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:

• 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. 

Cricut is well-known in the crafting world as a go-to brand for machines that can cut, draw, and score with ease. My wife even has the Maker, and it’s honestly a really cool tool. Well, one of the most recent introductions from the company is its Infusible Ink platform that allows you to permanently transfer patterns to items, like shirts, bags, and more. However, until now, mugs were left out, and you were forced to use standard vinyl for that, which removed some of the fun patterns that the company offers. In comes the Cricut Mug Press, which aims to solve that simple problem.

Razer’s new Anzu smart glasses look to give Amazon Echo Frames and others a run for their money. This is the company’s first attempt at smart glasses, but this doesn’t mean Razer Anzu isn’t packed with features. There are two styles and two sizes for each, providing shoppers with a total of four models to pick from. Each solution wields lenses with 35% blue light-filtering capabilities while also acting as 99% UVA/UVB protective polarized sunglasses. Touch controls are paired with open-ear audio to deliver a “one-of-a-kind wearable.” Continue reading to learn more.

Nomad is expanding its collection of Apple Watch straps with a new and utterly unique style. Entering with a minimalist design and the brand’s usual quality, the new Nomad Lunar Sport Strap stands out from the rest of its offerings, as well as Apple’s own collection of first-party bands. Now available for purchase, you can head below for a closer look and all of the details on the recent release.

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.

Apple’s official Lightning cables have received a lot of flack over the years for how poorly they hold up to prolonged wear and tear, making third-party MFi offerings a go-to for many. Anker has time and time again rose through the ranks to deliver some of our favorite options out there, and the brand’s new Powerline III Flow cords continue that, but arrive with a new soft touch design and USB-C connectivity. Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys answers whether these unique cords deserve a spot in your charging setup or everyday carry.

After detailing the new Mario crossover content as part of its massive 2021 Direct presentation, Nintendo has now released the March Animal Crossing update details. Today’s New Horizons video showcases the influx of new content the game will be receiving throughout the month. Alongside the new Mario gear, in celebration of springtime and Shamrock Day, there will be new creatures to collect, items to craft, and more. Head below for 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:

• Best Buy discounts Beats Solo Pro, iPhone 12, much more in latest 3-day sale
• Score three Nike-style sport Apple Watch bands for just $8.50 (Save 35%)
• adidas takes extra 30% off sale styles including popular shoes from just $15

There’s no doubt that the Oculus Quest 2 has been turning a lot of heads. The performance for the price point is taking VR to the next level and making it easier than ever to get started in VR with a high-quality headset. And we’re now starting to see some cool accessories becoming available as well, like the Anker Charging Dock for Oculus Quest 2. With specific battery covers for the controllers and a magnetic connection for the headset, the Anker Quest 2 dock is perfect for displaying and keeping the Quest 2 batteries topped off. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Elgato, a fan favorite for streaming gear, just launched a new LED light strip. While you might think this is a bit outside of the company’s normal portfolio of gear, adding LED lighting to your streaming setup is becoming very common as a way to add depth to your stream. The company already makes the Key Light and Key Light Air, so expanding their portfolio with the Light Strip is only natural. What all can the Elgato Light Strip do? Keep reading to find out.

If you’re entrenched in the Alexa ecosystem, there’s now yet another way for you to tap into compatible smart devices. An Xbox Alexa app update is up for grabs, and it turns your console and television into a large smart display. Not only is it compatible with the latest Xbox consoles, but also last generation’s Xbox One. Microsoft’s console has been had its own Alexa skill for quite some time now, but a dedicated app is arguably a significant upgrade. Once enabled, the new Alexa features will let you see who’s at the door, check the weather, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

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:

• Woot’s huge 1-day Apple Watch and iPhone sale starts at $120 (Cert. Refurb)
• Apple’s latest iPad Air delivers Touch ID, Pencil support, more at $69 off
• Score rare discounts on Philips Hue Bluetooth lightstrips, outdoor floodlights, more from $42

Satechi is expanding its stable of aluminum Apple accessories today with a new entry into its collection of USB-C hubs. The latest model packs much of the signature Satechi design and quality we’ve come to expect from the brand, but delivers one of its most versatile selections of I/O to date. Head below for a closer look at the new Satechi Multiport Adapter and all of the details on locking in a launch discount.

Reports suggest the next Nintendo Switch, or what could be considered the long-rumored Nintendo Switch Pro, is in the works. New information for Bloomberg’s sources are pointing at a new model Nintendo Switch console with a larger OLED display, and you guessed it, a 4K output. It could be set for release as early as this year and ready for the 2021 holiday season. More details below. 

Update: The new 1,265-piece Winnie the Pooh set is now available for purchase for LEGO VIP Members.

Today, The LEGO Group is unveiling the latest addition to its collection of fan-inspired creations. Entering as yet another beloved children’s series, the new LEGO Ideas Winnie the Pooh set brings all of the characters into brick-built form with five all-new minifigures, over 1,200 pieces, and all of the charm you’d expect from the Hundred Acre Wood. Head below for a closer look at the model and all of the details on when you’ll be able to assemble it for yourself.

Today, Marshall is unveiling the latest addition to its collection of retro-themed audio products. Marking the first time the brand is getting into the true wireless earbud space, the new Marshall Mode II arrive with all of the usual vinyl-wrapped stylings you’d expect, but also with transparency mode, a compact design, and up to 25-hour playback per charge. Head below for all of the details on the new unveils as we take a hands-on look at the latest that Marshall has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you play video games on a PC or Xbox, Microsoft has several new games slated to hit Xbox Game Pass this month. The March Xbox Game Pass additions are heavily comprised of sports-related titles like NBA 2K21 and Football Manager 2021, but you’ll also find Star Wars: Squadrons. Subscribers will also stand to benefit from some DLC discounts. Some content is limited to console or PC, which is unsurprising, given the fact that EA Play is still missing from Xbox Game Pass for PC. Continue reading to learn more.

