The 15 best games to play on the Nintendo Switch in 2025 | Games
The 15 best games to play on the Nintendo Switch in 2025 | Games
When we think of Nintendo we picture serene and cosy cartoon adventures filled with cute creatures and lovable Italian stereotypes. But while there is plenty of Mario on the Switch, the console offers a diverse range of delights for newcomers and longtime gaming veterans. Here are the 15 essentials.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
A virtual paradise … Animal Crossing: New Horizons screenshot. Photograph: Nintendo
The cosy life sim returned with new characters, chill activities, and endless knick-knacks with which to decorate your own virtual paradise. Create a dream island and then invite friends over for tea.
Why we love it: “Animal Crossing is everything I have been craving: it is gentle, soothing, social and creative.” Read the full review.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Engrossing … Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Photograph: Nintendo
Lead your feisty war-students on to the battlefield in this engrossing, complex and endearingly melodramatic tactical role-playing adventure from Intelligent Systems.
Why we love it: “By turns grandiose and silly, but always engrossing, this bubbling school soap opera is a game to spend a summer with.” Read the full review.
Hades
Rogue-like dungeon crawler … Hades. Photograph: Supergiant Games
An award-winning rogue-like dungeon crawler in which your many attempts to slay all the monsters in the underworld are wonderfully interrupted by suggestive conversations with horny gods.
Why we love it: “Interesting things happen all the time, in conversations and chance encounters as well as in battles, and no matter how long I spend with Hades I feel like I am only just getting acquainted with it.” Read the full review.
Hollow Knight
Atmospheric … Hollow Knight. Photograph: Team Cherry
An eerie, atmospheric blend of platforming, tense fighting and exploration, set in an obtuse subterranean world of prowling beasties and expressionistic vistas. Dark Souls meets Metroid – but full of insects.
Why we love it: “A game that worms its way into your subconscious – the excellent sound design and animation are noteworthy, too.”
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Zingy appeal … Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Photograph: Nintendo
Nintendo’s beloved pink blob has a 3D adventure in the cutest ever postapocalyptic world. Weird new abilities and a decent co-op mode add to the zingy appeal.
Why we love it: “Has surprisingly cinematic flair, and many of the levels are broken up by impressively slick cutscenes. A rip-roaring orchestral soundtrack also helps elevate this adorable hero’s outing.” Read the full review.
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Utterly ingenious … Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Photograph: Nintendo
Link returns to a drastically reimagined Hyrule in order to save Zelda from naughty tyrant Ganon. An utterly ingenious take on the open-world adventure, crammed with charming ideas. Its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, is also a brilliant follow-up.
Why we love it: “A game that marries the best bits of the franchise’s long history with the best bits of the rest of the gaming world, and produces something even greater than the sum of its parts.” Read the full review.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Brilliant … Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Photograph: Nintendo
The greatest cartoon racing game in history, lusciously updated to include 48 circuits and a vast array of drivers. The brilliant multiplayer makes it a mandatory purchase for Switch owners.
Why we love it: “Mario Kart is a vehicle for fun with all your friends and family, no matter their individual skill, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best, most versatile version of that yet.” Read the full review.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Truly explorable … Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Photograph: Nintendo
A complete reinvention of the classic Pokémon adventure, with a more challenging capture system and a truly explorable open-world environment. One for Pokémon veterans who are tired of the same old formula – newcomers should go for Pokémon Sword and Shield instead.
Why we love it: “This ambitious reboot sets Pokémon on an exciting new trajectory, finally recapturing a lost sense of adventure … That gleeful sense of excitement is back.” Read the full review.
Sea of Stars
Epic … Sea of Stars. Photograph: Sabotage Studio
A gorgeous, heartfelt tribute to the classic Japanese role-playing games of the 1990s, with a typically epic story of magic and adventure, and tense turn-based battles.
Why we love it: “Attention to detail is what makes the game such a fabulous way to while away evenings … Sea of Stars is no shallow mirror of RPGs past. Its depth and sparkle make it a modern classic in its own right.” Read the full review.
Splatoon 3
Multiplayer mayhem … Splatoon 3. Photograph: Nintendo
Another round of paint-splattered multiplayer mayhem for people who like the idea of online shooters but can’t deal with the guns, gore and glorification of military hardware.
Why we love it: “Splatoon 3 doesn’t offer something different, it offers more: more fashions, more modes, more ways to spend time in its messy, chaotic universe, alone or together. It is delightful to be back.” Read the full review.
Stardew Valley
The cosiest of cosy games … Stardew Valley. Photograph: ConcernedApe
A beautiful homage to the Harvest Moon series, in which you farm, explore and socialise to your heart’s content. The cosiest of cosy games.
Why we love it: “Part farming sim, part role-playing adventure, Stardew Valley was the surprise indie hit of the year, offering charm, wit and a beautiful little world.”
Super Mario Odyssey
Utterly delightful … Super Mario Odyssey. Photograph: Nintendo
When predatory Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach yet again, Mario takes his sentient hat across the galaxy, from deserts to the big city, to track her down – with utterly delightful results.
Why we love it: “A truly joyful, fizzily creative game that revels in the pleasures of movement and surreal humour.” Read the full review.
Super Mario Bros Wonder
A modern family classic … Super Mario Bros Wonder. Photograph: Nintendo
Mario returns to his side-scrolling roots in this 2023 adventure which is rich, not only in nostalgia, but in inventive and vaguely hallucinogenic new ideas. A modern family classic.
Why we love it: “This is a wonderful introduction to the fizzy creativity and attention to detail that has made Mario a family staple for nearly 40 years.” Read the full review.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate
Unconventional brawler … Super Smash Bros Ultimate. Photograph: Patrick Lum/Nintendo
Nintendo’s unconventional multiplayer brawler returns with a diverse cast of pugilists from Pac-Man to Solid Snake. A staple competitive game that has been at the centre of countless housemate rivalries.
Why we love it: “A palpable love of video games infuses everything, and references to their colourful history are omnipresent, from iconic and world-famous series to esoteric games that you thought nobody else even remembered.” Read the full review.
Tetris 99
Legendary … Tetris 99. Photograph: Nintendo
The legendary falling-block puzzler somehow returns as a battle royale multiplayer face-off – and once you get over how weird that is, you find you can’t stop playing.
Why we love it: “I’m pathetically unable to stop playing it – twice, while writing these words, I had to stop and play another round. Like all battle royale games, your every sweet taste of almost-success makes you hungry for more.” Read more here.
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Why are the Tate brothers heading to the US?
Why are the Tate brothers heading to the US?
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Controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan are travelling to the US after leaving Romania, where they face charges of *****, trafficking minors and money laundering, all of which they deny.
Questions remain about why they were allowed to travel and what happens next with their legal cases.
Who are the Tate brothers Andrew and Tristan?
Andrew Tate, 38, and his brother Tristan, 36, are dual US-*** citizens who claim to have made millions from their social media empire.
Their online output was controversial even before their legal troubles, with the pair attracting frequent criticism over offensive statements about women.
Police in the *** have linked Andrew Tate to the “quite terrifying” radicalisation of boys and young men in a 2024 report into violence against women and girls.
The brothers were first arrested in Romania in 2022. They are facing separate, unrelated charges of ***** and human trafficking in the ***. Both brothers also deny the charges against them in the ***.
