Technology

Where to preorder the new iPhone 17 lineup Apple Store Apple iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max starting at $799 Pre-Order Here Best Buy Apple iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max starting at $799 Pre-Order Here Verizon Apple iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max starting at $799 Pre-Order Here T-Mobile Apple iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max starting at $799 Pre-Order Here AT&T Apple iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max starting at $799 Pre-Order Here

We've known that Apple was coming out with an iPhone 17 for forever now. But after countless leaks and rumored changes over the past few months, the Sept. 9 Apple Event confirmed it all. You can officially preorder all versions of the iPhone 17 at the three major phone carries, as well as from Best Buy or from Apple directly. Shipping begins Sept. 19.

For Apple people, September isn't just a month spent torn between hanging onto summer or falling for fall propaganda. It's also that time of year to debate hanging on to your old iPhone or falling for new iPhone propaganda. If you're heavily considering taking the plunge this year, you have more options to choose from than in 2024: Apple dropped four new iPhones (compared to three iPhone 16s) to choose from: the base iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Max, and the iPhone Air. Here's the pricing breakdown:

• iPhone 17 (lavender, mist blue, sage, black, white) — starting at $799

• iPhone Air (space black, sky blue, cloud white, light gold) — starting at $999

• iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max (silver, deep blue, cosmic orange) — starting at $1,099

As more retailers open up their respective preorder pages, we'll link those here, too. Additionally, you can save a big chunk on your iPhone 17 upgrade when you trade in an iPhone 13 or newer in any condition.

All new Apple devices revealed

The AirPods Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 were also announced during the event and will be available to pre-order on Sept. 12.

So, what's the difference between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 16 that thoroughly impressed us last year? This time around, Apple's being more generous with specs at every budget level: Every iPhone 17 model has a 120Hz ProMotion display (not just the Pro models), hitting up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness.

SEE ALSO: Every iPhone getting iOS 26: See if yours is on the list

And then there's the elusive iPhone Air — it's real, and it's like no iPhone you've held before. At just 5.6 millimeters thick, the iPad Air is incredibly lightweight yet incredibly durable. The lone rear camera situation required a redesign that's reminiscent of the Google Pixel 10, but chic as hell nonetheless. Despite the physically compact build, the iPhone Air maintains much of the same brainpower and all-day battery life as the other iPhone 17 models.

Credit: Screenshot: Apple

But to hold the most powerful iPhone of them all (by far, apparently), you'll have to opt for the iPhone 17 Pro. It's powered by the A19 Pro chip and what Apple referred to as the fastest CPU in any smartphone. But more juice doesn't necessarily mean shorter battery life here, as the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the first iPhone in history with a battery over 5,000mAh capacity.

"Shot on iPhone" is about to have a whole new meaning. The camera situation has gotten a pretty serious revamp with the 17, including selfie cameras up to 18MP (compared to the 12MP on older iPhones) that automatically flip the orientation based on what's in the picture — no more turning your camera sideways just to get a long group selfie. The iPhone 17 Pro models are also outfitted with triple 48MP fusion cameras on the back and an ultrawide lens with four times the resolution of that on the iPhone 16. During the event, the iPhone 17 Pro's camera system was described as "the equivalent of eight Pro lenses in your pocket."

Pre-orders for the new iPhone opened on Sept. 12 and will run through Sept. 19, when all iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models will begin shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 $799 at Apple Store
Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max $1,099 at Apple Store
Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 17 Air $999 at Apple Store
Learn More

For more Live Apple Event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch.

I just got the new phone on the block—the Google Pixel 10. Setting it up was the usual smooth Pixel experience, until I noticed something different: a feature that lets Gemini read your notifications whenever you’ve got headphones on. It sounded helpful, so I thought, why not? I switched it on, figuring if it bugged me, I’d just turn it off later. Simple enough.

If you value using a stylus with a touchscreen, 2025 has been a mixed year. Fortunately, tablets still provide us with options and give reason for hope.

TL;DR: Pakistan vs. UAE in the 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Asia Cup continues with huge matchups between some of the best T20 sides in the world. Pakistan next face up against the UAE. They lost their last fixture against India, but can still progress to the Super Four with a win here.

If you want to watch Pakistan vs. UAE in the 2025 Asia Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Pakistan vs. UAE?

Pakistan vs. UAE in the 2025 Asia Cup starts at 10:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 17. This game takes place at the Dubai International Stadium.

How to watch Pakistan vs. UAE for free

Pakistan vs. UAE in the 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha.

