Technologies

These Are the Switch 2 Launch Games You Should Actually Consider

Cyberpunk 2077 leads the pack but Fast Fusion and Bravely Default also make for interesting gameplay.

The Nintendo Switch 2 hasn’t been out long but it’s still somewhat disappointing that not many new games are available yet to use the new hardware. Yes, Donkey Kong Bananza is probably the biggest hit for the Switch successor that everyone should pick up but aside from that and Mario Kart World, there’s not much else to get.

For those who are still looking for something else to play on their Switch 2, here’s a list of some of the more interesting launch games to pick in the meantime.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

Aside from Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077 is the most impressive launch game for the Switch 2. Not only does the game look great but it runs incredibly well. Even better than the Steam Deck. CD Projekt Red did an incredible job making arguably the best-looking Switch 2 game.

There is, however, a catch: Night City, which is huge for a video game map, is practically empty. This is a significant compromise as the other versions of Cyberpunk feature a living, robust city. Granted, the roaming NPCs didn’t do much to affect your game but they provided that feeling of being in a sprawling city landscape.

Aside from that, Cyberpunk on the Switch 2 has fast loading times, makes use of ray-tracing and has a steady frame rate, and it’s likely there will be subtle improvements over the course of multiple updates. This version also makes use of the touchscreen during hacking and there is some use of the motion controls when playing.

The key thing with Cyberpunk on the Switch 2 is understanding who this is for. As this comes with the Phantom Liberty DLC, this version of the game is solely for those Switch 2 owners who never played the game. They’ll be in for a treat but if you played any version of Cyberpunk, there is little reason to spend money on this game.

Fast Fusion

Fast Fusion is the other launch racing game for the Switch 2, with a look and feel similar to the Wipeout series found on the PlayStation consoles. The futuristic racing game is considerably more affordable than the other launch titles at only $15, but it’s appropriate, as the game doesn’t have much content.

In Fast Fusion, players drive a hover-racer that reaches speeds of 500 mph, although races aren’t just about who can go the fastest. The courses have a unique dynamic where players have to switch their vehicle’s colors from red to blue. If the color matches the boost lanes found throughout the track then the vehicle will hit top speeds while obtaining a bit of boost to use at any time during the race. However, if your vehicle’s color doesn’t match, then it will slow down considerably.

The tracks are futuristic-looking and have different obstacles, such as giant fans and boulders. The tracks’ structures are also dangerous, as vehicles can do a hop that, if done at the wrong time, can lead them to smash right into a building or platform. Players can also spin out other racers by timing their boosts just right.

While the racing is fun, that’s all there is to the game. Winning races earns you money to access new races and vehicles, but that’s about it. There’s no online play, but there is split-screen multiplayer.

In a way, Fast Fusion seems barebones, but then it dawns on you that it’s only $15. This is one of those games to purchase if you feel an urgent need to play an arcade racing game with superfast speeds.

Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster

One of the few games that’s truly an upgrade for the Switch 2 launch titles is Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster. Square Enix remastered the 2012 3DS game Bravely Default and, while it’s a big improvement, it’s still a remaster, meaning it’s not doing anything particularly huge with the original game.

Bravely Default HD Remaster is a turn-based JRPG that has a unique job system. A character can change from one job to another, bringing the skills they learned to the new job, such as having a monk know black magic or a red mage able to trap monsters like they’re Pokemon. It’s developing those character job combos that make the game so interesting to play, even though its storyline has the typical fantasy plot found in many JRPGs.

Because it’s a remaster, this version of Bravely Default has upgraded visuals from the 2012 Nintendo 3DS game, making it look more modern. There’s also reorchestrated music, voice cutscenes and some quality-of-life improvements over the original, like autosaves and an in-game glossary to understand everything about the game. The Switch 2 also helps in making the game a bit snappier when loading and going in and out of menus. But if you want the original 3DS experience, there is a «Legacy Mode» that takes you back to 2012.

With a price of $40, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster is an easy pickup for anyone in need of a JRPG to play.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

If there is a truly unique game, it’s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. Not just because of how much it draws from Japanese folklore but also because it’s an interesting take on the tower defense formula.

In Kunitsu-Gami, players control Soh, who is a warrior defending a maiden with the help of villagers. The gameplay involves placing villagers in certain positions to fend off waves of monsters while, at the same time, Soh has to go around attacking the enemies directly with typical hack-and-slash gameplay. After battles, players do a bit of strategizing by leveling up the villagers and Soh to face the next day’s onslaught of enemies. The fun comes down to having to actually think about what’s going on at all times, instead of sitting back like in a typical tower defense game or just mindlessly button-mashing.

