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Rikka Altland

rikkaaltland

Rikka Altland is the Editor-in-Chief of 9to5Toys. Having joined the team at the beginning of 2017, over the past six years she has gone on to specialize in being a mainstay in the LEGO news and rumors scene while also reviewing the latest iPhone accessories, earbuds, and home networking gear. Contact it directly at rikka@9to5mac.com for tips and pitches.

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LEGO VIP Weekend sale is live with limited-edition freebies, double points, more

Freebies and more/Shop now

LEGO’s VIP Weekend sale is now officially live, kicking off its early Black Friday savings with a series of promotions ahead of the holiday shopping season. With two limited-edition freebies up for the taking, shoppers will also be able to take advantage of double VIP points and more. Head below for a closer look on top in the LEGO VIP Weekend sale.

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LEGO unveils 2021 set lineup with new Disney Art mosaics, City, Technic, and more


After getting a look at the upcoming 2021 LEGO Star Wars and Mario sets earlier in the week, we’re now diving into what you can expect from the rest of the new year’s lineup. LEGO is taking the wraps off its upcoming wave of Art, Technic, Marvel, and other kits that’ll land starting on January 1. Head below the fold for a closer look at all of the new sets.

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Best of Black Friday 2020 – LEGO: Freebies, 30% off+, double VIP points, more

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We’re now officially a week away from Black Friday proper and on the eve of LEGO’s VIP Weekend sale, so now it’s time to take a look at all of the best LEGO deals out there this holiday shopping season. Ranging from some of the deepest cash discounts of the year on new creations to promotional credits and limited-edition freebie kits, there are going to be plenty of ways to save. Head below for a closer look at all of the best LEGO Black Friday deals.

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Black Friday Android smartphone deals: Galaxy S20 Ultra $450 off, more from $150

Shop now/$150

Update: It looks like the Note20 Ultra has sold out, but you’ll still be able to save up to $450 on Galaxy S20/Ultra devices right here, as well as a handful of other Android smartphones below.

Microsoft is currently discounting Samsung’s unlocked Galaxy Note20/Ultra lineup headlined by the Note20 Ultra 128GB at $949.99. Usually selling for $1,300, today’s offer is $350 off the going rate, $50 below our previous mention, and a new all-time low. Centered around a 6.9-inch AMOLED 2x display with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone is certainly worth a look at today’s price. You’ll also enjoy S Pen support as well as a triple-sensor rear camera and expandable microSD storage to complete the package. Over 1,200 customers have left a 4.5/5 star rating and you can get a closer look in our hands-on review. Head below for more Black Friday Android smartphone deals from $150.

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LEGO debuts new Trouble on Tatooine set with Beskar armor Mandalorian minifig, more

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Alongside getting a look at the latest Technic supercar today, LEGO is unveiling the latest creation straight out of The Mandalorian. As the first kit drawing inspiration from season two, the new LEGO Star Wars Trouble on Tatooine set packs nearly 300 pieces as well as a new Beskar armor of the iconic bounty hunter. Head below for a closer look at the upcoming LEGO Mandalorian Trouble on Tatooine set.

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LEGO’s new Technic McLaren Senna GTR rolls onto the scene in 2021

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Today, we’re getting yet another official look at what to expect from the 2021 LEGO lineup with the unveiling of its new Technic McLaren Senna GTR. Stacking up to over 800 pieces, the new vehicle sports a slick blue color scheme and plenty of accurate details straight from the real deal. Head below for a closer look at the latest brick-built supercar to roll out of LEGO’s garage, the new Technic McLaren Senna GTR.

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Best of Black Friday 2020 – Smart Home: Nest Mini $19, Nanoleaf 30% off, Philips Hue, more

Black Friday smart home
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We’re now just a little over a week away from Black Friday, with plenty of deals starting to roll out over the coming days. Ahead of all the action, we’re diving into what you can expect when it comes to shopping for smart home upgrades, with everything from discounts on the latest speakers from Amazon and Google to smart home lighting, security packages, and more. Head below to find this year’s best Black Friday smart home deals.

