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SAVE $400: As of June 23, get $400 off the Bluetti AC180P Portable Power Station — now at $499.99

Opens in a new window Credit: BLUETTI Bluetti Portable Power Station AC180P $499 at Amazon
$899 Save $400 Get Deal

For the adventurer who wants to be prepared to power and charge any device at a moment’s notice, it’s the perfect time to grab a heavily discounted power station. 

Specifically, Bluetti’s AC180P portable power station is $400 off for Prime members  —  its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. Now at 44% off, it’s a budget-friendly go-to for those wanting to be equipped for travel without overspending, or needing a reliable back-up power source at home in case of a blackout. 

SEE ALSO: The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 power station has dropped to a record-low price at Amazon

With a 1440Wh LiFePO4 battery, this lightweight power station comes with 11 outlets in total. With four for AC, five USB, one DC, and one DC/PV Input, you can be ready to plug anything in — from phones and projectors, to laptops and microwaves. It can continuously power a 500W hairdryer for 2.3 hours or a 60W mini-fridge for 19.2 hours. Even if you do run out of power, it can be quickly recharged in 1.4 hours when connected to a 1440W AC input. 

Its default output is 1800W, but you can use the Bluetti app to boost it to 2700W when you need more power in a pinch. If you’re fully remote, it also comes with a built-in MPPT charge controller for up to 500W solar input — fully recharged within just under four hours.

If you’re not a member of Amazon Prime, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial to unlock the deal for new members. If you’ve been a member before, standard memberships are available for $14.99 a month, or $139 annually. However, those between 18 and 24 can get a free six month trial of Prime for Young Adults. After those six months, the monthly price is then half-price at $7.49. 

If you need some new headphones to use on your next camping getaway or road trip, the Sony XM6 headphones are now $448 and come with a $30 Amazon gift card until the end of today. 

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Yellow/Nickel) — $649.99 (List Price $749.99)

The Nintendo Switch 2 launch day has come and gone, and those lucky enough to get a console are already happily playing Mario Kart World and other launch titles.

Starting on June 5, gamers could finally purchase the Switch 2 console for $449.99 and the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle for $499.99 — if you could find it in stock. Costco had inventory available on June 5, and Target started selling its inventory online on June 6, but as of this writing, it's out of stock. GameStop and Staples at least have tools that let you check available stock at nearby stores. Walmart does have inventory available, but only from third-party resellers, not an official Switch 2 restock.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Buy the Switch 2 console at Walmart Check prices at Walmart Shop Now

So, where can you buy the Switch 2 online? Check for Switch 2 restocks at the My Nintendo Store and via Nintendo online retailers. When all else fails, you can smash that refresh button like it's your first time playing Super Smash Bros.

• Buy the Switch 2 at Nintendo

• Buy the Switch 2 at Walmart — Unavailable

• Buy the Switch 2 at GameStop — Check stock in stores

• Buy the Switch 2 at Best Buy — Check stock in stores

• But the Switch 2 at Costco — Unavailable

• Buy the Switch 2 at Target — Unavailable

• Staples — Check stock in stores

Every way to buy the Switch 2 online Credit: Nintendo

To avoid hoarding and reselling, Nintendo and retailers are limiting orders per person. That means you'll need to make an account to successfully place an order. We also recommend reviewing our tips for tracking restocks, and in the meantime, try all the links below.

Place an order with Nintendo

You can't simply go to the My Nintendo Store and buy the Switch 2. To order the Switch 2, you need to log in with an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online account. Once you do that, you can choose either a Switch 2 standalone console or the Mario Kart World bundle and then hit the confirm button to "register your interest" in ordering a Switch 2.

Now for the weird stuff. Only Switch Online members who have paid for at least 12 months of service and registered at least 50 hours of gameplay on their Switch consoles can purchase through Nintendo. In other words, you better be a true Switch gamer if you want to buy the Switch 2 this way. If you're eligible and follow these steps, watch your email for an invitation link.

Buy the Switch 2 at Nintendo: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449.99 Learn More Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499 Learn More How to order Switch 2 at Walmart

Unlike Nintendo, purchasing the Switch 2 online at Walmart is pretty simple. Technically, Walmart shoppers have been able to preorder Switch 2 consoles on Walmart's website since midnight ET on April 24. In reality, the console has been sold out consistently. Our advice? Go to the Walmart Switch 2 listing a few times a day and smash that refresh button, but be wary of price gougers.