Mattel is launching a series of new UNO products in celebration of its 50th anniversary, some of which are now available for purchase. The UNO Iconic series includes five individual decks, starting with the “groovy 1970s,” that feature nostalgic designs and represent each decade the popular family card game has been around. While the UNO 50th Anniversary Premium Card Set features deluxe-box packaging, it also includes some new gameplay tweaks to the classic rules. Head below for a closer look. 

Today, Twelve South is debuting the latest addition to its stable of Apple accessories with a versatile new iPad mount. Arriving with a unique design, the Twelve South HoverBar Duo features a premium build and highly-adjustable form-factor. Alongside being able to rest on your desk to turn your iPad into a secondary display, the mount also can attach to cabinets in the kitchen and more with a bundled clamp. Head below for all of the details.

AMD just announced its latest graphics card, the RX 6700 XT. Expanding upon its Radeon RX 6000-series, this GPU sits firmly in the 1440p gaming range, while the initial trio was geared toward higher-fidelity with 4K in mind. Featuring 12GB of GDDR6 memory, 40 “powerful enhanced” Computer Units, and standardized power connections, this could be the graphics card for the masses…if AMD can keep up with production.

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:

• Google Pixel deals from $70, today only: Pixel 3/XL $130, more (Refurb)
• PowerPort Atom III Slim Charger falls to $39 in latest Anker sale, more from $15
• Apple’s Leather MagSafe iPhone 12 Sleeves fall to now lows from $115, more from $34

In their quest for total smart-home tech disruption, Wyze has once again delivered a quality product at an incredible price. The latest, the Wyze Bulb Color, comes in a four-pack with the pre-order price of $34 plus shipping and features a 91 CRI, voice control, and 1,100-lumen brightness. Following our announcement coverage, we were able to go hands-on with some in-use thoughts on these affordable RGB lights. Be sure to hit the video below and see all the details. 

The Sims 4 is the latest in lifestyle simulation from EA and is a way that we can all live out our dreams without leaving the comfort of our own homes. While the base game goes for $40 (though you can pick it up fairly low-cost quite often), expansions range anywhere from $10 to $40 by themselves. Well, that is, until now. EA just announced Sims 4 Kits, which is an expansion option that comes alongside Stuff, Game, and Expansion packs. Kits are the lowest-cost way to expand your Sims 4 game, costing just $5 each. For the first installment of Kits, EA is offering Throwback Fit, Country Kitchen, and Bust the Dust expansions here. What all do each of these entail? Keep reading to find out.

If previous NERF blasters felt a little too childish for you in the past, it may be time to have another look. An all-new NERF HYPER line has been unveiled and these blasters can pack a punch. There are three new units, each of which “fires rounds at extreme speed [of] up to 110 feet per second.” All of the new blasters are made with “high-energy, competitive action,” which is probably why the new NERF lineup will be sold alongside a collection of protective masks. Continue reading to learn more.

A new Aliens game has been officially unveiled today. After a slew of acquisitions and years of development work, Cold Iron Studios has finally unveiled its new Aliens game. Set in the famous Sir Ridley Scott film universe, Cold Iron is working directly with 20th Century Studios to self-publish the new Aliens game known as Fireteam. Head below for more details and the debut trailer for the upcoming squad-based survival shooter experience. 

Today, Anker is growing its stable of USB-C hubs with a new offering geared solely towards Apple’s MacBook lineup. Entering as the latest model in the PowerExpand family, the new 9-in-2 USB-C hub arrives with a bevy of ports ranging from USB-A slots for connecting legacy devices to 4K HDMI, USB-C PD, and more. Head below for a closer look at the new Anker PowerExpand USB-C Hub and all of the details on scoring a launch 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 latest 10.2-inch iPad falls to Amazon low from $299
• Save up to $100 on Apple’s M1 MacBook Pro from $1,200
• Save on just about all of Apple’s official iPhone 11/Pro/Max cases from $15

Sony dropped the release details for its world-class MLB The Show 21 baseball simulator last month, and we now know R.B.I. Baseball 21 will release one month before that. The once arcade-focused baseball game is coming with a slew of new enhancements that, while retaining that fast-paced simplicity of yesteryear, offer up an even more realistic and engaging experience than ever before. While it won’t give MLB The Show 21 a run for its money among the hardcore crowd, R.B.I. Baseball 21 is arriving for the rest of us in under two weeks’ time. More details below. 

Today, Crucial, a well-known brand in the computer storage and component industry, is launching a brand-new portable solid-state drive lineup. The Crucial X6 series of portable SSDs offer storage ranging from 500GB to 4TB with incredible prices, given what they offer. Compatible with both macOS and Windows, these portable SSDs feature up to up to 800MB/s transfer speeds, 6.5-foot drop protection, and ship with a 3-year limited warranty. What all can these drives handle and how much will they cost? Keep reading to learn more.

On top of next-day shipping, Walmart offers an Express Delivery service that can get something to your door in a matter of two hours or less. Until now, you had to place a $35 minimum order to take advantage of the service, which would be on top of your standard $8 to $10 charge, making the total delivery fee up to $20 for some shoppers. Well, the retailer has listened to consumers and decided to waive the minimum order requirement, only charging the Express Delivery fee this time around. Interested in finding out what all this change includes? Keep reading to find out more.

After collaborating with The Pokémon Company in December, today JINS is unveiling its latest collection of eyewear in partnership with Evangelion. Just in time for the release of the series’ latest theatrical film, there are three new styles of Evangelion glasses on the way from JINS, bringing some streetwear-inspired designs to the popular sci-fi series. Head below for a closer look.