Technology

Best Labor Day deals on outdoor gear: Best camping deal Mineral King 2 All Season Tent with Footprint $374.99 (save $125) Get Deal Best emergency preparedness deal 2 Person Emergency Kit / 72 Hour Backpack by Stealth Angel Survival $119.29 (save $180.66) Get Deal Best backyard deal Weber Genesis E-315 3-Burner Gas Grill $799 (save $100) Get Deal

We've rounded up top sales on camping gear, grills, and hiking essentials to help you save big. Shop the deals now.

Summer may be winding down, but for outdoorsy folks and adventurists, the fun is just getting started. Whether you're planning one last camping trip, a fall hiking adventure, or hitting the road in an RV, the long weekend is the perfect excuse to snag some new gear. Tons of retailers are hosting Labor Day sales events, and we’ve found the best deals on outdoor equipment to make your next adventure more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.

While Amazon has some pretty good deals right now, you can often find even better ones outside the e-commerce giant. Specialty retailers like North Face, Backcountry, and Cabela’s are offering discounts of up to 60% off on a wide selection of outdoor gear and apparel.

Here are our top picks for the best Labor Day deals on outdoor gear.

Best camping deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 2 All Season Tent with Footprint $374.99 at Backcountry
$499.99 Save $125 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re planning to pitch a tent in the wilderness or set up a comfortable base camp, you'll need a high-quality tent that can withstand the weather. Our top pick is the Mineral King 2 All-Season Tent with Footprint, a four-season, two-person backpacking tent. Right now, you can get it for $374.99 at Backcountry, a 25% discount from its usual $499.99 price.

This tent is built to withstand Mother Nature, using the same expedition-quality flooring and canopy materials as Mountain Hardwear's high-end Trango tents. It's packed (pun intended) with thoughtful features, including two large doors for easy entry, a built-in gear-hanging system (to hang clothes, lanterns, toiletry kits, etc.), five interior storage pockets, and two dry-entry vestibules designed to mitigate condensation. Plus, the fly rolls back so you can gaze at the stars on clear nights.

More camping deals

• Cotopaxi Chasqui 13L Sling Pack — $71.25 $95 (save $23.75)

• Rumpl Original Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket — $139.30 $199 (save $59.70)

• Kelty Highroads Shelter — $209.96 $279.95 (save $69.99)

Best emergency preparedness deal Opens in a new window Credit: Stealth Angel Survival 2 Person Emergency Kit / 72 Hour Backpack by Stealth Angel Survival $119.29 at Stealth Angel Survival
$299.95 Save $180.66 Get Deal Why we like it

Official guidelines for a basic emergency kit recommend packing a multi-day supply of food and water, a flashlight, a first aid kit, local maps, backup batteries, and a whole lot more. That's a lot to assemble on your own, and often too much for a one-day hike. For a grab-and-go solution, our top pick is the 2 Person Emergency Kit / 72 Hour Backpack by Stealth Angel Survival.

Right now, it's on sale for $119.29, a $180.66 savings from its regular $299.95 price. (It’s a damn good deal for peace of mind.) This comprehensive kit has enough supplies to get you through multiple days, including not just emergency blankets, food, and water, but also a tube tent, a survival whistle, a compass, and even a full hygiene kit with toothbrushes, deodorant, and more.

More emergency preparedness deals

• LifeStraw Personal Water Filter — $14.95 $17.49 (save $2.54)

• NOAA Emergency Weather Radio — $25.99 $32.98 (save $6.99)

• SOL Adventure Ready Survival Kit — $44.99 $59.99 (save $15)

• SOL Escape Bivy XL with Hood — $80.24 $106.99 (save $26.75)

Best backyard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Weber Weber Genesis E-315 3-Burner Gas Grill $799 at Home Depot
$899 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

Believe it or not, Home Depot has some pretty good Labor Day deals going on right now, especially if you're looking to upgrade your outdoor living space. The best grill deal we found is on the Weber Genesis E-315 3-Burner Gas Grill, which is currently $100 off, marked down to $799.

