April 21, 2025
Tech News
Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch in the U.S. on June 5 at the anticipated price of $449.99, despite fears of price increases due to tariffs. Preorders start on April 24, and the company guarantees this price for the console itself.
However, not all is well in the accessory department. Prices for the Nintendo Switch 2 accessories are set to increase due to market changes. For instance, the Pro Controller will rise from $79.99 to $84.99, and Joy-Cons will jump from $89.99 to $94.99. This news comes amidst concerns over rising costs in the gaming industry.
In related news, Sony announced a price hike for the PlayStation 5 in countries like Europe and Australia, echoing broader economic trends. As prices fluctuate globally, fans in the U.S. brace for potential adjustments in the near future, particularly affecting consoles and accessories.
Shifting gears to legal issues surrounding privacy, a federal judge in Nevada has ruled that police cannot conduct extensive cell tower “dumps” for mass surveillance without violating the Fourth Amendment. This ruling aims to protect individual privacy by limiting how authorities collect cellular data.
Despite this ruling, the judge permitted the use of existing data as evidence in a specific case, where the records exposed information on 1,686 individuals. This highlights ongoing debates around privacy and surveillance methods in law enforcement, as challenges to such practices continue to emerge.
Tech Explained
Nintendo Switch – The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid gaming console that allows users to play games both on a television and as a portable handheld device. Launched in 2017, it has gained immense popularity for its versatility and engaging game library.
Tariffs – Tariffs are taxes imposed by a government on imported goods. They can affect consumer prices and industry dynamics. In the context of the Nintendo Switch 2, the threat of higher tariffs led to concerns about increased prices for game consoles and accessories.
Tower Dumps – A tower dump refers to a collection of data obtained by police from a cellphone tower, revealing information about all devices that connected during a certain timeframe. It raises significant privacy issues, as it can expose the data of thousands of users beyond the individual’s targeted investigation.
Fourth Amendment – This amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. It ensures that law enforcement must typically obtain a warrant based on probable cause before conducting searches that invade personal privacy.
Good Faith Exception – The good faith exception is a legal doctrine that allows evidence collected in violation of a person’s rights to be admissible in court if the law enforcement officers acted under the belief that they were following legal guidelines. This exception remains contentious within judicial discussions regarding privacy rights.