We'll update this article as soon as we find Switch 2 consoles in stock at Walmart (or anywhere). Walmart also sells a lot of Switch 2 launch titles and accessories.

Buy the Switch 2 at Walmart: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449 Shop Now Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 Shop Now How to buy Switch 2 at Target

Target stores opened as usual on launch day, and according to a press release, Switch 2 hopefuls were directed to a "designated queuing location" near the entrance. Target workers reportedly gave out reservation tickets to a lucky few. Buyers were whisked off to the electronics department, where they could finally purchase either the Switch 2 or a Switch 2 bundle.

Buy the Switch 2 at Target: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449.99 Shop Now Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 Shop Now How to buy Switch 2 at GameStop

GameStop is the one retailer of the four listed here that's doing things a little bit differently. If you were lucky enough to get a GameStop preorder, you could pick up your console at midnight on June 5. GameStop stores also hosted midnight launch events (though supplies were limited), and gamers can go to GameStop locations to participate in a "Transfer and Trade," where they trade in their original Switch and transfer data to the new console.

You can also try your luck online or sign up to get updates when new inventory becomes available. You can also buy Switch 2 games and accessories at GameStop, including those all-important MicroSD Express cards.

Buy the Switch 2 at GameStop: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449.99 Shop Now Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 Shop Now How to buy Switch 2 consoles at Best Buy

Best Buy joined GameStop in hosting Switch 2 midnight launch parties, but the tents and lawn chairs have been packed away by now. If you weren't one of the chosen ones who got a console at these events, you'll have to rely on the Best Buy website. So far, we haven't seen any inventory available, unfortunately.

As a “high-demand item,” Best Buy customers have to follow specific steps to buy a Switch 2 online:

• Create a My Best Buy account and sign in

• Confirm your location

• Add the item to your cart

• Follow the on-screen prompts and check for available inventory

• If you get a Switch 2 console in your cart, you’ll have 10 minutes to complete the purchase

Buy the Switch 2 at Best Buy: Nintendo Switch 2 console $449.99 Shop Now Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 Shop Now Can you buy the Switch 2 at Amazon?

You'll notice there's one major retailer conspicuously missing so far — Amazon. That's because Amazon is not an official Nintendo retailer, so any Switch 2 consoles you find there are likely listed by resellers of dubious legitimacy. However, Amazon shoppers can preorder some Switch 2 titles ahead of the launch.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion Limited Edition $99.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Rune Factory Guardians of Azuma Standard Edition $69.99 at Amazon
Shop Now How to buy the Switch 2 at Staples

As we noted in our Switch 2 preorder guide, select Staples stores will sell the Switch 2 on a first-come, first-served basis starting June 5. Most Staples locations open at 8 a.m., but we recommend showing up bright and early. Staples will also be selling an unnamed Switch 2 game bundle, and we know it's not the standard Mario Kart World bundle. As with other retailers, Switch 2 consoles are currently listed as "Out of stock" at the Staples online store.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 at Staples
Learn More How to buy the Switch 2 at Costco

Are you a Costco member? Then you may be able to secure your Switch 2 at the mega-retailer, which has been one of the few retailers with actual inventory available on June 5. Costco members can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle online starting June 5, though there's a limit of one console per membership (every seven days). As of this writing, the console and Mario Kart bundle are both sold out.

Opens in a new window Credit: Costco Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 at Costco
Learn More Why is the Switch 2 so hard to find in stock?

Simply put, it's a matter of demand far outpacing supply, though tariffs definitely didn't help.

Since opening for preorder on April 24, the Switch 2 has been sold out pretty much everywhere, like the PS5 before it. In fact, so many gamers tried to place preorders on April 24 that they immediately crashed the GameStop, Target, and Walmart websites. That's left many Switch fans wondering how to buy the Switch 2 online. So, if you aren't buying a Switch 2 in person, keep checking this page for the latest stock updates on Switch 2 launch day and beyond.

Popular Switch 2 accessories

If you want to console yourself by stocking up on Switch 2 accessories, chargers, and cameras, these products are much easier to "Add to cart."

