Fortnite Sets Another Record With More Than 350 Million Registered Players

Fortnite continues to set record numbers for player counts, which is nothing new for the most popular battle royale title on the market. And now, developer Epic Games has revealed that the omnipresent colorful shooter has over 350 million registered players on mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

In addition to the staggeringly impressive registered player count, Epic confirmed that April was a hot month for Fortnite, with players spending over 3.2 billion hours in-game.

The news comes not long after Epic announced the in-game concert Party Royale Premiere, which will go live on Friday, May 8. The show will feature live music by Dillon Francis, Steve Aoki, and Deadmau5, as well as in-game events and freebies you can get by logging in on any platform. Party Royale Premiere will also rebroadcast on Saturday, May 9 for those who miss it.

This Friday’s Party Royale concert isn’t the first of its kind. Earlier this month, Epic partnered with the American DJ and producer Diplo for an in-game concert that featured live music and a purchasable Major Lazer skin pack.

The American psychedelic rapper Travis Scott also teamed up with Epic for the Astronomical concert. The in-game event, which included a brand-new track from Scott, reached unprecedented heights when more than 12.3 million people logged in for it. Further, the event set a record-breaking number of Fornite players, with more than 27.7 million unique players participating 45.8 million times across the five showings.

Previously uncovered by prolific dataminer Lucas7yoshi before Epic officially unveiled and launched the casual mode in late April, Fortnite’s Party Royale is now live on all platforms.

Now Playing: Travis Scott X Fortnite Astronomical Concert Event (Full Gameplay)

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.

Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath Pre-Order Details: Aftermath Kollection, Free Content Update, And More

Mortal Kombat 11 released just over a year ago; now, NetherRealm Studios’ fighting game is back with its first expansion, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, which will release digitally on May 26 for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Stadia, with a physical version releasing this June in the Americas only. The Aftermath expansion adds new playable characters to the roster along with new character skin packs, but it also continues the story campaign with brand-new content, a first for the franchise.

Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath’s new epilogue storyline picks up right after the conclusion of the main game. Liu Kang has defeated Kronika, and he and Raiden are preparing to use Kronika’s Hourglass to create a better timeline for all the realms. However, that’s right when recurring antagonist Shang Tsung and his unlikely allies, Nightwolf and Fujin, show up to reveal a larger threat is at play.

New playable characters are joining the roster in Aftermath, such as Fujin, the God of Wind who services as Earthrealm’s protector alongside Raiden, and Sheeva, the four-armed, half-dragon queen of the Shokan race. Mortal Kombat: Aftermath also adds a new guest character: cyborg police officer RoboCop from the 1987 action film. While NetherRealm hasn’t shared much info on how he’ll fight, the original actor from the film, Peter Weller, will reprise his role for Aftermath.

A free content update for all Mortal Kombat 11 owners will release alongside Aftermath, introducing brand-new stages and reviving classic arenas like MK2’s Dead Pool and MK3’s Soul Chamber. The free update will also add Stage Fatalities (finishing moves that use the environment to take down foes) and Friendships, which offer a goofier ending to brutal battles.

Below, we’ve detailed all the pre-order options for Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, including its pre-order bonuses, all-inclusive Aftermath Kollection, and upcoming free update. As of right now, pre-orders are available on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Nintendo Switch Eshop along with retailers like GameStop and Best Buy. We’re not seeing pre-orders available on Steam yet, and there won’t be pre-orders available for Stadia.

Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath pre-order bonuses

All pre-orders for Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath will come with the Eternal Klash Skin Pack at launch, featuring three character skin variants:

  • “Unbound Rage” Scorpion – inspired by Mortal Kombat (2011)
  • “Son of Arctika” Sub-Zero – inspired by Mortal Kombat: Deception
  • “Kori Power” Frost – a Klassic version of the Lin Kuei warrior

If you pre-order Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath on the PlayStation Store, you’ll also get a free PS4 dynamic theme (shown above) featuring Raiden and Liu Kang. The theme was custom-made by NetherRealm and also features music from the game.


