Welcome back to another week and a visit from the discount fairy, who’s blessed us with a ton of deals. Let me get you up to speed with the best of that haul quick, fast, and in a hurry. The most obvious pick has got to be the colossal discount (and new price) of the PlayStation VR2 headset. I’m pretty obsessed with it myself and can point you in the direction of the games to get for it right now!
This Day in Gaming 🎂
Aussie bdays for notable games
- Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness (N64) 2000. eBay
Today on Nintendo Switch, you can grab Ori and the Blind Forest for a jaw-dropping A$7—an emotional indie masterpiece with animations so fluid, they rival a Disney project. Or, if chaos is more your speed, Everybody 1-2-Switch! brings party-game madness to your living room and potentially through your walls and TV (depending on how hard you play it).
Today on PC, the legendary Super Meat Boy can be nabbed for nada. This stupid-tough platformer was originally created by just two developers, one of whom hid cryptic messages in the game’s level design. This War of Mine: Complete Edition is another steal at A$3—this critically acclaimed survival game was so impactful that it was added to school curricula in Poland to teach students about the harsh realities of war.
Xbox fans, you can giddy on up with a historical low. Red Dead Redemption 2 is down to A$22, letting you clip-clop through the Old West with realistic horse physics that feature lifelike pooping (particularly when you brush your mount and it feels relaxed). Death Stranding: Director’s Cut also lands at A$27, and this mighty divisive “strand game” famously features a cameo by filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.
PS5 users can snag RoboCop: Rogue City for just A$13, a game so faithful to the original film that it even brings back Peter Weller as the voice of RoboCop. And for those craving high-flying action, Ace Combat 7 is A$26 with its cloud physics that were so advanced they had to be manually adjusted to avoid making dogfights too unpredictable.
The 97th Academy Awards, also known as the 2025 Oscars, took place on a very special night that celebrated the biggest movies from 2024 and the incredible people who brought them to the big screen.
There were 23 categories at this year's Oscars and no film won more than Anora. Alongside taking home the honor of Best Picture, Anora also won Best Director, Actress in a Leading Role, Writing (Original Screenplay), and Film Editing.
Close behind Anora was The Brutalist, as it won three awards, including Actor in a Leading Role, Cinematography, and Music (Original Score). Emilia Pérez, Wicked, and Dune: Part Two were the only other films to win multiple Academy Awards.
Other highlights from the night included a stunning opening performance by Wicked's Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Emilia Pérez's Zoe Saldaña winning the Oscar for Actress in a Supporting Role and being the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and Paul Tazewell becoming the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design.
Steam has just set a new record of concurrent players. Earlier today, Valve’s service passed over 40 million concurrent players. To be more precise, it hit 40,270,997 concurrent players. Steam set its previous record of 39 million concurrent players in December 2024. In other words, it took around two months to break it. Let’s now … Continue reading Steam sets new record with over 40 million concurrent players→
Apple has a slew of products available beyond iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The tech giant has slowly begun to introduce various iPhone accessories over the last decade, such as Apple Watch, and these have proven to be a major success. Another major accessory we've seen from Apple is none other than AirPods. The market for wireless earbuds slowly began to grow popular in 2015, but nothing shook up the market more than the launch of AirPods. With many different models and product lines available, you might not remember each generation that Apple has released. Below, we've compiled every generation of Apple AirPods, so buckle up and prepare for a journey through this iconic device.
How Many Apple AirPods Generations Have There Been?
Apple has released a total of seven different Apple AirPods generations. The first model was released in 2016, with the latest arriving in 2024. We've included every AirPods release ever on this list, with the standard AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max all included.
Every Apple AirPods Generation in Order of Release
Apple AirPods (1st Generation) - December 13, 2016
The Apple AirPods (1st Generation) were the pair that started it all. Despite bundling in wired Apple EarPods with all iPhone models, this marked Apple's first jump into the wireless earbud space. The AirPods were brilliantly easy to use thanks to the Apple W1 Chip, which granted users the ability to flip open the AirPods and seamlessly connect them to any Apple device.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) - March 20, 2019
While Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) looked just like the original pair on the outside, numerous changes were made internally that paved the way for a significant upgrade. Apple first replaced the W1 chip with the H1, a chip that allowed for quicker connectivity overall. Additionally, while the battery life remained unchanged, Hey Siri functionality was added for users to quickly access Apple's AI assistant.
