Mashable

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you like the finer things in life.

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 February 28, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 28, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Dressing up

The words are related to wealth.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe expensive things.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Glamorous.

NYT Strands word list for February 28

• Heels

• Necktie

• Tuxedo

• Gown

• Glamorous

• Cufflinks

• Diamonds

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 love Greek mythology.

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 February 28, 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 February 28, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A mythological creature.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter H.

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...

HYDRA

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.

Negotiations between the Pentagon and the AI company Anthropic were severely complicated on Friday when President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the government would stop utilizing the company’s tech. The president ordered the Pentagon to begin a six-month phase-out, accusing Anthropic of being run by "Leftwing nut jobs."

The Truth Social post said that Anthropic wanted the government to abide by its terms of service.

"THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL NEVER ALLOW A RADICAL LEFT, WOKE COMPANY TO DICTATE HOW OUR GREAT MILITARY FIGHTS AND WINS WARS!,” Trump wrote. “That decision belongs to YOUR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, and the tremendous leaders I appoint to run our Military. The Leftwing nut jobs at Anthropic have made a DISASTROUS MISTAKE trying to STRONG-ARM the Department of War, and force them to obey their Terms of Service instead of our Constitution."

Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Truth Social

The federal government and Anthropic have been at odds for weeks as they tried to hammer out an agreement on how the military can use Claude, Anthropic’s AI model. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has been firm that he will not allow the Pentagon to use Claude for mass surveillance of Americans or to create autonomous weapons, like pilotless drones.

The government reportedly agreed to those terms, according to the New York Times, but the contract's legal language provided too much wiggle room for Anthropic’s comfort. Anthropic is known for taking a more cautious approach to AI development, and its founders famously left OpenAI over AI safety concerns.

On Thursday, Amodei explained his stance in a blog post:

"Anthropic understands that the Department of War, not private companies, makes military decisions. We have never raised objections to particular military operations nor attempted to limit use of our technology in an ad hoc manner.

However, in a narrow set of cases, we believe AI can undermine, rather than defend, democratic values. Some uses are also simply outside the bounds of what today’s technology can safely and reliably do."

A deadline of Friday evening was set for an agreement between the Pentagon and Anthropic. It’s not clear if Trump’s announcement of a phase-out will equate to more time for negotiation or if the government is truly moving forward with firing Anthropic by declaring it a supply chain risk. The government may also seek to compel Anthropic to agree to its terms through the Defense Production Act, according to the Times. The government may also choose another AI partner, like Elon Musk's Grok, but CIA officials believe that product is inferior to Anthropic's, the Times reports.

Following the president's Friday afternoon announcement, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman appeared on CNBC and voiced support for Anthropic. "For all the differences I have with Anthropic, I mostly trust them as a company and I think they really do care about safety, and I’ve been happy that they’ve been supporting our war fighters," Altman said, according to a clip of the appearance posted to X.

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

Meanwhile, dozens of employees at Google and OpenAI, both competitors of Anthropic, signed letters backing Amodei’s stances. And outside Anthropic’s San Francisco headquarters, words of support appeared in chalk on the sidewalk, according to a post on X.

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

This week, Anthropic softened its safety policy — often viewed as one of the strongest in Silicon Valley — citing competitors' reluctance to do the same and the federal government’s disinterest in prioritizing security.

"The policy environment has shifted toward prioritizing AI competitiveness and economic growth, while safety-oriented discussions have yet to gain meaningful traction at the federal level," the company wrote. "We remain convinced that effective government engagement on AI safety is both necessary and achievable, and we aim to continue advancing a conversation grounded in evidence, national security interests, economic competitiveness, and public trust. But this is proving to be a long-term project—not something that is happening organically as AI becomes more capable or crosses certain thresholds."

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

For decades, Resident Evil has constantly reinvented itself. From fixed-camera survival horror to explosive co-op action to first-person psychological terror. At times, those reinventions pushed the franchise to the brink of losing its identity entirely. But through resets, remakes, and refinement, Capcom rediscovered what truly defined the series: structured vulnerability, spatial tension, and controlled escalation.

With Resident Evil 9, the franchise no longer feels reactive. It feels confident. In this episode of How It Hits, we break down how Resident Evil survived itself, and why it finally feels like everything has come together.

Resident Evil Requiem is now available.

TL;DR: Avoid the dreaded low-battery alert on your devices with this GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable, now just $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: GoCable GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable $21.99
$49.99 Save $28.00   Get Deal

Sick of keeping up with all the chargers your devices require? From what seems like constantly changing iPhones chargers to requiring a different type for your iPad and laptop, it can feel like a full-time job keeping up with your charging cables. That’s where GoCable comes in, offering an 8-in-1 keyring cable you can take along anywhere.

