The Nintendo Switch 2 has an official release date and pricing, as well as several new accessories that'll launch alongside it in June. Interestingly, the Switch 2 will also be compatible with older Switch hardware, something Nintendo fans looking to save some cash will appreciate. While there are some limitations to what's compatible with the Switch 2, the important devices like controllers certainly are, and Nintendo has provided an official list clarifying what will work on its new console and how it'll function.It is worth noting that Nintendo's list only covers official products released by the company and not third-party hardware like 8BitDo's line of Ultimate controllers or wired devices that companies like PowerA specialize in. We'll likely be receiving updates on that front closer to the launch of the Switch 2, but for now, here's a look at the Nintendo gear you can have charged and ready to roll when you get your new console.Preorders will be live soon for the Switch 2, with pricing starting at $450 for the base console bundle and $500 for the version that includes a digital copy Mario Kart World. Best Buy, Walmart, GameStop, and Target will be taking Nintendo Switch 2 preorders starting April 9, and you can register for preorders directly through Nintendo, too. For a look at the Switch titles you can play on the console, you can check out our list of Switch 2 backwards compatible games.Accessories will also be available through the Nintendo Store. Here's a quick look at what Nintendo is offering:Switch 2 Pro Controller -- $80Switch 2 Camera -- $50Joy-Con 2 Controllers (2-Pack) -- $90Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip -- $35Joy-Con 2 Straps (2-Pack) -- $13Joy-Con 2 Racing Wheels (2-Pack) -- $20Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector -- $35Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case -- $80Switch 2 AC Adapter -- $30Switch 2 Dock Set -- $110 | Possibly exclusive to the Nintendo StoreNintendo-branded microSD Express CardsGameCube Wireless Controller for Switch 2 | Nintendo Switch Online-member exclusive Joy-Con Controllers -- CompatibleCan be used by pairing wirelessly to Nintendo Switch 2Cannot be attached to Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller -- CompatibleCan be used by pairing wirelessly to Nintendo Switch 2Can be charged by connecting it to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock via a USB cable NES Controller -- CompatibleCan only be used by pairing wirelessly to Nintendo Switch 2Cannot be attached to Nintendo Switch 2Works with compatible games SNES System Controller -- CompatibleCan be used by pairing wirelessly to Nintendo Switch 2Can be charged by connecting it to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock via a USB cableWorks with compatible games N64 Controller -- CompatibleCan be used by pairing wirelessly to Nintendo Switch 2Can be charged by connecting it to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock via a USB cableWorks with compatible games. Sega Genesis Control Pad -- CompatibleCan be used by pairing wirelessly to Nintendo Switch 2Can be charged by connecting it to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock via a USB cableWorks with compatible games. Adjustable Charging Stand for Nintendo Switch -- Not Compatible Nintendo Switch Dock -- Not Compatible Nintendo Switch AC adapter -- Not CompatibleDue to the differing power output, it is not possible to use Nintendo Switch 2 in TV mode using this adapterIt is possible to charge a Nintendo Switch 2 console when plugged in directly HDMI cable included with Nintendo Switch -- Not CompatibleIt is not compatible as the HDMI cable standards differNote: Nintendo hasn't clarified what it means by HDMI cable standards, but this might refer to the Switch cable restricting the ability of the Switch 2 console to output visuals at up to 4K and 60fps Standard MicroSD cards -- Not CompatibleNintendo Switch 2 is designed exclusively for MicroSD Express cards, which allow for faster data transfer compared to the conventional microSD card Nintendo GameCube Controller Adapter -- CompatibleThis accessory can be used in TV mode by connecting via a USB port on the Nintendo Switch 2 dock Joy-Con Strap -- Not CompatibleCannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllersCompatible with Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller, which can be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2 consoles Joy-Con Grip -- Not CompatibleCannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllers Joy-Con Charging Grip -- Not CompatibleCannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllers Joy-Con Wheel -- Not CompatibleCannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllers.Only compatible with the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller, which can be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2 consoles Leg Strap -- Not CompatibleCannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllersWhen playing on Nintendo Switch 2, the Leg Strap can be used with the Nintendo Switch Sports game by connecting a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con wirelessly Ring-Con -- Not CompatibleCannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllersWhen playing on Nintendo Switch 2, the Ring-Con with the Ring Fit Adventure game can be used by connecting a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con wirelessly Joy-Con AA Battery Pack Pair -- Not CompatibleCannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllers Only compatible with Nintendo Switch Joy-Con, which can be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2 consoles Joy-Con Charging Stand (Two-Way) -- Not CompatibleCannot be used with the Joy-Con 2 controllersOnly compatible with a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con, which can be used wirelessly with Nintendo Switch 2 consoles

