apple Watch Series 9 will run watchOS 27 after all. Apple mistakenly left the model off its official list, but after it released the watchOS beta 1, Apple Watch Series 9 users found they could download and run the beta on their devices (thanks, 9to5Mac).

Apple has since confirmed that the Apple Watch Series 9 is compatible with watchOS 27, which should please those who aren’t looking to upgrade just yet but also want to enjoy some of the new features.

Original story:

• 😟 iOS 27 requires watchOS 27, which is only supported by Apple Watch Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and the new SE (3rd gen)

• 👎 Older Apple Watches, including the Series 9 and original Ultra, will lose full compatibility and cannot be re-paired with iPhones running iOS 27

• 🤖 This change is due to the S10 architecture requirements, which are necessary for new on-device AI features

• 🤷‍♂️ Users with older devices will miss out on watchOS 27 improvements and will be unable to pair their watches if they upgrade their phone or reset the device

Best Buy: Apple Watch Series 11

Walmart: Apple Watch Series 11

Amazon: Apple Watch Series 11

Apple’s iOS 27 may promise to improve almost every aspect of Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch for performance and bug fixes, but the new update hides a major compatibility catch.

Apple didn’t mention it during its WWDC 2026 keynote, but any Apple Watch older than the Series 10 will effectively lose full support once iOS 27 rolls out, as iOS 27 now requires Apple Watches to run watchOS 27.

It means only the Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and the new Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) will have access to the new Siri AI features, watchOS 27, and more importantly, will pair to an iPhone with iOS 27.

If you have a Series 8, Series 9, SE 2, or even the original Apple Watch Ultra, you won’t be able to re-pair it to your iPhone if you reset the watch, or upgrade to a new phone running iOS 27. You also won’t get any of the improvements watchOS 27 brings.

The issue isn’t cosmetic — it’s structural. iOS 27 now requires watches to run watchOS 27, and Apple has restricted that update to Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and the new SE (3rd gen).

Why Apple left previous watches behind

Apple’s decision is based on watchOS 27 needing the S10 architecture. Older chips, even the S9 found in the Series 9, don’t meet the performance requirements for Apple’s new on-device AI features.The Series 10 and later models have the all-important neural engine required for Apple’s big AI push.

The move will come as a shock to most, as Apple usually has an admirable track record of supporting older devices. Even iOS 27 is supported as far back as iPhone 11, but unfortunately that isn’t the case for the Apple Watch, which means many users will be forced into an upgrade sooner rather than later.

However, it’s worth mentioning that many of iOS 27’s features, particularly those that rely on AI, will only work on iPhone 15 Pro and newer models.

Beware, then. If you update to iOS 27 and you’re not using an Apple Watch Series 10 or newer, your Apple Watch will essentially become a legacy device overnight. It may keep working for a while, but the moment you need to re‑pair it to your phone, you’re out of luck.

It’s likely, then, that Apple Watch Series 12 will be the first Apple Watch truly designed with Apple Intelligence and on-device AI in mind. Thankfully, we don’t have too long to wait before Apple reveals its next lineup of Apple Watch devices, as a reveal and release is expected to take place in September.

Up next: Apple just fixed 10 things you hated about your iPhone and Mac

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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.

Refresh for live updates!

• 🍎 Apple is hosting its annual developer conference today

• 📣 We’re expecting a ton of software and AI-based announcements

• 📱 iOS 27, the new Gemini-powered Siri, and more are likely

• 👨‍💼 This is Tim Cook’s final WWDC as CEO of Apple

• 🔴 Follow along for live updates during the show

Apple is hosting WWDC 2026 this week in Cupertino, California, and the big kickoff keynote wrapped up today. We got to see a ton of software and AI-based announcements like iOS 27, the new Gemini-powered Siri, advancements to Apple Intelligence, and more. It’s also Tim Cook’s final WWDC as CEO of Apple, making this one of the most monumental conferences in Apple’s history.

We’re highlighting all the biggest announcements in an easy-to-digest format below.

Watch WWDC 2026

Apple WWDC 2026 announcements and highlights

📣 Intro

• Tim Cook emerges for the last time as CEO to host a WWDC keynote.

