News

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

Top deals:

• iPhone XS still runs iOS 14 at $350 (Refurb, Orig. $999)
• Stylize your Apple Watch with this stainless steel link band at $14 (Save 28%)
• Apple’s official Smart Folio for latest iPad Air falls to $42 (Reg. $79)

Today, Dell is introducing two new XPS desktops sporting 11th generation Intel processors with up to 9-cores, NVIDIA RTX 3070 GPUs, and more to power your workstation and gaming experiences. Built to allow you to “create without limits”, these new desktops pack ample power designed to handle anything you throw at it. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the all-new Dell XPS Desktop.

Today we’re taking a look at Beast Health and its new B10 Blender. Colin Sapire, the founder and innovator behind NutriBullet and other “personal blending products for more than a decade,” has now broken away to start up a new wellness brand known as Beast Health. It has introduced its very first product, the B10 Blender. Combining a unique 12-rib blending vessel design alongside an interesting add-on hydration system, the Beast Health B10 is entering a crowded marketplace with an eye-catching new look and feel. Head below for more details and a closer look. 

While 60% layout keyboards are becoming more common, companies are trying to come up with ways to separate their offerings for consumers. Building off of the 4,000Hz polling rate on their flagship K100 we checked out recently, the brand-new Corsair K65 RGB Mini can operate at a ridiculous 8,000Hz polling rate. With a solid build, Cherry MX switches and a standard bottom row, it’s set up to be a solid choice in the compact keyboard market coming in at $110. Be sure to check out the video below to see all the details. 

We got our first glimpse of Outriders by Square Enix during the company’s E3 showcase in 2019. Originally slated to be released in the summer of 2020, the game is finally launching on April 1. No, that’s not a joke. The title will be available to purchase, of course, but it’ll also be available for Game Pass for Console and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers on day one, meaning they won’t have to spend any additional cash to play. What does the game entail? Keep reading to find out more.

With millions of next-generation consoles flying off the shelves, an easy way to distinguish the look of your console with a friends is with a standout skin. Thankfully, several options have become readily available lately, so in this post we’ll point you in the direction of some of our favorite next-generation Xbox skins. Both Series X and S solutions are covered, so no matter which one you’ve chosen, there should be something that will fit the bill.

After taking a look at the new LEGO Imperial Shuttle and Hoth Microfighters that launched earlier this month, we’re now moving onto the last of the latest Star Wars creations. Designed with younger builders in mind, we’re taking a hands-on look at the new LEGO Resistance X-Wing to see if it’s an affordable price tag and smaller design that make it worth adding to your collection.

Kohl’s just debuted a new activewear brand called “FLX” designed to balance smart, relevant style with function to take your workouts to the next level. The entire line is priced at under $100 and is available in styles for men and women alike. Each of the items in this collection features performance wool that integrates UPF. It’s sweat-wicking and infused with stretch for added comfort. The collection features 94 items with prices from $19. Kohls also offers free delivery on orders of $100 or more. I also love that this line has options for big and tall, as well as plus sizing. Head below the jump to find all of our top picks from Kohl’s new activewear line.

The brand new 8Bitdo Pro 2 Controller is now available for purchase. A sort of follow-up to the popular SN30 Pro+ original model that landed in 2019, the new controller supports Switch, PC, macOS, Android, Steam, and Raspberry Pi with a series of enhancements over its predecessor while retaining what made the 8Bitdo Pro so sought after in the first place. Head below for more details and a closer look. 

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

Top deals:

• Apple’s M1 MacBook Pro drops to new all-time low following $149 discount
• Apple’s MagSafe Leather Wallet sees rare discount to Amazon low of $55
• Score Nintendo Switch Lite with a $20 Amazon credit for $199

With all of us spending more time at home lately, it might have become abundantly clear that the cell service at your home just isn’t up to par for taking phone calls throughout the day. Whether you rely on cell service for work or just as a way to communicate with family, Wilson Amplifiers enters as a solution to unreliable signals with an arsenal of boosters, repeaters, and signal amplifiers. And right now, you can lock in some additional savings by retrofitting your home. Head below for all of the details.

If you go out of your way to make purchase decisions that support eco-friendly initiatives, one other aspect that you may want to consider is the card that you use to swipe for purchases. With all of the convenience of standard banking, Aspiration is a way to ensure that your hard-earned and hard-saved money isn’t going to be invested in fossil fuel companies, but rather will be helping to plant trees all around the world and offset carbon emissions. 100% committed to clean finance, Aspiration is one way to make saving and spending money a little more eco-friendly. Head below to check out the video.

