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RSN014
Published 16.06.2025.09.00.MON
Native Steam on M-series Macs, Record-Breaking Switch 2 Sales, and More
Hey everyone, Ritik here! Welcome back to RSN, where we explore the tech that’s reshaping our day-to-day lives. This week brings a wave of hardware news: Valve finally goes native on Apple Silicon, Nintendo’s Switch 2 shatters launch records, retro-inspired handhelds and keyboards tempt enthusiasts, and Bluesky faces a branding crossroads. Even in such an uncertain time we have small things changing in technology all over the world, I have a very strong feeling this will all mean something with time. Apple is working on something and trying to bring in a change, it's a bold commitment and I feel we need more of this in 2025 where we do not know what will be the next big change in computers and tech, will it be a new UX that changes the way we think or will it be AI changing the way we use these tools today. Let’s jump in!
1. Steam Comes Home to Apple Silicon
“Good-bye Rosetta, hello smoother Mac gaming.”
What’s Happening: Valve just pushed a Steam client beta that runs natively on M-series Macs, dropping its reliance on Apple’s Rosetta 2 translation layer. Native ARM support should cut overhead, improve frame rates, and reduce power draw on everything from the M1 MacBook Air to the beefy M3 Ultra desktops. The timing aligns with Apple’s own roadmap: beginning next year, major macOS releases will no longer target Intel Macs, and Rosetta will be sunset after macOS 27. Valve’s update future-proofs Steam for the growing base of Apple-silicon gamers while preserving a “subset of Rosetta functionality” for older, unmaintained Intel-only games. Opt-in through Steam’s beta channel and the new binaries download instantly; early testers report snappier UI, faster library rendering, and lower CPU usage during downloads.
Why It Matters to You: If you game on a Mac, you’ll see smoother performance and longer battery life—especially in titles that once pegged Rosetta’s emulation. It’s also a green light for developers to ship native Mac builds without worrying about Intel fallbacks.
Why It Matters to the World: This is another milestone in the industry’s pivot to ARM. As Valve embraces Apple silicon, the pressure rises on other PC-centric platforms—and even on Windows itself—to optimize for ARM architectures.
2. Nintendo Switch 2 Becomes the Fastest-Selling Console Ever
“3.5 million units in four days—level cleared.”
What’s Happening: Nintendo confirmed it sold 3.5 million Switch 2 units in just four days, outpacing every console launch to date. For comparison, PS4 took 16 days to move 2.1 million units; PS5 needed seven weeks to cross 4.4 million. Analysts credit ample launch inventory, pent-up demand, and looming tariff worries for the blow-out numbers. The $449 handheld-hybrid also beat records in key regions—even amid tepid launch-title selection. Nintendo now targets 15 million units sold by March 2026, a pace that would match the first-gen Switch’s legendary run toward 150 million lifetime sales.
Why It Matters to You: If you’re on the fence, good news: supply is real. But tariffs or holiday shortages could spike prices—early adoption might save you money (and FOMO).
Why It Matters to the World: Switch 2’s explosive start proves dedicated gaming hardware still thrives alongside phones and PCs. It also sets a high bar for Sony’s next handheld ambitions and Microsoft’s cloud-centric strategy.
3. Anbernic RG Slide: Retro Charm, Modern Bulk
“PSP Go vibes meet Switch-sized heft.”
What’s Happening: Preview units of Anbernic’s RG Slide are landing with reviewers ahead of the official June 20 launch. The $189 Android handheld sports a horizontal slider that reveals dual-stick controls beneath a 4.7-inch 1280×960 display powered by a Unisoc T820 chip and 8 GB RAM. Early impressions praise the vivid screen and solid slide mechanism but gripe about the 380 g weight and chunky 23 mm thickness, which make pocket carry unrealistic. Battery life hovers around six hours; performance tackles GameCube and PS2 emulation respectably. Enthusiasts love the nostalgia, yet question whether Anbernic sacrificed portability—the very trait that made PSP Go and Xperia Play cult classics.
Why It Matters to You: If you want a pocket-friendly emulator, this might disappoint. But as a couch or travel companion with a satisfying slide-out wow factor, RG Slide could still earn a spot in your collection.
Why It Matters to the World: The device highlights a broader trend: retro-themed hardware is booming, but striking the right balance between novelty and usability remains tricky. Expect rapid iterations—and plenty of Kickstarter dreams—over the next year.
4. Seneca: First Edition—A Keyboard Built Like a Concept Car
“Plasma-ceramic aluminum meets double-shot PBT nostalgia.”
What’s Happening: California boutique maker Seneca unveiled its First Edition custom keyboard, machined in small batches with plasma-ceramic-coated aluminum or raw titanium, brass switch plates, and GMK’s MTNU profile PBT caps. Each board is assembled to order, features serial-numbered nameplates, and ships with optional CNC-milled Kiaat risers for custom typing angles. Prices weren’t disclosed, but expect four-figure territory given the materials and one-on-one client updates during production.
Why It Matters to You: If you’re deep into the mechanical keyboard hobby, Seneca’s First Edition promises museum-grade craftsmanship and acoustics—plus supply-chain transparency rarely offered in luxury peripherals.
Why It Matters to the World: The launch underscores how niche hardware communities are pushing artisanal manufacturing techniques mainstream—from plasma ceramics to electrodeposited finishes—blurring lines between tech gear and collectible art.
5. Bluesky’s Branding Backlash
“More than a left-leaning Twitter clone—if anyone notices.”
What’s Happening: Critics claim Bluesky is stagnating, turning into a liberal echo chamber, and scaring users with hostile replies. Investor Mark Cuban lamented the “agree with me or you’re a fascist” vibe, while Elon Musk mocked Bluesky as “hall monitors.” Yet the narrative misses a core fact: Bluesky is just one app atop the open AT Protocol, which now powers 36 million accounts across diverse clients like Blacksky, Gander, and feed builders such as Graze. Custom feeds, third-party apps, and cross-network tools like Openvibe offer tailored experiences far beyond Bluesky’s default timeline. Critics ignoring this ecosystem risk pigeonholing a whole protocol based on one popular client.
Why It Matters to You: If Bluesky feels stale, explore alternative AT Proto apps or build your own feed—the network is flexible by design.
Why It Matters to the World: The debate spotlights how public perception can lag behind open-protocol realities. Educating users about decentralized architectures will be vital as social platforms continue to fracture.
My Creative Conclusion
Hardware and software are converging in fascinating ways: Steam embraces ARM Macs, Nintendo proves dedicated consoles still ignite joy, niche makers elevate keyboards to art pieces, and open protocols quietly redraw social media’s map. Each story reminds us that technology’s real power lies in adaptability—whether that’s a handheld sliding to reveal controls, a protocol separating identity from platform, or a gaming client rewriting itself for a new chip era. Our challenge, as always, is to harness these shifts thoughtfully, ensuring they expand possibility without sacrificing usability or inclusivity. Stay curious, and keep tinkering!
— Ritik Sharma Founder, RSN (Ritik Sharma Newsletter)