Pre-order Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath expansion | $40

Mortal Kombat 11's new expansion, Aftermath, will cost current players $40 to upgrade to.
Mortal Kombat 11’s new expansion, Aftermath, will cost current players $40 to upgrade to.

Those who already own Mortal Kombat 11 and the original Kombat Pack can upgrade to the Aftermath expansion for $40. Here’s a full list of what the new expansion includes:

  • Story expansion – Fire God Liu Kang enlists the help of unlikely allies and familiar foes to forge a new history as the fates of two worlds hang in the balance.
  • Three new playable characters – available on May 26
    • Fujin
    • Sheeva
    • RoboCop
  • Three new character skin packs – released over time
  • Exclusive “Thanks a Million” Johnny Cage character skin – available on May 26

Here’s where you can pre-order the Aftermath expansion on its own:


Pre-order Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath + Kombat Pack bundle | $50

Mortal Kombat 11 Kombat Pack characters
Mortal Kombat 11 Kombat Pack characters

If you already own the base game but don’t have any DLC content for Mortal Kombat 11 yet, you can pre-order the new expansion and get the Kombat Pack DLC for a discount. With the expansion selling for $40 and the Kombat Pack priced at $20, you’re saving $10 by pre-ordering this bundle rather than buying individually. You’ll have access to the Kombat Pack content right after purchase.

The Kombat Pack includes:

  • Six new playable characters – Shang Tsung, Nightwolf, Sindel, Terminator T-800, The Joker, and Spawn
  • Skin and gear sets for each add-on character
  • Six themed skin packs including the Klassic Arcade Ninjas, Klassic Arcade Fighters, and more

Here’s where you can pre-order the Aftermath expansion and Kombat Pack bundle:


Pre-order Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Kollection | $60

Fujin, Sheeva, and RoboCop join the roster in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath.

For those who are new to Mortal Kombat 11 and want to experience the full game and its expansion for the first time, the Aftermath Kollection bundles the base game, Kombat Pack, and the Aftermath expansion for $60. You’ll be able to start playing the base game and access Kombat Pack content right away.

  • Mortal Kombat 11 base game
  • Kombat Pack (detailed above)
  • Aftermath Expansion (detailed above)
  • Shao Kahn playable character (normally $6 to buy)

Here’s where you can pre-order the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Kollection. Please note that some retailers are opening pre-orders for physical copies that will release this June, but you can also pre-order digitally.


Mortal Kombat 11 free content update

NetherRealm is also releasing a free content update for all Mortal Kombat 11 owners that’ll be available in conjunction with Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath. Here’s what it includes:

  • New stages
  • Stage Fatalities
  • Friendships

After the update, you’ll see the game displayed as Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath in your console menu–this will indicate the free content has been added to the game. You’ll still need to buy the full Aftermath expansion to access that new content.

Now Playing: Mortal Kombat 11 – Aftermath Story And Character DLC Trailer

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.

CBS Renews MacGyver, The Unicorn, And A Boatload Of Series And Cancels Four Others

Every year, TV networks have to make the difficult decision of what gets renewed and what gets cancelled. During this time, the announcements come in large batches. On Wednesday, CBS announced its renewals and cancellations for the upcoming 2020-21 TV season.

For the renewals, 18 continuing series were prime-time shows. Four of the renewed series we new for the 2019-20 season: All Rise, Bob Hearts Abishola, FBI: Most Wanted and The Unicorn. Meanwhile, Broke, Carol’s Second Act, and Tommy–all shows in their first season–were cancelled. These announcements did not include CBS All Access original content.

Most of what CBS renewed was familiar fare, including 60 Minutes, The Amazing Race, MacGyver, and more. Below, you’ll find all the recently announced CBS shows.