• Craig Federighi says Apple is focusing on three areas: platform improvements, trust and safety, and big Apple Intelligence and Siri updates.

  

• Absolute gold watching Craig introduce macOS 27.

  

• macOS Golden Gate has been confirmed as the name of macOS 27.

Platform improvements

• Apple says it’s made every single platform faster, smoother, and easier to use.

• It took a lot of user feedback to improve Liquid Glass. It can now diffuse complex content in the background to make text more legible. There’s also a new slider to fine-tune how transparent it is.

  

  

• App icons also got upgraded with more Liquid Glass effects and better contrast.

• Apple says apps will open up to 30% faster on your phone or iPad.

• New photos will pop up in your gallery up to 70% faster.

• AirDrops are up to 80% faster.

• Transferring files between your phone and a thumb drive is 5x faster.

• An updated CPU scheduler will optimize technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data so that your battery doesn’t drain as fast.

• Apple says all the same iPhones that supported iOS 26 will support iOS 27.

• iOS 27 is smarter about connecting to public Wi-Fi signals.

• Messages can now be sent individually if a photo or video is taking a while.

• Search is getting a new index to make it way faster across platforms.

• Mail is getting a new search experience to surface the emails you’re looking for much faster.

• iCloud shared albums now support Windows and Android devices, as well as full resolution.

• In Health, irregular period tracking is supported.

  

• AirPods are getting a custom EQ.

• You can transform panorama photos into environments and spatial photos for the Vision Pro.

• Maps gets a new fly-over view that blends 3D renderings with aerial photography for a much richer experience.

Trust and safety

• Apple is ramping up its efforts to protect children who use their devices.

• Apple says the upgraded child account experience will let you choose specific apps, the amount of time spent on apps, and more.

• You’ll be able to block apps on the App Store, too, with Ask to Buy.

  

• Ask to Browse will require parental consent for a child to visit certain websites.

• Apple says it’ll automatically censor specific content like nudity and gore for children.

  

• Time Allowance will let parents control exactly how long children spend time in apps. You can also control which apps are available to kids throughout the day.

• Apple is giving developers a slew of new APIs to help protect children when they use their apps, helping to tailor the experience accordingly for their age.

Siri and Apple Intelligence

• Apple wants AI to be helpful and be centered “around you and your needs.”

• The way the company is phrasing its approach makes it seem like Apple wants you to know “Hey, our AI is safe and good!”

• Apple Intelligence’s new architecture is based on “next-generation Apple Foundation Models,” made in collaboration with Google Gemini.

• The new architecture allows for the deep, contextual AI experience that we’ve been expecting: it can understand images, broad world knowledge, what data is on your device, what’s on your screen, and more.

• The new Apple Intelligence was built with privacy first, according to Apple.

• Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing and secure cloud computing so that your data is secure and can’t be read by anyone - including Apple.

• Apple unveils Siri AI, based on the new Apple Intelligence.

• It’s far more capable, conversational, and contextual.

• There’s a new dedicated Siri app for accessing it.

• It integrates Visual Intelligence and a new chatbot writing experience.

• Apple demoed a bunch of examples of the new Siri in action. It seems to be able to understand everything on your phone and in your Apple account so that you can do things like ask for certain pictures in your gallery, look up directions to an event someone sent you, and more.

• Siri can be fully customized to your liking with a custom voice and pacing.

• You can straight-up have a conversation with Siri like you can in Gemini Live for deep research and brainstorming.

• Apple showed a demo of looking up the FIFA 2026 World Cup schedule, then asking Siri to help plan a party around a specific match and recommend dishes from both countries.

• A lot of the demos here are widely available on other AI tools, but never in Siri until now.

• In macOS, Siri can be accessed in a variety of ways, including Ctrl + click on images, text, videos, and more.

• Apple demoed the ability to select three presentations, then ask Siri to compare them and help to decide on the right one.

• Here’s the new Siri app icon:

• All of your chats in the Siri app sync across your devices so you can continue them if you switch from your phone to your iPad, Mac, Vision Pro, or even your watch.

• In visionOS 27, the Siri app lives in an orb you can move around your space.

