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Select Pokémon TCG Sets Get a Limited Time Discount at Best Buy - Best Pokémon TCG Deals

16 mai 2024 à 17:03

Pokémon TCG can be an expensive hobby to keep up with, but there are often some great deals to consider, so we highly encourage you to slow down before making any big purchases at full price. Plus, for trainers already smashing through the TCG, justifying the money to keep up with current sets can prove challenging.

But don’t worry, we're endeavoring to find the best Pokémon TCG deals going every single day, so there's always an opportunity to save a Pokédollar or two. Right now, the best deal can absolutely be found at Best Buy in their Deal of the Day, with multiple sets getting tremendous discounts. Check out the offer just below alongside the best of the rest we've found this week.

Best Buy Deal of the Day - Select Pokémon TCG Sets Discounted

These latest deals at Best Buy are amazing, and well worth considering for those new to the hobby, alongside experienced Pokemon trainers. Our favorite deals from the sale are definitely on the Scarlet & Violet Paldean Fates ex Premium Collection, which is down $12.50 to $37.49, and the Paldea Legends Tin, which is down $10 to $16.99.

Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet: Twilight Masquerade Expansion Preorders Discounted at Amazon

The Pokémon Company has revealed a first look at their upcoming Pokémon TCG expansion, Scarlet & Violet: Twilight Masquerade. Focusing on the lore and vistas of Kitakami, the region for Scarlet & Violet: The Teal Mask DLC on Switch, the new expansion will be released on May 24, 2024. Preorders are live at Amazon, with even some discounts if you get in quick before it sells out.

Pokémon TCG: More Elite Trainer and Booster Boxes

Booster boxes and Elite Trainer boxes are essential for any Pokémon TCG enthusiast. Elite Trainer boxes offer valuable additions for deck builders, such as special card sleeve sets and a supply of energy cards, essential for crafting new decks or refining existing ones. Plus, they come with ten booster packs from the corresponding sets to fuel the excitement of deck-building.

Pokémon TCG: Collections and Card Organisation

In the array of collections currently on sale, you'll discover an array of cool gear, each offering unique surprises. These surprises vary from exclusive promo cards with intriguing gameplay features to novelty items like Premier Pokéball deck holders.

Typically, collection boxes include four or more booster packs along with variants of standard Pokémon cards not available in regular booster packs or theme decks. Alternatively, if you're simply in search of the top card binder deals to organize your collection, we've got you covered.

Pokémon deals aren't the only ones we cover, though. If you want to see even more game deals for your Nintendo Switch, make sure to check out our roundup of the best Nintendo Switch deals right now. We regularly update this piece with the latest game deals, and any Pokémon game deals that are brand-new can end up there as well. If you want to see discounts for other game deals, make sure to check out the best Xbox game deals and PS5 game deals. You can also check out our Daily Deals roundups for the best deals of the day.

Christian Wait is a UK-based freelancer for IGN, you can follow him @ChrisReggieWait on Twitter/X.

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You Can Currently Save a Few Bucks on Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Before Release on PC

16 mai 2024 à 13:08

Shadow of the Erdtree, Elden Ring's 'first and last' DLC expansion, is a little over a month away. Whether you're jumping back into the base game before release or starting from scratch altogether, the hype is slowly building. Shadow of the Erdtree will release on June 21 and is set to cost $39.99 -- but if you're on PC, there's already a tantalizing saving on offer to you.

Fanatical, a trusted PC and Steam code seller, currently has the Elden Ring: Shadow of The Erdtree expansion listed for $35.19 / £30.79 in the UK, alongside the 'Premium Bundle' for $43.99 (down from $49.99). That's at least $4.81 savings and 12% off one of the most anticipated DLCs ever. This feels like a no-brainer.

If playing Shadow of the Erdtree already seems like a done deal for you, this offer is like finding almost $5 in change stuffed into the back pocket of the jeans you wore last week. While this isn't a Fire Giant-sized discount, it's one of the best PC video game deals running.

