Feed aggregator

Low price alert: The Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station is $80 off at Amazon

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 13:04

SAVE $80: The Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $129, down from the list price of $209. That's a 38% discount that matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station $129 at Amazon
$209 Save $80   Get Deal

Now that we're unofficially in summer season, it's time to think about sunny outings and adventures. If you tend to deal with a dead phone battery long before you'll be home from summer activities, you might find a portable power station to be well worth the investment. Check out this compact model that's included in Amazon's Memorial Day sale.

As of May 23, the Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $129, marked down from the list price of $209. That's a 38% discount for a total savings of $80. Today's sale price matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

If you're not looking for a bulky or heavy portable power station, the Jackery Explorer 240D is an ideal option. With 256Wh of battery capacity, Jackery mentions this model can recharge a laptop three times or a phone 15 times. Pack this along for a weekend camping with friends and you might become the favorite, keeping everyone's phones charged up.

SEE ALSO: The best Memorial Day power station deals: We found powerful deals on Jackery, Anker, DJI, and more

It weighs under five pounds and it comes with a USB-C cable that doubles as a carrying strap, making this model extra portable. You'll be able to recharge devices via four USB ports, including one USB-A. AC recharging the Jackery with USB-C will take about 2.5 hours while recharging with a 100W solar panel will take about three hours.

Before you head out on a summer outdoor adventure that'll take you off-grid, get equipped with the Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station. It's on sale at Amazon for under $130 and will give you peace of mind that you'll be able to stay connected.

Two men were charged with federal crimes after creating explicit deepfakes of celebrities

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 12:52

Two men have been officially charged with a federal crime after they were caught generating and publishing AI deepfakes of female celebrities.

Federal prosecutors arrested two men in conjunction with a criminal complaint that both separately made sexually explicit AI content that was viewed by millions of users online. The content featured female politicians, musicians, singers, and private photos of women known to one of the accused.

The two men face up to two years in prison.

SEE ALSO: Travel authority pulls public records used to create AI audio of deceased pilots

The men are being tried under President Donald Trump's Take It Down Act, which criminalizes publishing or threatening to publish nonconsensual intimate imagery including AI generated pornography featuring real individuals. The bill, backed by First Lady Melania Trump and several major organizations addressing sexual cyber crime and child sexual abuse, went into effect exactly one year ago.

At the time, many experts questioned how the act would actually be enforced under the Federal Trade Commission, specifically calling attention to removal procedures and redress for victims themselves. Others worried that the bill's broad guidelines would be contested on free speech grounds.

Last month, the Take It Down Act nabbed its first conviction, after an Ohio man pleaded guilty to harassing women with nonconsensual AI images and videos depicting them in sexual acts, as well as generating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) using the technology.

"This case makes clear that posting deepfake pornography is not a victimless crime," U.S. attorney Joseph Nocella said following the arrests.

The Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower is on sale at Amazon for $800 off

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 12:39

SAVE $800: The Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower is on sale $1,799.99 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $2,599.99. That's a 31% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Husqvarna Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower $1,799.99 at Amazon
$2,599.99 Save $800.00   Get Deal

It's Memorial Day weekend, and if you're spending the time off catching up on household chores, you probably have some yard maintenance tasks on the list. If mowing the lawn is a chore you tend to put off for as long as possible, consider the convenience of a robot lawn mower. Amazon has a handful of robot lawn mowers on sale this Memorial Day and this particular deal is a standout.

As of May 23, the Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower is on sale for $1,799.99 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $2,599.99. That works out to a savings of $800 thanks to a 31% discount.

Designed to tackle lawns of up to 0.5 acres, the Husqvarna 410iQ can mow grass to your preference between one and four inches in length. Compared to many robot lawn mowers, that's an impressive height range. It can also navigate on slopes of up to 45 degrees and you can designate an unlimited amount of zones in your yard.

SEE ALSO: The best Memorial Day power station deals: We found powerful deals on Jackery, Anker, DJI, and more

For example, you can set the front yard to be mowed down to two inches every Monday morning while keeping the backyard shorter and cut more frequently during summer barbecue season. The Husqvarna also has several cutting patterns you can choose from including parallel, checkerboard, or triangle. Plus, this model is safe to clean with a hose.

Today's deal includes the Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower, the charging station, an EPOS reference station for GPS signal, and a year's worth of replacement cutting blades.

Before taking time out of your long weekend to mow the lawn, consider hopping on Amazon's sale price for the Husqvarna Automower 410iQ Robotic Mower. You'll be saving $800 while freeing up tons of weekend time this summer.

Travel authority pulls public records used to create AI audio of deceased pilots

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 12:03

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is pausing the release of previously public information related to its investigations, after individuals used AI to recreate the last words of deceased pilots.

The independent agency was informed that an AI-generated rendering depicting cockpit audio of UPS flight 2976 was created and circulated, using only written documents submitted during the recent hearing, CNN reported. The Nov. 4 crash resulted in the deaths of three crew members and 12 civilians on the ground.

"We show our work and we’ve been doing this type of thing for years. Nobody was aware that you can recreate audio from a picture," an NTSB spokesperson told CNN. "NTSB is looking to make sure there’s nothing else in the docket that could compromise anybody’s privacy… now that we understand the possibility of a digital recreation."

