Have you given the Batman Arkham trilogy a try before? If not, I really think you're missing out. It's a really stellar series of games, which I personally don't think any other developer has managed before. It's definitely one of my favorite superhero games, and it's not based on the fact that Batman is my fave hero. Okay, maybe a little bit of bias.

The Internet has come a long way since the early days of dial-up, with cable and fiber bringing seriously impressive speeds to the home. At one point, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considered 25/4 Mbps as broadband, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) built out networks to enable it. But recently, the FCC increased the bar to 120/20 Mbps, forcing the ISPs to turn on extra equipment to meet the population's needs, with more than 90% of the U.S. population now having access to those speeds.

Though most know Google's AI-powered research assistant, NotebookLM, for its viral features like Audio Overviews and Mind Maps, these features weren’t part of the original launch when the tool first debuted under Google Labs. In case you don't know what Google Labs is, it's essentially Google's experimental playground where the tech giant rolls out early versions of its AI tools to gather feedback and refine them before releasing them more widely. What's interesting is that not all of Google Labs' experimental projects make it past the testing phase. Some get shelved completely.

I loved Hot Wheels as a kid, but I never managed to get the really cool tracks that I always saw in the ads. Despite that, I had some matchbox cars, some tracks, and a desire to see vehicles go flying over gaps and crashing into obstacles, so I still had a blast.

