We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.If you’ve bounced between gaming on a Switch, a PC, and maybe even your phone, the 8Bitdo Pro 2 makes a pretty solid case for itself, especially now that it’s going for $36.36 on Amazon (down from $49.99). This is the lowest it’s ever been, according to price tracking tools like Keepa. 8Bitdo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller $36.36 at Amazon $49.99 Save $13.63 Get Deal Get Deal $36.36 at Amazon $49.99 Save $13.63 It’s shaped like an old-school SNES pad but handles like a modern DualShock, complete with a pair of hall effect joysticks, full-sized grips, and back buttons you can customize. It works wirelessly over Bluetooth or via USB, and supports Windows, Switch, Android, and Mac with a physical four-way switch (meaning no weird button combos to remember anymore). For more controller options across major consoles, PCMag has a helpful roundup of alternatives.Despite the retro aesthetic, this thing is far from basic. The 8Bitdo Pro 2 features dual hall effect joysticks, a responsive D-pad, all the standard face and shoulder buttons, plus programmable P1 and P2 back paddles for added control. For players who like tweaking their setup, 8Bitdo’s Ultimate Software lets you remap nearly every button, fine-tune stick sensitivity, customize vibration intensity, and set macros—all via a wired connection, with the changes saved directly onto the controller. You also get three profile slots per system, letting you flip between layouts on the fly depending on the game.That said, if you’re using it with a Nintendo Switch, you’ll miss out on Amiibo scanning and wake-from-sleep functionality (the 8Bitdo Pro 2 doesn’t come with Joy-Con-specific perks). But you do get motion controls and a comfortable grip that rivals the official Pro Controller (at a much lower cost, notes this PCMag review). The 1,000mAh battery claims 20 hours of wireless playtime and can be swapped for AA batteries if needed. It won’t please die-hard competitive players looking for ultra-low latency or next-gen haptics, but if you just want an affordable, customizable, cross-platform controller that feels great in-hand, the 8Bitdo Pro 2 at this price is tough to beat.

Table of ContentsEarbud DealsStreaming Device DealsSecurity Camera DealsComputer Mouse DealsSpeaker DealsWi-Fi Extender DealsWebcam DealsMicrophone DealsGaming Controller DealsSpeaker DealsThermostat DealsHeadphone DealsVideo Doorbell Deals Memorial Day deals are popping up everywhere, and for under $50, we've found some surprisingly solid picks for you. Whether you need a spare pair of earbuds, a portable charger, or smart home basics, now’s a great time to stock up without stretching your budget. These limited-time offers cover both name-brand gear and underrated gems, but inventory tends to move fast when prices dip this low. Don’t wait for the holiday weekend since many of the best bargains may already be gone by then. Here are a few standout picks under $50 worth grabbing.Don't forget to check out our round-up of theBest Memorial Day tech sales for all of the best deals out there.Earbud DealsThe Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds offer a surprisingly solid mix of rich audio, effective ANC, and a highly customizable app, all for a 44% discount. The companion app lets you tweak the EQ and controls and even set a personalized sound profile. Meanwhile, a solid battery life and secure fit make them great for workouts or commutes. As expert Tim Gideon said in our 2022 review, “The Anker Soundcore Space A40 in-ears deliver a natural audio experience and solid ANC for the price.” Rated “Excellent” and crowned as an Editors' Choice winner, these earbuds punch way above their price range.You can also score this Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds on Walmart for $44.99.Streaming Device DealsThe Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is a fantastic upgrade for your old TV if you want smooth, fast streaming on the cheap. It delivers snappy performance, quick Alexa responses, and a wide range of apps, all while keeping the price under $30. Wi-Fi 6 ensures more stable connections, especially in busy households. Navigating apps feels seamless, and switching between them is nearly instant. Our resident expert, Will Greenwald, said, "Everything I watched, from Prime Video to Crunchyroll to Twitch, played within seconds and looked crisp and vibrant." With an "Outstanding" rating in our Fire TV Stick 4K review and the Editors' Choice award, this is an easy recommendation.Security Camera DealsThe Blink Mini 2 is a small, affordable indoor security camera that works like a charm, especially if you're in the Alexa ecosystem. Setup is a breeze, and