macOS Monterey has a new network speed test checker.
You can check the quality of your network connection using the Terminal app and a single command.
You don't need to open a special app or use a website to see how fast your internet is aymore.
If you want to test the speed of your internet you probably fire up a website or use an app, right? But did you know that your Mac already has an app built right in, specially designed for the task? You do now!
I've been using Macs for more years than I care to remember and I've always used various tools to test whether my internet connection is misbehaving or not. But I came across a tweet over the weekend that showed that our Macs already have an app that does the job — you just need to run a simple command via the Terminal app. Simply open a Terminal window, type networkquality and hit the Return key. It's all surprisingly simple and you'll even get some handy stats afterward. Want to know more? append -v for a more verbose output.
Your output won't look as lovely as Luke's because he's done some mock-up magic to get that screenshot, but you'll get the same data. The tool tests for your upload speed, download speed, responsiveness, and more. Pretty cool, right?
Here's what my output looks like to give you an idea of what to expect:
I ran this test running the latest version of macOS Monterey — and it looks like the app was added as part of the Monterey release last year. We probably missed it because we were all so excited about the idea of Universal Control!
Find that your network isn't as fast as you'd have hoped? Check out our list of the best Wi-Fi routers for Apple devices and plan your next upgrade!
Apple looks set to face another charge over anti-competitive handling of third-party apps like Spotify.
Spotify complained to the EU regarding Apple's in-app purchase requirements.
Apps are required to use Apple's purchase system when selling subscriptions.
Apple is being accused of ant-competitive behavior over its requirement that everyone uses its App Store payment system.
Apple looks set to face another EU antitrust charge relating to the way it requires music streamers like Spotify to use its App Store in-app purchase system.
A Spotify complaint had already triggered moves to begin an investigation but a new Reuters report suggests that Apple could be in for an additional charge.
Apple faces an additional EU antitrust charge in the coming weeks in an investigation triggered by a complaint from Spotify, a person familiar with the matter said, a sign that EU enforcers are strengthening their case against the U.S. company.
The European Commission last year accused the iPhone maker of distorting competition in the music streaming market via restrictive rules for its App Store that force developers to use its own in-app payment system and prevent them from informing users of other purchasing options. read more [...] Extra charges set out in a so-called supplementary statement of objections are usually issued to companies when the EU competition enforcer has gathered new evidence or has modified some elements to boost its case.
While many would argue that Apple Music is the best iPhone music streaming service, Spotify is still its biggest competition. However, anyone wishing to start a Spotify subscription via the company's app on iPhones and iPads would be required to do so via Apple's payment systems — with Spotify paying a fee for those sales. That's something the EU and governments in various countries have already taken a hard look at — and they don't appear set to look away.
Apple is already facing massive fines relating to the Dutch App Store and dating apps. The company has been told to allow such apps to offer third-party payments but has been dragging its feet in doing so.
Apple TV+ has announced a new podcast called Run, Bambi, Run.
The new podcast tells the story of a police officer convicted of murder.
Apple TV+ has a new podcast and it sounds like a must-listen.
Apple TV+ has today announced a new podcast all about "a Milwaukee police officer and Playboy Club bunny" who was convicted for the murder of her husband's ex-wife. Run, Bambi, Run has two episodes available today with a new one arriving weekly.
The new podcast is hosted by journalist and author Vanessa Grigoriadis and is set to be the next big thing from Apple TV+ — except you won't be watching this one. You'll be listening.
Apple TV+ today announced the debut of the new Apple Original podcast "Run, Bambi, Run," releasing the first two episodes of the eight-part series. Hosted by journalist, author and Campside Media co-founder Vanessa Grigoriadis ("Chameleon: The Hollywood Con Queen"), "Run, Bambi, Run" investigates the real life story of Laurie "Bambi" Bembenek, a stunning 21-year-old Milwaukee police officer who was dubiously convicted of killing her new husband's ex-wife, before braving a daring escape as part of a years-long quest to clear her name.
Here's how the podcast's description explains what we can expect when we settle down to listen.
Laurie Bembenek was a Milwaukee police officer and Playboy Club bunny before being arrested for the murder of her husband's ex-wife, a crime she insisted she did not commit. Nicknamed "Bambi Bembenek," she became a tabloid fixation, a feminist cause célèbre and, after she escaped from prison, an American folk hero, though she was never exonerated. Journalist and Campside Media co-founder Vanessa Grigoriadis takes a fresh look at the case Diane Sawyer called the "most glamorous murder case of the 1980s."
