News

Your annual Call of Duty leak has arrived – it appears the Black Ops 7’s official release date and launch platforms have surfaced alongside details on when you’ll get to see the game in action next. 

A power strip is probably the most overlooked piece of eletronics most of us have on our desk – usually hidden away because, well, it’s “just a power strip.” But what if there was a way to turn this dull accessory into a centerpiece instead of an eyesore? Genki, known for its accessories and gaming gear, has done exactly that with the Moonbase. I’ve been using Genki’s fancy new power strip as a replacement to my basic Belkin surge protector for a few weeks now to see how it stacks up. Hit the jump for more details and a closer look.

After debuting the Elves 2 as the world’s first gamepad with Switch 2 wake-up support, Gulikit is back again with another set of controllers. The new Gulikit ES and ES Pro cost $24.99 and $29.99 shipped, respectively, and they’re both readily available now at Amazon. Both of these models land as super affordable alternatives for the $89 Switch 2 Pro controller, and they offer some neat features, too. Hit the jump for a closer look and more details of the new controllers.

What will the next Switch 2 GameCube release be? And when do we expect it to arrive? Nintendo just officially announced the August Switch 2 GameCube release with the quirky but largely underrated Chibi-Robo! – it was a game we expected to land in the Switch 2 GameCube library at some point, and we now know it will do so next week. But what’s next?

The relatively recently revealed and particularly compelling look new LEGO Voyagers game is getting a new trailer today. And more specifically, a release date trailer – the game is now just over a month out from release. 

Samsung’s Odyssey G6 (G60SF) debuted in May this year as the world’s first 500Hz OLED gaming monitor, though it was limited to just four Asian markets at that time. It’s now making its way to the U.S., launching alongside two new G7 models – the 37-inch and 40-inch Odyssey G7 (G75F) – all available directly from Samsung. The Odyssey G6 (G60SF) stands out as the star of the lineup today, and it sports a 27-inch QHD panel with a $1,000 price tag. Hit the jump for a closer look and more details.

Everyone hoped Donkey Kong’s arch nemesis King K. Rool would make a triumphant return in the new DK Bananza, and you go it. And, after the release of the new Donkey Kong  and Pauline amiibo, Nintendo has decided to issue a re-release of the King K. Rool amiibo in celebration – you can pre-order it right now. 

Resident Evil: Requiem has been one of the more popular reveals of the summer around here, and we now know when you’ll get another good look at the game. While it isn’t schedule to actually hit store shelves until early next year, one of the more highly-anticipated titles of 2026 is set to take center stage once again, and very soon at that. 

I recently tested the EyeVac Air, a dual cleaning device that takes a home HEPA air purifier and adds a touchless vacuum feature for even easier cleaning options. Below are my thoughts and a full video review.

The official new Nike LEGO Dunk Lows have arrived, plus a whole lot more. After Nike and LEGO announced an official partnership, the first new building set landed in the form of a brick-built Nike Dunk back in late May. Fast forward to today and the two behemoths have now announced what’s next –  the Nike Slam Dunk x LEGO Set (43010) and the Nike Dunk Trickshot x LEGO Set (43021) – alongside a host of LEGO-themed Nike apparel. Get a closer look down below. 

Burton Goods recently unleashed a series of new leather accessories with its latest lineup of wallets, card holders, and the passport model, but it also released the gorgeous new Leather Techfolio Cord Organizer as well. What quite possibly might be the prettiest new way to tame your tech accessories on-the-go or at home has arrived in the 9to5toys offices, and we have now put it to the test. 

I came way feeling pretty good about the recent Indie World showcase, but mostly just because of the Mina the Hollower confirmation and the subsequent FREE demo you can play right now. Others, not to so much – Hollow Knight: Silksong did not make an appearance, because of course it didn’t, but it will be making an official appearance at the Switch 2 gamescom booth in Germany later this month, according to one of Nintendo’s EU X accounts. 

Not long after gracing the word with its next-generation Switch 2 hardware, some new Nintendo toys are inbound. Nintendo is officially releasing a new platform of sorts known as “My Mario.” Consisting of a range of new toys and products, including a FREE interactive app for iOS, Android, and Switch, the particularly sweet-looking 3D Mario wood block sets, and a “Hello Mario!” Board Book, it is all set to begin releasing in Japan this month with an early 2026 launch slated elsewhere. 

