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SAVE $40: As of Sept. 11, get the Hisense AX3100 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer for $189.99, down from its usual price of $229.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 17% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Hisense AX3100 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer $189.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $40 Get Deal

A good soundbar is the perfect way to enhance your TV viewing experience at home. Whether you just need one so you can actually hear the dialogue in some shows or movies, or you want to have the most cinematic living room experience possible, it's always worth adding one to your setup. And you can get one right now for under $200 complete with subwoofer, making this an excellent deal you won't want to pass up.

As of Sept. 11, get the Hisense AX3100 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer for $189.99, down from its usual price of $229.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 17% and the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: Our 5 favorite expert-tested soundbars to upgrade your TV setup

This 3.1-channel surround sound soundbar and subwoofer has everything you need to bring the bass. It uses Hisense's Hi-Concerto feature to deliver surround sound from both your TV and soundbar, with both devices working together to create the home theater experience. Plus, best of all, you don't need any wires to bring it all together.

It has 7 EQ modes to choose from to help optimize your soundscape, from AI EQ to Movie Mode, as well as Sports, News, Night, and Music modes (to name a few) to fit each unique situation. Plus, it uses just one TV remote to control everything with Hisense's EZPlay. You can change settings via your TV without having to individually control options per device, which should make getting set up easy.

This is a simple way to enhance your sound at home, and being able to do it under $200 is pretty sweet. The holidays are coming up, so pounce while you still can.

SAVE $40: As of Sept. 11, the Fire TV Cube is on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. This is 29% off its list price of $139.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Cube $99.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

If you've been hoping to upgrade your streaming setup now that football season is here and new things are available to watch on top services, Amazon's been offering some nice deals on its streaming devices lately. This includes a discount on the Fire TV Cube, which is currently marked down to under $100.

The Fire TV Cube usually retails for $139.99, but for a limited time, Amazon has dropped the price of this high-quality streaming device to $99.99. This saves you $40 and is only $10 away from its lowest-ever price of $89.99.

SEE ALSO: Amazon’s Fire TV 2-Series is back to its lowest price of 2025 — save $70 right now

No matter what you're watching, it'll come through with crisp clarity and rich color thanks to the Fire TV Cube's support for 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR. It even supports Dolby Atmos audio, so you can experience incredible sound alongside the picture. And thanks to WiFi 6E support, your streaming quality will be fast and reliable.

On top of that, the octa-core 2.0 GHz processor offers quick start-ups for all your apps, so you can get into watching the latest shows or sports right away. And thanks to Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced, you can search for the next best thing to watch simply by using your voice.

Now is as good a time as any to scoop up the Fire TV Cube for $99.99 at Amazon. As mentioned before, some of Amazon's other streaming devices are also discounted right now at the retailer, including the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

I was having a perfectly normal Thursday until I heard Kristen Wiig say the words "pretty glitter kitty litter."

The tongue-twisting phrase is part of a bizarre new ad for Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie, which is based on the hit Netflix series. The movie follows Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) and her grandmother Gigi (Gloria Estefan) as they explore the wondrous city of Cat Francisco. Unfortunately, their trip takes a turn when Gabby's dollhouse ends up in the claws of eccentric cat lady Vera (Wiig).

Here's the thing: I have never watched an episode of Gabby's Dollhouse. I have, however, watched Wiig in everything from Saturday Night Live to The Skeleton Twins to Bridesmaids. And seeing her hawking glittery cat litter as "grown-up adult woman" and "busy business lady" Vera suddenly has me intrigued in a movie I hadn't even considered watching.

The entire ad is a surreal infomercial full of sparkling star wipes, meowing cats, and so much glitter. It's like something you'd see on SNL, complete with Wiig's kooky character acting. Vera's what you'd get if you combined the sales acumen of Wiig's Target Lady with the cat lady sensibilities of Wonder Woman 1984's Cheetah (also Wiig!). Sprinkle in a dash of Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar's strangeness, and you've got Vera.

Do I know much else about Gabby's Dollhouse? No. Am I in the film's intended age demographic? No. But will I have Wiig's "pretty glitter kitty litter" stuck in my head for at least a day after being exposed to it? Probably!

Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie hits theaters Sept. 26.

War is hell. It's one of the worst aspects of human history, but we sure love stories about the great conflicts in human history. The movie has been perhaps the best way to show the realities of war, and there's plenty of competition at the top.

