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.
Rejoice minifigure fans! Today we’re getting a first look at LEGO’s 19th installment of Collectible Minifigure Series. Debuting with 16 new figures, this batch includes standouts like a Johnny Thunder rerelease, Rugby player, Blacktron soldier and more. Head below for a closer look at all of the upcoming LEGO characters, new elements and more in Minifigure Series 19.
Update: Best Buy is now taking an extra $100 off for students, bringing the price down to $399.99 for the 64GB version. It’s free to sign up.
Amazon currently offers the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 10.5-inch 64GB Tablet with S Pen for $499.99 shipped. Also available at Best Buy and B&H. Normally selling for $650, today’s offer comes within $1 of the Prime Day special, is only $10 more than the all-time low and is the best available. With a 10.5-inch sAMOLED screen, three built-in speakers, expandable microSD card storage and other outstanding features, Samsung’s tablet is as notable as they come in the Android world. Galaxy Tab S4 also Samsung DeX, which allows you to cover the tablet into a full-blown computer. And the added S-Pen helps you unlock your creativity or be a master notetaker. Rated 4.7/5 stars from over 890 customers.
At the beginning of the year, we got our first look at LEGO’s latest theme, Hidden Side. After a brief preview at Toy Fair, the kits are finally available for purchase and we’re going hands-on with one of the lineup’s creations. The LEGO Hidden Side Graveyard Mystery set pairs all of the typical brick-built action with augmented reality for a unique iPhone-enabled experience. It comes packed with notable minifigures, an interesting selection of elements and much more. Head below for an in-depth look at the new release.
Since debuting its Labo VR Kit back in April, Nintendo has been rolling out updates giving some of the Switch’s most popular titles Virtual Reality support. Today gamers will have yet another reason to strap on the cardboard headset, as Nintendo is adding Labo VR compatibility to Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. With several levels to explore, the added content makes its way to the Switch as part of a free software update. Head below for more details.
After initially launching a successful Kickstarter back in 2016, Sevenhugs is expanding its lineup of smart home theater remotes with two refreshed devices today. Adding in a new contextual awareness function, the Smart Remote X and Remote U can command up to 80 devices and look to simplify your smart home and home theater setups. Head below for a closer look at each of the new remotes.
Back in April, LEGO announced a series of new space-themed City kits which fittingly debuted ahead of the Apollo landing’s 50th anniversary. Today we’ll be taking a hands-on look at one of the lineup’s kits, which enters at a mid-tier price. LEGO’s recent Mars Research Shuttle packs over 270 pieces and two impressive minifigures alongside the latest incarnation of brick-built space ship. Head below for a closer look.
Today, Awair, maker of connected air quality monitors, is expanding its lineup of devices with another smart home entry in the form of Glow C. The hybrid accessory can monitor a suite of air quality-related stats which can be used to automatically control a built-in smart plug. Plus with an LED light, it’s a notable option for those getting started with smart home technology. Head below for all of the details.
8BitDo is one of the most well-known players in the Nintendo accessory space, but its been awhile since we’ve seen a new release from them. Last week the company changed that and announced an all-new Switch controller. Now the 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro+ Bluetooth Gamepad is available for pre-order at Amazon. Featuring a hefty portion of customization options, the usual retro-fueled design and more, it’s sure to be a must-have for classic video game fans and more. Hit the jump for all the details and to find out when you’ll be able to bring home the latest Switch peripheral.
Following its well-timed release of space-themed City creations, we’re now getting a look at one of this year’s newest kits from the series. Releasing later this year, the upcoming LEGO City Ski Resort delivers an over 800-piece build that comes packed with 11 minifigures, a two-story rescue station, plenty of vehicles and more. Head below for a first look at LEGO’s latest kit.
Last week we got a first look at the Switch Lite, which was followed by a rumor that Nintendo would be enhancing the original hybrid console with a refreshed model. Today Nintendo has officially announced its Switch update, which features increased battery life, new internal components and more. We also got a first look at new Switch accessories alongside Luigi’s Mansion 3 getting an official release date. Head below for more.
