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Sega reveals its limited-edition trainer collaboration with Puma and they're far cooler than I expected
Game Updates

Sega reveals its limited-edition trainer collaboration with Puma and they’re far cooler than I expected

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Sega has revealed its limited-edition trainer collaboration with Puma, to celebrate the release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.

Puma already showed off the trainers back in August, but Sega has now unveiled the full capsule collection.

While Sonic gets a custom pair of Puma Inhale trainers, Shadow and Tails have their own version of the Puma Inverse. These come in blue, black, and yellow – according to the characters’ colours – and have various swappable features. I’m quite partial to the gold ring in the laces, myself.

Sonic Racing Crossworlds REVIEWWatch on YouTube

In addition, Puma is releasing some apparel too, which “blends motorsport styling with graphic cues inspired by racing and design elements from Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds”.

The collection includes a hoodie, a jacket, t-shirts, and even a bum bag (or fanny pack, for those of you in the US).

The collaboration also goes the other way, with Puma-designed in-game decals with which to customise vehicles in Sonic Racing: Crossworlds. These will be added to the game for free.

The trainer and clothing collection launches on 30th October and will be available from the Puma online store, flagship stores, and selected stockists. The UK prices are yet to be confirmed.

And frankly, compared to Nike’s furry Donkey Kong trainers or the absolutely vile Animal Crossing Crocs, these Sonic-themed trainers are footwear I will happily slip my feet into.

Image credit: Sega / Puma

Image credit: Sega / Puma

Image credit: Sega / Puma

As per leaks last month, Sonic and Shadow sneakers are also expected to make their way into Fortnite soon.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is out now across all major platforms. Our review praised its “exquisite handling model” despite all the chaos.



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EA private acquisition deal expected to go smoothly, says report, as "what regulator is going to say no to the president's son-in-law?"
Game Reviews

EA private acquisition deal expected to go smoothly, says report, as “what regulator is going to say no to the president’s son-in-law?”

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The $55bn private acquisition of EA is expected to run smoothly, the Financial Times has reported, due to the influence of Jared Kushner and Saudi Arabia on The White House.

The acquisition announced yesterday will see a group of investors comprising Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and investment firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, acquiring EA, the publisher known for its sports games, BioWare’s RPGs, The Sims, and many more.

Though the acquisition won’t be completed until Q1 FY27, a report from The FT suggests it won’t face much opposition.

That’s due to Saudi Arabia being considered a key ally to the US, as well as the involvement of President Trump’s son-in-law Kushner, CEO of Affinity Partners.

“Kushner has a personal relationship and he has deep ties in Saudi Arabia. He is very comfortable operating in the Middle East. It created a basis of trust,” a person briefed on the talks told the FT.

Another source stated: “We are in a regulatory environment that is welcoming of [Saudi Arabia]. We are not in what was the previous regime.”

“What regulator is going to say no to the president’s son-in-law?” stated another source close to the inner workings of the Trump administration.

The involvment of Saudi Arabia’s PIF is controversial, due to the country’s ruler Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairing the fund. He’s been blamed by the CIA for the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and has upheld the country’s notoriously poor human rights record.

While the last big video game acquisition – Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard – was met with opposition, it seems this latest deal for EA will be less contested.

Eurogamer has contacted the US Federal Trade Commission for comment on EA’s private acquisition.

In a further report from the FT, it’s suggested the deal is a huge bet that AI can significantly cut EA’s operating costs.

The $55bn buyout is backed by $36bn in equity and $20bn in JPMorgan debt, which EA will need to cover. AI will therefore be a key factor in cutting costs, according to sources involved in the transaction.

Last year, EA CEO Andrew Wilson stated AI is “the very core of our business” at the company’s Investor Day 2024. “For years we have talked about our games delivering experiences that are always new and different,” he said. “We predict that with generative AI we will truly be able to fulfil this promise for billions of people for billions and billions of hours.”

One area of AI innovation for the company is efficiency, which Wilson described as not just about cost saving but “doing what we do today faster, cheaper, and at a higher quality”.

