iPhone XS Hands On: XS Max Feels ‘Shockingly’ Light, Killer Features are Depth of Field Slider in Photos and Dual SIM

Apple’s latest event has come to a close, and that means the press is now getting a chance to go hands-on with the newest iPhones: the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. While largely similar in design to the 2017 iPhone X, the new models pack in a few new features that are distinct from the previous generation, namely the XS Max’s large new 6.5-inch display.

According to The Verge, the iPhone XS Max actually “feels much better than any ‘Plus’ iPhone ever has,” thanks to a more ergonomic fit in the hands.

The iPhone XS Max is bigger, yes, but as you can see in the photos (below), it is almost hard to distinguish the two when you’re looking at photos. It feels much better than any “Plus” iPhone ever has. I always found the Plus-sized iPhones to be ungainly, but the Max seems to be a little more ergonomic in subtle ways. If you’ve wanted a Plus before but were put off by the size, I’d at least try to hold the new Max size before making your decision.

Although Engadget warned that the iPhone XS Max approaches “smartphone overkill” with its size, they ultimately admitted that the device is “shockingly” light.

And then there’s the iPhone Xs Max, which is the closest Apple has ever come to full smartphone overkill. That’s mostly because of the phone’s massive display — at 6.5-inches diagonal, this is the biggest screen that Apple has ever squeezed into a smartphone. To say it’s a handful is putting it very mildly, but here’s the really crazy thing: it’s surprisingly light, almost shockingly so. That might not sound like something to get worked up over, but take it from me, a habitual phablet fan: every fraction of an ounce a company can shave off a phone’s weight means my old-man wrist won’t hurt quite as much in the long term.

TechRadar came away impressed with the camera quality on the XS, but said that this line of iPhones feels like one of the more disappointing “S” generations, given how it’s missing many standout features that make it recognizably different from the previous models.

There’s always something so disappointing about the ‘S’ years of the iPhone – sure, it makes business sense for Apple given it can still command sales without having to redesign the phone every time, but without a new shape it’s not as easy to explain to buyers why it’s worth buying.

There are some decent improvements in the mix – notably the capacity, the louder speakers and the more colorful screen – but beyond that, many will likely be torn between last year’s iPhone X that will now be cheaper and having the latest iPhone as we can’t say the upgrades we saw were many and overpowering. The iPhone XR seems more of an impressive feat from Apple, to be honest.

Numerous publications pointed out some potential killer features of the iPhone XS include the bokeh effect slider in Portrait mode, as well as Dual SIM support. Dual SIM lets users integrate two separate phone numbers in one device, with one being a physical SIM card and another being an eSIM (China will get a version that supports two physical SIM cards).

Slash Gear called this a “potential gamechanger” for the iPhone XS lineup.

The other potential game-changer is dual-SIM support. To be accurate, only one version will have the ability to accommodate two physical SIM cards: a dual-SIM version of the iPhone Xs Max intended for China. Everywhere else will use a combination of one physical SIM and eSIM. That means carriers will need to play ball, and while Apple has a list of early compatibility, there’s still a reasonable chance that your operator of choice may not be up to speed.

More information on the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max can be found in our launch post, and if you want to catch up on the event itself Apple has posted the full video to its website.

Related Roundup: iPhone XsTag: September 2018 event
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eSIM in iPhone XS, XS Max and iPhone XR Won’t Be Available at Launch, Apple to Activate Later

The new iPhone XS, XS Max, and iPhone XR models all come equipped with support for dual-SIM functionality through the inclusion of a standard nano-SIM slot and an eSIM, a feature that has previously been used in iPad models.

According to Apple’s website, eSIM functionality will not be available when the new iPhones launch, with the company instead planning to introduce it later this year through an iOS 12 software update.

Dual-SIM support will allow the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR to support two cellular plans at once. This is useful for people who have two phone numbers for work and personal use and for travel.

Both numbers used with a dual-SIM iPhone can make and receive voice calls and receive SMS and MMS messages, but an iPhone can only use one cellular data network at a time. That means if one number is on a call, a call to the other number will go to voicemail.

There will be a section in the iOS 12 settings to establish a default number and to label both cellular plans that are in use, with Apple outlining these features in a support document. You will be able to easily make and receive calls from both numbers and switch phone numbers for a call.

Not all carriers are going to support eSIM functionality, but in the United States, it will work with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile devices.