The new podcast joins a growing number under the Apple TV+ brand including Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy and The Problem With Jon Stewart.
New episodes will debut every Monday and the podcast can be found via RSS or in the Apple Podcasts app.
100% exclusive content for the price of a cup of coffee.
With TV+, you can watch well-produced, big-budget TV shows from famed directors, and starring award-winning actors and actresses across all your Apple devices and with up to six members of your Family Sharing group.
Why do you need the best ear hooks for your AirPods 2? While the AirPods 2 are fantastic accessories for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you may find them slipping out of your ears. The last thing you want is to lose one of your AirPods. If you're looking for something that can help those AirPods fit better and stay in your ears, there are some great options for ear hooks and other covers.
Best for most
KeyBudz EarBuddyz 2.0
Staff Favorite
The Earbuddyz 2.0 are the best AirPods 2 ear hooks for just about anyone. They cover the earbud of your AirPods with a thin, comfortable, and flexible silicone that contours to your inner ear. It allows you to jog, dance, or move around without having to worry about your AirPods falling out. They are even labeled "L" and "R," so you won't ever put them in the wrong ear accidentally.
Get everything you might need for one low price: grips, tips, clips, straps, and skin. No matter which type of ear hooks or clips you might want to try out, you'll get them all in this set, so you can see what suits you best. Choose from several fun colors.
The AhaStyle AirPods Ear Hooks will not only keep your AirPods in your ears but will also improve the sound isolation thanks to the rubber tips which come in a variety of colors. You get three pairs, plus a storage pouch since you can't charge AirPods with hooks attached.
Made of durable and soft silicone, the OneCut provides a comfortable hook available in a handful of color options that fit in your ear to prevent your AirPods from moving out of place or falling out. The cool thing about these is you get five pairs for one low price.
Why stop at just keeping your AirPods in your ears when you can have the whole package? The Filoto AirPods accessory set comes with hooks to keep your AirPods fitting snugly, a cord to keep your AirPods 2 attached, a silicone case for your AirPods case, a carabiner to keep your AirPods clipped where you want, and a carrying case.
This adorable set comes in a few appealing and colorful patterns. Get two pairs of ear hooks, a cord that connects your AirPods, a clip that lets you store your AirPods on your Apple Watch band, an AirPods case with a carabiner clip, and a zippered pouch that holds it all. You get it all for one affordable price.
Secure and play your favorite music with the best AirPods 2 ear hooks
Note that all of these options will still fit if you do have the original AirPods because the AirPods 1 and AirPods 2 are the same size and shape. However, the AirPods 3 are a different size and shape, so ear hooks won't be interchangeable between AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.
So which will be the best AirPods 2 ear hooks for you? If you find your AirPods 2 have trouble staying in your ears, any of the options listed above will undoubtedly help you out, but we love the EarBuddyz 2.0. It's a super simple way to make sure your AirPods stay in your ears, and they're quite affordable. The silicone will provide some ambient noise isolation, and the hooks fit into your ear's cartilage comfortably. Choose from four different colors: clear, black, Pretty in Pink, and sky blue.
If you're not entirely sure which ear hook style you will find most comfortable, I'd recommend the WQNIDE AirPods accessories set. This kit includes every type of ear hook and tip you can think of, and it's well-priced to boot. You can keep the whole set and use different hooks for different occasions, or split up the set to share with friends and family.
Note that the AirPods case is designed to fit the AirPods perfectly, so any of these skins will make the AirPods too bulky to place into the charging case. You'll need to remove the skins from your AirPods each time before charging. Looking for the best AirPods and AirPods 2 cases as well? We've got you covered (pun intended) there too!
WhatsApp is adding a new encryption explanation to its iPhone app.
A new encryption explainer is available in the WhatsApp beta release.
End-to-end encryption ensures conversations cannot be read by others.
WhatsApp is adding a new end-to-end encryption explainer to its iPhone app.
WhatsApp is readying an update that will remind people why end-to-end encryption is so important to them, according to a new report. A new screen will show what end-to-end encryption means and what benefits it offers.
The new WhatsApp screen is now being tested in beta form and was first spotted by beta watchers WABetaInfo. The page will appear when people tap another new addition — the end-to-end encryption indicators that we reported on recently.
As you can see in this attached screenshot, a new security page shows up that gives some information about end-to-end encryption. The new page informs the user that text and voice messages, audio and video calls (including group calls), media, location sharing, and status updates are secured by end-to-end encryption, so your conversations are always private.
