Nikon Malaysia announces the availability of the D5 and D500 DSLR in Malaysia

After a long wait, Malaysian fans and customers can now get their hands on Nikon's latest and greatest flagship DSLR for their FX (Full frame) and DX (cropped) mounts – the Nikon D5 and D500 respectably. The two bodies represents the best Nikon technology right now, and it can be yours from RM 8288.

The D500 is an APS-C DSLR with a 20 megapixel sensor, and features a new EXSPEED 5 image processor to work the images from the sensor. It also can achieve ISO ratings of up to 51200 natively, and up to 1640000 in equivalent mode. It now has a 3.2 inch tilting touch-screen that gives you control while in shooting images, video or while playback. Talking about video, the camera can record 4K footage, and the 153-point Auto Focus system gives it superior subject lock while focusing for images and video alike.

The D5 meanwhile is the king of Nikon full frame camera, developed with superior and advance photography needs in mind. The same 153-point Auto Focus system ensures the best subject lock in focusing, and the 20.8 megapixel Full Frame sensor ensures high quality images every time the shutter is pressed. For review, it can be done with the 3.2 inch touch-screen display, and for viewo, it takes 4K resolution with no sweat at all. Best of all, it takes 12fps RAW Full Frame images without missing a beat, and in focus every time.

If you are looking to get one of the cameras for your own, be prepared to cough up some dough. The Nikon D5 will cost you RM 27888 while the D500 is just slightly cheaper, at RM 8288.


Nikon Releases Extra-fast 1 Nikkor 32mm Lens with f/1.2 Aperture and Manual Focus

In a move that will likely delight most Nikon 1 owners, Nikon have relased the 1 Nikkor 32mm lens. While it does offer a reasonable 86mm equivalent distance what makes it really special is that it is an extremely fast telephoto lens at f/1.2 aperture. This should make it perfect for low-light shots, action shots and portraits that don't have optimum background lighting or are a bit soft. While it may not be a world's first it is one of the first Nikon-made mirrorless lens to also feature a manual focus ring. A Nano Crystal Coat reduces ghost and flare effects while the Silent Wave Motor and other features increase overall performance and image quality. The lens is expected to be available from June 2013 at a price of $899.95 (RM2688.60). For more information go to the Nikon site.


ASUS announces new Radeon RX 5600 XT based graphics cards

The official launch of the AMD Radeon 5600 XT is coming soon but AMD partners are itching to show off already. ASUS has recently unveiled the ASUS TUF Gaming X3 Radeon RX 5600 XT EVO and ROG Strix Radeon RX 5600 XT, with both cards expected to launch on 21 January 2020.

Starting with the Radeon RX 5600 XT EVO, this GPU comes with 6GB of VRAM and only requires one 8-pin connector for power. It's supposed to come with a base clock speed of 1620 MHz and a boost clock of 1640 MHz. That's not much and since it's only powered by one 8-pin connector, don't expect it to be good at overclocking either.

However, it should be a pretty quiet card that gets plenty of cooling thanks to its three axial-tech fans. ASUS even boasts that it will let you enjoy light gaming in relative silence. Besides that, you can expect this to be a more affordable option compared to the next one.

Next one being the ROG Strix Radeon RX 5600 XT, the variant that's supposed to provide greater performance. Although it has the same amount of VRAM and uses the same base and boost clock speeds, you can connect one 8-pin and another 6-pin PCIe connector to it, which means you should be able to feed it more power to gain higher overclocks.

As for the cooling, it's using the same triple axial-tech fans and heatsink. It's likely able to support the additional heat from overclocking the card, but it's reasonable to expect the thermal performance to be different. Other than that, this model comes with a dual BIOS switch so that you can swap between different BIOS setting profiles, once you've set it up, without having to enter the BIOS.

ASUS has yet to announce the two GPUs price yet, though we believe it'll be launched in Malaysia soon enough. Would you consider upgrading your graphics card to this when it drops here? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for other news.


Nikon Z 50 starts selling in Malaysia from the price RM4098

A new camera has been unveiled to join the Nikon Z series today in Malaysia. Alongside Z 6 and Z 7, the Nikon Z 50 will be the new durable and compact model from the series. The new mirrorless camera will be in the market starting now from the price of RM4098.

The camera is said to be created for content creators who are always on-the-go due to its small and compact size. It also allows you to record 4K videos with no crop at up to 30 frames per second. Functions such as time-lapse and slow-motion will also be available with the camera.

The Nikon Z 50 comes with a 180° tilting monitor which is easy and convenient for you to take selfies and shoot vlogs as well. There are also different creative filters and effects which can be previewed in real-time and applied with photos or videos.

Another thing that is worth mentioning is that the camera is equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity that allow seamless sharing across your devices. Just download the app SnapBridge 2.6 on your Apple or Android devices and you’re good to go! Below are some of the photo samples.

The retail price of Nikon Z 50 (body only) is RM4098. It also comes with the lens (DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR) as a package that priced at RM4598. There is another package as well that comes with two lenses which are DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR that priced at RM5398 with the camera body.

For more information of the camera, check out the Nikon's official site! Also, let us know if you’re keen to purchase the Nikon Z 50 on our Facebook page! Stay tuned for more product launches on TechNave.com


Nikon Z 8 Malaysia release: full-frame flagship mirrorless camera at 910g from RM18338

Nikon Malaysia officially released their Nikon Z 8 full-frame mirrorless camera featuring flagship Nikon Z 9 features in a lighter and more compact form factor. Designed for the videographer and content creator, it can record video up to 90 minutes of 8K in 30p and 125 minutes of 4K in 60p and comes in a robust body that can withstand dust, shock and liquids.

Priced from RM18338 for the body, the Nikon Z 8 only weighs 910g, and features a 4-axis tilting monitor that can also handle vertical shots, so it’s made for all the various YouTube Shorts, reels and so forth. The camera will be distributed by Futuromic Photo AV Sdn Bhd.

You can also get the Nikon Z9 with a 24 - 120mm f4 kit for RM22608. For more details, check out the distributor's site. Considering the price this is something mostly for the pro content creators who want to take their videos to the next level but what do you think? Would you recommend the Nikon Z 8 for your favourite YouTuber, TikToker or influencer? Why? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned to TechNave.com


Nikon Z8 coming to Malaysia on 22 May 2023

Nikon Malaysia has sent out the invites and it looks like the Nikon Z8 will be coming to Malaysia on 22 May 2023. Built as the lower-end (more affordable?) version of the flagship Nikon Z9, the Z8 features a 52.3MP (45.7MP effective) stacked CMOS sensor, 0.5-inch electronic viewfinder and 3.2-inch touch sensitive LCD, weighs 910g and is compatible with Z-mount and F-mount Nikkor lenses.

Other notable tech specs include 493 single-point autofocus points, ISO sensitivity from 64 up to 25600 and it can record 8K video at 30fps and 4K UHD and FHD at 120fps. It supports WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C, USB PD, HDMI out and Audio input/output. You can check out more features in the video below.

No Malaysia pricing details for the Nikon Z8 just yet though, but we expect it to be priced around RM17,989 given its prior $3999.95 USD price tag. We’ll know more on the launch date so stay tuned to TechNave.com


Nikon announces two new KeyMission action cameras

For those who are looking for capturing some action footage in rugged environments, Nikon has announced a couple of models that is designed to capture high resolution video, in any situation imaginable. The two models are the 4K UHD-capable KeyMission 170 with a 170 degree field-of-view, and the KeyMission 80, a small 1080p capable wearable/lifestyle camera with an 80-degree field-of-view.

The Keymission 170 features a water/shock/freezeproof design without the need for a case, a rarity in the 4K-action camera market. It has electronic stabilization when shooting in 1080p mode, up to 120fps. It features a 12MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor and has a built-in non-touch LCD, stereo mic, a standard tripod socket and a the Nikon EN-EL12 battery.

For the KeyMission 80, it comes with a 12MP 1/2.3" sensor and has a 4.9MP rear 'selfie-cam.' It is waterproof to 1M, and shockproof to 1.5M – and the LCD screen is touch capable. It is also intended to be used vertically, and comes with a holster to mount it on a backpack or clothing.

The cameras will be available from October onwards, with the 170 retailing for USD 399(~RM 1638), and the 80 retailing at USD 279 (~RM 1145).


Nikon denies rumours of the company discontinuing SLR productions

As the smartphone industry gets more saturated, the once-popular DLSR/SLR cameras have become almost a thing of the past. That being said, there were rumours of Nikon dropping SLR camera production so that the company can focus on mirrorless models. However, Nikon has quickly denied that.

On Nikon's official newsroom, the company announced that the original media article that started the rumour is purely speculation and there's no announcement regarding its SLR cameras. On top of that, Nikon also said that the company is still continuing digital SLR production, sales and services.

But what started this rumour in the first place? Well, nothing. However, Nikon has discontinued the D3500 and D5600 DSLRs to focus on mid to high-end cameras and lenses. In addition, a smartphone camera is a more popular choice than SLR cameras and is responsible for the decline. Mirrorless cameras have also been getting more popular over the years.

Do you still use an SLR or DSLR camera? Or do you favour a camera-centric smartphone like everyone else? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Nikon introduces the D5 and D500 officially at CES 2016

Nikon has announced not one but two new cameras at the CES 2016, the Nikon D5 and the Nikon D500. Both cameras are to be released in March on American soil and each body will cost $6500 (around RM28366) and $2000 (around RM8728) respectively.

Built for speed and accuracy, the Nikon D5 built features 153-point AF system to assist covering on an extremely wide focus area. It’s also equipped with a 20.8MP sensor, a 12 fps continuous shooting and an EXPEED 5 image processor. What’s more, the D5 is able to shoot 4K UHD video and reach up to 3280000 ISO sensitivity. To date, this is probably Nikon’s most powerful camera and the company claims it’s capable of creating “true to life masterpieces.”

