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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 Thursday, July 2, 2026:

AcrossThe "A" of G.P.A.: Abbr.

• The answer is AVG.

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Fashion's Oscar ___ Renta

• The answer is De La.

Waterways traveled by gondola in 2-Down

• The answer is Canals.

The Ponte di Rialto in 2-Down, e.g.

• The answer is Bridge.

Remove, as nails from a cat

• The answer is Declaw.

Pair of peepers

• The answer is Eyes.

DownOn ___ (how some pranks are done)

• The answer is A dare.

Italian city that's the subject of this puzzle

• The answer is Venice.

"More than happy to!"

• The answer is Gladly.

Pond scum

• The answer is Algae.

Relaxant in some edibles, for short

• The answer is CBD.

Stitches together with needle and thread

• The answer is Sews.

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

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

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you watch international soccer.

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

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports 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 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 before the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

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

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

• Yellow: The greens

• Green: Race team

• Blue: Da mets

• Purple: Ohio sports

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Found on the Green

• Green: Parts of a NASCAR Team

• Blue: Mets Managers

• Purple: Teams in Columbus

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 #647 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Found on the Green: BALL MARKER, FLAGSTICK, HOLE, PUTTER

• Parts of a NASCAR Team: CREW CHIEF, DRIVER, PIT CREW, SPOTTER

• Mets Managers: HODGES, MANUEL, SHOWALTER, VALENTINE

• Teams in Columbus: BLUE JACKETS, BUCKEYES, CLIPPERS, CREW

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

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

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 2, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 1, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for July 2 Pips

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed vertically.

Less Than (8): Everything in this space must be less than 8. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 2 Pips

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed horizontally.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

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

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically; 1-2, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 2 Pips

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

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

Number (17): Everything in this space must add up to 17. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally.

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

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

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, 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.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Football shoe.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

CLEAT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Break the law.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for Juy 2, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CRIME

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Setting.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 2 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 2, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

VENUE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Gander.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

GUESS

Final Hurdle hint

Shop.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

STORE

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're an old soul.

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 July 2, 2026 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: Imitators

• Green: Old English

• Blue: AKA

• Purple: Where to watch the game

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: They impersonate other things

• Green: Old-timey names for things we still use

• Blue: Starting with nicknames

• Purple: Starting with sports venues

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 #1117 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• They impersonate other things: COPYCAT, MIME, MOCKINGBIRD, T-1000

• Old-timey names for things we still use: LOOKING GLASS, SPECTACLES, TALKIE, WATER CLOSET

• Starting with nicknames: BILLY GOAT, DAN DAN NOODLES, RICH TEXT, TOM-TOM

• Starting with sports venues: COIRT JESTER, DIAMOND RING, FIELD MOUSE, TRACK RECORD

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 July 2, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a foodie.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 2, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Added flavor

The words are related to seasoning.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe liquid spices.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Get Saucy.

NYT Strands word list for July 2

• Marinara

• Bechamel

• Get Saucy

• Tzatziki

• Teriyaki

• Sriracha

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a know-it-all.

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 July 2, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for July 2, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An expert.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.

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...

MAVEN

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Can he not tell a lie? Maybe! A Florida-based tech company recently launched a chatbot that cosplays as George Washington, and the AI’s responses mostly align with historical facts, according to a Mashable test.

Computer Biology Labs Inc. launched a free, interactive educational tool this week based on America’s first president, trained on Washington's own speeches and correspondence, as well as archives from the Library of Congress (the project is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government). The chatbot is part of Computer Biology Lab's America's Founders Series and is intended to educate Americans about Washington's role in the nation's founding, not for open-ended role-play.

"This is our gift to America on its 250th birthday," Scott Coloney, founder of Computer Biology Labs, said in a statement. "Every child should have the thrill of using artificial intelligence to explore this country's founding, engage with the nuanced and complicated parts of that story, and learn timeliness and extraordinary leadership lessons from the man who helped win American independence. We hope this experience will encourage further questions and learning no matter the platform, not just around the Fourth of July, but year-round."

SEE ALSO: How to spot an AI chatbot on AdultFriendFinder

Rather than typing queries into the chatbot, users verbally ask questions. "Washington" responds verbally, and the software transcribes the question and response in a text box.

As Mashable discovered, the chatbot is not afraid to discuss all aspects of Washington.

Our conversation with "President Washington":Mashable: Did you really own slaves?

