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The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a colorful person.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 9, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: To take into account

• Green: Patterned coats

• Blue: Multicolored

• Purple: Counting

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Bear in mind

• Green: Striped animals

• Blue: Associated with rainbows

• Purple: Beginning with number homophones

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #912 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Bear in mind: CONSIDER, COUNT, FACTOR, INCLUDE

• Striped animals: CLOWNFISH, HONEYBEE, TIGER, ZEBRA

• Associated with rainbows: DOROTHY GALE, LEPRECHAUN, PRIDE, UNICORN

• Beginning with number homophones: FIEVEL, FOREHEAD, TOUCAN, WONDER

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 9, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're an NBA fan.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 9, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 9, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: On the court

The words are related to sports.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a popular American sport.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Basketball.

NYT Strands word list for December 9

• Rebound

• Block

• Basketball

• Jump

• Dunk

• Screen

• Guard

• Dribble

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're not always nice.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 9, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 9, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Malicious.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

SNIDe

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 9, 2025

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

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

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

SAVE $11.04: Pokémon TCG's League Battle Deck - Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex is currently $27.24 on TCGPlayer right now, that's $11.04 less than Amazon's $38.98. This includes everything you need to battle.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company League Battle Deck - Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex $7.24 at TCGPlayer
Possible $60 Gift Card if you qualify on Amazon. TCGPlayer is cheapest otherwise. Get Deal

"Why is he sharing a premade Pokémon TCG deck as a deal?" Well, usually i'd be with you, but this is such a great gift for someone looking to get into playing the game with family and friends. You can literally rip this box open, have a 60-card deck ready to go with cool card without thinking about building a deck or finding something to replace a legal coin, damage counters and to learn the table layout while playing.

This is an entry-level product to the hobby that walks would-be trainers through the door and makes for something different to do this holiday. Breaking this deck down, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex 081/182 is worth $1.50 each, with Team Rocket's Crobat ex 122/182 is $1.20 and the Ace Spec Scramble Switch is worth a mighty 25c. Those "chase cards" rack up to $6.15.

This sounds like a hard sell, but for an extra $21.09 you're getting the bulk to make up the rest of the deck, 6 damage counter dice, two condition markers, deck box, tournament legal coin and a strategy sheet. If you have a load of Destined Rivals bulk knocking around you could probably make a similar deck for free and have at it. But this target audience is coming in fresh with zero idea of how to play. For these people it's a great product.

The best chase cards you can pull from Destined Rivals Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you fancy upgrading this deck down the line or getting some higher end cards for your collection, Destined Rivals is a great place to start. The artwork in this set is some of the best i've seen in Pokémon TCG, and there's Secret Art Rare versions of the Crobat and Mewtwo ex found in this League Battle Deck. Here's up-to-date market values per TCGplayer alongside links so you can catch your own:

1. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 231/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $445
   Market price: $443.48
   Most recent sale: $477.98

2. Cynthia's Garchomp ex - 232/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $226.98
   Market price: $232.82
   Most recent sale: $225.98

3. Ethan's Ho-Oh ex - 230/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $174.90
   Market price: $175.27
   Most recent sale: $175

4. Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 229/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $120.02
   Market price: $126.13
   Most recent sale: $123.95

5. Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 234/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $69.02
   Market price: $72.23
   Most recent sale: $68.79

Donald Trump grabbed as many press opportunities as he could to criticise Jimmy Kimmel in the run-up to hosting the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, calling the late night show host and longtime critic of the president "terrible" and saying, "If I can't beat out Jimmy Kimmel in terms of talent, then I don't think I should be president."

Fellow late show host Stephen Colbert's response? "You can't and you shouldn't."

In The Late Show clip above, Colbert explains his confusion over Trump talking so much about Kimmel, given that Kimmel hasn't actually hosted the event.

"I called him and Jimmy Kimmel has never hosted the Kennedy Center Honors," says Colbert. "But here's the thing: I did, the three years leading up to Trump becoming president."

Meanwhile, here's what Kimmel himself said in response to Trump.

HULU BUNDLES: Hulu is offering a range of bundle deals so you can stream from its impressive library without breaking the bank.

The best Hulu deals and bundles in December 2025: Best ESPN Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Bundle $29.99/month for a year, then $35.99/month Get Deal Best HBO Max Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Bundle $19.99/month with ads, $32.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Hulu Bundle Deal Disney+ and Hulu Bundle $12.99/month with ads Get Deal Best Student Deal Hulu Student Deal Hulu with ads for $1.99/month Get Deal

There's a wide range of excellent shows and films to watch on Hulu. From The Monkey to the thrilling Alien: Earth series (check out our review here), it's a library that's full of options to keep you entertained through these darker months.

If any of these have caught your eye and have you itching to sign up for Hulu, we're here to help you get the best deal. Outside of the standard ad-supported and ad free plans, there are quite a few bundle deals available with Hulu that are worth exploring if you're looking to save some cash. This includes a great limited time offer on the new Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Bundle. If you're a sports fan, you can sign up for this plan for $29.99 per month for a year right now.

