News

March has arrived and so has a collection of all-new LEGO kits. With over 30 builds spanning everything from Star Wars and Disney to Technic, Creator, BrickHeadz, and more, there are plenty of new sets now available for purchase. Head below for the full scoop on all of the new LEGO sets available in March 2021 so far as well as our top picks from the batch.

Ghost Recon Breakpoint is Ubisoft’s latest installment in the Ghost Recon franchise. I am a huge fan of Wildlands, the predecessor of Breakpoint. While I only have a few hours in the latest game, it’s one on my list that I’m planning on playing this summer, so today’s news of further updates was very welcomed. What all is coming in 2021 for Ghost Recon Breakpoint? Keep reading to find out.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a future-proof hub, Anker may have just delivered. A new Anker Thunderbolt 4 hub has emerged, and it does what many solutions that preceded it could not: turn one port into several. It doesn’t stop there – a DC power cable provides enough juice to charge MacBooks at 85-watts via an upstream Thunderbolt 4 input. Three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports provide a maximum 15 watts of power and can “transfer a 20GB file in just over 10 seconds.” And for those one-off situations when you need USB-A, a 3.1 Gen 2 port is also made available. Continue reading to learn more.

After getting a first look at the upcoming LEGO Ideas Sonic the Hedgehog and Starry Night kits earlier in the month, we’re now turning our attention to all of the fan-made builds that are still vying for official set status. Highlights for this month include a village post office, brick-built astronaut, and motorized Spot robot. Head below for a look at all of February’s best LEGO Ideas.

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:

• Save up to $679 on Apple iPad Pro models in cert. refurb condition, today only
• Nomad’s Lightning Carbon Carabiner sees exclusive 50% discount to $17.50
• Anker ends the week with deals on ANC headphones, Qi chargers, more from $15

We are in for a special Pokémon presentation today in celebration of the franchise’s 25th anniversary. We have already seen some notable releases to mark the occasion including life-size Poké Balls, classic reprints from TGC, and even some crossovers with Casio, but it sounds like we are in for some game announcements today. The presentation is set to kick off at 10 a.m. today, and we will have the live stream and updates waiting for you below. 

PUBG: New State is the latest battle royale title in the popular franchise. It’s built by PUBG Studio, the company behind PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS, and will launch as a free-to-play title on both Android and iOS sometime this year. Optimized for mobile play, PUBG: New State delivers the “full battle royale experience” on your smartphone or tablet. What sets this apart from the standard PUBG? Well, keep reading to find out what makes PUBG: New State special.

Magnets have a way of making products easier to use and often kick clutter to the curb. Apple has been implementing them into its products for many years now, and the company arguably began to pick up the pace ever since the magnetic Smart Cover for iPad 2 was unveiled. Fast forward to today, and each and every one of its iPhone 12 devices now comes with MagSafe. This has paved the way for wallet cases, battery packs, first- and third-party chargers, alongside many other exciting products. ESR’s new HaloLock MagSafe Kickstand Wireless Charger arrived today, and it aims to simplify FaceTime calls, gaming, and the list goes on. Continue reading to learn more.

After seeing the likes of Anker and several other brands get in on the magnetic wireless charger action in the time since the iPhone 11 launched, Aukey is now stepping up with its own offering. Undercutting the competition in price, the latest addition to the Aukey charging roster delivers MagSafe compatibility alongside a sleek design. 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:

• iPhone 11/Pro/Max fall to new lows from $510, today only (Cert. Refurb)
• Save up to $100 on Apple’s M1 MacBook Pro from $1,219
• Strap this stylish stainless steel link band onto your Apple Watch for just $13 (Save 37%)

OK, folks, this is it. Sony’s next State of Play showcase event is set for today with new PlayStation games and deep dives into some titles we already know about. Today’s presentation marks the first State of Play for 2021 and is expected to feature 30 straight minutes of games. After seeing an impressive Nintendo Direct last week, it’s now Sony’s turn to give us an idea about what to expect on PlayStation over the next year or so. New PlayStation games, updates on third-party titles, and more will be included and the whole thing kicks off at 5 p.m ET. Head below for more details. 

Lately, the trend in gaming mice has been how lightweight can you make them. With crazy-light offerings from Razer, Glorious, and Logitech, there are plenty to choose from. But, despite the light weight, they can get pricey. If you’re looking for a high-performing mouse on a budget, then the new Katar Pro XT from Corsair might tick the right boxes. Coming in at just $29.99, this updated mouse comes in at a reasonable 73g and feels great in the hand. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all the details. 

