Mashable

Alfred Hitchcock had blondes, MacGuffins, and director’s cameos. Spike Lee has dolly shots, New York settings, and fourth-wall breaks. And Jared Hess has tots, llamas, and frequent use of “friggin.’” 

I’m not saying that the Napoleon Dynamite director is on the level of those two auteurs. However, it’s impressive that despite being an adaptation of a juggernaut of a video game, A Minecraft Movie still feels like a Jared Hess movie at its core, even down to its setting in Idaho (when it isn’t set in the world of Minecraft, that is).

Jack Black as Steve, Danielle Brooks as Dawn, and Jason Momoa as Garrett in “A Minecraft Movie." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

A Minecraft Movie could have simply been driven by its mammoth video game origins, content to drop in-jokes and references inscrutable to those who haven’t dived into playing Minecraft and delightful to those who have. That would have been the safe route — and it’s one that most IP adaptations are OK with taking — but oddly, Warner Bros. and game studio Mojang appear to be fine with Hess putting his own quirky stamp on this universe. 

Maybe it’s not so odd after all. From my limited understanding of the game (very limited as a childfree adult who googled “Minecraft explainer” on my way to the theater), creativity and making the world your own are valued within Minecraft gameplay. And even if I hadn’t done five minutes of pre-screening research, A Minecraft Movie is vocally explicit in espousing imagination as a key to success in the Minecraft land of Overworld.

The plot of A Minecraft Movie is a lot — and also not the point. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

The plot of this family-friendly adventure is challenging to explain succinctly; whether that’s my fault as a Minecraft noob or has to do with the five credited writers (Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Neil Widener, Gavin James, and Chris Galletta) is up for debate. Mine-obsessed Steve (Jack Black) accidentally discovers a portal (in a mine, naturally) that leads to Overworld, an animated universe filled with blocky animals, trees, and structures. Steve masters building and crafting in Overworld and decides to stay, especially after he bonds with a cube-shaped dog that he names Dennis. 

Later, that same Overworld portal also sucks in former video game champion Garrett “Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), realtor/mobile zoo entrepreneur Dawn (Danielle Brooks), and two young siblings, Henry (Sebastian Hansen) and Natalie (Emma Myers). They discover the rules of Overworld by trial and error, learning how to build structures and craft tools during the day and simply trying to stay alive at night, also by building and crafting, amidst attacks from zombies, spiders, and creepers. Their experience basically echoes the game’s mods: in Create, players focus on constructing their own world, while Survive finds them attempting to not die with each nightly assault from creepy creatures.  They go on a quest for the movie’s MacGuffin — the cube-shaped Orb of Dominance — where they encounter more creations that made the kids in my screening lose their little minds with excitement. Meanwhile, they try to avoid the invading hordes from a hell-like underworld populated by beefy, blocky pigs and ruled by the sorceress Malgosha (voiced by Taika Waititi–favorite Rachel House). 

Beyond all of … that, A Minecraft Movie also features a wholly unnecessary subplot about a cubist Overworld citizen who stumbles into our world and encounters Henry’s daffy, oversharing vice principal, played by Jennifer Coolidge. These scenes could have been cut out entirely without affecting anything else on screen, but a credits sequence offers payoff. It’s hard to be too mad at its inclusion because it exists as a vehicle for Coolidge, who also starred in Hess’s Gentlemen Broncos, and is very much on the same comedic page as the filmmaker.

Jason Momoa and Jack Black are at their comedic best. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Leads Momoa and Black are also on Hess’s weirdo wavelength. Momoa stars as the has-been video game king with a wardrobe of fringed jackets and a glorious curly shag haircut, and his deadpan delivery is the most hilarious the Aquaman actor has ever been. Hair-metal-loving Garrett is desperately trying to recapture his previous glory, and Momoa speaks in the oh-so-serious-but-oh-so-funny cadence that will be familiar to anyone who watched Napoleon Dynamite on repeat. 

Similarly, Black has his trademark exuberant energy that borders on obnoxiousness, and it’s the perfect fit for this perfectly silly movie and its young audience. Some adults may not find Black entertaining, but they are old and boring. For his second round with Hess, following Nacho Libre, Black gets that the director doesn’t want naturalistic performances steeped in Stanislavski. A Minecraft Movie isn’t attempting to be subtle; it’s the bigger, the better, and Black understood the assignment.

In her first film appearance post-Oscar nomination for 2023’s The Color Purple, Brooks isn’t given a ton to do. However, if everyone in the cast were operating at the over-the-top level of Momoa, Black, and Coolidge, A Minecraft Movie would be overwhelming and exhausting, a fate it somehow skirts despite everything going on here. Hansen and Myers, the two young actors playing brother-and-sister duo Henry and Natalie, are charming enough and comical when they’re required to be, but it’s easy to get lost amidst the bigger performances and the backdrop of blocky animated sheep.

