Update, April 24th: Following a rocky start, all confirmed Switch 2 retailers — including Walmart, Best Buy, and Target — have sold out of their existing inventory. The next online preorder opportunity will be at GameStop, which will open preorders at 11AM ET on April 24th.Following a brief delay stemming from the Trump’s administration’s tariff policy, Nintendo has finally opened up preorders for the Switch 2. Best Buy is still accepting reservations, offering gamers a chance to secure Nintendo’s forthcoming console ahead of its release on June 5th. Nintendo is also accepting sign-ups for those looking to secure a Switch 2, though, if you do go that route, be aware that there are strict requirements.Overall, Nintendo appears to be hopeful that it has built up sufficient inventory of its next-generation portable gaming system to meet US demand — something Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser reiterated during a recent CNBC appearance. Still, there’s no guarantee, especially given that Nintendo has admitted it “cannot fulfill” all the preorders it has already received through its own Japanese store.Either way, if you’re trying to secure a Switch 2, we suggest beginning with the retailers listed below. We’ve also included a few tips and tricks further down for streamlining the checkout process, if needed.Landing pages and online start timesWhat Switch 2 configurations are available?A few essentials tips to keep in mindWhere can I preorder the Switch 2?WalmartBest BuyTargetGameStopLanding pages and online start timesWhat Switch 2 configurations are available?At launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available in two distinct configurations: a $449.99 standard version and a $499.99 bundle that includes the latest Mario Kart title, Mario Kart World. Nintendo is on record saying the bundle will only be available through fall 2025 (or while supplies last), which is a shame, considering picking up the console / game combo saves you $30 on what is likely to be the Switch 2’s biggest launch title. If you don’t manage to secure the bundle, you can pick up Mario Kart World separately for a whopping $79.99.It’s also worth noting that prices could change down the line. Nintendo recently raised the price of the Switch 2 Joy-Con and Pro Controller in response to US tariffs, and has said that “other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future depending on market conditions.” The starting price of the Nintendo Switch 2 remains unchanged, but at this point, it feels like the only way to guarantee a console at $449.99 is to purchase one at launch.A few essentials tips to keep in mindIf the the rollout of Sony’s PlayStation 5 is any indication, retailers aren’t always well-equipped to handle the massive influx of interest when it comes to console preorders. Inventory for the Switch 2 is likely to be limited as well, but if you’re struggling to get through the checkout process with a console, we have a few pointers:Use mobile apps: If you own a smartphone, try preordering your Switch 2 via the respective app for Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, etc. In the past, we’ve found that the dedicated mobile apps for various retailers tend to be faster than using a traditional browser; they also provide an additional means of procuring a console, thus increasing your chances of securing a Switch 2 at launch.Skip the accessories: There will be a raft of new accessories for the Switch 2 at launch, and while it might be tempting to stack your cart with add-ons, preordering Nintendo’s first-party peripherals takes time that’s better spent on securing a console. Accessory preorders don’t typically sell out nearly as fast as consoles, either, meaning you can always circle back for the extras.Bookmark this page: We’ll be updating this page for several hours, allowing you to see at a glance which retailers are still accepting preorders on either the standalone console or the Mario Kart World bundle. A number of other social media accounts — including Wario64 and Matt Swider of The Shortcut — are likely going to be tracking preorder inventory as well, if you’re looking for additional publications / users to follow.Keep at it (for a time): Just because a product is listed as “sold out” on a landing page doesn’t necessarily mean’s it’s completely out of stock. Availability will often fluctuate during big preorder events, meaning it’s still a good idea to routinely refresh the page — as long as you’re not in an active queue — and double-check the mobile app for updated availability.Where can I preorder the Switch 2?Right now, the only confirmed retailers for the Nintendo Switch 2 are Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target. We anticipate Amazon — and Newegg / Sam’s Club? — opening preorders at some point, but based on previous console launches, the rollout at Amazon is likely to be sporadic and unpredictable. Either way, we’ll update this post accordingly if Amazon and other retailers begin offering preorders.WalmartAs far as we can tell, Walmart is no longer accepting preorders for the standalone Switch 2 ($449) or the Mario Kart World bundle ($499), though you can still preorder games like Donkey Kong Bananza ($69) and accessories like the Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84). That being said, Walmart’s website still indicates that, if you manage to preorder a console before 8AM ET on June 4th, you should receive it before 9AM ET on June 5th.Best BuyBest Buy is no longer accepting online preorders for the standalone console or the Mario Kart World bundle, but it will begin accepting in-store preorders at the “start of regular store hours” on April 24th. What’s more, if you do manage to reserve a console through Best Buy, the retailer has announced that most stores in the US will open at 12AM ET, 11PM CT, 10PM MT, and 9PM PT on June 5th for preorder pickup.Additionally, if you’re a My Best Buy Plus or Total member, you can currently score $20 in credit for every $150 you spend (up to $100) on Nintendo games and gear (excluding all Switch and Switch 2 hardware). That privilege will run you at least $49.99 a year, though both membership tiers also grant you access to a number of exclusive perks, including limited-time discounts and free two-day shipping.TargetTarget appears to have sold out of preorders for both the standalone Switch 2 and the Mario Kart World bundle, along with accessories like the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84). Some games, including the Switch 2 Edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ($69.99), are still available.GameStopGameStop is the lone outlier on our list. The retailer confirmed on X that in-store preorders for the Switch 2 will begin when “doors open” on April 24th — not at midnight — with online preorders starting the same day at 11AM ET. The retailer has already published dedicated landing pages for the standalone console and the Mario Kart World bundle, and the company has announced that “all stores” will open on June 5th at 12AM ET / June 4th at 9PM PT for the console’s launch.If you’re looking to bring the cost down, GameStop will be offering up to $175 off a Switch 2 when you trade in a Switch OLED, or up to $125 off when you trade in a regular Switch. In both instances, you’ll need everything that came with your console — specifically the Switch, its dock, two working Joy-Con controllers (with wrist straps), an HDMI cable, and a power cord. GameStop also confirmed to Gizmodo that exact valuation will depend on the condition of your console, including whether your Joy-Cons are experiencing the dreaded stick drift.