once it’s running, you get crisp daytime video and smooth motion alerts without any hassle. The color night vision is a nice touch if you’ve got the spotlight enabled. Our expert, John R. Delaney notes, “Motion alerts arrived instantly and two-way talk came through loud and clear,” and rated it “Good” in our Blink Mini 2 review. It’s not overloaded with extras, but for quick checks on your space, especially through an Echo Show, it’s super handy and doesn’t break the bank at just under 20 bucks.The TP-Link Tapo C120 is a steal for under $25. This little camera does so much more than its price tag would lead you to believe, with sharp 2K video, color night vision, and built-in spotlights that light up your yard when motion’s detected. It’s weatherproof, so you can stick it indoors or outdoors, and the setup is a breeze. The motion detection is smart, too, distinguishing between people, pets, and vehicles, which cuts down on false alerts. In 2023, our expert points out in our TP-Link Tapo C120 review that the camera “is loaded with features usually only found on more expensive models.” That’s why it received an “Outstanding” rating and also became the Editors’ Choice winner. If you want a budget-friendly cam that doesn’t skimp, this is it.Computer Mouse DealsThe Logitech POP is a wireless mouse that comes in some quirky colors such as "Heartbreaker Rose" and "Daydream Mint," making it way more interesting than your usual plain-looking beige or black clicker (though ordinary colors are an option, too). For some added fun, you can assign your favorite emoji to a shortcut button through its software. It’s also comfortable to use, lasts up to two years on a single battery, and lets you switch control among three devices easily. Reviewer and analyst Zackery Cuevas says, “It’s a surprisingly versatile device that hops between multiple connections with ease and offers some light customization,” rating it at “Good” in our 2022 Logitech POP Mouse review. With the current sale price of $29, it’s a solid deal if you want something that's perkier-looking and more functional than your everyday mouse.Speaker DealsThe Amazon Echo Pop is a great way to add Alexa to a smaller room without spending much (just $25 today). It nails the basics like music, smart home controls, weather, timers, and more. You can operate all these functions with voice commands, and its compact design blends in easily. It even works as an Eero mesh Wi-Fi extender, which is super handy. Don’t expect deep bass, but for casual listening, it's solid. As PCMag's Will Greenwald notes, “It delivers a decent, well-balanced sound for its size.” The Echo Pop earned an “Excellent” rating in our review, and if you're just getting started with smart speakers, this one makes a strong case for itself.Recommended by Our EditorsWi-Fi Extender DealsThe TP-Link RE600X is a little Wi-Fi extender that’s easy to use. Just plug it in, connect via the app, and you’re good to go. It boosts your 5GHz speeds to 400Mbps close up and still delivers 196Mbps at 40 feet, which is great for streaming in dead zones. As our expert said in our review, “The RE600X offers a relatively affordable way to boost Wi-Fi 6 signal strength in your home.” It’s not the smallest or most feature-packed extender, but with a titanic 50% discount, it’s a reliable fix for spotty Wi-Fi. Overall, it’s a good pick for basic coverage needs.Webcam DealsThe Creative Live! Cam Sync 1080p V2 gives you noticeably brighter and sharper video for Zoom calls or streaming, and the audio holds up surprisingly well. You don’t even need extra lights since your face stays visible even in dim rooms. As our expert mentioned in his “Excellent” rated Live! Cam Sync review in 2021, the webcam “offers a nice upgrade in video call quality over your computer's built-in webcam.” It’s plug-and-play, comes with a privacy shutter, and works just fine for basic everyday use.Microphone DealsThe Razer Seiren Mini is a simple-to-use microphone for streaming or podcasting that actually sounds really good. It’s compact, easy to set up, and the audio comes through surprisingly clear and warm, especially when you position it close enough. You might want to prop it up on a few books, but once it’s at mouth level, it really shines. As our expert Tim Gideon puts it, “There’s more warmth here and less room sound than the Snowball Ice provides.” Rated “Good” overall in our 2020 Seiren Mini review, it’s a great way to upgrade your setup without spending a lot at today's sale price of $35.You can also grab this Razer Seiren Mini microphone on Walmart for $36.44.Gaming Controller DealsIf you bounce between a Switch and a PC, the 8Bitdo Pro 2 just makes life easier. The grip feels natural, the buttons have that nice clicky