Right now, you can score a GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable for just $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Whether you’re heading on vacation or just trying to stay powered up on a workday, this GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is ready to simplify how you keep your devices charged. This convenient gadget combines eight essential features into one sleek design that you can bring along anywhere.

Packed with 100W ultra-fast charging, the GoCable makes it speedy and simple to supercharge your device efficiently — from laptops to smartphones and everything in between. It also offers high-speed file transfer capabilities. All you need to add is a power bank or wall adapter, and it’s ready to work with everything from Type-C and Type-C+ to Apple Lightning connectors.

If you’re curious about a device’s charging status, an LED power display provides real-time status information. The magnetic cable also ensures you don’t have to deal with annoying tangled cables; just toss it in a bag and rest easy knowing it will be mess-free.

Aside from keeping devices powered up efficiently, the GoCable includes hidden tools for extra convenience. You’ll have quick access to a bottle opener and a hidden cutter for opening packages safely. The included carabiner clip lets you attach this to bags or belts in seconds, so you can always keep it within arm’s reach.

Get this GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable for only $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

February has been a turbulent month for DJI. The Chinese tech giant, best known for making drones, escalated its fight against the U.S. drone ban by suing the FCC. Then the internet erupted over an entirely different DJI device: The Romo robot vacuum.

Thousands of Romo vacuums and their live cameras worldwide were reportedly hacked — and not by an evil mastermind sitting in a room surrounded by screens, but by a guy trying to get his PS5 controller to control his robot vacuum.

Sammy Azdoufal told The Verge he wasn't trying to hack anyone else's robot vacuum. It was merely a fun project for the software engineer, who alerted DJI about its massive authentication slip-up — while sharing how little work it took to access the ins and outs of a Romo owner's home.

SEE ALSO: Firefox adds AI kill switch for users who are sick and tired of AI-everything

And yes, AI was involved. Azdoufal specializes in AI strategy; he got coding help from AI assistant Claude to change the communication protocol between DJI's servers and his Romo.

After creating a custom app for his PlayStation setup, Azdoufal discovered he was looking at way more than his own robot vacuum's data. He'd accidentally unlocked the data of thousands of DJI robot vacuum owners around the world.

The exposed information wasn't just 3D floor plans of homes, which would be bad enough. But the device's live camera feeds and microphone audio were also accessible.

As of Feb. 24, DJI has patched the problem by restricting access to this authentication loophole, Azdoufal found. Meanwhile, the Romo itself appears to have vanished from the online DJI Store, as of Feb. 26.

New fear unlocked: Your robot vacuum as a spy

Even with this issue fixed, the idea that someone could spy on you via your robot vacuum doesn't exactly boost confidence in the whole category. What if another brand of camera-toting robot vacuum brand has a similar undiscovered security flaw — and what if the person who discovers it isn't as goodhearted as Azdoufal?

We've had glimpses of this kind of vulnerability in the past. In 2024, multiple Ecovacs Deebot X2 robot vacuums across the U.S. were hacked and made to yell racial slurs at owners. Other smart home devices with cameras have faced security breaches, from baby monitors to smart doorbells.

But a robot vacuum is the only kind of device that regularly roves around your home. That gives this vulnerability a unique sense of foreboding, perhaps enough to provide the plot to a found footage horror film.

And of course, there are even more opportunities for bad actors when AI has access to personal info.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft says Copilot was summarizing confidential emails without permission

I test robot vacuums for a living, and I really don't want to have to be paranoid about their camera usage. The livestream camera is an incredibly comforting robot vacuum feature for pet parents who get anxious about leaving pets at home alone.

All of the robovacs I've tested have announced out loud when they're in remote viewing mode. But not all robot vacuums provide that courtesy notification (the DJI Romo, for one, does not).

In any case, if a hacker was able to get to the point that they could control the vacuum's camera, would it be that hard for them to disable the warning? While the issue remains, it might be wise to disable your vacuum's camera, at least when not in use, with the lowest-tech hack of all: putting tape over it.

TL;DR: Let kids learn while having fun with this lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, on sale now for just $44.97 with code PLAY through March 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $44.97
$250 Save $205.03   Get Deal

Looking for a guilt-free way to give your kids a little screen time? Pok Pok is the answer parents have been looking for — offering a Montessori-based approach to learning and fun for kids ages 2 to 8.

Right now, you can keep the learning going with this lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, on sale for $44.97 with code PLAY through March 22.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Screen time is a controversial topic these days. If you’re looking for a non-addictive way to let kids have a little fun on the tablet, it’s time to meet Pok Pok. This award-winning app keeps kids entertained while serving as a great introduction to screen time with hand-drawn animations, low stimulation, and in-house-made gentle sound effects.