CBS Renewals:

  • 48 Hours
  • 60 Minutes
  • All Rise
  • The Amazing Race
  • Bob Hearts Abishola
  • Bull
  • Blue Bloods
  • Evil
  • FBI
  • FBI: Most Wanted
  • MacGyver
  • Magnum PI
  • NCIS: Los Angeles
  • NCIS: New Orleans
  • NCIS
  • The Neighborhood
  • Mom
  • S.W.A.T.
  • Seal Team
  • Survivor
  • Undercover Boss
  • The Unicorn
  • Young Sheldon

The CBS network claims to have a very strong year because of the renewed shows and will have a stronger year next year. “Thanks to these exceptional shows, we’re going to win the current season by 1 million viewers,” said president of CBS Entertainment Kelly Kahl. “Next year, we’ll have these strong returning series as our foundation… and Super Bowl LV too. It’s a well-balanced lineup across Entertainment, News and Sports that will put us in an incredibly stable position for 2020-2021.”

However, not everything that hits the airwaves gets to go on. Four shows were cancelled as well, with three of them being new for the 2019-20 season. CBS’ Man With a Plan was in its fourth season, which began airing in April. Check out the full list of cancelled series below.

CBS Cancellations:

  • Broke
  • Carol’s Second Act
  • Man With a Plan
  • Tommy

During the next few months, we’ll be learning more about what’s getting renewed and cancelled, and as of right now, Netflix has cancelled plenty of shows already, with more to come.

While you wait on more cancellation and renewal news, consider listening to GameSpot’s weekly TV series and movies-focused podcast, You Should Be Watching. With new episodes premiering every Wednesday, you can watch a video version of the podcast over on GameSpot Universe or listen to audio versions on Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, and Apple Podcasts.

Now Playing: Best Shows And Movies To Stream For May 2020 – Netflix, Hulu, Shudder, Amazon Prime Video

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Start of New Franchise, EA Confirms

EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will be the start of a new franchise, suggesting more games, including a Jedi: Fallen Order 2, are being planned.

During an earnings call, EA CEO Andrew Wilson said that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is the “first title in an entirely new franchise.” This is the first official confirmation that Jedi: Fallen Order isn’t a one-off adventure.

[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=every-ign-star-wars-game-review&captions=true”]

This isn’t too surprising considering the success Jedi: Fallen Order experienced critically and financially since its release. During an investor call last year, CFO Blake Jorgensen said that Jedi: Fallen Order “significantly beat our expectations” and was expected to sell 10 million units.

Respawn has also put up job listings in recent months specifically looking to fill senior positions on the Star Wars team, a hint that Respawn was working on more Star Wars content. Given this, it’s not too surprising that EA is pursuing potential sequels for such a successful title.

Jedi: Fallen Order stars a brand new character named Cal Kestis, a former Jedi padawan in hiding after Order 66 killed most of the Jedis in the galaxy. The game is part of the official Star Wars canon and includes characters from other Star Wars media like the Second Sister.

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/04/star-wars-jedi-fallen-order-free-update-dlc-trailer”]

IGN praised Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, particularly its strong cast and strong gameplay that combines a Metroidvania with engaging lightsaber combat. Respawn also released free Jedi: Fallen Order DLC as part of the May 4th celebration that added a new challenge mode, new game plus, and additional costumes.

Check out our Jedi: Fallen Order wiki for walkthroughs, tips, and more.

[poilib element=”accentDivider”]

Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN.

The Best Rechargeable Batteries You Can Use Over and Over Again

We’ve all felt the pain of sitting down to play a game and getting that dreaded “low battery” warning for our Xbox One controller. Batteries are an unfortunate fact of life. Luckily, there’s a way to break that cycle of buying package after package of single-use batteries. It’s time to stop wasting money and invest in a better solution: rechargeable batteries.

Rechargeable batteries have come a long way and there are more options than ever before. Spending a little more upfront can save you big bucks in the long term and keep you from needing to buy more for years at a time. If you’re ready to move on from those old school disposables, we’re here to help. Here’s a breakdown of some of our favorite rechargeable batteries, no matter what size you’re looking for.

