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Luxury hybrid SUVs promise efficiency, comfort, and advanced technology, but not every model delivers the same level of value. In a segment filled with strong competition, buyers are often forced to choose between performance, reliability, and premium features. The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid stands out by combining all three, offering a well-rounded package that competes strongly against rivals from both luxury and mainstream brands.

So, you’re just getting started in homelabbing, and you think you’re going to do everything just right. News flash: you won’t. You’re going to make mistakes in the first year of running your homelab, and that’s perfectly okay.

When Apple launched the first "e" model iPhone, the iPhone 16e, tech reviewers (me included) let out a collective: "WHY?"

It wasn't about battery life, or the chip powering it (both were pretty great), and no one was really phased about the device's archaic design. It was the lack of MagSafe, Apple's magnetic, wireless power charging tech that makes it easy to slap various accessories onto the phone. It seemed like such a weird omission. Ditching MagSafe probably cut some production costs for Apple, but it meant phone owners would not buy any of the accessories from Apple's rich MagSafe ecosystem.

I'm pleased to report that this year's Apple budget phone, the iPhone 17e, fixes this issue.

Same old design, with one big difference MagSafe is here, and so is the Clear Case with MagSafe. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Apple sent me an iPhone 17e unit for review, and I was happily able to use my Apple Wallet and magnetic chargers with it. Apple also sent me a Clear Case with MagSafe, and while it may not be my favorite case in terms of design, it was a relief to be able to charge the phone magnetically without removing the case.

I'm aware that people who buy a budget phone are perhaps less interested in splurging on additional accessories. But MagSafe is a simple, cool feature that also works with cheaper, third-party accessories, and it doesn't get in the way if you don't care for it. I'm glad that Apple came to its senses and included it in the new iPhone 17e.

SEE ALSO: Comparing iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 17: Is the new $599 phone good enough?

The ability to use MagSafe chargers and accessories is just about the only physical difference between the iPhone 17e and 16e, though. The iPhone 17e looks exactly the same as its predecessor, with the only difference being the new color, Soft Pink. The unit Apple sent me was in this color, and I can tell you that it is a very nice, but indeed a very soft pink.

On the front, there's still no Dynamic Island; the Face ID sensors and the selfie camera are still hidden inside a notch on the top of the display. The dimensions have remained exactly the same (your old iPhone 16e case will work), and the weight is virtually the same (169 grams for the new model, 167 grams for the old one).

The display is still a 6.1-inch OLED that maxes out at 60Hz, and that's very apparent if you switch from a 120Hz phone; the transitions and animations aren't nearly as smooth on the iPhone 17e.

The biggest upgrades are on the inside The iPhone 17e Silicone Case (this one is in the Bright Guava color) can be attached to Apple's Crossbody Strap. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The biggest improvements on the iPhone 17e are inside the phone. It has a new chip, Apple's powerful A19, which can power the latest AI shenanigans. Apple's C1X modem has replaced the old C1 modem, though it's hard to tell what sort of improvements this has brought.

Perhaps most importantly, the iPhone 17e starts at 256GB, compared to the iPhone 16e's 128GB starting storage. Given that the iPhone 17e's starting price remained unchanged at $599, this is a pretty big deal. You can also configure the iPhone 17e with 512GB of storage, but that takes the price to $799.

The combination of having Apple's latest chip and a decent amount of storage means this phone will be relevant for at least four to five years. In fact, this makes it extremely similar to the $799 iPhone 17, though the A19 chip on the iPhone 17e has one less GPU core, meaning it'll be slightly worse for gaming. If you don't care about having the flashiest phone, and just needs something that gets the work done, the iPhone 17e is a very interesting choice.

Featured Video For You Moltbook's real risk isn't AI. It's your data What about the camera? The camera on the back has the same specs as the one on last year's iPhone 16e, but it does have some improvements. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

When I reviewed the iPhone 16e, I was pleased with battery life and how powerful it was. But having used the phone over several months, I came away disappointed with the camera. The phone has a singular, 48-megapixel rear camera with very similar specs to the one on the iPhone 16. But it just wasn't the same; it was alright in daytime, but night shots, or even shots taken in the relative dimness of my living room, just weren't good enough.

The bad news is that the iPhone 17e has the exact same camera specs as the iPhone 16e. Apple says that the new A19 chips will unlock better shots, and some new camera features are indeed here, including next-gen portraits with Focus and Depth Control. But it's hard to say what the improvements are this early on.