With a Montessori-based approach that emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and natural development, Pok Pok makes learning fun. This way of learning allows kids to navigate the app on their own as they learn STEM concepts, numbers, and language. There are no rules, levels, objectives, winners, or losers — they just get to have fun.

This app was made in collaboration with early childhood experts, so it has been thoughtfully crafted to made sure each experience in Pok Pok is enriching and supportive your little one’s development. It’s also COPPA certified and GDPR compliant, so you can rest easy knowing your kids won’t be tricked into making any purchases.

Your lifetime subscription includes new content, with seasonal and cultural updates. You’ll also get an exclusive surprise gift mailed directly to your door.

Give your kids a safe screen time option with lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, on sale now for just $44.97 with code PLAY through March 22.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

OpenAI is speaking out about changes and overhauls coming to its safety protocols and communications with law enforcement after a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, that left nine dead, including the shooter, earlier this month.

The perpetrator of the shooting had their ChatGPT account suspended in June 2025 after OpenAI detected content from the user that presented "an indication of potential real-world violence." OpenAI banned the user and considered alerting authorities. However, OpenAI decided not to inform law enforcement after determining that the user had no credible plan to act out.

OpenAI's decision not to alert authorities has become a major concern of the Canadian government.

While OpenAI did have a protocol to handle credible threats, the company is now saying it will do more. In an open letter to the Canadian government, OpenAI's Vice President of Global Policy Ann M. O’Leary did not offer any specific policy changes, but did mention that changes were already being implemented and more were coming.

In addition, O'Leary also shared another oversight in OpenAI's protocols. According to OpenAI's open letter, the Tumbler Ridge shooter had opened a second ChatGPT account, which the company only discovered after the shooting occurred and the name of the shooter was publicly released. OpenAI did share that account with police after making the discovery.

In its open letter, OpenAI says it will "continue to strengthen" its law enforcement referral protocol. The company said it's working with mental health experts to better assess difficult cases and when conversations cross the line into being a risk.

OpenAI also said they are establishing a direct point of contact with Canadian law enforcement to refer cases with potential for "real world violence."

ChatGPT will also be tweaked to provide help to users who are in distress or are pursuing prohibited behavior by providing them resources to localized support within their communities. 

In addition, OpenAI said it is addressing its protocols that allowed for the shooter to open a second account. The company said it had a system in place to detect repeat policy offenders and is committing to "strengthening our detection systems to better prevent attempts to evade our safeguards and prioritize identifying the highest risk offenders."

Mashable has reached out to OpenAI for additional information regarding these policy overhauls and to find out whether these affect the company's policies in the United States as well. We will update this piece when we hear back.

TL;DR: Give your family a more peaceful internet experience with this lifetime subscription to AdGuard Family Plan, on sale now for just $19.97 through March 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $19.97
$169.99 Save $150.02   Get Deal

For better or worse, we all spend a lot of time on the internet. What if you could change the way you browse and banish online ads for good? AdGuard makes it happen, offering an internet free of pop-ups, videos, and banner ads while keeping you safer online.

Right now, you can score a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan, on sale for just $19.97 for two more days through March 1.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

It’s time to enjoy the internet as it was meant to be browsed — peaceful and ad-free. AdGuard is an advanced ad-blocking module that not only blocks ads from appearing on your screen but also keeps you safer online.

Save time closing out annoying pop-up ads and quieting video ads with this tool. It not only makes your time online more enjoyable but also keeps you safer. AdGuard keeps your data safe — it helps block trackers, hides your data, and stops malware, phishing sites, and cyberattacks.

This AdGuard Family Plan keeps your little ones in mind too, helping protect up to nine devices at once. Parental control features help keep them safer online, serving as a watchful eye and helping shield them from inappropriate content.

It’s compatible with both Android and iOS, so you can use AdGuard on smartphones, tablets, computers, and more. This lifetime subscription includes future updates and new features, so you can rest easy knowing it’s an investment built to last.

Get this lifetime subscription to AdGuard Family Plan, on sale now for just $19.97 until March 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

NASA will trade the Artemis mission that was expected to land astronauts on the moon for a new plan intended to increase launch frequency of the agency's mega rocket.

At a news briefing on Friday, NASA administrator Jared Isaacman described a vast overhaul to the moon-to-Mars program. The changes scrap the Artemis III lunar landing and instead make it a flight in low-Earth orbit for a crew to practice meeting up with either the SpaceX or Blue Origin-built lunar landers — or, perhaps, both. 

Those efforts also will impact the U.S. space agency's timeline for the future Artemis missions, moving up the revised Artemis III flight to the middle of 2027, which could make way for Artemis IV and Artemis V at the beginning and end of 2028. Under the new direction, Artemis IV would be the first mission to put astronaut boots on the lunar surface. 

The sweeping revisions to the agency's program came during an update on repairs to the Space Launch System rocket, which will launch Artemis II, a 10-day lunar flyby mission with a crew, as early as April. 

