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Despite the Amazon Big Spring Sale wrapping up on Monday, there's tons of deals still sticking around. We're talking all-time lows on gadgets from top brands like Sonos, Samsung, and Apple. If you missed out on the official sale, we've got you covered with the best deals still live we think are worth grabbing.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on April 2. None of these catching your eye? Check out our picks from yesterday, April 1. Many of those are still hanging around as well, including the Sony SRS-XG300 Bluetooth speaker for 59% off.
Our top pick: Sonos Arc Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Arc $599 at AmazonWhat kept the Sonos Arc off of our list of the best TV soundbars was its steep price tag of $899. But as of April 2, it's down to a much more approachable $599 or 33% off at Amazon. That's cheaper than it was during the Big Spring Sale and a new best price ever. While we tested the fancier Arc Ultra, our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) reviewed the Arc and gave it the coveted PCMag Editors' Choice award, thanks to its fantastic audio profile, crisp dialogue, thumping bass, and deep Dolby Atmos-bolstered layers. To sum it up: "The impressive Sonos Arc takes the best parts of the company's other soundbars and combines them into one Dolby Atmos-compatible package."
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (128GB, WiFi) $419.99 at AmazonThe budget-friendly version of the Galaxy Tab S9+ just got 30% cheaper. It's usually just $599.99 for the S9 FE+ with 128GB of storage and WiFi connectivity, but as of April 2, it'll only cost you $419.99. Though it boasts similar features to the S9+, like an IP68 dust- and water-resistant rating, a 12.4.-inch screen, 20 hours of battery life, and an included S Pen, it differs in the display, CPU, and price. Mashable reviewer RJ Andersen writes, "At a mid-range price, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a great tablet for casual users who still want a high-quality, reliable device."
Check out our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.
Fire TV Soundbar Plus Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus $189.99 at AmazonIf the Sonos Arc is still out of your price range on sale, check out this Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus deal instead. Usually $249.99, it's down to just $189.99 as of April 2 — that's 24% in savings. The Soundbar Plus features three full-range speakers, three tweeters, and a built-in subwoofer (unlike the basic Fire TV Soundbar), so it can pump out sound in every direction. It also offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS TruVolume support, making it an all-in-one sound system for immersive audio. Already own a Fire TV Stick? You can even use the same remote to control it.
Dreame D10 Plus Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame D10 Plus robot vacuum and mop combo $254.99 at AmazonThe Dreame D10 Plus robot vacuum and mop combo isn't going to compete with the fanciest models around, but for the price, it'll hold its own. It packs pretty standard 6,000Pa suction power, a 150ml clean water tank with three flow settings, and a battery life of 285 minutes. Plus, it's equipped with smart mapping, obstacle avoidance, voice assistant support, and a self-emptying base that can hold up to 90 days' worth of debris before needing your attention. And the best part is that it'll only cost you $254.99 while it's still on sale post-Big Spring Sale. That's 36% in savings.
Apple iPad Mini Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Mini (128GB, WiFi) $399 at AmazonReleased last fall, the iPad Mini features a handful of welcome (although predictable) upgrades. It packs a new A17 Pro chip, more starting storage at 128GB, a boost in RAM, and Apple Intelligence compatibility. "If you're new to the iPad, and you want the most compact one around (or any compact tablet), the new iPad mini 7 is the best choice," Mashable reviewer Stan Schroeder writes. He adds that it's not the most exciting upgrade, but it's great for streaming, reading, and casual scrolling. As of April 2, the base model is back down to just $399, saving you 20%.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
SAVE $31: As of April 2, you can get the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium for just $218.99 at Amazon. That's 12% off the list price and a $31 discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: ecobee ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium $218.99 at AmazonOne thing I loved about my old apartment was that it came equipped with a smart thermostat. If I was too cold to get out of bed, I just turned on the heat with my phone (same deal for the AC in the summer). A smart thermostat is a small luxury worth the investment, and right now, you can get your own smart thermostat for $31 off.
As of April 2, you can get the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium at Amazon for $218.99, down from $249.99. That's $31 off, or a discount of 12%. This isn’t the lowest we’ve seen for this smart thermostat, but it’s still a solid deal if you’re trying to beat the summer heat (especially if you’d like to control your thermostat from your phone, like I did).