Dual-SIM functionality will be available in all new iPhone models and it appears to be available in all countries, despite rumors suggesting it could be limited to countries where multiple SIM use is more popular.

eSIMs are not allowed in China, so in this region specifically, Apple is introducing iPhones that support two physical SIMs. Other countries will have devices that support one physical SIM and one eSIM.

Related Roundup: iPhone Xs
Discuss this article in our forums

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 accessories round up

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is an expensive phone, there is no way to get around that. As such it is only wise to want to protect your investment. Below you’ll find some great cases and one of the best screen protectors around to keep your new Galaxy Note 9 looking new.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Full Review

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Rugged Protective Cover Case

I found the back of the Rugged Protective Cover Case didn’t offer a lot of grip but it does offer a lot of protection. The buttons were easy to find and click, and all the openings for ports were easily accessible. However, the true benefit of this case is the stand built into the back making it easy to prop up the Note 9 for taking photos or enjoying videos.

Buy from Samsung Buy from Mobile Fun

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Clear View Standing Case

I don’t particularly like folio type cases but the Clear View case stood out to me in a big way. The front cover appears to be opaque yet allows you to view the always on display. This is a great way to be able to check the time and notifications without ever having to open the folio case.

While that was the most impressive part of this case it still had another trick up its sleeves. You can fold it out into a stand for watching videos or taking photos with the new S-Pen. All in all this is the most impressive folio case I’ve ever used. A drawback to using folio cases though is the volume and Bixby button are difficult to find unless you physically look at the phone.

Buy from Samsung Buy from Mobile Fun

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Silicone Cover Case

Out of all the cases I tried, the Silicone Cover was by far my favorite although I would have preferred it in another color such as the black one. The silicone used on this case was so soft and provided a fantastic grip when holding the phone. The buttons were easy to find and press and the cutouts left plenty of space. The only downside was it could stick in your pocket a little and pick up lint.

Buy from Samsung Buy from Mobile Fun

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 LED Wallet Cover Case

While I don’t particularly like folio cases, I really wanted to love the LED Wallet case. The color looks great and the retro feel of the LED clock is super cool. Unfortunately, the clock doesn’t stay on all the time and the smell of this case was terrible. It had that new plastic smell and I could not tolerate it and had to remove the case. Even days later the smell remained and I couldn’t force myself to use it.

Buy from Samsung Buy from Mobile Fun

UAG Plasma Series Galaxy Note 9 Case

Things to love about the Plasma Series of cases from Urban Armor Gear are the industrial sci-fi design, rubberized grip, and it meets military drop test standards. It was a really nice case that offered plenty of protection, but the one flaw was the buttons were not easy to find.

Due to the buttons being flush with the case and all of the texture throughout I could never tell when my fingers were actually on the buttons. Unfortunately, this had me bringing up Bixby when I wanted to adjust the volume and was quite annoying. Otherwise, it’s a unique looking case that offers great protection.

Buy from Amazon

UAG Plyo Series Galaxy Note 9 Case

Many of the same benefits of the Plasma series are present on the Plyo series from Urban Armor Gear. This includes meeting military drop-test standards, a protective lip for the front screen, and compatibility with Samsung Pay and fast wireless charging. I actually preferred the more simple design of this case. However, it is a pity it also shares some of the drawbacks such as buttons that are hard to discern through touch alone.

Buy from UAG

Whitestone Dome Glass Screen Protector

As Gorilla Glass has gotten stronger against cracks it has gotten weaker against scratches. For this reason, having a screen protector these days is essential on your phone. When it comes to a high-quality glass screen protector you can’t do much better than the Whitestone Dome Glass protector.

It is made to fit the curved screen of the Galaxy Note 9 without showing any colors along the edges. It uses a frame system allowing you to line up the protector perfectly and prevents bubbles during installation.

The only downsides are it can be a bit pricey, involves a pretty complicated install process, and the glue smells awful and takes days to dissipate. In fact even days later I could still smell the glue when the phone was close to my face.

Regardless, I’ve never felt a glass screen protector that felt as good as the original glass on the phone. It also did a great job of covering the curved edges and showed no signs of peeling days later.

Buy from Amazon

eBay HeadGaze app lets physically impaired control iPhone X with head movements

Accessibility options for the physically impaired just got a huge boost, thanks to eBay’s open-source release of its HeadGaze software that allows users to control an iPhone X with simple head movements.