SEE ALSO: Critics hate 'All's Fair,' but the internet has other thoughts

Considering Hulu and Disney Plus have just increased their prices, there's no better time than now to find a way to save through bundles. Below you can find details on Hulu's best bundles at the moment — alongside information on both its ad-supported and ad free plan, if you just want the basics — offering you a way to save on the service without going overboard on spending.

You can get additional streaming services thrown in at a lower cost, and what's better than that?

Best ESPN bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Bundle $29.99/month for a year, then $35.99/month Get Deal

Alongside the big Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max bundle, Hulu also has plans for sports fans that throw in ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited. According to ESPN, "ESPN Select includes ESPN+ content only. Fans who want ESPN+ exclusively may subscribe to the ESPN Select plan. ESPN Unlimited includes all of the ESPN networks and services, including ESPN+." For those interested in the latter, the good news is there's a promotion going on right now.

The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Bundle, which has ads, is currently available for $29.99 per month for a year. The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited premium bundle without ads is available for $38.99 per month for a year.

These discounted bundles are only available for new and eligible returning subscribers through Jan. 5, 2026. Once the year is up, they'll go back to their full prices of $35.99 per month with ads and $44.99 per month without.

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle — $29.99 per month for a year (then $35.99 per month)

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle Premium — $38.99 per month for a year (then $44.99 per month)

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle — $19.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle Premium — $29.99 per month

Best HBO Max bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Bundle $19.99/month with ads, $32.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

Released last July, this is one of the best Hulu bundles available at the moment. Starting at $19.99 per month, this bundle grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max's streaming services for a much lower price than what you'd pay for the three of them separately. It's an incredible deal to take advantage of, especially if you've already got Disney+ and HBO Max subscriptions. There are two plans to choose from with this bundle, and they are:

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (with ads) — $19.99 per month (save 42%)

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (no ads) — $32.99 per month (save 41%)

Best Disney+ bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+ and Hulu Bundle $12.99/month with ads Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't want to splash out on the full Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max bundle, the next best thing is the Disney+ and Hulu Bundle. This comes with just Disney+ alongside Hulu, giving you access to each of their ad-supported streaming platforms for as low as $12.99 per month. If you're already subscribed to Disney+ or have been hoping to jump into its library, this is well worth investing in.

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle — $12.99 per month

This isn't the only Disney+ plan available with Hulu, though. For those looking to jump into an ad-free tier for the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, there's the Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium plan that'll cost you $19.99 per month instead.

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $19.99 per month

Best student deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student Deal Hulu with ads for $1.99/month Get Deal Why we like it

If you're a student enrolled at a university, you can score a Hulu (with ads) plan for even lower than the above bundles. Hulu's Student Deal gives eligible college students the ability to buy a Hulu (with ads) plan for just $1.99 per month. Hulu notes that the deal lasts "so long as student enrollment status remains verified," then it goes back up to the standard monthly price.

• Hulu Student Deal — $1.99 per month

Hulu's monthly plans

If you're just looking to jump straight into Hulu's library without any fancy bundles, there are a couple of subscription options to consider. The ad-supported tier comes in at $11.99 per month, but you'll get your first month free, which is a great way to test the waters and see if it's the right fit for you. If you want to go ad free, that'll cost you $18.99 per month. Unfortunately, this plan does not offer a free trial like its ad-supported sibling.

• Hulu (with ads) — $11.99 per month (get first month free), $119.99 per year

• Hulu Premium (no ads) — $18.99 per month

If you really want to go big on a streaming investment, there's the Hulu + Live TV plan. This costs a whopping $89.99 per month for its ad-supported plan, but comes with plenty to keep you busy. Hulu + Live TV (with ads) gets you access to 95+ channels, unlimited DVR, Disney+ (with ads), ESPN Select (with ads), and Hulu (with ads). If you want to go even bigger with the ad-free plan — which offers Hulu (no ads), Disney+ (no ads), and ESPN Select (with ads) alongside Live TV — it'll cost you $99.99 per month. The ad-supported plan also offers a free trial, but for just three days instead.

• Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN Select (with ads) — $89.99 per month (three day free trial)

• Hulu Premium + Live TV, Disney+ Premium, and ESPN Select (no ads) — $99.99 per month

• Hulu + Live TV, Disney+ Premium, and ESPN Select — $94.99 per month

• Live TV Only — $88.99 per month

Wondering what to watch once you get set up with a Hulu plan or bundle? We're here to help with that as well. Have a look at our roundups of the 30 best comedies on Hulu, the 25 best sci-fi movies on Hulu, and the 26 best horror movies on Hulu to start building your watchlist. And if you're in the mood to binge-watch a show, check out our breakdown of the 25 best shows on Hulu.

The text editor is the most critical tool in a programmer's arsenal, acting as the daily workbench, primary interface, and engine for creation. For years, Microsoft's Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has dominated, becoming the default choice for millions of developers across nearly every programming language and operating system.

