News

Today, out of Chicago, SteelSeries is unleashing its new limited edition Ghost Edition Apex Pro Mini. In celebration of Halloween 2023 and for “those who want to showcase their style,” the “original esports brand” has decided to step away from the dark black color treatments in favor of a ghostly all-white limited edition model of its Apex Pro Mini gaming keyboard. But if you’re interested, you had better act fast, as this is a limited run with only 250 units in existence. 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 are available.

• 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro falls to new all-time low of $1,000 (Save $199)
• Apple Watch Series 9 delivers pinch detection with $39 discounts on 45mm cellular styles
• AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C down to $190 (Save $49), Lightning version at $189

Update 2: Native Union has also added a new matching Slate Green Stow Lite Tech Organizer to its collection of accessories at $40 shipped. Get a closer look right here. 

Update: Native Union’s new cable solutions have also now appeared on Amazon with additional color options:

• 10-foot Native Union Anchor Cable $40
  • USB-C to USB-C Power Delivery 3.1
  • Supports up to 240W
  • Adjustable weighted Anchor
  • USB-IF certified
• 8-foot Native Union Type-C Belt Cable Pro $30
  • Durable nylon braided cable
  • USB-C to USB-C
  • Supports up to 240W
  • Includes leather strap 
  • Built-in LED light indicator

Native Union’s new plant-based leather Apple Watch bands are now available for purchase at Amazon. The brand unleashed its new MagSafe wallet and iPhone 15 cases shortly after the new handsets debuted in September made from the same materials as the new bands, and now the new matching straps have arrived in full force. Now live on Amazon in black and the brand’s distinct Kraft and Slate Green treatments, you can head below for a closer look and more details. 

Update: Now available for pre-order ahead of shipping in December.

Belkin is launching its newest MagSafe charger. Refreshing its 2-in-1 form-factor with an even more fun and quite frankly elegant design, the new BoostCharge Pro debuts with all the bells and whistles like 15W MagSafe and Apple Watch fast charging.

Halloween 2023 here and so is a new classic Castlevania experience for Switch Online members. Just after the launch of Mario Party 3, the next influx of Nintendo Switch Online games are now at the ready. Nintendo has now taken to its official X (Twitter) feed and YouTube channel to debut the October 2023 Game Updates in the form of some classic GameBoy action and obscure NES titles that are now available to play for all base tier Switch Online members. Head below for all of the details. 

Today, we are heading out into the woods for our hands-on review of the new Alto wooden iPhone 15 cases. Complete with sustainably sourced natural wood treatments, customers can also make use of the brand’s unique laser-engraving technique to customize the wooden panel with one of the preset designs or one entirely unique to them by way of the online uploader tool. After adding some new wood types this year and landing in our roundup of the best iPhone 15 cases, it’s time to serve up some hands-on impressions of the new Alto wooden iPhone 15 cases as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys. 

While Spigen might be a brand better known for its iPhone cases like the new vintage iMac models and the rest of the lineup, not to mention gear like its StandBy ArcField MagSafe charging stand, and other Apple accessories, today we are featuring the brand’s new ArcPLAY Keyboard. Delivering some proprietary “Dynamic Pipeline Technology” alongside much of the amenities we have come to love from other battle station keyboards, the new ArcPLAY gaming keyboard is now available for purchase with a solid launch deal at nearly $50 off. Head below for a closer look and all of the details. 

The new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have been shipping through the fall so far, delivering the latest fitness experiences for those in the iPhone ecosystem. If you’re looking to mix up the look of your new wearable or just refresh an aging wearable with some new styles, below you’ll find our favorite and the best Apple Watch band recommendations, starting at just $10.

Update: The new PS5 Pulse Explore wireless buds and Elite headset are now available pre-order directly from PlayStation. 

After the initial official debut back in August alongside the new PS5 Portal Player, we now have new details and pre-order information on Sony’s upcoming Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, Pulse Elite wireless headset, and additional PlayStation Link USB adapters. Just after the launch of the new INZONE sets (full review here), Sony’s next-generation PlayStation headsets are now slated to go up for pre-order in just over a week’s time. Head below for more details.

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.

