December 25 is only three weeks away. If you haven't yet caught up on your holiday shopping last month, then time is ticking. The holiday rush pretty much starts now and soon the most popular items will either go out of stock or go back up to retail price. This is your best opportunity to get ahead of the masses, get the products you really want, and still score a great deal along the way. Here are some of the best tech and gaming deals that are available right now, and will be delivered to you before Christmas.
PS5 Slim Spider-Man 2 or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Gaming Console Bundles for $499 Each at Amazon
For those of you who have been holding out on the newer, more compact PlayStation 5 gaming console, well your wait is over. Amazon currently has your choice of either the PS5 Slim Disc Edition Spider-Man 2 console bundle or the PS5 Slim Disc Edition Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 console bundle for only $499.99 each. Not only are you getting a brand new console that's 30% smaller in volume and 18% lighter than the original, you're also getting a free and recently released AAA title while you're at it.
PS5 Slim Digital Edition for $449
For those of you who want the power of the PS5 but don't need the physical disc drive, then you can pick up the new smaller PS5 Slim Digital Edition model for $449. Unlike the Xbox Series S, the PS5 Slim Digital Edition has the exact same internal specs as the PS5 Slim Disc Edition, minus the benefits of having the drive. That does mean you're limited to buying digital copies of games (which most people are doing nowadays), and you can't watch 4K Blu-ray media (which most people aren't doing anyways nowadays). If none of this bothers you, then you're saving $50 compared to buying the Disc Edition.
Nintendo Switch OLED Super Smash Bros Ultimate Bundle for $349.99
The best Switch deal of Black Friday is still available. Amazon is offering a Nintendo Switch OLED console packaged with a digital download of the incredible Super Smash Bros Ultimate game for $349.99. That basically means you get the game (which normally retails for $60) for free. This is the first time the Switch OLED has officially gone on sale for Black Friday or the holiday season, and in my opinion worth getting over the rather stale Switch (non-OLED) holiday console bundle.
2021 Apple iPad Pro 12.9" for $809.99
One of the most powerful tablets you can get is still heavily discounted for the holiday shopping season. Woot has the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9" 128GB with WiFi and Cellular connectivity for only $809.99. A 2022 iPad Pro with the equivalent specs would run $1300. This iPad is brand new with a full 1 year Apple warranty. The main difference between this 2021 model and the newer 2022 model is the processor; the 2021 iPad Pro is equipped with an M1 chip and the 2022 iPad Pro has the M2 chip. However keep in mind that the 2021 iPad Pro with the M1 chip is already a very powerful tablet and most people won't need the extra horsepower. Although the processor might be different, the display is identical. Both models are equipped with a gorgeous 12.9" 2048x2732 (265ppi) Liquid Retina XDR Mini-LED display.
Refurb Sonos Arc Soundbar for $509
Sonos is offering a factory refurbished Sony Arc SL soundbar for only $509.00. That's a $170 price drop from the normal refurb MSRP of $679.99 (a new Sonos Arc sells for $900). The Arc is Sonos' flagship product. This is a premium 45" soundbar with awesome sound quality thanks to the eleven precisely engineered internal speakers, including two dedicated height channels. The Sonos Arc can be wirelessly paired up with other Sonos speakers and subs to add even more sound distribution. This modularity is one of the main reasons why Sonos is so popular. The "SL" in the Sonos Arc SL means "silence", and that's because it's not Google Assistant or Alex voice compatible.
Sonos refurb products go through pretty rigorous testing (probably more so than new). They come with all accessories, manuals, and documentation and are reshipped in "pristine" packaging. Most importantly of all, Sonos stands by their refurbs enough to grant them the same 1 year warranty as buying new.
4-Pack Apple AirTags for $79.99
Amazon has a 4-pack of Apple AirTags keyfinders for only $79.99 when you clip the coupon on the product page. That's 20% off MSRP and matches the best deal we found on Black Friday. You're essentially paying about $20 per AirTag. This would make an inexpensive but very practical gift for anyone who owns an iPhone and tends to lose small wearables like wallets, keys, or remotes. The Apple Airtag is a small coin shaped device that you can put in your wallet or attach to your phones, keys, remote, or anything small enough to be easily misplaced. It works as a little WiFi keyfinder that helps you locate your lost objects by pinging the exact location to your iPhone. The AirTag uses Bluetooth 5.0 to pinpoint a general location of your lost item. However, if your iPhone model has a U1 chip with Ultra Wideband, there is a "Precision Finding" mode that can give you a numerical distance as well as a directional pointer when your lost item is in range.
Arcade1Up X-Men Cabinet with Riser and Stool for $399.99
Amazon has the Arcade1Up X-Men video game arcade cabinet with matching themed riser and stool for only $399.99, a $350 price drop from its original $750 MSRP. For those of you who want to recreate retro arcade gaming at home but don't have the time, expertise, or money to set up your own MAME cabinet, Arcade1Up cabinets offer an easy-to-assemble, slick-looking package at a reasonable price. These cabinets are 3:4 scale replicas of the original product, complete with officially licensed artwork and preloaded with multiple games. The X-Men arcade game, released in 1992, is a 4-player side-scrolling brawler that lets you to choose among iconic characters like Cyclops, Wolverine, Colossus, Storm, Nightcrawler (my favorite), or Dazzler, complete with their own unique mutant powers. If you don't have four local players to help you out, this game supports Live WiFi, which means you can play co-op online with other Arcade1Up gamers.