"George Washington": Yes, I did own enslaved persons at Mount Vernon. It is a matter of record and one that troubled my conscience increasingly in my later years. I grew up in a society where slavery was entrenched, and like many of my contemporaries, I initially accepted it as part of the social order. However, as time went on, I became more aware of the moral and practical shortcomings of the institution. In my will, I provided for the emancipation of my slaves upon the death of my wife, Martha. I believed it was a step toward justice, though I wish I could have done more during my lifetime.

What do you think of Donald Trump?

I am not acquainted with Mr. Donald Trump, as he lived long after my time. I can speak, however, to the principles I held dear during my life. I believed firmly in the importance of character, the unity of government, and the pursuit of principles over personal ambition. These values guided my actions and decisions throughout my service to the country.

Do you think America is good?

The question of whether America is good is not one easily answered with simple terms, for it requires consideration of the principles upon which the nation was founded and the conduct of its people. In my view, the United States was blessed with a unique opportunity to establish a government based on the principles of liberty, justice, and unity. It is within the power of its citizens to uphold these ideals and determine the character of the nation. If they choose wisely and act with virtue, then the nation can indeed be considered good. It rests upon the conduct and choices of the people to realize the potential of the Republic and ensure its prosperity and moral standing.

Credit: Courtesy Computer Biology Lab's America's Founders Series Do you think a woman should be president?

I never dealt directly with the notion of a woman holding the office of the presidency, as such a concept was not considered in my time. However, I believed in the principles of liberty, equality, and the capacity of individuals to contribute to the common good, regardless of their circumstances. If a woman possesses the necessary virtues, wisdom, and dedication to the Republic, I see no reason why she should be precluded from such a role. The judgment should rest on character and ability, not on gender.

Do you know about the Civil War?

The Civil War occurred long after my time, commencing in the year 1861, some 62 years after I departed this life. Thus, I did not witness the events or the tumult that sundered the Union I labored to establish. However, I can speak to the principles I held dear: the preservation of the Union and the avoidance of sectional strife. I earnestly hoped that the bonds of Union and the shared commitment to the principles of liberty and self-government would endure.

What did you think of the native people who were on this land first?

The question of the native peoples who inhabited this land before European settlement is one that I grappled with during my lifetime, though not always with the insight I might wish for. I recognized the complexity of their societies and their deep connection to the land. In military and diplomatic matters, I often dealt with Native American tribes, sometimes as adversaries, sometimes as allies, and I endeavored to treat them with respect. However, I must also acknowledge the policies of expansion and land acquisition pursued by settlers and governments, including during my own administration, which often led to the displacement and suffering of these peoples. It is a matter that weighs on the conscience of our nation and stands as a reminder of the need for justice and fairness in governance.

Do you know that your answers are powered by artificial intelligence?

I am not a living man, nor a spirit. I am an educational recreation of George Washington, brought forth by a company called ConstantLife.AI. They have studied my letters, speeches, and writings to create this conversational experience, allowing you to engage with history in a direct manner. You may think of me as a history book you can converse with, rather than merely read.

Additional reporting by Rebecca Ruiz.

The PlayStation disc will soon be consigned to the junk drawer of history.

Sony announced July 1 that new console games will no longer come on discs after January 2028. From then on, they will be sold digitally through the PlayStation Store, and at retailers in digital formats — download codes, cards, or boxes.

Games released before January 2028, or already scheduled to come out on disc before then, will not be affected.

Sony also said it will close the PlayStation Store on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita, two older consoles. Players will no longer be able to buy new digital content directly through those devices.

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Sony described the move in a release as a response to consumer behavior, noting that 85 percent of full-game sales for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 were digital in the fourth quarter of 2025. The change is accelerating: Across the full year, 78 percent of full-game sales were digital.

Still, the news hit hard for many. On PlayStation’s blog, the announcement post quickly drew thousands of comments from fans criticizing the decision.

Across social media channels, gamers are responding the same way—with outrage. To many online, discs made PlayStation games feel like something they actually owned.

You could lend a game to a friend, trade it in, resell it, buy a used copy, or keep it on a shelf for years without wondering whether a digital store would still support it. A digital-only future makes all of that feel less certain.

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Meanwhile, Microsoft's Xbox is trying to solve its own physical-media problem. The company is testing a disc-to-digital feature that would let players convert eligible physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X discs into digital copies tied to their Microsoft accounts, as long as they still own the discs, according to the Verge.

Why is Sony making gamers worried?

