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The old-school flashlight is legendary. It was heavy, dependable, and ate up those big, bulky D-cell batteries. I used to think the weight of a metal tube meant quality, and that the sputtering yellow glow from an incandescent bulb showed you were really ready for anything. In reality, these old flashlights that seem so dependable are outdated.

Nintendo Direct is happening this week, so it's time to round up all our speculation about what the games giant will unveil.

The livestream will air on Nintendo's YouTube Channel at 6am PT/9am ET on Thursday, Feb. 5. It's listed as a Nintendo Direct partner showcase for third-party games, which means the likelihood of seeing any first-party Nintendo games is pretty low, if not zero.

That doesn't mean we can't expect excitement, however. The show is 30 minutes long and features games for both Switch and Switch 2.

Here's what we expect to see, and would like to see, from the showcase.

SEE ALSO: It's official: The Switch is Nintendo's highest-selling console ever More fantasy ports This would be a great Switch 2 game. Credit: Square Enix/Steam

Since this Direct will be largely focused on third-party games, it's reasonable to expect a decent chunk of it to be dedicated to ports of existing games. From Software (we'll come back to them later) has already announced a Switch 2 port of Elden Ring with a 2026 release, so I wouldn't be shocked if we got a precise launch date during this Direct.

There may be at least one more critically acclaimed RPGs getting Switch 2 ports. Nintendo YouTuber NateTheHate has predicted that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will show up during the Direct with a 2026 release date. Publisher Square Enix just released the Switch 2 version of that game's prequel, Final Fantasy VII Remake, in January, and it's apparently selling quite well.

Given that Square has already confirmed Rebirth would come to Switch 2 at some point, it would make sense for the next installment in the series to show up now.

The 2024 smash hit Metaphor: ReFantazio would also be a reasonable candidate for a Switch 2 release.

A second look at The Duskbloods? You should probably get that checked out. Credit: From Software/Nintendo

Near the end of the first big Switch 2 showcase last year, Nintendo announced The Duskbloods, a brand new Switch 2-exclusive game from the creators of Elden Ring, From Software.

Since then, we have not seen or heard anything about The Duskbloods, despite its announced 2026 release date. Given that this is technically not a first-party Nintendo game, it could, and arguably should, get prominent placement in this Direct.

007: First Light Finally, Gen Z James Bond. Credit: IO Interactive/Steam

I got a quick peek at 007: First Light, an upcoming James Bond game from the makers of Hitman. It seems an interesting mix of set-piece action sequences and creative stealth levels. And it is confirmed for a Switch 2 release when it launches on May 27.

It would be a pretty big deal for Nintendo if First Light showed up in any capacity during this Direct, but there's also an argument that we've already seen all we need to see of this game prior to release.

Resident Evil: Requiem and other Capcom games 'Monster Hunter Stories' rules. Credit: Capcom/Steam

Speaking of upcoming multiplatform releases with Switch 2 versions, Resident Evil: Requiem launches at the end of February. Capcom probably doesn't need to do much more marketing for this game, which seemed fantastic when I played it a few weeks ago, but it couldn't hurt to at least remind people that it exists and that it's coming to Switch 2.

The same goes for Pragmata, an exciting-looking science fiction shooter with a unique hacking mechanic. It's launching on Switch 2 (and everything else) in April.

I also wouldn't mind seeing more of Monster Hunters Stories 3, a new entry in what is lowkey one of the better spin-off series in gaming right now.

Monster Hunter Stories 3 turns the action game series on its head. It offers really fun turn-based combat and a distinct take on Pokémon-style monster collecting mechanics. This is one of my most anticipated games of 2026, and I'd love to see more of it during this Direct.

At least one thing we won't see coming

As with every Nintendo Direct, leave room for the unexpected. There will probably be a "one more thing..." announcement at the end that could be anything listed here, or something absolutely nobody has predicted.

Nobody in this business is better than Nintendo at preventing leaks and hiding secrets, which is part of what makes Nintendo Direct so compelling. We'll find out together on Thursday morning.

Madonna's iconic hit “Vogue" is all over the new trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2, but a much more obscure song of hers is currently en vogue on social media: 1992's "Thief of Hearts."