feedback, and switching between device profiles is super quick. As PCMag's Will Greenwald puts it, “Whatever system you use it with, the Pro 2 simply feels very good to use.” That’s why it earned an “Outstanding” rating and the 2021 Editors’ Choice award in our 8Bitdo Pro 2 review. Honestly, for under $40, there's no better time to buy.Speaker DealsThe Sony SRS-XB100 offers rich, crisp sound for its compact size, making it a standout among portable Bluetooth speakers. Its fully dust-tight and waterproof design ensures durability and reliability in various environments. The speaker also features a clear speakerphone mic, enhancing its functionality for calls on the go. In our 2023 SRS-XB100 review, the expert states, "It's easy to recommend if you want a compact, waterproof speaker that pumps out robust, detailed sound." That's why we gave it an "Excellent" rating. Its compact, adventure-ready design and enhanced sound quality make it a valuable choice for music lovers at just under $40.You can also get this Sony SRS-XB100 Speaker at Walmart for $39.99.The JBL Go 3 speaker is small enough to clip onto a bag or drop into a pocket, making it a great choice for travel and outdoor use. The waterproof build handles splashes and showers with ease. Vocals and highs come through crisp and clear, while bass is limited but present enough to keep tracks sounding full. It reaches impressive volume levels without distortion. As our audio expert Tim Gideon says, “For $40, you can't expect audio fireworks, but the JBL Go 3 certainly gets the job done, with clean, relatively loud mono audio from its compact frame." With an “Excellent” rating in our 2020 JBL Go 3 review and rugged design, it’s difficult to find anything better at this sale price of $30.You can also grab the JBL Go 3 on Walmart for $29.95.Thermostat DealsControl the temperature in your house with the Amazon smart programmable thermostat. This highly affordable device supports Alexa voice commands and has a smartphone app. That means you can dial up or down the heat without leaving your bed. Plus, it integrates well with Amazon smart home solutions, making a complete ecosystem for your house. It also reports the energy usage so you can make smart decisions to cut off your electricity bill. It earns an "Excellent" rating in our review, in which our expert states, "Amazon Smart Thermostat is a solid option that also happens to be the least expensive model we've tested." The current 29% discount makes it judicious to bring the thermostat home.Headphone DealsThe Razer Blackshark V2 is a wired headset that nails gaming audio without wrecking your wallet. It's super lightweight, stays comfy during long sessions, and the THX Spatial Audio gives you that "where-the-heck-did-that-shot-come-from" edge in shooters. You can tweak everything through the Razer Synapse app, but honestly, the mic sounds crisp even without adjustments. As Will Greenwald puts it, “the microphone on the Blackshark V2 sounds excellent,” and it is proven in our tests. For $37 only, this thing is stacked. It scored an “Outstanding” rating and even snagged the Editors’ Choice award in our 2020 Razer Blackshark V2 review, which tells you all you need to know.Video Doorbell DealsThe Blink Video Doorbell + Sync Module 2 is an affordable and versatile home security solution, offering both wired and wireless installation options. It integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, allowing easy control and monitoring. The device delivers sharp 1080p video, impressive image quality with rich daytime colors, and clear night vision. Installation is straightforward, and it includes a range of mounting accessories. The Sync Module 2 extends battery life and provides local storage options, supporting up to 10 Blink cameras. Additionally, two-way audio is loud and clear, enhancing communication with visitors. Scan through our Blink Video Doorbell review to learn more about its pros and cons.We’re finding Memorial Day Deals everywhere, from retailers like Amazon and Walmart to top brands like Apple and HP. And don’t forget to check out all of the Memorial Day Deals Under $100 and Under $50. But, if you’re looking for something more specific, we’ve rounded up the following holiday deals for you:

