Justin Kahn

Sony has now confirmed it has tracked over 4.5 million PlayStation 5 sales. After early indications suggested Sony was already ahead in the now current-generation console war, the latest PlayStation 5 sales numbers have led Sony’s gaming business to one of its best fiscal quarters in history. While that might not make a whole lot of sense for the gamers out there still trying to get their hands on one of Sony’s latest home consoles, PS5 is clearly off to a running start here. More details below. 

The Mass Effect Legendary Edition has been officially unveiled. The new collection brings the entire Mass Effect trilogy (not that Andromeda one) into one epic and very much enhanced package. While the franchise might have had some missteps over the last few years, there’s no denying that the legions of Commander Shepard fans out there will be stoked for this one. The lauded science-fiction trilogy remaster from BioWare is now set for release this spring in glorious 4K. Head below to feast your eyes on today’s Mass Effect Legendary Edition reveal trailer and for more details. 

Today is the day you can score the free God of War update for PlayStation 5. While the 2018 God of War reboot was already backwards compatible with the new PS5 hardware, not to mention available inside of the new PlayStation Plus Collection package, the development team at Sony Santa Monica is ready to take it up a notch. The team has apparently been hard at work since the launch of PS5 to squeeze every last ounce of power out of Sony’s latest hardware and is now ready to dish out a free God of War update with new graphical modes. Head below for more details. 

It looks like a new Netflix Sonic show is on the way courtesy of Sega, Wild Brain Studio, and Man of Action Entertainment. Netflix has now taken to Twitter to confirm the existence of a new Sonic the Hedgehog series known as Sonic Prime. After a brief unveil was quickly deleted at the tail end of last year with no indication as to why, many correctly assumed the powers that be just weren’t quite ready to make the new Netflix Sonic show announcement. Fast-forward to this morning, and it appears as though the show is now full steam ahead with 24 episodes coming down the pipeline. Head below for more details. 

Developer Psyonix has now announced a series of upcoming Rocket League Super Bowl events. Not only is Champions Field being transformed, the upcoming NFL Super Bowl LV Celebration introduces a new game mode known as Gridiron, complete with its own set of rules and game tweaks, as well as a series of themed in-game goodies ranging from bonus XP to the return of the NFL Fan Pack. It all kicks off on February 2, 2021, some five days before Super Bowl LV. Head below for more details. 

Nintendo has unveiled a special edition Monster Hunter Rise Switch console. Now roughly two months away from the release of the next mainline Monster Hunter title, Nintendo is revealing the custom painted console bundle to go along with it. Head below for more details, information on the bonus in-game content, and a closer look at the special edition Monster Hunter Rise Switch console design. 

After getting our first look at the Tula mic in September, we have now had a chance to go hands-on with the new hybrid. Designed by the same team responsible for the professional Soyuz tube mics, Tula is a culmination of high-end recording expertise with a focus on affordability and standing out from the pack. It is specifically tailored to folks interested in field recordings, podcast discussions, and interviews, as well as musical recording and the like. It combines typical USB microphone features with a unique, retro-inspired design and some interesting tricks up its sleeve including built-in recording to its internal storage, noise cancellation, and the ability to connect another mic to it for 2-track recording. Head below for a closer look and our hands-on impressions of the new Tula mic. 

We now have details on the next free Animal Crossing update, courtesy of Nintendo. A trailer to highlight some of the upcoming events hit this morning alongside fresh new details on the upcoming Festivale and Valentine’s Day events, as well as all of the in-game goodies that come along with them. Head below for more information, launch dates, and to take a look at today’s trailer for yourself. 

The latest lineup of controllers from Alesis carries one of the more affordable mini MIDI keyboards out there alongside updated versions of its Q-series 49- and 88-key models. All compatible with Mac/PC as well as iOS devices, the new Q mini MIDI keyboard is the real highlight here, offering up a particularly capable package and even more affordable price tag. Head below for a closer look. 

Microsoft is announcing an Xbox Live Gold price increase for the first time in years. Taking to the official Xbox Wire, the Live Gold team is announcing the first major price jump in as many as 10 years today and they are quite significant in some cases. While they won’t immediately effect existing subscribers, it appears as though Microsoft is looking to push folks to convert Live Gold accounts over to the newer, all-encompassing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier. Head below for more details. 