SEE ALSO: Amazon's Echo Show 10 is one of our favorite smart home devicesThe ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium features an air quality monitor that alerts you when your air is dry or has elevated levels of pollutants. It’ll also remind you to change your furnace’s air filter and alert you whenever your home reaches a dangerously low temperature. Bonus: There’s a built-in smoke alarm and alert system for possible break-ins (when your system is armed).
Like other smart thermostats, the ecobee auto-adjusts the temperature in your home to reduce hot and cold spots. The manufacturer says the thermostat can save you up to 26% on annual energy bills, and you can control it from anywhere using your phone. It also comes with a smart speaker and your choice of voice assistant (Alexa or Siri), which you can then use to adjust the temperature or play music.
All in all, this is a quality thermostat with a ton of features that will keep your home safer and more comfortable.
A new-look, modern Donkey Kong is here. Nintendo announced a new game — Donkey Kong Bananza (get it...like bananas) — featuring the classic character.
The new game is the first 3D Donkey Kong release since 1999's Donkey Kong 64. It's been a long wait for fans of Donkey Kong and they finally got the news at Nintendo's event on Wednesday that debuted the Switch 2. Nintendo dropped a high-energy trailer for Bananza during the event that showed Donkey Kong running, bashing, and chasing down bananas.
The game is scheduled to be released on July 17. It's just one of a number of exciting games previewed at Wednesday's event. Perhaps most exciting was Mario Kart World, a new version of the classic racing game. While Nintendo dropped lots of details on Mario Kart World — you can drive off course and the weather will change, for instance — we're still waiting on further details about the actual gameplay for Donkey Kong Bananza. It's safe to assume there will be some fun bashing involved, at least.
With Nintendo kicking off its live Direct event, the gaming giant is giving a first glimpse into its much-anticipated 2025-2026 lineup, finally announcing an official release date for the new Switch 2.
Along with confirmations of expected game releases, like the latest entry in the Mario Kart lineup, Nintendo had a few surprises up its sleeve, including a new multiplayer RPG from Dark Souls and Elden Ring developer FromSoftware. Titled The Duskbloods, the steampunk fantasy game promises a lot of lore and an action-packed lineup of monsters.
SEE ALSO: Switch 2 Nintendo Direct today: See the latest updates from the April 2 eventAssuming the role of some kind of vampire-like creature, players navigate a combat-filled, industrialized city and a myriad of foes, including a nightmare sewer creature, a suite of evil-looking weaponed opponents, and what appears to be a shapeshifting dinosaur. Don't worry: Guns exist in this universe, too.
The game's moonlight-dependent characters and monster transformations reminded many fans of the popular 2015 Bloodborne, another FromSoftware game which features Lovecraftian horrors and an atmospheric Victorian-inspired city setting. Bloodborne 2 might not be happening, but now we have The Duskbloods.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The game will be exclusive to the Switch 2 and is expected to release in 2026.
SAVE 31%: A 4-pack of Apple AirTags is on sale at Amazon for $67.99, down from the list price of $99. That's a savings of $32 and a price that beats the Amazon Big Spring Sale deal by $2.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-pack) $67.99 at AmazonVacation vibes are in the air. Now that we're dethawing from winter with warmer temps, spring break and summer holidays are in the works. If you have travel plans, tucking a Bluetooth tracker into your bags is a must these days. For those who could use a few trackers, check out this deal at Amazon.
As of April 2, a four-pack of Apple AirTags is on sale for just $67.99, marked down from the standard price of $99, at Amazon. That works out to a 31% discount and a savings of $32.
Apple AirTags were discounted during the Amazon Big Spring Sale, which technically ended on Monday. The four-pack was on sale for $69.99, which means today's sale price of $67.99 beats the previous sale by $2.
SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals still live after Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Last chance to save on MacBooks, iPads, and Apple WatchesFour Apple Bluetooth trackers for $67.99 means each tracker costs just $16.99. Considering a single Apple AirTag is currently on sale for $24, this four-pack is well worth the investment. Having a few around the house is certainly not a bad thing, since you can use in your work backpack, one on your key ring, one on the dog's collar, and another in your suitcase.
In Mashable's review of the best Bluetooth trackers for travel and lost luggage, the Apple AirTag gets top marks as the ideal option for iPhone users.
If you need to restock your stash of Apple AirTags, today's sale price is a great opportunity to check that off your to-do list before summer vacation. Grab the four pack at Amazon for just $67.99 and always keep tabs on your important belongings.