Players fond of CRPGs will remember the Baldurs Gateseries for its compelling storylines and wonderful cast of characters, and Baldurs Gate 3 brings the same character-focused flavor to modern screens. This time around, players encounter various survivors who escaped a recent skirmish against mind flayer invaders from Faerun. Not only that, but all of them have to eliminate illithid tadpoles inside of them before transforming into mind flayers themselves.

Naruto does a great job of establishing its characters and their relationships. Themes of family and friendship run rampant in this anime, with fans witnessing their fair share of sibling connections throughout this series.

Nintendo just wrapped up its long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, and the experience was almost surreal. The company has avoided talking about the console for so many years, and even after it shared an early preview a few months ago, it's still odd to see Nintendo walk us through the console in such depth. Mind games aside, it's finally official-official, and we now know a lot about Nintendo's upcoming console. The Direct didn't answer every question about its capabilities, but if you're interested in the hardware specs, here's everything there is to know right now.How powerful is the Switch 2?From games to accessories, there's a lot to get excited about with any new console launch, but the biggest unknown for the Switch 2 has always been the hardware capabilities, or lack thereof: The Switch 1 was arguably already underpowered when it launched in 2017, though that didn't stop Nintendo from running with it for eight years to great success. If you were hoping the Switch 2 would take a different tack and offer a more powerful, modern gaming experience, you're probably going to be disappointed, though we don't actually know anything about the hardware itself just yet. Rumors suggest the Switch 2 is running a chip based on Nvidia' GeForce RTX 30 series, which dates from 2020, but we likely won't know for sure until someone tears the console down. The new design Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube We now know the Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch display0.9 inches larger than the Switch OLED, and 1.7 inches larger than the standard Switch screen. That display is 1080p, as opposed to 720p on the OG Switch, but like the latter, the Switch 2 sports an LCD screen. Though that's what the rumors suggested, I'm personally a bit bummed about it, since I've been enjoying the OLED display on my current Switch. That said, I might get over it once I actually see the display in action with my own eyesthe Switch 2 supports HDR, something the first Switch did not, as well as refresh rates of up to 120Hz. The console has a redesigned kickstand, which we knew about already; It supports a greater variety of angles, which should offer more flexibility when playing in tabletop mode. Speaking of which, you can finally charge the Switch in tabletop mode, as that second USB-C port on the top of the console is indeed a charging port as well. You can also use it to connect to the new Switch 2 Camera. (Oh yes, Nintendo will now sell you a camera for your Switch 2.) There's also a microphone, which you can use for GameChat, built into the console itself (more on that later). It's noise cancelling, which should help when using it in loud environments. Switch 2 supports "3D Audio," which promises to make it seem like sounds are coming from where they would be in the game world. (If a monster roars behind you, you'll hear it "behind" you.) Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, with options for expansion via microSD Express cards. These are different than the microSD cards supported on Switch 1, so you won't be able to use your existing Switch cards on the new console. Bummer. Dock mode mow supports 4KThe OG Switch runs at 720p in handheld mode, but when docked, can boost up to 1080p. The Switch 2 also will look better on a bigger screen: The console runs at 1080p up to 120fps in handheld mode, but can run at 4K and 60fps when docked. The dock also has a built-in fan to keep the console cool when outputting at the higher resolution. Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube The Joy-Cons can do more Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube The Switch 2's Joy-Cons are pretty different from the OG controllers. These things are larger and more rounded, which I imagine will make gameplay more comfortable. They also look different: The updated Joy-Cons are almost entirely black, save for some colorful accents.We finally know what that new C button is for: a new feature called GameChat, which lets you chat with friends directly through the Switch 2. When you press the button, you pull up the GameChat menu, which lets you control the chat experience, including turning on or muting your mic, and turning your camera on or off. Unlike the original Switch, you don't connect these Joy-Cons to Switch 2 by sliding them into the rails. Instead, their pair magnetically. Nintendo says the magnets are strong enough to not break off with force. To release them, you need to press in a button on the Joy-Cons first, similar to how you need to push the button on the existing Joy-Cons before you can slide them out of the rails. Perhaps the biggest change to the Switch 2's controllers is that they support mouse mode. That was a rumored feature that some might have dismissed at first glance, but it's true: Both the left and right Joy-Cons can be used on a table top to enable mouse controls in compatible games. There are mini games in the new Switch 2 expansion of Super Mario Party Jamboree, for example, that utilize these movement controls. New Pro Controller and GameCube controllers are on the way Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube While not a component of the Switch 2 itself, a new Pro Controller is coming, optimized for the Switch 2. It looks similar to the Switch 1 Pro Controller, but you'll notice the new C button at the bottom, white buttons at the top, an audio jack, and new GR and GL buttons on the rear handles, for remapping controls. Similarly, Nintendo is releasing a GameCube controller for Switch 2, as the new console supports GameCube games as part of its retro online library. This controller looks nearly identical to the original GameCube controller, save for some small features, including the new C button at the top, a tiny ZL button on the left, a screenshot button, a pairing button, a Home button, and a USB port on top. You'll also notice a player number indicator along the top of the controller. Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube The Switch 2 still uses game cards Credit: Nintendo of America/YouTube The Switch 2 game cards are similar to the OG Switch's, with some small differences. While they're the same size and shape, the new carts are red, not black. They also read faster. Exciting!When does Nintendo Switch 2 launch?The new console launches June 5 of this year. You can buy it as-is, or in a bundle with a digital copy of Mario Kart Worldthe newest game in the Mario Kart lineup. We don't know what this thing costs yet, but we will update this piece once Nintendo officially reveals that information.