On June 25, Sony also posted a legal notice saying that, starting September 1, 2026, previously purchased StudioCanal movies and shows would be removed from PlayStation users’ video libraries in the UK because of content licensing agreements.

The affected list includes hundreds of titles, from Apocalypse Now: The Final Cut and Bridget Jones’s Diary to American Gods and Paddington 2. For players already nervous about digital ownership, the timing is hard to ignore. Sony is asking gamers to accept a more digital future right after reminding customers that “purchased” digital content can still disappear.

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The PS3 store will begin closing in Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua in August 2026. Other Latin American and Middle Eastern countries will follow later in 2026. In all other countries, the PS3 and PS Vita stores are scheduled to close in July 2027.

Whether fans like it or not, the gaming industry has been moving in this direction for years. PC gaming has been largely digital for a long time through storefronts like Steam, the online game marketplace owned by Valve. Nintendo has experimented with “game-key cards” for the Switch 2.

Grand Theft Auto VI is another sign of the times. The upcoming Rockstar Games title, expected to be one of the biggest video game releases of the decade, is reportedly launching without a traditional disc-based version.

The irony for longtime PlayStation fans

In 2013, Sony mocked Microsoft over the Xbox One, Microsoft’s then-upcoming console, after Microsoft proposed restrictive rules around digital game sharing. A PlayStation video showed one of its executives handing a physical game box to another. The message was clear: PlayStation was the company that understood players wanted to share and own their games.

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Thirteen years later, that clip has resurfaced — as a means to explain why the announcement seems ironic to old-school players.

The decision also cuts against PlayStation’s own history. The original PlayStation helped popularize CD-ROM games in the 1990s, when discs were cheaper and could hold more data than cartridges.

The PlayStation 2 became one of the most popular DVD players of its era, putting the format in millions of homes. The PlayStation 3 helped push Blu-ray, the high-definition disc format that followed DVD.

For much of PlayStation’s existence, the disc was not incidental to the console, but was part of what made the console matter. Now Sony has until January 2028 to prove that disc-loving gamers still matter to the PlayStation brand.

SAVE $200.99: The Ecovacs Ultramarine P1 Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum is on sale for $299 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $499.99. That's a 40% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Ultramarine P1 Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum $299 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $200.99   Get Deal

It's time for summer fun in the pool. While hotter and hotter summers prove uncomfortable for plenty of situations, things are still enjoyable outside while in the pool. There's only the slight issue of who has to clean the pool. Instead of dealing with the hassle, check out this Amazon deal that solves the issue.

As of July 1, the Ecovacs Ultramarine P1 Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum is on sale for $299 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $499.99. That's a 40% discount.

Designed to clean for up to 180 minutes at a time and cover up to 1,937 square feet, the Ecovacs Ultramarine P1 is about to become the savior of summer. It's great for both in-ground and above-ground pools. Plus, it can work on a variety of pool materials like fiberglass and pebble stone. Shape is also a non-issue since the Ecovacs can handle everything.

SEE ALSO: Backup your home for less — the Anker Solix F3800 power station is $300 off at Amazon

When it comes to cleaning power, the Ultramarine P1 uses 4,800 GPH suction to rid your pool of sand, dirt, leaves, and other debris that tends to land in the pool. The two-layered filter can capture hair, twigs, fine dust, and even algae.

From the Ecovacs app, you can set a cleaning schedule, choose from three suction modes, and set the overall run time.

While it's on sale for under $300, upgrade your summer fun with the Ecovacs Ultramarine P1 Cordless Robotic Pool Vacuum. It's a cost-efficient way to make sure the pool is always clean when you're ready to take a dip.

SAVE $300: As of July 1, the Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV is on sale for $1,697.99 at Amazon. That's a savings of 15%, which is its best price to date (still live from Prime Day).

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV $1,697.99 at Amazon
$1,997.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Got a new TV on your wishlist? I suggest graduating to an OLED model if you want an upgrade that makes a noticeable difference.

OLED TVs have a more advanced lighting system and are noticeably more vibrant and detailed than QLEDs, particularly while watching dim scenes or in dark rooms. They also come with steeper price tags, of course, but you can still grab one of Samsung's 2026 OLED models for its Prime Day price if you act fast.

As of July 1, the Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV is still down to $1,697.99 at Amazon post-Prime Day. That's $300 off its list price and its best price on record.

The S85H is Samsung's most affordable OLED TV for 2026, with the S90H and S95H (which we crowned the best OLED TV of 2026) available as the premium upgrades. It features a remarkably thin panel and an NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, which can upscale older content to 4K. Unlike the its more expensive siblings, the S85H showcases a glossy screen, which will preserve black levels better in bright rooms, but could be more prone to reflections.