This year's Nintendo Direct had some exciting announcements for the Nintendo Switch 2, including a launch date of June 5, 2025, features on the new machine, and tons of new and classic games.
Donkey Kong BananzaEveryone's favorite gorilla is coming to Switch 2 in Donkey Kong Banaza, set to launch on July 17, 2025. It's a 3D platforming adventure where Donkey Kong can smash through just about anything.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of ImprisonmentSet to be released this winter, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment comes from Nintendo and Koei Tecmo. The musou-style game is a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Users can play as Zelda as they go back in time to the Imprisonment War.
SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 preorders will start on April 9: How to register for priority access DuskbloodsLook out for Duskbloods, the new FromSoftware game, in 2026. It's a very spooky, gothic horror game with vampire-fueled adventure.
Elden Ring: Tarnished EditionThe beloved Elden Ring is finally coming to Nintendo consoles with the new Tarnished Edition, one of the many third-party games that will be available on the Switch 2. The announcement came as a welcome surprise to many fans.
Mario Kart WorldAs expected, we just got the newest Mario Kart game for the Switch 2. Mario Kart World has a day-and-night system that matches the weather to your environment. Plus, you can go anywhere on and off the track.
Dozens more games announcedAlso announced, some of which are versions of a game we already love but can now play on Switch 2, and some that are entirely new, include:
Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer
Borderlands 2
Civilization VII Switch 2 Edition
Cyberpunk 2077
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
Deltarune
Drag x Drive
EA Sports FC 25
EA Sports Madden 25
Fast Fusion
Final Fantasy VII: Remake
Fortnite
Goodnight Universe
Hades II
Hitman: World of Assassination
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hogwarts Legacy
Human Fall Flat 2
Kirby Air Riders
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
NBA 2K
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
No Sleep for Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files
Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Project 007
Puyo Puyo Tetris S2
Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
Reanimal
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Shadow Labyrinth
Split Fiction
Star Wars Outlaws
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
Street Fighter 6
Super Mario Jamboree
Survival Kids
Tamagotchi Plaza
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4
Two Point Museum
Wild Hearts
Witchbrook
WWE 2K
Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
SAVE $20: As of April 2, get Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch for $39.99, down from its usual price of $59.99, at Woot.
Opens in a new window Credit: Woot 'Super Mario Odyssey' $39.99 at WootThe Nintendo Switch 2 finally has a release date, and we can explore the new console and a wide variety of new games this June. But in the meantime, there's still a massive library of Switch games to enjoy, with some getting enhanced editions for the Switch 2. There wasn't a flagship Mario game announced just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't spend plenty of time with everyone's favorite plumber.
As of April 2, get Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch for $39.99, down from its usual price of $59.99, at Woot. That's $20 off, or a discount of 33%. Keep in mind that this deal is for a physical copy of the game instead of a digital code, so you'll have to wait for it to be shipped to you.
SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 preorders will start on April 9: How to sign upSuper Mario Odyssey takes Mario on his biggest, open-world adventure yet to rescue Princess Peach before she's joined in unholy matrimony with the pesky Bowser. Mario enlists the help of his new friend Cappy, a magical hat that can help him transform into a ton of different forms, to travel the globe and stop Bowser in his tracks.
You can turn into everything from streetlights to flowers, all while enjoying the classic platforming you've come to expect from 3D Mario games. There are tons of great costumes, Easter eggs, and other media from throughout the history of the Mario franchise to discover, too. Plus, there's a lot of game to play here. You'll be engaged for hours, that's for sure.
Be sure to grab the game while it's on sale — just in time to celebrate the Switch 2 debut this June.
SAVE $15: As of April 2, you can snag the Lego Creator 3-in-1 Forest Animals building kit for a record low of $34.99, down from $49.99, at Amazon. That's a 30% discount and a $15 price cut.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3-in-1 Forest Animals building kit $34.99 at AmazonThe best kind of gifts are ones that are both fun and something they'll want to hold on to for a long time. Consider switching things up and giving your little ones a gift that will occupy hours of their time: Lego building blocks.
Right now, you can get the Lego Creator 3-in-1 Forest Animals kit at Amazon for $34.99, down from $49.99. That's 30% off for three toys in one.
SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away an exclusive Mother's Day Flower for free. Here’s how to get yours.With this building set, you’ll get 667 Lego pieces to build a red fox, which can then be rebuilt into an owl, and again into a red squirrel. Once built, the red fox toy can move its head, tail, and paws. It also comes with enough pieces to create a snow-covered tree stump (for the fox), spruce tree stand (for the owl), and acorn (for the squirrel).
It's endless fun for the kid who loves animals and creating with their hands.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will soon be yours, barring any supply chain issues or shortages.
After pulling back the curtain on its new console during a one-hour Direct livestream, Nintendo announced in a press release Wednesday that Switch 2 preorders will open on April 9. It'll be available as a standalone console for $449.99, making it $150 pricier than the original Switch from 2017, or as a $499.99 bundle that includes a download code for Mario Kart World, one of its two exclusive launch titles. Its release date is set for Thursday, June 5.
The Switch 2 console ships with the following accessories:
Joy-Con 2 controllers (L+R)
Joy-Con 2 Grip
Joy-Con 2 Straps
Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
USB-C Charging Cable
Nintendo's suppliers have been preparing to sell more than 20 million units this year, according to a January Bloomberg report. That's 5 million more units than the first Switch, so hypothetically, it'll be a little easier to find in stock at launch.
This story is developing.
On Late Night With Seth Meyers, the eponymous talk show host took Death of a Unicorn star Paul Rudd day drinking, and the results are as delightfully chaotic as you would hope.
SEE ALSO: Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega and the 'Death of a Unicorn' cast reveal when their minds were utterly blownThe popular Seth Goes Day Drinking series has previously welcomed guests like Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Kristen Stewart, Dua Lipa, Will Forte, Lizzo, Rihanna, Lorde, Retta, and Kelly Clarkson. This time, the bar-set segment kicks off with the longtime friends chugging horrific-sounding cocktails which are inspired by some standouts in Rudd's filmography. The Ant-Man cocktail is fittingly made of alcohol poured from tiny bottles, while the Knocked Up is a blended monstrosity of foods that pregnant people crave. (And yes, Meyers insists he must make eye contact with Rudd while blending.)
But the worst of the drinks has to be the Romeo + Juliet, in which Rudd played the unalluring suitor Count Paris. "Everything in this will kill you," Meyers tells Rudd. And he's not wrong! The catastrophic combination of Four Loko, Five Hour Energy, and Hot Sauce sends the pair into a spiral so bad that they apparently had to pause filming and wait three days to finish the shoot.
Luckily, Rudd comes back with a vengeance (albeit without his unicorn-themed cowboy height) for a series of games. Watch the whole video above to see Rudd and Meyers recreate scenes from Taken, shoot unicorn heads with Ghostbusters proton packs, and potentially break the record for biggest belch ever heard on the show.
Death of a Unicorn is now playing in theaters.
Hollow Knight fans, Nintendo has confirmed the sequel is coming to Switch 2.
Announced at the company's Nintendo Direct event on Wednesday, along with the Switch 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong will be released in 2025 (that's all we're getting for now). The follow-up to Metroidvania and Team Cherry's 2017 game, Silksong was heavily rumoured to be unveiled at Nintendo's Switch event last week, but seems to have been held specifically for todays Switch 2 announcement — and it was a blink and you'll miss it moment at the end of the hour-long presentation.
SEE ALSO: Nintendo announces 'Mario Kart World' during Switch 2 streamHollow Knight: Silksong has been one of the most wishlisted games on Steam for an age. The game was first announced by Team Cherry in 2019 as full-scale sequel to Hollow Knight instead of downloadable content.
"Almost from the very start, Hornet’s adventure was intended to take place in a new land," the Australian developers wrote in a blog post then, "But as we dove in, it quickly became too large and too unique to stay a DLC, as initially planned. We do know that makes the wait a little longer, but we think the final, fresh world you’ll get to explore is worth it."
It's not the only game Nintendo announced on Wednesday, with the gaming giant heralding the upcoming release of Mario Kart World.
For everything Nintendo announced today, including the Switch 2, Mashable's got you covered.
The big Nintendo news everyone was waiting for on Wednesday is finally here: You can play 20-year-old games on Switch 2.
Plus, there's also a dedicated Nintendo GameCube controller updated with the "C" button for GameChat also announced today.