The D500, on the other hand, carries a 20.9MP camera which has an “advanced smart device capability” built-in (this means that the D500 is compatible with your smartphone and other gadgets, and much easier too). Similarly to the D5, it also has the EXPEED 5 image processor, 153-point AF system, video recording capability of shooting Ultra HD 4K (3840 x 2160), and an insane ISO range reaching 1640000.

If you want to know more about the new powerful D5 and D500, visit their website to learn more.


Nikon officially announces the D610 DSLR

Nikon has officially announced the D610 DSLR camera. The D610 builds upon the full-frame design of the earlier released Nikon D600 which while a good DSLR, had some notable issues with dust accumulation near the sensor. While the D610 seems almost the same as the D600, it does bring a new 3fps Quiet Continuous shooting mode and maximum burst speed of 6 frames per second to the market. While the D610 does seem like a replacement, the D600 is still being sold so it could just be a minor revamp instead. Targeting the premium crowd the Nikon D610 is available for $1999.95 (RM6407) for the body alone and $2599.95 (RM8330) for the body and an AF-S Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens. Adding up the price to $3049.95 (RM9772) offers the AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, a 32GB Class 10 memory card and a laptop bag. Going all the way to $3249.95 (RM10412) will get you the body, both the AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR and AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens, a WU-1b wireless mobile adapter, DSLR tablet bag and 32GB Class 10 memory card.


Nikon reveals three new superzooms Coolpix A900, Coolpix B500 and Coolpix B700

Nikon recently just announced three new superzoom cameras, with a new naming scheme, with the A-series replacing the 'L' cameras and the B-series doing the same for the 'P' cameras. Introducing the Nikon Coolpix A900, Coolpix B500 and Coolpix B700, the A900 and B700 are capable of shooting 4K/UHD video format, and each of their price tag are as follows $399 (around RM1684), $299 (around RM1262) and $499 (around RM2106) respectively.

The Coolpix A900 features a 20MP BSI CMOS sensor, 35X (24-840mm equiv.) F3.4-6.9 lens, 3-inch tilting LCD and 4K video capture at 30p. This compact camera is ideal for photographers who travels often and likes taking many pictures and videos.

The Coolpix B50 is not that compact and this is the only new camera that doesn't have the 4K video recording capability. It features a 40X (22.5-900mm equiv.) F3.0-6.5 lens, 16MP BSI CMOS sensor,  tilting 3-inch LCD and 1080/30p video recording. It also uses four AA batteries for power.

Lastly, the B700, the most expensive of the three sports a 60X (24-1440mm equiv.) F3.3-6.5 lens, 20MP BSI CMOS sensor, fully articulating, touch-enabled 3-inch LCD, a 921k-dot electronic viewfinder and 4K video capture.

All three cameras also possess the SnapBridge, which has both WiFi (with NFC) and Bluetooth combined. With this, your smartphone can maintain a constant connection with the camera at all times. Not sure when is it available in Malaysia, but we will keep you photographers updated as soon as we know.

In the mean time, if you want to learn more about the new Nikon trio. Visit their website to check it out.


Nikon unveils AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm Lens and Speedlight SB-300

Nikon has recently announced a new AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens targeted at the Nikon DX-format range of DSLR cameras. In addition to this the announcement also included an SB-300 compact Speedlight flash. In terms of tech specs the new lens offers about 7.8x optical zoom equivalent to 27-210mm in 35mm. The new lens should provide a worthy update for the Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G lens as it includes an ED lens element plus one aspherical lens element, enabling better vibration reductions for camera shake up to 4.0 stops. A Silent Wave Motor complements everything for fast and quiet auto-focusing.

The aforementioned SB-300 allows for 120 degree rotation for bounce flash photography. It can be used with the Nikon FX and DX DSLR cameras along with Coolpix cameras that have i-TTL flash control. The SB-300 is expected to sell for around $150 (RM488) while the new AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is expected to sell for $600 (RM1952). Since the lens is not expected to sell with any current Nikon DSLR cameras, many are expecting it to be sold with a still unannounced matching body.


Nikon unveils the Z5, a more affordable full-frame mirrorless for ~RM5949

Guess it's the season for full-frame mirrorless cameras. In this month alone, it was confirmed that Sony would launch its new a7s III soon while Canon has already unveiled the EOS R5 and R6 cameras. Now, Nikon announced its new Z5 full-frame mirrorless camera for USD 1399.95 (body only) or about RM5949.

The Nikon Z5 comes with a 24.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor, capable of delivering detailed images and 4K videos. It also has five-axis in-camera Vibration Reduction, an ISO of 100 to 51200, and a burst rate of 4.5 FPS (AF and autoexposure enabled). For video recording, it supports 4K at 30FPS but uses a 1.7x crop instead of the entire sensor. To get the full-frame, you'll have to switch to 1080p instead, though you do get to capture at 60FPS in that case. For storage, you get two UHS-II slots for SD cards.

Besides the camera, Nikon also announced a new Z-mount lens. The 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens is now the smallest in Nikon's Z-mount series and it's priced at USD 399.95 (~RM1700). You can get the new Z5 camera bundled with this lens though, which saves you about USD 100 (~RM425). Do note that the price in Malaysia is likely to be different.

If you're looking to get a full-frame mirrorless camera that has a more reasonable price tag, the Nikon Z5 may be a good option to consider. But what are your thoughts on this camera? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates on this.


ASUS announces new Transformer 3 hybrids

Not only ASUS announced three new ASUS Zenfone 3 variants, they also announced three new Transformer 2-in-1 models at the recent Zenvolution event in Taipei – the ASUS Transformer 3, Transformer 3 Pro and Transformer 3 Mini.

The Transformer 3 is the start of the model line-up, designed to look a bit like (ok a lot like) the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. It has the same looking kickstand, similar full metal body design, and a detachable keyboard cover. That is where the similarities ends. In the box you will get a sharp 2,880 x 1,920 pix res 12.6-inch display, up to seventh-gen Intel Core i7 processing power, 8GBGB RAM, and 512GB of solid state storage built in. It has a built-in finger print reader, high resolution camera at the back, and a USB Type C connector for charging and data.

For the more professional market, the Transformer 3 Pro ups the ante with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD Storage. Both devices comes with a back-lit keyboard cover that offers “laptop-grade 1.4mm key travel” that is said mimics normal keyboard typing experience. It also comes with a fingerprint reader, but situated in the touchpad rather than at the side.

Lastly, there is the Transformer 3 Mini. It has a 10.1-inch display, is 8.2mm thin and weighs 790 grams with the keyboard attached and 530 grams without it. For security, it also comes with a fingerprint scanner and the same kickstand as the Transformer 3 Pro. It will be running the Intel Atom X5, and will reportedly last for 9 hours per charge.

ASUS Malaysia is set to bring the devices to market in Malaysia by quarter 3 this year, so look out for more news of the Transformer 3 line-up soon.


Nikon updates its lightweight DSLR lineup with the Nikon D7200

Nikon is a notable name when it comes to DSLR cameras and the company recently released a number of new products in this particular lineup. Yesterday, Nikon announced one more DSLR in the market, the new Nikon D7200. Like the name suggests, the D7200 will succeed the popular D7100 which was released back in 2013. It will be yet another lightweight camera released by the company in recent times. The new model does not bring revolutionary features but it does make some upgrades in necessary areas. The Nikon D7200 features a 24.2MP DX CMOS sensor with no optical low pass filter and 51-point Auto Focus system. The new EXPEED 4 Image processing chip promises faster performance of up to 30% as compared to its predecessors. There is a 3.2-inch fixed LCD display at the back too. The camera is capable of recording full HD 1080p videos at 60fps and can even take 18 consecutive RAW files. The new D7200 will be the first Nikon DSLR to feature both built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity options. Nikon will start selling the device from April 2015 for $1200 (RM4356). You will have to shell out a total of $1700 (RM6171) if you plan to buy it with the 18-140mm f3.5-5.6 lens kit. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details were revealed yet though.


Nikon will cease operations in Malaysia on 1 January 2021

Nikon Malaysia has officially announced on their Facebook page, stating that they will ceasing operations in Malaysia starting from 1 January 2021. With that being said, Nikon will appoint Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd. as well as QES (Asia Pacific) Sdn. Bdh. as their official sales, after-sales service, as well as distributor in Malaysia.

If you want to find out more information, head over to Nikon’s official website or their Facebook page. What are your thoughts on Nikon ceasing their operations in Malaysia? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Ninetology Z1T appears with 4G LTE for up to RM999?

Local smartphone manufacturers Ninetology recently introduced their Ninetology Z1T smartphone which features support for Malaysia's 4G LTE networks. Other tech specs include a 1.4GHZ Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, up to 32GB microSD support, a 5-inch IPS display with 720p pixel resolution, 13MP f/2.2 rear camera, 1.6MP front camera, 2000 mAh battery and Android 4.3. Set for a possible 15 June 2014 launch, the price for the Z1T still hasn't been revealed yet as Ninetology are currently holding a Guess the Price contest. The price range in the contest goes from RM299 to RM999 but if you get the answer correct you may win a Ninetology Z1T smartphone. Check out the Ninetology Z1T site for more information.


Nintendo: Do NOT charge your Switch with a smartphone charger cable

The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular game consoles in the world thanks to its portability, exclusive games and just downright being fun to play on. However, the console’s ‘walled garden’ approach to software and hardware can be quite frustrating for some users.

In fact, did you know that despite the Switch having a USB-C port, Nintendo said that users should only use a specific cable to charge the device? Nintendo has even warned users that forcibly plugging in a non-Nintendo Switch-specific cable may damage the Switch’s USB port or even the cable.

Using your smartphone charger cable to charge your Switch may not even work too. Nintendo shared that if you have trouble plugging in, do check that your are using the correct cable.

Besides that, Nintendo has also warned users to not leave their Switch uncharged for a long time. The company recommends users to charge the device at least once every 6 months or risk not being able to charge at all.

