Author: Game Infliction

This six-pack bundle of Scarlet and Violet: Journey Together is holding steady at 50.99, but most of the real value in the set is now on TCG Player, where chase cards are trending down. If you’re looking for specific pulls, going the single route will save you money. There’s still some standout cards here. Lillie’s Clefairy ex is the most expensive in the set right now, and for good reason. It’s competitively viable and features Lillie, who always bumps card prices on name recognition alone.

N’s Zoroark ex (Special Illustration Rare) continues a clever story thread from N’s Zorua and is a binder-ready display card. Salamence ex showcases Tsuyoshi Nagano’s first Pokémon art, which alone is worth a look. There’s also Hop’s Zacian ex, a handful of golden Iono and Bellibolt ex cards, and some surprisingly nice takes on Wailord and Articuno. It’s a great set, but if you know what you’re after, singles are the smarter path.

Paldean Fates brings back shiny Pokémon in a big way, including the return of the fan-favorite Baby Shinies. The booster bundle runs a little higher at 66.97, and honestly, that’s more than what you’d pay for most of the good cards inside if you went straight to TCG Player.

There are a few exceptions. Bubble Mew still holds its value even after a major drop, and is the one card where sealed might still make sense if you enjoy the gamble. But most of the shinies, including some really clean alternate arts, are affordable enough to collect without diving into packs. I’ve put together a catalog of the best-value cards if you want to go that route.

Expedition 33 just dropped and IGN Store already has one of the better pieces of game merch I’ve seen in a while. This tee uses the game’s cover art in a clean design that doesn’t scream licensed product, which I appreciate. It’s made to order in sizes up to 3XL. It’s 100 percent ringspun cotton and feels like a shirt you’ll actually want to wear more than once.

Expedition 33 just launched and it’s one of the more original turn-based RPGs I’ve seen in a long time. The concept is bizarre in the best way. Once a year, a mysterious figure paints a number. Everyone of that age dies. This year, it’s 33. You’re part of the group sent to stop her. The world blends Belle Époque France with surreal fantasy, and the combat mixes turn-based mechanics with real-time dodging and targeting. It’s visually gorgeous, built in Unreal Engine 5, and there’s already a good amount of buzz behind it. Standard edition is 39.99, Deluxe is 47.99.

This is one of the better Humble art bundles I’ve seen in a while. You get a 12-month license for Clip Studio Paint Pro, which is already worth the entry price, along with a massive pack of digital tools including brushes, comic panel assets, 3D models, and Moho Debut for animation. If you’ve been meaning to get back into digital art or just want to try new software without spending hundreds up front, this is a great way to start. Plus, proceeds support No Kid Hungry.

If you’ve been thinking about finally getting serious noise cancellation in your life, Bose QuietComfort earbuds are down to 149 right now, a solid 30 bucks off. These are great for travel, commuting, or just finding some quiet during work hours. Battery life is 8.5 hours on a single charge, with an extra boost from the case. IPX4 water resistance makes them solid for workouts too. I like the responsive touch controls and the ability to fine-tune the EQ with the app. They also do a surprisingly good job switching between devices with multipoint Bluetooth.

For budget earbuds with real noise canceling, I think Soundcore’s Space A40 are unbeatable at this price. They’re 44.99 right now, down from 79.99, and come packed with features you usually only get on higher-end models. They offer 50 hours of total playtime, a compact and comfortable fit, hi-res wireless audio with LDAC, and adaptive ANC that adjusts depending on your surroundings. They’re solid for everyday listening and more than good enough to double as travel earbuds too.

GameStop will be one of the only major retailers still offering preorders for the new Switch 2 this morning. The $499.99 bundle includes the console and Mario Kart World, which looks like it’s built to show off whatever upgrades Nintendo has under the hood. Preorders go live at 8 a.m. PST, and considering other retailers sold out overnight, I’m not expecting these to last long. There’s also the solo Nintendo Switch 2 console, launch games and tons of accessories to add to your basket too. Here’s my top picks:

I like this bundle because it gives you something to actually hold onto, not just a few random booster packs. It includes three promo foil cards (Charizard ex, Charmander, and Charmeleon) a detailed Charizard figure, and 10 booster packs. That’s solid value, and it’s all bundled in a way that makes sense for collectors or players.

At under $50, it’s hard to argue with the appeal. The Charizard line has always been popular, and the cards in this set are exclusive promos that won’t be around forever. I think this is an easy pickup if you’re looking to build your collection or just want something that looks great out of the box.

Streaming is convenient until your favorite movie vanishes from your watchlist without warning. That’s why I still keep a stash of 4K discs, and Amazon’s latest deal makes it easy to bulk up the collection. Right now, you can pick any three eligible titles for $33, which is a pretty great deal considering a single 4K Blu-ray usually runs around $20 or more.

I think this is the kind of sale that slips under the radar because there’s no flashy banner or countdown timer. But when you start scrolling and see stuff like Inception, The Dark Knight, 1917, and E.T., it kind of speaks for itself. If you’re into collecting or just want some reliable movie night options that don’t rely on a Wi-Fi signal, this is worth jumping on.