The internet is almost certainly the most complex machine humanity has ever created. You might not notice it simply because, most of the time, the internet and services like the Web work without a hitch, but under the hood there's an enormous number of things that have to all work together seamlessly.

September 2025 saw some big announcements from Apple, including a brand new iPhone, three Apple Watch refreshes, and the arrival of the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3.

Google has pulled back the curtain on how it developed the live translation feature for Google Meet. The company’s audio engineering and product management teams, along with Google DeepMind, were able to achieve what was apparently a five-year goal in just two years.

We're living in uncertain times. Tariffs are playing havoc with the automotive industry.EV tax credits that have been utilized to stimulate the adoption across all EV manufacturers are coming to a halt. Fast. At first glance, you might think this is a bad thing, but let me assure you that it isn't. One thing we've learned is that from chaos comes opportunity.

Apple has refreshed the Watch lineup with the Ultra 3, which arrived alongside the base model Series 11. Whether you’re new to the world of wearables or thinking about an upgrade, these models occupy a similar place in the market but ultimately serve a different purpose.

If you need a new phone and don't care that much about whether it runs iOS or Android, there are a couple of solid options for you right now.

Specifically, those would be the iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10. The former was just revealed at a big announcement event, while the latter is already on store shelves. There's plenty to like about both of these phones, so instead of wasting any more time, let's jump right in.

SEE ALSO: The new Apple products are available for preorder on Amazon iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Price

Both the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 start at $799. While it might not seem like it, that actually gives Apple the edge on price.

That's because the base version of the iPhone 17 comes with 256GB of storage (which is still on the light side), while the base Pixel 10 comes with a measly 128GB. If you opt for the Pixel 10 with 256GB of storage, you'll have to pay $899.

So, point Apple.

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Specs The Pixel 10 and its signature camera bump. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Here are the iPhone 17's basic specs:

• 6.3-inch display with 2622x1206 resolution and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate

• A19 chip

• 256GB/512GB storage

• Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 48MP ultrawide

• Front camera: 18MP

And here are the Pixel 10's specs:

• 6.3-inch display with 2424x1080 resolution and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate

• Google Tensor G5 chip

• 128GB/256GB storage

• Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto

• Front camera: 10.5MP

Okay, so what do all those numbers and abbreviations mean? There are actually major differences worth noting. Not only does Apple's handset have higher base storage of 256GB, but it also goes up to 512GB. The Pixel 10 starts at 128GB and maxes out at 256GB. For two phones that cost the same amount of money, that's a pretty big disparity.

Aside from that, Apple caught up with the Joneses this year by embracing a 120Hz refresh rate in the base iPhone 17's display. In previous years, you needed to shell out for an iPhone Pro model to get that, while Google included it in the base Pixel phone. That's not a disparity anymore, which is good for Apple.

The two phones also have different in-house chipsets and fairly different camera arrays, which we'll get to in a little bit.

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Design Left: Credit: CNET Right: Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

There really isn't a lot to say in this category. Both the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 look a lot like their 2024 predecessors. While the internet is extremely divided on the iPhone 17 Pro and its "cosmic orange" color, the iPhone 17 just looks like a regular ol' iPhone. It carries forward the vertically stacked dual-camera bump on the phone's backside, while the Pixel 10 maintains the Cyclops-looking horizontal camera bar that the Pixel 9 had.

You do get different color options with both phones, at least. The iPhone 17 comes in five hues: Lavender, Mist Blue, Black, White, and Sage. As for Pixel 10, here are your choices: Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, and Obsidian. I'm a big proponent of the Pixel 10's indigo color, but this ultimately is a matter of personal taste for everyone.

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Performance and battery The new iPhone 17. Credit: CNET

Both the Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 use custom, in-house chipsets rather than third-party chips. For Apple, it's the new A19 chip, while Google's handset uses the Tensor G5 chip.

Since the iPhone 17 isn't actually out yet, we can't directly compare the Tensor 5 to the A19, though Apple usually has the edge when it comes to processors. I can say that the Pixel 10's performance is totally fine, and if recent history is any indication, the same will be true of the iPhone 17. Processor performance is rarely an issue with Apple devices, and there's no reason to believe it will start being one this year.

As for battery life, both phones are rated for about 30 hours on a single charge. The Pixel 10 almost got there in my testing, but we haven't tested the iPhone 17 yet. It remains to be seen if there is a significant difference between these two phones when it comes to battery endurance.

