This article is a sponsored by StoryblokContent management is evolving. The traditional monolithic CMS approach is giving way to headless architectures, where content management and presentation are decoupled. This shift brings new challenges, particularly when organizations need to migrate from legacy systems to modern headless platforms.Our team encountered this scenario when creating a migration path from Drupal to Storyblok. These systems handle content architecture quite differently Drupal uses an entity-field model integrated with PHP, while Storyblok employs a flexible Stories and Blocks structure designed for headless delivery.If you just need to use a script to do a simple yet extensible content migration from Drupal to Storyblok, I already shared step-by-step instructions on how to download and use it. If youre interested in the process of creating such a script so that you can write your own (possibly) better version, stay here!We observed that developers sometimes struggle with manual content transfers and custom scripts when migrating between CMSs. This led us to develop and share our migration approach, which we implemented as an open-source tool that others could use as a reference for their migration needs.Our solution combines two main components: a custom Drush command that handles content mapping and transformation and a new PHP client for Storybloks Management API that leverages modern language features for improved developer experience.Well explore the engineering decisions behind this tools development, examining our architectural choices and how we addressed real-world migration challenges using modern PHP practices.Note: You can find the complete source code of the migration tool in the Drupal exporter repo.Planning The Migration ArchitectureThe journey from Drupal to Storyblok presents unique architectural challenges. The fundamental difference lies in how these systems conceptualize content: Drupal structures content as entities with fields, while Storyblok uses a component-based approach with Stories and Blocks.Initial Requirements AnalysisA successful migration tool needs to understand both systems intimately. Drupals content model relies heavily on its Entity API, storing content as structured field collections within entities. A typical Drupal article might contain fields for the title, body content, images, and taxonomies. Storyblok, on the other hand, structures content as stories that contain blocks, reusable components that can be nested and arranged in a flexible way. Its a subtle difference that shaped our technical requirements, particularly around content mapping and data transformation, but ultimately, its easy to see the relationships between the two content models.Technical ConstraintsEarly in development, we identified several key constraints. Storybloks Management API enforces rate limits that affect how quickly we can transfer content. Media assets must first be uploaded and then linked. Error recovery becomes essential when migrating hundreds of pieces of content.The brand-new Management API PHP client handles these constraints through built-in retry mechanisms and response validation, so in writing a migration script, we dont need to worry about them.Tool SelectionWe chose Drush as our command-line interface for several reasons. First, its deeply integrated with Drupals bootstrap process, providing direct access to the Entity API and field data. Second, Drupal developers are already familiar with its conventions, making our tool more accessible.The decision to develop a new Management API client came from our experience with the evolution of PHP since we developed the first PHP client, and our goal to provide developers with a dedicated tool for this specific API that offered an improved DX and a tailored set of features.This groundwork shaped how we approached the migration workflow.The Building Blocks: A New Management API ClientA content migration tool interacts heavily with Storybloks Management API &mdash, creating stories, uploading assets, and managing tags. Each operation needs to be reliable and predictable. Our brand-new client simplifies these interactions through intuitive method calls: The client handles authentication, request formatting, and response parsing behind the scenes, letting devs focus on content operations rather than API mechanics.Design For ReliabilityContent migrations often involve hundreds of API calls. Our client includes built-in mechanisms for handling common scenarios like rate limiting and failed requests. The response handling pattern provides clear feedback about operation success: A logger can be injected into the client class, as we did using the Drush logger in our migration script from Drupal.Improving The Development ExperienceBeyond basic API operations, the client