Nintendo's Switch 2 site has seemingly leaked extra information for two of the console's biggest games, before pulling the spoilers here's what we learned from itTech10:48, 07 Apr 2025Updated 10:48, 07 Apr 2025Rainbow Road looks set to return(Image: Nintendo)After months of waiting, Nintendo finally revealed the Switch 2's launch date, specs, and much, much more.The console will launch on June 5, making it an ideal pickup for the Summer, and will launch with Mario Kart World at a cheeky discount if you pre-order a bundle.Article continues belowWhile we count down the days until we're power-sliding around the open-world Mushroom Kingdom (less than sixty days now, if you're counting), Nintendo has seemingly confirmed one fan-favourite track will be returning via an accidental post on its Korean site, and the leaks don't stop there.Over on the Mario Kart subreddit, fans spotted that Nintendo's Korean site added Rainbow Road to the world map of Mario Kart World.The upcoming Switch 2 launch title marks the first Mario Kart title with free roam, it seems players will need to unlock Rainbow Road.Famed for its challenging lack of guard rails in many iterations, Rainbow Road has appeared multiple times in the series, notably starting out in 1992's Super Mario Kart.Mario Kart World is Nintendo's big Switch 2 launch title(Image: Nintendo)More recent Mario Kart titles have introduced multiple variants, and it even made an appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 albeit without being named 'Rainbow Road' outright."Phew, I was getting worried there," one fan said of the track's inclusion, while others are getting excited about how to even get to it."I wonder how you access it? Like, is there just a space elevator in the ocean there? Maybe you have to blast off from DK Spaceport?"In case you missed it, the new Mario Kart title sees players race between tracks, so by that logic we'll need to get into the sky somehow.Switch 2 is just a couple of months away(Image: AFP via Getty Images)Over on Resetera, eagle-eyed fans have also spotted that Nintendo's Korea site has shown Pauline could be returning as a younger version of the character who will accompany Donkey Kong in his Switch 2 debut Bananza.Article continues belowWhile fans of Super Mario Odyssey may have been a tad disappointed not to see a fresh 3D Mario game announced (something that was tipped to happen), the return of Pauline would be a welcome one even if she appears much younger than when we last saw her as Mayor of New Donk City.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Physical Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games accused of false advertisingMichael BeckwithPublished April 7, 2025 11:15amUpdated April 7, 2025 11:16am The cartridge in the box is not a Switch 2 game (Nintendo)Boxed copies of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games only include the Switch 1 versions, as fans dismiss them as totally worthless.Fans already suspected certain Nintendo Switch games would see enhanced upgrades on Nintendo Switch 2 and last weeks big showcase confirmed that will indeed be the case.Dubbed Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games, anyone who owns the original Switch 1 versions will be able to upgrade to them for a fee while new customers will have to purchase them at full price.You would assume physical copies of these Switch 2 Edition games would come with Switch 2 cartridges but, as it turns out, thats not the case at all.If you purchase a physical copy of a Switch 2 Edition game, youre getting the original Switch 1 version instead, alongside a download code for the upgrade. Ergo, there are no physical versions of these Switch 2 Edition games.This was initially discovered when box art for Switch 2 games began making their way online. On the cover for the Switch 2 version of The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom, the fine print at the bottom reads: Includes the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack.After some confusion over whether this meant the upgrade pack was a download code or not, Bluesky user Tyler Hilton managed to get in contact with a member of Nintendos customer support for clarification. According to them, yes, the upgrade packs are download codes.Its possible the customer service representative could be wrong, but this seems fairly clear cut and theres been no other official response from Nintendo. Still, weve contacted the company for comment and will update the article should we get a response. Will you still be buying Switch 2 Edition games physically? (Nintendo)Aside from the fact that this makes Switch 2 Edition games impossible to resell (since download codes can only be used once), this also makes them difficult, if not outright impossible, to preserve.Unsurprisingly, this has become a point of contention for those who push for preservation efforts within gaming. The Bluesky account for Does it play?, for example, outright accuses Nintendo of false advertising during the Switch 2 showcase and says theres No reason to buy [physical Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games], then.Ryan Brown of book publisher Lost In Cult calls Switch 2 Edition games totally worthless since theyre only ever available as one-off digital download codes which will disappear one day.How much are Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games?Theres also the matter of the pricing. Nintendo Switch 2 games are more expensive than Switch 1 games. Nintendo has yet to provide official UK prices for all its first party games, but physical copies of Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will cost 74.99 and 66.99, respectively.More TrendingTheres no indication of how much Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will cost but itll almost certainly be cheaper for new fans to track down physical Switch 1 copies and pay for the upgrade pack separately than buy the Switch 2 version.Nintendos pricing for games is undoubtedly the biggest talking point surrounding the Switch 2 at the moment, even if digital editions are cheaper than physical copies. During the Nintendo Treehouse broadcasts, there were nonstop comments from viewers demanding the company drop the price.Unfortunately, it seems like the opposite could end up happening for the console itself, at least in the US. Thanks to the new worldwide tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, Nintendo has delayed opening Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S., which could indicate the company is already considering raising the consoles price. What a rough start to the next generation of Nintendo (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

