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…

Handy-Ticket but no reception: screenshots aren’t enough Summary: A recent Berlin case shows that a saved screenshot of a mobile ticket may not be accepted during a fare inspection. Transport companies in Berlin expect to see the ticket displayed in the official app (often together with ID). If you cannot present the live ticket in the app, you risk being fined. What happened A passenger presented a screenshot of their purchased ticket during a check, but the screenshot was not accepted as valid proof. The carrier enforced the standard fine because the ticket was not shown in the official app in real time. Why screenshots can fail Screenshots can be altered or copied and are not considered verifiable by some carriers. Some systems validate a ticket’s current status server-side, which…

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Release Date, Platforms, and What We Know Nintendo announced Metroid Prime 4: Beyond during today’s Nintendo Direct with a confirmed release date of December 4, 2025. The game will launch on both the original Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2. The Switch 2 will receive a dedicated, upscaled version that takes advantage of the newer hardware. What to expect First-person adventure starring Samus Aran on a jungle planet. Focus on exploration, scanning the environment, puzzle-solving, and new power-ups and abilities. New gameplay elements teased, including expanded traversal (Samus on a motorbike) and psychic-style abilities. Development background Metroid Prime 4 experienced a troubled development cycle: Nintendo restarted the project in 2019 under Retro Studios after scrapping the initial attempt. The series dates back to 1986,…

Mario Tennis Fever — Switch 2 Exclusive, Feb 12, 2026 Nintendo announced Mario Tennis Fever for Nintendo Switch 2, releasing on February 12, 2026. The game brings several new mechanics and the largest roster in series history. Key Features Switch 2 exclusive Release date: February 12, 2026 Fever Rackets: 30 different rackets that build a rally gauge and let you unleash a "Fever Shot" — effects vary by racket (e.g., Ice racket freezes part of the court; Mini Mushroom racket shrinks opponents). Playable characters: 38 total — the biggest roster yet, including fan favorites like Rosalina and Donkey Kong. New defensive moves: Slides and dives to stop opponent shots and turn the momentum. Motion controls (Swing Mode): Use Joy‑Cons for a more physical tennis experience. Modes: Online play, a whimsical…

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Release Date & Details (Dec 4, 2025) Nintendo announced during a Nintendo Direct that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch on December 4, 2025 for both the original Nintendo Switch and the newly released Switch 2. The Switch 2 will receive a dedicated, upscaled version with visual enhancements and extra features. The game returns to the first-person Metroid Prime formula, with protagonist Samus Aran exploring a jungle planet, scanning environments, solving puzzles, and fighting hostile aliens — likely including Metroids. The trailer teased new power-ups and mechanics that capture the spirit of the series. Key points Release date: December 4, 2025 Platforms: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 (enhanced/upscaled version) Gameplay: First-person exploration, scanning, puzzles, new power-ups Development: The project was restarted in 2019 after…