Tamasha is geo-restricted to Pakistan, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Pakistan, meaning you can unblock Tamasha from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Pakistan vs. UAE in the 2025 Asia Cup for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Pakistan

4. Visit Tamasha

5. Live stream Pakistan vs. UAE for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch the 2025 Asia Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch the tournament for free.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Tamasha?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming on free sites like Tamasha, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan

• 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2025 Asia Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

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.

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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: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Found in front of a home

• Green: To backtrack

• Blue: To overfill

• Purple: What a kid would watch

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: They're blowin' in the wind

• Green: Change one's tune

• Blue: Cram

• Purple: Last words in long-running children's show titles

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 #829 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• They're blowin' in the wind: FLAG, PINWHEEL, VANE, WIND CHIME

• Change one's tune: ABOUT-FACE, BACKPEDAL, FLIP-FLOP, RENEGE

• Cram: JAM, SHOEHORN, STUFF, WEDGE

• Last words in long-running children's show titles: KANGAROO, NEIGHBORHOOD, RAINBOW, STREET

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 September 2, 2025

Are you also playing NYT 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 today's Connections.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands 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 preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 2, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: We beg to differ

The words are antonyms.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe contradictions.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is veritcal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Opposites Attract.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 17

• Rigid

• Bold

• Quiet

• Opposites Attract

• Flexible

• Timid

• Noisy

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 today's Strands.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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 September 2, 2025 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 September 2, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

What one chews with.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter T appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

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...

TEETH

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 September 2, 2025

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 today's Wordle.

Collecting Pokémon cards has always been more than chasing the most expensive grails. For me, it’s about the stories, the memories, and the way each card reflects a piece of the Pokémon journey — that goes for a promo given out at a movie theater or a chase card that had collectors battling bots to secure. Prices rise and fall, but the attachment we form to these cards is what really cements their value.

Over the years I’ve built a collection that balances nostalgia, playability, and some serious collector heat. Here are my top 10 cards, ranked from the most affordable to the crown jewel of my binder. Alongside their pricing history, I’ll explain why each one has a permanent spot in my collection.

10. Latios - 203/191 (Surging Sparks) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $29 | Market price: $29.46 | Last sold: $29

Latios Illustration Rare is a stunning example of how modern sets are leaning hard into collector-driven artwork. Part of a twinned art set with Latias ex SIR, this card initially launched at over $40 back in late 2024 but has since settled comfortably at $29. That’s still impressive for an Illustration Rare, which often don’t hold value unless tied to fan-favorite Pokémon. The twin artwork connection makes this card special, and I love how it displays when paired with Latias — together they feel like two halves of a single story.

9. Mew Black Star Promo 9 Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $56.50 | Market price: $56.49 | Last sold: $36.89

This WotC-era promo was originally handed out at Pokémon League events in April 2000, making it one of the earliest promotional releases. Its Devolution Beam attack is quirky, and Ken Sugimori’s artwork cements its nostalgic feel. Price-wise, it climbed from $40.72 to $61.21 between February and March and is now holding steady around $55. For me, this card isn’t just about the value; it’s about holding a slice of Pokémon TCG history, back when promos were events in themselves.

8. Mew Black Star Promo 47 (Lillypad Mew) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $68.70 | Market price: $68.62 | Last sold: $65.90

The Lillypad Mew is one of those cards that feels almost mythical among collectors. With its Neutral Shield Pokémon Power and adorable artwork, it became a fan favorite and was even reprinted in X and Y Evolutions. For years it hovered around $45–$50, but it’s seen a steady climb since mid-2024, now nearing $70. The market is finally giving these old promos the recognition they deserve, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this one crack $100 soon. It’s a true piece of Pokémon promo history.

7. Charizard VSTAR SWSH262 Promo Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $72.93 | Market price: $69.61 | Last sold: $67.95

Charizard always carries weight in the hobby, and this promo from the Ultra Premium Collection is no exception. What makes it even more iconic is that its twin artwork features Mewtwo from Crown Zenith, capturing an epic battle on cardboard. Last year this card could be had for around $15, but since then it’s skyrocketed past $70. For a Charizard chase card, that’s still relatively affordable, and it feels like one of those promos that only gets more desirable as time goes on.

6. Ancient Mew Promo Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $84.98 | Market price: $90.78 | Last sold: $99.95

For anyone who grew up with Pokémon, Ancient Mew is pure nostalgia. Distributed to moviegoers at Pokémon the Movie 2000, it features runic text and a unique card back never used again in the TCG. Values have bounced around recently, with a big spike from $60 to over $90 last year, now plateauing at about $85. It’s not tournament legal, but that doesn’t matter — this is a card that embodies the magic of the early days of Pokémon, and one that will always draw eyes when you flip through a binder.