All those weird right angles and the oddly inorganic shapes of the organic things of Overworld mean that the animation and special effects don’t have to — and shouldn’t — convince the audience they’re real. Minecraft itself looks pretty low-fi, and the visuals of Hess’s film work well within that established style. Yet it doesn’t look cheap; it’s as though Warner Bros. didn’t mind spending a little money in anticipation of the pile of money the film will likely make.

Napoleon Dynamite’s Jared Hess brings his signature silly style. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

While I don’t love that IP rules the box office, Hess’s tater-tot-grease-stained fingerprints are all over A Minecraft Movie. It feels like it was made by a human — and a wonderfully weird one — rather than simply churned out by a studio or media conglomerate to take advantage of their property. It’s fun and funny, fully engaged with the spirit of the game, in which creativity and imagination rule. It doesn’t feel like it’s pandering to kids, but, as evidenced by the giggles at my screening, they were enjoying it. For adult viewers who require logic in their storytelling, however, mileage may vary. 

“This place makes no sense,” Natalie says at one point with a tinge of exasperation, and she is speaking for all of us uninitiated. While it is largely coherent, A Minecraft Movie is all over the place. But no one in the audience is here for the plot. They’re either watching A Minecraft Movie for their love of the Minecraft world or because they love someone who loves it and isn’t old enough to drive themselves to the movie theater. As far as video game adaptations and children’s films go, A Minecraft Movie is so much better than it needs to be. 

Parents will likely find this film more entertaining than listening to their kids talk about Minecraft for the equivalent amount of time (101 minutes, for the record). A Minecraft Movie might also provide a deeper understanding of the universe (Minecraft’s, not the real one) for those who haven’t experienced it firsthand before. It’s a good primer for the game that never feels like homework.

A Minecraft Movie opens in theaters nationwide and in IMAX on April 4.

A child's fanciful drawings coming to life sounds like the start of a sweet adventure. But what if said child's drawings were of monsters with foreboding names like the Blood Eater?

That's the hook of the upcoming film Sketch, directed by Seth Worley, which sees 11-year-old Amber's (Bianca Belle) imagination literally running amok. She's the artist behind such creatures as the Blood Eater, which "eats blood and pukes the blood back onto people," as well as other strange, often one-eyed beings.

Her drawings cause concern in everyone around her, including her widowed father Taylor (Tony Hale, The Decameron). Yet he at least tries to understand where Amber is coming from, telling his sister Liz (D'Arcy Carden), "She's working through some stuff."

When a magic mishap brings Amber's creations into the real world, Taylor finds himself swept up in an adventure alongside her, Liz, and his eldest son Jack (Kue Lawrence). Check out the trailer above for glimpses of the film's colorful creatures, which promise to bring tons of fuzz and glitter to the big screen.

Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko praised Sketch in her review out of the Toronto International Film Festival, calling it "a fantastically fun and heartwarming movie with a slathering of weird that makes it a real treat."

Sketch hits theaters Aug. 6.

SPEND $150, GET $20: As of April 2, Best Buy is offering a $20 reward for every $150 you spend on Nintendo Switch games, gift cards, and select accessories. The deal is available to all My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members until Aug. 3, so we recommend waiting until some Nintendo Switch 2 game preorders pop up before shopping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch games, gift cards, select accessories Spend $150, get $20 (exlcusive to My Best Buy Plus and Total members) Get Deal

Amongst all the Nintendo Switch 2 excitement, Best Buy has announced a big promotion to commemorate the upcoming launch of the iconic gaming company's newest handheld console. From April 2 to Aug. 3, My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members can get a $20 credit for every $150 they spend on select Nintendo Switch games, accessories, and gift cards. It's a great opportunity to stock up on all the Nintendo goodies you want ahead of the Switch 2 launch, but just be aware that this offer does not apply to Nintendo Switch hardware, so you won't be able to use it for any console purchases or preorders.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo announces 'Hollow Knight: Silksong' for Switch 2

But before you start shopping, hear us out: We think you should wait. Well, not too long — just until some of those Nintendo Switch 2 titles go up for preorder. The promotion will most likely include some of those marquee games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza when they're available to buy, and we wouldn't want you to miss out on that. So, be patient and have your Switch 2 shopping list at the ready. (If you don't plan to upgrade to the Switch 2, go nuts.)

There's some other fine print you'll want to keep on your radar, too. You'll only be able to receive a maximum of five $20 vouchers (which you'd get for spending $750 total), and each voucher needs to be used within 30 days of issuance. Nothing too extreme, but we'd hate to see you miss out on your free money because you didn't spend it quickly enough. Once you finish shopping, your credit should show up in your Best Buy account approximately 15 days after your purchase.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to BitMar’s content finder for A$23 through 27 April only with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. A$238).

Here’s a challenge: cut the cord with your streaming services. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, all of them. You’re likely paying hundreds each year in subscription fees and, chances are, you still can’t find the one movie you want to watch on any of them.

All of these reasons are probably why so many people are turning to BitMar, a streaming service alternative. You know how you can find some free movies or TV shows available online if you dig hard enough? This powerful search engine does that for you. And, for a limited time, you can get it for A$23 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. A$238).