DISNEY+ BUNDLES: Disney+ is offering bundle deals so you can stream the best of its library at a lower price.

The best Disney+ deals and bundles in December 2025: Best ESPN Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Bundle $29.99/month for a year, then $35.99/month Get Deal Best HBO Max Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Bundle $19.99/month with ads, $32.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Hulu Bundle Deal Disney+ and Hulu Bundle $12.99/month with ads Get Deal

Whether you're looking to jump into the latest superhero saga or journey to a galaxy far, far away, Disney+ is the streaming service for you.

Home to Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and so much more, Disney+ offers a library that's stuffed-full of shows and films to keep both adults and kids entertained when it matters. This includes the new Taylor Swift 'Eras Tour' docuseries, which is gearing up to drop on Dec. 12 for eager fans ahead of the holidays.

If you've had this streaming service on your radar but are unsure which plan is the best fit for you, we've got you covered with a selection of Disney+ streaming deals. This includes a great limited time offer on the new Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Bundle. If you're a sports fan, you can sign up for this plan for $29.99 per month for the first year.

SEE ALSO: 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' Season 2 review: Rough waters ahead for 'Sea of Monsters' adaptation

Alongside that deal, there are a few more bundles to check out with Disney+ right now, including the Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max package. This is a great investment for those who already own the other two streaming services and are looking to cut down on costs. Considering Disney+ has just increased its prices, now is as good a time as any to check out a bundle.

We've detailed all of the available bundle deals below, alongside basic information on Disney+ plans if you just want the House of Mouse's service on its own.

Best ESPN bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Bundle $29.99/month for a year, then $35.99/month Get Deal

If you're a sports fan looking to add ESPN into your bundles, you're in luck: Disney offers bundles with both ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited. According to ESPN, "ESPN Select includes ESPN+ content only. Fans who want ESPN+ exclusively may subscribe to the ESPN Select plan. ESPN Unlimited includes all of the ESPN networks and services, including ESPN+." If the latter has caught your attention, it has a limited-time offer going on right now.

The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Bundle, which has ads, is currently available for $29.99 per month for a year. The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited premium bundle without ads is on offer for $38.99 per month for a year.

These discounted bundles are only available for new and eligible returning subscribers through Jan. 5, 2026. Once the year is up, they'll go back to their full prices of $35.99 per month with ads and $44.99 per month without.

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle — $29.99 per month for a year (then $35.99 per month)

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle Premium — $38.99 per month for a year (then $44.99 per month)

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle — $19.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle Premium — $29.99 per month

Best HBO Max bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Bundle $19.99/month with ads, $32.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

The Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle is one of the best available at the moment. Starting at $19.99 per month, you can have three excellent streaming services right in the palm of your hand, which is a great offer to take advantage of. The $19.99 per month option is for the With Ads plan, but if you'd prefer to watch your favorite content without ads, the No Ads plan comes to $32.99 per month. Compared to what you'd pay for each of these on their own, you're saving 42% with the ad-supported plan and 41% with the ad-free plan.

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (with ads) — $19.99 per month (save 42%)

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (no ads) — $32.99 per month (save 41%)

Best Hulu bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+ and Hulu Bundle Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $12.99/month Get Deal Why we like it

If the Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max mega bundle feels like a bit too much, there are smaller bundle deals to check out instead. One of the most affordable bundle options the service has is the Disney+, Hulu Bundle. This brings together Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for $12.99 per month. This is a great way to gain access to both of their libraries for only $1 more than what you'd pay for just one of the ad-supported plans on their own.

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle — $12.99 per month

If you'd rather spring for the ad-free version of that bundle, Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium is what you need. This offers both Disney+ and Hulu without ads for $19.99 per month.

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $19.99 per month

Best Disney+ monthly plans

Disney+ offers two standard plans if you just want the service on its own. The Disney+ ad-supported plan comes to $11.99 per month while the ad-free Disney+ Premium plan will set you back $18.99 per month or $189.99 per year if you'd rather pay annually.

• Disney+ (With Ads) — $11.99 per month

• Disney+ Premium (No Ads) — $18.99 per month, $189.99 per year

Disney+ has also created an "extra member" plan for people using your account that live outside of your household as they crack down on password sharing. If you're looking to add another person onto your account, you're only allowed one extra profile and can choose from the following add-on plans:

• Disney+ (With Ads) — $6.99 per month

• Disney+ Premium — $9.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle — $7.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium — $10.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle — $11.99 per month

• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle Premium — $14.99 per month

There's a wealth of shows and films to check out on Disney+ after you sign up. If you want some help finding something to watch, check out our roundups of the 12 best TV shows for adults on Disney+ and the 20 best movies on Disney+ to start building out your watchlist.

Google is facing a European Union investigation into its use of publishers' online content for AI-generated search summaries like AI Overviews and AI Mode, with anticompetitive practices the primary suspicion.