Why are the Tate brothers travelling to the US?
The brothers had been under a travel ban in Romania for more than two years while they were under investigation.
Speculation that they would leave Romania had been mounting ahead of their journey, after the pair went quiet on social media.
They left from a Bucharest airport at around 03:00 local time (05:00 GMT) on a private jet bound for Florida, sources have told the BBC.
Prosecutors said the travel ban had been lifted, and the pair’s US passports had been returned to them, but investigations into their alleged crimes have not been dropped.
The Tates have a large US following and are popular figures on the American right.
Earlier in February, some of Andrew Tate’s alleged victims said they were “extremely concerned” by reports that US officials had asked for his travel restrictions to be relaxed.
It came after US special envoy Richard Grenell raised the Tate brothers with Romania’s Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu at the Munich Security Conference.
Hurezeanu said he had not considered Grenell’s approach as a “form of pressure”. Grenell told the Financial Times his support for the brothers was evident.
The Tates have been a vocal supporters of US President Donald Trump, while his close adviser, Elon Musk, restored Andrew Tate’s account on X after he bought the social media platform in 2022.
What have the Tates and the Trump administration said about the journey?
Andrew and Tristan Tate have not yet commented on their trip to the US, and neither has the Trump administration.
Will they have to return to Romania to face trial?
The cases against the Tate brothers in Romania are now being rewritten by prosecutors, who allowed them to leave the country on the condition that they return – possibly as early as the end of March.
The pair’s request to leave the country was accepted, prosecutors said, but their request for the charges against them to be dropped was rejected.
The brothers face a number of civic and criminal legal cases.
The pair were charged with human trafficking and ***** along with two Romanian female suspects in June 2023. They deny the charges.
They face separate, unrelated charges of ***** and human trafficking in the ***. Last year, a Romanian court ruled they could be extradited to the *** after their case in Romania concludes.
Separately, lawyers for four women who claim they were assaulted by the Tates said they were bringing a civil case against him at the High Court in the *** for “damages for injuries they suffered as a result”.
A representative for the Tate brothers said in response that they “unequivocally deny all allegations”.
A separate civil case in the ***, which the brothers are contesting, accuses the brothers and a third individual of being serial tax evaders.
What have Tate’s alleged victims said?
Four women who allege they were ********* abused by Andrew Tate have said they are in “disbelief and feel re-traumatised” by news of him leaving Romania.
In a joint statement, the four said: “It is clear that he will now not face criminal prosecution for his alleged crimes in Romania; he will use it as an opportunity to harass further and intimidate witnesses and his accusers, and he will continue to spread his violent, misogynistic doctrine around the world.”
They also urged British authorities to “finally take action, do something about this terrifying unfolding situation and ensure he faces justice in the ***”.
Matthew Jury, a lawyer representing the four alleged victims, told the BBC the Trump administration was “interfering in due process” in Romania and the ***.
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What is Stable Diffusion: everything you need to know about the AI image generator
What is Stable Diffusion: everything you need to know about the AI image generator
Stable Diffusion is a text-to-image model which uses the power of generative AI to create realistic visuals from natural language prompts.
Available through web apps, it’s an intuitive way to turn your written ideas into compelling images. The latest version is more capable than ever, with support for a range of powerful editing tools.
In fact, Stable Diffusion is one of our favorite AI image generators. Read on to find out why – and how you can use it.
This article was correct as of February 2025. AI tools are updated regularly and it is possible that some features have changed since this article was written. Some features may also only be available in certain countries.
(Image credit: Stability AI Stable Diffusion screenshot)
What is Stable Diffusion?
Launched in 2022, Stable Diffusion is a generative AI model developed by Stability AI. Trained on a huge dataset of images, it can turn text prompts into detailed, photorealistic visuals. Like many of the best AI image generators, it’s designed to make it easy for any user to create visuals in a range of styles.
Stability AI announced Stable Diffusion 3 in February 2024. Several versions of the model now exist, including the flagship Stable Image Ultra, which is built on Stable Diffusion 3.5 Large. It’s capable of processing complex prompts and producing higher quality images.
The model itself is an open-source Python codebase which requires complex configuration. The easiest way for most users to access it is through one of two web-based apps developed by Stability AI.
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What can you use Stable Diffusion for?
Stable Diffusion’s core ability is creating images from text prompts. All you have to do is provide it with a written description of the image you’d like to generate. You can also specify the style, either by writing it as part of the prompt or, if you’re using DreamStudio, selecting it from the list of presets.
The generative AI model can be used to produce everything from digital illustrations to concept art to photorealistic product shots. You can also upload images to create variations, while the latest version of the model allows you to animate stills with Stable Video.
If you use the model through Stable Assistant, you also get access to a range of AI-powered image editing tools. These range from background removal and a magic eraser to a feature that lets you generate images based on a sketch or with the same style or structure as another.
What can’t you use Stable Diffusion for?
If accessed offline, Stable Diffusion can be used without content restrictions. However, if you interact with the model via one of Stability AI’s web apps, you’re subject to Stability AI’s terms of service. That includes not using the tool to violate intellectual property rights or to generate offensive content.
Even in its latest version, the model is also subject to some of the flaws that affect all AI image generators. It can sometimes create subjects with distorted features or unwanted artefacts. It’s not guaranteed to follow highly detailed prompts to the letter, either, while output resolutions are limited to 2048×2048.
How much does Stable Diffusion cost?
The cost of Stable Diffusion depends on how you access it. The model itself is open-source, meaning you can use it for free if you know how to install and run the codebase. Your computer will need the necessary hardware, including a decent GPU.
If you want an easier way to access the tool, you’re best using one of the web-based apps. DreamStudio is initially available for free, with new users receiving 100 credits – enough to generate 500 images on default settings. After you’ve used these, you can purchase credits at $25 (around £20 / AU$39) for 1,000.
For Stable Assistant, you can trial the chatbot free for three days. After that, the following plans are available:
Standard Monthly credits: 900 Monthly price: $9 (around £7 / AU$14) Annual price: $90 (around £70 / AU$140)
Pro Monthly credits: 1,900 Monthly price: $19 (around £15 / AU$30) Annual price: $190 (around £150 / AU$300)
Plus Monthly credits: 5,500 Monthly price: $49 (around £39 / AU$78) Annual price: $490 (around £390 / AU$780)
Premium Monthly credits: 12,000 Monthly price: $99 (around £79 / AU$157) Annual price: $990 (around £790 / AU$1570)
Where can you use Stable Diffusion?
There are a few ways to access Stable Diffusion. The easiest is through DreamStudio, a straightforward web app with an intuitive interface that’s similar to other AI image generators. You can enter image and text prompts, select styles and adjust parameters such as image count, all from within a simple toolbar.
You can also access Stable Image Ultra, the most powerful version of the Stable Diffusion model, through Stable Assistant. This is a web-based generative tool with a chatbot interface similar to ChatGPT. It incorporates a range of editing features, including background removal, upscaling, recovering and even a basic image to video tool.
Advanced users with an understanding of Python can download and set up a pre-trained Stable Diffusion model to run locally.
(Image credit: Stability AI)
Is Stable Diffusion any good?