Wait…how does it work?

BitMar is powered by the Bing search engine, but it only has eyes for free streaming content. You’ll use a far more user-friendly interface to plug in a channel, genre, actor, or a specific movie or TV show you have in mind, then this content aggregator scours the web to find it.

Is it legal? Yes. BitMar is fully compliant with copyright laws — and it’s simply locating content already available on the web.

If you’re wondering why you wouldn’t just spend the time searching for it yourself, that’s the reason right there — it saves you time. BitMar also filters out the garbage to leave you with high-quality, ad-free content.

Enjoy no subscription streaming with a BitMar lifetime subscription at A$23 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. A$238). This coupon code expires after 27 April.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription AU$23
AU$238 Save AU$215 Get Deal

TikTok could soon be a part of Amazon.

On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Amazon had bid to purchase TikTok before the potential ban deadline on April 5. The Times noted, however, that the offer might not be the most likely to go through.

The paper reported:

"Various parties who have been involved in the talks do not appear to be taking Amazon’s bid seriously, the people said. The bid came via an offer letter addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Howard Lutnick, the commerce secretary, according to a person briefed on the matter."

TikTok has until April 5 to find a U.S. buyer, a date set by President Donald Trump after giving the China-owned app an extension upon taking office. A host of rumored suitors have been named, including Oracle, Microsoft, Project Liberty, and several more billionaires.

Breaking News: Amazon made a last-minute bid to acquire all of TikTok as the app approaches an April deadline to be sold by its Chinese owner or face a ban in the U.S., people familiar with the offer said.

[image or embed]

— The New York Times (@nytimes.com) April 2, 2025 at 12:18 PM

This story is developing and will be updated with more information.

SAVE $89: As of April 2, you can get a Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso maker for just $129.99, down from $219. That's a 41% discount and an $89 price cut.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker $129.99 at Amazon
$219 Save $89.01 Get Deal

If you’re tired of schlepping to your local coffee shop every morning for a caffeine fix, dealing with coffee grounds, and cleaning your machine, it might be time to invest in a pod-based coffee maker. Specifically, a coffee and espresso machine that can do it all right on your kitchen counter.

As of April 2, you can get the Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso maker for $129.99 at Amazon. That’s a 41% discount and $89.01 in savings (enough to cover a few weeks of lattes).

SEE ALSO: The best coffee machines for modern kitchens

The Nespresso Vertuo machine is designed to brew single-serve coffee and espresso using Nespresso Vertuo capsules. Bonus: If you go online and create a Nespresso account, you can get a pre-labeled recycle bag to fill with your used capsules and ship it back to Nespresso to recycle.

This machine heats in just 25 seconds and includes an extra-large 54-ounce water tank, so you can fill it and forget it (for at least a few days). You’ll also get a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules with your purchase.

SAVE $200: As of April 2, get the Google Pixel Tablet for $299.99, down from its usual price of $499.99, at Woot. That's a discount of 40%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Google Pixel Tablet $299.99 at Woot
$499.99 Save $200 Get Deal

Sometimes you need more screen real estate than a phone can provide you with. Whether you want something to watch your favorite shows and movies with on the go or a better way to handle multitasking while you work on your morning commute, a tablet is always a good option. You can get a tablet that fits all your needs without spending an arm and a leg too, all without skimping on quality. Thanks to this Woot deal, you can save big time on a new Google Pixel Tablet.

As of April 2, get the Google Pixel Tablet for $299.99 at Woot, down from its usual price of $499.99. That's a discount of 40%.

SEE ALSO: The best live deals on tablets in the Amazon Big Spring Sale 2025

We named the Google Pixel Tablet as an honorable mention in our list of the best tablets available, and for good reason. The Google Pixel Tablet is powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip with 8GB of RAM and 8MP cameras on both the front and back. It boasts a crisp 11-inch screen with 256GB of storage and a battery life of 12 hours, depending on usage. Best of all, it's quite attractive and lightweight.

One of the best things you can do is add the charging speaker dock, which turns the tablet into a second monitor with excellent audio. This deal doesn't include the dock at this price, but it's something to keep in mind to make this purchase even better.

If you're ready for a new tablet that can handle whatever you need on a daily basis, this one is worth scooping up.

SAVE $300: The Sonos Arc soundbar (white) is on sale for $599 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $899. That's a 33% discount and the lowest price we've ever spotted at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Arc soundbar (white) $599 at Amazon
$899 Save $300 Get Deal

Some movies are meant to be experienced in the theater. There's something magical about a massive screen with great sound and complete darkness. But it takes a little extra when you want to recreate that movie magic at home. Close the curtains, turn off all the lights, and turn on this soundbar that's on super sale at Amazon.

As of April 2, the Sonos Arc soundbar in white is on sale for $599, marked down from the normal price of $899. That's a 33% discount that takes $300 off the price. It also happens to be the best price we've ever seen Amazon offer.

