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Save 22%: As of Sept. 14, pick up the 2026 Lego Star Wars advent calendar at Amazon for $35, taking $9.99 off the price ofe $44.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars advent calendar $35 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $9.99   Get Deal

Legos are notoriously expensive, and holiday-themed Legos can get notoriously difficult to get, especially for gift shopping.

My tip? Buy in advance where you can. For any Star Wars Lego fans in your life, a great opportunity to do exactly that is here: as of Sept. 14, the Lego Star Wars advent calendar is on sale at Amazon for $35, bringing its $45 list price down 22% (and to its lowest point ever).

SEE ALSO: August's new Legos bring some of the best variety in sets we've seen all year

This set in particular is themed around The Mandalorian, featuring the titular character and Grogu in holiday sweaters, as well as other classic characters like Moff Gideon and Carson Teva. Other accessories include vehicles and key objects from the show, so you can slowly build out your own universe.

All told, the set has 24 days to open and 293 pieces total. At the time of writing, the set is still at full price on Lego's website and Target. Plus it's just ever so slightly cheaper than the newly unveiled $800 Star Destroyer.

This was supposed to be the year of blockbuster artificial intelligence IPOs, but over the weekend, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed the company will no longer go public in 2026.

In an interview with Fortune, Altman said the IPO would be "ill-timed" given escalating concerns over AI safety and development. Altman told Fortune Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell that the IPO would not take place in 2026. Although many outlets have reported that the IPO will now take place in 2027, Altman told Shontell only that the IPO wasn't happening this year, and that it will happen "when the business is ready."

"I would say not 2026, yeah. We got a lot of stuff to do. And meeting this moment of what is going to be required for safety and alignment and how the industry and government is going to work together, and how to be able to do that as a private company," Altman said.

OpenAI has reportedly been preparing for a likely trillion-dollar IPO this year, but in recent weeks, concerns over AI safety have reached a critical point.

"As we’ve said we’re not rushing into an IPO," Altman told Fortune. "I actually think that given everything happening with safety, right now would be an ill-advised moment to go public, and we don’t feel pressure on that. We’ve said for a long time, we’ll do it when we’re ready, which is when the business is ready, when we feel ready from a, kind of, what the moment is like in society with this technology."

So, why have concerns about AI suddenly reached a boiling point?

Anthropic released a nightmarish safety report last week, which detailed how threat actors tried to use Claude to research avian flu adaptations, to assist with gain-of-function research on the chikungunya virus, explore military drone swarms, and carry out mass surveillance. And shortly before that, an Anthropic researcher left the company and very publicly warned that the technology "could kill us all by the end of the decade," and that the industry was "gambling with our lives."

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On Saturday, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called for AI labs to slow down development of AI until stronger safeguards could be put into place, and Altman publicly committed to coordinating on this effort.

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Altman's comments about the OpenAI IPO come amid these growing concerns.

"This has clearly been a week where a lot more people are grappling with the issues in front of us," Altman told Fortune. "So, I’m actually mostly grateful that this is happening. This is a conversation the world is overdue for, and we are clearly entering a realm of extremely capable models, and a high-stakes need to get things right."

Altman's video interview with Fortune provides some insight into Altman's thinking at a turning point for the industry.

As the most visible and well-known AI company, the performance of OpenAI's IPO will be seen as a barometer for the health of the industry as a whole. Because as fears over AI safety rise, so have fears of the AI bubble bursting.

Earlier this year, SpaceX (which recently merged with xAI) launched its IPO, and Anthropic previously filed paperwork for its own planned IPO. Altman's comments are consistent with a June report from the New York Times, which stated the company was leaning toward delaying its IPO until 2027.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

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.

When you set up a brand-new Windows PC, you probably want to get through the setup screens as quickly as possible so you can start using your shiny new computer. That makes it easy to click through Microsoft's privacy options without paying much attention to what you've actually enabled. One of those settings allows Microsoft to collect samples of what you type or write.

