News

At long last, BIONICLE is back! Well, sort of. Today the LEGO Group launched its latest gift with purchase, and we’re going hands-on to see just how the modern-day remakes of Tahu and Takua stack up. Available now as a free add-on to select orders over $100, the latest promotional set has been long-awaited by fans of the heroes from Mata Nui. Now to see if the promotion is worth your cash, I’m taking a closer look at BIONICLE and its 2023 comeback.

The new elago Ice Cream AirPods Pro 2 case has surfaced. Reissuing one of its more popular and eye-catching designs for Apple’s latest-generation earbuds, elago’s new sweet dessert-inspired sheath has arrived. The brand’s first batch of AirPods Pro 2 cases launched back in September, just after its compatible lanyard strap, with the usual colorful liquid silicone treatment, but the new-generation ice cream was no where to be found at the time. That all changes today as it has now popped up on Amazon in four colorways starting from $14.99 Prime shipped. Head below for more details. 

Sony today is expanding its well-known Walkman music player lineup with two new additions that are now available for purchase. The two new players Sony is unveiling today, the NW-ZX707 and NW-A306, feature multiple improvements over the previous generation models including enhanced audio quality and longer battery life. Even though the Walkman name has been around for decades, Sony is still innovating and bringing better features to the market. Keep reading below the fold to learn more about these new and improved music players.

With a move on the horizon, I’ve been figuring out just what combination of chargers and power strips were going to help me streamine the family room setup. UGREEN’s recent DigiNest Pro has tapped in just in time to save the day, delivering seven ports for topping off everything from my own personal everyday carry to friend’s smartphones and more. Below, I see how the entire package stacks up in this latest edition of Tested with 9to5Toys.

Audio production gear company IK Multimedia is unleashing its new streaming mic today known as the iRig Stream Mic Pro. The brand says the new microphone “makes it easier than ever” for streamers and content creators to share broadcasts, speech, and music, combining a multichannel interface and some interesting I/O potential into a single portable unit. Head below for more details on the new iRig streaming mic. 

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.

• Pair your new M2 Mac mini with an all-time low on Apple Studio Display at $1,300 (Save $299)
• Apple’s Magic Keyboard outfits your 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro at $300 (Save $49)
• Apple’s 24-inch M1 iMac goes on sale for first time in months from $1,100 (Save $199)

With another big update, Dice invited a bunch of people to a pre-release capture event showcasing the new class system in Battlefield 2042. In addition to this return to a beloved battlefield staple, the snowy map Breakaway has also seen a huge rework that keeps the action much closer, and there have been quite a few new and old items added back into the Battlefield mix. Be sure to hit the video to see some of the Battlefield 2042 3.2 updates in action. 

It’s time to take a look at some DualSense Edge customization options. The brand-new DualSense Edge officially launches today, and Sony has now taken to its official PlayStation Blog to help users maximize its potential. The first-ever pro-grade PlayStation controller made by Sony is now officially out in the wild – we now know it is still only available directly from Sony until it hits other retailers next month – and to help users customize the gamepad to their specific specs, Sony has dished up some details on designing your own custom profiles. Head below for a closer look. 

After getting an exclusive first look at the latest additions to the LEGO Star Wars helmet series earlier in the week, today the new builds are officially being revealed. Now available for pre-order ahead of the March 1 launch date, the new Commander Cody and Captain Rex Helmets expand the LEGO lineup at the $69.99 price points.

Update: Sony has now confirmed the DualSense Edge will be “offered at other participating retailers starting February 23, 2023.”

DualSense Edge launch day has arrived. After being unveiled last summer before going up for pre-order directly from Sony a few months later in October, the official DualSense Edge controller is now ready for prime time. Deliveries to pre-order customers are presumably beginning to ship out starting today, and we might very well see listings go live outside of the Sony online storefront at some point throughout the day. Head below for more details. 

All of the new Xbox games launching in the next few months and beyond are about to get some serious air time as part of today’s Xbox showcase. While Microsoft and Bethesda have scheduled a dedicated showcase for the highly-anticipated Starfield sci-fi RPG, we are expecting to get a good look, including some gameplay from some of the biggest upcoming releases otherwise. Head below to follow along with today’s showcase to get a first look at the best new Xbox games on the way. 