Hironobu Sakaguchi —  the guy who conceived the first design documents for Final Fantasy — has a new RPG on the way known as Fantasian. The game was initially announced years ago alongside Apple Arcade and was featured as part of Apple’s “Meet the Creators” campaign for the service. Now, after 3-years or so in development, it sounds like Fantasian is finally nearing development completion and has its sights set on 2021. Head below for a closer look at the game and the physical dioramas it is being made of. 

Moog — one of the premier synth brands since the mid 1960s — just announced the Model 15 Modular synth for Mac. The brand has now updated its “award-winning” Model 15 Modular Synthesizer App with a number of new features and compatibility with macOS Big Sur. Originally developed as an emulation of the iconic 1973 hardware and an educational tool for modular synthesis, the Model 15 is also a wonderful creation tool for music producers/sound designers, and is now available on the big screen, inside your favorite DAW, and is free to existing owners of the iOS version. More details below. 

Oakywood is introducing its new wood MagSafe iPhone 12 cases today. We have seen our fair share of MagSafe iPhone 12 gear recently with the latest from Anker, Pad & Quill’s new leather options, and this morning’s elago iPhone and Apple Watch accessory launch, but for now we are turning our attention to the walnut and cherry wood options from Oakywood. Compatible with the full suite of Apple’s magnet-laden accessories, the new wood MagSafe iPhone 12 cases from Oakywood are now available for purchase. Head below for a closer look. 

There’s no denying how tough last year was, and it looks like there’s more of that to come still for many of us, but the 2020 Game is here to add a bit of levity. The online game folds some of last year’s biggest trends into a light-hearted and very much free side-scrolling experience you can enjoy on the browser — mobile or otherwise. Last year wasn’t a year many of us want to remember, so 2020 Game certainly isn’t for everyone, but for the rest of us, it is a creatively designed experience with some light-hearted humor that only takes around 10 minutes to complete, if you’re good at it anyway. More details below. 

Tascam is expanding its lineup with the new TM-70 podcast microphone. Just ahead of this month’s winter NAMM show, Tascam has now unveiled some of its latest offerings headlined by the TM-70, which is a “dynamic microphone specifically engineered for broadcasting, podcasting, and audio streaming.” Alongside its relatively affordable $100 price tag, Tascam is throwing in everything folks need to either upgrade or jump into the podcast/broadcast streaming game including a stand, cable, and more. Hit the jump for more details. 

Alongside yesterday’s 25th anniversary announcement, Nintendo has now dropped the New Pokémon Snap release date. The sequel to the beloved Nintendo 64 original marks the first time the photography-based Pokémon title will make an appearance on Nintendo’s Switch hardware and is now set for release later this year in April. Head below for more new details on the experience and to take a look at today’s trailer. 

Just on the tail end of CES 2021 and ahead of this month’s winter NAMM show, IK Multimedia is introducing the new UNO Synth Pro. Available in two form factors with Mac/PC and mobile device connectivity, the new flagship synth expands just about every aspect of the previously released UNO Synth with a host of new features, routing possibilities, and more. Head below for a closer look. 

It now looks like Ubisoft will be responsible for the next big open-world Star Wars game. After nearly a decade of EA fumbling with the coveted Star Wars license, everyone’s favorite sci-fi fantasy franchise will finally be changing hands, with the folks at Ubisoft taking the helm for its next AAA experience. Head below for more details and everything we now know about the next open-world Star Wars game. 

Today we are taking a look at the new Pad & Quill iPhone 12 LeatherSafe Case. Inspired by “a historic coin purse and a tribute to unique artisan leatherwork,” the new iPhone 12 LeatherSafe Case brings the brand’s usual attention to detail to the forefront while offering users a handcrafted leather solution that is MagSafe compatible. Head below for a closer look and our promotion code that will knock a solid 15% off your order. 

A new Indiana Jones game has now been announced by Bethesda. This morning a brief teaser trailer and some light details hit the Bethesda social and YouTube accounts to make the game official. It has a been a long time coming for a new Indiana Jones game, and it looks like the newly rebranded Lucasarts has tapped Bethesda Softworks and team to handle the next iteration of the treasure hunter’s adventures. Head below for more details and a closer look. 

This morning Nintendo announced a new Switch colorway in the form of the Mario Red and Blue Edition. The new console, which is set to launch alongside the Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, is slated to hit store shelves next month with a new colorful design inspired by the brand’s iconic mascot and with some extra goodies. Head below for more details. 

