Technology

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• Microsoft 365 Local is an entirely on-prem solution for data sovereignty requirements
• It's built on Azure Local and Microsoft's private sovereign cloud
• Redmond wants to provide "digital stability" for all regions

Microsoft has launched a new version of Microsoft 365 which runs entirely on-premises, designed for low-latency and high-security needs, running on Azure Local.

The company detailed how the update, in preview now before a wider launch later in 2025, enables workloads to be deployed within data centers or sovereign cloud environments – a response to the growing desire for more controlled environments globally.

By launching on-prem versions of M365, the company aims to improve security, compliance and governance, with a particular emphasis on European customers who need to comply with data sovereignty regulations.

M365 on-prem

Among the key components of Microsoft's sovereign cloud are a sovereign public cloud, a sovereign private cloud and national partner clouds.

The public version is available across all European data center regions and ensures that data remains in Europe, under European law, and is controlled by European workers only.

Taking it one step further, the private cloud uses Azure Local as a foundation for on-prem and partner-operated environments. It's targeted at organizations that need operational autonomy and air-gapped systems.

Finally, national partner clouds like France's Bleu and Germany's Delos Cloud are designed to further meet local sovereignty standard within the EU.

Microsoft 365 Local only runs on Azure Local – the underpinnings for Microsoft's private sovereign cloud.

"Microsoft 365 Local provides customers with additional choice by bringing together Microsoft’s productivity server software into an Azure Local environment that can run entirely in a customer’s own datacenter," the company explained.

Speaking about current "geopolitical volatility" and Microsoft's desire to provide "digital stability," EVP and Chief Commercial Officer Judson Althoff added.

"Microsoft is proud to offer the broadest set of sovereignty solutions available on the market today and we will constantly look for new ways to ensure our European customers have the options and assurances they need to operate with confidence."

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• Intel reportedly planning to cut 15-20% of factory workers next month
• News comes as Intel reveals YoY revenue is flat, QoQ revenue could drop
• Lip-Bu Tan wants to streamline the workforce

Intel plans to lay off around 15-20% of its factory workforce as it looks to increase revenues and deal with ever-changing market conditions

A report from OregonLive claims the cost-cutting effort, scheduled to begin as soon as mid-July 2025, will primarily affect Intel Foundry, one of its core business divisions.

"These are difficult actions but essential to meet our affordability challenges and current financial position of the company. It drives pain to every individual," manufacturing VP Naga Chandrasekaran reportedly shared in a memo with employees over the weekend.

Intel set for even more layoffs

The news comes as Intel continues to struggle with its financial performance – revenue remained flat year-over-year during its first quarter of 2025, with predictions for second-quarter revenue suggesting a quarter-over-quarter dip.

The company has already made significant reductions to its headcount, including terminating 15,000 contract in August 2024.

It's believed that no voluntary buyouts will be offered this time, with Intel instead basing the layoffs on project priorities, performance and skill assessments. Factories relating to advanced chip development and workers in high-skilled roles could be among those less likely to be affected.

"We are taking a disciplined and prudent approach to support continued investment in our core products and foundry businesses while maximizing operational cost savings and capital efficiency," CFO David Zinsner explained in the company's first-quarter earnings release.

Besides saving cash, Intel's approach to layoffs also centers around streamlining the workforce and removing inefficiencies by eliminating certain areas of middle management – something that new CEO Lip-Bu Tan pledged to do as he turns the company back into a profitable business.

TechRadar Pro has contacted Intel to confirm its plans, but the company did not respond immediately.

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Getty Images doesn't have the perfect AI image generator, but it nails important stuff like privacy and prompting.

Commentary: If you make a splashy announcement and expect to be taken seriously, at least hire a proofreader and get your specs correct.

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• One Pokémon player has lost over 1,000 hours of Pokémon Scarlet gameplay and 20 years of progress after transferring their data to the Nintendo Switch 2
• Redditor ThatOtaku26, and other users, have said their save files for the game are gone after completing the transfer process
• Players are recommending backing up data via the Pokémon Home app before beginning the transfer process

Beware if you're planning on transferring your Pokémon data to the Nintendo Switch 2, because one player has lost hundreds of hours of progress.

According to redditor ThatOtaku26 (via IGN), after going through the process of transferring their original Switch save data for Pokémon Scarlet to the new console, after booting up the game, they found that it was lost.