Apple AirPods Pro (1st Generation) - October 30, 2019
The AirPods Pro marked Apple's first foray into the premium wireless earbud market. Instead of an open-ear design, AirPods Pro has silicone tips that go inside your ear, which opened the door for both higher quality sound and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Apple offered two ANC modes on AirPods Pro: Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode. The latter allows for voices to enter and mix with the sound while keeping all other noises cancelled out.
Apple AirPods Max - December 15, 2020
In 2020, Apple released the AirPods Max, a brand-new take on Apple AirPods. This model has a complete over-ear design, which looks much closer to the Sony WH-1000MX5 or Bose QuietComfort 45. AirPods Max still offers the best sound quality to date on any AirPods model, with a great balance and quality bass performance. Apple did release an updated version of the AirPods Max in 2024, but the only change was a USB-C port.
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) - October 26, 2021
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) was a major shakeup in design compared to the last generation. This time, the design was much closer to Apple AirPods Pro, with the case much more rectangular, and the AirPods themselves having shorter stems. This generation also improved the battery life in a big way, with over six hours of additional listening time on Apple AirPods (3rd Generation).
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) - September 23, 2022
Three years after the release of AirPods Pro, Apple released AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) in 2022. This upgrade replaced the lightning port on the charging case with USB-C, increased water and dust resistance, and more. Sound quality was also much improved with this model, especially in regards to Active Noise Cancellation performance. Recently, Apple even added support for a clinically-validated hearing test to AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) that can gauge ear health and showcase listening habits to users.
Apple AirPods (4th Generation) - September 20, 2024
The most recent AirPods model, Apple AirPods (4th Generation) marked the first time that Apple offered multiple models for one AirPods gen. You can choose between either the standard model or a model equipped with Active Noise Cancellation. A new design was made specifically to fit in as many user's ears as possible, with a solid upgrade in sound quality offered as well.
When Are New Apple AirPods Coming Out?
Right now, the next Apple AirPods launch we can expect is the next generation of Apple AirPods Pro. Since Apple chose not to reveal the new earbuds last Fall or alongside the iPhone 16e, it's likely that the reveal will be set for this Fall. Apple is set to release the iPhone 17 in September, so it's probably that any news regarding any next-gen AirPods Pro models will be released there.
The weekend is officially here, and we've rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for Sunday, March 2, below:
Nintendo Switch OLED for $269.99
Woot has new Nintendo Switch OLED models available this weekend for just $269.99. While Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon, this is a great discount on the premier Nintendo Switch model. Since these units are Singapore Models, Woot has opened them up solely to replace the power adapter with the official USA one. You'll still have the Woot warranty, and the console itself is completely untouched.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for $37.99
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is $37.99 at Woot right now. The massive adventure across the planet to track Sephiroth was one of the biggest games of 2024, and it's absolutely a must-play game. A 40+ hour main story awaits, with over 35 side quests available after you clear the story.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth for $24.99
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is one of the best games in the long-running RPG series. Kiryu Kazama returns following the events of Yakuza: Like a Dragon, uniting with Ichiban Kasuga in a wild adventure you won't forget anytime soon. While you should absolutely try to play through the series in order, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth can be played and enjoyed standalone.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance for $24.99
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is back at its all-time low price this weekend! Vengeance is an enhanced version of the former Nintendo Switch exclusive SMT V, launched in 2019. The biggest feature available in this upgraded re-release is the all new Canon of Vengeance route, which is essentially 40 hours of new story content. At $24.99, this is a steal for what many considered one of the best RPGs of 2024.
Magic: The Gathering | Marvel's Spider-Man
Magic The Gathering announced new sets yesterday based on Marvel's Spider-Man, and you can already secure your bundles now at Amazon. A few of these sets have very limited stock left, so be sure to pre-order which bundles you'd like before they are all sold out!
Pre-Order Elden Ring: Nightreign at Best Buy, Get $10 Gift Card
Elden Ring Nightreign, a new multiplayer game from FromSoftware, is set to release for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC on May 30. You can explore the world and take on bosses with two other friends, making for a unique experience that's sure to stay engaging. Best Buy has opened pre-orders for Elden Ring Nightreign, and you can score a free $10 Best Buy gift card with any pre-order for a limited time.
Sea of Stars for $24.99
Sea of Stars is an RPG that pays tribute to many of the genre's biggest hits, such as Chrono Trigger or Final Fantasy VI. Today, you can score a Nintendo Switch copy of the game for just $24.99. In our 8/10 review, we wrote, "Sea of Stars is an excellent tribute RPG that channels the best parts of its ‘90s-era forebears. It's not wholly original, but there are enough twists in its story to keep it interesting after the combat loses its luster."