Whether you like it or not, Windows 11 is now the new standard for any PC running a Microsoft OS, with the company officially ending support for Windows 10 in October. Some of you may have been early adopters of Windows 11, while others may be waiting until the absolute last minute to install the newest version. I figured now is as good a time as any to take a fresh look at Windows 11 Pro. I also wanted to share why I find the $99 upgrade fee from Home to Pro, or the $60 difference in the cost of a new license between the two, seems worth it to me, and what I get out of it.

Nintendo’s delayed Switch 2 preorders finally kicked off in the US at 12AM ET on Thursday at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, and almost immediately, there were some big problems. After nearly an hour of frustration, many of us here at The Verge secured preorders, but it seems like preorders are out of stock at the retailers.Target seemed to open first, but trying to order was rough. Many of us were able to get to the checkout screen, but ran into issues from there that stopped a purchase, like being asked to update our addresses over or Target losing our payment details. Some users online who did appear to get Target orders also reported that they were canceled. Although stock appeared to float in and out after preorders were live, Target now says both the console and the bundle with Mario Kart World are out of stock.Walmart’s website, for me for a while, had a vague queue. “This deal is almost gone,” according to the page. But eventually, many of us at The Verge (including me!) were able to snag our Switch 2 preorders from the retailer. Like with Target, Walmart eventually showed a handful of the consoles and bundles in stock here and there before they both sold out. Best Buy, which promised to launch preorders at 12AM ET, showed a gray “coming soon” button on the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle pack for about 30 minutes. As of 12:31AM ET, I was in a line for the bundle, but Best Buy kicked me out of it shortly before 2AM ET and said that the bundle was out of stock. Although I wasn’t able to buy one from Best Buy, I saw many reports online of success there.Nintendo originally announced that preorders would go live in the US on April 9th ahead of a June 5th launch for the console, but the company delayed the preorders over tariff concerns without sharing a date for when they would kick off.The preorder problems follow Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa issuing a supply warning in Japan on Wednesday. Nintendo also announced this week that invitations to its direct sales in the US might not be available to everyone ahead of launch. Last week, Nintendo finally announced that preorders would start on April 24th and that the price would still start at $449.99 in the US. Accessories got price hikes. Preorders started earlier this month in some other territories, including the UK.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) sent Apple CEO Tim Cook a letter asking for information regarding Cook and Apple’s conversations with President Donald Trump’s administration about tariffs and any special exemptions from the tariffs, Bloomberg reports.Warren’s letter, obtained by Bloomberg, points out that Apple “appeared to have invested heavily in influencing the Trump Administration” through things like Cook’s $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration and Cook’s presence at the inauguration. It discusses The Washington Post’s recent report about Cook’s discussions with White House officials, including a reported conversation with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about how tariffs could impact the price of iPhones.It also notes Trump’s tariff exemptions for smartphones and other electronics and quotes WaPo saying that “Apple appears to be the only company that benefits from virtually all of [them].”Warren’s letter concludes with a list of questions for Apple, which includes inquiries on things like the nature of Cook’s discussions with the Trump administration, when Apple learned about the exemptions, and asking about the “the value of the additional profits that Apple will obtain as a result of President Trump’s tariff exemption.” The letter does not include a deadline for Cook to respond. Apple didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment from The Verge.