There was a time when gaming didn't mean headsets and Discord servers. It meant two people, one screen, and a bucket load of chaos and laughter. Split-screen gaming during the time I grew up — the sixth and seventh generation — wasn't just a feature to be lauded. It was a part of the whole experience itself.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday might be the biggest days of the year when it comes to shopping for gifts, but what about all the birthdays, weddings, and special occasions that happen before the holidays?Life’s celebrations don’t always follow the typical calendar year, and having thoughtful gifts ready to celebrate a loved one’s achievement, new home, or promotion can help you avoid scrambling at the last minute. That’s where shopping events like Prime Day come in, as they offer yet another chance to grab a great gift at a discount.Below, we’ve rounded up a selection of Prime Day deals culled directly from our various gift guides, each of which we can personally vouch for. Whether you’re shopping for a planned event or just surprising someone because you can, these picks are sure to meet the moment.Ototo Nessie ladleCooking feels a lot less like a chore with Ototo’s Nessie ladle. I mean, how do you not smile when you see the Loch Ness Monster peeking out from inside your soup? The cute, 10-inch gag gift is great for serving soups and sauces, too, especially since it can stand on its own and features a heat-resistant silicone design.Where to Buy: $19.95 $9.95 at AmazonAmazFit Active 2It’s still hard believe the Amazfit Active 2 retails for less than $100. The humble smartwatch includes everything, from offline navigation and voice commands to a strength training mode that can auto-detect sets, reps, and rest periods. It also features a vivid OLED display and a super stylish watchface — which isn’t something often associated with cheap fitness trackers.Where to Buy: $99.99 $79.99 at Amazon $99.99 $79.99 at AmazfitAirPods Pro (second-gen) with USB-CThere’s no real competition. For iPhone owners, the AirPods Pro are easily the best wireless earbuds on the market. They boast some useful Apple-only features as a result of their deep iOS integration, including extensive Find My support along with terrific noise cancellation and sound. The latest model comes with a USB-C charging case, too, just in case the Lightning port isn’t your jam.Where to Buy: $249.99 $149 at Amazon $249.99 $149 at Walmart $249.99 $149.99 at Best BuyBaseus Free2Pull Retractable USB-C Cable 100WMost people don’t want to wrangle cables… and who can blame them? Not us, which is why several folks at The Verge own Baseus’ handy, retractable USB-C option. The Free2Pull comes in two sizes, each of which conveniently pulls the excess cable into a small puck that’s far tidier and easier to manage than a loose cord.Where to Buy: $21.99 $9.96 at Amazon $21.99 $9.96 at Best Buy $21.99 $16.99 at BaseusNanoleaf Expo Smart LED Display Case Smarter KitA proper collection deserves a proper showcase, which is where Nanoleaf’s smart LED cases come in. Each reactive, stackable box can display tunable white lighting and up to 16 million hues, allowing you to bathe your shoes, figurines, and other items in whatever colors you see fit. And because it’s Nanoleaf, you’ll even be able to access the same smart features as the company’s bulbs.Where to Buy: $299.99 $227.99 at Amazon $299.99 $240 at NanoleafHoto Hand Tool SetHoto’s electric screwdrivers are a mainstay at The Verge, and the company’s Hand Tool Set is just as eye-catching. All of the included components, from the needlenose pliers and claw hammer to the textured carrying case, showcase a handsome minimalist design that’s far more attractive than the usual white-label fare. It makes for an attractive starter kit, if nothing else.Where to Buy: $59.99 $33.99 at Amazon $59.99 $49.99 at Walmart $59.99 $49.99 at HotoGoogle TV Streamer 4KNow that summer is here, your giftee likely has a lot more time to binge. For that, we recommend the Google TV Streamer (4K), which boasts onboard Google Assistant, easy-to-use smart home controls, and the best interface of any streaming device available. The set-top box even features a handy button for pinging the remote, giving it an edge over your couch.Where to Buy: $99.99 $84 at Amazon $99.99 $84.99 at Best Buy $99.99 $84.99 at GoogleTapo RV30 Max PlusWith the RV30 Max Plus, your giftee can enjoy spotless floors without lifting a finger. The powerful robovac / mop comes with features that normally cost twice the price, including lidar navigation, room-specific cleaning, and a self-empty dock. You can also control it via Alexa or Google Assistant, making cleaning almost effortless.Where to Buy: $299.99 $199.99 at Amazon $299.99 $229.99 at TP-Link (with code 20RV30MP)Anker Laptop Power BankThe Anker Laptop Power Bank is a lifesaver for anyone who works or studies on the go. With an impressive 25,000mAh capacity and 165W total output, it can quickly charge a beefy MacBook Pro to 50 percent capacity in just 30 minutes. Plus, with three USB-C ports and a USB-A port, you can power multiple devices at once, including phones, tablets, and handheld consoles.Where to Buy: $119.99 $94.99 at Amazon $119.99 $94.49 at Anker $134.99 $119.99 at Newegg (with code FTTEU738)Star Wars OutlawsStar Wars Outlaws is the best scoundrel simulator there is. The open-world sci-fi caper is steeped in the lore of a galaxy far, far away, one that lets you explore the bustling criminal underworlds of Canto Bight, Toshara, and — yes — Tatooine with a blaster on your hip and your adorable merqaal companion Nix by your side. Apparently, a bit of villainy ain’t so bad after all.Where to Buy: $52.95 $28.49 at AmazonSony WH-1000XM6The latest iteration of Sony’s best-in-class noise-canceling headphones has finally arrived. The newfangled XM6 make subtle improvements to every facet, from sound quality to comfort to ANC, while wisely bringing back the foldable design last seen on the last-gen XM4.Where to Buy: $449.99 $428 at Amazon $449.99 $428 at B&H Photo $449.99 $429.99 at Best BuyGovee Table Lamp 2If you’re looking for a way to brighten up your giftee’s day — either literally or figuratively — Govee’s Table Lamp 2 can get the job done. The color-changing lamp boasts built-in scheduling and more than 60 dynamic lighting effects, including preset scenes for various holidays. You can even create custom color combos for when “Dandelion” and other presets just aren’t cutting it.Where to Buy: $79.99 $55.99 at Amazon $79.99 $55.99 at GoveeKindle Paperwhite (2024)Amazon’s latest Kindle Paperwhite is the ideal companion for anyone who likes to relax by the pool (or anywhere else). It’s designed to last for weeks at a time, not days, while a larger seven-inch display