The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been revealed, and after months of rumours, we now know the release date, price and a list of games we'll be playing on itTech14:22, 02 Apr 2025Updated 15:10, 02 Apr 2025A new Mario Kart game was revealedThe Nintendo Switch 2 has finally been revealed at a Nintendo Direct, and we finally know all there is to know about the console, including the system's price and release date. We've know some info about the console since Nintendo's January reveal, and subsequent leaks have pointed to a backward compatibility boost, an AI boost for visuals, the return of Amiibo, and those mice-like Joy-Con.However today's huge Nintendo Direct revealed everything else we need to know about the future of the console and what hardware it contains . . . and the price.Article continues belowIt'll set games back 395 for the console without a game, or 429 for it with Mario Kart. Pre-orders start from April 8. We also finally found out the much-talked-about launch date, which will be music to the ears of gamers everywhere.The Nintendo Switch 2 packs a punch and now has a cameraThe launch date has now been confirmed as June 5, with a few new games to sit alongside it.The Joy-Con 2 was also revealed, with the mysterious "C" button on the right controller finally explained. In short, you press it and you can experience gaming with friends online as the C means "GameChat" which also lets you chat to mates using a microphone built into the actual console.Basically, think Google Meet but for Switch 2, because you can pin different people, share your screen and intreract exactly how you do on most conferencing softwares. And yes, you can share your own camera feed via a Nintendo Switch 2 Camera.However, it will all require a membership to Nintendo's own online subscription service.The most anticipated is Mario Kart World, which is an almost-open world version of the game, which claims to let you "drive virtually everywhere in the world" with a free roam mode, and it has 24 riders available to play with.Nintendo also introduced Gameshare which allows users to play games against in other using different Switch 2 consoles on a wireless version of a Local LAN network (sorry, that might be too geeky for some readers . . . )7.9inch screen13.9mm thicknessHD display - 1080p120fpsVivid LCDHDR supportJoy-Con 2 is attached magneticallyBigger SL/SR buttonsLarger control sticksMouse control using the Joy-Con 2Improved speakers and clearer audioBuilt-in microphoneNoise cancelling technology3D AudioNew, adjustable standTwo USB-C ports256GB storage4K support via the new dockPower cooling via built-in fan on the dockBackwards compatibleMicro SD Express Card compatibleArticle continues belowMario Kart WorldNintendo Switch 2 Welcome TourSuper Mario Party Jamboree upgradedZelda Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kindom: Switch 2 editionsZelda NotesKirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World: Switch 2 editionMetroid Priime 4 Beyond: Switch 2 editionPokemon Legends A-Z: Switch 2 editionDrag X DriveElden Ring: Tarnished EditionHades IIStreet Fighter 6Daemon x MachinaSplit FictionEA Sports FCMadden NFLHogwarts LegacyTony Hawk Skater 3 and 4Hitman: World of Assassination: Signature EditionJames Bond (unnamed game)Bravely Default: Flying FairyYakuza 0: Director's CutHyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (a Zelda game)Classic game library featuring Nintendo Gamecube titlesBorderlands 4DeltaRuneCivilization VIIWWE 2KNBA 2KGunjin 2Starseeker: Astroneers Expeditions (2026)Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate EditionFinal Fantasy VII Remake IntergradeKunitsu-GameHollow Knight: SilksongStory of SeasonsGoodnight UniverseTwo Point MuseumWild Hearts SWitchbrookPuto Puto Tetris 2SRune FactoryMarvel Comic InvasionNogunaga's AmbitionFast FusionShadow LabyrinthRAIDOUReanimalFortniteArcade Archives 2Professor LaytonTamagotchi PlazaHuman Fall Flat 2The Duskbloods (2026)Kirby Air RidersDonkey Kong BananzaFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

The Switch 2 is out this year (YouTube/Nintendo)Along with an extra boost of power, the Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a notably higher price tag.The price of Nintendos next console has been a topic of much speculation over recent months, but now the company has finally confirmed the details.Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 in full during a special Direct presentation, including the consoles launch date and games line-up.While the price wasnt actually announced during the presentation, Nintendo has subsequently confirmed it on its store pages, and its fairly reasonable in comparison to other consoles. What is the Nintendo Switch 2 price in the UK?As confirmed on by Nintendo, the base Nintendo Switch 2 will be priced at 395.99 in the UK when it launches on June 5, 2025. A Switch 2 bundle with a digital copy of Mario Kart World will cost 429.99. In the US, the base model costs $449.99 and the Mario Kart World bundle is $499.99. As for Europe, this translates to 469.99 and 509.99.More TrendingFor comparison, the original Switch launched at 279.99, while the OLED model was released at 309.99. The PlayStation 5 disc edition and Xbox Series X, meanwhile, are both priced at 479.99.