On first glance, the camera is a little better than before. I was able to take some decent shots in fairly dark environments. But I'll need more time to assess just how much better it is.

Mashable's Apple iPhone 17e review is coming soon. Want more tech reviews and news? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

SAVE $40: As of March 9, pre-order the 11-inch iPad Air M4 for $559 at Amazon. That's $40 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) $559 at Amazon
$599 Save $40   Get Deal

Apple's new M4 iPad Air models are just days away from release — March 11, if you want to mark your calendar — and Amazon's offering a sweet discount for those who pre-order the latest tablet. Right now, Amazon is offering $40 off the 11-inch iPad Air (M4, 128GB, WiFi) when you pre-order.

This discount has dropped this iPad Air's price from $599 to $559, which is a great deal to jump on before it's even out. Who knows how much longer it'll last, given it's just a couple days away from release. Better to get a preorder in now and save than wait too long and be stuck paying full price.

SEE ALSO: M4 iPad Air review: A tablet that thinks it's an AI laptop

The real standout element of this new iPad Air is the fact it comes with the M4 chip. In our announcement breakdown of everything we know so far about this tablet, Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth said, "The M4 processor and enhanced wireless/cellular connectivity will undoubtedly deliver performance upgrades. Apple promises the new iPad Air will be 30 percent faster than the M3 model, with '50 percent more unified system memory."

Alongside a performance boost, this iPad also features a Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity for capturing a variety of colors and details on the screen. This model also comes with 128GB of storage to get you started, so you have plenty of space for your favorite apps, photos, and more.

If you have your eye on the new iPad Air models and want to save a little cash, act fast to score this great preorder deal on the 11-inch iPad Air at Amazon.

What is Film Noir?

While often defined as "crime with a twist", the origins of the genre go much deeper than the black-and-white classics we know. In this deep dive, filmmaker Tarik Rashaan Davis explores the evolution of the genre, spanning from classic hard-boiled noir to neo-noir.

Tarik attempts to crack the case of why film noir feels so Black-coded to him, even though in the majority of the genre’s films he barely sees people like himself represented.

Is film noir a very political sub genre that speaks to the times we’re living in now? Is it a genre that is in need of a big resurgence? Can noir save Hollywood? And most important of all…Does Noir mean Black?

Apple announced a ton of new products during its March 4 event, including an update to last year's iPad Air. The new M4 iPad Air isn't a shiny new thing like the colorful MacBook Neo, nor does it have any exciting new hardware features like the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Instead, it delivers iterative updates that improve an already stellar tablet.

Iterative updates are never the most exciting products to review, but they've been unavoidable in recent years as companies like Apple churn out new products every 12 months.

I've been testing the M4 iPad Air ahead of its official March 11 release date, and so far, I've been impressed. I'll continue to update this review as I spend more time with the tablet.

The new iPad Air: What's new, and what's not? Testing the 13-inch iPad Air. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The latest Apple tablet looks identical to its predecessor, and if I put them side by side, I wouldn't be able to tell them apart. And guess what we said about last year's M3 iPad Air in our review? That it delivers only "the smallest of upgrades." So, again, iterative is the key term here.

That said, this premium Apple tablet is still remarkably thin and lightweight, with the same gorgeous Liquid Retina display. It even comes in the same four colors: Starlight, space grey, blue, and purple.

SEE ALSO: MacBook Neo vs. MacBook Air (M5): How Apple's new laptops compare

However, there are some improvements under the hood. The M4 chip has a faster Neural Engine that can better handle AI processes on-device. Apple says it's 30 percent faster than the M3 iPad Air, with twice the unified system memory.

Apple has also given the connectivity chips a more serious upgrade, retiring the old Qualcomm modem. The new iPad Air features the N1 wireless connectivity chip introduced with the iPhone 17 and the C1X 5G chip introduced with the iPhone Air.

The C1X chip is really fast

In my 5G speed tests, the C1X outperformed every device I compared it to. It left Samsung's best mobile devices in the dust (though Verizon vs. T-Mobile could also have played a part here, as the Air I tested had a Verizon eSIM card). It was also faster than the other Apple mobile devices I tested. The new iPad Air achieved download speeds of 593 Mbps and upload speeds of 109 Mbps. Qualcomm modems just couldn't keep up.