BigHatPaul Member May 28, 2019 1,823 Swamp Some controllers are loud. The current gen XBOX controller is LOUD. Aggressively. The PS5, not so much. Some third party ones are pretty loud, too, like 8bitdo's buttons. But does it bother you or take you out of the experience? Or do you find it oddly satisfying? I actually quite enjoy hearing the clacking noises watching speedruns but not that big a fan hearing it while I'm playing.  Dest Has seen more 10s than EA ever will Coward Jun 4, 2018 16,041 Work I've really never even paid attention to it. But now that you've brought it my attention, it's going to be the only thing I can think of when I'm using a controller. Thanks OP.  nsilvias Member Oct 25, 2017 30,147 i mostly wear headphones so i dont care for the most part. i have a stadia controller tho and that think is loud.   YohraUtopia Member Apr 1, 2021 1,409 I've never noticed except that the rumble on the wireless Xbox controller is in fact extremely loud; it startles me sometimes.   Mullet2000 Member Oct 25, 2017 6,399 Toronto I'm banned from using the Xbox Series controller after 10:00 p.m. by my wife because of the noise lmao.   MADSUPERVILLAIN Member Jan 11, 2018 1,665 Dunedin, New Zealand I haven't really thought about it before, but I've spent my life playing PC games on Cherry MX Blues and fighting games on my arcade stick so I really have been using the loudest possible input methods this whole time.   Transistor The Walnut King Administrator Oct 25, 2017 41,656 Washington, D.C. The combination of the d-pad and the rumble motors on the Series controllers can wake the dead.   Killzig Member Oct 25, 2017 1,132 The clickiness of sticks or buttons doesn't bother me but rumble is something I disable as soon as I get hands on a controller almost immediately since the feature was introduced. Absolutely hate it.   Doc Laserstein Member Oct 25, 2017 5,605 The only controller that has ever really bothered me has been exclusive to all three dualsenses I have owned, and it's this disconcertingly loud and aggressive clicking/rattling that comes from the rumble in certain games.   OP OP BigHatPaul Member May 28, 2019 1,823 Swamp Any pop'n music players in here? Loudest controller I've ever used by far   WordsAndDreams Member Jan 4, 2018 1,378 I used to not think about it. But after using the Dual Sense primarily for the last couple years, I can't help but notice how loud my 8bitdo is.   ari Member May 7, 2024 650 Biarritz my logitech f310 isn't loud. although my 7.1 system gets in the way of every noise except the sound of a meteorite striking my house  Dougieflesh One Winged Slayer The Fallen Oct 25, 2017 37,219 Milky Way Ghetto I've never really noticed controller noise until the Xbox Series controller. Those buttons and bumpers are so damn loud.   Gavalanche Prophet of Regret Member Oct 21, 2021 25,941 Is the xbox controller loud? I havent noticed? Maybe I am too used to it. I will keep an ear out when I play next.   moqz Member Jan 28, 2025 487 The switch pro controller sounds like it's filled with bees when it rumbles. It's really annoying because you can barely even feel the LRA's in the switch pro controller, they really needed larger ones.   MissedArrows Member Feb 6, 2025 230 I prefer ps controllers, but got an xbox series controller for compatibility on PC. I haven't used it in years and instead just find workarounds for my dualsense if needed. The loudness is too much, it can be heard through mics and I'm concerned back when I had roommates they could hear it too. I was shocked when watching old recordings and the clicking was that loud.  Last edited: 1 minute ago Dezzy Member Oct 25, 2017 3,791 USA I hate noisy controllers. The Xbox Series ones drove me nuts. The dpad and all the buttons were too noisy.   rics2980 Member Oct 28, 2017 257 My friend's Xbox series controller sounds like he is slapping a typewriter when we're party chatting. I wish I was exaggerating but I'm not. Other than that I'm not really bothered by controller noise.   Letters Prophet of Truth Avenger Oct 27, 2017 5,201 Portugal Recently moved to maining the Dual Sense on PC after years of Xbox controllers just because of this. I grew tired of those loud and stiff buttons. Dual Sense is inferior in some ways but at least those face buttons are a pleasure to press. Hopefully the Xbox Sebile controller really copies all the best things of the Dual Sense for the ultimate controller.  Tohsaka Member Nov 17, 2017 7,098 I really like how quiet the DualSense is. I have an Xbox controller only for PC games that don't have native DS support/prompts and I hate how noisy it is in comparison. It feels cheap.   Kevers The Fallen Oct 29, 2017 15,890 Syracuse, NY The dpad on my launch dualsense makes this really annoying squeaky sound when you push it, drives me up a wall. My galaxy purple is flawless though  Audiblee Member Mar 14, 2025 1,596 Hated the noise my Series controllers made. One of many reasons I don't miss that console.   Zafir Member Oct 25, 2017 8,977 I use a cherry blue mx keyboard, I'm fine with loud peripherals lol. The only thing bothers me with noise is if something is amiss. Like if theres random squeaking from things or clicking that shouldn't be there. Those bother me. 

