Pokémon Pokopia, an Animal Crossing-esque life sim, will hit Switch 2 on March 5

Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are trying something a little different with Pokémon Pokopia. It’s a life sim game in the vein of Animal Crossing. Nintendo unveiled the game during a Direct in September, saying that it would arrive in spring 2026. Now, the company has revealed that Pokémon Pokopia will hit Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5.

There’s no new trailer for the game just yet — you’ll have to wait until Thursday, November 13 for that. Nor did Nintendo discuss more details about Pokémon Pokopia, other than to indicate the cartridge will be a Game Key Card (no game files are stored on such a cart, which is effectively a physical key that allows you to download a game). The company announced the release date with the most bare bones of tweets:

Build a Pokémon paradise in Pokémon Pokopia, releasing for #NintendoSwitch2 on Mar 5. pic.twitter.com/m3XFXFdqOu

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) November 11, 2025

Koei Tecmo studio Omega Force is developing Pokémon Pokopia. We learned during the Nintendo Direct a couple of months ago that you’ll play as a Ditto who has taken on the guise of a human. You’ll meet more Pokémon and learn new abilities to help you upgrade your community and make your home just the way you want it.

Last month, there was another leak of files from Game Freak, the main developer of Pokémon games. Among other things, the details indicated that an expansion for Pokémon Pokopia is in the works.

Before Pokémon Pokopia arrives, you’ll be able to warm up for a Pokémon flavor of life sim by dipping back into Animal Crossing New Horizons, which is getting a major update and a Switch 2 version in January. It includes support for mouse controls, visual enhancements and other upgrades on Switch 2. An update that will also apply to the original Switch version will introduce a new hotel location, more cosmetic items, a Lego collaboration and much more.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/pokemon-pokopia-an-animal-crossing-esque-life-sim-will-hit-switch-2-on-march-5-160000254.html?src=rss 

Sally Kirkland Net Worth: How Much Money She Had at the End of Her Life

Kirkland appeared in more than 200 film and television projects throughout her six-decade career, in addition to numerous theatrical performances, but she ran into financial issues toward the end of her life.

Kirkland appeared in more than 200 film and television projects throughout her six-decade career, in addition to numerous theatrical performances, but she ran into financial issues toward the end of her life. 

WhatsApp will reportedly face further EU regulation

WhatsApp is following in the footsteps of fellow Meta-owned companies, Instagram and Facebook. The European Commission will give WhatsApp’s open channels the designation of Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA), Bloomberg reports. The Commission has yet to make a public announcement on the matter, but has reportedly told Meta. 

This label gives the EU greater regulatory power over WhatsApp in areas such as content moderation and data sharing. WhatsApp will also need to conduct an annual independent audit and have transparent advertising practices, among other mandates. 

The new label isn’t exactly a surprise. In February, WhatsApp announced that it had averaged about 46.8 million EU users in the second half of 2024. The DSA states that the VLOP designation should be given when a platform exceeds 45 million monthly EU users. 

This designation will strictly be for WhatsApp’s open channels feature. Individual messaging should not be impacted in any way and should remain private between the parties involved. Alongside Facebook and Instagram, WhatsApp joins companies such as Amazon, Google and ByteDance in the VLOP designation

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/whatsapp-will-reportedly-face-further-eu-regulation-150037042.html?src=rss 

Sally Kirkland’s Cause of Death Updates: How Did the ‘Bruce Almighty’ Actress Die?

Kirkland was known for her performances in ‘Anna’ and ‘Bruce Almighty.’ Here’s what we know so far about the actress’ final days.

Kirkland was known for her performances in ‘Anna’ and ‘Bruce Almighty.’ Here’s what we know so far about the actress’ final days. 

Get three months of Audible for $3 in this Black Friday deal

Amazon is selling three months of Audible for just $3 in honor of Black Friday. The company typically reserves this sale for Prime Day, so it’s nice to see the deal make an unexpected return.

This breaks down to $1 per month for the first three months, which is a boon for audiobook fans. Just make sure to cancel before the 90 days are up, as the subscription will auto-renew at $15 per month. That’s not the worst deal in the world, given the vast number of titles available on the platform, but still.

Audible has a diverse catalog that goes beyond audiobooks. It also hosts podcasts and Audible Originals. Subscribers get to choose one audiobook each month to keep in their collection for free, including best-sellers or new releases. Users also get unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, which houses thousands of audiobooks. Finally, active members get discounts on many audiobooks when looking to purchase.

