We’re officially in that familiar late-summer rhythm: the NBA season is around the corner, training camps are almost here, and NBA 2K26 has already gone live for those who grabbed early access. Every year, 2K manages to turn the game’s rollout into an event, and this time it’s split neatly between the players who jumped in early on deluxe editions and everyone else waiting for the worldwide release.Early access has already begunThe big news is that early access kicked off on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at 1 p.m. ET. That wasn’t a region-by-region rollout either — it went live simultaneously worldwide, meaning 10 a.m. for players on the West Coast, 6 p.m. for the UK, and 2 a.m. on Aug. 30 for Japan. If you were one of the people who picked up the Superstar or Leave No Doubt editions, you’re already building your MyPLAYER, testing out MyTEAM strategies, and figuring out the early meta. SEE ALSO: 'Gears of War: Reloaded' comes to PS5: Release date and price info For everyone else, the full launch is coming on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2025 at 1 p.m. ET. Again, that’s a synchronized release across all supported regions, so you won’t have to watch highlight reels from other time zones before you can dive in.Sorting through the editionsI’ll admit, one of the more confusing parts of NBA 2K every year is keeping track of the editions. For 2K26, there are three. The Standard Edition ($69.99) is the straightforward option — it comes with the base game, 10,000 VC, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the cover. The Superstar Edition ($99.99) steps things up with 100,000 VC, MyTEAM and MyCAREER boosts, an exclusive jersey, and that all-important early access. Carmelo Anthony takes the cover here. Then there’s the premium Leave No Doubt Edition ($149.99), which throws in 135,000 VC, both the Season 1 Pro Pass and the Summer Pass, extra cosmetics, and all three cover athletes — Shai, Melo, and Angel Reese — sharing the spotlight.Here's every edition of NBA 2K26 available to buy or preorder right now:NBA 2K26 Standard Edition (PC Steam) — $69.99NBA 2K26 Superstar Edition (PC Steam) — $99.99NBA 2K26 (Nintendo Switch) — $59.99NBA 2K26 (Nintendo Switch 2) — $69.99NBA 2K26 (PlayStation 5) — $69.99NBA 2K26 (Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One Digital Code) — $69.99NBA 2K26 Superstar Edition (Xbox Series X|S Digital Code) — $99.99NBA 2K26 (Xbox Series X) — $69.99If you’re asking me which one makes the most sense, I’d argue the Superstar Edition is the best value. It’s not cheap, but the VC bundled in saves you from immediately opening your wallet again just to stay competitive, and you get the week of early access. The Leave No Doubt Edition, on the other hand, feels like it’s really aimed at players who plan to live in the game all year long.Where you can playPlatform availability is another wrinkle this year, especially with Nintendo’s hardware shift. On PC, the game is digital-only through Steam or the 2K Store, but you get access to all editions. The same goes for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, where you can pick up either a digital or physical copy. Things get more limited on Nintendo: the Switch 2 only gets the Standard Edition in physical format, while the older Switch offers the Standard Edition for $59.99.Crossplay finally exists, but only between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. PC players remain walled off, and the Nintendo versions are in their own lane entirely.What’s new inside the gameModes are the backbone of every 2K, and this year’s lineup sticks to the familiar framework while adding some new wrinkles. The WNBA continues to expand its footprint with The W, letting you build a full WNBA career with stars like Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese. From what I’ve seen so far, agile guard builds look like the strongest path in this mode, especially when paired with the new personality trait system. SEE ALSO: 'Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater' comes to PC, Xbox and PS5: Release date and price info MyCAREER has a big hook this year: Spike Lee is back to direct a story mode titled Out of Bounds. It’s another reminder that 2K doesn’t just want this mode to feel like a progression system — it wants it to play like a basketball drama. Picking the right team for your position is still key; for example, point guards looking for minutes will have more luck joining the Spurs than a team already stacked at that spot.The most striking change is in MyTEAM, which now combines NBA and WNBA players in the same ecosystem. This unlocks some wild possibilities — imagine Caitlin Clark feeding A’ja Wilson in a lineup anchored by Jimmy Butler and Brook Lopez. It’s not just a gameplay twist; it’s the kind of crossover that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. And for the league-managers out there, MyNBA