There’s a brand-new Zeta Zone from 343 Industries that has updated content on the upcoming Halo Infinite. As we prepare for the fall 2021 launch, it’s time to take a look at some of the new information released today. Firstly, there will be no open-world design, instead, with the team focusing on dynamic day/night cycles, weather patterns, and more engaging enemy encounters. What all does this mean? Keep reading to find out more.

Update 3/17: The listing is no longer available for order at Amazon and the brand has issues the following statement: “Hot Wheels new Mario Kart Rainbow Road track set was mistakenly posted for pre-sale on Amazon over the weekend. While we love to see fans excitement about the new product, it was listed in error. Customers who purchased it via pre-sale can receive a full refund by requesting one on Amazon. The Hot Wheels Mario Kart Rainbow Road track set will be available for purchase this summer, so fans can keep an eye out for more details in the coming months.”

An exciting new Hot Wheels release has landed at Amazon. It’s the latest addition to Mattel’s Hot Wheels Mario Kart series and it sure looks like fun for kids and collectors alike. Without many details in the Amazon listing, specifications for the new Mario Kart Rainbow Road Raceway are a bit limited, but a lot can be deduced from the images shared. For starters, text on several marketing photos call out that both Mario and King Boo karts are bundled with the track. It also appears that the layout can transform from straight to curved to shake things up a bit. Continue reading to learn more.

March brought with it a collection of new LEGO creations, and today we’re taking a look at the newest pair of Star Wars Microfighters. Delivering two Hoth-themed builds, the latest addition to the collection arrives with miniature AT-AT and Tauntaun complete with two Original Trilogy minifigures. But is the 205-piece creation worth adding to your collection? Head below for a closer look and all of our thoughts on the new LEGO Hoth Microfighters.

M-Audio is unveiling its new weighted keyboard controller known as the Hammer 88 Pro. As the name suggests, it is the pro-version follow-up to its already feature-rich Hammer 88 model with a focus on “musicians everywhere that want real piano feel.” It combines a real piano-feel key bed with what M-Audio refers to as auto-mapping and an OLED display. Anyone looking to bring a hardcore MIDI controller home for their Mac and recording setup will want to take a closer look here. More details below. 

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

Top deals:

• Apple Watch SE falls to lowest prices of the year from $259 at Amazon
• Outfit your iPhone 11/Pro/Max with official Apple cases on sale from $16
• Samsung Galaxy Note20/Ultra drop to all-time lows from $600 (Up to $500 off)

The Outer Worlds is receiving its final DLC update, which is dubbed Murder on Eridanos. This story expansion will follow a murder mystery for a unique and thrilling experience. Coming March 17, there will be an all-new unique world, weapons, and more available as part of The Outer Worlds: Murder on Eridanos.

Smith & Wesson is a brand that’s been churning out premium tactical gear since 1852. The company’s Amazon storefront is filled with everything from 12,500-lumen flashlights and headlamps to pens, tools, and the list goes on. Soon to join the lineup soon is the Smith & Wesson Karambit Folding Knife. It sets itself apart from many contenders with unique styling, titanium nitride coating, and more. The blade spans 3 inches, and the entire unit weighs in at 6.4 ounces. Continue reading to learn more.

With spring right around the corner, Home Depot is unveiling a new collection of environmentally friendly outdoor tools to help get your yard in shape. Ranging from electric lawn mowers to power washing sets and more from top brands like DEWALT and RYOBI, there are quite a few new releases to upgrade your green lawn care kit upgrades that are now available exclusively at the retailer. Head below for a look at all of the new Home Depot electric tools.

After launching its leather AirPods cases early last month, Pad & quill is now adding to the lineup with a new AirPods Max model. The high-end Brief AirPods Max Case provides a luxurious home for your precious Apple headphones as well as a low power mode magnet array and a built-in stand. Best of all, we have a nice promotion code so you don’t have to pay full price. Head below for all of the details. 

Spring is almost a week away and the showers will soon be approaching for many of us. Be sure you’re prepared with stylish and functional rain jackets. Most brands have debut options for men, and today we’re rounding up the best options for under $60. Inside this guide you’ll find top brands including L.L. Bean, Carhartt, Columbia, and more. So be sure to head below to find all of our top picks. Also, check out our latest guide to Birkenstock’s new spring arrivals here.

We could be in for some new details regarding the Bethesda Microsoft deal today. The massive $7.5 billion dollar merger was made official recently after making its way through the regulation process in both the EU and the US, effectively landing Bethesda’s biggest franchises — Fallout, Elder Scrolls, DOOM, Wolfenstein, and more — in Microsoft’s lap and leaving gamers with more questions than answers. We now have a much better idea of exclusivity and how these titles will make their way to Xbox Game Pass, but a new Bethesda Microsoft roundtable stream is scheduled for today that could bring some new details to light. You can watch the whole thing below. 