So, what do you guys think of this statement by Nintendo? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest trending tech news.


Nintendo PlayStation prototype successfully auctioned for ~RM1.5 million

Late last year, Terry Diebold made the decision to finally auction away the Nintendo PlayStation prototype that he had been parading around the world. The auction has since been completed and the machine managed to sell for USD 360000 (~RM1501740). This makes it the most expensive video game-related item ever sold.

As we've mentioned in our previous article, the prototype was auctioned at The Heritage Auction based in Dallas Texas. Back in December 2019, Diebold had mentioned that he turned down a USD 1.2 million (~RM5 million) deal for the machine and opted to auction it instead. If you look at it this way, he really should have just taken the better deal when it was offered to him. But as they say, hindsight is 20/20.

Although winning bid wasn't as high as some may have expected, it's another example of how old gaming memorabilia could spur collectors to spend. Last year, a sealed copy of the original Super Mario Bros sold for a whopping USD 100150 (~RM417776), while another collector paid over USD 1 million (~RM4.17 million) for a few old and rare games.

If you have an old game lying around, it might be a good idea to hold on to it. Maybe you could auction it off for big bucks someday, who knows? For more fun news like this, continue to follow us on TechNave.com.


Nintendo President promises more features for Nintendo Switch Online

There's been a lot of news coming from Nintendo lately and one of it touches on the Switch Online. The company's paid subscription service currently allows players to enjoy things like online multiplayer, cloud saves, and access to old NES games online. But if that's not enough to convince you to shell out USD 3.99 (~RM16) monthly, rest assured that more is to come.

In the company's latest financial briefing, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa promised to incentivise users to subscribe to the service by bringing "more features and more fun to Nintendo Switch". With over 52 million Nintendo Switch consoles sold since 2017 and 15 million users who are subscribing to Switch Online, Nintendo has every intention to keep them happy.

Play old NES and SNES games through Switch Online

What these features and fun could be were not detailed. But since it pertains to the Switch console itself, it's possible that Nintendo may allow Switch Online subscribers to play games from other previous Nintendo platforms, such as games from the Nintendo Wii. This would give Nintendo fans access to older games they might otherwise not be able to play.

Of course, that's just our speculation and as mentioned there is no official statement in regards to this yet. To the Switch Online subscribers out there, what features would you actually want to see added to the platform? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news and updates.


Nintendo SEA launches an official Switch website for Malaysia

Today, Malaysian Nintendo Switch fans woke up to great news - Nintendo has launched an official website for Malaysia, which is something that we never thought would happen even after years of Nintendo gaming presence. However, what does this mean and are there any changes?

Upon visiting the website, it doesn't seem very localised and follows the footsteps of our neighbour, Singapore. On top of that, there aren't any local price tags shown online as well but rather, you may purchase the official Switch games, Switch console and Switch gaming peripherals online in Shopee and Lazada.

On the Shopee and Lazada platform, you can see the store MMSoft which is actually still under MaxSoft (the current distributor). Although all the Switch games there are listed with the original price tags, most Malaysian Switch fans in the comments section would very much prefer an eShop (I second it too). Currently, Malaysian Switch fans who buy Switch games digitally rely on the US eShop due to cheaper prices when on sale.

Meanwhile, Nintendo  SEA also opened a web portal for the Philippines but with the same layout. Here's to hoping that we can switch (pun intended) our Nintendo accounts and memberships back to Malaysia, which can greatly benefit a local eShop if it's in the plans. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Nintendo Switch Lite is coming to Malaysia on 20 September at RM949

The Nintendo Switch Lite was announced recently and now we finally have the official pricing for the device in Malaysia. The console has been revealed to be priced at RM949 by Maxsoft and will be available starting from the 20th of September.

The biggest difference between the Nintendo Switch Lite and the standard Nintendo Switch is the fact that it does not possess removable Joycons and cannot be docked to a TV. It’s a perfect device for those who love single player games and who are always on the go. The device comes in 3 colours which are Yellow, Gray and Blue-Green (or Turquoise).

Pricing for the regular Nintendo Switch as well as the upgraded version with better battery life currently sells for RM1299 in Malaysia. If you’re short on cash, the Nintendo Switch Lite is definitely a good option for you. Do you agree? Keep up with the latest gaming consoles on TechNave.com!

The deal offered by Impulse Gaming for the Nintendo Switch Lite is pretty sweet


Nintendo Switch Lite officially launching on 20 September 2019 at ~RM824

Previously, there were a lot of rumours going around hinting at the possibility that Nintendo will be releasing a cheaper version of the Nintendo Switch. It seems that the rumours are true, as Nintendo has officially announced the Nintendo Switch Lite starting from the price of NT$6180(~RM824) and it will be available for purchase on 20 September this year.

Based on the trailer, the Switch Lite’s JoyCon will not be removable and it will not have features such as the rumble motor as well as the infrared Sensors. The aforementioned device will come in 3 different colour schemes which are Gray, Turquoise, as well as Yellow.

That all being said, even if we do know the global launch date of the Switch Lite. We do not have an exact Malaysia release date on when it will be available for purchase. Would you be interested in getting the cheaper Nintendo Switch Lite? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Nintendo Switch Lite up for RM599 this Black Friday at Gamer's Hideout

It's Black Friday and Gamer's Hideout is having some sweet deals at its store in Central i-City. Those who are there today from 9 pm to 12 am of 30 November 2019 (3 hours duration) will be able to purchase a Nintendo Switch Lite for just RM599, close to a 40% reduction from its original Malaysia pricing!

Of course, there are a few conditions to this deal. First, it's only available at the Central i-City outlet. Secondly, while no additional purchases are required, stocks are limited so you'll have to be there early if you want one. Besides the Switch Lite, there are also other promos available during the sale, including discounts for Switch titles, gaming peripherals, and merchandises.

Will you be going there today? Do let us know what you plan to get on our Facebook page. Also, make sure to stay tuned to TechNave.com for other tech news.


ASUS announces pocket-sized dual-band Wi-Fi USB-AC68 adapter for RM449

Today, ASUS is proud to announced their pocket-sized dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi USB 3.0 adapter, the ASUS USB-AC68. It's equipped with an AC1900-class performance that offers an instant wireless networking upgrade for a laptop or desktop PC. Using a USB 3.0 interface, which is up to 10 times (10X) faster than USB 2.0, the USB-AC68 is currently available in Malaysia for RM449 and has a three-years local warranty.

With ASUS USB-AC68, users can enjoy an instant upgrade to the latest Wi-Fi standard simply by plugging it in to a spare USB port. It can deliver speeds of up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz frequency band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, maximum performance is achieved when paired with an 802.11ac router, but USB-AC68 is fully backward-compatible with all previous Wi-Fi standards.

For wide coverage and stable reception, the adapter has a 3x4 (3 transmit, 4 receive) MIMO configuration featuring two internal antennas, plus two additional external antennas that fold neatly into the body of the device. The 3-position antennas on it can be extended at 90° to the adapter body, and when it is used in the supplied desktop cradle they can be deployed at 180° to the adapter for optimum reception. Lastly, it also uses beamforming to focus signals towards the Wi-Fi source for better reception.

Stay tuned for more news at Technave.com.


Nintendo Switch OLED will be priced at RM1699, launching on 8 October 2021 in Malaysia

It's been a long time coming but we finally have some official details of the Nintendo Switch OLED edition. In this short news, sources have confirmed that the new console variant will cost RM1699 only and it's coming on 8 October 2021.

While there isn't any confirmed list of stores for the new Switch OLED, there's a good chance that most of the local gaming stores such as Impulse Gaming, Gamers Hideout, Otakuya and others will have the details soon. That said, the Switch OLED will be launching in Singapore and the Philippines as well at the price of SGD 549 and PHP 19,999 respectively.

If you are confused about whether to get the Switch OLED, the standard Switch or the Switch Lite version, you can check out our comparison article here to give you some ideas. Are you going to get yourself one soon? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Nintendo Switch Online will be getting access to N64 and Sega Genesis

The pandemic has resulted in many staying indoors more. This also means that products like Nintendo Switch have become super popular. And one of the best things about this console is the free games you get as a Switch Online member. Well, that library of retro games will be expanded.

During the Nintendo Direct event last night, Nintendo confirmed that there will be a new membership tier coming to the Switch Online service. Starting late October 2021, Switch Online members will get to play Nintendo 64 (N64) and Sega Genesis with the new Expansion Pack. The exact details and pricing haven't been confirmed, but some of the games that will be available have been confirmed. You can check the list for that down below.

Also, remember the rumour about a new Switch controller? It's not an improved Joy-Con like some may hope, but it's a replica retro controller like we predicted. Specifically, Nintendo also revealed wireless controllers that are authentic replicas of the N64 and Sega Genesis controllers. Interestingly, Nintendo's announcement suggests that it will only be available to Switch Online members for USD50 (~RM209) each.

From the announcement, we can assume that the Expansion pack will require an add-on fee on top of the existing monthly subscription to Switch Online. Would you be willing to pay extra to access these retro games? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Nintendo Switch Pro may have been confirmed, would feature OLED display

One of the many renders for the Switch Pro

Since last year, there have been rumours of a Nintendo Switch Pro. Nintendo keeps denying it, but multiple sources that say that it's coming. In fact, a new rumour has confirmed the display for the Pro model.

Thanks to @SpawnWaveMedia (via Nintendo Life), Nintendo has chosen to equip its upcoming Nintendo Switch Pro with an OLED panel. This is because OLED displays have greater contrast and refresh rates, suggesting that Nintendo is aiming for greater graphical fidelity with the new models. We could even see 1080p resolution at more than 60FPS, which already outstrips what the current model can do.

