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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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Anker Nano 3-in-1 has a built-in USB-C cable, but you’re not limited to it. Right under the included cable is an extra USB-C port to plug in a second charging cable. This is awesome, as it not only allows you to charge two devices at the same time, but if the built-in cable dies on you (knock on wood), you don’t have to throw out the entire unit.
The Anker Nano also has a built-in wall plug, which makes it easy to stick into an outlet when you need to charge it without using an adapter, and it folds up and away when not charging.
While the Anker Nano is, like the name implies, just a little guy, it can charge the Switch 2 pretty quickly. This power bank is rated for 30W of output, and while that’s probably not enough to match the Switch 2’s power brick output, it’s still enough to charge it up fairly quickly. Not bad for such a tiny and convenient power bank, if you ask me.
The Belkin Boost Plus has been one of my favorite power banks for a while, mostly because it has all the cables sorted out to begin with. The unit has two cables built in, one USB-C and one Lightning. What’s more, they also stow nicely in little cutouts in the side of the power bank, making for clean storage. The Belkin Boost Plus’s Lightning cable is essentially useless for anyone with a Switch 2, though.
The only thing that really holds it back is that it doesn’t have any ports for other cables. This isn’t a huge deal most of the time, but if the built-in cables die, you’re basically screwed. At the end of the day you’re trading the flexibility of using your own cables for the convenience of built-in ones. That’s more than worth it for me.
With just 23W of charging output, this power bank will likely be a little slower than the Switch 2's included power adapter, but it’s sleek and easy to carry around. That’s worth it as far as I’m concerned. You’re not going to find many super-portable high-speed chargers, after all.
For most people, trading off portability for the ability to charge your Switch 2 is enough, even if it’s slower than charging off the wall. But if you completely lack patience, as I do, you can just use a laptop charger. The Anker Power Core 24K is rated for 45W of output, which is enough to charge a MacBook pretty quickly, so it’s more than enough to at least match the presumed 39W charger bundled with the Switch 2.
There are a couple caveats to this, obviously. The original Switch didn’t really play nicely with fast charging. Not that high-wattage chargers harmed the Switch – they just didn’t charge it any faster than the dock would. I'll need to do some testing now that the Switch 2 is out, but even if it has the same behavior as its predecessor, going a bit overkill on the power bank is at the very least not going to hurt anything.
The Power Core 24K also has a much higher power capacity than the other power banks on this list, with 24,000mAh. That’s a little over four times the capacity of the internal Switch 2 battery, for reference. Now, some of that power is going to be lost in the process of charging the Switch 2, but it’s still enough to charge the device at least three and a half times on a single charge.
Of course with all this extra oomph, the Anker Power Core 24K is both more expensive and bulkier than the other power banks on this list. This thing weighs 1.1lbs on its own, which is admittedly heavier than the Switch 2 itself. But hey, these are just the sacrifices you have to make sometimes, right?
If the Switch 2 power adapter is anything like the original console – and there’s not much reason to think it won’t be – the console will feature a 39W charger. That means in order to match the charging speed of the wall charger, you’re going to need a beefy power bank. Most mainstream power banks have anywhere between 20-30W of output, so charging the system with a portable battery will be sacrificing a little bit of speed for portability.
Yes. The Nintendo Switch 2 has a 5,220mAh battery, which means a 10,000mAh power bank will have enough juice to fully charge the Switch 2 at least once, with enough left over to keep it charged for a little while longer.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra
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!
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.
Although it’s not the newest headset on the block, the Audeze Maxwell is still one of the best around. It doesn’t have the most sophisticated feature set or software suite, but you don’t really need all that, especially for the Switch and Switch 2. It does the most important part – sound quality – better than any other gaming headsets I’ve used. Its 90mm planar magnetic drivers give punchy bass that doesn’t drown out other frequencies, and the highs come through clean even at higher volumes. It gives a “full” audio experience which is complemented by its great positional audio, giving the subtle details in sound design room to breathe. You don’t necessarily need great positional audio in a hyper-competitive sense on Switch 2, but this gives more immersive games a grander audio profile to match – I often call the Maxwell the audiophile’s gaming headset.
The thick plushy earcups provide long-term comfort, and the soft leatherette is easy on the head while giving a good seal around your ears for sound isolation. The microphone is solid on its own, but the great noise cancellation puts it above most gaming headsets, blocking outside noise better than most. It has tremendous battery life to boot, lasting up to 80 hours from a full charge. It’s a bit heavy at 490g and bulky in terms of overall size, but this doesn’t make the headset uncomfortable, and its understated design makes for a clean look. I recently reviewed the Audeze Maxwell and awarded it a 9/10 to confirm that, yeah, it’s still one of the best if you’re willing to shell out the dough.
The Alienware Pro headset is a personal favorite because of how slim and sleek it is. You can easily mistake these for a pair of expensive Bose or Sony headphones, which is surprising given the Alienware brand’s history of flashy, gaudy PCs and accessories. It’s been going with a minimalist look for all its recent peripherals and this is best represented in the Pro headset. The earcups don’t stick out much, the overall design is light and compact, and the padding for the earcups and headband provide just enough comfort for long sessions. Very few gaming headsets have such a low profile, but this helps the Alienware Pro stand out… by not standing out.
I frequently use the Alienware Pro like a pair of normal headphones to take on the go because of the design, and the long 70-hour battery life (without ANC) means I don’t have to worry about charging it often. And the fact that I could get balanced, high-quality sound with great bass solidified this as a top choice. It shows a bit of its limitations at handling sharper frequencies at higher volumes, but I was approaching dangerous volume levels at that point. Its active noise-canceling works really well, too, and if you’re one to use your Switch or Switch 2 outside, good ANC will come in clutch.