End-to-end encryption ensures that all communications are private, something that is vital to WhatsApp users and one of the reasons it's one of the best iPhone apps for private communications — although there are plenty of WhatsApp alternatives available in the App Store.
This latest change is currently available to those on the WhatsApp TestFlight beta although it is surely only a matter of time before it is rolled out to everyone. WhatsApp continues to tweak its app via those beta releases before making the updates available via the App Store for all users. The Meta-owned instant messaging service is also testing a change that will add an ETA to file transfers, too.
Apple's spring event is behind us as our attention turns to June.
Though Apple's first media event of the year was just a month ago, all eyes are already on the company's next major shindig: WWDC.
Now that WWDC 2022 has been officially announced, we know exactly when and where (and how) it will take place. That means it's open season for Apple software hopes and dreams as well as rumors of potential new hardware at the event. Let's get into it.
WWDC 2022 dates announced
So, it's official: Apple's 2022 Worldwide Developer Conference will kick off on June 6 and run through June 10.
Once again, the conference will be all-online and the company will unveil the next versions of its various operating systems:
Building on the success of the past two years of virtual events, WWDC22 will showcase the latest innovations in iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, while giving developers access to Apple engineers and technologies to learn how to create groundbreaking apps and interactive experiences.
For most Apple observers, WWDC is the first truly exciting event on the calendar each year. Though we just had a March event that unveiled the best iPad for most people in the iPad Air 5, an updated 2022 iPhone SE, and an all-new Mac Studio, WWDC is when Apple shows off the redesigned and reinvented software that we'll be using on all of our devices for the next year.
The week-long conference will begin with the customary keynote where the company will show off exactly what it has been working on.
Of course, we'll have to wait and see what that is but iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS 13, watchOS 9, and tvOS 16 are a shoo-in with the potential for some exciting hardware announcements like an Apple silicon-powered Mac Pro and maybe even a first look at the long-rumored Apple AR/VR headset. Fingers crossed!
Before WWDC, we'll get iOS 15.5
Hot on the heels of WWDC 2022's announcement this week, we also got the first beta release of iOS 15.5. It's not as chock-full of features as iOS 15.4 was, though there are a few interesting tidbits in there.
The beta release appears to reference the upcoming Apple Classical streaming service. The service doesn't yet have an official name or launch date, but we do know that Apple plans to offer "a dedicated classical music app" this year using the user interface of renowned classical music streaming service Primephonic, which Apple acquired last year.
There's also an apparent rebranding of iTunes Pass in the Wallet app in iOS 15.5, with references found to an "Apple Account Card". This brings the feature more closely in line with the unified gift cards Apple has been offering in the U.S. since 2020.
Other under-the-hood updates include a HomePod Wi-Fi signal bar, updates for Apple Pay Cash and Apple Card terminology, and full support for the External Link Account Entitlement granted to reader apps as of last month.
For those not keeping tabs on the various legal proceedings going on regarding Apple's App Store, that last feature relates to a 2021 Japanese Fair Trade Commission investigation into the App Store. That investigation resulted in Apple allowing select apps to link to their own websites in order to create accounts or process payments outside of Apple's in-app payments system.
Apps that offer "magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, or video" as the primary functionality of the app can apply for an External Link Account Entitlement, meaning apps like Netflix or Spotify could roll their own sign-up flows for iOS users.
We'll be sure to share anything else interesting that version 15.5 brings as the beta process continues.
Friday Night Baseball's first pitch
Apple's Friday Night Baseball also debuted this week on Apple TV+. The reaction was... mixed with outages reported by some users and complaints about the announcers, though others appreciated the quality of the streams and very Apple-y graphics.
Being a Brit, baseball is not really my thing but given this is Apple's first foray into live sports, and live programming in general, it's going to be hugely interesting to see how this plays out over the next several weeks. With the first week out of the way, it remains to be seen how much Apple will iterate on its offering as the baseball season continues.
With more folks cord-cutting and ditching cable for good, live sports and major showpiece events are perhaps the missing piece for a lot of streaming service subscribers. We know Apple has NFL ambitions and other streamers like Amazon Prime Video have been slurping up sports rights over the last few years. This is going to be a hotly-contested battleground in the ongoing streaming wars and Friday Night Baseball is just the beginning for Apple.
What's on your WWDC wish list?