and MyGM now feature online Playoffs Mode, making it much easier to run fantasy-style competitions with friends.The VC grind never endsIf you’ve played NBA 2K before, you know VC is the currency that keeps everything moving. From upgrading attributes in MyCAREER to buying MyTEAM packs, animations, and even new fits, VC isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of the grind. And if you were wondering whether 2K adjusted its pricing this year, the answer is no. The VC bundles in NBA 2K26 look exactly like they have in past years.The smallest packs start at 5,000 VC for $1.99 and 15,000 VC for $4.99. Realistically, these are more like “starter tips” than anything else. They’ll cover a couple of attribute boosts or maybe help you ditch the dreaded brown shirt and grey sweatpants, but they won’t change your MyPLAYER’s place on the court. SEE ALSO: 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Mirror Edition' comes to PS5 and Xbox Series X: Release date and price info The mid-tier options are where most players tend to live. 35,000 VC runs $9.99, while 75,000 VC at $19.99 can get your build out of pure rookie status and into something resembling a contributor in The City. The real sweet spot, at least for anyone taking MyCAREER seriously, is 200,000 VC for $49.99. That’s enough to raise your player into starter territory, balance out critical ratings, and still have some left over for animations or a new jumpshot package. It’s progress — though you’ll still be a long way from a maxed-out build.Then there are the heavy-hitter bundles: 450,000 VC for $99.99 and 700,000 VC for $149.99. These are aimed squarely at players who don’t want to wait — the ones who’d rather dominate Pro-Am or Park on day one instead of grinding badges for weeks. With this kind of purchase, you can nearly max out a build, fill in animations, and still have plenty left for cosmetics. But at that point, you’re paying more for VC than for the game itself, which is always the uncomfortable trade-off 2K has leaned on for years.So, should you buy VC? That depends on how you want to play. If you’re aiming for the competitive side of things — whether that’s Park runs, Rec matchmaking, or Pro-Am squads — then investing in at least one of the bigger bundles can keep you from falling behind. But if you’re patient, grinding daily quests, endorsements, and event bonuses still works; it’s just much slower. The truth is, NBA 2K26 hasn’t changed the fundamental equation: the grind is possible, but your wallet still speaks loudly when it comes to performance.Where to buy NBA 2K26 VCHere's where you can buy Virtual Currency for NBA 2K26:15,000 VC Pack (Xbox) — $4.9935,000 VC Pack (Xbox) — $9.9975,000 VC Pack (Xbox) — $19.99200,000 VC Pack (Xbox) — $49.99450,000 VC Pack (Xbox) — $99.99Why this year feels like a milestoneWhat stands out most about NBA 2K26 isn’t just the technical upgrades or the usual slate of returning modes, but the cultural weight of its cover athletes and roster choices. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represents the next wave of NBA superstardom, Carmelo Anthony brings nostalgia for a whole era of basketball fans, and Angel Reese embodies the WNBA’s surging influence. Pair that with the merging of NBA and WNBA talent in MyTEAM, and it feels like the series is finally acknowledging basketball culture as a whole, not just one league.

SAVE $200: As of Sept. 1, Apple's 2024 MacBook Pro M4 is on sale for $1,299 at Amazon. This is $300 off for Labor Day. Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2024 MacBook Pro (M4) $1,299 at Amazon $1,599 Save $300 Get Deal Labor Day is delivering really strong deals on back-to-school gear. We've already come across a long list of impressive deals on tablets, headphones, smartwatches, laptops, and more to help you start the year with a splash. We've attempted to track absolutely everything here, but if you're only interested in super powerful laptops for demanding tasks, the latest deal on the MacBook Pro M4 is exactly what you need.As of Sept. 1, the Apple 2024 MacBook Pro (M4) is on sale for $1,299 at Amazon. This is $300 off the list price and its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. SEE ALSO: Labor Day 2025 deals are live: Record-low prices on Apple, mattresses, headphones, and more The 14-inch MacBook Pro comes with the M4 chip for impressive performance, even if you're really working hard with more tabs than you'd like to admit. It's also built for Apple Intelligence with all-day battery life and a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, so it ticks all the boxes.In fact, we ranked the MacBook Pro as our top "splure pick" of the best MacBooks in 2025. In our review of the 2024 MacBook Pro, we said the "M4 MacBook Pro wows with endurance-defying battery life and stellar performance, allowing Apple to reclaim its throne." Get the best-ever price on the MacBook Pro this Labor Day.

