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News

‘I’ll struggle to play in handheld mode without it now’: This Switch 2 grip case has saved me from neck pain — and it might save your console from damage, too - Sunday, July 5, 2026 - 07:00
Genki Attack Vector: Review

The Attack Vector is a basic set of covers and grips for your Switch 2 and Joy-Cons, designed to protect your console and improve ergonomics in handheld mode.

The plastic covers for the console and both Joy-Cons are quite plain, with a totally black finish and no extra flourishes. They’re reasonably thick and durable, but also light.

(Image credit: Future)

The back cover for the console is easy enough to snap on. It should offer sufficient protection from scratches and the like, and I appreciated the fact that the inside has a small patch of rubber, which makes the fit more snug.

Like the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, the Attack Vector doesn’t interfere with the console’s stand, ports or buttons, thanks to the various cutaways. They’re still quite easy to use, although the deep recess that’s created around the power and volume buttons means you may have to press these more with your fingernail than your fingertip. What’s more, the Switch 2 still fits in the dock with the cover attached; in fact, the fit is actually better, since it prevents it from wobbling at all.

(Image credit: Future)

Snapping on the Joy-Con covers is a little trickier, but it’s easier if you hold the detach button on each Joy-Con as you slide them on. These also have a small rubber backing on the inside for a more secure fit.

The Attack Vector comes with three sets of grips to attach to the back of these covers, of varying shapes and sizes. These have a solid build quality and a nice finish, with a rubber texture that feels comfortable, grippy, and hardwearing.

(Image credit: Future)

Attaching these grips is a little difficult at first. You have to line up the grooves and slide them on blindly, which can result in numerous failed attempts. However, I soon got the technique down and managed to attach them without issue thereafter. Once attached, they’re very stable; at no point did they come loose while I used them.

The two larger grip sets are called the Anchor and Balance. I found the latter set very comfortable, as the sides of the grips fitted the center of my palms naturally as I played.

(Image credit: Future)

The Anchor grips are shorter and feature ergonomic indentations at the bottom. I didn’t find these as comfortable or as secure, since only my last two fingers fit in these indentations. I suspect they’re designed for smaller hands than mine. Ultimately, though, both grips make handheld mode more comfortable and secure, especially when holding the Switch 2 upright, as you have something more substantial to hold on to.

There is a problem with these grips, though. Their weight and leverage mean that the Joy-Cons can rock back and forth slightly in the console, which is a little disconcerting. This rocking is minimal under normal use, and it never resulted in the Joy-Cons disconnecting from my Switch 2 during testing, but I do worry that eventually their hold in the console might loosen.

(Image credit: Future)

No such issue is created by the Feather grips, though. These are the smallest set and only cover the middle section of each Joy-Con. Unlike the other grips, they barely protrude outwards, offering a much more subtle feel. But given the stock Joy-Cons’ absence of a grippy surface or an ergonomic shape, I was still pleased with the limited support they provided. What’s more, I found them ideal when the Joy-Cons were detached from the console, since, unlike the other sets, they offer enough bulk to get a secure grip without impeding the reach of my thumbs to the controls.

At £40, the Attack Vector isn’t exactly cheap. However, the covers provide a good fit and basic protection for your console and Joy-Cons. Meanwhile, the comfortable grips for all types of hands are great if you play in handheld mode often, especially in a more upright position.

(Image credit: Future)Genki Attack Vector review: Price & availability

The Genki Attack Vector costs £39.99 and is available now in black only. This isn’t particularly cheap for a case and grip combination. But the quality of the product, as well as the inclusion of three different types of grips, may be worth it to those who take their handheld gaming seriously.

Should I buy the Genki Attack Vector?Buy it if…

You’ll be using handheld mode a lot
The grips offer a secure and satisfying way to use your Switch 2 in handheld mode, and the three different kinds should ensure you’ll get the right fit.

You want to keep the covers and grips on at all times
The console cover is designed to fit in Switch 2’s dock, and it actually prevents it from wobbling around in there, too.