I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty of iOS 16 mockups and iPadOS 16 concepts in the coming weeks and I always love seeing the weird and wonderful ideas that get cooked up at this time of year. We'll also be putting out our own wish lists for WWDC and each of Apple's major operating systems in the run-up to the event, but let us know what you want to see Apple unveil at this year's event!
You love your AirPods Pro — and you should protect the shiny white charging case from scuffs and scratches. A protective case is what you need. Note that the AirPods Pro have a different form factor from the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3, so the cases will not be interchangeable between models. Here are some of the best cases for AirPods Pro.
The AirSnap Pro is a protective and durable leather case for your AirPods Pro. It comes with an S-clip to prevent loss, but you can easily remove it if you want to use a standard keychain instead. The AirSnap Pro also includes a carrying strap, so you have multiple ways to transport it. The leather itself is premium and will keep your AirPods Pro safe and secure.
This isn't a case; rather, it's a skin designed to personalize your tech and keep it from scuffs. Choose from a huge variety of designs. You'll find your favorite team logos, flags, geometric patterns, marble looks, and much more. The premium 3M vinyl is easy to apply and remove without residue.
If you want heavy-duty protection but with a more elegant style, then the Rugged Armor case is what you want. It has a carbon fiber design and is made of tough, durable silicone that will withstand pretty much anything you throw at it. The case also comes with a keyring for easier portability.
The classic Cosmo design from i-Blason that has graced many generations of iPhone cases and other Apple Watch accessories is now available for your AirPods Pro. The Cosmo design is a marble pattern with a gorgeous mix of rose gold, pink, white, and gray. It's sure to give your AirPods Pro a bit of flair while keeping it safe from everyday wear and tear. There is also a carrying strap, so you never lose sight of your AirPods Pro.
V-MORO's leather case is made with genuine leather, so there's no faux pas here. It comes in a handful of colors, and the browns in particular are sure to develop a nice patina over time. The leather also provides full protection for your AirPods Pro charging case, keeping it safe from scuffs and scratches. It comes with a metal carabiner for easy carry.
Smooth protection
ESR Upgraded Protective Cover for AirPods Pro
This soft silicone cover for your AirPods Pro case has a slim profile but will protect your AirPods Pro from scratches, drops, and bumps. It has a snug fit and a small hole on the front so you can quickly see the charging LED indicator. It also has a free carabiner, so you can clip it onto anything, anywhere. Plus, it comes in a bunch of colors!
If you need something more rugged, then Spigen's Tough Armor is all you need. This durable case will protect your AirPods Pro case from pretty much everything. Whether you drop it from ten floors up or something heavy drops on top of it—your AirPods are safe. It also comes with a keyring for easier portability.
Colorfully protective
Speck Products Presidio PRO Airpods PRO Case
Totally chic, this case from Speck protects with a grippy matte material. It's co-molded with a hard outer shell and a soft rubber interior to keep your headphones safe from drops and bumps. It comes in several colors, but I love the Goji Berry Pink/Silk Scarf Red shown here.
Disney lovers will want to snag up this cute Mickey or Minnie-themed case. It's made with soft silicone that is a joy to hold, and it even comes with a carrying strap with a ring, so it's impossible to lose your AirPods Pro. This case is sure to turn the heads of Disney lovers everywhere.
If you like a little bling on your accessories, this one is right up your alley. Sparkly crystals adorn this fun case, ensuring your AirPods Pro stand out from the crowd.
Clear protection
ESR Hybrid Translucent Cover
If you want something that just protects your AirPods Pro case without adding color, then the Hybrid case is what you want. It's made with a clear TPU material with a matte finish on the accents, so the original white shines through, but it's safe from scratches, bumps, and drops. It also comes with a keychain.
BRG offers this simple silicone cover, which fits snugly over your AirPods Pro charging case and keeps it safe from everyday scuffs and nicks. It comes in a huge variety of colors and fun patterns, so you're sure to find one perfect for you.
Catalyst - Premium Edition Waterproof Case for AirPods Pro
Protect your AirPods Pro on your outdoor adventures with this ultra-protective case. The case is waterproof up to 3.3 feet (one meter) underwater and can withstand drops of up to four feet (1.2 meters.) Yet the case does not interfere with wireless charging. Choose from several color options.
Hey retro Apple fans, how fun is this? Spigen pays tribute to the original iPod shuffle with the design of this silicone case. It does come with a metal carabiner clip.
Cute flair
ESR Bounce Carrying Case with Fur Pom-Pom Keychain
This soft silicone cover comes in a nice variety of pastel colors and will protect your AirPods Pro charging case from everyday bumps, drops, and scuffs. It also comes with a cute faux-fur pom-pom dust plug to prevent dust from getting in the charging port, as well as a keychain attachment.