SAVE $25: As of Sept. 1, the Fitbit Inspire 3 fitness tracker is on sale for $74.95 in the Amazon Labor Day sale. That's 25% off its list price of $99.95. Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $74.95 at Amazon $99.95 Save $25 Get Deal As we inch closer to Black Friday, Labor Day deals are here to fill the gap for those looking to score some discounts this fall. If you're looking to save on tech, Amazon's Labor Day sale has plenty to offer, including some great fitness tracker deals. At the moment, our favorite budget fitness tracker, the Fitbit Inspire 3, is even discounted in Amazon's sale event.The Fitbit Inspire 3 is currently on sale for $74.95. This is 25% off its list price of $99.95, making for a $25 discount. Multiple colors are on sale as well, so you can choose between the lilac bliss, midnight zen, or morning glow trackers. SEE ALSO: I'm a Garmin girl, but the Fitbit Sense 2's Body Response sensor could sway me This fitness tracker ranks as our favorite budget fitness tracker in our roundup of the best fitness trackers, but it's not just its price that helps it stand out. The Fitbit Inspire 3 boasts all-day activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate tracking, alongside Active Zone Minutes and a Daily Readiness Score. It even features a daily Stress Management Score, always-on wellness tracking, and a daily detailed Sleep Score, to name a few more features. There's so much more to explore with this tracker, too. Our review said "For just under $100, the Fitbit Inspire 3 packs so many great health metrics and fitness tracking into a small wearable." But at this price? It makes picking it up even more appealing. Don't miss out on the Fitbit Inspire 3 on sale right now at Amazon.To see even more great Labor Day deals available right now, check out our mega-post of Amazon's Labor Day sale to see discounts across a variety of categories.

SAVE $20: As of Sept. 1, Amazon's Kindle (16GB) is on sale for $89.99 on Labor Day. This is $20 off the list price. Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Amazon Kindle (16GB) $89.99 at Amazon $109.99 Save $20 Get Deal Labor Day is finally here, with deals on everything from MacBooks to Bose headphones. It's great to have so many options, but how do you know where to find the real value? You can let us do the work for you, that's how.We've checked out everything on offer for Labor Day, and lined up the very best deals right here. But for bookworms? There's really only one choice worth your time. The Kindle (16GB) is on sale for $89.99 at Amazon this Labor Day. This limited-time deal saves you $20 on list price. In fact, it's only a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price we saw over Prime Day. You're unlikely to see a better price until October Prime Day or Black Friday, so if you want something without the wait, this is the deal for you. SEE ALSO: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is live — find 100+ books for free or under $1 The Kindle can hold a massive digital library of books without the large physical footprint. It has a small, light design that makes it perfect for travel, and its six-inch glare-free display is great for reading under less-than-ideal lighting. It also features an adjustable front light and dark mode, so you really can read whenever the feeling takes you.We rank this model as the the best Kindle for anyone on a budget. In our review, we note that "you can't go wrong with the base Amazon Kindle model if you don't need a ton of flair and want a reliable e-reader with a lightweight frame." Get the Kindle for under $90 this Labor Day.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 1, Beats Fit Pro earbuds are on sale for $149.99 at Amazon. That's a 25% saving on the list price. Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Fit Pro $149.99 at Amazon $199.95 Save $49.96 Get Deal If you need a new pair of earbuds, and color isn't high on your list of priorities, we've found you a dreamy deal on the Beats Fit Pro. As of Sept. 1, the purple-colored earbuds are heavily reduced at Amazon, down to their lowest price in 2025. Normally $199.95, these are now $149.95 for Labor Day.If color does matter to you, you can still get a discount, but just not quite as good. The Beats Fit Pro in black are reduced to $164.99, and the white set are reduced to $179.99. SEE ALSO: The 2025 MacBook Air M4 is down to a record-low price on Labor Day It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the Beats Fit Pro, and this is a great price for what you get, if you ask me. The features are impressive, with incredible noise cancellation modes as a standout selling point. They have several options on how much you want to block out surrounding noises (full cancellation, transparency, etc). I regularly use these for running, so the transparency mode is great to feel more aware of what is happeing around me.But my favorite feature is the battery life. In my experience, a single charge will last for days (often weeks). Ideal if you regularly forget to charge your devices. Not to mention, a quick five-minute charge is enough to give you an hour of listening. And for those who want to use these for sports, they're a great option. The silicon tip slides into your ear seamlessly, lodging in your ear and staying put for all types of activity at all intensities. And I can't not mention their longevity. I've used these earbuds several times a week for two years, and they're still as sturdy as they were on day one. Get the Beats Fit Pro at Amazon now.

