News

9to5Toys Daily: April 1, 2024 – Save on 15-inch MacBook Air, Galaxy Z Flip 5, 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, TikTok, 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 are available.

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Here’s an official look at LEGO’s new Sith Infiltrator set 25th anniversary Saw Gerrera minifig

May 1/$70

Last week, we posted that LEGO would be revisiting one of the very first Star Wars sets come May 1, and now we have photos to prove it! The upcoming Darth Maul’s Sith Infiltrator will remake one of the original creations from the theme for not only the 25th anniversary of kits from a galaxy far, far away, but also to celebrate the same anniversary of The Phantom Menace – and the LEGO Group has sent over some images for us to share.

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Celebrate World Backup Day with our top NAS recommendations, tips, and deals

World Backup Day 2024

World Backup Day has arrived and, like every year, is reminding you that it’s time to be smarter about your data. Whether it’s beloved family photos, Time Machine backups of your Mac, or your expansive media server, having plan in place to ensure all of your data is protected is crucial. NAS plays an important role in this, and today for the occasion, we’re taking a look at what three different models from Synology bring to the table to join all of the price cuts now live on hard drives and more. Head below for all of our World Backup Day NAS recommendations, tips, and tricks.

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TP-Link’s new dual-outlet outdoor smart plug brings Matter support to the backyard

TP-Link Tapo P400M Matter Outdoor Smart Plug
New low/$23

Update: The new TP-Link dual-outlet outdoor smart plug with Matter is now seeing its first price drop down to $22.99 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders over $25. Regularly $30, this is the very first deal and a subsequent Amazon all-time low. Details below. 

Today we are taking a closer look at the latest piece of smart home kit from TP-Link, its new Tapo P400M Matter Outdoor Smart Plug. One of the very first outdoor plugs with Matter support to be available for purchase from a major smart home brand (alongside this Leviton model), TP-Link’s latest outdoor power solution delivers the multi-platform integration the Matter standard is known for directly to your backyard with its latest 2-outlet model now available over at Amazon for $29.99. Head below for more details.

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F-Zero Maximum Velocity races onto the Game Boy Advance Switch Online library today

F-Zero Maximum Velocity

After launching F-ZERO 99 for Switch Online, Nintendo has now brought the classic F-Zero Maximum Velocity Game Boy title to its online, on-demand game membership. Today’s addition to the Game Boy Advance lineup comes on the heels on the Mario Day additions that came in the form of the original Dr. Mario, Mario Golf, and Mario Tennis Game Boy titles that landed a couple weeks back, but this time Nintendo taking its Game Boy Advance lineup into overdrive with its future-classic mobile racing experience. Head below for more details. 

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Tested: WITHit’s competitively-priced titanium Apple Watch band with innovative link system

WITHit Titanium Band for Apple Watch

WITHit, a brand that’s new around these here parts, creates a wide range of Apple watch bands, straps, and more. But it was its metal – stainless steel and titanium – models that caught my eye a few weeks ago. Despite the inherent price tag titanium fetches in this product category (or any one for that matter), many of them looked fantastic to my eyes and, in many cases, undercut the prices on some of my favorite options out there. So, naturally, I decided to reach out and give them a run for their money and share my thoughts with the 9to5Toys crowd. Head below for my hands-on review of the WITHit Titanium Band for Apple Watch

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R2-KT will be the sixth LEGO Star Wars 25th anniversary minifigure

LEGO R2-KT

9to5Toys can report on another one of the 25th anniversary LEGO Star Wars minifigures today. After locking in Saw Gerrara as the next addition to the lineup of celebratory figures from our coverage of the Sith Infiltrator, we have R2-KT. The pink Astromech droid will be debuting later this year as the sixth and final 25th anniversary LEGO Star Wars minifigure.

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VIZIO unveils new oversized 86-inch 4K smart TV with 120FPS mode at $999, more

Today, VIZIO is introducing a new oversized 4K smart TV to its 2024 lineup of displays. The brand is refreshing the look and feel of its lineup this year that is said to go “beyond the brand-new Home Screen design, the “Watch Us” 360 campaign, and updated color palette.” Rolling out to national retailers now and throughout the spring, the brand is looking to double down on the value-packed models that made it somewhat of a household name in year’s past with new HD and 4K models across the usual spectrum of sizes, but today it is announcing a new addition, an 86-inch 4K smart TV that will carry a retail price at $999. Head below for details. 