Star Wars Republic Commando was originally released back in 2005, some 16 years ago at this point. While Microsoft made it backward compatible with Xbox One, and in turn Series S|X back in 2018, PlayStation and Nintendo gamers haven’t been able to play this iconic piece of gaming history in over a decade…until now. Aspyr Media is officially bringing back Star Wars Republic Commando with a launch on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch on April 6. It’s been quite a while since we took a look at this game, so let’s dive into what all Star Wars Republic Commando entails.

Fans of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 can now look forward to the remaster on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. This comes after the refreshed game debuted on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in September. While next-generation upgrades are always welcome, a Switch port arguably steals the show since it’s the first time Nintendo owners will have access to the remaster. Next-generation consoles will go where Switch cannot, though, with up to 120 FPS support at 1080p or 60fps when played natively in 4K. Continue reading to learn more.

Lululemon spring collection just launched with new workout gear to boost your warm-weather training sessions. Inside this collection, they included modern layers that are lightweight to step into warmer weather. Lululemon states that this line is full of “lightweight jackets, breathable crews, and buttery-soft shorts to feel like spring.” Almost everything in this line is sweat-wicking (for that hardcore Peloton ride!), and the coloring is neutral for easy styling. Plus, Lululemon offers free delivery on all orders. Hit the jump to find all of our top picks from Lululemon’s spring collection, and be sure to check out our latest guide to the hottest sunglasses for men in 2021.

After showing a collection of new ways to bring some old school action to your game room back at CES, today Arcade1Up is expanding its new lineup of Legacy cabinets with an upcoming 12-in-1 machine. Featuring Mortal Kombat alongside 11 other Midway titles, the latest Arcade1Up release delivers all of the retro gaming action you’d expect complete with a pair of full-sized controls and more. Head below for a closer look at the upcoming Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat Cabinet and details on locking in your pre-order.

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:

• Save on just about all of Apple’s official iPhone 11/Pro/Max cases from $15
• Anker’s new MagSafe Charger falls to $16 in latest sale (Save 33%), more from $10
• Score rare discounts on Apple’s Space Gray Magic Keyboard, Trackpad 2, more from $94

We are getting some big news today in the PC gaming world as HP is set to purchase the HyperX peripherals business. In a move to bolster its PC gaming accessory offerings, HP is reportedly dishing out $425 million to acquire HyperX — the gaming accessory arm of Kingston. This will bring a series of top-tier mice, keyboards, headsets, and microphones (as well as some console-related gear) into HP’s PC gaming stable, allowing it to compete with some of the biggest names in the space more so than ever before. Head below for additional details. 

Today, Ring has officially taken the wraps off its new Video Doorbell Pro 2. Arriving with support for 1536p recording as well as a Head to Toe field of view, the latest flagship smart home security offering arrives with new tricks up its sleeve including 3D Motion Detection and a Bird’s Eye View feature that shows you the path a visitor took to get to the front door. Head below for all of the details.

Stardew Valley is a popular game across multiple platforms, be it PC, Xbox, Switch, PlayStation, or even mobile. Well, it just landed on a brand-new platform that nobody really expected: your table. That’s right, Stardew Valley is now available as a board game, which is something that nobody really thought (or expected) to happen. What does the board game entail? Keep reading to find out more about Stardew Valley: The Board Game.

While Thunderbolt 4 isn’t faster than its predecessor, it does aim to offer improved performance overall while maintaining backwards compatibility. Lenovo unveiled ThinkVision P40w earlier today, and the company has dubbed it as “the world’s first Intel AMT capable Thunderbolt 4 monitor.” The display spans 39.7 inches and doubles as an impressive hub comprised of 12 ports. Standouts include two Thunderbolt 4 ports for data, video, and network passthrough, alongside 100W charging support. The aspect ratio works out to 21:9 and is accompanied by a 5120 x 2160 WUHD screen resolution. Continue reading to learn more.

Spring is right around the corner, and it’s a great time to update your sunglasses for warmer weather. Almost every top brand has released their new spring sunglass styles with an array of fun styles to update your look. It’s also a good time to get ahead of the game so that you can get the styles you want before they sell out. So today, we’re rounding up the most on-trend styles for men with prices to fit within any budget. Hit the jump to find all of our favorite men’s sunglasses for spring, and be sure to check out our latest guide to Carhartt’s Guinness St. Patrick’s Day collection.

Sony has announced that its Play At Home program will once again kick off next month with free PlayStation games and more. The Play At Home initiative launched last April in support of folks stuck at home due to COVID-19, and as most of us continue to social distance, it is once again planning a slew of free content to help out. According to today’s PlayStation Blog update, the festivities will start at the beginning of next month with free PlayStation games (Ratchet & Clank will be first). Head below for more details. 