SAVE $200: As of Sept. 1, Apple's 13-inch 2025 MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $799 at Amazon. This is $200 off for Labor Day. Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-Inch (M4) $799 at Amazon $999 Save $200 Get Deal Are you still desperately sorting out your back-to-school gear? Do you need an upgrade for work? Or perhaps you're seeking something to take your gaming to the next level? Whatever you need, Amazon's Labor Day sale has you sorted. We've found deals on just about everything, with record-low prices on iPads, AirPods, and of course, MacBooks.As of Sept. 1, the 13-inch 2025 MacBook Air is on sale for $799 at Amazon. This is $200 off the list price and its lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel. If you're looking to save on top tech for school, this could be the deal for you. SEE ALSO: Labor Day 2025 deals are live: Record-low prices on Apple, mattresses, headphones, and more The MacBook Air sports a sleek 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with the powerful M4 chip that keeps everything running smoothly. This MacBook also offers up to 18 hours of battery life and a portable design, so it's a strong choice for running between classes.We really love this MacBook. In fact, we ranked the MacBook Air as our top pick of the best MacBooks in 2025. Mashable's Dylan Haas writes that "Apple's latest MacBook isn't the biggest upgrade over the M3, but it still packs in a better processor, some new features, and a much more competitive price (starting at $999), placing it firmly as the MacBook with the most overall value."Get the best-ever price on the MacBook Air this Labor Day.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 1, Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are on sale for $379 at Amazon. That's 12% off their list price of $429. Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra $379 at Amazon $429 Save $50 Get Deal Amazon's Labor Day sale is going strong with some stunning deals, including on top headphones. If you've been looking for a new pair to keep you occupied this fall, we've found some excellent discounts. Even our favorite noise-canceling headphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, have received a limited-time price drop.Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are usually listed for $429, but right now you can score them with a $50 discount. This deal may not last long beyond Labor Day, so now's your chance to scoop them up and save. SEE ALSO: I spent a week with Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds 2.0: They're excellent, but familiar We're big fans of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones — they top our list of the overall best headphones as the top pick for noise-cancellation and we ranked them as the best headphones for most people in our roundup of the best noise-cancelling headphones. They feature spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience, up to 24 hours of battery life, and three noise-canceling modes: Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, and Immersion Mode.With these modes, you can choose whether you want to tune out sounds around you completely, let some noise in, or have a combination of the two. Again, this deal might not stick around for long, so act fast to save on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones at Amazon.Right now, you can also save on the Bose QuietComfort headphones and Bose Ultra open earbuds in the Amazon Labor Day sale.

Hollow Knight: Silksong developers Team Cherry threw gamers into a frenzy last month, announcing that the highly anticipated indie game will finally be released on Sept. 4. Hordes of fans have been waiting for Silksong since Team Cherry first announced the Hollow Knight sequel 2019, the action adventure platformer holding the title of most wishlisted game on Steam. Yet up until this August, there had been few updates or indications as to when it might arrive. SEE ALSO: 'Hollow Knight: Silksong' devs might finally announce a release date. Here's how to watch. As such, fans are incredibly excited about Silksong getting a release date, especially one that's so imminent. Such excitement has been further stoked by the news that Silksong will cost just $19.99 — a price fans overwhelmingly consider a steal. I've never seen people screaming at a game company that their game is actually too cheap before.