Tag: Hardware
News Razer's New Gaming Tablet Is One Of The Most Blatant Nintendo Switch Clones Yet
On the cutting edge?
Gaming-focused hardware maker Razer has made a name for itself with its range of computer, tablet and smartphone devices, and it would appear the company is about to release a product which takes inspiration from the Nintendo Switch. The Singapore-based firm filed a patent for a 'gaming controller for mobile device and method...
PSA Remember To Update Your Joy-Con And Pro Controllers Today, As Well As Your Switch
Controller updates arrive with Version 9.0.0
Just as a quick reminder, or as a new piece of info if you were unaware, that any new Switch firmware update brings with it a relatively high chance of further updates for your controllers, too. With Switch's Version 9.0.0 firmware update now well and truly out in the wild, it's also time to give your...
News That Hidden LED Light On Your Nintendo Switch Controller Finally Has A Use
After two and half years
The Nintendo Switch has been on the market for more than two and half years now, but one of its available functions hasn't had any use (officially, at least) in all that time. Now, though, the time has finally come for that little function to shine. On your right-hand Joy-Con and your Pro Controller, you'll notice that the...
Poll How Would You Like To See Dreamcast Classics Arrive On Switch?
Dreamcast turns 20 today in North America
9/9/99. It'll be a very long time until we reach a cooler date to launch a console (or anything else for that matter). Yes, it was twenty years ago today that Sega's Dreamcast landed in North America on a date that ranks alongside Sonic 2sday and Mortal Monday in the annals of video game history. Although...
Guide How To Fix A Drifting Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Analogue Stick
Several solutions to fix drift and put Joy back in the Con
It's two-and-a-half years since Switch launched and Nintendo deserves credit for delivering a console to suit multiple purposes and lifestyles. Its success as a portable device relies on it being hard-wearing and – on the whole – it’s a solid, durable bit of kit. That’s not to say...
Feature 30 Weird And Wonderful Peripherals From Nintendo's History
Playing with power... and a whole lotta plastic
Nintendo’s history as a manufacturer of playing cards and toys means the company has always been very comfortable with expanding out from with video game console under the TV into the wider world of peripheral accessories and novelties. These extra lumps of plastic and electronics that interface with...
News Pre-Orders Go Live For The Evercade Retro Handheld System
More than 100 games already confirmed
As promised, pre-orders for the upcoming Evercade console have now gone live. If you're looking to get your hands on one, keep reading! With an expanding library of cartridges that already includes the likes of Namco Museum (Pac-Man, Dig-Dug and Galaxian), Atari (Asteroids, Centipede and Pong), Interplay...
News SNK's New Neo Geo Might Not Be What You Were Expecting
Say hello to the Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro
A short time ago, SNK announced that it was producing not one but two new variants of its famous Neo Geo console. Inspired the by the better-than-expected commercial performance of the Neo Geo Mini – which was recently released in a
News Japanese Stores Are Quickly Selling Out Of The New Nintendo Switch Model
People want that juicy battery life
Over the last few weeks, Nintendo's revised Nintendo Switch console with improved battery life has been appearing in stores worldwide. You can tell the difference thanks to the new, bold red packaging, and while many won't feel the need to upgrade, there are plenty of Switch owners who have been trying to get...
Video Nintendo Welcomes Switch Lite To The Family With Flashy Console Trailer
Are you getting one?
We can't quite believe that it's already September, but boy do we have a cracking month ahead of us. As you'll probably be aware, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is heading to Switch, alongside other intriguing titles like DAEMON X MACHINA, Untitled Goose Game, and even
Guide Where To Buy The New Nintendo Switch With Better Battery Life And Screen
Want the new Switch SKU? We're here to help you track it down
You have probably heard about a new version of the Nintendo Switch that's coming to store shelves soon, and we don't mean the handheld-only Switch Lite that's launching in September. Over the summer Nintendo is rolling out an update to the standard Switch model with some changes under the...
News This Exclusive Evercade Console Is Looking Pretty In Black
Pre-orders go live next week
UK-based online retailer Funstock is selling an exclusive black edition of the upcoming Evercade console - perfect for any dark mode fans out there. Releasing on the same day as the standard model (20th March, 2020), the black edition will be available in a Premium Edition bundle or in an All-In Edition bundle. The...
Random Not All Joy-Con Are Created Equal
We'll pass, thanks
The Switch is a pretty smart-looking bit of kit; whether you opt for the sophisticated grey model or put yourself out there with a set of vibrant neon Joy-Con, the hardware consistently looks sleek and elegant - and considerably more refined than its Wii U Gamepad predecessor. Not all Joy-Con are quite as nice as Nintendo's own,...
