Technologies

Last Chance: Don’t Buy the Nintendo Switch 2 by Itself, Preorder This New Pokemon Bundle for a Better Deal

If you were planning to grab the new Switch 2 anyway, you might as well save some money with this bundle that gives you $20 off the new Pokemon game.

The Nintendo Switch 2 has been flying off the shelves, reportedly becoming the fastest-selling console of all time in the US. Adding even more fuel to the hype train, the Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokemon Legends: Z-A bundle is now available for preorder at $499 at Walmart. It launches Oct. 16. Hurry up, though, because the deal is 65% claimed at the time of writing.

It’s only a $1 discount on the original $500 price tag, but since the console is $449 and the game retails for $70 on its own, you’re saving $21 with the bundle. That’s a solid deal, given how pricey video games are these days.

This bundle scores you the Nintendo Switch 2 console with a pair of Joy-Con 2 controllers in light blue and light red, the dock and a full game download code for Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The game is drawing a lot of excitement right now. Play as a Pokemon Trainer in Lumiose City with the Switch 2 edition, promising better resolution and frame rates. The best part is that for the first time in the Pokemon RPG series, you can catch, battle and Mega Evolve — all in real time.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

CNET’s Scott Stein reviewed the Switch 2 and gave it 8.5 out of 10, noting that the new console has a great design, display and notably better graphics than competitors, like the Steam Deck. The Switch 2 is an excellent overall upgrade and earned an Editors’ Choice award from our team. It is worth noting, however, that, in his tests, the battery lasted a mere two hours before dying out. He points out that storage will need upgrades as well, given that newer games are larger in size.

While you’re buying the Switch 2, browse through our round-up of Switch 2 accessories to deck it out and truly make it your own. If you’re Team Blue instead, you can check our list of the best PlayStation deals too.

CHEAP GAMING LAPTOP DEALS OF THE WEEK

Dell G15 Intel i5 13th Gen RTX 3050 512GB SSD 8GB RAM 15.6-inch Laptop:

$600 (save $300)
Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 Ryzen 7 RTX 3050 1TB SSD 16GB RAM 14-inch Touch Laptop:

$1,000 (save $355)
HP Omen Intel Ultra 5 RTX 4050 512GB SSD 16GB RAM 16-inch Laptop:

$856 (save $564)
Gigabyte G6 Intel i7 13th Gen RTX 4050 1TB SSD 16GB RAM 16-inch Laptop:

$899 (save $100)
Acer Nitro V Intel i5 RTX 4050 512GB SSD 8GB RAM 15.6-inch Laptop:

$738 (save $43)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

Getting a $70 game with your Switch 2 purchase is excellent value, especially with rising video game prices and the lack of discounts on brand-new consoles, especially one as highly anticipated as the Switch 2.

The Switch 2 is also a fantastic upgrade over the original, especially if you’re a Nintendo fan, and the game just adds to the value. If you’re planning to get a Switch 2 and you’re interested in the new Pokemon game, this bundle is the smart way to save some money.

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Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im