The user claimed that their save file consisted of over 1,000 hours of gameplay and said that they had also lost over 20 years of data brought over from previous generations of Pokémon games.

"I just got a Switch 2, did the startup and initial data transfer with no issues," said ThatOtaku26 in a now-deleted post. "My Scarlet save file is gone. It loads straight into the language selection and create a character screens. No data on my OLED. Just all gone.

"THERE WAS NO ERROR IN DATA TRANSFER AT ALL," the user added. "IT WENT FINE. ALL MY OTHER POKEMON DATA IS STILL THERE, BUT NOT SCARLET. I had mons from my original GBA up to current on there. Literally 20 years worth of data. There's nothing I can do. I don't even know if i wanna play anymore."

Other users have also been reporting the same issue, with one Redditor explaining that the same issue happened to them when transferring data to the OLED from the original Switch.

"Tears were shed," said Grouchy-Cress-215.

It seems that Pokémon Scarlet isn't the only game being affected, either, with one user claiming they lost all saved data for games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and more.

Another user wrote, "The same thing happened to me but literally all my saved data isn't there anymore like BOTW, TOTK, MK8, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Scarlet and Violet, and so on," said Existing-Possible550. "I literally have to play everything from the start."

Luckily for those who haven't begun the process of transferring their data to the Switch 2, there is a way to safeguard your save files.

According to multiple users in the thread, backing up your data to the Pokémon Home app is vital if you don't want to lose your Pokémon.

"If I get Switch 2 in the future, I will first transfer all my Pokémon to Home before data transferring," said TheJannikku. "I can't imagine how I would if that happened to me."

You might also like...

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• Here are the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games that arrived alongside the new console
• I’ve spent 150 hours with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and the Switch 2 Edition is an incredible upgrade

• One Pokémon player has lost over 1,000 hours of Pokémon Scarlet gameplay and 20 years of progress after transferring their data to the Nintendo Switch 2
• Redditor ThatOtaku26, and other users, have said their save files for the game are gone after completing the transfer process
• Players are recommending backing up data via the Pokémon Home app before beginning the transfer process

Beware if you're planning on transferring your Pokémon data to the Nintendo Switch 2, because one player has lost hundreds of hours of progress.

According to redditor ThatOtaku26 (via IGN), after going through the process of transferring their original Switch save data for Pokémon Scarlet to the new console, after booting up the game, they found that it was lost.

The user claimed that their save file consisted of over 1,000 hours of gameplay and said that they had also lost over 20 years of data brought over from previous generations of Pokémon games.

"I just got a Switch 2, did the startup and initial data transfer with no issues," said ThatOtaku26 in a now-deleted post. "My Scarlet save file is gone. It loads straight into the language selection and create a character screens. No data on my OLED. Just all gone.

"THERE WAS NO ERROR IN DATA TRANSFER AT ALL," the user added. "IT WENT FINE. ALL MY OTHER POKEMON DATA IS STILL THERE, BUT NOT SCARLET. I had mons from my original GBA up to current on there. Literally 20 years worth of data. There's nothing I can do. I don't even know if i wanna play anymore."

Other users have also been reporting the same issue, with one Redditor explaining that the same issue happened to them when transferring data to the OLED from the original Switch.

"Tears were shed," said Grouchy-Cress-215.

It seems that Pokémon Scarlet isn't the only game being affected, either, with one user claiming they lost all saved data for games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and more.

Another user wrote, "The same thing happened to me but literally all my saved data isn't there anymore like BOTW, TOTK, MK8, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Scarlet and Violet, and so on," said Existing-Possible550. "I literally have to play everything from the start."

Luckily for those who haven't begun the process of transferring their data to the Switch 2, there is a way to safeguard your save files.

According to multiple users in the thread, backing up your data to the Pokémon Home app is vital if you don't want to lose your Pokémon.

"If I get Switch 2 in the future, I will first transfer all my Pokémon to Home before data transferring," said TheJannikku. "I can't imagine how I would if that happened to me."

You might also like...