Codes at this price aren't unlimited either, so it could be worth securing ASAP to ensure you're paying the best price possible. In case you missed some other finer details, this is a Steam code purchase and only for those on PC. For those on console, you can see our complete preorder guide for Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition right here on IGN as well.

While this may be the only expansion Elden Ring is getting, it may not be fans' final taste of The Lands Between. FromSoftware boss Hidetaka Miyazaki hasn't shut down the possibility of a full sequel, and when asked about the future of the franchise, he commented that FromSoftware deliberately leaves the end of its games open to potential sequels, and it seems Elden Ring will be no exception.

Miyazaki suggested in March 2024 that FromSoftware hadn't made a decision on a sequel yet, but similarly spoke to the desire to keep its options open. "We don't want to say this is the end of the Elden Ring saga for now," he told IGN.

As part of the reveal of the hotly anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree this year, Bandai Namco also issued a sales update for the base game, which has now sold over 20 million copies after launch. If you're excited for the upcoming expansion, it's worth checking out 15 hidden details that we found in the Shadow of the Erdtree trailer as well.

The base version of Elden Ring returned a 10/10 in IGN's review. "Elden Ring is a massive iteration on what FromSoftware began with the Souls series, bringing its relentlessly challenging combat to an incredible open world that gives us the freedom to choose our own path," we said.

If you're keen on saving a few extra dollars elsewhere, we also have a slew of other gaming deals roundups worth checking out, including the best Xbox deals, the best PlayStation deals, and the best Nintendo Switch deals. In each of those, you can find a wide variety of great discounts on games, hardware, accessories, and more.

Another great spot to look for the latest sales is in our Daily Deals roundup, where we highlight all the best deals on stuff you actually want to buy. Currently, we have some great video game deals listed alongside Nintendo Switch OLED and CRKD Nitro Deck discounts.

When is Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdree Available?

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree will release June 21 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC. The release date was announced earlier this year, alongside the release of a brand-new trailer, which includes glimpses of a host of new bosses, powers, and more.

What Level Should You Be for Shadow of the Erdtree?

We already have a handy guide on how you should prepare for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, but here's a quick rundown. We recommend that characters should likely be at least Level 100 to Level 150 to properly prepare for the challenges of the DLC.

Most players who have reached the final boss of Elden Ring usually find themselves around Level 100 or higher depending on the challenges you face, so it's likely that having that many points allocated in various stats will give you a good fighting chance.

But, it's also worth noting that the DLC will introduce a new power scaling mechanic. Players will be able increase their power by seeking out minor bosses and defeating them, so this will be an additional factor to consider besides your level when entering the Land of Shadow.

Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.

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Amazon Is Selling 4K UHD Films At a Massive Discount Today: Score 3 For Just $33

15 mai 2024 à 12:13

Amazon has just launched a new offer on 4K UHD films; 3 for $33, featuring blockbusters like Dune, Barbie, Blade Runner 2049, Jurassic Park, and many more. That's a steal at just $11 per film, considering each would typically run you up somewhere between $20 to $40. Many titles are available in this offer, so it could be worth picking up any you're missing from your collection.

Many viewers are growing frustrated with the haphazard way streaming services add and remove content. But if you own the disc, they can't take it away from you, can they? "But who even has a Blu-ray player nowadays?" If you own a PS5 or an Xbox Series X, you do. Both these consoles feature a 4K Blu-ray drive, capable of running 4K UHD discs.

Our Top Picks: 3 for $33 - 4K UHD Films

Digital media era's honeymoon phase is waning. While it dominated the entertainment industry for the past decade, physical media is staging a comeback. With streamers downsizing, merging, or even removing content, owning your favorite movies ensures they're always within reach.

While streaming movies might seem convenient, there's a special satisfaction in physically owning the movie. Picture holding it in your hands—it's yours, completely yours, and at a discounted price, no less. And let's not forget, many of these come in stunning 4K UHD quality, surpassing anything you can stream. Plus, there are so many good films included in the offer at Amazon, that we think you might even struggle to narrow it down to just three.