One Week to Expo 2025 Osaka: 8 Must-See National PavilionsSave this picture! Expo Osaka 2025Opening on April 13th, 2025, Expo 2025 Osaka will gather countries and organizations from around the world under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." Located on the manmade island of Yumeshima, the event is expected to attract millions of visitors with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and cross-cultural exchange. The overall masterplan is led by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, who envisions a circular structure known as the Grand Roof, or the "Grand Ring." Measuring 1.5 kilometers in diameter, the floating canopy will connect the national and thematic pavilions below, functioning as a symbol of unity and collaboration while offering shaded walkways and event spaces.Fujimoto's vision emphasizes an open, interconnected layout that invites exploration, with contributions from globally recognized architects like Kengo Kuma and Lina Ghotmeh adding to the Expo's architectural significance. As anticipation builds, a number of pavilions have already been revealed, each expressing the identity and values of its respective nation through distinct architectural languages. From modular wood structures to earth-formed walls and kinetic installations, the designs highlight global dialogues on sustainability, cultural memory, and innovation. Below, we explore seven national pavilions that exemplify the diversity and creativity of Expo 2025 Osaka.Read on to discover 8 national pavilions that will be showcased in this global celebration of architecture, culture, and innovation. Related Article First Photos Revealed of 'Grand Ring' by Sou Fujimoto for Expo 2025 Osaka Japan PavilionSave this picture!Designed by Nikken Sekkei, the Japan Pavilion is centered around the theme "Cycles of Life," symbolized through a circular form constructed from domestically sourced timber. The design incorporates traditional Japanese joinery techniques and features a layered wooden faade that filters light and air. Visitors will move through a spiraling sequence of spaces that echo natural cycles and rhythms, aiming to evoke a sensory connection to Japan's cultural and ecological heritage.France PavilionSave this picture!The France Pavilion, designed by Coldefy and Carlo Ratti Associati, is titled "Theatrum Naturae" or "Theatre of Nature." The design integrates natural and artificial habitats, aiming to illustrate the connection between human and non-human worlds. Visitors are guided through three acts: Ascent, Discovery of Nature, and Return to the Ground. A winding staircase leads to an observation balcony and a rooftop garden showcasing diverse French ecosystems, symbolizing the nation's cultural and environmental contributions. The pavilion emphasizes sustainability through prefabricated components and natural elements, promoting reuse and recycling beyond the Expo's duration. Italy PavilionSave this picture!Mario Cucinella Architects designed the Italy Pavilion as a celebration of Italian creativity and craftsmanship, blending architecture, art, and environmental design. The structure features a sinuous, wave-like roof made from recycled materials and bio-based composites. The pavilion reflects Italy's historical ingenuity while promoting sustainable building practices and is conceived as a "laboratory of beauty" that showcases the country's ability to merge tradition with innovation.Chile PavilionSave this picture!Conceived by the architecture collective Constructo, the Chile Pavilion embraces nomadism and adaptability through a modular, lightweight wooden structure. Designed to be dismantled and reused, the pavilion reflects Chile's geographical diversity and cultural mobility. Its design emphasizes circular economy principles, with a low carbon footprint and the capacity for the structure to be reassembled in different contexts after the Expo concludes.Bahrain PavilionSave this picture!Designed by Lina Ghotmeh Architecture, the Bahrain Pavilion draws inspiration from traditional Bahraini dhow boats, showcasing the nation's maritime heritage and craftsmanship. The structure employs historical boat-building techniques, featuring a wooden framework with an aluminum outer layer. This design pays homage to Bahrain's seafaring history, while also incorporates sustainable practices by facilitating easy disassembly and recycling post-Expo. The pavilion's form reflects Bahrain's strategic position as a maritime crossroads, emphasizing cultural exchange and innovation. Additionally, the design acknowledges Japanese wood artistry, creating a cultural link between Bahrain and the host nation. Czech Republic PavilionSave this picture!The Czech Republic Pavilion, designed by Apropos Architects, presents a dynamic form inspired by motion and spirituality. The structure features a fluid, sweeping shape supported by a central "Tree of Life" installation inside. Emphasizing a balance between technology and nature, the design invites visitors to engage with Czech innovation, creativity, and cultural values through immersive spatial experiences.Qatar PavilionSave this picture!Kengo Kuma & Associates envisioned the Qatar Pavilion as a poetic and atmospheric space inspired by desert landscapes and wind-blown forms. The design consists of curved, layered walls made from locally sourced materials and an open-air central courtyard. It reflects both traditional Qatari architecture and contemporary sensibilities, blending light, shade, and airflow to create a sensorial journey that connects visitors to the country's environmental and cultural heritage.Germany PavilionSave this picture!LAVA Architects designed the German Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka with a focus on circular economy principles. Named "Wa! Doitsu," translating to "Wow! Germany," the pavilion emphasizes sustainability by utilizing reusable materials and innovative climate design. The structure aims to achieve zero waste and minimize resource consumption, serving as a prototype for repurposing and reusing structures in future architectural endeavors. We invite you to check out ArchDaily's comprehensive coverage of the Expo Osaka 2025.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorNour FakharanyAuthorCite: Nour Fakharany. "One Week to Expo 2025 Osaka: 8 Must-See National Pavilions" 07 Apr 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028820/one-week-to-expo-2025-osaka-8-must-see-national-pavilions&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