SEE ALSO: California's Gavin Newsom tries to save workers from AI with executive order

Under federal law, the NTSB does not release cockpit voice recordings to the public during investigations of deadly plane crashes. Instead, the agency will submit a transcript for the public record and — as was the case for flight 2976 — an audio spectrogram, which visually depicts sound frequencies, duration, and amplitude in a given clip.

Individuals were able to use the spectrogram, pulled from the public investigation docket, to digitally recreate the last 30 seconds of cockpit audio before the plane crashed, including the pilot's voices and background sounds. A second clip of recreated audio from an NTSB aircraft test was also circulated online.

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

Citing privacy concerns, the agency released a public statement explaining their decision to pause access to investigation dockets, writing:

The NTSB is aware that advances in image recognition and computational methods have enabled individuals to reconstruct approximations of cockpit voice recorder audio from sound spectrum imagery released as part of NTSB investigations, including the ongoing investigation of the crash last year of UPS flight 2976 in Louisville, Kentucky.

The NTSB does not release cockpit audio recordings. Federal law prohibits such public release due to the highly sensitive nature of verbal communications inside the cockpit. The NTSB takes these privacy restrictions seriously.

My favorite air purifier for bedrooms is nearly $100 off this Memorial Day weekend

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 11:54

SAVE $80: The Levoit Sprout air purifier is on sale at Amazon for $199.99, down from the list price of $279.99. That's a 29% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Levoit Levoit Sprout air purifier $199.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $80   Get Deal

We've arrived at the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer season each year, and that means it's an ideal weekend to head outside and enjoy some warm sunshine. However, some of the country is still swamped with spring pollen and other areas are dealing with wildfire smoke. If you fall into either camp or have simply been looking for a bedroom-worthy air purifier, check out this deal.

As of May 23, the Levoit Sprout air purifier is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $279.99. That's a 29% discount that takes a respectable $80 off the price.

I'll admit that $280 for a bedroom-sized air purifier is steep, which is why I'm thrilled to see it on sale during Amazon's Memorial Day sale. Last year, I tested tons of models to find the best air purifiers for wildfire smoke and fell in love with the features on the Levoit Sprout. I still use it everyday in my bedroom.

Like the name hints at, the Levoit Sprout is designed for a kids' room or a nursery, but I think it's awesome for all ages. Like you'd want with an air purifier, it uses HEPA filtration to capture irritants like dust, dander, pollen, and smoke. But what I love the most are the extra features.

For starters, the Levoit Sprout has a built-in light that's perfect for bedtime routines. I head into the Levoit app and turn the light on before I even walk into my bedroom. The light even has adjustable brightness levels, so you can set it to your preference from bright white to a chill amber hue. And don't worry about disrupting your sleep: Levoit mentions this light is blue-light safe.

SEE ALSO: The best Memorial Day mattress deals to shop this weekend: Saatva, Nectar, and more

While it's not the best quality, the Levoit Sprout also has a built-in speaker. Using the app or the top controls, you can play calming bedtime sounds like ocean waves or rain, a feature that could be excellent for using in a nursery.

For a numbers nerd, the air-quality tracking on the Sprout is a dream. Like almost every air purifier, it gives metrics like PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels, but the Levoit does so much more. It measures VOC, temperature, humidity, and even CO2 levels, a feature I've yet to see on another air purifier.

If you're looking for an air purifier to sit on your nightstand or you're thinking ahead to potential summer smoke from fires, hop on the Levoit Spout while it's on sale for under $200. Not only is it an air purifier; it's also a lamp, speaker, and air-quality monitor.

Amazon has the Hisense CanvasTV on sale for the lowest price ever — save up to $900

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 11:21

SAVE $900: The 65-inch Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV is on sale at Amazon for $1,099.99, down from the list price of $1,999.99. That's a 45% discount and the best price we've ever spotted at Amazon. The 55-inch model is also on sale, selling for $849.99 instead of the list price of $1,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 65-inch Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $900   Get Deal

If you're hanging out at home this Memorial Day weekend, you might be noticing some home upgrades that are calling for attention this summer. If one of those happens to be getting a new TV, you're in luck. Amazon understands that some of us prefer to spend long weekends and sweaty summer months at home binging TV in the comfort of air conditioning. With that in mind, the retailer has great TV discounts this weekend. Check out this notable offer.

As of May 23, the 65-inch Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV is on sale at Amazon for $1,099.99, marked down from the list price of $1,999.99. That's a 45% discount that shaves a massive $900 off the price. It's also the best price we've ever spotted at Amazon. If you prefer a smaller model, the 55-inch Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV also got a discount to $849.99, down from the list price of $1,499.99.

Samsung was the first to the market with an art TV when the brand introduced us to The Frame. It launched with some eye-watering prices, but like almost all tech, we now have competitor options that are much more affordable. Hisense revamped the CanvasTV in 2026 with a Hi-QLED display with an AI RGB ambient light sensor. These upgrades are designed to get deeper color accuracy and even adjust based on the room's ambient light.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Memorial Day sale is live — score the best deals on TVs, Bose earbuds, Jackery power stations, and more

Of course, the star feature on the CanvasTV is the ability to tap into the Hisense library of artwork to display while you're not streaming summer shows. You can also display your own photos or rotate your favorites. The Hisense even comes with an ultra-slim wall mount, which makes the TV look like a framed piece of art rather than a TV.