• Visual Intelligence is used in the Wallet app so you can point your phone at a bill and have it help you split it between you and your friends.

• Visual Intelligence works across all of Apple’s platforms and can understand what its camera sees and what’s on your screen, so you can ask questions about anything that comes up on your screen.

• Apple Intelligence will automatically proofread what you write in almost every app you use.

• Siri AI will launch in English first, then expand quickly to other languages.

• Safari uses Apple Intelligence to automatically organize your tabs, notify you when new content is posted on a specific website, and more.

• Safari now supports vibe coding extensions.

• In Passwords, Apple is adding a new feature to update old, insecure passwords with stronger ones.

• In Messages, there are new intelligence shortcuts for adding something to your calendar, notes, or finding photos based on the texts you receive.

• Mail also surfaces suggested actions based on the contents of your messages.

• You can use natural language to add events to your calendar.

• The Phone app can present relevant information depending on the contents of the conversation you’re having, such as pulling up your flight number when on the phone with an airline.

• The Home app will now understand frequent notifications and present them as ongoing activities instead of a flurry of notifications.

• Videos recorded with security cameras can be summarized and described in the Home app so you can understand what’s going on at home quicker than ever.

• Shortcuts will let you describe the shortcut you want to make and assemble the entire shortcut for you. This will convince me to use the Shortcuts app way more often.

• Image Playground supports a lot more image types. You can also take existing photos and give them a new look with effects, style options, and more. There’s also tools for generating new wallpapers, backgrounds for your messages, invitations for events, and more.

• The Photos app is getting Apple Intelligence as well, with three new tools.

• Clean Up lets you remove distractions in your photos.

• Extend will let you expand an image and change the aspect ratio.

• Spatial Reframing lets you adjust the angle that a photo was taken at that using on-device spatial models. You can pan around an image, pinch to zoom in, and more. It’ll then expand the image using AI to fill in the gaps if necessary.

• Apple Intelligence in apps will be released to all current Apple Intelligence users.

• You’ll need certain Apple devices to get the best of Apple Intelligence.

• Apple Intelligence won’t be released initially in the EU, and Apple says it’s still working through regulatory requirements in China.

• Third-party apps are allowed to use Apple’s on-device models.

• The new Core AI framework lets developers integrate third-party models that’ll run on your iPhone, Mac, and more.

• Xcode’s Coding Assistant can now localize an entire app. It also now supports Gemini for vibe coding.

Release dates

• All of Apple’s 2027 platform updates will be released this fall to the public. A developer preview of each update is releasing today, with public betas launching next month.

Back to Tim…

• Tim Cook shared a touching message as he prepares to exit his role as CEO at the end of the keynote.

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.

• 👀 Nintendo is hosting a 50-minute Direct showcase on June 9, focusing on Switch 2 and Switch games

• ⌛ A 95-minute Nintendo Treehouse: Live presentation will follow, suggesting several major title reveals

• 🚨 The event starts at 7am PT (10am ET), with the full broadcast lasting nearly two and a half hours

• 👉 Viewers can watch the streams via YouTube, Twitch, or the official Nintendo website

Nintendo has announced its next big showcase, and it’s set to last 50 minutes with a focus on Switch 2 and Switch games. The Nintendo Direct for June 9 at 7am PT will be followed by a 95‑minute Nintendo Treehouse: Live presentation.

With almost an hour to show plus a deep dive afterwards, the Nintendo Direct is likely to provide a slew of new and exciting updates, particularly for Nintendo Switch 2 owners who want to know what’s next.

Although a Nintendo Direct taking place in June isn’t unusual, the 50-minute runtime is. It means it’s one of the longer Nintendo Direct presentations in recent years, and should give fans a clear look at what’s coming throughout the rest of 2026.

A 95‑minute Treehouse: Live segment also suggests there are plenty of notable titles to be revealed that Nintendo wants to show off. We only get Treehouse: Live events when Nintendo has something big to show, or if it feels like a quick trailer doesn’t do a game justice.

Treehouse: Live events can be a convincing way to demo a new game or explain more complex gameplay mechanics. They’re always fun to watch and act as an exclusive preview before any press gets hands on.