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Burton Goods debuts new full-grain leather MagSafe iPhone 15 case with exclusive deal for 9to5 readers at $32

Burton Goods Leather iPhone 15 case
20% off/$32

With just days remaining to win yourself one of two massive $500 gift cards to spend on Burton Goods’ gorgeous leather Apple gear accessories, the brand has introduced a new leather iPhone 15 case. We recently had a chance to go hands-on with its fantastic Modern Pocket Book Wallet case and loved every second of it – it is the best one I have tested out in the category – but the brand has now released its new, more simple leather case. Giving folks a chance to score one of its artisan-crafted cases without spending nearly as much as the full wallet model, the new Burton Goods leather case is now available for purchase and we have an exclusive deal for you. Head below for a closer look. 

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These leaked images might be the first look at the new, unconfirmed all-white digital Xbox Series X

About a month go we reported on rumors of potential upcoming all-white, all-digital Xbox Series X and now, recently surfaced imagery is fueling the fire further. While there was no mention of this machine back when Phil Spencer and friends hinted an upcoming ultra-powerful next-gen hardware and maybe even an upcoming Xbox handheld machine, but, if recent leaks are to be believed, Microsoft does look to be readying the release of a new version of the existing Xbox Series X with a fresh coat of all-white paint for this summer. Head below for more details. 

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Aqara’s Apple Home Key Smart Lock U100 secures your home with Door Status Sensing and Auto Lock at nearly 40% off

Aqara Black Friday sale
Reg. $230/$144

Aqara makes one of the most intelligent and versatile smart home locks on the market, and 9to5 readers can now score a deep deal on its intelligent Smart Lock U100. Constantly updated with new features via OTA updates, the Aqara Smart Lock U100 features just about every unlock option out there, including Apple Home Key action, alongside complete integration with the rest of your smart home, the ability to learn the habits of its users, and an attractive design that works with a wide range of home decor. Head below for more details on your key to a smarter and safer home as well as today’s sizable price drop on the Aqara Smart Lock U100

Aqara Smart Lock U100 $144 (Reg. $230) Using code USU10095 at checkout

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    Tested: Rock out wire-free with Positive Grid’s awesome Spark LINK wireless guitar system

    Spark LINK wireless guitar system

    Back during CES 2024, Positive Grid – makers of the fantastic smart Spark guitar amps – debuted the latest edition to its lineup with the Spark LINK wireless guitar system. After getting a chance to go hands-on with its fantastic little intelligent guitar amp-meets-Bluetooth speaker-meets audio interface devices previously, I couldn’t wait to give the new wireless guitar system a run for its money. Now finally out of the pre-order phase and available for purchase, head below for our hands-on impressions of the new Spark LINK wireless guitar system. 

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    9to5Toys Daily: March 27, 2024 – M3 MacBook Air $999, M2 MacBook Air $849, 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, TikTok, 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 are available.

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    Marvel Rivals debuts today, combining 6v6 Overwatch action with your favorites from across the Multiverse

    Marvel Rivals

    Described as the “premier Super Hero Team-based PVP,” the new Marvel Rivals is making its official debut today. Marvel has teamed up the developer NetEase games to bring the best of the Marvel Multiverse into a 6v6 hero shooter of sorts, blending the ultra-popular superhero stable with the likes of titles like Overwatch. The official announcement trailer has now landed on the Marvel YouTube channel and you can check it out below. 

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    SANDMARC debuts new dedicated iPhone photography backpack [Exclusive deal]

    SANDMARC iPhone photography backpack
    Launch deal/$225

    SANDMARC, a brand that has quickly become a personal favorite and one of the better-selling iPhone accessory makers around here, is introducing its latest piece of kit today known as the Travel Backpack. In a marketplace filled to the brim with carriers geared towards photography, SANDMARC has decided to create a dedicated backpack “for the most popular camera in the world: the iPhone.” While it appears to me to be just as useful as a typical backpack as well, it is specifically geared towards iPhoneographers, filmmakers, and content creators with a special exclusive pre-order price available to 9to5Toys readers starting today (details below). Head below for all of the details. 