Winter is coming and this is a good way to make sure you have plenty to listen to throughout the next three months. This deal does have a time limit. It expires on December 16.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-three-months-of-audible-for-3-in-this-black-friday-deal-140010983.html?src=rss 

Samsung makes SmartThings routines compatible with Siri voice commands

Samsung has rolled out an update for its SmartThings app on the iPhone, and it will give you the ability to activate routines with Siri voice commands. Specifically, the update adds compatibility between SmartThings and Siri Shortcuts, which is an iOS feature you can use to automate multi-step tasks. You can simply drag and drop multiple actions from the apps that support the feature within the Shortcuts app to create an automation. But this update means you’ll be able to access even routines created in the SmartThings application.

As 9to5Mac reports, Samsung described the update as something that could bridge “the gap between Galaxy and Apple devices to make it easier for everyone in the home to stay connected.” With the update, you can, for instance, have a shared “Good Morning” automation between SmartThings and Shortcuts. On iOS, just activate Siri and say the routine name to switch on the lights and the coffee maker, as well as to raise the blinds at the same time. A “Good night” automation could dim the lights and switch off everything at once.

In addition, the update will give you the ability to see your SmartThings devices and device groups on your Apple Watch. You’ll be able to control them and run automations from the wearable. Samsung will now show your five most recently used devices on iOS Live Activities, as well, so you can quickly check your ACs, air purifiers, washing machines and other Samsung products.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/samsung-makes-smartthings-routines-compatible-with-siri-voice-commands-130000236.html?src=rss 

8Bitdo’s Ultimate Controller drops to a record low price in early Black Friday sales

The holiday season is swiftly approaching and it’s officially the time of year to ask: What presents am I going to get everyone? Thankfully, there are a ton of early Black Friday deals for the tech lover in your life.

Take the 39 percent discount currently available on the 8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller and Charging Dock. It’s a great option for the gamer in your life, and a steal down from $70 to $43 — a new all-time low price. The controller comes with perks such as the charging dock, 22 hours of battery per charge and compatibility with everything from Steam Deck to Switch. The deal is only for the white model. 

Earlier this year, 8Bitdo released a new version of this $70 controller, aptly called the Ultimate 2 Bluetooth. We rated it as one of the best controllers for the Nintendo Switch 2. While the upgraded model brings you features like more precise and sensitive joysticks, this sale brings the original Ultimate Controller back into view — and our shopping carts. Plus, it also works well with the Nintendo Switch 2

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/8bitdos-ultimate-controller-drops-to-a-record-low-price-in-early-black-friday-sales-133023804.html?src=rss 

The Morning After: Is the Apple Watch SE 3 the best smartwatch for (almost) everyone?

Apple’s entry-level smartwatch has improved so much it delivers an experience comparable to pricier Apple Watches. The most important upgrades in the SE 3 are the always-on display, faster charging speeds and on-device Siri. This brings a lot of parity to other Apple Watch devices in the most crucial areas.

It doesn’t have everything: The SE 3’s optical sensor is older and lacks the capabilities of Series 10 and 11 smartwatches, which feature electrical heart rate sensors. You’ll still get notifications for irregular rhythms and low cardio fitness as well as high and low heart rate notifications. All of this for $259? (Or $200 if you’re quick.) It’s the most tempting first step into Apple’s wearable yet. It might be time for me to upgrade from my Series 8.

— Mat Smith

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Nintendo announces its Black Friday deals

Switch 2 bundles, Switch game deals and more.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the console launch of 2025, and it will undoubtedly be at the top of many wish lists for both kids and adults. If you were hoping to save a bit on the console during Black Friday, you may be disappointed. However, the marquee Nintendo deals for the holidays come as console bundles. When the Switch 2 launched earlier this year, it was available as just the console only for $449 or bundled with Mario Kart World for $499. Both options are still available, but there’s a new bundle to consider as well, the console with the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A game, which also costs $499.

The Nintendo eShop will have cyber deals on games November 20 through December 3. The shop will feature “holiday offers on select games,” but we don’t know which games they will be. Meanwhile, other retailers will have discounts on some physical Switch games, including Princess Peach: Showtime!, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe. Those will each be $40, while other games like Super Mario Odyssey, Nintendo Switch Sports, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Splatoon 3 will be $30.

Continue reading.

The latest Death Stranding collab is an actual exoskeleton

Get those steps in even easier.

