Image: Nintendo LifeDespite its advancing years, Nintendo's hybrid handheld showed that it wasn't going quietly into that good night in 2024, at least where great games were concerned.Nintendo's first-party output was mainly helmed by partner studios in 2024. with plenty of HD remakes and remasters in the mix. However, Switch did play host to a solo extravaganza from Princess Toadstool, an unexpected new chapter in the Famicom Detective Club series, a shiny new Mario & Luigi entry, yet another Mario Party, and a brand-new top-down Zelda. Not bad for a system in its eighth year with a much-talked-about successor eyeing its throne.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube789kWatch on YouTube Throw in a trove of iconic indie and third-party gems and, even as studios making the games continue to struggle through uncertain times, anyone just playing the games had a pretty great year.To celebrate the games, large and small, that moved us this year, we've compiled this list of the Top 50 best Switch games of 2024. So sit back, relax, and prepare to scroll through a bunch of the best, ranked for your pleasure.On this page: Best Nintendo Switch Games Of 202450. The Plucky Squire (Switch)Publisher: Devolver Digital / Developer: All Possible FuturesRelease Date: 17th Sep 2024 (USA) / 17th Sep 2024 (UK/EU)Performance issues on Switch, at least at launch, bury an amazingly clever and charming adventure that we would wholeheartedly recommend otherwise. The Plucky Squire is certainly playable on the Nintendo Switch, but in no way can we recommend picking it up here if you have other means to play it.The fact that the Switch-branded trailers looked so great and that advance review copies weren't available on the platform despite them being sent out for other systems indicates that this version of The Plucky Squire needed much more time on the drawing board before release.49. Darkest Dungeon II (Switch eShop)Publisher: Red Hook Studios / Developer: Red Hook StudiosRelease Date: 15th Jul 2024 (USA) / 15th Jul 2024 (UK/EU)Darkest Dungeon II may not be the sequel that ardent fans of the original wanted it to be, but its unique approach to that hard-edged, brutal roguelike gameplay is compelling all the same.A memorable art style, tons of replayability, and lots of mechanical depth make this one an easy recommendation to any roguelike fans, even if it can be a little grindy at times.If youve been looking for yet another tough roguelike to add to your collection, DD2 is certainly worth your time and your money.48. Penny's Big Breakaway (Switch eShop)Publisher: Private Division / Developer: Evening StarRelease Date: 21st Feb 2024 (USA) / 21st Feb 2024 (UK/EU)Pennys Big Breakaway is a tremendous achievement by Evening Star, expertly combining tight controls, excellent level design, and a raft of creative ideas, all while throwing in a hefty dose of pure speed. Though the Switch version can feel a little rough around the edges at times, this is still an easy recommendation to make to anyone who considers themselves a fan of Sonic, 3D platformers, or both.Pennys inaugural adventure has got it where it counts, and if youre looking for a challenging, yet approachable new 3D platformer to add to your library, it doesnt get much better than this.47. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate (Switch eShop)Publisher: Super Evil Megacorp / Developer: Super Evil MegacorpRelease Date: 17th Jul 2024 (USA) / 17th Jul 2024 (UK/EU)With a gameplay loop that effortlessly integrates the heroes in a half-shell into the world of roguelikes, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate is a fun and approachable 'Hades-like' that's best played with pals.However, despite the power of the IP and a co-op addition, it doesn't pack enough of a punch to avoid unfavourable comparisons to Supergiant's classic and constantly feels like it's on the back foot because of it. There is fun to be had here, but those who have spent time in the Underworld will find it hard to shake the feeling that this central loop has been done much better elsewhere.46. BAKERU (Switch)Publisher: Spike Chunsoft / Developer: Good-FeelRelease Date: 3rd Sep 2024 (USA) / 3rd Sep 2024 (UK/EU)Bakeru is a sweet, snappy, and satisfying linear 3D platformer that feels like a wonderful callback to a genre that doesnt get a ton of representation these days.Its really easy (although the Western version ups the difficulty slightly) and has some performance problems, but the gameplay variety, snappy combat, oodles of collectibles, and gorgeous art style all come together to make for an adventure that you wont want to miss out on.45. Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure (Switch eShop)Publisher: Furniture & Mattress / Developer: Furniture & MattressRelease Date: 25th Jul 2024 (USA) / 25th Jul 2024 (UK/EU)Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure dares to be different, and it succeeds with aplomb. By interweaving a heartwarming and inclusive story with addictive gameplay, Furniture & Mattress teaches us that puzzle games can be more than just a vehicle for making the cogs in your brain turn.If youre looking for pure puzzling, then the game wont be for you, but a simple story and simple gameplay loop are both elevated to new heights because of the thought and care thats gone into them.44. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (Switch eShop)Publisher: 505 Games / Developer: Rabbit & Bear StudiosRelease Date: 23rd Apr 2024 (USA) / 23rd Apr 2024 (UK/EU)Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is the epitome of a flawed gemthe kind of game that does a lot of things right and were sure will command a dedicated legion of fans, but has legitimate problems that are tough to overlook.The expansive narrative, gorgeous spritework, and addictive combat all help make it an easy recommendation to any classic JRPG fan, but bear in mind that it can feel dated in its design philosophy and that the Switch version had a lot of performance problems, at least at launch.If you can get past those issues, this is an enjoyable and immersive RPG that mostly achieves what it set out to do.43. Luigi's Mansion 2 HD (Switch)Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Next Level GamesRelease Date: 27th Jun 2024 (USA) / 27th Jun 2024 (UK/EU)Luigi's Mansion 2 HD is Luigi's Mansion 2 with a fancy HD lick of paint. Surprise! It looks great, and the new models, animations, and revamped visuals make for a game that's close to the glorious Luigi's Mansion 3 in how modern and swish it all is. It also controls much nicer thanks to the second stick on the Switch.It's just a shame we haven't got any added extras, then, or any new means to save mid-mission, added content, or bonuses. This is 100% the best way to play the game as of 2024, there's no doubt, but it would have been nice to get something a little extra, especially given the price point. Maybe we'll get a Deluxe edition someday.42. Metal Slug Tactics (Switch eShop)Publisher: Dotemu / Developer: LeikirRelease Date: 5th Nov 2024 (USA) / 5th Nov 2024 (UK/EU)There is a good game here, sometimes a great one. Excellent art and animation, smart gameplay twists, and a genuinely refreshing, run-and-gun pace really add some exciting new depth to the tactics genre and are huge positives.But it takes a while for Metal Slug Tactics to smooth out and actually become enjoyable, and restrictive gameplay design choices dont do it any favours, either. This is one for the tactics fans looking for a fresh take, but just know youll have to put in some work to see the best parts of it.41. Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble (Switch)Publisher: SEGA / Developer: SEGARelease Date: 25th Jun 2024 (USA) / 25th Jun 2024 (UK/EU)If all you're looking for in a new Super Monkey Ball game is a selection of new single-player levels to tackle, then you're in luck, because Banana Rumble boasts some of the best stages we've seen in recent memory. The additional 'Spin Dash' ability makes traversal a lot more fun, and the physics feel as close to 'classic' Monkey Ball as the franchise has got in quite some time.Unfortunately, if you're looking forward to the multiplayer modes, then temper your expectations. They're simply not very good for the most part and are significantly hampered by the drop in frame rate. As a package, Banana Rumble is a mixed bag, then - though one absolutely worth delving into if you're itching for more single-player shenanigans.40. Pepper Grinder (Switch eShop)Publisher: Devolver Digital / Developer: Ahr EchRelease Date: 28th Mar 2024 (USA) / 28th Mar 2024 (UK/EU)Pepper Grinder is a wonderfully inventive and fun platformer. Channelling the spirits of several retro dig-based games, it may have a runtime that feels a little too short, but this is ultimately a deeply enjoyable, challenging, and highly replayable game with lots of personality.If any of that sounds interesting, wed suggest you pick up Pepper Grinder at the next opportunity - and there's a even downloadable demo if you're on the fence.39. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered (Switch eShop)Publisher: Aspyr / Developer: AspyrRelease Date: 14th Feb 2024 (USA) / 14th Feb 2024 (UK/EU)Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is one of Aspyr's most accomplished projects, successfully giving three of gaming's most iconic titles a much-needed lick of paint while upgrading the controls to give newcomers a welcome leg-up.Some of the lighting is a bit off with the new visuals, and the need to manually save your game is a big no-no for us these days, but a series of patches have addressed various issues since launch and if you're curious as to how Lara Croft got her start in gaming, this is an impressively faithful rendering of some classics - easily the best way to experience the original trilogy.38. Tetris Forever (Switch eShop)Publisher: Digital Eclipse / Developer: Digital EclipseRelease Date: 12th Nov 2024 (USA) / 12th Nov 2024 (UK/EU)Tetris Forever might not be the final word on the complete history of Tetris it's missing too many of the best versions but it's certainly a great breakdown of the franchise's creation and evolution so far. Digital Eclipse has truly mastered the art of the interactive documentary, and this one is absolutely filled to the brim with interesting videos, interviews, and archival material - not to mention Tetrises.The playable games don't necessarily represent the most varied selection across the Tetris franchise, but it's a comprehensive bunch of titles, including a recreation of the original Electronika 60 version, a whole bunch of Famicom and Super Famicom variants and spin-offs (many getting their first official release outside Japan), and a couple of MS-DOS entries, including Welltris.On top of that, newcomer Tetris Time Warp is a fantastic addition to a back catalogue that seemingly won't stop growing. All in all, a fascinating and near-essential round-up of one of gaming's most important series.37. Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster (Switch eShop)Publisher: Nightdive Studios / Developer: LucasArtsRelease Date: 28th Feb 2024 (USA) / 28th Feb 2024 (UK/EU)Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster brings back this 1995 'Doom clone' in style another resounding success for Nightdive Studios (who also handled the excellent Quake and Quake II remasters, among others). It returns LucasArts' curious, nostalgia-laced FPS with loads of new bells and whistles, including enhanced gameplay, revamped visuals, and a wealth of accessibility options.This is easily the best way to experience Dark Forces and revisit an oft-forgotten era of Star Wars before the prequel trilogy - and before the sequel trilogy booted the Expanded Universe out the 'Legends' airlock.36. Another Code: Recollection (Switch)Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: CingRelease Date: 19th Jan 2024 (USA) / 19th Jan 2024 (UK/EU)Another Code: Recollection's biggest addition to the original DS and Wii experiences, besides the slick new graphics and fully explorable 3D environs, is its all-new navigation and puzzle aids.With the obtuse nature of some puzzles now a triviality should you find yourself stumped, there are now no difficulty spikes or annoying moments to hold you back from a two-part tale that's worth diving into for fans of slow-burn point-and-click titles.The pacing could have done with some more work, but this collection of cult classics is as good a return to Ashley's world as fans could have hoped for.35. Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club (Switch)Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: MAGESRelease Date: 29th Aug 2024 (USA) / 29th Aug 2024 (UK/EU)Pre-launch, Emio - The Smiling Man was hyped up a little too much in terms of how dark in tone the whole thing is. This is still silly, kooky stuff, just like its Famicom Detective Club predecessors. The sometimes frustrating core mechanics also haven't seen any refinement this time around, which is a shame.And so it's left to some top-notch writing to save the day, which it just about does. Once this troubling and intriguing story has its hooks in you (remember there are three demos to try if you're unsure), it's hard to put down. And that, at the end of the day, is all Tantei Club fans will be looking for.34. Mario & Luigi: Brothership (Switch)Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: NintendoRelease Date: 7th Nov 2024 (USA) / 7th Nov 2024 (UK/EU)Mario & Luigi: Brothership takes this long-running RPG series to new heights in a high-seas adventure that's packed full of top-notch combat, inventive variety, a positive and thoughtful story, and lots of signature comedy from the dynamic duo themselves.This is a big game, packed full of surprises and fun, and the all-new Battle Plug system, alongside lots of flashy specials, a fittingly emotive art style, and a world that's brimming with puzzles and challenges, make for a must-play in our book. We hope this series is back for good with this one.33. Monster Hunter Stories (Switch eShop)Publisher: Capcom / Developer: CapcomRelease Date: 14th Jun 2024 (USA) / 14th Jun 2024 (UK/EU)Monster Hunter Stories, like its sequel on Switch, has some issues on the hardware; in this case, the problems are more related to 3DS-era design hangovers and simplistic porting. Yet when you put these issues to the side, we still have a charming, enjoyable experience either for young gamers or young-at-heart RPG / Monster Hunter fans.You can take or leave all that classic MH depth, and it won't take long to master the battle mechanics, but this is a game with enough silliness and earnest storytelling to deserve its second chance.32. Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition (Switch eShop)Publisher: Ubisoft / Developer: UbisoftRelease Date: 25th Jun 2024 (USA) / 25th Jun 2024 (UK/EU)Nintendo has been getting heat for the pricing of its recent Switch remasters, so to see Ubisoft's Beyond Good & Evil so lovingly restored for a reasonable price is a true joy.The 20th Anniversary Edition boasts some lovely visual and auditory upgrades, an excellent gallery feature, and a whole bunch of meaningful extras that make this journey back into Hillys well worth taking.Granted, the 30fps performance on Switch is a bit of a bummer compared to other platforms, and there's no denying that the experience has aged considerably in certain areas, but the gameplay is so varied, and the world so unique, that you'd be remiss not to at least give it a shot. Welcome back, 'Yade'.31. Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! (Switch eShop)Publisher: Game Freak / Developer: Game FreakRelease Date: 21st Feb 2024 (USA) / 21st Feb 2024 (UK/EU)Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! does not come to Switch with a swathe of bells and whistles or make a host of changes to Game Freak's weirdest mash-up. It's a simple port of the Apple Arcade version which, in itself, made very few changes to the 3DS original but with a game this great, that's no bad thing.Sure, not much has changed since 2016 (even less since 2023), but this charming hybrid card-racer is absolutely worth taking for a ride wherever you can. Giddyap.30. Stray (Switch)Publisher: Annapurna Interactive / Developer: BlueTwelve StudioRelease Date: 19th Nov 2024 (USA) / 19th Nov 2024 (UK/EU)Stray wont challenge you, frustrate you, or take up too much of your time. Perhaps thats why we enjoyed it so much. It plays like an open-world point-and-click paired with largely on-rails action sequences.Some minor gripes and expected disparities between the Switch port and versions elsewhere aside, as we sauntered around its post-apocalyptic environments on all fours, Stray did an impeccable job of making us want to talk to everyone and explore everything it had to offer and we had an appetite for more once it was all over. To us, thats the mark of a compelling adventure.29. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Deluxe Edition (Switch)Publisher: Bandai Namco / Developer: Project AcesRelease Date: 11th Jul 2024 (USA) / 11th Jul 2024 (UK/EU)Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is the absolute pinnacle of the series and despite coming to Switch over five years after other platforms, this 'impossible' Switch conversion does very little to degrade the experience. Long-time franchise players and military aviation enthusiasts will be overwhelmed by the fan service at every turn, from craters on the ground to airplanes, liveries, callsigns, and emblems shouting out to previous entries.We understand the genre is uniquely niche, but if this is your first foray into the franchise, this conversion is a perfect gateway into this rich, revered series. You get tons of content and an epic single-player campaign wrapped up in triple-A presentation that delivers the most comprehensive portable experience ever from Project Aces.28. Little Kitty, Big City (Switch eShop)Publisher: Double Dagger Studio / Developer: Double Dagger StudioRelease Date: 9th May 2024 (USA) / 9th May 2024 (UK/EU)Little Kitty, Big City is an adorable adventure that will almost certainly turn you into a cat lover, if you're not one already. It oozes charm and the realistic cat animations are simply incredible, although for as fun as it is to wander about the city, the game leans heavily on fetch quests and gathering up collectibles, which can lead to repetition.If you're someone who thrives on that kind of gameplay, however, then you'll have an absolute blast with this one.27. Pizza Tower (Switch eShop)Publisher: Tour De Pizza / Developer: Tour De PizzaRelease Date: 27th Aug 2024 (USA) / 27th Aug 2024 (UK/EU)Pizza Tower is the rare sort of game that improves on its inspiration in nearly every way, building upon many of Nintendos Wario Land ideas with impressive results. This is an incredibly satisfying, creative, and addictive platformer thatll keep you busy for a long time if you want to 100% it.Anyone who loved the old Wario Land games will adore this, as will anyone whos looking for something new with a high skill ceiling and lots of technical depth. Pizza Tower has definitely got it where it counts - platformers dont get much better than this.26. SteamWorld Heist II (Switch eShop)Publisher: Thunderful / Developer: ThunderfulRelease Date: 8th Aug 2024 (USA) / 8th Aug 2024 (UK/EU)SteamWorld Heist II expands upon its predecessors solid foundation, offering a more complex and ambitious experience that rewards patience and careful planning. While the increased difficulty and expanded mechanics may deter some players, those willing to invest time and tweak things to suit their preferences will find a deeply satisfying tactical adventure.25. Thank Goodness You're Here! (Switch eShop)Publisher: Panic / Developer: Coal SupperRelease Date: 1st Aug 2024 (USA) / 1st Aug 2024 (UK/EU)Thank Goodness Youre Here! is a brief but oh-so-sweet romp into a world that simultaneously makes no sense and yet perfect sense to those familiar with British culture. Bursting with excellent humour, beautiful artwork, and fantastic animation, its a wonder the devs managed to pack as much as they did into its short runtime.Performance may not be 100% perfect on Switch, and if youve no funny bone in your body, youll wonder what the point of it all is, but its still some of the best and most intense fun weve had in years. Our faces hurt from laughing so much, and we dont think theres much greater praise than that.24. FANTASIAN Neo Dimension (Switch)Publisher: Square Enix / Developer: MistwalkerRelease Date: 5th Dec 2024 (USA) / 5th Dec 2024 (UK/EU)FANTASIAN Neo Dimension is Hironobu Sakaguchi and Mistwalker at their boldest and bravest, culminating in a JRPG love letter that both delights and frustrates.The stunning world and exploration are a true highlight, and the challenging and rewarding combat will enchant some, but it lacks some of the magic that the game is aiming for and the pacing is uneven. Normal difficulty makes things more accessible for the curious, but make no mistake, this is an RPG for those who want to lose themselves in the mechanics.23. Cat Quest III (Switch)Publisher: Kepler Interactive / Developer: The GentlebrosRelease Date: 8th Aug 2024 (USA) / 8th Aug 2024 (UK/EU)Cat Quest III is a familiar yet flawless action adventure with fluid and fantastic-feeling combat. Its charming story and witty writing bring life to the Purribean, one of the best-designed mini-open worlds in recent memory. That open world is packed with satisfying quests and engaging puzzles to solve that almost always throw some new idea or challenge at you.The progression here is smooth, and the entire experience is precisely paced with no performance issues at all. Some stunning animation work, accompanied by a gorgeous shanty-like pirate soundtrack tops off an excellent adventure.All of that together ensures that Cat Quest III is a pristine pirate adventure and action RPG.22. Sonic X Shadow Generations (Switch)Publisher: SEGA / Developer: Sonic TeamRelease Date: 25th Oct 2024 (USA) / 25th Oct 2024 (UK/EU)In what can only be described as a monumental return to form for both hedgehogs, Sonic X Shadow Generations combines two excellent campaigns to create what just might be the very best 3D Sonic game so far.The remastered Generations content remains a delight, taking you through some of the series' most iconic stages, but Shadow's new chapter represents the franchise's 3D gameplay at its very best. It introduces a bunch of awesome new abilities while showcasing some of the most creative stages we've ever seen.Alas, there's still no Chao Garden, but we'll keep hoping and praying for its inclusion in the future. Based on this, though, the future of 3D Sonic looks bright.21. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy (Switch)Publisher: Capcom / Developer: CapcomRelease Date: 25th Jan 2024 (USA) / 25th Jan 2024 (UK/EU)We genuinely can't believe how lucky we are that the Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy games exist, let alone that they've been lovingly polished up for the Switch. Here is some of the best writing you'll find on the console, and it's a steal for all three games plus extras.A couple of bumps here and there are to be expected with such a wealth of content (three games, DLC, and extras), but they barely leave a dent on the brilliance of this well-written and beautifully illustrated trilogy.20. Neva (Switch eShop)Publisher: Devolver Digital / Developer: Nomada StudioRelease Date: 15th Oct 2024 (USA) / 15th Oct 2024 (UK/EU)Neva is a spectacular example of art in motion, delivering a thoroughly engrossing platforming experience thatll stick in your mind long after youve rolled credits. The incredible visuals, moving soundtrack, satisfying gameplay, and surprisingly touching story all come together to make for a game that shouldnt miss.A few frame drops aside, if youre looking for a new addition to your library thatll give you something to savour rather than just consume, look no further than Neva.19. Kingdom Come Deliverance: Royal Edition (Switch)Publisher: PLAION / Developer: Warhorse StudiosRelease Date: 15th Mar 2024 (USA) / 15th Mar 2024 (UK/EU)If you give yourself over to Warhorses muddy opus, it will reward you with a hundred hours of gruelling and enjoyable trial and error.Its buggy and rough around the edges on Switch, but Kingdom Come Deliverance is a singular RPG experience. The pacing and constant juggling of mechanics is not for everyone, but invest the time and youll experience an engrossing, grounded adventure.18. Yakuza Kiwami (Switch eShop)Publisher: SEGA / Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku StudioRelease Date: 24th Oct 2024 (USA) / 24th Oct 2024 (UK/EU)The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series has come a long way and this first instalment is a mixed bag; at times full of life and ambition, at others frustrating and too willing to draw things out in a slightly over-indulgent way.Yakuza Kiwamis pace-killing negatives, difficulty spikes, and diminishing returns of wandering the Tokyo streets hold it back from being an easy recommendation, then. We'd bet a few thousand yen that some of the less-streamlined elements will test your patience, but it's Yakuza and it's on Switch, finally.And by all accounts, this remaster of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's series debut now runs better following a performance patch, and sales have reportedly been extremely healthy. Fingers crossed we'll be seeing much more of Kiryu in the future.17. Ys X: Nordics (Switch)Publisher: NIS America / Developer: Nihon FalcomRelease Date: 25th Oct 2024 (USA) / 25th Oct 2024 (UK/EU)Adol's newest adventure Ys X: Nordics stands as another great entry in this long-running action series, bringing in some cool ideas of its own without straying too far from what made its predecessors so beloved.Enjoyable combat, another excellent soundtrack, and an engaging world to explore all make this easy to recommend to both long-time fans and newcomers, even when some of the new ideas don't totally stick the landing. And, as with the other Ys entries on Switch, it stumbles a bit with its performance. If you're looking for another solid action RPG on Switch, then look no further than Ys X.16. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics (Switch)Publisher: Capcom / Developer: CapcomRelease Date: 12th Sep 2024 (USA) / 12th Sep 2024 (UK/EU)With Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, there's a decade of gaming evolution here, including what is arguably the pinnacle of Capcom's fighting game craft. Perfectly preserved and presented, everything is beautifully formed and wonderful to play.Assembled with real clarity, Capcom has thoroughly delivered the goods, from its ton of bonus features to its rollback netcode, with years' worth of combative nuance to explore, learn, and exact in the online arena. Oh, and don't just get it for Marvel vs. Capcom 2; everything is excellent here, but The Punisher, in particular, is awesome.15. Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven (Switch)Publisher: Square Enix / Developer: Square EnixRelease Date: 24th Oct 2024 (USA) / 24th Oct 2024 (UK/EU)Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a bit of an underwhelming RPG that has some unique gameplay mechanics. The open-ended world narrative structure feels freeing, but the characters are boring. The glimmer mechanic is fun, but the battle system lacks a strategic hook. Each of its gameplay systems is a double-edged sword, as wed find a particular aspect enticing while another was baffling.It feels like a slight step back from the other recent SaGa games, then, but if youre a fan of the series, Revenge of the Seven might resonate with you more than it did with us.14. Ace Attorney Investigations Collection (Switch eShop)Publisher: Capcom / Developer: CapcomRelease Date: 6th Sep 2024 (USA) / 6th Sep 2024 (UK/EU)Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is the last of the Ace Attorney Switch remakes, but certainly not the least of them. Just make sure you're up-to-date on Ace Attorney 1-3 first, or you'll miss out on half the fun.The first game doesn't quite feel up to par with the series' best, but Investigations 2 certainly does, and might even be one of our favourites. We'll hold it! (heh) in our hearts forever.13. Super Mario Party Jamboree (Switch)Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo CubeRelease Date: 17th Oct 2024 (USA) / 17th Oct 2024 (UK/EU)Super Mario Party Jamboree is a fantastic new entry in the franchise that focuses on improving the core mechanics and experience, making for a more involving board game in the process, whilst also polishing everything to a slick sheen.Online aspects and modern stuff like the game's battle pass and collectibles are woven in smoothly, and the various new modes all have their place in a package that also delivers the goods in terms of minigame quality.For our money, Jamboree is the best Mario Party to date. So if your invite didn't come through, this is the party to crash.12. Pentiment (Switch eShop)Publisher: Xbox Game Studios / Developer: Obsidian EntertainmentRelease Date: 22nd Feb 2024 (USA) / 22nd Feb 2024 (UK/EU)Pentiment is a fantastic adventure RPG that revels in a studious approach to history and immaculate recreations of the styles and traditions of 16th-century Bavaria. There's a super smart, funny, and engaging murder mystery to investigate here, but it's how that mystery is so fully rooted in the world that's been lovingly crafted around it that really elevates this experience.It's one of the best games of the past decade, hands down, and to have it running and performing perfectly on Switch is a joyous thing it feels like it was made for Nintendo's console. This is about as essential as games get.11. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Switch)Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: NintendoRelease Date: 26th Sep 2024 (USA) / 26th Sep 2024 (UK/EU)With the titular princess taking a starring role in her namesake series for the first time, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom should be the new standard for top-down Zelda going forward.Rather than abandoning the classic formula, Zelda has shown that the old and the new can come together and produce wonderful results that reward experimentation and reinforce the joy of play.In our book, this is easily in contention with A Link to the Past and A Link Between Worlds as one of the best top-down adventures in the series, and we hope we dont need to wait another 35 years for Zelda to take the lead again.10. Library of Ruina (Switch eShop)Publisher: Arc System Works / Developer: ProjectMoonRelease Date: 25th Apr 2024 (USA) / 24th Apr 2024 (UK/EU)We wish we liked Library of Ruina more than we do; its world and characters touch on clever themes and storytelling devices, but slapdash pacing coupled with sluggish, nerve-wracking menus makes playing on Switch an exercise in courting digital whiplash as you cycle between tight story beats and glacially-paced menus.Unforgivable porting choices and grating performance issues make the most minuscule complaints much more severe thanks to the games long runtime and, in turn, kneecap a story that has so much going for it.If this unending deluge of compounding problems somehow doesnt bother you, Library of Ruina presents a spectacularly well-realised world and a memorable story whose characters will likely stick with you after the credits roll.9. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (Switch)Publisher: Square Enix / Developer: ArtdinkRelease Date: 14th Nov 2024 (USA) / 14th Nov 2024 (UK/EU)It's been a long time coming, but Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake largely lives up to expectations. Performance issues aside, this is a faithful adaptation of a treasured RPG classic that elevates its strongest aspects while doing its best to make up for any shortcomings. Some may be put off by its relative simplicity but, refreshingly, it neither overstays its welcome nor spreads itself thin with too many half-baked ideas.It goes without saying that fans of the original will want to snap this up, but if youre looking for a good entry-level RPG or you just want to know what the long-running franchise is all about, Dragon Quest III is the game for you. This is the definitive version of Dragon Quest III in our eyes.8. Animal Well (Switch eShop)Publisher: Bigmode / Developer: Shared MemoryRelease Date: 9th May 2024 (USA) / 9th May 2024 (UK/EU)Developer Shared Memory's stated goal was to craft complete experiences that will be playable long after the world loses its internet connection, and screen after screen, Animal Well excels in delighting your eyes and giving your brain something to stew on.Its a riposte against a culture of post-launch updates in favour of a meticulously crafted, singular vision with potentially years worth of discoveries baked in. By all indications, Animal Well delivers on that long-term promise and does so with a one-of-a-kind elegance.7. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Switch)Publisher: Nintendo / Developer: Intelligent SystemsRelease Date: 23rd May 2024 (USA) / 23rd May 2024 (UK/EU)For years, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door has been held as the best Mario RPG of all time, and the Switch remake proves it has earned that title.This is a fantastic RPG adventure, whether youre a Mario fan or not, with some best-in-class combat and brilliant writing. A fresh new localisation, beautifully enhanced visuals, and new quality-of-life features help iron out a few little creases to make this the definitive way to play a GameCube classic.6. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (Switch)Publisher: Ubisoft / Developer: Ubisoft MontpellierRelease Date: 18th Jan 2024 (USA) / 18th Jan 2024 (UK/EU)Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a slick return to the roots of this franchise that serves up clever 2.5D action wrapped up in a delightful art style and satisfying story.There's a smart balance here between old-school levels of action and challenge, moreish combat, and neat puzzles, all mixed with accessibility options and fine-tuning that open things up to newcomers and casual players.We knew Ubisoft Montpellier was a pair of safe hands and the (now sadly disbanded) team didn't let us down, serving up the first must-play of 2024 in a Switch port that absolutely does the business.5. The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak (Switch)Publisher: NIS America / Developer: Nihon FalcomRelease Date: 5th Jul 2024 (USA) / 5th Jul 2024 (UK/EU)Trails through Daybreak stands as another great entry in the storied Legend of Heroes series, making the most of its new setting with its memorable characters and engaging turn-based combat.Though its held back a bit by things like the awkward introduction of action-based combat and some irritating quirks (and nearly unreadable text in portable mode), this is still an entry that we would strongly recommend to both series fans and, yes, newcomers, too.Trails through Daybreak is a strong inaugural outing, offering another fresh start for this franchise; wed suggest you give it a shot.4. Castlevania Dominus Collection (Switch eShop)Publisher: Konami / Developer: KonamiRelease Date: 27th Aug 2024 (USA) / 27th Aug 2024 (UK/EU)Castlevania Dominus Collection is quite possibly the best compilation that Konami and M2 have produced to date. It presents three exceptional DS games that easily stand the test of time and provide just as much enjoyment now as they did back in the 2000s.Not only that, but the impossible has seemingly been achieved with the remarkable addition of Haunted Castle Revisited. Included as a fun little bonus, this revamped take on a reviled arcade curio is fantastic, and while it can't compete with the very best 'classic' games in the franchise, it's the closest we've gotten to a brand new Castlevania in years. An exquisite package.3. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance (Switch)Publisher: Atlus / Developer: AtlusRelease Date: 14th Jun 2024 (USA) / 14th Jun 2024 (UK/EU)Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a stellar example of an enhanced re-release done right - which is fortunate as the original version was delisted when this launched.Vengeance's comprehensive approach to improving the story and various gameplay systems of the original release makes for an experience thats even more engrossing. Though we were disappointed by the lack of any performance gains here, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is still an extremely easy recommendation for any RPG fans.Some may consider SMT to be Persona without the heart, but SMT V: Vengeance cleanly demonstrates that this old Atlus stalwart still has an abundance of fantastic gameplay and unique appeal. A wonderful game.2. Balatro (Switch eShop)Publisher: PlayStack / Developer: LocalThunkRelease Date: 20th Feb 2024 (USA) / 20th Feb 2024 (UK/EU)Balatro is a roguelike for gamers who don't like roguelikes... and then everybody else on top of that. It utterly nails what it sets out to do, providing an instantly accessible, satisfying, and addictive gameplay loop that anybody can grasp.It's an immensely enjoyable experience from the start, but as you get deeper in, there's really nothing else quite like it. Utterly sublime.1. Unicorn Overlord (Switch)Publisher: SEGA / Developer: VanillawareRelease Date: 8th Mar 2024 (USA) / 8th Mar 2024 (UK/EU)Even amidst a huge strategy-RPG boom, Unicorn Overlord stands out. Its a smorgasbord of visual delights, intricate systems, and addictive gameplay loops that all come together to create a delightfully thrilling and deep tactical RPG. Its so easy to get absorbed into everything the game offers, and we lapped it all up.Vanillaware has long been known for creating beautiful-looking games with unique twists on genres, but with 13 Sentinels and now Unicorn Overlord, this developer should be on absolutely everyones radar.Surprised by the result? Regardless of the exact order, there's so much quality here - a testament to a console that just keeps going!Image: Zion Grassl / Nintendo LifeFAQAnd let's answer a couple of questions before wrapping things up.What games won GOTY in previous years?As a reminder, here's a look at previous Switch GOTY winners on Nintendo Life (click the year if you'd like to see the whole list):Can I add a game to this article?Think something's missing? A late-year arrival that should get its GOTY dues? Use the search bar below to find all 2024 Switch games in our database and rate them as you wish.Note. To become eligible, a game needs to have been rated by a minimum of 30 users.If you're looking Team NL's personal highlights of the year, check out our round-up of 2024 Staff Awards. Our personal picks for the best Switch games of 2024See AlsoShare:141 Gavin first wrote for Nintendo Life in 2018 before joining the site full-time the following year, rising through the ranks to become Editor. He can currently be found squashed beneath a Switch backlog the size of Normandy. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesPokmon TCG Pocket: Mew EX Deck GuideMew EX is here to keep the meta in checkPSA: Switch 2 Is Getting Revealed In The Next 100 DaysSet your AlarmosToby Fox Shares Another Development Update On Deltarune Chapter 3, 4 & 5"Progress has still been steady"'Switch 2' Is Projected To Be The "Clear Winner" In The Next Console GenerationWhile either Sony or Microsoft will "struggle mightily"

For the millions of people at home with friends and family for the festive season, its also the time of year where many get roped into fixing the houses spotty Wi-Fi or face a barrage of questions about tech.Instead this holiday season, give the gift of good security advice. This is the ideal time of year where you can get hands-on to help make meaningful changes that bolster the cybersecurity of your loved ones. This isnt to say fixing the family printer isnt worth your time, but sharing a little security advice goes a long way in protecting those you care about from the most common online threats.As someone whos covered hacks and breaches for well over a decade, I think of cybersecurity as an investment in something you hope never happens. Nobody wants to experience the oh st moment of realizing youve been hacked, or had your bank accounts or online wallets drained, yet many default to the mindset that it could never happen to me without realizing that their account passwords from yesteryear may not be a sufficient defense against todays hacking efforts.Oftentimes, taking a few minutes with friends and family can be the impetus that they need to get started with cybersecurity, and stay protected.As for what to suggest to your folks, I asked Rachel Tobac, CEO of SocialProof Security, a company that provides security awareness training to help people defend against cyber threats before they strike; and Caitlin Condon, the vulnerability intelligence director at cybersecurity firm Rapid7, for their top security advice to share with friends and family. Their recommendations are to focus on the security basics that do the most work to keep your online accounts secure.An important part of passing along effective security advice is helping your friends and family get started with the apps and security features they need to stay secure. This way, they can learn alongside you and build up those new habits and practices over time.Its often not enough to merely recommend or install security technologies; we need to help loved ones learn how to use these technologies to build confidence and trust, said Condon.Set up a password manager that stores complex and unique passwordsWhen we go home for the holidays, a lot of times our family asks us for things that actually arent the top thing that they need to focus on, said Tobac. Its no good giving a family member advice on cryptocurrency for example if they reuse the same password for every online account they have, Tobac said.The best password is one that you never have to remember, and thats where a password manager can help. Password managers save your login details, and can also generate and store complex and unique passwords, so you never have to remember the same password across your various online services. (Using the same password across the internet makes all of those accounts more vulnerable to being hacked if someone guesses or steals your password.)There are plenty of password managers out there to choose. Your browser may have one already, and iPhones and iPads