It seems that Nintendo has effectively blocked a method for accessing YouTube on the Switch 2.

      The Nintendo Switch 2 briefly managed to access YouTube through a loophole, which Nintendo closed before Google could announce "coming soon."

      Almost a year after the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, the console still lacks any streaming applications. Although it can be docked to a TV, users cannot stream YouTube videos or watch content on Netflix, Prime, or Hulu.

      In contrast, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X launched with these services available from day one, while the Switch 2 remains a barren landscape for streaming. It's uncertain if Nintendo or the streaming services are to blame for this situation.

      Google indicated that YouTube support would be "coming soon" at the launch, but has since remained silent. Consequently, players decided to take initiative.

      So, how did YouTube find its way onto the Switch 2?

      A Reddit user on r/NintendoSwitch2 discovered something noteworthy. The battle royale game Super Animal Royale features a news feed on its main screen. When the user tapped an embedded video clip and selected "Watch on YouTube," it triggered a hidden browser on the console. This allowed Switch 2 owners to browse and play YouTube videos, albeit with limitations.

      Videos were restricted to 360p resolution, only played in full-screen, thumbnails were glitchy, and there was no possibility to log into a YouTube account. However, it functioned, and for a console that had gone eleven months without any streaming apps, this was enough to generate excitement.

      Did Nintendo really respond faster to this than they did to releasing an official app?

      According to Notebookcheck, once the workaround gained popularity, users attempting the same trick encountered error code 2800-1230. It remains unclear whether Nintendo implemented an update directly or contacted the developers of Super Animal Royale, but the swift resolution cannot be overlooked.

      Nintendo is notorious for strictly limiting its users and quickly patching any discovered loopholes for customization. Thus, it’s very likely the company acted promptly in this case as well. If only Nintendo were as proactive in securing streaming partnerships, its user base would likely be more satisfied.

      With the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 increasing due to fluctuating RAM market conditions, the company should at least introduce new features through software updates to soften the blow of the price hike, and adding streaming apps to the platform should be a top priority.

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      Rachit is an experienced tech journalist with over seven years of experience in the consumer technology sector.

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      I have a strong dislike for scalpers, and Valve’s Steam Machine reservation queue may be just what we need.

      Valve seems to have found a viable method for distributing the Steam Machine.

      I really dislike scalpers, especially when they target gaming hardware that is already in limited supply. They often buy up stock before ordinary customers and gamers have a chance to purchase it, only to resell it at inflated prices to those who genuinely want to use it. This problem has occurred repeatedly, but Valve's latest strategy might be the most effective anti-scalper measure I've seen in some time.

      Steam's database now indicates that Valve may be preparing a reservation queue for the upcoming Steam Machine. This information comes from a recent update noticed by user Pepeizq, which included references to multiple Steam Machine packages within the same reservation system code previously used for the Steam Controller.

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      Wordle is set to become a TV show on NBC, and it already seems like a betrayal.

      Wordle will turn into an NBC primetime game show in 2027.

      Each morning, millions open Wordle, look at a blank grid, and spend a few quiet moments engaged in a personal battle with five letters. There’s no host narrating your every action, no audience gasping when a guess is wasted, and absolutely no one cheering you on. Just you, the word, and the quiet satisfaction of solving it in under three attempts.

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      Discord Nitro now includes Xbox Game Pass as a complimentary offering.

      Discord has provided gamers with another incentive to purchase Nitro.

      Over the years, Discord and Xbox have collaborated multiple times, typically with Xbox offering Discord Nitro perks through its own subscription services, such as Game Pass Ultimate. This time, however, the roles are reversed. Discord is now giving Xbox Game Pass "Starter Edition" as a benefit for subscribing to Nitro.

      The Game Pass Starter Edition is part of Discord's newly introduced Nitro Rewards program, which also features other appealing benefits, such as discount vouchers for gaming accessory brands and extra monthly Orbs.