Rise of the Ronin for $39.97
Rise of the Ronin is one of the biggest 2024 PlayStation 5 exclusives to release, with the gamecoming from Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo. Set in 1863 Japan, you play as the Ronin and take down those coming from the West. This action epic offers well over 70 hours of content, with an excellent dive into a history somewhat unexplored in modern gaming.
MySims Cozy Bundle for $27.77
You can also score the Nintendo Switch physical copy of MySims Cozy Bundle for $27.77 this weekend. This collection packs in both MySims and MySims Kingdom, offering two unique and charming games to experience.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for $44.99
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD just released for Nintendo Switch in January, and you can already save over $15 off at Woot. If you enjoyed Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Returns HD is another excellent entry you are sure to have fun with. There are many different worlds to traverse through, with a variety of collectibles and items to discover.
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection for $39.99
The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection has hit a new all-time low at Woot, priced at just $39.99. The first six Final Fantasy games paved the way for the series as we see it today. Many fans still regard both Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy VI as some of the best that Final Fantasy has to offer, with gripping narratives and engaging gameplay. This package includes all six Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, which feature updated graphics, soundtracks, font, and more.
It’s that time of year. Whether you’ve logged every nominee on Letterboxd or are just tuning in for the performances, The Oscars have arrived. A celebration of 2024 in cinema, Emilia Pérez leads the charge with the most nominations, though predictions cite Anora, The Brutalist, and Conclave as top contenders. And yes, I do believe Challengers got snubbed, but this is The Academy, so we've seen worse.
This year’s Oscars come with a couple of “firsts.” It's Conan O’Brien's first time hosting, but it's also the first year the Oscars will be available to watch live on a streaming service. If you’re hoping to tune in, here’s everything we know about how to watch the 2025 Oscars online.
The Oscars 2025: Date and Start Time
The 97th Oscars ceremony is being hosted on Sunday, March 2. The Oscars officially start at 7pm EST/4pm PST, while the pre-ceremony red carpet show starts half an hour beforehand. The ceremony is always blocked out for three hours, though the full run-time can vary.
Where to Stream The Oscars Online
The Oscars are airing live on ABC and streaming on Hulu. This is the first year Hulu will simulcast the Oscars on its regular subscription tiers instead of just Hulu + Live TV. All Hulu subscriptions offer a 7-day free trial and are notably part of one of the more popular streaming bundles with Disney+ and Max. Otherwise, ABC channels are available through several live subscriptions, including YouTubeTV and fuboTV.
If you’re outside the US, the Oscars will be broadcast in more than 200 territories worldwide. You can check your international local listings by heading to this link.
What About the Red Carpet?
Half of The Oscars is all the hullabaloo beforehand. Hulu will be airing the "Official Red Carpet Pre-Show," but plenty of local news stations will have their own "pre-shows" starting earlier in the afternoon. If you want to join in on the predictions and gossip, you can stream ABC News Live pre-shows for free through SlingTV's "Freestream" service.
Who’s Hosting The Oscars This Year?
Talk show host and comedian Conan O’Brien is hosting the Oscars this year, taking the mantle from Jimmy Kimmel, who hosted the two previous ceremonies. O’Brien is best known for his self-titled late night talk shows, though his most recent work is on the travel show Conan O'Brien Must Go.
Who’s Presenting?
The Academy has progressively revealed who will present at this year’s ceremony. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the full list includes Harrison Ford, Gal Gadot, Andrew Garfield, Samuel L. Jackson, Margaret Qualley, Alba Rohrwacher, Zoe Saldaña, Rachel Zegler, Dave Bautista, Joe Alwyn, Halle Berry, Sterling K. Brown, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Ana de Armas, Lily-Rose Depp, Robert Downey Jr., Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Selena Gomez, Goldie Hawn, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Cillian Murphy, Connie Nielsen, Amy Poehler, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, June Squibb, Ben Stiller, Emma Stone, Oprah Winfrey and Bowen Yang.
Who’s Performing?
Several performances have been confirmed ahead of The Oscars. Variety reports that the ceremony will feature Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo performing live music from the soundtrack of 'Wicked.' Lisa, Raye, and Doja Cat, who recently released their joint single "Born Again," are also confirmed performers.
Prices on Sword & Shield — Astral Radiance and Silver Tempest booster packs are climbing, and it is not just because people want to complete their sets. Stock is running low, and demand for chase cards like Alternate-Art Lugia V and Machamp V has pushed prices higher. If you have been putting off buying these, now is the time before they become even more challenging to find.