5. Rayquaza VMAX TG20/TG30 (Silver Tempest Trainer Gallery) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $135 | Market price: $118.55 | Last sold: $65.68

Rayquaza is one of the most beloved legendaries in Pokémon history, and its Silver Tempest Trainer Gallery VMAX card is a stunning showcase. Starting at just under $40 in late 2024, it doubled by Jan and has only gone up since, hitting $135 today. With its powerful Azure Pulse ability and flashy artwork, this card captures everything people love about Rayquaza. Silver Tempest has become a set to watch, and cards like this are leading the charge.

4. Mewtwo VSTAR GG44/GG70 (Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $199 | Market price: $208.80 | Last sold: $199.99

Having Mewtwo and Charizard locked in battle on a single card was always going to be a hit. This Crown Zenith chase card started around $50 in Sept 2024 and more than doubled in early 2025, now pushing $200. It’s part of a twin artwork pairing with Charizard VSTAR, and the combination makes both cards more desirable. For me, this one represents the perfect crossover of nostalgia and modern collector demand.

3. Latias ex - 239/191 (Surging Sparks) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $189 | Market price: $175.76 | Last sold: $175.99

Latias ex Special Illustration Rare has been a rollercoaster ride in terms of value. It peaked at $264 in late 2024 before dropping as low as $150 when Surging Sparks product flooded the market, and now it’s back up around $189. What makes this card special is its twinned art with Latios IR, forming a display-worthy duo. Beyond that, Latias is a fan favorite, and its Skyliner ability adds a touch of playability. This is one of those cards that feels undervalued in the long run.

2. Greninja ex - 214/167 (Twilight Masquerade) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $342.44 | Market price: $346.17 | Last sold: $320.72

Greninja is easily one of the most popular starters of the modern era, and its Special Illustration Rare from Twilight Masquerade has been nothing short of wild in terms of market movement. After climbing as high as $410 earlier this year, it dipped to $260 before rebounding to over $340. Graded 10 copies are approaching $1,000, which is insane for a modern card. The artwork, the competitive relevance, and the fanbase make this a must-have.

1. Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat 085 Promo Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Current price: $700.78 | Market price: $492.50 | Last sold: $699.99

This is the crown jewel of my collection. The so-called “Van Gogh Pikachu” caused chaos when it was released at the Van Gogh x Pokémon exhibit, and later through Pokémon Center orders. What started at under $100 a year ago has exploded to nearly $700 today, with no signs of slowing down. It’s not just about scarcity — it’s about the cultural crossover between Pokémon and art. This is one of those cards that transcends the TCG and destined to hit $1,000 sooner rather than later.

Stephen Colbert returned to The Late Show on Tuesday, fresh from a standing ovation and the first Emmy the show has ever won (seriously, how?).

After dedicating the award for Outstanding Talk Series to his staff, from the production team to the writers, The Late Show band to wardrobe, thanking the viewers, and shouting out his fellow nominees Jon Stewart and Jimmy Kimmel, Colbert reminded the audience of one person who hasn't got one of these shiny awards.

"Speaking of Emmys, Donald Trump doesn't have one," said Colbert, and he's accurate — the former reality TV star's show The Apprentice has won zero Emmy Awards, constantly losing to The Amazing Race and prompting Trump to play the "rigged" card. When Colbert hosted the 2017 Emmy Awards, he roasted the newly elected president.

SEE ALSO: John Oliver gleefully fantasises about Jimmy Kimmel beating Stephen Colbert at the Emmys

In July, The Late Show host announced that CBS had cancelled his show the same week he'd accused parent company Paramount of paying a "big fat bribe" to Trump. The president responded, "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired."

SAVE OVER $100: As of Sept. 17, the Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV is on sale for $416.99 at Amazon. This is $133 off its list price of $549.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-Inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K UHD TV $416.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $133 Get Deal

The next big wave of sale events are on the horizon — kicking off with Prime Big Deal Days in October — but that doesn't mean there aren't any good deals worth checking out right now. Even ahead of its next sale, Amazon's offering some excellent discounts, including on TVs. If you've been looking for an upgrade, the Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV has dropped back to its best-ever price.

The Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV is currently marked down to $416.99. This is 24% off its usual list price of $549.99, saving you $133 in total. Again, it also marks its lowest price yet, so now is as good a time as any to get your hands on it.

SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this easy TV specs guide

No matter if you're using it for a movie night, gaming, or to binge-watch a TV show, this Hisense TV boasts excellent picture quality for you to enjoy thanks to 4K resolution and QLED Color to make every scene look vibrant and rich. It also comes with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos to further elevate the picture and sound, and it even features Filmmaker Mode for movie fans looking to watch their favorites with the settings the filmmaker intended.

It's also smart. So if you're someone who frequently uses streaming services, this Hisense TV can keep everything in one convenient location for you.

Don't miss out on this limited-time deal on the Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV at Amazon. And if you're looking to invest in an even bigger model, you can also save on the 85-inch Samsung Neo QLED right now at Amazon.

SAVE OVER $100: As of Sept. 17, the Aferiy Portable Power Station is on sale for $1,169.09 at Amazon. This is $129.91 off its list price of $1,299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Aferiy Aferiy 3840Wh Portable Power Station $1,169.09 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $129.91 Get Deal

With Prime Big Deal Days officially announced for the start of October (Oct. 7 and Oct. 8, to be exact), Amazon is gearing up to drop a new wave of deals for shoppers. Thankfully, there are already some great deals available ahead of the sale event. If you've been on the hunt for a portable power station to take on camping trips this year, this limited-time discount on the Aferiy Portable Power Station is worth a look.

Usually listed for $1,299, the Aferiy Portable Power Station is currently marked down to $1,169.09. This saves you $129.91 and marks a return to its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. It won't last much longer, as this limited-time deal has a timer counting down through the rest of Sept. 17, so you'll want to act fast to grab it at this price.

SEE ALSO: Get $1,000 off the new Bluetti Solar Generator Apex 300 with this Amazon coupon

The Aferiy Portable Power Station is packed with a 3840Wh LiFePO4 battery and 3600W AC output. It also comes with 15 output ports: five AC outlets, two USB-A, four USB-C, two DC5521, one car socket, and one XT60 port. No matter if you're taking it out camping or using it as backup power, this portable power station can keep your favorite devices charged up.

This deal only lasts through the rest of Sept. 17, so don't miss out on the Aferiy Portable Power Station back to its best price. And if you're looking to spend a little less on a portable power station, this deal on the DJI Power 1000 portable power station is well worth a look.

The best ways to watch 'M3GAN' and 'M3GAN 2.0': Non-streaming option Rent or purchase 'M3GAN' on Prime Video $3.99 or $14.99 Shop Now Non-streaming option Rent or purchase 'M3GAN 2.0' on Prime Video $5.99 or $9.99 Get Deal Best Peacock deal Peacock Premium annual subscription $109.99 per year (save $21.89) Get Deal Best no-ads deal Peacock Premium Plus annual subscription $169.99 per year (save $33.89) Get Deal Get Peacock for free Peacock Premium free with Instacart+ subscription (save $109.99) Get Deal Get Peacock for free Peacock Premium free with Walmart+ subscription (save $109.99 per year) Get Deal Best for students Peacock Premium $2.99 per month (save $8 per month) Get Deal Best for military Peacock Premium $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal Best for teachers Peacock Premium $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal Best for first responders and medical professionals Peacock Premium $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal

Everyone's new favorite murderous doll (sorry, Chucky) is back for another round. M3GAN dominated the box office in its first go, but M3GAN 2.0, which hit theaters last month, hasn't been able to live up to the original hype. This time around, M3GAN's creator Gemma (Allison Williams) is forced to resurrect her after a new AI bot, Amelia (created using the same technology that made M3GAN), becomes a threat to all of humanity. M3GAN 2.0 is faster, stronger, and of course, taller, but otherwise the same dancing diva AI doll you've come to love.

Universal is hoping to find its audience outside of theater now that the film is officially available to watch at home. Here's what you need to know to watch M3GAN and M3GAN 2.0.

When does M3GAN 2.0 come out?

M3GAN 2.0 hit theaters June 27, 2025, about a year and a half after the AI doll's first murder spree. It officially made its at-home debut on digital-on-demand services like Prime Video and Apple TV on July 15. It's set to make its streaming debut on Peacock on Sept. 26.

Check out the official trailer for a glimpse at what's to come. Yes, there's more dancing.

How to watch M3GAN 2.0Rent or buy on digital

As of July 15, you can purchase or rent the film at digital-on-demand retailers (like Prime Video or Fandango at Home). The film is available to buy for $24.99 or rent for $19.99. While it's certainly tempting to save a few bucks and opt for the rental option, just be aware that you'll only 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 keep.