SEE ALSO: The Arlo Video Doorbell is still 54% off after the Amazon Big Spring Sale

With a focus on fantastic sound quality and a user-friendly design, the Sonos Arc is a great upgrade to your home TV setup. If we're being honest, most TVs come with built-in speakers that fall flat in terms of performance. Incorporating the Sonos Arc to your entertainment center means you'll be getting something with a much higher sound quality and a better overall experience.

Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth tested out the premium Sonos Arc Ultra and awarded it with a Mashable Choice Award. Compared to the standard Sonos Arc, the Ultra is equipped with more drivers (14 instead of 11), but tons of the features are identical.

When it comes to a theater-like experience, the review notes, "While a single soundbar can't compete with the booming speakers you'll hear in a movie theater, this speaker gave me the closest match to that experience I've ever had in my living room."

Werth noted the Sonos Arc Ultra excels in offering great but balanced sound. He also mentioned a pro as the ability to use the soundbar as a smart speaker, which is also the case with the standard Sonos Arc. It utilizes Dolby Atmos which aims to give you a 3D sound experience, so long as your TV can support Dolby Atmos.

The Arc is also great for hearing crisp and clear dialogue, which is a major complaint with many speakers that come built into TVs. Plus, you can enable Speech Enhancement in the Sonos app.

To prep for summer movie nights, upgrade to the Sonos Arc soundbar. With today's deal at Amazon, you'll save $300 when upgrading to a 100% worthy soundbar that'll be a huge step up from your TVs built-in speakers.

Eight years after the first Nintendo Switch, we finally have the Nintendo Switch 2. And by all accounts, it was largely worth the wait.

On Wednesday's Nintendo Direct livestream, the gaming company announced the new console with several massive improvements and new features in its typically unfussy fashion. There wasn't much fanfare, letting the Nintendo Switch 2 newness speak for itself. But the rapid-fire succession of news during the tight hourlong event also meant we were thrown a lot of information at once.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 release date, price announced

In case you missed it, here's a roundup of all the Nintendo Switch 2 specs shared during the livestream:

All the Nintendo Switch 2 specs you need to knowThe important stuff

• 7.9-inch display compared to the OG Switch's 6.2-inch display, with the same 13.9mm thickness

• 1080p resolution with an LCD screen

• 120 fps (frames per second) support and HDR support

• 256 GB of storage compared to 32 GB of storage for the original Switch

• Two USB-C ports

Frame rate support has increased to a whopping 120 fps. Credit: Nintendo Featured Video For You Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Live Recap Joy-Con 2 controllers

• Magnetic attachment to the display with a release button to detach

• Bigger SL and SR buttons for easier play when using them horizontally

• Larger control sticks

• Each Joy-Con 2 controller can be used as a mouse for certain games

Joy-Con 2 controllers connect magnetically with a pleasing snap. Credit: Nintendo Audio

• Built-in mic for GameChat, with noise-cancelling technology

• 3D audio functionality, even without a surround sound system

Other hardware features

• New kickstand to hold the Switch 2 at any angle

• The new dock supports 4K compatibility when connected to an external display. It also has a built-in fan to keep the system cool.

The new kickstand holds the Switch 2 at any angle. Credit: Nintendo

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of April 2: OUR TOP PICK Sonos Arc $599 (save $300) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (128GB, WiFi) $419.99 (save $180) Get Deal BEST BUDGET SOUNDBAR DEAL Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus $189.99 (save $60) Get Deal BEST ROBOT VACUUM DEAL Dreame D10 Plus robot vacuum and mop combo $254.99 (save $145) Get Deal BEST APPLE DEAL Apple iPad Mini (128GB, WiFi) $399 (save $100) Get Deal

Despite the Amazon Big Spring Sale wrapping up on Monday, there's tons of deals still sticking around. We're talking all-time lows on gadgets from top brands like Sonos, Samsung, and Apple. If you missed out on the official sale, we've got you covered with the best deals still live we think are worth grabbing.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on April 2. None of these catching your eye? Check out our picks from yesterday, April 1. Many of those are still hanging around as well, including the Sony SRS-XG300 Bluetooth speaker for 59% off.

Our top pick: Sonos Arc Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Arc $599 at Amazon
$899 Save $300 Get Deal

What kept the Sonos Arc off of our list of the best TV soundbars was its steep price tag of $899. But as of April 2, it's down to a much more approachable $599 or 33% off at Amazon. That's cheaper than it was during the Big Spring Sale and a new best price ever. While we tested the fancier Arc Ultra, our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) reviewed the Arc and gave it the coveted PCMag Editors' Choice award, thanks to its fantastic audio profile, crisp dialogue, thumping bass, and deep Dolby Atmos-bolstered layers. To sum it up: "The impressive Sonos Arc takes the best parts of the company's other soundbars and combines them into one Dolby Atmos-compatible package."

