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As has become a tradition around 9to5Toys as the year comes to a close, all of the writers here on the site are getting a bit retrospective on all of the gear we’ve taken a look at in 2023. Alongside all of the tech, toys, and fashion we’ve reviewed since January, there is a selection of things each of us bought for ourselves that might not have been covered – or perhaps that we just want to highlight again. You’ll find all of 9to5Toys’ Favorite Things of 2023 down below, including Fujifilm cameras, PreSonus speakers, and more.

The year is coming to an end after seeing hundreds of different LEGO sets hit store shelves. While we’re gearing up to start covering all of the new creations come 2024, beforehand we’re taking a retrospective look at what this year already delivered. Including some of the largest models ever made to more affordable and display-worthy creations, you’ll want to head below for our best LEGO sets of 2023.

Throughout 2023, we’ve reviewed a collection of the latest true wireless earbuds. Including a wide range of brands, form-factors, and price points, we’ve settled on five of our favorite alternatives to first-party offerings from Apple, Google, and Samsung. Including Sony’s new XM5, Anker’s latest budget-friendly buds, and some other unique offerings, you’ll find all of the best earbuds of 2023 outlined below.

Now that the holidays are officially behind us, it’s time to continue an annual tradition here at 9to5Toys – Write-Off Week. The year is winding down and time is running out to make last-minute purchases to deduct from 2023’s taxes. Many have been on the work-from-home journey for well over a year, and some are just starting out. It doesn’t matter what camp you’re in, this week is your last chance to score some tax deductible gear that’s able to be written off in April. Keep reading for all of our favorite Write-Off Week deals.

Running for almost a decade at this point, each December we kick off the annual tradition of seeing what’s in the year’s LEGO Advent Calendars. And for 2023, there’s so much to be excited about. With 24 days of different creations on tap, we’ll be taking a day-by-day look to highlight all of the miniature creations, minifigures, and other builds in the countdown to the end of the month. This year, we’re checking out the latest LEGO Star Wars, Marvel, City, and Friends Advent Calendars for 2023.

As more direct-drive wheelbases become available, and some of them at a more entry-level torque power, the need for an affordable sim-racing cockpit that supports direct-drive wheelbases is growing. Next Level Racing, which provides entry-level wheel stands up to robot-like robust sim racing cockpits saw the need and now has the GTRacer that we are looking at today. Coming in at $399, it’s a setup from the foldable GTLite for those who need a bit more stability for more powerful wheelbases. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

If you can’t decide what to gift the special someone on your list, a Setapp subscription is going to do just the trick. On top of not having to worry about shipping times, Setapp offers gift cards for its curated collection of Mac and iOS apps by MacPaw that are sure to help supercharge their workflow to start off 2024.

Remember Apple’s MagSafe Duo? Because Twelve South sure does. The company just launched its new ButterFly portable charger earlier in the month with a design that looks and feels like the next-generation of Apple’s 2-in-1 charger. I’ve been using it the past few weeks and have to say that it really is everything I’ve wanted from a portable MagSafe and Apple Watch charger.

The LEGO Ideas team today is officially revealing what’s next on tap for the Ideas theme. With a record-breaking 71 different creations vying for the chance to be turned into an official set, now two have been chosen. And they are some pretty interesting ideas. Coming to the LEGO Ideas lineup, the builders will be able to soon assemble a Botanical Garden, and the Cullen House from Twilight.

Just after leaked rumors on a potential upcoming PS5 Pro were divulged, it appears as though malicious hackers have gleamed details on upcoming projects coming from Spider-Man 2 developer Insomniac. After releasing arguably the most exciting PS5 title of the year with the latest web-slinging adventure, not to mention Marvel’s Wolverine officially on the horizon, it looks as though more details about the dev’s partnership with Sony and other Marvel IP have now surfaced. Head below for the details. 

Over the last few weeks, our team here at 9to5Toys has curated our own gift guides for just about anyone on your holiday shopping gift. But now that the window for actually securing a gift is coming to a close, shoppers hoping to score the perfect gift are still in luck. We’ve all put together a selection of last-minute gifts, all of which are ready to be delivered in time for Christmas. Hit the jump for all of our top picks and easy last-minute gifts.