As for graphics, Kunitsu-Gami is not a visual giant, but the game has a charm to it. The cel-shaded look and lighting give it a fantastical look, which works for the game’s folklore roots. As it’s not so graphically intensive, you get plenty of time playing the game before the Switch 2 battery empties, too.

For $40, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a game to pick up for those who want an action game with a change of pace. For those willing to wait, it is likely that publisher Capcom will drop the price by the time the holidays roll around.

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening

Let me make this very clear for those unfamiliar with this series: Nobunaga’s Ambition is the driest of strategy games. There are some high-profile samurai games set in feudal Japan, such as Assassin’s Creed: Shadows and the upcoming Ghost of Yotei, but do not get it twisted. This game isn’t about recruiting samurai to take down a warlord; it’s about figuring out the right amount of rice is needed so your people won’t starve.

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening is one of the oldest turn-based strategy video game franchises. It originated in Japan in the early ’80s and made its way to the US on the NES. Players step into the role of a daimyo and have to expand their lands while also being diplomatic with other leaders.

There is no «action» in the game. You will have to read a lot and figure out the best strategy to win. It’s a very slow and complex game, which, funnily enough, longtime fans of the franchise will say is more streamlined and dumbed down from previous entries in the series. There aren’t really any «visuals» other than world maps, character portraits and so many menus. Your fingers will get numb from constantly turning pages to read everything.

If you love methodical, turn-based strategy games and are super interested in feudal Japan, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening is likely worth the $60. If that description doesn’t fit you, steer clear.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for Feb. 21, #986

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for Feb. 21 #986.

Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.

Today’s NYT Connections puzzle features another of those purple categories where you need to look for hidden words inside of other words. It can be a real stumper. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.

The Times has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including the number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.

Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time

Hints for today’s Connections groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Rookies don’t have this.

Green group hint: Call the roll.

Blue group hint: How’d you do today?

Purple group hint: Vroom-vroom, but with a twist.

Answers for today’s Connections groups

Yellow group: Experience.

Green group: Attendance status.

Blue group: Commentary about your Connections results.

Purple group: Car brands plus two letters.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections answers?

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is experience. The four answers are background, history, life and past.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is attendance status. The four answers are absent, excused, late and present.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is commentary about your Connections results. The four answers are great, perfect, phew and solid.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is car brands plus two letters. The four answers are audits (Audi), Dodgers (Dodge), Infinitive (Infiniti) and Minion (Mini).

Technologies

Which Apple Watch Is for You? Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Ultra 3 and SE 3

Apple revamped its entire Apple Watch line, but some models got more improvements than other. We look at all the details.

When you’re looking to buy a smartwatch, whether you want a way to stay on top of notifications or its health-related features, the Apple Watch is a good place to start. But there isn’t just one. Apple sells three different versions that appeal to different needs.

The flagship Apple Watch Series 11, rugged Apple Watch Ultra 3 and economical Apple Watch SE 3 models are a lot closer in features and specs than they’ve ever been. Let’s compare them to see which deserves a place on your wrist.

Pricing the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3

The current Apple Watch line spans a wide price range, from $249 for the Apple Watch SE 3 to $1,299 for a titanium Apple Watch Series 11 with an Hermès band. Like most fashion accessories, you can choose from different case sizes, materials, cellular connectivity options and bands to find the right fit — and price — for your watch.

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers the widest price range, with two case sizes, two body materials, optional cellular connectivity and premium Hermès models. The Apple Watch SE 3 is available only in aluminum and has the earlier, slightly smaller case sizes. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes only in titanium, with a single 49mm size and cellular included by default.

Read more: Find the best deals on the Series 11 and Ultra 3.

Here’s how they break down:

Apple Watch Series 11	GPS	GPS plus cellular
42mm aluminum	$399	$499
46mm aluminum	$429	$529
42mm titanium		$699
46mm titanium		$749
Hermès 42mm titanium		$1,249
Hermès 46mm titanium		$1,299
Apple Watch SE 3
42mm aluminum	$249	$299
46mm aluminum	$279	$329
Apple Watch Ultra 3
49mm titanium		$799
Hermès 49mm titanium		$1,399

Series 11 vs. Ultra 3, SE 3 physical designs

The core rounded-rectangle design of the Apple Watch has seen incremental changes since its first iterations. The Series 11 shares the slimmer 9.7mm height profile of the Series 10, with 42mm and 46mm diagonal sizes. Weight is light across the board, from 29.7 to 43.1 grams depending on size and case material. Aluminum models come in space gray, jet black, rose gold or silver, while titanium versions are offered in natural, slate or gold finishes.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is slightly thicker (10.7mm) and slightly smaller, with 40mm and 44mm sizes. Its design most closely harkens back to earlier Apple Watch models. It weighs 26.4 grams or 33 grams, depending on the case size. As the no-frills option, the SE 3 is available in either midnight (black) or starlight (silver).

