Swap 2, Finest Android Telephones, and OLED Upgrades | You Requested

On immediately’s You Requested: What’s up with the Nintendo Swap 2? We reply a few of your burning questions as preorders are formally underway. By way of cellular and telephone tech, what Android comes most beneficial by our Digital Tendencies skilled, and is upgrading your OLED TV value it for the newest anti-reflective coating?

Nintendo Swap 2 Questions with Giovanni Colantonio

A few weeks in the past, we posted our first hands-on impressions of the Nintendo Swap 2. I acquired to attend the first-ever hands-on occasion for the console, performed about 11 video games, and now I’m right here to reply your greatest questions.

Query from @kennethcheung4938: We haven’t seen a lot of the brand new OS but—is it much like the unique Swap OS, or is it a full overhaul? If it’s the latter, will we nonetheless be capable of play video games from outdoors our native area? For instance, if I’ve a U.S. Swap, can I purchase bodily sport cartridges in Japan and nonetheless play them in English?

Nice questions. Completely satisfied to reply. First off, the OS appears to be just about equivalent. On the preview occasion, we weren’t handed a Swap to fiddle with freely. These had been structured demos the place you jumped straight right into a sport—so no actual alternative to discover the menu.

That stated, I did catch a couple of glimpses of the UI through the occasion. For instance, if somebody needed to pair a controller, the acquainted white “pairing your controller” field popped up. I additionally noticed the Nintendo Swap On-line GameCube UI, and it regarded precisely the identical as earlier than.

Because the occasion, I’ve seen a couple of movies and commercials displaying snippets of the UI, and yeah—principally the identical. The house display screen continues to be that white or black background with a single horizontal row of apps. You scroll by them. That’s it.

The one factor that’s getting a slight redesign is the Nintendo On-line part—although, actually, I guess a lot of you haven’t used it a lot. It’s a small refresh, however nothing main.

I’ve at all times needed extra customization—extra dynamic themes like we had on the 3DS. I had an Animal Crossing one, it was absolutely decked out. Seems like we’re not getting that degree of customization right here. I hope that modifications.

It appears Nintendo’s purpose is to maintain the Swap 2 feeling like a direct continuation of the unique Swap. I feel that’s a little bit of a missed alternative, however no less than it’ll really feel acquainted.

As for area locking—no, the Swap 2 just isn’t region-locked, so far as we all know. You may play a Japanese sport on a North American Swap.

The one exception is a particular mannequin bought in Japan. It’s cheaper however region-locked to Japanese video games. Nintendo in all probability did that to spice up native gross sales. The worth distinction within the U.S. is probably going tied to geopolitical tariffs, which many people are acquainted with by now.

So, if you wish to study Japanese and import a less expensive mannequin—go for it! In any other case, the usual Swap 2 stays region-free.

Query from @jarathen1625:How comfy did you discover the Swap, and the way does that examine to the Swap 2? It’s my one fear, that many gamers would require a grip to make it comfy but once more.

It is a good one. Personally, I don’t thoughts the consolation of the unique Swap. I wouldn’t name it “comfy,” however it’s not terribly uncomfortable both—it’s simply sort of flat. You’re holding a flat brick, however it’s not tremendous heavy and the burden is well-balanced.

In contrast to the Steam Deck, which I joke looks like holding a cat by its armpits—very top-heavy—the Swap is extra balanced, so you may maintain it within the center with out pressure.

Swap 2? Similar design philosophy. Not considerably extra comfy. For those who discovered the unique uncomfortable, you’ll in all probability need a third-party grip—possibly from Hori or Dbrand. That stated, you may nonetheless get the Professional Controller, which I demoed, and it felt nice. It’s almost equivalent to the present one, however now features a C button.

I additionally tried the up to date Pleasure-Con grip, which feels about the identical because the outdated one. I discover it effective—others would possibly disagree.

As for the way the Swap 2 feels in-hand—it’s heftier. Not heavier, simply extra strong. Like holding an Apple pill. Doesn’t have an effect on consolation a lot, however it would possibly change the way you understand it.

The Pleasure-Cons have been tweaked for higher consolation—bigger joysticks, larger SL and SR buttons. So there are some quality-of-life enhancements, simply not an enormous leap in ergonomics. Maintain your expectations in examine.

Query  from @viciousviolet3783: Have we heard something extra about Name Of Responsibility coming to Nintendo Swap 2?

Truthfully, I used to be shocked Name of Responsibility wasn’t a part of that current Direct. However Xbox has to carry it to Swap—they promised it of their FTC case. It’s legally documented.

Query from @kennethcheung4938: third Celebration Video games Compatibility: With the MS <> Activision merger final 12 months and MS promising to carry Xbox video games to Nintendo, can the Swap 2 have sufficient {hardware} energy to run these Xbox video games and supply a comparable expertise?

Now, efficiency? Maintain your expectations low. The Swap 2 just isn’t an Xbox Collection X or PS5. It’s nearer to a Steam Deck. It’ll impress extra in handheld mode than docked.

That stated, DLSS (AI upscaling) is a game-changer. Video games like Cyberpunk 2077 use it, and it actually helps clear up visuals. The Nvidia chip additionally helps ray tracing—one other plus. Nonetheless, this console received’t match what Xbox and PlayStation are doing.

I don’t count on Hellblade 2 or Starfield to run nice on it. However I used to be impressed seeing third-party video games like Cut up/Second, Cyberpunk, and Avenue Fighter 6 working easily and looking out clear.