The new iPad Air can function as a laptop (if that's your thing) The Apple Pencil (not included) attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

With all its powers combined — iPadOS 26, Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil, M4 silicon — the iPad Air can function as a tablet and laptop in one. Now, personally, I'm sticking with my MacBook Pro when I want a true laptop experience. But if you're interested in pushing the iPad Air to the limit, it can function as an ultra-portable laptop.

The best tablets have been getting more laptop-like for a while. But, again, in a world with the MacBook Neo, which has the same $599 price tag, you may also prefer a true laptop.

Still, iPadOS 26, Liquid Glass, and Apple silicon make multitasking easy. You can get a sense of the performance and user experience in a screen recording I took. Notice how many apps are open at once, and how easy it is to switch between them.

As I covered in my iPadOS 26 review, you can easily adjust window sizes and go splitscreen. With the M4 chip, I was able to run Google Docs, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Pixelmator, YouTube, Notes, ChatGPT, CollaNote, Safari, and other apps all at the same time, and never felt like the tablet was slowing down.

So, if you're an artist or creator who wants to run complicated Adobe programs and editing software like Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro, the iPad Air can handle the load. That said, professionals will be able to get even better performance with the M5 iPad Pro or the latest MacBooks.

Pro tip: The new Apple Creator Studio subscription is absolutely worth the investment.

Liquid Glass is beautiful and controversial You can operate dozens of apps at once on the new iPad Air. Credit: Timothy Werth / Apple Liquid Glass is a love-it-or-hate-it aesthetic. Credit: Timothy Werth / Apple

I don't mind Liquid Glass like some of my colleagues in the tech world. Design nerds have been particularly critical of Apple's new design language, and the lack of contrast can be a problem at times. In programs like ChatGPT, the new red-yellow-green traffic light buttons in the upper left sometimes overlap with app menus, which is a major pain.

However, in my experience, practical problems like these are few and far between. On the whole, I like the translucent elements and more modern aesthetic, design nerds be damned.

The iPad Air handles AI processes smoothly

Why is Apple pushing out a new version of the iPad Air, when the 2025 version with the M3 chip is still powerful enough for 99 percent of users? I suspect the company wants to make sure its mid-range tablet can handle as many AI features as possible.

I tried to test its AI capabilities using apps like Final Cut Pro's auto-captions, Voice Memo's transcription features, and CollaNote's AI image generation. Even with WiFi and cellular data turned off, these processes happened almost instantly, and without any big mistakes.

In CollaNote, the popular note-taking app, you can use the Magic Pen to circle a doodle and turn it into an actual graphic. Record a note or interview with Voice Memos, and you'll get an accurate transcription at the push of a button. In Pixelmator, you can upscale images and remove backgrounds from photos practically instantly.

I also feel like I'm barely scratching the surface of what you can do with the iPad Air's Neural Engine, particularly when it comes to utilizing Apple Shortcuts and open-source models.

I need to keep stress-testing the tablet, but based on my initial review of the M4 iPad Air, I can say that its performance is impressive. I think artists, photographers, and editors will be able to do even very complex work on the Air.

Cameras, speakers, and accessories? Same as it ever was. Are you actually taking pictures with your iPad though? Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

As I said before, Apple hardly went back to the drawing board with the iPad Air, and that's a good thing. It's hard to imagine a thinner or lighter tablet, and I think the 11- and 13-inch sizes are just right for most users. The new Air has the same 12MP rear and front cameras as the previous model, and they're still very underwhelming. But, come on, are you taking pictures with your iPad? If so, I have to give you an obligatory, OK, boomer. The cameras are good enough for video conferences and FaceTime calls, and that's all you really need.

Otherwise, the speakers, controls, and accessories remain unchanged from the 2025 model. You'll want an Apple Pencil to get the most out of the experience, and the Magic Keyboard will be essential for using it like a laptop. Of course, with the cost of an Apple Pencil Pro ($129) and Magic Keyboard ($269), you could just buy an actual laptop.

The bottom line: Another iterative upgrade, but who cares? The iPad Air in the Folio Case (not included). Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Ultimately, the changes between the M3 and M4 iPad Air are negligible. I can't imagine many people upgrading from one to the other. However, if you're an artist or creative professional in need of a new tablet, I think you'll be pleased with this $599 device.

One last caveat: If you're a casual user just interested in browsing and streaming, stick with the base iPad with the A16 chip. The M-series iPads are, frankly, way overpowered for most users.