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (128GB, WiFi) $419.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $180 Get Deal

The budget-friendly version of the Galaxy Tab S9+ just got 30% cheaper. It's usually just $599.99 for the S9 FE+ with 128GB of storage and WiFi connectivity, but as of April 2, it'll only cost you $419.99. Though it boasts similar features to the S9+, like an IP68 dust- and water-resistant rating, a 12.4.-inch screen, 20 hours of battery life, and an included S Pen, it differs in the display, CPU, and price. Mashable reviewer RJ Andersen writes, "At a mid-range price, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a great tablet for casual users who still want a high-quality, reliable device."

Check out our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.

Fire TV Soundbar Plus Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus $189.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $60 Get Deal

If the Sonos Arc is still out of your price range on sale, check out this Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus deal instead. Usually $249.99, it's down to just $189.99 as of April 2 — that's 24% in savings. The Soundbar Plus features three full-range speakers, three tweeters, and a built-in subwoofer (unlike the basic Fire TV Soundbar), so it can pump out sound in every direction. It also offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS TruVolume support, making it an all-in-one sound system for immersive audio. Already own a Fire TV Stick? You can even use the same remote to control it.

Dreame D10 Plus Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame D10 Plus robot vacuum and mop combo $254.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $145 Get Deal

The Dreame D10 Plus robot vacuum and mop combo isn't going to compete with the fanciest models around, but for the price, it'll hold its own. It packs pretty standard 6,000Pa suction power, a 150ml clean water tank with three flow settings, and a battery life of 285 minutes. Plus, it's equipped with smart mapping, obstacle avoidance, voice assistant support, and a self-emptying base that can hold up to 90 days' worth of debris before needing your attention. And the best part is that it'll only cost you $254.99 while it's still on sale post-Big Spring Sale. That's 36% in savings.

Apple iPad Mini Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Mini (128GB, WiFi) $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100 Get Deal

Released last fall, the iPad Mini features a handful of welcome (although predictable) upgrades. It packs a new A17 Pro chip, more starting storage at 128GB, a boost in RAM, and Apple Intelligence compatibility. "If you're new to the iPad, and you want the most compact one around (or any compact tablet), the new iPad mini 7 is the best choice," Mashable reviewer Stan Schroeder writes. He adds that it's not the most exciting upgrade, but it's great for streaming, reading, and casual scrolling. As of April 2, the base model is back down to just $399, saving you 20%.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

SAVE $31: As of April 2, you can get the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium for just $218.99 at Amazon. That's 12% off the list price and a $31 discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: ecobee ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium $218.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $31 Get Deal

One thing I loved about my old apartment was that it came equipped with a smart thermostat. If I was too cold to get out of bed, I just turned on the heat with my phone (same deal for the AC in the summer). A smart thermostat is a small luxury worth the investment, and right now, you can get your own smart thermostat for $31 off.

As of April 2, you can get the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium at Amazon for $218.99, down from $249.99. That's $31 off, or a discount of 12%. This isn’t the lowest we’ve seen for this smart thermostat, but it’s still a solid deal if you’re trying to beat the summer heat (especially if you’d like to control your thermostat from your phone, like I did).

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Echo Show 10 is one of our favorite smart home devices

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium features an air quality monitor that alerts you when your air is dry or has elevated levels of pollutants. It’ll also remind you to change your furnace’s air filter and alert you whenever your home reaches a dangerously low temperature. Bonus: There’s a built-in smoke alarm and alert system for possible break-ins (when your system is armed).

Like other smart thermostats, the ecobee auto-adjusts the temperature in your home to reduce hot and cold spots. The manufacturer says the thermostat can save you up to 26% on annual energy bills, and you can control it from anywhere using your phone. It also comes with a smart speaker and your choice of voice assistant (Alexa or Siri), which you can then use to adjust the temperature or play music.

All in all, this is a quality thermostat with a ton of features that will keep your home safer and more comfortable.

A new-look, modern Donkey Kong is here. Nintendo announced a new game — Donkey Kong Bananza (get it...like bananas) — featuring the classic character.

The new game is the first 3D Donkey Kong release since 1999's Donkey Kong 64. It's been a long wait for fans of Donkey Kong and they finally got the news at Nintendo's event on Wednesday that debuted the Switch 2. Nintendo dropped a high-energy trailer for Bananza during the event that showed Donkey Kong running, bashing, and chasing down bananas.

The game is scheduled to be released on July 17. It's just one of a number of exciting games previewed at Wednesday's event. Perhaps most exciting was Mario Kart World, a new version of the classic racing game. While Nintendo dropped lots of details on Mario Kart World — you can drive off course and the weather will change, for instance — we're still waiting on further details about the actual gameplay for Donkey Kong Bananza. It's safe to assume there will be some fun bashing involved, at least.

With Nintendo kicking off its live Direct event, the gaming giant is giving a first glimpse into its much-anticipated 2025-2026 lineup, finally announcing an official release date for the new Switch 2.

Along with confirmations of expected game releases, like the latest entry in the Mario Kart lineup, Nintendo had a few surprises up its sleeve, including a new multiplayer RPG from Dark Souls and Elden Ring developer FromSoftware. Titled The Duskbloods, the steampunk fantasy game promises a lot of lore and an action-packed lineup of monsters.

