Nintendo Cuts Switch Sales Forecast Ahead of Successor Device Launch 

This file photo taken on January 16, 2025 shows Nintendo character Mario as an employee (L) walks past in the gaming section for Nintendo Switch products at a shop in Tokyo. (AFP)
This file photo taken on January 16, 2025 shows Nintendo character Mario as an employee (L) walks past in the gaming section for Nintendo Switch products at a shop in Tokyo. (AFP)
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Nintendo Cuts Switch Sales Forecast Ahead of Successor Device Launch 

This file photo taken on January 16, 2025 shows Nintendo character Mario as an employee (L) walks past in the gaming section for Nintendo Switch products at a shop in Tokyo. (AFP)
This file photo taken on January 16, 2025 shows Nintendo character Mario as an employee (L) walks past in the gaming section for Nintendo Switch products at a shop in Tokyo. (AFP)

Japan's Nintendo cut its full-year sales Switch forecast by 12% to 11 million units as the aging console loses momentum ahead of the launch of a successor device this year.

Nintendo remains dependent on its console business even as it has opened stores and its roster of characters feature in theme parks and films.

"While we think sales of hardware and software are solid for the eighth year, we did not achieve our plan," Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa told an earnings briefing.

Nintendo sold 9.54 million Switch units in the April-December period, bringing lifetime sales to 150.86 million units.

Last month Nintendo said it will release a successor to the hit home-portable Switch console this year with a Nintendo Direct event to air on April 2.

The Switch 2 appears to closely follow the design of its predecessor, which transformed Nintendo's fortunes after the underperformance of the Wii U.

The company lowered its operating profit forecast by 22.2% to 280 billion yen ($1.8 billion) for the financial year ending March.

In the April-December period, profit fell 46.7% to 247.6 billion yen.



AI Lab Opens in Jeddah to Empower Entrepreneurs

 Participants engage in practical exercises to develop their startups using AI - SPA
 Participants engage in practical exercises to develop their startups using AI - SPA
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AI Lab Opens in Jeddah to Empower Entrepreneurs

 Participants engage in practical exercises to develop their startups using AI - SPA
 Participants engage in practical exercises to develop their startups using AI - SPA

The inaugural AI Lab, a collaboration between the StartSmart Entrepreneurship Center and Community Jameel, has launched in Jeddah, aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and startups to enhance their businesses by exploring smart solutions in an innovative environment.

The program offers a range of activities, including sessions with professionals on implementing AI through real-world applications and expert-led mentorship, SPA reported.

Participants engage in practical exercises to develop their startups using AI.

The lab also provides opportunities for visitors to receive specialized advice and learn from the experiences of seasoned entrepreneurs.

This initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to support entrepreneurship, increase the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the national economy, and promote digital transformation.