IT General

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love comics and superheroes.

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 Mashable

By 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 January 16, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 16, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: DC crusader

The words are related to superheroes.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe an iconic comic superhero.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Batman.

NYT Strands word list for January 16

• Robin

• Joker

• Cape

• Batman

• Penguin

• Vengeance

• Manor

• Justice

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 the latest Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a car fanatic.

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 January 16, 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 January 16, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A rider.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

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...

RACER

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 16, 2026

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 the latest Wordle.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know Italian soccer teams.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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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.

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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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Injury prevention

• Green: Energized

• Blue: Cutting

• Purple: Same first word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Protective gear

• Green: Hype

• Blue: Sharp things

• Purple: "Southern ____" Schools

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: Sports Edition #480 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Protective gear - GLOVES, HELMET, MOUTH GUARD, SHOULDER PADS

• Hype - ANTICIPATION, BALLYHOO, BUILDUP, BUZZ

• Sharp things - DART, HAIRPIN TURN, ICE SKATE, JAVELIN

• "Southern ____" Schools - CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, METHODIST, MISS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections 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.

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 the latest Connections.

SAVE OVER $90: As of Jan. 16, the Eufy C10 robot vacuum is down to $206.99 at Amazon. This is $93 off its list price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C10 Robot Vacuum $206.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $93   Get Deal

Some robot vacuums come with very high price tags, but if you're not looking to drop a ton of cash on a model, there are still some great budget options available. In fact, one of our favorite cheap robot vacuums, the Eufy C10, has received a discount of over $90 at Amazon.

As of Jan. 16, the Eufy C10 robot vacuum is on sale for $206.99 at Amazon. Overall, this is $93 off its list price of $299.99, but it's also incredibly close to its lowest-ever price of $197.99. If you've been looking for extra cleaning assistance ahead of spring, but with a more affordable price tag, this robot vacuum deal is well worth checking out.

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Alongside its budget-friendly price tag, the Eufy C10 is a robot vacuum we consider to be a great pick for small spaces, noting in our roundup of the best cheap robot vacuums that "For folks who live in apartments and smaller homes, the self-emptying Eufy C10 is sized (and priced) just right."

It features a 4,000 Pa suction power to pick up crumbs, dirt, pet hair, and more on your floors alongside a self-empty station that only needs replacing every 60 days. On top of that, the Eufy C10 has a slim design that's just 2.85-inches high to allow it to slip underneath furniture, and comes with LiDAR navigation that helps it to map out your home for an effective clean.

This limited-time deal may not stick around for long, though. Act fast to save on the Eufy C10 robot vacuum at Amazon. Looking for more options worth checking out? Our overall roundup of the best robot vacuums can point you towards some of our top picks as well.

SAVE OVER $500: As of Jan. 16, the Sony 85-inch Bravia 3 TV is on sale for $1,098 at Amazon. That's a 31% discount on the list price.

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$1,599.99 Save $501.99   Get Deal

If you're on the hunt for a new TV, there's a new deal on the Sony 85-inch Bravia 3 at Amazon that you need to know about.

As of Jan. 16, this impressive TV is reduced by over $500 and is now down to $1,098. It comes with Google TV and even has features specifically for the PlayStation 5. This price is for the 85-inch model, but if that's too big for your space, the 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch models are all reduced too.

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This TV truly has a lot going for it, from the built-in Google Assistant to easy access to major streaming services including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and more. The Google Assistant is perfect for voice control searches, and the Google TV OS makes for a simple navigating experience, with all your favorite shows and movies in one place. It has unmatched picture quality too, which is highlighted by Triluminos Pro, giving you vivid color and detailed images, no matter what you're watching.

The TV also includes special features designed to optimize gaming on the PlayStation 5. These include Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, so if you're a gamer, this TV is designed for you.

Ready to upgrade your TV? Get this deal at Amazon.

Finn Wolfhard is hosting SNL this week, and the Stranger Things jokes have already begun.

In one of several rapidfire promos above, alongside musical guest A$AP Rocky and SNL staff member Sarah Sherman, Wolfhard asks the others to rate how excited they are from a scale of one to ten — but both keep answering "eleven".

"Are you guys doing a bit?" says an exasperated Wolfhard. "Like, from Stranger Things?"

"Er, I only know about normaler things," is Sherman's response.

As Americans continue to struggle with rising grocery prices in Donald Trump's economy, the White House is offering up some groundbreaking "tips" for saving money at meal times. In a widely derided interview, agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins suggested families could both adhere to the Trump administration's new dietary guidelines and only spend $3 on a meal consisting of "a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, you know, a corn tortilla, and one other thing."

"I love to sit down for dinner with my family and dig into a healthy plate that consists of one piece of chicken, one piece of broccoli, one corn tortilla, and because we're f***ing rolling in it, one other thing," responded Seth Meyers on Late Night on Thursday. "That list is so bad I'm guessing the 'one other thing' is a single French fry you have to wrestle away from a pigeon in a McDonald's parking lot.

