United Airlines now says first flights with Starlink Wi-Fi will take off spring 2025United Airlines now says first flights with Starlink Wi-Fi will take off spring 2025 / The airline is moving faster to equip its planes with SpaceXs satellite internet technology. By Andrew J. Hawkins, transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State. Jan 5, 2025, 1:00 PM UTCShare this story The VergeUnited Airlines is accelerating its plan to add Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi to its planes, with the first commercial flights now expected to arrive this spring.Last year, United announced its intention to upgrade its in-flight Wi-Fi using SpaceXs Starlink satellites, with testing expected to start in the spring and the first equipped flights coming later in the year. Now the airline says it will start testing next month, followed by the first commercial flight on an Embraer E-175 aircraft a narrow-body aircraft for regional flights that can fit up to 88 passengers in the spring.On top of that, United now plans to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025 and have its first mainline Starlink-enabled plane in the air before the end of this year. Ultimately, the airline expects to have its entire fleet of nearly 1,000 planes outfitted with Starlink Wi-Fi. Image: United AirlinesUnited currently has four different Wi-Fi providers, according to travel site One Mile At A Time, with regional jets utilizing Intelsat (formerly Gogo) and most wide-body jets using Panasonic Wi-Fi. United also uses Viasat Wi-Fi on most of its 737 Max aircraft, some A319s, and A321neos. Viasat is the best of the bunch in terms of speeds and is commonly found on American and Delta flights.But while a number of international carriers have announced similar plans to add Starlink to their fleets, United is still alone among the major domestic carriers to adopt the SpaceX-owned technology. (JSX and Hawaiian have both said they plan on adding Starlink to their airplanes.)United now plans to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025And while in-flight Wi-Fi remains slow and unreliable for most air travelers, we seem to quickly be approaching a tipping point on expectations for fast, free connectivity. Mobile device owners are growing accustomed to uninterrupted video streaming and other conveniences wherever they are even while thousands of feet in the air.Starlink boasts download speeds of 40220Mbps and upload speeds of 825Mbps per terminal, which United says can support streaming, gaming, and even videoconferencing. United says its Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi will be free to its MileagePlus loyalty customers (for which signups are also free).We have a lot planned for our MileagePlus members this year and adding Starlink to as many planes as we can as quickly as we can is at the center of it all, said Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus, in a statement. Its not only going to revolutionize the experience of flying United, but its also going to unlock tons of new partnerships and benefits for our members that otherwise wouldnt be possible.Most PopularMost Popular

There can be many reasons why your Wi-Fi is slow -- an older router, poky service from your internet provider, or outdated firmware could all be the culprits -- but one of the most common causes is where you choose to put your router. Wi-Fi routers aren't always the prettiest gadgets to look at, so most of us tuck ours away somewhere where it won't draw too much attention. But if your mesh system is struggling in certain rooms and you want to give it a speed boost, its worth doing an audit on your router placement -- even with a mesh system. Ive been testing and reviewing routers for years, and few things have as great an impact on Wi-Fi speeds as the location of your router.While a traditional Wi-Fi router sends out a signal from a single point in your home, a mesh system uses multiple devices to emit signals from various points. That makes it more like a team of routers that work together to relay your traffic back to the modem.It's a much better approach to home networking, particularly in large, multistory homes, where a traditional, single-point router will likely leave you with dead zones in the rooms that are farthest away.Where should you place your mesh router? Mesh routers and other Wi-Fi devices perform their best when they're located out in the open, and up off of the ground. NetgearYou'll want to consider where you put your router and satellite extenders, which are also sometimes called nodes (or "Points" if you're aNest Wi-Fiuser), as their specific location will significantly impact the system's performance. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you go. (You can also check out our tips on the best location for your Wi-Fi router andhow to protect your home Wi-Fi network from hackers.)Move the main routerFirst things first, you'll want the main router in your setup -- the mesh device that's wired to your modem -- to be located as centrally in your home as possible. That's the same approach you'd take with a single router, and the reasoning is the same: Routers put out Wi-Fi signals in all directions, so placing your router in a central location within your home will make the most out of your connection.That goes double for mesh systems, where the strength of the connection near your extenders will largely depend on the strength of the incoming signal from the main router. A stronger connection between the two will help ensure that you're hitting the fastest Wi-Fi speeds possible throughout your entire home.Your options for moving the router might seem limited by the location of your modem, and the incoming wiring for your home's internet connection. An extra-long Ethernet