We have a late contender for best MagSafe accessory of the year. DURACELL’s new lineup of portable power stations is finally shipping, delivering what is effectively just an upscaled battery. They can charge more than just a gizmo, with upwards of 250W of power and built-in MagSafe charging pads.

elago has been rounding out its collection of vintage Nintendo-inspired Game Boy-style accessories this year, first with its new MagSafe wallet, and now with the new Game Boy Apple charger cover. The brand uses its fun designs to standout from the crowd and the sea of standard matte treatments out there, much like the Game Boy AirPods cover we have featured a number of times over the years and the vintage Macintosh MagSafe stand we took a closer look at recently. Today, it is reaching back its retro Nintendo design to wrap Apple’s 35W wall charger in a fun, nostalgic vibe at just $15. Head below for more details. 

Vactidy, a smart home appliance manufacturer, has launched its new Nimble T8 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo that combines powerful suction capabilities with efficient mopping functionality. Now available for purchase, this robotic cleaning device boasts a spacious 250ml dust bin and a 230ml water tank, providing ample volume to complete thorough cleaning tasks.

Friends and family each year always ask me what to get the techy in their lives, and like clockwork I am being summoned again to answer the call. As I do each holiday season here at 9to5Toys, I am back to write about my favorite smart home gear in this year’s gift guide.

The prebuild PC market has continued to pick up steam over the past few years, but there’s one brand that has been rising above the rest lately. I’ve heard so much raving about MAINGEAR and its lineup of pre-built PCs that I had to test one out myself, and so over the past few months I’ve had the MG-1 Gold as the centerpiece to my battlestation.

Following the release of its trackable MagSafe wallet and passport holder, Journey is now introducing its new LOC8 Apple Find My wallet card. The new LOC8 Finder Card enters with a form-factor roughly the size of a credit card and support for Apple’s Find My network to help ensure you never misplace your wallet (or anything else you might slide it into) again. Now available for purchase, you can score 20% off right now using the ongoing sitewide promo code, HOLIDAY20, and be sure to head below for more details. 

There’s no way that a pair of $30 earbuds actually sound good right? Well, Skullcandy would at least like to have a word. Because if you’re going to make that claim you haven’t listened to its new Dime 3 buds. Packed with increased battery life and other notable inclusions like multipoint pairing, I am checking out to see if the new Skullcandy Dime 3 can make a last-minute cut on my list of favorite earbuds in 2023.

Whether you’re shopping for a PC gamer in your life or you’re a gamer looking to upgrade to something better, there seems to be an endless amount of brands and options for PC gaming gear. It can be a daunting challenge when you first commit to upgrading your battlestation, especially if you’re new to the scene or shopping on a budget. That’s why I’ve put together this rundown of the most notable brands offering the best deals on quality gaming equipment, so that, hopefully, we can help you cast aside those worries and take your gameplay to the next level. I’ve taken great care to include plenty of budget-friendly options that still boast quality performance, so head below to check out all the top picks.

Update: While we are still awaiting a complete list of new features and additions, Insomniac has now officially confirmed a March 7, 2024 launch for its title update to Spider-Man 2:

Our title update for Marvel’s #SpiderMan2PS5 arrives next month and adds highly requested features like New Game+, new suits, and more!

Watch our social media for a complete list of features closer to release. 

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was clearly one of the biggest and most exciting PlayStation 5 releases this year, and after becoming the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game of all-time, the next update for the game is a highly-anticipated one to say the least. Developer Insomniac Games recently took to its official X (Twitter) account to give players an update on what was next for the game, including new gameplay and quality of life enhancements, but it looks like the studio has now pushed everything back until 2024. Head below for more details.

Lexar has now unleashed its new handheld SSD known as the Play 2230. With new handhelds on the scene, including the latest Steam Deck, the new ASUS ROG Ally, and more, the compact 2230 SSD standard has become even more desirable and there’s another notable option on the market courtesy of Lexar. Now available for purchase at Amazon and elsewhere, you can take a deeper dive into what the new Play 2230 can bring to your on-the-go gaming setup down below. 