"Seriously, 'one piece of chicken, one piece of broccoli, and one corn tortilla' is your recommendation to Americans for what they should eat. That sounds like a meal aliens would bring to your cell after they abduct you. 'Please enjoy some of your Earth foods. You will need your strength for the probing.'"

Meyers also pointed out that Rollins said her team ran "over 1,000 simulations" to come up with this novel $3 meal idea.

"I'm sorry, you had to run over 1,000 simulations to add up the cost of three grocery items? Don't use the computer for that! That's not what the computer is for!" he said. "Also, what do you mean 'it can cost $3' — in how many of the simulations did it cost more? 'In one simulation, there was a corn virus, and the chickens ate the corn, and all the chickens died, and it was like a million dollars.'"

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the 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 onto 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 Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for 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 January 16, 2026

The 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 January 16, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 16 Pips

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 4-6, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 16 Pips

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed vertically; 5-6, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically.

Less Than (11): Everything in this space must be less than 11. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 2-4, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Jan. 16 Pips

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically.

Number (24): Everything in this space must add up to 24. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horiontally; 1-4, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed vertically; 4-0, placed horizontally.

Number (20): Everything in this space must add up to 20. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed horiontally; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

SAVE $150: As of Jan.16, the Breville Barista Express Impress is on sale for $649.95 at Amazon. That's a 19% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville Barista Express Impress $649.95 at Amazon
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If you're a true coffee connoisseur, chances are you turn your nose up at most instant offerings and instead go for a perfectly ground bean, brewed in a French press, Moka pot, or coffee machine. But if you really want to get the most out of your morning jolt, why not brew your beans in the Breville Barista Express Impress. It lives up to its name and truly does impress, but even better than that, as of Jan. 16, it's on sale at Amazon.

Right now, you'll save $150 on this model with a new price of $649.95. It comes with everything you'll need to make your perfect drink, including a portafilter, milk jug, one and two cup single and dual wall filter baskets, water filter holder, razor precision trimming tool, and cleaning tablets.

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This machine makes creating great espresso a piece of cake. It has a clever dosing system that automatically calculates and adjusts the amount of fresh coffee for each shot. Assisted tamping applies a consistent 10kg of pressure with a barista-style twist for a clean, polished puck, and the integrated conical burr grinder offers 25 grind settings to fine-tune the flavor of your beans. It also comes with a built-in steam wand so you can steam milk for drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.

This coffee machine deal is available at Amazon now.

I’m an avid self-hoster. There are very few services that I use that I don’t self-host. However, there’s one service that I will happily continue to pay for and never even try to self-host, and what it is might surprise you.

SAVE OVER $400: As of Jan. 16, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is on sale for $398.99 at Amazon. That's 50% off the list price.

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The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is back on sale at Amazon, and if you've been looking for a reliable power source for your next camping trip or power cut, this model is the perfect choice. Oh, and it's half off right now. As of Jan. 16, you'll save $400.01, taking the price down to $389.99 for a limited time. This price is for the power station unit only, however, there are many upgrade options that are also on sale, like the additional solar panel for $599.

It may be a compact power station, but it's powerful. It delivers a 1,500W AC output with a 3,000W surge, making it capable of running appliances like fridges, AC units, and electric pots. It's great for powering devices and mini fridges while camping too, and its 23.8 pound weight means it is nice and portable.

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It can fully recharge in as little as one hour using the emergency charging via the Jackery app, or in 1.7 hours by default to help preserve battery health. It's also supported by ChargeShield 2.0 for better charging, helping to preserve the battery which is designed to last over 10 years.

For powering devices, there are multiple power points, including AC ports, USB-C and USB-A ports, a DC car port, and integrated LED lighting. Charging modes and settings can be adjusted through the Jackery app, as well as monitoring of battery levels.

Get this portable power station deal from Amazon.

TL;DR: The Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope bundle is only $14.99 at Amazon. That's 50% off the list price for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ubisoft 'Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle' and 'Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope' $14.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

The Mario + Rabbids games have ended up being one of the best video game crossovers in recent memory; now Nintendo Switch owners can own both games at half price. 

As of Jan. 16, Amazon’s exclusive bundle containing both Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle and Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is now only $14.99 — $15 off its standard listing price of $29.99 as part of a limited-time deal. A 50% discount like this is rare for such a popular bundle of games. That $14.99 price tag is also the lowest this bundle has ever been according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. 

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Developed by Ubisoft Milan and Ubisoft Paris, both Mario + Rabbids titles are action-adventure tactical role-playing games that were praised for their ambition towards their characters, graphics, and turn-based combat gameplay. Even now, the two games still enjoy high scores on Metacritic: with Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle and Sparks of Hope both sitting comfortably at 85. 

Getting two critically-acclaimed games starring Mario for only $14.99 is an absolute steal, even if they are only digital copies. 

If you’ve already made an upgrade to a Nintendo Switch 2, the tomtoc Slim (my favourite budget-friendly Switch 2 case) is also on sale at 32% off. For Pokémon lovers, the Fall 2025 edition of the Pokémon TCG Collector Chest is still over $20 off at Amazon. 