have their own Passwords app. Bitwarden is also a popular free-to-use password manager that also lets you access your passwords from your phone.It can help to sit down with loved ones, particularly if they arent terribly tech-savvy, and walk them through setting up a master password, installing browser plugins, generating and storing new passwords starting with financial or healthcare sites and logging in and out of the password manager, said Condon.A common fear is forgetting or losing the master password that locks your password manager from outsiders, Condon said. Some people opt to have a copy of their master password written down and kept somewhere in their house for safekeeping.In my experience, its a lot less risky to write a master password down on paper and store that somewhere in your home than it is to reuse easily guessable passwords, said Condon.Multi-factor authentication can save the dayPasswords alone are not enough to protect your accounts from intruders. Some of the biggest hacks of 2024 were possible because corporate giants forgot to implement basic security features, like multi-factor authentication (or MFA), allowing hackers to walk right in with just a stolen password.Having a second layer of security like MFA (also known as two-factor) to your online accounts makes it far more difficult for anyone with just your password to access your account. MFA works by sending an additional second code by text message to a device that you own or prompting you to generate a code in an authenticator app.Help them turn on multi-factor authentication, whether thats a code, or text message, especially for the essential accounts like your email address account which is the key to the castle for all of your other accounts, said Tobac.Tobac also recommended locking down your phone providers account with MFA, because just like your email account anyone with access to your phone number could gain access to any linked online account in case you ever forget your password. Thats also why some prefer to use an authenticator app generated on a device instead of having a text message (which can be intercepted) sent to their phone.There are plenty of authenticator apps; a popular choice is Duo Mobile, a simple app that generates second-factor codes on the fly while having an optional cloud backup in case you lose access to your phone.Remember that any MFA is better than none.Be politely paranoid on the phoneAnother thing I see folks struggle with regularly is the wave of spam texts, calls, emails, and notifications designed to social engineer users into visiting malicious websites or giving away logins and personal data, said Condon.Oftentimes, letting a call go to voicemail can be an effective way of avoiding scams and fraud. Even with caller ID, phone calls inherently make it difficult to know for sure who the person you are speaking with is legitimate.Tobac suggests being politely paranoid, a way of verifying that people and companies are who they say they are by contacting them back using a different method of communication before ever handing over information that could do harm, like a credit card number or a password. Tobac explained that if you get a call purportedly from your bank to say there are strange charges on your account, you can politely hang up the phone and call back using the official number on your bank card.The same goes for anyone who calls you that might ask for information but you cant be sure who it is. You can check out the organizations website, app, or secure message inbox to check for yourself first before taking any action.Having those common websites bookmarked in the browser for easy access can help your relatives verify any suspect call in a matter of seconds.Help your loved ones bookmark official login pages they can visit safely to check secure messages or account transactions when theyre concerned there might be something amiss, Condon. Show them how to navigate to those sites via pinned bookmarks or browser shortcuts.A password manager, multi-factor authentication and being politely paranoid on the phone are by far the simplest, yet most effective roadblocks for malicious hackers. Ensuring the cybersecurity foundations in place (and your loved ones understanding their importance) is a great place to start with friends and family, Tobac said.Thats the best gift you could give them, said Tobac. The gift of not getting hacked.Topics

This year, my mannequin has been through quite a lot.But its Christmas, and were all feeling a bit kinder so no attacks this time, just a hint of fear! Lets give it one last scare (at least for 2024).Merry Christmas to the entire Real-Time Vfx community! Merry Christmas! - Unreal Engine VfxBreakdown: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/5W14lWLets connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacopo-iacolino/ 1 post - 1 participant Read full topic

Living Room | Toa Heftiba via UnsplashSofa covers are one of the most effective, affordable ways to breathe new life into old furniture. Whether youre looking to protect your investment, match your home decor, or update the look of your living room, a well-chosen sofa cover can serve multiple purposes. In this article, we will explore how sofa covers combine style and functionality, providing a comprehensive guide to choosing the perfect cover for every type of home.The Importance of Sofa CoversSofa covers are far more than just decorative additions to your furniture. They offer crucial protection for your sofas, safeguarding them from the everyday wear and tear that can result from constant use. Spills, pet fur, stains, and even fading from sunlight are common threats to a sofas longevity. By using a sofa cover, you are essentially prolonging the life of your furniture, reducing the need for expensive repairs or even replacements. This added protection is invaluable in a world where furniture can be a significant investment.Beyond protection, sofa covers are a simple yet effective way to enhance the aesthetics of your space. If your sofa shows signs of age or doesnt fit your updated home decor, a sofa cover can work wonders. It can refresh the look of a tired, old piece of furniture, instantly making it more visually appealing without needing a full makeover. With so many styles, colors, and fabrics, sofa covers offer a quick and easy way to bring new life to your living area.Styles of Sofa Covers to Suit Every HomeNo matter what type of home decor you prefer, theres a sofa cover style that fits your taste. Traditional homes often benefit from soft, floral patterns or neutral tones that exude a sense of comfort and timeless elegance. These covers add warmth to a living room, helping to maintain a cozy atmosphere. Textured fabrics like chenille can also be an excellent choice for creating a classic look that complements antique or vintage furniture.Simple and sleek sofa covers are ideal for those with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Solid colors in shades like charcoal, taupe, or navy can effortlessly match contemporary furnishings and complement open spaces. Geometric patterns or subtle stripes can also lend an edge to your furniture without overwhelming the room. For a truly modern feel, look for sofa covers made from innovative materials, such as faux leather or velvet, which can provide comfort and a stylish finish.Practical Features to Look for in a Sofa Cover Maria Orlova via Unsplash Aranprime via UnsplashWhile style is a significant consideration, the practicality of a sofa cover should never be overlooked. First and foremost, the material of the cover plays a key role in its durability and ease of maintenance. Cotton is a popular choice for its softness and breathability, while polyester blends offer a good balance between durability and affordability. Faux leather options can add a chic, contemporary flair to your sofa, but remember that they may require special care to avoid cracking or fading.Fit is another crucial factor when selecting a sofa cover. A tailored cover will provide a more polished, custom look, fitting snugly over your furniture. However, universal stretch covers are also a great choice for those who need versatility. These covers are designed to stretch and mold to the shape of your sofa, ensuring that they stay in place without looking too loose or ill-fitting. Whether you choose a tailored or universal fit, measuring your sofa accurately is essential to ensure the cover fits correctly.How to Choose the Right Sofa Cover for Your NeedsChoosing the right sofa cover comes down to understanding your needs and personal preferences. The first thing to consider is the overall aesthetic of your home. If you are redecorating or refreshing your space, choose a cover that complements your rooms colors and design elements. Consider the rooms existing color scheme and any furniture pieces that might need to coordinate with your new sofa cover. For example, if your walls are painted in soft, neutral tones, a vibrant sofa cover can add color and act as the focal point.Another consideration is the level of durability you require. If your sofa sees heavy daily use, perhaps due to children or pets, look for covers made from high-performance materials that can withstand frequent washing and heavy wear. Microfiber and polyester blends are great options for such environments, as they are durable and stain-resistant.ConclusionSofa covers offer a stylish and practical solution for revamping your homes furniture. They protect your investment, refresh your living space, and allow you to experiment with new styles without the commitment of purchasing new furniture. With many options available, from budget-friendly choices to custom-made designs, theres a perfect sofa cover for every home. Whether you buy one or make your own, adding a sofa cover is an easy and effective way to enhance your homes aesthetic and functionality.FurnitureTips Leave a comment

It's high time to ditch the traditional upright vacuum, even if you have dogs, cats, or both. As a robot vacuum reviewer, pet hair is one of my pet peeves, so evaluating how a robot vacuum performs against it is one of the main characteristics I look for when testing these robots. With a very hairy dog and three young kids, the only thing that keeps my floors clean without manually vacuuming daily is a great robot vacuumthat tackles the task for me.When shopping for the best robot vacuum options to control the pet hair on your floors, there are quite a few features to consider. Look for robot vacuums with strong suction to pick up each strand of hair, obstacle avoidance to avoid larger items your pet may leave behind, ability to avoid hair tangles, capable navigation features you can trust, and any extra features important to you. Budget and floor types are also key factors when shopping for any robot vacuum.What is the best robot vacuum for pet hair right now?Since there are so many robot vacuums, you may wonder which is best for your home. We've tested dozens of robot vacuums at home and in everyday life, and our top choice to tackle pet hair is the iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max due to its outstanding suction power, self-emptying dust bin, self-washing mop pad, tangle-resistant brush rollers, and iRobot's Pet Owner Official Promise (P.O.O.P. guarantee). However, several other robot vacuum options are worth considering, depending on your floor type and how much your pet sheds. Sort by All Battery life Navigation Object avoidance Ease of maintenance Suction power The best robot vacuums for pet hair of 2024 Show less The Roomba Combo 10 Max is one of the top-performing robot vacuums against pet hair. Many robot vacuums go through my home for testing, but this one earned a permanent spot.Part of why it's so loved is because it can handle all of the pet hair on all our floor types, whether it's been one or several days since it last ran. The robot self-empties as soon as the dustbin is full instead of waiting until the end of the job, like other robot vacuums. If it is peak shedding season, it's common for the Combo 10 Max to empty four or five times during a single job, never leaving any pet hair behind, even on carpets.Review: iRobot Roomba Combo 10 MaxIn addition, it's simply an intelligent robot. The Roomba Combo 10 Max comes with the P.O.O.P. guarantee, an innovative promise from the manufacturer that the robot vacuum will avoid pet waste instead of creating accidental smearing, or iRobot will replace your robot at no additional cost. This means the robot vacuum is also good at avoiding pet toys, shoes, cords, and other household objects.Customers agree, touting the vacuum's ability to navigate obstacles and deliver clean floors. One reviewer commented, "We have a combination of flooring in our house and especially like the mop option to clean our hardwood floors. I appreciate the smart capabilities of mapping our house and then using Alexa to run it. Having the AutoWash Dock is awesome as well, self-cleaning the robot and the dock. This saves me time and energy as it empties the debris, refills the mopping tank and washes and dries the mop pad."iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max specs: Price:$999 (limited-time deal)|Battery life:120 mins |Base station dimensions:15.7 x 12 x 13.3 inches |Suction power: Not specified|Dustbin volume:300 ml |Water tank capacity:170 ml Battery life 8 Navigation 10 Object avoidance 9 Ease of maintenance 7 Suction power 8 Pros Self-emptying & self-washing Intelligent Smart Mapping technology User-friendly app Pet waste avoidance Cons Loud when it self-empties Prone to bugs iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max Best robot vacuum for pet hair overall 4.2 / 5 Score The Roomba Combo 10 Max is one of the top-performing robot vacuums against pet hair. Many robot vacuums go through my home for testing, but this one earned a permanent spot.Part of why it's so loved is because it can handle all of the pet hair on all our floor types, whether it's been one or several days since it last ran. The robot self-empties as soon as the dustbin is full instead of waiting until the end of the job, like other robot vacuums. If it is peak shedding