For finance enthusiasts, accountants, and small business owners alike, diving deep into your financial data can unlock critical insights. While many cloud‐based solutions offer convenience, nothing beats the control and privacy of hosting your own finance app. Better yet, if these apps export easily into Excel (or CSV formats that Excel happily ingests), you can unleash powerful analysis through pivot tables, charts, and custom formulas. Below, we explore five self‑hosted finance apps that not only put you in full control of your data but also export perfectly into Excel for detailed, further analysis.

The Nebula X1 with the optional battery-powered Wi-Fi satellite speakers installed. | Image: AnkerAnker’s new all-in-one Nebula X1 smart projector has everything you’d want from a “cinema-grade outdoor entertainment system.”It produces a bright 4K image from a triple-laser light engine capable of 3,500 ANSI lumens, automatically finds the best place to project an image optimized for the environment, has Google TV built-in to unlock 4K Netflix streams, and features two battery-powered Wi-Fi satellite speakers to create a legitimate surround-sound experience. The only thing missing is a portable screen.The X1 can project a 200-inch image from a distance of 13 to 22 feet thanks to its optical zoom. It’s also fitted with a gimbal that can tilt the output up to 25 degrees to automatically find the best placement on a screen or wall where the image is keystone corrected, focused, and adapted to the ambient light and surface color. A button on the remote control can initiate all that spatial adaptation whenever you want and the X1’s memory feature can preserve settings for repeat locations. And its 5,000:1 native contrast and Rec.2020 color support should help make the X1’s Dolby Vision certification more than just a marketing stunt. It’s the X1’s sound system, however, that’s the real star of this show. The projector includes four built-in speakers (two 15W and two 5W). Those speakers can be combined with a pair of optional battery-powered Wi-Fi speakers good for up to eight hours of audio. Each satellite speaker contains a 40W pair of front drivers, a 20W upward-firing driver, and a 20W side-firing driver to add width and height to audio. The result is a 4.1.2 surround-sound experience when the audio drivers inside the X1 are switched into subwoofer mode. And while the satellite speakers feature IP54 resistance to dust and rain, the X1 projector itself offers no such assurances.Lastly, the X1 is also liquid cooled — an industry first, according to Anker. That not only reduces the size of the unit by omitting the high-powered fans, it also drops the noise to a relatively quiet 26dB. There’s even the option for a two-pack of wireless microphones to get your karaoke on.Anker’s Nebula X1 won’t come cheap. The projector alone will cost $2,999 starting on May 21st, or $3,298 for the X1 bundle, which includes the projector, two mics, a travel case, and a pair of those satellite speakers.

The never-ending debate over which is best between Windows and Mac won't be resolved anytime soon. Some fans will always think Windows is best, while others won't touch it after using the Mac Mini and other Apple products. I'm on the fence. I was a long-time fan who swore by MacBooks due to their refined designs, power, and efficiency. I've now switched to Windows, primarily for gaming and customization options, and have never looked back.