Since several sizes of the Hisense S7 4K CanvasTV are on sale for record-low prices at Amazon during Memorial Day weekend, it's an ideal time to make the upgrade. Order soon and Amazon might even be able to deliver before the long weekend is over.

Casetify is releasing an actual Tamagotchi device next week, and it is peak millennial nostalgia

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 05:00

TL;DR: The official Casetify x Tamagotchi collection launches on May 29. The collection features phone cases, plush earbud pouches, phone straps, and customizable carry-on luggage, with prices starting at $36.

If you grew up in the '90s, it felt like every single person had a Tamagotchi clipped to their backpack. They were basically Sims, but cuter and pixelated; you had to feed them, clean up after them, and keep them happy 24/7, or they'd die. Everyone who was anyone had one, except me.

I was never allowed to have one. (The childhood trauma is real.) If your parents also denied you a virtual pet, it's time to pull out your wallet because we finally have adult money now.

SEE ALSO: The best '90s movies on Prime Video for when you want to get nostalgic

Casetify just announced a collaboration with Bandai Namco for an actual Tamagotchi collection, and it drops on May 29. And it's not just phone cases — they're releasing an actual, functional Tamagotchi device with a custom Casetify shell.

They're also offering "Chase Cards" with seven different rarity tiers from "Common" up to "Supreme Ultra Rare." Oh, and you can get a 21-inch carry-on suitcase in pink or blue that you can personalize with your initials in the actual Tamagotchi font.

The customizable 21-inch Casetify Travel Tamagotchi carry-on suitcases are available in Cobalt Blue and Primrose Pink. Credit: Casetify | Bandai Namco

If you feel a little silly about buying toys as a fully grown adult, don't. The "kidult" economy is huge right now. According to a market research report from Circana, global toy sales rose 7 percent last year, and collectibles spiked by 32 percent.

The collection officially goes live on May 29 at casetify.com/colab.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro drone is close to its best-ever price at Amazon — save $500 this weekend

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 05:00

SAVE $500: The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 in Amazon's Memorial Day sale. That's $500 off the list price of $1,599.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,099 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $500   Get Deal

We're busy tracking all the best Memorial Day deals going live over the weekend. Picking our favorite deals isn't easy, but you know what is? Recommending the latest deal on the DJI Mini 5 Pro.

Capturing cinematic 4K landscape footage used to require an expensive commercial flight license and heavy equipment. DJI completely rewrote that rulebook with its ultra-lightweight premium series, and their flagship model is hard to ignore at a heavily discounted price.

Despite all the ongoing conversations surrounding DJI imports in the U.S., current retail stocks are completely clear for consumer purchase — and retailers are clearing shelves with massive incentives ahead of the summer travel rush. For a limited time, the DJI Mini 5 Pro is on sale for $1,099 in Amazon's Memorial Day sale. That's $500 off and really close to the lowest-ever price for this model.

This popular drone tips the scales at exactly 249 grams. Because it sits comfortably under the FAA's strict 250-gram regulatory threshold, you can take it from the box straight into the sky for recreational flights without registering with the government or sitting through a baseline safety course.

Save $500 on the DJI Mini 5 Pro this weekend at Amazon.

T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to claim this offer

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 05:00

TL;DR: T-Mobile has dropped new deals on the iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, and iPhone 17 Pro. Score the latest iPhone lineup for free at T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Free when you switch and trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now

Mashable's shopping team is firmly focused on Memorial Day right now. We've lined up the best deals on TVs, power stations, mattresses, and so much more over the Memorial Day weekend.

Did we roundup the best deals on smartphones? No we did not, because T-Mobile is really hard to beat right now.

Whether you're looking to switch networks or simply upgrade a device you’ve been holding onto for years, T-Mobile has dropped a fresh batch of deals to help you take home a premium phone without a monthly charge:

  • Apple iPhone 17e — free when you port your number over from a competitor and activate a new line on almost any T-Mobile postpaid service plan (no trade-in required).

  • Apple iPhone 17 — free when you switch and trade in an eligible smartphone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

  • Apple iPhone 17 Pro — free when you hand over an eligible smartphone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Before you rush to claim your new iPhone, it's important to note how T-Mobile structures these offers. T-Mobile won’t just hand you the goods and wish you well. Instead, the total retail cost of your chosen iPhone is offset by 24 consecutive monthly bill credits. Your monthly statement will show a charge for the financing of the phone, immediately followed by an equal credit balancing that charge to $0. That means you are entering a 24-month commitment with the network.

If you decide to cancel your service or jump to a different provider before those two years are up, the remaining unpaid cash balance on the phone will become due immediately.

You will need to pay taxes and a $35 activation charge at checkout to get the new line provisioned on the network, but that's a small price to pay for a new iPhone that offers a "great camera, beautiful display, 256GB of storage, fast performance, and long battery life."

Make the most of this opportunity to score the latest iPhone 17 lineup for free with T-Mobile.

Don’t limit yourself to one AI model with help from this $60 platform

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 05:00

TL;DR: Make your AI workflow less chaotic with this lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan, on sale now for $59.97 (reg. $619) through May 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $59.97
$619 Save $559.03   Get Deal

AI is supposed to make life easier, but before you know it, your desktop is overrun with all the different models, and you’re more overwhelmed than you were in the first place. ChatPlayground AI aims to change that, offering a centralized hub for your AI needs.