Whether you're taking your AirPods Pro on an outdoor adventure, or you just like the ultra-rugged look, SUPCASE offers something unique here. The TPU and polycarbonate hardshell give you some serious drop protection.
Why not let your AirPods Pro wear a little flair? If leopard print isn't for you, there are plenty of other options, such as other animal prints and lovely florals. The metal carabiner clip lets you attach it to your bag too.
We just love elago's fun retro designs. Who says your AirPods have to look like AirPods? Channel your inner gamer with this adorable handheld game console-style case.
The best AirPods Pro cases for you
Keep your AirPods Pro looking brand new with a case. As noted in our article about Airpods 3 vs. AirPods Pro, the charging cases are a different size and shape. So always check the listing to be sure you're buying a case for the correct model.
Whether you're looking for something soft and silicone, luxurious and leather, or rough and rugged, these are some of the best AirPods Pro cases on the market. If we may make some suggestions, we like the TwelveSouth AirSnap Pro because TwelveSouth has nothing but high-quality products, and this AirPods Pro case is no exception. This is premium full-grain leather, not the cheap stuff.
If you're looking for a protective case at a lower price point, we like the Spigen Rugged Armor. This one offers a ton of durability and protection for your AirPods Pro without looking like something from an army base.
And finally, if you like super cute AirPods Pro cases, we also recommend the KINGXBAR Luxury Series AirPods Pro Case because it adds some blingy flair to your AirPods Pro without breaking the bank.
Hello everyone and welcome to this week's Nintendo recap. After months of uncertainty and confusion, the ESA has officially canceled E3 2022. We already knew there wasn't going to be an in-person event, but there had been rumors that there would still be a digital one. Don't worry. We'll still be getting announcements from several developers and tech companies this summer thanks to Summer Games Fest. In other news, the Nintendo Switch saw two big games release to positive reviews and also got an interesting update. Additionally, the next N64 game for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack was revealed and some fans are disappointed. Let's dive in.
Nintendo Switch gets firmware update
On Monday, Nintendo released the latest Nintendo Switch update — version 14.1.0. These changes mostly center around Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) and My Nintendo rewards, like making the new NSO rewards available in more countries and allowing the Switch to notify you if you have unclaimed Platinum Points, which can be used to purchase digital and limited physical rewards. Don't worry, the update also includes the ability to turn these reminders off if you don't want them.
It's interesting that Nintendo is focusing so much on this side of Switch services. Perhaps the company is preparing it to take a bigger place in Nintendo's gaming hardware, similar to the rewards and trophies systems found in PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
Official Splatoon 3 website launches in Japan
This week, an official Splatoon 3 website launched on Nintendo of Japan and includes several new screenshots and descriptions for the upcoming game. Considering that Splatoon 3 is set to release sometime in summer of 2022, it makes sense that Nintendo is getting ready to ramp up advertising for the game. With any luck, more information will soon follow and hopefully more websites will pop up on Nintendo of America and Nintendo of UK's websites.
Fans are upset that Mario Golf is the next N64 game on Switch
Over the last several months, subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack have been receiving a slow drip of new N64 games to play on the retro emulator. Last month we received The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, and this week we just learned that the next game to come to the service will be Mario Golf on April 15.
Now some fans have pointed out that this was a wasted opportunity as another N64 game on the docket would have made for a better April release: Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. That's because the pink puffball is about to reach his 30th anniversary on April 27, so fans are saying it would have been better to celebrate with a retro classic rather than another Mario game. Of course, Nintendo might be a little more wary of releasing a different Kirby game on Nintendo Switch so close to the release of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, which only launched at the end of last month. Perhaps they were afraid that doing so might affect the more recent game's sales.
At any rate, with Mario Golf coming to the N64 emulator on the Expansion Pack, this leaves only two previously announced N64 games remaining: The previously mentioned Kirby 64 and then Pokémon Snap. There are dozens of other classics from the N64 era, so we'll have to see if Nintendo plans on releasing any more onto the Switch once these last two games are added in.
LEGO Star Wars and Chrono Cross release on Switch to positive reviews
Those of us who played the older Star Wars LEGO games from the early 2000s will be glad to see these are not remasters but rather completely new takes on the stories with far improved graphics and voice acting. The game offers a very silly take on all nine main Star Wars films, not to mention adaptations of the third trilogy for the first time. Most importantly, it's incredibly funny, so much so that I've had to pause the game regularly because I've been laughing so hard. Reviews have been mostly positive, with the Metacritic score for the Switch version resting at 81 as of this writing.
