IT General
Hurdle hints and answers for June 19, 2026
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintBodily fluid.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerLYMPH
Hurdle Word 2 hintHush hush.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 19, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerTABOO
Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today
Hurdle Word 3 hintScratchy.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 19, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answerITCHY
Hurdle Word 4 hintA string instrument.
Hurdle Word 4 answerVIOLA
Final Hurdle hintTo hate.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerABHOR
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on June 19
The lunar cycle is well underway, and the Moon is becoming more and more noticeable each night. Its bright crescent shape continues to grow as we head towards the First Quarter phase.
What is today’s Moon phase?As of Friday, June 19, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 33% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.
With just your naked eye, tonight you'll be able to see the Mares Fecunditatis and Crisium. And with binoculars, you'll also catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater. If you have a telescope, this will help you see all this plus the Apollo 17 landing spot and the Mare Nectaris.
When is the next Full Moon?The next Full Moon will take place on June 29.
What are Moon phases?According to NASA, the Moon completes one orbit around Earth in about 29.5 days, moving through eight recognised phases along the way. While the same side of the Moon always faces our planet, the amount of its surface lit by the Sun changes as it travels around Earth. As a result, we see the Moon appear in different shapes over the course of a month, from slender crescents and half moons to a bright Full Moon. This repeating sequence of phases is known as the lunar cycle.
New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
NYT Pips hints, answers for June 19, 2026
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 19, 2026The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for June 18, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for June 19 PipsLess Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.
Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 3-5, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this red space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed horizontally.
Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for June 19 PipsLess Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically.
Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 4-6, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally.
Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.
Equal (2): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally.
Equal (5): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.
Equal (4): Everything in this red space must be equal to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally.
Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for June 19 PipsGreater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.
Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.
Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally.
Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically; 1-2, placed horizontally.
Equal (2): Everything in this red space must be equal to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 1-5, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.
Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 6-4, placed vertically.
Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 2-6, placed horizontally.
Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally.
Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 19, 2026
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a musician.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for June 19, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Savory eats
Green: Instrumentals
Blue: Popular publications
Purple: To bring together
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
Here are today's Connections categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Umami-rich foods
Green: Things a beginner might learn on the piano
Blue: Starting with magazines
Purple: Ending in synonyms for "Aggregate"
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #1104 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayUmami-rich foods: MISO PASTE, PARMESAN, SOY SAUCE, VEGEMITE
Things a beginner might learn on the piano: CHOPSTICKS, FÜR ELISE, HEART AND SOUL, THE ENTERTAINER
Starting with magazines: FORTUNE COOKIE, PEOPLE PERSON, SPINDERELLA, TIME MACHINE
Ending in synonyms for "Aggregate": COINCIDENTALLY, DIM SUM, TEETOTAL, VISCOUNT
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 19, 2026Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
NYT Strands hints, answers for June 19, 2026
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love cowboys.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 19, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Look to the WestThe words are related to cowboys.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe the Wild Wild West.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Cowpokes.
NYT Strands word list for June 19Saddle
Cowpokes
Jeans
Spurs
Stetson
Bandana
Chaps
Boots
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 19, 2026
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love to express yourself.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 19, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for June 19, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Digital icon.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no recurring letters.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter E.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
EMOJI
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
Disney+ is down
UPDATE: Jun. 19, 2026, 12:13 p.m. Disney+ has posted an update on X at 10:06 p.m. ET / 7:06 p.m. stating that the issue has now been fixed. The cause of the outage has not yet been revealed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Original story follows.
Disney's streaming service Disney+ is currently suffering a global outage, with users reporting that they're seeing an error message when attempting to log in.
Crowdsourced outage tracker Downdetector began receiving reports of issues with Disney+ just after 6:40 p.m. ET / 3:40 p.m., with over 20,000 submitted by users in the U.S. alone by 7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. (Disclosure: Mashable and Downdetector share the same parent company, Ziff Davis.)
Though the cause of the Disney+ outage is currently unknown, Disney has acknowledged the issue in a post on the official Disney+ support X account.
"We’re currently investigating issues affecting login for some users and hope to have this resolved soon," the official Disney+ support X account posted at 8:49 p.m. ET / 5:49 p.m. PT. "Thank you for your patience!"
