The Legend of Zelda is one of the most iconic video game series of all time. Starting on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, The Legend of Zelda follows various incarnations of Princess Zelda and Link as they fight to save Hyrule from the evil that is Ganon. While the series has always been popular, the Nintendo Switch has catapulted Zelda into one of Nintendo's best-selling properties with landmark titles in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

Echoes of Wisdom released toward the end of the original Nintendo Switch's life cycle, but Nintendo has already revealed quite a bit about the next generation of adventures in Hyrule. Here's every Legend of Zelda game on the Nintendo Switch as well as new Zelda games coming to the Switch 2.

How Many Zelda Games Are There on Nintendo Switch?

In total, eight Zelda games have been released specifically for the Nintendo Switch. This includes both mainline entries and spinoff games that were released from 2017 to 2025. All of these Zelda games are playable on the Switch 2.

All Zelda Switch Games in Order of Release Date

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - 2017

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was the first Zelda title released for Nintendo Switch. Launching alongside the system, this title marked a turning point in the Zelda series, bringing a style of open world gameplay that we'd never seen before. You can traverse to anywhere you can see in the world. Link awakes after a 100 year slumber, where he is tasked by the spirit of Hyrule's former King to save Princess Zelda from Calamity Ganon - a primal evil trapped inside Hyrule Castle.

Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition - 2018

Hyrule Warriors is an action hack and slash title developed by Omega Force and originally released for the Wii U. Characters from all kinds of Zelda games make an appearance, whether as playable characters or villains. The game was brought over to Nintendo Switch in 2018 in the form of Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, and includes all characters, stages, and modes from the original game in addition to Breath of the Wild inspired costumes for Link and Zelda.

Read our review of Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition.

Cadence of Hyrule - 2019

Cadence of Hyrule is an extremely unqiue collaboration between Brace Yourself Games and Nintendo. The game combines the roguelike rhythm gameplay of Crypt of the NecroDancer with the world of The Legend of Zelda and its characters. This spinoff offers an incredible soundtrack and beautiful pixelated graphics. Up against Octavo, a musical villain, Zelda and Link team up with Cadence to thwart his plans and save the Hyrule.

Read our review of Cadence of Hyrule.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening - 2019

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is a remake of 1993 Game Boy title developed by Grezzo. This charming platformer sees Link castaway at Koholint Island, where he must solve the mystery of the Wind Fish, a legendary being said to be on the island. Unlike some of the more modern Zelda titles, Link's Awakening takes you across many different dungeons and areas to collect the Instruments of the Sirens. If you never got the chance to play the original Link's Awakening, this is the definitive way to experience one of the Zelda series' most unique titles.

Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity - 2020

The second Switch entry in the Hyrule Warriors series, Age of Calamity is set 100 years before the events of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Here, you can experience firsthand the events that occured in the fight against Calamity Ganon. All of your favorite Breath of the Wild cahracters are here and playable, including Link, Zelda, the Champions, and so many more. Omega Force created a fun and expansive title, with two waves of DLC you can check out after completing the main story.

Read our review of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD - 2021

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is the long-awaited remaster of the classic Wii game. Set at the beginning of the Zelda timeline, Skyward Sword takes Link to the skies as he traverses across the world to save his childhood friend Zelda. You'll uncover the Master Sword was created as part of this journey, among other things. The remaster includes the iconic motion controls you can operate with the Joy-Con and a new button-only gameplay style for those looking to play without motion.

Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - 2023

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom hit the market in 2023, selling over 10 million copies in just three days as well as quite a few special edition Switch consoles. Set a few years after the events of Breath of the Wild, Link is tasked once again with finding Princess Zelda after Ganondorf is resurrected. Tears of the Kingdom takes to both the skies of Hyrule and the depths below the land. This creates one of the largest maps you'll find in any game, leaving for hundreds of hours of exploration to be had. All in all, it's the best Zelda game of all time and a hard one to follow.

Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom - 2024

But, of course, Tears of the Kingdom was not the end of this beloved Nintendo franchise. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom was announced during June's Nintendo Direct before launching on the Switch this week. While Echoes has the titular Princess take the story's reigns, and features a more 2D art style à la Link's Awakening, it should not be mistaken as a spin-off or side project. This is a full-blown, magical Zelda game, that lets you unlock your creativity to try and save Link and the rest of Hyrule in entirely new ways.

Read our review of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.

Nintendo is the most recognizable name in history when it comes to video games. From the beginning, Nintendo has been at the forefront of creativity and innovation in the home console space. Nintendo is known for its vast library of treasured IPs, with many offering the same charm dozens of years later. Now that the Switch 2 has launched into the world, you may be wanting to take a look back at the gaming giant's history in the console space.

Below, we've rounded up every single console Nintendo has ever released. Journey through the ages and discover how Nintendo has continued to push the gaming medium forward!

Looking to save on a new Nintendo Switch or new titles for your system? Be sure to check out the best Nintendo Switch 2 deals available on launch day.

How Many Nintendo Consoles Have There Been?

In total, 33 Nintendo consoles have been released throughout Nintendo's history. We've included revision models for both home and handheld consoles, which include brandings like XL and Mini.

Every Nintendo Console in Order of Release

Color TV-Game - June 1, 1977

The Color TV-Game line of systems was Nintendo's first foray into gaming hardware and one that you might not necessarily be aware of. These devices were a joint venture by Nintendo and Mitsubishi Electronics, with the latter involved as Nintendo was inexperienced at developing hardware. These systems were a major success at the time and ultimately led Nintendo to divert its focus to developing more gaming hardware. Almost 50 years later, the Color TV-Game's legacy is still felt, with Nintendo invested more than ever in gaming.

Game & Watch - April 28, 1980

Nintendo's first foray into the handheld market was with its Game & Watch devices, each loaded with a different game. While you might not think much of it, the Game & Watch series sold more than 40 million units worldwide. These devices brought many gaming revelations that are still utilized today, such as the D-Pad in the Donkey Kong Game & Watch. These consoles made a comeback somewhat recently when Nintendo released limited edition models in 2020 and 2021 to celebrate the anniversaries of Mario and Zelda.

Nintendo Entertainment System - October 18, 1985

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is the first Nintendo home console to be released in North America. Known as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, this console implemented cartridges to allow users to purchase and play as many games as they'd like on the system. Almost all of the major Nintendo franchises we know and love got their starts here, with series like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. Overall, the NES is one of the most important consoles in video game history, as it established a pipeline for generations to come.

Game Boy - July 31, 1989

The first true Nintendo handheld video game console is the Game Boy, which released in North America during the Summer of 1989. Game Boy took a major step forward from the Game & Watch, offering cartridges so you could play as many games as you'd like on the system. For many, the Game Boy's most well-known game is Tetris, which was bundled in with the system in every region with the exception of Japan.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System - August 23, 1991

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) brought 16-bit graphics to a Nintendo platform for the first time. This console was when Nintendo began crafting major evolutions for their biggest series, with games like Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, and more. Despite launching toward the latter part of this console generation, the SNES still managed to be the best-selling console of this time period with its profound software lineup and generational appeal.

Virtual Boy - August 14, 1995

The Virtual Boy is quite possibly Nintendo's weirdest console. This portable device was the first-ever video game console that could properly display 3D visuals. Merely 22 games were ever released for the system, with Mario's Tennis, 3D Tetris, and Virtual Boy Wario Land among the most popular. Virtual Boy only lasted on the market for one year, with just under 800,000 units sold in its lifetime.

Game Boy Pocket - September 3, 1996

The Game Boy Pocket is a smaller version of the Game Boy, featuring a definitive black-and-white screen instead of the Game Boy's green-tinted display. One of the biggest improvements of this release was the new hardware inside that improved the response time of the display on screen. However, with the smaller design, the Game Boy Pocket had a shorter battery life than the Game Boy.

Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996

Nintendo 64 brought 3D graphics to a Nintendo home console for the very first time. This revolutionary device brought two of the most influential titles ever: Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The N64 completely refreshed what the NES and SNES offered with a bold new controller that featured an analog stick for the first time. N64 is one of the few consoles where Nintendo sold many iconic special editions, with multiple translucent variants available.

Game Boy Light - April 14, 1998

Game Boy Light is a console you might not be too familiar with, and a large part of that is likely due to it being exclusive to Japan. This Game Boy revision was bigger than the Game Boy Pocket, but added a new backlight so players could play in low-light areas. Ultimately, this change allowed for the Game Boy Light to feature longer battery life than the Game Boy Pocket, around 20 hours in total.

