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Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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 Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Not energized

• Green: Something a receiver runs

• Blue: Mascots for women's teams on ice

• Purple: Share the same first word

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Grow weary

• Green: Football receiving routes

• Blue: PWHL teams

• Purple: Sports _________

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 Sports Edition #192 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Grow weary - EXHAUST, FATIGUE, TIRE, WEAKEN

• Football receiving routes - DIG, FADE, POST, WHEEL

• PWHL teams - CHARGE, FLEET, FROST, VICTOIRE

• Sports _______ - CAR, CENTER, ILLUSTRATED, WRITER

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.

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

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.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands 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 April 3 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Get the bug

The words are creepy crawlers.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are insects with 'bug' in their name.

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 Entomology.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 3

• Lightning

• Lady

• Stink

• Assassin

• Potato

• Doodle

• Entomology

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.

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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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's The Mini crossword answers for April 3 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: A physical message

• Green: You'll find them in ALDI, Costco, etc.

• Blue: Things with tags

• Purple: The first word is the same

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Printed notification

• Green: Seen at a grocery store checkout counter

• Blue: Things with tabs

• Purple: Palm __

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 #662 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Printed notification: ANNOUNCEMENT, BULLETIN, NOTICE, POSTER

• Seen at a grocery store checkout counter: CONVEYOR BELT, REGISTER, SCALE, SCANNER

• Things with tabs: BROWSER, FOLDER, KEYBOARD, SODA CAN

• Palm __: BEACH, READER, SUNDAY, TREE

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 April 3

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

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.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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 today: Hints and answers for April 3 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's The Mini crossword answers for April 3, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To cut off hair.

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...

SHEAR.

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 April 3

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.

The Dimension 20 cast (Brennan Lee Mulligan, Ally Beardsley, Lou Wilson, Siobhan Thompson, and Zac Oyama) locked in to draft their ultimate teams of characters from Intrepid Heroes campaigns.Which PC will be the first pick?

Which cast members betray each other in order to get the characters they want? And most importantly, which of these teams do you think will prevail in a no-holds-barred battle royale?

The new season of Dimension 20, Dimension 20: Titan Takedown, premieres Apr. 2 at 7 p.m. ET on Dropout.

The iPhone maker spent years trying to move production of some products out of China to avoid tariffs. But now that may not matter.

The Meta chief, who was at the White House on Wednesday, has discussed the case with the president and his aides. A trial is set to start in less than two weeks.

Service sectors make up the vast bulk of the American economy, which gives trading partners some clout in trade negotiations.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to 1min.AI's Advanced Business Plan, which offers a collection of almost all the major AI models for only A$158 (reg. A$856).

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Offload your least favorite (or time-consuming) day-to-day tasks to AI with this 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription, now just A$158 for a limited time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sketch hits theaters Aug. 6.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wait…how does it work?

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

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

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

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

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

TikTok could soon be a part of Amazon.

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

The paper reported:

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

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

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

[image or embed]

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: The best coffee machines for modern kitchens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 release date, price announced

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

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

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

• 1080p resolution with an LCD screen

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

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

• Two USB-C ports

Frame rate support has increased to a whopping 120 fps. Credit: Nintendo Joy-Con 2 controllers

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

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

• Larger control sticks

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

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

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

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

Other hardware features

• New kickstand to hold the Switch 2 at any angle

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

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

The wait is almost over, Nintendo fans. 

During today's Nintendo Direct event livestream, we received a slew of information about Nintendo's new upcoming console, Nintendo Switch 2.

Mashable has compiled every single detail that was shared, including a release date. Here's everything Nintendo announced:

Switch 2 release date

The Switch 2 officially has a release date, and it's right around the corner.

According to Nintendo, the Switch 2 will hit stores on Switch 2 June 5, 2025.

Switch 2 price

While Nintendo did not announce a price during the livestreamed event, the company confirmed how much Switch 2 would retail for at launch.

The Nintendo Switch 2 console will cost $450 in the U.S.

A bundled version of the Switch 2 console with a game will also be released at launch. More about which game will be bundled below.

Switch 2 specs The Switch and Switch 2 side-by-side comparison. Credit: Nintendo

According to Nintendo, the Switch 2 has a larger screen than the Switch at 7.9 inches. While the screen is bigger, the Switch 2 will maintain the same thickness as the original Switch.