Right now, you can score a lifetime subscription to the Unlimited Plan for only $59.97 until May 31.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Stop trying to keep up with all the strengths and weaknesses of your go-to AI choices. ChatPlayground AI lets you see responses from over 20 models, all side by side in one spot.

Enter your prompt and compare answers from ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Gemini, Llama, Perplexity, and more with ChatPlayground AI. You can pick the best response for your needs, all without having to pay all the individual subscription fees.

From generating code and images to asking simple questions or coding, ChatPlayground AI can handle nearly everything. And if you don’t get the responses you’re looking for, it can even help you build better prompts with prompt engineering tools. Image and PDF chat features are also available to get speedier answers.

If you’re working on an ongoing project or just find yourself wanting to reference past conversations, ChatPlayground AI saves them all for your convenience. Your Unlimited Plan also provides unlimited monthly messages, priority customer service, and priority access to any new features and future models.

Secure your own lifetime subscription to the ChatPlayground AI Unlimited Plan for only $59.97 now through May 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Windows 11 Pro brings new life to older PCs for just $10

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 05:00

TL;DR: A new operating system modernizes your PC, and right now, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro can be yours for just $9.97 (reg. $199) through May 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97
$199 Save $189.03   Get Deal

Is your dusty old PC feeling pretty stale? Upgrading your operating system breathes new life into your device, and Windows 11 Pro was built specifically for today’s workflow.

Right now, you can upgrade your current PC for just $9.97 with this license — on sale through May 31.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

If you primarily use your PC for work, it’s time to make the switch to Windows 11 Pro. This OS was designed for today’s professionals, with a user-friendly interface, improved multitasking capabilities, and advanced security to keep your content secure.

If your PC cannot upgrade through Windows Update, you can use this license. The fresh, user-friendly interface is easy to use, while features like a more powerful search experience, easy redocking, snap layouts, and virtual desktops speed up your workflow.

This Windows 11 Pro license includes Microsoft Teams, which helps you stay connected to family, friends, and coworkers. It also gives you access to Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can help you complete tasks, change settings, summarize web pages, and open apps.

Enjoy improved cybersecurity with biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and enhanced antivirus protection that all help keep your data safe.

If you’re a gamer, you’ll love DirectX 12 Ultimate‘s impressive graphics, and professionals will appreciate access to Azure AD, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and BitLocker.

Get a Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license for less than the cost of lunch — only $9.97 now through May 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

I tried to buy my son some Pokémon cards at retail price. It was almost impossible.

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 05:00

I had a Pokémon card addiction back in 1999.

I used to get £10 a month pocket money from my grandmother and, more often than not, that crisp note would be immediately exchanged for four crinkly blue and silver booster packs that I'd rip straight open. I paid £10 once for a shiny Charizard card to complete the Base set. It's still sat in the binder I placed it in a quarter of a century ago.

Pokémon has been in and out of my life ever since. It made a major comeback in 2016 when Pokémon Go launched, and then again more recently when my young son discovered the TV show. I often watch it with him. I don't recognise all the Pokémon, but I'm pleased to see Ash hasn't aged a day.

Then, a few weeks back, my son came home with some Pokémon cards. They were in a small pack that came free with a magazine. I recognised a couple of the newer ones, Rowlet and Dedenne, along with a Seel I remembered from back in the day. The nostalgia hit me hard, so I decided to buy some boosters that we could open together.

SEE ALSO: 'Pokémon Pokopia' is the cozy escape the internet needed

I fired up Amazon, thinking that would be the quickest way to find some — only to be slightly confused when I saw the site's yellow "Buy" button had been replaced with a button reading "Request an Invite". I clicked it, dug into exactly what it meant, and soon discovered Pokémon card collecting in 2026 is a very, very different hobby to what it was in the late nineties.

Amazon's "Request an Invite" option shows up instead of the "Buy" button for Pokémon cards. Credit: Amazon

The short version? It's currently extremely hard to buy Pokémon card packs for retail price. This probably won't come as a surprise to present-day collectors, but for someone who hasn't bought any since my teenage years, it was unexpected. I managed it in the end, but it took me two weeks, multiple supermarket visits, online lotteries, and a final stroke of luck.

The frustrating quest to find Pokémon cards in stores

Amazon's "Request an Invite" system essentially enters you into a lottery. A couple of times a week invites are sent out, enabling some lucky customers to buy the cards they requested (in two weeks I received no invites). Once I realised the process might be a slow one, I turned my attention to other IRL retailers. Pokemon Trading Card Game has an official site listing stores, and I learned through Reddit's r/PokemonDealsUK sub (I live in the UK) that other people were having some success in supermarkets like Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons and ASDA.

Over the course of about a week I visited 10 of these stores, varying from small Tesco Express shops to Sainbury's superstores. On some days I visited stores that people on Reddit were specifically flagging as having received fresh stock. The shelves were always empty. Every single time, without fail, the Pokémon card section in the toy aisle would look sad and abandoned.

A few times I asked staff about stock, and the answer always came back as some variation of the following: "We don't get them in very often. And when we do, one person normally just buys the whole box."