Game Boy Color - November 18, 1998

Game Boy Color finally brought color to a Nintendo handheld. The device was backwards-compatible with all Game Boy games, so it was an easy upgrade for many. Some Game Boy games had support for color already, so titles like Tetris could be experienced anew with bright and beatuiful colors. With the new hardware inside, hundreds of new games were also released exclusively for the system.

Game Boy Advance - June 11, 2001

Game Boy Advance (GBA) was the first massive technological leap forward in the Game Boy brand for Nintendo. In a major shakeup to the previous Game Boy models, GBA flipped the device orientation to a horizontal, rectangular shape versus the portrait-designed Game Boy. 16-bit graphics were now available portably — a major upgrade from the Game Boy's 8-bit graphics support. Of course, Game Boy and Game Boy Color games were also supported via backwards compatibility. This opened the number of games available on GBA into the thousands.

Pokémon mini - November 16, 2001

Pokémon mini released in 2001 with a major focus on Pokémon games (as the name implies). This device is so incredibly small that you can fit multiple in your pocket. Only 10 games were ever released for Pokémon mini, with just four in North America. Pokémon mini featured a built-in clock function, an infrared port for communication, and built-in rumble.

Nintendo GameCube - November 18, 2001

Nintendo GameCube built upon the success of the Nintendo 64 and followed up with sequels to many of the beloved titles found on the system. Super Mario Sunshine, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are all three titles that shined on the system. GameCube made a major departure from Nintendo's prior home consoles, as it utilized discs instead of cartridges. Additionally, the controller made major improvements from N64, with built-in rumble, analog/digital triggers, and a staggered design for the sticks. The legacy of the GameCube still lives on today, with many of the franchises that debuted on the title more popular than ever. (Looking at you, Animal Crossing.)

Panasonic Q - December 14, 2001

Panasonic Q is a collaborative console between Panasonic and Nintendo. This device combined a traditional GameCube with a DVD player, allowing for users to play GameCube titles, watch DVDs, and listen to CDs. Its design is striking, with a stainless steel exterior and a front LCD panel. Due to the steep price and low sales, the console only lasted two years on the market.

Game Boy Advance SP - March 23, 2003

Game Boy Advance SP (GBA SP) was the first revision of the Game Boy Advance. A major change from the previous model was the hinge design, which placed the screen on the top panel and the controls on the bottom panel. Additionally, the GBA SP featured a chargeable battery and a backlit screen (exclusive to later models), which were both major improvements from its predecessor. Nintendo opted to omit a headphone jack on this model but offered an adapter for players to listen to audio through headphones.

Nintendo DS - November 21, 2004

Nintendo DS was the first unit in the DS line, which marked the start of Nintendo's best-selling console. The DS featured Wi-Fi support for the first time, with a standout clamshell design that expanded upon the Game Boy SP. With two screens, games on Nintendo DS were quite unique, with many developers creating experiences unlike anything on the market previously. The bottom screen was a touchscreen that players could use with the included stylus pen.

Game Boy Micro - September 19, 2005

Game Boy Micro was famously revealed by Reggie Fils-Aimé during E3 2005, with many shocked at the small size of the system. The rectangular design featured a D-pad and two buttons on the front, with Start and Select buttons on the bottom side of the unit. Like previous GBA models, Game Boy Micro was backwards compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, in addition to playing Game Boy Advance titles. Game Boy Micro featured a backlit screen that allowed for adjustable brightness and even lighting across the screen. The system only sold 2.42 million units across 18 months until its production ended.

Nintendo DS Lite - June 11, 2006

Nintendo DS Lite was the first revision of the Nintendo DS. This model released just under a year and a half after the initial launch of the Nintendo DS, and it brought a few changes to the fold. First, the DS Lite is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor. The screens are also both noticeably brighter than the standard DS, which made games easier to see regardless of lighting conditions. Lastly, the battery life was much improved on Nintendo DS Lite to allow for more playtime without the need for a charge.

Nintendo Wii - November 19, 2006

Nintendo Wii marked a huge resurgence for Nintendo's home console business, with a unique focus on motion controls that sold many on the system. The unique Wii Remote relied heavily on motion to control the system, utilizing both infrared and digital technology to input motion from all directions. Nintendo released all sorts of accessories for the system, from the Nunchuk to the Wii MotionPlus. Wii was backwards compatible with both GameCube titles and controllers, since the Wii utilized optical discs once again. One of the defining software offerings of Wii was Virtual Console, which allowed players to purchase NES, SNES, and N64 titles for digital download.

Nintendo DSi - November 1, 2008

Nintendo DSi made a few changes to the Nintendo DS, acting as the second major revision of the model. It added two cameras, one on the hinge inside and one on the outside panel, which were utilized in games and in certain software. An SD card slot was also added to provide additional storage for downloaded games. Unfortunately, the Nintendo DSi also removed the Game Boy Advance slot that was present on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite.

Nintendo DSi XL - November 21, 2009

Nintendo DSi XL was a larger model of the DSi that launched a year after the main model. This device featured larger, wide-view screens that both sat at 4.2 inches. Two speakers were added to the top panel to provide better, clearer sound for players, and a bigger battery for longer playtime. With the larger screens, Nintendo DS games were brighter and easier to experience than ever.

Nintendo 3DS - March 27, 2011

Nintendo 3DS was the successor to the Nintendo DS line, offering a wide variety of new features, games, and hardware capabilities. The key feature of 3DS was the 3D capabilities, which were powered by stereoscopy so no eyewear was required. Interestingly enough, this is the same technology that was used to power the Virtual Boy, which only lasted on the market for one year in 1995. 3DS was a massive upgrade from Nintendo DS, with many impressive titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Fire Emblem: Awakening, and Super Mario 3D Land.

Nintendo 3DS XL - August 19, 2012

Nintendo 3DS XL (known as Nintendo 3DS LL in Japan) featured a screen that was 90% larger than the original 3DS. This console retained every feature of the Nintendo 3DS and simply offered a larger screen. Many games were much easier to view with this model, especially with the bottom screen.

Nintendo Wii U - November 18, 2012

The Nintendo Wii U was the successor to Nintendo Wii, featuring an all-new GamePad controller. This controller featured a screen and could be used to play titles off of the TV. All previous Nintendo Wii games, accessories, and controllers were compatible with the system. Wii U was Nintendo's first-ever console to support HD, which was a major step up from the 480p capabilities of the Wii. There were some incredible titles released for the system, including Xenoblade Chronicles X, Super Mario 3D World, Splatoon, and Bayonetta 2 to name a few. Ultimately, a combination of poor marketing and confusion led to poor sales of the Wii U, which left Nintendo in a crucial state prior to the launch of Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Wii Mini - December 7, 2012

Wii Mini was a smaller, lighter Wii unit that was released at the very tail end of the Wii's life cycle. Wii Mini featured a top-facing disc drive, which was a huge departure from the standard Wii. Additionally, it removed support for GameCube, Wi-Fi connectivity, 480p resolution, and SD cards. This console launched in Canada during December 2012, with releases in Europe and the United States in 2013.

Nintendo 2DS - October 12, 2013

Nintendo 2DS offered exactly what it sounds like: fun, 2D content. This device removed the 3D capability present on 3DS models and instead flattened out the console to a square-like shape. All 3DS titles are playable on 2DS, with all features minus 3D intact. The console did lose considerable sound quality, as the speaker onboard was swapped for a mono speaker versus a stereo speaker. However, with the extremely low price point, Nintendo had to cut costs somewhere.

New Nintendo 3DS - October 11, 2014

New Nintendo 3DS made significant upgrades to the standard 3DS, with new controls, features, and platform support. Nintendo added the C-Stick, ZR and ZL buttons, and NFC support for amiibo with this release. While the New Nintendo 3DS launched across Japan, Australia, and Europe in late 2014 to early 2015, North America did not receive this standard version until September 25, 2015.

New Nintendo 3DS XL - February 13, 2015

Released before New Nintendo 3DS in North America, New Nintendo 3DS XL was a larger version of the revised 3DS model. Although the standard model did feature bigger screens than the standard 3DS, the 3DS XL had even bigger displays, which allowed for more immersive games. The New 3DS XL made a major change from the smaller model as it removed the ability to change face plates. Many felt this limited customization, though Nintendo did offer mutliple special editions for players to purchase.

Nintendo Switch - March 3, 2017

Nintendo Switch fully realized the vision of the Wii U and completely propelled Nintendo to the top of the industry once again. The Switch operates as both a home and portable console, with the ability to play games wherever you go. The same grand experiences you were used to on consoles can now be played in a park, on a plane, or in your bed. With arguably the best first-party library of any Nintendo console, Switch has seen some of the greatest games of all time be released on it. There have also been quite a few special edition Nintendo Switch consoles that have been released throughout the years.