SEE ALSO: Switch 2 Nintendo Direct today: See the latest updates from the April 2 event

Assuming the role of some kind of vampire-like creature, players navigate a combat-filled, industrialized city and a myriad of foes, including a nightmare sewer creature, a suite of evil-looking weaponed opponents, and what appears to be a shapeshifting dinosaur. Don't worry: Guns exist in this universe, too.

The game's moonlight-dependent characters and monster transformations reminded many fans of the popular 2015 Bloodborne, another FromSoftware game which features Lovecraftian horrors and an atmospheric Victorian-inspired city setting. Bloodborne 2 might not be happening, but now we have The Duskbloods.

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.

The game will be exclusive to the Switch 2 and is expected to release in 2026.

SAVE 31%: A 4-pack of Apple AirTags is on sale at Amazon for $67.99, down from the list price of $99. That's a savings of $32 and a price that beats the Amazon Big Spring Sale deal by $2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-pack) $67.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $31.01 Get Deal

Vacation vibes are in the air. Now that we're dethawing from winter with warmer temps, spring break and summer holidays are in the works. If you have travel plans, tucking a Bluetooth tracker into your bags is a must these days. For those who could use a few trackers, check out this deal at Amazon.

As of April 2, a four-pack of Apple AirTags is on sale for just $67.99, marked down from the standard price of $99, at Amazon. That works out to a 31% discount and a savings of $32.

Apple AirTags were discounted during the Amazon Big Spring Sale, which technically ended on Monday. The four-pack was on sale for $69.99, which means today's sale price of $67.99 beats the previous sale by $2.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals still live after Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Last chance to save on MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches

Four Apple Bluetooth trackers for $67.99 means each tracker costs just $16.99. Considering a single Apple AirTag is currently on sale for $24, this four-pack is well worth the investment. Having a few around the house is certainly not a bad thing, since you can use in your work backpack, one on your key ring, one on the dog's collar, and another in your suitcase.

In Mashable's review of the best Bluetooth trackers for travel and lost luggage, the Apple AirTag gets top marks as the ideal option for iPhone users.

If you need to restock your stash of Apple AirTags, today's sale price is a great opportunity to check that off your to-do list before summer vacation. Grab the four pack at Amazon for just $67.99 and always keep tabs on your important belongings.

This year's Nintendo Direct had some exciting announcements for the Nintendo Switch 2, including a launch date of June 5, 2025, features on the new machine, and tons of new and classic games.

Donkey Kong Bananza

Everyone's favorite gorilla is coming to Switch 2 in Donkey Kong Banaza, set to launch on July 17, 2025. It's a 3D platforming adventure where Donkey Kong can smash through just about anything.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

Set to be released this winter, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment comes from Nintendo and Koei Tecmo. The musou-style game is a prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Users can play as Zelda as they go back in time to the Imprisonment War.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 preorders will start on April 9: How to register for priority access Duskbloods

Look out for Duskbloods, the new FromSoftware game, in 2026. It's a very spooky, gothic horror game with vampire-fueled adventure.

Featured Video For You Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Live Recap Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition

The beloved Elden Ring is finally coming to Nintendo consoles with the new Tarnished Edition, one of the many third-party games that will be available on the Switch 2. The announcement came as a welcome surprise to many fans.

Mario Kart World

As expected, we just got the newest Mario Kart game for the Switch 2. Mario Kart World has a day-and-night system that matches the weather to your environment. Plus, you can go anywhere on and off the track.

Dozens more games announced

Also announced, some of which are versions of a game we already love but can now play on Switch 2, and some that are entirely new, include:

• Arcade Archives 2: Ridge Racer

• Borderlands 2

• Civilization VII Switch 2 Edition

• Cyberpunk 2077

• Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion

• Deltarune

• Drag x Drive

• EA Sports FC 25

• EA Sports Madden 25

• Fast Fusion

• Final Fantasy VII: Remake

• Fortnite

• Goodnight Universe

• Hades II

• Hitman: World of Assassination

• Hollow Knight: Silksong

• Hogwarts Legacy

• Human Fall Flat 2

• Kirby Air Riders

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land

• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

• Marvel Cosmic Invasion

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

• NBA 2K

• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

• No Sleep for Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files

• Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition

• Pokémon Legends: Z-A

• Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

• Project 007

• Puyo Puyo Tetris S2

• Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

• Reanimal

• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

• Shadow Labyrinth

• Split Fiction

• Star Wars Outlaws

• Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar

• Street Fighter 6

• Super Mario Jamboree

• Survival Kids

• Tamagotchi Plaza

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

• Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+4

• Two Point Museum

• Wild Hearts

• Witchbrook

• WWE 2K

• Yakuza 0 Director's Cut

SAVE $20: As of April 2, get Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch for $39.99, down from its usual price of $59.99, at Woot.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot 'Super Mario Odyssey' $39.99 at Woot
$59.99 Save $20 Get Deal

The Nintendo Switch 2 finally has a release date, and we can explore the new console and a wide variety of new games this June. But in the meantime, there's still a massive library of Switch games to enjoy, with some getting enhanced editions for the Switch 2. There wasn't a flagship Mario game announced just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't spend plenty of time with everyone's favorite plumber.