Interesting to see Universal Display Corp mention the reports around Nintendo choosing OLED for their Switch Pro in their Q1 investors call pic.twitter.com/RUrJ0qvBiA

Speaking of the display, it has been rumoured that the Nintendo Switch Pro's OLED screen would be 7-inches in size. This makes it notably larger than the Switch and Switch Lite, which have screen measuring 6.2-inch and 5.5-inch, respectively. That means that a larger battery would be needed to handle the increased power consumption. Of course, Nintendo could also use a more energy-efficient chipset to compensate.

While the news about the OLED panel seems legit, a lot of rumours are unverified, so take them with a grain of salt. Nintendo is also unlikely to launch the Pro model anytime soon, as it wishes to maximise the sales potential of the highly popular Switch console. But we'll keep an eye out for updates on this, so please stay tuned to TechNave!


Nintendo Switch Pro subtly confirmed through a leaked Nvidia email

We guess the rumours of a Nintendo Switch Pro or Switch 2 will never stop coming until the company actually launches one. Today, we might have gotten new proof about the existence of the next-generation hybrid gaming console with an email from an Nvidia employee.

Previous rumours suggested that the Switch Pro would pack the Tegra239 SoC. In a leaked email posted to the r/GamingLeaksandRumours subreddit, the Nvidia employee mentions something about "adding support for Tegra239 SoC which has eight cores in a single cluster". It might have confirmed that the chip does exist, and it's going to the new Switch console.

According to the commenters on the Reddit, the Tegra239 would be similarly powerful to the PS4. Although it might not sound like a big upgrade, it should be easier for third-party developers to port their games to the new Switch without relying on cloud-based versions. The source also hopes for a launch alongside the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, like Breath of the Wild did for the Switch.

Have you been waiting for a new Switch console to arrive? Drop a comment to let us know, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more gaming news.


Nintendo Switch Pro that's launching late 2021 to come equipped with 4K support

Based on a statement by Nate Drake on resetera.com, it seems that Nintendo’s upcoming Switch Pro will come with 4k support and it’ll most likely be unveiled somewhere around the end of 2021. But that’s not all, it seems that that the handheld console is expected to come equipped with a feature called DLSS as well, but not much detail on that for now.

With all that said, do take some of the information with a grain of salt, due to the fact that Nintendo has yet to provide an official statement on the leak. Not only that, but there’s also no news on the Malaysia release date, local pricing, and exact tech specs for now.

What are your thoughts on the Nintendo Switch Pro? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Nintendo Switch Pro with 4K support might be released in 2020 at ~RM1636

Based on a statement by a Nintendo analyst, it seems that Nintendo plans on releasing the Nintendo Switch Pro this year and it was rumoured to come with 4k support. In terms of the expected pricing, the aforementioned Switch variant is expected to be priced somewhere around USD399(~RM1636).

This could be Nintendo’s response to the new generation consoles such as the Sony PlayStation 5, as well as the Microsoft Xbox Series X. With all that said, do take every bit of information with a grain of salt, as there was no official statement by Nintendo in regards to the leaked info.

Will you be interested in getting the Nintendo Switch Pro, as soon as it is available in Malaysia? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Nintendo Switch could faces shortages soon due to 20% production cut

For many electronics companies, the big sales period is coming soon. With Black Friday in November and Christmas in December, sales of devices like the Nintendo Switch is expected to rise. But sources claim that it could also face a holiday shortage.

According to Nikkei Asia, Nintendo can only churn out around 24 million units of Nintendo Switch for the current fiscal year (end on 31 March 2022). This is allegedly 20% lower than the company's original projected number. As you would expect, it's due to the shortage of semiconductor chips and other components amidst strong demand for the handheld console.

In other words, you might want to consider getting a Nintendo Switch now instead of waiting for a year-end sale. A lot of gamers who don't have a Switch, or are aiming to get the new OLED model, would be looking to buy one during a sale. So if you take too long, you might not be able to get one due to the shortage. If a shortage happens, we could see the prices of the Nintendo Switch go up again, so keep that in mind.

Of course, we're not experts on the subject and are only speculating, so don't take this too seriously. But do you plan to get a Nintendo Switch soon anyway? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Nintendo Switch could get permanent price cut soon

Back in July, Nintendo announced another refresh to the Switch console. This isn't the Switch Pro that many fans had hope for, but it does have some upgrades like a new OLED screen. In anticipation of the launch, the price for the old model could drop.

According to @nintedalerts (via VGC), Nintendo could lower the price of the current Switch model from 299 Euros (~RM1462) to between 249 and 269 Euros (~RM1217 to 1315). For reference, the revised Nintendo Switch retails in Malaysia for around RM1299. If the rumour about the price cut is true, we estimate the new price in Malaysia to be around RM1149. Not a significant cut, but enough to differentiate it from the OLED model.

Et voilà, ça commence, comme prévu la console Nintendo Switch passe à 269,99€ sur Auchan !Joy-Con lBeu/Rouge https://t.co/tOes1IDSvNJoy-Con https://t.co/ApAUs4STMbIl s'agit du nouveau prix "officiel" ! Le prix baissera partout ailleurs ! pic.twitter.com/OW6AuF2zv1

With the price cut, the current model is definitely become the better deal. But if you want a better screen to play on the go and prefer digital downloads, then you might want to get the new one. Do check out our article for a brief comparison between standard Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED.

Mind you, Nintendo hasn't confirmed if there would be a price cut. But with the new model coming out, the possibility is quite high. Having said that, which model will you get if you don't have a Nintendo Switch? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for updates on this.


Nintendo Switch's latest system update allows you to move games to SD card and remapping controller buttons

Are you running out of space in your Nintendo Switch? Fret not, there is a new software update rolling out globally. Dubbed as Version 10.0.0, this update has finally fixed the issue of not allowing gamers to move their games from the internal storage to the SD card. This includes all downloadable software, updates, and even DLC.

That said, it's still not possible to move your game save files to the SD card though, as well as some data update (it varies). On top of that, the new update also allows gamers to customize the controller button mapping, which you can access in the Settings -> Controllers and Sensors -> Change Button mapping. Also, you can add a new bookmark feature to News articles on the console which is...useful, I guess.

By the way, with the recent release of Animal Crossings: New Horizons, you can now select characters from the new game for your user icon. The new update can be found in your Systems Settings by scrolling down to the very bottom. Have fun with your Switch during MCO and stay tuned for more gaming news at TechNave.com.


Nintendo adding Game Boy & Game Boy Color titles to Switch Online

If you own a Nintendo Switch, a Switch Online plan can give you a lot of added value. Not only do you get online multiplayer for games but also a variety of games from older Nintendo consoles. In fact, that library of free games is about to be expanded.

According to Nintendo Life, Nintendo could be planning to add Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles to the Switch Online service. Sources have claimed that the company will be doing this soon, which means we might get an official announcement within 2021. Unfortunately, games of the Game Boy Advance are probably not going to be included.

Switch Online already has a library of free NES and Super NES games

For the last part, it seems that this is due to upcoming game remasters. Currently, there are a few companies that are working to re-release Game Boy Advance titles for the Nintendo Switch. In fact, Advance Wars 1 and 2 are making a comeback to the Switch on 3 December 2021 in the form of Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp. It might take a few years, but we can see Nintendo eventually adding all its older games to Switch Online.

But are these old games enough for you? What else do you think the Switch Online platform should provide? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


3 features you need to know on the HUAWEI Freebuds 3!

Have you ever tried to enjoy a serene day only by having a nice cup of coffee in a cafe then along comes a busy traffic beside it. In situations like this, a wireless freebuds with noise cancelation feature will come in handy! So let's take a look on the 3 features of the Huawei Freebuds 3 The Freebuds 3 have been released in Malaysia for a month now since late November for RM679. Other than the active noise cancelation feature, it also comes with few more key features you should know about it. So let's head out to the video below!

Stay tuned for more Hacks and Tips on TechNave.com!


ASUS announces range of ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser smartphones

We certainly liked the recent ASUS ZenFone 2 but it seems ASUS have plans for improvement with a new sub-range of ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser smartphones each coming wtih Laser autofocus, Corning Gorilla Glass 4, 16GB storage + microSD support, a 13MP rear camera with dual-tone LED flash, 5MP front camera, dual SIM 4G LTE connectivity and 3000 mAh battery. There will be three versions in this sub-range with one version having a Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB RAM and 5.5-inch display. The medium version retains the 5.5-inch display but ups the processor to a Snapdragon 615 along with 3GB RAM. The third version will include the Snapdragon 615 processor and 3GB RAM but increase the size with a 6-inch display. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet but the most basic ZenFone 2 Laser will start from 10000 rupees (RM612), while the medium version will go for 14000 rupees (RM857). The largest version will go for 18000 rupees (RM1102).


Nintendo adds five more Sega Genesis games to Expansion Pack

Back in October 2021, Nintendo added a new subscription package for its Switch Online service. The Expansion Pack provided subscribers with access to a few Sega Genesis and Nintendo 64 games. Unfortunately, the response wasn't too positive. Now, Nintendo wants to fix that by adding more titles.

Recently, Nintendo announced an update for Switch Online. Specifically, five more Sega Genesis games were added to the Expansion Pack. This brings the total number of included retro games to 30 and gives the pack a little bit more value. If you're feeling nostalgic and want to relive some of these oldies, the Expansion Pack could be what you need.

For your info, a regular Switch Online subscription is around USD 20 (~RM84). It provides access to NES and SNES games, as well as other services like online multiplayer and cloud data. However, the Expansion Pack costs an additional USD30 (~RM127) and doesn't offer much other than the 30 retro games and a DLC for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

In our opinion, the Expansion Pack is currently not a good deal. The smart thing to do would be to wait for Nintendo to add more games and benefits. But what do you think, is the Expansion Pack worth subscribing to? Share your opinions below, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Nintendo and Hori unveil the Pokemon themed microSD card starting from ~RM144

Nintendo in partnership with Hori has unveiled two very unique Pokemon themed MicroSD, starting from as low as 3758 Yen(~RM144) for the 32GB Pikachu edition, while the 64GB Poké Ball edition will go for 6458 Yen(~RM248) a pop. Both the microSD cards are expected to be available this year, starting July 2019.