reduces cognitive load through predictable patterns. Data objects provide a structured way to prepare content for Storyblok: This pattern validates data early in the process, catching potential issues before they reach the API.Designing The Migration WorkflowMoving from Drupals entity-based structure to Storybloks component model required careful planning of the migration workflow. Our goal was to create a process that would be both reliable and adaptable to different content structures.Command StructureThe migration leverages Drupals entity query system to extract content systematically. By default, access checks were disabled (a reversible business decision) to focus solely on migrating published nodes.Key Steps And InsightsText Fields Required minimal effort: values like value() mapped directly to Storyblok fields. Rich text posed no encoding challenges, enabling straightforward 1:1 transfers.Handling Images Upload: Assets were sent to an AWS S3 bucket.Link: Storybloks Asset API upload() method returned an object_id, simplifying field mapping.Assign: The asset ID and filename were attached to the story.Managing TagsTags extracted from Drupal were pre-created via Storybloks Tag API (optional but ensures consistency).When assigning tags to stories, Storyblok automatically creates missing ones, streamlining the process.Why Staged Workflows MatterThe migration avoids broken references by prioritizing dependencies (assets first, tags next, content last). While pre-creating tags add control, teams can adapt this logicfor example, letting Storyblok auto-generate tags to save time.Flexibility is key: every decision (access checks, tag workflows) can be adjusted to align with project goals.Real-World Implementation ChallengesMigrating content between Drupal and Storyblok presents challenges that you, as the implementer, may encounter.For example, when dealing with large datasets, you may find that Drupal sites with thousands of nodes can quickly hit the rate limits enforced by Storybloks management API. In such cases, a batching mechanism for your requests is worth considering. Instead of processing every node at once, you can process a subset of records, wait for a short period of time, and then continue.Alternatively, you could use the createBulk method of the Story API in the Management API, which allows you to handle multiple story creations with built-in rate limit handling and retries. Another potential hurdle is the conversion of complex field types, especially when Drupals nested structures or Paragraph fields need to be mapped to Storybloks more flexible block-based model.One approach is first to analyze the nesting depth and structure of the Drupal content, then flatten deeply nested elements into reusable Storyblok components while maintaining the correct hierarchy. For example, a paragraph field with embedded media and text can be split into blocks within Storyblok, with each component representing a logical section of content. By structuring data this way before migration, you ensure that content remains editable and properly structured in the new system.Data consistency is another aspect that you need to manage carefully. When migrating hundreds of records, partial failures are always risky. One approach to managing this is to log detailed information for each migration operation and implement a retry mechanism for failed operations.For example, wrapping API calls in a try-catch block and logging errors can be a practical way to ensure that no records are silently dropped. When dealing with fields such as taxonomy terms or tags created on the fly in Storyblok, you may run into duplication issues. A good practice is to perform a check before creating a new tag. This could involve maintaining a local cache of previously created tags and checking against them before sending a create request to the API.The same goes for images; a check could ensure you dont upload the same asset twice.Lessons Learned And Looking ForwardA dedicated API client for Storyblok streamlined interactions, abstracting backend complexity while improving code maintainability. Early use of structured data objects to prepare content proved critical, enabling pre-emptive error detection and reducing API failures.We also ran into some challenges and see room for improvement:Encoding issues in rich text (e.g., HTML entities) were resolved with a pre-processing stepPerformance bottlenecks with large text/images required memory optimization and refined request handlingEnhancements could include support for Drupal Layout Builder, advanced validation layers, or dynamic asset management systems. For deeper dives into our Management API client or migration strategies, reach out via Discord, explore the PHP Client repo, or connect with me on Mastodon. Feedback and contributions are welcome!