In our hands-on review of DreamStudio, we praised its simple interface and reliable image quality. We also appreciated that it’s subscription-free and felt that credits represented good value. We did note that it lacks the in-depth editing tools of more recent AI image generators, but also praised the high quality of its output. We found its library of preset styles useful and varied, too.
We haven’t yet tested Stable Assistant in great depth. Leveraging the latest version of the Stable Diffusion model, it promises to improve on DreamStudio with the introduction of powerful editing features. Its chatbot interface should be familiar to users of ChatGPT and Gemini.
Use Stable Diffusion if…
You want an intuitive AI image generator
Use Stable Diffusion through one of Stability AI’s web apps and you’ll find that they make it easy to generate high-quality images from text prompts. Toolbar or chatbot, their interfaces are intuitive for beginners.
You want to run a free image generator offline
Stable Diffusion is open source. If you have the hardware and necessary Python knowledge, you can download and run an offline version of the model for free, without any restrictions.
Don’t use Stable Diffusion if…
You want a free online image generator
Stability AI’s web apps can briefly be used for free, but you’ll need to buy credits (DreamStudio) or pay for a subscription (Stable Assistant) to continue generating images after this.
You need an off-the-shelf professional tool
Stable Assistant is a capable image generator with powerful editing tools, but professional users might not find its chat interface appealing, versus commercially available web apps such as Adobe Firefly.
Also consider
Leonardo.Ai is a feature-packed text-to-image generator available through a web app. It has a number of pro-friendly tools, including access to a library of preset style models and the ability to train models on brand assets.
Adobe Firefly is a generative model integrated into Creative Cloud. Its web app can be used to create images from prompts in a range of styles. Because it’s trained on licensed stock, it’s the most commercially robust AI image generator.
You might also like…
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Health chiefs warn of potential second norovirus wave
Health chiefs warn of potential second norovirus wave
People who have already had norovirus, the winter vomiting bug, could be at risk of catching it again this season, experts from the the ***’s Health Security Agency say.
Data shows a different strain of the virus is on the rise and having had one strain doesn’t necessarily protect you from catching another, they advise.
Norovirus can be particularly severe for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
Cases are currently still “exceptionally high” with numbers at more than double the five-season-average for this time of year, latest figure show.
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said the biggest impact was being seen in hospitals and care homes.
“With multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season,” she added.
Cases have been higher than expected partly because of the emergence of a recent strain of the virus called GII.17, but also because of improved ways of testing for the virus.
Data now shows that a different, but more commonly seen strain, is on the rise.
This means people who have already had the bug could catch it again as having one version of the virus does not fully protect you against the other.
There is no suggestion that either strain leads to more severe illness than expected, however.
Norovirus cases usually starts to decline as the weather warms up, but the UKHSA says it is too soon to work out whether cases have peaked.
The total remains close to its record high, with an average of 1,134 patients a day in hospital with norovirus last week – down slightly on the previous week (1,160), but still nearly two and a half times that seen in the same ******* last year.
If you think you may have norovirus, experts advise:
Stay at home and do not return to work or school until two days after the vomiting and diarrhoea has stoppedDrink plenty of fluidsWash your hands regularly with soap and water
Many household disinfectants do not work well against the virus. Nor do alcohol hand gels.
If you are concerned – for example if a young child is not able to keep fluids down or the illness does not stop after a few days – make sure you seek medical advice
Do not visit hospitals and care homes or prepare food for others, until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
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Tomb Raider IV VI Remastered Review Who Turned Out The Lights? Nerdy Bird Games
Tomb Raider IV VI Remastered Review Who Turned Out The Lights? Nerdy Bird Games
Tomb Raider IV-VI developed by Aspyr is available now on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Series S/X, PC and Nintendo Switch. Tomb Raider is back again, but does it hold up to the previous remasters?
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Lemokey L5 HE 8K review: a gaming keyboard with all the analog tweaks you could want – but it doesn’t perform as well as its rivals
Lemokey L5 HE 8K review: a gaming keyboard with all the analog tweaks you could want – but it doesn’t perform as well as its rivals
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Lemokey L5 HE 8K: Two-minute review
The Lemokey L5 HE 8K is a gaming keyboard with Hall effect analog switches and an 8K polling rate – two factors designed to whet the appetites of serious players. The austere design isn’t complimented well by the dated design of the translucent outer keys, coming across a tad desperate in its attempt to appeal to games.
With that monolithic appearance comes a seriously heavy chassis, thanks to the aluminum construction. Some may prefer the extra stability this heft provides, but it’s certainly not as easy to move around as some of its rivals.
Perhaps because of this weight, the L5 HE 8K has no fold-out feet. I thought this would cause ergonomic issues, but thankfully the body isn’t too thick, and the keys are slightly tilted forward too, which makes typing and WASD positions more comfortable, even without a wrist rest – which is just as well, since it doesn’t come with one.
Rather than the standalone software that many of the best gaming keyboards come with, Lemokey has a web app for customizing the L5 HE 8K. This runs well for the most part, although I did experience a few UI issues, some of which required a refresh. Some might not like the idea of having to run a peripheral tool in a browser, either.
Once it’s working, though, it provides plenty of tweaking options, especially for the analog functionality, allowing you to make full use of those Hall effect switches. In addition to Rapid Trigger, single-key multi-input and snap action features, there’s also controller emulation, allowing you to replicate the analog behavior of triggers and joysticks.
In practice, this works well – to an extent: the precision offered by the analog keys is no match for that of an actual controller. The movements aren’t smooth enough, and I found that presses didn’t offer enough resistance to provide adequate control. This is true of analog performance more generally, as the Hall effect switches in the L5 HE 8K just aren’t as smooth or as precise as some of the best analog keyboards out there.
In other performance-related areas, though, the L5 HE 8K does better. The keys rebound quickly, allowing for rapid movements, and I found the concave nature of the key layout comfortable – two aspects that help with both gaming and typing. I wasn’t fond of the back-tilt of the space bar, though, as it resulted in hits on its edge rather than its top.
The L5 HE 8K is undeniably expensive, eclipsing many of its rivals. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, for instance, is slightly cheaper, and while it lacks quite the same number of analog adjustments, it makes up for it with its superlative performance and build quality.
(Image credit: Future)
Lemokey L5 HE 8K review: price and availability
$220 (about £175 / AU$346)
Available now for backers
Same price as the best analog keyboards
The L5 HE 8K will cost $220 (about £175 / AU$346) and is set for general release some time between April and May this year. However, it’s available now for Kickstarter backers at the discounted price of $199. It comes with a braided USB-C-to-C cable (with a USB-A adapter included), a keycap puller, spare screws and rubber fixings, and screwdrivers.
This makes it about the same price as the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3, already a pricey keyboard. However, it’s about the best analog keyboard I’ve experienced when it comes to performance. There’s also a wireless variant which is naturally more expensive, but the difference isn’t huge. It does miss out on a few analog tweaks that the Apex Pro Gen 3 has, though, such as controller emulation, and lacks the same 8K polling rate.
If you want a more budget-friendly alternative in the analog sector, the Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro isn’t a tempting proposition. Like the L5 HE 8K, it too offers gamepad emulation, although this isn’t as refined as I would’ve liked; Lemokey’s implementation is slightly better.