TL;DR: Watch Villarreal vs. Real Betis in La Liga for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

La Liga really delivered over the weekend. We've seen high-scoring wins from three of the league's top teams — Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid — with a combined 11 goals scored. But the action from this round of fixtures isn't over just yet: Villarreal now hosts Real Betis.

Real Betis have been in solid form in the early stages of the season, winning three from four. The impetus is on Villarreal to get something from this game — they're still searching for their first win of the season. Can we expect even more goals?

If you're interested in watching Villarreal vs. Real Betis in La Liga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Villarreal vs. Real Betis?

Villarreal vs. Real Betis in La Liga kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Sept. 14. This fixture takes place at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

How to watch Villarreal vs. Real Betis for free

Villarreal vs. Real Betis in La Liga is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can live stream Villarreal vs. Real Betis for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Villarreal vs. Real Betis for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Villarreal vs. Real Betis for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Villarreal vs. Real Betis without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for La Liga?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Villarreal vs. Real Betis for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $22.99: The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max earbuds are on sale at Amazon for 10% off with code NW94IXSS62S2, brining them down to $207 instead of the list price of $229.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max $207 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $22.99 use code NW94IXSS62S2 at checkout Get Deal

If you're one to walk around with at least one earbud in for most of the day, you know how important comfort is. In the past, I've refused to travel without both earbuds and over-the-ear headphones, mostly because I couldn't stand earbuds after a few hours of flying. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max changed my mind on that. And for the first time ever, they're on sale at Amazon.

As of Sept. 14, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max earbuds are on sale at Amazon for 10% off with code NW94IXSS62S2, brining them down to $207 instead of the list price of $229.99. That works out to a savings of $22.99.

I just wore the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max earbuds on a 10-hour flight with zero complaints. They're so comfortable that I no longer pack bulky over-the-ear headphones on trips, saving precious space in my carry on bag.

SEE ALSO: The clock is ticking to save over $50 on Soundcore AeroFit 2 earbuds at Amazon

The Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max are an elevated version of the 5 Pro, using Anker's Thus AI chip and a 10-sensor matrix that make the earbuds excellent for calls and blocking out background noise. However, the case is an upgrade from the 5 Pro, coming with a touchscreen case with a 1.78 AMOLED display.

This model also features Anker's AI note-taker, allowing the case to record during meetings, lectures, or conversations. That's a great feature for taking the earbuds along to work or class.

While the earbuds are sitting at an all-time low price, upgrade to the comfort, clarity and powerful noise-cancellation on the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max earbuds. They'll be your new favorite travel accessory.

A jailbroken Kindle can do a lot more than simply allow you to install better reading software such as KOReader. If you combine a Kindle with a Raspberry Pi, you may be surprised at what even an old Kindle is able to do.

Save $120: The usually $349.99 Ninja Slushi is on sale for $229.99 at Best Buy as of Sept. 14. This 34% discount comes as a Best Buy Deal of the Day, meaning that come Sept. 15, the Slushi will be back up in price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi $229.99
$349.99 Save $120   Get Deal

Whether it be slushie or a frosé, there's something about a frozen drink that screams summertime in a cup.

"But it's September!" the naysayers cry. To that, I have three replies: the first official day of fall isn't until Sept. 22, we all know temps can stay above 80 well into October, and the Ninja Slushi is on sale for one day only as of Sept. 14.

Ninja's frozen drink maker isn't just casually $20 off — it's down $120 in price as a Best Buy Deal of the Day, bringing the price from $349.99 to $229.99. At the lowest we've seen it, it's hit $199.99 at Amazon (at the time of writing, however, it's at $299.95).

Former Mashable reporter Leah Stodart put the Slushi through the frozen drink ringer – testing everything from slushed cola to frozen coffees and protein shakes. The few downsides: diet soda is a no-go (the machine demands a certain amount of sugar for the freezing process to work), the process can be a bit tedious for single serve drinks, and you also have to be careful about balancing alcohol content.

