Technologies

Tempted by Black Friday Deals? Don’t Buy These Gifts Without Reading This

Whether you’re thinking about buying a smartwatch or a tablet this Black Friday, there are a few ground rules you should know first.

It’s not quite Black Friday yet, but deals are already in full swing, with sales on the AirPods 3, Echo Dot and Hue smart bulb bundle, Google Pixel 6A and so many other items like video doorbells and bluetooth speakers.

But before buying any tech toy you plan to give as a gift, it’s our job to make sure you’ve thought through all the angles, so that your present doesn’t turn into an accidental burden.

Unlike a TikTok-approved hot air brush or clothing from Carhartt, tech gifts add another dimension of reward and usability, but they also introduce issues ranging from privacy and security to old-fashioned compatibility. And that could become an issue for whoever you’re gifting to.

Here’s what you need to know before you buy certain tech gifts — and we’re not talking about the gift receipt.

Beware of extras someone else will have to buy

Nomatter what type of device you end up buying as a gift, keep any extraaccessories it may require in mind. Ask yourself — or the salesperson— if the device is ready to use right out of the box.

For example, if you buy color-changing bulbs like Hue or Wyze, do they require a hub to get them to work? If it’s a phoneor tablet, does it make sense to also give a case, or to let yourfriend or loved one pick one out later? Many phones have ditched the headphonejack, so a dongle to go from a USB-C or Lightning plug to a 3.5mm audioconnection may be needed if you know your recipient has wired headphones or accessories they love.

Another aspect to consider is if your giftee will need to replace stuff they already have. Maybe that new phone requires a different kind of charging cable than what they already use. It may not be your responsibility to replace that, but be aware that your gift could have ripple effects.

More examples to heed: For a Roomba,extra brushes, filters or virtual barriers are going to be items yourloved one will eventually need. Odds are, if you gift a smart speaker,which also doubles as a voice-activated speaker for streaming music, agift card for a subscription to Spotify or Pandora will also be appreciated.

Don’t buy gifts that clash with what they already have

You may have to be crafty about finding out what your friend or family member does or doesn’t already have, but it could make all the difference between a thoughtful gift they can start using right away or one they may need to swap, if integrating it into their life becomes troublesome.

You wouldn’t want to get an Apple Watch for a friend who uses an Android phone (use would be extremely limited) and an all-Apple household probably won’t appreciate the latest Amazon Echo, even if it does have cool new features.

Wireless earbuds are usually a safe bet, and smartwatches (outside of the Apple Watch) generally work with any type of smartphone. Streaming devices like Roku or Fire TV typically work with any TV, as well (just make sure they don’t already have a Roku-enabled TV).

We don’t mean to frighten you, just do what you can to suss out the situation first and of course include a gift receipt so your giftee can make a gift-free exchange if it comes to it. If you have a general idea of what kind of device (or devices) the giftee already uses around the house, here are more specific angles to consider when giving smart home gifts.

If you’re buying a phone as a gift…

If you’re buying someone a phone, the most important thing to consider is making sure the device will work with their wireless carrier of choice.Wireless providers use different technology that can prevent phonesfrom working across competitors’ networks. The last thing you want to dois buy a phone that only works on Verizon Wireless for someone who’s entrenched in T-Mobile.

Eitherask the gift recipient which wireless carrier they use or considerbuying an unlocked phone. Many phone-makers offer an unlocked versionthat will work on almost all wireless carriers. Just know that not everycarrier feature might work, like Wi-Fi calling, which is tuned tospecific networks. This gift is all about the gesture, but it helps to know your audience.

Watch out for privacy red flags

Someproducts have privacy and security implications. Even if you’re OK withhaving a Google Nest speaker and its always-on microphone in your home, yourgiftee might not be as comfortable with the idea. Westore a lot of information on our phones and gadgets. Privateinformation such as banking info, frequently visited locations, ourcurrent location, photos and conversations are all things we blindlytrust our devices with.

At the least, you should take note of companies such as Meta or Amazon, which are constantly surrounded by privacy questions and concerns, if you’re considering buying the Quest 2 or the latest Ring Video Doorbell 4 as a gift.

If you’re looking at a product from a company you’ve never heard of, or even for companies you have, a quick Google search is in order. Looking up «Meta/Facebook privacy issues,» for example, should surface any red flags.

Know how long a company will support its product

Routinesoftware updates are an important part of owning a tech product. Notonly do updates make a product better over time but they can fix andimprove the security of a device.