Don't buy it if…

You want to improve the Switch 2’s looks
The utilitarian nature of the Attack Vector means if offers no flair to help personalize the style of your console.

You want ultimate Joy-Con stability
The larger grips tend to cause the Joy-Cons to wobble slightly, which might lead to problems for more animated players.

Genki Attack Vector review: Also consider

Genki Dual Wield Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Station
The Dual Wield actually makes a good companion to the Attack Vector, since you can attach the Joy-Cons to the Dual Wield grip while keeping the Attack Vector’s grips in place. What’s more, this improves the ergonomics of the Dual Wield, which was one of the main weaknesses I identified when I reviewed it. And when your session is over, you can simply dock your Joy-Cons in the charging station. There are two sets of grips for two sets of Joy-Cons and two positions on the charging station. Read our full Genki Dual Wield Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Station review.

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the Genki Attack Vector

I used the Genki Attack Vector for several days, playing a variety of games in handheld mode, including Super Mario Bros. Wonder and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I made sure to try out all three grip types. I also tested the grips with the Joy-Cons detached from the console.

I've been gaming for decades, and have used a variety of systems and controllers in that time, including various handheld systems. I've also reviewed other Switch 2 accessories and controllers before.

Ditch the Restaurant Tab: Meal Kits That Feel Like Fine Dining - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 07:00
These elevated, premium meal kits and delivery services bring restaurant-style meals to your kitchen.
Your Online Footprint Is Probably Too Big. Here's How I Recommend Reducing It and Why You Should - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 08:00
Everything you do online generates data. Here’s how that info can be used against you -- and how you can reduce the risks by shrinking your online footprint.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Needs These Upgrades to Win Me Over - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 08:01
Commentary: I love the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but Samsung needs these upgrades for the Fold 8 Ultra to earn a permanent spot in my pocket
How to Free Up iPhone Storage Without Touching Your Photos or Apps - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 09:00
Before you delete a single app or photo, try these iPhone storage settings to reclaim space without touching anything you care about.
Who'll Own Your Inevitable AI Assistant? The Battle Is On, and I Predict One Winner - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 09:55
Guest column: Tony Fadell helped make the Mac, iPod, iPhone and smart home revolutions happen. The next platform war is here, he says, and it's for the AI assistant that will know you best.
Best Cheap Phone of 2026: These Good Phones Are Still at Reasonable Prices - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 11:39
Even as the cost of electronics rises, these phones provide everything you need without spending a ton of money.
The iOS 26 Features Apple Didn't Put in the Keynote (but Should Have) - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 12:00
iOS 26 hid some of its best additions behind menus Apple barely mentioned. Here's the complete tour of what's worth finding.
Portugal vs. Spain: Stream FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Live for Free - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 12:01
It's a blockbuster clash for a place in the quarterfinals between the two Iberian rivals.
AI 'Actor' Tilly Norwood Lands Big Break With Feature Film 'Misaligned' - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 15:01
The controversial AI performer will star in the full-length movie.
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, July 6 (game #1624) - Sunday, July 5, 2026 - 19:00
Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, July 5 (game #1623).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,500 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today — or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1624) — hint #1 — VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1624) — hint #2 — repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.

Quordle today (game #1624) — hint #3 — uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1624) — hint #4 — starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1624) — hint #5 — starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• T

• S

• P

• S

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1624) — the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1624, are…

  • TRAWL
  • SPICE
  • PIANO
  • SHARK

This game worked out very well for me, although that was largely due to a quartet of pretty straightforward words.

TRAWL was my only moment of doubt but felt right as I slowly tapped the letters out.