I have tracked down the best options for picking up multiple packs at a fair price. If you are hunting for Trainer Gallery hits, alternate arts, or rainbow rares, these are the best-sealed products that still offer great value.
Silver Tempest has been a fan favorite since its release, mostly due to its focus on Lugia VSTAR and its Alternate-Art Lugia V. The set features a mix of competitive staples and highly sought-after collector’s cards, making it one of the strongest releases in the Sword & Shield era.
Build & Battle Stadium includes 12 booster packs, a stack of Energy cards, dice, and markers. Some of the most valuable cards in the set include Regidrago V Alternate Art, Rainbow Rare Lugia VSTAR, and Serena Full Art, which has been a staple in competitive play. The Trainer Gallery also features Rayquaza VMAX, Blaziken VMAX, and the stunning Friends in Galar full art card. If you are looking for a set with high-value pulls, this is one of the best available options at a reasonable price.
Astral Radiance may not have the same level of hype as Silver Tempest, but it has some of the most unique alternate-art cards of the Sword & Shield era. This Build & Battle Stadium includes 12 booster packs, Energy cards, dice, and condition markers.
The most valuable card in the set is Alternate-Art Machamp V, which features a lively market scene. Origin Forme Dialga V Alternate Art and Origin Forme Palkia V Alternate Art have also held strong value due to their playability and striking artwork. Its Trainer Gallery is packed with top-tier cards, including Garchomp V featuring Cynthia, Starmie V with Misty, and Zacian V with Hop. If you are looking for Full Art Trainers, Irida and Adaman are some of the best in the set, with strong value in both competitive and collector markets.
Pokémon TCG: Collector Chest 2022
For a more affordable way to open multiple sets, the 2022 Collector Chest is a great pick. It includes five booster packs, two from Astral Radiance, two from Silver Tempest, and one from Fusion Strike. The three foil promos feature Hisuian Voltorb, Hisuian Growlithe, and Hisuian Sneasel, making it a nice bonus for collectors.
Fusion Strike has some of the most expensive cards from the Sword & Shield era, including Alternate-Art Gengar VMAX, Espeon VMAX, and Mew VMAX Rainbow Rare. The Silver Tempest and Astral Radiance packs offer shots at Lugia, Machamp, and strong Trainer Gallery cards. For under £25, this is one of the best-value sealed products still available.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of "Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior". Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Sonic fans, get ready for a treat. A team of programmers and modders has released an unofficial PC port of the Xbox 360 Sonic game, Sonic Unleashed. This unofficial PC port is available for download right now. Titled Unleashed Recompiled, this unofficial PC port was created through the process of static recompilation. The port offers … Continue reading Download and play an unofficial PC port of Sonic Unleashed→
There's a brand new LEGO Harry Potter set that just arrived and I'm thinking about buying it myself. The Knight Bus Adventure set recreates the iconic triple-decker bus from the Harry Potter movies and looks like it would be really fun to build. Priced at $50, this set is a lot cheaper than the larger Hogwarts Castle set that was on sale last week and looks like it would more easily be displayed on my small desk. As far as Harry Potter gifts for yourself go, it's an enticing new option to consider.
The Knight Bus Adventure is just the latest addition to a long line of Harry Potter sets that already exist. If you're interested in getting it yourself, it is now available at Amazon, LEGO direct, and all of the other best places to buy LEGO.
LEGO Knight Bus Adventure Set - Where to Buy
We first see the Knight Bus during the first half of The Prisoner of Azkaban as Harry experiences his first magical public transit ride. In this set, it's depicted much the same and even includes moving beds and a swinging chandelier on the inside. You also get minifigures from the movie, including Harry Potter, Ernie Prang, Stan Shunpike, and Padfoot. The build is 499 pieces, so it can be easily put together all at once during an afternoon.
Like I mentioned above, there are a lot different Harry Potter LEGO sets you can buy. While this one is pretty cool (and probably the only set that will ever feature Stan Shunpike), there are plenty of other options worth considering.
See more Harry Potter sets
Are There Any More Upcoming LEGO Harry Potter Sets?
Looking at 2025 so far, I can definitely say with some confidence that there will eventually be more Harry Potter sets. There were quite a few new sets released back in January and then this latest set on March 1. Though we don't have any confirmation that there will be more LEGO Harry Potter sets this year, it seems like a sure thing we'll see more in 2025.