TL;DR: The One Piece Card Game’s Learn Together Deck Set is now only $36.99 at Amazon. That's 8% off its $39.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bandai One Piece: Learn Together Deck Set (LT-01) by Bandai $36.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $3 Get Deal

The One Piece Card Game has really taken off since launching about three and a half years ago. It's accessible and fun, so it's no wonder why. Now, the perfect starter kit is at its best price this year. 

As of Jan. 16, One Piece: Learn Together Deck Set is now only $36.99 on Amazon, with $3 cut off its list price. That’s the best price this set has been this year, and is the best way to jump in and see what the card game is all about. The set comes with three constructed decks, based around Zoro, Luffy, and Nami, each with 51 cards plus 10 DON!! Cards, and a unique deck case. 

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Essentially, this means you and up to two friends could open this set up, take a deck each, and learn the One Piece card game while you learn together. Alongside three included booster packs to optimize each deck, this comes with three unique guidebooks: one for each deck, so you can even master each specific theme. 

This new price is still about $4 higher than market price, but is still the best price going compared to TCGplayer — the lowest-priced listing there is at $78.98. 

For more great deals from the world of trading cards, the Fall 2025 edition of the Pokémon TCG: Collector Chest is still on sale at over $20 off. The Magic: The Gathering Tarkir Dragonstorm Play Booster Box is now below market value on Amazon, as well.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, Jan. 16, 2026:

Across___ Max

• The answer is HBO.

Where Marco Polo is played

• The answer is Pool.

Overwhelming amount, metaphorically

• The answer is Flood.

Reason for success in games like Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders

• The answer is Luck.

"That's just the worst"

• The answer is Ugh.

DownLiquor, informally

• The answer is Hooch.

Winner of a Booker prize, fittingly

• The answer is Book.

Antiquated

• The answer is Old.

Give a short promotion for

• The answer is Plug.

Winter malady

• The answer is Flu.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would allow him to send U.S. military forces into Minnesota. The president did so in a Truth Social post on Thursday, following protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the state and across the country demanding justice after the killing of 37-year-old mother Renee Good in Minneapolis by an ICE agent.

Stephen Colbert reacted to Trump's threat during his Late Show monologue on Thursday night.

"With Minnesota under siege by masked, armed goons victimising American citizens, Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act. Well, that will calm everybody down," he said. "I'm sure Minnesotans will just love that. That's why all the protesters' signs say, 'ICE go home, then come back in a tank.'"

Colbert then explained the Insurrection Act to his audience:

"Fun fact, the Insurrection Act allows the president to deploy members of the military or federalise the state National Guard to contain an insurrection in the U.S. state and hold on...hold on...I'm being given a correction: That fact was not fun. My mistake."

Jimmy Kimmel has a theory about what Donald Trump's "master plan" is, assuming there's one at all — and in the clip above the late night host paints a pretty bleak picture.

"I never believe there's some big master plan, but maybe there is," he says in the Jimmy Kimmel Live! monologue above.

"Maybe it goes something like this: Step one, you call your opponents 'vermin,' and 'violent,' and 'the enemy within.' You say they're part of a group of paid protesters called Antifa. Step two, you send a bunch of poorly trained, heavily armed goons into cities that don't need or want them there. Step three, when the people inevitably protest being occupied by their own government, you accuse them of starting an insurrection and then step four, you invoke the Insurrection Act, you call out the military, you cancel the elections, and you take charge for good."

Given the deaths and injuries that have been happening recently at the hands of ICE agents, and Trump recently "joking" about canceling the midterms, his theory doesn't feel entirely speculative.

The best ways to watch 'Song Sung Blue' at a glance: Watch now Buy or rent 'Song Sung Blue' on Prime Video $19.99 or $24.99 Shop Now Watch now Buy or rent 'Song Sung Blue' at Apple TV $19.99 or $24.99 Shop Now Watch later Peacock Premium yearly subscription $109.99/year (save $21.89) Get Deal Watch later Peacock Premium for Students and Young Adults $5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal Watch later Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $6.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal Best for military personnel Peacock Premium for Active Military and Veterans $6.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal Watch later Peacock Premium for Teachers $6.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal Watch later Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year) Get Deal Watch later Peacock Premium free for Walmart+ subscribers Get Deal

Biopics aren't the only way to honor an artist's music, and Craig Brewer's (Hustle & Flow, Dolemite Is My Name) Song Sung Blue is living proof. It stars Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman as a married couple and Neil Diamond cover band out of Milwaukee. Mashable's entertainment editor calls it "uplifting, heart-wrenching, and wondrous all at once." And, yes, there are plenty of Diamond songs to enjoy throughout the film.

Song Sung Blue also stars Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Jayson Warner Smith, Hudson Hensley, Fisher Stevens, and Jim Belushi.

It's still floating around in theaters, but if you prefer to watch it from your couch, here are all the streaming details you need to know.

What is Song Sung Blue about?

Based on the incredible true story of Lightning and Thunder, a Neil Diamond cover band, Song Sung Blue follows Mike and Claire Sardina (Jackman and Hudson) as the musical married couple. "Together they craft electric chemistry, rousing song numbers, and a love story that hits with the force of a runaway car," writes Mashable's Kristy Puchko. Ultimately, it tells the story of how love and music can help us overcome tragedy and trauma. Bring tissues.