cable can come in handy here, giving you the freedom to move the router away from where the modem sits, if necessary. If that's impractical, you'll at least want to move that main router out into the open, and preferably as high off the ground as possible. This guide from Asus highlights a mesh rule of thumb -- for the best performance, try to keep each device in your setup no more than two rooms away from another one. AsusMove those extenders aroundOnce you've got the main router situated in the best spot possible, you'll want to pick out good spots for the extenders. With most systems, you can connect each device to the main router with an Ethernet cable for the fastest speeds possible, but most users prefer to connect everything wirelessly. In that case, you'll want to be extra-strategic about where you place the extenders throughout your home.Again, out in the open and up off of the ground is your best bet for a clear signal, but you'll also want to put some thought into the layout of your home, as physical obstructions in between the main router and the extenders can slow things down. A good rule of thumb, generally speaking, is to try and keep the devices in your mesh setup no more than two rooms away from each other. That'll vary from home to home, especially if yours is built with dense materials like brick or concrete in the walls that can be difficult for Wi-Fi signals to penetrate. You'll also want to watch out for electronic interference from TVs and other large appliances, so if you're sticking a mesh extender in the kitchen, resist the urge to hide it away on top of the fridge and move it away from your appliances altogether. Most mesh systems come with companion apps that include placement guides for your devices, signal strength checks, and other diagnostic tools to help you make sure you've got everything in the best spot possible. Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNETFurniture can block Wi-Fi signals, too, so if you have anything large or bulky in between two of your mesh devices, consider relocating them. Aquariums are another classic antagonist for your mesh setup, as Wi-Fi has a hard time transmitting through water.The best way to ensure that your mesh network is as well-connected as possible is to open its app and check the signal strength of each device, which is something most systems offer. You can also find system-specific guidance online at the links below:Avoid these dead zonesIf you've got a back corner of your home where the signal drops out, it might be tempting to stick a mesh extender smack in the middle of that dead zone to boost your speeds. In a lot of cases, that'd be a mistake.Remember, just like your phone or laptop, your mesh extenders need to connect wirelessly with the main router in your setup. And if that back corner is a dead zone for your phone or laptop, then it'll likely be a dead zone for your mesh extender, too.The better approach is to place that extender adjacent to the dead zone in a spot where it'll have an easier time connecting with the main router. In some cases, that might be halfway between the dead zone and the main router, but you might need to experiment a bit. Hit the sweet spot, and the Wi-Fi signal it puts out should be a healthy one, and one that'll extend into the dead zone to bring it back to life. A good speed test will help you understand how your Wi-Fi is holding up from room to room. James Martin/CNETRun a speed testApart from the diagnostic tools in your mesh router's app, the fastest way to check on your system's performance is to run some speed tests. There are plenty of free services online that we recommend, any of which will tell you the upload and download speeds on whatever device you're using in a minute or less.For the best intel, grab your laptop or phone and run multiple speed tests in each room of your house where you need a usable Wi-Fi signal. In the end, you should have a good ballpark sense of where speeds are the steadiest and where they dip. From there, you could try moving your extenders to try and balance things out, or you could consider buying an additional extender to fill in any gaps. Either way, your home should be all set with a strong signal wherever you need it. Running a speed test can help you figure out the best spot to put your mesh router. Chris Monroe/CNETOther considerations for your mesh routerJust remember that your mesh router can only offer speeds that are as fast as what you're paying for from your ISP. If speeds are widely insufficient in your home, then it might be time to consider upgrading to a faster plan (and it might be worth seeing if your ISP will let you try a faster plan for a few days to see if that is, indeed, the problem). Your ISP might also be able to provide you with an updated modem that'll bring better, faster speeds to your mesh system to begin with. Can't hurt to ask.If speeds still seem slower than you'd like, and your ISP isn't the answer, then there are a few other things you can try. For starters, if your provider's modem is a gateway device that doubles as a router, then you'll want to disable its Wi-Fi network so that it doesn't cause interference for your mesh system's Wi-Fi network.Speaking of interference, it's possible that a neighbor's Wi-Fi network is interfering with yours. To remedy that, hop into your mesh router's app and look for channel settings that let you tune your network to a different part of the Wi-Fi airwaves, potentially steering away from whatever channel nearby networks are using. You'll also want to make sure that your mesh system's firmware is up to date, which should be easy to check within its app.For more, check out our picks for the best Wi-Fi 6 routers, and how to find free Wi-Fi anywhere in the world. More from 12 Days of Tips