Video Digital Foundry Takes A Detailed Look At The Updated Switch SKU
More battery life for your buck
We've been keeping a very close eye on the new Nintendo Switch SKU that's in the process of hitting store shelves, and it certainly seems to make multiple minor improvements to the launch model, but is it worth buying as a replacement if you already own a Switch? After taking delivery of a new model fresh from the...
News Nintendo Switch Lite Accessories Ready For Launch From HORI
Pimp your Switch (Lite)
HORI has announced its initial line of officially licensed accessories for the upcoming Nintendo Switch Lite. From cases to screen protectors, it's all here, and it's all accessory-y: Screen Protective Filter for Nintendo Switch Lite - $7.99 USD MSRPDuraFlexi Protector for Nintendo Switch Lite - $12.99 USD MSRPHybrid System...
Poll Have You Ever Had Problems With Nintendo Hardware?
Is Joy-Con drift just a blip on Nintendo’s score sheet?
With Joy-Con drift making headlines again over the past month thanks to lawsuits filed in the US, it’s easy to see the phenomenon as a potential disaster for Nintendo. Many gamers have had absolutely no problems with Switch's detachable controllers, but a huge percentage have encountered...
News New Purple/Orange And Blue/Yellow Joy-Con Now Available To Pre-Order In The UK
Must. Resist. Purple. Joy-Con.
On 4th October, the fancy new Purple/Orange and Blue/Yellow Joy-Con are launching for Nintendo Switch. Pre-orders for both sets have finally appeared in the UK, so if you're after a new pair of controllers for your console, here's where to go. We've stumbled across several options in the UK - GAME, Smyths and the...
News Pichu And Jigglypuff Are Getting Their Very Own Switch Controllers
GameCube-style for a Smashing good time
Accessory maker PDP is back once again, this time with two more controllers which star Pokémon's very own Pichu and Jigglypuff. The controllers will join the company's Wired Fight Pad Pro range. Styled to look and feel like a Nintendo GameCube controller - and therefore digging into that Super Smash Bros...
News This Tiny Nintendo Switch Dock Has Just Obliterated Its Kickstarter Goal
Now your dock is portable, too!
Product developer Human Things has started up a Kickstarter campaign for its latest gizmo, the Genki Covert Dock. It's only been live for a day at the time of writing, but the campaign has already raised more than £300,000. Following in the footsteps of the company's popular Bluetooth audio adapter - which lets you...
News New Switch Models To Reportedly Benefit From Sharp's Energy Efficient IGZO Displays
Another welcome update
With Nintendo Switch Lite launching next month, as well as an upgrade to the already-existing machine now appearing in stores, we're starting to be presented with new hardware options which offer improved performance over the flagship model. A report from th
Random You Can Always Rely On Your Parents To Find A Clever Use For The Wii Fit Balance Board
Don't throw yours out
Where's your Wii Fit Balance Board? That's a question we asked many years ago when the popularity of Nintendo's fitness-focused peripheral was on the wane, but now, several years later, it fills us with joy to know that this unique interface still has a purpose in the world. That purpose? Weighing gas canisters. Given the...
News SNK's New Neo Geo Console Will Boast "A Modern Design And Wonderful Play Feeling"
Will also connect to the Neo Geo Mini
Earlier this year, SNK announced that it was working on new console hardware after the Neo Geo Mini had sold better than expected. Two new system variants were confirmed, and it was stressed that these would be 'new' and would be independent of the existing Neo Geo Mini system. Today, the company has posted a...
News New And Improved Nintendo Switch Model Reportedly On Sale In Australia And Hong Kong
The upgrade is here
Last month, a new revision of the standard Nintendo Switch model was spotted on the company's official website which was said to bring an improved battery life. Now, it would appear that those consoles are starting to hit store shelves. Reports have come in from both Australia and Hong Kong stating that the new model - which can...
Guide How To Improve Your Switch's Internet Connection
WiFi or wired, there's ways to get better
It's been no secret for some time now that the Switch, whilst lovely in so many ways, doesn't have the best relationship with the world wide web. Spotty WiFi, lag, it's far from perfect for many people, but there are a number of things you can do to improve it. Let's start from the top shall we? Five is...
Video What Actually Causes Switch Joy-Con Drift?
The science behind the issue
Talk of Joy-Con drift (where your control stick fails to operate correctly and causes incorrect inputs in-game) is everywhere at the moment - partly because Nintendo has recently had a class-action lawsuit filed against it on behalf of consumers, but also because the issue appears to be becoming more prominent as time...