• Prime Video — $5.99 to rent, $9.99 to buy

• Apple TV — $5.99 to rent, $9.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home — $5.99 to rent, $9.99 to buy

Stream it on Peacock

When and where will it be streaming? As a Universal Pictures film, it's no surprise that M3GAN 2.0 will make its streaming debut on Peacock, the NBCUniversal-owned service. Following the same schedule as previous Blumhouse titles (like Drop and The Woman in the Yard), M3GAN 2.0 will arrive on Peacock on Sept. 26, 2025 for your viewing pleasure.

How to watch M3GAN

The original M3GAN movie debuted on Peacock when it first came out (which makes sense, as it's a Universal Pictures film), then spent some time streaming exclusively on Starz. Thankfully, the film (as well as the unrated version) has made its way back to Peacock as of Aug. 24, so you can stream both films on the same app.

You can also rent or purchase M3GAN on digital on-demand retailers like Prime Video or Fandango at Home. Here are some quick links if you choose that route.

Note: Rentals give you 30 days to watch and just 48 hours to finish once you begin.

• Prime Video — $3.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

• Apple TV — $3.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home — $3.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

• YouTube — $3.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

• Google Play — $3.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy

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

If Peacock isn't running any sort of special (which it does a few times per year — keep an eye out around Black Friday), the best Peacock deal for most people on any given day is the annual subscription deal. When you pay upfront for the year, you'll end up getting 12 months for the price of 10. A monthly subscription with ads usually costs $10.99 per month (which adds up to $131.88), but paying upfront drops that price to only $109.99 (which breaks down to $9.17 per month). That's a total savings of 17%.

For those who prefer watching without ads, you'll pay $169.99 per year (which breaks down to about $14.16 per month instead of $16.99) for Premium Plus.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers: free Peacock Premium for eligible accounts Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Get Deal

If you're an Xfinity customer, check out the eligibility details below before signing up for Peacock, as you might be able to score a subscription for free. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible to get Peacock through Xfinity. You can also 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: Save $8/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $2.99 per month for one year (save $8 per month) Get Deal

Students can save $8 per month on a Peacock Premium subscription all year long — that's a total of $96 in savings. Just verify your student status through SheerID and use the unique promo code to knock the cost down to just $2.99 instead of $10.99. Once 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 $7/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months (save $7 per month) Get Deal

First responders, medical professionals, military personnel, and teachers can all get a Peacock Premium subscription (with ads) at a discounted rate of $3.99 per month by verifying their professional status via SheerID. Unlike the student deal, however, it's not limited to a year. If you continue to meet verification qualifications each year, you can renew your subscription at the discounted rate — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code.

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) also unlocks a free Peacock Premium subscription ($109.99 per year value). That's on top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders. Plus, if you're new to Instacart+, you'll get a free two-week trial to test the waters. That means you can watch M3GAN and M3GAN 2.0 for free if you wait until the streaming debut to sign up. Just be sure to cancel before you're charged.

Best for Mastercard holders: Get up to $5 back per month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Mastercard Peacock Premium Get $3 or $5 cashback per month with World or World Elite Mastercard Get Deal

Through Dec. 31, if you sign up for Peacock using an eligible World or World Elite Mastercard, you'll automatically receive a monthly statement credit of $3 for Peacock Premium or $5 for Peacock Premium Plus. That ultimately drops the price of the Premium tier back to $7.99 (its former price before the most recent price hike) and Premium Plus down to $11.99 per month. Learn more about eligibility requirements on the promotional page.

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

To compete with Amazon Prime, Walmart is now offering Walmart+ members the ability to choose Peacock Premium as a free perk. Peacock is a $109.99 value, so your $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 Black Friday sale and other major shopping events, and it's giving Prime a run for its money.

UPDATE: Sep. 17, 2025, 6:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated to include the latest streaming information and pricing details available for M3GAN and M3GAN 2.0.

In the olden days, cellular data was slow and prohibitively expensive, forcing people to frantically search for Wi-Fi spots when away from home (it's one of the early reasons why Starbucks got popular; every venue had a working Wi-Fi hotspot back in the early aughts).

This is no longer the case. Personally, I almost never bother with Wi-Fi because the data plan on my phone allows me to do serious work on the go without ever worrying about the data expenditure.

Apple must've realized that, which is why the company introduced a small but important option in macOS Tahoe 26: You can now set your Mac to automatically join an iPhone hotspot (via MacRumors).

To do so, go to Settings - Wi-Fi - and under "Ask to join hotspots" you can now choose between "Never," "Ask To Join," and "Automatic" (Previously, you could only set "Ask to join hotspots" to on or off).