"There has to be a better way in line with our history," Isaacman said. "We did not just jump right to Apollo 11. We did it through Mercury, Gemini, and lots of Apollo missions, with a launch cadence every three months. We shouldn't be comfortable with the current cadence. We should be getting back to basics and doing what we know works."

SEE ALSO: These 'avatars' will fly around the moon with NASA's Artemis 2 astronauts

NASA leaders said the shakeup is meant to address a larger underlying problem: the U.S. agency is flying its most powerful rocket too infrequently and repeating some of the same technical issues from one mission to the next.

Isaacman pointed to hydrogen leaks on Artemis I and helium flow problems on Artemis II as signs that a three‑year gap between launches is not sustainable. When teams only fly every few years, he said, they lose "muscle memory" — the routine, hands-on experience required to handle a complex rocket safely and efficiently.

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

To fix that, NASA is redefining the Artemis campaign as a step‑by‑step test program. The agency now aims to launch roughly once every 10 months, standardize its rocket configuration, and rebuild in‑house expertise that has withered over time.

Increasing the Artemis launch cadence

A major change is the decision to treat Artemis III as a practice mission in Earth orbit rather than a landing attempt. That mission will let astronauts and engineers test how the Orion spaceship and the landers find each other, fly together, and possibly dock. It will also allow crews to start checking life‑support systems and other hardware inside the landers before sending them all the way to the lunar surface. Officials said they may even try limited tests of the new moonwalking suits in weightlessness, if schedules allow.

NASA leaders argued that it makes more sense to uncover problems and practice operations close to home, in Earth orbit, rather than discovering them for the first time while attempting a landing on the moon. If the faster launch tempo holds, Artemis IV and Artemis V together could give NASA two opportunities in 2028. Officials stressed that the timeline still depends on hardware readiness and safety reviews.

Work toward Gateway, a small space station that would orbit the moon and serve as a staging point for future missions, is not going away, officials said. But they made clear the agency’s priority is getting Artemis flights off the ground more often before building out that lunar outpost.

Not far from their minds is the reality that China is also attempting to land its own crew on the moon before 2030 and may be able to get there before the United States. NASA hasn't sent humans to the lunar surface since Apollo 17 in 1972. And though no other nation has followed in the giant leap for humankind, that won't always be true.

NASA leaders announced an overhaul to the Artemis program's timeline, trying to simplify the missions and created a stepped approach from one launch to the next. Credit: NASA infographic

"[In] the 1960s [it] turned out, in hindsight, we had a near-endless schedule margin there," Isaacman said. "That is certainly not the case today. I'd say this is very, very close from a timeline perspective."

Artemis 2 works toward April launch

The revised campaign comes as engineers work through immediate issues on Artemis II, the first crewed flight of the program. After a successful "wet dress rehearsal" — a full countdown test that loads the rocket with super‑cold fuel — teams discovered that helium was not flowing correctly to the engines in the rocket's upper stage.

Helium is used to pressurize tanks and help push fuel into the engines. Without proper helium flow, the rocket cannot safely fly. Because the upper stage is hard to reach at the launchpad, NASA rolled the stacked rocket back into the Vehicle Assembly Building, the sky-scraping hangar where it was originally put together.

While the rocket is inside, technicians will remove and inspect suspected helium system components, update any faulty hardware, and perform other work. That includes replacing batteries in the flight termination system — the emergency system that can destroy the rocket if it strays off course — swapping out a seal on the line that feeds liquid oxygen into the rocket, refreshing items inside Orion, and giving the closeout crew more practice sealing the capsule.

NASA wants to streamline that work to preserve a chance to launch Artemis II on April 1, April 3 through 6, or April 30. They have not provided potential launch dates beyond April, despite many requests from reporters to do so. 

Technicians are trying to diagnose a helium flow problem in the upper stage of the moon rocket ahead of Artemis II, which could launch as early as April. Credit: NASA Back to the Apollo-era approach

Beyond the near-term, Isaacman said NASA will standardize the current moon rocket configuration instead of evolving the design after only a few flights, as originally planned. The goal is to avoid turning each booster into a bespoke project and instead fly a simpler, repeatable version that industry can achieve quicker.

Isaacman also highlighted a push to rebuild NASA's workforce, shifting some key roles from contractors — who today make up about 75 percent of the agency's technical labor — back to in-house expertise. NASA leaders say that will give them more control over launch preparations, as it did in the Apollo and space shuttle eras.

The White House, Congress, and major contractors support the new approach, he said. The bigger question is whether the American public will get on board. Many people are unaware that NASA is just weeks away from launching astronauts into deep space for the first time in over a half-century.

"It's a different environment than the 1960s. There's more than three channels on a TV, so capturing people's attention at times can be challenging," Isaacman said. "I have no doubt when Artemis II takes flight, the world will take notice to that."