That's a solid discount on a high-quality grill just in time for your last-minute cookouts. This model features Weber's PureBlu burners for even heat distribution, a pull-out grease tray for easy cleanup, warming racks, side tables, and a spacious 513 square inches of cooking area. That's more than enough room to host family and friends without scrambling from the grill to the kitchen.

More backyard deals

• Wild Sports Axe Throw Game — $66.98 $88.99 (save $23.01)

• Nuu Garden Black Square Metal Outdoor Patio Dining Table with Umbrella Hole — $98.97 $128 (save $29.03)

• Nuu Garden 2-Piece Swivel Steel Sling Outdoor Patio Dining Chairs — $154 $278 (save $124)

• Traeger Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill — $599 $729 (save $130.99)

Are you looking to watch some interesting movies in your free time this week? If so, I highly recommend these five Disney+ movies.

SAVE $450: As of Sept. 1, the 75-inch Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90F (2025) is on sale for $2,147.99 at Amazon, down from $2,597.99 — a 17% discount for Labor Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 75-inch Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90F (2025) $2,147.99 at Amazon
$2,597.99 Save $450 Get Deal

If you’ve been waiting for a real excuse to upgrade your living room setup, this might just be it. The Samsung Neo QLED QN90F — their 2025 flagship 75-inch model — is a beast of a TV, and it just got a rare $450 discount at Amazon for Labor Day. That’s 17% off a screen that quite literally does it all: 4K resolution, AI-driven upscaling, Dolby Atmos sound, gaming support, and glare-free viewing.

I know it’s a big investment, but if a cinematic home theater experience is what you’re after, this deal is genuinely worth considering.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Labor Day sale is live with lowest-ever prices on Apple, Samsung, and much more

Samsung went all in on tech with this model. It’s powered by their new NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, which uses 128 neural networks to sharpen everything on screen. Whether you’re watching old reruns or streaming something new in 4K, it cleans up the image beautifully. What really stood out to me, though, was how well it handles bright rooms. That Glare Free display tech actually works — no more fighting sunlight or turning off every lamp during daytime movie marathons.

• Price: $2,147.99 $2,597.99 (save $450)

• Retailer: Amazon

• Display: 75-inch Neo QLED, Glare-Free

• Resolution: 4K UHD

• Processor: NQ4 AI Gen2 with 128 AI neural networks

• Refresh Rate: 120Hz (up to 165Hz VRR)

• Audio: Object Tracking Sound+ with Dolby Atmos

• Smart Features: Gaming Hub, Alexa Built-in

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi, Ethernet, HDMI, USB

• Dimensions: 65.7-inch x 40-inch x 11.9-inch

• Other Features: Mini LED, Neo Quantum HDR+, AI motion smoothing

What I love most is how well this TV balances brains and brawn. It’s built for gamers with VRR support up to 165Hz, and if you’re into sports, Samsung’s motion smoothing tech keeps fast-moving action crisp without blur or flicker. The audio setup is just as serious — Object Tracking Sound+ and Dolby Atmos deliver layered, immersive sound without needing a separate soundbar (though you can absolutely add one if you want).

And for anyone worried about smart features, this model comes stacked. You’ve got WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, built-in Alexa, and Samsung’s Gaming Hub, all ready to go right out of the box. It’s an all-in-one setup that can grow with whatever devices or streaming apps you throw at it.

I’m not saying drop everything and buy it right now, but if this TV’s been on your radar, I’d move fast. We don’t usually see a price drop like this on a brand-new model — especially not one this size, this good, and this future-proofed. Labor Day might be your best shot before the Black Friday rush.