With the growing reputation of AI tools being used across the games industry, no doubt this presentation proved influential in the eventual acquisition by private investors.

In a statement to employees yesterday, Wilson stated EA’s “values and our commitment to players and fans around the world remain unchanged”. However, the deal has sparked fear among fans for the future of EA’s most queer-friendly franchises, including The Sims, Mass Effect, and Apex Legends, due to the involvement of Saudi Arabia.



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Forza Horizon 6 will be set exactly where we expected it to be set
Game Reviews

Forza Horizon 6 will be set exactly where we expected it to be set

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The next grand open-world setting for the next Forza Horizon game will be Japan, Microsoft has accidentally announced, and it will be released in 2026.

The announcement came via an Instagram post on the official Forza Horizon account. This let slip, ahead of a Tokyo Game Show 2025 Xbox briefing today, that “The Horizon Festival is heading to Japan. Coming 2026.” The post has since been removed. Whoops!

Image credit: Playground Games / Microsoft

The full announcement is expected to occur in the Xbox briefing that’s only moments away – due to begin at 11am UK time. How much of the game we’ll see, we don’t yet know, nor how much of Japan it will allow us to explore.

Forza Horizon 5 was released four years ago now, in 2021, and this year debuted on PlayStation 5, in the spring. Tom thinks it’s one of the greatest racing games of all time. Given that, the question of whether this new instalment could launch on PlayStation 5 is probably more “when?” rather than “if?”. Or, “How long will Microsoft keep it exclusive to Xbox for?”





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Crypto ETF
GameFi Guides

Crypto ETF Boom Expected In Q4, Expert Predicts Surge In Issuer Activity

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Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

The remainder of the year is poised to be a pivotal time for crypto ETFs and their issuers, as experts anticipate a significant boom in these investment vehicles. With the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) now adopting a more favorable stance toward crypto assets, the stage is set for a surge in ETF applications. 

Industry insiders are optimistic about the potential for new products that aim to provide exposure to alternative cryptocurrencies like XRP, Dogecoin (DOGE), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and Hedera (HBAR).

SEC Streamlines Crypto ETF Approval Process

The SEC’s newly updated standards for crypto ETFs, announced just last week, promise to stimulate demand for exchange-traded products linked to these cryptocurrencies. 

Analysts are particularly eager about the anticipated approval of products associated with Solana and XRP, with expectations that these ETFs could make their debut as early as October. 

Steven McClurg, founder of Canary Capital Group, noted a surge in filings with the SEC, stating, “We’ve got about a dozen filings with the SEC now, and more coming. We’re all getting ready for a wave of launches.”

Jonathan Groth, partner at DGIM Law, also pointed that the fourth quarter of the year is shaping up as “boom time” for the crypto ETF market, further adding to the anticipation for the altcoins to join this trend. 

The SEC’s recent vote to adopt new listing standards streamlines the approval process, reducing the time required for new crypto products to launch from up to 270 days to 75 days or less. 

This change eliminates the need for individual regulatory reviews for each application, allowing firms to bring products to market more swiftly. As Teddy Fusaro, president of Bitwise, explained, “These are the rules we had been anticipating.”

Market Readiness In Question

Grayscale has already taken advantage of this, rolling out its Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF less than 48 hours after receiving approval from the SEC to transition from a private to a publicly traded fund. This ETF includes major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, alongside XRP, Solana, and Cardano.

To qualify for the expedited approval process, an ETF must meet at least one of three criteria: the underlying asset must already be traded on a regulated market or have futures contracts regulated by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) that have been active for at least six months. 

Alternatively, an existing crypto ETF tied to that coin, with at least 40% of its assets invested directly in the cryptocurrency, could also pave the way for approval.

Despite the excitement surrounding these new developments, questions remain about the market’s appetite for a flood of crypto ETFs centered on lesser-known coins. 

Kyle DaCruz, director of digital assets product at asset manager VanEck, highlighted the need for investor education, noting, “There will be a flood of tokens that many folks have never heard of, and instead of years, there will be weeks or months to provide that education.”

The 1-hour chart shows BTC’s price retrace below the key $112,000 support. Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView.com

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.