As such, it’s important to haveconfidence that companies are going to continue to support a devicethrough updates, especially when security issues are discovered (as theyoften are).

If you’re shopping for a phone, the Apple iPhone and Google Pixel receive consistent and timely updates. Outside of Google’s own phones, Samsung has a good track record for consistent updates to its Android phones, as do the OnePlus phones.

Software updates for smart speakers and streaming devices such as a Chromecast or Apple TV are handled in the background, without you ever knowing. That’s ideal for those who aren’t all that tech-savvy.

It’s a good idea to look into how long a company promises to support a product with software updates after its release.

Finally, there are bound to be many great deals and promotions this shopping season, especially around Black Friday.Don’t be swayed by a deal on a product that seems too good to be true.If the product is discontinued (or soon-to-be), your gift could end upbecoming an expensive paperweight. Again, Google is your friend when itcomes to learning more about a product and its future.

Make sure you grab the right model

Evenif you’re handed a list with a specific gadget gift idea, make sure you’re getting the right model. Many look and sound the same.

For example, the Nintendo Switch comes in three versions: the original ($300 full retail price), OLED ($350 retail) and Lite($200 retail). If you’re opting for the Lite — the least expensive version —you should know that it doesn’t come with Joy-Con controllers, not allgames are compatible with it and it doesn’t feature TV or tabletop mode.And while you could swing for the fences with the OLED model (whichcomes with a 7-inch touchscreen, 64GB of storage and abuilt-in wired LAN port), the original still packs a punch and comeswith many of the features the Lite is missing.

Thesame can be said for products that were released earlier in the yearand are likely to be upgraded and replaced shortly after the holidays.Take some time, do your research and make an educated choice.

Still not sure where to start? Here are the best phones of 2022, along with our 2022 Black Friday cheat sheet that includes items for different budgets and gifts for different kinds of people. Youcan also check out our favorite selections for popular products likesmart speakers, tablets and laptops.

Technologies

We Played Nintendo Switch 2: Mario, Donkey Kong, Mouse, Camera and a Lot More

Technologies

Nintendo Switch 2: Every Reveal About the Console, New Games, Price, Release Date

The $450 console launches June 5, with Mario Kart World the highlight of its launch day game lineup.

The Nintendo Switch 2 console’s biggest reveal yet arrived Wednesday as part of the company’s latest Nintendo Direct event. This teed up a day of Switch 2 reveals that include its June 5 release date, a $450 price, its specs and its initial game lineup that extends from launch into 2026.

The console will be further buoyed by having Mario Kart World as a launch title, which will go on sale in either a $500 bundle with the Switch 2 or on its own for $80 — making the open-world racing game one of Nintendo’s most expensive yet. Other games announced, such as Donkey Kong Bananza, are being priced around $70, which matches the cost of 2023’s The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. That Zelda game and Breath of the Wild are among the original Switch titles that will get enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrades, a premium upgrade allowing players to get new features, modes and graphical enhancements that take advantage of the newer system’s capabilities.

Here are the top highlights from Nintendo’s console event, all of the games we’ve heard about so far (including new titles, Nintendo Switch 2 Editions and GameCube games coming to Nintendo Switch Online) and all of our coverage so far. You can also check out our Nintendo Switch 2 live blog for even more updates about the Switch 2 as we learn them.

Nintendo Switch 2 console

The Nintendo Switch 2’s specs saw a noticeable technical bump over the Switch. The Nintendo Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch, 1080p resolution LCD that supports a 120Hz refresh rate — matching what we now see on most Android phones. When the Switch 2 is docked, compatible games can run in 4K resolution. The new dock also includes a cooling fan.

The Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, and the new Switch 2 Game Cards will load games faster. For digital libraries, however, the Switch 2 will only work with microSD Express cards, which are different from the microSD cards that are compatible with the prior Nintendo Switch. Nintendo will have a Software Transfer feature available to help move games and data from the original Switch to the Switch 2.

The new Joy-Con for the controllers will support mouse controls, and a new C button will be part of a new GameChat communication feature that allows both voice and video chat. There’s also a Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, allowing players to see each other.

The Switch 2 also adds a second USB-C port to the top of the system, which Nintendo says can help connect its new camera accessory or charge the console when playing in tabletop mode. Nintendo also revealed a new Switch 2 Pro Controller with the C button and customizable GL and GR buttons on the back.