The only knock I have against the Alienware Pro is that its earcups don’t swivel inward, which is a slight bummer given the slim profile and portability of the headset itself. It’s a bit of a disappointment because everything else about it is so smartly designed (including its simple controls on the left earcup), especially for versatility between mobile usage and gaming setups. Still, this is one of my favorite gaming headsets in recent memory, which I go into full detail in my Alienware Pro headset review.
Perhaps you can’t spend as much money to snag an Alienware Pro headset, but still want something that can deliver high-end audio while maintaining that low-profile design. If so, you should consider the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7. It stacks up to the fantastic Arctis Nova Pro quite well, and even if you don’t get the same robust package or fine-tuned audio drivers, you still get that sleek design, signature comfort, and detailed sound that can stand alongside the best in its price range.
What I really like about the Arctis Nova 7 is its simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless capability – so if you don’t want to use the Switch 2’s built-in voice chat rooms and prefer to be on Discord while still getting game audio feed, you can do that. Beyond that, SteelSeries has always been great about well-rounded sound quality out of the box, as well as having easy-to-tweak options in its software. The sports-mesh upholstery of the earcups gives this headset good breathability, making it easy to wear for long-sessions, and the dense earpads provide top-notch comfort while maintaining that slim profile. We praised it for all that and more in our SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 review from a few years back, and it certainly still holds up today.
The Razer Barracuda X we reviewed still stands as a top pick for the best Nintendo Switch headset. It’s impressive what you get from this sub-$100 headset, and considering the slick understated design from Razer, this is something I wouldn’t mind wearing while playing my Switch 2 in public. Relatively impressive audio quality for a budget-level option and a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle already put the Barracuda X into consideration at its price range, but it doesn’t lack in comfort with its memory foam earpads wrapped in a breathable sports mesh. It’s lightweight and rocks a decent battery that gives you around 40 to 50 hours from a full charge. Don’t go in expecting the sound quality of the more expensive recommendations in this guide, but if you need to go wireless without balling out, the Barracuda X would be my top choice.
When it comes to wired gaming headsets, the HyperX Cloud III tends to be my go-to recommendation. It’s a fantastic all-rounder, but I’ll start by highlighting its build quality. The flexible aluminum headband lets you twist and contort it any which way without ever feeling like it’s going to break, giving it an unmatched durability. While it clamps a bit tighter than most headsets, the thick plushy earcups provide more than enough comfort to alleviate the pressure. It’s not too heavy, either, making the Cloud III easy to take around, especially for those who aren’t exactly careful when handling their gear.
The Cloud III sounds great, too, with balanced frequency response across the EQ spectrum. I’d say that it doesn’t particularly stand out in terms of its audio profile compared to something like the Maxwell, but it is tuned well-enough to bring out the detail in games with good directional sound and minimal distortion at louder volumes thanks to its larger 53mm angled drivers. What’s especially impressive is the microphone quality, which rivals headsets twice its price. My voice came out clean in my testing, and it sounded closer to a decent standalone mic than it did a typical headset mic. Considering its price, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the wired version, and you can get even more detail on the headset in our HyperX Cloud III review.
Of course, not everyone wants to drop upwards of $100 or more on a headset, but if you still want good audio quality for your Switch 2, I can easily recommend the Corsair HS65 Surround. It’s a refresh of the HS60 and HS50 that came out years ago, but well-designed audio gear can really stand the test of time. You’re not going to be blown away necessarily, but it has a pretty bold audio profile (with pronounced bass and highs) for a headset that often sits in the $50 range. While some Corsair headsets have struggled with comfort, the HS65 fits firmly on my head and stays comfortable for several hours thanks to its thick earpads. Surprisingly, it has one of the best onboard microphones from a gaming headset considering its price, adding to the value you get from something that’s budget-level.
The HS65 Surround may be a little slim on the extras – while it has the sound card for virtual surround sound, it’s USB-only which could work if you’re playing your Switch 2 docked. Otherwise, the sound quality you get straight from the 3.5mm jack is more than sufficient. What’s just as important is that the HS65 is a slim and lightweight headset, with swiveling earcups, to make it easier to take on the go (even though the microphone isn’t detachable and gets in the way if you’re not using it). There’s a lot of value here, and while there are decent options in this price range if you just want plain headphones, it’s hard to beat the HS65 when it comes to gaming headsets.
All things considered, earbuds might be the right move when looking for the best audio solution for your Switch 2, especially if you’re playing handheld or if you’re on the go frequently. Luckily for us, gaming-grade earbuds have made strides in recent years, and so far, nothing has topped the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. I’ve been loving them since day one, listening to music and podcasts everyday, but I’m still impressed with how well they handle gaming audio to the point where I sometimes just stick with them when playing non-competitive games.
What makes them “gaming-grade” though? The 2.4GHz wireless USB-C dongle is the main thing, giving you no-latency response to whatever platform you’re connected to. (Most regular earbuds, including high-end options like the great JBL Tour Pro 3, don’t come with 2.4GHz connectivity.) Additionally, the audio profile on the GameBuds is rich, delivering strong bass and clean sound across all frequencies, even at higher volumes. I won’t claim that these can match a high-end headset (particularly in positional audio) because there are obvious limitations to earbud design, but that shouldn’t take away from how close they come to an actual headset.
I still think the Razer Hammerheads have the slight edge when it comes to bass response, but the GameBuds are so well-rounded, making them much more versatile and suited for using with a platform like the Switch 2. With about 10 hours of usage from a full charge (without ANC), the GameBuds also top most other earbuds in terms of battery life (they last about twice as long as the Razer Hammerheads). There are rare connectivity issues where the signal gets choppy, but these are only slight hiccups. Otherwise, these are the perfect pair for my Switch and I don’t see myself going with other earbuds for my soon-to-be Switch 2.