If you ask me, graphic design peaked in 2001 with Windows XP's bright blue taskbar and green start button. Every UI design choice since was made by cowards.OK, you might not share my passion for the Windows XP taskbar, which is fine (I guess). But maybe you miss the simple grey aesthetic of Windows 2000, or the comforting orb of Vista. Whatever your taskbar preference, you can bring it back with RetroBar, a free, open source application that replaces the taskbar in Windows 11 with something better. (It will also work if you're running an older version, including Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10.)To get started, download the application from Github. There's an installer and a portable applicationuse whichever you prefer. Note that Windows may prevent you from running the application because of an unknown publisher, which is a commonsense safeguard, but you can click the Run anyway button should you choose to use the software regardless. Once you do, you will immediately see the classic grey taskbar of yore. Credit: Justin Pot You can right-click an empty area in the taskbar and then click Properties to bring up the options menu, which allows you to choose from a wide variety of taskbars. (The one you're probably looking for is named "Windows XP Blue.") Credit: Justin Pot Obvious aesthetic benefits aside, the Windows XP taskbar does work differently from the Windows 11 taskbar in a few ways I find helpful: Every window is represented on the taskbar, not just each application. The launcher icons, to the left, are kept seperate from the currently open windows. You can also change the size of the taskbar to make more room, just like you could back in the day. You can customize what happens when you click the clockI prefer seeing the calendar.If you decide you want the Windows 11 taskbar back after all, you can right-click an empty space on the taskbar and choose Exit Retrobar. You can always launch the application again, the next time you decide to reject modernity and embrace tradition.

