Almost a month after its worldwide debut, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is still breaking all sorts of records around the globe.
The latest success story comes from Mexico – with the Nintendo and Illumination production becoming the “third highest grossing film” in the history of the country and surpassing Toy Story 4. It puts it just behind Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: No Way Home (at $1,391 million pesos), and currently it’s on track to overtake Avengers.
Back in February we posted a deal on Logitech’s K400 Bluetooth keyboard/trackpad combo device, which offered a convenient way to control Steam Deck, media PCs and other gizmos that don’t come with built-in desktop-friendly controls.
Today we’re back with a similar deal on the Logitech Wireless Starter Kit, which bundles a K380 keyboard and M185 mouse for £40 (down from £50). Both elements are surprisingly high-quality for the price, with a nicer-looking and better-feeling scissor switch keyboard with circular keycaps and a compact 2.4GHz mouse that provides better speed and accuracy than a trackpad.
The Dell Alienware AW2723DF is one of the best 1440p 240Hz monitors on the market, and now this popular model has dropped to £430 after a 20% discount at Dell’s UK store. If you’re a student or your employer’s part of Dell’s discount scheme, the monitor becomes even cheaper – just £408.50.
If you use an Apple iPhone, then there’s no question: the Apple Watch is absolutely the only smartwatch you should consider. Apple watches come in a variety of price points, from the value-minded Apple Watch SE to the no holds barred Apple Watch Ultra. They combine smart iPhone integration with a dazzling array of fitness, and health-related tech that no other brand can match. They’ve always topped our list of best watches, including for 2023.
We’ve compiled a list of the best Apple Watch deals currently available.
The Best Apple Watch Deals
Apple Watch SE from $149
The fact that you can get a fully featured Apple Watch for only $149 is very impressive, especially coming from Apple. Although it was released back in 2020, the 1st gen Apple Watch SE is still a very relevant watch. The 2nd gen Apple Watch SE might have a newer S8 processor, but it’s technically only one generation newer than the S5 processor found in the original Watch SE (the S8, S7, and S6 have the same CPU). Aside from that and crash detection, it has pretty much every sensor and feature you’d find on the 2nd gen.
The Apple Watch SE sports a gorgeous Retina OLED display. It’s powered by the same S5 chipset that you’d find in the Apple Watch 5. Its sleek aluminum casing is water resistant up to 50 meters. It features an accelerometer, gyroscope, and altimeter, optical heart sensor for heart rate monitoring and irregular heart rhythm detection, GPS and motion sensors for tracking your pace and distance when exercising, sleep tracking, and more.
Apple Watch Series 8 From $329
The Apple Series 8 is the newest generation out right now. It is an incremental upgrade to the Series 7 and cosmetically they look pretty much identical. The Series 8 carries over the best features of the Series 7 like the Always-On Retina OLED display, the dual-core CPU (now called the “S8” processor, even though functionally it’s the same as the S7 processor on the Series 7), the rugged IP6X dust resistant and swimproof (to 50mm) casing, and the wealth of health features like ECG, blood oxygen, and heart rate meters. Two features new to the Series 8 are a built-in temperature sensor (primarily geared towards women’s health) as well as the ability to detect when you’ve been subjected to a serious car crash.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) From 219.99
The Apple Watch SE 2 features an upgraded CPU over the original Apple Watch SE. The Apple Watch SE 2 has the same S8 processor found in the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra. The original Apple Watch SE uses an older S5 processor. Apple claims about a 30% performance improvement between the two. Outside of that, both SE watches are largely similar. The bright and sharp Retina OLED display is 30% larger that what you’d find on the Apple Watch Series 3. It also features crash detection (new to the 2nd gen Apple Watch SE), IPX7 water resistance, international roaming, heart rate notifications, fall detection, sleep tracking, sports monitoring and activity tracking, Apple Pay, and more.
Apple Watch Ultra for $779.99
Amazon is offering Apple’s highest end watch, the Apple Watch Ultra, for $779.99. That’s only a $20 price drop from MSRP so right now we’d recommend waiting around for a better deal. The extravangantly priced Ultra is designed to withstand more extreme outdoor activities than your typical Apple watch, including diving. It features both GPS and cellular connectivity, a 49mm corrosion-resistant rugged titanium case with an extra durable Sapphire crystal glass watch face, a handy physical “action” button on the side, the Oceanic+ app which functions like a mini dive computer, 100m of water resistance, a more accurate dual-frequency GPS, and a longer 36-hour battery life.
Can you use an Apple Watch with Android phone?
Although it’s technically possible to use an Apple Watch with an Android phone, we wouldn’t recommend it. Apple made it so that a lot of the functionality of the Apple Watch requires a smartphone with an iOS operating system. There are some workarounds to implement some of the features, but for the average person, the hassle isn’t worth it. If you’re absolutely intent on getting an Apple Watch, then getting an iPhone first would be the best option. For those of you quite happy with your Android smarpthone, there are plenty of Android smartwatches that would be a better fit than the Apple Watch.