Featured Video For You Josh Johnson’s formula for the perfect comedy special Why are Pokémon cards so hard to buy at retail prices?

The answer, as I learned, is pretty simple: Demand currently outstrips supply. The price people are willing to pay for Pokémon cards is higher than retail price.

I found this out by looking on second hand markets like eBay and Vinted, where packs and boxes of Pokémon cards are frequently sold for far more than the £4-£5 per 10-card booster pack you can buy in the shops. Some sets, like January's very popular Ascended Heroes, are actually selling for around double the retail price. The rarest cards in that set, like the Mega Gengar Ex Special Illustration Rare, go for over £1,000.

"We're seeing the people that would buy trainers and stuff, to flip for profit, now coming over to Pokémon to do the same thing."

Suddenly, the reason why one person might be going into a store and buying up the entire stock started to make more sense: They're immediately in profit. Pokémon cards now, perhaps more than ever, have become a business.

As part of my research, I reached out to Asmodee and Smiths News, two of the UK's main Pokémon card distributors, as well as three major supermarket chains. Tesco had no on-the-record comment, but acknowledged the high demand while advising that its Express stores will be stocking the new Chaos Rising set and are expecting regular deliveries. Asmodee had no comment. At the time of writing, none of the others have responded (Mashable will update this article if we do hear back).

So how do you actually get Pokémon cards?

As I eventually found out, it is possible to buy Pokémon cards at retail price. It just takes a bit of time and luck. My search quickly took me from Reddit to the OakLabs Poké Alerts Discord server, which a moderator of r/PokemonDealsUK has set up to try and help buyers find stock. So far it's been the most useful resource out there. There are stock alert pings, people sharing successful finds in the wild, and links to lotteries (like the Amazon one) run by other independent shops. Although stock still sells quickly, the Discord is full of people who've managed to beat the odds and buy the packs they want.

My first bit of luck, however, came from somewhere a bit more traditional: a local card shop in South West England. Bath TCG came up when I searched for places to buy cards near me, and I gave them a call without really expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised. They told me that they'd have stock of the new set, Chaos Rising, in for release day, and because they limit pack purchases to two per customer, they were expecting to have enough for everyone.

I headed down for the launch and found that the system worked. As promised, rather than an empty shelf, the card packs were ready and waiting. I was finally able to pick some up.

Success at last! Credit: Sam Haysom

Before I left, I caught up with 35-year-old store owner, Ben Thyer, who described the current boom as a "perfect storm" created by a rise in Pokémon card streamers, flashy celebrity headlines like Logan Paul's $16 million Pikachu Illustrator record auction, and the fact that 2026 is the 30th anniversary of the card game.

"We're seeing the people that would buy trainers and stuff, to flip for profit, now coming over to Pokémon to do the same thing," Thyer told me. "It used to be you could buy Pokémon, everyone would buy it to open and enjoy, some people would keep it sealed but the return would be in four, five, six years. Currently, because of how the market is and how sparse it is, the return is instant."

Unlike many retailers, Bath TCG counters this with a tiered system. Players of the game are in Tier 1, loyal customers — who've already made several purchases — are in Tier 2, and everyone else is in Tier 3. All booster packs are limited to a certain number per customer, depending on the tier they fall into. Seals on booster boxes are broken to discourage resellers. All of this means that the stock doesn't immediately vanish when the doors open, and there are enough packs for everyone.

Seals are broken by staff to put off resellers. Credit: Sam Haysom

When I asked Thyer why distributors aren't simply supplying more cards to meet demand, he said that they are. But demand also means more retailers are ordering from distributors, including stores like Hobbycraft and The Entertainer that didn't used to sell Pokémon cards. This means the likes of Bath TCG aren't able to get any additional stock, despite stock levels in the UK being higher overall.

And as for whether or not this stock scarcity situation will change anytime soon? Thyer wasn't too hopeful.

"This is like a cyclical thing that we see sort of every three to four years, but it normally lasts six to nine months and it's not that intense," he said. "It's not really showing any signs of slowing down at the moment."

How to use AdultFriendFinder’s Sex Stories feature — vet your next sexting partner

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 05:00

Too many AdultFriendFinder users restrict themselves to the more conventional aspects of this otherwise unconventional dating site. They create a profile, search through singles, and maybe browse a webcam or two. But the real meat of the site isn't actually in the one-on-one interactions; it's in the larger community, which exists in the forums, monthly contests, blogs and, perhaps most importantly, the Sex Stories section.

While you can obviously just browse these stories casually, the on-site culture actually encourages greater interaction than that, and many an AFF connection has been made by two adults bonding over their shared love of erotic fiction. 

Here's how you can use their literotica section to not only vet your next sexting partner but actually initiate the conversation. Full disclaimer: while you can absolutely enjoy aspects of the Sex Stories section without a paid membership, getting the most out of it and actually converting your literary admiration into a one-on-one chat will require a site subscription.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Read the stories and find what resonates with you

AFF's Sex Stories section boasts more than a dozen distinct categories or genres, ranging from "first time" experiences to group sex scenes, fetish exploration and even stories with fantasy or sci-fi elements. The more creative writers even try their hand at erotic novels and poetry, and since a lot of effort has been put into these creations, the least you can do is read the stories in full and save those you like.