Start times for US viewers

The Direct kicks off early for West Coast fans:

• 7am PT

• 8am MT

• 9am CT

• 10am ET

The Treehouse stream will begin shortly after the Direct wraps. If you’re planning to watch live, expect the full block – Direct + Treehouse – to run just under two and a half hours.

How to watch the Nintendo Direct

Nintendo will stream the Direct and Treehouse presentations on:

• YouTube

• Twitch

• Nintendo.com

What to expect

Nintendo didn’t name any specific games in its Direct announcement, and the company typically avoids teasing surprises ahead of time. However, there is one rumor that has gathered speed in recent months: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake.

Could Nintendo really remaster one of its most iconic games? It’s hard to rule out, especially after Nintendo surprised fans with a new Star Fox for Switch 2. It’s also been a while since the last big Zelda title released, with The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom releasing in 2024 and 2023.

Make sure you tune in to The Shortcut, as we’ll be hosting a live blog covering all the biggest news and announcements from tomorrow’s Nintendo Direct.

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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.

Computex 2026 was possibly one of the most important shows in recent years. After all, it’s not every day Nvidia introduces its first-ever CPU while Intel throws down with its first gaming handheld processor. And while all this was happening Asus ROG celebrated its 20th anniversary and MSI celebrated its 40th anniversary. But, beyond the explosion of new gaming handhelds and super AI-powered laptops, there were plenty of gadgets and innovations that thousands gathered to see at the biggest semiconductor conference in Taipei, Taiwan – and the world at large.

Whether it was behind closed doors or available for all to see at the Nangang Exhibition Center, there was a litany of exciting products and innovations on display. It made choosing our Computex 2026 awards a tricky task, but we narrowed down our favorites to the 15 selections below.

Nvidia RTX Spark

Best in Show

Nvidia has truly rocked the computing and AI world by announcing its own RTX Spark ARM processors. The new chip features a 20-core CPU, promising 1 petaflop of AI performance, and 6,144 CUDA Cores for graphics performance equal to an Nvidia RTX 5070. On paper, Nvidia’s first CPU should be powerful enough to top the best laptop processors from Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and even Apple. Beyond sheer computing power, Nvidia is attempting to make on-device AI the norm for all of its laptop users. No more having to reach Claude or OpenAI through a website, AI models will run directly through Nvidia’s CPU.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra

Best Laptop

The MacBook Pro may have truly met its match and then some with the Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra. Powered by Nvidia’s incredibly promising RTX Spark processor, we’ve already seen that this laptop is fully gaming capable for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Pragmata, and Fortnite. It’s ready to tackle creative workflows like Adobe Premiere and rendering a 3D explorable city in Unreal Engine 5. Microsoft’s hardware has never been more beautiful. The Surface Laptop Ultra features a fully CNC’ed aluminum chassis that looks like one perfectly milled block of metal. There’s also exciting new hardware onboard, including a 2,000-nit bright 15-inch mini LED panel and a haptic touchpad that doesn’t just simulate mouse clicks but will vibrate while hovering over elements in the Windows 11 UI.

Read our Surface Laptop Ultra hands-on review.

Intel Arc G3 Extreme

Best Component

Intel’s first-ever gaming handheld processor, the Arc G3 Extreme, has proven itself to be a powerhouse throughout the Computex show floor. It’s powering new device, including the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ and Acer Predator Atlas 8, this chip has been able to play Forza Horizon 6, F1 2025, and Hogwarts Legacy all at full resolution and 60fps, even with high-quality settings enabled. That’s a huge flex over the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, which can barely hold 45fps with high-settings at full resolution in Forza Horizon 6.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

Best Gaming Handheld

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is the world’s most powerful gaming handheld. Powered by Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme, it delivers smooth 60fps performance at high settings in Forza Horizon 6 and Hogwarts Legacy. MSI has also given its latest handheld an ergonomic design, Hall-Effect thumbsticks, rounder buttons, a crisper D-Pad, and immersive HD haptics. This gaming handheld feels as good to play as it can run all the games.

Read our MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ hands-on review.