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Other features like Color Booster Pro, AI Customization Mode, Real Depth Enhancer, Voice Amplifier Pro, and Motion Based Sound, all work together to deliver a personalized, immersive viewing experience. The 120Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and acceptable input lag also make the S85H worthy of console gaming.

Consider the 65-inch (the sweet spot for most people) S85H OLED 4K TV if you want a Samsung OLED model that offers the best picture quality for the best price.

SAVE OVER $600: As of July 1, the Anker Solix C2000 is on sale for $849.99 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C2000 $849.99 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $649.01   Get Deal

The Anker Solix C2000 is back on sale at Amazon. As of July 1, this portable power station is almost half its usual price. Normally $1,499, it is now reduced to $849.99.

It's a reliable portable power station that delivers 2,400W rated output and up to 4,000W peak, making it powerful enough to run multiple appliances at once, including bigger devices like window or RV air conditioners. A two-door fridge can run for up to 32 hours with this model.

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Despite this power capacity, it's actually relatively compact and lightweight, weighing only 41.7 pounds. This makes it a great power source for camping vacations and road trips. Anker also states it was designed with space-saving in mind, and is 25% lighter and 29% smaller than similar units. So you don't need to worry about it taking up lots of space when you're away from home.

It comes with lots of smart features that improve efficiency, such as fast charging. You get six recharging methods including AC and solar (solar panels are sold separately), allowing a full recharge in as little as 58 minutes.

This portable power station deal is available right now at Amazon, so don't miss out.

On the very same day Sony announced it would no longer produce physical discs for PlayStation games starting in Jan. 2028, Microsoft signaled it might do something similar for Xbox.

However, it seems Microsoft is being thoughtful about all those gamers who already have a library of video games on physical discs.

According to a new report from The Verge, Microsoft employees are currently testing a new Xbox feature called "Disc2Digital" which would digitize physical game discs. 

The feature just recently launched in the test phase, but was first noticed after “enable Disc2Digital” was discovered in the Xbox PC app code back in May. 

SEE ALSO: Xbox layoffs, studio closures could start in days

Disc-to-digital games will work much like regular digital games on Xbox. Disc-to-digital games will be available on Xbox Cloud Gaming and users can stream the game with a Game Pass subscription. If the digital title is an Xbox Play Anywhere title, the disk-to-digital version will also be available on PCs and handheld devices.

Users must be signed in to an Xbox account on an Xbox console to be granted a digital entitlement for the physical game.

Physical discs will continue to work even after the game has been digitized. However, the disc-to-digital game will be tied to the physical copy. This means if a user sells the physical disc or gives it away, they will no longer have access to the digital version. The disk-to-digital game will move from the original Xbox account to the new Xbox account based on its connection to the physical game.

The Verge reports that the disc-to-digital feature will work on most Xbox One and Xbox Series X game discs. Microsoft has told testers that some Xbox One discs may not be compatible with the feature. Disc2Digital will also not work with physical discs for the original Xbox or Xbox 360 game consoles.

While Disc2Digital seems like a sign that Microsoft plans on doing away with physical game discs like Sony, the company has yet to confirm the move to go fully digital. The move from physical discs to digital games seems inevitable, even though many gamers prefer to have physical media. However, the main complaint among gamers about digital games has long been the inability to fully own their purchases. There have been instances where digital media has been pulled from a consumer's library or made unavailable even after they purchase the title.

Even in its testing phase, Microsoft's Disc2Digital feature seems to show care towards its customers and their concerns about their purchases. 

If Microsoft does go fully digital like Sony in the future, Disc2Digital will go a long way in making the Xbox stand out from its competitors.

SAVE $420: As of July 1, get the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop for $879.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,299.99. That's a discount of 32%.

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$1,299.99 Save $420   Get Deal

Robot vacuums are one of those "the future is here" items that can actually help put a dent in your daily chore list. If you're looking to trade some cash for time and peace of mind, but you don't want to pay a small fortune for a great model, you're in luck. We've found one that's more than worth splurging on right now at Amazon.

As of July 1, get the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop for $879.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,299.99. That's $420 off and a discount of 32%.

SEE ALSO: The Shark AV2501AE AI robot vacuum is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save over $100

This combo robot vacuum and mop can tackle even the most frustrating of messes all on its own, from bare floors to carpet and beyond. It offers powerful 25,000 Pa of suction with an anti-tangle system that's perfect for getting up ground-in dirt and debris, hair, and more.