SEE ALSO: We tested the most popular Ninja appliances, and these are our favorites

That said, because of the RapidChill Technology powering the Slushi, frozen drinks stay frozen for up to 12 hours. As Stodart pointed out, that means actually frozen margaritas instead of the melted margs you'd get not long after blending together the cocktail with some ice. Unlike the Ninja Creami, the Slushi is rather quiet, running at about the sound of a refrigerator hum. Finally, cleanup is relatively easy, consisting of a rinse cycle, four dishwasher-friendly parts to disassemble and wash, and a wipe down of the base and interior of the machine.

Though it's not the cheapest appliance out there, it's a game changer for any frozen drink fiends — and at this sale price, the perfect end of summer steal.

SAVE $15.82: As of Sept. 14, the Xteink X3 mini e-reader is on sale at Amazon for just $63.18 as a Lightning deal. That's 20% in savings, but you'll have to act fast.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xteink Xteink X3 mini e-reader $63.18 at Amazon
$79 Save $15.82   Get Deal

If you've ever wished you could slip a book into your pocket, the Xteink X3 mini e-reader was made for you. And for a limited time, it's on sale for 20% off its already affordable cost.

As of Sept. 14, the Xteink X3 mini e-reader is just $63.18 as a Lightning deal at Amazon. That's $15.82 less than its $79 price tag, but you'll have to act fast to secure the discount. You only have until the end of the day to get your hands on this deal, or until the counter bar says "100% claimed." So, don't delay pressing that add-to-cart button.

I have to be honest here; I don't particularly understand the hype of this ultra-mini, ultra-trendy e-reader. I prefer my basic Kindle, which is already small enough to fit in my purse. It also doesn't have backlighting, which means you can only read in bright settings (a personal dealbreaker for me). But surely there must be a reason this thing is popular. With a 3.7-inch screen, it's not only small enough to slip into your pocket (yes, even women's pockets), but it also magnetically attaches to the back of your phone for seamless reading on the go. It'll last you up to 10 hours before needing a charge and offers 16GB of built-in memory, with up to 256GB expandable memory.

Also, like the Xteink X4 Pro that Mashable's Sam Mangino tested, the Xteink X3 is only compatible with DRM-free e-books. That means no DRM-protected books from Kindle, Libby, or other platforms. Mangino notes that articles you can upload via URL work best on these tiny e-readers. Still, for the cute mini form factor and TikTok cred, $63 really isn't a bad deal. Just be sure you know what you're signing up for.

TL;DR: As of Sept. 14, you can get the DJI Mini 3 for $315, down from $419, at Amazon. That's a 25% discount or a $104 price cut.

DJI Mini 3 $315 at Amazon
$419 Save $104   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy

If you follow tech news at all, you probably know the U.S. government has been trying to ban DJI drones for what feels like forever. Lawmakers blocked any new models from being approved in the States, but existing drones already on the market are grandfathered in — this means that they're legal to buy and fly.

SEE ALSO: The FCC banned foreign routers, drones, robots: What it means for you

Right now, you can get the DJI Mini 3 on Amazon for $315, down from $410. Discounts on DJI drones don't pop up nearly as often these days (outside of sales events, that is), so saving 25% is a nice win if you've been waiting to buy one.

Spec-wise, it shoots crisp 4K HDR video, stays airborne for up to 38 minutes per charge, handles wind pretty well, and shoots true vertical video so you don't have to crop your footage for social media later. Bonus: It weighs under 249 grams, so you don't have to register it with the FAA for recreational flying.

When was the last time you took stock of what storage types you were using? If you have an older computer, it’s possible at least one of your drives is using a tech that’s 40 years old. Here are five storage types that are officially too old to use in 2026.