Today, Airthings is launching its latest and most capable smart air quality monitor yet. Entering with much of the same metric tracking as we’ve seen in the past, the new Airthings View Plus steps things up with particulate matter monitoring alongside integration with your Alexa and Assistant smart homes. Head below for a closer look and all of the details on locking in a pre-order discount.

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

Top deals:

• Apple’s MagSafe Duo Charger falls to new all-time low at $100 (Save $29)
• Apple’s 13-inch M1 MacBook Air 512GB falls to new Amazon low at $1,175
• Apple’s official iPhone 12 mini cases fall to new lows: Leather $24, more from $20

Apex Legends just launched on the Nintendo Switch yesterday, and with it came a slew of patch notes. We wanted to take some of the changes for a spin, including the new Heat Shield that fits in a new Survival Slot to protect you from the Ring, should you get caught and need to heal. There’s plenty more that’s changed, so keep reading to find out what’s new in the latest Apex Legends Chaos Theory Season 8 update.

The smart camera space is continuing to heat up. This is only further exemplified by an all-new Abode Cam 2 that has joined the company’s lineup. It’s an affordably-priced Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant-ready camera that can be used both indoors and out. This is thanks to an IP65-rated weatherproof housing that’s able to keep moisture at bay. At $35 per camera, the cost of entry is minimal. Even better, Abode Cam 2 pre-orders will benefit from an additional $5 off. Continue reading to learn more.

Birkenstock is a staple summer sandal, and their new spring arrivals are perfect for warm weather. The new Birkenstock design has the motto, “Effortless style, exceptional comfort.” From classic sandals to sneakers and even heels, there is a style for everyone. There are more than 240 new styles to choose from, so be sure to head below to find all of our top picks. Best of all, Birkenstock features free standard delivery on all orders. Also, check out our latest guide to the COACH x Sephora Collection here.

Today, we’re getting a first look at the latest addition to LEGO’s collection of buildable helmets with a new creation from the Marvel side of things. Entering as only the second creation in the theme centered around the comic books, the upcoming LEGO Spider-Man Carnage bust arrives with a slick red and black design and over 540 pieces. Head below for all of the details.

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.

MagSafe debuted last fall as Apple’s latest and most novel way to refuel your iPhone 12. Since then, we’ve seen a collection of third-party accessories flood the market bringing similar magnetic charging features into your kit. Today, we’ll be taking a look at one of the latest offerings in the MagSafe-compatible sphere, with Aukey’s new 15W Magnetic Wireless Charger. Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys dives into whether you should add this more affordable alternative to your everyday carry or if you’re just better off going with the official Apple offering.

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

Top deals:

• Happy Mario Day 2021! Nintendo game deals, Switch consoles, accessories, more
• Apple Watch Series 6 styles drop to best prices in months at up to $80 off
• Apple’s MagSafe Charger returns to all-time low at $34, other official cables from $16

Today we are taking a look at the new USB-C podcasting microphone from Marantz — a brand best known for its hi-fi and high-end professional audio gear. While it has already released USB mics in the past, the new MPM-4000U Podcast Mic marks the first time it has released one specifically marketed to podcasters and the like. It lands in the mid-tier price range, features some interesting onboard mixing capabilities, and is now available for purchase. Head below for a closer look. 

While cameras keep getting better and more powerful, many are also getting smaller and easier to use. Action cameras have always been a great option to quickly grab some beautiful footage, and the Insta360 Go 2 combines an incredibly small form factor with a variety of mounting options to make capturing a moment effortless. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all of the features of the Insta360 Go 2. 

It was last September, right around the Series X pre-order launch, when Microsoft announced its $7.5 billion purchase of Bethesda, the game studio behind Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, DOOM, and many other fan-favorite games. Well, the merger is finally official, with both the EU and the US approving the merger. With that, we now have a few more details as to what this means for both companies, as well as how this could affect upcoming Bethesda releases. So without further ado, let’s dive into everything the Microsoft Bethesda merger will hold.

Technological upgrades tend to present a higher cost to customers, but there are times when this is not the case. The latest Samsung 980 NVMe solid-state drives are a perfect example of this. The company is purging the use of DRAM for the first time, a change that will result in a lower list price than its predecessor. Up to this point Samsung could not lose DRAM without sacrificing speed. This has changed thanks to the Host Memory Buffer technology. The result is a cost that kicks off from $50. Despite this, this lineup offers up to 3,500MB/s performance. Continue reading to learn more.

Today, Nimble is expanding its collection of charging accessories with a new lineup of GaN wall adapters, Lightning cables, and more. Straying from what we usually see in the iPhone accessory world, Nimble is mixing things up by incorporating as much recycled plastic into its new releases as possible. So alongside being able to take advantage of USB-C speeds and the like, there’s plenty of environmental consciousness bundled in to the brand’s latest releases as well. Head below for a closer look at all seven of the new Nimble recycled iPhone charging accessories.