The software only works on the iPhone X at the moment, and uses the phone’s revolutionary FaceID system to track the user’s head movements, and translate them directly onto the screen. The software creates an on-screen cursor that’s then controlled by the user’s movements. Triggering a button or keypress is done by lingering the cursor over the desired button, and users can scroll or turn pages by lingering the cursor on specific parts of the screen. It’s a control scheme that won’t be unfamiliar to anyone who’s used a phone-based virtual reality headset like the Gear VR — but with the added benefit of not needing a bulky headset.

The technology was created by eBay’s computer team with guidance from PhD candidate and eBay intern Muratcan Cicek. While the software hasn’t yet been released on eBay’s app, eBay has released a video that shows the software working on the app. In an altruistic move, the auction giant has also released the source code on GitHub, so other developers can benefit from the software.

The software is primarily aimed at increasing accessibility options for the physically impaired. It is hoped this software could be incorporated into future mobile operating systems, giving more options to those who may struggle with the touch-based systems currently used in most mobile phones. With a system like HeadGaze, a phone could be held in position while a user uses head movements to browse. Future improvements in voice-based A.I. could also play a role in these accessibility options, helping to open the world of tech to a larger community of people.

Speaking to VentureBeat, Cicek said that the team is working on incorporating other movements into the system, including tracking eye movement. He also pointed out the uses this technology could have beyond the options it offers for the physically impaired, with examples from everyday life.

“Tired of trying to scroll through a recipe on your phone screen with greasy fingers while cooking? Too messy to follow the how-to manual on your cell phone while you’re tinkering with the car engine under the hood? Too cold to remove your gloves to use your phone?”

While touchscreens are likely going nowhere for a while yet, it’s likely we’ll see some serious developments in this area within the next few years. After all, a lot of us can unlock our phone with our eyes — why not control it with them, too?

Those $1 Bitcoins at Walmart have one big catch — they’re made of chocolate

Walmart selling Bitcoin should be pretty huge news as it would mean introducing the flagship cryptocurrency to the masses in hitherto unheard-of fashion. However, this digital money debut isn’t quite so impactful because the Bitcoins that Walmart has priced at just $1 per coin won’t help you make a fortune or buy something illicit on the dark web. These Bitcoins are made of chocolate.

Created by Frankford Candy, the chocolate Bitcoins look like every digital rendering of the virtual currency you’ve ever seen, as per TechCrunch. Big, gold-plated, chunky coins. Instead of being metal through and through though, they’re merely wrapped in it. Inside it’s the same chocolate coins you know and (maybe) love, but these ones look like Bitcoin.

Lots of Milk Chocolate + Bitcoins = Pure happiness. pic.twitter.com/4Tos2JqCHf

— Frankford Candy (@frankfordcandy) September 6, 2018

The coins come in the typical net packing with a label making it quite clear that they’re a confectionery and not legal tender. They do feature the Bitcoin logo though, giving them a suitably crypto-feel. Likely to be more popular among adults than the typical children chocolate coins attract, it seems likely that at least one well-meaning relative will buy these for a grandchild after hearing them discuss cryptocurrencies.

Unlike the real cryptocurrency though, these “Bitcoins” can only be purchased in store, with no option for online ordering or shipping. You can’t even reserve some for pick up in store later on.

Meanwhile, the real Bitcoin cryptocurrency isn’t’ faring so well. After peaking at almost $20,000 per token in late 2017, it’s tumbled down to a mere $6,250 per token at the time of writing. Other alternative cryptocurrencies (altcoins) like Litecoin and Ethereum have suffered similar fates, falling to a fraction of their worth at their peaks around the same time as Bitcoin’s value explosion at the end of last year.

The future of Bitcoin itself remains somewhat uncertain. The “whales” who own billions of dollars worth of it continue to horde the cryptocurrency in anticipation of a potential bull rush and there are many more lower-level investors hoping for the same, but there has been little sign of a true resurgence so far this year.

Perhaps investing in chocolate coins is a safer bet. You can always eat those if they don’t go up in value.

Editors’ Recommendations

• What is Bitcoin?
• A look into Bitcoin’s troubled year
• How to buy Bitcoin
• What is Ethereum?
• What is a blockchain?