Star Wars: Heritage Pack $30 (was $60) See at Amazon See at GameStop If you love Star Wars and own a Nintendo Switch, you'll want to check out Amazon's deal on Star Wars: Heritage Pack. This rarely discounted collection of Star Wars games is on sale for $30 at Amazon and GameStop. Star Wars: Heritage Pack comes with seven classic Star Wars games, including the Jedi Knight and Knights of the Old Republic series. The $30 discount matches the best deal yet, and we don't expect it to remain in stock at Amazon for very long. Star Wars: Heritage Pack $30 (was $60) The physical edition of Star Wars: Heritage Pack typically sells for $60. Oddly enough, the digital version of the Star Wars: Heritage Pack used to sell for $80, but it has actually been removed from sale. In comparison, the physical edition was already a bargain at full price, but now you're getting each game for just over $4 each--which is far lower than the price of buying the games separately from the eShop.Star Wars: Heritage collection pulls together seven classic Star Wars games:Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi AcademyStar Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi OutcastStar Wars Episode I RacerStar Wars Republic CommandoStar Wars: The Force UnleashedKnights of the Old Republic (Downloadable)Knights of the Old Republic 2 (Downloadable) See at Amazon See at GameStop While the first five games are playable directly off the Switch cartridge, both Knights of the Old Republic are digital versions that need to be downloaded from the eShop--so make sure you have a good internet connection and a bit of space on your microSD card. Combined, the two KOTOR games clock in just shy of 30GB.More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders Highly Limited Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary 4K Blu-Ray In Stock At Amazon Lego Monkey Palace Board Game Is Over 50% Off At Amazon Right Now 8BitDo Reveals Leverless Arcade Controllers For PC, Switch, And Xbox + Show More More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders Links (5) Locke & Key Keyhouse Comic Compendium Gets Massive Limited-Time Discount Lego's Awesome New Mario Kart Display Set Is Available Now First Book In Joe Abercrombie's New Fantasy Series Is Finally Here Amazon Restocks Lego Transformers Optimus Prime, Offers Big Discount PSA: Lego Bowser's Muscle Car Is Retiring - Save Big On 3 Mario Sets Before They're Gone

Image: 8BitDoAccessory firm 8BitDo has announced it is launching a brand-new arcade controller for the Nintendo Switch, and by Jove, it looks absolutely glorious. Shipping from 15th July 2025 across North America and from 15th August 2025 across Europe with pre-orders commencing today, the controller will come in two variants: an Xbox branded version, and the standard version. It's the latter we're interested in here, with 8BitDo stating the controller is "built for professionals, competitive gamers and fans of arcade style controllers". It's said to be "impossibly slim", measuring in at 1.6cm thick, and is about the same size as an A4 piece of paper. You can play either wirelessly via an included adapter, or connect a cable for minimum lag during tournament play. A rechargable battery is also included for those who wish to play wirelessly. Since the controller is compatible with both Switch and PC, users can flip between Switch (S-Input) and PC (X-Input) mode, essentially altering the controller's dynamic layout to suit your chosen platform. Competitive play is also catered for with SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions) cleaning and tournament lock. Finally, pricing is confirmed at €89.99 / £74.99 for the standard controller. The Xbox version is slightly more expensive at €99.99 / £84.99 and comes with optional RBG lighting, which... okay, not a big deal. Images: 8BitDo Images: 8BitDo Images: 8BitDo Images: 8BitDo Images: 8BitDo If you want to check out the Xbox version, our pals over at Pure Xbox has this covered in the below article: Pure XboxThey Call Me 'Captain Combos' Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information. What do you make of this new arcade controller from 8BitDo? Will you be picking one up? Let us know with a comment. Share:0 0 Nintendo Life’s resident horror fanatic, when he’s not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment... Related Articles Nintendo Updates Its User Agreement To Crack Down On Emulation Offenders may find their Switch bricked Nintendo Unveils Diddy Kong's Brand New Design Cap's off The First Review For Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time Is In A fantasy score? Review: Capcom Fighting Collection 2 (Switch) - A Cracking Collection Of Top-Class Arcade Fighters A Dream(cast) collection