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    Vuori drops new Outdoor Adventure line, featuring shorts, jackets, more from $54

    Brand new/from $54

    Vuori today announced its newest line of clothing, Outdoor Adventure, which includes coats, tee shirts, jackets, shorts, and joggers for the outdoors from $54. Leading the way in the drop are the men’s Kore Shorts, which are made out of recycled materials and feature 4-way stretch and material that is both moisture-wicking and quick-drying – they’re available in 15 colorways and come in at $68. Free shipping on orders over $75. Keep reading below to learn more about Vuori’s new Outdoor Adventure drop.

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    South Park: Snow Day releases today, and here’s the new official Xbox Series X console bundles

    New special edition South Park Xbox Series X bundles are here, but you’ll have to try to win one. After seeing the new special edition Dune model and the official SpongeBob Xbox Series X console bundle after that, Microsoft has now unveiled its next custom console job in celebration of the release of South Park: Snow Day today. The infamous and beloved animated characters from the show are debuting in their latest console experience starting today, and Microsoft has now revealed these four unique Xbox Series X consoles and matching controllers, each featuring the iconic South Park characters. head below for more details and a closer look. 

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    Tested: Displate’s magnetic metal posters mount in less than a minute, and look great too [Deal]

    Displate Wall Art review
    25% off

    The Displate wall art has indeed been around for a while, but I thought it was time to see if they are truly as good as they sound. Alongside a constantly growing collection of new designs to choose from, the Displate mounting system, at least on paper, seemed to be the easiest possible way decorate my space and home office without damaging the walls or needing to get any tools involved. The short form version of this review is that they do indeed deliver on that promise, but you can get a full rundown of what to expect down below. 

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    9to5Toys Daily: March 25, 2024 – Google Pixel Fold all-time low, Apple Watch SE 2, 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, TikTok, 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 are available.

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    Razer’s new Aether smart monitor light bar features Matter and voice commands at $130

    Razer Aether Monitor Light Bar
    Buy now/$130

    Just after getting a chance to go hands-on with Razer’s impressive new Chroma V3 Seiren mic, another one of the brand’s new smart lighting solutions is now available for purchase. The PC gaming smart light with Matter was first unveiled earlier this year and, after being sold out directly from Razer for most of 2024, you can now bring home the new Razer Aether Monitor Light Bar to kit out your battlestation even more at $129.99 shipped via Amazon. It now joins the rest of the Razer Aether smart lighting gear and you can get a closer look at the feature set down below. 

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    Tested: Charge 3 devices with Journey’s fabric-wrapped 10,000mAh Kickstand Power Bank

    Journey Rapid GO 10,000mAh Wireless Kickstand Power Bank-05
    20% off

    Today we are taking a closer look at Journey’s latest power bank, known as the Rapid GO 10,000mAh Wireless Kickstand. This model adds a few extra touches to your traditional power bank setup, including MagSafe connectivity, an integrated kickstand and finger loop grip, as well as the ability to charge three devices at once. The question is, does it make sense to score a new power bank without Qi2 tech just to save some cash? Head below for our hands-on impressions of Journey’s Rapid GO 10,000mAh Wireless Kickstand Power Bank. 

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    Hands-on: Should you buy a Qi2 or MagSafe charger for iPhone 15? Here’s how they compare

    Qi2 versus MagSafe

    Qi2 is one of the biggest things to happen in smartphone charging since MagSafe launched to start off the 2020s. But how does the new, open standard compare to Apple’s own 15W implementation? Below, I explore how the specs line up on paper and how the chargers in each category actually compare from my own hands-on experiences.