In addition to the microSD cards, there will be a free Poké Ball-themed microSD Adapter bundled together as well allowing it to be used with other devices with an SD card slot. As far as the spec goes, the cards come with an expected read speed of 80MB/s and write speeds of 15MB/s. For more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Nintendo announces 2DS handheld game console, plays DS+3DS titles with no 3D effect

Quite recently, Nintendo announced the Nintendo 2DS, a handheld gaming system that can run Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS titles but doesn't show the 3D effect that plays when you use the Nintendo 3DS. Another major difference is that rather than flip up or down for easier portability, it is actually one piece with the normal 2 screens and controls you'd normally associate with a Nintendo DS. The screens on the Nintendo 2DS are the same size and have the same tech specs as the Nintendo 3DS but the 2DS system also builds in WiFi connectivity. According to Nintendo the Nintendo 2DS will be released in the United States on 12 October 2013. It will be priced at $129.99 (RM427).

From the Intro video it looks like the 2DS isn't a completely flat slate but is a bit slanted so when you put it flat it looks a bit angled. Quite a lot of people have weighed in on this decision from Nintendo and from what we can see, they're looking to follow the steps of BlackBerry. We wish them all the best, but it isn't the first time a major company made a million dollar design mistake. Unfortunately, no word from the official Nintendo products distributor on Malaysia release dates or pricing just yet. The handheld gaming system will come in Blue and Red so do check out the intro video below:


Nintendo announces Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, expected release on 20 November

Have you been itching for a sequel to Breath of the Wild (BotW)? Nintendo may not have that ready yet, but the company did surprise many with the sudden announcement of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. This will be a hack and slash similar to the first Hyrule Warriors launched on the WiiU back in 2014.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a prequel to BotW, set 100 years during the Great Calamity. The game will feature characters like Zelda, the four Champions, and the King of Hyrule. Of course, you'll be able to play as Link, Zelda, and the four Champions who you see as ghosts in BotW. Being a sequel, you'll be able to find out more about what happened to them.

Just like the first Hyrule Warriors, this game will also support local co-op. We're not too sure what kind of co-op mode it would be, but you can probably expect the same 2-person mode that was available in Hyrule Warriors. Besides that, weapon skins have also been confirmed for the game.

Nintendo plans to release Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity on 20 November 2020, so you may want to start setting aside some money to buy it. With that said, are you excited for this game? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates on the game.


Nintendo announces the Switch

Get ready to game in a totally new way with the new Nintendo Switch. Formerly known as by its codename Nintendo NX, the new console from the big gaming company combined the concept of a home console and a portable console in a single device.

It is powered by a custom NVIDIA Tegra chip that gives it enough power to drive incentive games on the TV screen and the smaller screen on the Switch. The console is made out of three elements – the base console, the home dock and the detachable controls that Nintendo is calling the ‘Joy Cons’. The ‘joy cons’ can also be used as dual controllers in a multilayer game as each piece can be used as a standalone control device. An optional Switch Pro controller is available for a more traditional gaming experience.

No concrete details of the specs are out but there are leaks out for the console.It is running the aforementioned NVIDIA Tehran chip, a possible internal storage of 32GB, a game card slot and possibly wireless connectivity (WiFi, Bluetooth).

It is slated to be out by March 2017, and we at TechNave can’t wait to try it by next year.


Nintendo announces the availability and pricing for the Nintendo Switch

Last year we saw the announcement of the Nintendo Switch, which promises a new way of home console and portable gaming for the masses. At an event held in Tokyo and broadcasted throughout the world, Nintendo has revealed a bit more about the new portable from them, which will start from USD 299.99 (about RM 1330).

Firstly, there will be a couple of new colour options for the controllers, dubbed the Joy-Con. That is also revealed is that the controllers will have built-in accelerometers for motion sensing, an IRC camera for visual recognition, as well as NFC for interaction with Amiibo figurines.

There are 80 games in development from companies such as Nintendo, Sega, EA and Bethesda, and most titles will be available by the holiday season, a.k.a. Christmas 2017. The launch date for the Switch is March 3 in selected markets worldwide, and the new Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be one of the launch titles.

The pricing of the Nintendo Switch has been set at USD 299.99 (~RM 1330) and there will be two option packages – one with silver Joy-Cons and the other will be in Red and Blue. Malaysia availability is still unknown so stay tuned to TechNave for more information soon.


Nintendo celebrates 35th Super Mario Bros anniversary with new Switch games

Some games have been around for years and Super Mario Bros ranks as one of the oldest. The series has hit its 35th anniversary and Nintendo is celebrating with a new Mario title and ports of some older ones to the Nintendo Switch. Let's take a look at what Nintendo has in store for us below.

In its latest Nintendo Direct stream, the company announced that a new Mario game will be launching on 16 October 2020 for USD 100 (~RM415). Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit may be an expensive game, but you'll get a remote control toy car that can sync up to your Nintendo Switch, allowing you to turn your environment into a customisable AR (augmented reality) race track. From the looks of it, you'll be able to choose between a toy car with Mario or Luigi in it.

Another new game that will exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online members is the Super Mario Bros. 35. This is a rather unique multiplayer game, where 35 players compete to see who becomes the last Mario standing. Besides that, Nintendo will also be porting Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, and the classic Super Mario All-Stars to the Nintendo Switch. Note that the latter is also available only to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

I have to say, while Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit seems like an expensive game, it could be interesting if you can buy the AR-enabled toy cars separately. Perhaps all you need is just one person to own the game for a coop session? Let us know what you think about this in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news like this.


Nintendo collaborates with Fujifilm to launch the Instax Mini Link smartphone printer

Nintendo has collaborated with Fujifilm by launching a Switch-inspired smartphone printer that also lets you print out screenshots taken on the popular gaming device. The new Instax Mini Link has an ash white base color with red trim at the output section and a power button with a blue trim, which will remind you of the Nintendo Switch.

To allow a seamless transfer between the Nintendo Switch and smartphones, the Mini Link app will be introduced on 30 April for iOS and Android users as well. The app will offer 59 new frame options with designs that feature Super Mario, Animal Crossing, and New Pokémon Snap characters. Furthermore, the app also comes with a customizable interface that allows you to choose from three themes based on the aforementioned games.

Other than being available as a standalone product, the printer will also come in a bundle with a Pikachu silicone case. For now, the pricing has not yet been revealed. Meanwhile, it is unsure if the printer will make its arrival in Malaysia but we'll keep a close eye on future updates.

Let us know what you think about the printer on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for the latest tech gadget news.


Nintendo confirms that about 160000 Nintendo Network IDs were hacked into

It is important to pay close attention to your online accounts, as you never know when they would be compromised. This is especially through for bank accounts or those that have payment methods linked directly to it. Take the recently announced case, where Nintendo revealed that 160000 accounts were hacked into.

According to Nintendo, hackers had been using stolen Nintendo Network IDs to access the accounts of Nintendo users. Many of them have reported missing funds from their accounts, or that the funds have been used to make in-game purchases, such as virtual currency for Fortnite. Having access to these compromised accounts also allowed hackers to play the user's games or change details like the linked email address.

Due to this massive breach, Nintendo has announced that users will no longer require the IDs to login. The password for all compromised accounts have also been reset and Nintendo has asked that users create new, more secure passwords. Also, Nintendo has promised that it will work on improving the security of its system to prevent this from happening again.

Even if you haven't received a notification from Nintendo about this, it might be a good idea to change your password as soon as possible. With that said, do you change your passwords often or use extra measures like two-factor authentification? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Nintendo could be facing another shortage of Switch consoles soon

It's looking like 2020 isn't a good year to pick up a Nintendo Switch, not if you already bought one before prices started spiking. Major supply issues and increase in demand saw prices of the console soar recently and even though Nintendo supposedly raised the production of parts by 20%, it's still not enough. A new report claims that a new round of shorage is very likely to happen.

According to Bloomberg (via Nintendolife), the movement control order (MCO) in Malaysia and a similar form of lockdown in the Philippines is the cause of this. The various circuit boards for the Switch are manufactured in our country, while factories in the Philippines make the components that are required for the boards. But since the factories were not operating in the last few weeks, production for the Switch consoles have been severely hampered.

In a statement to Bloomberg, Ace Research Institute analyst suggested that inventory (of parts) could recover in the summer season but shortages could happen again towards the later parts of the year. This means that prices may or may not come back down around June to August 2020, but the Nintendo Switch could be in low supply again during the holiday 2020 season.

Overall, expect Switch consoles to be very hard to get this year. If you are interested in getting one, it might be a better idea to scour the local second-hand market and hope for a good deal. For those who are already happy owners of the Switch, what are you currently playing and what games are you looking forward to? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


ASUS announces the ZenBook Flip UX360CA for RM 2999

If you are looking for a convertible yet ultraportable laptop, the latest addition to the ASUS ZenBook family is now available in Malaysia. ASUS ZenBook Flip UX360CA is one of the thinnest & lightest 13.3-inch convertible laptops, with an ultra-slim 13.9mm profile and weighing just 1.3kg.

The ZenBook Flip inherits all the DNA of the classic ZenBook design, adding a distinctive touch of individuality to its convertible form factor, thanks to the unibody chassis which was crafted from a single block of solid aluminum, with the lid featuring the signature spun-metal ZenBook finish with its Zen-inspired pattern of concentric circles. The profile is thin – only 13.9mm – but it comes with impressive features.

It has up to an ultra-detailed 13.3-inch QHD+ (3200 x 1800) touchscreen display, the powerful yet battery-frugal 6th-generation Intel Core M (‘Skylake’) processor, 12-hour battery life, 8GB of high-performance LPDDR3 RAM and a high-speed up to 512GB solid-state disk (SSD). It also comes with two USB 3.0 ports, and one USB 3.1 Type-C port for connectivity. If you fancy to get one for yourself, it is now available for RM 2999.