Announced on Tuesday, the EU's main executive body, the European Commission, opened a formal antitrust probe into Google's practice of using online publishers' material for AI purposes — and that includes the company's use of content uploaded to YouTube.

According to the EU, the investigation will examine "whether Google is distorting competition by imposing unfair terms and conditions on publishers and content creators, or by granting itself privileged access to such content, thereby placing developers of rival AI models at a disadvantage."

SEE ALSO: EU fines Elon Musk's X $140 million for lack of transparency

Specifically, the EU will dig into Google's AI-powered, generative search summary tools AI Overviews and AI Mode, and whether the company used web publisher content for these tools "without appropriate compensation to publishers and without offering them the possibility to refuse such use of their content."

Since Google launched AI Overviews in May 2024, researchers have found websites including news and media outlets have seen a devastating impact on site traffic. In July 2025, Google also launched AI Mode, a more conversational AI-generated search results aggregator. A Pew Research Center study from July 2025 found users are less likely to click on links when an AI summary appears in the results, with users more likely to end their browsing session.

This impact on news sites has been colossal. As Cecily Mauran reports for Mashable, "Organic search traffic from major news sites including the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post has declined according to SimilarWeb data. And smaller, independent sites say the rollout of AI Overviews has forced them to shut down their sites or entirely reinvent their distribution model as a result of declining traffic, according to a Bloomberg report. Other reports from SEO analysts found the presence of AI Overviews reduced clicks to sites, compared to traditional search results."

In the UK, MailOnline and Metro owner DMG Media told the Competition and Markets Authority (per the BBC), that AI Overviews had caused an 89 percent drop in click-through rates.

Featured Video For You Humans could soon live underwater, in these deep sea habitats

So, what's next? The EU has informed Google of the investigation and says there is "no legal deadline" for the end of the case, noting that the timeline may be impacted by "the complexity of the case, the extent to which the companies concerned cooperate with the Commission and the parties' exercise of the rights of defence."

It's just the latest Big Tech case brought forth by the EU, with Apple and Meta facing hundreds of millions in fines and a landmark €120 million fine slapped on Elon Musk's X, all for breaching its Digital Services Act (DSA). But it's also the latest case against a major tech company using material for AI training and aggregation purposes, with ChatGPT creator OpenAI facing multiple lawsuits for AI training and copyright infringement, including from publishers. Ziff Davis, Mashable's parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

The Ugreen DH2300 NAS has a budget-friendly price and all the makings of an entry-level network-attached storage device, but after trying to get my family to use it to back up their pictures and data, it might still be too technical for a mass audience.

Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, and was quick to compare his own hosting abilities with that of his least favorite host, Jimmy Kimmel — who he described as "terrible" and "horrible."

"That is very hurtful," Kimmel says in the clip. "I thought we were friends. I don't know what's going on. He is really fixated. I'm starting to think he might have a crush on me."

Kimmel goes on to play a clip of Trump saying, "If I can't beat out Jimmy Kimmel in terms of talent, then I don't think I should be president."

"Agreed," Kimmel responds. "I'm with you. I don't think I've ever agreed with anything more than that."

SAVE OVER $100: As of Dec. 9, the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M3, 128GB, WiFi) is on sale at Amazon for $449.99 after clipping the coupon on the store page. Normally it's listed for $599, so this saves you $149.01.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 11-inch with M3 chip $449.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $149.01   Get Deal

If you've been hoping to score some deals on Apple devices before the holidays, Amazon still has some discounts to look through. In particular, if an iPad is on your shopping list, the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M3, 128GB, WiFi) has dropped to $449.99 with the help of a coupon on the Amazon store page.

This model of iPad Air is usually listed for $599, so this discount price - which will appear at checkout after ticking the coupon price box on the store page - saves you $149.01 overall. It's also only $0.99 away from its lowest-ever price, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, making now a great time to grab it. This discount applies to all available colors at the time of writing as well, so you can pick out your favorite.

SEE ALSO: From AirPods to espresso machines, everything the Mashable shopping team bought during Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025

We're big fans of this iPad Air, with it even landing a spot on our list of the best iPads as the "best pick for most people." Mashable's Samantha Mangino notes in this roundup that, thanks to the M3 chip, "it has the same processing power as a MacBook, scoring 11,464 on our Geekbench 6 test. AKA, it packs a lot of power into a more affordable package."

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Alongside its boost in performance, this iPad also features a sleek 11-inch Liquid Retina display that makes whatever you're watching, reading, or scrolling through look crisply detailed and colorful. This particular model comes with 128GB of storage as well, so there's plenty of space to fill with your favorite apps.

Don't miss out on this great deal on the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M3, 128GB, WiFi) at Amazon. It's not the only option on sale right now, either. If you want to splash out on a fancier model, you can also save on the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro at Amazon.

TL;DR: The Deeper Connect Air Portable Decentralized VPN Travel Router is on sale for $169 with free shipping (order by Dec. 15 for holiday delivery).

