News

The latest LEGO Ideas set is now getting an official reveal today! Slated to hit the scene next month, the Tales of the Space Age kit depicts four different scenes from among the stars. Packed with some classic 1980s art styles and unique LEGO techniques that really push the envelop on what’s possible from the blocky medium, the set will be arriving in May.

Intro

As GPU prices return to normal prices, NVIDIA is releasing the new RTX 4070. We’ve gone hands-on with the 4070 Ti in a few different desktops – even comparing three builds with the same GPU. This time, we got our hands on the PNY RTX 4070. Priced at $599, it’s $200 less than the MSRP of the 4070 Ti. Be sure to hit the video below to see how it performs against the bigger and more expensive 4070 Ti. 

Have you found yourself struggling to deal with the stains that your pets make on your carpets and rugs? Well, now BISSELL is introducing its latest home care solution, the Revolution HydroSteam Pet Carpet Cleaner. Standing out among the competition, this new carpet cleaner uses the brand’s HydroSteam technology to reach deep and lift out those tough stains. You’ll be able to choose between three cleaning modes with the Revolution HydroSteam Pet to wash your carpets and rugs. It is available for purchase today, so if you’re interested in learning more, keep reading below the fold.

Peak Design is unleashing its new Everyday Samsung S23 fabric case today. The brand is the maker of a range of camera and photography accessories as well as travel bags and a single lineup of smartphone covers known as the Everyday cases. Packed with its proprietary SlimLink system that, combined with magnets, accommodates a range of other smartphone mounts, clips, and tripods, the Everyday Samsung S23 fabric case is now available for purchase for all of Samsung’s latest flagship handsets. Head below for a closer look.

Apogee is unveiling its latest guitar interface today, known as the Jam X. Building on the original Jam that was released back in 2010 and the 2019 Jam Plus model, Apogee is taking its guitar-focused miniature analog to digital converters into a new generation with today’s unveiling of the Jam X. We last checked in with the well-known, professional-grade audio recording brand when we went hands-on with its lovely little Boom interface, but this time, we are taking things down both in size and price with its latest solution for guitar players. Built-in effects and compatibility with iPad and laptops/desktops included, let’s take a closer look at the brand new Jam X Apogee guitar interface below.

After finally bringing its original Elite Series 2 to the Xbox Design Lab last October, today, Microsoft is announcing a series of new enhancements and upgrades to the bespoke gamepad design service. While it has since introduced the new trimmed-down Core 2 model (full review right here), Microsoft is looking to bolster interest in the more feature-rich and pricey flagship model by introducing the newest expansion to Xbox Elite Series 2 with Xbox Design Lab starting today.

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.

• There’s never been a better time to score Apple’s M1 MacBook Air with $319 refurb discount to $680 low
• iPhone 13 falls to new all-time low of $550 (Orig. $799) in Woot refurb sale from $280
• Bundle Samsung’s just-released Galaxy A54 5G smartphone with a $50 gift card for $450

Today, Anker is showcasing the latest addition to its lineup of Bluetooth speakers. Beyond just a refreshed and more premium design than previous installations in the stable, the new Anker Soundcore Motion X600 also makes its debut as the company’s first hi-fi speaker.

The Mario Bros. are breaking records again, and this time it’s not for their appearance in Nintendo’s beloved home console games. Opening weekend is behind us, and the numbers are in – the new Super Mario Bros. Movie just had the biggest opening weekend of the year. Universal and Illumination – the studio responsible for the beloved Minions – teamed up with Nintendo on Mario’s first real animated feature and absolutely crushed it in theaters across the globe. Despite some folks I spoke to walking out of the relatively tight 1 hour and 32-minute runtime being mildly underwhelmed, I, for one, had an absolute blast with the perfectly paper-thin plot, and it looks like plenty of others did as well after the film generated $204.6 million in the US alone. 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.