SAVE OVER $140: As of Sept. 1, the Samsung 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV is discounted at Amazon to $599.99. That's 20% off its list price of $747.99, saving you $148 and marking its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-Inch Class QLED Q8F 4K UHD Smart TV (2025) $599.99 at Amazon
$747.99 Save $148 Get Deal

If you're hoping to set yourself up with a new TV before fall officially kicks in, there are some great deals available right now as part of Labor Day sales. One of the best that has caught our attention is this discount on the Samsung 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV, which is down to its best-ever price at Amazon.

The Samsung 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV is usually listed for $747.99, but it's currently marked down 20% to $599.99. This marks its lowest price yet, so now is as good a time as any to pick it up and save big.

SEE ALSO: Looking for the best Labor Day TV deal? The Amazon Fire TV 2-Series is at its lowest price of 2025.

If you're hoping to stream the latest shows and films in their highest quality, the Samsung 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV can get the job done with its QLED display and 4K resolution that offers up a crisp, vibrant picture. And if you're a gamer, this TV offers 4K 144Hz so you can enjoy smooth visuals while you play. On top of that, this smart TV brings together your favorite streaming apps so you can access them all from one place.

Who knows how much longer this deal will last beyond Labor Day, so act fast to score the Samsung 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV on sale at Amazon. And if you're curious what else is discounted right now, check out our mega-post of Amazon's Labor Day sale for even more deals.

Prime Video is a surprisingly great place to find new movies to watch each week. Of course, that can be intimidating. How are you supposed to sift through all these films and find the ones most worth watching? Sure, you could trust the algorithm, but where’s the fun in that?

TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Bublik in the 2025 US Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 US Open action continues with a number of fascinating Round of 16 matchups, including Sinner vs. Bublik. The top seed has looked fairly comfortable thus far, but this could be Sinner's toughest test.

If you want to watch Sinner vs. Bublik in the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sinner vs. Bublik for free

Sinner vs. Bublik in the 2025 US Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone from around the world can access this site with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 US Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 US Open 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 US Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Sinner vs. Bublik for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Gauff vs. Osaka in the 2025 US Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 US Open is heating up with some really exciting matchups in the Round of 16. It's difficult to pick a favorite game from this round, but Gauff vs. Osaka has got to be up there with fans. We're expecting a fascinating contest between two former champions of this tournament.

If you want to watch Gauff vs. Osaka in the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Gauff vs. Osaka for free

Gauff vs. Osaka in the 2025 US Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone from around the world can access this site with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 US Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 US Open 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 US Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Gauff vs. Osaka for free from anywhere in the world 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's The Mini crossword answers for August 4 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: Entrance

• Green: There are days named after them

• Blue: They have a way with words

• Purple: A red bird

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: First appearance

• Green: Ones celebrated with holidays

• Blue: Famous poets

• Purple: What "Cardinal" might refer to

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 #814 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• First appearance: DEBUT, INTRODUCTION, LAUNCH, PREMIERE

• Ones celebrated with holidays: MOTHER, PRESIDENT, SAINT PATRICK, SAINT VALENTINE

• Famous poets: BISHOP, BURNS, LORDE, POPE

• What "Cardinal" might refer to: BIRD, CLERGY MEMBER, M.L.B. PLAYER, N.F.L. PLAYER

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 August 27, 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 August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Be my guest

The words are hosting-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are ways to be friendly.

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 Hospitality.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 1

• Welcome

• Receive

• Hospitality

• Embrace

• Invite

• Greet

• Serve

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 today: Hints and answers for August 4 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's The Mini crossword answers for August 4, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

The lowest amount.

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 L.

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...

LEAST.

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 August 4

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.

Are you considering Manjaro as your gateway into Arch Linux? Do you want to hear some of the cons of using Manjaro after hearing all the pros? Well, I have been using Arch-based distros for half a decade, and here’s why I avoid using Manjaro—despite it being a popular and beginner-friendly option.

Netflix has plenty of great films to watch, if you know where to look. I'm here to put an end to your doomscroll and recommend five movies that I've watched and rate highly.