Another upcoming Harry Potter-themed thing coming out this year is a new interactive illustrated edition of The Goblet of Fire in October. Following that, the upcoming Harry Potter TV series will be bringing new interpretions of the characters into the fandom. We can likely expect new LEGO sets to go along with that show before it releases in 2027.
There are very few young adult novels as successful as the Hunger Games books. Suzanne Collins released the first book in 2008 and has since released three more books and a total of five movies. And it doesn't stop there as just last year Collins announced yet another book in the series with a movie already in the works.
The next Hunger games book, titled Sunrise on the Reaping, is set to come out on March 18, 2025. Despite only being a preorder, the hardcover edition has already jumped into the second spot on Amazon's best-sellers list of books. It has officially surpassed Onyx Storm on this list, which had a wildly successful debut in January and topped last year's Amazon charts ahead of its release.
The hardcover edition of Sunrise on the Reaping is currently receiving a 30% discount on Amazon, dropping the price under $20. You can find a similar discount on the Kindle version of the book.
Sunrise on the Reaping Preorder Deal
The new Hunger Games novel is the fifth book in the series, but it will be taking place in an entirely different place on the timeline. Sunrise on the Reaping is set about 40 years after the events of The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes and 24 years before we reach Katniss' story in the original Hunger Games novel. The story will be taking place during the Second Quarter Quell, which was won by Haymitch Abernathy. If you've read the original novels, you'll know that Haymitch was the mentor for District 12 and portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the films.
If you've never actually preordered anything from Amazon before, it's worth noting that if you purchase this book, it includes Amazon's preorder price guarantee. According to Amazon's own help page, this means that if the price decreases between now and when the item ships, you'll pay the lowest price. So in this case, if there ends up being an even bigger discount than the one we're seeing right now, that's what you'll pay. Though, it is unlikely that the preorder price will drop much lower than it is right now with the 30% discount.
IGN Plus members can score a free Steam key of EvilVEvil for PC! This cooperative shooter throws waves of enemies at players in a wide variety of environments, making for an action-packed experience that you don't want to miss. You can control numerous vampires and utilize their abilities to work together and stop the enemies before you. Keys for this reward are limited, so don't wait to claim yours!
Claim a Free EvilVEvil Key!
EvilVEvil sets you in a world filled with vampires, and it's up to you to eradicate Zagreus and his devoted cultists. This first-person shooter offers a wide range of customizable options for your vampire, allowing you to boost their strengths to make up for any weakness. Weapons are moddable, which means you can tweak them with upgrades to deal with certain foes. You can tackle each enemy in any way you'd like!
Additionally, you can even join up with two friends to experience a fast-paced co-op experience. If you think you can take on the hordes alone, though, have at it. EvilVEvil has a wide range of objectives to complete throughout its missions, so you'll have plenty to accomplish as you shoot through the story.
These codes will not last forever, so be sure to claim your EvilVEvil key now while supplies last!
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The first thing to know about this build is its size. It's 21 inches high and 16 inches wide – approximately 60% the size of the original painting and large enough to be unwieldy when picking it up.
It's of a size and scope that means to be taken seriously. Yes, this is a tribute to one of the most famous artworks in the world. But it also demands to be hung up in a dwelling space as art – an important distinction to make, as LEGO continues its slow evolution from adult curiosity to adult hobby.
Vincent van Gogh painted his most famous sequence of Sunflowers while he lived in Arles, France, a prolific period in his artistic life. Van Gogh had a strong emotional connection to the sunflower and associated it with gratitude. He approached it as an artistic muse of sorts, writing in a letter to a friend:
"If [Georges] Jeannin has the peony, [Ernest] Quost the hollyhock, I indeed, before others, have taken the sunflower."
In August 1888, van Gogh painted four versions of sunflowers in a vase. He revisited this motif in January 1889, when he painted a repetition of the third version and two different repetitions of the fourth version.
Of these seven paintings, the fourth version and its two repetitions are the most famous. The original fourth version (F454) is on display at the National Gallery in London, England. One repetition (F457) is on display at Sompo Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan. And the other repetition (F458) – probably the most iconic due to its color composition and overall vividness – is on display at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Established in 1973, the Van Gogh Museum partnered with LEGO to release LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers, a tribute to the F458 repetition of the painting. It is rendered as a three-dimensional relief and uses abstract pieces to replicate van Gogh's thick brushstrokes.