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The account has also been responding to X users' complaints by apologising and directing them to Disney+'s feedback form.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Getting Disney+ back up soon is of the essence for many users, as the streaming service is airing the 2026 FIFA World Cup in some South American regions. Fortunately, it shouldn't be too disruptive to these soccer fans. Though matches featuring Argentina, Columbia, Ecuador, and Uruguay will be aired on Disney+ Premium in their respective countries, none are scheduled for today. The match between Mexico and South Korea is currently scheduled to kick off at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.
This is a developing story…
Does Toy Story 5 have a credits scene?
Thirty years after the original made us try to catch our toys in action, Toy Story 5 is here. And as a Pixar film, there's always one question on audience minds at the end of the film: Is there a secret scene during or after the credits?
Hidden credits scenes have become synonymous with the Disney studio, from the staged blooper reels of Monsters Inc. to the not-so-perfect dentist escape at the end of Finding Nemo. Elio has one. Inside Out 2 has one. While Toy Story's first film doesn't have an end-credits scene, Toy Story 2, 3 and 4 do.
And sure enough, there's fun in the credits of Toy Story 5.
SEE ALSO: 'Toy Story 5' review: AI toys are the hook, not the heart of this comedyWe won't spoil what happens in the scenes, but just know you should definitely stay for the credits for three reasons:
There's a mid-credits scene that's high drama.
There's a post-credits scene that's a sweet time.
Thousands of people worked on this film. It's nice to stay for the credits.
It's not the only Easter egg you'll find in Toy Story 5 either.
Toy Story 5 has a perfect blink-and-youll-miss-it Easter egg
Toy Story 5 is careening into cinemas with its foot to the floor, like a Pizza Planet employee behind on their deliveries. And if you're concentrating, you'll spy a very fast Easter egg that's become a staple in Pixar movies.
With Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the gang back for the fifth adventure in the franchise, I had my eyes peeled for any throwback moments. And while there aren't many, one is clear as day — though it's blink-and-you'll-miss-it-fast.
SEE ALSO: 'Toy Story 5' review: AI toys are the hook, not the heart of this comedyWithout spoiling the storyline, you can spot the reference in the third act of the film. A group of characters is travelling along a rural road when a vehicle approaches, causing them all to freeze in their signature Toy Story way. It absolutely fangs it past them.
That vehicle? It's a Pizza Planet truck. Unmistakeable in its yellow-and-white body and characteristic urgency, this is the vehicle of choice for the forever flustered delivery worker from the franchise's space-themed restaurant and arcade. Pizza Planet appeared all the way back in Toy Story, when Woody tried to trick Buzz into flying home to Star Command.
The Pizza Planet truck has become a bit of a cameo classic in most Pixar films from Turning Red to Onward — of course, there are Reddit threads — and appearing in every Toy Story film (even as a tattoo in Toy Story 4). Those pizzas have got to be ice cold by now.
5 deals under $25 worth shopping before Prime Day
Attention shoppers: Amazon Prime Day starts on June 23. In theory, you could wait to shop until Tuesday, but if you're in the mood to score some deals before the sale begins, you're in luck. Amazon tends to drop prices before the sale starts, and as long as you check on price history with camelcamelcamel to make sure you're actually getting a good deal, you might not have to wait.
For those sticking to a budget this Prime Day, consider that some of our favorite items are sitting at under $25. A great pair of budget earbuds, fancy smart bulbs, and an emotional-support water bottle are all on sale before Prime Day. Shop now, and you'll avoid potential shipping delays.
These are the top early Prime Day deals under $25, should you want to get a head start on shopping.
Best deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore P30i $24.99 at Amazon$49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it
The Soundcore P30i earbuds fall well within a budget price but don't skimp out on features. As an early Prime Day treat, Amazon has them on sale for only $24.99 in select colorways, down from the list price of $49.99 at Soundcore.
According to Mashable's list of the best budget earbuds, the Soundcore P30i have the most impressive sound for an option under $50 (now under $25). "The active noise cancellation on them is impressive for their price, able to block out the bustle of busy streets or the noisy gym," wrote Mashable Shopping Reporters Bethany Allard and Samantha Mangino.
More deals under $25Govee LED Smart Light Bulbs (2 pack) — $19.99 $25.99 (save $6)
Lego Botanicals Mini Orchid — $23.95 $29.99 (save $6.04)
Owala FreeSip (24 ounces, off road) — $23.99 $29.99 (save $6)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)
I track TV prices year-round, so I know that these 25+ TV deals ahead of Prime Day are actually worth it
Prime Day season is one of the best times of year to buy a TV on sale. That's been etched into our mental calendars in July for the past decade, but this year, hype for one of the year's biggest shopping events starts in June: Prime Day 2026 will run from June 23 to 26. As always, worthwhile TV deals are already popping up in the weeks preceding the event.