• Apple’s new M2 Pro MacBook Pros land at second-best prices from $1,850 (Save $149)
• Apple’s official black Magic Keyboard with Touch ID hits $173 all-time low, Magic Trackpad $140
• Foldables are more affordable with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 4 at $900 (2023 low, Save $100)

Are you starting to get things prepared for summer evening parties? Well, music sets the vibe like nothing else, and LG is now shipping the all-new XBOOM XL7 Portable Tower Speaker. Ready to step up your get-togethers, the XL7 brings in 250 W of power with its 8-inch full-range woofer that will let your “feel and hear the beat with bumped-up bass.” What’s new this time around is the Dot Matrix LED display that’s integrated into the speaker itself. This will allow for the ultimate customization, as you can have text, animations, patterns, and more shown, with the XBOOM mobile app giving you full control. Ready to learn more about this new tower speaker from LG and where you can get it today? Keep reading below the fold.

This week, ESR is launching its first 3-in-1 HaloLock MagSafe accessory, functioning as a wallet, kickstand, and portable wireless charging battery all in one. Not only is this an ESR-first product, but, according to the brand, this is a “world-first” launch that combines all three functions. Ready to learn more, as well as how you can save 10% already? Keep reading to find out everything we know about the ESR HaloLock Power Bank Wallet.

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 latest 512GB M2 Mac mini falls to new all-time low of $690 (Save $109), more from $500
• Apple Studio Display hits second-best price ever at $1,350 on Amazon (Save $249)
• Anker’s bio MFi Lightning cable is made from plants, now on sale at $15 (Reg. $22)

As we head deeper into spring and approach summer, now is the time to look at upgrading your selection of outdoor activities to enjoy. One of the best ways to beat the heat is to jump in the pool, but there is another option. Spyra made its name back in 2018 when it launched a Kickstarter for its first electronic water blaster, and now it is unveiling the latest addition to its lineup, the SpyraThree. What sets this model apart from the existing SpyraTwo and manual SpyraLX blasters is the inclusion of three distinct game modes. Changing the way the blaster shoots water, you’ll be able to have more competitive battles with friends. The SpyraThree is available today and you can keep reading below the fold to learn more about this new electronic water blaster.

Last month, Belkin refreshed some of its latest MagSafe power banks with some new spring colors, and today we’re taking a hands-on look. Ready to refresh your iPhone 14 through the new season and beyond, this portable power pack arrives in new purple or pink designs. Complete with a fold out kickstand and MagSafe support, we’re seeing just how fresh these new releases are.

The new Uniqlo Super Mario Bros. Movie apparel is now live. Uniqlo’s official clothing line is now available for purchase directly via the official site, spanning a range of t-shirt designs for adults and kids to celebrate the launch of Mario’s animated big screen debut. Joining the new JAKKS Pacific’s Super Mario Bros. toy lineup and the new Monopoly Super Mario Bros. Movie game, fans of the film and the Mushroom Kingdom can now secure themselves and the family some Uniqlo Super Mario Bros. Movie tees. Head below for a closer look. 

Anker today is announcing a new collaboration with Hasbro to bring some iconic Transformers stylings to its popular lineup of accessories. Arriving with three special-edition releases, the new collection debuts with some Cybertronian-themed versions of our favorite chargers. There’s also a themed portable projector, all outfitted with some eye-catching Optimus Prime designs.

Just last month, Cities: Skylines 2 was announced to the world by Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order, stating the iconic game would be released later this year. After having spent some time recently with Cities: Skylines (the original), I personally long for a multiplayer experience of some kind… but it’s unlikely to ever come, according to the game’s developers. Keep reading to find out more about why Cities: Skylines 2 likely won’t get multiplayer and also the return of an icon, for better or worse.

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 latest 512GB M2 Mac mini falls to new all-time low of $690 (Save $109), more
• Save $50 on Apple’s all-new 10.9-inch iPad in four fun colors at $399 Amazon low
• Official Apple Watch bands go on sale at Woot: Milanese $53, Leather Link $52, more

Hasbro has now officially released the new Monopoly Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition Game. The day has finally arrived for Mario, his world famous brother, and the rest of the beloved characters of the Mushroom Kingdom to take their place on the big screen with the release of the Super Mario Bros. Movie. After a slew of exciting trailer releases as part of Nintendo’s movie-only Direct presentations and the expected official toy line we featured previously, Hasbro’s iconic Monopoly franchise is ready to get in on the action starting today. Head below for more details on the official Monopoly Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition Game.