The Ultra 3 is the most significant departure from the original design, with a thickness of 14.4mm, a 49mm diagonal, and a weight of 61.6 grams. Its titanium body comes in either natural or black — unless you opt for the Hermès edition, which is only offered in natural.

CNET lead writer Vanessa Hand Orellana described the Ultra 3 in her review as being «like the luxury Land Rover you see in safari brochures: It’s adventure-ready on the outside, with all the modern conveniences on the inside.» The body is also 3D-printed from 100% recycled titanium, but you’d never know it; there are no telltale layering marks found on most 3D-printed items.

Each watch has Apple’s Digital Crown and a side button. The Ultra 3 also includes a programmable Action button, which can, for example, start a workout with a single press.

Aside from looks, all three Apple Watch models are built for durability. The SE 3 is water resistant to 50 meters, so you don’t need to baby it — whether you’re showering, swimming or just living through a rainy Pacific Northwest day.

The Series 11 is also rated for water resistance to 50 meters, while the Ultra 3 doubles that to 100 meters. They’re also both certified IP6X dust-resistant, which is better than the SE.

Series 11 vs. Ultra 3, SE 3 displays

The Series 11 and Ultra 3 both use an LPTO 3 OLED display, which offers an always-on display and a wide viewing angle, so you don’t need to look at it head-on to see the time. It can also get very bright: 2,000 nits of peak brightness for the Series 11 and 3,000 nits (the same as the iPhone 17 Pro) for the Ultra 3.

The energy-efficient screen can refresh its display at just one nit of brightness once every second when in its passive state, so you can always see the second hand or indicator (depending on the watch face).

The display is protected by a sapphire crystal on the titanium Series 11 and the Ultra 3. According to Apple, the aluminum Series 11 uses Ion-X glass, which is twice as scratch-resistant as the Series 10.

In past generations, the SE was stuck with the lowest-quality screen, but not this time. The SE 3 gets an always-on LTPO OLED display that reaches up to 2,000 nits of brightness and dims to just 2 nits when inactive. But it doesn’t refresh as often as the Series 11 and Ultra 3, so the seconds indicator only appears when the screen is active. It’s still a big «quality of life» bump from prior SE watches, which don’t have an always-on display mode.

Series 11 vs. Ultra 3, SE 3 battery life

One surprise with the new Apple Watch lineup is improved battery life in the Series 11 and Ultra 3, plus a fast-charge option on the SE 3 that lets you top up for a night’s sleep after a full day.

Apple claims up to 24 hours of use on a single charge for the Series 11, up from 18 hours for the Series 10. It also claims up to 38 hours in Low Power mode, a notch above the Series 10’s 36 hours. That fast-charging option can bring the battery level up to 80% in 30 minutes, but charging the watch for just 15 minutes can boost it for up to 8 hours.

Hand Orellana writes in her Series 11 review, «The six-hour battery bump on the Series 11 may not sound like much on paper, but it’s given me some welcome breathing room to figure out a better charging strategy.»

The SE 3 still delivers up to 18 hours of use, or 32 hours in Low Power mode. It also supports fast charging — up to 80% in 45 minutes, or about eight hours of use from a quick 15-minute top-up.

If you want the most time between charges, the Ultra 3 is the Apple Watch to get. It can last for up to 42 hours, per Apple, or up to 72 hours in Low Power mode. Fast charging its larger battery takes it to 80% in about 45 minutes, and 15 minutes on the cable will give you roughly 12 hours of power.

Some of these gains come from Apple factoring in a night’s sleep, but credit also goes to the more power-efficient LTPO 3 screen in the Series 11 and Ultra 3.

It’s one thing to reference Apple’s claims, but what about battery life in practice? In Hand Orellana’s review of each model, she recorded even better battery life than Apple’s estimates. Keep in mind your daily usage will affect results, but here’s what she found:

Apple Watch	Apple’s estimate	CNET review
Series 11	24 hours	27-32 hours
Ultra 3	42 hours	45-49 hours
SE 3	18 hours	20-25 hours

Series 11 vs. Ultra 3, SE 3 health features

The Apple Watch SE line has always sacrificed some hardware and features to remain the least expensive option, and the SE 3 continues that tradition — but not to the same extent. It lacks an electrical heart sensor found in the Series 11 and Ultra 3, so it can’t take heart readings using the ECG app to look for signs of atrial fibrillation (Afib).

