The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is coming in the Switch 2's GameCube collection at launch.Before this morning, I knew I was going to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 but I didn’t know when. After watching Nintendo’s Switch 2 Direct today, in which a purple block traced the GameCube’s stylized “G” logo, followed by high-res footage from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and F-Zero GX and an announcement that they’ll be playable at launch, I realized I’ll be doing my damndest to get it on day one. It was the cherry on top of a stellar presentation that made the console’s $449.99 price tag way easier to swallow.GameCube games are coming to the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription’s Classic Game Library feature, which the company is now shortening to “Nintendo Classics.” It lets you play games from the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis. Like the Game Boy and Nintendo 64 game collections, you’ll need the NSO Expansion Pack for GameCube games. The existing catalog of playable Classic Game Library games is far from complete, but together (and combined with DLC for contemporary Switch games), they make the Expansion Pack well worth it.The subscription gets even more enticing on the Switch 2, starting before the console even comes out — Nintendo is prioritizing long-time subscribers (with certain caveats) when it sends out Switch 2 preorder invites. The Expansion Pack will also let you play the Switch 2 editions of Zelda games Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom (provided you own their respective Switch 1 versions). But the GameCube games are what I’m most excited about. I’d love for the Wii U’s Wind Waker HD to get a Switch re-release, but the GameCube version is still one of the most beautiful games I’ve ever played and looks great in Nintendo’s trailer for it. So does F-Zero GX, a game with such well-executed style and tight control that I would pit it against any futuristic racer today. The Switch 2 is also launching with Soul Calibur II, a game that featured adult Link as a playable character in his post-Ocarina of Time fighting-people-for-sport era.The company flashed a few other re-releases coming down the line, like Super Mario Strikers and Chibi-Robo!, in the latter of which you play a tiny, toothbrush-armed robot tasked with cleaning up a very messy house. It’s way more fun than it sounds, and gives me hope for what Nintendo could announce. There are some excellent, but more obscure gems that never really leapt beyond the GameCube, like the creepy, Lovecraft-inspired Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem and Cubivore, in which you play a small, wild cube trying to bring color back to the world by eating other boxy creatures, winning the chance to mate, die, and be reborn over and over again until you’ve become the fittest survivor of them all. And all of these will be playable with a forthcoming wireless recreation of the GameCube controller, as they should be. The GameCube wasn’t an abject failure, but it sold nowhere near as well as the Wii or the Switch. There’s no guarantee that the Switch 2 will keep up the sales pace set by its predecessor, but even if it manages half that console’s sales, it could give some games a well-deserved second look. 

If you're looking to improve your audio, a microphone is going to be the way to go. And while there are plenty of good options, we think this one from Razer is going to offer a good mix of features that you'll appreciate, along with a price that you can afford. While it's normally $60, you can now score a 40% discount that brings it down to just $36 for a limited time.

Ente Photos is a multi-platform open-source photo and video storage tool with a huge emphasis on data security and privacy. Its reliable storage uses three European data centers — one of which is in a fallout center — to ensure your memories will never get accidentally lost. Making one of the best cloud-based data storage tools, you’re in total control of your data for anything you upload to Ente Photos, and you’ll benefit from the developer minds of ex-Google employees who are responsible for such a secure and well-rounded tool. Ente Photos is enticing to use, whether it’s a free plan or a paid and shared plan, to ensure your photos and memories stay safe in storage as they do in your mind.

It's no hyperbole to say that everything in the modern world runs on data, whether that's operationally or in the planning and design stages. Sometimes, that data gets lost, whether through accidents, tragedies, cyberattacks, or human error, and it's not always able to be recovered. A 2022 survey by backup provider Arcserve found that 76% of businesses that responded had suffered a loss of critical data, and 45% of those said the loss was permanent.

Owning a 3D printer brings your ideas to life, turning them into tangible objects before your eyes. If you’ve just bought one, welcome to a world of endless creativity and innovation — but be prepared for the challenges that come with it. At first, the learning curve may seem steep, and there are mistakes 3D printing enthusiasts make when starting, but as you dive deeper into this technology, you'll become more familiar with essential aspects.

Intel isn't having the best time, with industry veteran and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates criticizing the company after missteps with Raptor Lake and Arrow Lake CPUs. However, after the exit of Pat Gelsinger, the company's new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, has admitted "past mistakes" and plans to refocus on engineering. While these are the company's long-term vision, the semiconductor giant has chalked out another plan that will have an immediate impact on both PC and phone users.

Home Assistant is one of the best applications you can install on any home lab or NAS that supports Docker. It can be the centerpiece of your smart home, with thousands of integrations supporting practically every smart device out there. Chances are, if it exists and can be controlled by some kind of remote service, there's a way to get it working with Home Assistant, too. Whether you're new to Home Assistant or an experienced user, you need to install the Home Assistant Community Store, also known as HACS.