Pokémon Day is here!

On this day, 30 years ago, the original Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, were first released in Japan. 

SEE ALSO: Warning: The Gen 10 Pokémon starters will give you major cute aggression

And today, Feb. 27, 2026, The Pokémon Company held a special event broadcast on its YouTube channel to share some news and updates regarding upcoming Pokémon games and products.

Here's everything you need to know about what was announced on Pokémon Day on Pokémon's 30th anniversary.

Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves 

Let's start with the biggest news up at the top.

The event started with the President and CEO of The Pokémon Company recalling how there were only 151 Pokémon when Pokémon Red and Green were released. Now, there are 1,025 Pokémon.

The event ended with the introduction of the 10th generation of the Pokémon mainline games: Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves.

And with those new games come brand new Pokémon.

A brief teaser video was shown at the end of the event for Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, and based on fans' reactions, it's clearly the biggest news to come out of the Pokémon event.

Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua Credit: The Pokémon Company

The games feature 3 new starter Pokémon: a bird-like Pokémon called Browt, a dog-eque Pokémon called Pombon, and a Pokémon that looks like a gecko called Gecqua.

Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves will come out in 2027.

Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue Game Music Collection

The Pokémon event didn't start with the big news of a new game, though. The event began with a new product celebrating the now-iconic music of the Pokémon games.

Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue Game Music Collection Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue Game Music Collection is a small music player jukebox that looks like a mini old-school Game Boy. The jukebox plays all 45 songs from the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue games. Users choose their songs by just swapping out cartridges that look like Pokémon games.

Pokémon World Championships and Pokémon XP

Next up was the announcement that this year's Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco will be held simultaneously alongside the inaugural Pokémon XP.

Pokémon XP is a brand new fan fest for Pokémon aficionados, which will include all sorts of interactive events, workshops, panels, meet and greets, and more.

Pokémon Trading Card Game: 30th anniversary

While details were sparse, the Pokémon event announced that the Pokémon Trading Card Game will also be celebrating Pokémon's 30th anniversary.

Special Pokémon Trading Card Game products for the 30th anniversary will be released worldwide later this year.

Pokémon GO

To celebrate 30 years of Pokémon, the popular Pokémon GO mobile game will see the return of a "huge range of Pokémon" that have previously appeared in the game.

Pokémon Masters EX

Speaking of mobile games, Pokémon Masters EX is also receiving an update with Red (1996) & Pikachu, Florian (Anniversary 2026) & Ogerpon, and Juliana (Anniversary 2026) & Terapagos all arriving in the game.

Pokémon Café ReMix

The mobile puzzle game Pokémon Café ReMix is getting in on the 30th anniversary action too with a "roundup of first partner Pokémon in special outfits."

Pokémon Sleep

Yes, there's a Pokémon mobile game that collects Pokémon while you sleep called Pokémon Sleep. Whether you've already been playing or just looking to get into it, as part of the 30th anniversary, Pokémon is launching new Mew missions that begin tonight.

Pokémon United

The popular Pokémon United game is seeing new character additions as part of the 30th anniversary of Pokémon.

Pokémon United Credit: The Pokémon Company

The legendary Pokémon known as Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno, as well as others, are being added to the Pokémon United game.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket players will be able to earn some freebies to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pokémon.

Players can complete "30 Days of Gifts" missions, which will earn them enough pack hourglasses to open 10 packs.

Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness 

If you've been itching to play Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness on the GameCube but haven't owned a GameCube in years, you're in luck

The 2005 Pokémon title is coming to Nintendo GameCube Classics on the Nintendo Switch 2 in March.

Pokémon Fire/Red and Pokémon Leaf/Green 

Looking for something to play today? Pokémon Fire/Red and Pokémon Leaf/Green, remakes of the original Japanese Pokémon games now available as downloadable titles on Switch and Switch 2. 

The titles will also soon be made compatible with Pokémon Home, so you can transfer your Pokémon from other games into these titles, too.

Pokémon Champions

The month of April will see the release of Pokémon Champions, the battle-centric, multiplayer-focused Pokémon game.

A mobile version of Pokémon Champions will also be released later this year.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Mega Dimensions

If you have the Mega Dimensions DLC for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, then there's a brand new challenge for you.

The Pokémon event announced that Mega Garchomp Z has been "discovered" in the game. Players can claim this mystery gift starting today. 

Pokémon Pokopia

And, finally, before showing us the teaser for the upcoming Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, the Pokémon event gave us a good look at Pokémon Pokopia, which comes out on March 5.

The game is less classic Pokémon and more like Pokémon meets Animal Crossing. Players assume the character of a Ditto, which transforms into its old human master. From there, they can build their home, farm, and town.