Recently, rival retail chain Target responded to the reports claiming that it will stop selling physical media, revealing that it will continue to sell physical media but will limit the number of copies.

Despite the rise of streaming services and digital-only entertainment devices, physical media continues to show its importance, particularly as it gives consumers full control over the media they purchase.

In certain cases, movies and TV shows made for streaming services have been pulled completely, leaving fans with no way to view them. In another recent case, the Funimation app shut down earlier this month, and customers are expressing frustration that their digital copies of the app wouldn't transfer over to Crunchyroll despite the merger between the two anime giants.

We have a few other deals roundups worth checking out right now as well, including the best Xbox deals, the best PlayStation deals, and the best Nintendo Switch deals. In each of those, you can find a wide variety of great discounts on physical media like games alongside deals on hardware, accessories, and sometimes even memberships.

Another great spot to look for the latest sales is in our Daily Deals roundup, where we highlight the best deals available right now. Currently, we have some great video game deals listed alongside Nintendo Switch OLED and CRKD Nitro Deck discounts.

Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.

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Best Xbox Deals Today (May 2024)

17 mai 2024 à 12:59

There's a whole score of incredible Xbox deals to check out right now, including three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $36.99, an Xbox Controller for just $35.99, a 2TB Seagate Expansion Card for $249.99, and so much more. Here, we'll keep you updated on all of the latest discounts for Xbox, from games to controllers and so much more. Let's dig into the best Xbox deals that are happening right now.

TL;DR - Our Favorite Xbox Deals

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Xbox Wireless Controller for Just $35.99

Verizon is offering the official Xbox Controller for Xbox Series X|S for only $35.99 shipped, which is a huge 40% discount from its original $60 MSRP. Only the Robot White color is available at this price, so if you want a fancier color you'll have to look elsewhere.

This latest controller model was initially introduced alongside the Xbox Series X|S. It includes an improved D-Pad, a new Share button, and a USB-C charging port. Using Bluetooth, the gamepad can also be used seamlessly across Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Android iOS, and PC. Additionally, you can connect it to your Nintendo Switch or other gaming devices with a proper USB adapter. This makes it a great choice if you're in the market for a controller this summer.

Get 3-Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $36.99 (was $49.99)

This is your last chance to take advantage of this deal, so get those codes in ASAP. Woot is offering an excellent deal on three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. You can save $13 on a digital 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, bringing its price down from $49.99 to $36.99. It's still stackable for up to 36 months for new or existing members - huzzah! Microsoft recently announced the second wave of games coming to Game Pass in May 2024. Highlights include Immortals of Aveum, Lords of the Fallen, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.

With Xbox debating yet another price hike for Game Pass, there's no better time to get stacking. These three month codes provide a lot of flexibility in how you choose to stack them - whether that be 6, 12, 18, or 24 months - but if you want to go all the way up to 36 you can actually save quite a bit. Admittedly, buying up 12 of these codes can put a strain on your wallet, totaling $443.88 with the link above. However, when you compare it to the cost of Game Pass Ultimate for 36 months at $16.99 per month, amounting to $611.64, you'll realize you're saving $167.76 on your subscription for the next three years. That's absolutely worth the investment, especially if yet another price hike is on the horizon.

Score 2 Free Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (New Members Only)

Walmart is now offering two months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free for any current or new Walmart+ members. If you're not currently a member of Walmart+, the retailer offers a 30-day free trial (which will make you eligible for the Game Pass offer), alongside plans for $12.95 paid monthly, or $98 paid annually.