• Nintendo Switch 2 restocks live: US stock is still absent, while Amazon and ebuyer in the UK have inventory right now
• Here are the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games that arrived alongside the new console
• I’ve spent 150 hours with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and the Switch 2 Edition is an incredible upgrade

• Designed for APS-C (Super 35) mirrorless cameras
• Available for Sony E, Canon RF, Fujifilm X and L-mount systems
• It costs $919 / £779 (Australia price TBC) and will be on sale from July 10

I remember first casting my eyes on the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 zoom lens. It was the go-to lens for creatives cutting their teeth in the filmmaking world, and it seemed to be on every low-budget set.

It was a cutting-edge lens, in that it offered a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture across its versatile wide-angle zoom range, and it was relatively cheap.

Despite it being designed for DSLR cameras, such was its appeal that many users adapted it for other systems, such as mirrorless. Put simply, there was no other lens like it.

So it's particularly exciting for me that Sigma has just reinvented the lens for mirrorless cameras, with the new 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art, complete with some tasty upgrades.

The new 17-40mm F1.8 costs $919 / £779 (Australia price TBC) and comes in Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF and L-mount versions, with no word on a Nikon Z version yet. Sales are due to start on July 10, although the Canon version will come later in August.

The next go-to lens for aspiring filmmakers?

Sigma's 18-35mm was the world's first f/1.8 zoom lens when it launched in 2013. Its bright maximum aperture and zoom range versatility was key to its success – it could be the only lens you needed on set, plus it was a handy lens for stills, too.

That's not to say the 18-35mm was the perfect lens. It was heavy, plus its autofocus was a tad sluggish. Now, more than 12 years later, in steps the new 17-40mm F1.8 for mirrorless cameras with big upgrades across the board.

Firstly, the latest version is much lighter. In fact, at just 18.9oz / 535g, it's over 30% lighter than the 18-35mm.

It's also dust- and splash-resistant, and equipped with a customizable aperture ring offering both clicked or smooth adjustments.

(Image credit: Sigma)

Its complex lens construction comprises 17 elements in 11 groups, for what Sigma says is superior optical performance – that's a given for a mirrorless lens versus one designed for DSLRs.

You'll have already noted that the 17-40mm zoom range is wider and longer, too (it's a 25.5-60mm full-frame equivalent), making for an even more versatile optic.

In fact, the 17-40mm employs an inner zoom, meaning the length of the lens is unchanged as you change focal length. Focus breathing is suppressed too, which is also a boon for filmmakers, as is the 'High-response Linear Actuator' which supposedly delivers quiet, fast and precise autofocus.

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art sounds like a phenomenal zoom lens for APS-C (Super 35) cameras, and I expect it to make itself at home on low-budget film sets for many years to come.

You might also like

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• I’ve shot hundreds of photos with the stunning Sigma BF – despite its flaws, it makes other cameras feel ordinary
• Sigma announces the world’s first f/1.8 full-frame zoom for mirrorless cameras – and it looks a treat for filmmakers

• Designed for APS-C (Super 35) mirrorless cameras
• Available for Sony E, Canon RF, Fujifilm X and L-mount systems
• It costs $919 / £779 (Australia price TBC) and will be on sale from July 10

I remember first casting my eyes on the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 zoom lens. It was the go-to lens for creatives cutting their teeth in the filmmaking world, and it seemed to be on every low-budget set.

It was a cutting-edge lens, in that it offered a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture across its versatile wide-angle zoom range, and it was relatively cheap.

Despite it being designed for DSLR cameras, such was its appeal that many users adapted it for other systems, such as mirrorless. Put simply, there was no other lens like it.

So it's particularly exciting for me that Sigma has just reinvented the lens for mirrorless cameras, with the new 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art, complete with some tasty upgrades.

The new 17-40mm F1.8 costs $919 / £779 (Australia price TBC) and comes in Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF and L-mount versions, with no word on a Nikon Z version yet. Sales are due to start on July 10, although the Canon version will come later in August.

The next go-to lens for aspiring filmmakers?

Sigma's 18-35mm was the world's first f/1.8 zoom lens when it launched in 2013. Its bright maximum aperture and zoom range versatility was key to its success – it could be the only lens you needed on set, plus it was a handy lens for stills, too.

That's not to say the 18-35mm was the perfect lens. It was heavy, plus its autofocus was a tad sluggish. Now, more than 12 years later, in steps the new 17-40mm F1.8 for mirrorless cameras with big upgrades across the board.

Firstly, the latest version is much lighter. In fact, at just 18.9oz / 535g, it's over 30% lighter than the 18-35mm.

