Next-gen Xbox, Switch 2 online bans, Nexusmods buyer revealed + more! - TechLinked

Summary

TechLinked Episode Summary: Next-Gen Xbox, Switch 2 Online Bans, NexusMods Buyer Revealed & More!

Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host/Author: Linus Media Group

1. Next-Gen Xbox Developments

The episode kicks off with an in-depth discussion about Microsoft's unveiling of its next-generation Xbox consoles. In a surprise update, Xbox President Sarah Bond emphasized a "gaming experience not locked to a single store or tied to one device" ([00:32]). This strategic move involves a multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer a diverse range of devices, positioning Windows as the premier gaming platform. However, the commentator expresses confusion over Microsoft's broad definition of the Xbox ecosystem, questioning, "What is an Xbox?" ([01:47]). Speculations from outlets like Xbox Era suggest that native handhelds might be on the horizon, especially after Microsoft’s reference to the "ROG Xbox Ally X" in their announcements.

2. Nintendo's Switch 2 Online Bans

Shifting focus to Nintendo, the conversation highlights a wave of bans affecting Switch 2 owners. Gamers utilizing the MIG Flash Micro SD adapter cartridges—which allow gameplay without modifying the console—have faced suspensions from Nintendo's online services. The commentator notes, "Big Flash was just updated to support playing Switch 1 games on Switch 2, but seems like Nintendo was ready and waiting to ban a bunch of people" ([02:30]). Despite some reports from Reddit users claiming immunity, incidents of theft, such as the alleged theft of nearly 3,000 Switch 2 consoles in Texas by a disgruntled user, underscore the severity of Nintendo's crackdown.

3. Nexus Mods Acquired by Chozen

A significant revelation in the episode is the acquisition of Nexus Mods by Chozen, a gaming startup accelerator. Announced by Redditors, this move has stirred the community. The commentator shares, "Nexus Mods is now owned by a company called Chozen, a gaming startup accelerator" ([03:00]). Chozen's mission, stated as "we partner, we amplify, we conquer," aims to differentiate from typical corporate investors by infusing humanity and gaming passion. Addressing community concerns, Chozen's team assured that they "won't sell mods, charge a download fee, or claim ownership of the mods" ([03:45]), maintaining the platform's integrity and user trust.

4. Valve Updates Steam's Performance Overlay

Valve has rolled out updates to its Steam performance overlay and the latest Steam client beta. These enhancements allow users to distinguish between traditional frames and those generated by technologies like DLSS, FSR, or XeSS, referred to as "fake frames". Additionally, the overlay now provides metrics for CPU, GPU, and memory usage. While these tools offer valuable insights, the commentator humorously states, "I'm gonna be turning this on and only looking at the top left because I want to enjoy those extra frames and be mad about it the whole time" ([04:50]).

5. TikTok's Ownership and US Ban Implications

The episode touches on the ongoing saga of TikTok's ownership. Former President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to either agree to a sale or face a ban in the United States. The commentator remarks on the uncertainty surrounding the situation: "June 19th was going to be midnight on the TikTok doomsday clock, but every time that minute hands gets close, wouldn't you know it, midnight keeps moving" ([05:15]).

6. Google's Gemini Enhancements in Search Labs

Google has introduced new features in its Search Labs, allowing users to engage with Gemini, its AI assistant, through live voice interactions. Users can now converse with Gemini while performing Google searches, enhancing the interactivity and depth of search results. A standout feature is the ability to "directly upload video files for Gemini to analyze" ([05:50]), potentially revolutionizing how users interact with multimedia content.

7. Honda's Reusable Rocket Launch

In a surprising turn, Honda has successfully launched and landed its own reusable rocket, marking a significant achievement in the space industry. The 20.6-foot rocket soared to an altitude of 889 feet in Taiki, Japan, before making a graceful return to Earth with its "extendable legs and all" ([06:30]). The commentator humorously questions Honda's secrecy: "Why didn't you tell anyone? I mean, it turns out they did kind of."

8. Innovations in Robotics by Generalist

Generalist, founded by a former Google DeepMind researcher, showcased their advanced robot hands capable of performing general-purpose tasks with remarkable dexterity. Demonstrations included flicking small items into bins, assembling boxes, and managing complex tasks like zipping a backpack without errors. The commentator is impressed, exclaiming, "What's more impressive that or Australia approving lab grown meat, specifically quail..." ([07:10]).

9. Australia's Approval of Lab-Grown Quail Meat

Concluding the episode, the discussion shifts to Australia's approval of lab-grown meat, focusing on quail. A company named Forged has transformed laboratory-grown quail into luxury products such as "quail candles that melt so you can dip stuff in it" ([07:45]). While the commentator finds the concept unconventional, the innovation highlights the expanding boundaries of food technology and consumer products.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from the transcript have been omitted to focus on the core topics discussed in this episode.

Transcript

Susan Ettlinger (0:00)

The PC gave us computing power at home. The Internet connected us, and mobile let us do it pretty much anywhere. Now, generative AI lets us communicate with technology in our own language, using our own senses. But figuring it all out when you're living through it is a totally different story. Welcome to Leading the Shift, a new podcast from Microsoft Azure. I'm your host, Susan Ettlinger. In each episode, leaders will share what they're learning to help you navigate all this change with confidence. Please join us, listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Unnamed Tech Commentator (0:32)

Whoa. Oh, sorry. I was just up in the sky getting tech news from God. Didn't even put it on tablets or anything. I just had to memorize it. Xbox has revealed some details about its next gen console in a surprise update from president Sarah Bond, who promised an Xbox experience not locked to a single store or tied to one device. That's why they're working closely with the Windows team to ensure that Windows is the number one platform for gaming. Okay, just hold up, back up for a second. What are we talking about here? New Xbox consoles with like Steam and the Epic Games Store. But then she mentions Windows are the next Xbox consoles. Just PCs. Well, Bond also announced a multi year partnership with AMD to co engineer a portfolio of devices including our next generation Xbox consoles in your living room and in your hands. Okay, that sounds like they are indeed making next gen Xboxes. But what does that even mean when they're telling us that anything with an Internet connection is an Xbox? I wish they'd just come out and say what an Xbox is. Do we need to go over how you can't use the word you're defining in the words definition? What is an Xbox? This is an Xbox. Okay, but what is that?