Check out the official trailer below:

Is Song Sung Blue worth watching?

If you're a lover of Neil Diamond, then of course Song Sung Blue is worth watching. If not, you'll still probably love it. It currently has a solid 77 percent critic rating and a super impressive 97 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

"All this makes for a feel-good movie that can be jarringly intense, because the bad times can come out of nowhere. (C'est la vie!) But like a great Neil Diamond song, Song Sung Blue will find its way into your heart, where it will linger," Puchko writes in her review.

We named it one of our favorite movies of 2025, crediting its thoughtful storytelling, wonderful cast, and "smartly chosen soundtrack that places the performances of Diamond's songs thematically." Hudson already earned a nod at the Golden Globes for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture — could she earn an Oscar nomination as well?

Check out our full review of Song Sung Blue.

How to watch Song Sung Blue at home Credit: Focus Features

There are a couple of different ways you can watch Song Sung Blue at home. You can buy it or rent it at digital-on-demand retailers for as low as $19.99, or you can stream it on Peacock at a later date. See all the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

Song Sung Blue is available as of Jan. 13, 2026, to buy or rent at digital-on-demand retailers. If you choose to rent, you'll get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it instead, then it's yours to watch with no limits.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase the film:

• Prime Video — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Apple TV — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Google Play — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

Stream it on Peacock (at a later date)

As a Focus Features (part of NBCUniversal) film, we know Song Sung Blue will make its streaming debut on Peacock. If it follows the timeline of other Focus Features films (Bugonia, Honey Don't!), it will likely arrive on Peacock by mid-February 2026. We'll keep you updated.

Don't have a Peacock subscription? You can sign up for $10.99 per month with ads or $16.99 per month without (after the most recent price hike). Before you get ahead of yourself, though, check out the best ways to save some money on a subscription below.

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest Peacock deal: Save 17% on an annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $109.99 per year or $169.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

The best Peacock deal on any given day is the annual subscription plan. You'll have to pay $109.99 (with ads) or $169.99 (ad-free) up front, but it'll ultimately end up getting you about two months for free. The Premium tier typically costs $10.99 per month, which adds up to $131.88. That means you'll save a total of $21.89 with the annual plan. Likewise, the Premium Plus plan typically costs $16.99 per month, which adds up to $203.88. With the annual plan, you'll save $33.89 total.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers: free Peacock Premium for eligible accounts Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn More

If you're an Xfinity customer, we highly recommend checking out the eligibility details below before signing up for Peacock — you might be able to score a subscription for free.

Here's a breakdown of who is eligible to get Peacock for free through Xfinity (head to Xfinity.com for more details):

• Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

• NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

• New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students and young adults: Save $5/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for young adults $5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal

Students and young adults can shave $5 a month off a Peacock Premium subscription all year long. Just verify your student status via SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to knock the price down to just $5.99 instead of $10.99. After the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price again unless you cancel.

Best for first responders, medical professionals, military, and teachers: Save $4/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $6.99 per month (save $4 per month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $6.99 per month (save $4 per month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $6.99/month (save $4 per month) Get Deal

First responders, medical professionals, military personnel, and teachers can all secure a Peacock Premium subscription (with ads) for a discounted rate of $6.99 per month by verifying their professional status via SheerID. Unlike the student deal, however, it's not limited to a year. Those who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew their subscription at a discounted rate each year — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code. Rates are also subject to change year to year. If you don't see the discount by clicking the links above, type in your browser: Peacocktv.com/medical-first-responder, /military, or /teacher.

Best for Instacart users: free Peacock Premium for Instacart+ subscribers Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year) Get Deal

An Instacart+ membership ($99.99 per year) unlocks a free Peacock Premium subscription ($109.99 per year value) on top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders. If you're new to Instacart+, you'll even get a free two-week trial to kick things off. Just be sure to cancel before you're charged the full amount — set a calendar alert to remind you.

Best for Walmart shoppers: free Peacock Premium for Walmart+ members Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Walmart+ $98 per year Get Deal

Walmart offers its Walmart+ members the ability to choose Peacock Premium (or Paramount+) as a free perk. Since Peacock Premium is a $109.99 value, the $98 Walmart+ membership is already a better deal than paying for Peacock on its own. Add in free shipping (with no order minimums), fuel discounts, a Scan & Go checkout tool, and early access to deals during Walmart's major shopping events, and you've got yourself a pretty sweet subscription.

The new year is officially here, and with it, a brand new batch of available Lego sets, plus a few extra for preorders.

Even though building Legos may make you feel like a kid again, they cost very real adult money to actually purchase, plus a fair bit of time to look through if you're keeping up with the latest sets.

SEE ALSO: Lego has dropped the Icons Stranger Things: The Creel House to celebrate the show's final season

That's why I spent my time combing through all of the best new Legos of 2026 to pick out the best of the best, from the affordable options to larger investments. A sneak peek at what January has in store: open preorders for the first-ever Lego Pokémon collaboration, sets with brand-new interactive bricks with tech never before seen from the brand, and nine sets under $100.