New Nintendo 2DS XL - July 28, 2017

New Nintendo 2DS XL was a major update to the 2DS. Additions for this model included an analog stick, shoulder buttons, amiibo support, and more. 2DS XL also moved back to the signature clamshell-hinge design, which was a departure from the flat panel used for 2DS. This console was also able to play New 3DS titles, which included games like Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and Fire Emblem Warriors.

Nintendo Switch Lite - September 20, 2019

Nintendo Switch Lite shrunk down the body of the Nintendo Switch, utilizing a 5.5 inch LCD screen. The major change with this model was the removal of Joy-Cons, as the controllers became built-in on the sides of the console. As a result of these changes, the Nintendo Switch Lite is only playable in handheld mode and cannot be docked to a TV. This allowed Nintendo to cut costs and charge $100 less for the Lite model.

Nintendo Switch OLED Model - October 8, 2021

Nintendo Switch OLED debuted alongside Metroid Dread in October 2021. This premium Switch increased the size of the screen to 7 inches while also adding a new premium OLED panel. In addition to these features, the speakers and kickstand were also reworked for this device. The OLED model released alongside a new dock, featuring rounded corners and a built-in LAN port.

Nintendo Switch 2 - June 5, 2025

The newest Nintendo console has arrived. Nintendo has emphasized that the Switch 2 isn't just an upgraded Switch system but an entire redesign, featuring magnetic Joy-Cons with mouse controls, a 7.9-inch screen with HDR support, and a new C-button for online GameChat. The Switch 2 features five times as much storage as the original Switch, starting at 256GB, and is only compatible with MicroSD Express cards for storage upgrades.

The new system on its own starts at a price of $449.99 and can be bundled with the all-new Mario Kart World game for $499.99. The Switch 2 also launched alongside a host of new accessories, including a new Pro controller and an official Nintendo Switch 2 camera.

Upcoming Nintendo Switch Consoles

Eight years after the original Nintendo Switch, we're finally getting our hands on the Switch 2. Let's not get too ahead of ourselves by thinking about the next generation just yet. That said, it will be interesting to see whether Nintendo releases Switch 2 variants, like the upgraded Switch OLED and handheld-only Switch Lite that followed the original Switch.

Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium.

It doesn't take an expert to see that graphics cards are much more expensive than they've been in the past. Luckily, it looks like budget graphics cards are starting to make a comeback. My No. 1 pick, the Intel Arc B580, recently came out at $249 and absolutely dominated everything else below $300. So rather than settling for cards that cost same price the GTX 1070 Ti launched for back in 2014, budget gamers can actually get something good. Still, a $450 graphics card like the RTX 5060 Ti is way more affordable than the $999 (to start) RTX 5080 that's backing up the best gaming PCs on the market right now, and would still be considered a budget card these days.

TL;DR - These Are the Best Budget GPUs:

Even with that lower price tag, you can still get an extremely good gaming experience, provided you temper your expectations a bit. While the RTX 5060 Ti, for instance, isn't exactly a 4K gaming card, it absolutely shines at 1080p (and even 1440p) games, and is probably the best graphics card for anyone still using the most popular display resolution (according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey). So, no, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars to get a great gaming PC in 2025, even if it is a little bit more expensive than it used to be.

I've been reviewing graphics cards for years now, and because I've gone hands-on with every GPU on this list, I can stand by their performance, especially for the price tag.

What Do We Consider a "Budget GPU"?

These days, graphics cards are more expensive than they've ever been, with some Nvidia graphics cards reaching up to $2,000, while cheaper cards are still selling for hundreds of dollars. It used to be that a budget graphics card would run you around $200 and deliver a solid 1080p gaming experience in the latest games, but that's not really the case anymore. For instance, the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT could be considered a budget graphics card by today's standards, and that will set you back $349.

It's a game of perspective, really. If a high-end graphics card is around $1,000 and a mid-range graphics card like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 is around $449, a budget graphics card would be somewhere in the range of $200 to $300. There are definitely ultra-cheap graphics cards that you can find lower than that, but at that point, you're going to need to compromise and get a last-generation GPU. That doesn't mean the performance will be bad, though. An RTX 3060 or RTX 2060 will still be awesome at 1080p, even if you miss out on some modern features.

All you need to do is ask yourself if you really need the best ray tracing effects. Chances are you can live without them.

1. Intel Arc B580

The Best Budget Graphics Card

2. Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti

Best Budget Graphics Card Under $450

3. AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT

Best Budget AMD GPU

4. MSI GeForce RTX 3050 Gaming X

Best Budget GPU Under $200

5. AMD Radeon RX 9070

Best Mid-Range GPU

How to Pick the Best GPU on a Budget

Choosing the best budget GPU doesn't have to be overwhelming – it's all about knowing what to look for and finding the right balance between performance and cost. Before deciding which GPU you want to purchase, you’ll first need to think about what you’re using your GPU for.

Pay attention to factors like frame rates, resolution capabilities, and compatibility with your existing hardware. A GPU that performs well across these areas is likely a solid choice. If you have a particular game in mind that you want to play, look at the system requirements on your chosen gaming platform; this will give you a good idea of what to look for.

As previously mentioned, it’s worth keeping an eye out for sales, discounts, and bundle deals. Prices can fluctuate, so it's worth waiting for a good deal if you're not in a rush. And, if a new GPU has been released, check out some older models as the prices will likely come down. Combining a quality GPU with a good deal can maximize your bang for buck.

FAQs about Cheaper GPUs

How much should I budget for a GPU?

Less demanding games require less processing power, so you can afford to get a GPU on a budget. For 1080p gaming, you can quite easily get a decent graphics card for anywhere between $200 to $400. However, for 1440p or 4K gaming, prices can extend well beyond $500.

What is the best budget GPU for content creation?

If you're serious about content creation, but can't spring $1,000+ for a RTX 5080 or better, your best bet is a GPU like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti. It's got enough CUDA cores to power through most creative workloads via Adobe Premiere or Blender, but also has the 4th-generation Tensor cores to power DLSS, which is increasingly being included in most popular content creation apps.

Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. She's been reviewing graphics cards for years, at websites like TechRadar, Gizmodo, The Shortcut, and, of course, IGN. You can often find her debating the finer points of the latest graphics architectures, even if no one else in the room wants to hear about it. You can follow her @Jackiecobra.

Samsung's fastest PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD is on sale today exclusively from the Samsung Store. Right now you can pick up a Samsung 990 Pro 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe solid state drive (SSD) with pre-installed heatsink for just $149.99 after a 30% off instant discount. Everyone is eligible for this offer (you do not need to have an edu or epp account). Despite the fact that this is currently one of the less expensive 2TB high-speed SSDs you can get, the Samsung 990 Pro is widely considered one of the fastest PCIe 4.0 SSDs on the market. It makes for an outstanding drop-in storage expansion for your PlayStation 5 console or as a boot drive for your gaming rig.

Samsung 990 Pro 2TB PS5 SSD for $149.99

Ever wanted to eat your popcorn directly out of Galactus’ head? Well, if you plan on seeing The Fantastic Four: First Steps in theaters, you’ll be able to do just that. The Galactus popcorn bucket for the upcoming film has been revealed — and needless to say, it’s probably going to be a major collectors item.

The “Giant Galactus Popcorn Vessel,” as it's being called by AMC Theatres, stands a whopping 17 inches tall and features the film’s antagonist, who will be played by The Witch and Nosferatu's Ralph Ineson, from the neck up. The bucket is a replica of the character’s head, which dons bright blue eyes, and helmet, which is finished in a shimmery purple hue. The popcorn itself is eaten out of the open top of Galactus’ helmet and, according to the chain, a large popcorn comes with each limited edition bucket.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is set to release for PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 30. It’s a new take on the classic tactical RPG, which many gamers of a certain vintage consider an absolute masterpiece. This new version comes with the original game, plus an enhanced version that includes new content and features and is available to preorder now (see it at Amazon). We have all the details below, plus buy links and info about what comes in each edition.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Digital Deluxe Edition

• Get it for PS5/PS4 - $59.99
• Get it for Xbox - $59.99
• Get it for PC (Steam) - $59.99
• Get it for Switch - Not Yet Available

The digital-only deluxe edition comes with the game itself, plus the following in-game items:

• Weapon: Akademy Blade (Raises a unit's speed attribute slightly while equipped)
• Headwear: Akademy Beret (Prevents the Charmed status while equipped)
• Combat Garb: Akademy Tunic (Grants Shell while equipped)
• Accessory: Ring of Aptitude (Boosts JP earned while equipped)
• Consumable Items: Phoenix Down x10
• Black Equipment for Ramza
• Red Equipment for Ramza

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Preorder Bonus

Preorder Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, and you’ll receive the game itself, plus the following in-game items:

• Mythril Knife
• Spiked Boots
• White Equipment for Ramza
• High Potion x10
• Ether x10

If you preorder from Amazon, you’ll receive the game itself, plus a physical bonus item:

• Double-Sided Poster

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Collector’s Box (SOLD OUT)

• See it at Square Enix Store - $200

The Collector’s Box sold out almost immediately after going on sale. It’s a Square Enix Store exclusive that does not contain the game, but has the following physical extras:

• Ramza Beoulve figure (Akademy version)
• Chocobo mini plush set
• Pop-up art - “Outlying Church”
• Special art box
• Art sheet set
• Zodiac stones acrylic magnet set

What Is Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles?