We’re officially in that familiar late-summer rhythm: the NBA season is around the corner, training camps are almost here, and NBA 2K26 has already gone live for those who grabbed early access. Every year, 2K manages to turn the game’s rollout into an event, and this time it’s split neatly between the players who jumped in early on deluxe editions and everyone else waiting for the worldwide release.

Early access has already begun

The big news is that early access kicked off on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at 1 p.m. ET. That wasn’t a region-by-region rollout either — it went live simultaneously worldwide, meaning 10 a.m. for players on the West Coast, 6 p.m. for the UK, and 2 a.m. on Aug. 30 for Japan. If you were one of the people who picked up the Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions, you’re already building your MyPLAYER, testing out MyTEAM strategies, and figuring out the early meta.

SEE ALSO: 'Gears of War: Reloaded' comes to PS5: Release date and price info

For everyone else, the full launch is coming on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2025 at 1 p.m. ET. Again, that’s a synchronized release across all supported regions, so you won’t have to watch highlight reels from other time zones before you can dive in.

Sorting through the editions

I’ll admit, one of the more confusing parts of NBA 2K every year is keeping track of the editions. For 2K26, there are three.

The Standard Edition ($69.99) is the straightforward option — it comes with the base game, 10,000 VC, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the cover. The Superstar Edition ($99.99) steps things up with 100,000 VC, MyTEAM and MyCAREER boosts, an exclusive jersey, and that all-important early access. Carmelo Anthony takes the cover here. Then there’s the premium Leave No Doubt Edition ($149.99), which throws in 135,000 VC, both the Season 1 Pro Pass and the Summer Pass, extra cosmetics, and all three cover athletes — Shai, Melo, and Angel Reese — sharing the spotlight.

Here's every edition of NBA 2K26 available to buy or preorder right now:

• NBA 2K26 Standard Edition (PC Steam) — $69.99

• NBA 2K26 Superstar Edition (PC Steam) — $99.99

• NBA 2K26 (Nintendo Switch) — $59.99

• NBA 2K26 (Nintendo Switch 2) — $69.99

• NBA 2K26 (PlayStation 5) — $69.99

• NBA 2K26 (Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One Digital Code) — $69.99

• NBA 2K26 Superstar Edition (Xbox Series X|S Digital Code) — $99.99

• NBA 2K26 (Xbox Series X) — $69.99

If you’re asking me which one makes the most sense, I’d argue the Superstar Edition is the best value. It’s not cheap, but the VC bundled in saves you from immediately opening your wallet again just to stay competitive, and you get the week of early access. The Leave No Doubt Edition, on the other hand, feels like it’s really aimed at players who plan to live in the game all year long.

Where you can play

Platform availability is another wrinkle this year, especially with Nintendo’s hardware shift. On PC, the game is digital-only through Steam or the 2K Store, but you get access to all editions. The same goes for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, where you can pick up either a digital or physical copy. Things get more limited on Nintendo: the Switch 2 only gets the Standard Edition in physical format, while the older Switch offers the Standard Edition for $59.99.

Crossplay finally exists, but only between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. PC players remain walled off, and the Nintendo versions are in their own lane entirely.

What’s new inside the game

Modes are the backbone of every 2K, and this year’s lineup sticks to the familiar framework while adding some new wrinkles. The WNBA continues to expand its footprint with The W, letting you build a full WNBA career with stars like Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese. From what I’ve seen so far, agile guard builds look like the strongest path in this mode, especially when paired with the new personality trait system.

SEE ALSO: 'Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater' comes to PC, Xbox and PS5: Release date and price info

MyCAREER has a big hook this year: Spike Lee is back to direct a story mode titled Out of Bounds. It’s another reminder that 2K doesn’t just want this mode to feel like a progression system — it wants it to play like a basketball drama. Picking the right team for your position is still key; for example, point guards looking for minutes will have more luck joining the Spurs than a team already stacked at that spot.