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Logitech’s new G Pro X Superlight is its lightest wireless gaming mouse yet

Today, Logitech is expanding its arsenal of gaming peripherals with its latest mouse yet. The new Pro X Superlight Mouse delivers on its name with an ultra streamlined design that’s backed by an impressive 25,600 DPI sensor and 70-hour battery life. Head below for a closer look at the new Logitech G Pro X Superlight Mouse, as well as all the details on adding it to your battlestation.

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Best of Black Friday 2020 – Google: Pixel 5 $649, Nest Mini $19, Stadia bundles, more

Best Google Black Friday
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With Black Friday just around the corner and all of the major retailers’ ads having dropped, we’re now diving into the best Google offers to expect. Ranging from price cuts on its latest Pixel smartphones to Nest smart home speakers and accessories, Google will be rolling out plenty of offers of its own to match other retailers on some of the best prices of the year. Head below for all of the details on this year’s best Google Black Friday deals.

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Save up to 22% on Logitech Lightspeed mice, keyboards, and more from $40

Save up to 22%/From $40

Amazon is currently offering the Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Wireless RGB Gaming Keyboard for $179.99 shipped. Down from its $230 going rate, today’s offer saves you 22%, is still one of the first price cuts we’ve seen, and matches our previous mention for the all-time low. As one of Logitech’s latest battlestation upgrades, its new G915 TKL Keyboard sports a wireless design powered by the brand’s Lightspeed connectivity. There’s an aircraft-grade aluminum build alongside RGB lighting, 40-hour battery life, and low-profile mechanical switches. Rated 4.6/5 stars from over 600 customers and you can get a closer look in our announcement coverage. Head below for more from $40.

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What stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day? A list of confirmed retailers…

best buy bigger deal event
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Black Friday 2020 is shaping up to be quite different from past years, with the ongoing pandemic changing the way both shoppers and retailers go about navigating the sales this time around. With more brick and mortar stores than ever opting to stay closed for Thanksgiving Day across the United States, we’re getting a good idea already of what to expect once next week rolls around. Head below for all of the details on official store closures and more to get you ready for Black Friday.

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$206 value/$145

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Live include an official 9W Qi charger for $145 ($206 value)

Today only, Woot is bundling the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live with Samsung’s 9W Wireless Charging Pad for $144.99 Prime shipped. Delivery will run you $6 otherwise. Typically you’d spend $170 for the earbuds alone with the added Qi charger bringing another $36 in value to the package. As the latest pair of true wireless earbuds from Samsung, its Galaxy Buds Live deliver a new bean-shaped design with up to 21-hours of playback with the charging case. There’s also active noise cancellation to round out the notable features. Not to mention, Qi charging support pairs perfectly with the bundled power pad, which can dish out 9W speeds. Over 2,800 customers have left a 4.2/5 star rating and you can get a more in-depth look from our hands-on review. Head below for more.

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Hands-on: Display your LEGO collection with these Wicked Brick stands

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Many of our favorite LEGO builds stand out due to just how great of display pieces they are. But when it comes to accessories direct from LEGO for showcasing these builds in your collection, there aren’t many options. That’s where the folks from Wicked Brick come in, providing specialized display stands, cases, and wall mounts for a collection of sets, minifigures, and more. Today, we’re taking a look at a few of the brand’s offerings, so be sure to head below for a closer look at how these Wicked Brick LEGO stands can elevate your collection.

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Ubiquiti introduces new UniFi Wi-Fi 6 access points starting at $99

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Today, Ubiquiti is officially expanding its lineup of prosumer networking gear with Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. Entering with two new access points, those in the UniFi ecosystem will be able to expand their setups with up to 3Gb/s data rates, 4×4 MU-MIMO support, and more. Head below for a closer look at the new Ubiquiti UniFi Wi-Fi 6 Access Points.