As of April 2, get Super Mario Odyssey for Nintendo Switch for $39.99, down from its usual price of $59.99, at Woot. That's $20 off, or a discount of 33%. Keep in mind that this deal is for a physical copy of the game instead of a digital code, so you'll have to wait for it to be shipped to you.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 preorders will start on April 9: How to sign up

Super Mario Odyssey takes Mario on his biggest, open-world adventure yet to rescue Princess Peach before she's joined in unholy matrimony with the pesky Bowser. Mario enlists the help of his new friend Cappy, a magical hat that can help him transform into a ton of different forms, to travel the globe and stop Bowser in his tracks.

You can turn into everything from streetlights to flowers, all while enjoying the classic platforming you've come to expect from 3D Mario games. There are tons of great costumes, Easter eggs, and other media from throughout the history of the Mario franchise to discover, too. Plus, there's a lot of game to play here. You'll be engaged for hours, that's for sure.

Be sure to grab the game while it's on sale — just in time to celebrate the Switch 2 debut this June.

SAVE $15: As of April 2, you can snag the Lego Creator 3-in-1 Forest Animals building kit for a record low of $34.99, down from $49.99, at Amazon. That's a 30% discount and a $15 price cut.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3-in-1 Forest Animals building kit $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15 Get Deal

The best kind of gifts are ones that are both fun and something they'll want to hold on to for a long time. Consider switching things up and giving your little ones a gift that will occupy hours of their time: Lego building blocks.

Right now, you can get the Lego Creator 3-in-1 Forest Animals kit at Amazon for $34.99, down from $49.99. That's 30% off for three toys in one.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away an exclusive Mother's Day Flower for free. Here’s how to get yours.

With this building set, you’ll get 667 Lego pieces to build a red fox, which can then be rebuilt into an owl, and again into a red squirrel. Once built, the red fox toy can move its head, tail, and paws. It also comes with enough pieces to create a snow-covered tree stump (for the fox), spruce tree stand (for the owl), and acorn (for the squirrel).

It's endless fun for the kid who loves animals and creating with their hands.

Years of rumor-mongering and leaks have been put to rest. We finally have a price and release date for Nintendo Switch 2, straight from the mothership.

During its big Nintendo Direct stream on Wednesday morning, Nintendo showed off a bunch of games and new features, as expected. However, for many, the biggest news is that the console is launching on June 5, 2025.

The starting price for the Nintendo Switch 2 is $449.99. That's $150 more than the Nintendo Switch's original launch price of $299.99, but $50 less than the PS5 and Xbox Series X's launch prices of $499.99.

The release date is roughly in line with what we expected based on earlier news reports and leaks. June is an unusual time for any other company to launch a console, but for Nintendo, it makes some sense. Early adopters can purchase the initial supply and enjoy a launch lineup that includes Mario Kart World while Nintendo builds up additional supply and more games for the holiday season and beyond.

At last, we can finally stop listening to random leakers on message boards.

The best Apple deals still live after Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best MacBook Deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399 (Save $200) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation $168.99 (Save $10.01) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $549 (Save $50) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $329 (Save $70) Get Deal

If you're looking for discounted Apple products, Amazon is a reliable place to grab them year-round.

However, during its Big Spring Sale (March 25 to 31), we kept our eyes peeled as even more deals went live. While the sale focused primarily on "springtime favorites" like outdoor furniture and garden supplies, last year's inaugural BSS did bring some tech deals. Best of all, exempting a few exclusive offers, most deals are available to all customers, regardless of their Prime membership status.

SEE ALSO: 15+ robot vacuums on sale ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Throughout the sale, we spotted deals on new releases like the M3 iPad Air, 11-inch iPad, and M4 MacBook Airs. In addition to iPads, we also found a $400 markdown on the M3 13-inch MacBook Air and $170 price cut on the Beats Studio Pro. Now that the sale is over, we're tracking the best deals still live. While some of the biggest deals have fizzled out, there's still plenty to choose from as the sale draws to a close. You'll just need to act fast if you want to claim them.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $200 Get Deal Why we like it

If you need a zippy laptop that's lightweight and portable while still capable of handling anything you need to do on the go, this 2024 M4 MacBook Pro is well worth it. Save $200 off its normal price of $1,599 and score a 10-core CPU and GPU with a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. For a newer laptop that just came out last year, this is a great discount that's well worth picking up now while you still can.