It's almost time to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2, now that we finally know how much it'll cost, when it comes out, some of the games it's getting, and the fact that you can use the new Joy-Con as a mouse, even on top of your pants. The Nintendo Switch 2 costs $450, it comes out on June 5, and pre-orders are set to go live on Wednesday, April 9. If you're pre-ordering from a third-party retailer, your best bet is to make an extra cup of coffee that morning and get your clicking fingers ready an exact time for pre-orders to activate hasn't been announced yet, but it'll likely be around 9AM ET, as these things often are. If you're ordering directly from Nintendo, things will work a little differently. Nintendo's US and Canada purchasing site asks interested customers to register to receive an emailed invitation to order the Switch 2. These invites will start going out on May 8, giving each recipient 72 hours to complete their purchase. The fine print clarifies that invites will be sent first to people who meet the following criteria as of April 2, 2025: They've purchased any Nintendo Switch Online membership They've had any paid NSO membership for a minimum of 12 months They've opted in to share gameplay data and have logged at least 50 hours of total play time Registrants who fit these criteria will be included in the priority group and receive email invites in the initial batches. All other hopeful customers will get in line on a first-come, first-served basis behind them. The UK pre-order guidelines are similar. On the negative side, this means folks who have opted out of Nintendo's data-sharing program or never used NSO will be lumped in with the non-priority group, even if they've played their Switch every day for the past eight years. This also makes it harder for non-playing people to pre-order a Switch 2 from Nintendo as a surprise for a friend or family member. That's a bummer. On the positive side, this seems to be Nintendo's attempt to thwart scalpers, and it should be an effective roadblock. It'll simply be harder for profit hunters to receive the initial batch of Switch 2 consoles directly from Nintendo, which should curtail the influx of price-jacked resales at least a little bit, and at least for a little while. On the most positive side, this is a nice, unexpected benefit for people with a track record of actually playing the Switch. Sure, the benefit is simply enabling them to more easily spend their money on Nintendo products, but as far as capitalistic ploys go, this one's pretty kind. That said, retailers including Gamestop, Walmart and Best Buy won't have these restrictions on pre-orders, so things should operate as usual there. This means you won't have to prove you're a Real Gamer in order to pre-order a Switch 2 from a third-party store, but neither will the scalpers. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-is-prioritizing-switch-online-subscribers-in-its-switch-2-pre-orders-171645498.html?src=rss

Last spring, Ooni debuted the dual-zone Koda 2 Max outdoor oven that can cook lots of things, including pizzas up to 20 inches. Now the company is expanding the gas-powered Koda line with the new Koda 2 and Koda 2 Pro. Like the Max, these two models feature Ooni's latest burners, improved heat efficiency, a more resilient stone and compatibility with the Ooni Connect Digital Temperature Hub. The Koda 2 Pro will be the midrange option in Ooni's revamped gas-burning lineup. The oven can accommodate pizzas up to 18 inches thanks to 30 percent larger capacity than the Koda 16. The Koda 2 Pro offers a temperature range of 320-950 degrees Fahrenheit, which gives you the ability to sear, roast and bake in addition to the intense heat needed for pizzas. Twin gas burners are equipped with Ooni's G2 tech for improved heat distribution thanks to a powerful tapered flame. While you're cooking, the Koda 2 Pro has a glass visor that helps keep heat inside while also giving you a clear view of your progress. The Ooni Connect Digital Temperature Hub puts a clearly visible display on the front of the oven, and its food probes can keep tabs on things like meat and fish. What's more, this device has Bluetooth connectivity, which can send temperature updates to your phone. Session logs are stored in the Ooni app, where you'll find recipes, tips and other useful info. Ooni's Koda 2 Ooni The Koda 2 is the smallest option in Ooni's overhauled gas-only line. It's only 33 pounds, which the company says makes it portable enough for camping, tailgates and cookouts. And since the Koda 2 can also hit 950 degrees Fahrenheit, you can cook pro-level pizza in about a minute. This model is also equipped with the newest G2 burners for maximum efficiency and the 14-inch cooking area is larger than that of the previous comparable model, the Koda 12. What's more, the Koda 2 is compatible with the Ooni Connect smart hub, but it doesn't come in the box like the Koda 2 Pro and Koda 2 Max. The extra purchase will cost you $99. The Koda 2 is available now for $449 while the Koda 2 Pro will be available May 1 for $749. Those prices are $150 more than the existing Koda 12 and Koda 16 models. And for the first time, Ooni ovens will be available in something other than the company's trademark Foundry Black. You'll also be able to choose a Slate Blue option with these new models. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/ooni-debuts-koda-2-and-koda-2-pro-pizza-ovens-with-new-burners-and-bluetooth-smarts-170056892.html?src=rss

It looks like the Nintendo Switch 2 is sticking with a basic UI, and I'm livid

Deltarune appeared at the Nintendo Switch 2 launch event with a Chapter 3 and 4 release date.