Nintendo says the Switch 2 has double the pixels compared to the Switch, with 120 Hz gameplay on its screen. Nintendo described the display as a "vivid LCD screen" with support for HDR.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 specs unveiled: Bigger screen, better performance, and more

Switch 2 will have eight times the internal storage that its predecessor had, with 256GB of storage.

The Switch 2 has a built-in mic with noise cancelling technology (more on that in a second.) The Switch 2 device also has a built-in stand on the back of the device for tabletop gameplay.

Switch 2 built-in stand Credit: Nintendo

There are two USB-C ports on the Nintendo Switch 2, one at the bottom and one at the top of the device, for accessories and charging. When plugged into the dock, the Switch 2 will output up to 4K resolution to TV sets.

Game cards for the Switch 2 are the exact same size as the game cards for Switch; however, to differentiate the two, Nintendo has made the Switch 2 game cards red. Nintendo says Switch 2 game cards will have faster reading speed as well.

The Switch 2 will only be compatible with microSD Express cards for additional external storage. Regular microSD cards are not compatible with the Switch 2

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

Users will be able to transfer data between Switch and Switch 2 via Nintendo's system transfer feature on Nintendo's website. Some physical and digital Switch games will be compatible with Switch 2, Nintendo says.

Switch 2 GameChat 

Perhaps the highlight of the livestream, feature-wise, was the introduction of GameChat.

Switch 2 Gamechat voice chat Credit: Nintendo

GameChat is Nintendo's very own built-in video chat feature, which can be used to communicate with friends and family while playing a game. Nintendo's demo of GameChat showed how a user would be able to play a game while voice chatting with other Switch 2 users who are displayed in multiple-screen boxes below the gameplay.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo brings GameChat live chatting to the Switch 2

Users will be able to screen share, too, which will display the current real-time gameplay of the users with whom you are chatting. Users will be able to screen share any game, regardless of what game the other user is playing.  

According to Nintendo, a paid Nintendo Direct membership is required for GameChat. However, to encourage use at the beginning, Nintendo will make the feature free until March 2026.

Switch 2 Camera The Nintendo Switch 2 camera Credit: Nintendo

Nintendo is also launching a new device alongside the Switch 2, the Switch 2 Camera.

The Switch 2 camera can be used in GameChat for video chat capabilities. The user's video feed will be displayed in the aforementioned chat boxes below the screen.

Switch 2 Gamechat video chat Credit: Nintendo

As shown in some of the title demos during the stream, the Switch 2 camera can also be utilized in-game. Combined with the previously mentioned built-in mic and its voice recognition capabilities, gamers can use their voice and body in games built for these capabilities.

Joy-Con 2 and Pro controllers

One of the biggest visual changes to the Switch 2's hardware may be with its new Joy-Con 2 controllers.

The Joy-Con 2 controller features a new "C" button on the right controller. The C button basically provides complete control of the GameChat function by bringing up the chat menu options anytime it is pressed.

Joy-Con 2 C Button Credit: Nintendo

The Joy-Con 2 controllers also feature bigger SL/SR buttons and larger control sticks.

When connected to the Switch 2 console, the Joy-Con 2 controllers now snap in magnetically as well.

Based on Nintendo's game demos, perhaps the biggest gameplay change with the Joy-Con 2 controllers is the ability to use them like a computer mouse. Nintendo showcased a number of games that required users to utilize this feature.

Nintendo also announced a new Switch 2 Pro controller with its own C button and programmable GR/GL buttons on the back of the controller. The new Pro controller will also have an audio jack.

Nintendo GameShare

Nintendo introduced a brand new feature called GameShare. GameShare will allow users to play the same game together locally on multiple Switch devices.

GameShare-compatible games can be shared with up to three other systems on the same local network without each player requiring their own copy of the game.

Switch 2 games from Nintendo Mario Kart World Credit: Nintendo Mario Kart World

Nintendo presented a slew of its own games and third-party titles for Switch 2 at the Nintendo Direct event. However, the new Mario Kart World was obviously the main event.

Mario Kart World will feature the series' most extensive number of characters in a race, with 24 players.

There are all new features such as rail grinding, bouncing off walls, changing weather, and more.

SEE ALSO: The internet reacts to Nintendo's new Switch 2, 'Mario Kart World'

There are plenty of returning and new characters. The livestream chat seemed most excited about the ability to play as the Moo Moo Meadows cow.