Today, Ninja is introducing a brand-new countertop-style double oven to upgrade your cooking setup in the new year. The FlexDoor allows you to create two separate ovens with this countertop cooker which provides the ability to prepare two meals at the same time. Not only that, but both chambers can be set to different temperatures and times, allowing you to cook both cheesesteak sandwiches and cheesecake simultaneously. Sound intriguing? Keep reading to find out more about the Ninja 12-in-1 Countertop Double Oven.

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 official iPhone 13 Silicone MagSafe Case hits $23 all-time low (Reg. $49)
• Official Apple Watch Sport Loop discounts go live on Amazon starting at $39 (Reg. $49)
• Satechi takes 20% off new 200W Charging Station, Thunderbolt 4 hub, more from $96

Update: Rare has now revealed that GoldenEye 007 is also landing on Xbox Game Pass the same day as Switch Online, January 27, 2023. Details are down below.  

We now have an official release date for GoldenEye 007 on Nintendo Switch Online. Back in September of last year, Nintendo started the hype train after announcing the beloved and iconic James Bond FPS from the N64 days would be making a triumphant return on its Switch Online platform. Shortly thereafter, Rare (the game’s original developer) announced it would also be making its way to the Xbox online service, but there were no release dates in sight at the time. All of that changes this morning. 

ModMics have been one of the most well-known ways to turn any pair of headphones into a gaming headset; we went hands-on with the entire lineup last year. For those who prefer IEMs (or in-ear monitors) to over-headphones, though, the brand-new Kimura may be right up your alley. Adding a microphone on an adjustable boom, Kimura comes in a few different flavors to fit most IEM needs, like the Kimura Duo we were able to get our hands on. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Love Hulten – a Sweden-based audio visual artist and all around avant grade design genius – has just unleashed the latest in a long string of must-see musical gadgets. Desert Songs is a physical synthesizer and music-making device that is essentially triggered by actual living plants. One of the most unique and weird (in the best way possible) all-in-one plant-to-MIDI synthesizer machines we’ve seen, you’ll want to head below for more details and a closer look at the new Love Hulten Desert Songs creation. 

First unveiled at CES 2023, HyperX is now announcing when you will be able to get your hands on its first 3D printed keycap, Coco the Cozy Cat. This comes as part of its new HX3D program which is set out to create accessories for you to customize and personalize your gaming gear and limited-edition keycaps are the first venture the program is undertaking. Coco the Cozy Cat is set to begin its limited-time run on January 26 for 48 hours or until supplies run out. Keep reading below to learn more about HyperX’s new HX3D program and this limited-edition keycap.

At the start of the year, the LEGO Group released its latest version of Tony Stark’s Hulkbuster armor from the MCU. As a massive Iron Man fan and an even bigger enjoyer of the brick-built versions of the Golden Avenger, I finally picked up the kit to add to my collection. Comparing it to some of the previous versions, I go hands on below to see just why the new LEGO Hulkbuster is the best one yet.

SteamWorld is stepping back into the limelight with its latest announcement: SteamWorld Build. Launching sometime this year on both console and PC, SteamWorld build is a unique city builder where you’ll construct a multilevel and thriving mining town above ground, while those below the surface have to deal with actually mining the resources and the monsters that lie in the depths. Does SteamWorld Build sound interesting? Keep reading to find out more and to also get details on how you can play it 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.

• Apple’s 11-inch M2 iPad Pro sees $200 discount to new all-time low at Amazon
• Woot’s latest Apple refurb sale has iPhone 13 from $580 and Apple Watch Series 7 at $260
• Rare discount lands on Logitech’s popular MX Vertical Mouse at $85 on Amazon (Reg. $100)

Update: The LEGO Group has officially revealed the new helmets! Both are now available for pre-order, too.

While we’ve been sharing lots of reports on what to expect from the LEGO Star Wars 2023 lineup as of late, this afternoon we can excitingly share a first look at some of the new sets. Releasing on March 1, the Star Wars Helmet series will be getting its very first creations from the Clone Wars. Assembling Commander Cody and Captain Rex, the two new LEGO helmets will be hitting the scene later this spring for $70 each.