[image or embed]— Chris Kalos (@chriskalos.xyz) September 1, 2025 at 2:07 PM silksong being 20 dollars feels almost cruel on team cherry's part lol— Kris Wolfheart (@kriswolfhe.art) September 1, 2025 at 11:48 AM In fact, the hype around Silksong has been so enormous that numerous other games have pushed back their own release dates in order to avoid the competition. With countless gamers itching to get their hands on Silksong this week, it'll be tough for other new games to gain attention.Here are a few indie games that have explicitly cited Silksong as the reason why they're delaying their own launches, listed in order of their new release date. Please remember them when you're taking a break from fighting your way through Silksong's bug kingdom.Little Witch in the Woods Credit: Sunny Side Up The full version of Sunny Side Up's cute witchcraft simulator Little Witch in the Woods was originally scheduled to launch on Sept. 4. The team quickly postponed its release to Sept. 15 within days of Team Cherry's announcement."[S]hortly after our announcement [of our Sept. 4 release date], we learned that Hollow Knight: Silksong — a highly anticipated new title of a masterpiece in the gaming industry — is launching on the same day," wrote Sunny Side Up. "Silksong is a game we look up to with awe as developers, and eagerly anticipate as players. Given its immense influence, we fear that launching Little Witch in the Woods on the same day would not only dishearten our dedicated team but also disappoint our devoted audience."Sunny Side Up accompanied the news with an illustration of Little Witch in the Woods' protagonist lying on the ground defeated, the shadow of Silksong's protagonist Hornet looming over her.Baby Steps Baby Steps is now releasing on September 23 on PS5 and PC! [Nate is allergic to hornets][image or embed]— Devolver Digital (@devolverdigital.com) August 26, 2025 at 11:08 PM While Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy was its own viral sensation, Foddy's next project Baby Steps is wisely opting out of going head to head with Silksong. Publisher Devolver Digital announced that the walking simulator has vacated its previous Sept. 8 launch date, and will now be released on Sept. 23. Developers Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, and Foddy haven't said themselves that Silksong is the cause of the delay. However, Devolver Digital's trailer featuring a giant statue of Silksong's Hornet makes the point abundantly clear."[Baby Steps protagonist] Nate is allergic to hornets," wrote Devolver Digital.CloverPit 🚨GAME DELAY 🚨 due to Silksong (can’t wait to play) launching just a day after CloverPit, we decided to delay our release our new release date is 26th Sept we poured our hearts into our little game, so we want to give it the best possible shot. thanks for understanding!![image or embed]— Panik Arcade 🕹️ making CloverPit 🍒🎰 (@panikarcade.bsky.social) August 22, 2025 at 11:23 PM Self-described "rogue-lite slot machine nightmare" and "never-ending debt simulator" CloverPit was initially scheduled for launch on Sept. 3, but will now wait a few weeks to release on Sept. 26."Some of you might already have guessed the reason for the delay: Hollow Knight: Silksong," wrote Panik Arcade. "Silksong is the most anticipated and wishlisted game on all of Steam and we think people will love this game and play it right at launch (including us) but that also means it will overshadow all games launching close to it. So if we stick to our original date we would risk the launch of CloverPit a fair bit."Demonschool Anyway:[image or embed]— Necrosoft Games (@necrosoftgames.com) August 26, 2025 at 4:40 AM Necrosoft Games' Demonschool had had the start of school delayed, pushing its original Sept. 3 release date back over a month. The Shin Megami Tensei inspired turn-based tactical roleplaying game will now launch Nov. 19."[T]he Ysbryd team strongly believes we would not be doing our game any favors by wading into waters we can clearly see are blood red," announced Demonschool's publisher Ysbryd Games. "If the September period is going to be Silksong's moment, then we need to be elsewhere on the calendar to give Demonschool its own moment to be seen and talked about meaningfully.""This was not our choice but we understand why the choice was made," wrote Necrosoft Games. "We aren't mad at Ysbryd but at the situation. Dropping the GTA of indie games with 2 weeks notice makes everyone freak out…. Still would've liked to fight Silksong."