The good pre-Prime Day TV deals aren't just at Amazon. Half the time, the reason that TV deals during Prime Day go so hard is that competing retailers like Best Buy refuse to let Amazon get all the attention — and it has already started this year. If you don't want to wait until the end of the month to grab your new TV, here are 25+ of the best TV deals I've found at Amazon and Best Buy ahead of Prime Day. Most models in this list match or beat their all-time record-low price, according to Amazon price tracker camelcamelcamel.
SEE ALSO: 15+ streaming services you can get for 99 cents, plus more early Prime Day streaming deals Best TV deal ahead of Prime Day overall Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED 4K TV $1,197.99 at Amazon$1,999.99 Save $802 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Hisense finally launched its highly-awaited RGB TVs on June 2. While both the UR8 and UR9 RGB TVs are on sale at Best Buy, there's another 2026 Hisense TV with a much wilder discount: The 75-inch Hisense U7 Mini LED TV is just $1,197.99 after a massive 40% price drop from its usual $1,999.99.
Just released in March, the Hisense U7 series has a pretty incredible lighting system for its price range. Its backlight benefits from full-array local dimming, which uses clusters of tiny LED bulbs that can fully turn themselves on or off for more precise contrast during any scene or livestream. Other impressive numbers include a peak brightness of 3,000 nits (great news for FIFA fans trying to watch a game during the daytime) and a native 165Hz refresh rate (great news for gamers on a budget).
Deals on 43-inch TVs and underInsignia 43-inch Class F50 Series 4K Fire TV — $139.99 $199.99 (save $60)
Toshiba 43-inch C350 4K Fire TV — $139.98 $299.99 (save $160.01)
Hisense 43-inch QD6 QLED 4K Fire TV — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)
Hisense 50-inch E7 Cinema Mini LED QLED 4K Fire TV — $427.99 $699 (save $271.01)
Hisense 50-inch S7N Canvas QLED 4K Art TV — $797.99 $1,299.99 (save $502)
Insignia 55-inch QF QLED 4K TV — $239.99 $399.99 (save $160)
LG 55-inch 75B QNED 4K TV — $399.99 $599.99 (save $200)
Hisense 55-inch E7 Cinema Mini LED QLED 4K Fire TV — $497.99 $749 (save $251.01)
Hisense 55-inch U6 Pro Mini LED QLED 4K Fire TV — $597.99 $849 (save $251.01)
TCL 55-inch NXTVISION QLED 4K Art TV — $629.99 $999.99 (save $370)
Samsung 55-inch S90F OLED 4K TV — $997.99 $1,597.99 (save $500)
LG 65-inch 75B QNED 4K TV — $499.99 $699.99 (save $200)
TCL 65-inch QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $527.99 $597.99 (save $70)
TCL 65-inch QM64L Mini LED QLED 4K Fire TV — $529.99 $799.99 (save $120)
TCL 65-inch E7 Cinema Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $649.99 $999.99 (save $350)
Amazon 65-inch Ember QLED Fire TV — $709.99 $849.99 (save $140)
Hisense 65-inch U6 Pro Mini LED QLED 4K Fire TV — $749.99 $1,099.99 (save $350)
Hisense 65-inch S7N Canvas QLED 4K Art TV — $839.99 $1,299.99 (save $460)
Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $947.99 $1,499.99 (save $552)
TCL 65-inch QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $997.99 $1,499.99 (save $502)
Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K TV — $1,399.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,100)
Sony 65-inch Bravia XR8B OLED 4K TV — $1,599.99 $1,999.99 (save $400)
Hisense 65-inch UR8 RGB Mini LED 4K TV — $1,799.99 $1,999.99 (save $200)
Sony 65-inch Bravia 8 II OLED 4K TV — $2,799.99 $3,299.99 (save $500)
Toshiba 75-inch C350 4K Fire TV — $379.99 $729.99 (save $350)
Hisense 75-inch QD7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $549.99 $799 (save $249.01)
LG 75-inch 75B QNED 4K TV — $729.99 $999.99 (save $270)
Hisense 75-inch U6 Pro Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $848.99 $1,399.99 (save $249.01)
TCL 75-inch QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $1,999.99 (save $502)
Hisense 75-inch S7N Canvas QLED 4K Art TV — $1,499.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,000)
TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD Mini LED 4K TV — $1,799.99 $2,499.99 (save $700 plus get a free 55-inch QLED TV)
Hisense 75-inch UR8 RGB Mini LED 4K TV — $2,199.99 $2,499.99 (save $300)
LG 77-inch C5 OLED 4K TV — $1,999.99 $3,699.99 (save $1,700)
Insignia 85-inch Class F50 Series 4K Fire TV — $549.99 $899.99 (save $350)
Insignia 85-inch QF QLED 4K TV — $659.99 $1,099.99 (save $440)
Hisense 85-inch QD6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $749.99 $1,099.99 (save $350)
TCL 85-inch QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $999.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,000)
Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $1,197.99 $1,999.99 (save $802)
Hisense 85-inch UR9 RGB Mini LED 4K TV — $3,999.99 $4,499.99 (save $500)
I tested every Kindle, and this is the one Id buy during Prime Day
Not quite a tablet and much more compact than a book, e-readers are basically a compact, digital library. And having tested a lot of e-readers and tablets for Mashable, I can tell you the Amazon Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices.
