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Nintendo Switch 2 Will Help You Find Your Joy-Con If It Falls Into The Couch

Nintendo Switch 2 Will Help You Find Your Joy-Con If It Falls Into The Couch

While the launch of Nintendo Switch 2 inches closer by the day, the Nintendo Today app has been providing useful updates on a few of the upcoming console’s new features. Today, the app revealed that hidden within the options menu is a feature that will help you find a lost Joy-Con should it get separated from the console.

As spotted by X user Stealth40K, by tapping the Controllers icon on the main menu, you can select “Search For Controllers” from the list. Once there, select which Joy-Con you’ve misplaced, and the device will vibrate and make a ringing sound until you’ve retrieved it.

Nintendo Today has provided numerous updates about the Nintendo Switch 2 since the Switch 2 Direct in early April, including more information on the customizable GL and GR buttons for the Switch 2’s Pro Controller, as well as the binoculars found around the map in Mario Kart World. The app’s first-ever announcement was the March 2027 release date for the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie.

Nintendo’s next console will feature a robust launch lineup of games, including Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and updated Nintendo Switch 2 editions of both The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild and Tears Of The Kingdom. The console will also see Nintendo GameCube games come to the Nintendo Switch Online service exclusively on Switch 2, with The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and Soul Calibur 2 among the first games to be playable.

Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch in North America on June 5.

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Retro Fighting Game Killer Instinct Gold the Latest Addition to the Nintendo Switch Online Library

Retro Fighting Game Killer Instinct Gold the Latest Addition to the Nintendo Switch Online Library

Killer Instinct Gold is the latest Nintendo 64 game to be added to the Nintendo Switch Online library.

A Nintendo 64 port of the arcade fighter Killer Instinct 2, Gold joins the original Killer Instinct in the expansive library of retro titles now available to the Online Expansion Pack subscribers.

Released almost 30 years ago now in 1996, Killer Instinct Gold was developed by British studio Rare, which was a frequent second-party developer for Nintendo at the time, making games like Donkey Kong Country, Goldeneye 007, and Perfect Dark for early Nintendo systems. You can pick from a roster of 10 killer fighters, and test your instincts across multiple game modes, “with hundreds of thousands of moves and killer Combos at your fingertips.”

Rare and by extension the Killer Instinct franchise is of course now owned by Microsoft, which makes Killer Instinct Gold yet another Xbox Game Studios title to release on the Switch. Following the release of Xbox One launch title Killer Instinct back in 2013, there has been no indication that Microsoft plans to revive the series with yet another sequel.

The 10 Best Fighting Games

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription-based online gaming service for the Nintendo Switch gaming platform. Memberships include online functionality, allowing you to compete or cooperate with friends, as well as a collection of classic Nintendo games spanning four decades, including titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and (with the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2) the new GameCube libraries. A free seven-day trial is also available.

Nintendo Switch 2 preorders went live at the end of April with the price of the console still fixed at $449.99 — and they went about as well as you’d expect. But although Nintendo has issued a warning to U.S. customers who applied for a Switch 2 pre-order from the My Nintendo Store, saying release date delivery is not guaranteed due to very high demand, Nintendo of America boss Doug Bowser told IGN he is confident the company will have enough units to meet consumer demand “through the holidays.”

Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

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This New Switch 2 QR Feature Sounds Really Helpful

This New Switch 2 QR Feature Sounds Really Helpful

It has come to light that the Switch 2 may include a helpful new feature for people who encounter error messages when using the console.

Someone at a recent Nintendo Switch 2 Experience event discovered that when an error message prompt pops up, the page also includes a QR code. This QR code then takes players to a support page where they can learn more about the specific issue and how to fix it.

The person who shared this on Reddit (via Nintendosoup) said while they were waiting in line to play Drag x Drive they saw one of the demo Switch 2 consoles encounter a connection error that triggered an error screen. The screen displayed the error code, an explanation of the issue, a link to Nintendo’s website, and a QR code.