Opens in a new window Credit: Deeper Connect Deeper Connect Air Portable Decentralized VPN Travel Router $169
$219 Save $50   Get Deal

If you’re shopping for someone who travels often — whether for work, remote gigs, or pure wanderlust — this is the kind of gift that instantly makes their life easier.

The Deeper Connect Air is a portable, decentralized VPN router that brings fast, secure, subscription-free browsing wherever they land. And right now, it’s available for just $169 (down from $219) with free shipping. Order by Dec. 15 if you want it wrapped and ready in time for Christmas.

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What makes this device so useful is how much digital stress it removes. Airport Wi-Fi acting sketchy? Hotel network wide open? Café hotspot overloaded? The Deeper Connect Air quietly handles all of that.

It delivers military-grade encryption, 300Mbps speeds, and no monthly VPN fees, ever. Just plug it in, and you’re protected — no configuration, extra apps, or complicated setup.

It’s also ideal for entertainment on the road. The device lets you bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms, keeps ads from slowing things down, and handles up to five devices at once. For families, it includes one-click parental controls; for digital nomads, it supports 80+ Web3 features and even offers blockchain-based node access.

Because it uses decentralized VPN (DPN) technology, there’s no single server tracking your usage. You’re connecting through 80,000+ global nodes, which means stable access to virtually any region — and far less risk than public networks.

For frequent travelers, remote workers, students abroad, and anyone who would rather not use unsecured WiFi, this pocket-sized router is both practical and surprisingly powerful.

With no ongoing fees, it’s a smart tech gift that pays off every time they open their laptop on the go.

Get the Deeper Connect Air Decentralized VPN Router while it’s just $169 (reg. $219) with free shipping.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Shopping for gifts for gamers is a double-edged Master Sword. On the one hand, there are so many cool games, consoles, and accessories to choose from. But that's also the tricky part: There is so much gaming-related merchandise to choose from, to the point where you might feel under-leveled for the "simple" task of picking that just-right gift — especially if they're a long-time player who already has all of the obvious gaming gear. That's where we come in.

To help you on your side quest to find a respectable present for someone who loves video games, we've compiled a massive list of more than 50 gamer gift ideas for 2025 — including a bunch of games we've played and products we've tested ourselves. If you're gifting on a budget, you'll do well with a few months' worth of their favorite video game subscription service or a copy of one of the best video games of 2025 (recommended by Mashable's own Alex Perry). Leveling up over the $100 mark expands your options to high-end peripherals, while $200 and above unlocks current-gen consoles, or if you're really nice, a whole new PC.

Of course, mega fans of specific franchises can never get too much displayable merch. We've peppered in some collectibles, stocking stuffers, and Christmas gifts that they may not have yet, like Nintendo-themed LEGOs or a Diablo-themed Tarot deck.

SAVE $19.50: Pokémon TCG's Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box is currently $87.49 on TCGPlayer right now, that's $19.50 less than Amazon's $106.99. But if you manage to qualify for Amazon's Visa card, you'll get an instant $60 gift card to knock down the ETB price to $46.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box $106.99 at Amazon
Possible $60 Gift Card if you qualify on Amazon. TCGPlayer is cheapest otherwise. Get Deal

Elite Trainer Boxes are some of the most popular sealed Pokémon TCG products on store shelves right now, with Phantasmal Flames being no exception. It's got Mega Charizard X slapped all over it, including the 65 included deck sleeves, themed dice and tournament legal coin. There's every chance to pull one of four Mega Charizard X ex cards, including the Secret Illustration Rare, Gold Hyper Rare, Hyper Rare and regular ex Ultra Rare. Although the odds are harsh, there's nine booster packs to help mate the magic anyway.

SEE ALSO: Pokémon TCG's Mega Evolution Enhanced Booster Box is over $20 cheaper on TCGPlayer, but Amazon offers a gift card

So, there's two ways to grab the Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box right now. Well, three if you happen to hate money. First up, if buying it for the full fat price on Amazon for $106.99, which you really shouldn't do. Instead, you can try and qualify for an Amazon Visa card to score a free and instant $60 gift card, with zero need to use the Visa card itself to knock down the ETB to a tidy $46.99.

If you'd sooner not tempt fate with having a credit card within arms reach, well done for admitting as much. TCGPlayer has the best vanilla price right now at $87.49 including delivery, which is a cool $19.50 off Amazons price point. That one is a no-brainer, right?

The best chase cards you can pull from Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you want to save even more money over ripping endless boosters to get your chase card this holiday, the chances are it's going to work out cheaper in the long run just buying it. The good news is the majority of Pokémon TCG has found a new floor value-wise, with prices across the board tanking right now. TCGPlayer is owned by eBay and is armed with vetted and rated sellers for peace of mind buying these gems. Here's the top five chase cards available right now in Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames packs, including up-to-date market values and links to catch one for yourself:

1. Mega Charizard X ex - 125/094
   Near Mint Holofoil: $599.99
   Market price: $600.94
   Most recent sale: $659.99

2. Mega Charizard X ex - 130/094
   Near Mint Holofoil: $411.85
   Market price: $402.30
   Most recent sale: $429

3. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $371.99
   Market price: $396.09
   Most recent sale: $350

4. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $285
   Market price: $310.28
   Most recent sale: $305

5. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $209.90
   Market price: $208.60
   Most recent sale: $204.98

In May, at its annual Google I/O conference, Google announced a new product called the "Android XR glasses," without saying much about the specs or giving us a launch date.

