News

Did you see the Nikon Z 9 launch with all of its capabilities and features but want it in a more compact frame? Well, the brand has now done just that with the introduction of the all-new Z 8 full-frame mirrorless camera. You’ll find the same 45.7-MP stacked CMOS sensor paired with the EXSPEED 7 Imaging engine to capture pictures up to 120 frames per second and record N-RAW 8K60p video internally. Nikon is positioning the Z 8 as the true successor to the very popular D850 DSLR, with the compact frame measuring 15% smaller than the D850 and a massive 30% reduction compared to the Z 9. The new Z 8 camera is a powerhouse in both the photography and video recording departments and is available for pre-order today. Ready to learn more about what this camera has to offer and when you can get your hands on one? Keep reading below the fold.

Earlier in the spring we covered a discount on AirPods Max, to which readers chimed in that despite being $100 off, there are better options out there. One of the cited options at the top of everyone’s list is the Sennheiser Momentum 4, a recently-released pair of over ear headphones from one of the more beloved brands on the market. I’ve been daily driving these for the past month, and have to say that I agree. But just how well do they stack up against Apple’s flagship headphones?

After selling out and being unavailable for quite some time, Pad & Quill has now refreshed its lineup of handmade leather wallets. The new collection consists of four different models ranging from the Ultra Slim card carrier and the wallet/money clip combo to the Passport holder and the Camden Flip bi-fold, each of which are now available for pre-order in various leather colorways and with a solid 20% launch discount. 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.

• Google Pixel 7a now shipping for $499 with a bundled $50 gift card launch promo
• Save $100 on Apple’s elevated M2 Pro Mac mini with rare discount to $1,199
• Beats Fit Pro in just-released Volt Yellow, Coral Pink, and Tidal Blue styles hit $160 (Save $40)

Best Buy today is launching a new tier of its membership program. Better suited to take on the likes of Amazon Prime and Walmart+, the new My Best Buy Plus subscription focuses its benefits around free shipping, access to savings, and extended return times – all while managing to undercut the competition along the way.

Update 6/22: As promised below, the Teenage Engineering TP–7 field recorder is now available for purchase in limited quantities. 

Update: Our 2023 edition of the best MIDI keyboards for Mac and iPad ahead of the launch of Apple’s new Logic Pro for iPad is now live.

Teenage Engineering has now unveiled its latest musical gadget known as the TP–7 field recorder. Just as the name implies, you’re looking at a miniature, standalone recording device with the usual Teenage Engineering design flare. After introducing the TX-6 mixer (check out our full review here) before the Field Desk and the new CM–15 Field Microphone were introduced, it seemed it was only a matter of time before TE delivered some way of actually making recordings on-the-go and it has now arrived in the form of the new TP–7 field recorder. Head below for a closer look. 

Update: ASUS will unveil the official specifications, features, details, release date, and price of the ROG ALLY today at 10am ET. Follow along with the stream below.

The new ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming PC is set for its official launch today, with pre-orders expected to go live any time now. Some have already suggested it might end up being the best handheld PC gaming machine yet. Up until now, the Steam Deck has dominated the portable PC gaming space, at least in any official capacity, but it appears Valve’s on-the-go gaming rig might have some serious competition on the way with the new ASUS handheld gaming PC set to potentially go up for pre-order today (Update: likely after or during the launch stream below if it happens at all). Stock is likely to be limited by all accounts, so if you’re interested, you’ll want to lock one in as soon as possible. Head below for more details.

The Blackshark V2 Pro has been one of the best-reviewed gaming headsets that I can remember. The wired versions are an even better deal. Now, Razer is updating the beloved esports-focused headset with a new microphone, sound modes, and Bluetooth connectivity. Do these upgrades make the Blackshark V2 Pro 2023 worth the $200 price tag? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

ESR is launching its new magnetic lightweight iPad Pro case today with a notable launch discount via Amazon. The brand is easily one of the more popular options out there when it comes to Apple accessories, MagSafe gear, AirPods cases, and more in the budget-friendly category (especially if you score it in one of the many sales we track), but this time, it has turned its attention to Apple’s pro-grade tablet in the 11-inch form factor. The new lightweight case delivers some options for folks alongside various viewing angle options, Apple Pencil storage, and more. Head below for a closer look and a notable price drop on the latest ESR iPad Pro release. 

Today, Roku is introducing a smart home monitoring system that looks a lot like a budget brand we know and love here at 9to5Toys. The infamous smart TV/streaming media player brand Roku has joined forces with the budget-smart home brand Wyze to launch affordable gear. This time around, Roku and Wyze partnered on the 5-piece Roku Home Monitoring System SE, coming in at $100. Offering both self-monitoring or remote professional monitoring through Noonlight, this is one of the most affordable ways to secure your home before heading out on vacation this spring. Ready to learn more? We have all the details, including availability, down below.