Samsung is showing off its latest home robotics technology at CES 2021 with an AI-laden model known as Bot Handy. Samsung is well-known for showcasing its advancement in home companion robotics at events like CES, and this year’s digital event is no exception. The Bot Handy is filled with camera and artificial intelligence technologies so it can help you tidy up the house, and then pour you a glass of wine when it’s time to wind down. Head below for a closer look at Bot Handy. 

V-Moda is showing off its brand new M-200 headphones for CES 2021. A brand well-known for its high-end, premium over-ear solutions, today the company is introducing its very first set of wireless Bluetooth headphones sporting active noise cancellation with the M-200 ANC. But along with the new noise-cancellation tech, V-Moda’s usual metal touches, and leather-covered cushioning comes quite a hefty price tag. Head below for more details. 

Today we are getting our first look at the new Pulse Red Xbox Controllers. After introducing the latest-edition wireless gamepad alongside the release of Xbox Series X/S in carbon black, robot white, and shock blue, Microsoft is expanding the lineup today with the new Pulse Red variant. With custom mapping, the new Share button, and the striking red colorway, this model sports the same enhancements the initial colorways carry and is set for release starting next month. Head below for more details. 

JLab is introducing its new JBuds Frames. Consisting of a pair of wireless speaker units, the new JBuds Frames attach to any existing eye or sunglasses to offer that open-ear design we have been starting to see more of lately. Unlike the latest Bose and Amazon frame headphone units we saw at the tail end of last year, JBuds Frames are a fraction of the price and will pair nicely with your existing frames of choice. Head below for a closer look. 

At today’s virtual HARMAN ExPLORE event, JBL is celebrating “75 years of pioneering acoustic, transducer and electronic design” with the announcement of its new SA750 Amplifier. The high-end, retro-inspired amp is inspired by vintage models produced in the 1960s and ’70s with a host of modern-day accouterments, including Apple and Google wireless streaming platforms and more. Head below for more details on the new JBL SA750 Amplifier. 

It appears as though a new Fumito Ueda game is being teased. Ueda — an iconic game designer responsible for absolute classics like Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian — recently posted some images in celebration of the new year by way of Twitter and his development team’s website that could very well be the first teasers for his next AAA experience. And when a new Fumito Ueda game is shown, just about all gamers stand at attention in anticipation. Head below for more details and a closer look. 

We are getting our first look at the new Bose Sport Open Earbuds today. These unique earbuds are specifically made for workouts and combine Bose OpenAudio technology with an interesting design that doesn’t go in your ears or cover them, leaving wearers fully aware of their surroundings without comprising audio quality, according to Bose. Head below for a closer look. 

Today, we are looking at two of the most affordable audio interfaces on the market with the latest from M-Audio. A brand well-known in the music production space for gear ranging from mid-tier speakers and keyboards to some of the best and most affordable options for beginners, M-Audio’s new Mac, PC, and iOS-compatible interfaces start at just $49. Hit the fold for a closer look. 

Founded in 2009, Bellroy is the maker of a wide range of accessories, from bags, cable folios, and backpacks to wallets, laptop sleeves, and more. But today, we are taking a closer look at the Australian-based company’s new covers for Apple’s latest handsets in our Bellroy Phone Case review. Head below for a closer look in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys.

Today, we are giving the Ukutune UKA1 Tenor Ukulele a run for its money. The affordable tenor ukulele combines real ash wood construction with a warm tone ideal for beginners, hobbyists, or just folks looking for a simple ukulele to strum on without breaking the bank. Today, we are taking a closer hands-on look at one of the brand’s more universal, mid-range tenor models to shed light on its entire lineup of options and to get a better idea of what the UKA1 Tenor has in store. Head below for everything. 

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Incipio’s organic iPhone case lineup made from eco-friendly materials is back again for Apple’s latest handsets. Designed to protect the planet and your new iPhone 12, the Incipio Organicore iPhone 12 cases leverage plant-based and biodegradable materials to offer a sustainable product, right down to the packaging. Today we are taking a closer look at the company’s 2020 lineup of eco-friendly iPhone cases in our latest Tested with 9to5Toys. 

Today we are tracking a notable price drop on the highly-rated PlantSnap Pro: Identify Plants for iOS. Regularly $25, you can now score this one on the App Store for $14.99. That’s $10 or 40% off the going rate, matching the 2020 App Store low, and the best we can find. Carrying a 4+ star rating from over 42,000 users, if you’re at all interested in this kind of thing, or know some who is, today’s deal is very much worth a closer look. This app can “instantly identify plants of all kinds” with the tap of a button on your smartphone. That includes “flowers, trees, succulents, mushrooms, cacti and more,” with an interesting real-time augmented reality view for iOS 12 users. Head below for more details on PlantSnap Pro. 