Now, Google is ready to share more. In a blog post, the company clarified that it's actually working on two types of smart glasses, both developed in partnership with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker.

SEE ALSO: Google's Year in Search 2025: The most interesting part is how we searched

The first product is what Google calls "AI glasses," which do not have a display. Instead, they use a built-in speaker, microphones, and camera, to let you interact with Google's AI assistant Gemini and take photos. If you're thinking this is similar to Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, you are correct. The glasses are coming "next year," Google said.

Featured Video For You Are foldable phones worth buying in 2025? As a tech editor, I say heck yes

The other product is a tad more interesting. Google calls them simply "display AI glasses," and these are the ones that the company spoke about in May. They also have an in-lens display which can privately show you stuff like turn-by-turn navigation, translation captions, and more.

The display isn't visible to anyone but the wearer. Credit: Google

The company also shared a couple of short videos, showing the display AI glasses in action. However, Google didn't share a launch date for the glasses with the built-in display.

Both pairs of glasses will run on Google's Android XR, an operating system for what Google calls "extended reality devices," which includes headsets and smart glasses. The first Android XR headset is the Samsung Galaxy XR, which launched in October 2025.

Australia's social media ban for children under 16 will come into effect this Wednesday, Dec. 10. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube have already begun disabling users' accounts to comply with the new law.

Approved by Australia's Senate earlier this year, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act requires social media platforms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent Australians under 16 from holding accounts. A platform will be subject to this requirement if its primary purpose is to enable online social interaction between multiple users, it allows them to interact with some or all other users, and it lets them post content.

"Delaying children’s access to social media accounts gives them valuable time to learn and grow, free of the powerful, unseen forces of harmful and deceptive design features such as opaque algorithms and endless scroll," said Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant in a statement last month. 

"But I’ve also said consistently that age restricting social media is one important tool in our holistic approach to online safety. Ultimately, all online platforms should be building less harmful, age-appropriate experiences through safety by design."  

Failure to comply with Australia's new law could see social media platforms slapped with fines of up to $AU49.5 million ($US33 million). Fortunately, the legislation is specifically targeted at tech companies, and neither children nor their caregivers will be penalised if they circumvent a platform's restrictions to access social media anyway. Parents are reportedly already helping children evade the ban by using their own credentials, while a poll found almost a third would be willing to assist their child in getting around the restrictions on YouTube.

Nevertheless, Australia's new law means social media platforms must work to prohibit account holders under 16. Here's how they're responding.

Facebook, Instagram, and Threads Credit: Meta

Last Thursday, Meta began removing access to Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts belonging to Australians under 16, as well as blocking them from creating new ones. They will still be able to use Messenger, which doesn't fall under Australia's social media ban, but without a connected Facebook account. 

Meta stated that impacted users will be given the option to download their content before the ban comes into effect. They will also be prompted to update their contact information, enabling Meta to reach out and reinstate their accounts once they turn 16. If they are mistakenly caught up in the ban, users can verify their age through third-party provider Yoti, or by providing their government ID or a video selfie.

Though Meta is working to comply with the ban, aiming to remove all impacted users from its services by Dec. 10, the tech giant has made clear that it doesn't agree with it. Meta has instead argued for legislation requiring app stores obtain parents' approval before allowing children under 16 to download apps. This solution would have parents establish a child's age and relevant restrictions while setting up their phone, rather than require them to complete age verification multiple times for different apps.

"Teens are resourceful, and may attempt to circumvent age assurance measures to access restricted services," Meta wrote in a November blog post. "Realistically, we can only do so much to determine age without requiring everyone to provide a government ID — which isn’t safe, poses significant privacy risks, and could lead to identity theft."

TikTok Credit: Mashable composite: TikTok

TikTok also addressed the ban last week, stating that it will deactivate the accounts of Australian users between the age of 13 and 15. (The video sharing app already does not allow users under 13.) Further, any content they have published will no longer be visible to other users.

Impacted users will be given the option to download their information, and can either confirm that they are 16 or older, let their account be deactivated, or delete it entirely. If they choose not to delete their account, they can sign up for a reminder that it is available to them again once they turn 16. 

TikTok states that it uses multiple methods to verify users' ages, including credit card authorisation, providing government ID documents, and employing facial age estimation services from Yoti.

"Every day, we suspend thousands of accounts globally because we don't think our age requirements have been met," wrote TikTok. "We also encourage parents to have conversations with their teens to make sure they have been truthful about their age. If an Australian parent believes their teen may have provided an incorrect date of birth, they can report this in-app and online. We understand that these changes may be upsetting, but they are necessary to ensure that TikTok complies with Australian law."