and adjustable color temperature allow for more natural lighting in any environment.Where to Buy: $159.99 $124.99 at AmazonXreal One smart glassesThe Xreal One aren’t the most affordable augmented-reality glasses available, but they are some of the best for displaying movies and games on the go. You can connect them via USB-C to your smartphone, tablet, or handheld gaming PC.Where to Buy: $499 $449 at Amazon $499 $449 at XrealNIIMBOT D110 Label Printer with TapeNiimbot’s inkless, rechargeable label printer can help you stay organized anytime, anywhere. The portable Bluetooth gadget effortlessly pairs with any iOS or Android phone and features a range of simple templates, allowing your giftee to create custom labels for everything from pantry items to office supplies.Where to Buy: $29.99 $15.19 at Amazon $25.99 $16.99 at NIIMBOTInstant Pot ProThe Instant Pot Pro is the amalgamation of 10 different kitchen appliances. Not only does it function as both a six-quart rice cooker and a pressure cooker, but it also serves as a yogurt maker, a slow cooker, a cake baker, a sous vide machine, a sauté pan, and more. It’s dead simple to use, too, letting you prepare an entire meal for six with just a couple of ingredients and a few button presses.Where to Buy: $149.99 $99.99 at Amazon $149.95 $99.99 at Williams SonomaYogasleep Travel Mini Sound Machine with Night LightFor many people, few things are as calming as white noise. Luckily, it’s easy to conjure up with Yogasleep’s Travel Mini Sound Machine. The rechargeable, pocket-sized device offers a total of six noise profiles, from ambient nature sounds to serene pink noise, along with a built-in night light that’s just bright enough to read with or use to navigate your next Airbnb.Where to Buy: $27.99 $23.79 at AmazonSonos Beam (second-generation)The second-gen Sonos Beam is a terrific sound bar with big sound for its small footprint. It uses eARC for minimal latency, so playing games doesn’t have that annoying audio delay that can plague entry-level home theater setups. Plus, it integrates with the rest of Sonos’ Wi-Fi-connected ecosystem if you choose to expand your music listening to multiple rooms.Where to Buy: $499 $369 at Amazon $499 $369 at Best BuyBirdfy Feeder 1Looking at birds is cool, and we’re all better off spending more time doing it. And while birdwatching typically requires patience and a decent pair of binoculars, you could summon birds with Birdfy’s entry-level smart feeder, which features a 1080p camera and an app that lets you view birds up close as they munch on seeds.Where to Buy: $219.99 $104.99 at Birdfy $219.99 $109.97 at Amazon $219.99 $109.97 at ChewyEpicka Universal Travel Adapter OneIf your loved one often travels abroad, they’ll need a good travel adapter to power up their electronics. Epicka’s Universal Travel Adapter One is one they can use in more than 150 countries, including Australia and those in the UK and EU. It comes with one USB-C port and four standard USB-A ports, too, which should allow you to charge a range of devices at higher speeds than many of the other travel adapters on the market.Where to Buy: $24.99 $19.98 at AmazonApple AirTagIf someone you know is a traveler or prone to losing things, an AirTag makes for a smart, stress-saving gift. The UWB Bluetooth trackers tap into Apple’s vast Find My network, allowing you to quickly recover lost luggage, keys, passports, and other items with little more than a quick glance at your iPhone.Where to Buy: $29 $19.99 at Amazon $29 $19.99 at Walmart $29 $19.99 at Best BuyAmazon Echo PopAn Echo Pop can make your everyday routine just a little easier, if not more enjoyable. With a simple Alexa command, you can hit the lights, schedule an alarm, launch a podcast, or carry out a host of other voice-controlled actions. The entry-level smart speaker comes in an array of fun hues, too, letting you add a splash of color to any room.Where to Buy: $39.99 $21.99 at Amazon $39.99 at Best Buy $39.99 at The Home DepotAway The Carry-OnWhether you intend to use it for work trips or weekend getaways with friends, the Carry-On is a sleek, durable suitcase that makes travel easier. It’s packed with thoughtful touches — including a TSA-approved lock and a separate laundry bag — and it’s small enough to fit in most overhead bins yet spacious enough that you should have no trouble stowing everything you need for a three-day jaunt.Where to Buy: $275 $220 at Away $275 $220 at AmazonSatechi Vegan-Leather Magnetic Wallet StandSatechi’s MagSafe-ready wallet addresses two specific needs that may make it a must-have for some: it’s crafted from vegan leather, and it doubles as a kickstand. That means the durable wallet provides a hands-free way to watch videos or hop on a call, whether you place it in portrait or landscape mode. Where to Buy: $39.99 $23.99 at AmazonAeroPress ClearWith the Aeropress Clear, you’ll be able to enjoy your morning cup of joe no matter where you are. Not only does the portable coffee press pack into its own plastic cup and feature a shatterproof, see-through build, but it can also make up to three cups of coffee at once. That means you can enjoy a refill when that midday slump inevitably hits.Where to Buy: $49.95 $34.97 at Amazon $49.95 $39.98 at Walmart $49.95 at AeroPressTime Timer MOD (Home Edition)A basic timer may seem like a thoughtless gift, but there are many tasks we procrastinate on every day that could be more easily managed if we dedicated a little bit of time to them. A visual Pomodoro timer, such as the colorful MOD (Home Edition), is key to helping break tasks into manageable chunks or take them on all at once.Where to Buy: $24.95 $15.96 at Amazon $24.95 $18.95 at Walmart $24.95 at Time Timer8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical NumpadMost people don’t need a number pad, but if they do, 8BitDo’s Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad may be the most charming data entry tool there is. It has hot-swappable mechanical switches and a satisfying clickiness, along with wireless support so you can use it either left- or right-handed. Best of all, it becomes a calculator with a single press.Where to Buy: $44.99 $33.99 at Amazon $44.99 $33.99 at Best Buy $44.99 $33.99 at 8BitDoAnker 2-in-1 USB C to USB C Cable 140WNo one should have to deal with a rat’s nest behind their desk when devices like Anker’s 2-in-1 cable exist. The handy USB-C cable splits at the end, giving you the ability to charge up to two devices from a single port. That means you can split power between a phone and tablet or juice a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50 percent in just 20 minutes using a single port.Where to Buy: $22.99 $17.99 at Amazon (black) $22.99 $17.99 at Amazon (white) $22.99 $17.99 at Anker (with code WS7DV2LSRNYD)