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Cameras 1x zoom on Pixel 10. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable 5x zoom on Pixel 10. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Lastly, Google has one big advantage over Apple when it comes to cameras: A third telephoto lens.

Apple has never included this on any of its base iPhone models, instead making it a Pro feature. Google never had, either, until this year. The Pixel 10's telephoto lens has up to 5x optical zoom, which produced pretty sharp results in my testing. You only get up to 2x optical zoom on iPhone 17, so that puts Apple at a sizable disadvantage.

That's not to say Apple doesn't have some numerical wins over Google this year, though. The main shooter on each phone is 48MP, but the iPhone 17's ultrawide lens is 48MP, while the Pixel 10's is just 13MP. Apple also has a cool new 18MP Center Stage selfie camera (versus 10.5MP on Pixel 10), and it sports a wider field of view so you can fit more people into selfies. We'll have to wait until we can properly test this out to see if it really beats Google at the selfie game, but for now, it seems like it will.

So, if you take more selfies, iPhone has the advantage for now. If you like to zoom in, the Pixel has the edge.

Should you buy the iPhone 17 or Pixel 10?

Apple fans disappointed by this year's iPhone launch event may be tempted to explore Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones for the first time. But the vast majority of people have a clear preference when it comes to the iOS or Android question. We'll reserve judgment on this question until we've tested the iPhone 17. If you need more help in the meantime, check out our full Pixel 10 review.

Products featured in this guide: Apple iPhone 17 $829.99 at Best Buy Learn More Google Pixel 10 $799 Shop Now

Treating yourself to a new iPhone this year? You might be disappointed to learn that you can’t necessarily bring all your old accessories with you. This even includes a brand-new Apple accessory that was announced at the very same event.

Samsung's newest high-end wearable, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, has just received a major discount. Normally priced at $500, you can now get this high-quality smartwatch for just $360 on Woot. This is a massive 28% off, and perfect for anyone who wants a smartwatch with a classic rotating bezel.

The iPhone 17 Pro is here, featuring a new unibody design, a more powerful A19 Pro chipset, an enhanced camera setup, and various other upgrades. But does it have what it takes to beat the Galaxy S25 Ultra? Let's find out.

SAVE $2,100: As of Sept. 11, the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra power station is on sale for $4,199 as a Lightning Deal at Amazon. That's 33% off and its best price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra $4,199 at Amazon
$6,299 Save $2,100 Get Deal

A premium power station can be the difference between keeping your devices charged, the lights on, and your groceries fresh in a power outage or sitting in the dark with spoiled food and a dead phone. They aren't cheap, but they are worth it.

As of Sept. 11, the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra is on sale for $4,199 as a Lightning Deal at Amazon. That's 33% or over $2,000 in savings and its lowest price on record. We're not saying you need to drop $4K on a power station, but if you're in the market for EcoFlow's most powerful whole-house power backup solution, this is the cheapest you'll find the Delta Pro Ultra.

The EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra features 7,200 watts of power, which is enough to keep your major appliances — like your fridge, air conditioning unit, or stove — running seamlessly in an outage. The whole-house generator includes an inverter and a single battery, but it's scalable from one battery up to 15 and can reach up to 90 kilowatt hours of power. Of course, more batteries will cost you, but the upgrade can ensure your home is powered off the grid for an entire month.

It can be charged with electric vehicle piles, solar panels, wall outlets, or gas generators and get back to full capacity within two hours. It's a beast at 183 pounds, but it has wheels for portability and takes up a surprisingly low footprint in your home.

As a Lightning Deal, this pricing will only stick around for another seven hours or so — or until all units are claimed. So if you're in the market for the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra, run to Amazon to get the best price.

As of now, some users in the European Union won't get Apple's flashiest new AirPods feature.

At its major event on Tuesday, Apple unveiled Live Translation — which does exactly what it sounds like — debuting on the AirPods Pro 3 and rolling out to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC. But EU-based users are being left out, at least for now, for reasons that remain unclear.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro 3 Live Translation meme bluntly deciphers snarky subtext

Apple noted this on a feature availability page. The page read, "Live Translation with AirPods is not available if you are in the EU and your Apple Account Country or Region is also in the EU."

That means two things have to be true for the restriction to apply: your Apple account must be registered in the EU, and you must be physically located there.

Apple hasn't explained why Live Translation isn’t launching in the region, but the most likely culprit is a regulatory hurdle.