We’re in the final stages of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online sunset, with The Pokémon Company announcing this old game will be removed from the App Store, Google Play and the Pokémon website on 5th June 2023.
This shutdown will take place just before the “full global launch” of the new Pokémon Trading Card Game Live next month on 8th June 2023. The beta for this new game is now available in beta around the world on iOS, Android and computers.
Redfall is out, and unfortunately it’s basically a worst-case scenario. We talk through our personal impressions of the game so far, and then get into a larger discussion about what it means for Xbox customer confidence, the intense pressure that now falls on Starfield, and where Xbox can go from here.
Subscribe on any of your favorite podcast feeds, to our YouTube channel, or grab an MP3 of this week’s episode. For more awesome content, check out our interview with Todd Howard, who answered all of our Starfield questions after the big reveal at the Xbox Showcase:
Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s executive editor of previews and host of both IGN’s weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, as well as our monthly(-ish) interview show, IGN Unfiltered. He’s a North Jersey guy, so it’s “Taylor ham,” not “pork roll.” Debate it with him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.
David Gaider, who was a narrative lead for Dragon Age before leaving BioWare in 2016, said in a recent Twitter thread that writers at the developer became “quietly resented” and were seen as an “albatross.”
Gaider posted the tweets just as film and television writers went on strike yesterday, demanding better pay structures and improved working conditions from Hollywood studios. Talking about writing broadly, Gaider said it’s a discipline that’s “constantly undervalued,” and it’s an attitude that’s seen among those trying to get into the video game industry as well.
“Even BioWare, which built its success on a reputation for good stories and characters, slowly turned from a company that vocally valued its writers to one where we were… quietly resented, with a reliance on expensive narrative seen as the ‘albatross’ holding the company back,” he wrote.
“Maybe that sounds like a heavy charge, but it’s what I distinctly felt up until I left in 2016,” he went on. “Suddenly all anyone in charge was asking was ‘how do we have LESS writing?’ A good story would simply happen, via magic wand, rather than be something that needed support and priority.”
Maybe that sounds like a heavy charge, but it’s what I distinctly felt up until I left in 2016. Suddenly all anyone in charge was asking was “how do we have LESS writing?” A good story would simply happen, via magic wand, rather than be something that needed support and priority.
Gaider was with BioWare for 17 years before he left, and his narrative footprint on the company is an undeniably large one. He served as lead writer for Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age II, and Dragon Age: Inquisition, and is credited with the creation of the world in which the game series take place, Thedas.
The next Dragon Age game, Dread Wolf, is still awaiting a release date. Prior to Dragon Age, Gaider also worked on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn for BioWare. He’s currently working on a new narrative RPG for Summerfall Games, Stray Dogs.
Gaider’s comments come at a time when Hollywood’s writers are fighting for more stability in the industry, especially after streaming upended entertainment as we know it and as emerging AI technology is increasingly being eyed as a way to devalue writers even more (for more on how AI could impact the entertainment industry, check out IGN’s AI Week coverage).
“At the end of the day, you can say you like good writing – whether it’s in a game, a movie, an online article, or whatever – but if you don’t value it enough to prioritize it and support it… and, yes, pay writers what they’re due… that’s not what everyone else is hearing,” Gaider concluded.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Last time, you decided that cool spellcasting gestures are better than seizing control of a rolling boulder trap. I assume you have very cool gestures to conjure a magical meteor or other big rock on command. Maybe a dramatic dragging-down (or up) with two tensed arms and clawed hands? Very cool. As we continue our scientific process, this week I ask you to choose between two things which combine help and hurt. What’s better: heals harming the undead, or voice chat?
The Xbox app for Windows PC lets you discover and download new games with Game Pass, play console games on your Windows PC with cloud gaming, and chat with friends across PC, mobile, and Xbox console. Below you’ll find the latest updates and patch notes for the Xbox App on PC for April 2023 – this update is now available for download from the Store. Always be sure to keep your app up to date for the latest improvements and bug fixes. You can learn more about the Xbox App for PC here.
April Release (2304.1001.15.0)
Quick Games to Play and Longest Games collections added to your Home screen:
When browsing your Home Game Pass screen, you can scroll down to view various collection channels, including these new collections that list average gameplay times to fit your gaming preferences.
Accessibility filters for All PC Games:
Filtering the All PC Games list just got better by adding a wide variety of Accessibility filters to help find the right game for your needs.
Bug Fixes
Fixed a bug where no games appeared in the All PC Games section.
Fixed a bug where some text was cut off when directed to install the Riot or Ubisoft game launcher.
Fixed a bug where some cloud games were not showing in the Cloud Gaming section.
Fixed a bug where installation errors did not provide additional details and troubleshooting suggestions.
Los Vaqueros and the Las Almas Cartel not only rebuild — they also reload.