The person said they didn’t have enough time to snap a photo but created a mockup from memory of what it looked like (below), though it’s not 100% accurate.

GameSpot has contacted Nintendo in an attempt to get more clarity on this. It sounds like a welcome and helpful feature for the Switch 2. Encountering error codes is always frustrating, so anything to potentially make the experience resolve more quickly, like a QR code with helpful instructions, sounds like a good thing.

The Switch 2 launches on June 5, priced at $450 for the system itself or $500 for a bundle that includes a copy of Mario Kart World. Most units are sold out, but you can consult GameSpot’s Switch 2 preorder guide to give yourself the best chance to get a console. You can also check out GameSpot’s Switch 2 accessories preorder guide to get your hands on a Switch 2 Pro controller, camera, and more.

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Nintendo Reveals A Switch 2 Setting That Prevents Its Battery From Deteriorating

Nintendo Reveals A Switch 2 Setting That Prevents Its Battery From Deteriorating

Nintendo is recommending that Switch 2 owners turn on a “Stop Charging Around 90%” setting to prevent the system’s battery from deteriorating as fast. The company shared the news–and an in-depth video explaining where to find the new setting–in a recent Nintendo Today post.

Recently, Nintendo has been sharing system setting-related videos on its daily news app, including one showcasing the use of mouse controls on the home screen. The latest one highlights the Stop Charging Around 90% feature of Switch 2, with Nintendo explaining that “pausing the charge at around 90% reduces deterioration to the battery.” A video showcasing how to turn on the feature was also included, and has since been shared by industry insider Stealth40K on X.

If you plan on frequently playing your Switch 2 over the long term, this is definitely a feature you should be aware of. Keeping the system’s battery healthy is important if you want to maximize your handheld mode play time. Currently, Nintendo says the Switch 2’s battery life lasts between two to six-and-and-a-half hours, depending on what games are being played. Nintendo also said the system will take three hours to charge, although that may be a bit shorter if this specific new setting is turned on.

Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, and those looking to secure a console should keep an eye on GameSpot’s preorder guide.

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Nintendo Insists AI-Generated Images Were Not Used in the Development of Mario Kart World After In-Game Billboards Sparked Speculation

Nintendo Insists AI-Generated Images Were Not Used in the Development of Mario Kart World After In-Game Billboards Sparked Speculation

Nintendo has disputed accusations it used AI-generated images to create billboards in Mario Kart World.

Rumors began to swirl when a Nintendo Treehouse livestream gave us a closer peek at the upcoming racer a few weeks back. Eagle-eyed fans pointed out that a handful of in-game advertising boards looked a little strange, with images of a construction site, a bridge, and a peculiarly tall car all raising eyebrows.

Does this look like AI to you? Image credit: Nintendo.

Of course, many pre-release titles include placeholder graphics that won’t be included in the final product, but Nintendo refuted claims that anything, even in its pre-release game, was AI-generated, saying in a statement to Eurogamer: “AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World.”

This odd-looking car sparked speculation. Image credit: Nintendo.

Generative AI is one of the hottest topics in the creative industries right now and a burning issue within video game development itself. Apart from ethical and copyright issues, labor unions have expressed concern about the potential for generative AI to replace jobs, and video game performers have called for increased protections against its use.

In September last year, Nintendo developer legend Shigeru Miyamoto said the company would rather go in a “different direction” than the rest of the video game industry when it comes to AI. For example, EA CEO Andrew Wilson has said AI is “the very core of our business” — a comment IGN subsequently explored in more detail. But according to Miyamoto, Nintendo has a different outlook.

In an interview with The New York Times, Miyamoto brought up AI himself as an example of something where Nintendo would rather do things differently than its peers.

“It might seem like we are just going the opposite direction for the sake of going in the opposite direction, but it really is trying to find what makes Nintendo special,” Miyamoto said.

“There is a lot of talk about A.I., for example,” he continued. “When that happens, everyone starts to go in the same direction, but that is where Nintendo would rather go in a different direction.”

Play

Miyamoto’s comments followed those made by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who said generative AI can be used “in creative ways,” but its use “also raise issues with intellectual property rights.”