SAVE $200: The new Roborock Saros 20 Flow is now available in the U.S. and it's on sale at Amazon for $1,499.99 with the on-page coupon, down from the normal price of $1,699.99. That's a 12% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Saros 20 Flow $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $200   Get Deal

It's no secret that Roborock is a leader in both robot vacuums and robot lawn mowers, and the lineup of both is often expanding. As of Sept. 14, the brand's U.S. lineup has a new model on offer which is a variation on a previous favorite, the Saros 20. Plus, there's a coupon on offer during the initial launch.

As of Sept. 14, the new Roborock Saros 20 Flow is now available in the U.S. and it's on sale at Amazon for $1,499.99 with the on-page coupon, down from the normal price of $1,699.99. That's a 12% discount that takes $200 off the price.

The world of robot vacuums can feel pretty repetitive, making it hard to differentiate between models. But know the new Roborock Saros 20 Flow has impressive suction power at 36,000Pa. That makes this model excellent for home with pets or busy families.

SEE ALSO: Apple charger deal: Save $90 on the Anker 3-in-1 charging station at Amazon

In addition to the suction power, its slim profile that measures just 3.53 inches in height is excellent for getting under furniture like beds and couches. The 360-degree navigation module on top of the robot vacuum ducks down when passing under low furniture and instead, the robot uses a 100-degree rear view cleaning camera.

When it comes to mopping power, the Roborock Saros 20 Flow is equipped with the brand's SpiraFlow 2.0 pressurized self-cleaning system. Roborock says this aims at cleaning stubborn, sticky messes and just in time for fall, mud. It has high-speed rotation of 240RPM and 15N of downward mopping pressure.

Before this introductory coupon vanishes, upgrade your home with the Roborock Saros 20 Flow. There's no better time than before fall's muddy season to get a super capable robot vacuum and mop.

The best wireless earbuds range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, especially if you're going for professional-grade studio earphones. And if you care about active noise cancellation, you can easily spend $300 — that's the price of peace and quiet. You can also get hyperspecialized models like sleep earbuds, bone-conduction earbuds for working out, and open earbuds for transparency.

SEE ALSO: I replaced my $249 AirPods Pro with $19 wired EarPods

In 2026, our top picks for earbuds are the Sony WF-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen), and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, which provide outstanding sound quality and ANC. But keep in mind that these models will run you $299 to $329. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending over $300 on a pair of earbuds is a lot to stomach. That's why we've also included more budget-friendly wireless earbuds under $100 that still deliver excellent performance.

Ready to start shopping now? Here are our favorite wireless and noise-cancelling earbuds as of September 2026.

Types of earbuds

There are two overarching types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let's get into the specifics of both.

Wireless

Wireless earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth for cordless usage. These earbuds range from $20 budget models to high-end models with active noise cancellation. While they don't require a wire to connect to a device, some wireless earbuds still have a wire that might go around the back of the neck to connect the buds.

While earbuds traditionally don't provide the passive noise cancellation of over-the-ear headphones, wireless models often feature ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. With wireless headphones, you need to consider the battery life. Most models should have an eight-hour or more battery life before they need to be recharged.

Wired

Wired earbuds are the original model: two buds connected by a wire to your audio source. While they once felt high-tech, they're pretty basic now. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are basically non-existent, and you won't find any on our list.

The biggest positive to wired headphones is that they don't need to be charged. They're a great backup option to keep in your bag in case your usual wireless headphones or earbuds run out of charge.

Newer additions to this guide

After extensive testing, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard rounded up the best sleep earbuds. You can read her full guide, but as of February 2026, we've added the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 Special to this guide, which Allard says are the best sleep earbuds for most people. Also in February 2026, we added the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds as our top pick for the best overall earbud, and removed the previous generation, the WF-1000XM5, as the best Sony earbud.

What are the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds?

If you're just looking for a pair of everyday wireless earbuds, all but one of the models in this guide will check that box. (We formerly included the Marshall Mode earbuds for folks who preferred a wired option, but have since removed them from our guide as the version we tested is difficult to find in stock these days.)

