Gaming

NieR: Automata (Switch) review: A smooth(er) operator

Experience 2B in handheld

Published

November 4, 2022

Luigi Leonardo

Five years ago, Nintendo launched the Switch. The handheld console ushered Nintendo fans into a new generation of gaming. However, despite the promise of a fresh start for Nintendo, the Switch never looked like a proper contender against the beefy graphics of a PC or a PlayStation.

Around the same time, a new sci-fi game, called NieR: Automata, quietly made waves. Though it wasn’t an instant hit from the first day, the title eventually made its way into the annals of gaming history as an enthralling experience for sci-fi fans. That said, as a notable title released in 2017, it still wasn’t anything you’d expect on the Nintendo Switch. Shows how little we knew back then.

Now, the Switch is home to a surprising variety of capable ports such as Apex Legends, DOOM, and The Witcher 3. Impressively, each title works surprisingly well on the handheld console. If you haven’t had enough of big titles on the console, make way for — you guessed it — NieR: Automata.

Just like old times

The title’s port is action-packed from the get-go. Instead of just the base game, players will enjoy The End of YoRHA Edition which includes all additional downloadable content. It’s a great deal for the price you’re paying for.

Now, whether you’re playing docked or handheld, NieR: Automata plays as it was back then. The port does not cut content. If you’ve played the game before, it’s the same game. However, if it’s your first time playing the title, you’ll enjoy the game as if you bought it back in 2017.

Regardless of where you find yourself, here’s a refresher for the game’s plot: Almost ten thousand years into the future, the world has been taken over by a race of anthropomorphic robots. Aided by 9S (an android modeled after a boy), 2B is on a mission to take the planet back and fight the robots.

Rather than a straightforward RPG shooter, NieR: Automata mixes and mashes different mechanics into a wonderful postapocalyptic package. From an open-world exploration stage, players can find themselves thrust into 2D platformers and bullet hells in a single chapter. Not one stage feels out of place or overstays its welcome.

A compromise for graphics

As you might expect, the Switch port does compromise on a few technical aspects to get the game running on the console. However, it’s a good compromise.

From the first chapter, you’ll notice a difference in display quality compared to more robust consoles. However, it’s not just a matter of the hardware being unable to run the game. There are some downgrades. For example, texture quality is considerably lower compared to the original games. Rocks look chunkier, and foliage is sparser. At the very least, you won’t see it as much if you’re playing in handheld mode.

To compensate for the drop in texture quality, the Switch port has more antialiasing. Despite the less organic textures, edges are smoother. It’s a welcome addition to the Switch, which often does terribly with tearing for games with larger resolutions.

Additionally, NieR: Automata handles framerates a lot better than the original versions. Years ago, the title, amid all the fanfare, did not come off as the most polished game due to framerate stutters happening throughout the entire game. Now, the Switch port feels right. Though the port is locked at 30fps, the lack of any substantial framerate drops makes for a more immersive experience compared to one that tries and fails at pushing things to 60fps.

All in all, porting NieR: Automata is an impressive feat. For a title over five years old, the Switch port still feels fresh and right at home with the rest of the console’s library of games.

NieR: Automata The End of YoRHA Edition is now available for the Nintendo Switch, selling at US$ 39.99 through the Switch store.

Gaming

Nintendo retires the original Switch in Europe

The original Switch will no longer be sold in Europe after early 2027.

Published

July 7, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

It’s been almost a decade since the original Nintendo Switch. As with every technology reaching a certain age, it’s natural to expect its impending doom. But despite its age, the Nintendo Switch still feels like it’s too young to go off into the sunset. Europe, however, has other plans. The original console will no longer be sold after early 2027.

As always, Europe is a bastion for consumer-friendly devices. The European Union has no qualms about forcing corporations to adopt better practices for consumers. Part of those efforts is to force Nintendo to sell devices with replaceable batteries.

Starting February 2027, Nintendo will start replacing its current with models carrying replaceable batteries. The new lineup is headlined by a new Switch 2. It’s virtually identical to the old model but with a replaceable battery.

The official list of new devices conspicuously lacks the entirety of the original Switch generation, including the Lite and the OLED. That’s because Nintendo has decided to skip these models for the update. If you live in Europe after February 2027, the original console is effectively dead.

That’s not to say that the original consoles will just shut down. Existing consoles sold before February 2027 will continue to work. Likewise, you can still get the old ones in countries that don’t have an updated policy regarding device batteries.

Alongside the Switch, Nintendo has also skipped the NES Controller, Pokémon GO Plus +, SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad, SNES Controller, and the Switch Pro Controller.