Snapchat

Snapchat has argued against its classification as an age-restricted social media service, claiming that 75 percent of time Australians spend on the app is messaging and calling. Nevertheless, the Australian government maintains that Snapchat falls under the ban's purview, forcing the video sharing app to comply.

From Dec. 10, Snapchat will lock accounts belonging to Australians under 16. Notably, this is distinct from deactivating them. Locked accounts will remain locked for three years, unless the user verifies that they have turned 16 and has it reinstated. Users can verify their age via third-party provider k-ID, either by providing their government ID or by submitting to facial age estimation. Alternatively, users can complete age verification by connecting their Australian bank account.

Once the three-year lock expires, impacted users' Snapchat accounts will be deactivated. Deactivation gives users 30 days to download their data, which is then permanently deleted after 60 days. Fortunately, Snapchat users can still download their data while their account is locked, giving them three years to do so. Snapchat has also reminded users to cancel any subscriptions they may have to Snapchat+ or Memories+ via the App Store or Play Store. 

Unfortunately, Australian teens' Snapchat Streaks won't be preserved while their accounts are locked.

"[D]isconnecting teens from their friends and family doesn’t make them safer — it may push them to less safe, less private messaging apps," said Snap. "We continue to advocate for more privacy-conscious solutions, such as mandating age verification at the device, operating system, or app store level."

YouTube Credit: Google

YouTube was poised to get an exemption from the ban earlier this year, with owner Google arguing that it is "a video sharing platform, not a social media service, that offers benefit and value to younger Australians." This exemption was subsequently reversed in July, forcing YouTube to ban Australians under 16.

As a result, YouTube will automatically sign out all Australian users under 16 on Dec. 10, including supervised pre-teen and teen accounts. These users' YouTube channels will become inaccessible from this date, preventing them from uploading, commenting on, or monetising videos. Their channels will also no longer be visible to others. YouTube Kids will not be impacted by the ban.

Users can download their YouTube and Youtube Music data via Google Takeout, as well as permanently delete their channel if they so choose. If they don't delete it, Google will hold on to their data until they turn 16 and can re-enable their account, reinstating their uploads and comments.

Significantly, YouTube does allow users to view content without logging in. As such, the ban primarily impacts the ability for YouTube users to upload content, as well as access features such as likes, subscriptions, private playlists, and memberships.

"As the Social Media Minimum Age Act requires kids to use YouTube without an account, it removes the very parental controls and safety filters built to protect them — it will not make kids safer on our platform," said Google. "These are the unfortunate consequences of a rushed legislative process that failed to allow for adequate consultation and consideration of the real complexities of online safety regulation."

Twitch

Like YouTube, Twitch initially seemed as though it would get an exemption from Australia's social media ban. This changed late last month, when the Australian government added it to its banned social media list.

Twitch has not yet announced what steps it will be taking to specifically comply with Australia's new laws. However, the platform already does not allow users under the age of 13, and has minimum age requirements which vary by region. In addition to requesting users' birth dates when they create an account, Twitch enforces these age limits via on-device facial age estimation conducted by k-ID. 

As such, it seems likely that Twitch may request Australian users use such methods to verify their age when logging in, as well as when they sign up for a new account. Twitch streams are still available to watch without logging in, however viewers won't be able to access features such as chatting and subscribing.

Reddit

Though Reddit is reportedly gearing up to challenge Australia's social media ban in court, it will likely be a while before any potential action bears fruit. In the meantime, u/LastBlueJay from Reddit's Public Policy team has outlined how it is complying with Australia's ban in a post to subreddit r/RedditSafety. 

All Australians with Reddit accounts will be required to verify their age, both by supplying their birth date as well as via a third-party age verification service. Reddit states that this may involve supplying their government ID or taking a selfie. Accounts determined to belong to Australians under 16 will be suspended, though will have an opportunity to appeal and reattempt verification. (Reddit has always banned accounts for users under 13).

Interestingly, Reddit is also going one step further by implementing restrictions on users under 18 across the globe. These users will be served a version of Reddit with "more protective safety measures," including stricter chat settings, no access to mature content, and no ad personalisation.

While Reddit is complying with the ban, u/LastBlueJay stated that the platform "disagree[s] about the scope, effectiveness, and privacy implications of this law." Like both YouTube and Twitch, Reddit is still available for people to browse without being logged in, though users are not able to post, comment, or message others.

"We believe strongly in the open internet and the continued accessibility of quality knowledge, information, resources, and community building for everyone, including young people," they wrote in their post on Tuesday. "This is why Reddit has always been, and continues to be, available for anyone to read even if they don’t have an account. By limiting account eligibility and putting identity tests on internet usage, this law undermines everyone’s right to both free expression and privacy, as well as account-specific protections."

X

While the Australia-specific page of X's Help Centre doesn't explicitly mention the Dec. 10 ban, it does outline the microblogging platform's policy regarding young Australians.