Dell XPS 13 laptop

Best Value

The new XPS 13 from Dell is a completely different take on the beloved laptop with a thin and light design, entry-level specs, and a price aimed squarely at the MacBook Neo. Starting at $699 (or $599 for students), the XPS 13 promises to deliver good performance for everyday tasks, with a design that looks three times the price. It’s one of the most compelling devices we saw at the show, and the hype around the brand’s return heightened things even further.

Asus ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20

Best Gaming Mouse

ROG Harpe II Extreme Editon 20 - $259

The Asus ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 is a stunner, featuring a unique mix of gold-plated and transparent shell. It offers competitive-grade precision with a 65K DPI sensor and an up to 8,000Hz polling rate. It’ll stand the test of time, too, with a durable set of 100m click-rated ROG optical microswitches and Gorilla Glass feet.

Read our full Asus ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 review.

Asus ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20

Best Gaming Keyboard

Asus ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 - $699

The Asus ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 is an exceptional 75% mechanical keyboard for enthusiasts. It features a heavy metal build mated with premium carbon fiber and gold accents. Its adjustable typing resistance party trick practically gives you two keyboards in one, for both relaxed, long-form typing and crisp, responsive PC gaming. Competitive gamers will also enjoy the keyboard’s fast 8,000Hz polling rate, incredible 1,600-hour battery life, and convenient web-based tuning software.

Read our full Asus ROG Azoth Extreme Edition 20 review.

Corsair HS35 v3

Best Gaming Headset

The Corsair HS35 v3 wireless gaming headset has the cleverest dongle, which easily plugs into either a USB-A or USB-C port. When you’re playing on a handheld, you can simply plug the T-Shaped USB-C dongle, and then when you move to a full-sized PC, you can simply stick the mini-transmitter into a USB key-sized converter. We also have to commend Corsair for making its lightweight gaming headset even lighter with a new floating design while also improving its 50mm drivers to support Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio.

Gigabyte Aorus Elite FM275K16P

Best Gaming Monitor

The world of 5K resolutions is no longer confined to Apple Studio displays, as Gigabyte and other competitors are bringing 5K resolution to gaming monitors. The Gigabyte Aorus Elite FM275K16P has multi-mode support that lets you switch between different resolutions and refresh rates, including 5K at 165Hz, 4K at 220Hz, and QHD at 330Hz. Clever AI features are also included that let you take an area of the screen, like a minimap, and reposition it, as well as have your crosshair instantly change color if it clashes with a particular surface.

Alienware AW3426DW

Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitor

The Alienware AW3426DW builds upon the company’s previous ultrawide monitor, but now uses the latest QD-OLED panel that has a Penta Tandem OLED and RGB stripe sub-pixel layout, reducing text fringing. It’s also brighter, has a 280Hz refresh rate, up from 240Hz, and a less reflective coating.

Corsair Warthog PC Case

Best PC Case

The Corsair Warthog is the most outrageous and yet utilitarian PC case we’ve seen at Computex 2026. Its Sci-Fi-inspired design will speak to both Halo and Doom fans, and yet its oversized, angled feet double as easy-to-grab carry handles. We also love the large front buttons, and switches are all guarded from accidental presses by little metal bollards that mesh well with the industrial-military theme of this case. The last super useful addition Corsair has made is a rear light that toggles to help you see all your back I/O ports, saving us from having to awkwardly use our smartphone’s flashlight whenever we want to plug and unplug USBs and video cables.

BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2

Best PC Accessory

It may not be a new product, but learning about how BenQ created its ScreenBar Halo 2 at Computex 2026 has earned it a place on our list. Most of us either work in a dimly lit room or with bright lights on, or sometimes even in the dark. BenQ has poured an insane amount of passion and research into creating the perfect lighting that not only prevents any glare from bouncing off the screen but can also boost concentration, reduce eyestrain, and make working a far more pleasurable experience. The BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 not only lights your desk, but it provides a soothing backlight behind your monitor for increased illumination.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20

Best Gaming Device

Asus has perfected the Xbox ROG Ally X20 by giving it a dazzling OLED display with a 1,400-nit HDR brightness and 600-nit brightness – and it’s just slightly bigger too. It also has a fancy, new transparent shell, and Asus has improved every input with new Gulikit TMR thumbsticks, a transforming D-Pad, rounder buttons, deeper triggers, improved bumpers, and a new action key for quick screenshots and gameplay recording. This handheld also comes bundled with a pair of smart glasses, which likely raises the price, but they let you play games on a 171-inch virtual display.