The house-inflected diss track from Madonna's divisive Erotica album is making the rounds via user dances and posts on TikTok and Instagram — and the star herself acknowledged the tune’s virality. Wearing sunglasses and a leopard-print jacket, The Queen of Pop lip-synched a few bars of “Thief” on Instagram recently and captioned the post, "Hearts are meant to be broken."

SEE ALSO: How TikTok is rewriting the soundtrack of music discovery View this post on Instagram

As seductive and danceable as the song is, it was never released as a single from Erotica, an album that, according to Madonna, never got its due from critics or the public, since it arrived alongside the artist’s controversial coffee table book, Sex. So, the song’s embrace by social media — it trended on TikTok and recently posted its biggest streaming day ever on Spotify — is satisfying for Madonna fans and the Queen herself, as evident in her Instagram post.

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Featuring the sound of glass crashing and angry interludes, "Thief of Hearts" takes aim at a woman who allegedly stole Madonna’s man (how is that possible?). Whether the song is truly autobiographical is not clear, though Queerty posits that a certain Oscar-nominated actress may be the tune’s intended target. 

Madonna's viral reach isn't a recent phenomenon. Songs like "La Isla Bonita" and "Frozen" have already been reborn on TikTok and Reels, fueling millions of videos and introducing her catalog to new generations.

The Discord messaging application is getting a much-needed speed boost on desktop platforms. There are also new improvements to screenshots and game streams, a new way to share times, and much more.

The dating app Hinge is testing the facial recognition feature Face Check in a number of countries this quarter. That's according to its parent company, Match Group, which announced the test during its 2025 Q4 earnings call.

Tinder has required Face Check for all new U.S. users since October 2025, after making it mandatory for California users. By the end of this first quarter in 2026, Match Group expects Tinder to launch Face Check globally.

Where it has been rolled out, the company claims the face-checking feature has led to a more than 50 percent reduction in interactions with bad actors (accounts that engage in deceptive or harmful behaviors like spam and scam attempts).

SEE ALSO: Is Hinge really 'designed to be deleted'? I tested it to find out.

Hinge says it will test the feature in Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and Canada this quarter. More details about the U.S. rollout of Face Check are coming soon, with testing beginning as early as next month, a spokesperson told Mashable.

Hinge is also preparing to test Direct to Date, "which clarifies intent to accelerate IRL plans," according to the Q4 2025 prepared remarks.

Hinge told Mashable that the app is exploring a new way to help daters start planning for a first date as soon as they match — including sharing their availability, as well as date activities they're interested in. The test is planned for this spring.

Hinge continues to be the darling of Match Group's array of apps, as shown by the Q4 results. Paying users and direct revenue increased again quarterly and yearly, while Tinder's have decreased.

In December, Hinge founder Justin McLeod announced he was leaving Hinge to launch an AI dating service, which has yet to be unveiled.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has sharply escalated his long-running feud with Elon Musk, responding to newly filed court documents and recent public comments with a series of posts on X, tracking their ongoing legal and business disputes.

This latest round of the feud began after court filings in Musk's lawsuits against OpenAI and Apple became public. Jason Kwon, OpenAI's chief strategy officer, wrote that Musk and his AI company, xAI, produced almost no substantive internal documents during discovery, allegedly relying instead on disappearing messages.

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Altman reposted those claims, along with what has become a Musk catchphrase: "Concerning!"

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Screenshots of the filings posted online by Kwon appeared to support OpenAI's argument that key communications were not preserved.

Altman didn't stop there. He followed up with a more direct jab, writing that he was "really excited to get Elon under oath in a few months." He called the prospect "Christmas in April."

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Altman and Musk are involved in several lawsuits challenging OpenAI's governance changes, including its restructuring from a nonprofit into a for-profit business. Musk has argued those moves betray OpenAI's original mission, while OpenAI has called Musk's suits frivolous.

Early last year, Musk led a $97 billion bid to acquire OpenAI, which Altman publicly rejected.