After going hands on with the brand’s unique ALTI charging desk mat late last year, we have recently had a chance to to give Journey’s new Rapid TRIO 3-in-1 Wireless MagSafe Charging Stand a run for its money. The brand officially unleashed its new magnetic all-in-one charging and organization solution a couple weeks ago now with a familiar form-factor and design but with a few neat tricks up its sleeve as well. And, you’ll want to check out our review of the new Rapid TRIO 3-in-1 down below while it’s still available at 20% off for the launch phase. 

As the LEGO Star Wars lineup for 2023 shifts into focus, today 9to5Toys can share a report confirming what one of the year’s more display-worthy sets will be. Arriving as one of the latest expansions to the LEGO diorama series, the upcoming Jabba’s Throne Room will depict an iconic scene from Return of the Jedi to celebrate the movie’s 40th anniversary.

Since the iconic Show About Nothing™️ ended 25 years ago, we’ve seen that Jerry, George, and the gang have found their way into all kinds of unique releases. From point-and-click adventure games to LEGO sets that capture the iconic New York style of the friend group, there has hardly been a shortage of collectibles and tributes to the series. Today, the folks at Fisher-Price are staking their claim to get in on all of the yada yada yada and are releasing a new set of Seinfeld figures.

Today, Sony is introducing a new model of headphones designed specifically for runners and athletes. The Float Run, as Sony calls it, is a headphone style that puts the speaker near your ear canal but without touching it. Also, the pressure-free design doesn’t necessarily squeeze your head like similar bone-conducting models have to, making it even more comfortable for runners, who can now exercise without the worry of chafing. Sound intriguing? Keep reading to learn more.

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

• Apple’s new M2 Mac mini begins shipping tomorrow, now sees $100 discounts from $499
• Apple’s latest 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro sees $100 discount Lunar New Year discount
• Anker starts the week with discounted MagSafe gear, chargers, USB-C hubs, more from $11

Although we’re well into winter now, Weber is looking forward to barbecue season and is now unveiling its 2023 product lineup of grills, griddles, and more. One of the standouts from the lineup is Weber’s new LUMIN electric grill which has been designed for those with limited outdoor space who still want to retain barbecue’s authentic flavors. While there are some new products Weber is introducing, it is also keeping its current models up-to-date with new griddle inserts for its existing SPIRIT and GENESIS gas grills. Want to have a griddle-only experience instead? Don’t worry, the new WEBER Griddle will be capable of reaching temperatures of up to 500°F with its “specially engineered burner technology.” Ready to see what you have to look forward to this coming spring and summer? Keep reading below the fold.

Today, LG is introducing and announcing the availability of its all-new CineBeam Smart Portable Projector, which comes in at 2.2 pounds and is designed to let you take movie night anywhere. There’s built-in smarts, the ability to project from 30 to 120 inches, and a full 1080p HD resolution. Sound like something you’d like to add to your setup? It comes in at $599, and we have all the details about the LG CineBeam Smart Portable Projector 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 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro sees $399 refurb discount to new low, plus more in Woot sale
• Save 35% on Twelve South’s versatile HoverBar Duo iPad stand at $39.50
• Amazon takes extra 15% off Philips Hue smart bulbs to start the year from $22

Bellroy has now unleashed its new smartphone pouch known as the All–Conditions Phone Pocket. Designed to deliver an all-in-one accessory and iPhone/Android handset carrier, it protects your most important EDC gear from the elements while providing just enough space to store it all without being overly cumbersome – whether you’re headed out in the city for the day or off on adventures in the wild. Now available for purchase in two colorways, you’ll want to head below for a closer look and more details. 

With New Year goals in full swing, be sure to add Bath & Body Works new wellness collection MOXY to your list. There are 44 items in this collection including skin and hair products as well as supplements for digestion, stress, and sleep. The entire collection is also budget-friendly with pricing starting at $11, and it ranges up to $28, available online and in stores now. One of the best parts is that the line is completely vegan. Better yet, all of the bottles and caps in the line are made with 100% recycled materials, and the brand also sells refills. They’re also made without fragrance, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oils. Be sure to head below to find out more about Bath & Body Works MOXY and you will want to check out our news guide for the latest here.