You can find them below, along with more of the best releases from 2025, including the Lego Game Boy and a Star Wars set that's officially the largest Star Wars Lego model of all time.

Best new Lego sets as of January 2026Lego Pokémon Lego Pikachu, we choose you. Credit: Lego

The first-ever Lego Pokémon release actually is made up of three sets, all of which are available for preorder and set to ship out on Feb. 27. Each exists in a different price tier: there's the adorable and affordable Eevee, which clocks in at $59.99 for a 587-piece set, the more involved Pikachu and Poké Ball with 2,050 pieces for $199.99, and finally the massive Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set, which is a whopping $649.99 for 6,838 pieces.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon (3 sets) Ranging from $59.99 to $649.99, depending on the set Pre-order Here Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets Charge up your Smart Bricks before adding them to the set to add an extra element of interactivity. Credit: Lego

Lego's Smart Play system just debuted at CES 2026, and already, the first three sets from the line are available for preorder, with a ship date set for March 1.

The Smart Play system includes three elements — the Smart Brick, Smart Minifigure, and Smart Tag — which can all be found on the debut sets of Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, Luke's Red Five X-Wing, and the Throne Room Duel & A-Wing. Star Wars fans aren't just getting the debut of a new type of Lego, but they're also getting relative affordability (in Lego terms, at least): the former two sets are below $100, with the latter set costing $159.99, and coming with the greatest number of Smart Bricks, Smart Minifigs, and Smart Tags.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets Ranging from $69.99 to $159.99, depending on the set Pre-order Here Lego Creator 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console The gaming console can also be built into a computer or arcade machine. Credit: Lego

Can't quite swing the $60 Lego Game Boy? No problem. The 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console delivers for just $19.99, offering the form of a handheld, computer, and arcade machine with its 268 pieces. For anyone who enjoys switching it up or prefers a low-key build, this might be the better option.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3-in-1 Retro Gaming Console $19.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Bugs Bunny A Lego set with the potential to absolutely ruin Elmer Fudd's day. Credit: Lego

It's buying a (Lego) rabbit season, folks. Though this set is just 605 pieces, it stands at a decent seven inches high, nine inches wide, and five inches deep. Bugs's personality can shine through with the adjustable head, ears, arms, wrists, and fingers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Bugs Bunny $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Minecraft The Fox Find foxes in the taiga biome, or your living room. Credit: Lego

The days of Minecraft creatures existing solely behind a computer screen are gone, thanks to the Lego Minecraft line. The Fox set comes in at just $39.99, and is a relatively simple build with 497 pieces. Like Bugs, this set can be positioned and posed, and depending on the build, can have opened or closed eyes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Minecraft The Fox $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Spring Wreath Ring in spring with a Lego wreath. Credit: Lego

Lego's holiday wreaths aren't just limited to the colder months. The straightforwardly-named Spring Wreath comes with 747 pieces and some decor options. One build of the set lets you go all-in on Easter theming, with a bunny head and eggs to adorn the wreath, while another aims for a classic spring look, with a yellow bow and flowers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Spring Wreath $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Peace Lily Behold: a peace lily that will never droop. Credit: Lego

Cat owners, rejoice! The latest Botanicals release means you can finally own a peace lily without worry that you're putting poison within paws' reach. Non-cat owners can also appreciate that this peace lily will permanently flower and look healthy (never in my life have I encountered a plant as dramatic as a peace lily). At $49.99 and just 474 pieces, this set is a great addition for more casual and dedicated Lego fans alike.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Peace Lily $49.96 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket Houston, we have a cool Lego set. Credit: Lego

Lego Icons released an Artemis launch set that goes for $249.99 and is currently on backorder. This Technics set, by contrast, is available for purchase and will ship immediately, and is a more stomachable $59.99. Sure, it's 632 pieces to the Icons' 3,601 pieces, but there's something to be said about affordability when nerding out over space.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Art Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape Lego Art decor is the best kind of decor. Credit: Lego

The Lego Art line has produced some of the most coveted sets from the brand, from Van Gogh's Sunflowers to Hokusai's The Great Wave. These sets are a) stunning and b) hangable just like non-Lego art. On both fronts, the latest addition — the Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape — is no exception. At $139.99 for 1,892 pieces, it's one of the less expensive and mid-size framed pieces from the line, but it certainly doesn't skimp on color and detail. Popular as it is, this set is currently on backorder, but will be shipped out on Feb. 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Art Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape $139.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Shopping Street Just have to pop around to the Lego shops. Credit: Lego

The Lego Modular Buildings collection just got a new addition in the form of the Lego Icons Shopping Street. This 3,456-piece set features a three-story building housing two floors of stores and a top-floor apartment, as well as a two-story music shop. You'll be able to adorn your shopping plaza with the seven included minifigures.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Shopping Street $249.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best Lego sets coming soon

The following sets aren't available to preorder, but will be available come March 2026.