Value: 2.5 / 5
Lemokey L5 HE 8K review: specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Layout
75%
Switch
Analog (Hall effect magnetic)
Programmable keys
Yes
Dimensions
13 x 5.9 inches / 329 x 150mm
RGB or backlighting
Yes (customizable)
(Image credit: Future)
Lemokey L5 HE 8K review: design and features
Dated looks
Very heavy
Web app for customization
The L5 HE 8K is reasonably understated, although some of the outer keys adopt a translucent design with some kind of tech-based sigil, which looks outdated and gives the sense that Lemokey is pandering to a gamer stereotype. Thankfully, this look is kept to a minimum.
The sharp angles of the body add to its industrial aesthetic too. It’s also very heavy, thanks to the aluminium body, which at least makes it durable and very sturdy, although some will find this level of heft unnecessary.
It’s also reasonably thick, but not as substantial as some other gaming keyboards. It lacks feet and wrist support, but thanks to the slight forward tilt of the keys, I could still get a comfortable hand position.
The included cable is braided, but doesn’t feel particularly premium, and it’s not as long as some others, which may be a problem for desktop users depending on their setup. At least the USB-C port is angled upwards, which is a small but convenient design feature, as it makes it easy to locate and use.
The L5 HE 8K can be customized using Lemokey’s web app, which opens in a browser. As you would expect for a keyboard with Hall effect switches, there are various adjustments for the analog functionality. You can set the actuation distance between 0.10mm and 3.35mm, selectable via a slider offering increments of one hundredth of a millimeter.
You can also toggle Rapid Trigger mode, again via a slider offering the same increments, although the range dynamically changes depending on your actuation distance settings. What’s more, you can also split the trigger and reset distances, allowing you to adjust their sensitivity independently, which not every analog rival to the L5 HE 8K offers.
(Image credit: Future)
One of the best aspects of these adjustments – and one few analog keyboard software offer – is the visual indicator, which lets you see exactly where in the switch the actuation point you set is. It also shows the distance of your presses in real time, again to one hundredth of a millimeter, which is very useful for dialling in your preferred settings.
There’s also a bar that moves in tandem with your presses, and changes color to indicate when the key reaches the actuation point. This also allows you to see how your Rapid Trigger settings play out too, although unfortunately there’s no real-time millimeter readout for this.
Other analog adjustments include configuring up to four inputs for a single key, triggered depending on how far you press, and setting the Snap Action, with two options to choose from: Snap Click and Last Key Priority. These, along with controller emulation, amount to a large number of tweaks – more than many other analog keyboards offer.
The web app also offers common customization options too, such as key remapping (with plenty of system shortcuts available), macro creation, three profile slots and RGB lighting tweaks.
The web app isn’t without its issues, though. No doubt there’ll be some gamers who’d prefer a standalone app rather than having to open a browser tab. Also, there were occasions where certain settings failed to work as intended, with minor freezes and lock-ups, and certain text and UI elements failed to render properly. Thankfully, many of these were easy to remedy, and for the most part the web app runs well enough without causing too much frustration or major issues.
Design & features: 3 / 5
Lemokey L5 HE 8K review: performance
Clicky and responsive switches
So many analog adjustments
Not the smoothest action
When gaming, the L5 HE 8K performs reasonably well. The 8K polling rate is sure to peak serious gamers’ interests, as it claims to provide next to no latency, and is a common spec found on the best gaming mouse contenders.
However, I struggled to notice much of an improvement over other gaming keyboards with lower polling rates, but hardcore gamers may well do. But unless you’re on the esport circuit, you’ll likely not require this polling rate boost in a keyboard.
The Hall effect switches are clicky with minimal dampening, which may deter certain gamers and please others. While I generally prefer a more cushioned press, I found them satisfying to use for the most part, if not as smooth as other magnetic switches I’ve experienced. There’s a small amount of resistance to presses – just enough to make hitting predefined actuation points relatively easy – but they rebound very quickly, which was something I liked as it allowed for faster taps.
The gamepad emulation works reasonably well, although the analog gradation isn’t as precise as the best PC controllers; it can be a little jerky at times, no matter how you alter the curve profile. Also, the switches could do with more resistance to provide better feedback and in turn make it easier to control in-game movements, especially those of vehicles.
Typing with the L5 HE 8K is pleasant enough, and it performs better on this front than some other gaming keyboards I’ve used. The concave nature of the key layout is more amenable to typing than I expected, even without wrist support, and that springy rebound helps with speed. It isn’t the quietest around, though, with the space bar being especially noisy.
Speaking of the space bar, its elevated seating and backwards tilt (along with all bottom row keys) meant I regularly hit its edge with my thumb rather than the top, which is less satisfying and more awkward. Some may prefer this positioning, but others will fall into the same camp as me.
Performance: 3.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Lemokey L5 HE 8K?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Lemokey L5 HE 8K Scorecard
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Value
The L5 HE 8K competes with the biggest names around at this price, and while it offers more customization options and an 8K polling rate, it doesn’t necessarily offer better performance.
2.5 / 5
Design and features
It’s very heavy and the gamer-style markings on some keys aren’t particularly tasteful. The web app offers plenty of analog tweaks, but it only runs in browsers.
3 / 5
Performance
The clicky switches might not suit everyone, but they perform well, and the analog functionality is good, if not the smoothest around.
3.5 / 5
Overall
The L5 HE 8K sets out to offer premium gaming performance, thanks to its 8K polling rate and Hall effect switches. While there’s plenty of analog functionality, it isn’t the smoothest in action, and at this price, there are better performers.
3 / 5
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Lemokey L5 HE 8K: Also consider
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Header Cell – Column 0
Lemokey L5 HE 8K
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3
Turtle Beach Vulcan 2 TKL Pro
Layout
75%
TKL
TKL
Switch
Analog (Hall effect magnetic)
Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)
Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)
Programmable keys
Yes
Yes
Yes
Dimensions
13 x 5.9 inches / 329 x 150mm
14 x 5 x 1.7 inches / 355 x 129 x 42mm
14.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches (approx.) / 368.3 x 139.7 x 38.1mm
RGB or backlighting
Yes (customizable)
Yes (customizable)
Yes (customizable)
How I tested the Lemokey L5 HE 8K
Tested for several days
Used for gaming and productivity
Plentiful keyboard reviewing experience
I tested the Lemokey L5 HE 8K for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.
I used it to play Counter-Strike 2, a great test for peripherals as it demands quick and precise movements, and helps to expose any issues with lag that they may suffer from.
I have reviewed many keyboards before, and have been PC gaming for over a decade. I have owned and used a great deal of keyboards in that time, spanning various brands, switch types, and price points.
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Ahpra clears Key Largo Medical Centre doctors of negligence in Sandipan Dhar case
Ahpra clears Key Largo Medical Centre doctors of negligence in Sandipan Dhar case
Three doctors who saw toddler Sandipan Dhar in the weeks before his death have been cleared of wrongdoing by the medical watchdog.
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How to catch a giant squid in Monster Hunter Wilds
How to catch a giant squid in Monster Hunter Wilds
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February 27, 2025
One of the trophies in Monster Hunter Wilds is the Monster (Squid) Hunter, a bronze trophy that requires the player to fish a giant squid.