For those interested in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offer, it is worth qualifying that this code will only apply to those who currently don't have an active Game Pass Ultimate membership, and Walmart stresses that this is for new members only. If you're on Game Pass Core, it should be fine to apply to your account. Otherwise, if you're a current Game Pass Ultimate member, the code won't be applicable. If you do qualify, it's a pretty simple process if you're looking to bag the two-month free trial, here's how:

Steps:

  1. Visit the Walmart+ Offer Page and select 'Get Offer' next to the 2 free months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate listing
  2. On the 'Offer Page' you will see a unique promo code, copy this code and keep a record of it
  3. Hit the 'Redeem Offer' button on the page to go to the Xbox Site
  4. Sign in to Your Account
  5. Your promo code will autofill -- if it does not then paste/type
  6. Redeem your offer and receive your 2 Free Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
  7. Disable auto-renewal afterward to avoid being charged at the end of the trial -- this can be located in 'Services & Subscriptions' in your Microsoft account. You should also do this for Walmart+ if you used a free trial to access the Game Pass offer

Get Over 50% Off the Xbox Series S Toaster & Xbox Series X Mini Fridge

It looks like a fridge, and it kinda is a fridge (mini), and it's also down to $39.94 at Walmart. Plus, c'mon, who doesn't want the Xbox Series S toaster for their kitchen as well? Not only is it a fun addition to have in your home, but this is a discount you definitely don't want to miss out on, either! It's currently marked down over 50% at Walmart to just $40, which is an excellent deal. What better time to pick it up?

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1TB Expansion Card for Xbox for $139.99

Amazon is offering the officially licensed Seagate 1TB Expansion Card for Xbox Series consoles at a nice little discount. Right now it's only $139.99, a reasonable price drop from its original $160 MSRP. This is one of the best SSDs for the Xbox, which isn't surprising since your options are pretty limited. There's also the 2TB version for $249.99 and the 8TB Seagate Starfield Special Edition Game Drive for $189.99.

More Xbox Expandable Storage Deals

The Best Xbox Game Deals: Get 50% Off The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 & More Game Deals

While Xbox's Spring Sale has ended, the deals for Xbox fans continue! Check out some of the best physical game discounts available, including markdowns on titles like Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and the newly released Alone in the Dark. For more fantastic game deals, click on the links below.

More Xbox Video Game Deals:

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Xbox Console & Bundle Deals

The Diablo IV Xbox Series X bundle is still holding on at Walmart, down $90.00 from its MSRP of $559.99 to $469.99. This has stood the test of time since last Black Friday as one of our favorite console bundles, and is well worth investing in before it's all gone for good.

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Get 10% Off the Official Xbox Wireless Headset & More Headset Deals

Does your family complain when you stay up playing loud shooters late into the night? They'll stop complaining if you pick up an Xbox headset that lets no one but you hear the delightful explosions you cause on the screen. Right now, you can get 10% off the Official Xbox Wireless Headset and you can also save 20% on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset at Amazon. To see even more gaming headsets on sale, visit our roundup of the best gaming headset deals.

More Xbox Headset Deals:

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When Should I Buy an Xbox?

In general, it is advisable to keep an eye out for sales and restocks throughout the year, as availability has improved since the initial launch of the console. Unlike the Nintendo Switch, there is no specific recommendation to wait for a sale regardless of the time of year. Instead, it's a good idea to monitor various retailers and online platforms for restock announcements and promotional offers.

However, certain events like Black Friday or other holiday seasons may bring about unique bundles, discounts, or promotional deals specifically for the Xbox Series X. These bundles may include additional games, accessories, or exclusive limited editions. While quantities for such promotions might be limited, they can provide an opportunity to get more value for your purchase. See our guide to Xbox Series X prices for more info.

Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S?

Choosing between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S ultimately depends on your gaming preferences, budget, and specific requirements. Let's compare the two consoles to help you make an informed decision:

1. Performance: The Xbox Series X is the more powerful option, offering native 4K gaming, higher graphical fidelity, and faster loading times. It has more advanced hardware, including a larger storage capacity. On the other hand, the Xbox Series S targets a lower price point and offers a less powerful performance, targeting 1440p resolution gaming and upscaling to 4K.

2. Price: The Xbox Series S is more affordable compared to the Xbox Series X. If budget is a significant factor for you, the Xbox Series S provides a cost-effective option while still delivering a next-generation gaming experience. For example, the Series S can play Starfield at 1440p 30fps (vs 4K 30fps on Series X).