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    Swatch and Omega take a lunar leap with upcoming Snoopy MoonSwatch timepiece

    a clock sitting in the sand
    Coming soon/Learn more

    The Swatch x Omega collaboration strikes again, this time with the introduction of the MoonSwatch Mission to the Moonphase, a Snoopy-themed Bioceramic watch. For the past couple of months, Swatch has been teasing a Snoopy callout in its newest watch, and now it has delivered. The all-white colorway of the Mission to the Moonphase has a white dial, a white case, and a white velcro strap. Another timepiece in the MoonSwatch collection, this watch resembles other MoonSwatches, with the exception of Snoopy, who can be seen in the upper right corner of the watch lying atop two moons within a moon phase indicator. Keep reading below to learn more about the Mission to the Moonphase MoonSwatch.

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    GT Omega Titan cockpit review: Adjustable, rigid, and comfortable, but comes at a price [Video]

    gt omega titan

    With more direct drive wheelbases hitting the market, the search for the best sim racing cockpit continues. We’ve tried the Playseat Trophy and the new entry-level GTRacer from Next Level Racing but now we’re taking things up a notch with the GT Omega Titan. While not the top-of-the-line cockpit that the Scottish company sells, it’s a solid choice for a sim-racing cockpit and has been a great upgrade for my live streams. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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    Shinola introduces fresh spring colors on its best-selling watches from $700

    Detroit-based watch and leather accessory maker, Shinola, has debuted three new watch faces for two of its popular watches, The Birdy and The Derby. The best-selling Birdy 34mm is now available in the color Aventurine, a form of translucent, green quartzite frequently found in building stone, monuments, and jewelry. The Birdy features a stainless steel case material, polished gold plating, a push-down crown construction, and double-curve sapphire crystal; it can be yours in the new Aventurine color for $700. Head below to learn more.

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    Best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals: Apple, Google, Echo, much more

    Amazon Big Spring Sale Shop now

    Amazon’s new Big Spring Sale has arrived. As we do through the rest of the year, the team at 9to5Toys will be working around the clock in order to highlight all of the best discounts. Whether you’re doing spring cleaning on all your gadgets or just want to lock-in all the best deals, we’ll have everything rounded up in one place.

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    Tested: ESR’s new 3-in-1 Qi2 charger is one of the most affordable 15W iPhone 15 stands

    ESR 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand Buy now/$80

    ESR just recently launched its new 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand, and I’ve been using it with my Apple setup for the past week. It might not be the most premium option on the market, but it’s the most affordable way to enjoy 15W speeds with a desktop form-factor, AirPods power pad, and Apple Watch charger.

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    Le Creuset debuts Signature Petal Braiser, a sunny, springy piece to refresh your cookware

    a plate of food with a glass of wine
    New!/$300

    Spring has sprung, and Le Creuset has introduced its newest piece of cookware, the Signature Petal Braiser, available for $300. Coming in five fresh colors – Honey, Sea Salt, White, Shell Pink, and Shallot – the Signature Petal Braiser is the perfect spring touch for your kitchen. It cooks meals that serve 2-3 people, can be easily washed by hand or in the dishwasher, and is made of the lightest weight cast iron on the market. Free shipping and a lifetime warranty included. Head below to learn more about Le Creuset’s Signature Petal Braiser.

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    Hands-on with Withings Scanwatch 2: A solid hybrid smartwatch with a host of features

    Withings ScanWatch 2 Shop now/$350

    The Scanwatch 2 is one of Withings’ newest hybrid smartwatches, and it features more information on your health within the Withings app than my Apple Watch provides within Apple Health. Available for $349.50, the Scanwatch 2 can detect potential health problems, assess your respiratory system, and of course, provide you with health and activity metrics. I’ve had mine for about a month, and I have been impressed with everything the Scanwatch 2 has to offer. Keep reading below the fold to learn more.

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    9to5Toys Daily: March 20, 2024 – iPad Air 5 from $449, Galaxy Z Fold 5 $360 off, 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, TikTok, 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 are available.