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a tactical RPG that originally came out for PS1 in 1997. It takes place in Ivalice, the same setting as Final Fantasy XII and Vagrant Story. In it, the king has died, and his successor is only two years old. That means the regent will effectively be in charge of the land. Two dukes are gunning for the regent position: Goltanna the Black Lion and Larg the White Lion. Their battle is called the War of the Lions, and it acts as the backdrop for the game. You play as Ramza and Delita as you battle your way through all sorts of political turmoil.

The battles themselves are turn-based affairs that have you positioning your units on a grid-based battlefield as you duke it out against the enemy troops. One of the main selling points is the jobs system, which offers over 20 classes of characters for you to choose and customize. There’s a lot of strategy going on in this game.

This new version of the game includes the full original game, updated to look good on modern displays. That’s called the Classic Version. But it also has an enhanced version of the game, complete with a new user interface, improved graphics and voice acting, new difficulty levels, battle speeds, and a tactical view to get an overview of the battlefield. Sounds like a solid update to me.

More Preorder Guides

Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN's board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Bluesky.

The day has finally arrived — the Nintendo Switch 2 is here! Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably already know that. What you might not know is that Sega has four games coming to the console, three of which are available now and one with a release date fast approaching.

This batch of games brings some titles to the Switch for the first time and covers a range of genres. From pure action to platforming to puzzles, there’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re a solo gamer or want something to play with friends. If you’re one of the many people who has a shiny new Switch 2, here are some options to get the most out of it.

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut

This is the definitive edition of the Yakuza series’ origin story, loaded with new content that makes it a standout of the Switch 2’s third-party launch lineup. If you’ve never had the chance to dive into the Yakuza series, this is the best starting point.

You play as yakuza Kazuma Kiryu and former yakuza (also current cabaret club manager) Goro Majima in a crime drama exploring the decadence and danger of 1988 Japan. Both characters have three unique fighting styles that you can switch between on the fly while making use of your surroundings by turning street signs, bicycles, motorcycles, and traffic cones into makeshift weapons.

But Yakuza 0 isn’t all about cracking skulls. When you want to take a break from fighting, you can live it up on the neon-lit streets of Japan and enjoy a variety of optional side content: over-the-top substories, karaoke and dancing rhythm games, bowling, and even a full-blown retro Sega arcade.

The Director’s Cut adds English voice acting and more than 25 minutes of new cutscenes, providing deeper insight into character backstories and key moments of the main story. It also adds a new online mode called Red Light Raid, where you can join forces with up to three teammates to take on hordes of enemies while fighting the clock to face down a final boss.

Defeating enemies and winning raids gets you money to unlock and upgrade characters — there are 60 in all, each with their own health, defense, and attack stats. An online leaderboard will track your lifetime earnings, so you and your friends can fight your way to the top.

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is available now for the Switch 2. For more info and trailers, visit the official website.

Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

This is a remastered version of the 2006 action RPG that’s part of the Devil Summoner series, a spinoff from Shin Megami Tensei, and it marks Raidou’s debut on a Nintendo console. You play as a demon-summoning detective protecting the streets of an alternate version of 1931 Tokyo, where the Taisho era is still ongoing.

It all begins with a mysterious schoolgirl who asks Raidou to kill her, but she’s kidnapped by armored soldiers before she can explain why. On top of that, demonic incursions are on the rise across the city. You’ll need to make use of Raidou’s ability to capture and fuse demons as you try to solve this strange case that will lead him to discover a sinister conspiracy that threatens all of Japan.

The remaster adds demons that weren’t in the original, for a total of more than 120 this time around. They can fight beside you in combat but also join you on the field, and you can use their unique abilities to affect the environment and help solve cases. Some demons let you read minds, others light up areas to help find hidden objects, while others can freeze water or fly over impassable areas.

There are also several new improvements to visuals, audio, and performance. Characters that are part of the main storyline now have full voice acting, bringing them to life in a new way. The graphics have been upgraded across the board, the UI has been revamped, and you can save your game from anywhere on the field. Plus, the battle system has been overhauled. You can now fully control the camera during combat, navigating menus has been streamlined, you can command multiple demons, and Raidou has new abilities. If you want to hear more about all of this from someone who’s gotten to play it, you can listen to IGN’s Michael Higham discuss it as part of a recent episode of Unlocked.

Raidou Remastered releases on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on June 19. There will be five DLC packs (and a bundle of all five packs in one) also available at release, and you can get the cosmetic item Raidou Glasses for preordering either the digital or physical version of the base game.

If you sign up for a Sega Account, you can claim* the Survival Pack Light Gear for free between June 19 and July 31, 2025. The pack comes with these in-game items: Soma x2 (fully restores Raidou’s HP and MAG), Survival Erudition x5 (automatically revives Raidou one time with full HP, but can’t be used in “Sleuth” difficulty).

*Available in select regions. Regional age restrictions may apply.

For more information about the game, its characters, and where to preorder it, you can visit the official website.

Sonic x Shadow Generations

This is a two-games-in-one package that combines Shadow Generations with a remastered version of Sonic Generations. IGN gave the original release a 9 and said it “takes an already excellent game and spring jumps it to new heights at a blistering pace by doubling up the campaign length with creative level design, fantastic bosses, plenty of collectibles, and an appreciable graphical upgrade.” In the Switch 2 release, those upgrades are pushed even further. Both games have been optimized and enhanced for Nintendo’s new console, with improvements to resolution and graphics.

The games play similarly, but with some marked differences. Sonic Generations sees you switch between “classic” and “modern” versions of Sonic, with gameplay inspired by different eras of the franchise. “Classic” is purely side-scrolling, like the original Sonic games of the ’90s. “Modern” plays more like the 2000s era, with a mixture of side-scrolling and third-person. You use a main hub to access each level, which all have a “classic” section and “modern” section. Some of the levels are more than just inspired by previous eras, they’re full-on remakes of iconic levels from the series — like the classic Green Hill Zone from the original Sonic and City Escape from Sonic Adventure 2.

As the name implies, Shadow Generations stars Shadow the Hedgehog as the protagonist. It also has two sections of each level, one side-scrolling and one 3D, but Shadow has different powers than his blue counterpart. As he defeats enemies, he fills a gauge in the corner of the screen. Once full, you can activate Chaos Control, which stops time, freezes objects, and opens alternate paths. You can also discover new abilities known as Doom Powers, which unlock new attacks and abilities that drastically alter Shadow's platforming capabilities.

The upgraded version of Sonic x Shadow Generations was part of the Switch 2’s launch lineup and is available now. For more details on the story and to see it in action, check out the official website.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S

This unique puzzle game lands on Switch 2 as an exclusive, bringing a ton of new features along with it in Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, which combines two beloved series into one and lets you choose how to play. You can play it like Tetris, placing blocks and eliminating them by filling lines across the screen. Or like Puyo Puyo, eliminating colored blobs by matching colors and setting up combos. Or you can combine the two in crossover game modes.

Then there’s the exclusives: an all-new game mode and features you can only experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 that take advantage of the new hardware in fun ways. The Puyo Tetris® Doubles mode lets you compete in 2v2 battles with pairs using the same board, allowing you to set up devastating combos. Gameshare lets you use one copy of the game to play with up to three of your friends from anywhere around the world, camera functionality lets you put yourself into the game and become the background of a stage or the game board through a live video feed, and there’s also mouse control support using the Joy-Con 2.

On top of that, there’s an extensive single-player adventure and 12 game modes that can be played solo or in local and online multiplayer. Plus, there’s a roster of 40 playable characters, including Sonic the Hedgehog, each with their own unique stats and abilities.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S was also a Switch 2 launch title and is out now. You can find more details and order it on the official website.

IGN can exclusively reveal not only first look images of Prime Video's Butterfly, but we can also confirm that all six episodes of this Daniel Dae Kim-led spy-thriller series will premiere on August 13, 2025.