Nintendo’s Indie World showcase went live this morning with short but (mostly) sweet look at some interesting new indie titles coming to Switch and Switch 2 this year and next. But some of the games on display in today’s live stream actually released today, and one of the titles I’m personally most excited about actually dropped a FREE demo ahead of launch this fall. 

Update: According to billbil-kun, the new Xbox ROG Ally and Ally X handhelds will launch on October 16. Pre-orders will open on August 20 during Gamescom, as mentioned in the original post below.

Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox-branded ROG Ally handhelds have been making headlines since their official announcement last month. And now, just a day after Xbox confirmed the devices will be showcased at Gamescom, a new report appears to reveal the pre-order dates. According to billbil-kun, the new Xbox ROG Ally and Ally X gaming handhelds will be available for pre-order starting on August 20, 2025. This is in line with when we were expecting the handhelds to go on sale, so they would land on everyone’s doorstep just in time for the holidays. Hit the jump for all the details, including the expected pricing.

After unveiling the ‘world’s first 5K2K-resolution bendable OLED display’ earlier this year in January, LG is now back again with another world’s first – this one particularly aimed at competitive gamers who love speedy displays. The brand showcased a bunch of new panels at the COEX event in South Korea, and one of them happens to be an OLED with support for up to a whopping 720Hz refresh rate. It’s a 27-inch unit that lets you switch between two different modes, and you can learn more about it in detail below.

What will Nintendo show in today’s Indie World Direct? When does the next Direct go live? And where to watch today’s Indie World showcase? We, of course, don’t know for sure, the next “Direct” is today – it’s an indie game showcase, and you can watch it right here starting very soon at 9 a.m. ET. Details below. 

Yesterday Nintendo made it official – we are getting our second Direct show case in as many weeks and this time it’s going to be all about the indies. While it might not be the first big-time traditional Direct showcase of the Switch 2 era we are all waiting on, the next Indie World Direct is another chance for Nintendo to show off some notable experiences coming to Switch 2 outside of the big-time first-party releases we are anticipating, and it’s time to take a look at what we expect to see, what we are hoping to see, and what games will actually make tomorrow’s Indie World a success. 

Today, popular dash cam manufacturer VIOFO has launched its newest A229 Ultra 3-Channel Dash Cam that takes a step up from the brand’s usual single and dual setups, though its not the first to offer three vantage points. With cameras to cover your hood, trunk, and cabin, this new system provides heightened quality, safety, and convenience – and it comes in both a standard model and a waterproof model for added peace of mind, if you want it, as well as a 2-channel model for those wanting to save a little extra money. You can head below to get the rundown on what to expect, as well as pricing details.

If you’ve ever been disappointed by those 5,000mAh MagSafe battery packs that barely get your iPhone to 60%, you’re not alone. In steps, solid-state battery tech. It’s quietly becoming one of the most exciting upgrades for smartphone accessories. It amplifies all the best things of a regular lithium battery and also alleviates all the bad. It is more dense, giving you more power per mAh, it’s way more durable, and offers Qi2 compatibility.

The 2025 LEGO Advent Calendars are finally up for pre-order. This year’s lineup has been known for some time, but they are now finally available for purchase directly from LEGO ahead of release on September 1 – don’t expect them to last for very long as they tend to sell out quite quickly. 

Those of us with furry companions always seek out the best ways to provide comfort, whether that is through play, feedings, or more. Petcube has quite a reputation for its interactive tech that is focused on elevating everyday pet essentials, and with the brand’s latest Fountain, not only does it provide smarter features than we usually see from competitor water bowls, but it also comes easier to clean and keep sanitary. I’ve gone through countless water fountains for my cats, but this one certainly raises the bar much higher than I expected, with my hands-on experience laid out for you below so you know just what you’ll be getting should you choose this new model.

Just after hosting its first major Direct Partner Showcase of the Switch 2 era, Nintendo has now officially announced when the next IndieWorld Showcase will go live. The livestream is set to give us a look at what’s next for Switch 1 and Switch 2 from the indie side of things and it goes live this week. 

Following the release of 107 new LEGO sets, the LEGO Group recently unveiled a new Disney Pixar building set that gives us one of the most adorable couples from the early 2000s. The new upcoming Disney 43279 WALL-E and EVE set gives you the dynamic duo from the popular 2008 movie alongside one of their funny little compatriots, with there having been a 10-year wait since we got the last set inspired by the titular character – plus, it’s available for preorder at two online marketplaces. Head below to learn more about this set, its release, and to browse through all the collected photos.