DLSS may assist clear up the fuzzy edges I noticed in video games like Cut up/Second. Simply don’t count on 120 fps Name of Responsibility—we’re in all probability taking a look at 30 fps, with some upscaling when docked.

Cell Tech Questions with Andy Boxall

Now, let’s swap gears to cellular tech with Digital Tendencies senior cellular author Andy Boxall.

Query from @miltonjr2004: What Android telephone would you suggest?

Nice query—and since we don’t have a selected price range to work with, I’m going to suggest two telephones.

First up is the OnePlus 13. It has a cultured but sturdy design, the newest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a battery that simply lasts a few days, super-fast charging, and a superb digicam with some enjoyable modes, like Hasselblad XPan. At $900, it’s rather a lot cheaper than telephones just like the Galaxy S25 Extremely—and it’s at present my high Android choose. I gave it a 9 out of 10 in my assessment.

For those who’re searching for one thing extra inexpensive, the Google Pixel 9a is a incredible possibility at simply $500. I feel the flat rear panel seems to be nice, the software program is tremendous straightforward to make use of, and it’s very nicely designed. The battery lasts a few days, and whereas the digicam is strong, the images do profit from slightly enhancing.

I additionally gave the Pixel 9A a 9 out of 10 in my assessment, and I’m nonetheless utilizing it as my every day telephone. I feel you’ll be pleased with both the OnePlus 13 or the Pixel 9A.

Query from @lowridinpacker: Which foldable telephone would be the one to purchase this 12 months? Purchase a P9P Fold or OnePlus Open now or possibly the Z Fold 7 or Pixel 10 Professional Fold in August? Value vs usability and which is greatest for various use instances.

Let’s begin with the one I wouldn’t suggest: the OnePlus Open. It launched on the finish of 2023 and solely noticed minor updates in late 2024. There’s no successor coming this 12 months, and whereas it’s nonetheless a very good telephone, I don’t suggest shopping for a 2023 mannequin in 2025.

The Pixel 9 Professional Fold, however, is great—and it’s really my favourite Pixel 9-series telephone. It’s nonetheless comparatively new, and whereas the $1,800 price ticket stings, it’s completely value contemplating. For those who want a telephone proper now and need a foldable, go for it—I don’t assume you’ll be dissatisfied.

As for the Pixel 10 Professional Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 7, it’s nonetheless early, and there aren’t a number of strong rumors to go on but. Most hypothesis suggests they received’t be dramatically totally different from the present fashions.

So, when you don’t want a brand new telephone immediately, there’s no hurt in ready one other six months to see what they create. However when you’re hoping for a value drop on present foldables, don’t depend on it—foldables not often go on deep low cost.

For those who’re after a telephone that may do every part—multitasking, content material watching, productiveness—the Pixel 9 Professional Fold is my choose. Get it, and luxuriate in it.

Query from @Mooooooof: At what proportion battery well being is cheap to interchange the battery in your telephone?

This one’s attention-grabbing as a result of I feel it’s much less about numbers and extra about expertise. In case your telephone nonetheless meets your every day wants, there’s no cause to fret in regards to the battery well being proportion. As soon as it turns into inconvenient or irritating, that’s the time to contemplate a alternative.

Additionally, when you’re asking this, I’m going to imagine you wish to hold onto your telephone for some time. If that’s the case, keep watch over units just like the HMD Skyline—it’s simply repairable at dwelling, and iFixit sells official elements, together with batteries.

There’s one thing actually satisfying about sustaining your telephone like this—and it’s extra inexpensive in the long term.

OLED Improve for Higher Anti-Glare with Chris Hagan

Lastly, we’ve got a query about OLED TV reflections.

Query from Luuk: I at present have an LG CX OLED in my home—an superior TV—however the display screen is actually a mirror. I’ve a window behind the viewing place, and particularly in the summertime, I can see every part behind me on the TV, however not any darker pictures. I’m contemplating a brand new OLED since I’m an enormous fan of the image high quality, however I used to be questioning how a lot the anti-reflective coating has improved in comparison with my CX. I would take into account different manufacturers, though Sony doesn’t provide the identical price-to-quality worth as LG, and Samsung lacks Dolby Imaginative and prescient assist.

Nice query, Luke. Anti-reflective coatings have positively improved 12 months over 12 months, particularly on high-end OLEDs. And having seen among the latest units in particular person—just like the LG G5 and C5—I can verify they appear unimaginable.

Nevertheless, it feels like your room will get a number of gentle. In that case, I’d really steer you towards Samsung’s newest lineup. They launched their superior anti-glare tech again in 2020 on the flagship QN95 sequence, and we’ve acquired a full breakdown in previous movies on the channel.

In 2025, that very same tech has made its means into each OLED and Mini LED fashions. So that you’ve acquired choices.

If OLED is a should and also you wish to fight glare, the Samsung S95F is your greatest guess. However don’t sleep on the QN90F, Samsung’s top-tier Quantum Dot Mini LED TV. Not solely does it have that very same anti-glare expertise—it additionally will get brighter than the S95F.

So if daytime glare is an actual situation and also you watch rather a lot through the day, the QN90F would possibly really be the higher alternative.

Now, about Dolby Imaginative and prescient: sure, Samsung nonetheless doesn’t assist it. However whether or not or not you’ll discover is dependent upon how dialed in your eyes are. I’ve been utilizing the QN90C, their 2023 mannequin, for the previous 12 months and a half—and I’ve watched every part from cable and sports activities to HDR films and streaming content material. HDR10 and HDR10+ nonetheless provide loads of wow issue.

So in your case, I feel fixing the reflection situation could have the larger influence in your viewing expertise than Dolby Imaginative and prescient assist.