The new iPad Air comes in 11 and 13-inch models, with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions. Prices start at $599 and $799, respectively — though you can already save up to $50 if you pre-order at Amazon.

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 11 inches (M4) $559 at Amazon
$599 Save $40   Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 13 inches (M4) $749 at Amazon
$799 Save $50   Pre-order Here

SAVE OVER $60: As of March 9, Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are back to their lowest-ever price of $398 at Amazon. This is $61.99 off their list price of $459.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony XM6 Headphones $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal

If you're looking to splash out on new headphones this year, Sony's WH-1000XM6 should be something to seriously consider. Not only have they earned a spot on our list of the best noise-canceling headphones, but they're among our favorite headphones overall. Though they're usually quite pricey, this is a great opportunity to swoop in and grab them at Amazon for $398.

Since the Sony WH-1000XM6 usually retail for $459.99, this saves you just over $60. What's even better is it marks a return to their lowest-ever price at the retailer, so no better time to grab them. On top of that, every color is discounted to this price right now, including the delightful new sand pink color.

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If you're looking for solid sound quality in headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver. They earned a spot in our roundup of the best headphones as the best sound-first headphones, and our review had high praise for them. Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth said that, "The new Sony headphones offer impressive audio quality, and they definitely improve on the XM5 models." He also noted that he, "really appreciated the overall balance, depth, and quality of the audio."

Noise-cancellation from these headphones also stood out. Werth expressed that, "The ANC in the XM6 is as good as or better than any I've ever heard." On top of all that, these headphones boast a battery life of up to 30 hours. So no matter if you're using them while traveling or at home, they'll last.

Don't miss out on this excellent deal at Amazon on the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Nvidia's Smooth Motion feels like a major win, and in many cases, it is. It's a driver-level interpolation model that adds an extra frame between two rendered frames to make your gameplay look and feel smoother. Nvidia itself says that it can double the perceived frame rate when it works well.

SSDs are known for lasting a long time. But their lifespan isn't infinite. They do die eventually, and there are certain Windows processes that may be pushing your SSD closer to an early grave. If you don't need these processes, you should definitely disable them.

TL;DR: On March 19, fans can score a free vanilla soft-serve cone at participating Dairy Queen locations nationwide.

The birds are singing, the temperature is climbing, and yes, that is the sun you can see peeping through the clouds. Spring is just around the corner, and so is Free Cone Day.

Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day is making a triumphant return in 2026. On March 19, you can celebrate this special occasion by enjoying a free vanilla soft-serve cone at participating Dairy Queen locations. Simply stop by your local DQ restaurant to score this delicious treat — there's really no catch.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away an exclusive Steering Wheel for free. Here’s how to get yours on March 9.

We recommend visiting Dairy Queen or downloading the Dairy Queen App to find a local restaurant before March 19. When the day comes, you don't want to be messing around online. You want to be prepared. On Free Cone Day, the focus should be on free ice cream and nothing else.

The promotion runs all day while supplies last and there's a limit of one free cone per person. This free giveaway is not valid on delivery or mobile orders and it's worth noting that U.S. Mall locations require a purchase to qualify.

Celebrate Dairy Queen's Cone Day with a free vanilla soft-serve cone on March 19.

Where to buy Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Gift Bundle Best Amazon Deal Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Gift Bundle $59.99 (sav $30 ) Get Deal Best Walmart Deal Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Gift Bundle $60.52 (save $13.90) Get Deal

Amazon has been a great spot for Magic: The Gathering deals lately (plus other trading card bargains), and this latest offer for the Spider-Man expansion is no exception. As of March 9, Amazon has the Magic: The Gathering Marvel’s Spider-Man Gift Bundle listed for $59.99, which is 33% off its $89.99 list price and the lowest we've ever seen — as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

Compared to the competition, Walmart is listing the MTG Spider-Man Gift Bundle at only $60.52 — which makes for a great backup if Amazon runs out of stock. TCGplayer lists the Gift Bundle starting at $89.95, but that cheapest listing also adds shipping, pushing the total far above Amazon’s price. Even TCGplayer’s listed median of $84.84 is still well above what Amazon is charging right now.

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In exchange for this new low price of $60, you’re getting nine Play Boosters, one Collector Booster, one traditional foil alternate-art promo card, 30 land cards split between foil and non-foil versions, an oversized Spindown life counter, a foil storage box, and two reference cards — all in a classic Spider-Man comic-style package. 