Perched on the edge of Seattles lush St. Marks Greenbelt and a short walk from the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, a 1979 condo designed by renowned architect Gordon Walker recently underwent a transformative remodel by SHED Architecture & Design. Walker, co-founder of Olson Walker (now Olson Kundig), left an indelible legacy in the Pacific Northwest, and this project aimed to honor his original vision while adapting the space for contemporary living.The condos owner was initially drawn to the propertys serene views of the densely forested Greenbelt and its close proximity to Volunteer Park, an ideal setting for daily walks with his two Akitas, Chela and Bosco. While the architectural framework of the 1,675-square-foot space remained strong, the interiors needed updates to better suit modern needs. The remodel sought to preserve Walkers original design principles prioritizing a connection to nature and contextual harmony while incorporating influences from the owners global travels, particularly to Australia, Korea, and Japan.SHEDs approach blended respect for Walkers architectural sensibilities with the owners desire for a space that balances openness and privacy. Key goals included creating an inviting and functional kitchen for a professionally trained chef, enhancing natural light, and crafting luxurious yet serene bedroom suites.As a professionally trained chef, the owner envisioned a kitchen that was both highly functional and visually striking. SHED transformed the space into a culinary haven with rift-sawn white oak cabinetry crafted by Henrybuilt. The new layout allows for multiple cooks to work comfortably while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic that encourages social interaction and ease of movement.Natural light floods the living room through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Greenbelt views, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. A refined material palette enhances the space, with a modernized fireplace clad in blackened steel and set atop a quartzite hearth. Quartzite remnants were repurposed to craft a custom coffee table and side table, adding continuity and sustainability to the design. The open-plan layout effortlessly connects the living room to the dining area, kitchen, and outdoor patio, where a custom concrete fire pit anchors a wood bench an inviting space for gatherings and quiet reflection alike.The condos unassuming exterior maintains its quiet presence amid Capitol Hills bustling environment, but stepping inside reveals a striking transformation. The double-height entryway now features a sage-green front door, a sculptural chandelier, and a reimagined stairway enclosed with a white powder-coated steel guardrail. The formerly open-tread staircase was enclosed, not only providing additional closet storage but also carving out a cozy nook for the dogs.The upper level was reconfigured to accommodate two private bedroom suites one primary and one for guests each designed to evoke a sense of calm and sophistication. Grasscloth accent walls, white oak paneling, and custom casework create warm and inviting spaces. The bathrooms, compact yet luxurious, feature milestone plaster walls, Japanese-inspired tile, and a steam room, offering a spa-like experience. Thoughtfully integrated storage enhances functionality without compromising aesthetics. A private patio adjacent to the suites provides a peaceful outdoor retreat and a subtle visual connection to the street below.Throughout the condo, SHED introduced new glazing, electric shades, and improved insulation to address the challenges of temperature control, transforming previously stuffy interiors into a comfortable, climate-controlled sanctuary. The remodel successfully balances reverence for Walkers original design with the demands of modern living, resulting in a timeless yet contemporary home that reflects both the heritage of the Pacific Northwest and the unique experiences of its owner.Before photos:For more information on SHED Architecture & Design, visit shedbuilt.com.Photography by Rafael Soldi.

Burls are usually a sign of distress within the tree, a deformation characterized by its knobbly appearance and beautiful undulating grain, radiating from the injured area. A touching example of the human urge to celebrate difference, many wood enthusiasts prize burls for their uniqueness. Each one is a world of knowledge on how our leafy comrades heal and think, new science being approved every day to substantiate networks of communication beneath us. London-based Don Heston Studio presents new furniture in this same vein the Monkel Cabinet, the Oni Desk, the Fernie Side Table, and the Untitled Lamp which incorporate whimsy and restraint in tandem to produce an approachable, fun collection.The Monkel Cabinet features the distinctive amorphous texture, bubbling and bulging out of itself, within reason. Surrounding this energetic plane is a generous frame, highlighting the space filled as much as the space in between. This frame sits on highly polished, squat legs, tying the width and solidity of the body with the base elegantly. Each piece is adorned with a DHS OG Nugget, a dot of rough-hewn sparkle contrasting with the rolling waves of the cabinet face a bit of bling for the front. To round out the design, the piece is finished in a rich Penny Chocolate brown hue that