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

Top deals:

• Apple’s latest 10.2-inch iPad returns to Amazon low from $299
• Woot offers deep discounts on previous-generation iPad models from $70 (Refurb)
• Anker’s eufy Pan & Tilt HomeKit Camera falls to $40 (Save 22%), more from $36
• OnePlus 8T sees $149 price cut to new Amazon low at $600

SEGA is now teaming up with TOMY to release a new Club Mocchi Mocchi Sonic plush. TOMY — a well-known Japanese toy maker with a penchant for licensed products — creates those adorable Club Mocchi Mocchi Nintendo plushies you are likely to have seen featured on 9to5Toys from time to time (much of the lineup is on sale for Mario Day 2021 right now), and it is now introducing its latest Sonic the Hedgehog design. Head below for more details and a closer look at the new Club Mocchi Mocchi Sonic plush. 

My videography diary is a series recounting my experiences as a newbie videographer, after many years of still photography. In it, I’ll cover the kit I use, as well as the lessons I’ve learned that may prove useful to others who are also making a move into video.

For someone who loves the latest and greatest technology, I made kind of an odd decision when it came to my choice of camera …

Watch Dogs: Legion is getting a free update with online multiplayer that brings a few different aspects to the game that didn’t exist before. Originally slated for a launch tomorrow, that date only exists now for Xbox and PlayStation gamers, as the PC version has been delayed due to crashes “with certain GPUs.” While no PC launch date is specified, the dev team is working on fixing the issue “as quickly as possible,” meaning a desktop launch could come at any time. What all do the online modes include, and what’s delayed? Keep reading for more.

We now have the official release date alongside a brand new trailer for the upcoming Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. Now set for a summertime release on Nintendo Switch and PC, fans of the series will be diving into the all-new co-op missions and Pokemon-like Monster Hunter experience some four months after the release of Monster Hunter Rise in just over two weeks. Head below for a closer look.  

With more of us working from home these days, the challenge is to create a productive, fun, and comfortable home office. One of the most important pieces is a desk, and there are a multitude of options to pick from. Thankfully, that list is drastically shortened once you opt for an electric standing desk. If you’ve found yourself in this position, some new VIVO-branded solutions have hit Amazon and are ready for both single- and multi-monitor setups. Continue reading to learn more.

Just in time for spring outings, bag company Timbuk2 has a new partnership with Mission District’s own State Of Flux. Inside this new line you will find a limited-edition Mini Hustle Duffel that was designed to show the power of community collaboration. If you don’t know who State of Flux is, they’re a “men’s clothing brand and shop that features a retail space, manufacturing/workshop area, and photo studio all under one roof.” 

The new crossbody bag features State Of Flux’s mantra, “Never break. Never settle. Never fold” sewn into the fabric, making it one of a kind. Plus, Timbuk2 has an array of awesome new arrivals for spring, too. So head below the jump to find all of our top picks. Also, be sure to check out our latest guide to the Under Armour spring collection here.

The LEGO Group started off the year by showcasing a pair of downsized starfighters straight out of the original trilogy. Now with a new batch of builds out for March, that trend continues with the latest Star Wars creation. Today, we’re taking a look at the just-released LEGO Imperial Shuttle to see how the 660-piece kit stacks up. Head below to see if this one is worth adding to your collection. 

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

Top deals:

• Amazon clears out Apple Watch Series 5 models at up to $300 off
• Apple’s latest iPad Pro now up to $100 off at Amazon
• Twelve South’s iPhone 12 BookBook Case sees first discount to $58, more from $41

After an all-new collection of LEGO kits dropped at the start of the month, today is seeing the launch of yet another creation. Entering as the latest gift with purchase from The LEGO Group, its new Amelia Earhart Tribute kit arrives as a limited-edition build that stacks up to over 200 pieces. Completely with a display stand and exclusive minifigure, this collectors kit is certainly one of the more enticing promotions as of late. Head below for a closer look at the new LEGO Amelia Earhart Tribute model and to learn how it can be added to your collection for free.

Super Mario Bros. 35, that sweet Super Mario 3D All-Stars Collection, and the Game & Watch-style handheld will all be no more come the end of the month. Back when Nintendo kicked off its Super Mario 35th anniversary in September of 2020, some of the most exciting announcements to come from the celebration were oddly slated to cease production and no longer be up for sale in March of 2021. As ridiculous and strange as this was, it seemed like Nintendo would have to change course at some point between then and now, wouldn’t it? But sadly, it looks like the company is following through, leaving the March 31, 2021 expiry date for Super Mario Bros. 35 and 3D All-Stars inching closer and closer every day. Head below for more details.