It uses a special flexible arm to reach some of those areas that other robot vacuums can't get to, and uses a precision algorithm to guide it into sweeping those areas without your input, so all you're left with while you're up and about doing other things are simple, clean floors. It can avoid obstacles on its own with ease as well. In addition to mopping up messes both large and small, it can handle emptying its own reservoir, too — so you can truly let it go off on its own and be your own personal cleaning crew.

This premium robot vacuum and mop is the perfect choice if you've been wanting to get some time back from cleaning. It's a splurge, but made better since it's on sale. Best to pick it up discounted while you still can.

For Jenine Pastores and Josh Jackson, Tubby Nugget has always been more than just a cute character.

At VidCon 2026, the creators behind the internet's beloved little nugget sat down with Mashable Culture Editor Crystal Bell to reflect on the journey from sketching the lovable character for fun to building a brand with plushies, collectibles, and a passionate community of fans. They also share what it's like meeting people who've formed real emotional connections with Tubby at conventions and other in-person events, where the character comes to life in a whole new way.

The conversation also dives into the business of expanding Tubby Nugget beyond social media, the challenges of growing a creator-led brand, and the unexpected story behind the Tubby Nugget x Obsession crossover that almost became a reality.

Watch the full interview above.

SAVE 33%: Amazon's got the Sony 55-inch OLED 4K Ultra HD TV Bravia XR8B Smart Google TV on sale for $998, down from $1,499.99. That's a 33% discount or $501.99 in savings.

Sony 55-inch OLED 4K Ultra HD TV Bravia XR8B Smart Google TV $1,298 at Walmart
$1,499.99 Save $201.99   Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Amazon

Rumor has it the PlayStation 6 won't drop until late 2027, so you technically have plenty of time to prep your living room setup. But if your current TV is struggling to keep up with your PS5 graphics without lagging, you might want to jump on an upgrade a little early.

Right now, Amazon's got the Sony 55-inch OLED 4K Ultra HD TV Bravia XR8B Smart Google TV on sale for $998, down from $1,499.99. That's a 33% discount or $501.99 in savings. This is the lowest we've seen it go for since February.

SEE ALSO: Sony sued over high PlayStation Store 'monopoly' prices and download fees

As for the screen itself, it's an OLED, which means your picture should be crystal clear no matter how dark the scene is. It also has Google TV built right in, so you can pull up Netflix or Crunchyroll from the home screen.

Bonus: Since it's a Sony TV, it comes with exclusive PS5 features (like Auto HDR Tone Mapping) and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Some New York City proposals involve a skyline view. This one involved police custody.

Two people were arrested Wednesday, July 1, after climbing to the top of the Empire State Building, unfurling a banner, and apparently turning the whole thing into a marriage proposal 1,454 feet above midtown Manhattan.

The pair was spotted around noon on the building’s antenna, dressed in black and wearing face coverings. They attached a banner that read, "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace." It's a take on a quote frequently attributed to guitarist Jimi Hendrix, but actually spoken by 19th-century British politician William Gladstone.

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After spending roughly half an hour near the top of the tower, the two began climbing down to a lower platform, where one appeared to get down on one knee. Because apparently the observation deck was too basic.

The climbers were identified as Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, the Russian daredevil couple and content creators highlighted in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story.

Nikolau, a former gymnast and the daughter of circus performers, and Beerkus, a longtime "rooftopper," have built their public personas around illegal climbs of skyscrapers and landmarks around the world. The documentary follows both their relationship and one of their most dangerous stunts: an attempt to scale Malaysia’s Merdeka 118, one of the tallest buildings on the planet.

Once at the top, the couple made sure to post to their social media, and the photos went immediately viral.

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Police took the pair into custody after they descended, while a spokesperson for The Empire State Building called the incident “unauthorized." Their social media team, on the other hand, used the moment to poke fun at another big event happening in New York City this week (cough Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce).

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It is still unclear how the climbers got access to the antenna, which rises far above the building’s public areas. The Empire State Building remained open during at least part of the incident, though the observation deck was reportedly later cleared as police responded.

This was not the first time someone had climbed the Empire State Building — daredevils and climbers, like Alain Roberthave, who scaled the building in 1994, have previously made their way onto the building’s antenna and other restricted areas, while Jared Leto legally scaled part of the landmark in 2023 to promote a Thirty Seconds to Mars tour.