8BitDo Arcade Controller (Xbox/PC) $100 | Releases July 25 Preorder at Amazon 8BitDo Arcade Controller (Switch/PC) $90 | Releases July 25 Preorder at Amazon 8BitDo has revealed a pair of exciting new controllers for fighting game enthusiasts. Launching July 15 for Switch/PC and Xbox/PC, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller is a thin, leverless fight pad. All-button arcade "sticks" have become quite popular in the fighting game scene in recent years; some players find that the dedicated directional and jump buttons make it easier to hit precise inputs for special moves and combos. However, leverless models tend to be expensive, especially if you're looking for a reliable and customizable device. At $90-$100, 8BitDo's Arcade Controller will be the most affordable option from a major brand, and both models offer wireless connections on their respective platforms as well as PC. You can preorder the 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Switch/PC and Xbox/PC at Amazon. 8BitDo Arcade Controller (Xbox/PC) $100 | Releases July 25 As mentioned above, the new leverless 8BitDo Arcade Controllers use a button-only layout. Both models include four directional buttons (up, down, left, right), eight face buttons, and four additional remappable buttons. Each button uses hot-swappable Kailh Wizard low-profile mechanical switches, and the extra buttons also come with swappable locking flat caps in case you don't want to use them and want to avoid accidental presses. Both models also feature platform-specific inputs--like the Xbox Guide button and Switch Home button--for navigating the console's menus and interface.These leverless models are thinner and lighter than the previously released 8BitDo Arcade Controllers with joysticks, with a smudge-resistant material on the top panel, and a slip-resistant silicone mat on the bottom so it stays in place while playing. They also have foldable magnetic feet so you can adjust the angle.The Xbox version of the leverless 8BitDo Arcade Controller connects wirelessly to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or PC with the included 2.4GHz dongle. The included USB-C cable can be used to establish a wired connection as well as charge the Arcade Controller.While the hot-swappable PCBs are convenient for modding the device's buttons and switches to your preferences, you can also personalize the button mapping and other options on PC or Xbox using 8BitDo's Ultimate Software X. One of those customizations is the RGB lighting rings around the buttons, which are exclusive to the Xbox model. Preorder at Amazon 8BitDo Arcade Controller (Switch/PC) $90 | Releases July 25 The Switch version of the leverless 8BitDo Arcade Controller the same button layout and overall design as the Xbox edition, but it's $10 cheaper and adds Bluetooth support. Since it uses Bluetooth to sync wirelessly with your Nintendo Switch, you should have no problem pairing it to the upcoming Switch 2 console.The Switch edition still comes with a 2.4GHz dongle for wireless play on PC, just like the Xbox model. The detachable charging cable can be used for wired mode on Switch or PC. So if you're buying the controller for PC, you can save $10 by opting for the Switch version. You will miss out on the backlit buttons, but the Switch edition does have a cool retro-themed design.The gray, black, and red color scheme pays homage to the Nintendo Entertainment System. The trio of bright menu buttons running along the top nod back to the SNES controller's face buttons.Button mapping and other competition-focused control customizations can be applied to the Switch edition using 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2. Preorder at Amazon Gallery For those who prefer the traditional feel of a joystick, the original 8BitDo Arcade Controller is also available now. Like the levelerless edition, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller with a joystick is available in Switch and Xbox versions, and both work with PC. The Switch/PC model is $90, while the Xbox/PC model is $120 and available in either black or white color options. Continue Reading at GameSpot