Ubiquiti today is launching another addition to its catalogue of networking gear with the grand entrance of its new UniFi Pro Max 24 PoE. I know, I know there’s normally nothing all too exciting about an Ethernet switch, but you’re going to want to see all of the neat tech that Ubiquiti has baked into its new release, including the debut of a new rack management features that the company calls Etherlighting.

As 2023 comes to a close and with Christmas just a couple of weeks away, there is still time to find the perfect gift for the exercise enthusiast in your life at an affordable price. While the fitness market can be overwhelming to navigate as a consumer, I have narrowed down my top five best fitness finds for under $50 that range from athletic apparel to a massage gun that helps your body recover from a hard workout. Keep reading below the fold for details on my favorite fitness finds under $50.

It has been an exciting year for Nintendo fans with the release of some major titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and now it’s time to take it all in with the official yearly recap. For the last few years Nintendo has provided its gamers with a fun and nostalgic way to look back on their greatest achievements in the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond, vote on their favorite games, and more by way of its official yearly review and personalized wrap-up. Head below for more details. 

TP-Link’s Kasa and Tapo lineups deliver some of the most affordable smart home gear out there and its new video doorbell camera solution has now arrived stateside. The new Tapo Smart Video Doorbell Camera and included chime were unveiled earlier this year and are now available on Amazon as a pair at $120 shipped. For those already invested in the TP-Link Tapo Alexa- and Google Assistant-compatible ecosystem, this marks your first chance to expand your setup to the front porch. Head below for a closer look and more details. 

Sony debuted the PS5 Slim console back in October, but we might be getting that PS5 Pro after all. While all of this is to be taken with more than just a grain of salt, rumor has it some of the specs of the new pro-grade machine might have already leaked with others saying Sony is expecting a leak sometime this month. The PS5 Slim was more of cross-grade over what was the standard PS5, introducing a new attachable disc drive, a slimmer form-factor, and a marginally different design, but some of the potentially leaked details are pointing towards what could be a full-on PS5 Pro upgrade. More details below. 

It doesn’t matter how far into the lifecycle it is, the Nintendo Switch is going to continue dominating the holiday season. If the stacked roster of new games wasn’t already enough to ensure consoles flew off shelves bundles like this Nintendo Switch OLED package with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate would make it even more compelling. And with the fighting game’s 5th birthday, Nintendo sent one of these bundles over for me to check out to ensure I could getting in on the celebration.

It’s that time of year when the holiday parties and family gatherings seem to never end. If you are like me, the hustle and bustle can make for a stressful time, but I’ve learned over the years that it doesn’t have to be that way. If you like to host parties or know someone who does, there are some simple products you can have on hand at all times or gift to your favorite party host that add fun and ease to pretty much any gathering. So head below for the best gift ideas for your favorite party host/hostess, or snag a few for yourself if that person is you! 

The next LEGO Ideas set has been revealed. Launching next year, the upcoming LEGO Polaroid Instant Camera will look to give the classic OneStep release the brick-built treatment. It will stack up to over 500 pieces when it does hit store shelves as an adorable recreation of the iconic instant camera.

UGREEN has launched its new Nexode 100W 20,000mAh Portable Power Bank and Charger, ideal for travelling or when you’re away from a power source. Now available for purchase, this device offers three USB ports that allows users to fast charge up to three devices simultaneously with speeds of up to 100W, and can recharge in just two hours.

Designed to support a modern lifestyle

The Nexode 100W portable charger features two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, letting you fast charge up to three devices simultaneously with speeds up to 100W. For example, the USB C1 port is able to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro to a 42% battery in just 30 minutes, while an iPhone 15 can reach a 60% battery charge in the same timeframe, which means you’ll deal with less waiting time and get more enjoyment out of your devices.

It boasts a rapid recharge capability through its USB-C1 port, which not only fast charges any connected devices but also provides 65W of efficient charging to the charger itself. When the charger is empty, it only takes two hours to fully recharge it, making it five times faster than standard power banks and eliminating prolonged wait times.