Perplexity’s iOS App just got an update enabling support for the company’s conversational AI voice assistant. Now Apple users can activate the assistant in the app and ask it to perform tasks like writing emails, setting reminders, and making dinner reservations.You can even navigate away from the app and continue to speak to Perplexity, although it doesn’t yet support screen sharing like it does on Android. Meanwhile, some of the conversational AI stuff Apple has promised for the Apple Intelligence-powered Siri could still be more than a year away. And unlike Apple Intelligence, Perplexity’s assistant can do these things on older devices, like my iPhone 13 mini.Introducing Perplexity iOS Voice AssistantVoice Assistant uses web browsing and multi-app actions to book reservations, send emails and calendar invites, play media, and more—all from the Perplexity iOS app.Update your app in the App Store and start asking today. pic.twitter.com/OKdlTaG9CO— Perplexity (@perplexity_ai) April 23, 2025When the Android version launched in January, Perplexity’s spokesperson told The Verge that it would come to iPhones and iPads once “Apple gives us the right permissions,” and apparently that has been worked out. I downloaded Perplexity for the first time on my iPhone today and asked it to set a reminder for me to start cooking at 7PM. I was greeted with a pop-up asking me to give it permission to see my reminders. I accepted, and it added the reminder as I expected. I tried crafting a text message and, as expected, Perplexity asked for access to my contacts. I declined, but I appreciated that the assistant’s next step was to prompt me to just say the intended phone number instead of failing completely.I also tried booking a table at a restaurant, as shown in the video demo posted by Peplexity, and its mobile assistant opened Open Table, then entered the dates and times I said out loud. The actions aren’t end-to-end, though; you’ll still need to complete the process yourself in the window. Perplexity can also open my Uber app and set me up with a ride.Perplexity’s voice assistant has other limitations on iOS. You can’t ask it to look at your camera and “see” what you see for context, as other AI assistants can, like ChatGPT and Grok. But you can still use the standard text-based chatbot to ask questions about a picture. And you can’t ask it to set your iPhone’s scheduled alarms for you — you’ll still need Siri for that.

The Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station features adjustable ambient LED lighting to match your gaming setup. | Image: AnkerAnker has announced its first Thunderbolt 5 dock. At roughly 5.2 inches wide and 3.4 inches tall, the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station is not as compact as some competitors, like CalDigit’s Element 5 Hub. But inside its aluminum alloy housing is an integrated GaN power supply delivering up to 232W of combined power output, so you won’t have to deal with a chunky power brick or a bulky adapter.The Prime TB5 Docking Station has 14 ports, according to Anker, including the SD and microSD memory card slots on the side. Along with those you get two 10Gbps USB-C ports, three 10Gbps USB-A ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, a 2.5Gbps ethernet port, a headphone jack, two downstream USB-C Thunderbolt 5 ports offering up to 120Gbps speeds with a Bandwidth Boost option, and an upstream USB-C Thunderbolt 5 port that can deliver up to 140W of power to a host computer.For comparison, CalDigit’s TS5 Plus, the reigning champ of Thunderbolt 5 port offerings, has 20 ports, including three Thunderbolt 5, five USB-C, and five USB-A. The Element 5 Hub has 15.The Anker Prime dock can connect up to two 8K displays, although Anker says resolutions and refresh rates may be limited by the host system’s capabilities. The company hasn’t said whether triple-display setups are possible; Cable Matters says its Thunderbolt 5 dock can be connected to three displays running at 8K/60Hz or 4K/144Hz.Available starting today through Anker’s online store and other retailers for $399.99, the TB5 Docking Station also features a ring of adjustable ambient LED lighting around the top and a U-shaped air duct with a cooling fan that uses an “intelligent temperature algorithm” to prevent overheating and performance loss. Its firmware can also be updated remotely using Anker’s Dock Manager software, making software maintenance easier in facilities with several in use.

There are a lot of caveats if you're trying to save money on a motherboard, that is, unless you can find one that's on sale. Luckily, this one from NZXT seems to deliver most of the things we'd be looking for, and does so at a great price. The NZXT Z790 motherboard is perfect for the latest generation of Intel processors, and is now being discounted by 60%, coming in at just $120 for a limited time.