Speculated the Apple-focused tech site MacRumors:

"In particular, the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) both impose strict requirements for how speech and translation services are offered. Regulators may want to study how Live Translation works, and how that impacts privacy, consent, data-flows, and user rights."

The EU has stricter regulations on tech than in other areas. Apple Intelligence features, for instance, were blocked in the EU at launch, but eventually, that changed. It stands to reason that EU users will someday get access to Live Translation — just not yet.

It's time. You've finally decided to say goodbye to that iPhone you've been using for half a decade. Apple just had its big annual iPhone launch event, where it announced its new iPhone 17 line of smartphones (plus a whole lot more). An upgrade right now just makes sense.

But which new iPhone is right for you? Apple announced four new iPhone models at its event, and you have a tough decision to make:

• iPhone 17 — $799

• iPhone Air — $999

• iPhone 17 Pro — $1,099

• iPhone 17 Pro Max — $1,199

Mashable has extensive coverage of the Apple event, breaking down all of the news, every single spec announced, and more. But, maybe all those technical details just don't translate into an obvious answer to your question.

So, here's a much more straightforward breakdown to answer the question: What new iPhone should I buy? 

SEE ALSO: The iPhone 17 has officially landed. Here's how and when you can preorder all 4 phones. iPhone 17 The new iPhone 17 on display at Apple Park. Credit: CNET

Here's the honest truth. The standard iPhone 17 model is more than enough smartphone for the vast majority of users. That's long been the case for the base model of any iPhone lineup. But this year, Apple really went out of its way to close the gap between the iPhone 17 and its more expensive Pro model siblings.

The iPhone 17 is powered by Apple's A19 chip, which will make this base model feel like a Pro model when compared to its predecessors. The iPhone 17 is also getting the same Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology (and a 120Hz refresh rate) that the current Pro lineup has, a first.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the iPhone 17 and the Pro 17 models are the cameras. The iPhone 17 base model still only features two rear camera lenses, whereas the Pro models still have an additional camera lens.

However, the cameras the iPhone 17 does have are the same as the Pro: a 48MP Fusion Main camera, a 48MP Fusion ultra-wide camera, and the long-awaited front-facing 18MP Center Stage camera upgrade.

If you're just going to use your iPhone to handle the basics – phone calls, texting, emails, web browsing, casual photography and video – then it makes sense to save your money and go with the $799 base model of the iPhone 17.

iPhone Air The new iPhone Air on display after the iPhone launch event. Credit: CNET

Apple debuted an entirely new iPhone model this year, the iPhone Air. It's Apple's thinnest phone ever, with the device being just 5.6mm thick at its thinnest point.

But, who is it for? Mashable's Chris Taylor asked that same question after Apple announced the device. The iPhone Air is ultra-thin and Apple packed its most powerful processor, the A19 Pro, inside of it. However, it has the least number of cameras when compared to any iPhone in the new lineup and, priced at $999, has a shorter battery life than the cheaper base iPhone model.

However, I can see the thinnest iPhone ever being the iPhone of choice for those who are looking for a more lightweight and minimalist device. With just one camera lens on the rear of the device and a Pixel-style camera bump (sorry, a Pixel-style camera plateau), the iPhone Air is sleeker and lighter than the other models. Some people are just tired of carrying around a big bulky smartphone, and I think that's exactly who the iPhone Air will speak to. If that's you — and you aren't overly worried about battery performance — that's the new iPhone to check out.

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max in controversial Cosmic Orange color. Credit: CNET

Are you a power user? Do you multitask with multiple apps simultaneously running different processes? Do you need an 8x telephoto lens for high-quality, ultra-zoomed-in photography? Looking to shoot 4k video at 120fps?

Then the iPhone 17 Pro is for you. It is Apple's most powerful iPhone to date, powered by the new A19 Pro chip. This is the same chip found in the iPhone Air. However, the 17 Pro has a 6-core GPU, making it better equipped to handle video, games, and other graphics-intensive processes.

The iPhone 17 Pro has three rear camera lenses, more than any other smartphone in the iPhone 17 line. And, as previously mentioned, it's the only model in the iPhone 17 lineup that can shoot 120fps.

The iPhone 17 Pro is the iPhone for mobile gamers, content creators, developers, or anyone else using their smartphone as a critical tool in their work.

Now, in previous lineups, we would have separated the iPhone Pro Max model into its own section because Apple used to pack a few additional features in its largest model. However, with the iPhone 17 lineup, the only real difference between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max is the size, battery, and potential storage space.