Regardless of location, X requires users to be at least 13 years old to have an account. Restrictions are placed on accounts for users aged between 13 and 18 by default, including making their posts only visible to their followers, and requiring them to approve new followers. They can also only receive direct messages from accounts they follow.

To determine users' ages, X relies upon information such as their self-reported age, how long ago their account was created, and whether they have previously verified their identity via a third party. X uses both facial age estimation and government ID verification.

X doesn't appear to have issued any further guidance specifically addressing Australia's social media ban at time of writing. As such, it is currently unclear how it will respond to the ban, as its current measures do not appear to comply with its requirements.

"The X Rules enable minors to participate in the public conversation freely and safely, and minors should rely on the X Rules (and report to X) in order to protect themselves," reads X's Help Center page.

Kick

Australian livestreaming platform Kick has asked Australian users to verify their age via k-ID by the Dec. 10 deadline, stating that this is a mandatory requirement to continue using their service. Any accounts it determines are owned by those under 16 will be deactivated, though Kick states that users will have "clear review pathways" if they wish to appeal the decision.

"We believe in creating a safer online environment, and this change is driven by our duty of care to our users," said Kick, addressing the social media ban in a post on their website last month. "By implementing age assurance, we fulfill our legal obligations under the Online Safety Act 2021 to reduce the risk of harm to young Australians. This proactive step helps enhance the safety and well-being of our younger community members by limiting their exposure to specific online risks, such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and unwanted contact."

Which social media platforms are still available to Australians under 16?

Though many of the largest social media platforms will soon be off-limits to Australians under 16, not all of them are being banned. 

As previously mentioned, Meta's Messenger app will still be available, allowing kids to continue chatting to people they know. Meta's other instant messaging app WhatsApp is also exempt, as is gaming-focused voice chat app Discord.

Video game Roblox is explicitly permitted, as is the LEGO Play app and video game storefront Steam. Other platforms that won't be age-restricted are GitHub, Google Classroom, Pinterest, and YouTube Kids.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025:

AcrossApt profession for someone named Rosemary or Ginger

• The answer is Chef.

Get to go, as leftovers

• The answer is Box up.

Word that can precede Bowl or Glue

• The answer is Super.

Intense anger

• The answer is Rage.

"Cut that out!"

• The answer is Stop.

DownStephen Colbert's network

• The answer is CBS

Noted group of 24

• The answer is Hours.

One living abroad, informally

• The answer is Expat.

Spanish for "fire"

• The answer is Fuego.

Do some kitchen work

• The answer is Prep.

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

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

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

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A prong.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

SPIKE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Rested.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 9, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SLEPT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Cinder.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 9 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 9, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

EMBER

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Graceful

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 9 Hurdle Word 4 answer

AGILE

Final Hurdle hint

A fool.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

DUMMY

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

SAVE $20.58: Pokémon TCG's Mega Evolution Enhanced Booster Box is now down to $231.99 at TCGPlayer, which includes a Bulbasaur Stamped Illustration Rare promo card worth $17.07. The same Booster Box is going for $252.57 on Amazon, but you could get a $60 instant gift card to save more.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolution Enhanced Booster Box. $252.57 at Amazon
Possible $60 Gift Card if you qualify on Amazon. TCGPlayer is cheapest otherwise. Get Deal

I love a good enhanced booster box just for the exclusive Illustration Rare stamped promo that's included, and Mega Evolution's is my favorite yet with Bulbasaur IR. It's also only an extra couple of dollars over the standard booster box too as far as Amazon is concerned, so this option is a no-brainer considering Bulbasaur is worth around $17.

So there's two routes to travel for trainers today. The best deal overall is seeing if you qualify for an Amazon Visa Card. If successful, trainers will catch an instant $60 gift card to use against the Mega Evolution Enhanced Booster Box. That knocks down that $252.57 price tag to $192.57.

TCGPlayer is (as usual) cheaper than Amazon right now, rocking up at $231.99 and $20.58 less over Amazon.

The best chase cards you can pull from Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Of course, the challenge of actually pulling the cards you want is half the fun, but if you're like me and absolutely can't stand enjoying yourself, just buy the single cards you want. The changes are you're going to save money over ripping packs for higher-end cards, and the Illustration Rares are usually the price of a couple of boosters. So here's the top chase cards from the latest Pokémon TCG sets in Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames, complete with current market value information per TCGPlayer and links to catch your very own:

1. Mega Charizard X ex - 125/094
   Near Mint Holofoil: $599.99
   Market price: $600.94
   Most recent sale: $659.99

2. Mega Charizard X ex - 130/094
   Near Mint Holofoil: $411.85
   Market price: $402.30
   Most recent sale: $429

3. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $371.99
   Market price: $396.09
   Most recent sale: $350

4. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $285
   Market price: $310.28
   Most recent sale: $305

5. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $209.90
   Market price: $208.60
   Most recent sale: $204.98