The most striking change is in MyTEAM, which now combines NBA and WNBA players in the same ecosystem. This unlocks some wild possibilities — imagine Caitlin Clark feeding A’ja Wilson in a lineup anchored by Jimmy Butler and Brook Lopez. It’s not just a gameplay twist; it’s the kind of crossover that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. And for the league-managers out there, MyNBA and MyGM now feature online Playoffs Mode, making it much easier to run fantasy-style competitions with friends.

The VC grind never ends

If you’ve played NBA 2K before, you know VC is the currency that keeps everything moving. From upgrading attributes in MyCAREER to buying MyTEAM packs, animations, and even new fits, VC isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of the grind. And if you were wondering whether 2K adjusted its pricing this year, the answer is no. The VC bundles in NBA 2K26 look exactly like they have in past years.

The smallest packs start at 5,000 VC for $1.99 and 15,000 VC for $4.99. Realistically, these are more like “starter tips” than anything else. They’ll cover a couple of attribute boosts or maybe help you ditch the dreaded brown shirt and grey sweatpants, but they won’t change your MyPLAYER’s place on the court.

SEE ALSO: 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Mirror Edition' comes to PS5 and Xbox Series X: Release date and price info

The mid-tier options are where most players tend to live. 35,000 VC runs $9.99, while 75,000 VC at $19.99 can get your build out of pure rookie status and into something resembling a contributor in The City. The real sweet spot, at least for anyone taking MyCAREER seriously, is 200,000 VC for $49.99. That’s enough to raise your player into starter territory, balance out critical ratings, and still have some left over for animations or a new jumpshot package. It’s progress — though you’ll still be a long way from a maxed-out build.

Then there are the heavy-hitter bundles: 450,000 VC for $99.99 and 700,000 VC for $149.99. These are aimed squarely at players who don’t want to wait — the ones who’d rather dominate Pro-Am or Park on day one instead of grinding badges for weeks. With this kind of purchase, you can nearly max out a build, fill in animations, and still have plenty left for cosmetics. But at that point, you’re paying more for VC than for the game itself, which is always the uncomfortable trade-off 2K has leaned on for years.

So, should you buy VC? That depends on how you want to play. If you’re aiming for the competitive side of things — whether that’s Park runs, Rec matchmaking, or Pro-Am squads — then investing in at least one of the bigger bundles can keep you from falling behind. But if you’re patient, grinding daily quests, endorsements, and event bonuses still works; it’s just much slower. The truth is, NBA 2K26 hasn’t changed the fundamental equation: the grind is possible, but your wallet still speaks loudly when it comes to performance.

Where to buy NBA 2K26 VC

Here's where you can buy Virtual Currency for NBA 2K26:

• 15,000 VC Pack (Xbox) — $4.99

• 35,000 VC Pack (Xbox) — $9.99

• 75,000 VC Pack (Xbox) — $19.99

• 200,000 VC Pack (Xbox) — $49.99

• 450,000 VC Pack (Xbox) — $99.99

Why this year feels like a milestone

What stands out most about NBA 2K26 isn’t just the technical upgrades or the usual slate of returning modes, but the cultural weight of its cover athletes and roster choices. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represents the next wave of NBA superstardom, Carmelo Anthony brings nostalgia for a whole era of basketball fans, and Angel Reese embodies the WNBA’s surging influence. Pair that with the merging of NBA and WNBA talent in MyTEAM, and it feels like the series is finally acknowledging basketball culture as a whole, not just one league.

SAVE $200: As of Sept. 1, Apple's 2024 MacBook Pro M4 is on sale for $1,299 at Amazon. This is $300 off for Labor Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2024 MacBook Pro (M4) $1,299 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $300 Get Deal

Labor Day is delivering really strong deals on back-to-school gear. We've already come across a long list of impressive deals on tablets, headphones, smartwatches, laptops, and more to help you start the year with a splash. We've attempted to track absolutely everything here, but if you're only interested in super powerful laptops for demanding tasks, the latest deal on the MacBook Pro M4 is exactly what you need.