Storage space on Xbox runs out fast, especially if you’re hopping between big AAA titles. I think the WD_Black 2TB C50 is one of the better expansion options out there, and right now it’s down to $179.99 on Amazon, which is $50 off the usual price.

It’s officially licensed, plug-and-play, and gives you the same performance as internal storage thanks to Xbox’s Velocity Architecture. I’ve used one for a while, and honestly, it’s the difference between deleting something you’ll want to play later or just moving on with your day.

If you’ve been looking for earbuds that actually stay in your ears while you move, the Beats Fit Pro still nails it. They’re down to $169 at Amazon right now, which isn’t the steepest discount ever, but considering how rarely Apple gear goes on sale, I’ll take it.

I’ve used these for running, working, and dodging people on Zoom calls. They’ve got solid noise canceling, great sound, and yes, they work just as well on Android as they do on iPhones. I think they’re still one of the few earbuds that don’t require a small fortune or daily resets.

This LEGO Star Wars Podrace Diorama is one of those builds that feels designed for fans who grew up on Phantom Menace and now pretend they’re “collectors.” It’s on sale for $65 right now, down from the usual $80.

I think it works well as a display piece without screaming “toy.” You get Anakin’s and Sebulba’s podracers in brick form, plus a detailed canyon scene. If you’re trying to justify another LEGO set, just call it a stress-relief project and move on.

This is currently the best price for Oblivion on PC bar subscribing to Game Pass. I’ve played the original Oblivion enough times to know exactly where it shows its age, which is why I’m glad this remaster exists. The updated visuals and improved UI give the game a second life without losing what made it great in the first place. You still get the full experience, including expansions like Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine, plus all the classic side content.

If you missed it the first time around or just want to revisit Cyrodiil without modding your setup into oblivion (pun intended), this is the version to get. I think forty bucks is a fair ask for one of the most influential open-world RPGs of its time, especially with all the extras baked in.

I’ve been tracking the Pokémon 151 singles for a while, and a few prices have finally started to slide into that sweet spot between “collectible” and “still reasonable.” Blastoise ex (Illustration Rare) is sitting around $66, and Venusaur ex is close behind at $60. Even Charizard ex, in Secret Rare form, has dipped to around $39, which is surprising considering how popular it is.

If you’re trying to complete the set or build out Gen 1-themed pages, now’s a good time to grab singles like Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squirtle for under $40. Most of these aren’t meta-competitive, but they’re stunning in a binder and full of nostalgia. I think this wave of price dips won’t last long once more collectors start closing out their sets.

I’ve gone through enough power banks to know when one’s actually designed with some thought behind it. This one pushes up to 140W with USB-C PD3.1, which means it can charge a MacBook or gaming handheld fast enough to matter. The smart display is a nice touch too. It shows real-time stats, not just another blinking light.

The 20,000mAh capacity is plenty for multiple phone charges or a full laptop cycle, and the recharge time is quick if you’ve got the right charger. I’d say it’s ideal if you travel with more than one device and hate juggling low battery warnings.

I like the open-ear design because it avoids the usual trade-off between situational awareness and good audio. These stay just outside your ears, but the sound quality still holds up thanks to Dolby Atmos and Snapdragon Sound support. And the fit’s more comfortable than most earbuds I’ve worn, especially for longer sessions.

The battery life is solid with up to fifty hours total from the case, and it includes features like auto volume adjustment and UV sterilization. It’s built for someone who actually uses their earbuds all day, not just in short bursts. If that’s you, I think you’ll appreciate the attention to detail here.

I really want this listing to disappear into the tall grass. It’s six booster packs. That’s it. For $66.65. The MSRP was closer to $30, which makes this a laughable markup for what’s essentially a fancy six-pack with no promo cards.

I love Pokémon 151. It’s packed with great Kanto art, and yeah there’s some killer hits in there. But paying twice retail for the chance at a Charizard? That’s a pass. I think if you’re going to spend over $60, you should at least know what you’re getting.

I dug up some single card options that are actually worth the money. You can grab Alakazam ex for around $10, a clean Zapdos holo for under $5, and even that Blastoise art rare for $66 or less if you don’t mind a little light play.

Godzilla is one of the biggest names in entertainment, with over 70 years of history since Ishiro Honda’s 1954 film. Over the years, there have been numerous interpretations of the legendary beast, from World War II-inspired movies to clashes with other beasts in the Monsterverse. There’s a lot to love about every film, especially if you’re a fan of action. Starting today, you can purchase three of the most recent Godzilla movies in 4K for only $33. Now is the time to add three films involving the legendary beast to your Blu-ray collection.

This sale is part of Amazon’s larger three for $33 4K movie promotion that just started. There are quite a few other great films in there if you’d prefer to shop the full sale yourself.

think this might be the best gaming monitor deal I’ve seen all year. The QD-OLED G9 just dropped to $1,049.99, which is $700 off its original price. That’s not a typo. This is Samsung’s top-of-the-line 49-inch ultrawide, and right now it’s a steal.

