14 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Nintendo

Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Another bombshell dropped on Nintendo Today.

Nintendo’s news app revealed that the Switch 2 will have 258 default profile icons, which is an increase from the 147 icons available on original Switch. Here’s a repost of the video from the app showing all of the icons.

It’s almost as exciting as the last Nintendo Today bombshell, IMO.

Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Not just one.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade has already been announced for the Nintendo Switch 2, but based on a new Nintendo video featuring the series’ director, it sounds like the entire FFVII remake series is coming to the console, too.

See you in Midgar... and all of the other iconic FFVII locations.

A screenshot from Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2. The caption reads: “And with the release of the FINAL FANTASY VII remake series on Switch 2”
Image: Nintendo
Wes Davis
Wes Davis
Costco’s launch day Switch 2 Mario Kart bundle will come with a subscription.

The retailer lists its Mario Kart World bundle as available to buy on the console’s June 5th launch day and including a 12-month subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack — with the caveat that it’s “for NEW members; cannot add to existing membership,” as deal-hunter Wario64 spotted.

Whether that’s as a free bonus or added onto the price of the system isn’t clear, since Costco hasn’t posted pricing yet.

Emma Roth
Emma Roth
Nintendo warns Japanese customers about Switch 2 phishing emails.

Nintendo has started inviting customers in Japan to preorder the Switch 2 from its online store, but it seems scammers are trying to ruin the fun. In a machine-translated post on X, Nintendo confirmed “phishing emails disguised as the results” of the Switch preorder lottery.

“If there is a URL for reservations or purchases, it was not sent by our company,” Nintendo writes. “Please be careful.”

Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
WaterField Designs updated its excellent magnetic cases for the Switch 2.

We’re already big fans of the company’s Analogue Pocket and original Switch cases that swap zippers and annoying velcro for quick access magnetic closures. WaterField’s Magnetic Case for Switch 2 is now available for preorder for $89 to $119 depending on the material you choose, as is its $129 CitySlicker for Switch 2 which can be paired with an optional strap turning it into a bag. Both are expected to ship in late June 2025.

<em>WaterField Design’s Magnetic Case for Switch 2 shown in chocolate leather.</em>
<em>WaterField Design’s CitySlicker for Switch 2 case in black ballistic nylon.</em>
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WaterField Design’s Magnetic Case for Switch 2 shown in chocolate leather.
Image: WaterField Designs
Jay Peters
Jay Peters
It’s almost time for Switch 2 preorders.

They kick off at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart at 12AM ET. Here’s our guide on how to increase your chances of getting one. I’ll be on the hunt, too. Good luck, everyone!

Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Don’t worry: Best Buy’s Switch 2 preorders aren’t only for in-store pickup.

A push notification I got kind of reads like Best Buy’s Switch 2 preorders are only for in-store pickup. Language on Best Buy’s website when I first wrote this post could also be read that way.

But Best Buy’s Julia Benda tells me that “shipping and pickup will both be available for preorders.” And Best Buy’s website now says you can choose in-store pickup or “shipping for delivery at a later date.”

Preorders start at 12AM ET.

Update: Best Buy clarified its website.

A Best Buy push notification that reads: Set your Alarm. Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order begins on 4/24 at midnight ET. Pre-order to pick up 6/5 at select late-night store openings. Limited quantities.
Screenshot: Jay Peters / The Verge
Sean Hollister
Sean Hollister
Nintendo needs a GameCube/Switch 2 FAQ. Here’s a start:
  • New GameCube games are exclusive to Switch 2. (April 2nd)
  • New GameCube controller is exclusive to Switch 2. (Today)
  • Old GameCube controllers work with Switch 2 using GameCube USB adapter and dock. (April 2nd)
  • New GameCube controller might work with non-GameCube games. (Today)
  • New GameCube games won’t require new GameCube controller. (April 2nd)

But:

  • Will the old GC controllers work with the new games?
  • Will the new controllers work with Smash Bros?
  • Are new sticks clickable? Are new triggers analog?
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
8BitDo has given its Retro R8 Mouse an NES makeover.

First released alongside 8BitDo’s Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard - Xbox Edition last November with a matching transparent green shell, the Retro R8 Mouse is now available in an N Edition with colors inspired by the NES.

Functionally it’s the same as the Xbox version with an included charging dock, four programmable side buttons, and Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and USB connectivity. It also uses Kailh Sword GM X Micro Switches for its primary buttons, and a PAW 3395 optical sensor.