It's also dust- and splash-resistant, and equipped with a customizable aperture ring offering both clicked or smooth adjustments.

(Image credit: Sigma)

Its complex lens construction comprises 17 elements in 11 groups, for what Sigma says is superior optical performance – that's a given for a mirrorless lens versus one designed for DSLRs.

You'll have already noted that the 17-40mm zoom range is wider and longer, too (it's a 25.5-60mm full-frame equivalent), making for an even more versatile optic.

In fact, the 17-40mm employs an inner zoom, meaning the length of the lens is unchanged as you change focal length. Focus breathing is suppressed too, which is also a boon for filmmakers, as is the 'High-response Linear Actuator' which supposedly delivers quiet, fast and precise autofocus.

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art sounds like a phenomenal zoom lens for APS-C (Super 35) cameras, and I expect it to make itself at home on low-budget film sets for many years to come.

You might also like

• I’ve tested all 4 of Sigma’s bargain f/1.4 primes for Canon cameras – here’s how to decide which one to buy
• I’ve shot hundreds of photos with the stunning Sigma BF – despite its flaws, it makes other cameras feel ordinary
• Sigma announces the world’s first f/1.8 full-frame zoom for mirrorless cameras – and it looks a treat for filmmakers

• Windows 11’s June update is failing to install for some people
• It’s complicated because Microsoft released an initial update this month – which was paused – and then a revised patch that replaced it
• This revised patch is also causing unfortunate bugs according to some reports

Windows 11’s latest update is proving problematic for some folks who can’t even install it, and others are running into trouble with bugs in the patch – or the fact that it doesn’t resolve the issues that it’s supposed to.

We need to rewind a bit here for context, and remember that Microsoft got off to a bad start with Windows 11 24H2’s update for June. The initial patch (codenamed KB5060842) was paused after Microsoft discovered that it was clashing with an anti-cheat tool, meaning games using that system would crash.

To resolve this, Microsoft released a second update (patch KB5063060) that replaced the first patch in Windows Update, but as Windows Latest reports, people are running into installation failures with that upgrade.

Some users are encountering the usual nonsensical and unhelpful error messages (bearing meaningless error codes like ‘0x800f0922’), while others say that the revised update gets stuck downloading and never actually finishes.

This is based on complaints from Microsoft’s Feedback Hub, readers contacting Windows Latest directly, and posts on Reddit like this one, which describes a worrying boot loop (of three to four reboots) before the user got back into Windows 11 to discover the update installation hadn’t worked.

There are people also saying they’ve run into bugs with KB5063060. Those include reports of the taskbar freezing when the PC wakes up from sleep, and issues with external monitors going wrong and Bluetooth devices being forgotten (so you must rediscover them every time Windows 11 is restarted).

There are some more worrying reports of PCs ending up freezing full-stop, so they need to be rebooted. And there are a few complaints (again on Reddit) that even after installing this second patch – which is supposed to work fine with games that use Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) – some games are still problematic.

“I still get the same problem playing Star Citizen," wrote one gamer. "Game freezing randomly and the Windows event log viewer showing the EAC error.”

There are further reports of Fortnite and efootball25 (which used to be PES) still crashing, so it seems that not all the wrinkles have been ironed out.

Analysis: a disappointingly messy rollout for June

(Image credit: Shutterstock / fizkes)

Installation failures are a long-running problem with Windows 11 (and Windows 10 for that matter). It’s therefore no surprise that, given the misfire with the initial update, more issues are now cropping up.

As Windows Latest points out, because there were two updates this time round, there may be issues with PCs that already grabbed KB5060842 and are now getting the second KB5063060 update, due to having a game with EAC installed that’s affected by the anti-cheat compatibility bug in the first one.

In such scenarios, it’s possible that Windows 11 trying to overwrite the first patch with the second is causing Windows Update to fall over. Those in this situation should be limited in numbers, though, as Microsoft pulled the first patch quite swiftly (so it didn’t get through to many PCs with games that use EAC, at least in theory anyway).

That’s just speculation, but whichever way you slice it, this has been a messy rollout of an update (well, a pair of updates technically).

What can you do if you’re stuck unable to install the revised June update? One approach is to download the update manually and install it directly, which you can do by grabbing the file from Microsoft's site (the x64 version, as the Arm-based one is for Snapdragon PCs).