highlights the wood grain and raised facade.The Oni Desk also features a DHS OG Nugget front and center, with a knobbly drawer that stands out from the super smooth, linear form that the rest of the desk embodies. The legs are fully rounded so just the very tips of the desk grace the floor. The legs also stand slightly outside the barrier of the traditional tabletop, landing symmetrically above the exact point of the corner. This detail is masterfully completed, adding to the quality of the piece, which is made of an African hardwood and finished just like the Monkel Cabinet.The solid oak Fernie Side Table takes on an almost baseball bat precision, turned in a jaunty manner full of large fillets and acute angles. One solid piece, the natural grain is on full display here, taking the geometry of the table and allowing the light to make it shine, highlighting multiple angles and therefore achieving maximum diffusion.The Untitled Lamp celebrates the intimate nature of growth, winding the light up the core of the tree to eventually arrive at a rounded, mid-century shade. The base and shade are the same deep Penny Chocolate brown, and the stem features gorgeous burls all up. Traveling around the lamp, one enjoys shifts of color and luminescence, beams of light highlighting unique growth patterns distinct to this one-of-a-kind piece.Jay Heston is a multidisciplinary designer, and founder of Don Heston Studio, working primarily in jewelry, furniture, and bespoke installations for clients across the globe. A deep reverence for the natural world is reflected in his work, celebrating the organic irregularity of the materials he engages with. Considered, refined, and evocative, he takes specific features from the outside world usually filed and sanded down, and instead creates a pedestal for these distinctive forms.To learn more about the new collection or Don Heston Studio, visit donheston.com.Photography courtesy of Don Heston Studio.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.If youve ever wanted to wear earbuds that dont actually go in your ears, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds might be the oddball pick youve been looking for. These open-style earbuds clip on and hook around your ear instead of sitting inside it, letting ambient noise in by design. That makes them great for runs, walks, or commutingbasically, situations where you want to hear your music but also that car barreling around the corner. And for the next six days or until it sells out, Woots offering refurbished models of these earbuds, in black, moonstone blue, and white smoke for $179much cheaper than Amazons current $261.99 price. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds $179.00 at Woot $299.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal Get Deal $179.00 at Woot $299.00 Save $120.00 Since these are refurbished, they might show a bit of wear, but theyve been tested and cleared to function properly. You also get a 90-day Woot limited warranty, which is shorter than Boses standard, but fair for the price cut, and if youre an Amazon Prime member, shipping is free (otherwise its $6). Just a heads-up: Woot ships only within the 48 contiguous states.Bose doesnt skimp on audio quality here: Despite the open design, they deliver solid sound with real punch and clarity. The bass wont rumble like in-ear buds, but you still get that signature Bose balance. They also have Immersive Audio support, which adds spatial depththough it's a little inconsistent depending on what youre listening to and can feel gimmicky, according to this PCMag review. They also support Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive and work especially well with podcasts and mellow playlists. That said, the biggest downside is that they dont have any noise cancellation, which, again, is kind of the point, but still worth noting if youre used to ANC earbuds. Battery life clocks in around 7.5 hours on a single charge (with Immersive Audio off), and the charging case gives you almost two full charges, which is decent enough. If youre someone who prioritizes awareness and comfort over total sound isolationand doesnt mind a pre-loved gadgetthis deal makes a pretty compelling case. If youre more of a noise-canceling, zone-out-on-the-plane kind of listener, these probably won't cut it for you.

The vernal equinox, marking the first day of spring, occurs in late March every year. Sometime around then, most planting zones encounter what is known as the last frost date, which is the experts' best guess, based on averages, of when your last hard freeze will be. The cherry, plum, and peach blossoms are exploding on trees all around us and tulips are popping up from the ground. There are all kinds of markers that gardening season has arrived, but the most prominent one is the return of people to working on their front yards on sunny days, which should be happening now with some regularity. It is finally full steam ahead for this year, and there are tons of things you can be doing outside. Cherry blossoms Credit: Amanda Blum Document the spring bloomThere's an order to the way plants bloom in early spring: the crocus, the daffodils, then the tulips, the irises, and the peonies. Each year I try to take pictures every few days from the same angles in the yard so I can document where I might need more bulbs. You'll forget by the time fall rolls around