<em>The Retro R8 Mouse is a more ergonomic and functional alternative to <a href="https://thevergetoday.pages.dev/2019/11/11/20959999/nintendo-nes-mouse-8bitdo-n30-3d-touch-gaming-system">8BitDo’s earlier NES-themed mouse</a>.</em>
<em>The included charging dock is a convenient way to keep the mouse’s 450mAh battery topped off.</em>
<em>The mouse’s colors match <a href="https://thevergetoday.pages.dev/2024/11/7/24290514/8bitdo-retro-108-mechanical-keyboard-nintendo-famicom-numpad">8BitDo’s Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard</a>.</em>
<em>The Retro R8 Mouse has three ways to connect to devices: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or USB.</em>
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The Retro R8 Mouse is a more ergonomic and functional alternative to 8BitDo’s earlier NES-themed mouse.
Image: 8BitDo
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Nintendo adds more Fire Emblem to its Music app and Switch Online.

Happy Fire Emblem Tuesday! To celebrate, Nintendo has added the GBA’s Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones to the Switch Online Expansion Pack’s catalog. And over on the Nintendo Music app, the sprawling soundtrack to the Switch’s Fire Emblem Engage is now available, but it’s a long one. There’s a total of 182 tracks which will take you 7 hours and 24 minutes to listen to.

Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Watch this detailed restoration of a Game Boy demo kiosk.

The internet has lots of videos walking you through the process of restoring and upgrading an original Game Boy. Elliot Coll, of YouTube’s The Retro Future channel, instead dives deep into the process of restoring an original Game Boy demo kiosk used to promote the handheld in stores.

The kiosks only work with a custom version of the Game Boy that are just as rare, but Coll already had one in their personal collection.

Wes Davis
Wes Davis
Paul Rudd and Nintendo are “super together” again.

Rudd and Nintendo made a new commercial for the Switch 2. In it, he’s quick to explain why he’s got a “long black duster, indie rock hair, and a beaded necklace” — it’s a reference to a Super Nintendo commercial he filmed in the 1990s.

If you’re still not following, don’t worry, Nintendo also made sure to post that commercial to jog your memory.

Sean Hollister
Sean Hollister
Is the Nintendo Switch 2’s price... fair?

Another day, another Nintendo livestream, and yet we’re still in limbo about when we can pay for a Switch 2 and what it will cost in the US. Viewers chanted “DROP THE PRICE” in the YouTube chat!

But how unfair is that price, really? The Verge’s awesome video team asked me to explain it on camera. I can’t say I love the price or want to pay it, but I do feel a tad better after this!

Andrew Webster
Andrew Webster
Gotta go fast.

Nintendo is about to show off its big Switch 2 launch exclusive Mario Kart World. The event is expected to last around 15 minutes, and you can watch it right here.

Jay Peters
Jay Peters
Microsoft’s Phil Spencer: “I want to support Switch 2.”

From a big Variety interview published yesterday: “I’m really a big believer in what Nintendo means for this industry and us continuing to support them,” Spencer said. “And getting the support from them for our franchises, I think, is an important part of our future.”

Wes Davis
Wes Davis
Some great original Nintendo art is going up for auction.

Time Extension writes about Stephen Peringer, the freelance artist who made 12 pieces of video game available for bidding at Heritage Auctions, starting on May 5th:

Throughout both the 80s and ‘90s, Peringer contributed a frankly stunning amount of iconic art for some of the biggest video game companies around...

You don’t need childhood memory of poring over video game box art at the rental store seared into your head as much as I do to appreciate the work, but it doesn’t hurt.

<em>Promo artwork for </em>Super Mario 64.
<em>NES promo art.</em>
<em>Art for </em>Street Fighter II Turbo.
<em>Artwork for SNES game </em>Gun Force.
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Promo artwork for Super Mario 64.
Image: Stephen Peringer / Heritage Auctions
Ash Parrish
Ash Parrish
Ready for more Mario Kart?

Nintendo has let us know that tomorrow is all about Mario Kart World. The Mario Kart World direct takes place April 17th at 9 A.M ET and will last for 15 minutes. You can watch the livestream on mobile devices via the new Nintendo Today! app or...on YouTube like everyone else. See you there.

Dominic Preston
Dominic Preston
Switch 2 preorders might open in the US next week.

Emphasis on “might.” Leaker billbil-kun, who previously tipped April 23rd preorders for Canada, says US retailers could begin taking orders from either April 21st or April 30th.

Nintendo delayed preorders in both countries in the wake of Trump’s tariffs, and despite recent speculation still hasn’t confirmed when it will be ready to take your money.