season, it's common for the Combo 10 Max to empty four or five times during a single job, never leaving any pet hair behind, even on carpets.Review: iRobot Roomba Combo 10 MaxIn addition, it's simply an intelligent robot. The Roomba Combo 10 Max comes with the P.O.O.P. guarantee, an innovative promise from the manufacturer that the robot vacuum will avoid pet waste instead of creating accidental smearing, or iRobot will replace your robot at no additional cost. This means the robot vacuum is also good at avoiding pet toys, shoes, cords, and other household objects.Customers agree, touting the vacuum's ability to navigate obstacles and deliver clean floors. One reviewer commented, "We have a combination of flooring in our house and especially like the mop option to clean our hardwood floors. I appreciate the smart capabilities of mapping our house and then using Alexa to run it. Having the AutoWash Dock is awesome as well, self-cleaning the robot and the dock. This saves me time and energy as it empties the debris, refills the mopping tank and washes and dries the mop pad."iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max specs: Price:$999 (limited-time deal)|Battery life:120 mins |Base station dimensions:15.7 x 12 x 13.3 inches |Suction power: Not specified|Dustbin volume:300 ml |Water tank capacity:170 ml Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum has become a staple among budget-friendly robot vacuums, beloved by users and appreciated by wallets. Though its retail price is $250, it's common to see its price drop to as low as $120 -- it's currently available for $200.If you're looking for a no-frills robot vacuum to tackle your floors without paying for all the bells and whistles, the Eufy 11S Max is for you. This robot vacuum can offer up to 100 minutes of cleaning and features a slim build, at only 2.85 inches tall. Simplicity is the name of the game with the 11S Max, so it doesn't automatically empty its dustbin and doesn't create thorough maps of your home -- it simply gets the job done.Also: I compared a $90 robot vacuum to a $700 one. Here's my buying advice for budget shoppersThis is a pretty popular Eufy robot vacuum, and it maintains a high rating despite its popularity, which speaks volumes about its performance. One buyer commented, "I really like this! It does a nice job cleaning up the dog hair and other things that get on my floor and saves me a lot of time not vacuuming daily. If you have a dog, I would watch them with this first before you use it. My dog was initially scared of it but sniffed its 'butt,' and now they are cool, and she does not mind it at all. Pleased with this product and would recommend!"Shark ION AV751 features: Price:$200 |Battery life:100 mins |Suction power: 2,000Pa|Dustbin volume:600 ml |Water tank capacity:No mopping feature Battery life 7 Navigation 3 Object avoidance 3 Ease of maintenance 5 Suction power 6 Pros Slim Small charging dock Boosts suction over carpets Cons No mapping capability Can't self empty Eufy 11S Max Best budget robot vacuum for pet hair 2.4 / 5 Score The Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum has become a staple among budget-friendly robot vacuums, beloved by users and appreciated by wallets. Though its retail price is $250, it's common to see its price drop to as low as $120 -- it's currently available for $200.If you're looking for a no-frills robot vacuum to tackle your floors without paying for all the bells and whistles, the Eufy 11S Max is for you. This robot vacuum can offer up to 100 minutes of cleaning and features a slim build, at only 2.85 inches tall. Simplicity is the name of the game with the 11S Max, so it doesn't automatically empty its dustbin and doesn't create thorough maps of your home -- it simply gets the job done.Also: I compared a $90 robot vacuum to a $700 one. Here's my buying advice for budget shoppersThis is a pretty popular Eufy robot vacuum, and it maintains a high rating despite its popularity, which speaks volumes about its performance. One buyer commented, "I really like this! It does a nice job cleaning up the dog hair and other things that get on my floor and saves me a lot of time not vacuuming daily. If you have a dog, I would watch them with this first before you use it. My dog was initially scared of it but sniffed its 'butt,' and now they are cool, and she does not mind it at all. Pleased with this product and would recommend!"Shark ION AV751 features: Price:$200 |Battery life:100 mins |Suction power: 2,000Pa|Dustbin volume:600 ml |Water tank capacity:No mopping feature Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon If you're looking for a powerhouse robot vacuum and mop, the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo Complete is the machine for you. This 3-in-1 machine has 8,700Pa of suction power, dual rotating mop heads, a cordless vacuum for quick cleanups, and an Omni Station that does your dirty work. You can use the cordless vacuum to pick up pet hair from your area rugs or clean up crumbs from your couch, then set it to charge on the Omni station and watch as the contents of its dustbin automatically empty into the dust bag within.Review:Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo CompleteThe AI-powered Robot intelligently navigates your home and recognizes your soft floors, carpet, and rugs versus tile, hardwood, or laminate. The mop heads can lift 0.60 inches, easily keeping your rugs dry during cleaning.The Deebot X2 Combo Complete has easily kept up with my three (messy) kids and my mutt mixed with some of the hairiest breeds -- husky, golden retriever, coonhound, and German shepherd. That should speak for itself. As a robot vacuum and mop, you can rest assured that your pet's hair will be vacuumed while the dirty paw prints are washed away.Customer reviews agree with my assessment: "The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo engineers, designers, and programmers did their homework and then went out and built an incredible, not just vacuum but a solidly built system that shines in its accomplishment."Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo Completefeatures: Price:$1,240 (limited-time deal) |Battery life:210 mins |Base station dimensions:20.6 x 17.4 x 21.8 inches |Suction power:8,700Pa|Dustbin volume:379 ml |Water tank capacity:180 ml Pros Cordless vacuum, robot vacuum, and mop in one 8,700Pa suction Dual oscillating mop heads Cons Object avoidance could be better Expensive If you're looking for a powerhouse robot vacuum and mop, the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo Complete is the machine for you. This 3-in-1 machine has 8,700Pa of suction power, dual rotating mop heads, a cordless vacuum for quick cleanups, and an Omni Station that does your dirty work. You can use the cordless vacuum to pick up pet hair from your area rugs or clean up crumbs from your couch, then set it to charge on the Omni station and watch as the contents of its dustbin automatically empty into the dust bag within.Review:Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo CompleteThe AI-powered Robot intelligently navigates your home and recognizes your soft floors, carpet, and rugs versus tile, hardwood, or laminate. The mop heads can lift 0.60 inches, easily keeping your rugs dry during cleaning.The Deebot X2 Combo Complete has easily kept up with my three (messy) kids and my mutt mixed with some of the hairiest breeds -- husky, golden retriever, coonhound, and German shepherd. That should speak for itself. As a robot vacuum and mop, you can rest assured that your pet's hair will be vacuumed while the dirty paw prints are washed away.Customer reviews agree with my assessment: "The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo engineers, designers, and programmers did their homework and then went out and built an incredible, not just vacuum but a solidly built system that shines in its accomplishment."Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo Completefeatures: Price:$1,240 (limited-time deal) |Battery life:210 mins |Base station dimensions:20.6 x 17.4 x 21.8 inches |Suction power:8,700Pa|Dustbin volume:379 ml |Water tank capacity:180 ml Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Eufy X8 Pro is a midrange two-in-one machine that keeps my carpets and rugs clean. The Dual TurboCyclone Suction has four different settings, and paired with the BoostIQ, the robot intelligently ramps up the suction when it encounters soft flooring. Dog and cat hair was easily lifted away, leaving behind beautiful carpet lines in its path.Review:Eufy X8 ProThe X8 Pro is equipped with iPath Laser Navigation to map your home and clean it with efficient rows, but it isn't equipped with object detection. If you can live with picking up your floors before the X8 Pro runs, you'll be impressed with its cleaning capabilities.Pet owners rave about the X8 Pro's cleaning ability, even without object detection. One customer said, "I'm thrilled with this purchase. I can walk around in socks or bare feet comfortably, and when my fam stops by unannounced I don't have to rush to clean up or be embarrassed that I can't keep up with all the things."Eufy X8 Profeatures: Price:$325(limited-time deal)|Battery life:100 mins |Base station dimensions:13.8 x 18 x 15 inches |Suction power: 4,000Pa |Dustbin volume:335 ml |Water tank capacity:No mopping feature Battery life 7 Navigation 9 Object avoidance 3 Ease of maintenance 8 Suction power 7 Pros Dual 4000Pa suction Self-emptying Cons No obstacle avoidance No mopping feature Eufy X8 Pro Best robot vacuum for pet hair on carpet 3.4 / 5 Score The Eufy X8 Pro is a midrange two-in-one machine that keeps my carpets and rugs clean. The Dual TurboCyclone Suction has four different settings, and paired with the BoostIQ, the robot intelligently ramps up the suction when it encounters soft flooring. Dog and cat hair was easily lifted away, leaving behind beautiful carpet lines in its path.Review:Eufy X8 ProThe X8 Pro is equipped with iPath Laser Navigation to map your home and clean it with efficient rows, but it isn't equipped with object detection. If you can live with picking up your floors before the X8 Pro runs, you'll be impressed with its cleaning capabilities.Pet owners rave about the X8 Pro's cleaning ability, even without object detection. One customer said, "I'm thrilled with this purchase. I can walk around in socks or bare feet comfortably, and when my fam stops by unannounced I don't have to rush to clean up or be embarrassed that I can't keep up with all the things."Eufy X8 Profeatures: Price:$325(limited-time deal)|Battery life:100 mins |Base station dimensions:13.8 x 18 x 15 inches |Suction power: 4,000Pa |Dustbin volume:335 ml |Water tank capacity:No mopping feature Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is the company's latest flagship robot vacuum and mop combination, featuring advanced cleaning capabilities. With 10,000Pa of suction power, I had a great time testing it over a few months with various debris types, including coffee grounds, crumbs, and pet hair.The S8 MaxV Ultra's vacuuming performance was exceptional, particularly in picking up pet hair from rugs and carpets. surpassing many other popular robot vacuums. The robot features a dual rubber roller brush system, which helps prevent hair tangles and empties periodically during cleansing sessions. Its AI capabilities let the S8 MaxV Ultra detect debris and adjust its cleaning power accordingly.Review:Roborock S8 MaxV UltraThis robot's mopping feature is pretty good, with room for improvement, as it often leaves streaks behind due to the brush design. I've come to prefer a robot vacuum and mop with dual rotating mop heads or a mop roller over a vibrating mop pad, which is what the S8 MaxV Ultra features. Despite this minor drawback, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra's hands-free dock, outstanding vacuum performance, and comprehensive app features make it a compelling choice for automated cleaning in homes with pets."Let me start off by saying that we have three Siberian Huskies in this house. That is a LOT of fur. We've had a couple of iRobot Roombas over the years, and they helped cut down the amount of time I spent sweeping up fur by a fair amount, but I had grown weary of the issues with them," one buyer wrote. "Both in removing it from the floors and being able to remove it from the machine, I give it a 12/10. Despite my Husky pack's best efforts, there are no fluff drifts. I still have to bust out the Dyson on the weekly to get the cracks and crannies, but I could probably get away with less often if I was slightly less extra about the fur removal. But seriously? Whoever designed the roller was a frigging genius."Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra features: Price:$1,500 (limited-time deal) |Battery life:180 mins |Base station dimensions:16.1 x 17.6 x 18.5 inches |Suction power:10,000Pa |Dustbin volume:270 ml |Water tank capacity:100 ml Battery life 9 Navigation 8 Object avoidance 7 Ease of maintenance 9 Suction power 10 Pros 10,000 Pa suction Good obstacle avoidance Self-cleaning mop head Cons Expensive Mop is best suited for maintenance cleaning Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Best robot vacuum and mop combo for pet hair 4.3 / 5 Score The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is the company's latest flagship robot vacuum and mop combination, featuring advanced cleaning capabilities. With 10,000Pa of suction power, I had a great time testing it over a few months with various debris types, including coffee grounds, crumbs, and pet hair.The S8 MaxV Ultra's vacuuming performance was exceptional, particularly in picking up pet hair from rugs and carpets. surpassing many other popular robot vacuums. The robot features a dual rubber roller brush system, which helps prevent hair tangles and empties periodically during cleansing sessions. Its AI capabilities let the S8 MaxV Ultra detect debris and adjust its cleaning power accordingly.Review:Roborock S8 MaxV UltraThis robot's mopping feature is pretty good, with room for improvement, as it often leaves streaks behind due to the brush design. I've come to prefer a robot vacuum and mop with dual rotating mop heads or a mop roller over a vibrating mop pad, which is what the S8 MaxV Ultra features. Despite this minor drawback, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra's hands-free dock, outstanding vacuum performance, and comprehensive app features make it a compelling choice for automated cleaning in homes with pets."Let me start off by saying that we have three Siberian Huskies in this house. That is a LOT of fur. We've had a couple of iRobot Roombas over the years, and they helped cut down the amount of time I spent sweeping up fur by a fair amount, but I had grown weary of the issues with them," one buyer wrote. "Both in removing it from the floors and being able to remove it from the machine, I give it a 12/10. Despite my Husky pack's best efforts, there are no fluff drifts. I still have to bust out the Dyson on the weekly to get the cracks and crannies, but I could probably get away with less often if I was slightly less extra about the fur removal. But seriously? Whoever designed the roller was a frigging genius."Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra features: Price:$1,500 (limited-time deal) |Battery life:180 mins |Base station dimensions:16.1 x 17.6 x 18.5 inches |Suction power:10,000Pa |Dustbin volume:270 ml |Water tank capacity:100 ml Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Narwal Freo X Ultra is a $1,400 robot vacuum and mop that excels at picking up pet hair from hard floors. Its innovative technology makes it outstanding at cleaning without getting its brush roller tangled up in random objects. The Freo X Ultra has a self-emptying dustbin that allows up to seven weeks of debris storage before emptying.Review: Narwal Freo X UltraZDNET's Jack Wallen has been a Narwal user for some time and recently upgraded to the Narwal Freo X Ultra and loved the experience. "I can leave the house while the robot is doing its thing without worrying it's going to wrap up a cord and take something down (or stop the job because it doesn't quite understand that the corner of a rug isn't something it should suck up," Wallen wrote in his review.Overall, the Freo X Ultra performs exceptionally well compared to other high-end units, often matching the capabilities of more expensive models. One buyer says, "The Narwal Ultra X's performance is where it truly shines. After mapping my house, which features hardwood flooring and several area rugs, I tested it with both vacuuming and mopping. The vacuum noise level is comparable to my old iRobot, but the Narwal Ultra X boasts much higher suction power. It handled long hairs on the floor effortlessly, a particularly impressive feature."Narwal Freo X Plus features:Price:$1,400 |Battery life:254 mins |Base station dimensions:13.7 x 14 x 4.2 inches |Suction power:7,800Pa|Dustbin volume:800 ml |Water tank capacity:280 ml Battery life 10 Navigation 8 Object avoidance 7 Ease of maintenance 9 Suction power 8 Pros Excels on hard floors 7-week dust storage Great obstacle avoidance Cons Mop is best suited for maintenance It's expensive Narwal Freo X Ultra Best robot vacuum for pet hair on hard floors 4.2 / 5 Score The Narwal Freo X Ultra is a $1,400 robot vacuum and mop that excels at picking up pet hair from hard floors. Its innovative technology makes it outstanding at cleaning without getting its brush roller tangled up in random objects. The Freo X Ultra has a self-emptying dustbin that allows up to seven weeks of debris storage before emptying.Review: Narwal Freo X UltraZDNET's Jack Wallen has been a Narwal user for some time and recently upgraded to the Narwal Freo X Ultra and loved the experience. "I can leave the house while the robot is doing its thing without worrying it's going to wrap up a cord and take something down (or stop the job because it doesn't quite understand that the corner of a rug isn't something it should suck up," Wallen wrote in his review.Overall, the Freo X Ultra performs exceptionally well compared to other high-end units, often matching the capabilities of more expensive models. One buyer says, "The Narwal Ultra X's performance is where it truly shines. After mapping my house, which features hardwood flooring and several area rugs, I tested it with both vacuuming and mopping. The vacuum noise level is comparable to my old iRobot, but the Narwal Ultra X boasts much higher suction power. It handled long hairs on the floor effortlessly, a particularly impressive feature."Narwal Freo X Plus features:Price:$1,400 |Battery life:254 mins |Base station dimensions:13.7 x 14 x 4.2 inches |Suction power:7,800Pa|Dustbin volume:800 ml |Water tank capacity:280 ml Read More Show Expert Take Show less Former ZDNET editor Elizabeth Mauder contributed to this story. The best pet hair robot vacuums compared Though the Roomba j7+ is the best robot vacuum for handling pet hair, the other options may be better for different situations. A typical robot vacuum for cleaning pet hair can cost $150-$1,900, depending on its extra features and autonomy.See how the best pet hair robot vacuums compare to other models we use to keep up with our pets.Best robot vacuum for pet hairZDNET's takePriceSuction powerFunctionalitySelf-emptying dustbinBattery lifeiRobot Roomba Combo 10 MaxBest overall$999N/AVacuum and mopYes120 minsEufy X8 ProBest for carpet$3254,000PaVacuumYes100 minsEcovacs Deebot X2 Combo CompleteBest for multiple floor types$1,2408,700PaVacuum and mopYes210 minsNarwal Freo X UltraBest for hard floors$1,4008,200PaVacuum and mopYes210 minsEufy 11S MaxBest for a budget$200N/AVacuumNo100 minsRoborock S8 MaxV UltraBest 2-in-1$1,50010,000PaVacuum and mopYes180 mins*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts. Show more Which robot vacuum is best for you? There are hundreds of robot vacuums, so how do you know which is best for you? Here's a quick breakdown:Choose this robot vacuum mop...If you...iRobot Roomba Combo j7+Want the best robot vacuum to handle all of your pet hair. It's intelligent, has strong suction power, and will avoid pet accidents.Eufy X8 ProNeed a robot vacuum that can successfully tackle a lot of carpets and/or rugs.Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo CompleteHave multiple flooring surfaces throughout your house that must be vacuumed and mopped.Narwal Freo X UltraWant up to 7 weeks of dust storage and want a quick and efficient robot.Eufy 11S MaxWant a simple, straightforward robot vacuum without all the bells and whistles.Roborock S8 MaxV UltraWant a premium robot vacuum and mop machine that can keep up with all the pet hair and paw prints scattered throughout your house. Show more Robot vacuum vs. stick vacuum: Which is better for pet hair? If you're trying to decide whether a stick or a robot vacuum is the best option for tackling pet hair, the truth is that there isn't a black-and-white answer. Here's how they stack up:Robot vacuums are best suited for daily or every-other-day maintenance between deep cleaning sessions. They are ideal for low-pile carpets and hard floors, such as wood, tile, and vinyl. Stick vacuums are perfect for quick cleanups of crumbs or pet hair but can also be better suited to vacuum carpets more thoroughly than a robot vacuum. They provide stronger suction and versatility than robot vacuums, which helps them remove stubborn pet hair more effectively from carpets and rugs.I rotate both a stick vacuum and a robot vacuum in my home, while my old upright vacuum is relegated to monthly cleaning jobs for a deeper clean. I've found that combining a robot vacuum for daily automated cleanings and a stick vacuum for quick cleanups is the best way to keep my floors clean without a big hassle.Also: Forget Dyson: I tested Roborock's wet-dry hand vacuum and it left my floors spotlessSome robot and stick vacuum combinations, like the Ecovacs T30S Combo and Deebot X2 Combo, are available on the market, which greatly helps. This is especially true as the stick vacuum's canister on these devices self-empties into the same bag as the robot vacuum, making the entire experience easier. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a robot vacuum While trying to determine the best robot vacuum, I kept several factors at the forefront of my testing and research, which can also aid your search:Suction power: When weighing your options, compare each robot vacuum's different suction power features. Suction power is measured in Pascals (Pa); the higher the number, the better. Inexpensive options like the Eufy 11S Max feature a 2,000Pa suction, while more high-end options, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, have 10,000Pa. Also, consider that this number is the robot's peak power, so you'll likely have to set it up in its highest setting to reach the advertised number of Pascals.Floor types:Some robot vacuums are best equipped to work with different floor types, like carpet or hardwood, and can even automatically increase suction when the carpet is detected. Others perform best on hard floors but fall short on carpets. Before you buy, consider the type of flooring in your home and which vacuum is most appropriate.Mapping:For full automation, your robot vacuum must have a mapping feature to navigate each room. Robots use different sensors to create floorplan maps, including LiDAR, laser, and even artificial intelligence through cameras. Many robot vacuums use these sensors to detect cliffs and stop so they don't fall down the stairs. Depending on the tech used for mapping, robot vacuums clean in linear or random patterns, which is also something to consider if you like the look of carpet lines. Many robots can also create multi-floor mapping, which lets you move your robot vacuum to clean different levels in your home and save each map.Obstacle avoidance:An obstacle avoidance feature can have the robot vacuum avoid things like furniture, wires, socks, shoes, and even pet waste so the robot doesn't get its brush roller stuck on it or spread the mess all over your carpet. This feature is a must-have in my home with a dog and young kids who constantly leave objects strewn about.Battery:Consider the runtime before choosing the best robot vacuum to ensure it has enough power to clean your home, especially if you want to clean a large area in one go. If you select a robot vacuum with the technical capability to pause its job, return to the charging base to refill its battery, and then resume the job where it left off, this may not be as big of a factor as others on this list.Connectivity:Many of the best robot vacuums offer voice control, some through Amazon Alexa or Google Home, and others with built-in voice assistants. Most feature a mobile app that lets you control your robot remotely, set schedules, track progress, and control the machine's efforts.Extra features: Robot vacuum manufacturers often market extra features that may or may not be important to buyers, so choosing which features you'd like before buying is worth it. These include tangle-resistant brushes, self-emptying dustbins, the ability to set no-go zones and create schedules, mopping capabilities, and many more.Also: I changed these 10 things to maximize my robot vacuum's battery life Show more How did we test these robot vacuums for pet hair? ZDNET has several robot vacuum reviewers that have tested over 50 units thus far. We conduct tests in real homes with real challenges and in a controlled lab environment for comparison.Also:How we test robot vacuums at ZDNET in 2024Here's what we consider when testing robot vacuums and mops at ZDNET:Determine evaluation criteria:For our key evaluation criteria, we consider how robots perform by assessing their suction power, navigation, mapping, and battery life. We also assess the user experience, the robot's versatility, longevity, and whether it delivers on its specifications.Unboxing:During this process, we assess the packaging and setup experience and note any accessories and unique features.Testing environments:We test the robot vacuums on different floor types (like carpet and hardwood) and see how they navigate various obstacles to test performance.Performance metrics:We test suction power with various debris types and assess obstacle navigation and mapping accuracy.Extra features: When testing robot vacuum and mop combinations, we evaluate their effectiveness at removing stains and overall cleaning quality. We also check how unique features work, like obstacle avoidance and recognition, extendable mop pads, etc.To top it all off, we gauge the device's longevity and long-term performance by using it over the course of a few months. Our review timelines vary, but we typically test robot vacuums for about a month before reviewing and keep our reviews updated while the device is available. Show more FAQs on robot vacuums Shark vs Roomba: Which is best for pet hair? Shark and Roomba robot vacuums have pros and cons when handling pet hair. We've tested different models from both brands at ZDNET and have found that, while Shark robots tend to excel in suction, Roombas generally have better navigation and obstacle avoidance capabilities.Some Roomba robot vacuums also have dual brush rollers to help prevent hair tangles and advanced smart features, like P.O.O.P. But Shark tends to offer more affordable alternatives than Roomba, including in recurring expenses. Shark robot vacuums also notoriously handle pet hair well with self-cleaning brush rollers.In the end, choosing between Shark and Roomba will come down to the individual model and depend on the buyer's needs. Show more How often do you have to empty robot vacuums? Most of the vacuums on this list are self-emptying, so you don't have to worry about manually dumping the dust bin after every use. However, there are many on the market that you need to manually empty. How often you empty your robot vacuum dustbin depends on how much dirt, debris, and pet hair you have in your home. It's good to be realistic about your home's needs and proactive about emptying so your vacuum can continue suctioning up as much dirt as possible during its job.The self-emptying robot vacuums are typically emptied into a dust bag stored in the base station. The dust bags vary from one brand to another, but you can normally get around 60 days' worth of dirt and debris before needing to change the bag out. Show more How good are robot vacuums at cleaning pet hair out of carpets? Robot vacuums are often good at getting pet hair out of short-pile carpets but don't always perform as well on medium and high-pile carpets, as they can get stuck in them. However, robot vacuums are not as great at removing stubborn hair from carpet and rugs as some upright and stick vacuums.While many robot vacuums have very powerful suction, their brush rollers often to reach deep enough in the carpet to loosen up stubborn hair. Robot vacuums are perfect for keeping floors clean, but your rugs and carpets will still require a more thorough cleaning every few weeks to remove all the pet hair. Show more Are there reccurring expenses for robot vacuums? Most robot vacuums encourage you to replace the filter, rollers, and side sweeping brushes periodically to keep the devices performing optimally. Additionally, if your robot empties into a dust bag, it must be replaced every few months. Finally, some robot vacuum mops require a mop-cleaning solution that must be repurchased throughout the robot's lifetime. Show more Can robot vacuums avoid pet accidents? Robot vacuums are becoming increasingly intelligent with each new device, and they can now avoid various objects in your home, including pet waste. iRobot and Roborock are two robot vacuum companies claiming their devices can identify and avoid running over pet waste. Show more Other robot vacuums we've tested ZDNETs Robot Vacuum Guide Robot Vacuum Roundups Robot Vacuums Reviewed & Compared ZDNET Recommends