Guide Where To Pre-Order The New Joy-Con: Purple/Orange And Blue/Neon Yellow
We *need* that purple one
On 4th October, fancy new Joy-Con controllers for your Nintendo Switch will be released into the wild. If you're hoping to pick up a pair for yourself, here's where you'll find them. At the time of writing, the new pairs have appeared on both Amazon and Play-Asia; we'll make sure to update this guide with more stores (such...
Gallery Gorge Your Face On These Images Of The First Evercade Prototype
Retro ridiculous
The Evercade is promising that ever-so niche but ever-so dedicated market of retro-leaning types who want more and more ways to play their old games rather than just firing up the consoles for which they were made something rather special. Unique multi-carts of games from proper publishers, which is certainly a bold idea, and one...
News New Standard Nintendo Switch Revision Offers Significantly Improved Battery Life
Appears cosmetically identical to the current model
A new revision of the standard Switch SKU is being shown on Nintendo's Japanese website and its American counterpart. Not to be confused with the Nintendo Switch Lite, this hardware variation would appear to rejig some of the consoles innards for better battery performance. Available in mid-August...
News Polymega TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine Module Includes Five Pack-In Games
Moto Roader! Double Dungeons! Shockman!
It's been announced that the TurboGrafx-16/PC-Engine module (or the EM04 “Turbo” Element Module Set to give its full title) for the upcoming modular retro console Polymega will include five licensed pack-in games playable from the module itself. The five bonus titles are Moto Roader (NA and JP versions),...
News Pre-Orders Open For 8BitDo's "Most Advanced Controller" Ever
Includes the Ultimate Software
Pre-orders are now available on Amazon for the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ controller. It's touted as "the most advanced controller" from 8BitDo ever and comes with Ultimate Software, allowing you to customise every single aspect of the controller. In terms of functionality, it is compatible with the Nintendo Switch and multiple...
News Nintendo Switch Lite Officially Revealed, Launches This September
Dedicated to handheld play
It's finally happened: Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch Lite, a new version of the company's popular console which is dedicated to handheld gameplay. After years of rumours surrounding a new 'Switch Mini' console revision, the lid has finally been lifted. The Switch Lite will be launching on 20th...
News Nintendo Is Actively Investigating 5G Technology
For a future Switch revision?
Shareholders love buzz words, don't they? As far as telecommunication buzz words go, there is nothing spicier than '5G' right now. The telecom sector is ripe with dreams of how 5G will change our lives and is desperate to sell us new subscriptions and handsets. But what does this mean on the gaming front? Nintendo was...
News Nintendo Intends To Create The Next Generation Of Controllers
Miyamoto striving to set a new standard
Nintendo has been a leader in video game controller design for the past 30 years. However, at its recent Shareholders Q&A, it stated how it is actively working on establishing a 'new standard' within the industry. When asked if he thought developers would continue making video games where players were...
News Nintendo Focusing On Switch Install Base To Combat Next-Gen Performance Gap
Strength in numbers
It's well documented the Nintendo Switch is underpowered when compared to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. However, it's currently an accepted differential due to the fact those systems are tethered to televisions and Switch's unique selling point of becoming portability shines through. We've reported on a large number of ports...
News More Evidence Of Rumoured Switch Mini Surfaces Via Accessory Maker Bigben
Is this the real deal?
There have been rumours circulating for some time now about the existence of a Switch Pro and Switch Lite model. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on a possible hardware revision and this was eventually followed by the Japanese business publication Nikkei – revealing one of the new systems would be
News Nyko To Release New Colours Of Its Large 'Dualies' Joy-Con Range
Pre-orders now live
Towards the end of last year, accessory maker Nyko released the Nyko Dualies - larger, cheaper alternatives to the official Nintendo Switch Joy-Con which are said to improve grip and customisation. Now, the design is back with more colours and options for potential buyers. As you can see, Blue/White, Purple/White and the Switch...
News A Sonic GameCube Controller For Nintendo Switch Is On The Way This Summer
With swappable C-stick
A retailer listing has revealed that the next GameCube-inspired Switch controller from gaming accessory maker PDP will feature a design based on none other than Sonic the Hedgehog. The controller looks set to join PDP's Wired Fight Pad Pro Controller collection, which already has designs featuring Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon,...
News Taiwanese Memory Chip Supplier Reports Stronger Than Expected Demand From Nintendo
More fuel for the Switch Mini fire?
An awful lot has been said about the Switch Mini over the last few days - a rumoured revision to Nintendo's hybrid console expected to be revealed this year - and this latest little nugget of information from a Taiwanese memory chip supplier only adds even more fuel to the ever-raging fire. Macronix - a memory...