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextAnalysts expected the Switch 2s price to be around 400, but other estimates put it as high as $499 in the US. Its unclear, however, if the final Switch 2 price has been impacted by the recent US tariffs.Those who have already won tickets will be able to go hands-on with the Switch 2 early for free at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience. The worldwide tour kicks off April 4, 2025 with events in Paris and New York, before it arrives in London for its only UK stop on April 11-13.The tour will continue across Europe, the US, Oceania, and Asia until June. The Switch 2 is nearly here (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Nintendo Switch 2 release date confirmed and you dont have long to waitAdam StarkeyPublished April 2, 2025 2:39pmUpdated April 2, 2025 2:44pm An almost guaranteed hit (Nintendo)After months of speculation, Nintendo has finally announced when its next console will launch.Nintendo may have technically revealed the Switch 2 console back in January, but its been a long three month wait for any concrete details.Thankfully, Nintendo served up plenty of information during its latest Direct presentation, including the consoles launch date.The good news is that you wont have much longer to wait and the other good news is that itll launch alongside the new Mario Kart, titled Mario Kart World.When is the Nintendo Switch 2 release date?As announced during the livestream, the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025.As teased within the initial reveal video, Nintendo also confirmed mouse-like functionality in the larger, magnetic Joy-Cons. Additionally, the Switch 2 will have a chat function for talking with friends during gameplay sessions, complete with a built in microphone.The mysterious new C button is used for bringing up a chat menu and Nintendo will also be selling a separate camera add-on for video chats. This will become available alongside the Switch 2 and is even set to be compatible with select games like Super Mario Party Jamboree.The game chat feature will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, though, but Nintendo will make it freely available at launch until March 31, 2026.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextPrior to the Nintendo Direct, rumours suggested the console would launch in late May or June. While therell inevitably be a rush to buy the console, Nintendo has apparently prepared a huge amount of units for launch. More TrendingHigh demand is expected based on the Switchs sales figures. The console surpassed 150 million units sold earlier this year, which puts it behind only the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS in the list of best-selling consoles ever.Anyone who managed to win tickets for the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience will go hands-on with the console early, starting this month. The worldwide tour kicks off April 4, 2025 with events in Paris and New York, before it arrives in London for its only UK stop on April 11-13.The tour will continue across Europe, the US, Oceania, and Asia until June.Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Nintendo Switch 2 is now here, and yes, you can soon buy itor at least as long as the stock holds. The Switch 2 is set to launch June 5 for $450. Preorders are set to start June 9 for the base console and a $500 bundle with the launch title Mario Kart World. Before you scream Shut up and take my money, just be aware you should try to avoid scalpers as much as possible, especially as Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has claimed it should have enough Switch 2s at launch for everyone. We suggest you sign in to your accounts, whether on Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy and have your credit card information already saved to get the fastest checkout. Most shops will be selling Switch 2s on a first-come, first-served basis, and if this is your first rodeo, its best to be prepared to avoid disappointment. Just dont get confused by any listings for Nintendo Switch Version 2, as those are just an updated version of the original Switch. Nintendo / Gizmodo For U.S.-based customers, the Switch 2 should be available to preorder on Nintendos online store. For now, Nintendo has a dedicated page where you can register your interest in a Switch 2. You need to log in with your Nintendo Account, but once you select your preferred console the company issues a notice reading Eligible Nintendo Account holders will receive an email when its time to purchase. These invitations will start hitting customers inboxes on May 8. Youll have just 72 hours to confirm your system and you should get your Switch 2 order close to release day June 5. Nintendo normally lists a store locator on its pages to see which local shops have in-person stock, but we likely wont see that up and running until June. As for outside retailers, GameStop already has its Switch 2 page available for U.S.-based customers, with a space to put in an email to get updates once preorders go live. Best Buy now has a livestream page dedicated to the Switch 2. The site is also hosting a deal for Best Buy Plus or Total members to get a $20 gift card for every $150 spent on Nintendo products. We expect other sites to add their own preorder pages soon, and well update this post to list them once they become available. For others in North America, Walmart Canada already has a page offering preorder information for the Switch 2.If youre looking for the best, fastest deal posters, we suggest you log into Bluesky and find Wario64, or if for some reason youre still on Twitter, find Cheap Ass Gamer. With big tech releases, it often matters how quick on the draw you are to hit the preorder button before somebody else, but we stress that you shouldnt make it your lifes mission to get a Switch 2 on launch day. Theres still time between then and now, and anything can happen. Its always better to wait for hands-on reports and reviews before you take the plunge on big expenses.