By all accounts, yes. The Switch 2 features two USB-C ports on the system itself, letting you connect external devices while leaving one port open for charging. This makes wireless headsets that connect via USB-C dongles even more useful since you don’t have to choose between charging or using your headset. But back to the point: It’d be wild if the Switch 2 wasn’t compatible with headsets that currently work on the original Switch, and there’s no reason why they wouldn’t – the online discourse would be a riot, though.
The Switch 2 has Bluetooth connectivity. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for audio devices due to the inherent latency. You might not mind that so much in more casual games, but in anything with action, cutscenes, dialogue, or any sort of sound cue for gameplay, there’s no way I’m going with Bluetooth audio.
We'll have more to say on this as we work through our Switch 2 review. It will be determined by how the onboard microphone built into the Switch 2 performs. It is said to have top-notch noise isolation, as it has been touted and shown off as capable of picking up your voice when you’re sitting on a couch with the system docked next to a TV – to what extent does this end up being practical? I can’t really say.
That said, all the headsets recommended in this guide have mics that are good enough for picking up your voice clearly for chatting in those Discord-like chat rooms built into the Switch 2 platform, and a few of the recommended headsets have solid noise isolation to boot.
Absolutely! Having a 3.5mm audio jack on the Switch 2 means you can use any standard pair of headphones or earbuds. And there are some really good earbuds for cheap that might just do the job for you. But I made all these aforementioned recommendations if you’re particular about getting the best sound quality at the best price. Besides, games are looking pretty sweet on Switch 2, and I’d prefer my audio experience to match that visual fidelity as well, especially since higher-profile games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake are getting ported over.
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.
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.
SanDisk is a familiar brand name, so you can expect reliability and durability when you purchase the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card. With a range of storage options to choose from, you can max out your Nintendo Switch’s storage, allowing you to install plenty of games, save files, and screenshots without needing to delete other games to free up some room. We think the 512GB option is incredible value for money, but if you want to splash out, go for the 1TB card.
If you upgrade to a different SD card in the future, this SD card comes with an adapter, meaning you can use it across other devices so it doesn’t go to waste. In the meantime, the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card boasts generous data transfer speeds of up to 190MB/s – just download the games you want and put them straight onto your SD card in a cinch.
This SD card’s durable design is shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof (who knew that was a thing?). So if you’re going on vacation and taking your Nintendo Switch with you, you’ll have the extra reassurance that your game files are somewhat safe even through a TSA scanner.
Have a tight budget but still want a capable microSD card? The Samsung EVO Select A2 SD card is a perfect choice. Coming in at around $40, this card meets the minimum requirements of the Switch with its UHS-I interface and A2 rating for faster optimization. Sure, transfer speeds lag behind other cards. But given that Nintendo seems to cap speeds around 95MB/s anyway, there won’t be a discernable difference in game load times compared to those faster, pricier cards. It’s only when using the microSD card with other devices that those quicker speeds come in handy.
Even if Samsung EVO Select A2 is on the cheaper side, it still offers a healthy dose of storage space at 512 GB. That’s plenty of room to store a sizable gaming library, gameplay clips, and more. If you want to use this card with other devices, it’s possible to double the storage to 1TB. And for those that stick to playing only a couple of games, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options exist to suit just about any need.
What’s even better is this card is built to last, ensuring precious game data remains safe. It's waterproofed in case of accidental splashes or dips in liquids, while resistance to extreme temperatures, X-rays, and magnets means the Samsung EVO Select A2 is ready to go just about anywhere. It can even withstand drops over 16ft. Clearly, this SD card can handle far more wear and tear than the Switch itself.
With 1TB of storage, the SanDisk Ultra A1 SD card is an excellent choice for the Nintendo Switch. The SanDisk Ultra A1 has transfer speeds of up to 150MB/s, which is well above the range needed for fast downloads on the console. It's likely that you won't even come close to running out of storage, with room for well over 75 games to be installed at once.
Most games on Nintendo Switch are well below 15GB, so this SD card should more than suit your needs. The biggest games range from anywhere between 30GB and 60GB, but there are less than ten that fall under that umbrella. Any extra space on this SD card is perfect for taking as many screenshots and video captures as you'd like.
If you're looking for the best high speed SD card for your Switch, look no further than this SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card. This card uses SanDisk QuickFlow Technology to quickly optimize files and give you the best performance possible. When it comes to launching or downloading games, this feature can come in extremely handy for load times.
With 256GB, you shouldn't run into any issues installing a healthy library of games to your system. Although the Switch does not have 4K support of any kind, this SD card is made for quick transfer of 4K content. So, your 1080p screenshots and videos will quickly transfer over to a laptop or PC with the blink of an eye.
This Zelda SD card has arguably best design you can find for a compatible Switch SD card. At 1TB of storage, you should have no issues with running out of space for new games. Although the speeds are a bit lower than other options on this list, this is the only SD card officially licensed by Nintendo we feature here.
This card is made with the Nintendo Switch in mind, so you can expect a quality product overall. The design featured is the iconic Triforce from The Legend of Zelda series, which is a perfect way to showcase your love of the Nintendo franchise (even if you can't actually see it when you're using it). Overall, there are better options, but this is a good choice if you prefer to snag a unique design.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Here's the official blurb:
Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.
Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).
Glinda, meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. Under the instruction of Madame Morrible (Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh), Glinda is deployed to serve as an effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the rule of The Wizard.
As Glinda’s stardom expands and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Olivier award winner and Emmy and SAG nominee Jonathan Bailey) in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba. She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart. The aftershocks will transform Boq (Tony nominee Ethan Slater) and Fiyero forever, and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives.