When you open the box, you get 34 numbered bags and a printed instruction booklet with a QR code. Following this code will lead you to a podcast discussing van Gogh and the inspirations behind his work.
I appreciated the build's real-world practicality. First, you build the painting's frame, which I completed and subsequently leaned against the wall, where it waited. And second, you build the canvas with the painting on top of it.
You finish the build by mounting the canvas into the frame and fastening it with pins. It's a nice, personal touch to mimic a real-life process of staging and presentation, and it subliminally gives the completed set a sense of value and importance.
There is an awesome Easter egg buried in the canvas' construction. When art experts studied F458, they discovered that late into the painting process, Van Gogh extended the height of the canvas with a wooden strip at the top – likely to ensure that the sunflowers had space and didn't appear cramped.
LEGO humorously mirrored this imperfection in the build – first by having you build the canvas as a single entity, and then by having you affix a separate, corresponding strip at the top afterward with pins. You can see it circled in red in the photo below. The LEGO designers even used brown bricks to mimic the appearance of wood.
This is such a superfluous, unnecessary detail to the final product, and that's exactly why I love it so much. It's imperceptible to any onlooker; no one but the individual builder would even know it's there. But that's a feeling for the LEGO builder to experience – the trial and error that even a master experiences while creating a masterpiece. It also creates a feeling of exclusivity; the LEGO builder can decide whether to reveal the secret to onlookers when showing it off.
The process of building the full-bloom sunflowers is a bit tedious, if unavoidable. There's likely no "fun" way to create a sunflower that looks this convincing. And in a way, the repetitiveness is the point; van Gogh didn't cut corners, either. Just take breaks in between. This is not the sort of build that one 'speed runs' anyway. Savor it and get your money's worth.
What I especially enjoyed were the wilting flowers, and the ones represented in profile rather than head-on. When I first started building them, they seemed so abstract and random. But when you take a literal step back from the painting, they make sense. And what seemed random in closeup is a stem or a leaf in context.
The most frequent question I get from other adults is, "After you build a LEGO set, where do you put it?" This time, there's an easy, obvious answer: right on my dining room wall. And that might be the best way for potential builders to think about this set. You know exactly where it's going to go after you're finished it. You can look forward to that. And you'll be able to enjoy it long after you've finished it. It's been a week since I completed it, and I still enjoy looking at it, and seeing which three-dimensional details spring out to me this time. This is the first great LEGO set of 2025, and it comes highly recommended.
LEGO Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers, Set #31215, retails for $199.99, and it is composed of 2615 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.
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Kevin Wong is a contributing freelancer for IGN, specializing in LEGO. He's also been published in Complex, Engadget, Gamespot, Kotaku, and more. Follow him on Twitter at @kevinjameswong.
The weekend is officially here, and we've rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for Saturday, March 1, below:
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for $34.19
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is $34.19 at Woot right now with the Woot app. The massive adventure across the planet to track Sephiroth was one of the biggest games of 2024, and it's absolutely a must-play game. This deal only lasts 24 hours, so be sure to secure your copy while you can!
Magic: The Gathering | Marvel's Spider-Man
Magic The Gathering announced new sets this morning based on Marvel's Spider-Man, and you can already secure your bundles now at Amazon. A few of these sets have very limited stock left, so be sure to pre-order which bundles you'd like before they are all sold out!
Pre-Order Elden Ring: Nightreign at Best Buy, Get $10 Gift Card
Elden Ring Nightreign, a new multiplayer game from FromSoftware, is set to release for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC on May 30. You can explore the world and take on bosses with two other friends, making for a unique experience that's sure to stay engaging. Best Buy has opened pre-orders for Elden Ring Nightreign, and you can score a free $10 Best Buy gift card with any pre-order for a limited time.
Rise of the Ronin for $39.97
Rise of the Ronin is one of the biggest 2024 PlayStation 5 exclusives to release, with the gamecoming from Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo. Set in 1863 Japan, you play as the Ronin and take down those coming from the West. This action epic offers well over 70 hours of content, with an excellent dive into a history somewhat unexplored in modern gaming.
MySims Cozy Bundle for $27.77
You can also score the Nintendo Switch physical copy of MySims Cozy Bundle for $27.77 this weekend. This collection packs in both MySims and MySims Kingdom, offering two unique and charming games to experience.
LEGO Infinity Gauntlet for $51.19
The Infinity Gauntlet is one of the most recognizable items from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and you can take it home in LEGO form at a discount this weekend! This 590 piece set includes a stand to hold up and display the Infinity Gauntlet, with each of the six Infinity Stones on display. Don't miss out on your chance to save on this LEGO set!