TL;DR – These are the Best Rechargeable Batteries

1. Panasonic Eneloop Pro

Best Rechargeable Batteries

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FPanasonicEneloop-Pro1588785389490.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FPanasonicEneloop-Pro1588785389490_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225eb2f0f1e4b0fb49445c0da4%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbufx%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Panasonic%20Eneloop%20Pro%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Atrue%7D”]

Panasonic’s Eneloops have one of the best reputations in the business and for good reason. Not only do they pack a respectable amount of charge, they’re reliable and consistent even over longer periods of time.
They consistently rank among the highest in rechargeable battery round-ups and have won over the community.

These Eneloop Pros are slightly more expensive than normal Eneloops but offer 20% more capacity to save you time between recharge cycles. At 2550mAh for AA and 950mAh for AAA, they have a lead on other major brands in capacity, and with AA and AAA sizes, 4 and 8 packs, you’ll be able to outfit all of your favorite devices.

2. Bonai Rechargeable Batteries

Best Budget Rechargeable Batteries

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FBonaiRechargeable-Batteries1588785808688.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FBonaiRechargeable-Batteries1588785808688_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225eb2f295e4b0fb49445c0da5%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbug8%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Bonai%20Rechargeable%20Batteries%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

If Eneloops are too expensive, Bonai batteries make for an outstanding option. Not only do they offer  improved 2800mAh and 1000mAh capacities, they’re also available in 24-packs for only $34.97 as of this writing – $1.46 per battery!  If that’s too much, you can also scale back with 8 or 16-pack options.

BONAI may not be a household name, but they deliver an incredible bang for your buck. Every battery is rated for a whopping 1200 cycle lifespan and includes a 12-month guarantee, so you can buy with confidence.

3. AmazonBasics Rechargeable Batteries

Best C and D Rechargeable Batteries

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FAmazonBasicsRechargeable-Batteries1588785908014.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FAmazonBasicsRechargeable-Batteries1588785908014_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225eb2f2f8e4b0fb49445c0da6%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbugc%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22AmazonBasics%20Rechargeable%20Batteries%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

If you’re looking to power a larger device, chances are that AA and AAA aren’t going to cut it. Amazon is here to help through their house-brand, AmazonBasics. AmazonBasics Rechargeable Batteries come in both C and D sizes, as well as AA, AAA, and 9V if you want to buy multiple types at once. These batteries also come pre-charged, right out of the box.

Worried about buying a store brand? Don’t be. At only $12.49 for C-size and $24.49 for D-size, these batteries are not only more affordable than name-brand Energizers, but also double and quadruple the battery life at 5000mAh and 10000mAh for C and D sizes. Each is rated for an impressive 1000 charge cycles. If that’s not enough, the AmazonBasics Rechargeable Battery line currently sits at an incredible fifty-three thousand reviews at 4.5 stars. The downside? These larger sizes require a separate charger like this one from EBL.

4. EBL 9-Volt Lithium Ion Rechargeable Batteries

Best 9-Volt Rechargeable Batteries

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FEBL9-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Rechargeable-Batteries1588785958467.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FEBL9-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Rechargeable-Batteries1588785958467_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225eb2f32be4b0fb49445c0da7%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbugd%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22EBL%209-Volt%20Lithium%20Ion%20Rechargeable%20Batteries%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

With the other basics covered, you may find yourself looking for a reliable set of 9-volts. After all, maintaining the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can save your life. Rechargeable 9-volts don’t come much better than the 600mAh capacity version from EBL. For just over $30, you get a set of five batteries and a high-quality smart charger that will make sure the batteries never over-charge or overheat.

What’s more, this set abandons the usual Nickel battery in favor of Lithium-Ion, the same type powering your smartphone. At 600mAh, they’ll last a long time on their own, but with the move to Lithium, you’ll never have to worry about your devices getting weak as you near a recharge. Plus, they recharge much faster too!

5. Zonhood High Capacity Rechargeable Batteries

Best High Capacity Rechargeable Batteries

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FZonhoodHigh-Capacity-Rechargeable-Batteries1588786335305.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FZonhoodHigh-Capacity-Rechargeable-Batteries1588786335305_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225eb2f4a3e4b0fb49445c0da9%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbugo%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Zonhood%20High%20Capacity%20Rechargeable%20Batteries%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

If you’re looking for the best high capacity rechargeable batteries, look no further than Zonhood. Their high capacity line is very similar to our Best Budget pick above, but wins out in this category due to the excellent guarantee. Zonhood doubles the standard by offering a 60-day guarantee and full 24-month warranty!