As for the other game, Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamer Edition is a remaster of a classic JRPG from the original PlayStation era. This was and still is a rather divisive game among fans since it diverted from it's successor, Chrono Trigger, in many ways including combat, the number of characters, and art style. However, our own Miles Dompier played through it on Nintendo Switch and states that it's one of the best ways to revisit this classic:
While I enjoyed Chrono Cross back when it initially launched, I'm definitely enjoying my second experience with the title far more. The complexities of individuals, their motivations, and the often-uncertain human dynamics of these characters is something that admittedly went way over my head as a kid. I'm excited for a new generation of players to dive into this magical world, and hopeful that Chrono Trigger purists will give this divisive sequel another chance to shine.
As of the last time I checked, it was also resting at a score of 81 on Metacritic.
E3 2022 officially cancelled, but Summer Game Fest still on
After months of uncertainty, E3 2022 has officially been canceled by the ESA. As reported by Rebekah Valentine from IGN, we first learned that the in-person event was canceled back in January, but it wasn't clear yet if the digital show would go on. However, we now know that there will not be any digital E3 2022 show either, meaning the tech show is completely canceled. There are plans to resurrect the show in 2023, but nothing concrete yet.
Shortly after this news, we learned that the Summer Game Fest that was already planned for sometime in June 2022 will continue forward as planned and hosted as always by The Game Awards' Geoff Keighley. It's unclear at the moment if Nintendo will be attending the Summer Game Fest, but one way or another we're sure that there will be an E3 scale Nintendo Direct of some kind in the next few months.
After all, there are some really big games on Nintendo's docket this year like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Bayonetta 3, Splatoon 3, and Mario Strikers: Battle League. Not to mention, there are more than likely even more upcoming games that we don't know of yet. We'll keep our ears to the ground and will report when we learn more about Nintendo's plans.
See you next week
That's all for this week folks! Regardless of what games you're playing this weekend, I hope you find them relaxing or just the right kind of challenging.
The Nintendo Switch OLED provides a clean revision of Nintendo's hybrid gaming console. The larger OLED screen means there's a new dock, which in turn means that you'll need new cases if you want to keep your Nintendo Switch protected while it's in the dock. We've rounded up a few options for you to choose from.
Well protected
Mumba Dockable Case - Nintendo Switch OLED
Staff Pick
The Mumba case for the Nintendo Switch OLED is perfectly compatible with the dock. The material is both scratch-resistant and shock absorbent, whether you're safekeeping it in the dock or picking it up and carrying it around. You can even remove the Joy-Cons without taking the case off, so you're good to keep it on as long as you want. Get it in black, purple, white, blue, or red.
With its minimalist design, textured grips, and ability to fit into a Switch OLED dock, this case is a great purchase for anyone looking to save some money. The case is designed in such a way that you can still use the kickstand, plus it comes with thumb grips to give you more traction while playing your games. You can get it in black, white, or pink.
The AKNES Nintendo Switch OLED case is a combination, including a hard shell that'll help protect your Switch from damage. It's also got a glass screen protector, ensuring that the big OLED screen stays safe and won't get dirty or damaged from everyday use, even if you're sliding it in and out of the dock regularly. It comes in black, clear, grey, or white.
Give your Switch OLED a fun glittery theme with this clear protective case. It even covers the kickstand in such a way that you'll still be able to use it at varying angles. Plus, it's so thin that it easily fits into the Switch OLED dock, so you can place it or pull it out of TV mode whenever you'd like.
If you're extremely nervous about your Nintendo Switch OLED being damaged in or out of the dock, consider the SUPCASE Nintendo Switch OLED case. The material is designed to absorb as much wear and tear as theoretically possible while still not cutting off access to the different ports.
Give your Joy-Cons and Switch OLED a matching theme while still making your kickstand usable. Just slide it over your console and Joy-Cons and you're good to go. You can get it in this fun blue dragon theme, a black Zelda Breath of the Wild theme, or a white Sailor Moon theme.
The larger size of the Nintendo Switch OLED means that while you can still use all your Joy-Con controllers, you'll need new accessories, which extends to the case. No matter what case you pick, you can have peace of mind that your Nintendo Switch is secure while playing it on the go or docked. This will ensure you aren't distracted from playing through the best Nintendo Switch games.
