Ten Essential Apps to Elevate Your Nintendo Switch Experience

The Nintendo Switch stands out as the leading console of its era. With over 153 million units sold (nearly 160 million if the Switch 2 is included), it surpasses the sales figures of both the Xbox Series and PlayStation 5. Despite rising console prices, a multitude of consumers joins the Switch and Switch 2 community daily. However, a console is only as good as the software it offers.

When anyone acquires a Nintendo Switch (or any other contemporary console, for that matter), they are likely to purchase a game alongside it. There are numerous remarkable titles and hidden gems worth acquiring, ranging from “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” to “Celeste.” The console also features a variety of applications that are absolutely essential for the gaming experience. Some of these are games you simply cannot live without, while others provide software suites that enhance the Switch’s functionality. In either case, these applications are almost indispensable.

Continue reading to discover some essential applications for your Switch and possibly Switch 2. As Nintendo maintains a strict policy against unofficial apps and software, we will not discuss anything that could jailbreak or alter your Switch. After all, nobody wants to damage their $500 gaming device just to use a DualSense controller natively with their Nintendo console.

### Pokémon Home

The “Pokémon” franchise is the crown jewel of Nintendo. No other series quite matches the sales and merchandise momentum of the company’s flagship monster collection game. Previously, players faced significant hurdles if they wished to transfer their rosters to new titles, but that process has now been greatly simplified.

“Pokémon Home” is a free application available for both the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices that operates similarly to the boxes in the primary “Pokémon” games for storing Pokémon. However, “Pokémon Home” is equipped with additional features. Unlike the in-game boxes, this app allows you to trade Pokémon from your collection with those of other trainers, receive item gifts to use in your games, and inspect creature models from perspectives not available in the mainline games.

You may question the necessity of “Pokémon Home” if the games already provide storage boxes, and the answer lies in its crucial feature: You can transfer your roster between titles. However, it is important to understand that the app has certain limitations. For example, any creature you move from the “Let’s Go” games to “Pokémon Sword” or “Pokémon Violet” cannot be returned to its original game. Moreover, some features are available only through a paid subscription. Nevertheless, you can still use “Pokémon Home” to keep the adventure going with your favorite team—or to ensure you never part with that shiny Scizor boasting perfect stats.

### YouTube

Video game consoles are no longer just for playing games; they now allow video streaming if you have the appropriate subscription. Although the Nintendo Switch may not support every streaming platform available on the Xbox Series or PlayStation 5, it undeniably provides a portable option for streaming.

YouTube is an essential service for any internet-connected device, and the Nintendo Switch offers an app for it. This app provides access to an ever-expanding collection of videos from your favorite creators as well as a vast library of undiscovered content. While a wi-fi connection is required to use the app on the Switch, it offers several benefits over other versions, such as a larger screen compared to most smartphones.

If you’re seeking more video streaming options beyond YouTube, the Switch has you covered (unless you’re looking for YouTube TV or Netflix). The Nintendo Switch features apps for services like Crunchyroll and Hulu. While these platforms showcase shows and movies not found on YouTube, they are less comprehensive, offering fewer options. Additionally, a subscription is necessary to access anything on Hulu, and much of Crunchyroll’s content is behind a paywall. However, if you’re eager to catch “My Hero Academia,” “Dan Da Dan,” “Alien: Earth,” or “The Handmaid’s Tale” while on the move, these apps are more suitable for you than others.

### RPG Maker

If you possess a Nintendo Switch, chances are you enjoy playing video games. Surprising, I know. It’s also likely that you’re curious about what it takes to create video games. While the craft of game development knows no upper skill limit, the entry barriers for learning the basics have never been lower, especially if you own a Nintendo Switch.