You’ll also be pleased to know that these batteries offer industry-leading capacity at 2,800mAh and 1100mAh for AA and AAA sizes. Paired with a 1200 cycle lifespan, investing in these batteries will save you recharges and extra trips to the store.

6. Deleepow Rechargeable Li-ion AA Batteries

Best Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FDeleepowRechargeable-Li-ion-AA-Batteries1588786635903.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FDeleepowRechargeable-Li-ion-AA-Batteries1588786635903_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225eb2f5cfe4b077244c9f0fab%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbugq%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Deleepow%20Rechargeable%20Li-ion%20AA%20Batteries%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

Nickel batteries are great for many things, but sometimes you need to guarantee full power, right up until they’re depleted. If that describes you, then consider Deleepow’s Rechargeable Lithium Batteries. Available in packs of four with or without a charger, in both AA and AAA sizes, these batteries will provide consistent power at 1.5V.

The thing to keep in mind is that these are rated in milliwatt hours, not milliamp, like nickel batteries. 3200mWh translates to about 2,100mAh, so the overall time between your charges will likely be less than with a traditional Ni-MH battery. The AAA version is even less at 533mAh. Maintaining full power does come with some sacrifices, but it’s necessary for electronics like drones. Lithium rechargeable batteries also often output at higher voltages, which is useful for high-powered devices.

7. EBL USB Rechargeable AA Lithium Batteries

Best USB Rechargeable Batteries

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FEBLUSB-Rechargeable-AA-Lithium-Batteries1588786811287.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F05%2F06%2FEBLUSB-Rechargeable-AA-Lithium-Batteries1588786811287_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225eb2f67fe4b0fb49445c0daa%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbugr%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22EBL%20USB%20Rechargeable%20AA%20Lithium%20Batteries%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Amazon%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

All of the batteries in this list so far have required wall chargers, but if you don’t have an outlet to spare, the EBL USB Rechargeable AA Lithium Ion Batteries are likely a good choice. Every battery has its own micro-USB connection and the package comes with a handy 4-in-1 charging cable to plug them all in at once. Since they’re all lithium ion, you can count on power that won’t weaken over time and a fast, two hour recharge time.

These batteries also pack a lot of juice. Rated at 3300 mWh at 1.5V, that translates to 2200mAh of consistent power. They’re also rated for a full 1200 recharge cycle, so should last for years into the future. The downside? They’re only available in AA.

What To Look for in Rechargeable Batteries

When shopping for rechargeable batteries, there are a handful of key things you’re going to want to keep in mind: capacity, battery type, lifespan, and the reputation of the manufacturer. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to look for when purchasing rechargeable batteries.

Capacity is one of the most important. It is most frequently rated in milliampere/milliamp hours (mAh) and reflects how much charge the battery can hold. How long that battery will last depends on its milliamp rating and how much power the device requires. A remote control car will drain your batteries far faster than an Xbox One controller, for example. As a rule, you’ll want to buy the highest milliamp hour battery you can afford.

Along with that, you need to consider what type of battery will best match your needs. Most rechargeable batteries use Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH). This makes the batteries more affordable but their power output drops the weaker the battery becomes.

Other batteries use Lithium, similar to those in your smartphone, and avoid this but at a higher price. Be aware, lithium batteries are often rated in milliwatt hours, which can make their capacities seem larger than they really are. Be sure to use a calculator when comparing between different lithium-ion batteries.

The third thing to keep in mind is the expected lifespan of the batteries, usually rated in recharge cycles. The more cycles the battery is rated for, the better. A good battery will have a lifespan of 500 cycles at minimum and preferably 1000+.