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XRP Solana ETF news
GameFi Guides

Final Spot XRP And Solana ETF Amendments Expected This Week

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Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

The US crypto ETF market is bracing for a decisive stretch after the SEC’s approval of “generic listing standards” last week opened a streamlined path for spot XRP and Solana ETFs—alongside products beyond bitcoin and ether. With exchanges now able to list qualifying commodity-based ETPs without a bespoke 19b-4 approval, applicants for spot XRP and Solana funds are rushing to lodge final amendments—filings that several industry participants say are already substantially baked.

Countdown To Launch For Spot XRP And Solana ETFs

On September 24, ETF Store president Nate Geraci signaled the inflection point in a series of posts on X. “Final wave of amendments could be filed by end of this week on various spot crypto ETFs incl xrp & sol,” he wrote, adding that “those filings are pretty far along in the review process” and that the “countdown to launch is on,” citing a Reuters report on the SEC’s new framework.

Here we go…

Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF *approved* under SEC’s new generic listing standards.

Will now be able to own crypto assets beyond btc & eth.

Looks like xrp, sol, & xlm. pic.twitter.com/OyZO9MLnMx

— Nate Geraci (@NateGeraci) September 25, 2025

In a separate post, Geraci flagged the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF: “Here we go…Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF *approved* under SEC’s new generic listing standards. Will now be able to own crypto assets beyond btc & eth. Looks like xrp, sol, & xlm.”

Reuters, which first detailed the regulator’s accelerated pathway on Sept. 18 and followed up on Sept. 24, reported that, since the SEC initially floated the rules in July, issuers have “scrambled to update their new product filings and respond to specific comments and questions from the SEC.” A “final wave of amendments could be filed by the end of this week,” three people familiar with the matter told the wire service. “Those filings are pretty far along in the review process,” Bitwise president Teddy Fusaro said. “These are the rules we had been anticipating.”

The rule change is foundational. By blessing generic listing standards at NYSE Arca, Nasdaq and Cboe BZX, the Commission shifted spot-crypto ETF approvals from an adjudicative, proposal-by-proposal slog to a rules-based regime. In the SEC’s own words, exchanges may now list Commodity-Based Trust Shares that meet the criteria “without first submitting a proposed rule change” to the Commission—compressing timelines to roughly 75 days in straightforward cases and removing duplicative reviews that historically bottlenecked non-BTC/ETH products.

For XRP in particular, a compressed and crowded calendar now looms. The SEC’s final deadlines line up across seven days in October: Grayscale on Oct. 18, 21Shares on Oct. 19, Bitwise on Oct. 20, CoinShares and Canary Capital on Oct. 23–24, and WisdomTree on Oct. 24–25.

Solana sits in the same slipstream. According to Galaxy Digital Research, Solana is the leading candidate for the first-wave approvals under the generic regime, reflecting the maturity of filings and the exchanges’ preparedness to list them. Issuers including Bitwise and 21Shares have spent the summer revising staking, custody and in-kind transfer language to fit within the exchanges’ rulebooks and the SEC’s evolving expectations.

At press time, XRP traded at $2.84.

XRP faces downward pressure, 1-day chart | Source: XRPUSDT on TradingView.com

Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.





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Stocks slide after lower than expected U.S. jobless claims
GameFi Guides

Stocks slide after lower than expected U.S. jobless claims

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Wall Street showed subdued action as major gauges opened lower after investors reacted to jobs data showing U.S. jobless claims fell to 218,000.

Summary

  • Dow Jones slid 120 points while Nasdaq fell 1.15% to lead losses across the major U.S. indexes.
  • The S&P 500 also dropped 0.68% in early trading to see Wall Street risk a third straight day of negative closes.
  • Stocks were wobbly after the U.S. jobless claims data showed initial filings for unemployment insurance dropped to 218,000.

After shedding gains in consecutive sessions, U.S. stocks looked shaky in early trading on Thursday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed more than 120 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped 0.68% and 1.15%, respectively. Oracle and Nvidia retreated, and an uptick in yields catalyzed selling across tech stocks, pulling the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite down.