See at Peacock Watch the EPL in the US from $8 a month Peacock See at Peacock See more details See at ExpressVPN Best VPN for streaming ExpressVPN See at ExpressVPN See more details See at Now Watch the Premier League in the UK from 15 with Now Now See at Now See more details See at Fubo Watch the Premier League in Canada from CA$30 per month Fubo Canada See at Fubo See more details See at Optus Watch the Premier League in Australia from AU$7 a month Optus Sport See at Optus See more details Table of Contents Title favorites Liverpool host a meek Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday, in the pick of this weekend's English Premier League matches.A massive 23 points separate the fierce rivals ahead of this clash, with Liverpool coming into this key match off the back of a resounding 5-0 win away at West Ham.While that victory extended the Merseysiders' winning streak to four games, struggling Man United are looking to end a run of four straight defeats under new boss Ruben Amorim. Another loss here would see the Red Devils sliding uncomfortably close to an unthinkable flirtation with the relegation zone.Liverpool host Manchester United on Sunday, Jan. 5, at Anfield, with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. GMTlocal time. That makes it a 11:30 a.m. ET or 8:30 a.m. PTstart in the US and Canada, and a3:30 a.m. AEDTkickoff in Australia in the early hours of Monday morning.Below, we'll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the match as it happens, wherever you are in the world. Ruben Amorim has made the worst start of any Manchester United manager in more than a century, having lost five of his first eight league matches since taking charge at Old Trafford. Michael Regan/Getty ImagesHow to watch Liverpool vs. Man United in the US without cableSunday's Liverpool vs. Man United match is being broadcast on NBC and is also streaming onPeacock. You'll need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus account to catch the game live on the platform. Peacock offers two Premium plans, and after the recent price increases, the ad-supported Premium plan costs $8 a month and the ad-free Premium Plus plan is $14 a month. See at Peacock How to watch the Premier League 2024/25 season from anywhere with a VPNIf you find yourself unable to view EPL matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the games -- that's where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it's also a great idea if you're traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.With a VPN, you're able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors' Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you're streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions. James Martin/CNET 2024 Latest Tests DNS leaks detected, 25% speed loss in 2024 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands ExpressVPN isour current best VPN pickfor people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It's normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you'll get three months free and save 49%. That's the equivalent of $6.67 a month.Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. 82% off with 24mo plan (+6 free months) See at ExpressVPN Livestream Liverpool vs. Man United in the UKThis Sunday afternoon clash at Anfield is exclusive to Sky Sports, showing on its Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League and UHD channels. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the game via its Sky Go app, but cord-cutters will want to get set up with a Now account and a Now Sports membership to stream the game. Now TV Sky subsidiary Now offers streaming access to Sky Sports channels with a Now Sports membership. You can get a day of access for 15, or sign up to a monthly plan from 35 per month right now. See at Now Livestream Liverpool vs. Man United in CanadaIf you want to stream this EPL game live in Canada, you'll need to subscribe to Fubo Canada. The service has exclusive rights to every Premier League fixture once again this season. Fubo Fubo is the go-to destination for Canadians looking to watch the EPL this season, with exclusive streaming rights to every match. It costs CA$30 a month, though you can save some cash by paying quarterly or annually. See at Fubo Livestream Liverpool vs. Man United in AustraliaFootball fans Down Under can watch EPL matches live on streaming service Optus Sport, which is showing every single Premier League fixture of the 2024/25 season live in Australia. Optus With exclusive rights to stream all EPL matches live this season, as well as German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga games, streaming service Optus Sport is a particularly big draw for Aussie soccer fans.If you're already an Optus network customer, you can bag Optus Sport for a reduced price, with discounts bringing the price down to as low as AU$7 a month. If you're not, a standalone monthly subscription to the service starts at AU$25. See at Optus Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPNWith four variables at play -- your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN -- your experience and success when streaming EPL matches may vary.If you don't see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the "search for city or country" option.If you're having trouble getting the game after you've turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs -- like Roku -- don't have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you'll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you're using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network's sports app, you'll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you're using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommendBrave.

