Jon Bitner
Verified
As seen in:
MSN,
MSN Canada,
MSN UK,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Yahoo Life,
The Guardian,
Yahoo News Malaysia,
Aol,
Buy Side WSJ,
The Verge
and
Covers:
Video Games, Science, and Technology.
Writer + Editor + Author
He/him.
Email--contact@jonbitner.com
Articles by Jon Bitner
This Hidden Colorado Mountain Town Is A Gateway To Nature And Steam Train Adventures
Destinations like Denver and Breckenridge often steal the spotlight, but Colorado is home to dozens of lesser-known towns that are just as spectacular. Antonito is one such location — around 200 miles south of Colorado Springs, it's a hidden gem perfect for all sorts of outdoor adventures. Not only is it within an hour of a phenomenal national park featuring the tallest dunes in North America, but Antonito is home to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
Hidden Along The Oregon Coast Is A Pristine Beach Town With Forest Trails And Dramatic Ocean Views
While the beaches of Southern California and Florida are undoubtedly among the best in the country, there's something special about the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast. Sure, it's not quite as warm year-round, but seeing monolithic rock structures soaring out of the water while surrounded by towering bluffs isn't something you'll find at most other beaches. Yet these are defining features of Gold Beach — an Oregon beach town over five hours away from the bustling streets of Portland.
The mushroom capital of the world is a cute town nestled in Pennsylvania's countryside with flavorful charm
Tucked into the rolling Chester County countryside, about an hour west of Philadelphia, is the charming town of Kennett Square. Known as the "Mushroom Capital of the World," the town of just a few thousand people is responsible for an estimated 60% of the United States' mushrooms. It's also home to the splendid Longwood Gardens, where you can enjoy over 1,000 acres of meticulously maintained green spaces, waterscapes, and renowned architecture.
An Under-The-Radar Charming Kentucky Lake Town Is A Serene Gateway To The Famous Red River Gorge
Kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and 1,900-foot-long ziplines are just a few of the adventures you'll find in this charming lake town in Kentucky. Outdoor enthusiasts love Kentucky. From a picturesque town hidden in the mountains to a unique state park with a boulder chained to its cliffs, you don't have to look far to find your next adventure. One of the best (yet underrated) adventure towns in Kentucky is Slade.
The sun-soaked, underrated Arizona city with a dazzling lake, public art, and idyllic parks
From the vibrant red rocks of Sedona to Tucson near the Mexico border (which also happens to be an official UNESCO City of Gastronomy ), Arizona is filled with intriguing towns. The only drawback to many of these destinations is their popularity, which can make your vacation a bit more chaotic than you might like. Folks looking for a laidback Arizona retreat that's still close to plenty of parks, a glistening lake, and local art installations should consider putting Peoria on their radar.
The 'sunniest place on Earth' is an Arizona city with small-town vibes, unique shops & endless river fun
; ; ; Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
The 'Sunniest Place On Earth' Is An Arizona City With Small-Town Vibes, Unique Shops & Endless River Fun
Deep in the Sonoran Desert, right beside the U.S.-Mexico border, sits the colorful town of Yuma, Arizona. Like the rest of the Sonoran, its landscape is dotted with saguaro cacti — though they're not quite as abundant as they are in one nearby UNESCO city of culinary excellence. But while you won't find as many cacti here, Yuma more than makes up for it with an abundance of sunshine.
The Sun-Soaked, Underrated Arizona City With A Dazzling Lake, Public Art, And Idyllic Parks
From the vibrant red rocks of Sedona to Tucson near the Mexico border (which also happens to be an official UNESCO City of Gastronomy), Arizona is filled with intriguing towns. The only drawback to many of these destinations is their popularity, which can make your vacation a bit more chaotic than you might like. Folks looking for a laidback Arizona retreat that's still close to plenty of parks, a glistening lake, and local art installations should consider putting Peoria on their radar.