Read our Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 hands-on review.

MSI MEG Vision X2 AI+

Best Gaming Desktop

AI may be everywhere, and it’s now become ingrained in practically every PC on the market. However, MSI took the concept of having an AI in a PC by letting you see and interact with its dragon mascot, Lucky, via a hologram-like display in the front panel. You can ask him questions, and he’ll respond in a chipper voice, making the usual monotonous AI chatbot responses a little more fun and personal.

Gigabyte Aorus Infinity Series GPU

Best GPU

Gigabyte unveiled its gorgeous Aorus GeForce RTX 50 Infinity Series graphics cards at Computex 2026, which feature a striking, retro-futuristic design. It’ll make quite the centerpiece in any gaming rig, and also lets you conceal the usual cables from sight thanks to its rear connector. And of course, there’s also RGB lighting to play with.

• Up next: Nvidia RTX Spark laptops: pictures of every model from Computex 2026

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• 💡 Traditional room lighting often creates eyestrain by causing screen glare and improper light distribution

• 🤔 BenQ designs its ScreenBar products using rigorous optical simulations to ensure precise light placement and visual comfort

• 🖥️ Asymmetric lighting technology prevents light from hitting the monitor directly, preserving accurate screen colors for creatives

• ☺️ Features like background cascading light reduce visual stress by minimizing the contrast between bright screens and dark rooms

Amazon: BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2

We’re all guilty of overlooking the importance of lighting in our daily lives, especially when using a monitor or a laptop. While working in a brightly lit environment rarely poses any problems, most creatives have a habit of working late at night in dimly lit spaces, or even with only the screen to illuminate the room.

And while anyone who has stared at a computer monitor or laptop screen for long periods at night will know just how bad it can be for their eyes, it doesn’t stop most of us from doing it, especially when the alternative is often to put the main light on or a desk light.

The problem with those solutions is that they can shine light directly onto the screen, illuminate the wrong areas of your room, and even shine light indirectly into your eyes. Neither solution is ideal, and it means most traditional lighting can lead to increased eyestrain and fatigue.

Thankfully, BenQ has been working on tackling this problem since 2017 with its monitor light bars. After a tour around BenQ’s offices in Taiwan, not only did I gain a new understanding of just how important lighting is, but I also appreciated why its range of ScreenBar devices, like the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2, are so useful.

“We see lighting very differently,” said Lexi from the BenQ Smart Lighting Lab. “Lighting is really about visual performance, so our goal is not only to make everything brighter, but to place light exactly where people need it. We spend a lot of time in front of screens like never before, and traditional lighting was never designed for this kind of visual environment.”

BenQ uses several optical simulations and physical prototypes to create and perform thousands of tests so that its ScreenBar products and other lighting solutions account for glare control, light distribution, reflection behavior, and illumination consistency.

“We evaluate not only brightness, but the quality and consistency of the light itself. For example, we study color rendering, spectrum balance, and long duration visual comfort, because visual comfort is not determined by brightness alone,” Lexi explained.

BenQ also has solutions for different activities, whether it’s reading sheet music while playing the piano, or reading on the sofa. It’s even created a light that is specifically designed to help children concentrate when completing their homework.

Products like the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2, which sits on top of a monitor, can be adjusted using the included wireless puck to different color temperatures and brightness levels, which means creatives no longer need to work in the dark to get the most accurate screen colors. BenQ’s lighting solution doesn’t hit the screen because of its asymmetric lighting technology that angles light away, so colors don’t shift on the display. Instead, the light only goes where it’s needed.

The ScreenBar Halo 2, in particular, has another cascading light on the back which provides a soft background. BenQ said studies have shown that this can significantly reduce visual stress, and it lowers the contrast between the screen and the surrounding environment, allowing the eyes to relax more naturally.

