Author: alex

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade coming to Switch 2 on Jan 22, 2026 Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will be released for the Nintendo Switch 2 on January 22, 2026. This edition includes the Episode INTERmission DLC starring Yuffie, which takes place after the main Midgar campaign. Key points Release date: January 22, 2026 (Switch 2) Includes Episode INTERmission (Yuffie) Primarily covers the Midgar portion of the story — the overworld is coming in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (no Switch 2 date yet) Originally launched in 2021 as a reimagining of the classic JRPG; Rebirth released in 2024. A third chapter is in development. The trailer looks gorgeous, suggesting the Switch 2 can handle this remaster well. Will you replay the Midgar arc on Switch…

iPhone 17: Why the 18MP square Center Stage front camera matters Apple’s iPhone 17 introduces a new 18-megapixel front-facing camera built on a square sensor and integrated with Center Stage. That small hardware change enables some big usability wins: you can hold the phone vertically and still capture landscape group selfies, FaceTime framing auto-centers better, and Dual Capture makes simultaneous front+rear recording more practical. Key features 18MP square sensor: Wider field-of-view in a vertically held phone for landscape-style selfies and group shots. Center Stage improvements: AI-driven framing that keeps subjects centered during video calls and recordings. Dual Capture: Front and rear cameras can record at the same time, now easier to use thanks to Center Stage. 4K HDR and stabilization: Front camera supports ultra-stabilized 4K HDR video. Why it matters…

Mathmatico: Free‑text calculator for iPhone — summary & iOS alternative Original (translated): "With Mathmatico, iPhone users have an alternative calculator app that breaks from the classic button-based input. Instead of stepwise keystrokes, the app allows free-text input where the entire calculation path is visible at a glance. Numbers and operators can be entered, edited and moved directly inline." Short summary: Mathmatico is described as an iPhone calculator that accepts free-text calculations (type whole expressions in the text stream), shows the full calculation path, and lets you edit and rearrange values inline. Research note: I could not find an independent app named "Mathmatico" in public app listings. A similar built-in solution exists on iOS 18+: Apple’s Calculator includes a feature called Math Notes, which supports free-text and handwriting input for calculations,…

Paramount+ 50% Off Annual Plans — Limited-Time Deal Paramount+ is currently offering a 50% discount on annual subscriptions through September 18. That drops the Essential (with ads) plan to $30/year (regularly $60) and the Premium plan to $60/year (regularly $120). This promotion requires paying for the full year up front; month-to-month pricing is unchanged. Why this matters Both new and returning subscribers can take advantage of the price cut. Premium also grants access to Showtime titles (Yellowjackets, Dexter: Resurrection) and the ad-free experience. Paramount+ features strong franchises like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Lower Decks, plus reality and entertainment offerings such as RuPaul-related content and sports coverage. Highlights Essential (with ads): $30/year (was $60) Premium (ad-free + Showtime): $60/year (was $120) Offer valid through September 18 Full-year…

EU Data Act takes effect — new rules for connected device data As of 12 September 2025 the EU Data Act enters into force. The new regulation sets who can access data generated by connected devices (smartwatches, smart home appliances, industrial machines, etc.) and how that data can be used, with the stated aim of giving users more control and promoting a fairer data economy. Key points Access rights: Users and certain businesses gain clearer rights to access data produced by their devices. Data sharing & interoperability: Rules to reduce exclusive control by device makers and cloud providers, encouraging data portability and switching providers. Scope: Applies to IoT devices, connected products, and related services across the EU. Objectives: Boost competition, innovation, and user control while protecting legitimate interests and security.…

Pokémon Pokopia — Ditto-led community builder coming to Switch 2 (2026) In a surprise reveal during the latest Nintendo Direct, Game Freak announced Pokémon Pokopia, a cozy life-sim where you play as a Ditto that has taken human form and is determined to create a comfortable home for other Pokémon. The game is clearly inspired by Animal Crossing and other community-building sims, but with Pokémon-focused mechanics. Key details Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 (exclusive) Release window: 2026 Playable role: Ditto in human form who learns Pokémon abilities to shape and grow the community Art style: Tilt‑shift, diorama-like visuals reminiscent of Game Boy Advance-era Pokémon Gameplay highlights As you meet and befriend new Pokémon, your Ditto will learn abilities that can be used to transform the town — building homes, growing crops,…

Donkey Kong Bananza: DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC — What We Know Donkey Kong Bananza is getting a paid expansion called DK Island & Emerald Rush. The DLC reportedly goes live today, though at the time of writing it wasn’t yet showing on the Nintendo eShop and no price had been listed. What’s included A new island (DK Island) to explore with familiar faces from Donkey Kong’s world. Emerald Rush: a timed mode where you smash green ore and fossils to collect emeralds. Fossils unlock perks that help you gather more emeralds (multipliers, extra treasure chests, etc.). Roguelike elements: perks and player skill reset each run, but collectible locations (fossils, Banandium Gems) remain fixed so runs can be optimized as you learn levels. Emerald Rush will also be integrated…

Nintendo brings back the Virtual Boy — as a Switch/Switch 2 accessory Nintendo surprised fans at its September Direct by announcing that Virtual Boy games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, and you’ll need a physical accessory to play them. Nintendo will offer a plastic replica of the mid-90s Virtual Boy that your Switch or Switch 2 can slot into, plus a cheaper cardboard alternative that recreates the stereoscopic viewing effect. Release date: February 17, 2026 — Virtual Boy titles begin arriving on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Games: Nintendo said 14 stereoscopic 3D Virtual Boy games will be added. Reported titles include Mario’s Tennis, Galactic Pinball, Teleroboxer, Space Invaders and Tetris. (The original Virtual Boy library was only 22 games total.) Accessory: A plastic full-body…

Hades II v1.0 Launches Sept 25 on Switch, Switch 2, and PC/Mac Supergiant Games announced that Hades II will exit Early Access and release as version 1.0 on September 25 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC/Mac (Steam and Epic Games Store). Key Details Release date: September 25 (digital) Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Windows PC, macOS Performance: Switch 2 targets up to 120 fps in TV mode; 60 fps in 1080p handheld; original Switch runs 60 fps at 720p. Cross-save: Cross-save between Steam and Epic Games Store is supported. Early Access: Hades II has been in Early Access on PC for ~16 months and accumulated over 63,000 Steam reviews with very positive reception. About the Game Hades II shifts the spotlight from Zagreus to his sister Melinoë,…

Anker MagSafe Power Banks on Sale Whether you plan to get the new iPhone Air or just want extra juice for your current iPhone, a MagSafe power bank is a handy accessory. Anker has several well-priced options on sale right now. Anker 622 Magnetic Battery — 5,000 mAh (Best budget MagSafe) Price: 42% off — $28 (sale) Capacity: 5,000 mAh Features: Strong MagSafe magnets, slim design, built-in foldable stand that supports portrait or landscape at ~30° Charge estimate: Can refill an iPhone 16 / 16 Pro to just over ~80%, and an iPhone 16 Pro Max to ~60% Amazon (search): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Anker+622+Magnetic+Battery&tag=f1rede-20 Anker Ultra-Slim 10,000mAh — Qi2 15W (Slim & fast) Price: 25% off — ~$60 (sale) Capacity: 10,000 mAh Charging: Qi2-certified 15W wireless charging — can charge an iPhone 16…