The final thing to consider is the reputation of the battery manufacturer. Amazon is filled with rechargeable batteries from companies you’ve likely never heard of. Since Amazon accepts sellers from around the world, this isn’t something to be afraid of, but you should always read the reviews. While most listings will be perfectly trustworthy, there are a few bad apples, so before you hit that Buy Now button, remember this life lesson: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

[widget path=”ign/modules/recirc” parameters=”title=More%20Expert%20Tech%20Roundups&type=articles%2Cvideos&tags=tech-roundup&count=4&columnCount=4&theme=article”]

[poilib element=”accentDivider”]

Hank Azaria Talks About Injuring His Voice, His Favorite Simpsons Character To Play

Hank Azaria has spent 30 years playing some of The Simpsons’ most beloved characters, from Moe Szyslak, Chief Wiggum, and Apu to Dr. Nick, Superintendent Chalmers, and the Comic Book Guy. In a new interview with Conan O’Brien, Azaria discussed the strain some of these roles have taken on his vocal chords, explaining that he feels a sense of “dread” over the pain caused from performing characters like Duffman.

O’Brien, who was a writer and producer on The Simpsons between 1991 and ’93, asked Azaria how “tough” some of the characters are to voice. The actor mentions (in Duffman’s voice) that playing the buff, sunglasses-wearing beer spokesman “will blow me out in a second” and that Azaria has “to save Duffman for the end” of a recording session because “it actually does hurt.” He says he’s “not complaining” about the work but goes on to mention that it’s easy for him to lose his voice.

“I got in a screaming match with someone,” Azaria recalls when mentioning a past accident that led him to insure his vocal chords. “I was in my car afterwards, and I was so upset, and I totally blew out my voice … and it didn’t come back for almost two weeks, and I got really scared.”

As the interview continues, O’Brien asks if Azaria has any favorites from the many characters he voices on the show. The actor says “the one I love the most” is Moe, but that “the one I enjoy the most is Professor Frink,” who he calls “the vocal equivalent of a peanut.” It probably doesn’t hurt that neither of these characters, unlike Duffman, force Azaria to worry about losing his voice.

Azaria’s comments are a good reminder of the physical strain voice actors undergo in their work–an issue that was an important point in the negotiations between video game companies and voice actors that escalated into the 2016-2017 SAG-AFTRA strike. His interview also touches directly on video games. Toward the end of his chat with O’Brien, Azaria discusses a time when he would play Mario Kart online every night, “screaming in rage” at other players he claims were cheating until he stopped playing by smashing his console outside.

For more updates on the latest in entertainment, check out GameSpot’s weekly TV series and movies-focused podcast, You Should Be Watching. New episodes premiere every Wednesday and can either be watched as videos over on GameSpot Universe or listened to in audio versions on Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, and Apple Podcasts.

The Last Of Us Part 2 Director Teases More Details To Come Soon

With the release of a new trailer for The Last of Us Part II earlier, Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann has penned a blog post outlining the studio’s excitement for the release, and what to expect from potential physical edition delays.

The post, which appears on Naughty Dog’s website, is full of praise from Druckmann for the hard work and effort the team at the studio have put in over the years. This follows a few weeks of chaos for the team, as The Last of Us Part II was delayed by Sony due to COVID-19 before most of its narrative beats were illegally obtained and leaked on the internet.

There’s also a tease that more might still be on the way leading up to launch, with Druckmann writing, “As we ramp up for this final stretch before The Last of Us Part II arrives in your hands, there’s still more we’re looking forward to sharing with you, beginning with the debut of our all-new story trailer that provides a brief look into the next chapter in Ellie and Joel’s story.”

Druckmann mentions that players who have ordered physical editions of the game should double check with local retailers to confirm availability. The Last of Us Part II launches exclusively on PS4 on June 19, but considering the varying policies regarding public lockdowns across the globe, it’s not possible for Sony to promise that everyone will be able to get physical copies in time. Alternatively, PSN pre-orders for the game are back online.

If you miss the trailer from earlier today you can catch it above, as well as check in with out hands-on coverage of The Last of Us Part II from last year.

Now Playing: The Last Of Us Part 2 – Official Story Trailer

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.