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for $44.99
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD just released for Nintendo Switch in January, and you can already save over $15 off at Woot. If you enjoyed Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Returns HD is another excellent entry you are sure to have fun with. There are many different worlds to traverse through, with a variety of collectibles and items to discover.
Fidget toys are more than a fad. From helping with job-related stress, calming nerves at social gatherings, or simply filling a need to keep your hands busy so your mind can focus better, fidget toys are great for all ages. When fidget toys reached the height of popularity, claims were made that they could help people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While there are debates on their effectiveness, there’s no question that fidget toys continue to bring relief and joy to millions who use them worldwide.
And now, there are more options than ever before– from the iconic fidget spinners to tangle toys and even sensory rings. Below we’ve collected some of the best-selling and highly-reviewed fidget toys to keep you focused during work, school, and any situations that might make you restless.
Top Fidget Toys for Adults
Our picks are on an unranked list, as the best overall pick will vary by each person's own needs and primary purpose, (such as to try to help with anxiety or ADHD). Some of these toys we have tried out first-hand, while others we have found to be highly rated by customers and mental health service websites, including wpsychservice.com.
Best Fidget Toys
ONO Roller Fidget Toy
This sleek-looking fidget toy is one of the more expensive offerings on this list, but this aluminum roller toy has a professional quality. While rolling the small device in your hand, it claims to provide stress relief, but should also relieve tension. The Ono Fidget Roller comes with a carrying case and can be discreetly used when needing something to keep your mind busy.
Speks Crags Ferrite Putty
This fidget toy is one of the best high-quality picks, hence the price tag. The slick and storable magnetic stones can offer stress relief for adults with the ability to stack, mold and design. This is one of the more versitile choices adults choose for its ASMR quality, sleek design, and durability.
Tom's Fidgets Original Flippy Chain Fidget Toy
This flippy chain fidget toy is perfect for those who are looking for a discreet way to relieve stress and anxiety. The little bike chain look-alike toy fits inside your hand and won’t cause a distraction for others like many of the other products listed here. It’s also quiet and usable with one hand– perfect for writing or studying.
Hexagon Push Pop Fidget Toy
There are thousands of different bubble sensory toys available for purchase. These offerings from Tommike come in vibrant and varied colors but are also a good size to travel with. While simple in their design, bubble sensory toys are incredibly gratifying for kids and adults.
WTYCD Original Fidget Toy Game
This best-selling fidget toy offers a lot of options in a small form factor. Shaped like a micro version of Nintendo’s SNES gamepad, the WTYCD fidget toy allows users to press, rotate, swap, scroll, and pick on the small device. Even better, it's so compact that it's easy to bring it with you wherever you need it.
BUNMO Magnetic Rings Fidget Toy
These magnetic rings from BUNMO are the perfect solution for those with busy hands. Made with plastic with a magnet inside, these rings start at providing some stress relief, but similar to a yo-yo, there are plenty of neat tricks you can do with them. Whether it's tricks that have already been discovered or new ones, these rings appear to be a fun diversion for kids and adults alike.
theFube Infinity Cube Fidget Toy
Another entry in the fidget toy market is the Infinity Cube. Featuring eight small cubes that can be rotated from any direction and angle– this toy comes in plenty of fun colors and styles. The Infinity Cube, not to be confused with The Infinity Stones, is made of aluminum alloy and comes with a convenient carrying case.
Classic Fidget Spinner
A list of fidget toys wouldn’t be complete without the classic Fidget Spinner. While there are still plenty of options available for those interested in the iconic fidget toy, this one from ATESSON uses stainless steel bearings and purports to spin for 3 to 5 minutes on average. There’s a reason why fidget toys exploded in popularity after this toy arrived– it's still a high-quality option for those with restless hands.
LEGO patented its signature "binding brick" in 1958. But it wasn't until nearly 50 years later, in 2005, that LEGO released its first official chess build.
I learned this fact while researching this article. And even as someone who spends most of his idle time building and learning about LEGO, it surprised me. Why had it taken so long? LEGO Chess seemed, at least in my mind, a given – an easy, marketable way to make bricks accessible to a wide audience.
But in 2005, LEGO's audience was primarily children. The company did not widely cater to its adult audience until 2007. And the idea of LEGO lifestyle branding – of integrating brick-built things into a non-brick living space – didn't truly take off until around 2020.