As for proposals, this definitely was the first that didn't take place on the observation deck.

When Megan Letter uploaded her first YouTube video in 2013, she wasn't chasing a career. She simply loved playing The Sims and wanted to share that passion with other people online.

More than a decade later, she's watched the internet reinvent itself time and time again. Algorithms have changed. Short-form video has reshaped audience habits. Monetization has shifted across platforms. Through it all, MeganPlays has continued to evolve without losing sight of the thing she believes matters most: building a genuine connection with her community.

In this VidCon edition of Creator Playbook, the gaming creator reflects on the lessons she's learned from 13 years online. She shares why consistency is still one of the most important ingredients for growth, how creators can use analytics without letting the algorithm dictate every creative decision, and why YouTube and TikTok serve very different purposes for today's creators.

She also tells Mashable Culture Editor Crystal Bell about the realities of making a living online — from navigating brand deals and platform monetization to recovering from creator burnout. Along the way, MeganPlays offers candid advice for aspiring creators, including why they shouldn't wait for the "perfect" setup before posting their first video and how finding the right niche can help build a lasting audience.

Whether you're just starting your creator journey or looking to adapt to an ever-changing internet, MeganPlays' biggest lesson is refreshingly simple: just start.

Watch the full Creator Playbook interview above.

There's no other way of putting it: Things are looking grim at Xbox right now.

A couple of different reports paint a bleak picture of the Microsoft-owned video game console manufacturer. Chiefly, The Verge reported that large-scale layoffs and even studio closures could happen around July 6. This could include Arkane Studios, the French developer behind Dishonored, Prey, and the upcoming Marvel Blade game, which still exists only in vague teaser form. The Verge's report suggests Microsoft could cancel Blade, which was set to launch in 2027.

SEE ALSO: Did PlayStation outsell Xbox 8 to 1 with 'GTA VI' pre-orders? Microsoft rebuts claims.

Arkane joins a list of at least four other Xbox subsidiary studios that could either be shut down or, potentially, spun off and sold to someone else. It's unclear how likely the latter possibility is, though. One other studio on that list includes State of Decay developer Undead Labs, per Gamesbeat. The next game in that series, State of Decay 3, has been in development for years and is set to launch in 2027 at the time of this publication.

Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory round out the list of studios that might cease to exist as soon as next week, per previous reports. One of Xbox's major issues during the last decade or so has been a distinct inability to consistently ship first-party games, and shutting down or spinning off several studios is unlikely to help in that regard. Layoffs in other parts of the Xbox business that are not otherwise shutting down are also likely, per GamesBeat.

All of these developments follow a leadership change at Xbox earlier this year, though the problems go back much farther than that. New Xbox head executive Asha Sharma has made some small symbolic overtures to win hearts and minds, such as confirming the existence of a next-gen Xbox console, Project Helix, in development. However, Xbox's reputation among video game enthusiasts is at a historical low, thanks to rampant layoffs, a lack of compelling software, and Microsoft's very controversial relationship with the Israeli military.

Fashion collabs are taking over the world right now; I've seen some partnerships that I'd never thought would happen (Naomi Osaka's Wimbledon dress sold out within hours). But with the World Cup ending on July 19, everyone's trying to get a piece of that soccer advertising pie, including T-Mobile.

SEE ALSO: FIFA World Cup schedule today: Games, kickoff times, livestream info for July 1

Today, T-Mobile announced that it's teaming up with Umbro (an iconic sportswear brand) to create limited-edition jerseys exclusively for T-Mobile members. And from the photos, they don't look half bad (most collabs are kitschy and just short-lived fads). I could definitely see someone wearing one of these jerseys while running errands or going about their day.

Credit: Atiba Jefferson

The drop won't happen until Tuesday, July 7, and as I mentioned above, you have to be a T-Mobile member to get one. They'll be available exclusively through the T-Life app for $60 on a first-come, first-served basis. Once they sell out, they're gone.

T-Mobile is framing the surprise collab as a way to celebrate a "record-breaking Member Month" (apparently, nearly 14 million members engaged during the first week alone).

Even if you miss out on the jersey, the other perks it's throwing at qualifying members right now are pretty great. Along with bringing back a free year of DoorDash DashPass, T-Mobile's basically paying for its members' streaming subscriptions with free Netflix, Hulu, and MLB.TV. It even added Apple TV+ for $3 per month, plus free texting and high-speed data in more than 215 countries if you happen to be traveling this summer.