Nintendo Switch 2: Everything We Know About Nintendo’s Next Console

Nintendo has officially ended the speculation, giving fans their first glimpse of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. A teaser video for the second-generation console was unveiled today, building excitement for the upcoming Nintendo Direct event scheduled for April 2, 2025. While the exact market launch date remains undisclosed, more details are expected during the event.

In addition, Nintendo has announced hands-on experience events across North America, Europe, and Asia. In the United States, these events will be held in Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas, starting in the first week of April. Fans will have the chance to explore the new console’s features firsthand.

Updated Design and Features

The Nintendo Switch 2 retains the iconic design of its predecessor but introduces several refinements. The Joy-Con controllers have a slightly more rounded shape, enhancing comfort during extended play sessions. The kickstand has been redesigned for a more polished appearance, and the USB-C port has been repositioned to the top edge for added convenience.

A notable new feature is the addition of a physical button on the right-side Joy-Con, located just below the Home button. Although Nintendo has not yet revealed its function, this button hints at new gameplay possibilities. Additionally, the shoulder buttons have been enlarged, improving usability and tactile feedback.

Backward Compatibility and Exclusive Games

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will support backward compatibility, allowing gamers to enjoy their existing game libraries. At the same time, the console will launch with a collection of exclusive titles. Exclusive games were a cornerstone of the original Switch’s success, and Nintendo seems determined to replicate this strategy by delivering a strong lineup of new titles.

Speculation on Hardware Upgrades

Although Nintendo has not disclosed the technical specifications, leaks and reports provide a glimpse into the console’s potential. According to ZachyCatGames, a data miner on Famiboards (via Beebom), the Switch 2’s CPU may feature Arm’s Cortex-A78 cores in an octa-core configuration, running at 998.4 MHz.

In docked mode, the CPU is expected to exceed 1GHz, while the GPU is rumored to deliver over 3 TFLOPS of performance. The graphics processor, reportedly Nvidia’s T239 GPU based on the Ampere architecture, may include 1,534 CUDA cores, six texture processing clusters, 48 Tensor cores, and two ray-tracing cores. This marks a substantial improvement in graphical capabilities.

The console is also rumored to include 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, ensuring faster performance and smoother gameplay. DigitalFoundry’s analysis (via GameSpot) supports these claims, suggesting that the Switch 2 could set a new standard for handheld gaming.

What to Expect

The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a revolutionary console, offering significant improvements in both design and performance. Unlike the OLED model, which primarily focused on display enhancements, the Switch 2 is expected to deliver a comprehensive upgrade that appeals to both casual and dedicated gamers.

As the Nintendo Direct event approaches, anticipation continues to build for more information about pricing, release dates, and additional features. For now, the teaser and leaked details provide plenty of reasons to look forward to Nintendo’s next big innovation. Stay tuned for further updates on the Nintendo Switch 2, as it promises to redefine the handheld gaming experience.

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Entertainment

Burnout in PlayStation Stars

by George Mensah 2025-05-22

Sony has announced it will wind down the current version of PlayStation Stars, its loyalty and rewards program launched in 2022. The initiative allowed PlayStation users to earn digital collectibles and points for completing in-game challenges, but it never gained the traction Sony hoped for.

Here’s what we know—and what might come next.

Why Is PlayStation Stars Ending?

In an official PlayStation Blog post, Grace Chen (VP of Network Advertising, Loyalty, and Licensed Merchandise) explained:

“Since launching the program, we’ve learned a lot from evaluating the types of activities our players respond best to… We have decided to refocus our efforts and will be winding down the current version of PlayStation Stars.”

Key Reasons Behind the Shutdown

🔹 Low Engagement – Despite offering digital collectibles, the program didn’t resonate strongly with players.
🔹 Shifting Industry Trends – Sony may be pivoting toward new reward structures (possibly integrating with PlayStation Plus).
🔹 No Blockchain/NFT Integration – Unlike competitors (Ubisoft Quartz, Square Enix’s NFT push), Sony avoided blockchain tech, which may have limited its appeal.

What Happens Now? Key Dates & Changes

📅 July 23, 2024 (10:59 AM ET)

Last day to earn rewards (points, collectibles, level-ups).
No new campaigns will be added after this date.

📅 November 2, 2026

Full shutdown of the current PlayStation Stars program.

What About Existing Points & Collectibles?