Today, Nomad is refreshing its lineup of cases with a new series of stylish offerings for the latest iPad Air. Available in four different form-factors, each of the releases all share a similar cutout to take advantage of the latest iPad’s built-in Touch ID features alongside the premium leather build that we’ve come to expect from the brand. Head below for a closer look at all four of the new Nomad iPad Air cases.

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:

• eufyCam’s 2C Pro Cameras sport HomeKit Secure Video from $97 (Save 25%)
• Ditch the Apple tax with this $13 braided solo loop Watch band
• iPhone XR can be yours for $330 in certified refurbished condition, today only

We’ve seen a large surge in companies offering WFH and other accessories for remote life as well as setting up streaming and content creation. The latest update from Razer is the new Kiyo Pro webcam. An updated version of the original Kiyo, it aims to offer advanced imaging and fidelity in both streaming and productivity situations. So how does it perform for the $200 price tag? Be sure to hit the video below and see it in action. 

It was only a matter of time before we got the first details on PS5 VR and Sony’s next-generation PS VR gear, and that time is now. Sony has now take to its official PlayStation Blog to offer up the first details on its PS5 VR plans, saying players “will feel an even greater sense of presence and become even more immersed in their game worlds once they put on the new headset.” Head below the fold for more details. 

Announced at CES in January, HyperX’s first 60% form-factor keyboard, the Alloy Origins 60, is finally available for purchase. Offering an ultra compact design that’s built to handle anything you throw at it, this keyboard features double shot PBT caps with side-printed secondary functions, RGB backlighting, a detachable USB-C cable, and much more. Could this be your next input device? Keep reading to find out more.

Now that Fortnite’s next-generation update is among us, focus can fully return to the latest and greatest characters that have joined the game. A new Street Fighter Fortnite update has added “two of Capcom’s greatest fighters.” This paves the way for gamers to switch up a dated skin and play using Ryu or Chun-Li. Would you rather be the “Master of the Dragon Punch” or the “strongest woman in the world?” Each character comes with trademark emotes to help them stay true to the Street Fighter series. Continue reading to learn more.

Synology is now expanding its collection of in-house NAS accessories with a pair of new solid-state drives as well as two NICs. Geared towards retrofitting its higher-end lineup of existing NAS to be better equipped for handling larger storage pools and faster transfers, the latest releases from Synology arrive with a focus on power users and enterprise deployments, but also give us a look at what to expect down the line from future consumer-grade machines. Head below for all of the details on the Synology 25GbE NIC and other new unveils.

Watch Dogs Legion multiplayer, along with the upcoming PvP mode, now has what appears to be a confirmed release date. After initially expected on December 3 at the tail end of last year, followed by a series of delays, it now looks like Watch Dogs Legion Online and its co-op gameplay will drop in early March. Head below for more details. 

Carhartt is getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day with limited-edition gear in collaboration with Guinness. Inside this collection, you will find hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, insulated beverage slings, and more. The two popular brands made this line with hardworking men and women in mind. The motto of this line is for their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations from home to be just as fun. There are 20 items in this line, and pricing starts at just $20. Carhartt also offers free delivery on all orders. Be sure to head below the jump to find all of our top picks, and check out our latest guide to Allen Edmonds new sneaker collection here.

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:

• Anker kicks off week with deals on USB-C chargers, projectors, more from $13
• Samsung’s Galaxy S21 lineup returns to all-time lows at up to $200 off
• iPhone SE goes free on contract or $250 on pre-paid plans (Reg. $399)

The original Pocket Cinema Camera 6K was launched in August 2019 as the company’s latest release with a Super 35 sensor, EF mount, and more. Well, it’s time the company updated its beloved camera. With the introduction of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, Blackmagic is delivering on several features that many videographers have wanted, including a new battery grip that offers longer runtime, a bolt-on Pro EVF, and more. Does the Pocket Cinema Camera Pro 6K pique your interest? If so, keep reading to find out more about the company’s latest release.

A new Casio watch has been unveiled, and it joins G-SHOCK’s premium lineup of G-STEEL offerings. This unit boasts a two-toned gold and black colorway alongside several notable features. As with many timepieces, a solar-powered design makes the list, but you’ll also find Bluetooth connectivity and “highly scratch-resistant” ion-plating throughout. It straps on with a “new, sleek polyurethane black band,” and Casio touts this model as being tough enough to “withstand any activity.” Continue reading to learn more.

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.

Having originally been announced back at CES, Anker’s latest addition to its stable of Soundcore earbuds arrives as a true AirPods Pro competitor with a bevy of eye-catching features for the price. Centered around the oh-so-popular true wireless design we’ve all come to expect, you’ll find added active noise cancellation, up to 26-hour playtime, and plenty of customization. Not to mention a price tag of just $130. Head below for a quick look at the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro and a few hands-on thoughts.