Nintendo could eventually launch the Switch Pro towards the end of 2022

Although Nintendo has officially stated that it's not planning to launch any Pro variant of the Switch, the rumours about the more powerful hybrid gaming console are still going strong. Now, a new one claims that the Japanese video game company could eventually launch the Switch Pro towards the end of the year.

According to Pixelpar from Twitter, the Switch Pro will also include support for current cartridges and improved performance but retain the same design language as the original Switch. Improved performance refers to 4K output when docked, more RAM, and probably a new Nvidia Tegra chipset. Despite keeping the same form factor, it's still expected to feature a larger display.

Welp. Tried to keep away from these types of rumours for so long, but way too much smoke now.It looks like a new model could be announced towards the end of the year.Apparently works with current carts, improved perf, retains branding & form factor.No more info than that.

If the rumour was accurate, we could see the console by September 2022. It's worth mentioning that the source of this leak had accurately predicted the Splatoon 3 Switch OLED, so this might be worth trusting. However, we're here to remind you to take this with a grain of salt as Nintendo hasn't officially confirmed anything yet.

What do you think about the news? Leave a comment to let us know, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more gaming news.


Nintendo could face another shortage for Switch consoles in early 2022

Special editions could become even harder to come by

Supply shortages of electronic products aren't uncommon since the pandemic started. But for some industries, the biggest impact is the hike in prices (like graphics cards). If you're planning to buy a Nintendo Switch console, you might want to do it soon because this could happen.

According to Kyoto News (via Wccftech), Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa said that the supply of parts for the Nintendo Switch could stall in early 2022. This will cause stagnation in production volume for the console, which is bad news as demand remains high. As you might have guessed, this shortage is related to the shortage of semiconductor parts that has affected many other industries. He also mentioned that Nintendo wasn't quite able to meet the demands for the console for Black Friday.

Smartphones may not have seen a significant price increase this year despite the supply shortage. But there was a period where prices for the Nintendo Switch were close to the RM2000 mark. For your info, the current market price in Malaysia is around RM1199, so the difference is quite noticeable. In other words, it's best to get one now before prices start going up due to the low supply.

If you were to get one, what's the first game you want to play? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more updates on this.


Nintendo could launch a new Switch controller in 2022

If you own a Nintendo Switch, you probably know how sub-par the Joy-Cons are. The buttons don't feel solid enough, are tiny, and the drifting problem on the analogue sticks is annoying. But while it might not be an upgraded Joy-Con, Nintendo could be working on a new controller.

According to VGC, Nintendo has filed for a new "Game Controller" on the US FCC. Its model number is HAC-043 and the HAC prefix identifies it as hardware for the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo has requested confidentiality with the FCC, so the details for the peripheral are currently unknown. We're hoping that this would be an upgraded Joy-Con that fixes the existing one's many issues.

Unfortunately, that's probably not what Nintendo is going for. For your information, the wireless SNES Controller's model number is HAC-042. Based on that, the new game controller could be another retro/classic one brought back to the modern-day. Of course, it could also be a high-end controller like an upgraded Pro Controller.

I'm hoping for a controller that's better than the Joy-Cons but not as expensive as the Pro Controller. But how about you, what controller do you use to play on the Nintendo Switch? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Nintendo facing major supply issues for Switch consoles as demand rises

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are stuck at home and need a way to not go stir crazy. Of course, entertaining yourself with movies and gaming is a good idea. But if you're thinking about buying a Nintendo Switch, you might not be able to get one now as the stocks are running low globally.

According to GamesIndustry, Nintendo Switch stocks are drying up and the incoming supply is low. Nintendo even informed its retail customers in Japan recently that only those with prior reservations will be getting units and that shipments have been delayed. This current shortage is attributed to rising demand for the console around the world, as well as supply disruption due to the pandemic.

Nintendo Switch prices spiking up in Malaysia

Why the disruption? As you are aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused factories to close down in China, which is where many of the parts for the Nintendo Switch are made. Fortunately, those factories have begun to open again, so the situation should improve in the coming weeks. However, the effect of the low supply is already evident here in Malaysia, with prices for Switch consoles going up as high as RM2600 (Animal Crossing edition). Certainly not a good time to be buying one.

Hopefully, all these supply disruptions won't cause prices of other consoles like the Microsoft Xbox Series X and Sony PS5 to reach ridiculous levels. Have you been trying to buy something in the last few weeks and realised that prices have gone up? Do let us know which product that is on our Facebook page. For more news, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Nintendo has now has a Switch factory in Malaysia that's owned by Sharp

As most of you heard, the Nintendo Switch sales skyrocketed in Malaysia due to the pandemic when Malaysians were looking for ways to have some fun at home. This resulted in a shortage of Switch consoles for a while but it is now back to normal as commented by Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa. Moreover, he also announced that Malaysia is now the latest addition to the supply chain alongside China and Vietnam.

According to Furukawa, Malaysia has always been part of the supply chain plan before the COVID-19 situation happened. With that, the company has added Sharp Corp. as one of their partners but the local factory was not named because the information is not available for the public. Sharp Corp. and Nintendo remained tight-lipped about the factory in Malaysia as well.

Despite not knowing the full details, Furukawa did also say that the factory is not running at full capacity yet, not until at the end of the year. The first batch would be out "soon" and we aren't sure if this means the local price would drop since the Switch is made in Malaysia now. Should consumers grab the Switch console again during the holiday season, it could end up shipping more than 10.8 million units.

The quarterly sales for each year, December is consistently the hottest season for the Switch console

Sources also noted that Foxconn Tech, the leading supplier for Nintendo was tasked on finding an alternative manufacturing site outside of China to avoid the trade war issue with former US President Trump. Malaysia ended up being chosen as Sharp had extra capacity to do so and there's that.

Personally, that's a good sign because having a new factory means more job roles for Malaysians in these trying times. It's also a win-win situation for Nintendo and the Malaysian gamers who can't get enough of Switch goodness as well. Stay safe and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Nintendo is back at it again with the Ring Fit Adventure for the Nintendo Switch

Nintendo has officially announced the Ring Fit Adventure fitness game, which comes bundled with the Ring-con and Leg Strap will launch on the 18 October 2019. The accessories allow the player to control the movement of their character by jogging, stretching and many more.

The player can progress through the world of Ring Fit Adventure by completing stages, battling monsters as well as bosses along the way. Speaking of battling monsters, Ring Fit Adventure utilizes a very unique fighting mechanic which requires the player to perform exercise moves such as squats, yoga poses, crunches to destroy their opponents.

Unfortunately, there is no official information in regards to the Malaysia release date as well as local pricing of the game. Would you be interested in getting the Ring Fit Adventure? Let us know on our Facebook page, and for more updates like this stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Nintendo launches new Switch (OLED Model), available starting from 8 October

A few minutes ago, Nintendo dropped a surprise announcement of the latest Switch (OLED Model) and had the fans went berserk. It turns out that the rumour is true about the new gaming console having an OLED display.

The popular Nintendo gaming console has now been upgraded with a larger 7-inch OLED screen. It also has enhanced audio and 64GB of internal storage. The console comes with a wider stand as well and it can be adjusted at different angles when in Tabletop mode. Furthermore, the new dock has a built-in wired LAN port now for you to connect online. Other than that, the star features of the Switch remain the same in this one.

The new Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) will be available starting from 8 October 2021. It will be priced at 349.99 USD (~RM1,454) for the American market. The colourway announced is only White for now but the company is likely to release special editions in the future.

Let us know what you think about the new Nintendo Switch model on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for the latest gaming news.


Nintendo may be working on a Switch successor after all

Back when Nintendo denied the possibility of a new Switch console in 2020, many fans were left disappointed. But it's interesting to note that Nintendo specifically said there won't be one this year, not that there won't be one at all. Now, a new rumour suggests that Nintendo is in fact in the early stages of development for what could be a Switch Pro.

According to RedGamingTech, a reliable source has said that been testing two sets of hardware that could be used as the successor to the Nintendo Switch. The first set was tested last year while the second set was tested earlier this year. Besides that, it's said that the hardware is going to be based on a later iteration of Nvidia hardware, possibly a Pascal-based chipset. Previous leaks also suggested that it may be a dual-screen model and could feature a chipset from Samsung and AMD.

Nintendo said no new Switch in 2020, but what about 2021?

However, it's quite evident that Nintendo has yet to finalise the hardware and complete testings for game compatibility. It's not even at the stage of a development kit, which explains why Nintendo won't be launching one within 2020. Nintendo is unlikely to be in a hurry to launch a new one either, as the Switch is the only portable console available now and has no real competitors.

Still, it's good to hear that Nintendo may be working on a successor after all. Hopefully, the company will unveil it as soon as next year. But having said that, would you like to see a Nintendo Switch Pro and what kind of features would you like to see? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave.com for future updates.


Nintendo may have raised production for Switch by 20% to counter shortage

If you recall, there was news yesterday of how Nintendo is facing a shortage for Switch consoles globally. While unconfirmed, there may be some good news for those who are looking to buy one. Sources have claimed that Nintendo had increased the production of Switch consoles in the past few weeks to address any shortages.

According to Dr Serkan Toto (via DigiTimes), CEO of Kantan Games, Nintendo increased the production of the Nintendo Switch by 20% in the last 2 weeks. The additional orders were given to Foxconn and Hosiden, which are based in Taiwan and Japan respectively. It is believed that the new stocks of Switch consoles will be available as early as the end of April 2020.

Prices for the Switch have skyrocketed, especially for special bundles like this

This is good news, as it should help alleviate concerns of rising prices. If you try to shop for one on Lazada or Shopee, you'll find that one unit currently cost more than RM2200. Even the launch model's average prices were not quite this bad, despite a similar shortage issue at the time.