Last week, Apple announced that lossless audio and ultra low latency would be coming to the AirPods Max with USB-C. It was a pleasant surprise for owners of Apple’s over-ear headphones, which have fallen behind the AirPods Pro in recent years when it comes to offering new features. The company briefly hit a snag in releasing the firmware update necessary for the AirPods Max to unlock these newfound capabilities, but resolved the issue on Wednesday afternoon.Firmware version 7E99 was supposed to arrive early this week alongside iOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4. But late in the day Tuesday, Apple added an unusual “coming soon” asterisk next to the AirPods Max on a support site that lists each device’s latest firmware. Both MacRumors and 9to5Mac reported on the delay, though Apple never gave an explanation. A newer AirPods Max software update, 7E101, was rolled out on Wednesday.The company also introduced a new USB-C to 3.5mm cable for the AirPods Max last week, and it’s worth noting you can use that regardless of what firmware you’re on; it works right out of the box for connecting the headphones to devices with a traditional headphone jack — and it’s a pretty good cable as these things go. (You’d hope so for $39.)Apple really needs to make the process of updating AirPods more straightforward. For years, it has just sort of happened in the background at a random moment when your iPhone and AirPods are near each other with the headphones charging. There’s no way of manually triggering an update, which runs counter to the way every other earbud maker does it. Can we get a simple “update now” button right in AirPods settings in iOS 19, please?Update, April 2nd 6:30PM ET: The article has been updated to reflect that the latest AirPods Max firmware is now available.

The 3-2-1 backup rule is a great way to ensure your data is safe from corruption, ransomware, and loss. With the rise of network-attached storage (NAS), it's evident we're all creating and needing to store more data than ever before. Your smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, server, NAS, and everything else with an OS and files need to be backed up. That's where the 3-2-1 backup rule can make it easy to create a reliable solution to all your data security needs. Here's how to set it up.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is basically a bigger, more capable Switch.The Switch 2 is here — well, almost. Nintendo took the wraps off its new console during its latest Direct event, providing us with a closer look at the $449.99 console ahead of its release on June 5th.In many ways, the sequel is a generational leap from the original console / handheld hybrid that rocked the gaming world over eight years ago. Nintendo is building upon the successful foundation it laid with the original Switch by offering a larger screen, more internal storage, and magnetic Joy-Con controllers that can operate like mice. It’s also introducing some new features, like GameChat, which lets players make voice calls, screen share, and video chat.Below, we’re taking a closer look at the on-paper differences between the Switch 2 and its various predecessors — specifically, the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch OLED. We’ve even thrown in the handheld-only Nintendo Switch Lite, just for good measure.Pricing and availabilityDisplay technologyPerformance and battery lifeJoy-Cons and other controllersStorage, dock, and moreGames and softwareBy the numbersPricing and availabilityThe Switch 2 will retail for $449.99 at launch, or you can b …Read the full story at The Verge.

Smartphone apps that track our driving behavior may be the key to safer road conditions. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety just published a study that found that using smartphone apps to monitor driver behavior, and then providing summaries of that behavior via text message or a data dashboard, leads to safer driving. Researchers borrowed techniques from usage-based insurance (UBI) programs, in which insurance companies use smartphone apps to measure dangerous driving behaviors, like hard braking, sudden acceleration, and speeding. Rather than rely on actuarial data, like driving records and vehicle type, UBI programs use real-time data from app trackers to determine premiums. These are typically opt-in programs, marketed as a way to lower premiums. But if your driving isn’t as safe as you think, it can lead to higher monthly payments. Most people have an aversion to being tracked in real-time by their insurance company. But the AAA group was able to show that these methods can lead to safer driving — even after the tracking apps are turned off. Participants were told their data was being reviewed as part of a research study, and not being used by insurance companies to lower or raise their rates. Most people have an aversion to being tracked in real-time by their insurance company.The research team corralled 1,400 participants and split them into four groups: a control group; a standard feedback group, which were given weekly feedback via text on all behaviors monitored; an assigned goal group, which were given weekly text feedback on one behavior; and a chosen goal group, which selected their own behavior on which to receive feedback. Among the three feedback groups, 13 percent of participants showed a reduction in speeding, 21 percent showed a reduction in hard braking, and 25 percent experienced less rapid acceleration. Participants also gave their own feedback on tactics for changing their driving behavior: 67.4 percent said they would be persuaded by the potential to earn extra money; 53.9 percent liked weekly feedback via text message; and 45.8 percent preferred a weekly dashboard that provided detailed driving information for the week. The research team also monitored the groups’ use of smartphones while driving, and were surprised to find that terrible behavior remained mostly unchanged. They theorized that providing baseline safety scores at the start of the study led drivers to believe they were being safer than they actually were — and therefore, less in need for improvement. 13 percent of participants showed a reduction in speedingAfter the 12-week study, participants were monitored for an additional six weeks without any feedback to determine whether their improved driving would persist. The study found that generally they continued to drive more safely. “It’s encouraging to see that many individuals stuck with safer habits even after the study,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy, in a statement. “This shows that positive reinforcement, not just punitive measures, can lead to safer driving habits that can save lives.”In 2023, over 40,000 people died in vehicle crashes in the US. AAA says the research results point to the need for innovative approaches to educating people about safer driving behavior. Most people have an aversion to being tracked while they drive — especially when you consider that most drivers have an overinflated sense of their own behavior. But UBI programs are growing. In 2020, 16 percent of auto insurance shoppers were offered UBI and 12 percent of them enrolled, according to USA Today. In 2024, 15 percent of buyers were offered UBI, but a almost a fifth of them signed up.We already use our phones to monitor a lot of our behavior, including our steps, our sleep, and our eating habits. Why not driving?