If you're looking for the highest quality wireless earbuds, you can't go wrong with the Sony WF-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Apple AirPods Pro 3, and Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds, our most recent recommendation in 2026. Both of these wireless earbuds feature elite noise-cancellation, stellar sound, long battery life, and a comfortable fit for extended wear.

A digital PlayStation game you bought years ago could soon put a little credit back in your account. Sony’s proposed $7.85 million settlement would compensate eligible U.S. customers for certain PlayStation Store purchases, with automatic payments for those whose accounts are still active.

Here’s how to check whether you’re included and what happens next.

Which PlayStation purchases qualify?

The settlement covers people in the United States who purchased an eligible digital game through the PlayStation Store between April 1, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2023.

The official list of eligible games includes The Last of Us Remastered, Until Dawn, No Man’s Sky, and NBA 2K18. Specific editions matter: The Bloodborne entry, for example, covers the Complete Edition Bundle.

The restrictions stem from a class-action lawsuit filed in May 2021 over Sony’s decision to stop third-party retailers from selling game-specific download vouchers in April 2019. Plaintiffs argued that the change forced customers to buy those digital games through the PlayStation Store, reducing competition and raising prices. (Sony denies wrongdoing.)

SEE ALSO: PS5 gamers entitled to credits in new Sony lawsuit settlement

According to the settlement notice, qualifying games had retail download vouchers available before April 2019, at least 200 voucher redemptions before that cutoff, and a price increase of at least 50 cents after discounts between the periods examined in the case. The official list can help you identify which games meet those requirements.

Do you need to submit a claim?

If you qualify, have an active PlayStation Network account, and did not opt out, no claim form is required. Your payment would arrive automatically as PlayStation Store wallet credit after final approval.

Customers with deactivated accounts had a separate process. The official notice gave them until August 27, 2026, to provide qualifying purchase information and a current mailing address to request a check. (That deadline has passed.)

Lawyers reported in a Sept. 3 court filing that there appeared to be 438 check requests from eligible customers with closed accounts.

How much could you receive?

There is no fixed payment per customer. Your share will depend on how many qualifying games you purchased, with more eligible purchases resulting in a larger payment.

Payments will come from the amount remaining in the $7.85 million fund after court-approved deductions. Those include attorneys’ fees of up to 25 percent, legal and administrative expenses, and any awards to the named plaintiffs. Notice and administration costs alone are estimated at $180,000 to $190,000.

When will the credits arrive?

The final approval hearing is scheduled for Oct. 15, 2026, but the settlement still needs approval before distribution can proceed.

Once deposited, the credits will not expire and can be used for any product available for sale in the PlayStation Store, according to the plaintiffs’ September filing. Players would not have to spend them on the games that originally qualified them for compensation.

For now, the next date to watch is Oct. 15, when the court will consider final approval — bringing eligible players one step closer to seeing the credit in their accounts.

I am not a professional red teamer or security researcher, but my background is in systems engineering and DevOps, so I spend a lot of time working with Linux, networking, firewalls, virtualization, and infrastructure security. I already knew the obvious security rules.

SAVE $70: As of Sept. 14, the Garmin vívoactive 6 smartwatch is on sale for $229.99 at Amazon. That's 23% or $70 off its list price of $299.99, and its best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Vivoactive 6 smartwatch $229.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $70   Get Deal

If you're shopping for a new smartwatch and can't decide between the various brands on the market, let me be the first to recommend getting a Garmin. While there's a ton of Garmin watches to choose from, the vívoactive 6 is a great pick for practically everyone, and it's on sale for its best price to date.

As of Sept. 14, the Garmin vívoactive 6 smartwatch is down to just $229.99 at Amazon in every colorway. That's a 23% or $70 discount from its list price of $299.99 and the lowest price we've ever seen on the watch. Yes, even beating Prime Day earlier this year.