As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good.
Wicked: For Good flies into theaters on November 21, 2025.
Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.
© Funcom
© Funcom
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.
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.
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 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.
SanDisk, on the other hand, only has one MicroSD Express card on its site, and that one peaks at just 256GB, which would mirror the internal storage of the Switch 2. I'm expecting that more and more cards to come with at least 512GB (and likely more) of storage as time goes on and companies like Samsung start pumping out memory cards.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra
© Nvidia
Nintendo Switch 2 is out today, and fans have been quick to praise the console's improved eShop for adding a handy new feature, and for not running like an online storefront built almost a decade ago.
Load up the Switch 2 eShop now and you'll be in front of the store's main menu within just a couple of seconds. Browsing is also noticeably snappier, with the virtual store's various sections and product pages loading near-instantly.
Overall, the new eShop has been given a very positive response online, where fans have also noted that Nintendo has now added an "on sale" filter to the eShop's Wishlist menu.
This new feature allows you to see at a glance which of the games on your Wishlist are currently on sale — something that's handy if you're currently tracking a long line-up of titles to buy when they're next on offer.
On reddit, Nintendo fans with a Switch 2 already in their hands have described the console's eShop browsing experience overall as "very responsive," "so zippy," and "finally, not a buggy mess."
As one fan wrote: "S**t is so smooth to operate, Switch 1 eShop felt like I was on the PS3's PSN shop."
In other positive Switch 2 news, fans have been pleasantly surprised to find that Switch 2 Editions of some games already released on Switch 1 — such as Zelda: Breath of the Wild — are reverse-backwards compatible on Nintendo's older hardware.
But not everything around the new console's launch has been so rosy. Earlier today, IGN reported on the issue of damaged Switch 2 consoles due to retailers puncturing the console's thin boxes with staples. It has also emerged that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour — the console's $10 Switch 2 mini-game collection that many fans believe should have been free — requires you own at least $95 of accessories in order to complete 100%.
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
Calling all Pokémon fans: Pokémon Legends Z-A is officially up for preorder at a couple of different retailers. There's a Nintendo Switch version available, which is listed for $59.99, and a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition that's listed for $69.99, if you've been able to get your hands on the company's brand new console.
It's expected to release on October 16 this year. Head to the links below to secure a copy of your preferred version of the game.
Nintendo Switch - $59.99
Nintendo Switch 2 - $69.99
If you preorder the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Pokémon Legends Z-A, you'll be treated to improved graphics and frame rates. It's also worth noting that if you buy the Nintendo Switch version, you can always upgrade it to the Switch 2 version by purchasing an upgrade pack.
Set in Lumiose City, a place for both people and Pokémon, Pokémon Legends Z-A will see you living life as a Pokémon Trainer in the big city. You'll be able to choose between Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile as your starter Pokémon to join you on a journey around the city. As mentioned in the title as well, you'll also be able to participate in a tournament called the "Z-A Royale", with the goal of working your way through the competition to reach rank A.
A Pokémon Presents presentation is set for July 22, which could very well feature some more information on the highly-anticipated upcoming game as well.
This year already has a stacked lineup of releases that are worth keeping on your radar. If you're looking for even more games to add to your library, have a look through the other options up for preorder below.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelancer who writes with the guides and commerce teams here at IGN.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is here! If you were lucky enough to grab one, keep in mind that it only has 256GB of storage built-in. If you want to load up on games without having to deal with uninstalling and reinstalling over and over, you’re going to want to expand that storage. But unlike the original Nintendo Switch, the new console requires a MicroSD Express card – which are faster, but more expensive than other UHS-based SD cards.
MicroSD Express cards have been around for a while, but there are only a few on the market right now as creative professionals haven’t really found much of a use for them. However, with the Switch 2 launch, there's been a deluge of Express cards to fill that gap.
My colleagues and I haven't had a chance to test these cards yet because the console is brand new, but if we were to recommend any based on experience, these are the MicroSD Express cards we'd say to buy right now. These come from reputable manufacturers that have a track record of making excellent storage expansion cards. We'll be updating this as we play around with the Switch 2 and SD cards.
Unlike many devices, the Nintendo Switch 2 is mandating a MicroSD Express card for storage expansion. Nintendo hasn’t really explained its reasoning behind the decision, but it’s not hard to see why it might want to require faster storage.
For one, the flash storage built into the system is the same kind of UFS flash that powers most smartphones. This storage is much faster than the eMMC drive in the original Switch, and it’s likely Nintendo wanted its developers to be able to count on that kind of storage speed, no matter if the game is being stored internally or on an expansion card.
The only thing you can use a regular old MicroSD card for is loading screenshots and videos you took on your first-gen Switch. That means unlike something like the PS5, which allows you to store last-generation games on slower external drives, Nintendo isn’t allowing for any wiggle room here. If you want to expand the Nintendo Switch 2 storage, you’re going to need a MicroSD Express card.
The Lexar Play Pro is the fastest and most capacious card available. Supporting read times up to 900MB/s and storage space up to 1TB, this is the best MicroSD Express card out there right now. Unfortunately, with the increased demand that the Switch 2 has brought, it's been tough to find in stock.
This will likely change in the future as stock normalizes and people slow down on excitedly buying any accessory related to the Nintendo Switch 2. If you do want the best SD card for your Switch though, it’s worth keeping your eye on the Lexar Play Pro, especially the 1TB version, and scooping it up if you see it available. As for right now, your best bet is to order it through B&H, which has it on backorder until July.