More details on the Cyberpunk 2077 for PS4 and Xbox One debacle have come to light. Sony and CD Projekt Red made a difficult, albeit needed, decision to completely remove the game from Sony’s digital storefront yesterday evening, leaving the fate of the most highly-anticipated game in recent memory up in the air once again. The previous-generation version of the game suffers immensely from horrible visual fidelity and a laundry list of bugs, leading CDPR to announce refunds on Cyberpunk 2077 for PS4 and Xbox One. However, after players were having a hard time doing so, especially on PlayStation, it looks like the move to remove the game from PSN might actually help the cause. Head below for more details. 

A new Cyberpunk 2077 Death Stranding update is now adding some interesting new wrinkles and goodies to the latest Hideo Kojima title. Yes, you read that correctly. A crossover campaign between CD Projekt Red and the Hideo Kojima camp is bringing a series of Cyberpunk 2077-themed in-game items, abilities and content into Death Stranding. But it looks like this content is only for PC gamers at this point. Head below for more details and today’s announcement trailer. 

Amazon Prime members can now score some free Fall Guys content for PC and PlayStation. Prime Gaming — formerly known as Twitch Prime — is free to all Amazon Prime members and is now offering up some winter-themed Fall Guys content in celebration of the party game’s season 3 launch. That, on top of a slew of completely free games to score right now, might make you want to head below for more details. 

Nintendo has announced the next batch of Switch Online NES and SNES titles headlined by Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble. This week’s additions to the growing online library of Nintendo classics complete the Donkey Kong Country trilogy Nintendo started back in July, while also bringing a slew of titles from the SNES and NES library of titles. Head below for a closer look and more details on Donkey Kong Country 3 for Switch Online. 

Cyberpunk 2077 refunds are now available for players not happy with the previous-generation console performance. Ever since the game released late last week, console players (mainly those on the base-model PS4 and Xbox) have been experiencing a series of sometimes game-breaking bugs as well as much lower resolution visuals than were expected. Developer CD Projekt Red is now issuing an apology, update/patch schedule, and Cyberpunk 2077 refunds for those affected. Head below for more details. 

The Game Awards 2020 took place last night and now it’s time for a quick recap of the award winners and the biggest game announcements. Much like years past, the yearly award show brought it with major price drops on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch games, but we also got a slew of the new game announcements, reveal trailers, and more. Hit the fold for a closer look at the Perfect Dark trailer and much more. 

Today we’re taking a look at the new Grovemade Wood Notebook. Known for implementing premium materials into its lineup of Apple gear and desktop office accessories, Grovemade has once again tapped into natural walnut and maple hardwood for its latest writing pad. Manufactured and hand-finished in Portland, Oregon, head below the fold for a closer look at the American-made Grovemade Wood Notebook. 

It’s now time for our 2020 roundup of the best gifts for musicians. After detailing our favorite options in the smart home category earlier this week, we turn our attention to some great gift ideas for musicians. Whether it seems like they already have everything out there or you’re having a hard time finding something affordable, we collected some particularly notable ideas just about any musician and home producer would appreciate under the tree this year. Hit the fold for a closer look at our picks for the best gifts for musicians this year. 

The classic Star Wars KOTOR 2 is now scheduled for an official release on iOS and Android on the same date as The Mandalorian season 2. The original KOTOR game has been available on mobile platforms for quite some time now, but after fans asking for a mobile port of the sequel for “so long,” publisher Aspyr has now officially announced the mid-December launch date. Head below for more details and a look at today’s announcement trailer. 

Disney is teaming up with NERF and Hasbro to release an all-new Amban Phase-Pulse Mandalorian NERF blaster replica. Inspired directly by Din Djarin’s primary weapon from the hit Disney+ show, Star Wars: The Mandalorian, the new NERF blaster is also one of the longest the company has ever produced. Head below for a closer look and pre-order details. 

Well, the holiday game deals are kicking off earlier than usual this year and we now have the first batch of Nintendo Black Friday game deals. Many of the titles Nintendo advertised at $40 in its 2020 Black Friday ad have now gone live at Amazon, Walmart, and Target, alongside a host of other top-notch Nintendo Switch games. Head below the fold for a closer look at this year’s best Nintendo Black Friday game deals.