If you looked at the price of this air duster, shrugged, and went along with your day, you probably already own a DataVac. For the rest of you, know that I am terrible at sticking to regular maintenance on my PCs, so my desktop often gets full of dust. Okay, slightly less terrible than I was, because now I can fire up the DataVac whenever I spot dust and banish it from my PC.

I’ve always liked the idea of folding phones, but I’ve never really understood the appeal of the flip form factor. With the new Galaxy Z Flip 7, I was hoping Samsung would finally give me a reason to change my mind. Maybe this would be the year the hardware really stepped up and made the flip form factor feel more than just a cool idea.

PC upgrades often don't come cheap. The best CPUs and GPUs can make a big difference to your PC experience, but they can easily cost anywhere from $250 to $800 (excluding the truly high-end options). That said, you don't always need to spend a lot to augment your PC. Inexpensive upgrades exist, and depending on your existing configuration, they can give your machine a huge makeover. And almost all of them cost no more than $50–$60.

The release of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been met with a lot of excitement from Nintendo fans. In addition to a number of new games coming out for the console, Switch 2 owners have access to their previous library of titles from the original Nintendo Switch. Luckily for them, playing those games on the newer hardware has yielded some benefits. A number of games on the original Switch have gotten a boost in performance when running on the new console, leading to a better experience for Switch owners. They may have been rocky experiences at first, but the Switch 2 has turned those games into something much better for everyone.

If you've been keeping tabs on Windows 11 and how it has been evolving over time, you may have noticed that the Control Panel has been shrinking as of late. It's part of Microsoft's big push to get everything moved out of the Control Panel and into the shinier, newer Settings screen. Regardless of which one you prefer, it seems that the Redmond giant would rather scrap the legacy app and go for something more suited to the modern-day user.

If you've been looking to really upgrade the storage on your PC or game console, this 8TB M.2 SSD might be just what you're looking for. The WD Black SN850X not only offers a lot of storage, but the performance is also quite good as well. The best part is that this particular model is now on sale from Amazon, with a steep discount that knocks $350 off the original retail price.