and it's time to plant more. This pictorial documentation can help you visualize any bulb losses you have year to year, as well. Tulips in bloom Credit: Amanda Blum Get your trellises clean and readyBased on the plans I made for the garden over the winter, I now know where I'll need plant supports for my tomatoes, peppers, beans, and cucumbers. I begin getting those trellises I have out of storage and sterilizing them, and I make plans to build or order any new trellises I'll need. Weed and dress with compost With the nighttime temperatures starting to remain over 40 degrees, its time to clean out your beds and get them ready for planting. This means doing a thorough weeding, as best you can, and then top with compost. Clean away debris in the paths and beds, because that is slug food and an invitation for disease and pests. Check in on your own compost bins; they could probably use a good turn. Check in on your flower perennials Irises that need dividing Credit: Amanda Blum First, take an inventory of the perennials you have, and see if any need dividing. Plants grow into the space around them, but if theyve run out of space, you can break them up, and either relocate these new plants or trade them for others. Irises and daylilies are an excellent example; hostas are another. This is also how youll take inventory of what did not survive this year. With the weather becoming more extreme year to year, even perennials can succumb to weather events. Perennials have started to come out of hibernation in the greenhouses at your local nursery, so you can begin to replace any that will need it. Buying now, when plants are still small, will help save money. Grab some early flowering annualsIts still early for most varieties of flowers, but pansies love the cold. At this point, begin checking the nurseries for snapdragons, sweet peas, petunias, and other early flowering plants. Its a good time to get your hanging baskets and window boxes filled, too, so theyll be in full bloom come May. In fact, many groceries and nurseries will help you fill your planters if you bring them in; some even plan events around doing so.Don't forget edibles Peas coming up from seed Credit: Amanda Blum If you've not yet planted peas, it's go time. They can be direct sown outside and need to be grown against some support. This time of year, I grow shelling pea and sugar snaps on tall vines that climb arches in my yard. I also take stock of my strawberry plants, thinning them so they're spaced at least six inches apart. Give away extras, or ask your neighbors for their extras if you need them. I look for my perennial edibles to make sure they've survived the winter. The horseradish has been staking it's claim, poking up leaves from its usual plot. I've already replaced a few artichokes that didn't make it through the last ice storm. The first tiny stalks of asparagus made an appearance this week, which means in a few weeks we'll be drowning in spears. Now is the time to plant more asparagus crowns, too. I try to add a few crowns each yearthey're usually a dollar or two at the nursery, and in this way, you can establish them in more places. I've been waiting with bated breath to see if all the rhubarb I planted last year will return, since last year I lost my fifteen-year-old specimen, but I saw the first leaves begin to poke out of the ground this week. If you need to replace yours, you'll find rhubarb at your nursery. Fiddleheads and ramps (which, as a reminder, you can grow at home) should be emerging. It's also the time to plant your summer potatoes: Your nursery has potato starts, but if you've got grocery store potatoes that have sprouted at home, those can go right into the ground. carrots, radishes, beets and lettuce planted two weeks ago Credit: Amanda Blum I've already planted a few rounds of radishes, beets, carrots, and lettuce in the garden, and will continue doing so every few weeks through summer. The spring rain is excellent for helping these seeds I direct sow to germinate. You can continue to plant spring edibles like spinach, kale, chard, and mustard greens, but if you dont get broccoli and cauliflower early in the month, youll miss your window. These are short crops, but you want them to finish and harvest before you need the room for summer crops like tomatoes. You also want to get three long crops in now, starting with parsnips, which need 180 days to grow. Plant them from seed now, and you'll have enough of this root vegetable to cook all fall. Brussels sprouts also need that long summer to grow if they're going to be ready for Thanksgiving. Finally, your nursery will have all your onion sets to get into the ground. Keeper onions and leeks need the season to be ready for harvest in late summer or early fall. Inspect your systems Check your water systems Credit: Amanda Blum Its also time to turn the irrigation and sprinkler systems back on for the year, so schedule any inspections like backflow testing. Once the water is on, test your controller and look for signs of any leaks in the lines. You can safely reconnect hoses, and put out manual timers if you use them. Be sure to give all your tools a good spray down with vinegar or bleach to sterilize them, and remember to keep a spray bottle with the same on hand for your pruning shears as you move about the garden. Spray them between plants so you are not transferring disease.