NordVPN is one of the most well-known VPNs on the market, partly thanks to its widespread marketing campaigns. Nord remains a popular virtual private network option because of its exceptionally fast connections, privacy-focused features and excellent geo-unblocking for streaming services. Its user-friendly design that doesn't compromise on settings makes it an outstanding choice for casual VPN newcomers and seasoned power users alike. NordVPNs global server network comprises more than 7,100 servers spanning 118 countries, making it a good option for a VPN when traveling domestically or internationally. With that many servers, youre likely to find something nearby, even while abroad. The country count is right on par with the international reach of competitors like Proton VPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN, all of which also boast a global server count of at least 100 countries.In our 2024 speed tests, NordVPN solidified itself as hands-down the fastest VPN. Using its NordLynx VPN protocol, we measured an average internet speed loss of just 3.2% with Windows and 12.6% on MacOS. On OpenVPN, we recorded an average internet download speed loss of 10.1% on MacOS and 18.8% on Windows. Whether you choose an OpenVPN connection or the NordLynx protocol, youll enjoy the smallest possible internet speed degradation. With apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, browsers and even Apple TV, Nord runs on almost any platform you can think of.We appreciate NordVPN's commitment to privacy and security. In addition to features like Onion over VPN (Tor) and a Double VPN, which deliver additional encryption, a 2023 audit by Deloitte backed up its no-log claims for improved transparency. Folks with serious privacy needs can even buy a Nord subscription with cryptocurrencies for pseudo-anonymity. While zero-logging policies are challenging to verify with absolute certainty, third-party audits provide peace of mind. On the entertainment side, we had no issues streaming US and UK Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus libraries on most devices -- another perk when traveling abroad.

Balatro dev shares an excellent list of his favourite indie games of 2024"These indies deserve some more attention!"Image credit: Billy Basso News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Jan. 5, 2025 Balatro may have swept the awards this year - including securing a place on our 50 best games of 2024 list and that of Eurogamer readers - but developer LocalThunk has taken time to recommend other indie games that caught his eye in 2024.Taking to X, LocalThunk listed his "very prestigious Golden Thunk Awards", awarding top prize to the "engrossing experience" of Animal Well.Balatro Mobile - Official Release Date Trailer.Watch on YouTube"My very prestigious Golden Thunk award for Game of the Year 2024 goes to Animal Well!" he wrote."Animal Well was an engrossing experience. Dripping with style, secrets, and making me feel like an imposter in this industry as a dev, Billy Basso created a true masterpiece." To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Runners up were Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers - described as a "beautifully synergistic and strategic deckbuilder", LocalThunk said "people mistakenly wrote this off as a Balatro clone, but this was announced before my game ever was" - Arco, Nova Drift, Ballionaire, and Wrong Organ's exceptional Mouthwashing."I didn't even know this was a horror game when I started playing it at 11pm one fateful night," the developer said. "I was hooked instantly, and both the world it created and the poignant message woven into the game stick with me vividly months later."LocalThunk's stellar Balatro secured several accolades at last month's The Game Awards, including best mobile game, best debut indie game, and best independent game.The anonymous solo developer recently said there's a part of him that regrets the game's success, as he misses when creating games was just a hobby.Asked in an interview if he regrets Balatro's success, he replied: "Honestly, yeah. Don't get me wrong - this has changed my life in a lot of amazing ways. I'm so grateful. But I do miss that time before. It was just a hobby that recharged my batteries. Sometimes I think, 'Maybe I would've been happier if I had never released this game to the public.'"