The biggest change, however, is that Mario Kart is now an open-world game. Players are free to roam all over the maps. In fact, there's a free roam mode where gamers can explore on their own or with other players. There's a photo mode to create snapshots of in-game moments. And a new Knockout Tour mode takes advantage of the open world by having players travel to different checkpoints from course to course in order not to fall down the rankings and get eliminated.

Mario Kart World will be released with Switch 2 as a launch day title. Nintendo will even sell a Switch 2 bundle with the Mario Kart World game at launch.

Other Nintendo Switch 2 titles Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Credit: Nintendo

Nintendo showcased other games featuring their own popular characters as well.

These titles include Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment featuring Princess Zelda, a sequel to Kirby AirRide called Kirby AirRiders, a Rocket League-esque basketball game called Drag x Drive, and a new Donkey Kong game titled Donkey Kong Bananza.

Donkey Kong Bananza Credit: Nintendo

Nintendo will also launch the Switch alongside a new paid digital game called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, which looks like it's meant to provide users with an intro to a console in much the same way Wii Sports did back when the Wii first launched.

Switch 2 Edition games

According to Nintendo, three types of games can be played on Switch 2:

• Switch 2 games

• Backwards-compatible Switch games

• Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games

Switch 2 Edition games are popular Switch titles that will be re-released with all-new features and gameplay exclusive to Switch 2. Nintendo fans who already have the original version of the game for Switch can save money by purchasing a Switch 2 Edition upgrade instead of having to fork over full price for the updated title.

Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition, for example, will come with new modes such as Mario Party Mode, Bowser Live, and Carnival Coaster. These new additions to the game utilize the Switch 2 camera and Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.

Mario Party Switch 2 Edition will take advantage of the Switch 2 Camera. Credit: Nintendo

In addition to upgraded graphics, the Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be able to utilize a new feature called Zelda Notes. By pairing up with the Nintendo Switch app on a user's smartphone, Zelda Notes brings maps, voice navigation, and in-game creation sharing to the game.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo just added sat nav to 'The Legend of Zelda'

Nintendo also announced Switch 2 Editions for Kirby and The Forgotten Land, as well as upcoming Switch games such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Nintendo Switch Online

As previously mentioned, the new Gamechat feature will eventually require a Nintendo Switch Online membership. However, GameChat isn't the only new thing coming to Nintendo Switch Online.

Nintendo says that Nintendo Switch Online will be fully playable on Switch 2, with classic games from the NES, Super NES, and Game Boy consoles. 

SEE ALSO: Nintendo is finally putting GameCube games on Nintendo Switch Online for Switch 2

However, Nintendo Switch Online will now come with another tier option, the Plus Expansion Pack, which is the new exclusive Switch 2 membership. This membership will include games from consoles such as Nintendo 64, GameCube, and even the SEGA Genesis.

Gamecube controller with C Button Credit: Nintendo

Nintendo shared specific game titles coming to the service, which include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. 

The company will also be releasing a brand new Nintendo GameCube controller with a C button.

Third-party Switch 2 titles A new Goldeneye on the horizon?! Credit: Nintendo

Lastly, Nintendo shared trailers for dozens of Switch 2 titles coming out from partner publishers.

SEE ALSO: Every Switch 2 game revealed in the Nintendo Direct livestream

Below is a complete list of the third-party titles that were announced at Nintendo Direct.

• Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition

• Hades II

• Street Fighter

• Daemon X Machina

• Split Fiction

• EA Sports FC

• EA Sports Madden

• Hogwarts Legacy

• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4

• Hitman: World of Assassination

• Project 007

• Bravely Default: Flying Fairy

• Yakuza 0 Director's Cut

• Deltarune

• Borderlands 4

• Civilization VII

• WWE 2K

• NBA 2K

• Survival Kids

• Enter the Gungeon

• Final Fantasy VII Remake

• Kunitsu-Gami Path of the Goddess

• Hollow Knight: Silksong

• Story of Seasons: Gran Bazaar

• Goodnight Universe

• Two Point Museum

• Wild Hearts S

• Witchbrook

• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S

• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

• MARVEL Cosmic Invasion

• Star Wars Outlaws

• Nobunga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition

• Fast Fusion

• Shadow Labyrinth

• Raidou remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

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

• Reanimal

• Fortnite

• Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer

• Professor Layton and the New World of Steam

• Tamagotchi Plaza

• Human Fall Flat 2

• The Duskbloods

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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