This came after Wall Street saw the major indexes record negative closes on Tuesday and Wednesday, capping the recent spike that had stocks trading at all-time highs. Bitcoin (BTC) also struggled as prices fell to near $111,000.

Despite the back-to-back losses, investors maintained a bullish mood, with analysts noting the market may not conform to historical paradigms around fundamentals and elevated asset prices.

U.S. jobless claims fall

The shaky market materialized as investors reacted to the latest data on initial jobless claims for the week ending September 20. 

According to a Labor Department report, first-time filings for unemployment insurance hit a seasonally adjusted 218,000, a decline of 14,000 from the prior week’s figure of 232,000 and below the consensus estimate of 235,000.

Beyond jobless claims, other reports on Thursday painted a solid economic outlook. U.S. real gross domestic product grew 3.8% in the second quarter, up from 3.3%. Meanwhile, core personal consumption expenditures increased 2.6%, slightly above the expected 2.5%. Home sales soared 20.5% in August, the biggest spike since January 2022.

Friday’s release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures index for August is now key to the market’s bet on the Federal Reserve’s move. PCE is the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge and analysts expect details signalling easing price pressures.

Overall, markets anticipate the Fed will lower interest rates again at its next two meetings scheduled for October and December.



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Sources - Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka expected to play vs. Jets
Esports

Sources – Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka expected to play vs. Jets

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  • Jenna LaineSep 20, 2025, 12:51 PM ET

    Close

      Jenna Laine covers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for ESPN. She started covering the Bucs for ESPN in 2016, but she has covered the team since 2009. Jenna is a former cheerleader at the University of South Florida and speaks to the consistency of the program as being one of the top best in the nation.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie WR Emeka Egbuka, who is listed as questionable with hip and groin issues, is expected to play Sunday against the New York Jets, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Egbuka, the Bucs’ 19th overall draft pick who is tied for a league-leading three touchdown catches in two games, missed two days of practice this week. He returned to practice Friday but was limited, Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said.

Should Egbuka not play, the Bucs will lean more on former undrafted free agent Ryan Miller, who scored the first touchdown Monday night at Houston, as well as Sterling Shepard, rookie Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson, who delivered a 54-yard punt return against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.

The Bucs have started off 2-0 each of the past three seasons but have not had a 3-0 start since 2005.



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early-holiday-shopping-hero-image
Gaming Gear

Get Ready for the Holiday Tech Splurge: US Adults Expected to Spend $931 on Devices, CNET Survey Finds

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The holidays are still months away, but if you want the best deals on a new laptop or smartphone, you should probably start shopping now. According to a new CNET survey, nearly half of shoppers aren’t waiting until Black Friday and Cyber Monday to shop. Instead, they’re shopping for tech for the holidays months early to beat potential rising prices and shortages.

But is shopping early the best strategy? I spoke with CNET’s resident tech and shopping experts to find out.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source on Chrome.

Here’s what they say you need to know about navigating early sales, finding the best deals and avoiding common pitfalls, like product shortages and hidden price hikes.

  • Many US adults (59%) are interested in purchasing tech devices this holiday season. Smartphones (26%) and laptops (23%) are at the top of shoppers’ lists. 
  • The average US shopper plans to spend $931.18 on tech devices this holiday season, and millennials plan to spend $139 more. 
  • Over half (59%) plan to shop Black Friday sales to save money on holiday tech purchases, followed by comparison shopping (37%). 
  • Half of shoppers plan to shop for tech early (August to October), but a quarter plan to shop in November. 
  • Nearly 9 in 10 (87%) have shopping concerns about purchasing consumer tech this holiday season, including rising prices and tariffs.

Shoppers plan to spend an average of $931 on tech this holiday season

CNET found that US shoppers plan to spend an average of $931.18 on tech this holiday season, and a few devices top their shopping lists. The millennial generation expects to spend more, with an average of $1,070.57 on tech this holiday season. Gen X plans to spend the least, with $747.02. 