But for real, one of the cooler little nuggets that Nintendo shared in its big Nintendo Switch 2 Direct livestream on Wednesday morning is that Nintendo GameCube games are coming to the Nintendo Switch Online service. For those who don't know, people who subscribe to NSO (a requirement to play online multiplayer in most Switch games) get access to a Netflix-like catalogue of old games from various platforms. Until now, that list of platforms started at the NES and ended at the N64.
SEE ALSO: Switch 2 Nintendo Direct today: See the latest updates from the April 2 eventSome of the GameCube games you'll be able to play on NSO to start with include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, SoulCalibur II, and F-Zero GX. Nintendo, of course, will add more games to that catalogue over time, but it's impossible to say what they will be or at what rate they will come out. There are a couple of interesting wrinkles to consider here. One is that Nintendo has already done extensive remaster work to some of the best GameCube games, like Metroid Prime, so it stands to reason that the company might opt to sell you those games again instead of putting them on NSO, but we'll have to see about that.
SEE ALSO: Nintendo just added sat nav to 'The Legend of Zelda'The other is that these games will only be playable on Switch 2.
The most exciting part of a new console launch is new games, but it's also pretty cool to see some of the best Nintendo games of yesteryear get their time in the spotlight, too.
SAVE UP TO 40%: Through April 5, you can score up to 40% off select makeup, skincare, hair, and fragrance products during Ulta’s Spring Haul Sale.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ulta Ulta's Spring Haul Sale Save up to 40% Get DealAmazon isn’t the only retailer celebrating spring with a major sales event. Now through April 5, you can get up to 40% off select makeup, skincare, hair, and fragrance products during Ulta’s Spring Haul Sale.
Some standout deals include 25% off La Roche-Posay, 20% off Touchland hand sanitizers, buy two get one free NYX Professional Makeup, up to 30% off Tree Hut products, and 25% off CeraVe. You’ll also find great deals on lashes, makeup tools and brushes, sunscreen, and travel-size products.
SEE ALSO: 4 gadgets to upgrade your beauty routineWhether you’re into the au naturale look, love trying out bold new makeup trends, or want to stock up while the discounts are hot, Ulta’s Spring Haul Sale has a little bit of something for everyone.
If you've found yourself wandering aimlessly around the maps of The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo just added a handy new tool: map directions.
Announced the company's Nintendo Direct event on Wednesday, along with the Switch 2, the special editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom made for the new console come not only with advanced frame rates and resolution and support for HDR, but a new app called Zelda Notes.
SEE ALSO: Switch 2 Nintendo Direct today: See the latest updates from the April 2 eventZelda Notes is a new platform that can be accessed through the Nintendo Switch app on your smartphone, where you can find a Navigation tool that can guide you to various locations in the games — like Shrines you know are there but you just don't know how to find them. An audio track gives you step by step directions as if you were using Google Maps.
If you're a Tears of the Kingdom building fiend and want to see what happens when you hit "random", Nintendo also announced an "autobuild" feature that just takes whatever you have and throws it together. Plus, you can send build codes to friends using QR codes.
It's not the only game-related news from Nintendo Direct today, with the company announcing the long-awaited new Mario Kart World game.
For everything Nintendo announced today, including the Switch 2, Mashable's got you covered.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a new way of playing together, but virtually.
On Wednesday, Nintendo announced GameChat, a way for multiple users to chat with each other within the game. And it also answered the question of the mysterious button on the Joy-Con. A dedicated "C" button built directly within the controller enables the live chatting function, and there's a built-in microphone within the controller that picks up audio and even has some isolation capabilities to filter out external noise. There's also a camera accessory so you can GameChat with live video feeds.
SEE ALSO: Switch 2 Nintendo Direct today: See the latest updates from the April 2 eventThe obvious goal for GameChat is to recreate the in-person experience online. There are additional features like switching between camera feed and the game feed, taking pictures together within the game, and expanding individual screens. Users can also play different games within the same GameChat, and broadcast their individual gameplay, giving it a Discord-like experience.
GameChat will require premium Nintendo Switch Online subscription, but there's also a free trial for you to test out. The Nintendo Switch 2 arrives on June 5, so you won't have to wait long to get your hands on it.
Years of rumor-mongering and leaks have been put to rest. We finally have a price and release date for Nintendo Switch 2, straight from the mothership.
During its big Nintendo Direct stream on Wednesday morning, Nintendo showed off a bunch of games and new features, as expected. However, for many, the biggest news is that the console is launching on June 5, 2025.