Kim, who has previously starred in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Lost, and Hawaii Five-0, will also serve as executive producer on this series that co-stars Reina Hardesty (The Secret Art of Human Flight), Piper Perabo (Yellowstone), and Louis Landau (Rivals).

Prime Video's Butterfly is based on BOOM! Studios' graphic novel series of the same name by Arash Amel, and it is a "character-driven spy-thriller that explores family dynamics within the treacherous world of global espionage."

"It's centered on David Jung (Kim), an enigmatic, highly unpredictable former US intelligence operative living in South Korea, whose life is blown to pieces when the consequences of an impossible decision from his past come back to haunt him, and he finds himself pursued by Rebecca (Hardesty), a deadly, sociopathic young agent assigned to kill him, and Caddis, the sinister spy organization she works for," continues the official description.

“Butterfly is the realization of a longtime dream to bring together American and Korean storytellers and create a show that bridges two cultures that I love deeply,” said Kim. “I couldn’t be happier with the creative team we've assembled, both in front of and behind the camera, and I’m grateful to Ken Woodruff, Boom! Studios, 3AD, Amazon, and everyone else who helped bring it to life.”

The Mentalist and Gotham's Ken Woodruff will be serving as showrunner and co-creator alongside acclaimed novelist Steph Cha. Other members of the cast include Kim Ji-hoon, Park Hae-soo, Kim Tae-hee, Charles Parnell, Sean Dulake, and Nayoon Kim, with Sung Dong-il and Lee Il-hwa appearing in guest roles.

Woodruff and Cha join Kim as executive producers alongside John Cheng for 3AD; Stephen Christy and Ross Richie for BOOM! Studios; and Arash Amel for The Amel Company.

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic.

IGN can exclusively reveal that Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights in both Orlando and Hollywood will be getting a new haunted house based on Prime Video’s Fallout series and that HHN’s Five Night’s at Freddy’s experience will be based on the movie, the latter of which will be brought to life with the help of the legendary Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, who also did the animatronics for the film.

While we don’t know much more about the Five Nights at Freddy’s experience, Fallout’s haunted house will open on August 29 at Universal Orlando Resort and on September 4 at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it will allow fans to relive the greatest moments from Fallout’s first season and more.

Guests will first enter Vault 33 and follow Lucy MacLean as she tries to escape a bloody massacre while also learning of an “evil hidden secret.” The journey will then take guests outside the vault and into the Wasteland, where they will need to dodge attacks from both Scavengers, Raiders, and even mutated cockroaches known as RAD Roaches. Throughout the trek through the Wasteland, guests will visit the Super Duper Mart, encounter the Ghoul, and even meet Maximus and his massive T-60 armor.

To learn more about this exciting and terrifying trip to the nuclear wasteland, we had the chance to speak to John Murdy, Creative Director / Executive Producer at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Matthew Flood, Senior Show Director at Universal Orlando Resort, for IGN Live. Among other things, these big fans of Fallout shared how they and the team are doing all they can to make this the best Fallout experience ever.

“As you go through these environments, we want fans to say, ‘I recognize this, I'm in a Fallout vault. How cool is that?!’ Flood said. “Where else are you going to get to say that you walked through a Fallout vault and then into the Wasteland and saw ghouls?

“And you can see and understand what the world is just by what you pass, including the bodies when Lucy first exits the vault. That type of thing is really good for us in Halloween Horror Nights and… yes, it’s gruesome, which is what our fans want at Halloween Horror Nights. It’s also scary and provides great characters, good monsters, all the mutated creatures, and the ghouls. That’s ripe for the picking when it comes to Halloween Horror Nights.”

Fallout also offers the team a chance to do something they’ve never done before.

“Fallout is kind of retro futuristic, and a lot of the aesthetics of it are very 1950s,” Murdy said. “The fact that we get to deal with the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust is very exciting for us since we've never done anything like that at HHN before. It’s like tapping into a whole different realm of horror.”

What’s also interesting is that Hollywood and Orlando will each have unique aspects to their Fallout experience, including for the T-60 armor.

“It's massive,” Murdy said of the T-60 Armor. “We work really closely with the people who are producing Fallout, and they've shared an incredible number of assets with us. We've done a lot of really big stuff over the years with Horror Nights, but this has got to be, I think, one of the biggest things we've ever had to do. We also thought it’d be cool if each park had a lot in common but also some differences. So, for Hollywood, the Power Armor is a full animatronic; we’re doing it as a fully animated figure.”

“In Orlando, we do have kind of a final battle moment,” Flood added. “I’m not going to reveal too much, but yes, T-60s will be part of that battle. We also got a chance to fit in Filly, and I think having a moment to get a real-life Fallout battle happening there is pretty cool.”

Murdy also teased that each Fallout house will have its own “creature takes,” and Hollywood’s will be the horrifying Yao Guai Bear.

With ghouls and mutated bears and murderous scavengers abound, this haunted house is meant to be a chaotic thing, but Flood, Murdy, and the team have taken great care to have it be more than just non-stop terror. Murdy told us that his writing treatments for this Fallout experience averaged 100 pages, which feature both a narrative guide and a technical breakdown from start to finish.

“It's that detailed because we need to spell it all out for our team so they know exactly what to create,” Murdy said. “And what Horror Nights is known for is our attention to detail. And what we're aiming for alongside the casual guest is the uber fan. We want to have so many different Easter Eggs that certain people won't particularly notice, but that the real hardcore fans of the video game and the series will.”

Flood teased that there is a Pip-Boy they’ve been working on that will be a treat to find, and he teased that guests should look in all the windows of the storefronts or sides of buildings, as there will be “little things scattered around.”

“If you're here for a second or third time through the house, and you get a chance to glance down when you're not totally terrified, you can see a lot of those Easter eggs existing throughout the house,” Flood said.

Lastly, we asked what the pair what they were most excited about bringing to life for Hollywood Horror Nights.

“For me, it was obviously the Wasteland,” Murdy said. “It is fun to go from the vaults where you're in a claustrophobic environment to then kind of open it up into the Wasteland. However, when I think of it purely from what Horror Nights delivers, it’s Super Duper Mart.”

Speaking of exciting fictional businesses, we were able to get one more exciting quote for the Five Nights at Freddy’s experience at this year’s Hollywood Horror Nights, and it’s making the wait for more details even worse!

“When you experience this, it is literally like living in the movie,” Murdy said.

For more, check out a look at our review of Fallout Season 1 and the tease of Season 2, a look at the sinister poster for Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, and everything you need to know about IGN Live, which is kicking off on June 7.

Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic.

We're thinking we're back!...for another John Wick piece. This time it's an official ranking of all four Wick-tastic flicks. With Ana de Armas exploding onto the scene in spinoff Ballerina, and now also John Wick 5 getting the go-ahead, it's time to look at the full John Wick saga so far and name the best of the best (since there really isn't a bad one)!

Where will Ballerina eventually place here? We'll probably check back in down the line and add that movie to the rankings, as Ana de Armas plays a Eve, a ballerina-assassin trained at the Ruska Roma Ballet School that was introduced to us in John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum. And since the movie is set between Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, Keanu Reeves himself gets to make an appearance as as John Wick.

So which John Wick movie is the best? Is it the one where he shoots a bunch of guys or the one where he shoots a bunch of guys while on a horse? Or the movie where he shot a bunch of mercenaries on the stairs? It's all a swirling torrent of bullets, but we've sorted it all out for you.

Buckle up for some of the coolest carnage around. A world of assassins. Secret hotels for contract killers. Ground rules like "No Outside Food!" The world of John Wick is rich and lethal, and it hasn't produced a bad movie yet! The trick, however, is...naming the best one!

4. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)

Coming in at number four is the still-great John Wick: Chapter 2, the first sequel of the series, where Wick, after attaining bloody revenge for his grief therapy puppy, is called upon to kill a crime lord on behalf of that crime lord's jealous brother... on behalf of a blood oath that Wick owes the jealous brother. It's a solid action shoot-em-up follow-up that kicks off the whole "price on his head" bounty storyline that fuels the insanity of the next two films. Wick trying to make his way through Manhattan, pursued by Common, with every nefarious assassin coming out of the woodwork, is a prime Wick. John Wick: Chapter 2 opens up the World o' Wick, laying the groundwork for this tragic, violent story to continue on toward a point of no return.