This portable power bank has been designed to support the modern lifestyle, engineered for five to seven days of battery life. Its digital LED screen provides a clear indication of the remaining battery level, giving you an accurate reading of your device’s status with a quick and easy glance. Not just powerful, this power bank and charger is also designed 20% lighter than similar models for portability and to save space without compromising its charging efficiency.

You’ll have all the support you need for a large variety of devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and even smaller devices like AirPods, fitness trackers, and smartwatches too.

The Nexode 100W power bank is now available for purchase

The Nexode 100W 20000mAh Portable Power Bank and Charger is now available for purchase with a discounted $63.99 price tag, after clipping the on-page $16 off coupon. There is no telling how long this discount will last before returning to its $79.99 MSRP.

ESR announced its first lineup of 15W MagSafe chargers back in August, with the actual launch of its new flagship charging station looming over the past few months. Now, it’s finally here. The new ESR 100W 6-in-1 MagSafe charger debuts on Amazon alongside a launch discount just in time for the holidays.

After a more than tumultuous ride over the last number of years, the E3 gaming conference has been officially shuttered. The folks behind the annual gaming extravaganza have been struggling to reinstate the show for several years now, but after major partners started to side step the summertime showcase, COVID taking hold of physical events everywhere, and a number of other factors, sadly, the governing body behind the event have finally decided to call it quits. 

Moment today is expanding its lineup of iPhone and Android smartphone lenses with a new macro offering. Delivering even more detailed close-up shots from your handset, the new Moment 75mm Macro Mobile Lens

LEGO just revealed the new X-Men X-Jet. Launching on the first of the year, the super hero team of mutants are finally getting the spotlight with a new build based around the X-Men ’97 series. Debuting at the top of the year in January as LEGO set 76281, we break down everything new with the X-Jet and its four X-Men minifigures below.

1MORE, an award-winning, innovative manufacturer of personal audio devices has launched its new PistonBuds Pro Q30 Wireless Earbuds in the US, after releasing last week in the UK. Now available for purchase, these earbuds feature proprietary QuietMax ANC technology, versatile listening modes, 30 hours battery life, and 10mm dynamic drivers, producing unbelievable sound quality for the user, without being disturbed by noisy surroundings.

No matter where, no matter when, hear and be heard

1MORE’s new PistonBuds Pro Q30 Wireless Earbuds have a standout feature in its QuietMax 42dB active noise-canceling technology, diving deeper into a wider frequency range to eliminate ambient noise for crystal-clear clarity. You’ll also be covered on phone calls, as the six built-in microphones and an AI-enabled algorithm work in tandem to filter out ambient noise and ensure that the user’s voice remains front and center. Whether you’re on a busy street, in a crowded airport, or within your own home, 1MORE guarantees a “serene auditory escape” with these earbuds.

They feature a 10mm diamond-like-carbon (DLC) dynamic driver that gives you booming bass, vibrant vocals, and intricate detail for a well-balanced audio output that should please any audiophile. You can also elevate your listening experience further with a Spatial Audio feature through the 1MORE Music app, giving you a 360-degree listening environment that is compatible with many audio sources and devices.

These earbuds also offer versatile listening modes, allowing them to easily adapt to the user’s surroundings. You can activate the transparency mode to engage in conversations, hear important announcements, or remain aware of what’s going on around you. The wind noise resistance mode will better mitigate wind-induced microphonics while the adaptive mode automatically adjusts settings to suppress any unwanted background noise. They even have a low-latency gaming mode that ensures audio-visual synchronization for a more immersive and multisensory gaming experience.

You’ll enjoy a total of 30 hours of battery life from the charging case, with the earbuds themselves offering 7.5 hours of continuous playback on a single charge with ANC turned off. Once you’ve hit the earbuds’ limit, it just takes a short 10-minute quick charge to add another two hours of playback to the battery. You’ll also be receiving a stable connection via its Bluetooth 5.3 technology, with “minimal transmission delays for uninterrupted enjoyment of music.”