SEE ALSO: 3 common hookup app profile mistakes: Keep this off your AdultFriendFinder profile

While even free users can save individual stories, only paid members can follow story writers, but if you discover that one particular author keeps catching your interest, following their work is a good way to indicate your interest. 

Leave a comment

What author doesn't appreciate positive feedback? If a story resonates with you, you can interact with it in one of two ways: by leaving a comment or by using the like button to indicate your approval. Because of the site's laidback culture, it's completely common for authors to respond to comments, so put some thought into what you say, shouting out specific aspects of the story or how it was written. Many a private sexting conversation began in the public comment section of an AFF story.

While free AFF users are able to both comment and like stories, paid members unlock even greater emoji reactions, including more salacious and flirty reactions, which helps you take your flirting game up a notch. 

Consider writing your own story

If you're having trouble getting storywriters to respond to you or if you just can't find a piece that really resonates with your needs, it might be time to take up the (digital) pen yourself. If you have a way with words, you can accrue a large following on the site, and even earn badges for your heightened on-site participation.

SEE ALSO: 3 AdultFriendFinder red flags — how to avoid scams on AFF

Best of all, by becoming the writer rather than the reader, you'll put yourself in the position of being able to select which comments (and therefore which commentators) catch your attention. 

Use the #tags feature

While every story written has to be placed into a specific category, each story can also contain multiple tags, and these are a lot more varied and a lot more specific than the story categories. Current "top tags" include #feet, #sub, #teasing and #watching, for example.

If you're looking for a particular type of sexting conversation, or if you have very specific turn-ons, the tag feature is the fastest way to find a like-minded person to explore with in a private conversation. 

Dropout curious? Heres where you should start watching.

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 05:00

By our estimation, Dropout is the best destination online for groundbreaking comedy. But if you're new to Dropout, it might be dizzying to decide where to dive in.

This subscription streaming platform is best-known for its hilarious game shows like Make Some Noise and Game Changer, as well as the tabletop role-playing game series Dimension 20, the kooky talk show parody Very Important People, and the daffy cooking competition series Gastronauts. But with so many seasons, guests, and shows, where to begin? 

Mashable's here to help. Around here, we're big fans of Dropout, but we're also aware that just leaping into these shows with the latest eps could be confusing with no context. So, we asked our own Dropout subscribers where they'd recommend you start watching — not just which shows, but which episodes. 

Here's a rundown on all you need to know to get into Dropout. 

Dimension 20

What's the show's deal?: Launched in 2018, this was one of Dropout's first series. Created by Brennan Lee Mulligan, it began with "Fantasy High," a campaign in which a band of comedians gathered around a table, playing a home-brewed version of Dungeons & Dragons set in a suburban high school straight out of a John Hughes movie. 

This series works kind of like an anthology, with successive seasons featuring new characters in settings like Game of Thrones meets Candyland, a magical New York City, or a high-flying steampunk adventure. Episodes of Dimension 20 regularly run over two hours long, with seasons ranging from four to 20 episodes. So, jumping in at the latest episode would be all kinds of bewildering, especially as some campaigns stretch across non-consecutive seasons. 

Suggested starting point: Dungeons & Drag Queens, Season 1, Episode 1, "Queens on a Quest"

Why you should watch: Technically, this is the 18th season of Dimension 20. But trust us, it's the easiest entry point — in part because it's full of first-time players who all happen to be hilarious drag queens. 

With Mulligan's guidance as Game Master, RuPaul's Drag Race stars Monét X Change, Alaska Thunderfuck, Bob the Drag Queen, and Jujubee created fierce fantasy heroines joining forces in the magical realm of Kelvorda. Together, this quartet sets forth on a quest of spells, battles, and family secrets. Ever adaptable to his players and their wild imaginations, Mulligan helps these questing queens build an adventure that's studded with bonkers pop culture references, outrageous turns, and side-splitting humor.

Plus, at just four episodes, Dungeons & Drag Queens is an easy commitment. 

What to watch next: If you love this season, you can dive into Dungeons & Drag Queens Season 2 for more. However, once you've learned how Dimension 20 rolls, you can scroll through Dropout to find which adventure — or cast of comedians — you'd like to see play next. Or if you're more inclined to board games, check out Parlor Room, hosted by Becca Scott. 

Game Changer 

What's the show's deal?: Dimension 20 and Game Changer are Dropout's most popular shows. And where the former is all about collaborative play, the latter is a competitive game show, where the game itself changes each week. 

Hosted by Dropout CEO Sam Reich, Game Changer sometimes does a unique parody of known shows like Shark Tank, The Bachelor, Survivor, or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Other times, the game revolves around a strange prop, like a giant foam mouth or a roulette wheel full of improvisational prompts. As Reich explains at the start of each episode, "The only way to learn is by playing. The only way to win is by learning." 

Now, this might sound like you can jump in anywhere for a good time. Actually, we'd advise against that, because while Season 7 of Game Changer offers some of the platform's most hilarious and heart-warming moments, they won't make sense without some context. 