Daily Sequence today (game #1624) — the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1624, are…

  • BLEAK
  • COVET
  • GREED
  • DROOP
Quordle answers: The past 20
  • Quordle #1623, Sunday, 5 July: PINEY, SWOON, TITLE, PINTO
  • Quordle #1622, Saturday, 4 July: ARGUE, MOTEL, OPERA, TRUCE
  • Quordle #1621, Friday, 3 July: AVERT, MOTOR, MANIC, WORDY
  • Quordle #1620, Thursday, 2 July: BULKY, PARSE, BELOW, MOVIE
  • Quordle #1619, Wednesday, 1 July: EASEL, OTTER, LYRIC, SHACK
  • Quordle #1618, Tuesday, 30 June: HALVE, DRYER, THERE, MINTY
  • Quordle #1617, Monday, 29 June: SLURP, CRACK, CRANK, PHONY
  • Quordle #1616, Sunday, 28 June: RUPEE, TOPAZ, FULLY, BEING
  • Quordle #1615, Saturday, 27 June: PRINT, MARRY, SADLY, BICEP
  • Quordle #1614, Friday, 26 June: JUICE, ARRAY, BONEY, SKIFF
  • Quordle #1613, Thursday, 25 June: SHELF, TAWNY, HYPER, SOLVE
  • Quordle #1612, Wednesday, 24 June: SOBER, ECLAT, GOOSE, NINNY
  • Quordle #1611, Tuesday, 23 June: ARDOR, DADDY, SERVE, SHEAR
  • Quordle #1610, Monday, 22 June: WAXEN, APNEA, CHIME, WAVER
  • Quordle #1609, Sunday, 21 June: ABBOT, NOTCH, DREAD, LURID
  • Quordle #1608, Saturday, 20 June: SLAIN, TAMER, VIPER, FALSE
  • Quordle #1607, Friday, 19 June: ALOUD, POINT, GLOBE, GROIN
  • Quordle #1606, Thursday, 18 June: LATCH, BRAWL, STEEL, CRUSH
  • Quordle #1605, Wednesday, 17 June: HOIST, PLUSH, GROUP, LEMUR
  • Quordle #1604, Tuesday, 16 June: SLAIN, PLUCK, PINTO, SLICE
Today's NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for July 7 #856 - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 16:01
Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle for July 7, No. 856.
Today's NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for July 7, #1122 - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 16:01
Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for July 7, No. 1,122.
Today's Wordle Hints, Answer and Help for July 7, #1844 - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 16:01
Here are hints and the answer for today's Wordle for July 7, No. 1,844.
USA vs. Belgium: Stream FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Live for Free - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 17:02
Team USA could book itself a place in the quarterfinals with a win over the Red Devils in Seattle.
Xbox Laying Off 3,200 and Dropping 4 Studios in 'Reset' of Microsoft's Games Strategy - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 19:08
In an email to employees, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said: "Our business today is not healthy."
Apple iPhone Buried for 250 Years Probably Won't Work, Report Says - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 19:39
A time capsule for the 250th anniversary of American independence includes a bright orange iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Even Your Summer Thermostat Temperature Has Become a Political Debate - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 21:30
The White House appears to have removed the Department of Energy's consumer guidance on indoor temperatures during the hottest days.
A huge surprise Crimson Desert update just landed — and I’m ready to return from my hiatus after 236 hours of playtime - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 09:43
  • Pearl Abyss adds new content to Crimson Desert via update 1.13
  • The update adds new outfits, gear, and equipment for all three playable characters
  • Oongka can now use the same outfits Kliff does

Pearl Abyss has gone above and beyond with Crimson Desert, thanks to a vast amount of content available at launch and consistent updates in recent months — and it's not taking its foot off the gas.

Crimson Desert has a new batch of content, with update 1.13 introducing new gear and outfits for all three playable characters, Kliff, Oongka, and Damiane, including expanded 'dyeable equipment options'. Also, both Oongka and Damiane will now be able to enter the Abyss and rematch bosses initially made for Kliff.

It's yet another substantial update for 2026's beloved hit, as the developers at the South Korean studio continue to listen to fan feedback and fine-tune areas that could do with more content.

Frankly, the game's continent, Pywel, is chock-full of activities to engage in, gear to find, and bosses to encounter, but one aspect has arguably been neglected since launch.