Nature lovers and gym rats alike will also find these earbuds to be quite convenient as well. They come with an IPX5 water resistance to water and sweat, meaning you’ll get to enjoy all they have to offer while hiking, working in the garden, exercising, or during any other outdoor adventures.

Q30 PistonBuds are now available for purchase

The PistonBuds Pro Q30 Wireless Earbuds are now available for purchase with a discounted 39.99 price tag on Amazon, after clipping the on-page 20% off coupon. This launch discount will likely be available for the rest of 2023 and possibly some of 2024. You can also find them on 1more.com

Anker launched its most capable personal power banks yet earlier in the year with the new Prime lineup. These hefty portable chargers fully embraced GaN tech in order to serve as the ultimate way to refuel your entire Apple kit away from home – and yes, even your shiny new M3 MacBook Pro. I’ve been so improved by the 27,650mAh model with its 250W power output and companion charging dock.

If you’ve ever wondered if LEGO sets could get the equivalent of DLC, today we finally have an answer. An upcoming 2024 LEGO Spider-Man set is going to fix one of the big issues with this year’s No Way Home Final Battle kit by assembling Sandman and some other villains who didn’t make the cut in the display set. Now this upcoming LEGO Spider-Man set number 76280 coming out in 2024 will add both characters as an expansion to the original.

Backbone just sent me one of its new USB-C gamepads for iPhone 15 to check out, and it happened to arrive the same week that LEGO Fortnite launched. In what has to be the perfect opportunity to try out the new gaming accessory, I’ve been trying out the new release and have to say I’m finally sold on controller grips – especially ones as good as the Backbone One.

If you’ve wanted a Pokémon keyboard, Higround is making your dreams a reality as it’s set to launch six new designs this afternoon. Complete with designs centered around Charizard, Venusaur, and Blastoise, as well as some other iconic Kanto designs that Trainers should recognize, the new releases are available as part of a limited-edition collaboration with the Pokémon Company.

Christmas is just a little over two weeks away and if you still have a guy on your list to buy for, you’re in the right place. Today we’re covering all of the best fashion gift ideas for men that they’re sure to love. From the golf fanatic, the polished dresser, to the fitness lover, we have a gift idea for everyone on your list with budget friendly options starting at just $18. Finally, you will want to check out our gift guide to the best last minute ideas for kids.

If you’re looking for a gift for a child, you have come to the right place! In this guide we will be sharing an array of gift ideas at several price points to fit any budget. Plus, we’ve checked the shipping deadlines for you and all of these items are available to be wrapped and placed under the tree before Christmas. Head below to find some of the hottest toys, clothing, and stocking stuffers for the little ones in your life they are sure to love.

Ultenic, a manufacturer of smart home products, has launched its new MC1 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo with a fully automatic station in the US today, after launching in the UK just last month. Now available for purchase, this robotic cleaning system is designed to require as little assistance as possible from you, with self-emptying, self-cleaning, and self-drying functions all in one convenient and versatile device.

elago launched a new MagSafe charging stand last month, bringing its fascination with the classic Macintosh to your setup as an iPhone 15 companion. I just had to have it, for the past week or so it’s been hanging out on my nightstand as my overnight docking station. With a design that is geared towards StandBy mode, I take a closer look at if this accessory is worth its homage to Apple’s old school Mac.

The annual Game Awards will be live tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET in celebration of the biggest and most exciting releases of the year. And much like year’s past, we are now starting to see some wide-ranging PlayStation and Xbox digital sales go live ahead of time. While we hit on some of these deals in this morning’s roundup alongside the day’s best physical console game deals, both the Xbox and PlayStation digital stores are now offering hundreds of price drops on PS4/5 and Series X|S titles. Head below for more the deals and to follow along with the 2023 Game Awards when they go live later tonight. 

Satechi is launching a new series of USB-C accessories today for Mac. Wrapping three different cables and adapters in a premium braided nylon design, the company is out with a refreshed 2.5Gb Ethernet adapter as well as a pair of 8K HDMI solutions. Each one debuts with a launch discount attached, too.