3. John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)

At number 3? Chapter 3! And what a wild freakin' ride this movie is. Wick barely outruns a $14 million dollar bounty, seeks refuge with his O.G. crime family -- the Ruska Roma -- kills a bunch of people in Casablanca, dedicates his soul (and finger) to The Elder, and then fends off the The Adjudicator's small army at the NYC Continental. All to get betrayed by Ian McShane's Winston in the end. It's a thrilling, action-packed adventure that very much acts as a bridging story, picking up with Chapter 2's cliffhanger and ending with a cliffhanger of its own. But it's got horse stunts, Halle Berry, Mark Dacascos, and another upsetting dog death.

2. John Wick (2014)

Landing in second place is the original revenge thriller, where it all started, 2014's John Wick! A New York crime boss' dipsh*t son runs afoul of not just any retired assassin -- THE retired assassin -- and it's off to the races. Neither pleas of mercy nor threats of violence can stop underworld boogeyman John Wick from killing everyone in his path to get revenge on this little A-hole for killing his sweet, tiny dog. Before spiraling outward into a gunslinging globe-trotting odyssey, the first John Wick was just a tight, thrilling murderfest about a grieving monster who unfortunately gets awakened for (what he thinks is) one final killing spree.

1. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

John Wick: Chapter 4 closes out Wick's tale of redemption and damnation in epic fashion. Pitted against the High Table, which is using all of its vast resources to burn the world (and various Continentals) to kill him, Wick challenges the Marquis to a duel. But can Wick even make it to the duel with a $26 million dollar bounty on his head? It's a race against time into certain death as the hitman whose frightened peers refer to as "Baba Yaga" puts it all on the line to take to steal himself a seat at the High Table. It's the perfect culmination of a series that expanded its lore, and the art of violence, with each successive movie. The battle on the Rue Foyatier and the Arc de Triomphe car chase are not to be missed!

Read IGN's John Wick: Chapter 4 review here.

What order would YOU put the John Wick movies in? Which is your favorite? Vote in the poll above and/or let us know below...

Nintendo has updated its list of Switch 2 compatibility issues to request that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate owners refrain from using the Mii Fighter characters, as they're currently breaking the game.

According to Nintendo's Japanese support website (thanks, OatmealDome), the issue with Mii Fighter only occurs when Smash Bros. Ultimate is being played online, and a match takes place between one person on Switch 1 and another person on Switch 2.

In this circumstance, should one player be using Mii Fighter, Nintendo warns that an online match may end "immediately," kicking both players out before the usual punch-ups can be had.

Nintendo hasn't explained the reason why this issue is occuring, though the fact it is limited to Mii characters may suggest there is some difference to how the two console generations handle the custom avatars — leaving the game to give up on matches instead.

Indeed, Nintendo also warns that Mii Fighter thumbnails may also not save correctly on Switch 2, pointing to some kind of compatibility problem.

"An update will be released soon," Nintendo has said, though there's no word yet on when.

Originally released in December 2018, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is one of Nintendo's best-selling games for Switch 1, with more than 36 million copies shifted. With the series' largest player roster and years of extra content, the game has earned its Ultimate moniker — leaving many fans to wonder what might be next for the series.

Nintendo recently announced a new game from Smash Bros. series boss Masahiro Sakurai — though it's not a new Smash Bros. title. Instead, the veteran designer and director is working on Kirby Air Riders, a fresh game for Nintendo's pink puffball that's due to launch on Switch 2 later in 2025.

Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

If audio is important to you when it comes to Nintendo games, one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories worth adding to your collection is a decent gaming headset. And, if you're eyeing a Switch 2 for its new GameChat feature, a headset will be essential to not annoy everyone else in your home. Our favorite option to pair with the Nintendo Switch is the versatile Razer Barracuda X. Still, no matter what you want, we’ve made sure to cater to all kinds of needs and price ranges – from the best budget headsets to the most premium high-end headset money can buy.

TL;DR: These Are the Best Headsets for Nintendo Switch

Finding the best Nintendo Switch headset requires a lot of time, energy, and effort, with various brands on the market and tons of features to look out for. Plus, the best gaming headset will appeal differently to different people. Nintendo finally addiing Bluetooth connectivity to the Switch also makes wireless headsets eligible for consideration. We've done the testing and research to bring you five of our favorite gaming headsets for Switch.

The Razer Barracuda X we reviewed is easily our top pick for a Nintendo Switch headset that’s impressive in every way at an incredibly reasonable price. For just $99, you get excellent audio quality and a lag-free wireless connection through the low-latency 2.4GHz USB dongle. This headset also offers seamless Bluetooth connectivity for your Nintendo Switch, smartphone, and other devices for a completely cable-free setup.

In our testing of the Barracuda X, we found it is also immensely comfortable thanks to its mesh-covered memory foam earcups, remarkably thick headband padding, and lightweight plastic body. Weighing just 250g, it is ideal for extended hours of gameplay without feeling like a burden on your noggin. What makes the Barracuda X even better for long gaming sessions is its 60-hour battery life, and even when it runs out of juice, you can always use the included 3.5mm cable to keep playing. If you also game on platforms other than the Switch, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s also one of the best PS5 headsets, and is compatitable with PC and smartphones sporting USB-C Ports.

Our testing of the HyperX Cloud Alpha confirmed it to be one of the most popular choices for a wired gaming headset. It hosts 50mm dual chamber drivers that deliver focused and powerful sound. The sound is crisp and clear, and it maintains that clarity even when the volume is cranked all the way up. The detachable boom mic on the cans is excellent at canceling unwanted background noise and transferring your voice clearly and precisely.

The Cloud Alpha features a sturdy aluminum frame headband that makes it durable and light. The lightweight profile of the headset coupled with its thick earcups makes for a tremendously comfortable fit as well. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry too much about the cable being a hassle. The headset boasts a braided nylon cable that is fairly easy to untangle.

We've reviewed theSteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless and found it to be one of the best options if you want to go fully cable-free. The headset has a lag-free connection with its USB dongle and it provides up to 20 hours of gaming before it runs out of battery. (Since it also sports wired connection options, you don’t have to put the headset down when it’s out of juice, though you'll be tethered up.) The Arctis 1’s 40mm drivers help deliver impressive audio.

Apart from the seamless connection and brilliant sound, the headset features a sturdy body padded with soft Airweave fabric on the earcups and plushy foam cushions on the headband. Plus, it weighs a total of 254g to sit comfortably atop your head. It offers easy compatibility with not just the Nintendo Switch but also PS4, Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices. What’s more, it features a fantastic mic, which is also thankfully detachable, so you won’t look like a newscaster when you’re not gaming.

The Logitech G Pro X is a great choice if you prioritize high-quality sound in a gaming headset. It features impressive highs that thankfully doesn’t go overboard with the clear lows. Often, the bass is overdone, so it sounds thick and heavy, but that isn’t the case with the Pro X – explosions and the like sound great. The surround sound on the headset is pretty impressive too, which always helps to enhance the overall experience.

It’s also a tough and sturdy headset, accompanied by thick cushioning to keep the strain off your head and ears at all times. Apart from ensuring a comfortable fit, the thick cushioning facilitates a certain level of passive noise isolation as well. Not only is the Pro X immensely comfortable, but it also fits rather snugly, hugging your ears tightly with just enough clamping force to not feel overbearing. Logitech also thoughtfully provides an extra pair of velour pads in the package to accommodate users with glasses. It's a wired option, so you can grab the G Pro X Lightspeed we also reviewed to go wireless.

5. Skullcandy PLYR

Best Bluetooth Nintendo Switch Headset

Skullcandy's PLYR is a great Bluetooth headset for your Switch. The connection process is fast and simple, and there is hardly any lag. With a 3.5mm cord in the package, you can also use the PLYR as a wired headset. You can rely on the 50mm drivers to deliver punchy, clear, and focused sound. For a $130 mid-range headset, the sound on this is brilliant. It has the immersive audio experience that gamers look for.

PLYR also allows an impressive amount of user customization through the Skullcandy-HQ app It allows you to modify the equalizer channels with options for bass, mids, and highs – or there are presets such as RPG, music, and film mode. The app also lets you tweak volume levels for both gaming and chat, which you can also adjust using the headset’s onboard controls.

How to Choose a Nintendo Switch Headset

One of the most important features to look for when buying a Nintendo Switch headset is comfort. You’re going to be spending a lot of time wearing it, so you don’t want something that feels like a burden. Avoid this by opting for a headset that is generously padded, both on the headband and earcups. You’ll also want to make sure the earcups are covered in mesh fabric instead of leatherette as the latter material can cause sweating

Noise isolation is almost as important as comfort. Make sure to look for a headset that forms a snug seal around your ears to provide a good degree of passive noise isolation. The circumference of the earcups should be large enough to fit around your ears. If you’re someone who wears glasses, consider velour earcups.