The posts build on years of tension over OpenAI's direction. Just two weeks ago, Altman was pushing back against Musk on X due to the latter's claim that ChatGPT posed a mental health risk to users. Altman noted Musk's criticism was inconsistent, and explained the difficulty of balancing safety with access for a massive user base.

In the same exchange, Altman pointed to Tesla's autopilot safety record as an example of Musk's own company facing public scrutiny.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Once, each new generation of graphics card promised to bring large performance gains, and if you wanted to play the latest and greatest AAA games at high resolutions, you needed to upgrade or be left behind. However, NVIDIA's continued improvements to DLSS have made upgrading less important than it used to be.

On Linux, pipes and redirection let you use the output from commands in powerful ways. Capture it in files, or use it as input with other commands. Here’s what you need to know.

Keeping a hard drive on a drawer is probably the most common approach to storing files over the long term. A lot of people don't do it properly, though, to the point I've actually discouraged this practice previously.

Welcome to the film and television capital of the country. Thanks to Hollywood, Los Angeles continues to be directly associated with the entertainment industry. Many of the major studios, including Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures, still have production lots either in Los Angeles or the surrounding cities.

It’s that time of year when Google releases a budget version of its most recent “flagship” phone. The Pixel 10 series launched last Fall, and now we’re getting our first official look at the Pixel 10a. Google is teasing us with some close-up shots, but not much else.

IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, PhpStorm, and other JetBrains IDEs are finally adopting Wayland. That means sharper text and better performance on most Linux systems, but there are still some bugs to be worked out.

3D printing model repositories are full of items designed to hold food and drink or be used in the kitchen to prepare food. But before you print any of these, you need to understand the risks involved in mixing 3D prints and food.

On Feb. 3, Apple Studios rolled out a comprehensive press day, and Mashable was there for all the breaking news on Apple TV shows like Pluribus, Sugar, and Margo's Got Money Troubles, as well as upcoming films like the Keanu Reeves-fronted comedy Outcome. And it's a first look at that dark comedy that has drawn a lot of attention online, particularly from Jonah Hill fans.

Directed by Hill, Outcome centers on an adored Hollywood star named Reef Hawk (Reeves) whose reputation is threatened by a blackmailer with a mysterious video. Cameron Diaz and Matt Bomer co-star, as does Hill. And it was the first look images of Hill that surprised the internet.

At the event itself (as you can see above), Hill sported thick glasses, short hair, and an auburn beard. This is fairly similar to how he looked in his last directorial effort, the 2022 documentary about his therapist, Stutz, and in the 2023 Eddie Murphy vehicle You People.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about Keanu Reeves and Jonah Hill's 'Outcome'

However, in the production stills from Outcome, Hill is hard to clock opposite Reeves. Check it out:

Keanu Reeves and Jonah Hill in "Outcome." Credit: Apple TV

In profile with a shaved head and gray beard, Hill breaks from what audiences have come to expect of his onscreen appearance. So, already Outcome has some added mystique. Mashable's Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards shared that Hill plays a crisis lawyer hired by Reeve's character in the film. But could this new look mark a new chapter in Hill's career, either as an actor or director?

We should know soon, as Hill has two movies slated for 2026 release, both of which he directs and co-stars in. (He also shares screenwriting credit on both films with Ezra Woods.) On top of Outcome, he's also got Cut Off, a dramedy about two rich siblings (Hill and Kristen Wiig) whose lives take a turn when their parents cut off their financial support. Cut Off doesn't yet have a release date. Outcome hits Apple TV on April 10.

How to watch: Outcome premieres April 10 on Apple TV.

Gaming GPU prices had hit a sweet spot just a few months ago, but due to memory shortages and the ever-increasing thirst for AI compute, prices are going through the roof yet again. Looks like another GPU crisis is around the corner, and it's going to take a while before things return to normal.

SAVE $43.97: Through Feb. 9, new and returning subscribers can get three months of streaming on MUBI for only $1. Usually $14.99 per month, that's nearly $44 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi MUBI Get 3 months for $1 Get Deal

If you're looking to venture away from Netflix and its extravagant costs, MUBI is an excellent choice — especially if you're a movie lover. There are never any ads, it's brimming with hand-picked quality cinema, and for a limited time, it's just a buck.