$300/$149
Amazon is currently offering the Bose SoundWear Companion Bluetooth Speaker for $149 shipped. Find it at B&H for the same price as well. Typically selling for $300 at Best Buy, this price drop is the lowest we’ve seen to date. It’s $100 under our previous mention and good for a total 50% savings. Have you ever wanted to wear your speaker around the house? Well that’s exactly what SoundWear Companion allows you to do. It packs the company’s signature sound in a unique way by resting around your neck to offer more immersive experience than the average speaker. On top of that, 12 hours of battery life, music playback controls, and access to Siri or Assistant round out the notable features. Rated 4.7/5 stars from 430 shoppers. You can head over to our announcement coverage for a more in-depth look. Find more details below.
Update 7/24 @ 10:00 AM: The LEGO Ideas Tree House is now available for purchase for VIP members.
7/23 @ 9:00 AM: LEGO has officially announced the Ideas Tree House, which will be available starting on July 24th for VIP members and retail for $199.99. It will officially launch on August 1st.
Last fall the LEGO Ideas team announced that it would be bringing two new fan-made creations to store shelves come 2019. Earlier this year, the first of those launched with the brick-built debut of The Flintstones in February. Now we’re getting our first look at LEGO’s newest Ideas creation, the 21318 Treehouse set. Not only is it the latest fan-made kit, but the upcoming release is also the largest of its kind to date. It’s comprised of over 3,000 pieces and comes packed with minifigures, Plants from Plants bricks, and more. Head below for a closer look.
Earlier this month we got a look at two new Tatooine creations which would be debuting at SDCC. Now LEGO is taking the wraps off the third Comic-Con exclusive build, a new Sith Trooper Bust. As the first kit from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the over 480-piece creation assembles the newest member of the First Order. The red-armored soldier will be making its brick-built debut at the convention later this month. Head below for a closer look.
If this morning’s Switch Lite unveil gave you Gameboy Advanced vibes and are now craving some more old school Nintendo content, you’re in luck. Continuing to give retro gaming fans more classic titles, this month Donkey Kong 3 will be arriving on the Switch. That’s not all, as Nintendo will also be dishing out Wrecking Crew as well. Arriving on Nintendo Switch Online later in July, you’ll want to head below for the full scoop on when you’ll be able to dive into the pair of retro-releases.
Update 7/17: LEGO VIP members can now purchase the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Motorcycle for $99.99 direct from LEGO.
Following the launch of its Apollo 11 Lunar Lander, LEGO is back with the third Creator Expert set of the year. This time the brand will be heading to Milwaukee in order to assemble the LEGO Harley-Davidson Fat Boy (10269). Stacking up to over 1,000 pieces, the famous cruiser motorcycle is now making its brick-built debut. Arriving later this month, it comes packed authentic detail thanks to never before seen elements and more. Head below for a closer look.
If you’ve been paying attention to the Nintendo rumor mill this year, reports of a supposed Switch Pro and Mini have been hard to miss. The latest of these comes straight from the big N’s mouth; as during its latest shareholders meeting, Nintendo noted that the company has been actively pursuing integrating 5G into its product line. With cloud gaming on the rise, Nintendo is investigating how to pair its hybrid hardware with future advancements. Head below for the full scoop.
Best Buy’s official eBay storefront offers the Pioneer 7-inch CarPlay + Android Auto In-Dash Receiver (AVH-3300NEX) for $349.98 shipped. Also available in an open-box “excellent” condition model for $317.99. You’ll find both options at Best Buy direct as well. Having originally retailed for $600, it’s more recently been selling for $430 or so. Today’s offer saves you nearly 20%, beats our previous mention by $150 and is the best we’ve seen. Pioneer’s in-dash receiver brings CarPlay and Android Auto to your ride with a seven-inch touchscreen display that makes it easy to keep an eye on navigation directions and more. Plus it features a unique design that allows the display to fold into your dashboard when not in use. Rated 4.7/5 stars from over 550 customers and you can learn more in our launch coverage.