Beware this dark web face ID farmGetty ImagesA dark web criminal operation that appears to have been farming face ID images along with the genuine identity documents that accompany them has been unmasked, if youll pardon the pun, by threat intelligence researchers. Heres everything you need to know about this sophisticated approach to identity theft that, it would seem likely, has been using information willingly exchanged for financial reward to build the ID farming business.The Dark Web Face ID Farm ThreatResearchers from iProovs biometric threat intelligence unit have uncovered what appears to be a simple yet simultaneously sophisticated identity protection bypass operation being implemented on the dark web. Describing the significant operation as compromising identity verification systems through the systematic collection of genuine identity documents and images, the iProov analysts said that this demonstrates how the nature of identity fraud is evolving.As detailed in the iProov Q4 threat intelligence update for 2024, threat-insights the unnamed criminal dark web threat group behind the operation has amassed a substantial collection of identity documents and corresponding facial images, which, the report said, was specifically designed to defeat Know Your Customer verification processes. Such systems play a key role in preventing identity fraud against banks and other financial institutions, as I reported in a recent article concerning the use of AI to bypass biometric banking security checks.MORE FOR YOUWhat is most interesting to me in this particular case, however, is that this doesnt seem to have been a matter of scraping compromised biometric data from published stolen databases, but rather, it looks like the identities have been obtained by paying users for them.Dark Web Hackers Pay For Face ID And Supporting Identity DocumentsUsers Willingly Participate"What's particularly alarming about this discovery is not just the sophisticated nature of the operation, Andrew Newell, chief scientific officer at iProov, said, but the fact that individuals are willingly compromising their identities for short-term financial gain. And hes not wrong, as this isnt just a matter of selling their identity data but also risking their own security here. They're providing criminals with complete, genuine identity packages that can be used for sophisticated impersonation fraud. What makes this process even more dangerous is that what we are talking about here is the perfect storm of the identity matching pair: genuine documents and genuine matching biometric data, making them extremely difficult to detect through traditional verification methods, Newell warned. Boom.Do I really need to say this? If you are approached by anyone, knowingly from the dark web or, more likely not, offering you cold, hard cash in exchange for your image and copies of your identity documents, dont do it. No matter how much the short-term incentive, it could just as quickly turn into a very costly mistake.

Did you know orcas once turned salmon into quirky headwear in the 1980s? This "fad" disappeared by ... [+] the turn of the decade, but recently, theyve been spotted reviving this playful trend. This may be why.gettyThe 1980s was an iconic era for fashion, defined by bold colors, big hair and daring trends that turned heads. From neon leg warmers and acid-wash jeans to shoulder pads and parachute pants, the decades style was as unforgettable as it was experimental. Many of these looks became fleeting fads, embraced enthusiastically for a time before fading into the depths of pop culture history.Interestingly, humans werent the only ones experimenting with quirky trends in the '80s. Orcas, or killer whales, also adopted a bizarre behavior during this time that could only be described as a fadbalancing dead salmon on their heads like aquatic hats. Just as quickly as this trend appeared, it vanished, leaving researchers baffled and intrigued.All It Took Was For One Brave Orca To Balance A Salmon On Her HeadAnd The Salmon Hat Trend Took OffKiller whales are incredibly social and remarkably intelligent. Known for their advanced hunting strategies, orca pods display exceptional teamwork, planning, and foresight when taking down prey.But their intelligence isnt limited to hunting. Orcas also learn from each other, and this social learning has given rise to fascinating and often playful behaviors. Over the years, researchers have documented several orca fads that have come and gone, much like trends in human culture:Kelp draping. Orcas have been spotted draping strands of kelp over their dorsal fins or tails, seemingly just for fun.Wave surfing. In places like New Zealand, pods ride the waves created by passing boats, enjoying the thrill of surfing.Imitating dolphins. Some pods mimic the leaps and spins of dolphins, possibly as a form of social bonding or play.In 1987, one bold orca off the coast of British Columbia took creativity to a new level by balancing a dead salmon on her head. Whether it started as a playful gesture or an attempt to engage her pod, the behavior caught on quickly. Other orcas began mimicking the act, turning it into what researchers described as the salmon hat fad.MORE FOR YOUFor a few months, pods in the region could be spotted sporting salmon hats, a curious display of social learning and imitation. Just like fashion trends among humans, the behavior spread rapidly and disappeared just as mysteriously by the end of 1988.Until October 25, 2024, When We Observed An Orca Balancing A Salmon On Its HeadNearly 37 years after the salmon hat fad disappeared, it made an unexpected comeback. On October 25, 2024, a male orca known as J27, or Blackberry, was spotted in Puget Sound balancing a dead salmon on his head.The 32-year-old J27 seemed completely unfazed by his unusual accessory, carrying the salmon proudly, but going by his age, its obvious he is too young to have picked up the salmon hat trend from any of the fashion-forward orcas from the late 80s.The reemergence of this behavior raises fascinating questions. Did J27 independently invent this act, or could it be an echo of cultural memory, passed down within the pod over generations?Then theres the question of whether this can be considered a revival of the salmon hat fad at all. No other orcas were observed mimicking or responding to the behavior, leaving researchers uncertain if this was a one-off display or the beginning of a new trend.One Possible Reason Why Orcas Could Be Playing With Their FoodThe original pod observed playing with salmon in the late 1980s was located off the coast of British Columbia and Washington state, an area home to the southern resident killer whales.These orcas primarily feed on Chinook salmon, which are large, nutrient-rich fish and form a crucial part of their diet. The playful salmon hat behavior may have been a byproduct of their environment and circumstances at the time.Since the late 80s, when the salmon hat fad peaked, salmon populations have been on the decline in many regions around the world, including the waters around British Columbia. This decline, driven by overfishing, habitat degradation and climate change, has placed increasing pressure on orca populations that depend on salmon as a primary food source.Its possible that the salmon hat fad of the 1980s was a goofy response to an abundance of food. With ample access to salmon during that period, orcas may have felt less urgency to focus solely on hunting and instead indulged in playful or experimental behaviors. This behavior could have quickly spread through the pod, much like memes spread between humans today or like shoulder pads, neon leg warmers, and other quirky 80s fads took off among people.Puget Sound, had an healthy population of chum salmon this fall, which strengthens the argument that the recent salmon hat sighting was a goofy killer whales response to abundance of food. That said, there isnt enough data to say for certain that this is the only reason for the one-off observation.There was an abundance of chum salmon in Puget Sound, which is probably why J27 or "Blackberry" felt ... [+] comfortable playing with his food.gettyAnother Possible Explanation Is That Orcas Engage in Play to Strengthen Social BondsThe act of balancing a salmon on ones head could serve as a form of communication, signaling playfulness or camaraderie among pod members. This behavior might have been picked up and mimicked as a way to engage socially, much like other observed fads such as kelp draping or wave surfing.Orcas are intelligent creatures with a penchant for exploration and problem-solving. The salmon hat behavior could simply be an orcas way of interacting with its environment out of curiosity or boredom. Much like how humans invent games or activities, orcas may engage in novel behaviors to stimulate themselves mentally.Another intriguing possibility is that the salmon hat behavior is a display of individuality or skill. By balancing a salmon on its head, an orca might be showcasing its dexterity or attempting to stand out within the group. It might even help orcas attract mates. This could also explain why the behavior may catch on, as other orcas mimic it to demonstrate their own capabilities.While the October 25, 2024 sighting aligns with the theory that food abundance might play a role, behaviors like the salmon hat trend also highlight the complex social dynamics, intelligence and individuality of orcas. With more data and future observations, researchers may uncover a clearer understanding of what drives these fascinating marine mammals to adopt such playful antics.Orcas arent the only animals with unique quirks and playful behaviors. Just like killer whales express their individuality with salmon hats, your pets personality might reveal fascinating insights about their behavior and preferences. Take this Pet Personality Test to discover what makes your animal friend one of a kind.

In brief: Scientists at MIT have achieved a groundbreaking feat by creating a unique magnetic state in a material using light. By applying lasers, they successfully switched an antiferromagnetic material into an entirely new magnetic state. This discovery holds the potential to revolutionize next-generation memory and data storage technology, paving the way for chips far more advanced than today's standards. The research team, led by physics professor Nuh Gedik, concentrated on a material called FePS, a type of antiferromagnet that transitions to a non-magnetic state at around -247F. They hypothesized that precisely exciting the vibrations of FePS's atoms with lasers could disrupt its typical antiferromagnetic alignment and induce a new magnetic state.In conventional magnets (ferromagnets), all atomic spins align in the same direction, making their magnetic field easy to control. In contrast, antiferromagnets have a more complex up-down-up-down spin pattern that cancels out, resulting in zero net magnetization. While this property makes antiferromagnets highly resistant to stray magnetic influences an advantage for secure data storage it also creates challenges in intentionally switching them between "0" and "1" states for computing.Gedik's innovative laser-driven approach seeks to overcome this obstacle, potentially unlocking antiferromagnets for future high-performance memory and computational technologies.The team's innovative approach involved cooling a FePS sample below its transition temperature and then blasting it with a carefully tuned terahertz laser pulse. These lasers, oscillating over a trillion times per second, perfectly matched the natural vibrational frequencies of the material's atoms.Amazingly, the researchers discovered that these pulses pushed the material into a completely new, magnetized state that lasted for several milliseconds after the laser pulse ended. // Related StoriesWhile milliseconds may seem fleeting, in the quantum world, that's practically an eternity compared to prior attempts, as Gedik emphasized.Looking ahead, the researchers aim to refine and further understand these induced magnetic phases. The ultimate goal is to leverage antiferromagnets in next-generation data storage and processing hardware. Their robust magnetic domains, resistant to stray magnetic noise, could enable denser, more energy-efficient memory and logic chips compared to today's technology.However, significant engineering challenges remain before antiferromagnetic computers can become a reality. The team is optimistic, and their groundbreaking findings, published in Nature, represent a critical step toward that vision.