So, if the iPhone 17 Pro is for you, but you want the longest battery life, a whopping 2TB of storage option for all of your content, and a big 6.9 inch screen, then go with the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Before virtual reality was a common gaming platform, it was seen as a wondrous new tech. Wearing that bulky visor with all the wires connected felt like delving into an entirely new world, even if it was one composed of limited polygons. With this innovation came our own speculation of what could possibly lie behind the corners of this digital frontier.

Amazon is reportedly working on not just one, but two separate AR smart glasses.

The two AR products have two different user bases in mind, according to a new report from The Information. Amazon's AR glasses are internally referred to as codenames Jayhawk, which is being built for consumers, and Amelia, which Amazon is creating for its delivery drivers.

According to the report, Amazon is using the China-based augmented reality technology company Meta-Bounds to create the AR glasses. Jayhawk, the AR product for consumers, is said to include a full-color display in one eye of the smart glasses along with microphones, speakers, and a camera. Amelia, the AR glasses for its delivery drivers, would focus on aiding these workers in cutting down time on the road.

While the core technology will be the same in both AR glasses, the report says that only the consumer one will include a full-color display. That same product will also be "less bulky and more sleek" than the device for Amazon's drivers.

Amazon is aiming to launch Jayhawk in late 2026 or early 2027. The price point of such a device is unknown at this time. Amelia could be ready for Amazon's delivery drivers as soon as the second quarter of next year, according to The Information.

Augmented reality smart glasses have been a growing trend in tech hardware over the last year. Between Big Tech's AR products like Meta's Ray-Ban glasses to longtime AR glass makers like XReal launching the latest version of their wares, AR smart glasses are seeping back into a market once defined by the failure that was Google Glasses.

Amazon currently produces a pair of audio smart glasses called Echo Frames. This device allows users to listen to music, make phone calls, and interact with Alexa. However, Echo Frames strictly provide audio capabilities, as they are not equipped with an AR display.

How will Amazon's AR glasses stack up with the competition? That remains to be seen. But, perhaps the more important question for all the AR glass companies involved: Will Amazon's entry into the space finally push AR glasses from a current trend to a mainstream staple?

SAVE OVER $829: Score a free iPhone 17 from T-Mobile when signing up for a 24-month plan of an Experience plan and add an eligible line. No trade in is necessary to score this free iPhone 17 deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Free Apple iPhone 17 from T-Mobile Pre-order Here

If you're an Apple iPhone fan and you've been running with an older model, it's probably time to upgrade. Since Apple just announced the new iPhone 17, there's hope on the horizon that you'll soon be able to score the newest model. Doing so with T-Mobile means you could be in for a totally free iPhone by following a bit of fine print.

Beginning on Sept. 12 at 5 a.m. PT, T-Mobile is offering a free iPhone 17 to customers who sign up for 24 months on an Experience plan and add a new line. Maybe best of all, you don't need to trade in your old phone to be eligible for the free iPhone 17.

You can also get a free iPhone 17 Pro when signing up for the Experience Beyond plan and trading in an eligible phone in any condition.

SEE ALSO: The coolest iPhone 17 cases you can buy for your new phone, starting from just $29

Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry explained the new Apple iPhone 17 comes with some much-anticipated upgrades. For starters, the camera got a big-time glow-up and a much improved refresh rate. "While some annual iPhone upgrades feel very incremental, this year's batch of new iPhones does feel like it has a little more juice than usual," wrote Perry. "Part of that is the new design, as Apple has reimagined the rear camera bump as a wider, more horizontal camera island (dubbed "the plateau" in Apple speak)."

In terms of colors, we're not mad about the options available for the iPhone 17 since we have lavender, sage, blue mist, white, and black to choose from. If your favorite color is burnt orange, you'll want to go with the fancier iPhone 17 Pro.

T-Mobile mentions the free iPhone 17 comes for those who go with an Experience plan with the carrier which includes the Experience More and Experience Beyond options. The Experience More plan is the more affordable option, starting at $85 per month for a single line. It comes with some perks like Apple TV+, Netflix, and 60GB of mobile hotspot data.

To snag the free iPhone 17 Pro, you'll need to trade in an eligible phone in any condition and sign on for two years of service on the Experience Beyond plan which starts at $100 per month for one line.

Instead of paying full price for the new iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro, snag it for free at T-Mobile by going with an Experience plan from the carrier.

Nintendo announced a Nintendo Direct livestream to close out the week, after weeks of rumors and leaks suggesting there would be one.