Black Mirror Season 6 Isn’t Coming Any Time Soon, Says Creator

Don’t expect Black Mirror Season 6 to be released any time soon; creator Charlie Brooker revealed he isn’t currently working on any new scripts for his dystopian anthology series.

During an interview with Radio Times, Brooker explains that now is probably not the right time for more Black Mirror stories due to the novel coronavirus. “At the moment, I don’t know what stomach there would be for stories about societies falling apart, so I’m not working away on one of those,” Brooker told Radio Times. “I’m sort of keen to revisit my comic skill set, so I’ve been writing scripts aimed at making myself laugh.”

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/01/05/top-10-black-mirror-episodes”]

June 2019 was the last time we were treated to a new batch of Black Mirror episodes featuring stars like Anthony Mackie and Miley Cyrus. In our glowing review, we say, “Black Mirror’s fifth season is one of the series’ best, with a condensed batch of new stories that deliver great storytelling, interesting characters, and fascinating technologies that don’t overshadow Charlie Brooker’s deeply personal stories.”

If you find yourself missing Black Mirror, all of the seasons, including the interactive film Bandersnatch, are currently available to stream on Netflix. And if you just want more Brooker, his television review series — Antiviral Swipe — is coming back for a special one-off “quarantine special,” which will premiere on BBC Two on Thursday, May 14 in the UK.

For more Black Mirror, watch executive producers Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones pick their five favorite moments from the entire series and respond to some hilarious IGN comments.

[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=netflix-spotlight-may-2020&captions=true”]

[poilib element=”accentDivider”]

David Griffin still watches DuckTales in his pajamas with a cereal bowl in hand. He’s also the TV Editor for IGN. Say hi on Twitter.

Deals: HP OMEN 4K Intel Core i9-9880H RTX 2080 Laptop for Under $1900

Today’s spotlight deal is your opportunity to score a crazy Intel Core i9 8-core laptop with a 4K display and RTX 2080 video card for well under $2K. If you’re the desktop PC type, there’s an RTX 2080 Ti config for under $1700. That’s alot of bang for your buck.

HP OMEN 15″ 4K 3840×2160 Intel Core i9-9880H Gaming Laptop with RTX 2080 for $1880.99

Get it with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD Upgrades for Only $108 More

You won’t find another laptop with beastly specs like this for under $2K. Not only are you equipped with an RTX 2080 Max-Q video card, the most powerful mobile GPU available, you’re also getting an Intel Core i9-9880H 8-core processor and a gorgeous 4K IPS display. Upgrading your RAM and HDD will push it just over $2K although you could probably do that on your own and save some money.

  • Click Here
  • Select Processor and Graphics – i9-9880H + RTX 2080 (+$980)
  • Select Display – 15.6″ 4K IPS (+$150)
  • Proceed to shopping cart
  • At cart, apply code “10GAMERSPRING
  • Price should show up as $1880.99

HP OMEN 17″ 1080p 144Hz Intel Core i9-9880H Gaming Laptop with RTX 2080 for $1916.99

Get it with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD Upgrades for Only $45 More

The 17″ model doesn’t have any option to upgrade to 4K, but one could argue that 4K is overkill for a laptop. You still get a 1080p display with 144Hz refresh rate.

  • Click Here
  • Select Processor and Graphics – i9-9880H + RTX 2080 (+$1080)
  • Select Display – 17.3″ 144Hz 1080p IPS (+$100)
  • Proceed to shopping cart
  • At cart, apply code “10GAMERSPRING
  • Price should show up as $1916.99

HP OMEN Obelisk Intel Core i5-9600K RTX 2080 Ti Gaming PC for $1682.99

I’ve never seen a prebuilt gaming PC with an RTX 2080 Ti (the fastest video card out right now) for this price. This PC is customizable on HP’s website, but buying the base config has its merits. In terms of gaming, upgrading from an Intel Core i5-9600K to an Intel Core i7 is a waste… performance-wise they are identical. Also, by upgrading the RAM and storage on your own, you can save alot of money and pick your own, better parts at the same time.