Get Games For Less Than $10 During Green Man Gaming’s Summer Sale Original
The Summer Sale is still live at Green Man Gaming, offering steep discounts on thousands of PC games. It’s a pretty impressive sale by all accounts, covering everything from classic indies like Balatro to blockbusters like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim–and you’ll even find tons of games available for less than $10. The sale ends on July 13, with the vast majority of titles offered as Steam keys.
It’s Not Too Late To Shop Best Buy’s 4th Of July Sale Original
Miss out on all the Prime Day deals? Fear not–Best Buy is giving you a second chance to cash in on low prices with its annual Fourth of July event. An incredibly long list of items are discounted right now, spanning everything from video games and headsets to prebuilt gaming PCs and iPads. We’ve sifted through them all, and below you’ll find our favorites.
Oblivion Remastered For Switch 2 Includes The Full Game On The Cartridge
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered (Switch 2) $60 | Releases August 11 Preorder at Amazon Over a year after shadow dropping on most consoles in Spring 2025, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is making the jump to Switch 2 on August 11.
A small Michigan city on Lake Superior's shores boasts sailing, hidden waterfall hikes, and tasty dining
; ; ; Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
A Small Michigan City On Lake Superior's Shores Boasts Sailing, Hidden Waterfall Hikes, And Tasty Dining
The retired college professor fighting a $313 trespassing ticket in Wisconsin thinks he’s part of a national struggle “Lake Michigan has sort of got a personality,” Paul Florsheim said wryly, as if describing an old friend rather than the center of a legal battle …
Prime Day Deal: Save $63 On The HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Headset Original
Now available for $116.84 (was $180), the HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset is down to its lowest price ever for Prime Day. The standout feature of the headset is its ridiculous battery life–lasting up to 200 hours on a single charge, it’s a good choice for anyone who regularly forgets to plug in their headset after each gaming session. It’s also quite versatile, compatible with PS5, Switch, PC, and mobile devices. Prime Day runs through June 26.
Samsung’s 34-inch Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Is Down to $265 For Prime Day Original
A bunch of great gaming monitors are on sale for Prime Day, including the Samsung 34-Inch Odyssey G5 Ultrawide. Now listed for $265 (was $400), this is one of the better deals we’ve seen for the monitor this year. Along with tons of high-end specs, it’s pretty slick-looking, too. Like most products in the Odyssey lineup, it features an all-black design, aggressive angles, and a stand that allows you to tilt the screen (20 degrees of vertical motion) to find the best viewing angle.
Samsung’s Entry Level Curved Gaming Monitor Is $190 For Prime Day Original
If you’ve been holding out until Prime Day to upgrade your monitor, your patience has officially paid off. Amazon is offering the premium Samsung 32-Inch Odyssey G55C Series Monitor for just $190 (was $330), which is a new all-time low. The monitor has been no stranger to sales over the years, though its average price typically hovers around $275. And now that it’s $190, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a more immersive display for their desktop.
Prep For Spider-Man: Brand New Day With This Spider-Man Lego Deal
While Prime Day is offering plenty of great discounts this week, Amazon isn’t the only retailer kicking off the summer with steep price cuts. Walmart is running its own competing sale with hundreds of noteworthy deals, including a discount that drops the popular Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs Oscorp set to $95 (was $140). Walmart’s sale runs until June 28, but there’s always a chance this deal could sell out before then.
Prime Day Deal: Save Almost 40% The 16GB Kindle Colorsoft Original
Prime Day always brings excellent deals on first-party Amazon products, and this year’s event is no different. One of our favorite discounts in Amazon’s lineup right now is for the Kindle Colorsoft (16GB), which is just $160 (was $250). That’s a new all-time low price for the ereader, though the deal is only available until Prime Day ends on June 26. For something more robust, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) is also on sale–down to $220 (was $280).
This 10-Car Lego F1 Set Gets Rare Discount For Prime Day
The Lego Speed Champions Ultimate F1 Collector’s Pack is matching its previous lowest-ever price for Prime Day 2026, dropping to just $189 (normally $270). The bundle is notable for featuring 10 buildable replicas of real-life F1 racecars. Aside from a big discount around the end of 2025, this bundle rarely goes on sale at Amazon, so be sure to check out the limited-time offer before Prime Day ends on June 26.