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LEGO announces early Black Friday sale with freebies, double VIP points, more

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Today, LEGO is detailing its annual VIP Weekend sale, giving shoppers a first look at what to expect in terms of brick-built savings this Black Friday. With a series of free promotional kits and a double points offer, you’ll want to head below for a closer look at what to expect from the upcoming early Black Friday savings at LEGO.

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LEGO debuts new 9,000-piece Colosseum, its largest creation to date

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After being rumored for a bit now, today LEGO is officially taking the wraps off of its largest set to date and newest addition to the Creator theme. Entering as a brick-built version of one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, the new Colosseum enters with over 9,000 pieces and is packed with authentic details. Head below for a closer look at the new LEGO Colosseum and everything that makes it the largest creation to date.

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PS5 first impressions: Next-gen. graphics and a game-changing controller are just the start

PS5 First Impressions
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Sony’s next-generation console is finally here at long last and we’re taking a hands-on look to see how the PS5 stacks up and if it deserves all the hype. With improved graphics and an impressive new controller, there’s plenty to leave a good first impression here. Head below for a closer look at the PS5 as we review all of our thoughts on Sony’s latest console.

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Meijer Black Friday ad: BOGO PS4/Xbox One games, Alexa devices, in-store credit, more

meijer storefront
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With the Black Friday festivities now just over two weeks away, nearly all of the major retailers have let shoppers in on what to expect once Thanksgiving week rolls around. Today, we’re getting insight into the kinds of discounts that Meijer will be offering at the end of November, with notable savings on AirPods Pro, Alexa devices, BOGO PS4 games, and more. Head below the fold for all of the details on this year’s Meijer Black Friday ad.

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The best 2020 LEGO kits to buy before they disappear forever

lego retiring 2020
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We’re well into November, and we’ve already dove into which new kits have launched as we head into the holiday season. But with 2021 on the horizon and a new batch of builds on the way, we’re turning our attention to which creations LEGO will be retiring by the end of 2020. From must-have kits that won’t be on store shelves much longer to everything else, you’ll want to head below for all of our highlights as well as a closer look at everything being retired by the end of the year. 

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Mandalorian Black Series Helmet goes up for pre-order with new Baby Yoda Funko Pop!

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After showcasing a series of new Star Wars gear straight out of The Mandalorian back at the end of October, we’re now getting a look at a new wave of collectibles for fans to bring home from a galaxy far, far away. Ranging from an authentic recreation of Mando’s iconic Beskar helmet to a new Funko Pop! version of Baby Yoda, you’ll want to head below for a closer look at the Black Series Mandalorian Helmet and all of the upcoming releases.

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Plugable’s new 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock packs 96W power passthrough [Deal]

Plugable 96W Thunderbolt 3 Buy now

Today, Plugable is launching its latest work-from-home upgrade in the form of a new 96W Thunderbolt 3 dock. Debuting as a 14-in-1 solution to turn your MacBook or laptop into a desktop workstation, the brand’s latest offering delivers 96W passthrough as well as a bevy of ports. Head below for all the details including pricing and availability, as well as how you can take advantage of a launch discount.

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Save up to 35% on meross HomeKit smart plugs, garage remotes, more from $19

Up to 35% off/From $19

The official meross Amazon storefront is currently discounting a selection of its smart home accessories headlined by a 2-pack of its Dual Outlet HomeKit Smart Plugs for $20.99 Prime shipped when clipping the on-page coupon and applying code RVGFAE3V at checkout. Down from the usual $32 going rate, today’s offer is good for a 35% discount, beats the value of our last mention by $6, and marks the lowest we’ve seen to date. Packing two independently controllable outlets, these dual outlet smart plugs expand your Siri setup with out of the box HomeKit support. You’ll also be able to count on Alexa and Assistant voice control, as well as a companion smartphone app for scheduling and more. Rated 4.4/5 stars from 190 shoppers. Head below for meross smart home deals from $19.