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 deals start at just $150 in this 1-day sale (Refurb)
• Brydge Pro+ Wireless iPad Pro Keyboards at all-time lows from $160 (Save up to 26%)
• Anker discounts USB-C MacBook hubs, power banks, more from $10 in latest sale

IK Multimedia — one of our favorite affordable audio and video production gear makers — has now introduced its new wireless audio interface. iRig Pre 2 is a pocket-sized mic preamp and audio interface designed to allow folks to easily record proper XLR mics, phantom power included, on-the-go. Ideal for mobile content creators, the new wireless audio interface is now up for pre-order in the sub $50 price range. Head below for a closer look. 

Last year, EA launched over 25 games on Steam, and Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville was one of them. Well, the game is now coming to Nintendo Switch on March 19. What all will the port include? Quite a bit, honestly. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville on Nintendo Switch.

Backwards compatibility is something that felt ultimately necessary in both of Sony and Microsoft’s latest batch of consoles. But unlike PCs, console game settings typically cannot be configured to take advantage of better hardware once it comes out. Developers must get their hands dirty and hope that an update to the game will encourage enough sales to cover their investment of time, resources, etc. Some know that this effort is simply not worth their time, but Microsoft has their back with a new Xbox FPS Boost feature. 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:

• Apple’s M1-powered Mac mini falls to new all-time low at $600 (Save $99)
• Amazon 1-day storage sale from $13: PNY microSDXC cards, flash drives, more
• Save up to $640 on iPhone 11/Pro models at Verizon

Satechi is expanding its arsenal of Mac accessories today with a pair of Bluetooth remotes for controlling media playback and assisting with keeping presentations running smoothly. Entering with two different versions, the new Satechi R1 Presentation and R2 Multimedia Remotes pack aluminum designs, six-month battery life, and USB-C charging. Head below for a closer look and details on how you can score a launch discount.

Fall Guys for Xbox is official. Developer Mediatonic took to Twitter this morning to announce that its adorable party game would finally be making its way to Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. This news comes on the heels of the Fall Guys Nintendo Switch announcement during last night’s wide-ranging Nintendo Direct presentation. Head below for more details. 

No Man’s Sky can be a pretty lonely game. I mean, when it first launched, you couldn’t even play with other Travelers unless you happened to stumble upon someone randomly…which wasn’t likely. While we now have a fully-fledged multiplayer experience, it’s not always possible to play with friends. Well, the team at Hello Games decided to do something about that and finally delivered on something the community has asked for almost since the game starter: companions. In the latest No Man’s Sky update, you’ll be able to tame and adopt creatures that you find roaming the universe and bond them to your Traveler, allowing them to be summoned anywhere you are.

From soundbars to massive surround sound systems, there are plenty of different ways to outfit a space for watching the latest movies with the latest in sound design. While they may take up more space, full-range towers like the Definitive Technology BP9060 are one of my favorite ways to both watch movies and listen to music. Don’t be fooled by the simple, elegant design, though. Under that sleek black fabric are eight drivers ranging from a 1-inch aluminum tweeter to a 10-inch powered sub with dual 10-inch bass radiators. And, the BP9060 can be expanded to wear a Dolby ATMOS module on top for an even more dynamic movie experience. Be sure to hit the video below and check out all the details of these tech-filled towers. 

Well, this is it, the latest Nintendo Direct presentation is here. After well over a year since the last full-length Nintendo Direct showcase, outside of those focused on indie games, single titles, and other Nintendo projects, the wait is finally over. Today’s lengthy 50-minute showcase was officially announced yesterday, seemingly out of nowhere, and it starts right now. Watch for yourself below or head back here shortly for up-to-the-minute updates. 

Loads of new and innovative product ideas are out there but never make it to production. Kickstarter and Indiegogo have attempted to create an easier path, but a lot more goes into the development of a product than simply finding backers. Today, Amazon Build It was unveiled, a new program that aims to motivate employees to come up with the next big thing. Enough Amazon shoppers will need to back a Day 1 edition product in order for it to be manufactured. Three new Alexa-enabled products were unveiled today. Continue reading to find out precisely what they do.

Today, we’re getting a look at the latest additions to the LEGO BrickHeadz collection with an expansion of the Pets line. Having debuted at the beginning of the year, the lineup of brick-built critters is now growing with two upcoming kits. Builders will soon be able to assemble a pair of goldfish as well two birds in the blocky style. Head below for all of the details on the new LEGO Goldfish and Birds BrickHeadz to see when you’ll be able to adopt these new creations.