While Garmin offers several dedicated sports watches for runners, triathletes, golfers, and more, the vívoactive 6 is a good all-rounder for folks who like to mix it up. It's packed with over 80 indoor and GPS-based activities, including daily suggested workouts, animated workouts, stretching, walking, running, swimming, activities for wheelchair users, and more. The bountiful health and wellness insights go beyond what you can imagine, with a look into your daily energy levels, stress, HRV status, blood oxygen levels, and even a fitness age. Of course, like any good smartwatch, you'll also be able to track your steps and sleep, as well as receive texts and notifications.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Garmin vívoactive 6's battery life. You'll get about 11 days on a single charge in smartwatch mode, which obviously makes the Apple Watch look like a chump (even the latest Series 12).

If you're in the market for a new watch, don't let this best-ever deal on one of Garmin's most well-rounded, beginner-friendly smartwatches slip through the cracks.

Free phones available at T-Mobile in September 2026: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Free (up to $1,200 off) with an eligible trade-in in any condition or when switching on an eligible plan. Get Deal Apple iPhone 17 Free with a new line and port-in on an eligible plan (no trade-in needed). Get Deal Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Free with an eligible trade-in on an eligible plan. Get Deal Google Pixel 11 Free when you activate a new line on an eligible plan (no trade-in needed). Get Deal Motorola Razr Free when you activate a new line on an eligible plan. Get Deal

Right now, T-Mobile is handing out free phones across all the major brands — Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola. But before you get too excited, there's some fine print we need to go over:

• You'll get a monthly bill credit. "Free" means T-Mobile pays off the phone by giving you a monthly credit on your bill for 36 months. If you decide to switch carriers, cancel your account, or downgrade your plan before those three years are up, all remaining monthly credits disappear and the full remaining cash balance of the phone is due right away.

• There are upfront costs. On standard financing (Standard EIP), you still have to pay sales tax on the full retail price of the phone plus a $35 device connection fee upfront at checkout. T-Mobile's new financing tier, "EIP Flex 36," lets well-qualified buyers roll those taxes and fees into the 36-month plan, but you're still paying them over time.

• You'll need to have an eligible plan. To get the best deal, you'll have to be on T-Mobile's top-tier, pricier plans (like Experience Beyond 2.0, Experience Beyond, or Go5G Next). Lower plans like Essentials or Magenta still get discounts, but they drop down to $730 or $300 off.

If you're cool with sticking with T-Mobile for three years, this is about as cheap as you can get a flagship phone.

Our favorite deal: Apple iPhone 18 Pro ($0 with eligible trade-in or switch) Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 18 Pro Free (up to $1,200 off) with an eligible trade-in in any condition OR when switching on an eligible plan. Get Deal Why we like it

Apple's newest flagship just hit the market, and T-Mobile's launch offer is easily the best way to get it without paying $1,200 out of pocket.

Here's how to claim the deal:

1. Choose your phone. You get the full $1,200 credit (making the 128GB or 256GB iPhone 18 Pro free) by either trading in an eligible phone in any condition OR by porting your line over to T-Mobile from another carrier on Experience Beyond 2.0, Experience Beyond, or Go5G Next.

2. Check your plan tier. If you're on Experience More or Go5G Plus, the trade-in credit drops to $930 off. If you're on Essentials 2.0, Essentials, Go5G, or Magenta, adding a line and trading in gets you up to $730 off.

3. Checkout. Pay the local sales tax and $35 connection fee at checkout under standard financing, or opt for EIP Flex 36 to roll those fees into your monthly bill credits if eligible.

With the Emmys dominating the conversation, it's a quiet week for movies being added to streaming services. That said, I still found some fun selections to add to your watchlist this week. Hulu is adding a Fast & Furious spin-off, while Kanopy adds a gritty creature feature.