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Microsoft Black Friday ad: Surface lineup, Sonos speakers, VR headsets, more

Surface Go 2
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Today, Microsoft is giving shoppers an early look at what to expect in terms of all the discounts for the holiday season, detailing two weeks’ worth of price cuts. With deals on its lineup of Surface devices, Sonos speakers, coding kits, and Android smartphones, and more, you’ll be able to lock-in Black Friday discounts starting on November 16. Head below for a look at everything in this year’s Microsoft Black Friday ad.

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LEGO’s 2020 Holiday Toy Book details this year’s top creations, new winter builds, more

LEGO Holiday Book 2020
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With Black Friday and the rest of the holiday shopping season inching closer, LEGO is detailing all of its gift recommendations and highlights for 2020 in its latest catalog. Ranging from all of the must-have creations to pick up ahead of December as well as new festive creations and more, you’ll want to head below for a closer look at the LEGO 2020 Holiday Book.

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CASETiFY’s latest collaboration brings Pokémon stylings to iPhone 12 lineup

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Today, iPhone and Apple accessory maker CASETiFY is showcasing its latest collaboration with The Pokémon Company in the form of a new collection of iPhone 12/Pro cases. Ranging from some classic Kanto characters to new Pokémon from Sword and Shield, there’s more than just smartphone cases this time around, with everything from Apple Watch bands to skateboard decks and more. Head below for a closer look at the new series of limited-edition Pokémon gear and for all the details on how you can score it for yourself.

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LEGO celebrates upcoming Chinese New Year with three new festive creations

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Update: Both the Spring Lantern Festival and Story of Nian kits are now available for purchase.

Today, LEGO is giving us a first look at its annual Chinese New Year kits ahead of the launch in 2021. With three new creations centered around the holiday, there’s plenty of Chinese culture packed into the unique builds, not to mention new minifigures and more. Head below for a closer look at all of the upcoming LEGO Chinese New Year sets.

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Hands-on: LEGO’s new Baby Yoda is an adorable addition to your Star Wars collection

LEGO Baby Yoda review Buy now

With a new season of The Mandalorian airing throughout the fall, LEGO’s most recent Star Wars kit has launched at the perfect time. Giving Star Wars fans a chance to build their own version of The Child out of over 1,700 pieces, today we’re taking a look at the newest brick-built character from a galaxy far, far away. Head below for a closer look at the new LEGO Baby Yoda set and for all of the details in our latest review.

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LEGO showcases new 2,300-piece Ghostbusters ECTO-1 set

LEGO Ghostbusters ECTO-1
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Update: LEGO’s new 2,300-piece Ghostbusters ECTO-1 set is now available for purchase for $199.99.

Today, LEGO is assembling one of the most iconic vehicles in all of science fiction history with an all-new kit. As the largest version of the Ghostbusters’ signature ride, the upcoming ECTO-1 stacks up to over 2,300 pieces and will look perfect on display at more than 18 inches long. Head below the fold for a closer look at the latest creation and all of the glorious deals on the new LEGO Ghostbusters ECTO-1.

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Arcade1Up debuts new OutRun racing cabinet with new steering wheel controls

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Today, Arcade1Up is launching the latest addition to its lineup of 3/4th-scale arcade cabinets in the form of its very first retro racing machine. With four iconic titles, the new Arcade1Up OutRun cabinet brings a new steering wheel-based design to your game room with plenty of old school visuals and utterly nostalgic artwork. Head below for more.

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LEGO’s Nebulon-B Frigate launching as an Amazon exclusive in coming days

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Back in October, we first got word that LEGO would have yet another limited-edition kit up its sleeve for Star Wars fans to assemble, and now there’s a clearer picture on when the set will actually hit store shelves. After some uncertainty on when or where you’d be able to buy it, the upcoming Nebulon-B Frigate set from LEGO is now getting an official release on Amazon. Head below for all of the new information and details on scoring this rare build for yourself.