News Switch Mini Rumours Escalate As Spanish Arm Of GAME Lists Accessories
Update: The listings have been removed
This is a rather nice Switch Mini mock-up we created ourselves, before you get too excited Update: Sorry folks, it looks like the listings have now been removed from the Spanish GAME website. Original Story: The Spanish arm of gaming retail specialist GAME has added a whole bunch of Switch Mini accessories...
News Is This Our First Real Look At Nintendo Switch Mini? Update: Company Responds
HonSon has based designs on "secret" information
Update: We've spoken to a HonSon representative about the product listings in question, and have been told that the company has based these products on "secret" information and that it is waiting for Nintendo to officially confirm the system before putting these items into production; HonSon will then...
News Pre-Orders Now Live For Hori's Dragon Quest Slime And Daemon X Machina Switch Controllers
Looking for something a little different?
Fed up of fitting in with everyone else? Feel like going against the grain to stand out from the crowd? Then these weird and wonderful Switch controllers are probably for you. Both of these designs were revealed over the course of last week and come from Japanese accessory maker, Hori. Just looking at the...
News This FPGA-Powered Mega Drive / Genesis Flash Cart Can Play CD Games
A world first
Spanish company Terraonion – the same team responsible for the excellent Super SD System 3 for the PC Engine – has lifted the lid on its next project in a special ‘Terraonion Direct’ broadcast. (Wonder where it got that idea from?) The big news is the firm has created the world’s first Mega CD / Sega CD FPGA optical disc...
Rumour New Nvidia Shield TV Could Share The Same Chipset As The Upgraded Switch
New hardware on the way
As we all know, the Nintendo Switch and Nvidia Shield TV share the same chipset – the Tegra X1. Nvidia leveraged its knowledge of mobile chipsets to held Nintendo create its hybrid console, and as a result, hasn't refreshed its own Shield line in what feels like forever. That appears to be changing this year. Evidence has...
Feature The Making Of The PC Engine, The 8-Bit Wonder That Took On Nintendo
With new 'Mini' hardware on the way, we look back at this 8-bit wonder
This piece was originally published in 2012. With the news that Konami is producing a PC Engine Mini, we thought you might like a fresh look. Enjoy! Western gamers tend to consider Nintendo and Sega as the two major players in the 16-bit war. On European and American soil this...
News Dragon Quest XI S Is Getting A Lovely Switch Hardware Bundle In Japan
For when your Slime Pro Controller isn't enough
During Nintendo's E3 Direct, it was revealed that Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition (which still needs a bit of a title trim, in our opinion) is headed to Switch this September. Not content with having just a release date announcement,
News Atari's Take On The "Classic Edition" Trend Will Cost You At Least $250
Or $390, if you want to go all-in
We've reported on the Atari VCS (not that one, the new one) in the past, mostly out of morbid curiosity; it's not a Nintendo system but given the popularity of 'classic' retro consoles – such as the SNES Classic Edition and Mega Drive Mini – we found the whole concept incredibly interesting, as well as little...
News Polymega's "Next Gen" Light Gun Controller Will Let You Play Duck Hunt On Your HDTV
And House of the Dead and Time Crisis!
Light gun-based video games are as old as the games industry itself – in fact, the very first consoles came with gun accessories which could be used to shoot objects on-screen. However, these devices were heavily-reliant on CRT technology found inside old television sets, and the move to flat-screen, LCD and...
News There's Actually A Third Version Of The Sega Mega Drive Mini
The Asian variant also has exclusive games
With all the news yesterday concerning the final games announced for Sega's upcoming Mega Drive / Genesis Mini console, it's easy to get a little confused over the regional exclusives for each version of the console. To add to that confusion there's also a third version of the plug-and-play mini console to...
News Mega Drive Mini Games List: All 42 Titles Revealed
Yes, 42! Extra games for all!
Update #3: The final 10 games for the upcoming Sega Mega Drive Mini have been revealed including two surprise extra games in the form of a brand new port of Darius from Taito - a game which never originally came to the Mega Drive (although Darius II did) - and possibly the rarest game on the system, Tetris! Here is the...
Feature The Black Shark 2 Is A Phone That Thinks It's A Nintendo Switch
Better specs, but does that mean a better experience?
Almost since their inception, mobile phones have played host to interactive entertainment. Older Nintendo Life readers may recall spending hours playing Snake on their battered Nokia whilst waiting for the bus to arrive, but more recently smartphones have totally revolutionised the way we play on...