Live updates: Apple’s September 12 event

It’s finally time for Apple’s September 12 event, live from the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California. We’ve broken down what we’re likely to see in our What to Expect post, but in brief, we’re expecting to see three new iPhones, the Apple Watch Series 4, and the possibility of a new iPad Pro and additions to the MacBook range. With the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and an iPhone Xr expected, you can bet we’ll be on the edge of our seats the whole time.

Want to know how to watch Apple’s event live? There are a few ways, but having a livestream blaring in the background isn’t the best for everyone. Sometimes it’s easier to get text updates. If that’s you, then don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. If you’re not able to watch the event, but you don’t want to miss the announcements, tune in here to see the latest live updates.

The event kicks off at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, September 12. We’ll see you there.

Introduction

The introduction is always fun, but it’s usually light on excitement — except for an interesting statistic. According to Tim Cook, Apple is about to ship its second billionth iOS device. That’s a lot of iPads and iPhones.

Apple Watch

• Not just the top smartwatch — the Apple Watch is the number one watch in the world
• Apple is making health and fitness an even bigger part of the Apple Watch
  • Will now notify the user if it notices an elevated heart rate — it’s an intelligent guardian
• The new Apple Watch Series 4 has similar form factor as the past watches
  • But with a 30 percent larger screen than ever before
  • Slightly thinner than the Series 3
  • UI has been redesigned to take advantage of more screen
    • Including a new watch face with more info, and custom shortcuts
  • Added more watch faces
  • Digital Crown now includes haptic feedback for great feedback
  • Speakers improved — now louder than before
  • Back made of black ceramic and crystal
•  Breathe app now available as a watch face on the Apple Watch that will guide people through breathing exercises
• Apple Watch Series 4 powered by the S4 processor
  • 64-bit dual core processor with performance that’s twice as fast
• Apple has also boosted the gyroscope and accelerometer
  • Thanks to these, the Series 4 can detect when a person falls by recognizing the specific movements that a person’s arms make when falling
  • Can call emergency services automatically
• Three new heart features
  • When your heart rate is too low
  • Irregular heart rate
  • ECG — electrocardiogram
    • The first ECG available to consumers
    • Will be able to check your heart health, including a PDF you can share with your doctor
      • Supported by American Heart Association and the FDA
    • These features will be available later this year and around the world
• Apple restating its commitment to privacy
  • Health and fitness data is encrypted on the device
• The Apple Watch Series 4 will have an 18-hour battery life
  • But an increase in outdoor GPS tracking life to 6 hours
  • Also a more eco-friendly watch
• Watch bands from other Apple Watches can be attached straight across to the Series 4
  • The Nike band comes with a reflective strip for vision at night
• The Apple Watch Series 4 will start at $400 for the regular model, $500 for the cellular model — and will release on September 21st
• The Series 3 will be getting a discount — $280 from today
• WatchOS 5 will release September 17

iPhone

• The iPhone X became the number one smartphone in the world
  • With a 98 percent customer satisfaction rating

iPhone Xs

• Made from a surgical grade stainless steel, with a gold finish on the glass and metal
• Edge-to-edge rounded screen, covered by most durable glass ever on a smartphone
• Comes in Gold, Silver, and Space Gray
• Finally comes with IP68 water-resistance
  • Includes testing in chlorinated water and salt water
• 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display
  • Highest pixels-per-inch rating ever in an iPhone
  • HDR10 and Dolby support
• iPhone Xs Max
  • 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display
  • Closest Apple’s come to a handheld productivity device
• Powered by the A12 Bionic processor
  • First ever 7 nanometer chip
  • 6.9 billion transistors
  • Up to 40 percent faster than the A11 processor
  • Can process up to 5 trillion operations per second
  • Apps launch 30 percent faster with A12
  • Core ML (Apple’s machine learning core) will be up to 9 times faster, but with 1/10th of the energy
  • AR will also get a boost thanks to the added power of the A12 Bionic
• Siri shortcuts will learn when you like to do things, and offer help

This is a developing story. Refresh the page to see updates.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple iPhone Xs: News, release, specs, and more
• What to expect from Apple’s September 12 ‘Gather Round’ event
• Apple Watch Series 4: Everything you need to know
• Apple iPad Pro (2018): News and rumors
• How to watch Apple’s September 12 ‘Gather Round’ event

Refreshed MacBook Air and iPad Pro are absent from Apple’s website leak

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Ahead of Apple’s scheduled Gather Round event, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. PT on Wednesday, September 12, there has been plenty of official leaks of the next-generation Apple Watch and iPhone models. Apple’s official website contained codes revealing details about the official storage capacity, colors, and sizes of the new iPhone models as well as the refreshed Apple Watch designs, confirming previous rumors. However, two important Apple computing products that we didn’t see in Apple’s website code are the iPad Pro and any references to new Mac models. This could suggest that Apple will not announce updates to these products at the Gather Round event.