For more MTG deals, you can get the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box for under $175 at Walmart. Also at Walmart, the Magic: The Gathering Tarkir Dragonstorm Play Booster Box is available for only $110. 

SAVE $70: As of March 9, Beats Studio Buds+ are on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That's a 41% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds+ $99.95 at Amazon
$169.95 Save $70.00   Get Deal

Looking for a new pair of earbuds? As of March 9, Beats Studio Buds+ have dropped below $100 at Amazon. There are a few colors to choose from, including black and gold, ivory, and transparent, all at the same price of $99.95 (down from $169.95).

As you'd expect from any Beats product, Beats Studio Buds+ are designed to deliver a seriously powerful, immersive audio experience. They are built on Beats’ custom acoustic platform, so they provide rich sound for both music and calls, with two noise cancellation modes that let you choose between personalized Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block out distractions or Transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings.

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You’ll get up to 36 hours of listening time with the charging case, so you won't need to recharge constantly. You'll also get four sizes of silicone ear tips to help give you a secure and comfortable fit while at the same time improving sound performance.

The earbuds are robust too, rated IPX4 for sweat and water resistance so they're a great choice for a sweaty workout or rainy walk.

Get this Beats earbuds deal at Amazon now.

People have created all sorts of amazing things with spreadsheets, but I’ve never been one of them. It’s just one of those things I didn’t think was worth spending time learning. However, I have found myself using Google Sheets more often, and Gemini is to thank.

If you enjoyed Stephen Colbert's chaotic interview with Jimmy Fallon last week, then good news: There's more where that came from.

In the Late Show web exclusive above, Colbert's team share the material that didn't make it to air, including a few jokes from Fallon — "I'm so sorry you're being replaced, I can't wait for the next show, the Kid Rock/My Pillow Guy news hour" — and a rousing rendition of the national anthem.

Seriously though, those harmonies.

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Linux has hundreds of available commands, and unless you're keeping up with the latest news, changes to the default tools may slip under your radar. While it's true that Linux is very stable, and tool deprecations are rare, some of our much-beloved and well-known utilities changed years ago, and nobody informed us. I have five deprecated Linux commands and their replacements.

Humanity is enamoured with the idea of venturing out into the universe, seeing the stars and discovering literal worlds of opportunity beyond Earth. But do we deserve it? Developed by French indie studio Ishtar Games, Dead in Antares is a turn-based sci-fi survival management game that poses questions about the ethics of space exploration — or more specifically, space colonialism.

Dead in Antares follows the 10-member crew of the Ixion, a spaceship on a mission to find a power source which could solve the apocalyptic energy crisis back on Earth. Unfortunately, a wormhole throws the ship off course, ultimately crash-landing on the titular Antares. Alive yet stranded, the crew must work together not only to survive, but to return home with the key to saving humanity.

Having spent 42 hours with Dead in Antares, I've been happily absorbed with managing my ragtag interstellar outpost, assigning crew members to various daily tasks to ensure our continued survival and search for a way off the planet. However, as time has passed, I admit my zealous pursuit of a homecoming has waned. 

SEE ALSO: 'Marathon' game hands-on: Bungie builds a rewarding slow burn

Of course, I'd at least like to know that we're capable of getting back to Earth. I'm not about to leave the rest of humanity to suffer and die, which is what I'm told will happen if our mission isn't successful. Still, I'll miss Antares when (or if) we end up leaving. I'm quite enjoying running our little camp, and feel as though we've hit a comfortable, sustainable rhythm. 

I also don't look forward to the difficult ethical choices I'll have to make concerning both planets' futures.

Trying not to be Dead in Antares Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

Dead in Antares is the third title in Ishtar Games' Dead In series, following 2018's Dead in Vinland and 2015's Dead in Bermuda. Even so, you don't need to know anything about Dead in Antares' predecessors to enjoy the game. Each game is its own standalone title, taking place in completely different settings that merely share similar survival themes and mechanics. 

In this case, Dead in Antares' engaging game loop has you manage each day on the eponymous alien planet. Players delegate crew members to tasks such as gathering water, hunting for food, generating power, and upgrading the camp, with jobs conducted across morning and evening shifts. A group of three can also use water rations to conduct daily expeditions, searching the surrounding area for resources and potentially engaging in turn-based battles with aliens. Everyone must then be fed and watered before going to bed, keeping them healthy enough to do it all again tomorrow.