Suggested starting point: Season 1, episode 2, "Make Some Noise"

Why you should watch: Sometimes a Game Changer concept becomes so popular that it gets a spin-off series, like Dirty Laundry and Crowd Control. This episode, which features Josh Ruben, Zac Oyama. and Brennan Lee Mulligan — three comedians with a deep arsenal of silly sounds and voices — not only inspired improvisational game show Make Some Noise, but also cemented their reputation as the "Noise Boys." 

This episode is a great intro to Game Changer, as well as to Make Some Noise. You don't need to know a single thing going in to enjoy the jokes. (And you can totally jump into any Make Some Noise ep from here.) 

What to watch next: To get a sense of the mischievousness of Reich in his role as Game Changer host, we'd recommend the "Sam Says" episodes (Season 4, episode 1; Season 5, episode 1; and Season 6, episode 3). It's like Simons Says, but diabolical. And after these, you can properly appreciate Season 7, episode 1, "One Year," featuring Sam Says 3's trio of contestants, Vic Michaelis, Jacob Wysocki, and Lou Wilson, reunited for a series of wild missions. Be warned: This episode will have you scream laughing. Alert your neighbors accordingly. 

Once you've gotten familiar with Game Changer, it's easy to slide into its spin-offs, or other game shows, like the playfully pedantic Um, Actually... and the daffy cooking competition Gastronauts.

Very Important People

What's the show's deal?: Vic Michaelis plays a comical version of themselves in this interview show, which offers a unique opportunity to improv comedians. As Michaelis explains at the top of each episode, a guest blindly submits themselves to a team of professional makeup artists and costumers, who will give them a radical makeover with no clues what it will be. Once they're fully done up, they get to look into a mirror, at which point they must craft a character who will be Vic's guest on their talk show. 

Zombies, aliens, living dolls, witches, worms, wrestlers, and demons have all sat down for an interview. But where should you start? 

Suggested starting point: Season 1, Episode 1, "Princess Emily"

Why you should watch: The debut episode of Very Important People is genuinely a superb place to start. Actress Anna Garcia is transformed into a demanding pop princess from "right in the smack of the dab" of Europe. Her all-over accent and Eurotrash attitude is at once outrageous and weirdly believable. Like, one might think she's not a comedy character but an actual Eurovision contender. (Okay. Me. I thought that based on a promo clip on TikTok.) 

What to watch next: You can certainly leap around to the characters or comedians who most entice you. But our picks for must-see VIP include mental health advocate Tommy Shriggly (Season 1, episode 6), doomsday prepper Pig #2 (Season 1, Episode 10), boy made of rocks Zeke Aaron McKinley (Season 2, episode 1), and randy ambassador Boris Tarshkokan (Season 3, episode 2). 

Now a warning: You will start quoting weird snippets of these interviews, like "my mom hates me because I'm rocks" and "we sucked each other down and talked about our parents." It's just what happens. 

Dimension 20: On a Bus

What's the show's deal?: This one is a deeper cut. But if watching hours of table top role playing seems too much for you, you can still enjoy this two-part parody of all things Dimension 20. 

Created by comedian Katie Marovitch, Dimension 20: On a Bus began as a short spoof of the popular franchise, in which she would purposely annoy Mulligan and his professional colleagues in Game Mastery, Aabria Iyengar, Jasmine Bhullar, and Matthew Mercer. 

Suggested starting point: Season 1 is a five-minute video. So you can marathon Season 1 and Season 2 in about an hour. 

Why you should watch: This began as a bit on the Game Changer episode "Fool's Gold." But the resulting video became such a hit on social media that for April Fool's Day 2026, Dropout released a "Season 2" — which is a full 55-minute-long episode of Marovitch playing the fool to perfection as Mulligan and the others battle to make any sense of her mayhem. It's wildly funny, whether or not you know what a "crit" or "home-brew hack" is. 

What to watch next: For fuller context, you can also check out the Game Changer ep or our interview with Marovitch. 

Demi Adejuyigbe: Is Going to Do One (1) Backflip

What's the show's deal?: Dropout also offers stand-up comedy specials, and this is my personal favorite. Demi Adejuyigbe's humor is a mix of cerebral and silly, but with a thread of vulnerability that transforms this special from straightforward stand-up to something stranger and more rewarding. And yes, that involves his promise to do a backflip. 

Why you should watch: Through a masterfully calibrated show, Adejuyigbe plays with audience expectation for punchlines and even his big promised climax. You'll laugh plenty at his audacious observations and clever turns. But by the end, this comedy special is about a performer revealing his failings and fears. Beyond being profound, Demi Adejuyigbe: Is Going to Do One (1) Backflip becomes a solid example of what makes Dropout special. The sensibility of this subscription service combines subversive comedy and goofy gags with a deeply embedded humanity. So, it's not just cheap laughs but rich wonder that's hitting here. 

What to watch next: Smarty Pants, Season 1, Episode 1

Hosted by Rekha Shankar, this Dropout show seems born from the trend of PowerPoint nights, where folks create slide shows about a personal passion to amuse or annoy their friends. A gaggle of comedians come together to hear out deeply silly speeches about rollercoasters, theater kids, and cryptids. But if you like Adejuyigbe's special, you must see his presentation, "Which Cartoon Characters Are Invited to the Cookout?"

Hurdle hints and answers for May 23, 2026

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 00:00

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.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

Handled.

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

DEALT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

3D.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 23, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CUBIC

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Household task.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 23, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CHORE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Colorful flower.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

PANSY

Final Hurdle hint

One of the five senses.