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Everything we know about LEGO’s upcoming 9,000-piece Colosseum kit

LEGO Colosseum

Update 11/10 @ 4:40 P.M: Today we’re getting some additional information on the upcoming colosseum set courtesy of LEGO’s Italian website. It looks like we’ll be seeing the set officially announced later this week on November 13 at 9 A.M EST. You can check out the full teaser right here.

With 2020 coming to a close, there’s only a handful of new LEGO creations on the horizon for fans to assemble before we turn our attention to everything that’s to come for 2021. But that’s not to say that all of the build on the horizon aren’t worth the wait, as LEGO has a massive brick-built version of the Colosseum on the way, and it might just be the largest official creation ever assembled. Head below for everything we know so far and what you can expect from the upcoming set. 

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OWC’s new Elektron USB-C SSDs offer 1,011MB/s speeds with a miniature design

OWC Elektron SSD Buy now

OWC is out with its latest, and by far, most compact portable storage solution to date. Its new Envoy Pro Elektron Solid-State Drive lineup leaves the gate with a miniature form-factor that’s backed by an IP67 waterproof rating, 1,011MB/s transfer speeds, and aluminum housing. Head below for all of the details on the OWC Elektron SSD, which are now available for purchase.

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Check out all of LEGO’s new November releases: Star Wars, Ideas, holiday, and much more

LEGO The Child
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A new month means a new batch of LEGO kits rolling out to virtual store shelves and November is delivering quite a few noteworthy models. With a collection of great gift ideas from the Star Wars universe as well as Batman, Ideas, and even some kits to get in the holiday spirit, there’s plenty of check out this time around. So be sure to head below for the full break down on all of the new LEGO kits available in November.

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October’s best LEGO Ideas include Among Us, My Neighbor Totoro, more

LEGO Among Us
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After seeing the latest LEGO Ideas set debut earlier in the month in the form of the new 123 Sesame Street set, today we’re turning our attention to all of the other best creations from the community. With highlights including a brick-built version of a Studio Ghibli icon and one of the most popular video games out there, be sure to head below for a closer look at October’s best LEGO Ideas.

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Pikmin 3 Deluxe review: An underrated title makes a glorious debut on Nintendo Switch

Pikmin 3 Deluxe review Buy now

Today, Nintendo’s latest first-party title is launching on the Switch. While Wii U owners had a chance to dive into Pikmin 3 when it was released the first time around, Nintendo is giving gamers another chance to play the latest title in the franchise in a new deluxe version that I’ve been exploring over the past week for this review. Head below for a closer look at what Nintendo brings to the table for its latest remaster including refreshed controls, added missions, and more.

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Belk Black Friday ad: Same-day delivery, latest Echo discounts, much more

Belk Black Friday Ad

Now that October is on the way out, all of the Black Friday ads are beginning to drop, and today we’re getting a look at what retailer Belk has in store this holiday shopping season. With discounts on everything from tech to home goods and more, Belk is also rolling out same-day delivery and curbside pickup perks this holiday season. Head below for a closer look at what to expect and our highlights.

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Pokémon’s new holiday collection has sweaters, home decor, and more

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While our minds are on Black Friday here at 9to5Toys today with all of the news leading up to the massive shopping event, The Pokémon Company is turning its attention to the holiday season with a lineup of new ugly sweaters, themed baking utensils, plush, and much more. Head below for a closer look at all of the highlights from the new Pokémon holiday collection.

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LEGO’s limited-edition Black Widow Taskmaster set is officially available

Buy now

Update: After quickly selling out on Amazon, LEGO themselves are now offering the limited-edition Black Widow Taskmaster set for its $39.99 retail price. Get this one while you can before it sells out.

Today, LEGO launched its latest kit that was initially intended to be an SDCC 2020 exclusive. The new LEGO Black Widow Taskmaster Ambush set is now available exclusively from Amazon and launches with 230 pieces, three minifigures, and comic book-inspired box art. Head below for a closer look at the LEGO Black Widow Taskmaster set.