The same feature is also preset on iPadOS 26, and is equally useful there.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Watch Ultra 2: What are the differences?

As someone who works on the go very often, it's annoying to have to manually approve joining a hotspot every time I wanted to go online (which is always). And as I have to slog through dozens of (largely unnecessary) manual approvals (I'm looking at you, EU cookie directive) every day, I'm grateful that I have one less to worry about.

Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game 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. Like dominoes, the tiles 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 September 17, 2025

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 September 17, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 17 Pips

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 5-1, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add to 9. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 3-0, placed vertically; 3-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 17 Pips

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 3-2, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally.

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add to 8. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 17 Pips

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Number (0): Everything in this green space must add to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this dark blue space must add to 0. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically.

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

Number (0): Everything in this red space must add to 0. The answer is 3-0, 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.

FREE 10-PIECE MEAL: Until Oct. 5, Prime members can get a free 10-piece McNuggets meal with Grubhub+ in an early Prime Big Deal Days deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: McDonald’s Free 10-piece McNuggets Meal with Grubhub+ Learn More

It's official: Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days has been announced for Oct. 7-8. This event is still a long way off, but the retailer is already offering some nice deals for Prime members to jump on early. This includes a tasty offer with Grubhub+.

Prime members can use their free Grubhub+ membership to score a free McDonald’s 10-piece Chicken McNuggets meal. This deal runs until Oct. 5, so what are you waiting for?

SEE ALSO: Target announced dates for its fall Target Circle Week. Duh, it's during Prime Day.

Activating this deal is a simple process. In order to take advantage of this offer, you'll need to sign up for a Prime membership and then activate your free Grubhub+ offer. After that, add the medium-sized 10-piece McNuggets meal to your cart alongside some other items that brings you up to the $20 minimum, then you're all set to eat for free.

This offer only lasts until Oct. 5, so act fast to grab your free 10-piece McNuggets meal through Grubhub+. If you're curious how to join Prime to qualify for this offer, check out our guide on how to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for September 17, 2025 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: Same state

• Green: Baseball locations

• Blue: Same year

• Purple: Same school

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: California soccer teams

• Green: MLB stadium names

• Blue: Sports movies of 1994

• Purple: LSU alumni

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 #359 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• California soccer teams - ANGEL CITY, BAY FC, EARTHQUAKES, GALAXY

• MLB Stadium names - ANGEL, DODGER, GLOBE LIFE, ORACLE

• Sports movies of 1994 - ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD, BLUE CHIPS, LITTLE BIG LEAGUE, LITTLE GIANTS

• LSU alumni - CHASE, NABERS, REESE, SKENES

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.

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 today's Connections.

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 Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025:

AcrossMiddling

• The answer is So So.

Attractive, muscular guy

• The answer is Hunk.

1/23/45 and 6/7/89

• The answer is Dates.

Big name in flat-pack furniture

• The answer is IKEA.

Job benefit

• The answer is Perk.

DownIce cream drink

• The answer is Shake.

Word with space or Banks

• The answer is Outer.

Quarterback running play

• The answer is Sneak.

Signs off on

• The answer is OKs.

Buy the ___ (investing strategy)

• The answer is Dip.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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 today's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 17, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $149.95 at Amazon. That's a 25% savings on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50 Get Deal

Smartwatches come in all shapes and sizes these days. There are models for runners, models for daily lifestyle tracking, and models for serious endurance athletes. This range also affects price, with some options for under $100 and others creeping towards $1,000. If you're looking for something in the middle of this range, the market can be daunting.

That's why I love the Fitbit Versa 4. It does a bit of everything, and it does it well. And you don't need to break the bank now it's on sale at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: I'm a Garmin girl, but the Fitbit Sense 2's Body Response sensor could sway me

As of Sept. 17, you can save $50 on the Versa 4 at the new price of $149.95. This price is for the black and waterfall blue colors, but for $30 more, you can get the pink sand watch.

This watch is touchscreen-controlled. The screen is responsive and bright (thanks to the AMOLED display), so it's easy to understand. If you're looking to track sports and activities on this watch, there are over 40 sports tracking modes to consider. These include running, swimming, cycling, and general workout features. If you're hoping to do long-distance activities with this watch, I've found that the battery life isn't as long-lasting as the likes of Garmin or Coros.

For health and wellbeing tracking, you'll have access to heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS. You'll also get a daily Stress Management Score, as well as menstrual tracking. The watch also comes with a free six-month Premium membership. With this, you'll get access to even more personalized insights as well as guided programs and workouts.