3. Storage: The Xbox Series X comes with a larger internal storage capacity, allowing you to store more games directly on the console. The Xbox Series S, however, has a smaller storage capacity, which means you may need to manage your game library more actively or rely on external storage solutions.

4. Disc Drive: The Xbox Series X includes a disc drive, enabling you to play physical game discs and enjoy a wider range of media options, including Blu-ray and DVD playback. The Xbox Series S, in contrast, is a digital-only console, meaning you can only play games downloaded from the digital store.

5. Graphics and Performance: While both consoles support ray tracing, the Xbox Series X provides a more immersive and visually impressive experience due to its superior hardware capabilities. If you prioritize cutting-edge graphics and want the best performance available, the Xbox Series X is the preferable choice.

Consider your gaming preferences, budget, and whether you prioritize top-of-the-line performance or cost-effectiveness. If you have a 4K TV, want the most powerful console, and are willing to invest more, the Xbox Series X is the recommended option. If you have a lower budget, a 1080p or 1440p TV, and don't mind sacrificing some performance, the Xbox Series S offers excellent value for money.

With how expensive gaming is getting in 2024, we're trying to save you as much money as possible on the games and other tech you actually want to buy. We've got great deal roundups available for all major platforms such as Switch and Xbox, and keep these updated daily with brand new offers. If you're trying to keep costs down while maintaining your favorite hobby, stay tuned for more incredible discounts.

Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.

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Best Nintendo Switch Deals Today (May 2024)

10 mai 2024 à 18:06

Nintendo games often come with a hefty price tag, but that doesn't mean Switch fans can't find great deals. Throughout the year, there are plenty of sales on games, Switch consoles, and accessories worth checking out. Below, we've compiled the very best deals currently available. In particular, you can save huge on future-proof micro SD cards, select Switch OLED models, and even newer games, like Princess Peach: Showtime!. You can also follow @IGNDeals on Twitter or Threads for even more updates on the latest discounts, or check out all our handpicked Switch deals just below.

TL;DR - Best Switch Deals

The Best Nintendo Switch Deals - Navigate to:

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (Physical Edition) Preorder

While waiting for Nintendo's Switch successor, you can enjoy some absolute classics with the Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition. This is a collection of over 150 challenges from 13 different NES games that's coming exclusively to Switch on July 18, and you can preorder it today. We've included links to the physical edition's preorder below, but if you're looking for even more information on digital editions, check out our Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition preorder guide.

Perfect Switch SD Card On Sale Right Now

The best Switch SD card should be fast, reliable, and as future-proof as possible. That last one is important, especially with the Switch successor on the horizon. Therefore, you're going to want to opt for the latest in SD card tech, which is a micro SDXC UHS-I U3 A2 V30 memory card. That's a lot of random letters, so to save you a bit of time we've left our top suggestions and deals just below for your convenience. To see even more SD card deals, make sure to check out our roundup of the best SD card deals.

More Switch Micro SD Card Deals

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The Best Nintendo Switch Game Deals

At the moment, there are quite a few Switch games discounted that are worth picking up. Some of our favorite deals right now are on some of last year's biggest hits, like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and WarioWare: Move It!, but you can even get the recently-released Princess Peach: Showtime! at a slight discount at Amazon. You can find even more of our favorites listed below.

More Switch Video Game Deals

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Save on Select Switch OLED Models at Woot and Walmart

Looking to save on some Switch OLED models? We have some good news for you: a few are discounted at the moment at both Walmart and Woot! At the latter, you can score a White OLED model for $314.99, while at Walmart you can get the Neon Red & Neon Blue version for $308.95 and the Mario Red version for $316.97.

When Should You Buy a Nintendo Switch?

The short answer is that you should buy a Nintendo Switch whenever there’s any kind of sale, regardless of the time of year. Amazon will likely offer the same console bundles on any other sale as it will on Black Friday, so there’s no real reason to wait if you’re in need of a Nintendo Switch.

That being said, there are sometimes some unique bundles and promotions during Black Friday that you won’t find any other time of the year. They usually includes additional games (like the infamous Mario Kart 8 bundle) or accessories for free, but quantities tend to be limited. As always, do your research into the seller before you make a purchase.