Microsoft is fully embracing the Thunderbolt 4 ecosystem of its latest Surface Pro 9, Surface Laptop 5, and Surface Laptop Studio by launching an all-new dock. This dock, which is based around the Thunderbolt 4/USB4 spec, will help deliver a more cohesive experience at your desk when using both Microsoft Surface product and other compatible devices, thanks to the use of an open standard here. Want to learn all of the ports that it brings and what functions the Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock has? Keep reading to find out all we know.

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 11-inch M2 iPad Pro hits best price of the year at $750 (Save $49)
• Apple Watch Series 8 styles return to Amazon lows starting at $329 (Reg. $399)
• Apple’s official iPhone 14/Plus MagSafe leather cases start at $29.50 all-time lows (Reg. $59)

After seeing the new UCS X-Wing officially revealed this morning, the LEGO Group is looking to complete its roster of new sets for May 1. Ahead of Star Wars Day, we’re getting a look at two new creations from Return of the Jedi. Assembling the iconic Emperor’s Throne Room and a forest-y Speeder Bike Chase from Endor, both of the new diorama kits will arrive before Star Wars Day 2023.

Today, Arcade1Up is announcing the availability of its all-new flagship line of Deluxe Edition arcade machines. Expanding upon the brand’s Legacy Classics lineup, retro gamers will now be able to bring PAC-MAC Deluxe, Class of ’81 Deluxe, and Mortal Kombat Deluxe into their living rooms, with more titles expected in the future. You can order these new machines from Best Buy starting today. Ready to learn what makes these Deluxe Edition arcade cabinets deluxe? Keep reading below the fold.

Jabra today is officially shipping its latest pair of earbuds. The new Elite 4 were first announced toward the end of March and now are finally available for purchase. Arriving with a higher price tag and some added features compared to the previous versions, we’re taking a hands-on look at how these Jabra Elite 4 earbuds stack up.

If you haven’t heard of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor yet, well, it’s the sequel to the beloved Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order game of a few years ago. The sequel officially releases at the end of this month, and we’re finally starting to get more information about it. Various industry leaders have now had a chance to play portions of the incoming title early and have resoundingly loved the improvements that Respawn is making to Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, with some saying it improves “every aspect of the original.” What’s changed, and what can you expect from Star Wars Jedi: Survivor when it launches on April 28? Let’s take 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.

• All-time lows go live on Apple Watch SE 2 styles from $219 at Amazon (Reg. $249)
• Anker’s just-released M650 wireless microphone kit for Mac and iPhone sees first discount to $220
• OtterBox takes 20% off when you spend $70 on 15W MagSafe chargers, iPhone 14 cases, more

NZXT’s latest addition to its peripheral lineup is the Capsule Mini – a smaller version of the Capsule USB microphone we reviewed back in the fall of 2021. The Mini keeps the stylish design language of the larger mic but comes in a much smaller package that won’t take up as much space on a desk – making it ideal for gamers who want more room. It’s also much more affordable at just $70. But how does it stack up against one of my favorite small streaming mics – the HyperX SoloCast? Be sure to hit the video below to see and hear all of the details. 

Update: After debuting for the first time back in April, the new Xbox Special Edition Wireless Controller Remix with the included Xbox Rechargeable Battery Pack has now hits its $69.94 shipped all-time low. Regularly $85, this is 18% off the going rate and the best we have tracked since release. Full details below. 

Microsoft is expanding its gamepad selection today with the new environmentally-friendly Remix Xbox Wireless Controller. After launching the all-green model just ahead of St. Patrick’s Day last month, Xbox is looking ahead to Earth Day with the new Remix Special Edition that is “partly” made from reclaimed CDs, water jugs, and other recycled controller parts. Delivering a sort of multi-tone earthy color scheme that fits right in with the theme here, the new Remix model is now up for pre-order and you can get a closer look down below.

Update: LEGO has officially revealed the new UCS X-Wing, which will be launching on May 1 for $239.99. Go check out the landing page on LEGO Shop before heading below to see all the details.