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

TASTE

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

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on May 23

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 00:00

Tonight marks the First Quarter Moon, when roughly half of the Moon’s visible face is illuminated.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Saturday, May 23, the Moon phase is First Quarter. Tonight, 48% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

Tonight, with just your naked eye you'll be able to spot the Mares Crisium, Tranquillitatis, and Fecunditatis. If you have binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion and Posidonius Craters, and finally, a telescope will reveal the Apollo 11, 16, and 17 landing spots.

When is the next Full Moon?

There are two Full Moons in May, with the next due to take place on May 31.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth completely, passing through eight phases during that time. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the way sunlight hits its surface changes throughout its orbit, creating the familiar full, half, and crescent appearances we see in the night sky. Altogether, the lunar cycle consists of eight main phases:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

How to watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles online for free

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

On paper, the Champions Cup final is going to be absolutely electric.

Leinster are meeting Bordeaux Bègles at the San Mamès Stadium. Bordeaux Bègles are looking to defend their title. Leinster are aiming to win this competition for the fifth time. It's going to be a fascinating battle between two teams laded with star names. Expect huge performances from the likes of Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Dan Sheehan in front of a passionate stadium.

If you want to watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles?

Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final kicks off at 9:45 a.m. ET on May 23. This fixture takes place at the San Mamès Stadium.

How to watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles for free

Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to stream the Champions Cup final for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the Champions Cup final before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch Leinster vs. Bordeaux Bègles in the Champions Cup final for free with ExpressVPN.

The best sex and dating apps for hooking up

Mashable - Sat, 05/23/2026 - 00:00

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

It's 2026 and times are good for low-effort consumers. Yes, you can get pretty much anything you want by just tapping and swiping of your smartphone: Your shopping, your favourite takeaway, your high-ticket tech, even — our personal favourite — a hot date. And why shouldn't you? Online dating is nothing new. Apps and websites have dominated the dating world for the best part of 20 years. In fact, some sites go all the way back to the mid-1990s. But things are constantly evolving in the world of app-based dating.

According to our favourite sex-perts at Lovehoney — the progressive sex toy brand that sells everything from lingerie to lubricants and dildos — we're living in horny-but-wholesome times. Lovehoney has named 2026 "The Year of Pleasure."

That doesn’t mean quick-and-easy pleasure from one-night stands and flings. It may come as some surprise, but research says that one-night stands are on the out. Would-be daters are now cruising for "purposeful pleasure" and "meaningful connections." That means hookups with substance — flings that mean something. Yes, we're still hooking up, but we're getting more selective about who we hookup with and why. So, it's important to get the right dating app because each app offers something a little different. And you need the right tools to find the right date.

To help you get started, we’ve looked at the top apps and taken advice from sex and relationship experts.

What to know before you swipe

Before you start downloading apps, it’s good know just how to approach online dating. Our advice is to be 100 percent honest about who and what you’re up for. And maybe give a pass to the mainstream dating apps that are more about romance and happily ever afters (the likes of eharmony, in other words). The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the best free options will have features like profile verification to keep you safe.

Our main advice though is to stick to apps which are purpose-built for hookups, casual fun, and satisfying your kink (whatever that kink might be). It can be freeing, not to mention productive, to be open about specific desires. The ways in which we understand sex and relationships are changing all the time — just looking at fast-growing "heteroflexible" sexuality — and hookup apps allow you to explore curiosities with no judgement or social anxiety.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for discreet NSFW chats

It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, whether it's the chance to explore a new sexual frontier, a friends-with-benefits situation on the reg, or an old school one-night stand (the one-night stand might be going out of fashion, but it’s still hella fun as long as it’s safe and on your terms).

Whatever your desire, we’re here to help make it happen. This guide to the best hookups apps is based on Mashable’s own real-world testing, expert input, and general experience. We’ve broken down each of the best hookup apps available right now, with an option for every type of dater and every dating desire.

These are the best hookup apps for 2026.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 23, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 22:00

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a Sci-Fi fan.

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 Pips hints, answers for May 23, 2026 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: Salon styles

  • Green: Available

  • Blue: Comics

  • Purple: Sci-Fi films

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Hairdos

  • Green: More readily

  • Blue: Marvel characters

  • Purple: Words after "The" in "Star Wars" movie titles

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 #1077 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Hairdos: BEEHIVE, BOUFFANT, CHIGNON, POMPADOUR

  • More readily: FIRST, PREFERABLY, RATHER, SOONER

  • Marvel characters: DAREDEVIL, HAWKEYE, NIGHTCRAWLER, WOLVERINE

  • Words after "The" in "Star Wars" movie titles: EMPIRE, FORCE, LAST, PHANTOM

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 May 23, 2026

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.

NYT Strands hints, answers for May 23, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 05/22/2026 - 22:00

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you can get by in the wild.

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 May 23, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Staying alive

The words are related to tools.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Vote for your favorite creators today

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe outdoor necessities.

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 Survivalist.

NYT Strands word list for May 23
  • Machete

  • Flint

  • Paracord

  • Hatchet

  • Survivalist

  • Tarp

  • Shovel

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.

Pages

Subscribe to Page Integrity, Inc. aggregator