“RPG Maker” is a series of programs that allows you to learn how to build 16-bit RPGs by transforming the learning process into a game. Applications like this are vital for anyone interested in beginning game creation or exploring whether they want to embark on that journey in the first place. The Switch comes equipped with several

Samsung Set to Unveil Rival to Apple Vision Pro on October 21

Samsung previewed Project Moohan, its response to Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computer. The mixed reality headset from Samsung is set to operate on the new Android XR OS. During the unveiling of Project Moohan, Samsung only displayed the above image, opting not to disclose the product’s official name, specifications, price, or availability date.

While Google showcased Android XR glasses at its I/O 2025 event in May, Samsung was not yet prepared to officially launch the Project Moohan headset. By June, speculation suggested that Samsung would initiate sales for Project Moohan in mid-October. Jump to mid-September, and a South Korean news source, ETNews, indicates that Samsung plans to reveal Project Moohan on October 21. This date will also mark the beginning of sales, with Samsung aiming to position the mixed-reality headset between the $500 Meta Quest 3 and the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro. The report cites industry sources predicting that the price will be around the upper 2 million won range in Korea, exceeding $2,000.

Samsung Unveils Essential Update for Android Galaxy Users: Key Information

If you possess a Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet, we strongly recommend that you halt whatever you’re doing and update your device immediately. The issue at hand is a significant security flaw on the Android side, identified as CVE-2025-21043. Discovered through WhatsApp, the source of the problem lies in an image-parsing library at libimagecodec.quram. This external software exhibits an out-of-bounds write vulnerability, leading to erratic memory allocation within the program. During this internal disorder, hackers can take advantage of the system’s writing function with harmful code.

Samsung has made it clear that vulnerabilities of this nature have previously been leveraged to compromise Galaxy devices, which underscores the urgency of updating without delay — even a brief hesitation could jeopardize any personal data saved on your device.

WhatsApp has also rolled out its own fix in reaction to the system breach. Even if you are using an iPhone or any other non-Galaxy device, this is undoubtedly the optimal moment to ensure your phone or tablet is operating with the latest OS and application updates.

The Impact of Discharging a Firearm in Outer Space

the principles of physics alongside essential scientific and engineering concepts — ranging from Newton’s motion laws to the crafting of contemporary ammunition.

“GPT-5 Upgrade Enables Users to Influence the Duration of ChatGPT’s Reasoning”

In early August, OpenAI revealed the GPT-5 enhancement for ChatGPT with an ambitious strategy — GPT-5 would take the place of all previous models and autonomously determine when to reason and when to employ specific tools, although OpenAI allowed users the option to manually choose GPT-5 Thinking modes from the menu. This strategy didn’t go as planned, leading OpenAI to reintroduce legacy models for premium ChatGPT users. The company appears to be continuously refining the GPT-5 experience, having announced modifications to the GPT-5 Thinking models — users can now control the reasoning speed for ChatGPT. GPT-5 previously featured two Thinking modes: the standard “Thinking” mode and the “Thinking mini” variant.

With the latest update, desktop ChatGPT users can now personalize the duration GPT-5 takes to formulate responses. “We’ve received your feedback that GPT-5 Thinking can sometimes take longer than desired. Now Plus, Pro, and Business users can adjust the pace to suit the occasion,” OpenAI stated on X, sharing a video demonstrating the new GPT-5 setting. The updated thinking speeds are available exclusively to premium users, even though GPT-5 is accessible for all accounts, albeit with restrictions.

How to adjust GPT-5 Thinking speed in ChatGPT

GPT-5 Thinking includes the following reasoning speeds:

– ChatGPT Plus and Business: Standard and Extended modes
– ChatGPT Pro: Light, Standard, Extended, and Heavy modes

The new Standard mode serves as the default experience for all accounts, while the Extended mode was the previous default for ChatGPT Plus users. Thus, ChatGPT Plus subscribers must select Extended thinking to revert to the chatbot’s earlier thinking speed. Users subscribing to the highest-tier plan also gain access to a more profound thinking mode — Heavy — and a significantly swifter one — Light. The exact comparison between the Light thinking mode and the GPT-5 Thinking mini model, which is reported to be quicker than the standard Thinking model, remains unclear.