As the task is relatively complex and involves multiple steps, we have prepared this guide so that you don’t face difficulties with it.
How to obtain the trophy Monster (Squid) Hunter
The first step to fishing a giant squid is to complete the fishing side quests. They can be obtained from the NPC Kanya at the Scarlet Forest region camp. You will need to complete the following missions:
Fishing: A Microcosm of Life
Seeking the Goldenfish
Fishing for Favor
The Catch of a Lifetime
After completing the side quests mentioned above, she will give you a quest called Razzle Dazzle.
It is important to obtain this quest because along with the request she will give you the Tentacle Jig. This jigle is ideal for “capturing aquatic creatures that have tentacles”. Be sure to equip the Pathfinder Jewel in your equipment to increase your chances of fishing. And, most importantly, the Giant Squid or rather, the Goliath Squid, only appears at NIGHT at Area 17: Great Lake Shore.
During my tests, the Goliath Squid appeared in different weather conditions but it’s best to rest in the nearby tent and set it to Plenty to increase the spawn chances.
Goliath Squids are very fast and will frequently move left and right to try and break your fishing line. ALWAYS follow its movements and only pull when it stops moving.
Did you managed to fish a Goliath Squid? Tell us in the comments and join the discussion in our forum!
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Startup PsiQuantum says it is making millions of quantum computing chips
Startup PsiQuantum says it is making millions of quantum computing chips
By Max A. Cherney and Stephen Nellis
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – PsiQuantum said on Wednesday it had cracked one of the crucial challenges in quantum computing: a method to manufacture quantum chips at the volumes needed to build commercially viable machines.
Quantum technology has the potential to perform types of calculations that would stump even the most powerful artificial intelligence systems that use Nvidia chips and could unlock a host of scientific and commercial applications, including cybersecurity. The technology may help in drug discovery and in materials research.
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But mass manufacturing of quantum computing chips has been a difficult problem to solve. Seeking a solution, PsiQuantum’s founders decided almost 20 years ago to pursue an approach that could be made using photonics, the same semiconductor manufacturing technology widely used in the communications industry.
The company spent ensuing years working closely with chip factories to engineer its chipset, called Omega, which is now ready for production, PsiQuantum Chief Executive Jeremy O’Brien told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday.
“This isn’t a breakthrough, this is actually something that has gone out of the research lab, and that is the highest level of maturity that you can achieve,” O’Brien said, referring to bringing a quantum chip to mass production.
The company has partnered with GlobalFoundries to fabricate the chips at the latter’s Albany, New York, factory.
PsiQuantum’s method uses chip industry-standard foot-wide wafers on GlobalFoundries’ 45-nanometer process and has achieved manufacturing yields that match standard semiconductors, according to PsiQuantum’s Chief Scientific Officer Pete Shadboldt.
“We’re right now making millions of them in GlobalFoundries,” Shadboldt said.
PsiQuantum published findings related to the mass-manufacture of its Omega quantum chips in the scientific journal Nature on Wednesday.
The Palo Alto, California-based company’s quantum computing technology manipulates particles of light, or photons, to perform the quantum calculations. The light-based approach has several advantages, such as deploying significantly less complex mechanisms needed to cool its quantum devices, according to O’Brien and Shadboldt.
O’Brien told Reuters in 2023 the company planned to target a commercial quantum computer within six years. He said on Tuesday in the interview the company expects to complete a facility with the ability to perform commercial applications by roughly 2027.
Last week, Microsoft showcased a quantum chip that took a different approach but said that it shows such computers are “years not decades” away. And after a significant breakthrough that Alphabet Inc’s Google announced in December, the search company said earlier this month commercial applications could arrive within five years.
PsiQuantum said in 2023 it had a valuation of $3.15 billion.
(Max A. Cherney and Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
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MH Wilds Devs Explain Why They Are Not Interested in Remakes, Discuss Friendly Fire Changes
MH Wilds Devs Explain Why They Are Not Interested in Remakes, Discuss Friendly Fire Changes
Push Square: “Few games can match the satisfaction of Monster Hunter — and Monster Hunter Wilds might just be the most satisfying instalment yet. Capcom has fine tuned the act of felling colossal foes, creating one of the most rewarding games of the generation in the process. While the overall package is held back by a stalling story campaign and questionable performance, Wilds is an outstanding action RPG at its core, and a worthy successor to the almighty World.”
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Up Late: If you know the history of the Mongols it makes sense
Up Late: If you know the history of the Mongols it makes sense
In tonight’s show, Ben Harvey reveals a surprising fact about the Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang, after members turned out en masse at court.
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PGA Tour 2K25 Review | TheSixthAxis
PGA Tour 2K25 Review | TheSixthAxis
PGA Tour 2K25 brings a new level of customization with its archetype system, allowing players to tailor their golfer’s play style to suit their preferences and strengths. Let’s dive into the various archetypes available and how to choose the best one for your game.
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‘Rats!’ Review: Keep Texas Weird
‘Rats!’ Review: Keep Texas Weird
“Rats!”, a gross-out action-comedy in the vein of “Pineapple Express” and “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,” throws us back into the suburban-youth aesthetics of the mid-aughts: its Hot Topic threads, pop-punk music and chintzy stoner décor. Set in a fictional version of Fresno, Tex., called Pfresno, circa 2007, this underdog ****** also satirizes the state’s conservative culture — its thing for gun rights and law enforcement.
In the beginning of the film, Raphael (Luke Wilcox), a listless 19-year-old, is caught graffiti tagging a phone booth. Officer Williams (Danielle Evon Ploeger), a comically noxious policewoman, tackles the teen to the ground, leading to his arrest and his forced embroilment in a sting operation against his cousin Mateo (Darius R. Autry).
Mateo is a genial weed-dealer whose roomies include a **** pig and a meth-smoking squatter — though he’s obviously not the homicidal plutonium dealer Williams suspects him to be.
The directors Maxwell Nalevansky and Carl Fry build out this madcap conspiracy story with potty humor (courtesy of the very unladylike Officer Williams), bloody practical effects and surreal flourishes, which play out against intentionally unglamorous backdrops (strip malls and shabby backyards).
Bizarre digressions (like the screening of a rap music video about the joys of selling crack; or the perverse relationship between a foxy, ********-addicted reporter and her cameraman) will leave you slack jawed, whether you vibe with the film’s particularly obscene style of deadpan absurdism or not.
If anything, the onslaught of weirdness is hypnotizing. As a visibly small-scale and local undertaking, the film feels genuinely connected to a vision of working-class Texas and its various characters. “I don’t know any of these people, this is just my circumstance,” says Raphael in one scene, which feels like a meta commentary on the experience of living in a country of such vast contradictions.
Rats! Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 25 minutes. In theaters.
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Actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in their New Mexico home, police say
Actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in their New Mexico home, police say
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home in New Mexico, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office told CNN. He was 95.
Their cause of death has not been confirmed but it is not believed to be foul play, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila told CNN Thursday morning.
Deputies responded to a ******** check request at the home around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday and found Hackman, Arakawa and a dog deceased, Womack-Avila said. An investigation is ongoing, police said.
CNN has reached out to Hackman’s representatives.
Hackman’s performances in such films as “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers,” “Unforgiven,” and “The Firm” elevated character roles to leading-man levels.