Engineers at Northwestern University have developed the worlds smallest pacemaker. Its so small, as a matter of fact, that it fits inside the tip of a syringe. This means that its injectable, so patients could potentially avoid a painful surgery.It safely dissolves into the bloodstream after a time, so its a temporary solution. Its designed for folks who need heart help on a short-term basis, like newborn babies with congenital defects. However, it can work with hearts of all sizes.Its also powered by light, which is pretty darned cool. The pacemaker is paired with a wireless wearable device that mounts to a patients chest. When that small device detects an irregular heartbeat, it shines a light that activates the pacemaker. These light pulses can penetrate a patients skin, bones and muscles.Even though the pacemaker is tiny, measuring one millimeter in thickness, it still delivers as much stimulation as a full-sized unit. The engineers published their findings in Nature and noted that the device works with both animal and human hearts. The team also reiterated that pediatric care is the primary use case here.About one percent of children are born with congenital heart defects, said Northwestern experimental cardiologist Igor Efimov, who co-led the study. The good news is that these children only need temporary pacing after a surgery. In about seven days or so, most patients hearts will self-repair. But those seven days are absolutely critical. Now, we can place this tiny pacemaker on a childs heart and stimulate it with a soft, gentle, wearable device. And no additional surgery is necessary to remove it.The development of this medical device was co-led by John Rogers, which is a familiar name in biomedical circles. Rogers has been behind a number of astounding innovations throughout the years. Hes advanced technology that could eventually give us invisibility cloaks and health-tracking tattoos. He also built a thumbnail-sized UV sensor and a circuit that dissolves in the body. That last one eventually led to this innovative pacemaker.Rogers imagines a world in which physicians inject a number of these pacemakers simultaneously, to enable sophisticated synchronization. This could help terminate arrhythmias, as different parts of the heart could be paced at unique rhythms.Because its so small, this pacemaker can be integrated with almost any kind of implantable device, Rogers said. Here, the tiny pacemakers can be activated as necessary to address complications that can occur during a patients recovery process.This versatility could eventually open up a diverse array of medical possibilities. The tech could be used to help nerves heal, treat wounds and block pain.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/the-worlds-smallest-pacemaker-is-injectable-and-powered-by-light-153302491.html?src=rss

With Nintendo's April 2 Direct showcase over and done, we now know more about the Switch 2 than ever before, including its release date (June 5), price ($450!) and how to pre-order.Thanks to Nintendo's January 16 teaser trailer, we've long known what the Switch 2 will look like, and that it will arrive in 2025 over eight years after its predecessor. The Nintendo Switch 2 looks very similar to the original system, albeit with a larger display, magnetic Joy-Cons and a sleeker design. The company also reaffirmed that the upcoming console will be backwards compatible with Switch games.Looking to catch up on everything we know about the Switch 2? Read on.What are the key new features of the Nintendo Switch 2?Display and dockThe Nintendo Switch 2 has a 1080p 7.9-inch display with a 120Hz refresh and HDR compatibility. It also supports up to 4K output at 120Hz (with variable refresh rates) when docked.Joy-Con and Pro ControllerThe new Joy-Con for Nintendo Switch 2 attaches magnetically with a button to release them. They have larger SL and SR buttons (the ones hidden when the Joy-Con are attached) to make playing multiplayer games on one Joy-Con more feasible. The analog sticks are no longer tiny nubs, and are closer in size to the ones you might find on a PS5 or Xbox controller. They have what Nintendo is calling HD Rumble 2 built in, which seems to be a refinement of the original (and still very good) vibration function. Finally, each Joy-Con has an optical sensor that allows you to use it as a mouse, and a C button, which well get to in a minute.NintendoThe new Pro Controller for the Nintendo Switch 2 comes with everything youd expect based on the refreshed Joy-Con: Namely HD Rumble 2 and the C button. There are also remappable GL/GR buttons around the back and a standard audio jack for connecting a headset.Both options come with Amiibo support built in. The Switch 2 comes with two Joy-Con as youd expect, and additional pairs are priced at $90. The Pro Controller will cost $80.The C button stands for chatThe new C button is a dedicated way to enter a chat session