I have so many SanDisk SD cards lying around, and that shouldn’t be super surprising. Over the years, SanDisk has become one of the most prolific SD card manufacturers, and now it has a MicroSD Express card. Unlike the Lexar version, SanDisk doesn’t have a fancy name for its card, and it also only goes up to 256GB, which would simply mirror the internal storage of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Still, doubling your storage isn’t a bad deal, especially if you can find this card at a lower price. It’s also not quite as fast as the Lexar Play Pro, coming in with a read speed of up to 880MB/s. That’s a minor enough disparity that you’re not going to notice any difference when you’re loading up Mario Kart World, but 20MB/s is still 20MB/s.
The SanDisk MicroSD Express card is also much more readily available at the time of writing, so if you just want to grab it and forget it, this might be the card to go for.
Samsung’s MicroSD Express card is the one that’s being sold directly by Nintendo, which definitely gives it some weight. The problem, though, is that I have no idea what its storage speeds are going to be, or whether or not the 256GB model being sold directly by the likes of Nintendo and GameStop will be the only version you can buy.
Still, it’ll probably provide some comfort to get an SD card that has Nintendo’s seal of approval, no matter what the actual specs of the card end up being. I have reached out to Samsung to learn more about this SD card, and I’ll update this article as soon as I learn anything.
SD Express is theoretically much faster than older SD cards, and that largely comes down to how it interfaces with the device. Rather than connecting to a bespoke SD card interface, SD Express uses PCI Express 3.1, which is what SSDs use on PC.
Don’t go expecting a MicroSD Express card to be as fast as the NVMe SSDs in handheld gaming PCs, though. While the full-sized SD Express cards can come close, with read speeds up to 3,940MB/s, the MicroSD Express cards can only hit a maximum of 985MB/s. Still, that’s much faster than the older MicroSD cards used by the original Nintendo Switch.
Just like any SD card, MicroSD Express cards aren’t meant to be used for long-term data storage, and so they have a shelf life. How long they’ll last depends largely on the environment it's being used in, and whether or not you’re dropping it. I wouldn’t expect a MicroSD Express card to last more than 5-10 years before it needs to be replaced, so be sure to keep anything important backed up.
Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra
© New Blood Interactive
IGN Live 2025 is just a few days away. Filled with exclusive reveals, thousands of giveaways, 170 gaming stations, and tons of fun, the event is shaping up to be a huge celebration of everything fans of games, TV, movies, comics, and collectibles love.
Tickets are on sale now, so be sure to check out the full schedule (or catch how to watch the event if you can't be there in person).
On top of all that, IGN Live 2025 will feature an epic line-up of A-list talent from all your favorites games, shows, and movies. Here's a rundown of everyone you can expect to see at IGN Live 2025.
© Funcom
© Lesta Games
The first full trailer for FX’s Alien: Earth is here, and there’s a huge amount to run through for fans of the sci-fi horror franchise, including what some fans believe is a clear Predator tease.
The trailer sets up the story, which revolves around the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot. When it crash-lands on Earth, Wendy (Sydney Chandler) and a group of tactical soldiers make a “fateful discovery” that puts them face-to-face with the xenomorph fans know well, but also a number of other alien species, too.
FX’s Alien: Earth. OFFICIAL TRAILER. We were safer in space. Premieres August 12 on @fxnetworks | Hulu and with #HuluOnDisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/rCGXwI44LZ
— Hulu (@hulu) June 5, 2025
One character confirms the ship housed five aliens (“this ship collected five different lifeforms from the darkest corners of the universe"). So what are they? One is a facehugger, clearly. There are also glimpses at other, bizarre-looking creatures, including a big jelly fish thing and a sort of eyeball thing.
Could one be a Predator? There are two points in the trailer where what sounds like the iconic Predator clicking noise can be heard, and fans think it’s clear as day. On top of that, one character makes a rather unsubtle Predator reference, saying: “Invasive species… predatory.”
It’s worth remembering that it looks like Alien is once again crossing over with the Predator franchise in the upcoming Predator: Badlands.
Fans are already theorizing how this all plays out, with most assuming a facehugger ends up latching on to the other alien species to create weird and wonderful abominations. Others suggest one of the five aliens could be a precursor to the facehugger, and we get to see some sort of origin story for how it came to be.
And already fans are predicting that at the end of the series Prodigy City, the future city in which Alien: Earth is set, ends up nuked from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure, after all. How that ends up tying into the events of the first Alien movie and evil mega corp Weyland Utani’s nefarious plans for the xenomorph is anyone’s guess.
Also of note: we see a shot of someone pulling the inner jaws out of an alien which, well, good luck with that.
Alien: Earth is set in 2120 (well after Prometheus and just two years before Alien and the unfortunate events that befell the crew of the Nostromo). As a reference point, the recently released interquel Alien: Romulus takes place between Alien and Aliens.
At this point in the Alien timeline, Earth is governed by five corporations: Weyland-Yutani, Prodigy (they own this city, it seems), Lynch, Dynamic, and Threshold. Cyborgs and synthetics coexist with humans, but then the boss of Prodigy invents hybrids (humanoid robots with human consciousness). Wendy is the first hybrid prototype (and is part of the established push for immortality that is a running theme in the Alien franchise).
Alien: Earth premieres its first two episodes on August 12 on Hulu at 8pm ET, and on FX and Disney+ at 8pm PT / ET (August 13 in the UK and internationally on Disney+). New episodes of the eight-episode season debut each following Tuesday.
In January last year, showrunner Noah Hawley explained why he is not using the backstory provided in Prometheus for Alien: Earth, saying he likes the "retro-futurism" of the original films. Hawley said he spoke to Alien chief Ridley Scott about "many, many elements" of the Alien series, including its ties to the prequels, but ultimately decided to cut loose and move away from the bioweapon backstory because he preferred the lore of the original films.