Any fan of the Mushroom Kingdom will want to at least take a look at this new Mario Kart collectible from F4F. First 4 Figures – maker of officially-licensed Nintendo gear and other collectibles – has now launched the early bird phase of its new Mario Kart – Mario PVC Statue for Nintendo collectors. Not unlike the brand’s epic Hylian Shield statue from Zelda Breath of the Wild that launched back in late December 2021, its latest Nintendo statue is directly inspired by the beloved classic Nintendo kart racer that debuted back in 1992. Best of all, you can lock one in now for the next month or so at $10 off the going rate. Head below for a closer look and more details. 

Zagg today, by way of Gear4, is launching a new Apple Watch band that takes on the Ultra series stylings for less. The new Highland strap arrives with a familiar design to one of Apple’s own in-house offerings, just without the usual premium price tag attached and all of the expected rugged build.

Ayaneo just had its 2023 Strategy Event where the company announced its plans for the year. As part of that, we got our first look at both the Air Plus and Slide, Ayaneo’s two upcoming Windows-based gaming handhelds. The model that Ayaneo talked the most about is the Air Plus, which is the more traditional of the two announced systems with a 6-inch display, 46.2Whr battery, and both Intel and AMD configurations.

Sony has now revealed and confirmed the PS VR 2 games releasing at launch (or very close to it). The next month or so is set to be a notable one for PlayStation with the launch of its first ever pro-grade controller, the DualSense Edge, next week and the next-generation PlayStation VR 2 headset and controller coming in February. Today, Sony has taken to the official PlayStation Blog to confirm the VR games players will have access to at launch as well as 13 completely new titles that are set to arrive very shortly thereafter. 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 latest Magic Keyboard delivers Touch ID at $140
• Anker’s popular Nano Pro 20W USB-C charger comes in five colors, hits $13 low (Save 24%)
• OWC’s latest Thunderbolt 4 docks fall to new Amazon all-time lows from $130

Today we are taking a closer look at the new Native Union AirPods Pro 2 cases. Responsible for a range of notable Apple gear accessories, including the unique Tom Dixon collaboration gear, the brand has brought some of its Parisian roots and design sensibilities to Apple’s latest earbuds. Expanding its existing lineup of AirPods cases with new designs available in both both black and brand’s Kraft colorway, head below for a closer look at the new Native Union AirPods Pro 2 cases. 

After 9to5Toys last reported that the LEGO Group would be officially relaunching BIONICLE as a gift with purchase, today actual photos of the upcoming kit have been revealed. Releasing next Friday, the freebie will be available as an add-on to other LEGO orders, delivering the first recreations of heroes Tahu and Takua in years.

It’s been a while since we’ve checked in on everyone’s favorite archaeologist, but today 9to5Toys can share an update on the revival of the LEGO Indiana Jones series. With the new film on the horizon, the LEGO Group will be launching a new collection of sets to get in on the action, many of which we’ve already detailed. Headlined by the upcoming 1,500-piece LEGO Temple Escape Diorama, there will also be three other Indiana Jones sets landing on April 1.

Growatt is ready to unveil its latest in portable power solutions with the new smart VITA 550. The brand has been a top brand of smart new energy solutions with over 11 years experience in producing reliable residential solar energy and power storage products. Carrying support from 3 million families and individuals worldwide, alongside 100W and 200W portable solar panels that work with just about all third-party portable power stations on the market, its existing and quite feature-rich INFINITY 1500 is also now joined by its latest offering, the VITA 550 model. The new power station is set for pre-sale this month and you can get a complete breakdown of what to expect from the new smart solution, a closer look at it in action, and more down below. You can also get a closer look at the Growatt INFINITY 1500 model in our hands-on review right here.

After debuting and now launching its new Disney collaboration, it’s time to take a look at the brand new CASETiFY clear case for iPhone 14. CASETiFY is a brand, for many, that is best known and exemplified by its black and white bezel logo work and the wild patterns it sits atop. From iPhone and Android smartphone cases to iPad and AirPods covers, it has quickly become one of the biggest brands in the case business. While a complete clear case isn’t exactly what it’s known for, it has brought some of the industry-leading protection it developed in the 2022 Bounce design we detailed previously to what it is calling “the clearest and most protective Clear Case for the mass market.” Head below for more details. 

As one of its final releases of the year, Satechi in December released its new Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand. This unique offering delivers a complete charging station for your Apple kit in a design that can fit right in the palm of your hand, while also delivering a premium metal build. But is the final package premium enough to warrant the $100 price tag? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys is on the case.