Hackman’s best roles were often of conflicted authority figures or surprisingly clever white-collar villains, such as the iconic evil villain Lex Luthor in the “Superman” film series in the 1970s and 80s. Many held a hint – sometimes more than a hint – of menace.
Gene Hackman in “The French Connection.” – Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
He won an Oscar for his portrayal of New York cop Popeye Doyle in 1971’s “The French Connection,” a detective who gets his man but at a high cost. His surveillance expert in 1974’s “The Conversation” is single-minded to the point of obsession, losing all perspective.
He won his second Oscar for his performance as Little Bill Daggett, the violent sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 film, “Unforgiven.”
Fellow celebrities and fans have begun sharing tributes on social media for the late Hollywood legend.
Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman in “The Conversation,” posted on Threads: “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration.”
“A great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution,” Coppola wrote.
Actor and writer George Takei called Hackman “one of the true giants of the screen,” in a social media post.
“Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe,” Takei wrote. “He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”
Hackman’s death comes just days before the Academy Awards on Sunday.
Hackman was 36 before he broke through in 1967’s “Bonnie and Clyde,” a role he got after losing the part of Mr. Robinson in “The Graduate.” Before that, he’d served in the Marines, scuffled in California and New York – sometimes with a roommate, “Graduate” star Dustin Hoffman – and worked odd jobs, including truck driver and doorman.
He retired at 74 and lived in Santa Fe in recent decades with Arakawa, a former classical pianist, largely staying out of the public eye.
Hackman had three children, whom he shared with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese, who died in 2017.
This story has been updated with additional information.
Todd Leopold and CNN’s Alex Stambaugh contributed to this report.
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Warner Bros. Will Still Own The Nemesis System Until 2035, Despite Monolith Closure
Warner Bros. Will Still Own The Nemesis System Until 2035, Despite Monolith Closure
Monolith may be gone, but the Nemesis System still belongs to Warner Bros.
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‘Riff Raff’ Review: These Jokes Don’t Kill
‘Riff Raff’ Review: These Jokes Don’t Kill
The dark mayhem spun up by this crime comedy might seem a little familiar.
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An all weather investment that’s consistently positive for those tired of the market roller coaster
An all weather investment that’s consistently positive for those tired of the market roller coaster
The first member of the CNBC Pro All Weather Stock list is a surprisingly resilient exchange-trade fund that offers high dividend income to boot. The timing is right for this list in particular because of the precarious set-up of the stock market so far in 2025. We’ll be adding to it periodically as the year goes on. Consider: It’s extremely rare for the S & P 500 to notch a third year in a row of 20% gains. We are due for a ******* of mild-to-down returns for equities where other kinds of investments besides momentum stocks perform. The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) is not matching the reality of the market’s outlook. Fiscal and monetary policies here and abroad that will impact the macroeconomic environment are near high levels of uncertainty. Yet Wall Street’s fear gauge (before the last few days) was mostly trending lower again in 2025. We are due for a volatility spike that typically hits Wall Street every few years. Signs of slowing economic growth are starting to emerge, from Walmart’s poor forecast last week to the recent declines in consumer sentiment surveys. Dividend investing has been completely forgotten over this bull run and is due for a snapback. Here’s how we found the first member of our All Weather List. We screened thousands of exchange-traded funds to find ones with extraordinary stability. Just 10 funds have posted positive returns in each of the last five years, as well as so far this year. From there just one fund had a dividend yield above 3% and an expense ratio below 0.3%. (The data we used was from FactSet.) New list member: VanEck Durable High Dividend ETF (DURA) The ETF is the VanEck Durable High Dividend ETF (DURA) , which tracks the performance of the Morningstar U.S. Dividend Valuation Index. Here are the key reasons why we added the fund: The fund had solid returns the last five years in bull and bear market environments. It returned 2.4% in 2022 when the S & P 500 tumbled 19%. Last year, it returned 9% as the market soared. The ETF has a 12-month yield of 3.27%, allowing you to get paid to wait if the market goes through a correction or volatile *******. Top holdings include AbbVie , Johnson & Johnson , Pfizer and Altria , all stocks that have dependable cash flows and are relatively immune to a lot of the changes going on in Washington. The ETF has never had a down year in its six years of existence. The fund will still appreciate in a bull market and throw off stable income. The ETF is up 4% already this year in price return alone, beating the market. The index it tracks tries to find high-yielding companies with strong financials that are cheap. DURA YTD mountain VanEck Durable High Dividend ETF (DURA), YTD The risks to this investment, which charges 0.29% in fees, are: The bull market led by momentum stocks continues unabated despite recent threats to the economy, leaving dividend and value investing in the dustbin. What this fund gives up for stable returns punishes it over the long term. It’s returned only 7% annually the last five years. So, this bet will likely only be successful if the market underperforms its recent history. The fund’s two biggest holdings are Chevron and Exxon Mobil . If there is a recession, these stocks could fall with the price of oil and wipe out any benefit from their dividend yields. If a vicious bear market ensues instead of a run-of-the-mill correction, it could drag down most stocks significantly, even defensive ones like those held in this fund. But this ETF should be expected to outperform. This is the first addition to the All Weather List: This is not a portfolio, but a starting point for research by investors with a particular macro or industry view. We’ll be launching more PRO stock lists to give investors with a particular view some tangible strategies to consider. The lists will be formed from screening techniques used by the pros, along with our access to some of the best research on Wall Street.
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DC Can’t Keep Leaning On Batman for Games Too, Unless They Want Their Other Heroes to Stay Irrelevant
DC Can’t Keep Leaning On Batman for Games Too, Unless They Want Their Other Heroes to Stay Irrelevant
Warner Bros. has recently shut down 3 of its major studios, including Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and WB San Diego. This seems to be a strategic action taken to avert disasters like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League in the future. It has also canned the upcoming Wonder Woman game that was already in development.
DC needs to let go of Batman to grow *******. Image Credit: WB Games Montreal
The DC universe has long relied on Batman to come and save the day, both in fiction as well as in reality. Some of the most successful games from DC revolve around Batman, and it is high time some of the other characters get explored too.
DC needs to think dynamically to move ahead
Batman Arkham series is one of the most successful series from the DC universe. Image Credit: WB Games Montreal
In the ever-evolving space of gaming, it is very important to keep coming up with new and exciting things to keep players engaged in a game. Repetition in this medium has rarely proven successful. DC has faced the might of the ruthless nature of this industry, but it has also seen a lot of success with its Batman games.
This does tell us that Batman sells, and players are crazy about that character. But DC can’t always rely on the same hero to save the day all the time. It will not be a good move to go back to Batman after canceling the upcoming Wonder Woman game, which had a lot of hype riding behind it.
There are so many other characters from DC with rich lore and dynamic personalities who deserve a game of their own. There could be a game revolving around Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg, Superman, and Green Lantern. Even a game revolving around Cat Woman would be interesting.
Comment byu/scarecroe from discussion inWonderWoman
Comment byu/scarecroe from discussion inWonderWoman
Comment byu/scarecroe from discussion inWonderWoman
If DC keeps relying on Batman for success, its other heroes might disappear into darkness. It is important to let others take center stage for once since people have seen a lot of Batman content now.