Where to Buy a Nintendo Switch in 2024

With how expensive gaming is getting in 2024, we're trying to save you as much money as possible on the games and other tech you actually want to buy. We've got great deal roundups available for all major platforms such as PlayStation and Xbox, and keep these updated daily with brand-new offers. If you're trying to keep costs down while maintaining your favorite hobby, stay tuned for more incredible discounts.

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Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.

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Best PS5 and PlayStation Deals Right Now (May 2024)

10 mai 2024 à 17:30

There are some amazing PS5 deals to check out right now, including the surprise hit PlayStation Portal is back in stock at Best Buy for $199.99. It's sold out at a few other spots -- so if you want one, you'd better grab it quick, as it's not likely to stay in stock for long. There's also the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 for just $30, an incredible deal that's well worth taking advantage of. Below, you can also find other deals on everything from consoles to SSDs and even information on where to buy a PS5 now.

TL;DR - Best PS5 Deals Right Now

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PlayStation Portal Back In Stock (Limited Time)

Best PS5 Video Game Deals: Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 for $30

One of our absolute favorite physical PS5 deals right now is on the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1, which is down 50% to just $30! This is absolute worth investing in, especially at this price. If you want to see even more of our favorite PS5 deals at the moment, check out the links below.

More PS5 Video Game Deals (Physical):

Perfect PS5 4TB SSD with Heatsink for $239.49 at Amazon

Looking to completely maximize your PS5 storage capabilities? Then this is the deal for you. For a limited time only, this PS5 4TB SSD is available at Amazon for just $239.49 (see here). It has an MSRP of $699.99 which is rather dramatic, but in reality, this and many other 4TB SSDs have been sitting around $280-$300 recently. The 1TB version is also down to just $71.49 as well, the best price you can find on a PS5 SSD at the time of writing. Again, we're unlikely to see better deals than this until Prime Day in the summer. You can also check out the more PS5 SSD deals here.

More PS5 SSD Deals:

Best PS5 Headset Deals: 20% Off the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro & More Headset Deals

There's no shortage of PS5-compatible headsets. If you're constantly having to turn down the volume when you play, you might want to pick up one of these, then you can listen to your games as loud as you darn well please. And if you'd like to see even more options that are worth buying, check out our collection of the best gaming headsets.

More PS5 Gaming Headset Deals:

PlayStation Deals: Budget to Best

It doesn't need to have a massive discount to be a good deal, so we thought it would be a great idea to pick out our absolute favorite PS5 and PlayStation offerings that would be relevant to buy no matter the time of year, or the sales going on. From the latest DualSense controllers, to the very best PS5 SSDs on the market, we've got it all right here.

More PS5 Budget to Best Picks

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Best Time to Buy a PS5

Generally, the best time to buy a PS5 console is during major yearly shopping events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the various Amazon Prime Day sales. Although PlayStation consoles rarely go on sale, you can often scoop up limited-time bundles that include additional an additional game or two, and more.

How to Trade in Your Old PlayStation Consoles

If you're looking to trade in your old PlayStation consoles, you can do so at select retailers in-store and online. Often, the most widely available retailers are GameStop and Best Buy. However, you can also trade your used devices online at retailers such as Amazon and Microsoft.

Some retailers will offer you cash for your used goods, while others may provide you with a gift card that can be used in-store and online. This is a great way to offload your old gaming gear and get some money that you can put towards a newer console and games.

While trading devices in at retailers will often net you the lowest amount for your used consoles, there are also online marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, and OfferUp that may fetch higher prices, but you'll often be responsible for packing and shipping costs, or be required to meet someone in person for the transaction, the latter of which poses its own risks.

With how expensive gaming is getting in 2024, we're trying to save you as much money as possible on the games and other tech you actually want to buy. We've got great deal roundups available for all major platforms such as Switch and Xbox, and keep these updated daily with brand new offers. If you're trying to keep costs down while maintaining your favorite hobby, stay tuned for more incredible discounts.

Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.

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Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Twilight Masquerade: Hands-On Preview

10 mai 2024 à 15:00

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet's Twilight Masquerade expansion releases on May 24. This is one of the most exciting Pokémon TCG expansions in recent memory; as while there are some supremely-powerful cards to consider, this only emphasizes even more strategy. You'll be playing fire with fire, but there are still plenty of counters and exciting ways to get the upper hand thanks to useful ACE SPEC cards, or the compelling new additions having some clear downsides.

Twilight Masquerade features a slew of cards that will cause a storm in Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet and could trouble opponents from every corner of the trading card game. So, instead of waiting for the light screen to fall, we've been lucky enough to get hands-on with a Wailord's worth of new Twilight Masquerade cards, boosters, elite trainer sets, and more. Let's dig in.

Pokémon TCG Twilight Masquerade - Build and Battle Box

Available from May 11, the Build and Battle Box box is designed to offer a competitive edge right out of the gate. It includes four booster packs and a 40-card deck, augmented by one of four unique foil promo cards—Thwackey, Infernape, Froslass, or Tatsugiri. These cards enhance your deck and dictate your strategy for any pre-release events, making each box a personalized starting point for exploring the new set. It's affordable, and the perfect option for anyone after an easy pick-up-and-go deck. You can preorder from Amazon for $19.97 (MSRP: $24.99).

We scored Infernape in our Build and Battle box, which looks stunning. It has a unique artwork that differs from the standard Infernape Twilight Masquerade card, alongside the foil stamp found on all Play and Battle promo cards. Its moves are also the same as the standard card, but it seems like it will still burn rivals with ease. The Pyro Dance ability allows players to add a Fire and Energy card to a trainer's Pokémon, while its only attack, Scorching Fire, does 200 damage and requires players to discard a fire energy. Its energy cost is one colourless and two fire, so players could evolve and set this attack up in one turn, thanks to Infernape's ability.

Twilight Masquerade Build and Battle Box Contents:

  • 4 Twilight Masquerade booster packs
  • A 40-card ready-to-play deck featuring key cards from current and prior sets
  • One of four unique foil promo cards; Thwackey, Infernape, Froslass, or Tatsugiri

Pokémon TCG Twilight Masquerade - Elite Trainer Box

The new Elite Trainer box includes everything to jump-start your journey into the Twilight Masquerade. It features eight booster packs, 65-themed card sleeves to protect your new cards, various gameplay accessories like dice and acrylic markers, and a player's guide that provides invaluable insights into the set's strategic depth. The box is also a collector's item with a beautifully designed storage solution. You can preorder from Amazon - $39.02 (MSRP: $49.99).

Elite Trainer boxes really are a great bundle for starter trainers and Pokémon masters alike. For making their first deck, rookie trainers will get everything they need to start their first battle. The included sleeves always have an excellent design, protecting those rare trainers' deck stars. Star of the box, Ogerpon, has a form for almost any trainer, from quickly setting up its Teal Mask to the powerhouse Hearthflame form that does more damage when it's close to getting knocked out.

The box is a brilliant way to organise and store extra Pokémon cards, and is immediately useful for anyone starting the hobby. A brilliant change to recent elite trainer boxes is dice with damage values instead of the classic dots, it just makes life easier when keeping track of damage in-game -- and it's also nice to see proper plastic damage counters instead of the pop-out cardboard ones!

Twilight Masquerade Elite Trainer Box Contents:

  • 8 Twilight Masquerade booster packs
  • 65 card sleeves featuring a specific Pokémon from the set
  • 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
  • A player's guide to the Twilight Masquerade expansion
  • 6 damage-counter dice
  • 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
  • 2 acrylic condition markers
  • A collector's box to hold everything, with 4 dividers to keep it organised
  • A code card for the Pokémon TCG Online

Pokémon TCG Twilight Masquerade - Booster Box

This staple product for collectors and serious players contains 36 booster packs, each with 10 cards and one basic energy, ensuring a substantial boost to your collection. The Booster Box is ideal for potentially uncovering the full range of Twilight Masquerade's offerings, from the elusive ACE SPEC cards to the new Pokémon ex variants. You can preorder from Amazon - $113.40 (MSRP $129.99).