More MacBook and Mac dealsMacBook Air

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $949 $999 (save $50) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999 $1,299 (save $300) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,199 (save $50 with on-page coupon) 🔥

MacBook Pro

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,399 $1,599 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,589 $1,799 (save $210) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,786 $1,999 (save $213)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,199 $2,499 (save $300) 🔥

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,849 $3,199 (save $350)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $3,099 $3,499 (save $400) 🔥

Mac

• Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $549 $599 (save $50)

• Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $743 $799 (save $56)

• Apple Mac mini (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $929 $999 (save $69)

• Apple iMac, 24-inch (Two ports, M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,204 $1,299 (save $95)

• Apple iMac, 24-inch (Four ports, M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,349 $1,499 (save $127) 🔥

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation $168.99 at Amazon
$179 Save $10.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.

With the AirPods Pro 2 back up to $199 (aka the price they're at most of the time), AirPods deals are officially dying down as we finish up the final day of the Big Spring Sale. If you're dead set on getting a pair of Apple earbuds with noise cancellation on sale, you can still grab the AirPods 4 with ANC on sale for 17% off. They don't have the same silicone tips as the Pro, nor some of the fancier features, but they still have great noise cancellation and a very similar design to their more expensive counterpart.

More AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — $148.99 $179 (save $30.01)

• Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — $479.99 $549 (save $69.01)

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB)🔥 $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

The M3 iPad Air just hit the market earlier this month, but you can already grab it for $50 off. At the time of writing, the previous generation Air costs even more on Amazon at $599 (though you can grab it on sale for $499 at Best Buy). Beyond the chip upgrade, this iPad features plenty of Apple Intelligence integration, from the Photos and Notes apps, to the Writing Tools feature that uses ChatGPT. Though we've yet to test this tablet hands-on for ourselves, the M2 Air is our favorite iPad for most people — we imagine the M3 Air will follow suit.

More iPad dealsiPad

• Apple iPad, 10.9-inch (A14 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) — $266.31 $349 (save $82.69)

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $329 $349 (save $20) 🔥

iPad Air

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 256GB) — $669 $699 (save $30) 🔥

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) — $669 $749 (save $90)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $738.08 $799 (save $60.92) 🔥

iPad mini

• Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) — $399 $499 (save $100)🔥

• Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 256GB) — $499 $599 (save $100) 🔥

• Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 512GB) — $699 $799 (save $100) 🔥

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm)🔥 $329 at Amazon
$399 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

The Apple Watch Series 10 only came out this past fall, making this $70-off deal especially impressive. Along with its larger wide-angle OLED display, Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder found this smartwatch to be lighter than its predecessors, with an ultra-fast charge time. This watch generation introduced fitness features like a depth gauge, sleep apnea detection, and a Vitals app, but it's worth noting those features aren't exclusive to the Series 10. However, if your Series 6 has been on the fritz for a while, or you've never owned an Apple Watch, $329 is a solid price to grab Apple's latest smartwatch.

More Apple Watch deals

• Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) — $359 $429 (save $70) 🔥

• Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) — $399.99 $499 (save $99.01 with on-page coupon)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 46mm) — $429 $529 (save $100) 🔥

• Apple Watch Series 10, Titanium Case (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) — $599.99 $699 (save $99.01) 🔥

• Apple Watch Series 10, Titanium Case (GPS + Cellular, 46mm) — $659 $749 (save $90)

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) — $524.09 $799 (save $274.91) 🔥

Even more Apple deals

• Beats Solo Buds — $59.95 $79.99 (save $20.04)

• Apple Pencil (USB-C) — $69 $79 (save $10)

• Apple AirTag (4-pack) — $67.99 $99 (save $32.01)

• Beats Studio Buds — $99.95 $149.95 (save $50)

• Beats Studio Pro — $199.95 $349.99 (save $150.04)

On Late Night With Seth Meyers, the eponymous talk show host took Death of a Unicorn star Paul Rudd day drinking, and the results are as delightfully chaotic as you would hope.

SEE ALSO: Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega and the 'Death of a Unicorn' cast reveal when their minds were utterly blown

The popular Seth Goes Day Drinking series has previously welcomed guests like Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Kristen Stewart, Dua Lipa, Will Forte, Lizzo, Rihanna, Lorde, Retta, and Kelly Clarkson. This time, the bar-set segment kicks off with the longtime friends chugging horrific-sounding cocktails which are inspired by some standouts in Rudd's filmography. The Ant-Man cocktail is fittingly made of alcohol poured from tiny bottles, while the Knocked Up is a blended monstrosity of foods that pregnant people crave. (And yes, Meyers insists he must make eye contact with Rudd while blending.)

But the worst of the drinks has to be the Romeo + Juliet, in which Rudd played the unalluring suitor Count Paris. "Everything in this will kill you," Meyers tells Rudd. And he's not wrong! The catastrophic combination of Four Loko, Five Hour Energy, and Hot Sauce sends the pair into a spiral so bad that they apparently had to pause filming and wait three days to finish the shoot.

Luckily, Rudd comes back with a vengeance (albeit without his unicorn-themed cowboy height) for a series of games. Watch the whole video above to see Rudd and Meyers recreate scenes from Taken, shoot unicorn heads with Ghostbusters proton packs, and potentially break the record for biggest belch ever heard on the show.

Death of a Unicorn is now playing in theaters.