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

• Apple’s just-refreshed HomePod 2 sees very first discount to $279
• Save $499 on M2 MacBook Air from $800 in Woot refurb sale, plus M1 MacBook Air at $550
• iPad Air 5 now runs Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro with M1 chip at $500 low (Save $99)

Today, GE’s latest Cync LED rope light is finally available for purchase at Lowe’s. You’ll find that this unique light will add fun shapes and illumination to any space. Powered by LEDs, you’ll be able to essentially make any shape on the wall, thanks to how flexible the rope is. Sound like something you’d want to add to your space? Keep reading to find out all the features of the latest GE Cync RGB LED rope light.

Sony is now introducing its latest wireless speakers to level up your summer pool parties with the SRS-XB100 and SRS-XV800. On the smaller end, you’ll have an IP67-rated portable speaker that packs in quite the auditory punch, while the larger XV800 delivers Omni-Directional Party Sound so everyone around can easily listen to the music while enjoying the pool. Both of these new speakers from Sony are available for pre-order now. The larger XV800 model will begin shipping on May 15, and the smaller XB100 will start shipping a week later, on May 22. Ready to learn more about these new speaker models? Head below the fold for more.

SANDMARC has now expanded its lineup of accessories with a new navy blue leather Apple Watch band. Following the introduction of the brand’s latest 100mm Macro iPhone lens to upgrade your spring and summer photos this year, SANDMARC is now looking to do the same for your tech-laden wardrobe. The brand has been on a roll over the last year or so with its Apple Watch band offerings, and today, it is looking to deliver a new navy leather colorway to match its expanded selection of iPhone 14 leather cases. Head below for a closer look, more details, and our exclusive discount code.

Late last year, Shargeek launched a new version of its popular Mac-themed USB-C charger. Stepping up to include even more power into much of the same classic Apple form-factor, the new release can refuel far more than just an iPhone. Having just launched, we’re taking a hands-on look to see if the new Shargeek Retro 67W GaN Charger and its iconic design are worth the $79 price tag.

Totallee is introducing its new AirPods cases today. The brand has been featured around here for years with its branding-free, ultra-thin iPhone cases that get refreshed each September for the latest Apple handsets as well as landing in our yearly roundup of the best options out there. Well today it has turned its attention to one of Apple’s other popular releases in the form of a pair of covers for the latest AirPods releases with a similar design approach. Head below for a closer look at the new Totallee AirPods 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 are available.

• Apple Watch Series 8 comes in four aluminum styles at all-time lows from $329 (Reg. $399+)
• Save on nearly all of Apple’s official iPhone 14 series cases from $40 for today only (Reg. $49+)
• Apple’s new 14-inch M2 Pro MacBook Pro falls to its best price yet at $1,749 (Save $250)

After just getting a first look at 12 of the upcoming Ninjago 2023 summer sets due out this August, we’re now able to turn our attention over to the largest kit from that LEGO theme this year. A new thrilling addition to the very popular Ninjago City collection is finally here, delivering yet another expansion to the wave of futuristic modular buildings. The new LEGO Ninjago City Markets will be hitting store shelves in June, and now the theme’s largest creation of all time is being officially revealed.

The LEGO summer 2023 wave is closing in, and tonight we’re getting a first look at all 12 of the upcoming Ninjago creations. Entering its latest season, there’s a collection of all-new models set to hit the scene come August. Get a first look below the fold.

Pad & Quill has expanded its lineup of gorgeous Apple Watch bands this year a few times, most recently with the Leather Apple Watch Bomber Strap and the new Adventure Ultra Leather Band on display here today. The latter of which moves away from the usual military-inspired designs the brand has become known for while still delivering on a classy handmade leather treatment that fits right in with the existing lineup. We have had a chance to give the Ultra Strap a go over the last couple weeks and are now ready to leave you with our impressions (spoiler alert, I really loved it) as part of our Tested with 9to5Toys series. 

Belkin is gearing up to launch its latest earbuds, this time around packing some features we don’t normally see in such an affordable price point. The new SoundForm Pulse earbuds from Belkin not only arrive with ANC at $120, but also with 35-hour battery life and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity ahead of launching later this month.

Today, UGREEN, a well-known brand in the charging and portable power space, is introducing two new PowerRoam power stations with 680Wh and 1,024Wh capacities, respectively. Both the PowerRoam 600 and 1200 from UGREEN feature numerous AC output options, up to two 100W USB-C ports, and more. Whether you’ve got a camping trip coming up or just want to be able to run some small appliances if the power goes out, these power stations are up to the task. Keep reading to find out more and also how you can save with launch-day discounts.