with friends. As well as the standard features youd expect from voice chat, Nintendo has built a Discord-like video-sharing feature, which lets you show your gameplay to others and see other peoples screens while youre playing.The chat function works with a mic built into the console, though headsets are also supported. Nintendo will also sell a $50 camera that plugs into the USB-C port on the top of the console, which will allow you to stream your face along with your game.NintendoGameCube supportThe Switch 2 will work with GameCube games via the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. The three titles available at launch will be F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Soul Calibur II.Improved specsPerhaps the biggest feature, though, is one you cant see: The Switch 2 has an all-new processor and GPU and significantly more storage (256GB vs 64GB in the Switch OLED), along with support for faster and more capacious microSD cards. This will obviously lead to better first-party games and upgraded Switch experiences, but more importantly it will mean multi-platform games that had to skip the original, underpowered Switch will be able to be ported over. With games like Cyberpunk 2077 coming to the Switch 2 at launch, it seems like far more ports will be feasible than on the original console.Another major improvement comes in the form of networking the Switch 2 supports WiFi 6, which will improve the original's often glacial download speeds. Similarly, the new dock sports an ethernet port for a rock-solid connection.What's it like to play?Nintendo gave the press a chance to check out the Switch 2 and a few of the games it highlighted. You can read our impressions of Mario Kart Worldas well as more general thoughts on how the Switch 2 feels in person. Right off the bat, Mario Kart World feels like an outstanding launch title, with more depth and better visuals than we've ever seen from a Mario Kart game. The core formula is intact, but there are a lot of new features and play styles to dig into.As for the Switch 2 hardware, it feels like a major step forward from the original Switch it has grown up a lot and feels far more polished and refined. And while it may not have an OLED screen, the 7.9-inch LED display Nintendo did use is outstanding.How much will the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?The Nintendo Switch 2 will be available for $450 standalone, or for $500 with a bundled digital copy of the new Mario Kart game, Mario Kart World. Thats significantly more expensive than the original Switch, which launched at $300, and has remained at that price ever since. Its also more expensive than the entry-level current-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft.The comparison looks a little better up against Valves Steam Deck, which costs $400 for the LCD model or $550 for the basic OLED model. The Steam Deck is more affordable than most PC handhelds.When will the Nintendo Switch 2 come out?June 5, 2025.When do pre-orders open for Nintendo Switch 2?Pre-orders begin on April 9, from a variety of retailers and Nintendo itself.How long will the Switch 2's battery last?Nintendo says that the Switch 2 will last between 2 and 6.5 hours. This is similar to the original Switch, which was rated for 2.5-6.5 hours, though later revisions upped that figure significantly. The company cautions that "this time is an estimate ... battery life will depend on the games you play and usage conditions."When can I try the Nintendo Switch 2?Nintendo is planning a worldwide roadshow to let gamers go hands-on with the console. These events start in New York and Paris on April 4-6, with others taking place throughout the following two months.Ticket registration for many of the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events has closed, but waitlists are available. However, given that Nintendo is taking a first come, first served approach, your chances of attending the roadshow if you don't already have a ticket (or unless you signed up for the waitlist immediately) seem very small at this point.The full list of Nintendo Switch 2 Experience dates is as follows:North America:New York, April 4-6, 2025Los Angeles, April 11-13, 2025Dallas, April 25-27, 2025Toronto, April 25-27, 2025Europe:Paris, April 4-6, 2025London, April 11-13, 2025Milan, April 25-27, 2025Berlin, April 25-27, 2025Madrid, May 9-11, 2025Amsterdam, May 9-11, 2025Oceania:Melbourne, May 10-11, 2025Asia:Tokyo (Makuhari), April 26-27, 2025Seoul, May 31-June 1, 2025Hong Kong, To be announcedTaipei, To be announcedIs the Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatible?Nintendo confirmed in November 2024 that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible. It will also feature access to Nintendo Online, so users will be able to play all of those old retro titles.In the initial Nintendo Switch 2 press release, Nintendo reiterated that physical