To modify the reasoning speed in your interactions, adhere to these steps:

1. Open ChatGPT in your browser.
2. Initiate a conversation and choose GPT-5 Thinking from the model picker menu in the top-left corner.
3. Select the thinking speed from a new dropdown menu that appears within the prompt composer area.

GPT-5 Thinking performance elucidated

Once a reasoning speed is set for ChatGPT, the AI will apply that preference for all discussions until a change is made. However, current web settings do not carry over to the ChatGPT mobile app. OpenAI stated in a support document that the thinking speed control will be integrated into the iPhone and Android applications in the upcoming weeks.

The same support document describes how GPT-5 Thinking responses will vary based on the speed selected:

– Light and Standard: faster replies that still involve reasoning while balancing speed and accuracy.
– Extended and Heavy: take additional time to deliver more in-depth, comprehensive responses when the stakes increase or the inquiry is more challenging.

To put it another way, users who are willing to wait a little longer might opt for the Extended and Heavy modes for specific tasks. The document also highlights that OpenAI has recently enhanced ChatGPT’s online search functionalities. The chatbot is expected to be more accurate while identifying shopping intent to showcase products more effectively.

Leaker Proposes iPhone 18 Pro Versions Might Include a Slightly Transparent Rear

The iPhone 17 series hasn’t even hit the market, and reports about the upcoming models are already increasing, particularly in terms of aesthetics. A few days ago, a source mentioned that the iPhone 18 will sport a more compact Dynamic Island. This week, another insider suggested that Apple intends to utilize the iPhone 17 Pro design for next year’s iPhone 18 Pro variants, but hinted that the 2026 Pro models will showcase a more translucent section on the rear, where the Ceramic Shield glass conceals the MagSafe magnets and aluminum framework seen in the current version.

According to Digital Chat Station, a Weibo leaker with over three million followers known for past accurate iPhone predictions, Apple is actively developing the design for the iPhone 18. The iPhone 18 Pro models are anticipated to maintain a similar horizontal camera platform and a triple-lens camera configuration on the rear. Furthermore, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be about the same size as their predecessors, with Apple likely keeping the 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays intact.

Nonetheless, the leaker notes that the phone’s back cover will adopt a slightly see-through design. Another interesting aspect is a detail concerning the vapor chamber that Apple introduced this year, which is laser-welded to the aluminum framework. The iPhone 18 Pro models might feature vapor chambers crafted from stainless steel.

Will the iPhone 18 Pro be see-through?

The transparency aspect certainly stands out as the most intriguing point in an otherwise credible report. The inclusion of stainless steel for the vapor chamber is also an intriguing assertion. It’s premature to determine why Apple would opt to alter the existing design. Yet, Apple may simply be experimenting with various prototypes before finalizing a design.

From the moment Apple unveiled the new Pro models, the iPhone 17 Pro design has sparked mixed opinions. Some users disliked the large, horizontal camera platform, while others were not fond of the striking orange color choice. The Pros are also equipped with a new aluminum chassis, which presents a two-tone look on the back. Additionally, the metal curves toward the back to connect with the Ceramic Shield glass that covers the lower two-thirds. The glass ensures that wireless charging capabilities, including MagSafe support, remain intact. However, some users were not fans of Apple’s new clear cases for the iPhone 17 series, which feature a white section enveloping the entire Ceramic Shield area.

Transforming that Ceramic Shield panel into a slightly transparent cover might be just as contentious, though some users may find the transparency appealing. Should Apple utilize the same aluminum chassis for the iPhone 18 Pros, a transparent Ceramic Shield glass could reveal sections of the chassis, the vapor chamber, and the MagSafe ring of magnets. However, it’s probable that not all customers would favor a transparent design. While these designs are still hypothetical, some individuals have previously created transparent iPhone 16 Pros.

Apple’s introduction video for the iPhone 17 Pro below showcases the design for this year’s Pro models, highlighting the internal components.