All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle and how to make the most of it. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don't have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day and Libby let you cross every last item off your annual reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading.
But there's no better Kindle hack then waiting to buy one on Prime Day.
How much will Kindles be on Prime Day?Here's a fact: Kindles always go on sale during Prime Day. As one of Amazon's most popular devices, they get big discounts, so it's not a question of if but instead a question of how much. Not only do I test Kindles, but I also track the best deals on Kindles, too.
So, ahead of Prime Day on June 23 to 26, I have a pretty good idea of how much Kindles will cost during the sale.
I tracked the price of the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite over the past four sales to predict this year's prices. Credit: MashableThe Kindle Paperwhite's lowest price ever is $124.99, which the device dropped to during Black Friday, Prime Big Deals Days, and of course, last year's Prime Day. So, unless Amazon decides to give it a new all-time low price, we expect to see it drop to $124.99 on June 23.
For a more budget-friendly purchase, the basic Kindle has seen even bigger savings. The e-reader had a new, all-time low price during Black Friday 2025 when it dropped to $79.99. This Prime Day, I hope to see that $79.99 price tag again, but an $84.99 price might be more likely.
2026 Kindle updatesAs of May 20, 2026, Amazon no longer lend software updates or provide web services to devices released in 2012 or earlier, essentially bricking them. Users will still be able to read currently downloaded books on the device, but to add new books, they will need to connect the device to a computer. This is a huge hit, especially to Libby users who need web service access to read borrowed books.
The affected Kindles include:
Kindle (1st generation)
Kindle (2nd generation)
Kindle DX
Kindle DX Graphite
Kindle Keyboard
Kindle 4
Kindle Touch
Kindle 5
Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)
Owners of these Kindle models are obviously upset, as it means they'll need to purchase a new device to maintain access to all features. While some are considering switching to a different e-reader, like a Kobo, Amazon still makes great e-readers, and it's a testament to the brand that devices that are at least 14 years old are still going strong.
Which Kindle is right for you?If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.
Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableBeyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:
Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.
Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.
Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.
Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus.
The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.
Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.
And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.
SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers. How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / MashableThe best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.
Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.
How to make the most of your KindleThrough our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:
How to make the most of your Kindle: 8 features you need to use
What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books
I've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.
What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store
What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month
Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime
Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads
The cult-favorite Shashibo fidget toy is 20% off for Prime Day
SAVE $5: The Shashibo sensory fidget toy is down to $19.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount off its $24.99 typical price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shashibo Shashibo Sensory Fidget Toy $19.99 at Amazon$24.99 Save $5 Shop Now
The Shashibo sensory fidget toy is down to $19.99 at Amazon, which is its lowest price this year. That’s a small drop from its usual $24.99 price, but it’s still nice to see it sitting closer to the lower end of its range as early Prime Day deals start to roll in.
The shape-shifting cube is built around simple hands-on play that keeps your mind lightly engaged. It transforms into over 100 different shapes, so it never really stays in one form for long. Each movement leads into the next, making it easy to keep going without really thinking about it.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Beyond just something to pass time, it keeps your hands busy in a way that naturally gets you figuring out different shapes. Repeating patterns and snapping pieces into place uses memory and spatial thinking without feeling like a big effort.