Nintendo continues to reach into its nostalgia pocket to generate hype about its products and services. This time, they have brought back the beloved GameCube controller that I grew up with. I spent years playing games on the GameCube with that iconic purple controller. So of course, I wanted to get my hands on it to see what it was like in 2025 and see if it was worth the price tag because there are a few things you need to know before getting one.

Nintendo has recently issued an official statement via one of its Japanese X account warning users of potential Switch 2 overheating and crashing issues with summer temperatures expected to hit all-time highs in select regions. 

Nintendo has now announced price hikes on Switch hardware in the U.S. After it did as much in other regions, I guess it was only a matter of time before it hit home, and that is today…or August 3, 2025 rather when the prices will officially rise stateside. 

Nintendo has officially released its latest quarterly earnings report, further highlighting the massive uptick in sales garnered by Switch 2 – the fastest-selling console in U.S. history. YoY earnings for the Mario maker are (mostly) up across the board because of the nearly 6 million Switch units sold in the first quarter and nearly as many copies of its new open-world Mario Kart experience. But none of this comes as much to surprise to just about anyone at this point, and subsequently isn’t all that interesting to anyone but stock holders – Nintendo did however once again confirm the 2025 release date windows for some major upcoming titles. 

Today we are taking a look at an alternative to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and a far more affordable option. The official Switch 2 Pro Controller has been a hit thus far, and one of the most popular Switch 2 peripherals to hit the market yet. While that’s not particularly surprising, there are some compelling lower-cost alternatives out there you don’t have to pay $85 for, and this new $30 GuliKit gamepad that can wake the Switch 2 is one of them. 

8Bitdo announced the launch of its updated Nintendo 64 gamepad last year alongside the Analogue 3D, and it’s finally up for grabs now. You can get one for yourself from Amazon, and it comes in white and black colors. This budget-friendly controller is priced at $39.99 shipped and is fully compatible with Nintendo’s Switch 2 handheld. It’s one of the more affordable options available for the new console, and you can find more details below.

Another month arrives and so too does the new lineup of LEGO sets that will be hitting the shelves after the clock officially ticks over into August – and unlike last month, we’re seeing a massive collection of 107 new building sets! Several of these new builds are already available for preorder if you can’t bear to wait and want to lock down yours before midnight, with a fully curated list waiting for you below so you can start planning which of them you’ll be jumping on once the sale’s gate officially opens.

Nintendo Direct goes live today with the first major Partner Showcase of the Switch 2 generation, and you can watch it down below. There have been rumors abound for months on end for upcoming Microsoft Xbox titles coming to the platform, plenty of Ubisoft games, and chances are we will get some updates on those here today. Release dates for already confirmed Switch 2 ports like Elden Ring and the FF VII remake seem likely and we have heard word of Metaphor: ReFantazio and Death Stranding: Director’s Cut ports as well. But enough with the speculation (for now), as the show is set to go live very soon!

Nintendo has finally gone official with long-awaited and much anticipated July Nintendo Direct. The livestream will mark the first proper Direct since Switch 2 launched, outside of the dedicated shows we have already got for the system’s two biggest launch titles, but we can’t help but be mildly skeptical/disappointed with what we know so far regarding tomorrow’s show – it is a Partner showcase after all. 

Microsoft has quietly released a very limited batch of its special Smurface Edition Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC on Amazon for $999.99 shipped. The brand has quietly rolled this out without much fanfare, and you might want to jump in and snag one before they sell out. The listing says “only 100 units” of these Smurface Edition notebooks are up for grabs, so be sure to grab one to be among the very limited number of folks to have one of these. Hit the jump for details.

If you happened to pick up a new set of AirPods 4 during the particularly notable Prime Day deals we featured, or perhaps last holiday season, one of our favorite leather accessory makers just quietly launched a brand new case you might want to check out too. The Nomad Modern Leather Case was already available for AirPods Pro 2, but it is now up for grabs for your AirPods 4 case at $29. Get a closer look below. 