Active noise-canceling (ANC) is another important feature to look for. Noise cancellation helps block out any external sounds so you can pay more attention to those slight, but all-so-crucial directional audio cues. Basically, ANC enhances immersion and results in an overall enhanced gameplay experience.

It’s wise to not underestimate the importance of build quality. You might be tempted to opt for plastic headsets because of their relatively inexpensive price tags, but it’s best to invest in a sturdy metal headset that will last you years. Not only will plastic give up on you pretty quickly, but it can also look a little cheap.

If cordinating with your teammates is important, the microphone quality on a headset is crucual. You’d want to make sure the mic transmits your voice quickly and clearly without any lag. It is also recommended to look for headsets that feature custom settings for mics, so you can tweak how you sound. If you plan on using the headset on the go, definitely go for those with detachable mics.

Lastly, make sure the sound on your headset is customizable via EQ settings on a companion app. The rest mostly has to do with your preferences. If you’re a fan of bass, look for a headset that emphasizes low-end. If you’re big on RPGs, surround sound is a must-have feature.

Nintendo Switch Gaming Headset FAQ

Will my Switch headset be compatible with the Switch 2?

Unlike some of the other Switch accessories, your headset will most likely work with the Switch 2. The new console supports Bluetooth, and also has a headphone jack and an extra USB-C port at the top, so your current headset should work fine. Otherwise, feel free to check out what headsets I'd recommend specifically for the Switch 2.

Does the Switch support Bluetooth audio?

The Nintendo Switch has always supported the best Switch controllers via Bluetooth, but for a long time, a special adapter was necessary to connect wireless headphones or headsets to the console over Bluetooth. Luckily, in late 2021, Nintendo finally added Bluetooth audio support on the Switch. Just be sure your device’s system version is updated to 13.0.0 or higher. Then, it should be simple to connect the best wireless earbuds, gaming earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, and more. Unfortunately, Bluetooth microphones still aren’t supported. Take a look here for more information about how to connect via Bluetooth to your Switch.

What’s the best Nintendo Switch headset?

We’ve tested dozens of headsets, and when it comes to performance with the Nintendo Switch, nothing beats the Razer Barracuda X. With it, you’ll enjoy an incredibly reasonable price tag, reliable connectivity, a comfortable fit, and decent sound. Plus, you aren’t limited to listening only on your Switch, as the Barracuda X comes with multiplatform compatibility ready to work on the majority of your devices.

Dua has been hooked on technology since she was a kid and used to spend all of her spare time reading product reviews online. Today, she writes for IGN, TechRadar, and Gizmodo, and has worked for PCMag, Digital Trends, and ScreenRant among other tech publishers. When she isn't obsessing over the latest gadgets, Dua spends her time working out, playing the uke or reading.

The Wheel of Time seems dead in the water after Amazon’s cancelation of the Prime Video series following the conclusion of Season 3, and a new report that claims it’s not being shopped around to streamers. On top of that, Brandon Sanderson, who finished author Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, had some choice words for the people making the decisions.

Last month, it emerged that Prime Video had decided against renewing The Wheel of Time for Season 4 after what Deadline reported were “lengthy deliberations.” Apparently executives like the show, but couldn’t make it work financially.

The Wheel of Time is an adaptation of the much-loved fantasy book series of the same name by Robert Jordan, with a cast led by Rosamund Pike. After a shaky first two seasons that had fans of the books in uproar over controversial changes from the source material, Season 3 appeared to win over the fanbase and, it was felt, set up the show for even better things to come.

However, it seems The Wheel of Time cost too much for co-producers Sony Pictures TV and Amazon MGM Studios, the latter of which also makes the super expensive The Lord Of the Rings: The Rings Of Power.

As Deadline put it:

... the Season 3 overall performance was not strong enough compared to the show’s cost for Prime Video to commit to another season and the streamer could not make it work after examining different scenarios and following discussions with lead studio Sony TV, sources said.

Let’s start with Sanderson’s comments on the cancelation, made in the comments of a recent video published to his YouTube channel.

“I wasn't really involved,” he began. “Don't know anything more than what is public. They told me they were renegotiating, and thought it would work out. Then I heard nothing for two months. Then learned this from the news like everyone else.

“I do think it's a shame, as while I had my problems with the show, it had a fanbase who deserved better than a cancelation after the best season. I won't miss being largely ignored; they wanted my name on it for legitimacy, but not to involve me in any meaningful way.”

Clearly, Sanderson was less than impressed with the show's decision-makers, but he acknowledged the frustration among fans who had seen a clear improvement season to season, and who had hoped to see the story continue.

Now on to a new report that claims The Wheel of Time isn’t being shopped around to other streamers. TVLine said its “well-placed sources” confirmed the news that is sure to disappoint fans who’d hoped for Season 4 at least.

Meanwhile, over 120,000 fans have signed an online petition to “Save The Wheel of Time.” “Finish the story,” the organizers of the petition say on their website. “It deserves to be told in full!”

It’s increasingly likely those pleas will fall on deaf ears. Some fans hope Apple, which has form when it comes to glossy sci-fi and fantasy shows that cost huge amounts of money to make, may pick up The Wheel of Time for Apple TV+, but given the slate of shows it already has on its books, that is perhaps wishful thinking.

So, this The Wheel of Time adaptation does indeed look like it is out of time, and yet another disappointing attempt to adapt what many consider to be the greatest fantasy novel series ever written.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is officially out in the world, and while you’ll obviously be able to take it on the go, Nintendo is only claiming a minimum of “2 hours” of battery life in intense games. That’s definitely enough for a morning commute, but if you want your Nintendo Switch 2 to last through longer flights or even just away from a wall outlet, you’re going to need a solid power bank.

While the Switch 2 does include plenty of new hardware features, it’s still just a mobile device that charges via USB-C. That means pretty much any existing power bank is going to be perfect for the portable console. Power banks that are specially designed for the Switch 2 will definitely be coming out over the next few months. Genki, for instance, has a magnetic power bank that attaches to a special Nintendo Switch 2 case to keep it charged without needing to run a cable from your pocket to the console. There are similar solutions out there for the original Switch, but because of the Switch 2’s bigger dimensions, those won’t be compatible with the new handheld.

1. Anker Nano Power Bank

The Best Power Bank for Switch 2

2. Belkin Boost Plus 10K

The Most Portable Power Bank for Switch 2

3. Anker Power Core 24K

An Absolutely Overkill Power Bank for Switch 2

We've officially reached the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s an easy bet when it comes to finding the right headset – for one, we’re extremely sure accessories such as headsets are going to be forward compatible. And two, we already know which headsets are among the best across all price ranges. If you don’t already have one lined up to use on your Switch 2 or if you’re looking to upgrade from the set you were using with your first Switch, I have my top recommendations for headsets here, all of which I’ve had firsthand experience with and/or have reviewed here on IGN myself.

Similar to my best PS5 headsets and best Xbox headsets guides, there are a few nuances I took into consideration when making my selections for this specific platform. One of which is portability; for example, I’m hesitant to suggest getting the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro even though it has consistently topped our lists – one of its biggest features is its mixamp/DAC, which connects the headset to your systems, and that gets unwieldy for a device that’s about versatility and taking on the go. I’m also accounting for the fact that you only have access to USB-C ports when playing handheld, so all of the wireless headsets recommended here come with a native USB-C dongle to make connectivity easy. Above all else, I prioritize sound quality and comfort in my choices because if those factors aren’t the focus, what would we even be doing here!

TL;DR – These Are The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Headsets:

The Switch 2 does have Bluetooth capabilities, but I wouldn’t recommend that for gaming scenarios due to the inherent audio delay. While the wireless headsets here can connect via Bluetooth, my recommendations run primarily on a 2.4GHz wireless connection, and there are a few picks with a 3.5mm wired aux connection, too. Regardless of which you go with, you’ll be getting a great headset for the money – I can vouch for each pick, and if you need a little extra convincing, I have all the details you need to know below.

Best High-End Wireless Headset

Audeze Maxwell

If you're a Nintendo Switch owner, you've probably noticed something pretty quickly – the internal storage fills up fast! The standard Switch only gives you 32GB, and even the upgraded Switch OLED bumps that up to just 64GB. Sounds decent until you realize that most of the best Switch games require at least 10GB of storage on average, if not more. Before you know it, you're out of space, especially if you're into downloading games from the eShop. That’s why having a Switch microSDXC card like the SanDisk 512GB Extreme is pretty much essential.

