Nintendo has reported a drop in quarterly net profit as unit sales slowed for its Switch 2 console. Nintendo reported a drop in quarterly net profit on Thursday as unit sales slowed for its Switch 2 console, but the Japanese gaming giant is maintaining its annual forecasts. A remake of 1990s action-adventure classic "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," which comes out Thursday, has sparked nostalgic fan excitement. But market analysts will be watching to see how much the title can boost sales of the Switch 2, which became the world's fastest-selling games console on its 2025 release. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

AI skills are make or break in U.K.'s brutal youth jobs market In the U.K., artificial intelligence skills are no longer optional for the hundreds of thousands seeking their first job. Artificial intelligence skills are no longer optional for the hundreds of thousands of young Britons seeking their first job, according to data from recruitment platforms that show how the technology is deciding who gets a foothold in the toughest labor market in decades. Entry-level postings mentioning AI have almost tripled since the start of last year, figures provided by job-search website Adzuna show. The surge largely reflects employers adding AI skill requirements to established roles such as sales representatives, software engineers or assistants. Separate data from Indeed shows one in six vacancies for entry-level roles in banking, legal, software development and other highly exposed occupations now mentions AI, double a year ago. Research for the British Chambers of Commerce meanwhile warned of the "very real threat" of a two-tier labor market emerging.

Pedestrians walk across a street next to an electronic sign board showing the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong on Thursday. What started out as a year of hope for China's stock market has turned into one of disillusion for its 250 million retail investors. Kicking off 2026, millions across the country plowed money into the market, betting that China's drive for self-sufficiency in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and robotics would produce a new generation of winners. Optimism turned feverish as China joined a global tech rally. Initial public offerings were subscribed thousands of times over as national champions came into the market, while spectacular debuts and runaway rallies minted fortunes overnight. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.

China blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion ABB robot unit takeover SoftBank Group founder Masayoshi Son has listed a plan to buy ABB's robotics unit as a key part of his ambition to play a larger role in the artificial intelligence buildout. China has blocked the sale of ABB's robotics unit to SoftBank Group, dealing a blow to the Japanese investment firm's plans to expand into physical AI. A Chinese government agency blocked the $5.4 billion deal, ABB said in an emailed statement. The takeover was widely expected to bolster SoftBank's revenue and profit while it awaits a boost from OpenAI's public debut. SoftBank's shares were down around 7% in Tokyo on Thursday. A company spokesperson declined to comment.

From artificial intelligence to Chiikawa, Japan's 2026 buzzword nominees offer a glimpse into a year defined by technology, economic uncertainty and internet memes. The 30 nominees for the annual list, announced Thursday, were selected by publisher Jiyukokuminsha. The objective of the list is to recognize expressions that capture the year's trends and cultural shifts. This year's contenders include AI暴走 ( AI bōsō, rogue AI), フィジカルAI ( fijikaru AI, physical AI) and データセンター ( dēta sentā, data center), reflecting the ever-increasing influence of artificial intelligence in everyday life. Other technology-related entries include 声の権利 ( koe no kenri, voice rights), highlighting recent concerns and lawsuits regarding the unauthorized reproduction of people's voices using generative AI, and スマホ農場 ( sumaho nōjō, phone farms), which use large numbers of devices to artificially inflate social media engagement. The term, similar to existing phrases in English such as "iPad kid" or "brain rotted," refers to young people hooked on instant gratification from various forms of digital entertainment.