Summer is finally here and school is out of session, but that doesn’t mean that the learning has to end. Coding kits and robots have been growing in popularity as a way to not familiarize STEAM concepts, as well as teach programming fundamentals. Today we’ll be diving into some of the best coding kits on the market, with top brands like Sphero, Kano and littleBits leading the way. Head below for an in-depth rundown on our favorites.
Following June’s new Captain Marvel and Batman Comic-Con sets, LEGO is back with two Tatooine-focused Star Wars builds. Today we’re getting at first look at the new creations; both of which journey to Luke’s home planet in order to recreate scenes from A New Hope. Hit the jump for a closer look at each of the new brick-built models from a galaxy far, far away.
CASETiFY, a proprietor of Apple accessories well as Samsung handset cases and more, is gearing up for its latest product launch. In collaboration with The Pokémon Company, CASETiFY is set to debut a new lineup of iPhone cases and other Kanto region-themed gear. Head below for a closer look at the collection and to learn how you can catch these legendary accessories for yourself.
Back at CES, we got a first look at iOttie’s new Easy One Touch Connect Mount. Today the brand has officially launched its latest car mount, which is said to be the first of its kind to bring Alexa into your ride. Offering voice-activated navigation, music playback, smart home control and more, it’s now available exclusively for Prime members. Head below for a closer look at the new in-car accessory.
$500/$400Update 7/2 @ 8:25 AM: The 500GB version of Samsung’s X5 Portable SSD is now down to an Amazon low at $199.99 shipped. That’s $50 off the going rate and $20 under the lowest price we’ve previously seen.
Amazon offers the Samsung 1TB X5 Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD for $399.99 shipped. Also available at B&H as well as direct from Samsung for the same price. That’s good for a 20% discount from the going rate, is $40 under the previous price drop and is a new all-time low. Headlining the X5 SSD’s list of features, the included Thunderbolt 3 port nets you up to 2800MB/s transfer speeds, making this drive a must for on-the-go video editors and more. This Samsung SSD also sports a sleek, shock-resistant casing and is bus-powered, meaning the USB-C port supplies power right from your machine. If you’re in need of ultra-fast portable storage, Samsung’s option is as notable as it gets. Rated 4.3/5 stars and you can dive into our hands-on review for an in-depth look. More details below.
Last fall we got a first look at the six first builds from the LEGO Overwatch series. While the creations themselves managed to stay true to the source material were overall pretty novel kits, many of the game’s iconic characters were left out. Today LEGO is looking to fix that with the debut of new Junkertown and Wrecking Ball kits from Blizzard’s hit online title. Head below for a look at the exclusive new minifigures and more.
Now that Amazon taken the wraps off what to expect from this year’s Prime Day event, eBay is looking to get in on the excitement with its own sale. Throughout July, you’ll be able to save on a variety of “too-good-to-be-true deals”, which culminates in eBay’s Crash Sale. Find more details on how eBay hopes to compete with Amazon down below.
Fresh of off yesterday’s Land Rover debut, LEGO has yet another brick-built vehicle racing onto the scene. This time, the company is following up its Forza 4 collaboration with a new additions to the Speed Champions lineup. Today LEGO has unveiled the 1974 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0, a 180-piece build packing plenty of authentic detail and an exclusive new minifigure. Hit the jump for all the details.
Back in April we got a first look at LEGO’s upcoming 4,100-piece Liebherr R 9800 kit, and now we’re getting another must-have Technic creation. The first images of LEGO’s upcoming Land Rover Defender build have just surfaced, and it’s hard not to be excited over the 2,500-piece off-road vehicle. Measuring over 16-inches long, the set features a four-speed gearbox alongside a working winch as well as plenty of rare bricks and more. Head below for a closer look.
Today Samsung is expanding its lineup of SmartThings products with the introduction of a new camera, Wi-Fi smart plug and LED light bulb. Most notably, the SmartThings Cam arrives with full HD recording, a wide viewing angle and standalone functionality. All three devices are now available for purchase and you can hit the jump for additional details.