“When you’re sitting in a very dark room with only a bright monitor in front of you, the contrast becomes extremely strong. Your eyes continuously adapt between a bright display and dark surroundings.” said Lexi.

As someone who doesn’t treat their eyes with the care they deserve, and spends a lot of late nights working and gaming on a monitor, the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 is a product I never knew I needed, but will definitely use from now on.

The BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 is available now for $199. Other lighting solutions from BenQ are also available, including the ScreenBar Pro and the e-Reading Desk Light.

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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.

• 📸 We took photos of every Nvidia RTX Spark laptop coming out this year

• 💻 There are models from Microsoft, MSI, Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Asus

• 🔜 Gigabyte and Acer will also release laptops powered by RTX Spark

• 💪 Nvidia RTX Spark promises to deliver the power of Apple silicon, but for Windows devices

Nvidia RTX Spark promises to be a tremendous breakthrough for Windows laptops, with up to 128GB of unified memory, access to CUDA cores, and GPU performance that’s comparable to the desktop RTX 5070.

RTX Spark also allows manufacturers to create slim laptops that still deliver excellent battery life without sacrificing performance, and I got to see (and hold) every model that will include Nvidia’s new chip during Computex 2026.

However, apart from Microsoft’s new Surface Ultra Laptop, which was used to demo all of RTX Spark’s feature set, none of the laptops were allowed to be turned on. Here are all the laptops that will be powered by Nvidia RTX Spark and available soon.

Microsoft Surface Ultra Laptop

Arguably the star of the show, and the machine that was trusted to showcase all of RTX Spark’s capabilities, the Microsoft Surface Ultra Laptop is a beautiful, exceptionally engineered piece of kit. The new Surface Ultra Laptop has been built from the ground up, and it shows. From the way the device almost floats above the table to its reworked cooling system and bright, crystal clear mini LED display, there’s a meticulous attention to detail throughout.

Asus ProArt P14 and ProArt P16

Asus showed off its gorgeous range of ProArt laptops, which are just 12.9mm thick and feature stunning OLED displays. The ProArt 16 includes a massive 99.9Wh battery, and like all RTX Spark laptops in this list, it can be configured with up to 128GB of unified memory. If Windows users were looking for a MacBook Pro competitor, this is it.

MSI Prestige N16 Flip AI+

The only transforming laptop on the list, the MSI Prestige N16 Flip AI+ features a UHD+ tandem OLED touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s also compatible with the MSI Nano Pen stylus, which can be neatly tucked away underneath the laptop.

HP Omnibook Ultra 16

A super slim and powerful laptop from HP, the Omnibook Ultra 16 is just 0.62 inches thick and has a redesigned exhaust vent to keep things cool. It had a noticeably premium heft to it when picked up, and a really nice keyboard feel when typing.

HP Omnibook X 14

The HP Omnibook X 15 is a more compact and lighter option, and is being advertised as “the world’s thinnest RTX Spark” laptop. It’s just 0.53 inches thick, but still includes a full I/O of ports.

Dell XPS Creator 16

Tied with the Microsoft Surface Ultra Laptop for the most beautiful RTX Spark machine on this list, the Dell XPS 16 Creator Edition has a 16-inch Tandem OLED display with True Black HDR 600, a built in SD card reader, and a minimalist, sleek design.

Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n

The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n has a 15-inch display and a premium, durable aluminum chassis. It’s a sleek-looking laptop with top-firing speakers, a massive trackpad, and will reportedly include pen/stylus support.

Up next: Dell XPS 13 returns to compete with the MacBook Neo – for $100 more

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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.

• 💻 Microsoft’s next Surface Pro is right around the corner, according to leaks

• 👀 The new Surface Pro with the Snapdragon X2 Elite chip has leaked

• ⚙️ New images reveal a familiar device with beefier specs

• 📅 Rumors suggest the new Surface Pro could arrive as early as June 16

• 💰 There’s no word on pricing just yet

Microsoft is starting to do interesting things with its Surface devices again, and now, it looks like the Surface Pro is getting a fresh upgrade. WinFuture has published a huge leak revealing numerous specs and photos of the upcoming Surface Pro powered by the Snapdragon X2 Elite. The biggest physical change? Yeah… there really isn’t one.