✔ Points can still be redeemed for PSN wallet funds or games (until November 2026).
✔ Digital collectibles remain viewable in the PlayStation App (but may not transfer to a future program).

What Were PlayStation Stars’ Digital Collectibles?

Unlike NFTs, these were purely cosmetic and non-tradable, including:
🎮 Iconic PlayStation characters (Kratos, Ratchet & Clank, Astro Bot)
🕹️ Nostalgic PlayStation hardware (PS1, PS2, PSP miniatures)
🏆 Limited-edition rewards tied to game milestones

Despite Sony’s initial hype, the collectibles lacked real utility, which may have contributed to the program’s decline.

What’s Next? Will PlayStation Stars Return?

Sony’s wording—“current version”—suggests a revamped loyalty program could arrive later. Possible directions:

🚀 Integration with PlayStation Plus – Exclusive perks for subscribers.
💎 NFT Experimentation? – Sony has filed blockchain patents, but Chen previously denied NFT plans.
🎯 More Gamified Rewards – Better incentives for trophy hunters & frequent players.

Final Thoughts: A Lesson in Gamified Loyalty Programs

PlayStation Stars had potential but ultimately failed to offer enough value to keep players engaged. Its shutdown reflects a broader trend—gamers want meaningful rewards, not just digital trinkets.

If Sony relaunches the program, expect deeper integration with PlayStation’s ecosystem and more tangible benefits.

Entertainment

Fortnite will return to iOS in the US, according to Epic

by George Mensah 2025-05-01

In a landmark decision, Epic Games has announced that Fortnite will return to the iOS App Store in the U.S. next week—ending a nearly five-year absence sparked by Apple’s infamous 2020 ban. This comes after a federal court ruled that Apple cannot charge commissions on purchases made outside its App Store, dealing a major blow to the tech giant’s lucrative 30% “Apple Tax.”

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney declared the move on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “major victory for developers and consumers” while extending an unexpected peace offer to Apple.

Why Was Fortnite Banned from iOS?

August 2020: Apple removed Fortnite after Epic introduced a direct payment system, bypassing Apple’s 30% in-app purchase (IAP) fee.
Legal Battle Ensued: Epic sued Apple, accusing it of anti-competitive practices—a case that reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
2021 Ruling: A judge mostly sided with Apple but ordered it to allow external payment links—a ruling Apple resisted.
April 2025 Decision: A new court order blocks Apple from taking commissions on outside purchases, forcing a major policy shift.

Epic’s Bold “Peace Proposal” to Apple

Sweeney’s post included a surprising olive branch:

“If Apple extends the court’s friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, we’ll return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and drop current and future litigation on the topic.”

This suggests Epic is willing to end its legal war—but only if Apple abandons its global App Store commission model.

What This Means for iPhone Users & Developers

Fortnite Returns to U.S. iPhones – Gamers can soon download it directly from the App Store (no sideloading required).
Alternative Payment Options – Developers may soon bypass Apple’s fees, leading to lower prices for consumers.
Potential Ripple Effect – If Apple complies globally, other apps (like Spotify, Netflix) could follow Epic’s lead.
EU vs. U.S. Differences – In Europe, Fortnite is already back via Epic’s own store (thanks to the Digital Markets Act), but U.S. users still rely on Apple’s ecosystem.

Will Apple Accept Epic’s Offer?

Apple’s Stance So Far: The company has fought fiercely to protect its App Store revenue (estimated at $24 billion annually).
Regulatory Pressure: With the EU’s DMA and now U.S. courts challenging its model, Apple may have no choice but to adapt.
Possible Compromise: Apple could reduce fees (as it did for small developers) or allow more payment freedom—but a full surrender seems unlikely.

Expert Insight: A Turning Point for App Stores?

As a tech policy analyst with a decade of experience covering Apple-Epic disputes, I believe this ruling could reshape mobile app economics:

✅ More Developer Revenue – If fees drop, indie devs keep more profits.
✅ Consumer Benefits – Cheaper subscriptions, in-game purchases.
✅ Increased Competition – Alternative app stores could rise.

But challenges remain:
❌ Apple’s Compliance – Will it find loopholes?
❌ Security Concerns – Will sideloading increase scams?
❌ Ongoing Legal Fights – Other lawsuits (like Spotify vs. Apple) loom.

What’s Next?

Next Week: Fortnite relaunches on iOS in the U.S.
2025 & Beyond: If Apple resists, expect more court battles—if it complies, the App Store monopoly may crumble.

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