Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
Retailers eye stablecoins to cut credit card "swipe" fees
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June 16, 2025
Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief
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Today's Digital Pulse
Switch 2 is Nintendo's fastest-selling console
(Riccardo Milani/Getty Images)
Within just four days of its launch, Nintendo's Switch 2 console has achieved record-breaking sales, surpassing 3.5 million units sold globally. This milestone highlights the console's popularity, driven by major hardware upgrades, including a larger screen and enhanced Joy-Con controllers. Japan-based Nintendo has set a target to sell 15 million units by March 2026.
Full Story: CNN (6/11) 
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Give your members more to love. Integrate Expedia Group's extensive lodging supply and competitive rates to unlock meaningful travel rewards that boost loyalty and keep customers coming back. Read now.
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Smart Home
"A Minecraft Movie" is making its HBO Max debut on June 20 after a successful theatrical run. The film stars Jack Black as Steve and Jason Momoa as a former gaming superstar, and it will premiere on HBO's linear channel on June 21.
Full Story: Engadget (6/13) 
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Unlock Today: Consumer Technology Ownership & Market Potential Study
What tech do consumers own and what do they plan to buy? From smartwatches to video game consoles, this flagship CTA study tracks 89 consumer products to uncover emerging trends in U.S. households. Access now — complimentary for CTA members.
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Gaming
Mars, Razer expand Respawn line for gamers
(Mars)
Mars and Razer have expanded their partnership with the launch of Respawn by Razer, a line of gum and mints designed for gamers. Initially a pilot project, the collaboration has evolved into a full portfolio of snacks, incorporating B vitamins and green tea extract. "Respawn is built by gamers, for gamers," says Gulen Bengi, lead chief marketing officer and chief growth officer for Mars Snacking. "This is what it means to be truly consumer-obsessed."
Full Story: Candy & Snack Today (6/11) 
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Redefine Retail: Unified Commerce Insights
Modern shoppers crave more than transactions. Learn how Sephora, River Island, Ulta Beauty, and Bang & Olufsen use unified commerce, meeting 71% GenAI demand—to craft tailored, immersive journeys across digital and physical touchpoints. Download the white paper.
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Alta has raised $11 million in a seed round led by Menlo Ventures to develop an AI stylist and personal shopper app. The app makes outfit recommendations based on user preferences and lets users try on outfits with virtual avatars.
Full Story: TechCrunch (tiered subscription model) (6/16) 
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Struggling to get your data AI-ready?
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Retail Trends
Walmart and Amazon are among retail companies reportedly considering issuing their own stablecoins to save on credit card "swipe" fees and expedite payment processing. Stablecoins offer a direct payment method that bypasses credit card networks, which could lead to substantial savings for merchants. Sources say the decision could hinge on the GENIUS Act, a bill being debated in Congress that would establish a framework for regulating stablecoins.
Full Story: PYMNTS (6/13),  Bloomberg (6/14),  The Wall Street Journal (6/13) 
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