Cole Kan/CNET/Getty Images

Smartphones and laptops are at the top of holiday tech wish lists 

Smartphones (26%) and laptops (23%) are the top two tech gadgets most US adults are buying this holiday season. Between new features and popular releases, CNET experts shared why smartphones and laptops are sought after this year and what to know before you buy. 

Cole Kan/CNET/Getty Images

Smartphones 

New smartphone models, including the Google Pixel 10 and Apple’s iPhone 17, are released months before the holidays. Some features, like Apple Intelligence and Gemini Nano, are limited to newer models. David Lumb, CNET’s mobile expert and reporter, says that may persuade you to buy a new phone for the holidays. 

“It’s probably the time of year when consumers’ old phones start to feel long in the tooth — and with new iPhones typically released in September, they may be tempted by their extra features and capabilities.”

But don’t expect to see steep discounts on these newly released models in time for the holidays. Lumb says most brand-new phones released within the past few months won’t have great holiday deals. Sometimes Samsung doesn’t follow this trend, but Apple rarely discounts its phones. You may see a $100 discount on last year’s iPhone when the new one is released. 

When’s the best time to buy? If you’re still planning to buy a new phone this year, November is the best time to look for one, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday week. Retailers will have the best deals then, but don’t expect big discounts. Some phone carriers may offer trade-in offers, but comparing deals is still best. 

“The best way to save money on brand-new premium phones is to look for bundles and deals from carriers and third-party retailers like Best Buy or Amazon,” Lumb says. “And make sure you’re taking care of your old phone to get the most trade-in value, which can save you hundreds of dollars off a new one when you turn in your old one.”

There are still a few popular budget-friendly smartphones if you’re looking for a good deal but don’t need the latest and greatest. 

“While this year’s new iPhone 16E stretches the idea of ‘budget’ at $600, the $429 iPhone SE released in 2022 remains the most affordable iOS phone,” Lumb says. “Android fans have far more options around the same price range, like the $499 Google Pixel 9A or $400 Samsung Galaxy A36, and into true budget territory with the $300 Moto G Power 5G, $250 TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G and $200 Samsung Galaxy A16.” 

Laptops 

Deals are available on several types of laptops, including budget-friendly options and high-performance gaming models. Depending on your needs, you can choose from plenty of laptops, but CNET recommends the M4 MacBook Air or the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7. 

Before you buy a laptop this holiday season, Josh Goldman, CNET’s laptop expert and managing editor, recommends setting a budget and expectations first. 

“The best move is to set a budget, try to stick to it and look at deals from retailers and direct from the manufacturers,” Goldman says. Most importantly, make sure you’re getting a laptop with the features and specifications you need now and in the foreseeable future. 

When’s the best time to buy? Goldman says if Amazon follows its usual fall Prime Day sale, you should start to see good deals on computers then. Deals are expected to continue through Black Friday and the week of Cyber Monday. You can find the lowest laptop prices during Black Friday,  but there are sales throughout the year. 

“Unless you’re buying one as a gift or have an urgent need, another sale is always just around the corner,” Goldman says.

TVs are also on holiday shopping lists 

One in five (20%) shoppers is considering buying TVs this holiday season. While CNET tracks weekly TV deals and lists the best TVs of this year, it’s still a prime time to buy now. 

When’s the best time to buy? David Katzmaier, CNET’s resident TV expert and senior editorial director, says the best time to start shopping for one is usually around Black Friday. Deals will continue through the holiday season, leading up to the Super Bowl in February. You may still find deals during the fall Prime Day or other early sales. 

Katzmaier recommends using a price tracker, like Keepa, for historical pricing and to spot a good deal. Keepa is one of several websites with a browser extension to track Amazon product prices. Experts also recommend CamelCamelCamel. 

“That way, when it goes on sale, you know how deep the discount really is and you can pounce if it’s a good deal. Waiting is usually the best strategy and when the TV hits an all-time low, go for it,” Katzmaier says. 

However, the more substantial discounts are usually on the more expensive TV options because they cost more, but you can still find good offers on other models. 

“The best deals we find are often midpriced models — neither super budget nor really high-end — that go on sale during Black Friday,” Katzmaier says. “Those are also the kinds of TVs that do the best in our reviews.”