• Go Carbon Neutral with the new Apple Watch SE 2 from $219 (Reg. $249+)
• Google Pixel Tablet falls to new $399 all-time low (Reg. $499), extra Speaker Dock at $111
• Sony’s latest XM5 ANC earbuds fall to new all-time low of $250 with second-ever discount

Update: LEGO’s new Natural History Museum has been officially revealed and is now available for pre-order ahead of its January 1 launch.

We finally have a first look at the upcoming LEGO Natural History Museum. Next year’s Modular Building will be bringing a bit of a scientific vibe to the series with an over 4,000-piece build when it debuts on January 1, 2024 as LEGO set number 10326.

LEGO’s upcoming Collectible Minifigure Series 25 figures have been revealed. Starting off the week with a first look at the upcoming blind bag figures, we’re getting an early chance to check out the 12 upcoming characters and the return of the fan-favorite goat figure.

Today, we’re getting a first look at what to expect from Target and its 2023 Black Friday plans. Detailing some early discounts already live ahead of November, as well as other promotions and its price match guarantee, Target is just the latest retailer to cue in shoppers to its holiday plans.

Today we are taking a closer look at the JLab JBuds Mini Earbuds. As the name suggests, these earbuds arrive with a particularly compact form-factor to deliver the brand’s smallest earbuds ever. There are a massive number of options out there when it comes to wireless earbuds, but JLab is delivering a compelling option here for folks looking for a compact solution that won’t break the brand by any means, and we now have a notable exclusive discount for 9to5 readers to drop them even lower. Head below for all of the details. 

Today, we are serving up some hands-on impressions of the new UAG protective iPhone 15 cases. The brand’s military-grade solutions launched shortly after the iPhone 15 did for folks looking to add some extra protection to their shiny new Apple handset with designs coming straight out of Orange County, California. With several different models to choose from across various price ranges, starting at $40 shipped, anyone into the more armored military-like vibes will want to scope out our impressions of the new UAG protective iPhone 15 cases down below. 

Twelve South launched a new mount earlier in the month that looked to solve one of the biggest issues with having a collection of Apple Watch bands – the fact that you have to keep them organized. I’ve been testing out the new TimePorter Wall Mount and really have to hand it to Twelve South for finally making it easy to tidy up my wardrobe of Watch bands.

Today, we’re getting a first look at the latest addition to the LEGO Botanical collection. The upcoming Tiny Plants set has been revealed ahead of launching as a surprise final set of the year in December. You can now pre-order the upcoming LEGO set 10329 ahead of its debut this winter at $50.

I have a new favorite iPhone 15 charger – at least when it comes to a portable solution. Anker’s new Nano Power Bank is as compact as they come, and now is even more versatile with the adoption of USB-C.

Wacom is debuting its new Cintiq Pro 17 and Cintiq Pro 22 drawing tablets, alongside revealing launch dates. The Cintiq Pro 17 is now available for purchase, while the Cintiq Pro 22 will come available at a later time. These new additions to the Cintiq family will provide more compact options for creative professionals who prefer working on smaller devices.

Leica is launching a new additon to its lineup of premium cameras. The new Leica M11-P may only be a slight upgrade from its predecessor, but it brings some notable quality of life changes and a new dedicated chip for adding extra authenticity to your photos.

Today we are taking a hands-on look at the Longvadon leather crocodile Apple Watch bands known as the Caiman series, just in time for the sitewide Halloween sale to go live. The brand, a new one to us around here, just recently updated its croc-style leather strap collection with the new Double Tour wrap around-style strap so we thought we would give them a hands-on look to see if they are nice in person as they are in pictures. Looking to add a serious touch of elegance to any Apple wearable, dive in below for our hands-on impressions of the Longvadon leather crocodile Apple Watch bands. 

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.

• Apple’s new HomePod 2 returns to all-time low for only second time at $280
• Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 fall to new all-time lows from $235 (Reg. $300+)
• Anker’s new Prime USB-C GaN chargers and power banks on sale from $45 (Reg. $60)

Anker today is launching its newest speaker. The Soundcore lineup is getting a new and more midrange release with the Motion X500. It won’t be shipping until next month, but arrives with a pre-order discount for those who lock-in Anker’s latest ahead of time.

Wyze is debuting its all-new Video Doorbell v2, a new wired 2K video recording camera. Now available for purchase, with this camera, you’ll be able to capture and save all arrivals and departures with head-to-toe viewing and two-way audio.

