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Justin Kahn

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Justin is the Editor-in-Chief at 9to5Toys. For well-over a decade he has covered everything from video games and smart home devices to iPhone and MagSafe accessories, EDC gear, and just about everything in between. A professional audio engineer/producer, he also specializes in home recording, microphones, digital audio, and streaming gear. See something cool out there? Developing the next viral Apple gear accessory? Or just want to talk deals? Contact him directly at justin@9to5mac.com for tips, pitches, and more.

Connect with Justin Kahn

Pokemon Sword and Shield differences: Exclusive gyms/leaders, more

While anticipation is at an all-time high for the first mainline Switch RPG, the Pokemon Sword and Shield differences have not really been all that apparent. Set for release later this year, we now have a better idea about how each version will vary come launch day. Head below for all the details and some footage of the new Gigantamaxing.
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Komplete Audio 2 Interface Review: NI’s portable Mac recording at under $140

Komplete Audio 2 Review

Today we are taking a closer look at the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 interface. While the company is best known for its massive lineup of virtual instruments and samplers for producers, we have had a chance to dig in to some of its most affordable new hardware over the last few weeks. We were previously impressed with NI’s higher end MIDI keyboards and Maschine Mikros, but is its budget-conscious interfaces worth your time? Head below for all the details.
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GameStop summer sale includes hundreds of games from $5, $50 gift cards, more

GameStop summer sale coming soon!

After seeing a number of massive mid-year promotions from Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, it’s time for the GameStop summer sale. Today, the nationwide game retailer announced its Game Days Summer Sale, which will kick off on July 7th and run through the 20th. You’re looking at over 200 games starting from $5 (not just old stuff either), gift card bundles, hardware deals, trade-in offers and much more. All the details are down below.
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New PreSonus Eris XT studio speakers with waveguide tech out now

PreSonus Eris XT studio monitors out now

PreSonus is now shipping its new Eris XT studio monitors. The previous generation Eris lineup is among the best mid-range speakers on the market and we are expecting much of the same from the new XT-series. An enhanced design on the new drivers provides better quality in tight rooms as well as much deeper bass response, among other things. Head below for all the details.
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Focusrite launches some of the best and most affordable audio interfaces

Focusrite Scarlett - best and most affordable audio interfaces

When it comes to the best and most affordable audio interfaces out there, the Focusrite Scarlett lineup is at the top of the list. The company has been a major player in the industry since 1985 or so with a focus on offering pro-level gear at budget-conscious prices. That trend continues today with the launch of the new 3rd generation Scarlett audio interfaces for Mac/PC. All the details are down below.
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Free Red Dead Online and GTAO content for Twitch Prime members

Free Red Dead Online and GTA V Online content

Twitch Prime is now offering some free Red Dead Online and Grand Theft Auto Online goodies. After Amazon and friends announced a series of freebies for Apex Legends and EA sports titles last week, it looks like the folks over at Rockstar are getting in on the action. Some of this content is already available as well. Head below for all the details and how to score the Rockstar freebies.
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LEGO Tower free-to-play game now available on iOS and Android

LEGO Tower out now!

LEGO Tower is set for release on iOS and Android today. Based on the NimbleBit developed Tiny Tower game, the new cross-over will have your brick-built towers populated with loads of adorable Minifigures. Considering Tiny Tower has garnered more than 10 million users, we are expecting big things from the mini brick tower building sim. All the details and gameplay footage are down below.
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Score some FREE Prime Day game content for Apex Legends, EA Sports, more

Free Prime Day game goodies

Amazon and Twitch will be offering a series of free Prime Day game content for Apex Legends and other EA sports titles this year. The festivities will continue with Twitch Prime Crown Cup events in London and Las Vegas along with giveaways and more. Prime Day 2019 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, so why not throw some freebies in there too? Head below for all the details on how to secure the goods.
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Mario Maker 2 secrets discovered in Story Mode: Mario Land power-up and more

Mario Maker 2 Secrets inbound

There are a couple notable Mario Maker 2 secrets hiding in the game’s story mode. Releasing today on Nintendo Switch, there are a few additions that aren’t immediately available to gamers when they boot the creator mode up, opposed to what you might expect. We are getting in to some spoiler material below here. So consider yourself warned and then jump below the fold to find out how to access it all.
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New Game of Thrones Beyond the Wall RPG hits this year on iOS/Android

Game of Thrones Beyond the Wall

Game of Thrones Beyond the Wall is a new official mobile game based on the hit TV show. The canonical entry in the series takes place before the events of the show in a story-driven RPG with squad-based tactical combat and more. Set for release later this year on iOS and Android, head below for more details and the debut trailer to your next adventure across the Seven Kingdoms.
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New ActRaiser game on the way? SEGA’s spiritual successor releases next month

New ActRaiser game on the way?