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Hori Piranha Plant Camera $59 at Walmart
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller $84.99 at Target
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 (256GB) $59.99 at Target
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip $39.99 at Nintendo
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo GameCube Controller $64.99 at Nintendo
Shop Now Still want more information? Our first impressions of the Switch 2 Mashable reporter Alex Perry plays the Switch 2 at a Nintendo event. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Mashable reporter Alex Perry was lucky enough to play the Switch 2 at two Nintendo pre-launch events, and as of this writing, he's hard at work testing his Switch 2 review unit. We've published his day one review, and check back for a full review next week. To sum up his thoughts, while there are a couple of annoying setup quirks, the new console is a big step forward and just as much fun as you'd hoped. You can also read all about the Switch 2 launch titles we're most excited to play.

"I think it’s awesome," Perry wrote in his Switch 2 early review. "Most of the games I’ve played have been impressive in one way or another, and the hardware is a clear improvement over the first Switch. It’s not perfect, but nothing is."

And if you still haven't secured an order, keep checking this page for updates — and good luck!

UPDATE: Jun. 8, 2025, 8:15 a.m. EDT We've updated this page with the latest stock updates from Target, Best Buy, Walmart, GameStop, Costco, and Staples.

SAVE OVER $50: As of June 23, the Sony ULT Field 3 portable speaker is on sale for $144.95 at Amazon. This is 28% off its list price of $199.99 and marks its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Field 3 $144.95 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $55.04 Get Deal

We're only a few weeks away from Amazon Prime Day's (running from July 8 through July 11. If you simply can't wait to check out all the deals, the good news is that Amazon already has some great offers available. This includes a discount on our favorite Bluetooth speaker for bass lovers, the Sony Ult Field 3.

The Sony ULT Field 3 portable speaker is on sale for $144.95. It's normally listed for $199.99, so you're saving over $50 (or 28%). It also marks its lowest-ever price, so there's no better time than now to grab it.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Day

Built with a compact design and a shoulder strap to make carrying it around nice and easy, the Sony Ult Field 3 is a great portable speaker to have around at your next outdoor party or gathering. It boasts up to 24 hours of battery life and has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, so its durable enough to handle the beach, pool, and more. More importantly, it offers excellent sound with an especially punchy bass thanks to the ULT button.

Our Sony Ult Field 3 review had a lot of praise for this portable speaker. Mashable's Miller Kern said it's, "worth it for someone who loves to hear the bass in their music and needs a speaker to fill a large space — or someone who listens to music outdoors often, like at the beach or on a hike." We also consider it the best Bluetooth speaker for bass lovers in our roundup of the best Bluetooth speakers.

Don't miss out on the Sony Ult Field 3 portable speaker marked down to under $150 at Amazon.

If you're curious about what's in store for Prime Day this year, have a look at our breakdown of everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025 to prep yourself for this year's sale event.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Yellow/Nickel) — $649.99 (List Price $749.99)

SAVE $25: As of June 23, the Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for $24.99 at Amazon. This is 50% off its list price of $49.99, allowing you to save $25.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal

With so many shows and movies hitting streaming services this summer, it's important to have a high-quality device to enjoy them on. If you've been on the hunt for a streaming upgrade, the Fire TV Stick 4K has received a very nice pre-Prime Day discount at Amazon that's worth checking out.

Normally the Fire TV Stick 4K is listed for $49.99, but it's currently down to just $24.99 at Amazon. This marks a 50% discount, allowing you to keep $25 in your pocket. It's also only a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $21.99, which makes it a worthy deal to jump on while it's still live.

SEE ALSO: Are you 18-24? Get 6 months of Amazon Prime for free ahead of Prime Day.

What makes the Fire TV Stick 4K such a nice investment is its support for 4K Ultra HD picture quality. With this, your favorite shows and movies will pop with vibrant color and sharp detail. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio so you can create an immersive viewing experience from the comfort of your couch.

On top of that, you'll get smooth streaming quality thanks to WiFi 6 support and with Amazon Alexa, searching for the next thing to watch is simple and easy. Just use your voice to track down your next watch for movie night or a good TV show to binge.

The Fire TV Stick 4K is currently listed as a limited-time deal at Amazon, so be quick to score it for 50% off while the deal is still available.

If you're looking for even more great tech deals like this one, it's worth marking your calendar for Amazon Prime Day this year, which runs from July 8 through July 11. To learn more about what to expect from this year's sale event, check out our breakdown of everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Yellow/Nickel) — $649.99 (List Price $749.99)

If you've been anywhere near the internet in the past couple of years, you'll probably have stumbled across some "AI slop" — the name for mass-produced, AI-generated content that's now all over social media.