Lego sets available for purchase March 2026 Coming March 1 Lego Disney Sally's Flowerpot $49.99 Learn More Coming March 1 Lego Disney Kevin & Dug $59.99 Learn More Coming March 1 Lego Technic BMW M4 GT3 EVO Race Car $64.99 Learn More Coming March 1 Lego Technic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon SUV $64.99 Learn More Best new Lego sets as of December 2025Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Exploration Telescope A tripod telescope is one of three available builds in this one set. Credit: Lego

What's just as cool as space? The fact that this 278-piece set can be built into three different configurations, including an adjustable telescope on a tripod, an adjustable microscope, or a UFO. It's the perfect set for the space enthusiast in your life, young or old, and best of all, it's just $34.99. Preorders ship out on January 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3-in-1 Space Exploration Telescope $34.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Fortune Firecracker Legos that serve as wall decor are elite. Credit: Lego

Lunar New Year isn't until February, but you can get prepared by pre-ordering this Lego Fortune Firecracker. The eight firecrackers "crackle" when they're moved, and the entire set can be mounted on the wall. The center can also be opened to reveal one of two scenes of your choice — a firework display or God of Fortune celebration scene. Preorders will ship out on January 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Fortune Firecracker $89.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Editions FIFA World Cup Official Trophy Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Lego

In classic Lego style, this replica brings you more than meets the eye. The 2,842-piece set functions as a 14.5-inch brick version of the iconic World Cup trophy, but unlike the real deal, the top can also be opened to reveal a World Cup scene. The actual World Cup isn't until July of next year, but preorders for this set ship out on March 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Editions FIFA World Cup Official Trophy $199.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Ideas The Goonies The Goonies Legos 'R' Good Enough. Credit: Lego

The Goonies turned a whopping 40 years old this year — what better way to celebrate than building this nearly 3,000 piece set, featuring the iconic Inferno pirate ship housing vignettes from the film? And unlike the full-scale ship built for the movie, it won't be devastating if you want to scrap this one and build it all over again. At the time of writing, this set is on backorder, but should be ready to ship out (no pun intended) 60 days from purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas The Goonies $329.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D Your living room: The Final Frontier. Credit: Lego

The crew of the Lego U.S.S. Enterprise may be used to more exciting voyages than the one to your office shelves or living room sideboard, but the Star Trek fans will probably appreciate being greeted by the display every single day.

SEE ALSO: How 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' ruled the internet

This Next Generation-themed 3,600-piece set comes with nine minifigures, a detachable command saucer, secondary hull, warp nacelles with distinctive red and blue detailing, an opening shuttlebay, 2 mini shuttlepods, and an angled display stand with a schematic and ship statistics. Also currently on backorder, it will ship out 60 days after purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D $399.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium All the aquarium essentials are in this set, including a treasure chest. Credit: Lego

This set may be a whopping 4,154 pieces, but after the initial build, it'll be way less work to maintain a real aquarium. Plus, it even comes with knobs and levers so you can "move" the sea life inside, from a striped brickfish to sea anemones and, of course, a sunken treasure chest. This backordered set will ship out 60 days after purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium $479.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of October 2025Lego Time Machine from Back to the Future Credit: Lego

It's relatively common to see Lego sets from popular IPs, but less so to see them at an under-$50 price point. This quaint 357-piece set is the perfect coffee table addition for Back to the Future fans. It's on preorder until its ship date of Jan. 1, 2026 (not 1955). This isn't the first time Marty McFly's DeLorean has been brickified, but this more-affordable set is part of the Lego Speed Champions line.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Time Machine from 'Back to the Future' $27.99 at Lego
  Pre-order Here Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure Why not get into the holiday spirit before the end of October? Credit: Lego

Not to pit sets against each other, but I wasn't wowed by the $330 Christmas Tree (and neither were reviewers on Lego's site so far). This oversized Santa minifig is a much more palatable $54.99, has the positive reviews to back it up, and stands at a nice 10.5-inches tall, making it a great addition for any holiday setup.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure $54.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker Not pictured: the seasonally-appropriate snowy landscape of Hoth. Credit: Lego

Star Wars fans have another huge (literally) release lower down on this list, but for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit while honoring their love of Star Wars lucked out with this Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker. It's just a bit smaller than the now-retired 1,267-piece AT-AT Lego originally released, but at 697 pieces and 7.5-inches tall, it's still plenty to ring in the holidays with.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Super Mario Game Boy The ultimate dose of nostalgia. Credit: Lego

I don't know if there's a combination of words more nostalgic than Lego Super Mario Game Boy. This set was announced for preorder in July, and as of Oct. 1, is finally available. As a small catch, it is on backorder for up to 60 days, so if you're looking to gift it to the gamer in your life this holiday season, I'd grab it sooner rather than later. The set comes with a customizable display and game paks, but if you want to play actual games on this Lego replica, you'll have to go the same path as this modder.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Game Boy $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Mineral Collection For any Botanicals fans looking for something a little different, one of Lego Ideas newest releases has got you covered. Credit: Lego