10% Off Nintendo eShop Gift Cards
Amazon is offering 10% off the $20 and $35 eShop gift cards. They work on games, of course, but they also work on Nintendo Switch Online memberships. In fact, these gift card amounds happen to be the exact price of the individual and family memberships. They'll stack with any instant discounts or sales that are currently ongoing at the eShop. These are digital gift cards so they'll arrive instantly to your inbox.
Save $50 Off Meta Quest 2 VR Headset and Get Free $50 Meta Credit
If you want to dip your feet into VR gaming, the Quest 2 VR headset is still far and away the best value. Walmart is taking $50 off the Meta Quest 2 128GB model, bringing the price down to $249. Additionally, you get a bonus $50 Meta credit. That means you can pick up Beat Saber ($29.99) and a few other games for free to kickstart your VR gaming. For a price that beats every other comparable VR headset out there, the Meta Quest 2 offers a completely tether-free experience, phenomenal inside-out tracking, and a huge library of games. Gone are the days where you'd have to install clunky sensors for tracking; the Quest 2 uses sensors in the headset and controllers themselves to give you 6DOF inside-out tracking without any need for external base stations. The included Touch controllers are very precise and are one of the lightest VR controllers on the market, perfect for playing Expert+ levels on Beat Saber.
Google Pixel Buds Pro for $119.99
Best earbuds for Android
Google's fourth generation wireless true wireless earbuds are a huge improvement over previous models. For Android phone users, this might actually be a best earbuds to get! They're on par with the AirPods Pro in terms of sound quality, noise cancellation, and features at a price that is, as of now, $100 cheaper. Features include 11mm drivers (the same size as AirPods Pro), built-in Google Assistant, a whopping 11 hours of battery life, a USB Type-C charging case that's also Qi wireless compatible, multi-point Bluetooth technology with fast pairing between Android devices, and a "Transparency Mode".
Sony WH1000XM4 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones for $228
Amazon is offering the popular Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones to only $228. This is easily one of the best noise cancelling headphones you can get. Sony's WH-1000XM series of headphones have shaken Bose's longstanding reputation for having the best noise cancelling headphones on the market. The WH-1000XM4 offers the coveted combination of outstanding sound quality and effective noise cancellation. They're also very comfortable to wear with ample amounts of padding in the earcups and the headband. The WH-1000XM4 also boasts up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. If you run out, charging for just 10 minutes will give you another 5 hours of playback. It charges via the newer universeal USB Type-C input, which is a welcome upgrade over the legacy Micro USB from previous models.
LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Collectors' Edition 76405 for $349.99
Looking for an amazing gift idea for a LEGO fanatic. Amazon currently has the LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express train set for $349.99. That's $150, or 30%, off the original $500 MSRP. The LEGO Hogwarts Express is one of the most impressive Harry Potter sets out there. This 1:32 scale model of the Hogwarts Express train from the movie series measures 47" long, 8" wide, and 11' tall. The set includes the train's engine and two cars, plus platform 9 3/4. The three train compartments each depict a scene from the movie: Harry, Ron, and Hermione's very first encounter, Professor Lupin saving Harry from the Dementor in the third movie. and Luna saving Harry from Draco's spell in the sixth movie. The set also includes 20 minifigures including multiple versions of the main characters, Ron, Hermione, Remus, Ginny, Draco, and a Dementor.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug² 14oz of $99.99
The Ember Tempearture Control Smart Mug² is a one of kind Christmas gift. The mug keeps your drink at your preferred temperature (120°F – 145°F) for up to 80 minutes with the built-in battery. There's also a coaster that charges the mug wirelessly. It's a pretty awesome mug and perfect for the cold winter season.
Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller for $74.99
The Backbone One mobile gaming controller is currently $74.99 on Amazon. That's 25% off the $100 MSRP. This is one of the best snap-on gamepads for your mobile device and it's compatible with a wide range of Android and iOS devices including the new iPhone 15. The Backbone One essentially turns your iPhone or Android phone into a handheld gaming device like the Switch or Steam Deck. You simply snap your phone into the controller and you're pretty much ready to go. Instead of using your touchscreen, you can now use actual physical controls on the gamepad, which makes for a much more pleasant gaming experience.
Note that the new iPhone 15 has a USB Type-C port, not a Lightning port, and will need the same USB version that the Android phones use. Backbone states that the iPhone fits without requiring any adapters.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset for $289.99
Amazon has the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless gaming headset for $289.99. That's $60 less than the normaly $350 MSRP. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro is rated the best gaming headset of 2023, and as someone who owns and uses this headset on a daily basis, I wholeheartedly agree. It combines excellent sound quality with comfortable ergonomics, a high-performance mic, and unique yet extremely practical features. One of the biggest standout features of the SteelSeries Nova Pro wireless headset is the ingenious hot-swappable battery system. SteelSeries was generous enough to includes two batteries; one that's in use in your headset and the other that's charging in the separate DAC controller. This way you'll get the best of both worlds: glorious wireless freedom and no waiting to recharge.