TL;DR: As of Feb. 27, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection in stock for $38.95, but you can currently snag it for a few bucks cheaper at TCGplayer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Store Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection $38.95 at Amazon
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Store Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection $25.49 at TCGPlayer
  Shop Now

It's Pokémon Day, which means you're probably seeing a ton of hype around the franchise's 30th anniversary. But before you blindly add the official commemorative TCG collection to your Amazon cart, you should know you can get it way cheaper somewhere else.

SEE ALSO: Pokémon Presents February 2026 livestream: Watch live on Pokémon Day

As of Feb. 27, the Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection (which actually launched back in January) is sitting on Amazon for $38.95. However, the exact same box just dropped to a surprisingly low $25.49 (plus an additional $5.99 for shipping) over on TCGplayer. That means you have a choice: Save a few bucks on the secondary market, or pay a bit more at Amazon for fast Prime delivery and a better return policy, you know, just in case.

To celebrate the milestone, this collection features an exclusive foil Pikachu promo card stamped with the official Pokémon Day logo. You'll also get a metallic 30th-anniversary coin and three assorted booster packs to rip open. It's a fun commemorative pickup for the holiday — just make sure you weigh whether you care more about getting the absolute lowest price or the easiest shipping experience.

SAVE $269: As of Feb. 27, the Anker Solix C800x portable power station is on sale for just $379.99 at Amazon. That's over 40% off its list price of $649.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C800x portable power station $379.99 at Amazon
$649 Save $269.01   Get Deal

There may still be snow on the ground outside, but spring is only a few short weeks away. That means camping season is just around the corner. You can prepare yourself for those off-grid adventures to come by snagging a portable power station. Better yet, you can save some money by thinking ahead.

As of Feb. 27, the Anker Solix C800x portable power station is down to just $379.99 at Amazon. That's $269 cheaper than usual and almost down to its record low, making it an excellent time to grab it.

With a built-in lightbar, a three-mode camping light that packs into the top of the power station, 768Wh and 1200W rated power, and enough ports to plug in up to 10 devices at once, the Solix C800x makes a great companion for off-grid living. You can charge it up with a traditional outlet, a solar panel (sold separately), or a car port for convenience. And since it's just 24 pounds, it's easy to take with you on the move.

If you want to stay powered up this camping season, a portable power station is a smart investment. While it's not exactly cheap, this 41% off deal makes it much easier on the wallet.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box is being sold for $119.99 at Amazon — marking the lowest-ever price for the expansion’s newly released ETB.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box $119.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

Getting the latest ETB in the Pokémon trading card game is as challenging as it’s ever been, but Amazon is currently the best of the leading retailers out there. As of Feb. 27, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box is available for $119.99 at Amazon, landing at its lowest price since launch.

Prices have been fluctuating compared to the other big retailers, but Amazon currently has the competition beat by far — along with only being $2.46 above market price at the time of writing. Walmart is selling Ascended Heroes ETBs for $149.99, TCGplayer for $199.95, and Target for a massive $299.99.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Centered around Mega Dragonite ex and the dawn of Mega Evolution in the Pokémon X & Y and Pokémon Legends: Z-A eras of the Kalos region, Ascended Heroes brings back Mega Evolved Pokémon ex cards alongside Trainer’s Pokémon and Stellar Tera Pokémon ex cards. 

Inside the box, you’ll get nine Ascended Heroes booster packs, a full-art foil promo card featuring N’s Zekrom, 65 themed card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, six damage-counter dice, a competition-legal coin-flip die, a plastic coin, a player’s guide, and a collector’s storage box with dividers. There’s also a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

We expect these to sell out very soon, so act fast to secure this low price.

To save even more on Elite Trainer Boxes, you can still grab The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution ETB for just under $95 at Amazon. Meanwhile, the Pokémon TCG Pokémon Day 2026 Collection is still available for under $40 at Amazon — a great collection for celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary.

Three hot new bombshells have entered the Pokémon villa.

During its 30th anniversary Pokémon Presents livestream, The Pokémon Company officially unveiled two new paired games, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, the franchise's 10th mainline generation. Within minutes of the reveal, the online conversation swerved hard in one direction: the adorable starters.

SEE ALSO: 10 of the weirdest little freaks in Pokémon history

Set in a brand-new, island-dotted region surrounded by a vast, glittering sea, Winds and Waves promise open-water exploration and tropical flair. But while the developers were showing off sweeping ocean vistas, fans were busy zooming in on three small, extremely marketable creatures.

Meet the new icons.

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

Browt, the grass-type starter, is a round little bird with the energy of someone who's already read your text and decided not to reply. This is an angry little puffball with full Eugene Levy-level eyebrows, aggressively arched with "say that again" energy, and fans immediately clocked it as the chaotic contender of the trio. It's giving Angry Birds. It's giving tiny union rep. It's giving "don't talk to me before I photosynthesize."