Now that summer has officially arrived, we’re one step closer to the launch of LEGO’s most recent round of kits. Today we’re getting a look at another theme that’ll be receiving some additional creations later this year. Included in LEGO’s summer wave of sets are three new Minecraft builds that recreate various locations from the virtual world. Head below a closer look and for all the details on adding them to your collection.
Even though the era of true wireless earbuds has arrived, higher-end audio companies are still managing to find success targeting releases towards the audiophile crowd. The very same listeners willing to shell out big bucks for studio-grade cans still need options for enjoying hi-fi music on-the-go. And with AirPods’ sound quality not cutting it for many, that’s where RHA’s new T20 Wireless Earphones come in. Cutting the cord on one of its more popular releases, the brand’s new earbuds come as feature-packed as it gets. More details below.
Following Monday’s new Captain Marvel set debut, LEGO is back with yet another San Diego Comic-Con exclusive creation. Also slated to be available at next month’s convention, today’s newly-announced Dark Knight of Gotham City kit makes Batman’s latest brick-built debut. The LEGO Batman miniature vignette assembles a forced-perspective build unique to SDCC. It’s packed with novel parts usage and interesting techniques that make great use of the over 400 includes elements. More details below for additional information.
It’s been over nine months since Kano, one of the leaders in the STEAM field, unveiled their latest coding kit. Today that changes, as the company has just announced its newest release. In partnership with Microsoft, Kano’s new PC Coding Kit packs several notable new improvements. Windows 10 support, enhanced specs and more make for the most in-depth programing experience yet. Head below for all of the details.
Today, Monoprice has expanded its lineup of budget-friendly gaming accessories with the launch of two new Zero-G Monitors. Entering with 27 and 35-inch displays, the recent debuts bring up to 144Hz refresh rates, 1440p panels and plenty of I/O into the mix. Head below for the details as well as how you can take advantage of an introductory price drop.
Each year as comic book lovers and other pop culture fans flock to San Diego Comic-Con, LEGO too heads to the convention in order to debut several new kits. This year’s first SDCC model has just been unveiled, which assembles a LEGO build featuring Captain Marvel. The over 270-piece set includes two minifigures, a brick-built recreation of the Axis ship and more. Head below for a closer look at kit and to find out how to add it to your collection.
Expand
Expanding
Close
Update 9/27 @ 12:05 PM: ThinkGeek is has now increased the savings from its sitewide sale to 75% off when using code LIQUIFY. You’ll be able to save even more on the items down below.
Back in 2015, GameStop acquired ThinkGeek, a purveyor of various collectables, toys and more inspired by pop culture. Now the online retailer has announced that it would be closing its digital doors, as ThinkGeek begins moving into its parent company’s retail locations and online. To prepare for moving day, you’ll now be able to take 50% off the site’s entire collection of memorabilia and more. Head below for additional details as well as all of the top picks in ThinkGeek’s closing sale.
Update: The Star Wars Arcade1Up Cabinet is now available for pre-order.
Even though all of the major E3 2019 announcements have come and gone, there’s now a new contender for best in show. As the excitement of this year’s expo died down, last night Arcade1Up took the time to unveil its latest 3/4-scale arcade cabinets including Star Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and much more. As one of the top names in retro gaming right now, the company’s latest releases are some of the most exciting yet. Head below for a closer look.
Amongst all of the E3 chaos this week, Konami managed to stand out from the pack thanks to a bewildering announcement. Last night the company dove into the miniature retro console ring, offering a first look its upcoming TurboGrafx-16 mini. As just the newest classic console debut, the company has showcased six classic games for the upcoming release, which will vary per region. Head below for more details.
Update: 6/19 @ 9:35 AM: LEGO VIP members (free to sign up) can now purchase LEGO’s new T. rex Rampage set for $249.99 ahead of its official July 1st launch.
May was just about as notable a month as they come for LEGO releases, and it looks like the brand isn’t looking to change that for June. Today, we’re getting our first look at the latest set in the Jurassic Park theme, which brings the iconic gate into LEGO form for the first time. T. rex Rampage 75936 pairs a whopping 3,120 pieces with six notable minifigures alongside the largest brick-built dinosaur released so far. Head below to get a closer look at the kit and to see when you’ll be able to add it to your collection.