According to Apple, the SE 3 uses a second-generation optical heart sensor that tracks heart rate during exercise, sleep and potential emergencies — though, like all Apple Watches, it can’t detect heart attacks or measure blood oxygen. The Series 11 and Ultra 3 upgrade to third-generation optical heart sensors.

The SE 3 is also missing a water temperature sensor and depth gauge, making the Series 11 and Ultra 3 better options if you spend a lot of time in water and want to track swim workouts or shallow dives more reliably.

This year’s standout health feature is the ability to analyze data and detect signs of hypertension, or high blood pressure. «It’s not the full on-the-spot blood pressure monitoring Apple fans have long hoped for,» wrote Hand Orellana, «but it’s a major step forward — one that Apple says could help 1 million people get diagnosed with hypertension in the first year alone.»

Like the sleep-apnea tracking introduced last year, hypertension notifications are not a screening tool; think of it as a warning system that prompts you to get checked out by your doctor. The Series 11 and Ultra 3 include this ability (sorry, SE 3), and require 30 days of data collection before triggering notifications. The Series 9, Series 10 and Ultra 2 also get hypertension notifications in WatchOS 26.

Series 11 vs. Ultra 3, SE 3 connectivity

Each Apple Watch model supports cellular connectivity, so you can stay connected even when your iPhone is at home. You can order the aluminum Series 11 models and the SE 3 with the cellular option; the titanium Series 11 and the Ultra 3 include it by default.

What’s unique about these watches is their support for both 5G and LTE networks, offering faster speeds and broader compatibility. Plus, they use 5G Reduced Capacity technology, which is more power efficient than the 5G networking in your iPhone.

They also support Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, and L1 GPS location chips. The Ultra 3 includes dual GPS radios (L1 and L5) for more precise location tracking, especially in challenging environments like dense downtown corridors.

Plus, the Ultra 3 offers satellite connectivity directly from the watch. With a direct view of the sky, it can communicate with overhead satellites to send and receive texts, share your location, and access emergency services.

Series 11 vs. Ultra 3, SE 3 processors

One of the biggest surprises in the lineup? The Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3 all include the same S10 chip. It’s worth noting that the S10, introduced in last year’s Series 10, isn’t a new processor generation for 2025. But each watch now includes 64 gigabytes of storage, a four-core Neural Engine and a 64-bit dual-core processor.

The only significant difference is that the Apple Watch SE 3 is the only model not to feature Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, which enables precise location tracking. You can still use Find My on an iPhone (with UWB) to see if the SE 3 is with you or if you left it at home. But with the Series 11 and Ultra 3, Find My will point you in the right direction as you get closer to your mislaid watch.

WatchOS 26 on the Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3

Each model is preloaded with WatchOS 26, which has the new Liquid Glass interface (though in most cases, it’s quite subtle). And all models add features like the new Wrist Flick gesture, nightly sleep scores, Workout Buddy, the Notes app and live translation in Messages. The Series 11 and Ultra 3, with their upgraded sensors, also gain hypertension notifications.

Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3 specs

	Apple Watch Series 11	Apple Watch Ultra 3	Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen)
Design & sizes	Rectangular, 42mm, 46mm	Rectangular, 49mm	Rectangular, 40mm, 44mm
Display	42mm: 446 × 374 pixels; LTPO3 OLED Retina display (wide-angle) 46mm: 496 × 416 pixels; LTPO3 OLED Retina display (wide-angle)	49mm: 514 × 422 pixels; LTPO3 OLED Retina display (wide-angle, Always-On)	44mm: 368 × 448 pixels (Always-On Retina LTPO OLED)Apple 40mm: 324 × 394 pixels (Always-On Retina LTPO OLED)
Brightness	Between 1 and 2000 nits	Between 1 and 3000 nits	Up to 1000 nits
Thickness & weight	46mm: 9.7mm; 37.8g (aluminum GPS), 36.9g (aluminum GPS+Cellular), 43.1g (titanium) 42mm: 9.7mm; 30.3g (aluminum GPS), 29.7g (aluminum GPS+Cellular), 34.6g (titanium)	49mm: 14.4mm; 61.6g (titanium)	44mm: 10.7mm; 33.0g (aluminum GPS+Cellular) 40mm: 10.7mm; 26.4g (aluminum GPS+Cellular)
Material & finish	Aluminum: Jet black, rose gold or silver finish; Titanium: slate, gold or natural finish with sapphire crystal display (titanium)	Titanium, natural or black finish with sapphire crystal display (titanium)	100% recycled aluminum, midnight and starlight
Durability	2X more scratch resistant glass (aluminum), 5ATM Water + IP6X (dust)	Water resistance 100m; dust IP6X, scuba to 40m, tested to MIL-STD 810H	Cover glass is 4X times more resistant to cracks than the SE 2; made of Ion-X glass. Water resistant up to 50 meters
Battery life	Up to 24 hours, up to 38 hours Low Power (always-on) + Fast charge: 80% in 30 min, 100% in 60 min	Up to 42 hours; up to 72 hours Low Power. Fast charge to 80% in 45 min, 100% charge 75 min	All-day, 18-hour battery life. Fast charging with 8 hours of normal use in just 15 minutes on the charger
Sensors	ECG, 3rd-gen optical heart sensor, skin temp, depth gauge, SpO2, Noise monitoring, water temperature, compass	ECG, 3rd-gen optical heart sensor, skin temp, depth gauge, SpO2, Noise monitoring, water temperature, compass	Wrist temperature, Second-generation optical heart sensor
Emergency features	Satellite SOS, Emergency SOS, Fall detection, Crash detection, Check in and Backtrack	Satellite SOS, Emergency SOS, Fall detection, Crash detection, Check in and Backtrack	Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, and Check In
AI & coaching	Siri (voice assistant); Workout Buddy	Siri (voice assistant); Workout Buddy	On-device Siri, Workout Buddy
Processor	S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor, W3 Apple wireless chip	S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor, W3 Apple wireless chip	S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor, W3 Apple wireless chip
RAM/Storage	64GB (storage)	64GB (storage)	64GB (storage)
Payments	Apple Pay	Apple Pay	Apple Pay
Price (US)	$399-$750 (titanium)	$799	$249 (starting)

Technologies

NASA Admits Fault in Starliner Test Flight, Classifies It as ‘Type A’ Mishap

Remember the astronauts who were stranded in space for months? NASA says it’s close to identifying the «true technical root cause» of the spaceship malfunctions.

NASA has been investigating the now-infamous Boeing Starliner incident since the story dominated headlines in late 2024 and early 2025. The Starliner suffered malfunctions that stranded now-retired astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore for months. The agency has now released a report on what happened, taking responsibility for its role in the mission’s failure.

«The Boeing Starliner spacecraft has faced challenges throughout its uncrewed and most recent crewed missions,» said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman in a NASA blog post on Thursday. «While Boeing built Starliner, NASA accepted it and launched two astronauts into space. The technical difficulties encountered during docking with the International Space Station were very apparent.»

NASA has now labelled the mission a «Type A mishap,» which is defined as a «total direct cost of mission failure and property damage greater than $2 million or more,» or where «crewed aircraft hull loss has occurred.» Both of those apply to the Starliner, which has cost the agency $4.2 billion to date.

Isaacman also released a letter addressed to all NASA employees on X. The letter outlined various issues with the mission, including a «prior OFT thruster risk that was never fully understood,» disagreements among leadership about Williams and Wilmore’s return options, and the agency’s delay in declaring the mission a failure, despite its high-profile nature clearly showing it was.

These sentiments were echoed in NASA’s press conference on Thursday.

NASA has committed to working with Boeing to make the Starliner launch-worthy again and has been investigating technical issues and addressing them since the mishap early last year. Isaacman admitted at the press conference that the «true technical root cause» of the malfunctions still hasn’t been identified, but NASA believes it is close to identifying it.

«We’re not starting from zero here,» Isaacman told a reporter during the press conference. «We’re sharing the results of multiple investigations that will be coming to light in the hours and days ahead. Boeing and NASA have been working to try and understand these technical challenges during that entire time period.»

A malfunction to remember

The crewed Starliner flight was delayed several times before finally launching on June 5, 2024. The crew experienced malfunctions en route to the ISS, including several thruster failures, which made docking particularly stressful.

The Starliner’s return was delayed by two weeks before finally being sent home without Wilmore and Williams, who were left stranded on the ISS until returning with Crew-9 in March 2025.

The Starliner’s story is far from over. NASA and Boeing intend to send the Starliner back to the ISS in an uncrewed resupply mission with a launch date currently set for April 2026.