The fight escalates to epic proportions in Season 03 Reloaded for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, launching May 10 on PlayStation 4 and PS5.
With new content coming to Special Ops, Multiplayer, and Battle Royale, there’s plenty to look forward to in the midseason update!
New Special Ops Raid and Mission, 6v6 Multiplayer map and modes
Whether you’re teaming up in co-op or looking to compete against the best in the world, Season 03 Reloaded has your six with a new Raid, Special Ops Mission, and Multiplayer map, as well as new modes.
Special Ops Raid Episode 03: As Gaz breaks off from the team to contact Laswell and set up an exfil, Captain Price, Farah, and Alex push deeper into the Soviet base in pursuit of Hadir and the missing armament. Descend into a massive pit punctured with old train tunnels, electrically charged waters, and heavily armed enemy combatants.
Special Ops Mission — Defender: Hafid Port: Take on the cartel’s latest operation in Al Mazrah’s Hafid Port. Eliminate the first line of defense and then defend your position against multiple waves of incoming enemies.
Alboran Hatchery (6v6): Drop into Alboran Hatchery, a medium-sized core 6v6 map set on a remote hillside beneath towering wind farm turbines. Use copious cover to set up more stealthy takedowns, or ascend to upper vantage points for a clearer line-of-sight across the storage and warehouse facilities. Expect this map in featured Playlists throughout Season 03 Reloaded.
Giant Infection and Faceoff: Take on the horde across larger Battle Maps that support a greater number of players in Giant Infection, and get tactical on small-scale Gunfight maps in modes like Team Deathmatch and Kill Confirmed via 3v3 Face Off.
New Warzone Modes, Equipment, and Ranked Play
New Tactical Equipment: Up your strength in the early game through preset Perk Packages found in Supply Boxes and at Buy Stations. On the go and need to resupply? The Deployable Buy Station’s got your back. And don’t forget to grab a Gulag Entry Kit to fight for your chance to redeploy, even if you’ve already been there once before.
Plunder Is Back: Don’t forget: Plunder from the original Call of Duty: Warzone is currently in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0. In this frenetic mode, Operators benefit from respawns and can equip their custom Loadouts at the start of the match. Gather Cash, complete contracts, and take out enemy Operators to amass riches before time runs out.
Introducing Warzone Ranked Play
Put your Battle Royale skills to the test in Warzone Ranked Play, featuring competitive settings, progressive ranking, a visual skill system, and seasonal rewards.
Start in the Bronze ranking and survive to climb your way into higher Skill Divisions, utilizing a Skill Rating (SR) custom-made for Battle Royale. Increase your SR through assists and eliminations and by earning a high placement in the match. Pay a modest SR entry fee for each match and see the end-of-match SR summary for a rundown of your losses and gains. The most skilled players will be visible for all to see in the Top 250 Skill Division leaderboard.
New DMZ Exclusion Zone
There’s something going on deep underground in Al Mazrah. Operators who deploy to that Exclusion Zone should keep an eye out for one of several entrances into a new facility known as the Koschei Complex, accessible during Season 03 Reloaded. Gain access and fight the combatants within to secure high-value loot.
General Overview
Weapon Camos: Complete a series of challenges and earn two new Weapon Camos for all weapon categories in the game.
Two New, Full-Auto Handguns
Season 03 Reloaded is introducing not one, but two new sidearms to the weapon roster:
FTAC Siege: Designed to be a compact and maneuverable machine pistol, this has a jaw-dropping fire rate and rapid swap speed. A trusted secondary for upl-close engagements. Unlock it by completing the in-game Weapon Challenge (get 50 Sidearm Hipfire Operator Kills) or by purchasing via Store Bundle.
GS Magna: This fully automatic .50 GS boasts a thunderous rate of fire and enough power to put an end to anyone crossing your path. Unlock it by completing the in-game Weapon Challenge (get 30 Operator Headshot Kills) or by purchasing via Store Bundle.
Kevin Durant, Reporting for Duty
Step into the shoes of one of basketball’s greatest players of all time as Kevin Durant arrives in a special, limited-time Store Bundle releasing as part of the midseason update.
In addition to his Operator, the Bundle will also include “Reap This” AR Blueprint and the “Easy Money” Sniper Blueprint, the “Deadly from Downtown” Finishing Move, the “B-Ball” Weapon Charm, the “Ankle-Breaker” Loading Screen, the “Hoops” Sticker, and the “KD Baller” Animated Emblem.
Watch for other Store Bundles arriving in the midseason, including the Throwback Pack: ’09 Weapon Audio Bundle, VII: Wrath, and more.
Season 03 Reloaded Launches May 10
For the best midseason experience, purchase Modern Warfare II on PlayStation today, offering access to additional content across three modes, including the ability to unlock 14 exclusive Operators for use across both games. Modern Warfare II owners also get awarded Premium XP at the end of every match while playing Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0.