Save $50 with this Fitbit deal from Amazon.

The leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping, and tech companies are making their announcements every week — Autumn is here.

Mark Zuckerberg will take the stage as part of Meta Connect, Meta's annual two-day developer conference focused on virtual reality, AR, the metaverse, and everything there is to know about the company's smart glasses. Zuckerberg will kick off the Sept. 17 event with a keynote at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET in which he "shares the latest on AI glasses and lays out Meta’s vision for artificial intelligence and the metaverse," according to Meta. The event is set to showcase AI glasses, and we just might get a glimpse at the long-anticipated Hypernova smart glasses, which are consumer-ready glasses with a display, according to CNBC. CNBC also reports that we might also see a much-rumored wristband "that will allow users to control the glasses with hand gestures." Tom's Guide reports that, in addition to the Hypernova smart glasses, the company could announce the details for the next-gen Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 and a new VR headset.

On Sept. 18, the schedule includes a developer keynote at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET in which "executives across Meta" will talk about how their "latest technologies are creating opportunities for developers to build new experiences for people." Developer sessions, hosted by "leading developers and technologists" start at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET and include "sessions with deep dives on virtual reality at AI" plus "new tools for accelerating development."

You can watch it all for yourself on Facebook Live by following the Meta for Developers page, or watch the keynote in Meta Horizon. If you want to make sure you don't miss anything, you can sign up for updates from Meta on their site.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is the number 1 movie in America. That sentence alone says as much about the rise of anime as it does about the film itself.

Once dismissed as niche, Japanese animation is now commanding the kind of box office pull usually reserved for superheroes and live-action sequels. The Demon Slayer franchise — which began as a hit manga and anime series and has already spawned several successful films, including 2020's record-shattering Mugen Train — just notched its biggest win yet. Infinity Castle, the first in a planned trilogy adapting the saga's climactic arc, raked in $70 million over its opening weekend, the largest debut for an anime film ever in North America. In Japan, it's shattered every record to become the highest-grossing film in the country’s history.

Giyu’s composure masks the storm beneath. Credit: © Copyright_©Koyoharu Gotoge_SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable

For the uninitiated, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons and his younger sister Nezuko is turned into one herself. Alongside allies like the skittish but fiercely loyal Zenitsu and the hotheaded Inosuke, Tanjiro joins the elite Demon Slayer Corps to hunt demons while searching for a cure for Nezuko.

The film drops viewers straight into the action as Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps launch their final assault against Muzan Kibutsuji, the original demon and the story’s ultimate villain. The stakes are higher, the scale is bigger, and every fight feels like it could be the last — and for some beloved characters, it is.

Anime isn't niche anymore.

Anime's box office boom didn't happen overnight. The groundwork was laid by decades of fandom: the cult art-house screenings of Akira and Ghost in the Shell in the '90s, Pokémon: The First Movie packing theaters with kids and their parents in 1999, and the steady critical embrace of Studio Ghibli classics throughout the 2000s and 2010s. But in the past five years, the shift has been seismic, with anime films more visible than ever in U.S. theaters. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2019) made over $30 million domestically, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2022) topped $35 million, and Suzume (2023) earned $11 million, while 2020's Demon Slayer: Mugen Train opened to $21 million and ultimately grossed $50 million — numbers Infinity Castle blew past in a single weekend.

The global audience was already primed, and streaming only accelerated it.

Channing Tatum joins the cast of "Demon Slayer" as the English voice of Keizo. Credit: Randy Shropshire / Getty Images for Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Aniplex

Platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu have turned what was once an import subculture into everyday binge fodder, making shows like Demon Slayer accessible to anyone with a login. In the first half of 2025 alone, Netflix users streamed over 4.4 billion hours of anime content, and that number is growing far faster than most other genres. The streamer reports that "more than 50 percent of its members — amounting to over 150 million households, or an estimated 300 million viewers — now watch anime," via The Hollywood Reporter, with viewership tripling over the last five years. And among Gen Z in the U.S., anime is a weekly routine: roughly 42 percent say they watch anime every week, surpassing viewership for some major sports like the NFL.

Social media did the rest, with clips, edits, and memes spreading battles and characters far beyond anime fandom's traditional borders. Infinity Castle's success feels like the inevitable result of years of momentum: a fandom that had grown up, multiplied, and turned out en masse.

It's an epic finale built for the big screen.

