Marketwatch First Take: Softbank’s Arm Is Going Public, But It Faces A Rapidly Growing Threat

At this point, the Nintendo Switch 2 may be the most leaked console of all time with, if accurate, the device, a games line-up, and even a boatload of accessories being revealed ahead of time. Now it seems that the device is actually available — albeit through shady means. Reliable leaker Kang, known for their previous reveals of Apple products, has stated that the Switch 2 is currently making the rounds on the Chinese black market, giving fearless individuals a chance to get hands on before the console has even been announced. Kang — who is now an executive of an accessory maker — suggested that “the real console is available for trying on accessories” but they “dare not try” because of any potential repercussions. This almost backs up that Genki was telling the truth when the company told the world that they in fact did have ‘hands on’ with the real device to both prepare its accessories for launch, create realistic 3D renders, and develop full 3D-printed replicas. These comments have since been walked back on with reports that Genki received a visit from Nintendo’s lawyers at CES 2025 but there’s a reason why they were put to the public in the first place. As for when we’re likely to see the real Switch 2 in the flesh, another ‘leak’ from Average Lucia Fanatic, a person who previously gave us the PS5 Pro release date ahead of time, suggested that January 17 will be when Nintendo finally showcases the console. The leaker of the date of the PS5 Pro and Nintendo Alarm, published the announcement date of the Nintendo Switch 2 The console will be revealed on January 17th with a launch on March 3rd.

It’s not the first time the idea of a US Bitcoin reserve has been floated, but it appears to be gaining more acceptance as states begin to adopt the concept for their own treasuries. Incoming President-elect Donald Trump proposed creating a strategic reserve in August, wherein the government would hold this Bitcoin for at least 20 years unless its sale was necessary to finance a reduction in public debt. Countries like El Salvador have already embraced the cryptocurrency.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce that artificial intelligence (AI) will be “unleashed across the UK to deliver a decade of national renewal,” with plans set to be unveiled on Monday (Jan. 13). The prime minister has promised a boost in investment, jobs, and economic growth, all driven by a booming AI sector.

Fortnite seasons come and go, but all bring with them new challenges and quests, as well as new Battle Passes and opportunities for Epic Games to make money on themed skins. While these seasons are never tied down to exact lengths, and we have seen various time periods over the years, if leaks are true, then the upcoming Chapter 6 Season 2 could be set to be the shortest Fortnite season in over five years. Serial leaker HYPEX has posted that C6S2 will last a total of 70 days – for comparison by the time it ends the current season will have run for over 80 days, meaning that players next time will have a fortnight (hmm) less to complete everything they need to do. FORTNITE CH6S3 IS SET TO LAUNCH @ MAY 2

It’s becoming more likely that Apple will add an iPhone Air to its lineup in 2025. We already know that the iPhone 17 is slated for a 2025 release. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests Apple’s next big iPhone update might introduce an all-new model called the iPhone 17 Air. Back in August, ReadWrite mentioned there was speculation that the new phone could be much slimmer, possibly around 2 millimeters thinner than any iPhone we’ve seen so far. The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly be 6mm thick, which would make it the thinnest iPhone ever! Source: analyst Jeff Pu pic.twitter.com/fnhKv8qRlU — Apple Hub (@theapplehub) November 19, 2024 Gurman points out that the iPhone 17 Air will feature a base-level A19 chip and a single-lens camera system.

Legalized casino gambling in Thailand appears closer on the horizon after the country’s Prime Minister confirmed the approval of a draft bill to establish land-based casino venues.  In September last year, a public consultation indicated consent for the plans of the new Bangkok administration to shake up the gambling landscape and now Prime Minister Pateogntarn Shinawatra will push ahead with the proposals.  The daughter of the former Thai premier, billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra who is a key proponent of the reforms, was sworn in as PM last August but the ambition to deliver large-scale casino resorts predates her appointment, having been on the government’s agenda for a significant time. Previous attempts for such proposals in Thailand have been thwarted, partly due to formidable opposition from conservative figures in the majority Buddhist.