Shoppers are concerned about buying tech for the holidays 

Nearly nine in 10 (87%) of shoppers are worried about purchasing tech this holiday season. 

By the numbers, over half (52%) are worried about tariffs and rising prices on tech they plan to buy, while 48% worry about finding quality tech at an affordable price. Other concerns include shoppers being able to afford new tech (38%), going into debt or straining their finances to purchase devices (26%) and availability and shortages (23%). 

The concerns are valid. Holiday tech shopping may not be smooth sailing for some popular tech devices, like video gaming consoles and smartphones. Here’s a closer look and what CNET experts are seeing.

Over half of shoppers are worried about rising prices and tariffs 

With over half of shoppers worried about rising prices and tariffs, Russell Holly, CNET’s shopping expert and director of commerce, has seen plenty of evidence that suggests tariffs on personal electronics and home tech will affect prices during sales this year. However, you can get ahead of some price hikes on personal and home tech essentials.
“Things like AA batteries, replacement batteries for AirTags and even kitchen necessities like dishwasher tabs will reduce possible price gouging later,” Holly says. 

Goldman says that it’s less about tariffs for many retailers. There are other economic factors impacting prices.

“We’ve seen some small price increases, but several manufacturers we’ve asked about the impact of tariffs have said the increases are more about general inflation and that sometimes newer tech just costs more, which is true,” Goldman says. “Sometimes you have to wait a couple of years for the latest and greatest to become more affordable.” 

Nearly half are worried about finding tech at an affordable price

Bridget Carey, CNET’s consumer tech expert and editor, advised shopping with caution and not buying the first device you see, especially if you’re concerned about finding quality devices at a good price. More paid social media influencers and AI-generated search results are skewing top recommendations, which may not be the best or accurate, she says. That’s why she recommends taking an extra few minutes to do your research to save money and frustration from a device you’re unhappy with.

“Before making a large purchase, it’s more important this year to find reviews written by independent, trusted sources to weed out the junk — or just to help you find the right brand for your needs,” Carey adds. 

Expect shortages on popular tech items

Some popular newly released items may face shortages this holiday shopping season, especially if there’s a good deal. That’s a concern that nearly 1 in 4 (23%) have. If there’s a must-have item on your list, like the highly anticipated iPhone 17 or the Nintendo Switch 2, don’t wait to buy it if it’s in stock and you can afford it. That’s because waiting for lower prices may mean missing out on the item altogether. 

For example, Carey predicts that the Nintendo Switch 2 may be tighter on supply as December approaches.

“Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser told CBS there would be a steady supply of Switch 2 units coming throughout the year. But our CNET Switch 2 restock tracker has found stores regularly going out of stock, so I would shop sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment,” Carey says. 

Half of US adults are shopping for tech ahead of the holiday season

Cole Kan/CNET/Getty Images

Thinking about holiday shopping before Halloween may sound odd, but Carey recommends planning your shopping list now. 

“With the cost of tech increasing, you’ll want to be prepared to jump on any sale you see in October and early November. Black Friday isn’t just one weekend anymore — it starts in October.” But you’ll still want to keep an eye out for sales after October and pay attention to return policies just in case you find a better deal. 

CNET found that half of tech shoppers plan to shop early — September and October — to ease some of their shopping concerns. Still, most shoppers (25%) plan to wait until November, and 6% will wait until December.

How US adults are trimming costs on consumer tech and services

Close to nine in 10 (89%) shoppers plan to use various strategies. Shopping on Black Friday is the most popular money-saving method (59%). Other popular methods include comparison shopping (37%), shopping during Fall Prime Day and competing retailer sales (34%), shopping refurbished or pre-owned tech (23%) and shopping earlier (22%).

If you’re comparing prices, especially during sales, Holly advises making sure you’re getting a deal. 

“Tools like CamelCamelCamel.com will show you the price history of a product, so you know whether the sale is genuine and how tariffs have affected the price over the course of this year,” Holly says. “You can also verify discounts through CNET’s Deals page, where we actively track discounts to make sure you’re getting the lowest price.”

