Switch 2 Archives

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Minecraft’s Nintendo Players Request “Switch 2 Edition” After Graphics Update Skips Switch

Mojang has launched a visual graphics upgrade for Minecraft called 'Vibrant Visuals' alongside the 'Chase the Skies' drop. Nintendo Switch players are disappointed that the Switch trailer does not feature the new visual enhancements, leading to calls for a "Switch 2 Edition" that would include these updates. The Vibrant Visuals update enhances the game's aesthetics without changing gameplay mechanics and allows players to toggle the enhancements on and off. Mojang has expressed a commitment to bringing this graphical update to as many devices as possible in the future. The latest update for the Switch version introduces new features, including a flying mount, building in the sky, leashing camels, a new music disc, and a Player Locator bar.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Minecraft receives separate trailer for the Switch as doesn’t support Vibrant Visuals

The Chase the Skies update has been released in Minecraft, but Nintendo Switch players will not have access to the Vibrant Visuals update. Switch users can still enjoy the Chase the Skies content, which includes new features such as flying with a ghast companion, creating a caravan of camels, and using the Player Locator bar. There is speculation that Microsoft and Mojang may develop a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, potentially offering enhanced graphics.

BetaBeacon

June 17, 2025

Nintendo is banning Switch 2 users for piracy, even if they’re just backing up their games

Nintendo is cracking down on piracy on its Switch 2 consoles by issuing bans to users who use MIG flash carts to load games.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

‘There is no way a Borderlands game is that demanding’ — Borderlands 4 users furious as PC requirements reveal RTX 3070 minimum GPU, 3080 recommended

Borderlands 4 has been announced with minimum and recommended PC specifications that include an octa-core CPU, an RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT graphics card, and 32GB of RAM, requiring up to 100GB of SSD storage. The game will utilize Unreal Engine 5 and include performance-impacting DRM, specifically Denuvo and Symbiote. The Standard Edition is priced at .99, the Deluxe Edition at .99, and the Super Deluxe Edition at .99, with the latter two editions offering additional content that has drawn criticism for being perceived as a paywall. The game is set to launch on September 12 on Steam, the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, while Switch 2 users will have to wait longer.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Xbox’s new handheld is a surprisingly comfortable way to play Gears

The Xbox Ally X is a new handheld gaming device developed in collaboration with Asus, positioned as an alternative to the Steam Deck and the upcoming Switch 2. It includes the ROG Xbox Ally and the Xbox Ally X. The device is noted for its comfort, with hand grips designed to resemble an Xbox controller, making it more enjoyable to hold compared to the Steam Deck. During a demonstration, gameplay with Gears of War: Reloaded was smooth, and the ergonomic design of the Ally X potentially improved performance. The device's weight is comparable to the Steam Deck, and it offers a significant difference in comfort during extended play sessions. The user interface and navigation between Xbox and Steam games remain unexplored, but the device's comfort and portability suggest it could be a favored option for on-the-go gaming.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices are real and will be released during the 2025 holiday season

Microsoft unveiled its collaboration with ASUS’ ROG division, introducing the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming devices. Pricing details have not been disclosed, but they are expected to be similar to current ROG Ally systems, with the ROG Ally X potentially reaching up to 0. The devices will launch this holiday season in countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States. All games showcased will be playable on the Xbox Ally, although it is unclear if all titles will run natively. Users can play games from various platforms, including Battle.net, Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect, with integration of Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere. The handhelds feature a full-screen Xbox user interface and include accessibility features from Xbox consoles and PCs. Both models run on Windows 11, with the Xbox Ally equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage, while the Xbox Ally X has an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. They share a seven-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The Xbox Ally weighs 670g and the Xbox Ally X weighs 715g, with dimensions of 290.8 x 121.5 x 50.7mm. Both support video output through two USB-C ports, with the Xbox Ally X featuring a ThunderBolt 4 compatible port.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft Finally Gets Into the Handheld Game With ROG Xbox Ally

Microsoft unveiled its new handheld gaming consoles, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, during the Summer Game Fest on June 8. Both models feature a design resembling a pair of controllers attached to a wide screen and are expected to launch this holiday season. They will operate on Windows 11 and allow for gaming through remote play, cloud gaming, or directly on the device, providing access to a wide range of PC games and popular applications. Initial impressions of the consoles have been positive, with reports highlighting their comfortable design and gameplay experience. Microsoft aims to compete with existing handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, and the Ally will debut with popular titles, including Roblox.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

I tested Xbox’s powerful — and heavy

The ROG Xbox Ally X is a handheld console with a 7-inch display, set to launch during the holiday season. It weighs 715 g (1.58 lbs), making it the heaviest handheld on the market. The console operates on Windows and comes pre-loaded with Steam, Battle.net, and Discord. Despite its impressive features and graphics, concerns about its ergonomics and comfort during prolonged use were raised after a short gameplay session. Feedback from other attendees indicated that some found the device comfortable, likening it to an Xbox controller.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft enters portable gaming with new ROG Xbox Ally devices

Microsoft is launching the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handheld devices, marking its entry into the handheld gaming market. Developed in collaboration with ASUS, these devices will provide seamless access to Xbox games, content streaming, and cloud gaming. They are designed to offer a versatile and user-friendly experience for mobile gamers.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Why the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X have Valve in their sights, not Nintendo

Microsoft has announced its first Xbox co-branded handheld devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, in collaboration with Asus, set to launch in the holiday season of 2025. Pricing details are not yet available. The Xbox Ally is designed as a generalist device, while the Xbox Ally X targets high-performance gamers, both powered by AMD processors and equipped with Windows 11. They feature Xbox-branded buttons, a gaming interface, and access to Xbox Game Pass, along with the ability to stream console libraries via Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play. The user interface is similar to that of Xbox consoles, with ergonomic grips inspired by Xbox controllers. Accessibility features from Xbox and Windows will be included, and the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative will allow games to function across PC, console, and cloud platforms. The launch will occur in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and several European nations, with plans to expand to additional territories. The devices aim to provide a unified gaming library for users with both PC and Xbox consoles, enhancing the existing ecosystem. The introduction of Windows 11 is highlighted as a key feature, offering access to games not available elsewhere. The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are positioned to compete with existing handhelds like the Steam Deck, with a focus on appealing to both console and PC gamers. Sales of Windows PC handhelds reached approximately 1.2 million units by the end of 2024.