Samsungs latest deals on their elite-level Galaxy Watch Ultra are the ultimate case of a no-lose scenario. If you have wearables or other devices that youre willing to trade in, you can get up to $325 in instant trade-in credit, which would cut the price of the Galaxy Watch Ultra in half. And if you dont have anything youre willing to give up, Samsungs offering $230 in instant savings to bring the price of the Galaxy Watch Ultra down to just $420.Either way, you now have two great paths to score Samsungs newest and best smartwatch for hundreds of dollars less than the price of its closest competitor, the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Throw in the special bundling offers of over 40% off a pair of Galaxy Buds3 or Galaxy Buds3 Pro and the deal suddenly becomes almost irresistable.See at SamsungAdvanced AI On Your WristGalaxy AI is one of the Galaxy Watch Ultras main calling cards, especially how it powers its advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities. Galaxy AI helps to eliminate heart-rate monitor inaccuracies caused by motion, so your readings are far more accurate. VO2 Max measurements, estimated sweat loss, and performance tracking that lets runners and cyclists see their improvements are all enhanced by the powerful Galaxy AI built into the Ultra.The sleep monitoring skills of the Galaxy Watch Ultra are also greatly enhanced by Galaxy AI. When worn overnight as a sleep tracker, the Ultra can help detect moderate to severe sleep apnea, helping you ward off a potentially dangerous health condition.A superior workout and fitness monitoring smartwatch also needs to be durable and built to withstand more punishment than the average watch. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is as physically tough as it is technologically advanced, with a titanium case and 10 atmospheres of water resistance. Enhanced GPS tracking and turn-by-turn navigation earn the Galaxy Watch Ultra kudos as a trail-running, rock-climbing, and long-haul hiking companion.More Endurance Than Youll NeedYou may be an ultra-marathoner or some other form of extreme athlete, but no offense even you wont be able to outlast the battery life of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. In exercise power saving mode the Ultra battery lasts for 48 hours, and in regular power saving mode its good for 100 hours.All the amazing features and physical attributes make the Galaxy Watch Ultra a solid buy even at its full price of $650, especially if you lead an active lifestyle. But when you factor in the $325 in potential trade-in credit or the $230 in instant savings without a trade-in, Samsungs newest and best fitness smartwatch is a cant-miss deal.See at Samsung

The True Cost of Saving in Construction: A Case Study of a Library in New JerseySponsored ContentSave this picture!Courtesy of KalwallIn the construction sector, the pursuit of immediate cost savings during the design or building phasewhether through hiring less qualified professionals, using low-quality materials, or modifying construction systems without technical backingcan lead to financial losses and future rework, compromising a building's performance and durability. The Franklin Township Library in Somerset, New Jersey, is a clear example of the consequences of inadequate material choices, particularly regarding energy efficiency and carbon footprint.During its construction in 2005, the originally specified Kalwall translucent fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) panels were replaced with polycarbonate panels on the roof to achieve an initial savings of $90,000. This seemingly harmless decision quickly proved problematic, resulting in significant operational challenges.Since the polycarbonate panels were not specified for this particular use and lacked proper technical analysis, they caused excessive solar heat gain, overloading the library's HVAC system. Originally designed for a 40-ton capacity with the specified FRP panels, the system required an additional 20 tons to compensate for the inefficiencies of the substituted material. The cost of upgrading the HVAC system alone was estimated at $200,000. Furthermore, over 19 years, the library faced annual energy losses ranging between $50,000 and $60,000, far exceeding the initial material cost savings.The choice of translucent materials for roofing and faades is crucial in architectural projects that aim to optimize natural light and create bright, welcoming spaces. The ideal material should offer adequate thermal performance, glare control, and a sense of openness to the exterior. Traditionally, frosted glass and polycarbonate have been widely used, but they often present limitations in energy efficiency and durability. In contrast, FRP panels, such as those supplied by Kalwall, stand out for their strength, lightweight nature, and superior thermal performance. Widely employed in translucent faades, sports facilities, and industrial buildings, these panels optimize natural light, eliminate excessive glare, and significantly reduce operational costs.Save this picture!Save this picture!Beyond financial costs, the decision to replace the panels directly impacted the building's carbon footprint. Operational carbon, which refers to CO emissions from electricity consumption, heating, and cooling, increased significantly due to the overburdened HVAC system. This aspect, often underestimated, accounts for approximately 28% of global energy-related CO emissions. Additionally, embodied carbon, associated with material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, construction, and disposal, must also be considered when evaluating a building's environmental impact. Materials such as concrete and steel are major contributors to these emissions, accounting for roughly 9% of global greenhouse gas emissions from energy use.To correct the negative impacts of this initial decision, the library underwent a roof renovation, replacing the polycarbonate panels with the originally specified Kalwall translucent FRP panels. These panels now cover over 14,000 square feet (1,300 m) of interior space, including the adjacent butterfly garden's solar roof, which spans 600 square feet (56 m). This intervention not only improved the building's thermal performancereducing energy consumption and operational costsbut also enhanced light quality and occupant comfort.Save this picture!The new composite sandwich