As of Sept. 1, the Apple 2024 MacBook Pro (M4) is on sale for $1,299 at Amazon. This is $300 off the list price and its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: Labor Day 2025 deals are live: Record-low prices on Apple, mattresses, headphones, and more

The 14-inch MacBook Pro comes with the M4 chip for impressive performance, even if you're really working hard with more tabs than you'd like to admit. It's also built for Apple Intelligence with all-day battery life and a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, so it ticks all the boxes.

In fact, we ranked the MacBook Pro as our top "splure pick" of the best MacBooks in 2025. In our review of the 2024 MacBook Pro, we said the "M4 MacBook Pro wows with endurance-defying battery life and stellar performance, allowing Apple to reclaim its throne."

Get the best-ever price on the MacBook Pro this Labor Day.

SAVE $25: As of Sept. 1, the Fitbit Inspire 3 fitness tracker is on sale for $74.95 in the Amazon Labor Day sale. That's 25% off its list price of $99.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $74.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $25 Get Deal

As we inch closer to Black Friday, Labor Day deals are here to fill the gap for those looking to score some discounts this fall. If you're looking to save on tech, Amazon's Labor Day sale has plenty to offer, including some great fitness tracker deals. At the moment, our favorite budget fitness tracker, the Fitbit Inspire 3, is even discounted in Amazon's sale event.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is currently on sale for $74.95. This is 25% off its list price of $99.95, making for a $25 discount. Multiple colors are on sale as well, so you can choose between the lilac bliss, midnight zen, or morning glow trackers.

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

This fitness tracker ranks as our favorite budget fitness tracker in our roundup of the best fitness trackers, but it's not just its price that helps it stand out. The Fitbit Inspire 3 boasts all-day activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate tracking, alongside Active Zone Minutes and a Daily Readiness Score. It even features a daily Stress Management Score, always-on wellness tracking, and a daily detailed Sleep Score, to name a few more features.

There's so much more to explore with this tracker, too. Our review said "For just under $100, the Fitbit Inspire 3 packs so many great health metrics and fitness tracking into a small wearable." But at this price? It makes picking it up even more appealing. Don't miss out on the Fitbit Inspire 3 on sale right now at Amazon.

To see even more great Labor Day deals available right now, check out our mega-post of Amazon's Labor Day sale to see discounts across a variety of categories.

SAVE $20: As of Sept. 1, Amazon's Kindle (16GB) is on sale for $89.99 on Labor Day. This is $20 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Amazon Kindle (16GB) $89.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $20 Get Deal

Labor Day is finally here, with deals on everything from MacBooks to Bose headphones. It's great to have so many options, but how do you know where to find the real value? You can let us do the work for you, that's how.

We've checked out everything on offer for Labor Day, and lined up the very best deals right here. But for bookworms? There's really only one choice worth your time.

The Kindle (16GB) is on sale for $89.99 at Amazon this Labor Day. This limited-time deal saves you $20 on list price. In fact, it's only a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price we saw over Prime Day. You're unlikely to see a better price until October Prime Day or Black Friday, so if you want something without the wait, this is the deal for you.

SEE ALSO: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is live — find 100+ books for free or under $1

The Kindle can hold a massive digital library of books without the large physical footprint. It has a small, light design that makes it perfect for travel, and its six-inch glare-free display is great for reading under less-than-ideal lighting. It also features an adjustable front light and dark mode, so you really can read whenever the feeling takes you.

We rank this model as the the best Kindle for anyone on a budget. In our review, we note that "you can't go wrong with the base Amazon Kindle model if you don't need a ton of flair and want a reliable e-reader with a lightweight frame."

Get the Kindle for under $90 this Labor Day.

Motorola sells various earbuds, but at the highest end of what the company offers, you'll find the diamond-studded Moto Buds Loop. No matter how these buds sound, that’s not what will determine whether you want to buy them—it's how they look.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 1, Beats Fit Pro earbuds are on sale for $149.99 at Amazon. That's a 25% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Fit Pro $149.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $49.96 Get Deal

If you need a new pair of earbuds, and color isn't high on your list of priorities, we've found you a dreamy deal on the Beats Fit Pro. As of Sept. 1, the purple-colored earbuds are heavily reduced at Amazon, down to their lowest price in 2025. Normally $199.95, these are now $149.95 for Labor Day.