(Image credit: Pearl Abyss)

Both Oongka and Damiane are characters that feel as though they've received the short end of the stick in terms of outfits and equipment — and fortunately, that's what this update addresses.

Notably, Oongka can now equip 'most outfits available to Kliff', further expanding the secondary character's customization options. It's a change I've been longing for, since it should provide far more incentive for me to use Oongka, particularly for replaying boss battles while being aptly equipped.

Even with my 236 hours spent playing Crimson Desert, it still feels like there's so much more to discover, especially with Pearl Abyss consistently improving the experience — and it's worth noting that an expansion is already in development.

It's also quite fascinating to see that four months after its launch, Crimson Desert has a 24-hour peak of 26,659 players on Steam, which is incredibly rare (or at the very least, difficult) for any single-player game to sustain post-launch. Hopefully, it stays that way, as I feel that Pearl Abyss deserves all the success and praise for its efforts on Crimson Desert.

An update to the popular Merlin Bird ID app will turn millions of birdwatchers like me into citizen scientists — doing your bit for bird conservation efforts just got easier - Monday, July 6, 2026 - 09:49
  • Merlin Bird ID is a go-to app for bird identification, with more than 40 million downloads
  • It can identify over 2,000 species of birds by sound recognition
  • A future update will share sound recordings with eBird, a huge biodiversity database

If you're into birdwatching, you'll need no introduction to the popular Merlin Bird ID app, by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. With over 40 million downloads worldwide, and over two million monthly users in the UK alone, Merlin is the go-to app for bird identification for many.

I'm in my forties, and birding has become one of my recent new hobbies, after years of photographing birds while testing cameras and lenses. And while I'm learning, I simply can't identify all the birds I see or hear, especially in my local nature reserve, which is a migration route for varied and sometimes rare birdlife throughout the year, and a popular birding spot.

The app helps me to identify the birds I'm unfamiliar with by their call / song, using machine learning sound recognition, and gives me lightning-fast and almost always reliable results, with an image for each identified bird. It's super helpful.

I can also feed the app one of my photos for identification, such as those taken during a recent outing with the Sony 400-800mm lens, with the results based on location data and other information from a database of more than 2,000 bird species.

So I was delighted to hear that the app — which is free for iOS and Android, with downloadable offline bird packs by location including US, Canada and Europe — is getting an update which will help users like me give something back: integration with Cornell's own eBird database, as reported by the Guardian.

Me during a recent visit to my local birding site, which hosts a wide variety of birdlife throughout the year (Image credit: Tim Coleman)A new wave of citizen scientists

eBird is a huge citizen-science biodiversity database, with over two billion recordings logged worldwide since its 2002 launch. And it's set for an influx of new data — the Merlin Bird ID app update will in future allow bird identifications to automatically flow directly into the eBird database.

Jessie Barry, of the Merlin project, told the Guardian, "Upcoming feature developments will make an even better link to the eBird systems so that we can use the data from what users ‘hear’ with Merlin to monitor bird populations."

Bird conservation is a hot topic, what with bird numbers declining. The UK, for example, has 70 million fewer birds than it did 50 years ago. So here's the good part: these records could provide vital information to conversation efforts for at-risk birdlife around the world.

Barry added: “This data helps create tools that can be used to further conservation, inspire support and inform ecological management strategies.”

Notwithstanding the cautionary note of the app's outright accuracy, with concern from some about it occasionally misidentifying birds, the Merlin Bird ID app update could be a huge boost for bird conservation efforts.

Being directly connected to the go-to bird identification app, eBird stands to receive more data from millions of users, who don't need to make any special effort to take part; they just need to carry on using the app as before to record and identify birdsong.

I love the idea that I will be one of a new wave of citizen scientists across the world, with the recordings I make playing a small part in monitoring bird populations. And the surge in recording data will likely further improve the app's performance.

Right, I'm off out with my phone, I hear the birds calling...

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