They're (Lego) minerals, Marie. One of the latest releases from the Ideas line is an 880-piece set that allows you to create a nice display of Lego golden pyrite, purple amethyst, reddish-pink rhodochrosite, blue fluorite, watermelon tourmaline and tangerine quartz.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Mineral Collection $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Batman Logo This easy to display Batman set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman. Credit: Lego

It may be hard to come by your own personal bat signal if you don't live in Gotham, but Lego made it easy with this Batman Logo set. The 678-piece set celebrates 20 years of Lego Batman, hence the golden Batman and anniversary coin. Also included is the display stand, supports for wall-mounting the piece, and a code to unlock a character in Lego Batman Legacy of the Dark Knight. As of now, it's only available for preorder, and will ship on March 1, 2026.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Batman' Logo $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Wicked Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle One short day, in the Lego Emerald City. Credit: Lego

We're closing in on the release to the Wicked sequel. If you're looking to kill some time before the film's release, this relatively small (but adorable) 860-piece set will do the trick.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Wicked' Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle $79.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory The snozzberries do in fact taste like snozzberries. Credit: Lego

Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of 2,205 plastic bricks that make up the iconic scenes from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. This set comes with nine minifigures (you'll never guess who five of them are), along with depictions of the chocolate waterfall and Wonkatania boat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory $219.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship And yes, it does come equipped with a row of cannons. Credit: Lego

The enduring power of Pirates of the Caribbean's popularity can be found in two facts about this Lego set. One, it's part of the Icons series, meaning it joins the ranks of other iconic IPs. Two, it's on backorder for the next 60 days, so if you're wanting to get an impressive display piece sooner rather than later, I recommend adding it to your cart ASAP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship $379.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Death Star This 9,023-piece set might rival the build time of the actual Death Star. Credit: Lego

Step aside, $850 Lego Millennium Falcon. The Lego Death Star hits a $999.99 price point, making it the most expensive Lego from the brand. While its price point has raised some eyebrows, this is one of the top ten biggest sets Lego's ever made, and the biggest Lego Star Wars set to date, clocking in at a whopping 9,023 pieces, including 36 minifigures and two droid figures.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Star Wars' Death Star $999.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Best new Lego sets as of August 2025Lego Jack-O'-Lantern Pickup Truck The farmer figurine nails the balance of fear and excitement known by every Halloween fan. Credit: Lego

The correct day to start celebrating Halloween season is Sept. 1, but as someone who absolutely loves Halloween, I will allow Aug. 1. This quaint Jack-O'-Lantern set (with a pumpkin you can open!) nails the vibe for adorable Halloween bookshelf decor for under $20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Jack-O'-Lantern Pickup Truck $14.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Arcade Machine The perfect desk accessory. Credit: Lego

What is the point of being a gamer if not collecting adorable accessories through which to channel your passion? I guess actually playing games, but when your eyes need a break from your screen, building this mini arcade machine could do. The 468-piece set opens up to a mini gaming room for the included minifigure.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Arcade Machine $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Halloween Wreath Credit: Lego

Between the bats, spiders, pumpkins, and ghosts, the only Halloween heavy hitter missing on this wreath is a skeleton (though it does feature bones). While this wouldn't be the best outdoor option, Lego's Halloween Wreath comes with a string for easy hanging in your home, making it a great option for getting in the spooky spirit.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Halloween Wreath $39.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego 'Mario Kart' Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit Switch 2 owners aren't the only ones who get to enjoy new Mario Kart content. Credit: Lego

Don't quite have the funds to get your hands on the new Mario Kart game just yet? This set requires no Switch 2 to enjoy, featuring Koopa Troopa, Toadette, the Tanooki Kart and Cat Cruiser, and of course, a piranha plant you can attach to either kart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Mario Kart Piranha Plant Power-Up Pursuit $49.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Look at the serenity of these tiny Lego trees! Credit: Lego

Lego Botanicals fans: we did it. We finally got a set of bonsai trees that don't have any flowers or leaves actually made up of tiny pink frogs. (No shade to the frog fans, it's just a little unnerving for some of us!).

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees $64.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Botanicals Hibiscus A perfect addition for a Lego Botanical garden. Credit: Lego

If there's a Lego Botanicals flower set that isn't gorgeous, I've yet to come across it, and the Hibiscus set is certainly no exception. The 660-piece life-size flower set comes with posable petals in a pretty lilac shade, making it an excellent accent piece.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Hibiscus $69.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego One Piece Battle at Arlong Park Credit: Lego

The Arlong Park arc of One Piece is what some fans consider the real hook — no small feat considering the original anime is over 1,000 episodes long (and still ongoing). Luffy's rubber powers get a fun feature in the arm-lengthening pieces, and a tap to the top of the pagoda causes it to explode in a nod to the show's unforgettable fight scenes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'One Piece' Battle at Arlong Park $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Nike Dunk x Lego Who knew a Lego sneaker would look this good? Credit: Lego

There's a Lego collab for everyone, including Nike and basketball fans. This 1,180 set comes with a couple of tricks up its sleeve (or down its shoe?), in the form of a storage compartment in the sneaker (where you can drop the minifig or extra shoe lace colors to swap later) and the ability to spin the basketball. That's a slam dunk of a fun set.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Nike Dunk x Lego $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Wicket the Ewok What's more stunning decor, the Botanicals Hibiscus or Wicket the Ewok? Credit: Lego