Last we checked in on the first UCS Star Wars set for 2023, we detailed what to expect from the basics of the new X-Wing Fighter launching this spring. Now as the May 1 release date inches closer, we have some new information to share about the upcoming LEGO set 75355 including a first look at the design, its overall measurements, and information about the packaging.

Update: Amazon is now issued an on-page coupon that drops the new light gray elago Armor AirPods Pro 2 Case down to $11.69 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders over $25. Regularly $19, as detailed above, this is a new all-time low and you can get a complete breakdown of what to expect below. 

Following the debut of its new Duo Apple Watch Ultra case with interchangeble bezels and the W9 stand for Apple’s flagship wearable, elago has now introduced its latest case for AirPods Pro 2. The brand, well-known for its novel ice cream cases and adorable retro-style designs, is no stranger to the AirPods game and its latest brings the silicone Armor Case of yesteryear to the latest-generation pro-grade Apple earbuds. Now available for purchase directly from the official elago Amazon storefront with a nice little price drop, be sure to head below for more details on the latest elago AirPods Pro 2 case. 

LEGO just launched a new collection of sets over the weekend, notably bringing a new wave of creations from Guardians of the Galaxy onto store shelves. The latest Marvel kits celebrate the third installment in the trilogy hitting theaters next month. Today we’re taking a hands-on look at the lineup’s flagship set, deemed the “New Guardians’ Ship.” With a vibrant color scheme and even more eye-catching design, we’re seeing just how the $100 LEGO Guardians Bowie set stacks up.

Overwatch 2 is about to head into its fourth season of play and will excitingly be introducing an all-new hero. Meet Lifeweaver, a new healer coming to the game later this spring with a plant-themed design and refreshed kit that focuses on disrupting the flow of games with some unique support abilities.

What first seemed like another April Fools’ joke has now been confirmed to be the real thing as ASUS officially unveils its new handheld gaming PC. The brand oddly decided to introduce the machine on April Fools’ Day 2023 as “ROG’s First Gaming Handheld Console,” but the new handheld gaming PC is now officially confirmed as a real thing with a Best Buy pre-order listing on the way (sign up for the waiting list here). Head below for a closer look and some additional details on the new ASUS Steam Deck competitor. 

Today, HyperX is releasing its Pulsefire Haste 2 wired and wireless gaming mice to the world for purchase. Announced back at CES 2023, the Pulsefire Haste 2 is the perfect upgrade to your gaming setup as we head into the spring and summer. With up to 100 hours of gameplay per charge on the wireless model and 8000Hz polling on both versions, this mouse has a lot to offer for its $60 starting price. Ready to learn more? Head below for everything we know about the latest HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 wired and wireless gaming mice.

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 $99 on Apple’s latest M1 iPad Air 5 at best prices of the year from $500
• Apple Watch Ultra all-time lows arrive on Alpine Loop styles at $730 this spring (Reg. $799)
• New all-time lows land on Samsung Galaxy S23/+/Ultra handsets from $700 (Save $100+)

In what many builders thought was an April Fools’ day prank, the most highly-anticipated LEGO leak of the year has arrived. Including a massive UCS Venator featuring a Phase II Captain Rex, the upcoming collection is believed to also feature two sets from the new Ahsoka series, a 332nd Clone Trooper swamp speeder, and even a playscale Republic Gunship.

It’s no a joke! There are new LEGO sets arriving today with the triumpant return of LEGO Indiana Jones leading the way after a decade hiatus. That’s alongside the latest kits from the Marvel universe courtesy of some Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 kits, some 100th anniversary Disney creations, and more. Head below for the full scoop on all of the new LEGO sets available for April 2023, which are now available for purchase.

Today, Mattel and Velan Studios are announcing the all-new Hot Wheels: Rift Rally mixed-reality gaming experience, combining physical RC cars with augmented reality courses in which you will be able to race around. The game itself is available on iOS, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, and you can order the starter kits today. Hot Wheels: Rift Rally brings a new racing experience into your home with “over-the-top digital environments” while transforming your floors “into high-speed raceways.” The standard and collector starter kits are available starting today from a variety of retailers. Ready to learn more about this new racing experience? Keep reading below the fold.