• More: Microsoft unveils powerful Surface Laptop Ultra with Nvidia RTX Spark chip

The upcoming Surface Pro will still have a 13.3-inch OLED display, thin bezels, and a kickstand on the back for propping it up. Microsoft is expected to drop the blue color option from this year’s lineup, leaving you with a choice between black, platinum, and "Dune" (gold). You’ll also have a choice between three color-matched Alcantara keyboards, which will likely be sold separately as they are with every Surface Pro tablet.

Microsoft’s biggest upgrade will be the Snapdragon X2 Elite, which is much faster than the original X Elite from a couple years ago. The new Surface Pro will be available with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of user-replaceable storage, according to the leaked images. You’ll also get Qualcomm Hexagon graphics and neural processing for AI tasks, as well as up to 15.5 hours of battery life (a tad more than the previous model).

It doesn’t seem like there will be much else new with the upcoming Surface Pro. Microsoft isn’t redesigning it, adding a new color, or giving it any new capabilities not driven by the faster chip inside. Instead, it’s sticking to a very familiar formula with better specs, likely to help the Surface Pro continue to perform well in Windows 11’s Copilot AI era.

WinFuture reports that the new Surface Pro could arrive as soon as June 16. We don’t have exact pricing yet, but given that the release date is reportedly around the corner, we’ll know sooner than later.

• Up next: ModRetro M64 review: the glow-up your N64 always deserved

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.

• 🍎 Apple’s iPhone Fold just leaked in a new image

• 📱 The photo reveals a supposed dummy unit

• 👀 It looks like what all the leaks have suggested: a passport-shaped foldable with two rear cameras

• ⚙️ Meanwhile, details on the iPhone Fold hinge have also leaked

• 📅 Apple is expected to announce its foldable iPhone this September

The first foldable iPhone is coming later this year, and as the days and weeks progress, we’re learning more about what Apple might have in store. New images have popped up that supposedly reveal a dummy unit of the upcoming iPhone Fold, complete with a passport-like design and dual rear cameras. Meanwhile, a separate report suggests that Apple’s hinge for the iPhone Fold could use technology it’s been using for 15 years.

• More: Dell XPS 13 returns to compete with the MacBook Neo – for $100 more

🪙 Here’s the iPhone Fold in Silver

Ice Universe shared the above image on Weibo, suggesting it’s a white dummy model of the iPhone Fold (or iPhone Ultra). The wide shape aligns with other leaks we’ve seen, while the two rear cameras have also been corroborated by previous reports. Of course, there’s no Apple logo here or indicator it’s an official prototype from Apple, so it’s worth taking it with a grain of salt.

That being said, this is roughly what we expect the iPhone Fold to look like. Apple will keep the design somewhat basic on the outside, beyond its much wider aspect ratio that isn’t all that common in the foldable market (well, at least not yet). It’ll come with speakers, a USB-C port, MagSafe, and two rear cameras. It’s also expected to only ship in two colors: white (Silver) and black (Space Gray).

🤘 “Liquidmetal” coming to iPhone Fold?

In another leak, Apple is said to be incorporating technology it’s been using since at least 2010 into the iPhone Fold’s hinge: Liquidmetal. The material, which is a metal alloy with a glass-like atomic structure to allow for greater elasticity and flexibility, is widely used for the company’s SIM card tools, but it might finally be used for the benefit of an iPhone’s design.

Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo says that Apple has settled on a hinge made of Liquidmetal for the iPhone Fold. The hinge itself is rumored to be thin and flexible enough to the point that the crease in the middle of the device’s 7.6-inch display isn’t identifiable, which would be a huge feat of engineering for foldable phones. Use of the material has been rumored for quite some time, and now that we’re getting leaks saying Apple has decided on it this late in the game, it seems likely it’ll be used for a big portion of the iPhone Fold’s construction.

Our iPhone Fold coverage continues

The iPhone Fold is rumored to arrive this September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. We’ll be tracking more rumors and leaks as they pop up, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out.

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• Up next: Microsoft Surface Pro with Snapdragon X2 Elite leaks ahead of rumored June 16 release date

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.