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

Then there's Pombon, the fire-type Pomeranian who looks like it would absolutely commit arson but in a cute way. All fluff and spark, Pombon feels genetically engineered to dominate plush sales and social media edits. The fire-dog lineage is a sacred one in Pokémon history, and fans were quick to declare this tiny blaze ball their ride-or-die little guy.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: 30 years of Pokémon: The memes that made it immortal

And finally, Gecqua, the water-type lizard with eyes nearly the size of its head and lashes that deserve their own beauty sponsorship. Gecqua doesn't blink; it poses. It's wide-eyed but fierce, adorable but dramatic. If confidence were a starter stat, Gecqua would be maxed out.

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

Even the reveal of two tropical-styled versions of Pikachu — one rocking sunglasses, a floral shirt, and a sunhat, the other sporting a cap and dress — struggled to compete with the starter frenzy. Normally, special Pikachu forms would dominate the discourse. This time? Supporting cast.

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

Thirty years after Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green first launched in Japan, Generation 10 has arrived with island vibes and ocean horizons. But if the immediate internet reaction is any indication, the real waves are being made by one grumpy grass bird, one chaotic fire pom, and one water lizard diva.

SAVE $59: As of Feb. 27, get the Soundcore Work, a pocket-sized translator and transcription tool, for just $99.95. That takes 37% off its list price of $159, saving you $59.05.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Work $99.95 at Amazon
$159 Save $59.05   Get Deal

Being a reporter fills my days with fast-paced work, spotting trends, tracking new product releases, and testing the latest tech. Perhaps my favorite part of the job is when I get to talk to people, getting background or interviewing for a feature. Unfortunately, once the rush of the interview is over, I have to face the tedious task of transcribing. That's why the Soundcore Work is such a genius device.

The Soundcore Work is a coin-sized voice recorder powered by AI. It records conversations, translating and transcribing them as needed. All recording are encrypted with AES-256 and stored locally on the device. But best of all, you can find the device on sale now.

The Soundcore Work is now $99.95 at Amazon. That knocks $59.05 off its $159 list price. That's the best price we've spotted on the device, meaning it's a great time to buy.

The Soundcore Work comes with a six free months of a pro membership, which you need to operate the device. After the trial, it's $15.99 a month or $99.99 a year, which gets you 1,200 minutes of transcription every month.

Shop the Soundcore Work at Amazon now and get it for its lowest price ever of $99.95.

SAVE 20%: As of Feb. 27, you can get the Asus ROG Strix 34-inch ultrawide OLED HDR gaming monitor (XG34WCDG) for $797.35, down from $999, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount or $201.65 savings. It's also a new record-low price!

ASUS ROG Strix 34-inch ultrawide OLED HDR gaming monitor (XG34WCDG) $797.35 at Amazon
$999 Save $201.65   Get Deal at Amazon

Dropping a thousand dollars on an OLED monitor only to ruin it with screen burn-in a year later is a very real, very valid fear. But Asus built a smart workaround into this ultrawide display, and it just so happens to be on sale.

SEE ALSO: Pre-order LG's 52-inch gaming monitor and get a $200 gift card

As of Feb. 27, you can get the Asus ROG Strix 34-inch ultrawide OLED HDR gaming monitor (XG34WCDG) for $797.35, down from $999, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount or $201.65 savings. It's also a new record-low price, according to our trusty price tracker, CamelCamelCamel.

This gaming monitor features a 3440x1440 QD-OLED panel with a 175Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time to keep your gameplay smooth. There's also an OLED Care Pro proximity sensor that detects when you walk away and automatically turns the screen black to prevent burn-in. And because the color accuracy is so high (it features true 10-bit color and VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black compliance), it doubles as a great screen for photo and video editing. They even throw in a free three-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud to prove it.

The top three TV deals to shop this weekend: TCL 75-inch QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $797.99 (save $502) Get Deal Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED ULED 4K TV $899.99 (save $398) Get Deal Samsung 65-inch The Frame Pro Neo QLED 4K TV $1,497.99 (save $702) Get Deal

So you've decided it's time to upgrade your crappy old TV. While we're not traditionally in the best season for great deals, I've found a few options to make your upgrade process a bit easier on your bank account. With new TVs announced at CES 2026 making their debuts this coming spring, a lot of our favorite releases from 2025 are already dropping down to record-low prices (or close to it).

I've rounded up the top three TV deals I could find heading into the weekend, with savings up to $1,100. Make note that while only one specific size of each TV is highlighted, most other sizes of each model are also discounted. Just click through to the different sizes on the product pages for more details.