Ewoks are the most adorable creature in the Star Wars universe, argue with the wall. While I think Lego could've made real magic with a life size Ewok set, this 1,010 piece that stands around nine inches tall is pretty adorable, too. And true to canon, he comes equipped with a spear and a little treat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'Star Wars' Wicket the Ewok $129.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp Display some of Spider-Man's most iconic heroes and villains in your living room. Credit: Lego

This Spider-Man set packs in the heavy hitters from the beloved series: Spider-Man, Miles Morales, Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin, and Venom — just to name a few of the minifigures found among the 808 pieces that make up this set. The city model features Miles Morales' apartment, the Oscorp building, and Venom's apartment, giving you plenty of opportunities for staging the perfect Spider-Man scene.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Oscorp $139.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C From afar, this set almost doesn't look like Legos. Credit: Lego

Early buyers of the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C set are impressed: the attention to detail paid to the design makes the car look great from afar and up close. The working steering wheel is a nice touch, alongside Caroll Shelly's signature on the glovebox.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Shelby Cobra 427 S/C $159.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker A room isn't complete without a good statement piece. Credit: Lego

If you missed out on the Lego AT-AT set before it was discontinued (and fair — it was $849.99), this AT-ST set is much more reasonably priced at $199.99, and it doesn't require quite as much shelf space, making it overall a much more practical option. And it's still just as iconic to the Star Wars universe.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker $199.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle From the Alps to your living room. Credit: Lego

Lego's architecture line depicts some of the most famous structures from around the globe, from Notre Dame in Paris to the Himeji Castle in Japan. For this latest release, Lego brings us to the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. It requires you build through 3,455 pieces, but it looks like the view is well worth it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Architecture Neuschwanstein Castle $279.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Lego One Piece The Baratie Floating Restaurant Display this set on a repurposed trunk and you've got yourself a vibe. Credit: Lego

That's right — we have two iconic One Piece scenes on our list. With 3,402 pieces for building this set, you'll create the floating restaurant with detailed rooms where you can place 10 included characters and wanted posters.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego 'One Piece' The Baratie Floating Restaurant $329.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

We know you've only just got over the excitement of National Bagel Day, but there's no rest when it comes to free or heavily discounted food deals that celebrate a somewhat silly occasion. We're all about making the most of these events, and that means the schedule is pretty packed. Don't like free food? Get out of here.

The good news for anyone keen to properly celebrate National Popcorn Day is that there are already a bunch of confirmed promotions. We've lined up some of the best freebies and discounts below. We'll be updating this list with any new deals that drop as we approach Jan. 19.

National Popcorn Day dealsCinemark

On Jan. 18-19, Moviegoers can bring their own bucket on National Popcorn Day. For $5, customers can get up to 400 ounces of popcorn. The only exception to this rule is if you bring a 5-gallon Lowe's bucket as your container. Cinemark has teamed up with Lowe's and agreed that you can fill the whole thing up (approximately 650 ounces of popcorn).

Emagine Theaters

Get $5 popcorn buckets of any size on National Popcorn Day.

Marcus Theaters

Ticket holders can pick up a free large popcorn on National Popcorn Day.

NCG

Reward members can get a free 46 ounce popcorn on National Popcorn Day.

Regal

Score one large popcorn serving for free on National Popcorn Day. There's only one catch. To qualify for this freebie, you need to arrive in costume. Tell someone at the concession stand what you're dressed as and you'll get free popcorn as a reward.

Showcase Cinemas

Starpass Members get a free small popcorn with any purchase on National Popcorn Day.

In the Venn diagram of tablets and books, our favorite e-readers fall perfectly in the middle. They're thin and portable like a tablet, but without the distraction of the internet. The best Kindles and e-readers stuff thousands of books — a full library, really — into a tiny frame.

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.

So, if you're ready to invest in an e-reader, I can help you find the best Kindle for your reading list.

Meet the newest generation of Kindle e-readers Can't decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We put them head-to-head.. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers.

A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. Kindle's first color e-reader arrived in late 2024, and as of September 2025, the Colorsoft lineup includes four models. The Colorsoft Kindles are the most expensive options among Amazon's e-readers, and after finally getting our hands on a model, we've added it to this guide.

As of Sept. 30, 2025, Amazon also announced a revamped Kindle Scribe. The new model is exceptionally thin and has a front light for a brighter display. Plus, the new Colorsoft edition of the Scribe lets you annotate, journal, or sketch in color. However, as of January 2026, we've yet to test either the new Kindle Scribe or Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. We'll update this guide once we've fully tested the devices.

No matter which model you choose, all of the latest Kindles are lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can support your local library (and get free books, of course). Basically, it's hard to make a bad decision in this product category.

So, what's the best Kindle for you? Let me help you decide.

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/Mashable

Beyond 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.

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 / Mashable

The 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 Kindle

Through 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

• The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

• 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

• How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

• 8 Kindle features you should be using

• How to delete books from Kindle