and digital Switch games will work on the new system. However, it noted that "certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2." We now have more information on which games are working thanks to a guide Nintendo put together.Nintendo's software compatibility chart on April 2, 2025.NintendoAs of April 1, the vast majority of Switch 2 games are marked as compatible, but many popular games are said to have some issues. Nintendo has marked most of these as under investigation, suggesting a fix may be on the way in time for launch. Nintendo says it is manually testing every Switch game for compatibility.Only one title is marked as incompatible: Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit. This was part of Nintendos Labo range of games that worked with Cardboard accessories, and is incompatible as the Switch 2 doesnt physically fit in the VR headset.Will old games be enhanced in any way?The original Switch has, to put it mildly, struggled to run some of the late-generation software that's come down the pike. Could these games be enhanced to take advantage of the increased horsepower of the Switch 2? Thats unclear. In an Ask the Developer page on its site, Nintendo says that old games are working through a real-time translation system, which sounds similar to how Rosetta allows modern Macs to run old software. With that said, the new and old Switch are much closer in hardware than that.In the same developer interview, its said that in its testing of old games for compatibility, there were some occasions where loading times became faster, or game performance became more stable, but we dont have any detail beyond that.As well as backward compatibility, Nintendo is also offering up premium Switch 2 Edition upgrades for a select few games, which have improved resolutions and frame rates, and (in some titles) some bonus features and content. What exactly that means will vary, but Nintendo did confirm that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will have 4K/60 and 1080p/120 options on the Switch 2.In the case of the two mainline Zelda games, those will be free to Switch Online Expansion Pack members, while others will be paid upgrades. Games confirmed to have a Switch 2 Edition to date include:Super Mario Party JamboreeThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomKirby and the Forgotten LandPokmon Legends: Z-AMetroid Prime 4: BeyondNintendo has not said how much the paid upgrades will cost.What will the cartridges taste like?You may remember that the original Switch cartridges taste absolutely awful. This was on purpose, to discourage folks from putting the games in their mouth. Will the successor follow suit and continue to dip cartridges in a foul-tasting bitter coating? Only time will tell.What are the launch games?We expect this list to change substantially over the coming weeks and months, but the titles currently confirmed to be available on day one follow:Arcade Archives 2 Ridge RacerBravely Default: Flying Fairy HD RemasterCyberpunk 2077DeltaruneFast FusionFortniteHitman: World of AssassinationHogwarts LegacyKunitsu-Gami: Path of the GoddessMario Kart WorldNintendo Switch 2 Welcome TourPuyo Puyo Tetris 2SSplit FictionStreet Fighter 6Survival KidsYakuza 0: Director's CutThat's everything we know about the Nintendo Switch 2 today. We'll update this article with any information we can gather directly from sources. Any changes made to the article after its initial publishing will be listed below.Update, January 24, 2025, 12:36 PM ET: This story has been updated to include speculation about price, potential game enhancements and the taste of cartridges.Update, February 5, 2025, 9:30AM ET: This story has been updated to note the time when the April 2 Nintendo Direct starts.Update, February 24, 2025, 12:30 PM ET: This story has been updated to include speculation about storage and information about the new microSD Express standard.Update, March 6, 2025, 2:30PM ET: This story has been updated to note recent FCC filings to indicate the presence of Wi-Fi 6 and NFC support.Update, March 14, 2025, 12:15PM ET: This story has been updated to include pricing and sales speculation from analysts.Update, March 20, 2025, 12:45PM ET: Updated to include a note about the Seattle Mariners new jersey patches featuring Nintendo and the Switch 2.Update, March 27, 2025, 3:50PM ET: Updated to add details about the C button, Nintendo Today! and Virtual Game Cards.Update, April 1, 2025, 10:16AM ET: Updated to add link to livestream and details on its length.Update, April 2, 2025, 4:40PM ET: Added details from the April 2 Nintendo Direct event, including specifications, price, release date and launch titles.Jeff Dunn contributed to this report.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-switch-2-release-date-price-new-games-and-everything-else-you-need-to-know-195136723.html?src=rss

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