Universal PicturesTable of ContentsTable of ContentsThe Snowman (2017)Till Death (2021)Carry-On (2024)Collateral (2004)The Hateful Eight (2015)Christmas can be a time to enjoy wholesome movies together with the family. But if youre looking for something to get your blood pumping on Christmas that isnt sentimental or sweet, then Netflix has all of the thrillers you need to make it through to New Years Eve.Three of our picks for the five great Netflix thrillers to watch on Christmas share a snowy setting, but only one of them is explicitly a Christmas-related film. Regardless, all five movies are exciting to watch, especially when the twists in the stories arrive and make the viewer question what theyve seen before.Recommended VideosNeed more recommendations? We also have guides for the 10 best TV shows to watch on Christmas, the 10 best movies to watch on Christmas, the best Christmas movies on Netflix, the best Christmas movies on Disney+, the best Christmas movies on Hulu, the best Christmas movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best Christmas movies on Max, and the best Christmas movies on Hallmark Channel.RelatedUniversal PicturesThe Killers Michael Fassbender headlines The Snowman as Norwegian Police investigator Harry Hole, a man whose personal life is collapsing in a perfect storm of heartbreak and alcoholism. But his life is about to get a lot worse as a serial killer begins sending him taunting messages with enigmatic clues.Katrine Bratt (Silos Rebecca Ferguson) a new recruit to the police has her own reasons for chasing the killer that are personal to her. However, this murderer enjoys the game and revels in his increasingly brutal murders as Harry and Katrine try to catch him.Watch The Snowman on Netflix.Screen Media FilmsMegan Foxs latest film, Subservience, is one currently one of the most popular movies on Netflix. However, Foxs 2021 thriller, Till Death, is even better. Emma Davenport (Fox) discovers the hard way that her husband, Mark (Eoin Macken), knows all about her affair with his colleague, Tom (Aml Ameen). Thats why Mark arranges for Emma to be handcuffed to him before taking his own life in a remote lake house.Mark apparently also made sure there was nothing sharp in the lake house that Emma could use to free herself. That becomes an even more immediate problem when a man arrives who gives Emma reasons to fear for her life. Now, she not only needs to get free, but she also has to survive a murderers wrath.Watch Till Death on Netflix.NetflixTSA agent Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton) picked the wrong day to angle for a promotion in Carry-On. On Christmas Eve, Ethan convinces his superior to assign him to a security check lane on one of the busiest days of the year. No sooner does that happen than Ethan is blackmailed by the Traveler (Jason Bateman), who wants him to wave a dangerous piece of luggage past the security scan without alerting his fellow TSA agentsWhoever the Traveler is, he already has a good deal of info about Ethan. He also employs a hit man who has been sent to kill Ethans girlfriend, Nora Parisi (Sofia Carson), if he doesnt go along with the terrorist plot. Up to this point in his life, Ethans been timid with his choices. But if he wants to live through the night and save his girlfriend, Ethan has to make some bold moves and fast.Watch Carry-On on Netflix.DreamWorks Pictures/Paramount PicturesMagnolias Tom Cruise gives an arresting turn as a hit man in Michael Manns Collateral. Jamie Foxxs Max Durocher a cab driver in Los Angeles, and Vincent (Cruise) seems like a good client to ferry around town all night. But after Vincents first stop, Max realizes that Vincent is a contract killer and hes not likely to let Max live through the night given what he knows.Max finds it extremely difficult to get away from Vincent, and he also feels an obligation to save Vincents victims if he can. In this battle of wits, Vincent may have superior fire power, but hes also underestimated Maxs resolve. Netflix subscribers only have until December 31 to watch this movie before it heads off into the streaming sunset.Watch Collateral on Netflix.Lantern EntertainmentQuentin Tarantinos The Hateful Eight is a Western, but its also a thriller that creates amazing tension by placing its characters in the same room with each other. Just over 12 years after the Civil War, bounty hunter Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson) finds himself sharing a carriage ride with another bounty hunter, John The Hangman Ruth (Kurt Russell); Ruths prisoner, Crazy Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh); and Chris Mannix (Fallouts Walton Goggins), the man who is supposedly the new sheriff of Red Rock.In the middle of a deadly winter storm, this unlikely group of companions takes shelter at a haberdashery. Warren doesnt really trust Mannix, but hes got bigger things to worry about. Few of the people waiting for them at the haberdashery are who they sayb\ they are, and this winter journey may turn into a one-way trip for everyone involved.Watch The Hateful Eight on Netflix.Editors Recommendations

Nosferatu Score DetailsVisually, sonically, atmospherically, Nosferatu is another bottomless banquet from Eggers. It's a gothic horror movie of classical grandeur with a touch of madness.ProsIt's a visual feastEggers knows how to ratchet up the dreadLily-Rose Depp supplies a kinky new edge to the storyConsBill Skarsgrd isn't the scariest OrlokDracula is still just DraculaDracula has always been the most erotic of monsters, an insatiable freak in the streets and between the sheets. Bram Stoker introduced the character in the 1890s, the same decade English speakers began using the expression little death (from the French petite mort) to equate orgasm to demise. Every movie made from Stokers landmark of gothic fiction (there are too many to, ahem, count) has acknowledged the seductive allure of the vampire. But to find its purest expression, you have to go back to one of the first to Count Orlok, the grotesquely murine menace of F.W. Murnaus unauthorized, silent-era Nosferatu. This creeping abomination is a far cry from the tall, dark, and handsome Draculas who stylishly slinked down winding staircases in the years (and adaptations) to come. All the same, he is a creature of morbid magnetism, attractive in the way that oblivion is attractive, in a way only Freud could really explain.How Robert Eggers' Past Truly Crafted Nosferatu | Origin StoryNosferatu, an elegantly sinister remake of Murnaus 1922 classic, is at its best when suckling at the same vein of psychosexual desire. Its written and directed by Robert Eggers, who couldnt be a better fit for the material because of his obsession with the look and the language of the old world, yes, but also because of how his movies so often and so perversely present evil as a forbidden fruit ripe for the picking. Doth thou wish to live deliciously? beckoned a different Prince of Darkness in the first of his bespoke nightmares, The Witch. It was a promise of pleasures, carnal and otherwise, awaiting those willing to barter with their soul for them. And who could forget Robert Pattinson furiously masturbating in The Lighthouse, conjuring the supernatural from his very wet dreams of slimy, tentacled sensuality?Focus FeaturesEggers foregrounds a tango of sex and death immediately. Like the original Nosferatu, his spares more time than the average Dracula on the prologue portion of Stokers tale, though in this case, the throat clearing before the throat biting is devoted more heavily to Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp), a German frau disturbed by her arousing nocturnal visions of pestilence and decay. A dear friend (Deadpool & Wolverine scene-stealer Emma Corrin) reassures her that its God whose overpowering presence shes feeling. Soon after, Ellens husband, Thomas (The Orders Nicholas Hoult), heads for the mountains of Transylvania to broker a real estate deal with a reclusive nobleman, just as all iterations of Jonathan Harker must.Focus FeaturesUp in the Carpathians, within that ruined castle, the story is always the same, give or take a harem of bloodsucking maidens. (Its Hoults second run through this iconic, endlessly restaged passage, after the monochromatic flashbacks of his noxious Renfield.) Of course, you dont explicitly remake Nosferatu as opposed to simply going back to the source material unless youre eager to play with the specific, loathsome image of Orlok, the rodent-like personification of death that Max Shreck immortalized in the original. Who but Pennywise himself, Bill Skarsgrd, could fill those shoes and approximate those sunken, cadaverous features? For a while, Eggers keeps Orlok shrouded in darkness a silhouette of malevolence, croaking out lines in a halting, unnatural manner that recalls the apocryphal rumor that Bela Lugosi delivered his Dracula dialogue phonetically.Focus FeaturesTruthfully, Skarsgrd is more fearsome before we get a good look at him. To distinguish his Orlok from Shrecks, the ghoul has been supplied with a curious affectation: a bushy mustache that makes him resemble (less than horrifyingly) the ghost of Joseph Stalin. And the actor struggles to put a memorable new spin on the most frequently portrayed character in all of literature. His performance is overshadowed by the Draculas and Orloks of old: by the offbeat theatricality of Lugosis, the otherworldly uncanniness of Shrecks, the predatory seething of Christopher Lees. And then there was the intense Klaus Kinski, who was done up to look like Shreck, but gave the count a rather pathetic and oddly sympathetic makeover in Werner Herzogs remake, Nosferatu the Vampyre.NOSFERATU - "Held Hands With Death" Official Clip - Only In Theaters Christmas DayEven without an instantly immortal villain, this Nosferatu casts a spell. Visually, sonically, atmospherically, its another bottomless banquet from Eggers, a gothic horror movie of classical grandeur and a touch of madness. The cinematographer Jarin Blaschke, whos shot all the directors previous treks into dark history, leeches the imagery of luster, giving it a bluish, nearly black-and-white pallor that suggests a corpse drained dry. If his palette is pointedly stark, his compositions are breathtaking, especially when the environments are looming over the characters, threatening to swallow them like the gathering forces of darkness.Recommended VideosLinguistically, the film is less flavorful than Eggers other creepshows, which studiously reproduced the exaggerated vernacular of their respective old-world settings. Naturally, he saves his most purple dialogue for his Lighthouse star, Willem Dafoe, who summons some properly playful gravitas as the Van Helsing analogue, a doctor brought in once Orlok leaves his homeland and Ellen falls further under the sway of his supernatural death-drive pheromones. (Having previously played a bloodthirsty Schreck in Shadow of the Vampire, a fanciful thriller about the making of Nosferatu, Dafoe now joins Rutger Hauer on the very small list of actors with versions of both Dracula and his nemesis on their rsum.)Focus FeaturesDread is always oppressive in this filmmakers work a blanket thickly and heavily draped over the characters, over the audience, over every moment. That suits Dracula well, as the story draws its power from the depiction of evil as a spreading threat. Eggers strikingly visualizes that idea with a shot of Orloks shadow reaching, finger by crooked finger, across spires and cobblestone. Scholars have long written of the racist undertones of Stokers invasion plot, but the panic here is more viral in nature. Arriving in the wake of a global pandemic, just as the original did, Eggers Nosferatu is awash in signs of the plague. The monster is often flanked by scurrying rats a haunting image shared with Herzogs oddball take.At a certain point, Dracula is still just Dracula, regardless of what its called. Murnau found that out the hard way when he was hit with a lawsuit by the Stoker estate, even though he changed the names of the characters and a few key details of the plot. A century later, its a challenge to get any fresh drops of dramatic lifeblood out of this material. It takes a true visionary like Francis Ford Coppola to do something new with a story thats been brought to the screen literally dozens of times. Though its title implied strenuous fidelity, Bram Stokers Dracula daringly twisted the authors work into a lavish, tragic romance. Nosferatu, as Eggers has conceived it, is more like a very tuneful cover of a song youve heard many, many times before.NOSFERATU - Official Trailer [HD] - Only In Theaters December 25Only when he flirts, like Coppola, with a kinkier kind of lunacy does the director threaten to really put his mark on what Murnau subtitled the symphony of horror. Between the stuff of every Dracula that trip up the winding mountain, the doomed Demeters last voyage, Renfield babbling away in the asylum percolates a portrait of a lonely Victorian woman seized by a horniness for more. To a much greater extent than Skarsgrd, its Depp, feverishly possessed in the Mina Harker role, who makes us believe in Orlok as a force of hypnotic, destabilizing sexual enticement. No scene with the vampire is as hair-raising as the one where Ellen describes, with a mixture of joy and terror, her dreams of unholy matrimony. And when she growls, You could never please me as he does, at her shaken husband, its hard not to wonder if shes conjured the devil to liberate herself from a life devoid of excitement. Shes down bad for the baddest of them all, and ready to live deliciously.Nosferatu is now playing in theaters everywhere. For more of A.A. Dowds writing, visit his Authory page.Editors RecommendationsRobert Eggers Nosferatu is going to break one iconic vampire movie trope