What we now take for granted in 2025 was unprecedented in 2005. when the first LEGO chess set debuted. And it was unheard of in the prior decades, when the majority of builds were miniature playsets, rather than depictions of real-life things.
The first LEGO chess set was part of the Knight's Kingdom, an expansion of the LEGO Castle brand. It featured two Armies: the Shadow Knights, led by evil sorcerer Vladek, and the Kingdom of Morcia, led by King Matthias. The set included 24 minifigures with detailed armor and stylized shields.
2. Vikings Chess Set - Retired
Very similar to the Knight's Kingdom set from the prior year, the Vikings set also included 24 minifigures, this time wearing archetypal horned viking helmets along with spears and axes for weapons.
3. Castle Chess Set - Retired
Another Castle-themed set, the Castle set was a bit more generic than its Knight's Kingdom counterpart. It pitted an army of crown knights against an undead army of skeletons. The best part of the set was the Grim Reaper bishops, which had massive scythes for weapons.
4. Giant Chess Set - Retired
Still the largest, most ornate chess set that LEGO ever designed (by a considerable margin), the Giant Chess Set was bigger and better in every way. The board itself was two feet long on all sides, and it came with four miniature builds of the skeleton realm, the troll realm, the dwarf realm, and the castle realm.
The board was smooth rather than studded, which gave it a more elegant look. And the individual pieces were the best looking yet. The bishops were wizards. The knights were minifigures on horseback. And the rooks were heavily fortified siege towers.
5. Pirates Chess Set - Retired
The first pirates-themed set pitted a Royal Navy against a motley crew of pirates. I loved this set's variety; whereas every naval officer pawn looked mostly the same, every pirate pawn had a unique costume and accessory. And best of all, the pirate knight was a curly-tailed monkey, armed with a knife. It doesn't get more chaotic than that.
6. Multi Game Pack 9-in-1 - Retired
This was a travel-friendly, tiny set that allowed you to play nine different classic board games: Ludo, Chess, Checkers, Solitaire, Backgammon, Fireman Hoses and Ladders, and three different cards for Travel Bingo.
7. Kingdoms Chess Set - Retired
This Castle-themed set depicted a Green Dragon army versus a Red Lion army. The individual minifigures had a lot of character and detail. A definite highlight was the Red Lion knight, a Jester with a big, cartoonish smile. The board is mounted on a unique baseplate with a bastion in each corner.
This was the first LEGO chess set that didn't come with a carry case, nor did it have a separate storage compartment for its pieces. This set wasn't designed with travel in mind, and it's an early example of LEGO that's designed for display rather than play.
8. Pirates Chess Set #2 - Retired
The second Pirates-themed chess set had an outdoor beach theme, with sand on one side of the set and ocean on the other. This was the first LEGO chess board to have smooth squares with single studs in their centers, which was more aesthetically pleasing and functional than the baseplate boards that came prior.
9. Iconic Chess Set - Retired
This was the first time that LEGO released a chess set with no gimmicks and no minifigures — just a regular chess set with blocky, traditional pieces, and space beneath the board to store them all. This set had longevity; it stayed on shelves for seven years before LEGO retired it at the end of 2022.
10. Steampunk Mini Chess - Retired
Designed by user CorvusA, this tiny set was a collaboration between LEGO and LEGO fansite BrickLink. The BrickLink AFOL (Adult Fans of LEGO) Designer Program launched 13 fan-designed sets, including this one, in 2019.
11. Hogwarts Wizard’s Chess Set - Retired
This set recreated the iconic scene in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, when Harry, Hermione, and Ron faced the chess trial, and Ron sacrificed himself to checkmate the King. This LEGO Harry Potter set came with three minifigures to represent the "Trio."
12. Traditional Chess Set
We reviewed LEGO's most recent chess set when it launched in 2024, and it's the only one that's still available in stores. Its dark brown and beige squares give the impression of polished wood, which adds a bit of classic flair. It's simple, appealing, and functional – a far cry from the lavish yet impractical builds from years ago.
Where to Buy Retired LEGO Chess Sets
One of the biggest issues of discovering a really cool LEGO set from years ago is that it's probably already retired. That's the case with almost every LEGO chess set on this list, so if you see something you like that is already retired, you'll need to look toward third-party sellers. Amazon will sometimes have retired sets at a premium price, but your best bet is places like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.
Kevin Wong is a contributing freelancer for IGN, specializing in LEGO. He's also been published in Complex, Engadget, Gamespot, Kotaku, and more. Follow him on Twitter at @kevinjameswong.
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