Susan Ettlinger (1:47)

Mmm.

Unnamed Tech Commentator (1:51)

An Xbox. This lack of clarity leads to some outlets like Xbox Era, calling this official confirmation that native handhelds are indeed planned after all. But I don't see how you can think that when Microsoft called the ROG Xbox Ally X an Xbox. I mean, they even reused the same graphic of the Ryzen processor from the ROG Xbox Ally reveal in the new video supposedly talking about native Xbox handhelds. I can't make head or tail of this yapping. If you wanna try your hand at figuring out what Microsoft has been smoking lately, this Chad Redditor aggregated all the next gen Xbox developments that have happened since the 2023 leak. So activate your Sherlock brain and give it a go. Multiple reports of Switch 2 owners being banned from Nintendo's online services have popped up this week as gamers tried to use the popular MIG Flash Micro SD adapter cartridges that allow you to play Switch games without modding the console, whether those be pirated copies or backups of games you've legitimately purchased. Big Flash was just updated to support playing Switch 1 games on Switch 2, but seems like Nintendo was ready and waiting to ban a bunch of people, all of whom insist they were only playing their own backed up games. But can we trust random Redditors after all? This one called BS on the whole thing. They've been playing on the MIG Flash and they're not banned. Oops, scratch that. They got banned. They were so mad they went and stole nearly 3,000 Switch 2 consoles from the back of a truck in Texas. You can't ban all of them. Nintendo. That was a joke about that Redditor. We don't know the mysterious new owner of the most popular game mod hosting platform Nexus Mods, has been revealed by who else? Redditors. You guys are getting extra representation in TechLink today, and honestly, it's about time. Anyway, turns out Nexus Mods is now owned by a company called Chozen, a gaming startup accelerator whose website says one we partner, we amplify, we conquer. I don't like that, but if you actually read the rest of the site, they try to differentiate themselves from normal corpo investor people. And it does sound like there's some humanity and gaming passion involved. But what do I know? Just in case, keep your pitchfork in attack position. After the cat was out of the bag, the chosen team addressed community concerns in a pinned comment underneath founder Darkone's post explicitly saying they won't sell mods, charge a download fee, or claim ownership of the mods. They won't revoke lifetime premium licenses and generally things will apparently largely stay the same. Although they did admit to never having made a Skyrim mod. And that's all I needed to hear. Pitchfork Volley Fire Fire. Like our sponsor Vessi and their weekend sneaker, the ultimate daily driver shoe. We're talking morning til night rain or snow, outside or inside depending on the house rules. Be respectful. Vessi says their shoes are waterproof thanks to dymatex technology. It's like the sole of a heavy rain boot was transferred into the body of a comfortable, casual yet classy lightweight sneaker. Sounds like a great movie pitch. Somebody make it. Vessi shoes have a one year warranty and worry free 30 day return so you can shop and strut and with confidence. Visit vessi.comtechlink now for 15% off your first pair at checkout Sorry, sorry, I had to get the quick bits from the other guy. Valve's updated Steam performance overlay and the latest Steam client beta can now differentiate between traditional frames and frames generated by dlss, fsr or xess, colloquially known as fake frames. The overlay also now has metrics for cpu, GPU and memory, which is cool, but I'm gonna be turning this on and only looking at the top left because I want to enjoy those extra frames and be mad about it the whole time. Donald Trump is once again extending the already extended deadline for TikTok's owner ByteDance to agree to a sale or have the social media app banned from the US although it seems like there is perpetually also a third option to extend the deadline. June 19th was going to be midnight on the TikTok doomsday clock, but every time that minute hands gets close, wouldn't you know it, midnight keeps moving. Is this a daylight savings thing? Are the farmers pranking us? Google has added another test in Search Labs. Users who opt in can now try using live voice interaction in AI modes so you can talk to Gemini while it Google stuff for you that could be useful if you get more results than they show in this demo. They're just like little cards. But something that's way more useful is the new ability to directly upload video files for Gemini to analyze. Maybe if you put in the recent Xbox videos and you can ask Gemini if it knows what the hell an Xbox is. Honda, of all companies, just successfully launched and landed its own reusable rocket launch, shocking the space industry. The 20.6-foot rocket reached an altitude of 889ft in the Japanese town of Taiki before gracefully returning to earth, extendable legs and all. Honda, you dog. You had this in the bag the whole time? Why didn't you tell anyone? I mean, it turns out they did kind of. In 2021. They said they were looking into doing space stuff, but no one cared. No one ever asks how Honda's doing. And Generalist, a company founded by an ex Google DeepMind researcher, has shown off their robot hands being really good at general purpose tasks like flicking small items into bins and putting boxes together, all while dealing with that same damn hockey stick again. Please, sir. The robot switches hands while zipping a backpack without missing a bead and deals with even more abuse. Oh my God, stop. I'm trying to work. But what's more impressive that or Australia approving lab grown meat, specifically quail, that a company called Forged has turned into luxury food items like a quail candle that. That melts so you can dip stuff in it. Robots, meat wax. I. I don't know. But you better meat wax me back here on Friday for more tech news. Honestly, that's just hitting me now how weird that sounds. You don't have to meat wax anything if you don't want to. I. Hey.