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.

• Save $249 on Apple’s latest 16-inch M2 Pro MacBook Pro at all-time lows
• AirPods Pro 2 deliver improved ANC, battery life, and Find My features at $200 (Save $49)
• Anker iPhone and Android chargers start from $9 in latest Gold Box sale (Save up to 40%)

Update: The deluxe hardcover version of the The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – The Complete Official Guide: Collector’s Edition has now dropped to $26.99 shipped, down from the regular $45 and now at its best price yet. The paperback version has also dropped to its best price yet at $19.66 $18.71 Prime shipped, down from the regular $30. And don’t worry if you already paid full price, with the Amazon pre-order guarantee you’ll be charged the lowest price it hits before launch anyway. Details below. 

The official collectible Zelda Tears of the Kingdom guide are now available for purchase. We are now less than 4-days away from what can only be described as the most anticipated console game launch of the year with Nintendo’s latest Zelda adventure set to hit store shelves starting this Friday. Alongside the new OLED Switch Zelda console, the themed case, and the Pro Controller, the official Piggyback Guides for the game have now arrived with pre-orders live on Amazon for both the standard edition and the more collector-worthy Deluxe variant. Head below for a closer look and more details. 

New Zelda Tears of the Kingdom gameplay is on the way. The official launch of The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom is now under one week away and excitement is at all time high. It won’t be long until you’re Ultrahanding together flying ships, Fusing weird and wacky weapons together, and rewinding time with the new Recall ability. But on the eve of the game’s launch next Friday, Nintendo has now announced some new gameplay segments that will be shown as part of a series of  Nintendo Treehouse: Live segments. You’ll want to lock-in your pre-order (here’s how to score a deal), secure your Tears of the Kingdom Switch OLED model console (it’s still available for shipping at $359 via Amazon), and then head below for more details on the upcoming new Zelda Tears of the Kingdom gameplay. 

Arc makes one of the most unique smartphone case alternatives on the market. Its unique Pulse bumper isn’t a case in the traditional sense, but still offers some protection against daily wear while delivering a minimalistic design made out of aluminum. Originally only making the accessory for iPhones, Arc is now bringing the Pulse bumper to Samsung’s flagship Galaxy smartphones thanks to new Galaxy S23 and S22 releases that are now up for pre-order.

If you’ve been looking for an 8BitDo wireless controller for your desktop but haven’t been wanting to pay $50 for the acclaimed 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G model, then you’ll be happy to hear you can now get a similar experience for less. Launching May 31, you’ll be able to get the 8BitDo Ultimate C 2.4G wireless PC controller for just $29.99. It comes in two very springy shades of either pastel green or purple and is available for pre-order now. Ready to learn what all this controller brings to the table? Head below to find out more.

As it tends to always do on May the 4th, the LEGO Group celebrated Star Wars Day with the launch of its latest collectible kit. Joining the Ultimate Collector Series for 2023, one of the most iconic vehicles in all of the galaxy is getting the display-worthy treatment. Not the first time we’ve seen a UCS version, we’re taking a hands-on look at the latest LEGO X-Wing Starfighter to see if it really was worth a third attempt.

EA SPORTS has finally announced that F1 23 is launching on June 16 across all gaming platforms. Headlined by the return of the “epic story mode Braking Point,” F1 23 features every team, driver, and circuit for the 2023 season of the iconic racing league. If you’re a F1 fan, this game is surely for you. It even has the Las Vegas Grand Prix and Lusail International Circuit, Qatar for you to race around. There’s also a revamped technology called Precision Drive that delivers “vastly improved pad-play alongside real F1 team feedback for the Ultimate Wheel Experience.” Ready to learn more? Head below for additional information and pre-order dates.

Cal Kestis has made a name for himself across the galaxies after starring as the protagonist in the Star Wars Jedi game series (deals now live on those) and now Disney has unleashed his epic new collectible lightsaber hilt. There are some more affordable lightsabers out there, like the Hasbro models features in our May the 4th roundup right here, but the new Cal Kestis collectible Lightsaber Hilt is taking things up a notch. A premium build, a nice wooden collector’s box, and a limited run you’ll need to jump on soon to score one for your collection highlight the list here, but there’s even more to it than that. 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.

• Celebrate May the 4th with the best deals on Star Wars collectibles, LEGO, games, more
• Apple’s latest M2 iPad Pro lands at best price yet with $149 discount to $1,050 at Amazon
• Best price of the year takes $199 off Google’s latest Pixel 7 Pro at $700
• OtterBox takes 15% off its galaxy of Star Wars iPhone 14 cases for May the 4th, today only

As the Star Wars Day excitement officially kicks off today for May the 4th, Amazon is set to announce its latest Echo accessories from a galaxy far, far away. Bringing the likes of Darth Vader, Din Djarin, and Stormtroopers to your Alexa speaker, these new Star Wars Echo Dot 5th stands add a bit of flair to your smart home with light up eyes and iconic designs.