Previously, it’s been widely speculated that Apple will follow up with a second event in October focusing on its non-iPhone products. Though Apple has not confirmed it has plans for a second event this fall, industry insiders speculated that an October Apple special event will be the venue where Apple will introduce a refreshed MacBook or MacBook Air and a prosumer-oriented Mac Mini. Both the MacBook Air and the Mac Mini two beloved Mac products that haven’t seen any major refreshes in recent years. Earlier rumors indicated that Apple is working on redesigning its MacBook Air, but it wasn’t entirely clear if Apple will position the low-cost notebook as a new member of the MacBook family or as a refreshed MacBook Air.

Given that the iPad straddles the line between iPhone and computer — Apple’s tablet runs the same iOS operating system as its iPhone, but the company often positions the device as a PC replacement — it’s unclear if the iPad will be unveiled Wednesday or next month. The iPad refresh may be an exciting one for Apple users. Reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently reported that Apple may be switching away from its trusted Lightning connector on the tablet for a USB-C port. This means that MacBook owners can bring a single cable with them while traveling to recharge their Apple laptop and tablet.

If Apple does, in fact, unveil refreshed iPad and Mac models next month, it could use one of two strategies. The company could host another special media event, similar to today’s Gather Round keynote, or it could more quietly announce these updates through a press release. The second strategy is what Apple employed when it announced refreshed MacBook Pro models earlier this year.

Digital Trends will be covering the Gather Round event, to stay tuned to stay updated on all the latest Apple news.

Editors’ Recommendations

• What to expect from Apple’s September 12 ‘Gather Round’ event
• A MacBook Air with Retina display and Mac Mini “Pro” could arrive this fall
• What’s the skinny? Apple may launch a new MacBook with ultrathin design soon
• Mac Mini could make a comeback this year with a rumored refresh
• Apple registers 10 unannounced MacBook and iPad devices overseas

U.S. Senate will hear Google, Apple testimony on data privacy this month

Following the testimony of Twitter and Facebook executives earlier in September before Congress, lawmakers are renewing their interest in technology companies. The United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology has scheduled a hearing with Amazon, Apple, AT&T, Charter Communications, Google, and Twitter on September 26 to hear how these technology companies protect the data and personal information of their customers.

The session titled “Examining Safeguards for Consumer Data Privacy” was scheduled by Senator John Thune, R-S.D., to “examine privacy policies of top technology and communications firms, review the current state of consumer data privacy, and offer members the opportunity to discuss possible approaches to safeguarding privacy more effectively.”

Witnesses include Apple’s vice president of software technology, Google’s chief privacy officer, Twitter’s global data protection officer, among others. Interestingly, Facebook is absent from the list of technology companies scheduled to testify. After it was revealed that the personal data of more than 87 million users on its network may have been exposed as a result of the Cambridge Analytica scandal earlier this year, Facebook’s privacy policies were heavily scrutinized, prompting the company to implement changes to how it handles and shares data. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified before Congress in April regarding the scandal, and last month it updated lawmakers on how its fighting hacking and election engineering on its social network.

“Consumers deserve clear answers and standards on data privacy protection,” Thune said in a statement. “This hearing will provide leading technology companies and internet service providers an opportunity to explain their approaches to privacy, how they plan to address new requirements from the European Union and California, and what Congress can do to promote clear privacy expectations without hurting innovation.”

The European Union passed its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) earlier this year in May, and in June, California passed its own state Consumer Privacy Act, which will become effective in 2020. The state allows consumers to opt out from having their data sold and consumers can request companies delete the data that have been collected. California also prevents companies from charging customers for opting out of data collection, and the state attorney general can impose fines if companies fail to protect consumer data from hackers.