Featured Video For You Motorola is entering the wearable AI game

Each crew member has different skills that impact how well they perform a given task, and which increase the more they're used. Someone with a high Medicine skill will be more effective in the Infirmary, while a colleague with a low Stealth skill is more likely to encounter adversaries while on expeditions.

Your crewmates' job performance can also be modified by any positive or negative traits they carry, as well as their needs. Fatigue, hunger, sickness, injury, and stress can reduce their effectiveness, or even kill them if levels reach 100, resulting in a game over.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

As such, Dead in Antares becomes a careful balance of managing the group's needs and resources with your crewmates' skills and wellbeing. Nurturing each individual's proficiencies and optimising job allocations feels satisfying, maximising benefits for the smallest expenditure possible.

One might expect the struggle for survival to give Dead in Antares an inescapably grim tone, and story moments do provide dire reminders of what's at stake back on Earth. Yet outside of this, the game often feels more like an exciting planetary adventure. Getting sick from eating alien bugs lightyears from home while burdened with saving humanity sounds like one of my most vivid stress dreams, but apparently the Ixion's crew are less susceptible to crippling implosions of existential dread. 

Instead, they largely respond to Antares' strange and colourful extraterrestrial landscape with fascinated awe. Dead in Antares leans into the alien nature of the planet's organisms, populating it with creatures that blend features of flora, fauna, and minerals so they can't be clearly categorised. Among these lifeforms are two sentient, similarly-named alien races: the Atlanteans and Antarians. This is where space colonialism comes in.

Dead in Antares confronts the line between extraction and exploitation Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

Humanity has a long history of travelling to foreign lands only to mercilessly exploit them, doing incalculable harm to the environment and its native inhabitants in the process. We also have a habit of repeating history, or at least ensuring it rhymes. There is no reason to expect this will change simply because we've traded in oceanic voyages for intergalactic ones.

While extracting resources from your surroundings is part and parcel of survival games, Dead in Antares takes this a step further by incorporating parallel themes into its plot. Humanity's survival depends on the Ixion's appropriating a new power source from Antares, which the planet's inhabitants already rely upon. The question Dead in Antares poses is whether you are willing to exploit this unfamiliar planet you've landed on and cause its population to suffer. What are the consequences of doing so — or from refraining? How much do you actually care?

I initially aimed to keep out of the Atlanteans' and Antarians' business, choosing diplomatic dialogue options and paying the tributes demanded of me in order to keep the peace. I have no interest in attacking people in their homes and imposing my will upon them, or engaging in conflicts I don't fully understand. Still, my attitude changed as I gathered further knowledge of the political situation on Antares, and as the burden of tributes grew too onerous.

The additional turn-based battles this sparked helped break up the everyday routine of job allocation, and I was glad to no longer surrender my lunch money to alien bullies. Yet as the days passed, I became increasingly aware that the peaceful resolution I'd initially hoped for may have never been an option. Dead in Antares' gameplay is fun, however its plot is imbued with an undercurrent of inescapable doom.

With such ethical quandaries hanging over you, I can't say that Dead in Antares is likely to leave players feeling satisfied. There's a sense that no truly happy ending is possible, and that someone will suffer no matter what you do. Even so, narrative satisfaction doesn't appear to be Dead in Antares' goal. As in real life, while these problems must be confronted, they cannot be neatly solved.

Dead in Antares can be rough around the edges Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

Dead in Antares is an enjoyable game with an interesting premise and creative setting, and almost all Ixion's diverse crew members endeared themselves to me in various ways. Still, there are some aspects that would benefit from tweaks. 

The game gives you a lot of information to manage, with all 10 crew members having varying skills, health statuses, traits, combat abilities, and relationships with each other. A notification will appear on the crew profile button whenever there's an update to these, but you have to flip between everyone's full-page profiles to actually see what's changed. This is particularly annoying when, for example, half of your crew didn't get enough water last night, resulting in five notifications that can only be cleared by beholding each individuals' dehydration status in their Traits tab. 