Anyway, if you want a new Switch console then you should wait for prices to come back down. Of course, you might not need it by then if the movement control order (MCO) in Malaysia is lifted. For those who still plan to get one, what games would you be looking to play on the Nintendo Switch? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates on this.


Nintendo may release a new Switch console with dual-screens in the future

Image from Mike Choi, for illustration purposes only

Earlier this year, rumours of a new model of the Nintendo Switch surfaced. This rumoured Pro variant of the console was supposed to support 4K resolution, but Nintendo was quick to deny this a few days later. However, there's a new rumour that suggests a new Switch is still possible, just not the 4K Pro model from the previous rumour.

Two days ago, Nintendo updated the Switch's firmware, adding key remapping and allowing users to move games to the SD card. In the same day, a vulnerability researcher name Mike Heskin had found evidence of a secondary display in the new firmware. He also mentioned that there are 'preliminary support' for a new hardware model found in the firmware. In other words, the firmware itself has references to a possible new Nintendo Switch model.

Firmware 10.0.0 adds preliminary support for a new hardware model: "nx-abcd".3 of the 5 new DRAM profiles are for this new hardware type and there's evidence of a secondary display of sorts being added exclusively on this model. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

As you know, a dual-screen handheld console isn't anything new for Nintendo. After all, the DS series of consoles all had two screens. The question here is: Will this new model sport a clamshell design or have a single flat plane? In our opinion, the latter is less likely as it would make the console unnecessarily bulky.

The one thing we can know for sure is that this new model won't be available in 2020. Although Nintendo has been ramping up production of the Switch, the company is currently facing a global shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing disruptions and probably has no time to manufacture a new model. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa also said that there won't be a new Switch in 2020, so a 2021 release is the most we can hope for.

With that said, do you think the Switch needs a second screen or would you prefer more powerful hardware and higher resolution? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for updates on this.


ASUS announces the ZenScreen – a portable monitor for your devices

A solution that not many people have but is still important – especially for mobile warriors – is not having an additional display for your laptop. The new ASUS ZenScreen is their solution, being the world’s lightest portable monitor – tipping the scales at only 800 grams.

Not only it Is light, it is thin – at only 8mm thick, it is barely thicker than a standard magazine. ASUS did not mention the resolution or size of the display, but from images seen, it is just slightly larger than the 12 inch display on the ZenBook 3. It connects to devices via a hybrid USB port that supports both Type-A and Type-C connectors. It stays up via a foldable smart case, which can be folded to prop the screen in different orientations.

No dates on its availability, but it will be expected to cost around 269 Euros, or around RM 1200. Will this be a good pair to the recently launched ZenBook devices? Stay tuned to TechNave for more news and coverage.


Nintendo might be hiding another two sports from us for the upcoming Switch Sports

Nintendo had earlier announced Switch Sports for its current hot-selling console to continue to legacy of Wii Sports. The new instalment will bring tennis, bowling, chambara, soccer, volleyball, and badminton. Besides these, it has also confirmed that a future update will include golf. However, it looks like those are not all the sports that the players will get.

According to a data miner, who goes by Wipeoutjack7 on Twitter, Nintendo will add at least two more sports to the game. It's not said without proof as a screenshot of lines of code that reference Dodgeball and Basketball is included in the post as well. Not only that, another data miner, ToyConGarageVR, was also able to locate the file with the codes.

Another interesting thing found while datamining Switch Sports, the game references both "Basketball" and "Dodgeball" alongside the other playable sports. Could very well just be scrapped content, but mayyybe a potential future update? pic.twitter.com/mJb4SbaYM4

The source mentions the codes could come from Nintendo Switch Sports online's play test held in February. While suggesting future updates for the game, they might also be merely referencing the sports that got scrapped earlier in development. Therefore, let's not put too much hope into this.

True or not, the Nintendo Switch Sports, coming on 29 April, is a game that will definitely bring us down memory lane. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more gaming news.


Nintendo releases a new console – the Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System

This is definitely something that you want to look out when they launch at the end of the year. Nintendo just announced that they are launching a new line of home console, branded as the Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System.

The new console is a replica of the original Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES for short. The big difference is that the console does not accept any game cartridges – rather the games are installed in the console itself.

Out of the box, you will get a HDMI cable for high resolution displays, a USB power cable (but without the power adapter) and one Nintendo Classic Mini: NES controller. Along those items, you get 30 pre-installed games in the box for you to play. The games are:

The Nintendo Classic Mini: NES Controller can also be used to play Virtual Console NES games on a Wii U or Wii console. Just connect it to a Wii Remote controller and all of your information and savepoints will transfer over when you need them later.

It will be available by November for USD 59.99(~RM 236). We may see some enterprising people or shops bring in the console into Malaysia market, but we have to wait until the end of the year to see it happen.


Nintendo said the Switch OLED Joy-Con controllers are the best version (but still working on the 'drifting' issue)

Today is the day of the official Nintendo Switch OLED launch globally. In case you missed it, the official price is RM1699 and you can probably find some in our local gaming stores across the nation. In conjunction with the launch, Nintendo also released an interview with the Switch OLED developers on their thoughts of the new console variant.

During the long interview with Ko Shiota, the Head of the Technology Developer Division and Toru Yamashita from the same department, one of the features they mentioned was the Joy-Con controllers improvement. In case you didn't know, Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers tend to have a 'drifting' issue after a long time of usage. It's also arguably the most common issue among the gamers which they have been asking for a solution.

But according to Yamashita, the Technology Developer team have been continuing to make improvements albeit not as obvious. He also said that among the other features, the analogue stick parts have been improved since the original Switch launch and are still being worked upon. Once the team have seen the improvement effects, they would incorporate them into all the Joy-Con controllers including the Switch Lite and the Switch Pro Controller.

To add on, Shiota gave an example that the Joy-Con controller will eventually wear and tear like a car tire. Using the same concept, the analogue sticks which are constantly rotating around will wear out. It seems that Nintendo doesn't have a definitive solution to the issue so the only option they have now is to improve the durability, operability and reliability.

Besides the Joy-Con controllers, both developers also talked about why they have decided to use an OLED display now, alongside the memory storage, battery and others. If you would like to read the full interview, you can visit page 1 right here. You can also read our thought on the Nintendo Switch OLED comparison with the original and lite version here.

Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Nintendo to end support for account logins via Facebook and Twitter starting 25 October

Nintendo has announced that it will no longer be supporting account logins or creations via Facebook and Twitter starting from 25 October 2022. Instead, users can only log in via their Nintendo account username and password or through their Apple or Google account.

Announced by Nintendo on its official North American website, the Japanese company also notified users that if they were asked to sign in again once the new policy is implemented, they can simply enter the email address and username associated with their Nintendo account to sign in. Moreover, if users have previously linked their Google or Apple accounts to their Nintendo accounts, both accounts can still be used for login.

Accordingly, since logins via Facebook and Twitter are discontinued, Nintendo has also removed the ability to post images to either social media platforms through the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS beginning 25 October too. This was announced by the company via another support page on its official website, though Nintendo didn’t mention whether this will affect the Nintendo Switch too.

So, what do you guys think of this move by Nintendo? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news such as this!


Nintendo to release the Nintendo Switch 2 around March 2022

Based on a statement by techradar.com, it seems that the Nintendo Switch 2 is apparently in the works and it is expected to be launched somewhere around early 2022. But that’s not all, the report mentioned that the aforementioned console is expected to come with a 7-inch OLED display, as well as the ability to support 4K resolution output.

However, do take every bit of information with a grain of salt, due to the fact that Nintendo has yet to provide an official statement on the leak. Not only that, but there’s also no news on the Malaysia release date, local pricing, and exact tech specs for now.

With all that said, would you be interested in getting the Nintendo Switch 2 as soon as it is available in the local market? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Nintendo unveils a free new workout game called "Jump Rope Challenge"

Nintendo recently tweeted on their Twitter account, unveiling a new game called Jump Rope Challenge for free exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, the game is no supported on the Switch Lite due to the fact that the Lite variant does not have detachable Joy-Co controllers.

To go into more detail, the Jump Rope Challenge is basically a fitness game where you are required to emulate the motion of skipping rope in order to build up your score. But that’s not all, the game allows up to two players, which means you can jump rope with your friends.

Introducing #JumpRopeChallenge, a free simple game from Nintendo! Grab a pair of Joy-Con controllers and take an active break in your day by jumping rope! Available for download now on #NintendoSwitch!https://t.co/wa9gpMQYsx pic.twitter.com/YhnDAMiGD4

If you are interested in trying out the free game, head over to the Nintendo eShop to download the game. With all that said, what are your thoughts on Nintendo releasing a free workout game for the Nintendo Switch? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Nintendo will replace recently bought Switch for an updated unit with longer battery life for free

[UPDATE]: A Nintendo representatative has denied that the Nintendo Switch Exchange program has ever existed. However, in a statement to the Verge, the representative had also hinted that it may be possible to get your existing Nintendo Switch models replaced unofficially.

He mentioned, "We always want players to enjoy their Nintendo Switch systems, and if anything ever gets in the way of that, we encourage them to visit http://support.nintendo.com for support, or to contact our consumer support team.” A person claimed that they had gotten their Switch replaced without too much of a wait time (5 days) and Polygon had contacted Nintendo's customer service department which confirmed that they welcome exchange requests.

The updated Nintendo Switch has an extra 3 hours battery life than the original units. Besides that, there aren't any brand new features to the devices. If you're willing to shell out the cash for the shipping fees and don't mind the wait time, maybe you can try your luck! Will you be getting your current Nintendo Switches replaced? Keep up with the latest Nintendo news on TechNave.com!

Based on a statement by Nintendo US, customers who’ve recently bought a Nintendo Switch is eligible to exchange for an updated Nintendo Switch unit with the longer-lasting battery. Customers in the US and Canada will have until 17 July 2020, to exchange their units for the newer models.