The Dual QHD resolution makes games look absurdly sharp, and the 240Hz refresh rate with 0.03ms response time means it’s as fast as it is pretty. Add G-Sync and FreeSync support, and you’ve got yourself a monitor that won’t blink even when you’re about to lose a ranked match.

I want this on my desk just so I can stop squinting at my minimap like an old man with bad Wi-Fi. It wraps around your field of view and makes even spreadsheets feel dramati

If the QD-OLED isn’t wild enough for you, this 57-inch Neo G9 is here to take your eyeballs hostage. It’s the world’s first Dual UHD monitor, and it costs $1,799.99 right now instead of its usual $2,299.99. Plus, there’s an extra $50 credit applied at checkout.

Mini-LED tech, 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and enough real estate to run an airport. I want this so badly I’m thinking of measuring my apartment just to see if it’ll fit.

The HDR 1000 support and insane brightness make everything pop, and Samsung even threw in CoreSync lighting to make sure your desk feels like a spaceship.

I think this is the drive to get if you’ve got a ton of large files and zero patience. The T9 4TB model is down to $299.99, and it’s fast. I’m talking 2,000MB/s fast. You can load, edit, and transfer without watching a loading bar crawl across your screen.

It’s built to survive up to a 9.8-foot drop, which, yes, I find oddly specific. But hey, it means it’ll probably survive your daily backpack abuse. If you’re a video editor or just someone who hoards game installs like they’re rare Pokémon, this is a solid pickup.

This one’s all about durability and capacity. The T5 EVO gives you 4TB of space in a compact shell, and it’s priced the same as the T9. It doesn’t hit the same crazy speeds, but it’s still great for moving big files and not worrying about losing them to the floor gods.

I want this for backup storage or even game library overflow. It’s a solid pick if you don’t need bleeding-edge speeds but still want to keep everything in one pocket-sized vault. Buyers can also snag a free Sonic the Hedgehog branded 256GB MicroSD card + adaptor with this deal too.

Amazon’s been a bit shady with this one. While the overpriced Elite Trainer Box is sitting at a wild $99.49, this six-pack bundle is actually close to MSRP and ships directly from Amazon. It’s quietly hidden under separate listings, which feels intentional given how quickly the ETB sold out when it dipped below $40 last week.

One Journey Together pack, one total mystery. If you just want to open something without overthinking it, this gets the job done. It’s also about as low-stakes as Pokémon TCG gets unless you’re picking up cards off the sidewalk.

Yes, this is the same box that was selling for around $40 days ago. It’s now being offered at the highest price yet, and not even by resellers — this inflated price is from Amazon itself. You get nine booster packs, a promo, sleeves, and extras, but you’d be paying more than double what it’s worth. I’d pass unless it drops again.

I want to say this isn’t excessive, but you’re getting 18 Stellar Crown booster packs, three promo cards, a playmat, a deck box, and a magnetic card display. Excessive, but in a good way. It’s basically a portable shrine to Terapagos, and somehow still manages to feel worth it if you’re deep in the hobby.

Three booster packs and two sticker sheets in a tin that stacks. That’s the whole pitch. I think it’s a fun pickup if you’re buying for a younger fan or just want your cards stored in a tiny themed cylinder for some reason.

Six packs focused on shiny Pokémon, which will either be a collector’s dream or a gamble depending on your luck. In my opinion, the price feels high unless you’re chasing specific cards, but that hasn’t stopped anyone before.

Six packs and two foil promos, plus acrylic standees and a sticker sheet, because Iono’s entire personality is now available in merchandise form. I think this one’s a solid pick if you like your collections playable, displayable, and mildly ridiculous.

This box comes with nine Shrouded Fable booster packs, a Pecharunt promo, sleeves, dice, and more organizational tools than your average office desk. It’s one of the more practical bundles, assuming your definition of practical includes themed card sleeves.

Each bundle comes with three Poké Ball tins and nine booster packs total, plus stickers in case the Poké Balls weren’t festive enough. You’re paying for variety and presentation here, which is half the fun anyway.

Same again but includes a Pokéball, Great Ball and Ultra Ball. This is the OG choice and look brilliant mixed in a graded card display. All Pokémon TCG should come in a Pokéball in my opinion!

If you don’t need sleeves or dice and just want to crack open six fresh packs from Surging Sparks, this one does the job. In my opinion, it’s the most straightforward way to feed the shiny card habit without the extra clutter.

You get five packs and one of two promo cards, chosen by fate or some algorithm pretending to be fate. A decent middle ground for players who want something compact with a bit of flair and a good chance at useful pulls.

This tin is a lucky dip between Kyogre, Xerneas, and Dialga, which makes it great if you enjoy a little chaos with your collecting. Five packs and a foil promo make it pretty reasonable for the price, especially if you’re not picky.

Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.