“We have decades of know-how in creating the best gaming experiences for our players,” Furukawa added. “While we are open to utilizing technological developments, we will work to continue delivering value that is unique to Nintendo and cannot be created by technology alone.”

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 — for which Mario Kart World is a console exclusive — is set to debut on June 5. Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders went live on April 24, with the price still fixed at $449.99 — and they went about as well as you’d expect. Check out IGN’s Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide for more.

Did you preorder a Nintendo Switch 2?

Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

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You Can Get a Pack of Official Legend of Zelda Playing Cards for Just $10

You Can Get a Pack of Official Legend of Zelda Playing Cards for Just $10

The official Legend of Zelda playing cards from Nintendo are currently on sale for just $9.99 (20% off). Keep in mind, they are a Japan-only imported product, so buying through Amazon typically means you’re purchasing from a reseller. This could mean you may have to wait a bit longer than usual for them to arrive due to the potential of limited stock.

In any case, these make for a great gift or addition to your collection, like the awesome Legend of Zelda manga or encyclopedias like the Hyrule Historia.

Official Legend of Zelda Playing Cards Are on Sale

Imported from Japan

Official Legend of Zelda Playing Cards

The standard 52-card deck features various art of characters, items, and locations from throughout the entire Legend of Zelda games’ history, from the NES original up to Skyward Sword. Naturally, Zelda is printed on Queen cards, Ganondorf on Kings, and so on. Personally, I’m a big fan of the Tingle Jokers. These were made to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary and feature green backs with the different Link designs over the years. The deck comes in a thick plastic protective case, perfect for displaying on your shelf and easy to access for a quick game of go-fish.

Nintendo got their start manufacturing Hanafuda playing cards in 1889, so these cards are a fitting way to celebrate the company’s long history as well.

More Official Nintendo Playing Cards

The Legend of Zelda cards aren’t the only available theme, either. You can pick up up official Super Mario Flower cards, both modern and retro Super Mario standard playing cards, and even Splatoon-themed playing cards all for less than $20 or less. Keep in mind the import caveat with these, as well! Owning a pair of official Nintendo Hanafuda cards is a rite of passage for any serious Nintendo collector, and luckily you can do so without breaking the bank.

Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.

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Two More Official Switch 2 Grip Accessories Are Available Now

Two More Official Switch 2 Grip Accessories Are Available Now

We’re still a few weeks out from the Switch 2’s launch on June 5, but we’ve already seen numerous third-party manufacturers release official accessories for the upcoming consoles–including Switch 2 editions of some of the best Switch grips, the Skull & Co. NeoGrip and StandGrip. Skull & Co. is one of the most popular Switch accessory manufacturers, and the new Switch 2 versions of the NeoGrip and StandGrip are sure to be popular–in fact, at least one bundle deal featuring the NeoGrip for Switch 2 and one of its new carrying cases has already sold out at Amazon. Luckily, you can still grab the Switch 2 NeoGrip for $30 and StandGrip for $19 (was $27), along with several other new Switch 2 accessories from Skull & Co. like carrying cases, screen protectors, and protective caps for the Switch 2’s thumbsticks and buttons.

All Skull & Co. Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories and Bundles

If you’re looking for more Switch 2 accessories, other third-party brands like JSAUX, Tomtoc, Satisfye, and Dbrand all have their own grips, carrying cases, and screen protectors available. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Switch 2 grips in the list below.

Beyond grips, GameStop has its own line of budget-friendly Switch 2 accessories available. Of course, there’s also Nintendo’s official Switch 2 accessories as well, which you’ll find listed in our Switch 2 preorder guide. If you’re set for accessories, be sure to also check out our list of all the Switch 2 games available to preorder now.