Kojima Productions has a new collaboration for anyone who wishes to enhance their lower-body strength and stability — or simply prepare for cosplay in 2026. The studio has teamed up with exoskeleton maker Dnsys for a limited run of a model based on Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. It’s said to mimic the game’s load-balancing system by offloading up to 200 percent of the wearer’s body weight from their knees to help protect the joints. Dnsys said it adds 50 percent more power to steps and “intelligent gait control” to improve balance on stairs and uneven terrain.

Continue reading.

Renders show off Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26+

Maybe no S25 Edge successor.

According to a report from Android Headlines, Samsung may stick with its Plus models of Galaxy phone — and ditch the just-got-here Edge line. A leaker has given us a glimpse at the forthcoming S26+, and it looks similar to the company’s other smartphones. The small, raised camera island has been tweaked a bit, and the report suggests the S26+ will be 7.35mm thick, which is in line with the S25+. It also seems to be decidedly chunkier than the S25 Edge, so this is likely not a swap: The next Plus device won’t be the Edge.

Continue reading.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121537568.html?src=rss 

Sony has sold 84.2 million PlayStation 5s since launch

It’s been just over a year since Sony launched the updated PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro consoles, so how’s that going given Sony’s pessimistic outlook in May? Pretty well, judging by the company’s latest earnings report. Sony sold more PlayStation 5s last quarter than it did a year ago (3.9 million compared to 3.8 million), boosting total PS5 sales to 84.2 million since launch. Sony also expects more revenue from its gaming (G&NS) division than it previously forecast. 

Back in May, Sony predicted a ¥100 billion ($700 million) hit to revenue in fiscal year 2025 due to tariffs, given that most of its sales occur in the US. Another key blow was the delay of Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto VI launch that was first pushed back to May 2026 and was recently delayed again until November 19, 2026. 

However, Sony now expects to sell more hardware than it thought and make ¥4.47 trillion in gaming revenue ($29 billion) for its full year ending March 31, 2026 — up ¥150 billion ($973 million) from its last forecast. That figure, would be slightly below its full year 2024 sales of ¥4.670 trillion ($30.3 billion), but it’s still impressive for a nearly five year old console that has seen multiple price hikes. .

In terms of game sales, the main highlight was Ghost of Yotei, which sold 3.3 million units as of November 2, 2025, just a month after it launched. The company sold 6.3 million first-party games across PS5 and PS4 (up one million compared to last year) and 80.3 million games total. 

As for PlayStation Network, monthly active users hit 119 million, up 3 million from last year at this time. Sony doesn’t break out PS Plus Premium subscribers, but that service just launched a new feature that lets you stream games you own over the cloud on the PlayStation Portal. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-has-sold-842-million-playstation-5s-since-launch-123004469.html?src=rss 

Apple and Issey Miyake’s iPhone Pocket is a knitted sleeve to hold your phone

Apple has announced a new accessory that feels a bit out of left field, to say the least. Say hello to the limited edition iPhone Pocket, a 3D-knitted “ribbed open structure” designed in collaboration with Issey Miyake. Available with a short or long strap design, it can be worn on your arm, attached to a bag or across your body. 

“The design of iPhone Pocket speaks to the bond between iPhone and its user, while keeping in mind that an Apple product is designed to be universal in aesthetic and versatile in use,” Miyake Design Studio design director, Yoshiyuki Miyamae, said in a statement. “iPhone Pocket explores the concept of ‘the joy of wearing iPhone in your own way.'”

Yes, this “additional pocket” is a real item that you can purchase and decide for yourself if it’s bizarre or — dare we say — kind of chic? The iPhone Pocket’s short strap model is available in lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon and black. The long strap design comes in sapphire, cinnamon and black. Apple’s vice president of industrial design, Molly Anderson, added that the different options were “intentionally designed to mix and match with all our iPhone models and colors.”

Apple

The iPhone Pocket is available this Friday, November 14, on Apple’s website. However, the release is not only limited in quantity, but in location. You can pick one up online from the US, France, Greater China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or the UK. With phone theft so high in the latter, it isn’t the worst option we’ve seen to keep your phone secure while out and about. 

If you live in very specific cities then you might also be able to see one in person. In the US, it will only be available at New York City’s SoHo Apple Store. Whether you buy it in person or online, the iPhone Pocket will put you back a pretty penny. The short strap is going for $150, while the long strap retails for $230. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-and-issey-miyakes-iphone-pocket-is-a-knitted-sleeve-to-hold-your-phone-103504776.html?src=rss 

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