People still enjoy the Batman games but DC could do better
The games from the series are still relevant and fun. Image Credit: WB Games Montreal
There is no doubt about the Batman games’ relevance in the market still. Kai Cenat recently released a unique trailer to announce a Batman marathon where he was seen fighting Deathstroke in a Batsuit.
Nevertheless, this should not mean that DC should keep releasing Batman games in the future as well. However, nothing has been officially announced by any of the studios, but given the history of DC, it is highly likely that it will go back to it, especially after the massive losses that Warner Bros. has suffered recently.
Warner Bros. does not have any plans for the future in regards to its gaming unit as of now, and it is a strategic decision that the studio has taken. In the meantime, it should focus on coming up with fresh ideas revolving around other heroes from the DC universe as well. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below.
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European Union pushes back against Trump tariff threat
European Union pushes back against Trump tariff threat
The EU has rejected President Donald Trump’s claim the bloc is out to undermine the US and warns it will fight any wholesale tariff on its wares.
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BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore Joins Sony-Owned ‘The Crown’ Producer Left Bank Pictures in Dual Role as CEO and EVP Creative Director of SPT
BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore Joins Sony-Owned ‘The Crown’ Producer Left Bank Pictures in Dual Role as CEO and EVP Creative Director of SPT
Charlotte Moore, the current chief content officer of the BBC, is set to join London’s Sony-owned Left Bank Pictures as the company’s the new CEO.
In an additional dual capacity Moore has also been appointed to the newly created role of executive VP, creative director across Sony Pictures Television (SPT) International Production Group.
More from Variety
In her role as as Left Bank CEO, Moore succeeds Andy Harries who on Wednesday announced he will transition to an executive chair role after 18 years at the helm of the storied company behind “The Crown,” among other high-profile titles.
“Moore will work closely alongside Andy Harries for a handover *******, and will report into [Sony Pictures President] Wayne Garvie,” according to a statement. “She will join the companies later this year,” the statement added.
The newly created executive VP, creative director at SPT International Production role will see Moore “lead the group’s creative strategy,” the statement also noted. She will be working closely with Garvie and Matthew Justice, executive VP head of U.K. and Europe, “as well as group production company and label heads, and the wider Sony Pictures and Sony Corp groups,” the statement said.
“It’s an honor to be joining the brilliant team at Left Bank to become CEO of one of the U.K.’s most successful production companies, which is an absolute credit to Andy Harries,” Moore said in the statement. “I couldn’t be more excited to be returning to programme making and I’m thrilled to be joining Wayne Garvie and the Sony group as executive VP, creative director,” she added.
Commented Garvie: “It is thrilling to welcome Charlotte to Left Bank and to our Sony Pictures family. One of the outstanding executives of her generation, it will be fantastic to have her leading the phenomenal team at Left Bank into a new era. And as our creative director, she will play a key role in ensuring Sony continues to maximize the opportunities of the digital age.”
As chief content officer at the BBC since 2020 Charlotte Moore set the creative vision and editorial strategy for BBC Content across all scripted and unscripted genres and platforms.
Besides Left Bank Pictures, the SPT International Production group includes: scripted companies Bad Wolf (“Doctor Who”); Eleven (“Sex Education”); Eleventh Hour Films (“Moonflower & Marble Hall”); Curio Pictures (“The Artful Dodger”) and the Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn company Hot Sauce launched in 2024 that recently announced ITV’s Helen Ziegler as new creative director; plus an internal international production studio (“My Life With The Walter Boys”) and scripted production companies Teleset and Floresta in central and south America.
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3 Stocks Under Selling Pressure With Their PEs in Triple-Digits
3 Stocks Under Selling Pressure With Their PEs in Triple-Digits
The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is one of the most commonly used metrics to determine whether a stock is expensive or cheap. Generally, the higher the P/E ratio, the more expensive a stock is relative to its earnings. But in times of risk-on sentiment, investors tend to overlook sky-high P/E ratios, betting on growth potential and momentum instead.
However, when sentiment shifts more defensively, stocks with triple-digit P/Es often get hit the hardest. That’s exactly what’s happening right now with Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:), Tesla (NASDAQ:), and Broadcom (NASDAQ:). Each of these tech giants has a P/E well over 100 and is currently seeing a decent amount of selling pressure.
However, sometimes steep declines create attractive entry opportunities for those willing to bet on the long-term story. Let’s take a closer look at why each of these three stocks could be setting up for a bounce in March.
1. PLTR: A 30% Pullback But Still Holding February’s Gains
Palantir has had a wild ride this month. After hitting a record high earlier in February, the stock has since tumbled nearly 30%, giving back a large chunk of its recent gains.
Much of the selling pressure stems from concerns about potential U.S. defense spending cuts, which could impact Palantir’s government contracts. And with a P/E ratio of 480, the stock is undoubtedly one of the most expensive on the market.
However, it’s worth noting that Palantir crushed analyst expectations in its early February earnings report, proving that its business momentum remains strong. Additionally, analysts remain bullish, with Loop Capital issuing a Buy rating last week and a $141 price target, which points to a targeted upside of more than 50%. If sentiment stabilizes and buyers step back in, Palantir could quickly reclaim lost ground and push higher into March.
2. TSLA: A High-Priced Stock That’s Becoming Oversold
Tesla is no stranger to high valuations, but with a P/E of 162, it trades 27 times higher than Ford Motor (NYSE:). Given that the stock has been selling off for many weeks now, this comparison clearly does not sit well with many investors.
Since peaking in December, Tesla has since fallen 30%, dragged down by a weak earnings report in late January that added to valuation concerns. When a stock already trades at a high multiple and then disappoints on earnings, Wall Street tends to react aggressively, which is exactly what we’re seeing now.
However, Tesla may be approaching a turning point. Its RSI reading is 32, which suggests the stock is nearing extremely oversold territory. If it drops just a bit further, it could soon trigger a technical bounce, if not a full recovery rally. For investors willing to look past the valuation concerns and focus on Tesla’s long-term growth story, this pullback could offer an attractive entry point before momentum shifts again.
3. AVGO: A 20% Pullback With a Big Catalyst Ahead
Broadcom’s stock price has dropped nearly 20% since December’s high, including a sharp 10% decline over the past three sessions alone.
At a P/E of 161, Broadcom looks far more expensive than key semiconductor peers like NVIDIA (NASDAQ:) with its P/E of 51, and Qualcomm (NASDAQ:) with its P/E of 17, making it a prime target for valuation-based selling.
But there’s one major reason to keep an eye on Broadcom – its track record of delivering strong earnings. Next week’s Q1 earnings report could be a key catalyst that reverses the stock’s recent slide. Adding to the bullish case, Morgan Stanley recently issued an Overweight rating and a $246 price target, suggesting a nearly 20% upside from Monday’s closing price of $207.
If Broadcom delivers solid numbers next week, expect the stock to bounce sharply off its recent lows as investors refocus on its long-term strength rather than its high valuation.
Final Thoughts
Triple-digit P/E stocks are often the first to sell off when sentiment shifts defensive, but they can also be the first to bounce back once the dust settles.
Palantir’s recent pullback may be overdone, Tesla is nearing oversold conditions, and Broadcom has a major earnings catalyst ahead. For investors willing to weather the short-term volatility, these three stocks could be setting up for strong moves in March.