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Dragon’s Lair RepliCade debuts as new fully-playable, 12-inch arcade cabinet

Dragon's Lair RepliCade

While the folks at Arcade1Up routinely steal the retro gaming spotlight, New Wave Toys has long been a 9to5 favorite in the space. Today, the company is out with its latest miniature arcade cabinet, bringing the fan-favorite title Dragon’s Lair to its RepliCade lineup. Complete with plenty of vintage graphics, a 3.5-inch display, and a fully-playable build, you’ll want to head below for a closer look.

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40% off/From $79

Save up to 40% on Bose speakers, headphones, audio sunglasses, more from $79

Amazon is currently discounting a selection of Bose speakers, headphones, smart sunglasses, and more at up to 40% off. Our top pick is the Bose SoundLink Color II Portable Bluetooth Speaker in a variety of styles for $79 shipped. Also available at B&H. Usually fetching $129, today’s offer is $20 under our previous mention, saves you 40%, and marks a new all-time low. If you’re looking for a new Bluetooth speaker to serenade you at home, then the SoundLink Color is worth a closer look. It features 8-hours of battery life per charge as well as a rugged IPX7 waterproof design that ensures you can listen to music in the shower and pretty much anywhere else. Plus, two of the speakers can be paired together for stereo playback. Over 23,000 customers have left a 4.6/5 star rating. Head below for more deals.

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Microsoft unveils an Xbox Series X Fridge, and you can win it for yourself

Xbox Series X Fridge
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From the moment that the Xbox Series X hit the scene, Microsoft’s latest console was being compared to a refrigerator rather than a state-of-the-art gaming machine. Now, Microsoft is getting in on the joke by debuting a fridge that looks exactly like the Xbox Series X. And you could even win it for your very own game room. Head below for a closer look and all of the details.

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LEGO launches new Build Your Own City set with customizable box art, more

LEGO Build Your Own City
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LEGO is all about encouraging builders to create their own models, and a new Build Your Own City set is taking that to a new level. With the ability to choose from a selection of buildings, vehicles, and minifigures, you’ll be able to design a customized City creation complete with unique box art. Head below for all of the details.

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LEGO announces upcoming Star Wars promos including metal Han Solo keychain, more

lego Han Solo keychain
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To entice shoppers ahead of the holiday season and the usually more appealing discounts that follow, LEGO has detailed its latest promotion today ahead of launching next month. Just earlier in October, we saw a double VIP points offer go live alongside a chance to win a pair of the limited-edition LEGO adidas kicks. But now, Star Wars fans will have a pair of promotional offerings to get their hands on. Head below for all of the details on the upcoming LEGO Han Solo keychain and other promotional offerings.

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Target’s latest Toy Book arrives with highlights from Star Wars, Fortnite, and more

Target Toy Book 2020
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With November on the horizon, retailers are ramping up their efforts to prepare shoppers for the holiday season. We’ve already seen quite a few Black Friday ads for the year drop, but today, we’re turning our attention to what Target has in store for us in the toy department for 2020. With all of the usual brands spread through its 88 pages, you’ll definitely want to head below for all of the highlights from the Target Toy Book 2020.

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Check out these new Mandalorian adidas sneakers and other new Baby Yoda releases

Mando Monday
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With the second season of The Mandalorian premiering at the end of the week, today we’re getting a look at the latest collection of figures, sneakers, apparel, and other merchandise from the Disney+ series. With The Child, aka Baby Yoda, taking center stage, you’ll find plenty of new ways for both fans young and old to show off their fandom. Head below for all of the details and a closer look at some of our favorite unveils.

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PowerA debuts three new Super Mario Switch Controllers, pre-order now

PowerA Mario Switch Controllers
Pre-order

PowerA is continuing the 35th Mario anniversary celebration by launching a new collection of Nintendo Switch controllers. With three new styles on the way, PowerA is bringing Mushroom Kingdom stylings to your setup with its refreshed Enhanced Wireless Controller as well as a wired offering and new GameCube gamepad. Head below for a closer look and all of the details on locking in your pre-order.

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