There's also the fact that the film doesn't try to disguise its origins as the climax of a long-running series; instead, it dives headfirst into them, pulling audiences straight into battle with no hand-holding. That confidence is part of its appeal. For longtime fans, the movie plays like a finale arc turned IMAX spectacle — a reward for their investment in the series. But even for casual viewers, it delivers what modern blockbusters often promise and rarely sustain: heart-pulsing action laced with genuine feeling.

Akaza, the Upper Rank Three demon, pushes Tanjiro and Giyu to their limits. Credit: © Copyright_©Koyoharu Gotoge_SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable

Nowhere is that clearer than in the film's centerpiece battles. When Hashira (the elite demon slayers, each specializing in their own technique) Tanjiro and Giyu face the upper-rank demon Akaza, his speed and martial-arts precision collide with the unyielding flow of their blades. Zenitsu's clash with his former senpai Kaigaku cuts even deeper. Both trained under the tutelage of the late Thunder Hashira, a mentor Zenitsu revered as a grandfather, and their fight becomes a reckoning with betrayal and self-doubt. His victory is bittersweet, softened by a fleeting apparition of his teacher — a benediction for a boy who had never found faith in himself.

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And Shinobu, the Insect Hashira whose quiet grace masks steely resolve, makes a sacrifice that lands with the kind of emotional impact most franchises struggle to earn after a dozen films, let alone a single arc.

For Shinobu, strength often comes wrapped in grace. Credit: © Copyright_©Koyoharu Gotoge_SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable

Ufotable, the animation studio behind Demon Slayer, continues to push the boundaries of what theatrical anime can look like. The fight sequences are fluid and balletic, the backgrounds impossibly detailed, and the maelstrom of color and shadow — blades flashing midair, bodies cutting arcs through the shifting castle — is so dynamic it demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

Beneath all the dazzle, though, lies the emotional spine that made Demon Slayer a global sensation in the first place: Tanjiro's compassion for the demons he's sworn to fight and the grief that propels the demon slayers forward, giving the action real weight. As action-packed as they may appear, these sequences are meditations on loss, love, and resilience.

It's this combination of stunning visuals and heart-on-sleeve sincerity that sets Infinity Castle apart. Where Hollywood blockbusters increasingly lean on irony and self-referential quips, Demon Slayer doubles down on earnestness. It's not afraid to make you cry between the gasps and cheers, which might be why it translates so powerfully across cultures.

Light, shadow, and motion converge in one of the film's most visually stunning sequences. Credit: © Copyright_©Koyoharu Gotoge_SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable

For many viewers outside Japan, Demon Slayer was the gateway into anime during a time when audiences were more willing than ever to experiment with global media.

The pandemic created the perfect conditions for Demon Slayer's sincerity to land. In 2019, the anime was already a breakout hit in Japan, but once lockdowns hit, Tanjiro's resilience resonated with a global audience hungry for connection. Streaming platforms made the series unavoidable, while social media turned it into an online obsession. By the time Mugen Train arrived in Japanese theaters at the end of 2020, breaking Spirited Away's decades-long box-office record, Demon Slayer had already become a generational juggernaut.

A new kind of blockbuster

Infinity Castle makes clear that anime has become a reliable source of theatrical events outside of Hollywood's superhero machinery. For further evidence, just look at GKIDS' annual Studio Ghibli Fest, a year-long program that consistently draws audiences back to theaters for limited-run screenings of beloved Ghibli classics.

And while the superhero model increasingly relies on crossover sprawl, anime succeeds by being earnest. Demon Slayer bares its heart, trusting viewers to sit with the grief and catharsis at its core. That sincerity is what resonates: the idea that a fantasy about demon slayers can also be a story about empathy.

Zenitsu takes a stand and unleashes a new form. Credit: © Copyright_©Koyoharu Gotoge_SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable

Take Zenitsu's duel with Kaigaku. On the surface, it's another thunderclap of swordplay, but underneath it’s the clash of two apprentices shaped by the same master: one who squandered his training by grasping for power, and one who fulfills his potential at last. On the brink of death, Zenitsu drifts into a vision of his late mentor across a misty river, who tells him, simply: "You are my pride and joy."

In that instant, the duel ends as something greater than triumph: the long-awaited moment when a boy who never believed in himself finally becomes the warrior his master believed he could be.

This shift says as much about audiences as it does about the medium. In an era where Hollywood blockbusters often feel like content designed to fill out a franchise calendar, anime films are offering emotional payoffs that feel earned and visuals that look unlike anything else on screen.

So, you could say Infinity Castle is the culmination of what anime has been building toward for years: proof that Japanese animation is no longer alternative cinema but a central part of global popular culture.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is in theaters now.