  • Click Here
  • Select Graphics Card – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti (+$450)
  • At cart, apply code “10GAMERSPRING
  • Price should show up as $1682.99

40% Off 1 Year of PS Plus Membership, Now $36.99

Use code “DSPLYMBR”

PS Plus membership discounts only happen a few times a year so grab this deal when you can. This membership lets you play games online (absolutely necessary for games like NBA 2K20, Madden NFL 20, FIFA 20, Overwatch, Rocket League, and more). You’ll also get PS Plus exclusive discounts at the PlayStation Store as well as new free games every month. For example, right now PS Plus members get the outstanding Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Dirt Rally 2.0 for free. Best of all, it’s email delivery so you’ll get your code within 24 hours.

Oculus Quest VR Headset Back in Stock (Compatible with Half-Life: Alyx)

These VR headsets have been extremely hard to find and a May ship date is actually surprisingly soon. There are many reasons why the Quest is the best VR headset to get right now. It’s completely untethered with no external sensors to set up, it’s powerful enough to play games like Half-Life: Alyx, Beat Saber (the best VR game of 2019), Vader Immortal, and Pistol Whip, and it’s far less expensive than all the other newer generation VR headsets that have been released. The Oculus Link software which allows you to connect the Quest to a PC using a Type C cable and use it like a regular VR headset powered by your gaming PC. You can purchase the official cable for $79. If you want to try your luck, there are reports that many generic USB Type C Gen 1 or Gen 2 cables will work like this $18 cable.

17% Off Persona 5 Royal for PS4

This is the first discount we’ve seen on this 10/10 “Masterpiece” rated game. If you thought Persona 5 couldn’t get any better, guess again. One of the best (if not the best) RPGs to grace the PlayStation 4 console is receiving the royal treatment in 2020. Persona 5: Royal Edition introduces a new character, the ability of customize your Thieves’ Den, and new story lines with new cutscenes and new endings.

Dell HDTV Deals with Free Gift Cards

Dell has pushed out some new great deals on HDTVs. Not only do these prices include instant discounts, you also get a bonus Dell eGift card that you can use on practifcally anything at Dell.com. It’s emailed to you shortly after your TV ships and you carries a 90-day expiration.

25% Off the Latest Apple iPad

The newest generation Apple iPad is back down to Black Friday pricing. The latest generation iPad boasts a gorgeous 10.2″ Retina display, the powerful A10 processor, support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, and up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge.

TIDAL 4-Month HiFi Music Streaming Plan for $4

Pay $1/month for four months (the normal cost of the HiFi plan is $19.99/mo). TIDAL is a music streaming service that offers 60+ million tracks and 250,000+ videos with premium quality audio. The HiFi plan upgrades the audio to lossless high-fidelity.

ComiXology Free Trial Extended to 60 Days

The ComiXology trial period is normally 30 days.  ComiXology is Amazon’s digital comic platform and is the largest digital retailer of American comics. The site hosts 20,000 digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, and more. Here’s your chance to access all of it, totally free, for 30 60 days. If you’re an avid comic reader, you might want to consider continuing on afterwards, since it’s only $5.99/month. You can even sign in with your Amazon account.

Online Learning Course Bundles from Stack Social

Want to be more productive at home? Stack Social has plenty of practical courses that can kick start your career. For under $40 per bundle you get dozens of hours of online instruction in programming, game creation, video production, ethical hacking, and more… all from the safety of your home.

Free Sling TV from 5pm to Midnight (CNN, MSNBC, Food Network, HGTV, Cartoon Network, and More)

No Credit Card Required for Signup

Sling’s Happy Hour promotion is offering free Sling Blue from 5pm to midnight (normally $30/month). You can keep up with live news about the COVID virus from CNN, MSNBC, HLN, and Fox News, or just lose yourself in family friendly TV shows from HGTV, Food Network, A&E, Bravo, TNT, Comedy Central, Cartoon Network, The Discovery Channel, Nick Jr, and more. Best of all no credit card is required.

______________________________

Eric Song is IGN’s deal curator and spends 25% of his pay on stuff he posts.