In the Last Week Tonight clip above, John Oliver unpacks the issues with this new type of spam, from fake images dominating Pinterest to AI disinformation about war and natural disasters causing a problem for first responders.

"AI slop can be somewhat lucrative for its creators, massively lucrative for the platforms that use it to drive engagement, and worryingly corrosive to the general concept of objective reality," says Oliver. "And look, I'm not saying some of this stuff isn't fun to watch — what I'm saying is some of it's potentially very dangerous, and even when it isn't the technology that makes it possible only works because it trains on the work of actual artists. So any enjoyment you may get from weird, funny AI slop tends to be undercut when you know that someone's hard work was stolen in order to create it."

Oliver's response? "Create real art by ripping off AI slop." In this case, that means hiring chainsaw sculptor Michael Jones, whose real work has been used to generate viral AI imagery, and pay him to create a wood sculptor based on what Oliver considers "the finest and most inexplicable piece of slop produced to date."

The end result is truly a masterpiece.

SAVE OVER $60: As of June 23, get $31.99 off the Sony XM6 headphones along with a $30 Amazon gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon, Sony Sony XM6 Headphones + $30 Amazon Gift Card $448 at Amazon
$479.99 Save $31.99 Get Deal

For those looking for the latest in noise-canceling headphones to make commuting and long travels as peaceful as possible, Amazon has been dropping some interesting discounts ahead of Prime Day.

Sony XM6 headphones — usually very expensive — are on sale and include an Amazon gift card. To start, Sony XM6 headphones have been reduced by $31.99 in price to $448. Then, you’ll also get a $30 Amazon gift card to put toward another purchase — saving you $61.99 in total.

SEE ALSO: The 9 best headphones of 2025 — how do the new Sony XM6 compare?

Available until the end of June 23 this limited-time deal specifies on the product page that you need to add the bundle to your cart first and then check out to qualify for the gift card, rather than click the “Buy Now” button. 

Sony XM6 headphones impressed us with their phenomenal noise cancelation, long-term comfort, improved audio quality, and much more. In fact, they’re among our nine best headphones of 2025. Our review mentions that the elite features do enough to justify the initial price tag. With the added value you get from the Amazon gift card, this is a deal worth grabbing.

For added savings this season, we’ve also found 21 surprisingly simple Amazon deals featuring gadgets — from water-resistant speakers to earbuds designed for sleeping. If you plan on enjoying some music or TV content with those new headphones, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet is still at its lowest ever price ahead of Prime Day. 

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Yellow/Nickel) — $649.99 (List Price $749.99)

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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: Olympic sports

• Green: Soccer penalties

• Blue: Title-less franchises

• Purple: Spring league teams

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

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

• Yellow: Summer Olympic Sports

• Green: Infractions in Soccer

• Blue: NBA Teams That Haven't Won A Championship

• Purple: UFL Teams

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 #272 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Summer Olympic Sports - BADMINTON, FIELD HOCKEY, SKATEBOARDING, TRIATHLON

• Infractions in Soccer - BACKPASS, HANDBALL, OFFSIDE, TRIPPING

• NBA Teams That Haven't Won A Championship - HORNETS, JAZZ, PELICANS, TIMBERWOLVES

• UFL Teams - DEFENDERS, PANTHERS, RENEGADES, ROUGHNECKS

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

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

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

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

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 June 23 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 June 23, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Strangely.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter D appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter O.

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...

ODDLY.

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 June 23

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

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

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

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 June 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 23 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Breaking up the band

The words are music-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are popular musical bands.

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 Rock Groups

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for June 23

• Smashing

• Cheap

• Talking

• Rock Groups

• Pumpkins

• Trick

• Heads

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for June 23 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: Types of clothing

• Green: Book genres

• Blue: Books of an iconic writer

• Purple: Types of drinkware

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: Kinds of jeans

• Green: Fiction categories

• Blue: Words in Hemingway titles

• Purple: ___ Glass glassware

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 #743 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Kinds of jeans: BOYFRIEND, FLARE, MOM, SKINNY

• Fiction categories: HISTORICAL, LITERARY, SPECULATIVE, YOUNG ADULT

• Words in Hemingway titles: BELL, FAREWELL, OLD MAN, SUN

• ___ Glass glassware: COCKTAIL, COLLINS, OLD FASHIONED, SHOT

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 23

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

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

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

SAVE $150: As of June 23, the Chefman Indoor Pizza Oven is on sale for $249.99 at Amazon. This is 38% off its list price of $399.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Chefman Chefman Indoor Pizza Oven $249.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is a few weeks away, but thankfully you don't need to wait for the sale event to kick off to score good deals. The retailer already has some very nice discounts available, including an impressive offer on the Chefman indoor pizza oven — the perfect pick-up for a summertime pizza party.