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.
© Funcom
For those of us who were devastated that the powers that be would essentially just throw our guy John Kramer in the trash, you’ll be happy to know that Jigsaw himself might still be coming back. According to reports, the Saw franchise is in talks to be sold to Blumhouse after the 11th installment was quietly cancelled back in March.
The studio, which has made a name for itself over the years by becoming a cornerstone of mainstream horror filmmaking, is currently making a deal to take over the Twisted Pictures side of the franchise, which has been helmed by producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules since the very first installment in 2004. The banner has owned the rights to Saw alongside Lionsgate, which has been distributing the films from the beginning, and both brands are now synonymous with the franchise.
However, it seems like those days are almost over. Say what you will about the move — and considering Blumhouse doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to producing quality, not quantity, in recent years, I get it — but there is one pretty good thing to come out of it if the deal does, in fact, get sealed.
James Wan — one of the creators of the Saw franchise alongside Leigh Whannell, of course — would be getting back partial ownership of the story he created if this deal finally goes through. His production company, Atomic Monster, merged with Blumhouse, run by now legendary horror producer Jason Blum, in January 2024. So that means there’s potential that we might finally see another Saw film that has more direct involvement from the creators than we’ve had since Saw III. And honestly? That could be the best move for the franchise at this point.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Blumhouse and Twisted Pictures have been talking about this deal for over a year, but things mainly stalled because of the dollar amount being put on the table. It seems as though that conversation has restarted in a major way — and we can’t wait to see what comes of it.
The last Saw film released was Saw X, which hit theaters in September 2023, and it remains to be seen where the franchise will go from here, whether that means we finally get Saw XI or maybe even a miniseries or TV show. Who knows! Just bring John Kramer back, that’s all we ask!
Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.
© Future
Nintendo fans have known for some time that Switch 2 is backwards compatible with Switch 1 games. But what happens when you do the reverse and stick a Switch 2 game in a Switch 1?
Insert a Switch 2-only game such as Mario Kart World in a Switch 1 and Nintendo's last-gen console will simply display an error message, saying that the software is designed for Switch 2.
But pop a Switch 2 Edition cartridge of some games also available on Switch 1, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and... it works.
What is going on here? Well, Nintendo itself hasn't gone into detail, but packaging for Switch 2 Edition games does note that cartridges contain both the original game and the Switch 2 upgrade.
"This Nintendo Switch 2 Edition comprises the Nintendo Switch game and the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade pack," Switch 2 Edition packaging reads. "The upgrade pack is also available separately."
In other words, when you put a Switch 2 Edition cartridge in a Switch 1, the older console knows to ignore the Switch 2 bit and just play the original game.
Nintendo doesn't appear to have ever stated in plain English that this is how some Switch 2 Edition cartridges operate, but it's a useful feature to be aware of. For example, if you're a Switch 1 owner who plans to buy Switch 2 in future, you could buy a Switch 2 Edition of a game now to play cross-gen when the time comes, without worrying about upgrading your game down the line.
"Huh. Confirmed that this does indeed work on a Switch 1. (As the OG Switch game.) Kinda surprised," John Ricciardi, founder of Tokyo-based video game localization firm 8-4, wrote on Bluesky today, upon testing his Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition cartridge on a Switch 1.
It's a system that's not a million miles away from how Xbox handles ownership of games across its family of consoles. Owning a copy of a game unlocks access to different versions of said game, which the hardware will detect.
One difference, of course, is that Nintendo has decided to charge extra for some Switch 2 Edition versions — such as with Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and (deep breath) Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV.
Of course, just to make everything even more confusing, Nintendo has also provided other updates and upgrades to Nintendo Switch 1 games on Switch 2 for free — and it issued a long list of patch notes for titles such as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Zelda: Link's Awakening and Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom earlier this week.
IGN has contacted Nintendo for more.
Earlier today, IGN reported on the issue of damaged Switch 2 consoles due to retailers puncturing the console's thin boxes with staples. If you're buying a console (with or without Welcome Tour), it's something to be aware of. It has also emerged that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour — the console's $10 Switch 2 mini-game collection that many fans believe should have been free — requires you own at least $95 of accessories in order to complete 100%.
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
© Funcom
Microsoft has announced Wave 1 of the June 2025 Xbox Game Pass lineup, which includes a shadow-drop of Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2.
As detailed on Xbox Wire, Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Editions (Cloud and Console) are available today, June 5, on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass Standard. Perfect timing for anyone who’s wrapped up Baldur’s Gate 3 and wonders how the series began. Bizarrely, neither game is on PC Game Pass.
Moving on to June 10, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) hit Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. This is the reworked first Space Marine game, which comes with quality of life and graphics improvements. Again, it’s well-timed for anyone who played the excellent Space Marine 2 and wants to experience the events leading up to that game.
June 11 sees two very different games hit Game Pass: Barbie Project Friendship (Cloud, Console, and PC) on Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard; and Kingdom: Two Crowns (PC) on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
With the soccer season over, EA Sports FC 25 (Cloud, Console, and PC) launches on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass via EA Play. EA usually puts its latest soccer game into Game Pass this time of year, ahead of the announcement of the next game in the series.
The Alters (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) is available as a day-one title on June 13 across Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. This is a sci-fi survival game where you play as Jan, stranded on a hostile planet, and create alternate versions of yourself.
Remedy’s FBC: Firebreak (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) is another day-one title, launching on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on June 17. It’s a cooperative first-person shooter set within the Control universe, and a rare multiplayer effort from the maker of Alan Wake and Max Payne.
Here’s a big one: Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time (Console and PC) hits Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard on June 17. Microsoft has drip-fed Activision games into Game Pass since its $69 billion acquisition, so this one is a long time coming.