More Switch 2 Grips

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Bravely Default HD Remaster For Nintendo Switch 2 Is Finally Up For Preorder

Bravely Default HD Remaster For Nintendo Switch 2 Is Finally Up For Preorder

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster was one of the few Nintendo Switch 2 launch games that wasn’t available to buy when Switch 2 console preorders opened in April. Listings for the upcoming turn-based RPG from Square Enix have been featured on retailer websites for about a month now, but preorders only just started popping up on May 6. If you’re interested in picking up the Switch 2’s most affordable launch game with a physical edition–it’s only $40–you can preorder Bravely Default HD Remaster ahead of its June 5 release.

Bravely Default originally released as a Nintendo 3DS exclusive in Japan in 2012. An expanded edition launched the following year, and that version received an English translation in 2014.

Along with the high-definition graphical overhaul, the remaster adds a new fast-forward option for events, two all-new minigames, and more. Since the original 3DS version used a dual-screen interface, the game’s presentation and menu systems have been overhauled to fit on the Switch 2’s single screen. The HD remaster also retains popular features, such as adjustable battle speeds and enemy encounter rates.

Since its original release on 3DS, Bravely Default has received two sequels: Bravely Second: End Layer for 3DS and Bravely Default II for Nintendo Switch. Fans of the series can also add official art books for all three games to their shelves. The Art of Bravely Default II was just published by Dark Horse Books in April, but you can already save 20% on the 300-plus page hardcover edition.

Bravely Default Series Games & Books


Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster is just one of many Switch 2 games available to preorder. There are other big launch titles like Mario Kart World and the Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. You can also secure your copies of games launching shortly after the Switch 2, such as Donkey Kong Bananza, Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV Switch 2 Edition, and more.

For more upcoming Switch 2 products, check out our roundup of all of the Nintendo Switch 2 games you can preorder now. We also have roundups of all of the first-party Nintendo Switch 2 accessories as well as the third-party accessories you can buy at Amazon.

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Tomtoc Releases Nintendo Switch 2 Version Of Its Popular Form-Fitting Travel Case

Tomtoc Releases Nintendo Switch 2 Version Of Its Popular Form-Fitting Travel Case

Carrying case and travel bag manufacturer Tomtoc has been a popular choice for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck users for years. Now, like many other third-party companies, Tomtoc has launched its first options for Nintendo Switch 2. The manufacturer is known for its sleek, hardshell cases as well as its range of stylish shoulder bags, and the pair of Switch 2 Tomtoc products showcase exactly that. Tomtoc’s Carrying Case and Crossbody Sling Bag are available to ship now from Amazon.

Tomtoc’s hardshell case has quickly vaulted to the top of Amazon’s list of the best-selling Nintendo Switch cases, and is pretty high up on the bestsellers list for gaming in general (as of May 6). With preorders for Nintendo’s official Switch 2 carrying cases currently sold out, Tomtoc’s cases will likely continue to be popular as we inch closer to the Switch 2’s June 5 launch.

The three cases above are just the tip of the Switch 2 iceberg when it comes to third-party accessories for Nintendo Switch 2 at Amazon. Some of the highlights here include hardshell carrying cases designed to offer a more durable option at an attractive price, like Spigen’s Rugged Armor Protective Case/Grip for $30 at Amazon. JSAUX, another popular manufacturer of Steam Deck and Switch accessories, also just released a range of Switch 2 accessories for budget-friendly prices.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the other carrying cases, grips, and screen protectors that are available now for Switch 2.

More Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Cases, Grips, & Protectors at Amazon

Switch 2 Ergonomic Grip Cases

Switch 2 Carrying Cases

Switch 2 Screen Protectors

JSAUX Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories

Nintendo Switch 2 Official Accessories:

If you prefer to buy first-party accessories, here’s a list of all of the Nintendo products releasing June 5. Check out our Nintendo Switch 2 accessory roundup for a closer look at each of the items listed below.

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Every Nintendo Switch 2 Game That Supports Joy-Con Mouse Controls

Every Nintendo Switch 2 Game That Supports Joy-Con Mouse Controls

Like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 offers a variety of different input methods right out of the box, from a touch screen to traditional buttons and motion controls. On top of all that, the new Joy-Con 2 controllers can be placed on a surface and used like a mouse…
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