So when’s the best time to buy tech and appliances?

Holly adds that Black Friday sales focus on entertainment and popular gifts. It’s also a good time to shop for TVs, eBikes and gaming accessories. Fall sales before Black Friday typically focus on home appliances, laptops and emergency preparedness. 

“The best strategy for making sure you’re getting the best deals is to prioritize more practical life improvements first and be ready for entertainment purchases closer to the end of the year,” said Holly. 

Methodology 

CNET commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the survey. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,395 US adults, of whom 1,369 were interested in purchasing consumer tech products or services this winter holiday season. Fieldwork was undertaken Aug. 20-22, 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).



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A psycho in Borderlands 4 stands ready for battle.
Product Reviews

Borderlands 4 global release times mean some of you can play a day earlier than expected

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If you requested time off from work ahead of the new Borderlands launch next Friday, consider a last-minute addendum to the ask. Gearbox has revealed its plans to give Borderlands 4 the global release treatment, so some players will technically venture to Kairos a day early.

It’s a global release time for Steam and Epic Games Store users, so when Borderlands 4 launches on September 12 at 4 am NZST, it’s out for everyone. That’s September 11 at 9 am PT for folks on the other side of the world. There’s no slow rollout across time zones as everyone waits for the clock to strike midnight in their local time.

(Image credit: Gearbox Software)

To save you any further timezone headaches, here’s when Borderlands 4 launches for everyone at the same time globally:


Related articles

  • September 11 at 9 am PT (San Francisco)
  • September 11 at 11 am PT (Chicago)
  • September 11 at 12 pm ET (New York)
  • September 11 at 5 pm BST (London)
  • September 11 at 6 pm CEST (Berlin)
  • September 12 at 12 am SGT (Singapore)
  • September 12 at 1 am JST (Tokyo)
  • September 12 at 2 am AEST (Sydney)
  • September 12 at 4 am NZST (Wellington)

Despite all the time I’ve spent monitoring PC releases, I’m disoriented by the idea every time. So to answer your question: No, it’s not just you that’s confused by the global/midnight differences. Some games roll out by local time, so you’re stuck watching friends from the future play while you longingly stare at Steam.

Keep in mind this doesn’t work the same across all platforms, so if you’re on PC and hoping to play with a console buddy, then you may need to wait. Borderlands 4 supports crossplay, but the PlayStation and Xbox stores don’t share the same update time in some regions.

Either way that’s a week’s wait for more vault hunting, at max. If you need something to do until then, I recommend jumping on the Borderlands 4 Shift code train early and getting your account sorted for a day-one freebie. It’s either that or go play the very small and unheard-of indie game, Silksong. I’m assuming a big ol’ publisher like 2k isn’t worried about Hornet, but I have to wonder how much of my own Steam friends list will make the swap next week.



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I never expected to become emotionally invested in a lighthouse, but Keeper's surreal artistic direction and dedication to accessibility has done just that
Game Reviews

I never expected to become emotionally invested in a lighthouse, but Keeper’s surreal artistic direction and dedication to accessibility has done just that

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Some of us absolutely love to push ourselves when it comes to games, and believe the harder the better. Overcoming such challenges can offer an immense thrill and sense of achievement, after all. There are even some among us who won’t reduce the difficulty level in a game if we are struggling, and would actually rather stop playing altogether.

On the flip side (and let it be known, I really don’t think there is a right or wrong way to enjoy a game as long as the player is happy and not being unkind to others), there are also those of us who want an experience that is less about an onslaught of rock-hard enemies that relentlessly grind us into the ground, or puzzles that require a Mensa membership to decipher. Many of us take pleasure in games that offer up an easy-going, stress-free escape for a couple of hours at the end of a long day. This flexible approach is something that is also important for Psychonauts and Brütal Legend developer Double Fine.

The studio’s most recent title – Psychonauts 2 – featured a range of accessibility options, including an invincibility mode, on release. This meant that those that wanted to could dial up the difficulty to max, while others could make their way through the game without any fear of ‘failing’. This accessible approach will remain for Double Fine’s next release, which is known as Keeper and follows the story of a sentient lighthouse and its bird companion.