We recommend grabbing the Mumba Dockable Case for Nintendo Switch OLED for the best overall balance. This case provides a great amount of protection while not being too bulky that it's awkward to use. Some Nintendo Switch screens get scratched when taking it in and out of the dock, so a case is a solid way to prevent that.
If you want a carrying case, you'll need to look elsewhere and consider investing in one of the overall best Nintendo Switch OLED cases. For anyone valuing the flexibility afforded by a case that works with the dock, you'll be happy with one of these options.
If you've been playing Animal Crossing for a while, you might have come across a little beaver named C.J. This guy is obsessed with both fish and live streaming and will often issue you challenges for catching specific water dwellers. If you complete his challenges, you can sell fish to him for 150% of the Bells you'd get from Nook's Cranny. But that's not all he does.
C.J. hosts Fishing Tourneys on your island multiple times throughout the year. You can earn awesome Fish Swag and even some trophies for participating. Here's everything you need to know about these special competitions, along with how to catch the most fish while participating in them. Learn more and see why this is one of the best Nintendo Switch games of all time.
NOTE: If the Fishing Tourney happens during the Bunny Day event, then using fish bait ensures that you catch a fish and not a Water egg.
When is the next Fishing Tourney?
The Fishing Tourney occurs on your island multiple times each year. Here are the dates for all 2022 Fishing Tourneys.
Tourney
Date
Time
Winter Fishing Tourney
January 8, 2022
9 AM - 6 PM
Spring Fishing Tourney
April 9, 2022
9 AM - 6 PM
Summer Fishing Tourney
July 9, 2022
9 AM - 6 PM
Fall Fishing Tourney
October 8 2022
9 AM - 6 PM
What to do for the Fishing Tourney
On Fishing Tourney days, C.J. will set up a stand in front of Resident Services. All you have to do is talk to C.J. and tell him you want to participate in the Fish Tourney. The first time you participate in the Fishing Tourney, you'll be able to do so for free. However, every time after that, you'll need to pay 500 Bells to participate.
Fishing Tourney Rules
You must catch as many fish as possible within a three-minute window.
You'll receive points for each fish you catch during this time. You get one point per fish. Once you've caught a total of three fish, two additional bonus points get added to your total.
You use the points to purchase special merchandise from C.J's stand in front of Resident Services.
Fish caught
Points earned
1 fish
1 points
2 fish
2 points
3 fish
5 points
4 fish
6 points
5 fish
7 points
6 fish
8 points
7 fish
9 points
8 fish
10 points
9 fish
11 points
10 fish
12 points
The consensus is that it's tough to catch more than 10 fish during a Fishing Tourney session. As such, you're likely to make 12 points or less in one go.
How to catch the most fish
There are basically two different things you can do to increase the amount of fish you catch and thus increase the number of points you earn:
Craft a ton of fish bait before entering the Fishing Tourney
Participate in the Fishing Tourney with friends
1. Craft a lot of bait
If you want to earn the most points during the Fishing Tourney, then you're going to need to catch a bunch of fish. Here's how to do that. And yes, it's going to take some jigs and lures. You're going to want to use fish bait because it guarantees that you'll get a fish and not a tire, can, or other non-fish items.
Gather manila clams: Before going up to C.J. and initiating the competition, you need to craft a bunch of bait. Run around the beaches and look for holes in the sand where water comes shooting out. When you find one, use your shovel to dig at that spot, and you'll acquire a manila clam. Continue to collect until you have at least 10 manila clams. Manila clams don't stack, so make sure you have plenty of room in your inventory for them.
Craft some bait and a rod: Next, run to a DIY workbench and start crafting. One clam can be crafted into one piece of bait. Unfortunately, you cannot craft multiple things at once, so you'll need to craft them one at a time. We recommend having at least 10 pieces of bait in your inventory each time you participate in the Tourney. You should also have an extra rod on you in case the one you have breaks.
Start the Tourney: Run up to C.J. and tell him you want to participate in the Fishing Tourney.
Run to the nearest body of water: Now run to the beach or the closest river or pond you can find. Don't waste time looking for a fish. Immediately toss your bait into the water to make a fish appear if one isn't already at your closest location.
Cast your line: Once the shadow of a fish appears, cast your fishing pole line into the water. The bobber needs to land in front of the fish to catch its attention.
Catch that fish: Press A as soon as the bobber goes down to reel the fish back in.