One of the biggest brands in gaming is fresh off a successful launch for the Nintendo Switch 2 console, but there's a pretty big void where information about upcoming games should be. Sure, we know about Kirby Air Riders, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and a few others, but we're sort of flying blind regarding the next year or so of Switch 2 games.

The good news is that there's a big, 60-minute Nintendo Direct on Friday morning at 9am ET. That's a lot of time for Nintendo to fill, and while there will be some Switch 1 games in the mix, let's talk about the Switch 2 games we really need to see from Nintendo during the livestream.

SEE ALSO: A whopper of a Nintendo Direct is coming this week: When is it and how to watch Nintendo Direct September 2025: 5 Switch 2 games we need to see

I should note that most of these are games that are already announced. It's hard for me to say we "need" to see something that hasn't been confirmed yet, after all.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond I want it so badly. Credit: Nintendo

First up is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which has been an albatross around Nintendo's neck for eight years now. Originally announced in 2017, with development internally canceled and restarted a couple of years later, this tentpole Switch 1 game has become a tentpole Switch 2 game by virtue of its odd development cycle.

Strangely, despite Nintendo's repeated insistence that Prime 4 is still coming this year, it doesn't have an official release date yet. I can't make any guarantees because I'm just some guy, but I would be extremely surprised if this Direct doesn't fix that. I'd call this a near-certainty.

Hades II Frothing at the mouth for 'Hades II.' Credit: Supergiant Games/Steam

Hades II is in a somewhat similar place as Metroid Prime 4: It's supposed to come out this year, but there isn't a date for it yet. We called the early access version one of the best games of last year, so needless to say, we've got our eyes on Hades II. It's coming to Switch 2 before other consoles, so if a release date announcement is coming anytime soon, it might be on Friday. Fingers crossed.

The Duskbloods I just want to know what this game is. Credit: Nintendo

Perhaps the most intriguing known quantity coming for Switch 2 is The Duskbloods, the new game from Elden Ring developer From Software. This was announced as a big Switch 2 exclusive back in April, but the trailer was enticingly vague. We know it's a multiplayer game of some kind, with a sort of steampunk-inspired setting and plenty of gross monsters to kill, but that's it. This game isn't set to come out until 2026, but who knows? It could be early 2026, and if that's the case, it might be time to unleash some firm details on those of us who really want to play it.

Splatoon Raiders Look at those cool squid kids. Credit: Nintendo

Splatoon Raiders is an interesting case because Nintendo originally announced it in a mobile app, separate from any Direct livestream a few months ago. There's a very short and very uninformative trailer that makes it look like a single-player survival game set in the Splatoon universe. That's a really neat idea, as a guy who loves Splatoon but doesn't necessarily always want to play against other people online.

This one also feels like it's almost certain to show up, at any rate.

Whatever is next for either Fire Emblem or Animal Crossing The next one of these will probably sell like 30 million units. Credit: Nintendo

In terms of games that haven't actually been announced but feasibly could be, two major Nintendo franchises come to mind: Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing. I'm not greedy enough to ask for both, but I think it's possible we hear from one or the other on Friday.

My rationale here is that the last Animal Crossing came out more than five years ago and was a monumental success for Nintendo. It's very possible the next one isn't ready to show yet, but I'm certain there is a next one coming for Switch 2. Nintendo doesn't need any help selling Switch 2 consoles, necessarily, but announcing a new AC game would certainly drive some sales by itself.

Fire Emblem hasn't been dormant for quite as long, with the last release in early 2023, but there have been persistent rumors of a new one (whether a true new game or a remake of an older one) coming to Switch 2. Again, it's entirely feasible that neither of these series are ready to shine the spotlight on whatever is next for them just yet, but 60 minutes is a lot of time to fill. There's gotta be something like this in there.

Honorable mention: The next batch of Switch 2 upgrades Hey, you should really play 'Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition,' especially if it gets a Switch 2 upgrade. Credit: Nintendo

One final thing worth noting is that every previously announced Switch 2 Edition of an older Switch 1 game is already out. There are also no announced plans for any free upgrade patches for any older Switch 1 games right now, though there are certainly plenty that could still use it. Whether Nintendo feels like charging for upgrades that add new content or simply patching games so they run better on Switch 2, I would expect to see at least one announcement related to this during the Direct.

My hope is that any or all of the Xenoblade Chronicles games get upgrades because I'm a sicko, but I'll take anything at this point.