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Speaking to Eurogamer at Gamescom, studio head Tim Schafer said accessibility is a “big thing” for Double Fine, and something Microsoft – which acquired the developer in 2019 – has supported. “[Microsoft] has a lot of testing that you can do for all sorts of levels of accessibility, and Keeper is a very accessible game that is very easy to control – there’s not a lot of buttons to get used to,” Schafer said, before adding:

“Something we always emphasise with our games is accessibility, and for all different types of players, because I always believe you don’t want to tell someone how to play your game. If they want to turn the difficulty down, they can do that.

“Some people just like the character design, and the world. We don’t want to lock them out.”

When asked if Keeper has any peril, the studio founder said you “can’t fail and you can’t die” during the game’s run time, which is roughly six to eight hours. “It’s more about the flow, and wandering through the atmosphere,” Schafer explained.

Image credit: Double Fine

As I’ve said, Keeper will chronicle the adventures of a lighthouse which quite unexpectedly comes alive, complete with tendril-like legs that allow it to walk around a mysterious island along with its bird companion, Twig. Think that all sounds a little bit odd? Well, good. That’s exactly what Double Fine is going for. “[Creative lead Lee Petty] was like ‘I want to get really weird’,” Schafer said of Keeper. “We wanted to make something we probably couldn’t have gotten signed with a publisher [when Double Fine was independent]. It’s really artistic, and it doesn’t make sense at first, but it is really engrossing.”

In terms of gameplay, Keeper will boast a mixture of exploration, puzzle solving and in the words of Schafer, plenty to surprise and perhaps even shock players. During the Keeper presentation, which showed off sections earlier in the game, I watched the lighthouse use its beam to manipulate the world around it, opening up pathways not previously seen. Meanwhile, Twig could perch on switches or place items that were beyond the lighthouse’s reach to allow the twosome to progress.

Purely from a more aesthetic point of view, inspirations for Keeper include surrealist painters such as Salvador Dali and Max Ernst, as well as films like The Dark Crystal. It all marries together to make for a striking and already oh-so-charming combination of colour and creativity.

Image credit: Double Fine

Something Keeper won’t have though, is any dialogue, with the game described as “a story told without words”. During an additional group Q&A about the game, I asked Schafer what it was like for the studio to create a narrative without using any actual voices.

“It’s interesting, because I am not even on the team or it would have tons of dialogue, like the lighthouse would say ‘I’m too old for this shit’,” he joked, before adding that Keeper’s development was all about working to the strengths of those involved. This includes Petty, who Schafer said is a wonder when it comes to telling stories through visuals. Along with work on Keeper, Petty has also served as art director for Brütal Legend, and acted as creative lead on numerous other projects at Double Fine including the matryoshka doll-themed puzzler Stacking, sci-fi side-scroller Headlander and post-post-apocalyptic roguelike RAD.

“He’s an artist, and the animators are used to an aesthetic where they’re trying to tell a story even if you have the volume off,” Double Fine’s chief said. “The bird, Twig, he’s very expressive. You can tell how Twig feels about everything, you can how the lighthouse feels. The lighthouse seems to have facial expressions. It’s still an emotional storyline. The characters still have character arcs, they have feelings, they have a bond, they have a companionship.”

“We approach these creative topics with the tools that we have,” Schafer closed. “I’m a writer, so that’s where I start. Lee and his team started from a different place, and that’s one of the strengths of the studio.”

Keeper – Official Announce Trailer. Watch on YouTube

Alas, I did not get to go hands-on with Keeper during Double Fine’s Gamescom presentation, but even so, this is easily one of my most anticipated games coming out this year. I honestly never expected to become emotionally invested in a lighthouse, but even from just a few short snippets of gameplay and trailers, I am already deeply invested in the wellbeing of Keeper’s lighthouse, with its characterful beam illuminating and affecting the surreal but beautiful world it has found itself in. Oh yes, Keeper is definitely one I will be keeping a very close eye on.

Keeper is set to release later this year, on 17th October, across Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Game Pass.



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