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    Traeger Grills and Louisville Slugger knock this limited-edition wood pellet collab out of the park

    Traeger Louisville Slugger

    Baseball fans who love to smoke their meals on Traeger wood-pellet grills, you are going to love this announcement! Traeger is proudly announcing a unique partnership with Louisville Slugger, the official bat of Major League Baseball, with the release of limited-edition Traeger Louisville Slugger Pellets just in time for the very first games of the 2024 season. These limited-edition maple pellets are crafted from the same maple hardwood that is used to create the iconic bats from Louisville Slugger. This partnership brings together barbecue enthusiasts and baseball fans to pay homage to baseball’s history and the togetherness that a classic tailgate barbeque at the ballpark provides. 

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    Shoot 4K 60FPS Apple Pro Res footage from iPhone 15 Pro directly to Lexar’s new portable SSD [Deal]

    Lexar SL500 portable SSD for iPhone 15
    Reg. $230/$200

    Lexar is officially unveiling its new portable SSD for iPhone 15, Mac, and more. After seeing a new PNY release, the next out of the gate in 2024 when it comes to portable solid-state drive solutions is Lexar with its new SL500 Portable SSD. The drive delivers some of the faster speeds we have seen from the latest releases across the product category, as well as being specifically marketed as a solution that supports “Apple Pro Res recording so users can shoot directly to the drive in up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.” Hit the jump for all of the details. 

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    Segway debuts fully automated Navimow i110N robot lawn mower with satellite positioning

    a close up of a football field Pre-order/$1,299

    Segway debuts its new Navimow i110N Robot Lawn Mower on Amazon after a successful European launch that began two weeks ago. Now available for pre-order, the new i Series models are designed for yards up to 1/4-acre in size on a single charge and introduce the company’s updated Exact Fusion Location System 2.0, a vision-enhanced RTK GPS, alongside AI-assisted mapping functionality to meticulously navigate complex terrain and adapt to any changes as they appear.

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    Samsung’s about to launch its smart Music Frame speaker, sign up for a $100 discount

    Sign up/$100 discount

    Samsung’s new Music Frame is about to actually debut. The unique speaker was first revealed back at CES 2024 back in January, and now the company is gearing up to begin shipping the quirky new listening device. Ahead of time, you can get a $100 discount when you sign up at this link ahead of time. All you have to do is put down your name and email, and you’ll be able to get an extra $100 towards that new home theater upgrade –no cash down ahead of time or anything else needed.

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    Shell-shocked: adidas x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell-Toe Shoes dropping Friday for $130

    New Drop/$130

    In an homage to the 40th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise – which debuted as a comic book in 1984 – adidas has created the TMNT Shell-Toe Shoes, priced at $130 and dropping this Friday, March 22 at 10:00 a.m. EST. Designed on its Superstar sneaker, the adidas Shell-Toe Shoes come in one colorway, which includes Craft Green, Pantone, and Shadow Green – the colors of the beloved turtle heroes. These shoes are only available via the adidas confirmed app, which can be downloaded via the adidas website – note that no promo codes can be applied when purchasing. Keep reading below to learn more about the adidas Shell-Toe Shoes.

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    Save $100 on an upcoming Samsung 2024 TV pre-order when you sign up ahead of time

    Samsung 2024 TVs Sign up/$100 off

    Samsung showed off its new 2024 lineup of TVs back at CES in January, and now the company is gearing up to launch them later this month. In true Samsung fashion, you’ll also be able to save on the new releases before they’re even officially on store shelves. Right now, you can score an extra $100 discount on that future Samsung 2024 TVs pre-order when you sign up at this link ahead of time. All you have to do is put down your name and email, and you’ll be able to get an extra $100 towards that new home theater upgrade –no cash down ahead of time or anything else needed.

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    9to5Toys Daily: March 18, 2024 – Save on M1 MacBook Air, Google Pixel 8, 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 are available.

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    Battlefield 2042 Season 7: Breaking Point gameplay and first impressions [Video]

    battlefield 2042 season 7

    Battlefield Season 7 is right around the corner, and like most updates, EA/Dice invited members of the press and creators to take a sneak peek and try out what’s coming up in a “capture event.” While we couldn’t try out everything that will be released throughout the full season, we did get to try the new maps, and most of the new weapons, and get a feel for some of the other core changes made to gameplay coming in Battlefield 2042 Season 7. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

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