Congress will give the six tech companies a chance to explain their approaches to privacy and an opportunity to address how they’ll respond to requirements from new legislation from the EU and California. Unlike some of its peers who lobbied against the California law, Apple will likely promote its pro-privacy policies at the hearing. “At Apple, we believe privacy is a fundamental human right,” the company states on its website. “Every Apple product is designed from the ground up to protect that information. And to empower you to choose what you share and with whom.”

Editors’ Recommendations

• Watch live: Twitter and Facebook executives testify before Congress
• Despite promising to stop sharing your data, Facebook continues to do so
• Facebook suspends data firm claiming access to 1 trillion conversations
• Amazon, Microsoft, Uber donate to oppose the California Consumer Privacy Act
• Two U.S. senators think your TV is spying on you, ask the FTC to investigate

These are the best Galaxy S9 screen protectors

Protecting the Samsung Galaxy S9’s curved display is no easy task — tempered glass offers the best protection but a PET film can generally flex around the edges of curved displays better. There’s also a price difference, so there’s a lot to consider when you’re buying. Whether you prefer tempered glass or a flexible film, these are the best screen protectors for the Samsung Galaxy S9.

Our Favorite

Whitestone Dome Glass

The big selling feature for this wet install screen protector is its unique curing process, which uses UV light. If the worst case scenario has already occurred and your screen is cracked, think of this as a second chance screen before dropping hundreds of dollars on a proper replacement screen. It’s by no means cheap, but it’s one that you can trust to apply well, hold well to the edges of your screen, and protect it with its life.

$50 at Amazon

Easy to Install

amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Whereas the Whitestone Dome Glass might require the most complicated installation process, amFilm has tried to simplify the process by providing an installation guide so you can line up the perfect fit. This simpler screen protector also comes with a more wallet-friendly price. The more classic dot-matrix and silicone gel is more prone to peeling up, so make sure you follow amFilm’s installation guide.

$12 at Amazon

Best for Cases

Spigen NeoFlex screen protector (2-pack)

Spigen always makes great cases, so they’re the natural choice for making case-friendly screen protectors. They might not be tempered glass, but they’re far easier on your wallet, and far easier to apply since you can keep your case on. Just make sure you watch the installation video and be very patient with the drying process.

$9 at Amazon

Thinnest Option

IQShield Case Friendly Film Screen Protector (2-pack)

IQShield offers a two-pack of tissue-paper-thin plastic film screen protectors that have been fine-tuned to be compatible just about any case you throw at it. These screen protectors have an oleophobic coating to help prevent fingerprints and smudges and are easy to install.

$8 at Amazon

Are screen protectors and cases a must-buy for any new phone you own or do you prefer the naked look and feel? Have you had hands-on experience with a screen protector that others should know about? Let us know in the comments!

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

• Galaxy S9 and S9+: Everything you need to know!
• Galaxy S9 review: A great phone for the masses
• Complete Galaxy S9 and S9+ specs
• Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8: Should you upgrade?
• Join our Galaxy S9 forums

Verizon
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint
Amazon

Update September 2018: We’ve updated pricing information for our picks and condensed our recommendations so that you can find what you want faster.

Start a new game with the retro SNK NEOGEO Mini International console

40 retro games are packed into this tiny game console.

It’s time to relive the arcade glory days. Just yesterday SNK announced that its NEOGEO Mini International game console will become available to pre-order in the US on September 12 — as in, today. Considering how popular retro consoles have been recently, there’s a high likelihood this could sell out just like the others, so you may want to get your pre-order in quickly.

Based on the classic Neo Geo arcade cabinet from the 90s, this console will include 40 of SNK’s greatest hits, including Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, various Samurai Showdown titles, ten ‘The King of the Fighters’ games, and Metal Slug 1 and 2. Unlike the NES Classic and SNES Classic edition consoles from Nintendo, you won’t even need to hook up this retro console to a TV as it features its own built-in 3.5-inch LCD display. There’s also an HDMI port in case you do want to connect an HDMI cable to watch all the action via your television.

The console also features built-in stereo speakers, a headphone jack, joystick controller and the ability to save and load games without the need for an external memory card. If the joystick is a bit smaller than you can see yourself playing comfortably, you can also pick up a NEOGEO Mini Pad in white or black. Those are essential if you want to play two-player too. Considering the entire console is small enough to fit in your palm, I’m sure there are plenty of people who won’t be playing with the built-in controls.

The SNK NEOGEO Mini International is now available for pre-order for $109.99 at Amazon and GameStop.

See at Amazon