SAVE $602: As of Sept. 14, the TCL 65-inch QM7L SQD-Mini LED QLED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for only $897.99. That's over $600 off its original list price of $1,499.99 or about 40% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM7L SQD-Mini LED QLED 4K TV $897.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $602   Get Deal

Spooky season is inching up quick, which means it's time to queue up your scary movie lineup. Before the marathon commences, however, it's a good time to reevaluate your home theater situation. If your current TV is on its last leg, now's a great time to upgrade and save.

As of Sept. 14, TCL's 65-inch QM7L SQD-Mini LED TV is on sale at Amazon for $897.99. That's about 40% off its list price of $1,499.99 or $602 in savings. That's also its lowest price on record.

The QM7L is TCL's mid-range Mini LED TV for 2026 and just a step down from our favorite QLED TV for most people. While its peak brightness can't quite match the QM8L, it's still significantly brighter than your basic QLED, with vivid detail and punchy color. That's largely due to its "super quantum dot mini LEDs" (the SQD in its name). This will make a notable difference when you're watching those dark, shadowy scenes in your favorite scary movies this season.

It runs Google TV with Gemini on Android 14 with hands-free voice activation. You can simply tell Gemini to bump up the volume, turn on captions, or even recommend a movie with Tom Holland that you haven't seen before. How much you actually use the voice assistant will vary person to person, but it's one of the most capable assistants on any smart TV.

While the QM8L is the best QLED for most people if you can swing it, the QM7L is an excellent consolation prize for those who don't want to break the bank — particularly now that it's 40% off.

Nintendo Customer Appreciation Sale deals at a glance Best hardware deal Nintendo Switch Pro Controller $55.99 (save $24) Get Deal Best game deal The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass Bundle (Digital Download) $55.97 (save $24.01) Get Deal Best Mario game deal Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle (Digital Download) $59.49 (save $25.49) Get Deal Best Nintendo Appreciation merch deal Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo $76.99 (save $33) Get Deal

Nintendo has officially kicked off its Customer Appreciation Sale, reportedly using $300 million in government tariff refunds to fund discounts that are now in effect not only on the Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop but also at participating retailers both online and offline. 

There is one major caveat, though: there is not a single deal for a Nintendo Switch 2 game, and, aside from a few accessory deals, there are no Switch 2 hardware sales either. So if you were hoping to use this sale to gear up for the Ocarina of Time remake, you're out of luck, though you can still save $10 on a pre-order through the right retailers. 

Who is this sale for, then? If you've been eying a classic Nintendo game but couldn't justify paying full retail price, or if you want to re-live older-generation games on next-generation hardware, now is the perfect time to indulge in some nostalgia.

Here are our favorite deals from this sale across hardware, games, and merchandise:

Best Nintendo Appreciation hardware deals Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller $55.99 at Nintendo
$79.99 Save $24.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Don't get us wrong: We're big fans of the Nintendo Switch and its innovative Joy-Con controllers, but occasionally you yearn for simpler times, when a single controller held all the buttons and joysticks you needed. Nintendo must agree with us, because their own Pro Controller does a fantastic job recreating the experience of classic Nintendo and Nintendo 64 games, many of which you may be playing for the first time on your Switch console. And trust us: If you're experiencing Goldeneye death matches for the first time, you're going to want this controller in hand to stand a chance.  

More hardware deals

• Nintendo Joy-Con (double) - $62.99 $89.99 (save $27)

• Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Charging Stand - $24.49 $34.99 (save $10)

• Nintendo Joy-Con (single) - $31.49 $44.99 (save $13)

Best Nintendo Appreciation game deals Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Expansion Pass Bundle (Digital Download) $55.97 at Amazon
$79.98 Save $24.01   Get Deal Why we like it

What better way to prepare for the Ocarina of Time remake than to re-live (or maybe play for the first time!) Breath of the Wild, the clearest spiritual successor to the N64 classic. All the way back in 2017, it was the standout game at the annual Game Awards, winning Game of the Year, Best Direction, and Best Action/Adventure Game, while it was recently named the second-best Nintendo game of all time by IGN. And unlike a lot of nearly-decade-old games, Breath of the Wild still feels fresh all these years later.   