By popping an SD card into your Switch, you can load up on all the games you want without worrying about deleting old ones to make space. Depending on how much you want to store, there are SD cards that offer up to 1TB of storage. Just keep in mind that all your game save data will still live in the console's system memory by default. If you're moving onto the Switch 2 now that it's out, know that your old SD cards won't fly there; you'll need to move on to a MicroSD Express card to upgrade the Switch 2's storage. But if you're sticking with a trusly ol' OG Switch, make sure you have one of these SD cards to avoid entering the delete-and-download cycle.

TL;DR - These Are the Best SD Cards for Switch:

SD cards come in a bunch of different sizes, speeds, and prices. But if you're looking for the best experience, grab one with UHS-I compatibility and higher transfer speeds – that’ll help with smoother gameplay and faster loading times.

If you’re wondering which SD card is best for Nintendo Switch, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve handpicked some great SD cards that work seamlessly with your Switch, whether you want to install tons of games, save gameplay video clips, or need something to hand when you’re transferring data to other devices.

1. SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card

Best SD Card for Nintendo Switch

2. Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card

Best Budget SD Card for Nintendo Switch

3. SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card

Best High Capacity SD Card for Nintendo Switch

4. SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card

Best High Speed SD Card for Nintendo Switch

5. SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda

Best SD Card Design for Nintendo Switch

How to Choose an SD Card for Nintendo Switch

Investing in an SD card for your Nintendo Switch is a game-changer. But knowing what to look for is important too. You could just buy a cheap SD card that’s got a decent amount of storage space, but there are other factors to consider.

• Storage capacity: This should be your first consideration. Depending on the types of games you play, a 128GB SD card might suffice. But games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom that takes up 16GB might need a larger SD card. Not to mention your save files and any screenshots you take will add to the overall file size.
• Compatibility: If you’re looking for an SD card for Nintendo Switch, you’ll obviously need to make sure you find one that’s compatible with the console. The Switch supports microSD cards – this includes microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC. Be careful not to buy an SD or miniSD card as these will not work!
• Transfer speed: The higher the transfer speed, the better your gameplay experience will be. Speed classes are graded in 2, 4, 6, or 10, denoting the card’s minimum baseline speed. So a grade 2 equates to 2MB/s, 4 is 4MB/s, and so on. If you find a microSD card with a UHS (Ultra High Speed) class like UHS-1, you’re good to go.

Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs

Do you need an SD card for the Switch?

For the Nintendo Switch, a microSD card is an essential Switch accessory. Without it, you'll only have enough space to install a few games on the system. An SD card will allow you to install dozens of titles on Switch without any worry of deleting games to free up storage.

Generally, Nintendo tends to keep its games on the smaller side, but there is a sizeable amount of third party titles available that are well over 32GB. This is the onboard storage for standard Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite models, so you won't even be able to install that game without an SD card.

How much storage do you actually need?

Most likely any SD card with 256GB of storage or higher will be more than enough for your Nintendo Switch. Some of the largest Nintendo titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3, only weigh in at 16GB and 14GB, respectively. If you plan to primarily play Nintendo-developed titles, you should be more than fine with a 256GB SD card.

However, if you would like to play big third party releases on the platform, like Mortal Kombat 1, you should aim for an SD Card with over 512GB of storage. The latest NBA 2K game takes up over 60GB on Switch, which adds up quickly if you don't have a substantial SD card. Overall, the size of SD card best for you depends on the games you play, but it is essential for any Nintendo Switch owner to have one slotted into their system.

Will Switch SD cards be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2?

No, SD cards for the standard Switch models will not work with the new Switch 2. You're going to need a MicroSD Express card if you want to expand the storage on the Switch 2. These cards are currently compatible with the standard Switch, but have generally been less accessible (and are more expensive) than standard SD cards.

Noah Hunter is a freelance writer for IGN, covering deals, shopping guides and more.

IGN's tech freelancer Danielle Abraham contributed to this buying guide.

If you follow the yellow brick road long enough — all the way to November of this year — you’ll find out who is playing Dorothy in the second part of the Wicked film saga, Wicked: For Good. But we do know one thing: it isn’t Taylor Swift.

The first official trailer for For Good recently dropped, and while Dorothy can be seen from behind in the sneak peek, there aren’t any telling visuals that give away who will be playing the coveted role. But that didn’t stop social media from spreading the rumor that Swift will be stepping into the character’s shoes, even on parody update accounts who were seen sharing seemingly AI-generated images of the singer in the Dorothy costume claiming they were from the film.

Considering how busy Swift was with her Eras tour alone while both parts of Wicked shot, it seems pretty clear that she will not be featured in the second film. However, there has been a clear-cut favorite for Dorothy for quite some time now: Abigail star Alisha Weir.

The 15-year-old has already starred in the excellent vampire film, but before that, she was featured in Matilda the Musical and Wicked Little Letters. She’s proven herself to be an exciting upcoming talent, so that alone makes her a shoe-in for Dorothy. But after Weir was photographed on the green carpet at the Wicked premiere back in November — and wearing silver shoes, which are the original color of the ruby slippers, to boot — speculation began. She’s been the favorite to play the role since.

Weir has talked around the speculation in several interviews, but she’s never outright said no about playing the character. For his part, director Jon M. Chu previously revealed that Dorothy will have a much bigger role in For Good than the character does in the Wicked stage musical.

“I won’t say whether she’s a character, necessarily, in movie two,” he explained to Huffington Post UK in November 2024. “There’s a part of me that wants everyone’s Dorothy to be whatever Dorothy they want. And yet, there is interaction and some crossover. So I’ll leave that up to Part Two.”

When Nintendo announced the Switch 2, it said that the console only supports expansion through MicroSD Express cards. This is a huge pain for anyone with a collection of existing MicroSD cards, but it actually makes a ton of sense – MicroSD Express is leagues faster.

Because of the way these cards interface with the device, they’re able to unlock read/write speeds similar to the UFS (Universal Flash Storage) of the Switch 2’s internal storage. This is incredibly important because it allows games stored on your expansion card to load just as fast – at least in theory – to games stored internally. It just comes at the cost of not being able to use cheaper non-Express MicroSD cards.

MicroSD vs. MicroSD Express

Over the years, there have been six different speed ratings for MicroSD cards. Initially, SD cards launched with just 12.5MB/s, which is incredibly slow by today’s standards. Over time, faster speeds started coming out, beginning with SD High Speed at 25 MB/s, all the way through SD UHS III, or Ultra High Speed, at 312MB/s. Five years ago, the SD Association released the SD Express standard, which greatly increased speeds.

The big difference this time around is that SD Express uses a PCIe 3.1 interface, rather than the slower UHS-I interface. PCIe is the same interface that faster NVMe SSDs use, and unlocks much higher potential performance. Full-sized SD Express cards can now hit data transfer speeds up to 3,940MB/s, which is exponentially faster than older SD cards.

MicroSD Express cards can’t reach the highest speeds of their full-sized counterparts, but they are still incredibly fast, hitting speeds up to 985MB/s, which is three times faster than the fastest non-express MicroSD card.

Why Does the Switch 2 Require MicroSD Express?

Nintendo isn’t exactly known for sharing its specific reasoning behind its hardware requirements, but there are a ton of reasons why the Nintendo Switch 2 should require MicroSD Express cards for expansion. Really, the biggest one is speed. If you have the same game installed both on a traditional UHS-I MicroSD card and a MicroSD Express card, the latter is going to load way faster thanks to the PCIe 3.1 interface – which is a sign this requirement could be coming to handheld gaming PCs soon, too.

Given that the internal Nintendo Switch 2 storage was also updated to UFS (universal flash storage) from eMMC, it makes a lot of sense for Nintendo to require its expansion storage media to have similar speeds. It’ll be a while before we know exactly how fast the internal storage can load games like Breath of the Wild, but early demos have suggested that load times are significantly faster – from just 35% when fast traveling, according to Polygon, to a 3x initial load improvement measured by Digital Foundry. These load time improvements could come down to the faster internal storage, but it could also be due to the faster CPU and GPU, which can unpack data faster. The point is: Nintendo needed its external storage to have similar speeds, so future games that require a faster disk don’t get bottlenecked by virtue of being on an SD card.

It also gives room for faster storage in the future. Right now, the fastest standard for SD cards is SD 8.0 Specification, which allows full-size SD Express cards to reach speeds up to 3,942MB/s. MicroSD Express cards can’t get that fast yet, but in a few years it’s totally possible – at least if the Nintendo Switch 2 supports that kind of speed on its side.

MicroSD Express Capacity Options

MicroSD Express cards have been slow to take off, and while that will likely change now that the Switch 2 is here, only a few solid options are available right now. (Beware the sketchy Walmart listing.) For instance, Lexar only offers one MicroSD Express card, and it comes in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants, with the latter costing $199.