Also on June 17 is Lost in Random: The Eternal Die (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) on Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass as a day-one title. This blends dynamic real-time action, tactical combat, and risk-reward dice mechanics in battles.
The Game Pass announcement comes just days ahead of Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase, set for 10am PT on Sunday, June 8. Microsoft likes to make Game Pass announcements during its summer showcase, so perhaps we’ll see the lineup swell further.
As usual, a number of games are set to leave Game Pass this month. You can save up to 20% if you buy these games before they leave to keep them in your library.
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.
If you’ve been keeping tabs on Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet’s Destined Rivals expansion, now’s the time to act. Amazon UK has launched invite-only requests for the Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box, along with making it available for just £44.99 — 50% down from its current market price of £89.99.
This follows Amazon UK’s ongoing effort to level the playing field for Pokémon fans. Previously, invite systems were introduced for sets like 151 and Prismatic Evolutions, helping to sidestep the scalper-fueled frenzy that’s made collecting these cards increasingly difficult.
The invite system doesn’t guarantee a purchase, but it does mean you don’t have to constantly refresh pages or pay inflated third-party prices just to get a fair shot.
The Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box is packed with value that makes the effort worthwhile. Inside, you’ll find nine booster packs from the expansion, each containing 10 game cards and a Basic Energy.
A full-art foil promo card featuring Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet headlines the exclusive contents, tapping into the expansion’s narrative focus on the return of Team Rocket. Alongside the boosters, you’ll get 65 themed card sleeves, 45 Energy cards, a set of damage-counter dice, two plastic condition markers, and a competition-legal coin-flip die.
The set also includes a collector’s box designed to keep your growing stash of cards organised. It also comes with four internal dividers, a player’s guide to help you navigate the Destined Rivals expansion, and a code card for Pokemon TCG Live.
Between the gameplay tools, promo card, and themed design, this Trainer Box follows the appeal of those from past sets to offer both style and substance. So, it’s ideal for seasoned battlers and collectors alike.
To request an invite, simply visit the product page on Amazon UK and click the “Request Invite” button. If selected, Amazon will email you a link that’s valid for 72 hours, giving you a private window to make your purchase. Once your invite is submitted, it remains active for up to 12 months and will still apply for any future restocks. There’s no need to re-request.
Amazon’s Pokemon TCG invites don’t stop with the Elite Trainer Box, either. Other items currently available via request include extra products in the Destined Rivals set and beyond — including the Prismatic Evolutions Accessory Pouch Special Collection (£29.99), the Kanghaskhan-featured Destined Rivals 3-Pack Blister (£12.99), Destined Rivals Booster Bundle (£23.94), the 151 Booster Bundle (£17.96), and the Prismatic Evolutions Super-Premium Collection (£89.99).
As stock shortages persist across the TCG space, Amazon’s lottery-style system may not be perfect, but it’s a better alternative than bots scooping up inventory in seconds. For those chasing Destined Rivals or building out their Team Rocket-themed decks, this invite could be your best shot at a fair-priced, fully loaded box.
Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen.
Are the words “dog” and “cat” similar enough to cause confusion? Naughty Dog owner Sony thinks they are, and has used that as the basis of an official opposition to a trademark application for ‘Naughty Cat.’
Sony Interactive Entertainment has filed a Notice of Opposition with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) against the “Naughty Cat” trademark application filed by a company called Naughty Cat Co., Limited.
This Hong Kong-based company has two apps listed on the App Store, both gambling “games” that promise to reward users with real cash. That’s a world away from the likes of The Last of Us and Uncharted, but that hasn’t stopped Sony’s lawyers from baring their teeth and barking angrily at their feline competitor.
In documents reviewed by IGN, Sony’s lawyers argue that the Naughty Cat trademark is “confusingly similar” to the Naughty Dog trademark it owns “in overall commercial impression and connotation.”
“The first, dominant element of the two marks, NAUGHTY, is identical,” Sony said. “The second elements, DOG and CAT, are highly similar in that both refer to house pets and are likely to mislead consumers into believing, mistakenly, that Naughty Cat is affiliated with SIE and/or Naughty Dog or that its goods are licensed or approved by SIE and/or Naughty Dog.”
The opposition note goes on to insist that any registration of the Naughty Cat trademark is “likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake or to deceive the public as to the source of Applicant’s goods offered under Applicant’s Mark, to the harm and damage of SIE and the public.”
“Registration of Applicant’s Mark will lead the public to conclude, incorrectly, that Applicant is or has been affiliated or connected with SIE, and/or that Applicant’s goods provided under Applicant’s Mark are or have been authorized, sponsored, endorsed, or licensed by SIE. Issuance of any registration to Applicant for the proposed mark will result in damage to SIE and the public.”
On top of this, the Naughty Cat application claims a first use date of December 25, 2023. The Naughty Dog trademark was of course in use many years beforehand.
Whether you agree with Sony’s assertion here or not, the USPTO has outlined a schedule to resolve the dispute and set trial dates if it comes to that. Naughty Cat Co., Limited has until July 12 to answer Sony’s opposition. If it fails to do that, the USPTO may mark the application as abandoned and Sony will have their victory. If not, the dispute may go to trial in 2026.
It seems unlikely any of the developers at Naughty Dog will have much of anything to do with this trademark business. Neil Druckmann and co are busy working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and a second, secret, unannounced project.
We don’t know anything about it yet. Perhaps it’s about cats?
Photo by Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images.
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.
Nintendo's $10 Switch 2 mini-game collection — the game that many fans believe should have been free — requires you own at least $95 of accessories in order to complete 100%.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is available today alongside the new console, and offers a selection of miniature games and experiences designed to show off the new hardware.