Through Feb. 9, new and returning subscribers can get three months of streaming on MUBI for just $1. It typically costs $14.99 per month (or $9.99 per month with an annual membership), which means you'll save nearly $44 total across 90 days. After the promotional period, of course, the price will jump back up to $14.99 unless you cancel first.

MUBI is made for cinephiles, as it prides itself as a place to "discover ambitious films and series by visionary filmmakers — from iconic directors to emerging auteurs." You'll find mainstream and independent films, classics and new releases, award winners, and even Mubi originals. That includes one of our favorite movies from 2025, Die My Love, and one of our favorites from 2024, The Substance. It's also where you can watch Lili Reinhart's new show Hal & Harper, as well as Twin Peaks in its entirety.

Streaming deals this good don't stick around long — be sure to secure your $1 subscription by Feb. 9.

SAVE $33.01: The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro foldable gimbal is on sale at Amazon for $126.98, down from the list price of $159.99. That's a 21% discount that matches the record low at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insta360 Insta360 Flow 2 Pro foldable gimbal $126.98 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $33.01   Get Deal

These days, you don't have to be a professional content creator to share great clips on socials. We have tons of free tools that help us capture video to share on our feeds, whether it's your dog being silly or your latest trip to Europe. If you've been grabbing these videos by holding your phone in your hand, it might be time for an upgrade. Check out this deal at Amazon.

As of Feb. 4, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro foldable gimbal is on sale at Amazon for $126.98, marked down from the list price of $159.99. That's a 21% discount that shaves $33.01 off the normal price. It also matches the record low at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is down to an all-time low price — save $500 at Amazon

Insta360 packed the Flow 2 Pro with features that make filming much more convenient. For starters, there's the active zoom tracking, which can follow subjects even at 15x zoom. The multi-person tracking is also great for filming several subjects, and the 360-degree Infinite Pan Tracking is a standout highlight. This function allows for continuous rotation. Of course, it can also serve as a tripod for still recording.

While it's still at a record-low price at Amazon, upgrade to the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro foldable gimbal for under $127. Your content will look smooth and pro-level with this added accessory.

Whether you're a professional or a DIYer, you likely have a preferred power tool brand and a stash of battery packs. Then, the deeper you go, you've probably upgraded to some of the latest and greatest, like the Milwaukee Fuel line. Another option you may be considering is a hydraulic impact driver, which is quickly becoming a fan-favorite tool.

SAVE $600.01: As of Feb. 4, get the Bluetti Elite 400 portable power station for $1,298.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,899. That's a discount of 32%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bluetti Elite 400 portable power station $1,298.99 at Amazon
$1,899 Save $600.01   Get Deal

If you live somewhere where you deal with power outages often, you probably get tired of being without electricity. It's frustrating to say the least, especially when it starts to stretch into longer periods of time. That's where a portable power station can come in. If you're ready to invest in one so you can stop dealing with these situations, now's the time to buy, thanks to this discount.

As of Feb. 4, get the Bluetti Elite 400 portable power station for $1,298.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,899. That's $600.01 off and a discount of 32%.

SEE ALSO: The 4 best power stations for camping keep you both online and off-grid

This power station boasts 3,840Wh and 2600W capacity, so it can handle just about any electricity-related situation you end up dealing with. It can run most appliances and devices, from your refrigerator to your laptop, tablet, and everything else you may need to keep charged. It's easy to charge as well, as you can get it up to an 80 percent charge in just 70 minutes with its 2800W AC and solar input. Not bad if you need juice in a pinch.

Since the backup is a bit on the larger side, it features a hardy shell with wheels, making it easy to maneuver and get where you need to go, and to take your electricity with you. You can toss it in the garage, keep it in your car, or anywhere you think it could be useful in a pinch.

If it's long past time for you to have your own power station, consider grabbing this one now that it's on sale for this significant discount.

If you grew up in the 90s with a beige Windows PC, there’s a good chance you spent hours staring at a very specific pair of speakers. The Harman/Kardon HK195 speakers were ubiquitous in the early internet era, and artist @gwakproductions has brought them back in a massive way—literally.