roof panels feature upgraded specifications to maximize efficiency and thermal comfort. The external face has a 0.70 crystal type A finish, while the internal face features a 0.45 white type 25, both designed to optimize natural light diffusion and minimize excessive heat gain. The system was developed with a U-factor of 0.18, utilizing custom Kalcurve skyroof technology, ensuring superior thermal insulation and significantly contributing to energy savings. Additionally, Kalwall panels hold an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification, ensuring transparency regarding their environmental impact and energy efficiency.The Franklin Township Library case underscores the importance of considering not only upfront costs but also the long-term environmental and operational impacts when selecting materials for a project. Investing in materials with lower embodied carbon and higher energy efficiency is essential for reducing a building's carbon footprint and aligning with global sustainability goals. Moreover, architects and engineers must conduct energy simulations and review environmental certifications before making modifications to the original design to prevent costly and environmentally detrimental mistakes.About this authorEduardo SouzaAuthorCite: Eduardo Souza. "The True Cost of Saving in Construction: A Case Study of a Library in New Jersey" 02 Apr 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028130/the-true-cost-of-saving-in-construction-a-case-study-of-a-library-in-new-jersey&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

AI in Art: Threat or Tool? Lets talk.As ASC celebrates 20 years of creative innovation, our founder and CEO kicks off a new series exploring the role of AI in the world of art and design. From animatronics to CGI and VFX, every generation of artists has faced big changesAI is just the next evolution.In this video, youll hear: Why ASC is embracing AI as a creative tool How AI can enhance (not replace) artistic freedom A preview of how were reimagining 20 years of ASC designs with AI Drop your questions about AI in the commentswell be answering them in a Q&A video series in the coming weeks.Subscribe to follow the journey and get tutorials, behind-the-scenes content, and more.

Prozacs approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988 heralded the dawn of a new age in treating depression since it focused on serotonin, a brain chemical that, when in short supply, contributes to depression. It was more targeted and had fewer and generally less harsh side effects than the classic treatments tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Since then, a total of seven selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that essentially help the neurotransmitter serotonin build up in the brain by blocking its escape, have hit the market, as have several serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which target serotonin and another neurotransmitter associated with the disorder. They are joined by drugs such as Wellbutrin, which dont fit into specific chemical categories.Some cases of depression don't respond to medication, however. Scientists have hypothesized that inflammation which seems to play a role in many aspects of our health, including our immune system and our metabolism may also contribute to depression as well as the conditions response to treatment. Now, scientists in Australia have conducted work in rats that connect how inflammation can disrupt metabolism, thus making depression treatment more challenging, they report in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. If replicated in humans, the research could help better match medications to patients.Linking Inflammation to DepressionEven with access to treatment, 10 percent to 30 percent of depression cases appear stubborn to medication; they have therefore been labelled treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Exactly why this has remained a medical mystery. Part of the problem is that response to a particular antidepressant in terms of success as well as side effects can differ drastically from patient to patient.In rats, the researchers probed how biomarkers associated with inflammation were also connected to dopamine what Roger Varela, a University of Queensland, Australia researcher and a co-author of the paper, called the 'feel-good neurotransmitter, in a press release. Our brain feeds us dopamine as a reward to motivate healthy behaviors. The study showed that, indeed, inflammation and metabolic dysfunction can interfere with the brains dopamine factory. Then our brains rewards system closes up shop, leading to classic depression symptoms like anhedonia the inability to experience joy or pleasure. Persistent anhedonia is a signpost for TRD or for a depression treatment that may be only partially effective.This knowledge is informing our development of a blood test that can predict a persons likely response to different antidepressants, which may streamline their diagnosis, improve their treatment and save time and healthcare costs, Varela said in a press release. Offering Optimism for Those With TRD This study provides both short- and long-term hope for those diagnosed with TRD. The short-term solution doesnt involve any medication at all. Proper diet, exercise, and sleep can play a role in controlling inflammation and, indirectly, help manage depression.The longer-term prospects are positive as well. Even though this is pre-clinical work done in animals, it doesnt involve developing and testing a new drug for safety and efficacy. That process can take decades. Instead, it offers a path forward to a blood test that can help doctors match one of the many available medications to the patient based on immune system and metabolic markers.If we can gather a patients bioenergetic profile, we may be able to predict whether they will respond or not to a particular antidepressant, Varela said.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. Inflammation and metabolic dysfunction underly anhedonia-like behavior in antidepressant resistant male ratsBefore joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues. He began his career in newspapers, but switched to scientific magazines. His work has appeared in publications including Science News, Science, Nature, and Scientific American.

The best smart telescopes offer a supremely easy way of viewing the night sky.