It looks like there’s a new ActRaiser game on the way. Well, sort of. SEGA has just unveiled a secret project releasing next month known as SolSeraph. While there’s no official mention, the hybrid side-scroller strategy game appears to be a spiritual successor to the beloved SNES classic, Act Raiser, whether SEGA wants to admit it or not. Head below for more.
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New Monopoly Banking Edition with voice commands is now up for pre-order

New Monopoly with voice commands
Pre-order/$30

The new Monopoly board game adds voice commands to an already familiar formula. From the Lion King and the Avengers to Game of Thrones, Super Mario Bros. and Fortnite, Hasbro has created just about every crossover you could imagine at this point. There’s even a Cheater’s version that will have you in plastic handcuffs if you get caught bending the rules. But we have never been able to talk to Mr. Monopoly before the Voice Banking Edition went up for pre-order today. Head below for all the details.
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ROLI’s intros Lumi keyboard w/ multi-colored LED keys and iOS app integration

ROLI is introducing the new Lumi keyboard today. Best known for its professional Seaboard and Block controllers, the company is looking towards the beginner space this time around. The new Lumi offers up an app-integrated, color-coded learning experience with a focus on a “smarter way to learn and play”. All the details are down below.
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LEGO Star Wars Skywalker Saga: Open-world, new combat system/camera, more

LEGO Star Wars Skywalker Saga explained

Debuting at the Microsoft E3 2019 press conference, the LEGO Star Wars Skywalker Saga is looking to breathe new life in to the brick-built sci-fi series. While at first it may have come off as a cash grab remake, this is a brand new Star Wars LEGO game. Along with promises of the most interesting open-world yet, an overhauled combat system, and a complete look at the world’s most famous sci-fi saga, 2020 can’t come fast enough. While EA’s new Jedi game seems to have garnered all the attention over the last week or so, don’t count the new LEGO game out just yet. More details below.
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Square Enix streaming service inbound, if the company can find its old games

Square Enix streaming service - Chrono Trigger

It sounds like a dedicated Square Enix streaming service might be on the way. After an exciting E3 2019 presentation with titles like Marvel’s Avengers, Dragon Quest Builders 2, Outriders and Final Fantasy VII: Remake, the company is now talking digital streaming. Square has an incredibly deep catalogue of older games dating way back to the 1980’s that gamers would love to get their hands on in some official capacity. And it now sounds like Square is already starting to dig through the crates in order to re-release some of its classics, if it can find them that is. More details below.
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Collection of Mana brings 3rd game to the US for first time + remake

Collection of Mana details

With most of the E3 2019 talk focused on Captain America, Cloud, Breath of the Wild 2 and Keanu Reeves, the new Collection of Mana slipped through the cracks to some degree. The Collection, which was released in Japan 2 years ago, includes the Japan-only Secret of Mana 3, while packaging together some of the most beloved vintage RPGs in to a single Nintendo Switch package. But that’s on top of a brand new remake coming from the series coming sometime next year. Head below for all the details.
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The confusing Final Fantasy VII Remake launch, only part 1 releases in March

Final Fantasy VII Remake - release

While it easily made our list for the best of E3 2019, there are still major questions surrounding the Final Fantasy VII Remake release. The game has been in the works for many years and was one of the most exciting gameplay reveals of the show this year. After dropping the release date just before its E3 showcase, we still aren’t sure what to expect come release, and oddly enough, neither does Square Enix. More details below. 
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9to5Toys’ Best of E3 2019 Awards: Star Wars, Avengers, Final Fantasy, more