The only drawback of the exchange, is that the customer would have to pay for shipping. With all that being said, Nintendo did not provide any statement as to whether this exchange programme would be available in Malaysia. What do you think of Nintendo’s decision to allow owners of the older Switch model to exchange for the updated unit? Let us know on our Facebook page, and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Nintendo will stop official repairs for Wii consoles soon

If you still own a Nintendo Wii console and play it regularly, best start taking better care of it. Nintendo has announced that beginning 31 March 2020 it wouldn't be servicing damaged units anymore, at least not in Japan. The short announcement from Nintendo Japan did not mention availability of repair services in other countries.

According to the official notice (in Japanese), the company is finding it hard to secure the parts used for repairs and plans to stop repairs because of that. It also mentions that once Nintendo runs out of parts for repair that have been stockpiled, the company will not be able to repair any Wii consoles anymore.

From the description, it sounds like Nintendo or the supplier is no longer manufacturing the parts needed. Considering that the console is more than 14-years-old by now, perhaps it was to be expected. Having said that, how many of you are still playing on the Nintendo Wii? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech news.


Nissan shows off Nismo cars smartwatch concept

Nissan is entering the smartwatch fray with their Nismo Watch, designed to complement users of their performance Nismo cars. While it isn't an actual product just yet, it is a concept complete with a mock-up which certainly sounds intriguing. The smartwatch connects to the smartphone via Bluetooth while the smartphone is connected to the car via a dashboard insert. It will then get driving information such as speed, fuel performance and other stats along with your heartrate and other biometrics so you can stay frosty while taking that hairpin turn at 120km per hour. So far, the designs seem to show that this smartphone will be an Apple iPhone, but it doesn't say for sure if it will be iOS exclusive. The design of the watch is futuristic to say the least, and rather than watch, looks more like a bracelet. It could be using a flexible display but since it doesn't show it actually bending or anything we'll wait for more information. Check out the video and interview regarding the Nissan Nismo Watch below:

Watch the Interview with the Nissan Nismo smartwatch designer


Nitro Deck offers superior controls and grip for Nintendo Switch consoles

If you're not a fan of the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con controllers, you probably use the Pro Controller. But sometimes, you just don't want to carry an extra controller around. What if there's another alternative to Joy-Cons? Well, say hi to the new Nitro Deck.

The Nitro Deck is a "professional handheld deck" for the standard Nintendo Switch and OLED Switch model. By docking your Switch console to the Nitro deck, you'll get a 2-in-1 controller and grip combo expected to perform better than the standard Joy-Con plus console setup. You'll end up with a thicker and bulkier body. But it should still be more convenient than carrying an extra controller.

Of course, the Nitro Deck's built-in has to be good to justify any purchase. According to CRKD, the controller uses Hall effect thumbsticks for zero stick drift. The Nitro Deck also has remappable back buttons, a direct USB-C connection for ultra-low latency between the console and controller, and swappable pads for the thumbsticks.

Currently, the Nitro Deck is only available in the US and Canada for USD 60 (~RM277). We probably won't get it here, but there are alternatives like the Split Pad series by Hori (no Hall Effect thumbsticks). So, do you have an accessory like this or plan to get one? Let us know in the comments on our Facebook page!


ASUS announces the launch of the brand new ZenBook Pro 15 starting from RM5999

Today ASUS has announced the launch of the new ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 with tech specs up to an 8th Generation Intel Core i9 processor, 16GB of RAM, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti as well as a 1TB SSD primary storage. In terms of pricing, the device will be available starting from RM5999 for the base model.

The ZenBook 15 has several notable features such as a touchpad which doubles as a 5.5-inch screen pad, unibody design in Deep Dive Blue with Rose Gold color scheme and a 15-inch 4K UHD PANTONE Validated display. The Screen Pad is compatible with several functions such as the Calculator, Music Play and Numkey just to name a few. There are also several other software that is interactable through the Screen Pad such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. However, ASUS does have plans to expand the list of software in the future.

Included with the ZenBook 15 is the plethora of I/O ports such as USB-C, HDMI port, Thunderbolt as well as dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity. The device is available at all authorised ASUS distributors across Malaysia. For more information about the ASUS ZenBook Pro 15, you can check out their official website and for more updates like these, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


No E3 2022 but the event might come back live in 2023

Hoping to check out a long-anticipated game at E3 2022? The event is usually when we get a whole bunch of demos or teasers, but it looks like it might not be happening this year. Sources have claimed that E3 2022 could be cancelled.

In an official statement, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has confirmed that even the digital E3 2022 showcase has been cancelled. While the ESA had opt-out of a live event due to health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic, it was believed that a digital event would be possible. But the association is now aiming to pool its energy and resources to make a comeback in 2023 with a live event.

It's too bad we won't be seeing a cool event this year. But we can still expect the game publishers and developers to showcase their new games in the coming months, so look out for them. Until then, stay tuned to TechNave for more game news.


No Huawei smartphones with HarmonyOS in 2020, says CEO

While there were some rumours that Huawei could launch smartphones with the HarmonyOS later this year, that no longer seems to be the case. Huawei's in-house operating system for smartphones has been in development for a few years, but it's probably still not ready yet.

According to Gizmochina, Richard Yu (CEO for Huawei Consumer Business Group) has officially confirmed that there was won't be a smartphone with Harmony OS yet. Specifically, he said that Huawei currently has no plans to release such a device this year. This could mean that the earliest such a device could appear would be next year. Of course, that's just our guess and there's no guarantee there would be one.

Huawei has been working hard with the Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), to ensure that it can continue operating within the Android space. HarmonyOS was always meant to be more for its other devices like smart TVs, with HarmonyOS-based smartphones more of a backup plan. It's unlikely that the company will rush to mass-produce such phones soon.

The next Huawei Developer Conference will be held on 10-12 September, so we'll find out more then. But with that said, do you think Huawei needs to have HarmonyOS-based phones or should it just work hard on improving HMS? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


No Nintendo Switch Pro this year, but there's a new Animal Crossing Themed Switch coming soon

Prior to the Chinese New Year festive season, there were some rumours about a new Nintendo Switch Pro that supports 4K resolution. Some were excited about the possibility, but some fans were also sceptical as the enhanced version was recently released back then. Now, it has been revealed that there won't be a Pro edition this year but rather, what we got could be even better - an Animal Crossing: New Horizons themed Switch!

This statement came from the man himself, Shuntaro Furukawa, Nintendo President, during the company's latest financial results conference, as he said that they will focus on the current Switch systems more including the enhanced and lite editions. And I quote,

"Regarding Nintendo Switch, we believe that it is important to continue to communicate the appeal of both Nintendo Switch systems and expand the installed base. Please note that we have no plans to launch a new Nintendo Switch model during 2020." he said.

That said, the upcoming Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be available on 13 March 2020. From the image, you can see the Joy-Cons features a mint green and sky blue skin which is very appealing. The Switch body remains black, but the dock also has three cute racoons (Nook Clan) on an island together (AWW).

The latest Animal Crossing: New Horizon game for the Switch will be released on 20 March 2020. Stay tuned for more gaming news at TechNave.com.


"No OPPO Find 9 in March 2017." said Qualcomm Official

According to a rumour last week, we reported that the OPPO Find 9 may actually get a new Snapdragon 835 chipset by Qualcomm. Exciting it may be, it's now safe to say that it won't be happening anymore, thanks to a Qualcomm employee in his Weibo account.

Under the name @Anunnaki on Weibo, he said the news regarding the Find 9 adopting the latest Snapdragon 835 chipset is false. There's little reason to doubt him since he works in Qualcomm and from time to time he leaks some information about his company's processors.

Besides that, he also hinted that the Find 9 might not even be a follow-up post on the micro-blogging platform, which hinted √9 = 3 and started this rumour. What he suggested, though, is that it could mean the Find 9 has been replaced by the OnePlus 3(T).

Oh well, no Find 9 for March 2017, but perhaps at a later date. Stay tuned for more news at Technave.com.


No OnePlus X successor in the plans, said OnePlus CEO

With the recent release of OnePlus 3, CEO Pete Lau has something to say about OnePlus X in the future, which is that the model lineup won't be getting a successor. But why the change of heart?

The reason stated being is that he wants the company to focus on simplicity and "one true flagship" from now onwards to "strengthen its foundation". Granted, OnePlus X didn't do so badly nor it was reviewed poorly but rather OnePlus is choosing the flagship as the company's brand choice. Meaning that the company will be focusing on the high-end market instead of the low-end price war.

In other news, he also remarked on "he’ll continue to invest in after-sale services and offer more lifestyle products to further promote his brand". Furthermore, the company has no plans to open any physical stores in China, as he believes that “this will all make sense in 20 years’ time". “Some vendors say the online model is stalling so they badmouth it, but I see that as an opportunity. You just have to remain persistent.” said Lau.

So are you sad or okay with the discontinuation of the X lineup? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more news at Technave.com!


No Snapdragon 870 version of realme GT 5G, but price of phone estimated to be around RM2999

It seems that we don't even need to wait for a launch to know everything about the realme GT 5G. Frequent leaks have seen most of the phone's specs unveiled in recent weeks. But speculations of the price have also started to appear.

In a series of new Weibo post, realme CEO Xu Qi showed more of the realme GT 5G's specs. He also confirmed that there won't be a separate variant with the Snapdragon 870. Interestingly enough, he also hinted that the price of the phone will be based on the realme X50 Pro. For your info, that phone was launched in Malaysia last year for RM2999.

The realme GT 5G is set to launch on 4 March 2021, but we already know most of its specs. It's expected to come with the Snapdragon 888 chipset, 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and at least 256GB of UFS3.1 storage. Despite all the hardware packed inside, it's still quite thin at 8.6mm and not too heavy at 186g.

If you consider the design and hardware specs for the realme GT 5G, a sub-RM3000 price is not too bad. Having said that, would you be interested in buying this once it launches in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to TechNave for more updates about it.