After coming away impressed with some of the brand’s other carriers, when Aer launched its new Pro Kit tech organizer, I was keen to get my hands on it, and that is I have done. For the past few weeks, I have been putting the new tech accessory pouch to the test both on the road and at home to see if its price of entry is worth it or not. You can check out my hands-on impressions down below as part of the latest entry to the Tested with 9to5Toys series.

Now that’s it’s officially fall and the weather is starting to change, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe. TravisMathew, which is a lifestyle and activewear brand, has a new Legacy Denim that are the perfect jeans for any fall setting. They also have new outerwear, loungewear, and more that you can score by heading below. TravisMathew is a fan-favorite across the country, including celebrity Chris Pratt, who has stated that they’re his favorite  You will also want to check out our latest guide to lululemon’s new Wundermost body collection. 

Earlier this month, Logitech revealed a new collaboration with Star Wars to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi. With as big of a Star Wars fan as I am, the second I laid eyes on the new releases I knew I had to get a hands-on look. I’ve spent the past week with the new G502 X Plus Millenium Falcon mouse and its companion mousepad on my desk, and I absolutely adore the designs.

The Pokémon Company is ready to deck the halls today, as it reveals a new catalog of festive apparel, home goods, and other gear. With a new lineup of Christmas sweaters joined by other winter wear, as well as home goods, plushes, and collectibles, you’ll want to shop the 2023 Pokémon Christmas collection before these limited-edition releases sell out.

Xbox recently announced its next broadcast games showcase in the form of what it is calling its Xbox Partner Preview and it all kicks off shortly. It has been a quite a few months now since the big-time summer Xbox showcase and the dedicated Starfield show that hit about a week after PlayStation’s primetime event, and the folks at Xbox are back today with another round of reveals and announcements from its “incredible third-party publishing partners.” Head below for more details and to follow along with the show. 

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.

• Not sold on Ultra 2? Save $140 on the original Apple Watch Ultra on Amazon at $659
• Save $49 on Apple’s Magic Keyboard for 11-inch M2 iPad Pro at $250 on Amazon
• TicWatch Pro 5 falls to new all-time low with third-ever discount to $280 (Save $70)

Bellroy has now introduced its new iPad mini case known as the Tokyo Folio. Well known for everything from MacBook backpacks and Apple Watch bands to the new iPhone 15 cases we reviewed recently, and its antimicrobial Tech Kit gear organizer I’m still using to this day, Bellroy has now turned its attention to iPad mini users. Now available for purchase in two different colorways, you can get a better idea of what the new iPad Tokyo Folio can bring to your EDC down below. 

LEGO is bringing back its tribute sets with an upcoming gift with purchase that turns Galileo into a new minifigure. The upcoming LEGO promotional set 40595 will be launching later this fall and includes over 300 pieces to go alongside that exclusive new minifig of the famed astronomer, physicist, and engineer.

The latest addition to the Switch Online game library is on its way in the form of Mario Party 3. Members of Nintendo’s online service will be able to “punch, pound, and stampede right over” their opponents starting later this week. Today’s announcement comes on the heels of new Switch Online titles like the Metroidvania-style Kirby & The Amazing Mirror alongside previously Japan-only classics and the Pokémon Trading Card Game, but Nintendo has now turned its attention to one of its vintage family party games with the third-entry in Mario’s multiplayer experience. Head below for more details. 

It’s been a while since I’ve had a robotic companion roaming the halls of my abode. But when I saw the new ECOVACS X2 Omni, I knew I had to try it out. After all, there are a lot of bells and whistles to catch your eye – specs like the an included auto-empty dock, 8000Pa suction, and one of the most advanced navigation systems around are hard to ignore.

Update: If the links below aren’t working for you, try heading straight to https://www.padandquill.com/

It’s the end of an era folks. Our friends at Pad & Quill will soon be moving on to bigger and better things and time is running out to grab some of its, frankly, amazing Apple gear accessories. Handmade with love right here in the US, it has been producing some of the nicest leather Apple accessories for many years and now’s your chance to score some at a huge discount before you won’t be able to ever again. We are talking about the kind of leather goods that last for more years than I can count – I’m still using its Roll Top leather MacBook backpack I reviewed way back in 2017 and it’s in perfect shape. The Adventure series leather Apple Watch band I tested out earlier this year is easily one of the nicest I have ever had a chance to use. While it all tends to fetch the kind of price an artisan, American-made piece of functional art deserves, you can score just about everything at over 60% off right now as part of its Going Out of Business sale. Head below for all of the details. 