The Chefman indoor pizza oven is normally listed for $399.99, but you can score it for $249.99 right now.

SEE ALSO: Are you 18-24? Get 6 months of Amazon Prime for free ahead of Prime Day.

The Chefman indoor pizza oven is a great pick for those who love a pizza night. It comes with six presets: a manual option, Neapolitan, New York, thin-crust, pan, and frozen, so you can craft your perfect pizza every time. Your purchase also comes with a pizza stone and pizza peel alongside a digital cookbook so you'll be all ready to tackle pizza night like a pro.

Amazon currently has this item listed as a limited-time deal, so act fast to pick up the Chefman indoor pizza oven for just $249.99.

And if you're counting down the days to Prime Day this year, which runs from July 8 through July 11, it's worth taking a look at our breakdown of everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2025 so you can feel prepped before the big sale kicks off.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Yellow/Nickel) — $649.99 (List Price $749.99)

SAVE $130: As of June 23, the Dyson Airwrap (refurbished) is on sale for $369.99 at Walmart. That's a 26% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap (Refurbished) $369.99 at Walmart
$499.99 Save $130 Get Deal

While we wait for Amazon's Prime Day to kick off, why not head over to Walmart and check out this fantastic deal on a refurbished Dyson Airwrap?

The Dyson Airwrap has remained at the top of the hair styling game since its release years ago, famed for its incredible air-powered styling techniques. But such incredible tech has always come with a high price tag. But as of June 23, you can find this refurbished model at Walmart reduced to just $369.99, saving you $130 on the list price. This deal is currently only available in the nickel/copper color combo.

SEE ALSO: The Hisense Canvas TV is more than $300 off ahead of Prime Day

And don't be put off by the "refurbished" stamp, this product is marked as "premium" condition, and it has gone through heavy testing to ensure it's fit for purpose. According to Walmart, it has been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by a performance-managed seller or supplier. It also has a one-year warranty, so you can have peace of mind.

This iconic hair tool features a range of attachments to curl, wave, smooth, and add volume to your hair without extreme heat. It offers versatility for all types of hairstyles, from natural waves to polished looks, all while minimizing the risk of heat damage.

Head to Walmart to snag this great deal before it sells out.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Yellow/Nickel) — $649.99 (List Price $749.99)

Tesla's autonomous ride-hailing service is finally live.

The Tesla Robotaxi launch happened on June 22, with Tesla opening the service to the public in Austin, Texas, following a little over a month of beta testing conducted by Tesla employees. The service allows passengers to be ferried by autonomous Tesla vehicles (currently Tesla Model Y units).

The above comes with many caveats, though. The service is only operating in a small part of South Austin, and it's only open to members of the "Early Access" group, making it a sort of closed beta program. Finally, while the cars drive autonomously, a Tesla employee must be sitting in the passenger seat, monitoring the ride.

SEE ALSO: Tesla launches new Model S and X with minimal design changes, higher price tags

Tesla enthusiast Sawyer Merritt took several rides in a Tesla Robotaxi, describing the experience as "smooth and comfortable." Elsewhere, X user Zack called his journey "incredible" with "extremely smooth stops."

It wouldn't be a Tesla launch without a weed joke. Thus, the price of all Tesla Robotaxi rides are currently a fixed $4.20, a nod to weed culture.

Update: The company also launched a dedicated Robotaxi site, with the tagline: "Future of autonomy is coming soon."

The Tesla guy sitting in the passenger seat is conveniently not visible in this official picture. Credit: Tesla

"We’re bringing these autonomous rides to you today—starting with Model Y. Cybercab, our fully autonomous vehicle, will begin offering rides in your area in the future," the site says. It has a form where you can sign up to get updates about the service, but not much else.

Featured Video For You I took a ride in a robotaxi: How close are we to a driverless future?