In a recent update to its website about its direct sales program for the Switch 2, Nintendo says that due to “the very high demand” for the console, “delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed” and that “your invitation email may arrive after the Nintendo Switch 2 launch.”Nintendo has already said that the initial invitations for eligible registrations on its My Nintendo Store website would go out on May 8th. The requirements to be eligible are quite strict, seemingly to thwart scalpers.But now, as it did for Japan yesterday, the company is signaling that US demand for consoles through its own store is quite high. If you were banking on getting a Switch 2 through the platform, you might want to be prepared to potentially wait.In its update, Nintendo suggests visiting “our participating retail partners,” but the preorders that have happened so far, which kicked off at 12AM ET on Thursday at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, have been messy.Ahead of those preorders, the list of retail partners on Nintendo’s website included Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and GameStop. As I write this, only GameStop, which opens online preorders at 11AM ET on Thursday, has a logo on the page.

Nintendo’s next-gen Pro Controller introduces some welcome additions to one of the best gamepads around.The Switch 2 isn’t the only hardware launching on June 5th. Nintendo also plans to release a slate of new accessories for its upcoming gaming console, the bulk of which are now available for preorder at Walmart, Best Buy, and Target ahead of their release. From a redesigned Pro Controller and cases to a camera that lets you host video chats with friends, each is designed to level up your gaming experience. Sadly, President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariff policy has resulted in slight price bumps on several Switch 2 accessories — including the aforementioned Pro 2 Controller. There’s no telling whether we can expect more price hikes down the line, either, meaning if you do manage to preorder a Switch 2 and want to pick up a second controller or another accessory to go with it, now might be the time to act.Where to preorder controllersWhere to preorder casesWhere to preorder the Switch 2 CameraWhere to preorder controllers Nintendo Switch 2 Pro ControllerThe removable Joy-Cons are great for portable and wireless play, but their small, curveless design can feel cramped during longer sessions if you have larger hands. That’s why the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller might be worth a look, especially if you mostly game in TV mode. The upgraded version of one of our favorite Nintendo Switch controller features a few welcome improvements, including a pair of rear GL and GR buttons players can use to remap other controls. Nintendo has also finally added a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing you to pair it with a headset or a set of wired headphones. The gamepad even features the aforementioned “C” button.You can preorder the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller for around $84 from Walmart and Best Buy. GameStop preorders, meanwhile, are slated to kick off online at 11AM ET on April 24th.Joy-Con 2 Wheel (set of two)If you plan on picking up the new Mario Kart World, the Joy-Con 2 Wheels are worth a look. Simply snap the Joy-Con 2 controllers, which connect magnetically, into the steering wheel attachments before booting up your preferred racing title. The two-wheel set is currently available for preorder for around $24.88 from Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, with GameStop preorders opening at 11AM ET on April 24th.Where to preorder casesNintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen ProtectorThe Switch 2 is a pricey gadget you’ll want to keep safe, so it’s a good idea to invest in a carrying case like the Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector. We’ll likely see third-party brands release their own version in the coming weeks, but Nintendo’s proprietary offering is likely to be one of the few available at launch.The bundle — which includes a console-only carrying case, screen protector, and cleaning cloth — is available for preorder for starting at $39.99 from Best Buy and Target. Like with other accessories, GameStop says it will open online preorders at 11AM ET on April 24th, in case you miss out on the initial preorder window.Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying CaseNintendo is also launching an All-In-One Carrying Case on June 5th, which is more spacious than the model mentioned above. The higher-end case features separate compartments for stowing the console and various goodies, including the Switch 2 dock, Joy-Con 2 controllers, cables, and up to six game cards. You can preorder it now from Walmart, Best Buy, and Target for around $84 (or at GameStop starting at 11AM ET on April 24th).Where to preorder the Switch 2 CameraSupposedly, you can video chat with friends via GameChat using any compatible USB-C camera, but Nintendo offers its own solution in the form of the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. The 1080p camera is designed to sit on a stand, allowing you to display your face as a picture-in-picture overlay or as a dedicated video feed. A few titles, such as the upgraded version of Super Mario Party Jamboree, let you see your friends on-screen while you play. Some mini-games even incorporate the camera into the game experience itself.The camera features an adjustable wide-angle lens, designed to capture groups of people in a single shot, as well as a “high-sensitivity image sensor” that automatically adjusts brightness levels. It also features a built-in privacy shutter and includes a USB-C charging cable, as well as support for TV, tabletop, and handheld modes.You can currently preorder the it for around $54 from Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. If you strike out with any of the aforementioned retailers, it will also be available for preorder online at GameStop starting at 11AM ET on April 24th.Update, April 24: Updated to reflect current pricing and availability.