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year (save $15) Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month (save $30) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months (save $50.95) Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 3 months (save $99) Shop Now Week 1 of the new college football season has been absolutely epic, but it's not over yet. North Carolina vs. TCU is here to provide some much-needed Labor Day entertainment. So sit back, relax, and unwind with Bill Belichick’s debut at North Carolina. You know it's going to interesting, whichever way the result goes. SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free If you want to watch North Carolina vs. TCU for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.When is North Carolina vs. TCU?North Carolina vs. TCU takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Sept. 1. This game takes place at the Kenan Stadium.How to watch North Carolina vs. TCU for freeNorth Carolina vs. TCU is broadcast on ABC. Fans can live stream this game on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year Shop Now Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNXESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year Shop Now Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten NetworkFox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CWFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment. Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CWHulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC NetworkSling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CWYouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.How to watch North Carolina vs. TCU from anywhere in the worldIf you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.Live stream North Carolina vs. TCU from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.Sign in to your favorite streaming serviceWatch North Carolina vs. TCU from anywhere in the worldExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and moreStrict no-logging policy so your data is secureFast connection speeds free from throttlingUp to eight simultaneous connections30-day money-back guaranteeA one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee). Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

TL;DR: Skoove Premium is your no-pressure way to learn piano with AI feedback and hit songs, now $109.97 for life. Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $109.97 $299.99 Save $190.02 Get Deal Some piano lessons feel like they’re trying to break your spirit before you even find middle C. Enter Skoove — the anti-recital piano app that actually makes learning fun, flexible, and doable for people with busy schedules.With a lifetime Skoove Premium subscription for $109.97 (reg. $299.99), you’ll get access to 400+ piano lessons and a ton of songs from a wide range of genres — from Adele to The Beatles to Bach. It’s perfect for total beginners, semi-rusty returners, or anyone who wants to casually jam without an expensive instructor who only teaches you for an hour a week. SEE ALSO: Microsoft Copilot is coming to Samsung TVs and monitors The app listens to you play via your device mic or connected keyboard, and gives instant feedback using built-in AI tech. It even adapts lessons to your skill level.Compatible with basically any device (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android) and any piano or keyboard, Skoove lets you learn wherever you are. Also included is one-on-one instructor support if you need human backup.With this lifetime deal, you’re getting all updates, new lessons, and future song drops, forever with no extra fees.For a limited time, grab Skoove Premium for life at a 50% discount for $109.97 and start your musical side quest today.StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: ChatPlayground AI brings various models into a single workspace for a one-time payment of $89.99. Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $89.99 $619 Save $529.01 Get Deal Running the same prompt through multiple AI tools doesn’t need to involve five browser tabs, messy copy-pasting, or a guessing game on which model works best. ChatPlayground AI solves that by putting GPT-4o, Claude Sonnet 4, Gemini 1.5 Flash, DeepSeek V3, and dozens of other top models in one place. For a limited time, you can get a lifetime subscription for $89.99 with no recurring costs.Just type your prompt once and instantly view results from different models side by side. It makes model comparison clear, fast, and easy — no extra logins or toggling required. You can also chat with images and PDFs, generate visuals using AI, and keep a running archive of your prompts. SEE ALSO: The four-pack of Apple AirTags is just over $5 away from their lowest price ever Power features like prompt refinement tools, priority customer support, and built-in image generation make this more than just a text playground. Chrome extension support lets you integrate it right into your browser workflow, and with unlimited monthly messages, there’s no cap on testing or iteration.This lifetime Unlimited Plan is built for high-volume users — teams, builders, or anyone running experiments nonstop. You’ll get full access to future model upgrades and new features as they roll out (that won’t cost you extra).Instead of hopping between apps or paying for multiple subscriptions, get one powerful hub that does it all.Grab lifetime access to ChatPlayground AI for $89.99 and streamline your workflow.StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $320: As of Sept. 1, the Roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum is on sale for $679.99 at Amazon. That's a 32% saving on the list price. Opens in a new window Credit: roborock Roborock Qrevo Edge $679.99 at Amazon $999.99 Save $320 Get Deal Robot vacuum deals are always hard to ignore. Who can resist the chance to never manually vacuum again? And on Labor Day, this deal on the Roborock Qrevo Edge is so good that you might finally make the jump.As of Sept. 1, this vacuum is reduced by over $300, now priced at $679.99. Not only is this a great price, but it is the lowest it has ever been on Amazon according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. SEE ALSO: The best Labor Day Apple deals: Best-ever prices on iPads, MacBooks, and AirPods The Roborock Qrevo Edge boasts 17,000Pa suction power. The DuoDivide Main Brush and FlexiArm Arc Side Brushes are designed to prevent tangling, making them ideal for homes with carpets or for dealing with pet hair. And the 2.7 litre dust bag can go over 60 days without needing to be emptied.The mop function uses hot water of up to 167℉, with mop washing and self-cleaning to handle tough stains. And there won't be any accidents, as the dual mops lift automatically when detecting carpets.There's also no need to manually guide the vacuum around your house; this model has PreciSense LiDAR technology. This means the vacuum can work its own way around each room, avoiding obstacles and navigating even the most cluttered of spaces.Convinced? Head to Amazon for this limited-time Labor Day deal.