It also fits easily into everyday use, whether on a desk, in a classroom, or at home between tasks. The built-in magnets let multiple cubes connect if you add more, opening up bigger structures to build.
Snag the Shashibo sensory fidget toy on Amazon and let your hands figure out the rest.
The EF EcoFlow Delta 2 power station is down to $429 at Amazon — save over $200
SAVE $270: As of June 18, the EF EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is on sale for $429 at Amazon. That’s 39% off its $699 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EF EcoFlow Delta 2 Portable Power Station $429 at Amazon$699 Save $270 Get Deal
The EF EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station is on sale for $429 at Amazon just ahead of Prime Day, a 39% discount off its $699 list price. It’s a solid drop for a 1,024Wh backup battery built to keep essentials running when the power goes out, or you’re off-grid. Portable power stations like this usually feel more relevant once you actually need it, not before.
The portable power station charges fast when plugged into a wall outlet, going from empty to 80% in about 50 minutes. That makes it easy to top up at home before a trip or keep it charged in case of a power outage.
SEE ALSO: These 9 early Prime Day outdoor deals will get you prepped for summerThe EF EcoFlow Delta 2 has a flexible setup depending on how much power you need. You can start with the main unit for everyday use and add extra batteries later if you want more capacity for longer trips or heavier use like RVs or off-grid stays. It’s built to last for years, with a long-life battery designed to handle repeated use without wearing out quickly.
You can recharge it in a few different ways, including a wall outlet or solar panels if you’re outdoors or off-grid. It also comes with basic accessories in the box, so you can get started without needing extra add-ons right away.
Catch the price dip on the EF EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station at Amazon while it’s still live.
This 5-year piano-learning app offer is down to just $68 — and it’s never been cheaper
TL;DR: Get 5 years of flowkey Piano Learning for just $67.97 — the lowest price ever — and learn piano with interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and over 1,000 songs, with code SAVE15.
Opens in a new window Credit: Flowkey flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan (5-Year Subscription) $67.99$899 Save $831.01 Get Deal
Five years of piano lessons for $67.97 sounds like a typo. It isn’t.
The flowkey Piano-Learning App Classic Plan is available for just $67.97 (reg. $899), making this the lowest price we’ve ever seen for the app. The math is hard to ignore: that’s $831.03 off the regular price for five full years of access.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Flowkey is designed to take someone from first notes to full songs using step-by-step lessons and real-time feedback. The app listens as you play, so you get instant corrections instead of guessing what went wrong.
It includes features like Wait Mode, which pauses progress until you hit the correct notes, as well as slow-motion playback, looping sections, and split-hand practice. You can also follow synced video performances alongside sheet music, which helps connect theory to actual playing.
The Classic Plan includes access to over 1,000 classical and public-domain pieces by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart, along with arrangements tailored to different skill levels.
There are also foundational courses covering music theory, chords, reading sheet music, and proper hand positioning. It’s structured to support both absolute beginners and returning players who want a refresher.
This fits beginners who want structured guidance without committing to in-person lessons, as well as intermediate players looking to rebuild or strengthen fundamentals. It also works across devices — including laptops, tablets, and phones — as long as you’re using a compatible keyboard or digital piano setup.
This learning app provides a low-risk way to build piano skills over time without recurring monthly costs or high lesson fees.
To learn a new skill and keep things simple, you’ll want structured lessons, interactive feedback, and long-term access with flowkey.
Get it today at its lowest price yet: $67.97 through June 28 at 11:59 p.m.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Early Prime Day laptop deals dont impress me much. Heres how to get a good price on a PC.
When it comes to Amazon Prime Day, many gadgets go on sale well ahead of time. Select smart home devices, big-screen TVs, and even flagship headphones get deep price cuts in the days or weeks leading up to the event. (This year, it runs from June 23 to 26.) Shoppers can scoop up early-bird discounts on these products to avoid day-of chaos, including potential inventory issues.
Not laptops, though. This year's early Prime Day laptop deals are... not good.
I'm Mashable's resident expert on all things PCs, and having covered Prime Day for seven years now, I can tell you that Amazon doesn't release many laptop deals until the sale actually starts. I'm talking legitimately excellent laptop deals on popular models, not sketchy listings that come from third-party sellers or unfamiliar brands, which are annoyingly common on Amazon.