But this also includes mini-games designed to showcase the Switch 2's camera, and the extra GL/GR buttons which are not found on the standard Switch 2 Joy-Con and instead require a Charging Grip or Pro Controller (thanks, NintendoSoup) — which of course are sold separately.
Oh, and you'll also need a 4K TV, in case you don't already have one of those, or were planning to only play your Switch 2 in handheld mode.
Three mini-games require specific equipment, fans now report, with a camera needed to play 1 minigame, a controller with GL/GR buttons for another minigame, and a 4K-supported screen needed for 1 minigame and a separate tech demo.
Nintendo fans who want to see absolutely everything in Switch 2 Welcome Tour will therefore not only need to pay up the $10 cost of the game, but also $54.99 for a Switch 2 Camera, and either $39.99 for a Charging Grip or $84.99 for a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller to use those GL/GR buttons.
One useful PSA here is that the Switch 2 does support third-party cameras — so you could get hold of a USB-C webcam for cheaper.
But while the Switch 2 does also support the Switch 1 Pro Controller, this does not have the necessary GL/GR buttons — so you really will need to fork out separately for those. And, thanks to tariffs, these now cost slightly more at launch than Nintendo originally announced.
Nintendo has previously faced criticism for not including Switch 2 Welcome Tour with the console itself. An experience designed as an introduction to Nintendo's new hardware and essentially act as an interactive instruction manual, Welcome Tour would have been a perfect fit to be packed-in with the console — just as Wii Sports was with the Wii.
Even former Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aimé has got stuck into the debate, highlighting the Wii Sports situation from his tenure in charge. At the time, Fils-Aimé disagreed with Nintendo's Japanese bosses who said Wii Sports should have been sold separately (as it still was in Japan). But Fils-Aimé got his way for the U.S. and European markets, and Wii Sports went on to become one of the most successful games of all time.
"Everyone has to decide if it's worth their $10 to learn about the Switch 2 cartridge slot and watch an HDR fireworks display, and the whole conversation surrounding Welcome Tour has suffered because of Nintendo's irritating decision to charge for it," IGN wrote earlier this week. It'll be interesting to see whether the added costs further impact customer purchases.
Earlier today, IGN reported on the issue of damaged Switch 2 consoles due to retailers puncturing the console's thin boxes with staples. If you're buying a console (with or without Welcome Tour), it's something to be aware of.
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
Final Fantasy Tactics creator and director Yasumi Matsuno has opened up about how the game came to be, revealing he wrote the story to bring joy to those in an era "robbed of hope."
Now, with the long-rumored Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles finally getting a release date later this year, Matsuno posted a heartfelt message to X/Twitter, saying he "offers this story once again," as though addressing the profound unrest and division plaguing us in 2025, too.
"Nearly 30 years ago, the collapse of Japan's bubble economy engulfed the nation's financial institutions in mountains of bad debt, triggering a wave of corporate bankruptcies, a sudden and extreme rise in unemployment rates, and stagnation of Japanese society as a whole. It was an era when many were robbed of hope, when dreams were measured by their price tag.
"Against this historical backdrop, I crafted a story," he added. "It was the story of Ramza, a young man who fought tirelessly against the entrenched social class system. It was the story of Delita, who sought to take advantage of this confusion and despair to advance his own social position. It was a story of a peculiar destiny, in which friendship and betrayal intertwine.
"And now, in 2025 — a time when inequality and division are still deeply rooted in our society — I offer this story once again. The will to resist is in your hands."
The Final Fantasy Tactics remaster includes two versions of the game: the classic original (which includes the War of the Lions translation); and a fresh new version with full-blown voice acting, revamped interface, "extensive additions and adjustments to the story," and smoother visuals. It's coming to PS5 and PS5 on September 30, 2025.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles was just one of dozens of games announced last night. Sony kicked off the summer reveal season with a bang, presenting a smorgasbord of new games to whet our appetites going into Summer Games Fest Week. Here's everything announced at PlayStation State of Play 2025 last night, including 007 First Light, Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls, Romeo is a Dead Man, and Silent Hill f's release date.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
Publisher 505 Games and developer ArtPlay have announced Bloodstained prequel Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement for 2026.
Set in England during the 16th Century, before the events of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, The Scarlet Engagement sees a mysterious floating castle under the control of Demon Lord Elias terrorizing the people with its demonic forces. You play as two new protagonists: Leonard Brandon — a young fighter with the Church's Black Wolves clan — and Alexander Kyteler, a knight of the Kingdom's White Stags. Together, they rise to defeat Demon Lord Elias’ reign of terror and shatter the chains of a kingdom tormented by evil forces.
Created by Koji Igarashi, the mastermind behind classic games like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, The Scarlet Engagement promises a "fresh cast of allies and foes" that will hint at "deep connections" with its predecessor, while remaining accessible to new players without prior knowledge of the game's intricate lore.
You can play as both Leo and Alex simultaneously and discover new moves and combos as you explore Bloodstained's "largest map yet," which includes day-night cycles. These not only shift light and darkness, but also the way you interact with the world. There's also crafting, cooking, and customization.
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement doesn't have a specific release date, but it's set for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S sometime in 2026.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night released in 2019, and we thought "the wait was worth it," awarding it a Great 8.8, writing: "Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a whole new castle to crash full of unexpected monsters and mysteries in the vein of classic Castlevania."
Of course, this isn't the only game announcement we've had recently. Sony kicked off the summer reveal season with a bang, presenting a smorgasbord of new games to whet our appetites going into Summer Games Fest Week. Here's everything announced at PlayStation State of Play 2025 last night, including 007 First Light, Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, Romeo is a Dead Man, and Silent Hill f's release date.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
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