Best of E3 2019-Final Fantasy 7 Remake
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It’s time to take a look at the absolute best of E3 2019. While Sony may not have graced us with its presence this year, Microsoft showcased the future of its biggest IP while Nintendo teased the sequel to one of gaming’s most popular franchises. But even the big 3 had a hard time keeping up with EA, Ubisoft and, especially, Square Enix at E3 2019. From Cyberpunk 2077, Halo Infinite and DOOM Eternal, to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Watch Dogs Legion, Marvel’s Avengers and the new George R.R. Martin cross-over, E3 was jam-packed this year. Head below for a closer look at the best-of-the-best.
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Nintendo E3 2019: Animal Crossing New Horizons, Zelda BotW sequel, much more

Nintendo E3 2019

It’s finally time for the big Nintendo E3 2019 showcase. As usual, Nintendo dropped a special E3 Direct stream for this year’s big show. Pokémon Sword and Shield got is own event last week and we are seeing some great summer Nintendo deals, but now it’s time to look at everything from the big N’s E3 presentation. Head below for all of today’s biggest announcements, reveals and gameplay footage.
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Xbox Game Pass Ultimate w/ Live Gold now $1 (Reg. $15) + gift card deals, more

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate deal
$1

Yesterday, during Microsoft’s big E3 2019 showcase, it detailed the new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The new tier features all of the usual Xbox Game Pass perks along with Xbox Live Gold access and Xbox Game Pass for PC. It will go for $15 a month, but you can now jump in for just $1. Once you convert over to an Ultimate subscription, all your existing Live Gold and Game Pass subscriptions will carry over based on the amount of days remaining on them. Head below for more deals and details.
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Bethesda E3 2019: Fallout Battle Royale, GhostWire Tokyo, DOOM, more

After Microsoft took the stage earlier today, it’s time to roundup everything from the Bethesda E3 2019 showcase. Once one of the most beloved development factions in gaming, the company has come under fire – largely due to the questionable Fallout 76, among other things – as of late. But now, on stage at the industry’s biggest event, Bethesda is ready to show us what put at it at top of its game in the first place once again. Head below for all of tonight’s biggest reveals, gameplay trailers and much more.
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E3 2019 leak: Here’s the new Ninja Theory 4v4 action title Bleeding Edge

E3 2019 leak Bleeding Edge 4v4 action game

While not nearly as extensive as last year’s Walmart debacle, the E3 2019 leak train has left the station. One of the biggest so far is a clearly confidential cam footage version of the upcoming new Ninja Theory game trailer. Previously responsible for the dark fantasy action-adventure game Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, the dev team has decided to brighten things up and go multiplayer. All the details are down below.
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New Yooka-Laylee sequel unveiled w/ 2.5D side-scrolling + more [Video]

Yooka-Laylee sequel hits this year

Playtonic Games has now unveiled the first Yooka-Laylee sequel. A follow up to 2017’s original, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair will be taking a drastically new approach to gameplay this time around, in what appears to be an effort to curb some of the criticisms of the first game. In favor of a more stable 2.5 format, Playtonic is going (mostly) side-scroller with Impossible Lair. Head below for all the details and the official E3 2019 reveal trailer down below.
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PlayStation Summer Sale includes 100’s of PSN deals, $20 off PS Plus, more

PlayStation Summer Sale Days of Play

Sony might be skipping out on the usual E3 showcase, but this year’s PlayStation summer sale is shaping up to be a big one. 2019’s Days of Play sale was unveiled last week with a plethora of big time deals on hardware and software alongside the reveal of a new Black Steel Limited Edition PlayStation 4. But that was only half of the deals as Sony has now taken to its official blog to detail what to expect on the digital side of things. All the details are down below.
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The complete list of Sega Genesis Mini games has now been released

Sega Genesis Mini games complete list

All of the Sega Genesis Mini games have now been announced. After slowly rolling out details over the last few months, we now have a complete picture of  Sega’s upcoming tiny console. From iconic puzzle games and classic racing titles to top tier action-platformers and a brand new arcade port, the Genesis Mini is certainly ready for prime time. All the details and a complete games list can be found below.
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Huge Xbox summer sale unveiled: $100 off consoles, new Fortnite Bundle, more