Bethesda and Microsoft kicked off E3 2019 and now it’s Ubisoft’s turn in the spotlight. The event showcased a wide range of upcoming releases from the publisher, including the next Watch Dogs, Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six titles, alongside some entirely new projects from Ubisoft. Head below for all of today’s most exciting reveals, gameplay trailers and so much more.
GE and Jasco’s long-running partnership has given smart home owners some of the most notable Z-Wave devices. Today the two brands have refreshed the lineup of Enbrighten devices with five new releases. Featuring improved security and several form-factor changes to ease the installation process, Jasco’s latest are now available for purchase. More below for a closer look at all five of the new additions.
Earlier this year at CES, we got a first look at HTC’s latest foray into the world of virtual reality. Announced with a unique focal point, the HTC Vive Pro Eye tailors the company’s VR headset to an enterprise-specific market. Incorporating foveated rendering eye-tacking technology, OLED displays and improved economics, the new headset is now available for purchase. Head below for all of the details.
Following the exciting out of this world release of a new Apollo 11 Lunar Lander set, LEGO has kicked off a new space-themed promotion. Marking the first time we’ve seen a fan-made creation given away by the company, the new Space Rocket Ride enters as the latest freebie from LEGO. Head below for a closer look at this kit and to learn how it can be added to your collection for free.
Hot off of this morning’s Nintendo Direct centering around Pokémon Sword and Shield we’re getting some additional Switch news. Continuing the recent trend of dishing out three new re-releases per month, the company is debuting Double Dragon 2 alongside two other NES titles. Coming to Nintendo Switch Online later this month, you’ll want to head below for the full scoop on when you’ll be able to dive into the three retro-releases.
Monoprice’s catalog of smart home accessories just got a bit larger today. With the debut of its new Z-Wave Plus Light Strip Controller, the brand is looking to bring multicolor lighting into your home on a larger scale. As Monoprice’s first Z-Wave light strip accessory, the new controller enters with an affordable price tag. It also launches with support for plenty of popular smart home platforms. Head below for a closer look.
While Pokémon Go sprung onto the scene back in 2016, this year is shaping up to make an even bigger impact in the realm of augmented reality titles. Following last month’s debut of Minecraft Earth, we’re now turning our attention to the Japanese game developer Square Enix. The publisher’s latest brings its 36 year old franchise into the real world. Dragon Quest Walk will be debuting on iOS and Android smartphones later this year with more slimes and enemies than fans can handle. Head below for a closer look at the upcoming AR title.
Today LEGO is expanding its catalog of space-themed creations with the announcement of its latest kit. Launching early next month, the new LEGO NASA Lunar Lander stacks up to nearly 1,100 pieces and recreates mankind’s very first moon landing. This minifigure-scale replica is complete with two astronauts, a lunar surface display base and more. Head below for a closer look and to find out when you’ll be able to bring home the new debut.
With summer quickly approaching, there are plenty of ways to put your preferred voice assistant to work. We’ve rounded up some of the best devices for both Alexa and HomeKit setups to prepare your smart home for summer. So whether you’re looking for some help monitoring allergens, controlling outdoor lights or automating your lawn care routine, you’ll want to check them out below.
This year LEGO is showing that it knows how to mix up its catalog not just with new creations, but also fresh lines of sets. There’s no better embodiment of that than the new Upside Down 75810 kit. Today we’ll be diving into a full review on the recently-released 2,200-piece LEGO Stranger Things set, taking a look at its exclusive new minifigures and more. Head below for a closer look at one of the most unique builds to date.
This week at the Philadelphia-based LIGHTFAIR 2019 Conference, ET2 Lighting announced a new series of smart multicolor lights. The brand’s new products enter with unique designs that are made of premium materials. Plus, taking advantage of the Friends of Hue program, ET2’s three new styles of light will integrate with HomeKit, Alexa and Assistant and more. Head below for more details.