Alphabet-owned Waymo is already operating in Austin (and other cities), and Amazon-owned Zoox is currently testing a driverless taxi service in the city. Their cars, however, are equipped with numerous additional sensors such as LiDAR (light detection and ranging); Tesla's service uses regular Model Ys, which rely only on cameras and Tesla's self-driving smarts.

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Musk has called the launch a "culmination of a decade of hard work," and pointed out that "both the AI chip and software teams were built from scratch within Tesla." The Tesla CEO has longed deemed the company's Robotaxi service one of the most important developments for Tesla's long-time prospects. The idea is that both Tesla and Tesla car owners will one day be able to send their cars to autonomously drive passengers around and earn them money.

That future might still be far away, though. Tesla has been trying for years to bring its Full Self-Driving software to the level where its cars will be able to drive themselves in most situations, but hasn't been able to do so yet. The Robotaxi service does this, but within a very limited area. It'll be interesting to monitor how fast Tesla can expand its Robotaxi service to more passengers and other cities.

SAVE $302: As of June 23, the Hisense Canvas TV is on sale for $697.99 at Amazon. That's a 30% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense Canvas TV $697.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $302 Get Deal

Prime Day officially kicks off in a couple of weeks, but if you're in the mood to shop for some discounts right now, you should check out the latest deal on the Hisense Canvas TV. Currently reduced by more than $300, this is a deal you won't want to miss.

As of June 23, you can find the 55-inch model of this TV priced at $697.99. If you want something a little bigger, you can find discounts across all sizes, excluding the 75-inch.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best TV shows of 2025 (so far), and where to stream them

There's a lot to shout about with this TV — check out our review. It’s a 4K QLED that delivers rich, vibrant colors, but the real selling point is that when you’re not watching, the TV can be transformed into a digital gallery, displaying a single image or shuffling through a slideshow of your favorite photos or artwork. The hi-matte display makes the digital gallery look like the real thing.

Not only that, it's also a great option for gamers, boasting a 144Hz Game Mode PRO. This is designed with top gaming technology, with a Variable Refresh Rate of 48Hz to 144Hz.

Head to Amazon for this amazing deal ahead of Prime Day.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Yellow/Nickel) — $649.99 (List Price $749.99)

Save $100: As of June 23, the Dyson V15 corldess vacuum is on sale for $649.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 13% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V15 Cordless Vacuum $649.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $100 Get Deal

The name Dyson is synonymous with top-quality products. Whether it's a a vacuum, or a popular hair styling device, you know you're getting your money's worth. With that in mind, we think you should check out this great deal on the Dyson V15. Just check out our review to see what we thought about this impressive model.

As of June 23, the Dyson V15 corldess vacuum has been discounted to just $649.99 at Amazon, saving you $100.

SEE ALSO: The best vacuum cleaners for picking up pet hair

A high-tech model, the V15's standout feature is the laser dust detection system that illuminates dust on hard floors, helping to ensure you won’t miss any dirty spots. This model also benefits from an LCD screen that gives real-time updates on dust it has picked up, battery life, and some handy maintenance alerts.

You can expect up to 60 minutes of run time before it needs to be charged. And if you have pets, you'll really love the hair screw tool. This one is great for sucking up pet hair, and the anti-tangle conical brush bar can remove stubborn hairs from pet beds, car seats, stairs, and more tricky spots.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Yellow/Nickel) — $649.99 (List Price $749.99)

TL;DR: Live stream Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras in the 2025 Club World Cup for free on DAZN. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Club World Cup action continues with the final round of group-stage games, including Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras. Both teams are tied on four points after two games. Everything is still up for grabs in Group A.

If you want to watch Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras in the 2025 Club World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras?

Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras in the 2025 Club World Cup kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on June 23. This fixture takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras for free

Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras in the 2025 Club World Cup is available to live stream for free on DAZN.

The Club World Cup is free to stream all around the world, but if you're having problems accessing this streaming platform on your network, you can consider using a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so that you can secure access to free live streams from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free live streams of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup 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 a location with access to DAZN

4. Visit DAZN

5. Stream the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras in the 2025 Club World Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the Club World Cup before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for DAZN?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on DAZN, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A 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 just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras in the 2025 Club World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $600: As of June 23, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (with low temperature resistant bag) is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's a 38% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 + Low Temperature Resistant Bag $999 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $600 Get Deal

Prime Day is fast approaching, but some of the best deals are already live. As of June 23, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (with low temperature resistant bag) is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's a 38% saving on the list price, and the lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel.