Another great Zelda game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Digital Download)  $48.97 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $21.02   Get Deal Why we like it

In keeping with the Zelda theme, you owe it to yourself to play the sequel to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom. The game is just three years old now, but with more than 22 million copies sold, it's also one of the handful of modern games that are a required experience for self-respecting gamers, casting a long shadow on game development ever since its release. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of returning to Hyrule or discovering eerie Depths below, take advantage of this discount while it lasts.  

Best Mario game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle (Digital Download) $59.49 at Amazon
$84.98 Save $25.49   Get Deal Why we like it

We'll just go ahead and say it: there simply isn't a better party game than Mario Kart, and that's basically been true since the original NES release all the way back in 1992. It's the madness of flying shells, an ever-rotating leaderboard, and an incredible variety of fun, unique race tracks that make these games endlessly replayable. Be warned, though: many friendships have ended over a Mario Kart race gone wrong. 

More Mario game deals

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder - $41.97 $59.99 (save $17)

• Luigi's Mansion 3 - $41.97 $59.99 (save $17)

• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury - $41.97 $59.99 (save $17)

• Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Standard - $41.99 $59.99 (save $17)

• Mario Party: Superstars - $41.99 $59.99 (save $17)

Best Metroid game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Metroid Prime Remastered (Digital Download) $27.97 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $12.02   Get Deal Why we like it

Everyone is focused on Zelda these days, and rightfully so, but Nintendo has an exhaustive library of unique IPs that every game should experience at least once in their lives, and after the essential Mario and Zelda games, we would argue Metroid deserves top billing as well. Suit up as Samus Aran and explore the otherworldly Tallon IV planet with updated visuals and an unforgettable soundtrack. 

More game deals

• Kirby Fighters 2 - $13.99 $19.99 (save $6)

• Endless Ocean: Luminous Standard - $34.97 $49.99 (save $14)

• Kirby: Star Allies - $41.97 $59.99 (save $17)

• Donkey Kong Country Returns HD - $41.97 $59.99 (save $18)

• Metroid Dread - $41.97 $59.99 (save $17)

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons - $41.97 $59.99 (save $17)

• Xenoblade Chronicles 3 + Expansion - $62.97 $89.98 (save $27)

Best Nintendo Appreciation merch deals Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo $76.99 at Nintendo
$109.99 Save $33   Get Deal Why we like it

Lots of merch leans more towards novelty than practicality, but this Alarmo clock does exactly the opposite, nodding to your favorite company with an essential item you'll use every day of your life. It isn't a half-thought-out, poor-quality clock, either. You can choose from among your favorite Nintendo characters to wake you up each morning, while a built-in motion sensor quiets the alarm sound when you're ready to get up. And when you finally get out of bed, you'll be rewarded with a unique character celebration animation.

More merch deals

• Mario Kart Slouch Hat - $16.44 $24.99 (save $9)

• Amiibo Samus Figurine - $20.99 $29.95 (save $10)

• Amiibo Donkey Kong and Pauline Figurine - $20.99 $29.99 (save $10)

Windows Media Player (WMP) used to be the best. It didn't quite whip the Llama's behind, but I remember a time when it was fantastic. But, as these things tend to do, it got worse over time. Streaming came along, people shifted away from local media players, and Microsoft just shifted its focus elsewhere. Windows 11 replaced it with Media Player, but you can still access the legacy version of WMP. Better media players that could handle more formats appeared, and Microsoft kept breaking WMP features. WMP lost me completely last yearwhen I tried to rip a brand-new CD I bought and discovered the database that used to pull metadata no longer worked (the CD in question was Richard Thompson’s The Old Kit Bag, if you're curious). Fortunately, there are a bunch of fantastic open-source alternatives. Here are some of my favorites.