Following the presentation, Nintendo unveiled the system’s price of $450 in the US. It will also sell the Switch 2 bundled with a digital version of Mario Kart World for $500.

Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World removes its traditional boundaries and lets drivers roam freely across an entire world of race courses. The game will get its own Nintendo Direct later this month, where we’ll see additional details, but we already know it’ll include traditional races and a Free Roam mode, much like in the Forza Horizon series.

Getting the game bundled for an extra $50 on the cost of the Switch 2 might be the move if you are interested in the game, because Nintendo announced on its website that standalone copies of Mario Kart World will cost $80.

Joy-Con 2 C button and GameChat

Nintendo’s rolling out its new C button across several new Switch 2 controllers. The button will be used for the new GameChat communication features without a headset. The button will be used alongside a microphone on the console itself, which Nintendo says can be used whether it’s docked to a TV or in handheld mode.

In its teaser video, Nintendo promises the microphone will be able to cancel out loud background noises. GameChat will also work with a Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, allowing video chat and various camera-based game modes in supported titles. GameChat will be free at launch through March 31, 2026.

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games upgrade titles

The Nintendo Switch 2 will play three types of games: original Switch games, Switch 2 games and Switch 2 Edition games that will receive substantial enhancements. For many of these Switch 2 Edition games, you’ll need to buy an upgrade pack if you own the original for Switch. Many of them will get more than just enhanced graphics in the upgrade; for example, Super Mario Party Jamboree will get new games that support the new Joy-Cons’ mouse controls, audio recognition and video camera gameplay options through the Switch 2 Camera.

Other Nintendo Switch games that are getting Switch 2 Edition options include The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Enhancements vary: The Zelda games will start working with a companion phone app for maps and sending schematics to friends, while Kirby will get a new story that’s exclusive to the Switch 2 Edition. On the third-party side, Civilization 7 will get mouse controls.

Nintendo did not announce what upgrade packs will cost. However, some Switch games will get free updates that will improve performance or enhance features when playing them on the Switch 2. The Switch games getting these updates include:

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a new game set in the world of Zelda that tells the story that leads into The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This appears to be similar to how Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity told the story of a war that led to the events of Breath of the Wild. The teaser shows Zelda discovering that she’s arrived in the past of Hyrule, and the game will expand on how she gets involved in the corresponding Imprisonment War.

Nintendo Switch 2 games

Several other first- and third-party games were spotlighted during the Switch 2 Direct. These include Donkey Bananza, one of the first 3D platforming games featuring DK since 1999’s Donkey Kong 64. Kirby will also return to the racing genre in Kirby Air Riders, which comes more than 20 years after the GameCube racer Kirby’s Air Ride. DragXDrive will use mouse controls to control a futuristic wheelchair basketball game in which players will simulate push and pull motions to control their character.

An onslaught of Switch 2 third-party games were quickly shuffled through during the Direct, which I list below. An unnamed James Bond game is in development at Hitman studio IO Interactive, as is a darker title from Elden Ring creator FromSoftware called The Duskbloods, which will be exclusive to the Switch 2.

The full list of announced Nintendo Switch 2 games includes:

Borderlands 4
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
Deltarune
Donkey Kong Bananza
Drag x Drive
EA Sports FC
EA Sports Madden NFL
Elden Ring Tarnished Edition
Enter the Gungeon 2
Fast Fusion
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
Fortnite
Hades 2
Hitman World of Assassination — Signature Edition
Hogwarts Legacy
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Kirby Air Riders
Kirby and the Forgotten Land — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and Star-Crossed World
Kunitsu-Gai: Path of the Goddess
Mario Kart World
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
NBA 2K
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
Pokemon Legends: Z-A — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Project 007
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Split Fiction
Star Wars Outlaws
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions
Street Fighter 6
Super Mario Party Jamboree — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and Jamboree TV
Survival Kids
The Duskbloods
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4
WWE 2K
Yakuza 0 Definitive Edition

Among these titles, you can see the full list of June 5 Switch 2 launch day games here.

Nintendo GameCube library coming to Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch Online game library will add GameCube games to the Switch 2. On launch day, these games will initially include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, SoulCalibur 2 and F-Zero GX, with each game getting enhanced graphics. Online multiplayer will also be added to certain titles. Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Strikers and Luigi’s Mansion are among the games set to arrive later. At launch, Nintendo will also sell a GameCube controller, which will be wireless and include a C button for GameChat.