This is what Prime Day is all about — record-low prices on popular items.

SEE ALSO: The AirPods 4 are already under $100 ahead of Prime Day

The Jackery Explorer 2000 V2 packs a serious punch, with a massive 2042Wh capacity and 2200W output across three AC ports, plus fast USB-C PD 100W charging. You get 66 minutes with AC Fast Charging, a full charge in 102 minutes with Emergency Super Charging via the app, or silent overnight charging in five hours at just 30dB.

This popular power station even comes with a specialized low-temperature resistant bag, guaranteeing operation in temperatures down to -40°F.

This stunning deal is exclusive to Amazon Prime members. If you're looking to sign up before Prime Day, check out our guide on how to sign up for Amazon Prime to get started.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $74.99 (List Price $99.00)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Wi-Fi, 40mm, S/M Green) — $199.99 (List Price $299.99)

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Yellow/Nickel) — $649.99 (List Price $749.99)

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, June 23, 2025:

AcrossMeasure of a country's economic health: Abbr.

• The answer is GDP.

Indicator of a dog's mood

• The answer is Tail.

What "x" can mean

• The answer is Times.

Spots

• The answer is Sees.

Source of revenue for podcasters

• The answer is Ads.

DownPart of the 5-Across with Wordle and Strands

• The answer is Games.

Runs out of battery

• The answer is Dies.

Opposite of "ty," in texts

• The answer is PLS.

Like shoelaces

• The answer is Tied.

Reason to remove a laptop from your backpack, for short

• The answer is TSA.

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

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

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

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

If you're wondering how bright the moon will be tonight, keep reading. We've got all the information you need for tonight's moon, as well as what you can or cannot spot on its surface as it works through the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is a series of eight phases of the moon's visibility, based on how much light the sun shines on it. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. 

Here's what the moon is doing today, June 23, 2025.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Monday, June 23, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. In this phase, the moon is only very slightly lit. In fact, NASA tells us only 5% of the moon's surface will be visible to us.

Today also marks day 27th of the lunar cycle. With so little of the moon lit up, the chances of spotting basins and craters with the naked eye are much less. Your only chance of spotting some moon landscape tonight is with binoculars or a telescope. If you have either of these, you have a chance of seeing the Grimaldi Basin. The Grimaldi Basin is an impact basin about 248 miles long. For stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere, concentrate your gaze to the middle left of the moon's surface. If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, it's the middle right.

When is the next full moon?

June's full moon was on June 11. The next full moon will be on July 10. 

What are moon phases?

NASA tells us that the moon's phases are caused by the angles between the sun, moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. So, sometimes it looks full, sometimes half, and sometimes not there at all. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL;DR: Skoove Premium Piano Lessons uses advanced AI to give you curated virtual piano lessons, and right now a lifetime subscription can be yours for just $149.99 (reg. $299). 

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $149.99
$299.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Whether you've dabbled in lessons as a kid or never sat on a piano bench, Skoove Premium Piano Lessons can help you master the keys from the comfort of home. All you'll need is a tablet, a keyboard, and this AI-powered app. 

Right now, you can save 50% on a lifetime subscription and keep honing your craft for life for just $149.99 (reg. $299). 

Learn piano on your lunch break

Skoove offers AI-powered piano lessons that let you tickle the ivories in your spare time. That means even people with the busiest schedules can pencil in time to pound the keys and elevate their skills, with Skoove providing curated feedback and useful resources as you learn. 

These virtual piano lessons only require a piano or keyboard and your tablet, so you don't need to buy anything else to get started. And this lifetime subscription lets you work at your own pace.

You'll get access to 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos, but don't think you'll just be sitting back and repeating after the video. Thanks to AI, you play and Skoove listens, recognizing your notes and offering real-time feedback so you can continuously improve. 

Learn what you love, thanks to Skoove's wide range of genres. Practice playing with tunes from Adele or John Legend, or go old school and work on some Bach or Beethoven. Monthly updates bring new song choices, so you never have to worry about running out of material. 

While learning from the AI is interactive, there's also backup if needed. If you ever get stumped, Skoove's music instructors are available for one-on-one support. 

Ready to join over one million people already mastering piano with Skoove?

Get a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for just $149.99 (reg. $299) right here. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.