After years of rumors, Nintendo has finally announced a release date for the Switch 2. The long-awaited successor to the Switch will be available on June 5th for $449.99, bringing a handing of games and accessories along with it. It will be available for preorder in the US from select retailers starting on April 9th, as both a standalone console and as a limited-edition bundle with Mario Kart World for $499.99.As predicted, the Switch 2 features a larger 7.9-inch LCD display, with support for 1080p resolution and HDR, 256GB of built-in storage, and up to 6.5 hours of battery life. The Joy-Cons are bigger, too, and now magnetically attach to the console instead of relying on a pair of sliding rails to snap into place. They also offer mouse-like functionality with select games, and the right Joy-Con sports a “C” button, which can be used for in-game chat features, screensharing, and other actions.As for games, the Switch 2 will launch with Mario Kart World, along with third-party games like Split Fiction and Cyberpunk 2077. The console will also be backward-compatible with original Switch games and support enhanced versions of select titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.Below, we’ve rounded up all the preorder information you need if you want to be one of the first to get your hands on it. We’ll be updating this post regularly as more information becomes available, so bookmark this page if you’re keen on learning more ahead of the launch.How to preorder via NintendoHow to preorder at Best BuyHow to preorder at WalmartHow to preorder elsewhereHow to preorder via NintendoAs expected, one of the few confirmed retailers right now is the My Nintendo Store, which comes with a string of eligibility requirements — one of which requires you to register your interest in advance of April 9th. To do so, you’ll need to sign in with your Nintendo account and choose which console configuration you prefer (and which accessories). Then, you’ll receive an invitation email when it’s time to buy it, assuming you’ve satisfied several other conditions.As of right now, the reservation process is limited to Nintendo account holders in the US and Canada who are at least 18 years old. Invitations will be valid for 72 hours and will be “prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis,” according to Nintendo; you’ll also need to have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months and have logged 50 hours of gameplay on the original Switch as of April 2nd, 2025, to be eligible. What’s more, you must have opted in to share gameplay data with Nintendo (you can see if you’ve done so in the privacy section when logged into your account).Once invitations have been sent to account holders who have met these criteria, Nintendo says it will send invitations to “remaining eligible registrants” on a first-come, first-served basis. Unsurprisingly, the invitations will be nontransferable and sent to the email address you used while registering your interest with Nintendo. Console and accessory purchases will be limited to one per eligible account, at least during the initial invitation period, with the first batch of invitations going out on May 8th.Additional invitations will follow periodically, though Nintendo hasn’t specified details beyond that.How to preorder at Best BuyThankfully, if Nintendo’s strict requirements are an issue, the preorder process at Best Buy appears to be far more straightforward. Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, games, and accessories will begin on April 9 via the Best Buy app and BestBuy.com. What’s more, most stores in the US will open at 12AM ET, 11PM CT, 10PM MT, and 9PM PT on June 5th for preorder pickup, signaling a welcome return to a more old-school, midnight release schedule we last saw prior to the pandemic.Details are sparse beyond that; however, My Best Buy Plus and Total members can land a $20 certificate for every $150 they spend (up to $100) on Nintendo games and gear, which is a nice perk for members of Best Buy’s premium loyalty program. That privilege will run you at least $49.99 a year, though both membership tiers will also grant you access to exclusive discounts, free two-day shipping, and other perks.We expect Best Buy to provide some more preorder information ahead of April 9th — including details on whether the retailer intends to implement a queue system, as it did with the PlayStation 5 release. In the meantime, you can sign up to receive notifications regarding the Switch 2 and its various launch titles.How to preorder at WalmartWalmart hasn’t officially dished out many details regarding the Switch 2 launch, but the retailer has published dedicated landing pages for both the standalone Switch 2 ($449.99) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99), along with games like Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) and the Switch 2 version of Breath of the Wild ($69.9). A small banner beneath the pricing details also indicates that preorders will begin on April 9th — the same day other retailers will open reservations.How to preorder elsewhereNintendo and Best Buy are the only retailers, thus far, to have provided any insight into how preorders will work when they open on April 9th. That said, you can also sign up GameStop to receive notifications about the upcoming console, various games, and accessories. Presumingly, this will also include preorder details once they’re available.Like with previous launches, we anticipate that Amazon and Target will all have limited stock of the console, as well. But despite Nintendo “taking risks” to ensure it can meet demands, reports indicate that US retailers might not have enough Switch 2 consoles to meet preorder demands. With any luck, Nintendo’s stringent reservation requirements will thwart any potential scalpers.Update, April 2nd: Updated to include additional preorder details for Walmart.