Costco’s Black Friday plans have been revealed now that the 2023 ad has surfaced. Detailing its holiday savings plans, below the fold we break down the savings starting on October 30.

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.

• Official 45mm Apple Watch Sport Bands start from $40 on Amazon (Reg. $49)
• Apple’s 13-inch M2 MacBook Air now down to best price of $899 (Save $200)
• Chromebook Plus models from Acer, HP, ASUS, and Lenovo see first discounts from $269

The new Skullcandy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles headphone collaboration is launching today. Featuring limited-edition ooze-covered designs, the brand is looking to take on Microsoft’s nearly-impossible to get TMNT peripherals with it latest releases, but don’t worry, the Skullcandy gear doesn’t smell like pizza. The new headphones come in the form of the Skullcandy x TMNT Push Active True Wireless Earbuds and Skullcandy x TMNT PLYR Multi-Platform Wireless Gaming Headset to celebrate the “fan-favorite franchise ahead of its 40th anniversary” with vibrant toxic green designs and nods to the crime fighting martial arts turtles around every corner. Head below for a closer look. 

LEGO Dune is actually happening. Earlier this year, we were able to break the news that the LEGO Group was planning on bringing one of the more iconic vehicles out of the sci-fi series, and now we’re getting a first look at the set. The new LEGO Dune Ornithopter won’t be releasing until next year, but you can feast your eyes on its over 1,300-piece build in the meantime.

I am not the biggest Mario fan, at least not historically. I’ve enjoyed all of the classics at this point, but if you asked me what my desert island Switch game would be, the iconic red and green plumbers wouldn’t be anywhere near the top of my list. But now after a weekend with Super Mario Wonder, that might just be changing.

Wizards of the Coast is announcing a collaboration with Marvel to expand the Magic: The Gathering: Universes Beyond IP library with an all-new multi-set deal, alongside revealing the shipping dates for other Beyond Universe mash-ups like like the Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set. What makes this announcement special is the fact that this is the first time WotC has teamed up with another major brand to bring such expansions.

The next-generation Samsung T9 Portable SSD was officially unleashed on the world at the beginning of the month. The previous-generation 1,050MB/s T7 and T7 Shield were among some of the most popular options among 9to5Toys readers, and Samsung has now updated the internals and specs to deliver its very first USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and (potentially) much faster speeds. The question is, how many users out there have the gear to actually take advantage of this tech at this point? Head below for some hands-on impressions of the new Samsung T9 Portable SSD as part of our Tested with 9to5Toys series.

Anticipation for the new Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 PlayStation 5 game has been ramping up all year, culminating in a record-breaking launch last Friday. After the reveal of the limited edition Spider-Man 2 PlayStation 5 console, matching PS5 console covers, and DualSense controller, what many expected to be the biggest PlayStation release of the year has certainly delivered. And after early sales number were shared this morning, Insomiac, Sony, and Marvel Games clearly have a serious hit on their hands. Head below for more details. 

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.

• Not sold on Ultra 2? Save $104 on the original Apple Watch Ultra at new $695 low
• Apple’s official iPhone 15/Plus/Max silicone MagSafe cases fall to new lows from $25
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 now $300 off at Amazon, starting from $1,500 (Second-best)

The LEGO Group today has a neat new promotional set out today that Disney fans in particular are going to love. The new Mini Steamboat Willie kit delivers a black and white rendition of the animation that started it all, and continues to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Disney studios. Head below for a closer look at the new LEGO model and to learn how it can be added to your collection for free.

Not enough chargers these days have cords that give you a little extra slack away from the wall outlet. But Anker’s new Nano 67W Charging Station does, and that’s why it has earned itself a spot on my bedside table as the perfect nightstand charing solution.

DODOcase is launching its new leather Apple Watch band today. We have been featuring the brand and its Apple gear accessories since even before they were spotted on the desk in the Oval Office during President Obama’s tenure and, while our coverage has leaned more towards its iPhone and iPad cases, DODOcase also makes some gorgeous leather Apple Watch bands. The detailed stitching and Wickett & Craig premium leather on the previously-released model is a solid option if you ask me, but it is finally ready to expand its Apple wearable accessory lineup with new Chèvre Leather model. Head below for a closer look and more details.