That should install successfully, but I’d be rather wary of taking this approach if you’re not a reasonably confident computer user.

Alternatively, you can simply wait until Microsoft hopefully sorts out any issue(s) behind the scenes on its side, and the update might just succeed under its own steam later this week. There’s no guarantee of that, though, and you’re very much in a less-than-ideal situation.

Those who can install the revised update, but are still experiencing crashing with games (or elsewhere) can’t do much except wait and pray any issues are resolved. The only other possible route is to uninstall the patch, but that’s not recommended due to it leaving your PC without the latest round of security fixes provided with every cumulative update for Windows 11. (You also won’t get the newest features either, some of which are nifty additions).

You might also like...

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• Windows 11’s June update is failing to install for some people
• It’s complicated because Microsoft released an initial update this month – which was paused – and then a revised patch that replaced it
• This revised patch is also causing unfortunate bugs according to some reports

Windows 11’s latest update is proving problematic for some folks who can’t even install it, and others are running into trouble with bugs in the patch – or the fact that it doesn’t resolve the issues that it’s supposed to.

We need to rewind a bit here for context, and remember that Microsoft got off to a bad start with Windows 11 24H2’s update for June. The initial patch (codenamed KB5060842) was paused after Microsoft discovered that it was clashing with an anti-cheat tool, meaning games using that system would crash.

To resolve this, Microsoft released a second update (patch KB5063060) that replaced the first patch in Windows Update, but as Windows Latest reports, people are running into installation failures with that upgrade.

Some users are encountering the usual nonsensical and unhelpful error messages (bearing meaningless error codes like ‘0x800f0922’), while others say that the revised update gets stuck downloading and never actually finishes.

This is based on complaints from Microsoft’s Feedback Hub, readers contacting Windows Latest directly, and posts on Reddit like this one, which describes a worrying boot loop (of three to four reboots) before the user got back into Windows 11 to discover the update installation hadn’t worked.

There are people also saying they’ve run into bugs with KB5063060. Those include reports of the taskbar freezing when the PC wakes up from sleep, and issues with external monitors going wrong and Bluetooth devices being forgotten (so you must rediscover them every time Windows 11 is restarted).

There are some more worrying reports of PCs ending up freezing full-stop, so they need to be rebooted. And there are a few complaints (again on Reddit) that even after installing this second patch – which is supposed to work fine with games that use Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) – some games are still problematic.

“I still get the same problem playing Star Citizen," wrote one gamer. "Game freezing randomly and the Windows event log viewer showing the EAC error.”

There are further reports of Fortnite and efootball25 (which used to be PES) still crashing, so it seems that not all the wrinkles have been ironed out.

Analysis: a disappointingly messy rollout for June

(Image credit: Shutterstock / fizkes)

Installation failures are a long-running problem with Windows 11 (and Windows 10 for that matter). It’s therefore no surprise that, given the misfire with the initial update, more issues are now cropping up.

As Windows Latest points out, because there were two updates this time round, there may be issues with PCs that already grabbed KB5060842 and are now getting the second KB5063060 update, due to having a game with EAC installed that’s affected by the anti-cheat compatibility bug in the first one.

In such scenarios, it’s possible that Windows 11 trying to overwrite the first patch with the second is causing Windows Update to fall over. Those in this situation should be limited in numbers, though, as Microsoft pulled the first patch quite swiftly (so it didn’t get through to many PCs with games that use EAC, at least in theory anyway).

That’s just speculation, but whichever way you slice it, this has been a messy rollout of an update (well, a pair of updates technically).

What can you do if you’re stuck unable to install the revised June update? One approach is to download the update manually and install it directly, which you can do by grabbing the file from Microsoft's site (the x64 version, as the Arm-based one is for Snapdragon PCs).

That should install successfully, but I’d be rather wary of taking this approach if you’re not a reasonably confident computer user.

Alternatively, you can simply wait until Microsoft hopefully sorts out any issue(s) behind the scenes on its side, and the update might just succeed under its own steam later this week. There’s no guarantee of that, though, and you’re very much in a less-than-ideal situation.

Those who can install the revised update, but are still experiencing crashing with games (or elsewhere) can’t do much except wait and pray any issues are resolved. The only other possible route is to uninstall the patch, but that’s not recommended due to it leaving your PC without the latest round of security fixes provided with every cumulative update for Windows 11. (You also won’t get the newest features either, some of which are nifty additions).