The good news is that your patience usually pays off. Lots of Apple MacBooks and Windows laptops will fall to their lowest prices of the year at some point during Prime Day. The bad news is that, well, waiting sucks. (Then again, so does paying too much for a big-ticket item that goes on sale mere days later. But I digress.)
Fortunately, I will be personally updating this page with the best Prime Day laptop deals once they go live, so keep following Mashable's coverage and check back on June 23.
SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Amazon Prime Day: Dates, competition, and the best early deals to shop already What laptops will go on sale during Prime Day 2026?While Amazon doesn't share the specifics of its Prime Day deals ahead of time, it has revealed some category-wide discounts that shoppers can expect to see during next week's sale. In the tech department, that includes savings of up to 35% on select laptops (and smartphones and tablets) from brands like HP, Lenovo, and Samsung. Keep that in mind, Team Windows.
On the MacBook side, I'd bet on seeing discounts of at least $200 on the M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, which would match their previous all-time lows. The budget MacBook Neo has yet to get a proper discount on Amazon since launching in March, but Prime Day would be a good excuse as any for Amazon to drop it by $50 or so. My fingers are criss-crossed.
For what it's worth, I wouldn't be too loyal to Amazon during Prime Day if stellar laptop steals and deals are your priority. Other major retailers will be hosting competing sales, including Best Buy, which is promising up to 50% off devices, including laptops, during its upcoming Tech Fest. Notably, Best Buy has a much better selection of Windows laptops and older MacBooks than Amazon. (This week, it's offering $400 off high-end configurations of the M4 MacBook Air.)
If you are planning to check out Amazon's Prime Day laptop deals, bookmark this page. Below, I've collected a list of the laptop discounts that would get me to click the "Buy Now" button if they appeared on Prime Day. All of the models I've included are ones that we've tested ourselves and recommend, so you can be sure the laptop you're getting isn't just a cheap one, but a great one.
MacBook deals I want to see during Prime DayApple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — now $589.99 $599 (save $9.01); new record low of $549?
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — now $949.99 $1,099 (save $149.01); previous all-time low was $899
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — now $1,149.99 $1,299 (save $149.01); previous all-time low was $1,099
Apple MacBook Air, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — now $1,549 $1,699 (save $150); previous all-time low was $1,499
Acer Aspire 16 AI (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — now $699.99; previous all-time low was $429.99
HP OmniBook 5 14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — now $859.99; previous all-time low was $449.99
HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — now $991.30 $1,099.99 (save $108.69); new record low of $949.99?
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 15-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — now $1,499.99 $2,099.99 (save $700); previous all-time low was $1,049.99
Acer Swift X 14 (Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — now $1,999.99; new record low of $1,799.99?
MSI Stealth 16 AI+ (Intel Core Ultra 9 386H, Nvidia Geforce RTX 5070Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — now $3,099.99; new record low of $2,799.99?
We will be regularly updating this guide with the best laptop deals, so keep checking back. You can also visit our Prime Day 2026 hub for all the latest updates and price drops.
The SUV that blends Toyota reliability with Range Rover comfort
Luxury SUVs have always been the go-to status play, mixing road presence with comfort and the latest tech. For years, buyers flocked to European nameplates like the Range Rover for that plush ride and premium feel.
How to watch Mexico vs. South Korea online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Mexico vs. South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has really delivered so far, and we're expecting more of the same from the second round of fixtures. Mexico and South Korea both won their first games, so this contest looks like really interesting. The hosts are probably slight favorites, but they'll need to be at their best to beat a talented South Korea side.
Interested in watching? We can help.
If you want to watch Mexico vs. South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Mexico vs. South Korea?Mexico vs. South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on June 18. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Guadalajara.
How to watch Mexico vs. South Korea for freeMexico vs. South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Mexico vs. South Korea for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Watch Mexico vs. South Korea for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Mexico vs. South Korea (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.
Live stream Mexico vs. South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.
Stop overpaying for a crossover when this Honda sedan delivers a premium ride for less
Family sedans may not dominate sales charts the way they once did, but they still make a compelling case for buyers who value comfort, efficiency, and driving enjoyment. While many shoppers automatically gravitate toward compact and midsize crossovers, a well-engineered sedan often delivers a smoother ride, sharper handling, and better fuel economy for less money. That's a combination that's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Adventures of Elliot : A fun and frustrating Zelda tribute
It's frustrating when you can see a better game inside of a game you enjoy. Case in point: The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales.
