Nintendo Announce Switch Successor, ‘Switch 2.’

Nintendo has officially unveiled the successor to the Switch, aptly named the Nintendo Switch 2, in a brief promotional video. As heavily rumored, the new console appears to be a more powerful and refined version of its predecessor.   

While Nintendo didn't announce a release date or price in Thursday's reveal, they did confirm a 2025 launch window. The only game showcased running on the Switch 2 was a new entry in the popular Mario Kart series.

True to its predecessor's hybrid nature, Switch 2 will be playable both as a handheld and connected to a TV. It will feature detachable Joy-Con controllers and maintain backward compatibility with both physical and digital Switch games.

Nintendo has previously confirmed that its upcoming console, the Switch 2, will be backwards compatible with existing Switch games. This was announced in late 2024, alongside confirmation of continued support for Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Account system.

However, Nintendo has also issued a cautionary note. In a press release, the company stated that "Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2."

Further details about the Switch 2 are expected to be revealed in a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation scheduled for April 2nd.

Conclave and Emilia Pérez Lead BAFTA Nominations

The BAFTA nominations for this year have been announced, with the papal thriller "Conclave" leading the pack with 12 nominations. Starring Ralph Fiennes as a clergyman tasked with selecting the next Pope, "Conclave" is competing for several major awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor for Fiennes, and Best Supporting Actress for Isabella Rossellini.

Another strong contender is "Emilia Perez," a Spanish-language musical about a Mexican cartel boss undergoing gender affirmation surgery, which has garnered 11 nominations. Star Karla Sofía Gascón is nominated for Best Actress, while co-stars Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez are both contenders for Best Supporting Actress.

"The Brutalist," an epic drama featuring Adrien Brody as a Hungarian architect trying to rebuild his life in post-WWII America, has received nine nominations, including Best Film and Best Actor for Brody, with supporting actor nominations for Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones.

Additionally, "Wicked," "Anora," and "Dune: Part Two" each received seven nominations. "A Complete Unknown" and "Kneecap" garnered six nominations each, while "The Substance" and "Nosferatu" received five nominations.

Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, and The Village People Amongst Inauguration Performers

Carrie Underwood is set to take to the stage at President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration next week. Additionally, The Village People, famous for their infectious hit “Y.M.C.A.,” will perform at several pre-inauguration events. This is a notable contrast to the 2017 inauguration, which faced challenges in attracting well-known artists to participate. 

In their respective statements about these events, both Underwood and Village People underscored the importance of unity during this pivotal moment. Underwood expressed her gratitude and sense of honor in responding to the call for performance, stating she felt “humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.” 

Meanwhile, Village People took a candid approach on social media, acknowledging that not all their fans may agree with their decision to participate. However, they firmly believe that “music is to be performed without regard to politics.” The group, which faced the reality of their “preferred candidate” losing, with founding member Victor Willis having vocalized his support for Vice President Kamala Harris, expressed their hope that “Y.M.C.A.” can serve as a unifying force to bring the nation together following a contentious and divided election cycle.

ICYMI:

• Mattel Creations have launched an Aaliyah Barbie doll to celebrate the singer’s birthday.

• Wendy Williams and her niece say that she is being emotionally abused in her conservatorship. Williams is able to contact her loved ones, however they cannot call her and she has no internet access. Williams has also revealed that she has spent her last 3 birthdays alone.

• Duolingo reports a 216% increase for users learning Mandarin Chinese in the U.S. following a transition from TikTok to Xiaohongshu, also known as “RedNote.”

• Timothee Chalamet reveals he received a fine of £65 (approx $79) for failing to properly park his Lime e-bike that he took to the premiere of ‘A Complete Unknown’.

— Katie Macbeth

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