You might also like...

• Windows 11's hidden PC migration feature proves Microsoft isn't messing around when it comes to killing off Windows 10
• macOS Tahoe 26 is official - here's everything you need to know about all the new features
• Can’t upgrade to Windows 11? This Linux project wants to save your old PC from the scrapheap when Windows 10 support ends

• The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't include a warranty card to prevent scalpers
• Resellers in Japan are now required to have proof of purchase before they can resell their Nintendo Switch 2
• Switch 2 owners in Japan need to send in their receipt along with their console to request a repair

In an attempt to combat scalpers in Japan, Nintendo has excluded a vital component from the Nintendo Switch 2 box, making it harder to resell the console.

As reported by IGN, owners of the latest Switch model in Japan have noticed that the console doesn't come with a physical warranty card, which is typically required for in-store hardware repairs.

Alternatively, owners are now required to have proof of purchase in the form of a receipt to get their Switch 2 repaired by Nintendo Japan’s official repair service, a change which has also made reselling the console much more difficult for scalpers.

For this reason, resellers on Japanese online retailers are being forced to include their receipts; however, it appears that Mercari Japan is now prohibiting receipts, a marketplace where people have been buying and reselling the console.

"I'm reselling the Switch 2 on Mercari, but recently, more and more people are listing it with receipts. You need a receipt for the warranty. Buyers want that too," said TeamSubRockman (X / Twitter translate).

"In conclusion, this is a clear violation of Mercari's terms and conditions. It's out of the grey area. Nintendo, you've set up so many traps, it's amazing."

With the original Switch, which did come with a warranty card in Japan, owners only have to send in a copy of the card to request a repair.

Now, with the new proof of purchase rule, Switch 2 owners in Japan are required to send in their receipt along with their console to be repaired, according to Nintendo Japan.

According to Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Warranty, in the EU, the Switch 2 warranty only covers the console for 24 months post-purchase and "does not cover the Product if it has been resold, or used for rental or commercial purposes."

Similarly, the Nintendo of America version of the warranty reads: "The original purchaser is entitled to this warranty only if the consumer can demonstrate, to Nintendo's satisfaction, that the product was purchased within the last 12 months."

In addition, proof of purchase is required for repairs outside of Japan, according to the Nintendo UK Terms of Service, and if owners are unable to supply a receipt, "the Product will be considered to be outside of your Nintendo Warranty and a service fee will apply for any repair work undertaken."

You might also like...

• Nintendo Switch 2 restocks live: US stock is still absent, while Amazon and ebuyer in the UK have inventory right now
• Here are the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games that arrived alongside the new console
• I’ve spent 150 hours with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and the Switch 2 Edition is an incredible upgrade

• The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't include a warranty card to prevent scalpers
• Resellers in Japan are now required to have proof of purchase before they can resell their Nintendo Switch 2
• Switch 2 owners in Japan need to send in their receipt along with their console to request a repair

In an attempt to combat scalpers in Japan, Nintendo has excluded a vital component from the Nintendo Switch 2 box, making it harder to resell the console.

As reported by IGN, owners of the latest Switch model in Japan have noticed that the console doesn't come with a physical warranty card, which is typically required for in-store hardware repairs.

Alternatively, owners are now required to have proof of purchase in the form of a receipt to get their Switch 2 repaired by Nintendo Japan’s official repair service, a change which has also made reselling the console much more difficult for scalpers.

For this reason, resellers on Japanese online retailers are being forced to include their receipts; however, it appears that Mercari Japan is now prohibiting receipts, a marketplace where people have been buying and reselling the console.

"I'm reselling the Switch 2 on Mercari, but recently, more and more people are listing it with receipts. You need a receipt for the warranty. Buyers want that too," said TeamSubRockman (X / Twitter translate).

"In conclusion, this is a clear violation of Mercari's terms and conditions. It's out of the grey area. Nintendo, you've set up so many traps, it's amazing."

With the original Switch, which did come with a warranty card in Japan, owners only have to send in a copy of the card to request a repair.

Now, with the new proof of purchase rule, Switch 2 owners in Japan are required to send in their receipt along with their console to be repaired, according to Nintendo Japan.

According to Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Warranty, in the EU, the Switch 2 warranty only covers the console for 24 months post-purchase and "does not cover the Product if it has been resold, or used for rental or commercial purposes."