Xbox summer sale E3 2019
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We are just days away from the start of E3 2019 and the big time Xbox summer sale has now been unveiled. Much like Sony, every year around this time Microsoft launches a wide-ranging E3 2019 Xbox sale with loads of top-tier hardware and software price drops. This year will be no exception as Redmond just took to the Xbox Wire to detail 2019’s Deals Unlocked E3 week promotion. All the details are down below.
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Microsoft E3 2019 showcase to feature over 14 first party games + much more

Microsoft E3 2019 showcase details

We got a full rundown of Nintendo’s schedule a few weeks back, and now we have even more details on the Microsoft E3 2019 showcase. Microsoft will be the first out of the gate when it comes to the major E3 presentations this year and we have a much better idea of what to expect now. Along with a plethora of first party game unveils and possible hardware announcements, Microsoft has every opportunity possible to steal the show this year. More details below.
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TE teams up w/ Justin Roiland on the new Rick and Morty Pocket Operator synth

Rick and Morty Pocket Operator unveiled

In a continued effort to expand its miniature synth lineup, Teenage Engineering has now announced the new Rick and Morty Pocket Operator. Much like the previous crossover PO collab, the new synth will make use of the lineup’s already established technology in a brand new sampler instrument influenced by the popular show. Not only are the stock sounds inspired by the show, but the entire machine will be adorned with its titular characters and specific artistic touches. All the details are down below.
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Review: iRig Micro mini guitar amp doubles as an iOS/Mac audio interface + more

iRig Micro mini guitar amp review
$150

Today we are diving in head first with the IK Multimedia iRig Micro mini guitar amp. This tiny device offers up a ton of value on paper with an integrated audio interface and software emulation system, but does that justify the price tag? We went hands-on to find out. Head below for all the details.
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Tascam unveils new TH-06 Monitoring Headphones w/ ‘ear shaking’ Bass XL tech, more

Tascam TH-06 Monitoring Headphones up for pre-order

Tascam has now unveiled the latest addition to its TH-series family with new monitoring headphones. The TH-06 Bass XL cans feature custom components and technology to provide an enhanced low frequency response. Designed for DJs and music producers, they are also a great choice for anyone who wants more bass blasted directly in to the ear drum, according to Tascam. Head below the jump for more details and availability.
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Just Cause movie to be written by John Wick creator, goes in to production next year

Just Cause Movie to be written by John Wick creator

Constantin has locked down the film rights to create the first Just Cause movie. The action-heavy open-world video game series adaptation is said to be going in to production next year with Derek Kolstad attached to pen the script. While confidence in video game films has never really been all that high, the frenetic action and sheer destruction from Just Cause is sure to translate to the big screen, if it’s done right that is. All the details are down below.
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Next generation PlayStation to feature seamless cloud gaming, 10x faster loads, more

Next Generation PlayStation details

While it still looks like it’s more than a year out, Sony is continuing to drop details regarding the next generation PlayStation console. During a recent corporate strategy presentation, the company showed off the console’s impressive load times in comparison to PS4 Pro and talked about its focus on cloud gaming, among other things. Head below for everything.
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Sony now set to produce original PlayStation TV shows and movies

PlayStation TV shows and movies on the way

Sony has now launched an internal production branch to focus on PlayStation TV shows and movies. The new PlayStation Productions has been put together to create original content in the form of film and TV shows based on its more than 100 gaming properties. While it’s hard to say whether or not Sony can lift the dreaded games to movies curse the industry has been plagued with for years, keeping things internal sounds like a good start. All the details are down below.
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New Super Mario Maker 2 secrets spotted in Japanese Direct + more

Super Mario Maker 2 secrets spotted?

While Nintendo was generous enough to absolutely unload on new details this week, some may have noticed a few Super Mario Maker 2 secrets during the presentation. We aren’t talking about easter eggs here, but rather some details that you might not have noticed in the fast-paced Nintendo Direct event. Ranging from new possible power-ups only spotted in the overseas showcase, or some seemingly obvious omissions from the official script, you’ll want to head below for all the details.
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Microsoft and Sony are teaming up for new cloud-based gaming services + more

New cloud-based gaming services from Microsoft and Sony

While they have mostly been bitter rivals for as long as we can remember, Sony and Microsoft are now teaming up on new cloud-based gaming services. The details are still a little bit thin at this point, but the two gaming titans are clearly going to be exploring the future of gaming together, according to recent statements. Head below for more details.
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