If color does matter to you, you can still get a discount, but just not quite as good. The Beats Fit Pro in black are reduced to $164.99, and the white set are reduced to $179.99.

SEE ALSO: The 2025 MacBook Air M4 is down to a record-low price on Labor Day

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the Beats Fit Pro, and this is a great price for what you get, if you ask me. The features are impressive, with incredible noise cancellation modes as a standout selling point. They have several options on how much you want to block out surrounding noises (full cancellation, transparency, etc). I regularly use these for running, so the transparency mode is great to feel more aware of what is happeing around me.

But my favorite feature is the battery life. In my experience, a single charge will last for days (often weeks). Ideal if you regularly forget to charge your devices. Not to mention, a quick five-minute charge is enough to give you an hour of listening.

And for those who want to use these for sports, they're a great option. The silicon tip slides into your ear seamlessly, lodging in your ear and staying put for all types of activity at all intensities. And I can't not mention their longevity. I've used these earbuds several times a week for two years, and they're still as sturdy as they were on day one.

Get the Beats Fit Pro at Amazon now.

SAVE $200: As of Sept. 1, Apple's 13-inch 2025 MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $799 at Amazon. This is $200 off for Labor Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-Inch (M4) $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200 Get Deal

Are you still desperately sorting out your back-to-school gear? Do you need an upgrade for work? Or perhaps you're seeking something to take your gaming to the next level? Whatever you need, Amazon's Labor Day sale has you sorted. We've found deals on just about everything, with record-low prices on iPads, AirPods, and of course, MacBooks.

As of Sept. 1, the 13-inch 2025 MacBook Air is on sale for $799 at Amazon. This is $200 off the list price and its lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel. If you're looking to save on top tech for school, this could be the deal for you.

SEE ALSO: Labor Day 2025 deals are live: Record-low prices on Apple, mattresses, headphones, and more

The MacBook Air sports a sleek 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with the powerful M4 chip that keeps everything running smoothly. This MacBook also offers up to 18 hours of battery life and a portable design, so it's a strong choice for running between classes.

We really love this MacBook. In fact, we ranked the MacBook Air as our top pick of the best MacBooks in 2025. Mashable's Dylan Haas writes that "Apple's latest MacBook isn't the biggest upgrade over the M3, but it still packs in a better processor, some new features, and a much more competitive price (starting at $999), placing it firmly as the MacBook with the most overall value."

Get the best-ever price on the MacBook Air this Labor Day.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 1, Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are on sale for $379 at Amazon. That's 12% off their list price of $429.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra $379 at Amazon
$429 Save $50 Get Deal

Amazon's Labor Day sale is going strong with some stunning deals, including on top headphones. If you've been looking for a new pair to keep you occupied this fall, we've found some excellent discounts. Even our favorite noise-canceling headphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, have received a limited-time price drop.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are usually listed for $429, but right now you can score them with a $50 discount. This deal may not last long beyond Labor Day, so now's your chance to scoop them up and save.

SEE ALSO: I spent a week with Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds 2.0: They're excellent, but familiar

We're big fans of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones — they top our list of the overall best headphones as the top pick for noise-cancellation and we ranked them as the best headphones for most people in our roundup of the best noise-cancelling headphones. They feature spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience, up to 24 hours of battery life, and three noise-canceling modes: Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, and Immersion Mode.

With these modes, you can choose whether you want to tune out sounds around you completely, let some noise in, or have a combination of the two. Again, this deal might not stick around for long, so act fast to save on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones at Amazon.

Right now, you can also save on the Bose QuietComfort headphones and Bose Ultra open earbuds in the Amazon Labor Day sale.