What just happened? The net neutrality saga is effectively over following a federal appeals court ruling this week, unless Congress decides to revisit the debate. Given the current political climate, that seems improbable, and the Trump administration is unlikely to revive the cause. The Federal Communications Commission's long-standing effort to establish stronger oversight of the internet was dealt a decisive blow this week when the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the FCC lacks the authority to regulate wireless and home broadband services under the same set of rules that have traditionally governed telephone service.The court's decision hinged on the recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Chevron deference, a precedent that had previously granted federal agencies significant leeway in interpreting ambiguous statutory language. This ruling significantly curtailed the FCC's ability to implement and enforce net neutrality regulations.Net neutrality, a principle that advocates for equal treatment of all internet traffic, has been a contentious issue in American politics for over a decade. The concept aims to prevent internet service providers from favoring certain websites or services over others a practice that could potentially stifle competition and innovation.The Obama administration introduced robust net neutrality rules in 2015, which were subsequently repealed in 2017 under the Trump administration. In 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling for the reinstatement of these regulations. The FCC, under the leadership of Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, voted to restore net neutrality rules in 2024.The Sixth Circuit Court's decision effectively nullifies the FCC's Safeguarding Order, which would have reinstated net neutrality regulations. The court declared that broadband internet service providers offer only an "information service" as defined under current US law, and therefore, the FCC lacks the statutory authority to impose net neutrality policies through the "telecommunications service" provision of the Communications Act. // Related StoriesFurthermore, the court ruled that the FCC cannot classify mobile broadband as a "commercial mobile service," which would have allowed the agency to impose net neutrality regulations on those services. The Sixth Circuit explicitly cited the absence of Chevron deference in its ruling, stating that they no longer afford deference to the FCC's interpretation of the statute.In response to the court's decision, Rosenworcel called on Congress to enshrine net neutrality principles in federal law an acknowledgment that the FCC's regulatory efforts have reached an impasse.On the other hand, Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who is set to become the agency's chair later this month, praised the court's ruling. Carr criticized the Biden administration's approach, stating that their plan relied on "persuading Americans that the internet would break in the absence of these so-called 'net neutrality' regulations."As for the future of net neutrality, the ball is now in Congress's court. However, given the current political landscape and the other pressing issues facing the government, it remains uncertain whether Congress will take up this challenge. With Carr poised to take the helm, it also seems unlikely that the agency will pursue further regulatory action on net neutrality.

Let's CookGot a cool $4 million and like Breaking Bad maybe a bit too much? You can now literally buy Walter White's house, if you can stomach all the touristsPizza not included.Image credit: AMC News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Jan. 5, 2025 The house from Breaking Bad became a surprisingly iconic set piece in the show, and now you can buy it yourself - if you've got the money.You wouldn't necessarily think that the family home of a meth-making tycoon like Walter White would necessarily be one of the biggest pieces of iconography in a show like Breaking Bad, but the show was so damn well made it almost became a character itself. Since the show aired, the actual real house has been a big hit with fans, with many taking trips out to visit it. As it turns out, though, the family that's lived there for 52 years is deciding to move on, having put it on the market for uh, a whopping $4 million. For context, similar homes in the area are estimated to be worth around $350,000, so yeah, turns out putting your house in a popular TV show ups the value by quite a bit.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Speaking to Consequence, owner Joanne Quintana said that the Albuquerque, New Mexico-based on sees an average of "300 cars a day. Come Balloon Fiesta, hundreds of thousands come for balloons. Balloons go up, they come down. Where do they come? Here." Quintana said that there are a lot of happy memories from the filming of the show, which does include the time lead actor Bryan Cranston threw a pizza on the roof in one take - but the toll of constant and increasing traffic, and fans recreating said pizza scene, has meant they're ready to sell. "This was our family home from 1973, almost 52 years. So were going to walk away with just our memories. Its time to move on. Were done. Theres no reason to fight anymore."She's also open for it to be converted into something a bit more accessible to fans, saying that she hopes "they make it what the fans want. They want a BnB, they want a museum, they want access to it. Go for it." In the meantime, though, maybe stop throwing pizzas on their roof? It's just annoying and makes you look like a jackass.

50/50Hoping to see Mass Effect 5 bring back its morality system? "You'll just have to wait and see" says one BioWare veteranJust a bit mysterious, there.Image credit: Bioware News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Jan. 5, 2025 One of Mass Effect's most notable features was completely absent from Andromeda, and right now, it's up in the air if it'll be back for the untitled sequel.When you think about the Mass Effect series, you probably think about all the choices you can make from the original trilogy, with big and small decisions affecting the outcome of all sorts of events (you probably also think of the third game's controversial ending, but let's just ignore that right now). Decision making is a staple of BioWare games, except it wasn't present in Mass Effect: Andromeda at all. Right now, it's not clear if the Renegade and Paragon system will make a return in Mass Effect 5, or whatever the sequel ends up being called, but some fans certainly believe it will be.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Project director and executive producer at BioWare, and Mass Effect series veteran, Michael Gamble, recently responded to some concerns from fans about the next entry, attempting to reassure them that many leaders from the original trilogy are back for this one. The conversation eventually moved on to the Renegade and Paragon system, with Gamble discussing the importance of having the former even though most people chose the latter, prompting one fan to say that they believe it's "absolutely returning for Mass Effect 5." To see this content please enable targeting cookies.However, Gamble noted that he was "talking about the trilogy," and that when it comes to the upcoming sequel, "you'll just have to wait and see" That's obviously neither a confirmation nor a denial, but it certainly does seem to be some kind of tease. It could also be that BioWare is planning some sort of revamp, who knows!With Dragon Age: The Veilguard finally out the way, BioWare's focus is finally on Mass Effect again, though last year's N7 Day was a bit of a quiet one. I wouldn't expect concrete details for quite a while still, so just keep your fingers crossed that you'll be able to get up to some evil or good shenanigans!