SAVE $70: As of Sept. 1, the Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series is on sale for $179.99 at Amazon. That's a 28% saving on the list price. Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series $179.99 at Amazon $249.99 Save $70 Get Deal It’s September, which means cozy season is officially here. If your plans involve blankets, snacks, and endless movie nights, this Amazon Fire TV 2-Series deal makes it easy to stream all your favorites without breaking the bank.For the Labor Day price, this TV is a great choice. Alexa is built right in, so you can not only control the TV with your voice but also manage smart home gadgets like robot vacuums and Bluetooth speakers. Plus, it makes finding shows across all your streaming apps quick and easy. SEE ALSO: The Beats Studio Pro are almost half off at Amazon — save $170 on Labor Day It also has strong visuals, so you can enjoy an HD 1080p resolution with support for HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Audio. Meaning all your shows, movies, and gaming experiences are of the highest quality, perfect for your annual Gilmore Girls rewatch.For entertainment, the TV runs on Amazon's Fire OS, so you'll have access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. Not to mention, the interface is simple and really easy to use. It also has two standard HDMI inputs and one ARC input, so it's easy to connect gaming devices. And if you have more than one Fire TV, all of your movies and shows will stay in sync across devices.Get this great deal from Amazon on Labor Day.

SAVE $170: As of Sept. 1, Beats Studio Pro headphones are on sale for $179.95 at Amazon. That's a saving of 49% on list price. Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $179.95 at Amazon $349.99 Save $170.04 Get Deal If you’ve been waiting for the right time to upgrade your headphones, Labor Day might be it. As of Sept. 1, Amazon has dropped the price of the Beats Studio Pro headphones by more than $100. What's stopping you from upgrading this Labor Day?Beats Studio Pro headphones are now priced at $179.95 on Amazon. This deal is specific to the navy headphones, but for just $20 more, you can choose from the whole range of options. SEE ALSO: The best Labor Day Apple deals: Best-ever prices on iPads, MacBooks, and AirPods There's a lot to like about these headphones, but as with all Beats products, the premium sound quality with noise cancellation and spatial audio support makes everything else just a bonus. Depending on the level of sound immersion you want, you can choose from Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode. Transparency mode still gives you that great Beats sound, but also keeps you alert to any outside noises happening around you. The built-in voice-targeting mics also do a solid job of cutting through background noise, so whether you’re taking work calls or sending a long voice note, everything comes through crisp and clear.Battery life is another win; enjoy up to 40 hours on a single charge, and if you’re running out the door, a 10-minute Fast Fuel top-up gets you four extra hours of playback. Perfect for those of us who are constantly forgetting to plug in overnight.Get this Labor Day deal from Amazon before the day is done.

Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. Like dominoes, the tiles are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match. SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 1, 2025 The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces. SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 1, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 1 PipsEqual (5): Everything in this space must equal 5. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally.Greater than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally.Less than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.Medium difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 1 PipsEqual (4) : Everything in this purple space must equal 4. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 4-3, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.Equal (3) : Everything in this light blue space must equal 3. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 1-2, placed horizontally.Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally.Equal (2) : Everything in this red space must equal 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed horizontally; 2-1, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally.Hard difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 1 PipsNumber (0): Everything in this purple space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically.Number (0): Everything in this red space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontallyNumber (8): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 8. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically.Number (8): Everything in this yellow space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 4-6, placed vertically.Number (8): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed horizontally.Number (8): Everything in this green space must add up to 8. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically;5-6, placed horizontally.Number (8): Everything in this purple space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 2-0, placed horizontally.Number (0): Everything in this red space must add up to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally.Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans. Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media. SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for September 1, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:Yellow: Diamond locationsGreen: Specific rolesBlue: Same first namePurple: Locations Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:Yellow: Baseball positionsGreen: Volleyball positionsBlue: Football-coaching BillsPurple: Actual MLS home cities/townsLooking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.Drumroll, please!The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #343 is...What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayBaseball positions - CENTER FIELDER, FIRST BASEMAN, PITCHER, SHORTSTOPVolleyball positions - LIBERO, MIDDLE BLOCKER, OUTSIDE HITTER, SETTERFootball-coaching Bills - BELICHICK, COWHER, PARCELLS, WALSHActual MLS home cities/towns - CHESTER, FOXBORO, FRISCO, SANDYDon't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, Sept. 1, 2025:AcrossIcon of the Cuban RevolutionThe answer is Che.Sound of a fallThe answer is Thud.Sound of a springThe answer is Boing.How far an electric vehicle can go before rechargingThe answer is Range. GPS lines: Abbr.The answer is RDS.DownGoatees grow on themThe answer is Chins.Like a deadlocked juryThe answer is Hung.Slight advantageThe answer is Edge.Mushroom-headed character of the Mario gamesThe answer is Toad.Sound of winterThe answer is Brr.If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more. Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine. There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle. If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered. SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintA Bohemian dance. SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerPOLKAHurdle Word 2 hintA lofted storage space. SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerATTICHurdle Word 3 hintA kitchen instrument. SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answerWHISKHurdle Word 4 hintRolled tobacco. SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answerCIGARFinal Hurdle hintTo extend. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerREACHIf you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The moon never looks exactly the same from night to night. Its changing appearance is a result of its journey around Earth. This is called the lunar cycle.The lunar cycle is a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. So, let's see what's happening with the moon tonight, Sept. 1.What is today’s moon phase?As of Monday, Sept. 1, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous, and 62% will be lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.There's lots to see on the moon's surface tonight, so lets get into it. With no visual aids, you'll see the Tycho Crater, the Mare Crisium, and the Mare Tranquillitatis. With binoculars, you'll also get a glimpse of the Mare Nectaris, the Mare Frigoris, and the Apennine Mountains. If you have a telescope too, you'll see so much more. Enjoy glimpses of the Apollo 11, Descartes Highlands, and the Rupes Recta, a 68-mile-long lunar fault line.When is the next full moon?The next full moon will be on Sept. 7. The last full moon was on Aug. 9.What are moon phases?According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.Hey, we all love a four-legged friend, but even the most ardent pet-lover can suffer from allergy-inducing pet dander — not to mention the unmistakable whiff of doggy odour. If that sounds (and smells) familiar, it’s time to get a pet-friendly air purifier.An air purifier acts as a filter for your home. It removes irritants from the air, including germs and pollutants, which is great for preventing the spread of unwanted nasties and improving the general quality of your indoor living conditions.But where to start? To the layman, one air purifier looks very much like the next, so which one is best for your home? Particularly a home with pets? That’s where we can help. Here's some useful information and a selection of the best models.How do air purifiers work?Air purifiers are designed to remove particles from the air — anything from bacteria and viruses to pet dander, smoke, and fur. So, if you suffer from allergies, an air purifier is must-have. It can help decrease allergy symptoms and make it generally easier to breathe. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can remove particles as small as 0.1 microns, much smaller than the usual dander that floats around your home.Why are air purifiers good for pet owners?By reducing pet dander and keeping the air clean, a purifier can not only reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing and scratchy throats, it can also eliminate pet odours — particularly useful if you have multiple pets (we love 'em but can get a little pungent in numbers). Air purifiers are also good for tackling the kind of dust that comes off rabbit or guinea pig bedding. Overall, an air purifier will make your home a little fresher. Not every air purifier removes dander and fur, though, so be sure to check before buying.Where should you position an air purifier?The best place to keep air purifiers in your home is as close as possible to the source. If you have a dog or cat that spends a lot of time snoozing in their beds, place the air purifier close by so the dander and allergens are filtered out right at the source. The most important thing is to match the air purifier to the size of the room (or area if it’s open plan) so you know that the air purifier is covering the volume of space.Do you need to replace air purifier filters?Some machines have removable filters that you can vacuum. Other machines need regular replacement filters. While vacuuming or wiping them off with a cloth is a more eco-friendly option, replacement filters are the most effective for overall air quality. What is the best air purifier for pet owners?Everybody — and everybody's pet — is different. Which means it's not a case of one air purifier fits all. But we've done our best to lead you to the right model by showcasing a selection of the highest quality air purifiers available right now. Whether you’re a cat or dog person, there's something for everyone, not to mention every pet and budget.These are the best air purifiers for pet owners in 2025.