Star Wars Day is now upon us, ushering in a whole galaxy’s worth of discounts. As per usual here at 9to5Toys, we will be wrapping up all of the best price cuts across every product carry for the 2023 May the 4th festivities. Like every other year, there is a vast array of discounts out there, ranging from LEGO, collectibles, and other toys to games, tech, and so much more. Head below for all of the Star Wars Day and May the 4th deals, which we’ll be updating over the next few days.

Yesterday saw the LEGO Group launch its own Star Wars Day sale ahead of May the 4th. But for those who want to bring home cash discounts instead of extra kits or points, other retailers are dishing out some savings for the big day. Storefronts like Amazon, Walmart, and Zavvi are known for offering competitive discounts on the latest from LEGO Star Wars and beyond, and now this week we’re seeing the biggest sale from a galaxy far, far away of the year. Shipping is free across the board for Prime members and Walmart+ subscribers, or in orders over $25. Including all-new 2023 sets, last year’s summer wave, and some older kits slated for retirement, all of the best LEGO Star Wars deals are below the fold for May the 4th.

It is now time for our roundup of the best May the 4th deals on games across all platforms for Star Wars Day 2023. As is always the case for the May the 4th game deals, there are loads of titles dropping in price significantly to celebrate the biggest day in all the galaxies on every major platform. While the Steam PC and Xbox Star Wars deals are already going live, alongside a few stragglers here and there, the Nintendo May the 4th deals will land in our roundup in just a few hours when they launch alongside the PlayStation side of things. If you have any Star Wars games you’re looking to add to your library, be it on PC, Nintendo Switch, or otherwise, today is the day to do it. Hit up our master May the 4th roundup for everything else and head below for a closer look at our 2023 edition of the the best May the 4th deals on games and more. 

It’s no secret that Microsoft’s Game Pass is one of its biggest money makers for subscriptions. Well, they’re trying to get you to entice your friends or family to subscribe now more than ever. To do this, Microsoft is introducing a feature that allows you to invite up to five friends for a free 14-day PC Game Pass trial. Sadly, it does look like this is exclusive to PC Game Pass, and they’ll have to have never had Game Pass before to redeem. What all comes with the trial? Let’s break down how to share and why you might want to below.

The “world’s first” smart reusable sticky notes have arrived. Rocketbook has become well-known over the years for, well, its Rocketbooks – a smart, reusable notebook that allows you to beam your handwritten notes and doodles to the cloud for safe-keeping. Today, the brand is entering a sort of adjacent product category by the way of its new reusable sticky notes. This marks the brand’s first foray into a product segment you would have thought it would have been all over years ago, especially considering it already makes these index cards with a similar technology, but nonetheless, the new Rocketbook smart reusable sticky notes have arrived. 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.

• Best price of the year takes $100 off Apple’s latest M1 Max Mac Studio
• Bring official Space Black Link Bracelet stylings to your Apple Watch from $266 (Reg. $449)
• Oura Ring fitness trackers see rare discounts to best prices of the year from $409

When we reviewed the PlaySeat Trophy Logitech G Edition, I mentioned how expensive it was to get the shifter mount. It costs $50 plus an additional $100 shipping to get it to me here in the US. It’s now listed on B&H but is temporarily out of stock with availability expected in 4-6 months. So, I decided to design and 3D print my own shifter mount, and I’ve been having a blast playing the new Rally Adventure mode in Forza Horizon 5. Let’s dive in and check it out.

Today BLACK+DECKER is introducing its latest home cleaning appliance, the POWERSERIES Extreme MAX Cordless Stick Vacuum. Unlike some other stick vacuums on the market, this one can also operate as a hand vacuum when you need to clean off your furniture. Some upgrades BLACK+DECKER has implemented with this new vacuum entry include an updated floorhead design, the 20V MAX removable battery that can be used with other BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX products, and a cyclonic filtration system. The new POWERSERIES Extreme MAX vacuum is available for purchase starting today, so make sure you keep reading below to learn more and find out where you can order the vacuum today.

Apogee just recently unveiled its latest home and on-the-road interface solution known as the Jam X. As a follow-up to previous iterations in the Jam lineup, Apogee is once again applying its nearly 40 years of expertise in the digital audio space and wrapping it up into a pocket-size solution at a far more affordable price than world-class, pro-grade interfaces used in professional environments all over the world. We have had a chance to give the new Apogee Jam X a run for its money over the last couple of weeks, and it’s time to weigh in as part of our ongoing Tested with 9to5Toys series.