Rings For DaysSonic games might be hit or miss, but now that the movies are a billion dollar franchise, we can easily assume they're here to stayThat's a lot of zeroes!Image credit: Paramount Pictures News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Jan. 5, 2025 Everyone's favourite blue hedgehog can't guarantee a successful game, but it turns out that Sonic can really put bums in movie theatre seats.All those years ago, when the first Sonic the Hedgehog movie trailer was released showing that it felt safe to assume that it was dead on arrival. Then, Paramount made the wise (and definitely unfair to the animators) to delay the movie by a few months, and low and behold, we got a good live action movie design of a beloved character! The film went on to do really well, too, grossing $320 million on a $85 million at the box office. Its sequel did even better, taking home $405 million, proving the first one wasn't a fluke. And in less than a month since its release, the third and most recent entry has so far taken home $285 million, with a post on the box office subreddit noting that this officially makes Sonic the Hedgehog a billion dollar franchise.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. It's obviously unclear how much the final box office total will be for the most recent entry, and if it can overtake the second film considering it's got a good $120 million to go. There's also the fact that the third film is reportedly going to be available to stream later this month on January 21, but any which way the film is clearly a success, making it three for three on cinematic releases. The games are famously incredibly hit or miss, with one of the more recent entries, Sonic Superstars, apparently proving to be a disappointment, though with the third film doing as well as it is, there's clearly still a hunger for more from the classic characters.Sonic the Hedgehog is Officially a Billion Dollar Franchise byu/LawNo3961 inboxofficeTo see this content please enable targeting cookies.We know that a fourth film is in the works, that was confirmed before the third one even came out, and Jim Carrey is even up for coming back for it, so if they manage to make it to a fifth film, we might even see it become a two billion dollar franchise. But who's counting!

Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo LifeFresh images of what looks to be the left Joy-Con controller from the upcoming 'Switch 2' hardware have been posted online, supposedly originating from China.Hosted over on Reddit by 'thisSubIsAtrocious' and subsequently shared all over social media, the Joy-Con sports the new magnetic rail with which to attach the controller to the main body of the Switch 2. In an effort to differentiate the hardware from the current Switch systems, it looks to be mainly black in colour, with the rail itself sporting a light blue.We also get a glimpse of the new button on the back of the Joy-Con, which in our eyes will likely be used for detaching the Joy-Con from the Switch, along with a pair of decent-sized 'SL' and 'SR' buttons (at least compared to the OG Switch). The overall design certainly lines up with what we've seen so far from previous leaks and rumours (along with some impressive online mock ups), and unless this is an incredibly elaborate hoax, it's also likely to be the final build.It's only a matter of time now until Nintendo finally lifts the curtain on its new hardware, and with more photos and information leaking out on a near-daily basis at the moment, we suspect an announcement will arrive within mere days at this point. Fingers crossed, anyway! Everything about the "Switch successor"Critical thinking is the key to success.What do you make of this fresh look at the alleged 'Switch 2' Joy-Con? Are you a fan of the colour? Let us know your thoughts with a comment down below.[source reddit.com, via x.com]See AlsoShare:01 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related Articles126 Games You Should Pick Up In The Nintendo Switch eShop Holiday Sale (Europe)Every game we scored 9/10 or higherNintendo Highlights Multiple Switch Games Launching In 2025It's going to be an action-packed yearNintendo's Punch-Out!! Series May Be Dead And Buried For GoodAll punch'd out161 Games You Should Pick Up In Nintendo's 'Hits For The Holidays' eShop Sale (North America)Reminder: It wraps up on SundayTech Fans Have Gone Full 'Layton' In Analysing The 'Switch 2' MotherboardCritical thinking is the key to success.