The price hasn't been announced yet, but we'll update this article when we get it.
The release date is roughly in line with what we expected based on earlier news reports and leaks. June is an unusual time for any other company to launch a console, but for Nintendo, it makes some sense. Early adopters can purchase the initial supply and enjoy a launch lineup that includes Mario Kart World while Nintendo builds up additional supply and more games for the holiday season and beyond.
At last, we can finally stop listening to random leakers on message boards.
It's a massive, long-awaited day for gamers with Nintendo announcing the Switch 2 in a livestreamed event on Wednesday.
We got glimpses of so many cool things: the new console, Mario Kart World, and more. It's safe to say people were pumped — more than a million viewers were tuned-in for the 9 a.m. ET event. And the reaction online, in general, was plenty of excitement — especially for some new characters you can race as in Mario Kart.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.This story is developing and will be updated...
After months of hype, predictions, and sneaky glimpses, Nintendo has confirmed a brand new Mario Kart game: Mario Kart World.
Announced at the company's Nintendo Direct event on Wednesday, along with the Switch 2, the latest instalment of the Mario Kart franchise will launch exclusively on the console on the same day. The news comes months after Nintendo gave us a brief glimpse of the upcoming game in January's Switch teaser.
SEE ALSO: Switch 2 Nintendo Direct today: See the latest updates from the April 2 event Credit: Screenshot: NintendoMario Kart World will feature 24 drivers (the most in Mario Kart history) including the cream of the crop: one of the cows from Moo Moo Farm, a track from the original Mario Kart.
In one of the best features, you'll also the option to drive off-course like the Canyonero you are, in order to explore the map and discover new areas. There's also a Knockout Tour option, in which you race non-stop from one corner of the world to another. And there'll be changing weather conditions for each course.
Credit: Screenshot: NintendoIt's the official follow-up to 2014's Mario Kart 8. Between then and now, Nintendo released its mobile game Mario Kart Tour in 2019 and augmented reality/remote-controlled car hybrid Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit in 2020, but no proper Mario Kart sequel.
For everything Nintendo announced today, including the Switch 2, Mashable's got you covered.
Roblox is equipping parents with more oversight power for their young players, introducing new blocking and monitoring tools to their recently revamped parental control settings.
SEE ALSO: Former White House AI chief: Here's how to protect kids from harmThe update includes new options for parents seeking to block and report specific friends on their child's friends lists, as well as individual experiences — until this update, parents could only prevent children from accessing experiences by blocking that entire maturity level. Children under the age of 13 can request to unblock a friend or experience at any time, but it must be approved by the parent.
Credit: RobloxParents can also find more detailed weekly insights into their children's activity, including their child's top 20 most-visited experiences over the last week. They can access additional safety resources on Roblox's updated Safety Center, as well.
In addition, the platform announced the launch of its updated open-source voice safety classifier, a large classification model designed to help detect and classify toxic voice chats. The updated version — used to moderate "millions of minutes of voice chat per day," the company explains — joins the open source child safety effort known as ROOST, founded by Roblox and other tech companies like Google, OpenAI and Discord.
Credit: Roblox"Providing tools [like] blocking specific friends and Roblox experiences, along with visibility into how long their child is playing Roblox games, enables parents to better support their children’s safe use of the platform," said Larry Magid, CEO of ConnectSafely, a tech safety nonprofit that has partnered with Roblox. "Safety, fun, and adventure are not mutually exclusive.”
In November, Roblox announced a suite of new safety features, including ID-verified parent accounts and remote monitoring tools like screen time limits, restrictions on games based on maturity level, and access to friend lists. The platform also scrapped the ability for children under the age of 13 from directly messaging other users, as well as from messaging fellow players while in a Roblox experience.
These changes followed an outpouring of concern from parents and child safety advocates over Roblox's alleged hosting of inappropriate content, as well as predation and grooming of child users, despite advertising itself as a platform for children — in 2023, a group of parents sued the gaming site for negligent misrepresentation and false advertising.
The company later added new safety rules and features, including expanded parental controls. According to Roblox chief safety office Matt Kaufman, the platform introduced more than 40 safety updates in 2024.
If you are a child being sexually exploited online, or you know a child who is being sexually exploited online, or you witnessed exploitation of a child occur online, you can report it to the CyberTipline, which is operated by the National Center for Missing Exploited & Children.