Polybius: A Novel by Collin Armstrong $21.76 (was $29) See at Amazon One of gaming's most fascinating urban legends becomes reality in a new novel published on April 29 by Simon & Schuster imprint Gallery Books. Polybius, the debut novel by Collin Armstrong, transports readers to a small town during the golden age of arcade machines. Unfortunately for the citizens of Tasker Bay, the new game at their local arcade is about to wreak havoc on their daily lives. There are surprisingly few novels from major publishers centered around video games, and this one is definitely worth a read. Polybius is a fast-paced and thrilling tale that mixes psychological horror with sci-fi.Amazon is offering a 25% discount on Polybius just two weeks after its release. You can get the hardcover edition for $21.76 (was $29). Polybius is also available as a Kindle ebook and audiobook via Audible. Amazon included it on its list of the best sci-fi and fantasy novels of May 2025. Polybius: A Novel by Collin Armstrong $21.76 (was $29) The novel regularly switches narrative perspectives, but the main characters who drive the plot forward are teenagers Andi and Ro. Andi is a part-time employee of Home Video World, and Ro is a regular at the arcade who crushes on Andi from afar.When Home Video World acquires a new arcade cabinet of unknown origins, players, including Ro, immediately become transfixed by the advanced graphics and gameplay. Though not a gamer herself, Andi is a programmer with experience fixing the machine boards. After observing the obsessive and concerning behavior from Polybius players, she opens the cabinet to learn more about its tech and code. Believing the game is dangerous, Andi and Ro begin searching for the answers they need. All the while, Tasker Bay descends further into madness with each passing day.Polybius does a great job of turning the town of Tasker Bay into a compelling character of its own. Armstrong accomplishes this, in part, by utilizing numerous third-person perspectives beyond Andi and Ro, including Home Video World's sketchy owner, the town doctor (Andi's mom), the sheriff (Ro's dad), and multiple of Andi's and Ro's friends. These subplots are interspersed throughout, giving the novel a panoramic structure that showcases the different ways in which Polybius creates pandemonium.Even as someone who was already well-versed in the Polybius urban legend before reading the novel, the story's strong execution more than makes up for those "spoilers." That said, if you don't know the ins and outs of the urban legend, which dates back at least 25 years, you might as well read the novel without any additional research. I'll leave it at that.Bestselling horror author Richard Chizmar compared Polybius to Stranger Things in a blurb that appears on the dust jacket. After reading all 352 pages in two late-night marathon sessions, I can definitely see the similarities between Tasker Bay and Hawkins. And just like Stranger Things, amidst carnage and chaos, Polybius feels like horror-sci-fi comfort food. See at Amazon More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders First Book In Joe Abercrombie's New Fantasy Series Is Finally Here Amazon Restocks Lego Transformers Optimus Prime, Offers Big Discount PSA: Lego Bowser's Muscle Car Is Retiring - Save Big On 3 Mario Sets Before They're Gone + Show More More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders Links (5) Tomtoc Releases Nintendo Switch 2 Version Of Its Popular Form-Fitting Travel Case Lego Star Wars Day Sale Is Live - Get Two Free Sets With Jango Fett's UCS Starship All The Nintendo Switch 2 Games You Can Preorder Now Studio Ghibli Movies With Collectible Steelbooks Are Available For Cheap 8BitDo Halts US Shipments Due To Tariffs, But You Can Get Great Controller Deals (For Now)