Tip: The visual of the fish biting at the bobber tends to make me a little trigger happy. I find I catch fish a lot more efficiently when I rely solely on sound while fishing. Turn the volume way up, look away from the screen, and then immediately press A when you hear the bobber get pulled under.
Throw more bait in and continue catching fish: Once again, don't waste your time running up and down the river banks or shores looking for fish shadows. Stay in one location and continue to toss bait into the water. Each time a fish shadow appears, throw your line in front of it.
Head back to C.J. when time is up: When the countdown finishes, it's time to head back to that silly little beaver. He'll tally up your catches and will let you know how many points you've received. Now you can turn them in for some Fish Swag.
I'm a very visual learner, so here's a video for all you other visual learners that shows you the fastest way to catch fish:
2. Fish with friends
If you want to make things easier for yourself, invite a friend to your island during the Fishing Tourney. It turns out that C.J. counts all of the fish your friends catch during the countdown and combines them with your own catches to create a larger total. This makes it a lot easier for both of you to earn points during the Tourney and win those trophies.
The same fishing rules apply as if you were fishing on your own: You'll get bonus points for catching more than three fish in the countdown and additional points if you and your friend catch 5 fish or more together. To get your rewards, you and your friend will need to talk to C.J. separately after the countdown completes.
Animal Crossing Fishing Tourney C.J.'s Cooler
Just underneath C.J.'s stand, you'll see a large blue cooler. This cooler can hold up to 20 of the fish you've caught at a time. Make sure you cash in your catches for Bells before it gets filled up. Additionally, if you catch something rare that you want to take to Blathers or use to decorate your home, you can retrieve it by going up to the cooler, selecting the fish, and then putting it in your inventory.
Animal Crossing Fishing Tourney All Fish Swag rewards
Once you return to C.J., he'll give you points based on the number of fish you've caught. You can then trade 10 points back to C.J. for a random Fish Swag item, or you can sell the fish you've caught to him, and he'll pay 150% of the price that you'd receive from Timmy and Tommy Nook. Here are all the things you might receive for trading in Fishing Tourney points:
A sturdy decoration perfect for your beach or pier.
Fish Doorplate
A reddish-orange plaque that you can hang on your front door.
Fish Drying Rack
A grate with 15 drying squid on it. Place it somewhere on your island for the perfect fishing scene.
Fish Ponchette
This cute fish-shaped bag wraps around your body and completes your fishing gear ensemble.
Fish Print
With its beautiful ink on paper design, this Fish Print makes for a gorgeous piece of art in your home.
Fish Print Tee
Show off your love of fishing with this green top.
Fish Rug
With its bright blue coloring and cute design, the Fish Rug makes for a perfect bathroom floor decoration.
Fish Umbrella
In my opinion, this turquoise accessory is by far the best umbrella you can get in the game.
Fish Wand
If you haven't seen any shooting stars, then this is an especially nice reward. You can assign up to seven outfits to it and change what you're wearing simply by using the wand.
Fishing Rod Stand
Place this fishing rod on the sand or in the fishing room of your home for the perfect effect.
Fresh Cooler
This cooler actually functions like a wardrobe. You can use it to change clothes or to assign different wand outfits.
Marine Pop Wallpaper
Add a fun splash of blues, pinks, and purples to your walls with this cute pattern.
Tackle Bag
No fisher is complete without their fishing gear. Wear this around during the Tourney to complete your look.
How to get the Gold Trophy
There are three trophies you can earn while participating in the Fishing Tourney. The Bronze Trophy is rewarded to you when you earn a total of 100 points. The Silver Trophy is rewarded to you when you earn a total of 200 points. And finally, the Gold Trophy is rewarded to you if you earn a total of 300 points.
Points
Trophy
100 Points
Bronze Fish Trophy
200 Points
Silver Fish Trophy
300 Points
Gold Fish Trophy
Considering that it costs 500 Bells per session and at the most, you're likely to only make 12 points or less in one go, it's going to take a lot of time and thousands of Bells to reach that Gold Fish Trophy. But it sure will look good displayed in your house or somewhere else on your island.
Just make sure to sell all of the fish you catch back to C.J., and he'll give you 150% of the Bells that Nook's Cranny gives you. That way, you're sure to be able to afford the fee each time.
Animal Crossing Fishing Tourney
That's everything you need to know about C.J.'s Fishing Tourneys. Make sure to craft up a bunch of bait before entering the competition. That way, you're sure to nab a bunch of fish within the three-minute time limit. I hope you can catch some awesome fish in the process!