It’s now official, Nintendo Direct is going live again this week with the first major Switch 2 showcase since it released in June. This is, of course, outside of the dedicated Mario Kart 8 stream and the particularly exciting Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, but this week we are in for a more traditional Switch 2 Direct that is set to showcase plenty of upcoming titles and hopefully some major surprises too. 

Today, LG is announcing the U.S. availability and pricing of its new next-generation StandByME 2 battery-powered 17-inch touchscreen. The iF Design and Red Dot Design award winner made headlines earlier this year at CES, and it is now finally available for purchase stateside. 

It is that time of year and that means we are highlighting some of our favorite gear that’s now on sale for back to school season. From MacBooks and laptops to smartwatches and smart charging solutions, dorm room essentials and the best way to get to class, you’ll find loads of notable deals to browse through live at Amazon right now alongside a long list of offers we have collected for you below to save you a ton before the next semester kicks into full gear down below. 

While it might not be the the next Mario or Zelda game for Switch 2 many of us are eagerly awaiting, nor the new Animal Crossing title that is rumored to be making an appearance in the next Nintendo Direct, it sounds like a new Xenoblade project could very well be on the way for Switch 2. 

We’ve tested a bunch of chargers here at 9to5Toys, and while there are plenty of good ones that we continue to recommend, most of them fall short somewhere or the other – be it when it comes to the number of devices it can charge or the overall output it can deliver simultaneously. There are only a handful of charging stations out there on the market that can do it all, and the UGREEN Nexode 500W 6-port charging station we’re checking out today is one of them. This particular charger has been sitting on my desk as my main charger, topping off everything from my iPhone, AirPods, MacBook Air, and even my other everyday essentials like mouse and DualSense controller. Hit the jump to learn more about it and see if you want to pick it up for your charging needs, too.

We love our Switch 2 around here, and so do you. And we love us some Mario Kart World and Donkey Bananza, but I’m really loving this Switch 2 holder that also carries your McDonald’s fries. Actually, it’s totally ridiculous, and sort of brilliant…but mostly ridiculous and you can get the files to make your very own Switch 2 McDonald’s fries to mouth delivery system right now. 

Velotric is launching a new commuting solution for seniors and riders who are looking for a more relaxing experience with its Triker, a three-wheeled e-bike that keeps comfort, safety, and reliability at the forefront of its design. On top of these key factors, the brand is also bringing smart capabilities to its performance, which we’ve been seeing more and more of lately with each new model that has been released over the last year. Below, you can learn all about what to expect on this new model alongside pricing information and pictures.

While Switch 2 gamers await the next additions to the Game Cube library, Nintendo has just added a new title to the classic SNES library that’s perfect for the new mouse mode on your Switch 2 Joy-Con. Now available to play for all Switch Online members, Nintendo has now added the classic Super NES title Mario Paint to the collection. 

A couple weeks ago we spotted Anker’s new display-equipped 7-in-1 Nano Charging Station with two retractable USB-C cables, and today we are highlighting the new 10K Anker Nano Power Bank. The expanded lineup of charging gear consists of both of the aforementioned pieces of kit alongside the new 5K MagSafe power bank and it is now available for purchase on Amazon…and with a launch deal direct from Anker. 

Back in early June, during the last State of Play showcase, Sony officially unveiled the new PlayStation fight stick – “the first wireless fight stick designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PS5 and PC.” And now, we have more details including the official name and a new trailer as part of Sony’s official update announcement. Check it all out below. 

The next big gaming event of the year (outside of that rumored Nintendo Switch 2 Direct that could pop up at anytime now), is gamescom. The annual gaming event is set to host most of the big players in the industry and we now have all of the official details from Microsoft – a playable demo for the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong, hands-on with the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, and a whole lot more. 

Remember when it was actually difficult to get a Switch 2 at retail? It wasn’t all that long ago when folks were clamoring for a fresh new announcement that Walmart, or Best Buy, or Target would have a scheduled restock, but that is not the case anymore. Anyone looking to grab a new Switch 2 console can readily do so right now without getting off the couch or making their way to the local Best Buy when the doors open, or anything like that. 

Reliable sources already said the next Nintendo Direct showcase was inbound this month, and now additional sources have confirmed as much. At this point, it seems as though a big-time summer Switch 2 Direct stream is all but imminent alongside, what many gamers are hoping for the most, the Metroid Prime 4 release date landing in 2025, and the rumored appearance of the new Animal Crossing game for Switch 2.