Best TCL TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $797.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $502   Get Deal Why we like it

Not only did we name TCL's QM6K the "best budget mini LED TV," but our friends at CNET (also owned by Ziff Davis) dubbed it the "best TV under $1,000 in 2025." Buy this TV if you want impressive picture quality with vibrant colors, a smooth Google TV streaming interface, a solid refresh rate for gaming (144Hz), and an excellent price tag. Under $800 for a 75-inch Mini LED QLED TV is honestly a steal. Mashable's own TV expert Leah Stodart recently bought this TV herself and can't say enough great things.

Best Hisense TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED ULED 4K TV $899.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $1,100   Get Deal Why we like it

Most of the time, we see really stellar TV deals sell out as fast as they appeared. That's not the case for the 75-inch Hisense U7 Mini LED TV. We featured this "ultimate mid-premium" model from 2025 last week, but it's still down to just $899.99 at Amazon if you missed it. It's list price is actually near $2,000 (which you can see on the Best Buy website), which means this is an even bigger deal than Amazon is letting on. Standout features of the U7 include Mini LED backlighting with an AGLR-Antiglare low-reflection panel, up to 3,000 nits of brightness, and HDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos. Plus, it features an impressive 165Hz refresh rate, which makes it a top pick for gamers.

Best Samsung TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch The Frame Pro Neo QLED 4K TV $1,497.99 at Amazon
$2,199.99 Save $702.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's The Frame's claim to fame is its ability to look just like framed wall art when the TV's not on. The Frame Pro, released in 2025, takes the original Frame's features up a notch. It's the first model to use Samsung's most premium QLED tech — dubbed Neo QLED. It offers more precise lighting, as there are significantly more mini LEDs and they can be individually controlled. It's also the first Frame model that can connect to a console or cable box wirelessly, allowing it to be completely wire-free for the true framed art experience. The 65-inch model is the sweet spot for most people and heading into the weekend, you can officially grab it for its best price ever.

SAVE 29%: As of Feb. 27, you can get the 65-inch Samsung The Frame Pro LED Smart TV (LS03FW, 2025) for $1,497.99, down from $2,097.99, at Amazon. That's a 29% discount or $600 savings. It's also the lowest price we've tracked to date!

65-inch Samsung The Frame Pro LED Smart TV (LS03FW, 2025) $1,497.99 at Amazon
$2,097.99 Save $600.00   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy

To say I despise the look of a giant TV sitting at the front of my living room would be putting it lightly. It's just not my idea of a relaxing setting. That's why I've always loved the concept of Samsung's The Frame TV. It's designed to blend in with your decor and doubles as a piece of art when it's not on.

As of Feb. 27, you can get the 65-inch Samsung The Frame Pro LED Smart TV (LS03FW, 2025) for $1,497.99, down from $2,097.99, at Amazon. That's a 29% discount or $600 savings. It's also the lowest price we've tracked to date!

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Frame Pro is finally here: What to know about the most advanced art TV yet

The 2025 Frame Pro upgrades the standard viewing experience with a virtually glare-free screen featuring a subtle matte texture that makes the digital artwork look like a real, physical print. When you aren't watching your favorite shows, it shifts into Art Mode, which lets you display a curated collection of museum-worthy pieces from the Art Store or even upload your own photos. Bonus: It comes with a Slim Fit Wall Mount to ensure the TV hangs nearly flush against your wall.

It uses a Neo QLED panel with mini LEDs for precise lighting, and it features a Wireless One Connect hub so you can hide all your messy cables away from the screen itself. It's basically the most aesthetic TV on the market.

SAVE $400: As of Feb. 27, get the brand new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with 512GB of storage for just $1,299.99, plus receive a $200 Amazon gift card. That saves you $200 off its list price, plus gives you $200 to spend at Amazon totally free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB) and Amazon gift card bundle $1,299.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $400   Get Deal

On Feb. 25 at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, the brand debuted its newest S Series smartphone: the S26. With its arrival, we expected to see some stellar markdowns on the previous generation, the S25, which has dropped as low as $899.99. Yet, there's an even better deal to shop now, and it's on the new S26.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with 512GB is priced at $1,499.99 on Samsung's website, yet we found a major deal on Amazon. As of Feb. 27, the phone paired with a $200 Amazon gift cart is a bundle worth $1,699.99, but it's on sale for just $1,299.99. That saves you $200 off the phone plus gets you a free gift card, saving $400 for 24% off.

So what's new with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra? Coming out of Samsung Unpacked, the biggest headline is the phone's new the new privacy display. The adjustable feature allows you to keep your screen hidden from those around you, as it shades the screen unless you're looking at it straight on. Additionally, Samsung combined its AI photo and video editing in one spot, the Creative Studio. It's an impressive device, which makes this deal tantalizing.

Plus, with your $200 Amazon gift card, you can use it to shop the new Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro or a Samsung Galaxy Ring.