Gaming

PlayStation declares AI as “foundational piece” in future

The brand, however, sees it more as a tool than a cost-cutting measure.

Published

July 6, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Being the gaming company that they are, Sony has embarked on a speedrun of its own: to deliver as much eyebrow-raising decisions as it can in a short span of time. Last week, PlayStation announced that the company will stop producing physical copies of its games in 2028. Now, the brand has confirmed that it will rely on AI for future game development.

In an interview with CEO Hideaki Nishino, via TweakTown, PlayStation has stated that AI will be a “foundational piece” in the company’s future game development. It is, however, some consolation that Nishino is adamant that it’s only a tool, rather than a cost-cutting measure.

Nishino says that AI usage can cut out repetitive tasks which frees developers up for more critical tasks. Interestingly, he also confirms that it will be used for asset placeholders and synthetic voices.

AI in game development isn’t completely new. In fact, some developers already use the technology just as how PlayStation describes it. However, it’s relatively uncommon for companies to essentially push AI to the forefront of development. Also, to be fair to Nishino, AI isn’t as maligned in Japan as it is in the Western world.

That said, it’s still an interesting decision to make, especially coming after Sony’s decision to cut off physical copies in 2028. PlayStation’s upcoming AI usage will surely raise some eyebrows.

Accessories

UGREEN x Honkai: Star Rail is a complete charging kit

More than just a collab

Published

July 6, 2026

GadgetMatch

Most brand collaborations usually lean on one thing: aesthetics.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you’re already a fan of the franchise, seeing your favorite character on something you use every day is reason enough to pick it up.

The UGREEN x Honkai: Star Rail collection certainly delivers on that front. Inspired by Yao Guang, each accessory gets a distinct look without sacrificing the clean, minimalist design UGREEN is known for.

After spending some time with the collection, however, another idea stood out.

Rather than treating each accessory as a standalone product, the lineup makes the most sense as a complete charging kit.

Built around everyday carry

Inside the limited-edition gift box are four of UGREEN’s everyday essentials: the MagFlow Air Magnetic Power Bank, Nexode Air 65W Charger, Nexode Retractable USB-C Cable, and FineTrack Mini 2 tracker. The package also comes with exclusive Yao Guang collectibles, including an acrylic stand, badge, holographic ticket, and a matching pouch.

UGREEN also sent over the Nexode Pro Power Bank Honkai: Star Rail Edition. While it isn’t included in the collector’s gift box, it naturally rounds out the entire collection. Its built-in USB-C cable, compact size, and smart display make it feel like it belongs alongside the rest of the lineup.

Looking at everything together, the collection already covers most everyday charging needs.

There’s a compact GaN wall charger for laptops and tablets. Two power banks for different situations. A retractable USB-C cable that cuts down on cable clutter. And a tracker for bags, keys, or anything else you don’t want to misplace.

It’s a practical combination before the collaboration artwork even enters the conversation.

Familiar products with fresh personalities

That familiarity is also part of what makes this collaboration work.

We’ve already spent time with the standard versions of both the Nexode Air Charger 65W and the MagFlow Air Power Bank. Their biggest strengths weren’t flashy gimmicks. They were reliable accessories that earned a place in an everyday carry setup.

That doesn’t change here.

The Nexode Air remains a compact 65W GaN charger that’s easy to slip into a backpack or travel pouch. Meanwhile, the MagFlow Air continues to offer the flexibility of wired and wireless charging in a compact package.

Instead of reinventing the hardware, UGREEN simply gave the products a little more personality.

For Honkai: Star Rail fans, that’s probably exactly what they’re looking for.

The little things make a difference

Another pleasant surprise is how cohesive everything feels.

The included pouch makes it easy to keep most of the essentials together, whether they’re headed into a backpack, messenger bag, or carry-on luggage.

Even the color ended up being more practical than expected.

Most chargers, cables, and power banks tend to disappear into a sea of black accessories inside a bag. The light blue finish used throughout this collection makes each item surprisingly easy to spot at a glance.

They’re small details.

But they’re the kinds of conveniences that make these accessories feel like they’re meant to be used every day instead of staying inside the collector’s box.

More than a collector’s item

There’s no question that Honkai: Star Rail fans are the primary audience here.

The artwork alone gives the collection plenty of appeal.

What makes it interesting, though, is that the collaboration doesn’t rely on aesthetics alone.

Instead of creating a single themed accessory, UGREEN assembled products that naturally complement one another. Whether it’s charging a laptop, topping up a phone during the day, carrying a single cable, or keeping track of everyday essentials, each product has a clear role within the lineup.