I quickly took to ignoring much of this data deluge, leaving notifications uncleared and only referencing my crew's needs and skills when assigning jobs. Even so, I still found myself wishing for a complete overview screen of my crew comparing all their stats at once. There is a lefthand side bar which pops out to display a list of your companions, which can be sorted by how high a certain skill or need is, but you need to scroll to view everyone and it does nothing for clearing notifications.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

Dead in Antares also isn't always clear on how to progress. I was held up for several in-game days before I figured out that I could craft the materials the main questline required instead of scavenging for them, but needed to first upgrade my workshop so I could build the forge. I hadn't even realised that upgrading was an option, as it was given the same prominence as other less significant enhancements on its upgrade tree.

As such, I would have liked it if there was an overview page showing the upgrade trees for all the workstations, allowing players to bookmark what materials are required. As it is, Dead in Antares has me frequently swapping between menus to check which resources I needed to craft specific materials, which materials I needed to craft an upgrade, and which upgrade I needed to craft a new workstation.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

Another aspect that could be smoothed out is Dead in Antares' writing, as I often felt as though I was getting the gist of the plot rather than the plot itself. The game assumed knowledge without having even hinted at it previously, which frequently left me wondering if I'd somehow missed exposition. Major developments would sometimes not only occur offscreen, but had been apparently processed and acted upon.

Further, while Dead in Antares primarily follows Captain Amelia and has players make dialogue decisions as her from the outset, it later jumps between crew members' points of view with little warning. This can even happen within a single scene. The result can be confusing, making it not immediately clear which character you're acting as, while also eliminating some mystery and dramatic tension by revealing secrets via internal monologue. 

On the other hand, these insights do help to quickly build affection for the crew members and their distinct personalities, providing depth and further context to behaviour that might otherwise be poorly viewed. I love my antisocial science son Liu, and I will not hear a word against him or his weird predilection for our spaceship. 

Does humanity deserve the stars? Credit: Mashable screenshot: Dead in Antares / Ishtar Games

Despite these bumps, I found myself constantly returning to Dead in Antares for a few more day cycles. There is a sense of quiet accomplishment and satisfaction in taking care of your crew; running and upgrading an efficient, self-sustainable camp; and finding a way to survive on a strange planet without anyone dying. I could happily remain here, finding comfort in these routine tasks.

The primary matter prompting me to drag my feet to the end is the knowledge that Dead in Antares' story will eventually force me to make a choice. Do I plunder Antares to save Earth, or abandon humanity to its fate? Neither sits right with me. 

In humanity's endless greed and callous apathy, it feels as though we may be too far gone with no redemption to be found. We will continue to bring our problems with us wherever we go, regardless of whether we're traversing leagues or lightyears. Landing on Antares seems like simply continuing this destructive cycle.

Yet I cannot shake the hope that we can improve ourselves and our future against all odds, and not at the expense of others. It will require hard decisions, selflessness, and sacrifice, applying the lessons of our past and releasing our grip on imperialism. But if we are to deserve better, we must first prove that we are willing to change for it.

Dead in Antares is available now on PC.

TL;DR: It’s time to take control of your content with this lifetime subscription to Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader, currently on sale for just $95.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Keeprix Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader: Lifetime Subscription $95.99
$159.99 Save $64.00   Get Deal

Stop paying for content indefinitely. Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader offers a solution to the endless streamer subscriptions, allowing you to download your favorites and build up your own media library you can keep offline. A lifetime subscription to this game-changing service can be yours now for only $95.99.

If you’re tired of letting your streaming platforms dictate what you’re going to watch every night, it may be time to take control of your own content. Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader lets you save the things you enjoy and build a library of favorite content you can watch anytime — not just when it’s available on a specific service.

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Download from Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more easily. Just open Keeprix, paste in the link to what you would like to save, and from there, you can download and keep it offline for life. This lifetime subscription includes unlimited downloads in MP4 or MKV format.

Keeprix works with both Windows and Mac devices and allows you to save your downloads without a watermark. Want to save multiple things at once? That’s no problem with batch processing, the ability to add multiple videos to a queue, and lightning-fast downloads.

Aside from keeping your favorite shows and movies accessible at all times, Keeprix also makes it easier to avoid regional restrictions, DRM limits, and ads. You can also repurpose content for other projects.

Get this lifetime subscription to Keeprix All-in-One Streaming Video Downloader, currently on sale for just $95.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE OVER $50: As of March 9, the Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) has hit a new low price of $339.99 at Amazon. This 15% discount is $60 off its list price of $399.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) $339.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $60   Get Deal

With springtime creeping in, it's almost time to get outside to enjoy a walk, run, or other activity. If you've been looking to grab a smartwatch to help you count steps or keep an eye on your fitness progress, there are some very nice deals available at the moment. And our favorite Android smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 4 (45mm), is on sale for a limited time at Amazon.