Square Enix's latest in a series of smaller, throwback-oriented "HD-2D" games (using the same tech and art style as games like Octopath Traveler 0) is clearly intended to appeal to people who like the old-school Legend of Zelda games. It's also got a big infusion of Chrono Trigger and some elements of other RPGs like the venerable, criminally underrated Ys series.
Those are all things I love, so naturally, I was pretty excited for this one.
Unfortunately, Adventures of Elliot's best qualities aren't enough to overshadow how half-baked its structure feels. Between that and a lackluster story that takes entirely too long to reach its zenith, it's hard to call this one of the best 2D Zelda homages, though it's still pretty fun and worth your time if you're into this sort of thing.
SEE ALSO: 'Octopath Traveler 0' is a hefty investment that rewards your patience Adventures of Elliot's best moments feel like an arcade gameIn Adventures of Elliot, you play the eponymous adventurer. Elliot wears a cool hat. Elliot is a solid guy, known far and wide for being kind and reliable. I'd grab a beer with him if I could.
Some typical fantasy video game stuff happens in the game's first few hours, setting Elliot on a quest to save a princess. He's joined by an exceptionally talkative and annoying fairy named Faie. The two of them quickly gain the ability to travel through time, ultimately unlocking four different periods the player can freely explore.
Adventures of Elliot wears its Zelda inspiration on its sleeve. It's all about running around a relatively open-ended (but not very big) world, using a combination of Elliot's weapons and Faie's fairy powers to explore a cornucopia of caves and dungeons.
Faie's powers are one of the more novel aspects of the game, as you can control her separately with the right analog stick. The game will often ask you to direct her around obstacles that Elliot can't pass in order to light torches or carry items from one point to another.
This is one element of Adventures of Elliot that makes it stand out, and I appreciated it.
He's got swag, I can't lie. Credit: Square EnixI found it fun to ignore quest objectives and idly explore Elliot's world, largely because the simple and accessible real-time action combat is the highlight of this adventure. Elliot quickly unlocks six different weapons, including a sword, a spear, a bow, and a hammer, and he can equip himself with any two of them at the same time.
None of the weapons are all that complex on their own — but there's a cool upgrade system which allows you to add unique traits to each one, unlocking an admirable amount of versatility. By the end of the game, my bow could do the following things, all at once:
Home in on enemies with a charged shot
Bounce additional arrows between enemies after the initial hit
Light any enemies who had been hit on fire
Cause explosions every time an arrow hit an enemy who was on fire
Every weapon has a unique, cascading set of upgrades like this, and it rocks. There's also a simple, arcade-like combo meter that goes up when you get a kill and resets when you take damage (the higher the number, the better the loot you'll get from enemies).
In short, combat is fast, fun, and generally a great time.
This time travel story does little with its premise The only town on the world map is basically the only part that meaningfully changes from one period to the next. Credit: Square EnixSadly, good combat is pretty much all Adventures of Elliot has to offer. There is a story with lots of cutscenes and voice acting, but most of it is a particularly forgettable brand of corny and overly sentimental.
There are worse sins for a fun action RPG to commit than having uninteresting cutscenes, though. And I regret to inform that Adventures of Elliot has other skeletons in its closet.
The time travel mechanic adds next to nothing to the game, aside from padding. There are four versions of the world map set across the ages, a la Chrono Trigger, but they simply aren't different enough from one another. The volcano zone is always a volcano zone and the swamp area is always a swamp area.
There are plenty of optional caves and dungeons, but the most Adventures of Elliot has to offer, if you're thorough about exploring every cave in every time period, is an extra treasure chest or two.
Ultimately teh game fails to make good on its premise, both mechanically and narratively. The different stories in the different time periods fail to meaningfully interact with one another until very late in the game's plot. Adventures of Elliot has multiple endings, and the path to the true ending is the only time the game does anything compelling at all in this regard.
I'm fine with a game saving its best for last, but a 25-hour adventure that is only just OK for the first 20 hours doesn't feel particularly satisfying .
The fact that Adventures of Elliot is fun to play only serves to make the rest of it more disappointing. This really could have been a neat fusion of Zelda and Chrono Trigger, but it's merely a fair imitation of the former and doesn't even come close to reaching the heights of the latter.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales launches on June 18 for PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series consoles, and PC.