No ones ever walked out of a meeting thinking, Wow, that couldnt have been an email. If youre tired of hearing Steve and Chris ramble on for an hour, just stop going and send this AI voice recorder along instead.Even if you arent in attendance, this gadget captures the whole conversation, uses ChatGPT-4 to provide an accurate transcript, and delivers smart summaries so you can get actual work done during that important meeting. Save $76 on the Focais meeting recorder and get free shipping while supplies last.Make work a little less miserableYou might not be allowed to skip the meeting outright, but this smart device at least allows you to secretly do work on your laptopor just zone out into your happy place. And those who work from home can simply walk away and let the Focais gadget do its magic.Pair it with the app, power it on, and forget about those quarterly budget updates. Heres what makes Focais different from just recording the meeting with your phone:It runs OpenAIs Whisper model to transcribe voice-to-text with up to 98% accuracy.It listens only when sound is detected, reducing memory waste and extending battery life.Voice enhancement tools filter out background noise, isolating human speech for clearer results.Built-in summarization algorithms condense entire discussions into digestible notes instantly.Supports 120+ languages with real-time translation baked into the workflowUnlike basic recorders or apps that require uploading files to multiple platforms, this device is a self-contained system. Record, transcribe, and summarize on the fly and access everything from its companion app for iOS, Android, or desktop.Only 40 of these Focais AI smart meeting recorders are left in stock at $72.99 with free shipping, so order yours ASAP (reg. $149). No coupon is needed to get this price.StackSocial prices subject to change.Focais: Meet One Your AI-Powered Assistant to Capture & Summarize Notes $72.99See DealWhat makes this deal specialIf meetings are the biggest time-suck in your workweek, this AI note-taking tool could give you hours of your life back. With AI doing the heavy liftingrecording, transcribing, summarizing, and even translating in real timeyoure free to multitask or mentally check out without missing a thing. Normally, tech this advanced comes with a subscription or steep price tag, but this lifetime tool is just a one-time $72.99 buy. For anyone drowning in calls, lectures, or team standups, thats a small price for sanity.

Nature, Published online: 07 April 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-01063-6Academics can drive policy innovation but they must shift their focus from publishing papers to creating practical products.

Tonka bean trees survive lightning strikes and use the powerful electric shocks to kill their competitors.

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FromSoftware Keeps Creating Single-Players Despite Co-Op PvPvE RevealIn a recent interview with Nintendo, FromSoftware director Hidetaka Miyazaki said that the studio would not change its creative direction in spite of the recent announcement of the PvPvE The Duskbloods.The new title, revealed at Nintendo Direct, is different from the studio's previous games, as it is "an online multiplayer-focused game" at its core "with both player vs player and player vs enemy gameplay." Speaking of this gameplay design, Miyazaki shared: "I've always found the PvPvE structure very interesting. It allows for a broad range of game-design ideas, while also letting us leverage our experience of designing challenging enemy encounters."However, despite the differences, the director said that the studio would not alter its development plans and step away from its usual strategy: "As previously mentioned, this is an online multiplayer title at its core, but this doesn't mean that we as a company have decided to shift to a more multiplayer-focused direction with titles going forward." Miyazaki noted that the studio will continue to develop its single-player titles: "The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring (3) was also announced, and we still intend to actively develop single-player focused games such as this that embrace our more traditional style."The Duskbloods, set in a Gothic- and Victorian-style world, follows the story of vampire-like creatures known as Bloodsworn, competing for the First Blood. As shared by the director, there's no specific time in which the game's events take place the only thing known is that human society has come to its decline. The vampire-like Bloodsworn creatures, controlled by players, are also not the typical terrifying monsters, being a reinterpreted version of their traditional image.

Naval:Any country that cant manufacture its own drones will be a vassal state.