This isn't just any old deal, either. The Pixel Watch 4 has hit a new low price of $339.99. That's a $60 discount on its list price of $399.99. Plus, every available color is on sale at this price as well, so you can pick out your favorite from the range.

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If you're looking for a smartwatch to help you with running, we said that the Pixel Watch 4 is "a true runners' watch" in our review. Mashable's Christianna Silva highlighted the side button, saying they're "A lifesaver for a sweaty person trying to start and stop their runs. The buttons are satisfying, never slippery, and frustration-free." Silva says the smartwatch is "faster, brighter, and more customizable than ever."

There's plenty to celebrate on the inside of the Pixel Watch 4. Some of its features include heart rate tracking, sleep insights, over 40 exercise modes, a high-precision dual-frequency GPS, loss of pulse detection, and more. It even boasts a battery life of up to 40 hours, which can be stretched up to 72 hours in Battery Saver mode.

It's currently listed as a limited-time deal, so act fast to score the Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) at this excellent low price at Amazon.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG: Mega Lucario ex Figure Collection listed at $68.98, but a 30% coupon drops it to about $48.29 at checkout through March 16. That undercuts Walmart’s $54.99 price and knocks more than $20 off Amazon’s list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Lucario ex Figure Collection $48.29 at Amazon
$68.98 Save $20.69 Get Deal

Pokémon TCG collections have been fluctuating in price at leading trading card retailers in recent months. However, Amazon’s taken a big move to make it the best place to buy the Mega Lucario-themed collection. 

As of March 9, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG: Mega Lucario ex Figure Collection listed for $68.98, but there’s a 30% off coupon available on qualifying collectible card game items. Once that discount is applied at checkout, the box drops to about $48.29. That’s a saving of roughly $20.69 on Amazon’s listed price, and also beats Walmart’s current $54.99 listing for the same collection. The coupon is set to expire on March 16, 2026.

That's the best price we've seen all year according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. We should note that not everyone in the Mashable shopping team has access to this coupon code, so we hope you are one of the chosen ones.

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The Mega Lucario ex Figure Collection comes with an etched foil promo card featuring Mega Lucario ex, an oversized promo card, a Mega Lucario figure, five Pokémon TCG booster packs, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live. As for the packs, you're getting three Mega Evolutions and two Destined Rivals.

It also lands in a pretty reasonable spot compared with the broader market. TCGplayer currently shows no active listings, but its most recent sale is listed at $47.14, with a median of $50 and a market price in the low $40s. That makes Amazon’s coupon price feel a lot more competitive than its standard listing.

You can still preorder Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Bundles for $59.99 at Amazon. Also at Amazon, you can preorder the Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 for under $70. 

Where to buy the Pokémon TCG Pokémon Day 2026 Collection: Best Walmart Deal Pokémon TCG Pokémon Day 2026 Collection $31.99 at Walmart Shop Now Best Amazon Deal Pokémon TCG Pokémon Day 2026 Collection $34.45 at Amazon Shop Now

Pokémon Day collection boxes have had a habit of bouncing around in price depending on where you tend to shop for trading cards, but Walmart is currently offering a reasonable listing for the 2026 version. 

As of March 9, Walmart has the Pokémon Day 2026 Collection listed for $31.99, which is lower than Amazon’s current $34.45 price for the exact same box. It also lands surprisingly close to TCGplayer’s current $29.95 market price. Comparing Amazon's price history via price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is one of the best we've seen so far for this special celebration set.

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While TCGplayer does show active listings as low as $32.99, those listings also tack on shipping. That makes Walmart’s price look much better once the total cost is actually considered.

The Pokémon Day 2026 Collection includes one foil Pikachu promo card with a Pokémon Day stamp, one Pokémon coin, and three Pokémon TCG booster packs (two Phantasmal Flames and one Mega Evolution). The stamped Pikachu promo is one of the best and most exclusive ways to celebrate the Pokémon franchise.

For the latest expansions from the Pokémon TCG, you can preorder Perfect Order Booster Bundles at market price over at Amazon. For other limited collections, you can also preorder the Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection for under $70 at Amazon.