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FDA cancels vaccine advisory meeting for choosing flu shots
FDA cancels vaccine advisory meeting for choosing flu shots
FILE PHOTO: The headquarters of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seen in Silver Spring, Maryland November 4, 2009.
Jason Reed | Reuters
A crucial March meeting of vaccine advisors to the Food and Drug Administration has been canceled without explanation, a member of the advisory panel told CNBC on Wednesday.
The meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, or VRBPAC, is held every March to select flu strains for shots released in the upcoming fall and winter.
But Dr. Paul Offit, a member of that panel, told CNBC that he received an email at 4:18 p.m. ET on Wednesday saying that the upcoming March 13 meeting is canceled. He said there was no indication of whether it will be rescheduled.
“Who canceled this meeting? Why did they cancel the meeting? Will manufacturers now turn to the World Health Organization to determine strains for this year’s influenza vaccines?” Offit told CNBC.
The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The canceled meeting comes as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who now leads HHS, makes early moves that could affect vaccination uptake and policy in the U.S. Kennedy has a lengthy track record of being a vaccine skeptic.
It also comes amid a particularly brutal flu season in the U.S. CDC data shows the flu has caused up to an estimated 910,000 hospitalizations since October, which puts the season on track to be the most severe in at least a decade.
Earlier this month, a separate meeting of advisors who help the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention make recommendations for vaccines was postponed to “accommodate public comment in advance of the meeting,” several news outlets reported. It is also unclear if that meeting will be rescheduled.
Kennedy also said last week that he will review the childhood vaccine schedule despite earlier pledges not to do so. He promised that a new “Make America Healthy Again” commission would investigate vaccines, pesticides and antidepressants to see if they have contributed to a rise of chronic illness in the U.S.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is weighing pulling funding for Moderna’s bird flu vaccine, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday.
The country is grappling with a record-breaking bird flu outbreak that’s impacted dozens of cattle herds along with poultry flocks, which has sent egg prices skyrocketing. Its rapid spread in animals has raised concerns about broader spread to humans.”
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This 10.6% Dividend Is a Top Buy When Stocks Melt Down
This 10.6% Dividend Is a Top Buy When Stocks Melt Down
Here’s where I see stocks now: Yes, we’ve got some legitimate concerns as some economic warning signs appear—and run up against the tech-driven optimism that’s powered stocks to lofty heights.
The result? Volatility.
So today we’re going to look at a couple quick moves we can make to both protect ourselves and tap into the bargain income opportunities—including a 10.6%-paying closed-end fund (CEF)—that times like this always turn up.
For that, we’re really talking about two things.
First up, we’re going to add income plays beyond stocks. Specifically, we’re going to look at corporate bond–focused CEFs, many of which are paying double-digit yields and are poised to tack on serious price gains as the economy slows.
Second, we’re going to do something most investors overlook (or just plain don’t want to do!): Cull (or at least trim back) holdings that have gotten a little too overvalued in the last couple years.
That last part is key, because before you know it, a rising asset can take up more of your portfolio than it should, leaving you vulnerable in a broader market ******.
Let’s start with those bond CEFs—one in particular. Then we’ll go to (I admit, a bit of an extreme) example of a fund that’s risen further into the stratosphere than, frankly, any CEF I’ve ever seen.
Step 1: Buy Corporate Bond CEFs (Starting With This 10.6% Payer)
Over at my CEF Insider service, my members and I have been rallying behind corporate bond–focused CEFs for a while now.
The Fed, as we all know, is keeping rates higher for longer than anyone expected a year ago. That’s allowed bond-focused CEFs to use this time to buy more high-yield bonds and lock in the high payouts they, in turn, are sending out to investors.
Moreover, those bonds will gain in value as rates fall, since they’ll be worth more than newly issued, lower-yielding bonds. The fact that corporate defaults remain low is also adding to corporate bonds’ value.
Both factors have given our CEF Insider portfolio’s corporate-debt bucket a push this year. One particular holding that looks particularly attractive right now is the Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund (NYSE:), payer of a 10.6% dividend.
This fund is also still sporting a discount to net asset value (NAV, or the value of its underlying portfolio), as I write this, currently around 2%. Its bonds also have a weighted average duration of 6.8 years, helping it lock in its current income stream for the long haul.
HIO has returned a solid 24% since we bought it in the February 2024 CEF Insider issue, and thanks to its outsized (and monthly paid) dividend, pretty well all of that return has been in the form of reinvested payouts.
In other words, HIO, which mainly holds bonds issued by large-cap US companies, has done exactly what we want it to: Keep its price more or less stable so we can collect its rich payout without having to worry. What’s more, that payout has grown during our holding *******, too.
A 10.6% Payout That Grows? That’s What We Get With HIO
The best part is, we can still get HIO at a discount, despite its appeal. That’s a very nice setup for us.
Step 2: Sell Overbought Assets (And Avoid Bubbly CEFs Like This One)
Now let’s talk about the second part of our strategy here—cutting back on stocks and funds that have seen their valuations rise to unreasonable levels.
For an example here, let’s literally move from the sublime (HIO) to the ridiculous: A CEF called the Destiny Tech100 Fund (NYSE:).
Before I go further, let me say that this fund is instantly off our radar because it pays no dividend. But humor me here, because this is still an interesting, and unique, fund to look at, for no other reason than that it shows the wide variety of assets we can tap into through CEFs.
The first number that pops out at us is this fund’s frankly wild 807% premium to net asset value (NAV, or the value of its underlying portfolio), according to the CEF Connect fund screener.
This massive markup is due to its portfolio, which consists of privately held firms. That would seem to be a positive, since we can’t buy shares of these companies ourselves.
Source: Destiny Advisors
As you can see above, over a third of the fund is dedicated to Elon Musk’s privately held SpaceX. Musk, of course, is controversial, but he does have a, shall we say, enthusiastic, fan base. That’s likely part of the reason for DXYZ’s high premium.
Other investments, like Axiom Space, ***** Supersonic and OpenAI, are speculative, to say the least. Basically, buying this fund means we’re buying into a specific vision of the future, where these companies wind up being leaders.
But even if that comes to pass, that has already been priced into (and then some!) that ridiculous triple-digit premium. That premium also exposes the fund’s market price to a big drop in the event of a broader stock-market selloff.
Since DXYZ’s holdings are private, we can’t look back at their performance histories over the long haul. But we can look at some publicly traded equivalents to get a sense of what a broad market drawdown could do to the fund.
Take Tesla (NASDAQ:), which really took it on the chin in 2022, shedding nearly two-thirds of its value that year.
Market Panics, TSLA Crashes
As for the other space stocks in DXYZ, the collapse of Virgin Galactic Holdings (NYSE:) since its IPO offers another example of how volatile this business can be.
Overhyped Space Stock Crashes to Earth
Maybe this time is different, but with DXYZ’s huge markup, we’re overpaying to speculate on the future, especially if earthly economic woes replace moonshot optimism among the technorati in the next few months. There’s just no reason to take that risk.
Disclosure: Brett Owens and Michael Foster are contrarian income investors who look for undervalued stocks/funds across the U.S. markets. Click here to learn how to profit from their strategies in the latest report, “7 Great Dividend Growth Stocks for a Secure Retirement.”
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