Similarly, the Nintendo of America version of the warranty reads: "The original purchaser is entitled to this warranty only if the consumer can demonstrate, to Nintendo's satisfaction, that the product was purchased within the last 12 months."

In addition, proof of purchase is required for repairs outside of Japan, according to the Nintendo UK Terms of Service, and if owners are unable to supply a receipt, "the Product will be considered to be outside of your Nintendo Warranty and a service fee will apply for any repair work undertaken."

You might also like...

• Nintendo Switch 2 restocks live: US stock is still absent, while Amazon and ebuyer in the UK have inventory right now
• Here are the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games that arrived alongside the new console
• I’ve spent 150 hours with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and the Switch 2 Edition is an incredible upgrade

• Europol takes down Archetyp Market after five years of investigation
• One person was arrested, and "measures" taken against others
• Millions in different assets were seized

A massive international law enforcement operation has seen one of the longest-standing dark web marketplaces finally taken offline.

Europol said a large-scale operation saw it dismantle Archetyp Market, described as a “drug marketplace” that allowed, among other things, the sale of fentanyl, one of the most dangerous synthetic opioids out there.

Archetyp Market operated for more than five years, numbering more than 600,000 users, and amassing a total transaction volume of more than $280 million. By the time it was dismantled, it had more than 17,000 listings, Europol claims.

Farewell Archetyp Market

The infrastructure was found in the Netherlands, and was subsequently dismantled.

A 30-year-old German national was found in Barcelona, Spain, and arrested. “Measures” were taken against one alleged moderator, and six people described as “the marketplace’s highest vendors”.

The agency did not detail what these “measures” were, but added that it seized $9 million in assets.

“With this takedown, law enforcement has taken out one of the dark web’s longest-running drug markets, cutting off a major supply line for some of the world’s most dangerous substances,” commented Europol’s Deputy Executive Director of Operations Jean-Philippe Lecouffe.

“By dismantling its infrastructure and arresting its key players, we are sending a clear message: there is no safe haven for those who profit from harm.”

Europol said the action was the result of “years of intensive investigative work”, during which detectives mapped out the platform’s technical architecture and identified the individuals behind it. They were following the money trail, and analyzed digital forensic evidence, allowing them to determine key players and important locations.

The operation was conducted between June 11 and 13 in five European countries: Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden.

Besides national police forces and Europol, other agencies were involved as well: Eurojust, and the US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Department of Justice (USDOJ).

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• Europol takes down Archetyp Market after five years of investigation
• One person was arrested, and "measures" taken against others
• Millions in different assets were seized

A massive international law enforcement operation has seen one of the longest-standing dark web marketplaces finally taken offline.

Europol said a large-scale operation saw it dismantle Archetyp Market, described as a “drug marketplace” that allowed, among other things, the sale of fentanyl, one of the most dangerous synthetic opioids out there.

Archetyp Market operated for more than five years, numbering more than 600,000 users, and amassing a total transaction volume of more than $280 million. By the time it was dismantled, it had more than 17,000 listings, Europol claims.

Farewell Archetyp Market

The infrastructure was found in the Netherlands, and was subsequently dismantled.

A 30-year-old German national was found in Barcelona, Spain, and arrested. “Measures” were taken against one alleged moderator, and six people described as “the marketplace’s highest vendors”.

The agency did not detail what these “measures” were, but added that it seized $9 million in assets.

“With this takedown, law enforcement has taken out one of the dark web’s longest-running drug markets, cutting off a major supply line for some of the world’s most dangerous substances,” commented Europol’s Deputy Executive Director of Operations Jean-Philippe Lecouffe.

“By dismantling its infrastructure and arresting its key players, we are sending a clear message: there is no safe haven for those who profit from harm.”

Europol said the action was the result of “years of intensive investigative work”, during which detectives mapped out the platform’s technical architecture and identified the individuals behind it. They were following the money trail, and analyzed digital forensic evidence, allowing them to determine key players and important locations.

The operation was conducted between June 11 and 13 in five European countries: Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden.

Besides national police forces and Europol, other agencies were involved as well: Eurojust, and the US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Department of Justice (USDOJ).

You might also like

• This wiper malware takes data destruction to a whole new level
• Take a look at our guide to the best authenticator app
• We've rounded up the best password managers