Across the Booster, Elite Trainer, and Build and Play Boxes, we opened 48 Twilight Masquerade Booster Packs. Including EX, full art, and ACE Spec cards, we pulled 18 rares - tracking at around 37.5% chance. The epic pulls in this set are unreal, with the Secret Box ACE Spec tool card allowing trainers to search for one of every type of Trainer card to add to their hand. Here are some of our favorites overall:

  • Teal Mask Ogerpon EX: Its Teal Dance ability allows trainers to drop an extra Grass energy onto Ogerpon per turn. Myriad Leaf Shower, its only attack, causes a base of 30 damage multiplied by how many energy cards are attached to both Ogerpon and the opponent's active Pokémon.
  • Dragapult EX: Its Phantom Drive attack causes 200 damage plus 6 damage counters worth 60 damage for an opponent's benched Pokémon for one fire and one psychic energy. Mental scenes!
  • Hearthflame Mask Ogerpon EX: Talk about a powerhouse! Hearthflame Mask Ogerpon EX shines when it's nearly knocked out and would pair brilliantly with the ACE Spec card Survival Brace. Wrathful Heart does 20 damage multiplied by each damage counter on Ogerpon, causing a maximum of 400 damage if left with 10 HP. Its secondary attack, Dnamic Blaze, causes 140 damage with an extra 140 damage ready for evolved enemy Pokémon.
  • Bloodmoon Ursaluna EX: Looking for a Pokémon to pull out when one's back is against the wall? Bloodmoon Ursaluna EX is the best choice. Its Ability, Seasoned Skill, allows trainers to knock off one energy cost off its only attack, Blood Moon, based on how many prize cards an opponent has taken. If an opponent has five prize cards, trainers can attack with Blood Moon for free.

What Are The Key Features of Twilight Masquerade?

Innovative Card Mechanics: Twilight Masquerade introduces a series of new gameplay mechanics with the debut of six different Ogerpon cards, each offering unique strategies based on the masks from the Teal Mask video game DLC. This includes four powerful Pokémon ex cards, each designed around a different mask, allowing for dynamic gameplay that can adapt to various situations during a match.

ACE SPEC Cards: Continuing the reintroduction from the previous set, Twilight Masquerade includes new ACE SPEC cards—rare and powerful Trainer and Special Energy cards that can significantly influence the tide of battle. These cards are limited to one per deck and are designed to offer players game-altering abilities that can be pivotal in competitive play.

ACE Spec Cards give trainers a one-time chance per game to turn the tide. With our earlier example of Hearthfire Mask Ogerpon, Survival Brace ensures a Pokémon doesn't faint and keeps 10 HP. It's a clever spin to put on the TCG and keeps gameplay spicy!

Rich Illustrations and Rare Finds: The set promises over 160 cards before secret rares, featuring a mix of Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares. These cards are not only a draw for collectors due to their stunning artwork.

They also add a unique flair to gameplay, featuring fan-favourite Pokémon in unique poses and settings. With new Pokémon ex and Tera Pokémon ex cards, players can also expect a varied and exciting lineup. This includes new entries such as Bloodmoon Ursuluna ex and others from The Teal Mask expansion, each bringing their unique abilities and potentially shifting the competitive meta.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet, Twilight Masquerade is a master course on how to spice up a trading card game without breaking it. Rather than introduce new gimmicks, a few new cards that pack a good punch with equally risky weaknesses only raise the stakes in battle.

Boosters seem to have a fair rare card pull rate which some might not agree with. But if Ace Spec and EX cards were easy to get, it would take the challenge away for trainers. Overall, there's a lot to like about Twilight Masquerade, including an exciting return to no-holds-barred battles.

Christian Wait is a UK-based freelancer for IGN, you can follow him @ChrisReggieWait on Twitter/X.

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