Prime Day: Save $150 On The Apple AirPods Max 2
When it comes to headphones, few products are as popular as the Apple AirPods Max 2. They’re also quite expensive, with a price tag of $549. But that’s not the case for Prime Day, as right now you can scoop up the headphones for just $399. That is the best price we’ve ever seen for the AirPods Max 2, which rarely go on sale (and previous deals were normally around $40 off). If you’re interested in the deal, you’ll want to pick it up soon, as Amazon’s Prime Day event only runs June 23-26.
The Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater Collector’s Edition Is Just $70
Prime Day 2026 is officially here, and it’s discounting a long list of popular video games, including Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, which is now just $25 (was $50). That matches its all-time low price from the 2025 holiday season. The deal applies to both PS5 and Xbox Series X. If you’re a long-time fan of Snake, there’s an even better price cut on the Collector’s Edition (though this is limited to PS5), which has dropped the bundle to its lowest price ever of just $70.83 (was $200).
You Can Grab The Nintendo Switch 2 For Just $434 For A Limited Time Original
Nintendo Switch 2 Woot Deal $434 with coupon code (was $449) See at Woot The Nintendo Switch 2 hasn’t seen many discounts since it launched–in fact, it’s set to get more expensive when the base price jumps from $449 to $500 starting September 1. However, if you’ve been waiting for a deal, you can save $15 on the console at Woot from now through June 19. The discount is only valid for new Woot accounts, and you’ll also need to use the promo code NEW15 at checkout.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Preorders Include An Alucard-Themed Bonus Costume Original
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Standard Edition Physical: $40 | Digital: $30 | Releases October 15 Preorder at Amazon Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at Walmart Preorder at Target Preorder at GameStop Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is launching on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X on October 15, followed by Nintendo Switch at a later date. Preorders are now open for both the standard edition and digital-only Midnight Edition of Belmont’s Curse–and if you’re eager to get your hands on the game after years...
Rayman Legends Retold Preorders Include Bonus Costumes Based On Rayman 3
Rayman Legends Retold Launch Edition $40 | Releases October 1 Preorder at Amazon Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at GameStop Revealed during the latest State of Play, Rayman Legends Retold is a complete rework of the platforming hit from 2013.
Fable Premium Edition Preorders Include 5-Day Early Access To The Full Game Original
Fable Standard Edition $70 | Releases February 23, 2027 Preorder at Amazon (PS5) Preorder at Amazon (Xbox) Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at GameStop After a handful of delays, preorders are now officially open for Fable.
Early Amazon Prime Day Deals Are Rolling In Original
Amazon’s Prime Day 2026 event officially runs from June 23 to June 26–but, as is tradition, Amazon is giving shoppers a head start with Early Prime Day Deals. Discounts are now live for all sorts of popular products, including Echo devices, smart glasses, Fire TVs, and Kindles. You’ll find all the Early Prime Day Deals on the Amazon hub page, but if you need help sifting through the savings, below you’ll find a small collection of our favorites.
Secretlab Gaming Chairs And Desks Are Getting Big Memorial Day Discounts
Secretlab is responsible for many of our favorite gaming chairs–though their hefty prices can turn away frugal shoppers. But from now until June 2, the company is running a Memorial Day Sale that saves you $100 on select Titan Evo models. Beyond chairs, the popular Magnus Pro desks are discounted by up to $129–bringing the two premium products down to some of their best prices of the year.
Barnes & Noble: Save Up To 50% On Anime Blu-Rays This Month
Hundreds of Blu-rays are discounted at Barnes & Noble right now, including dozens of popular anime films. Studio Ghibli is heavily featured in the event, with steelbooks for just about every major film seeing a steep price cut. You’ll also find iconic names like Ghost in the Shell and Akira available for cheap, making this sale a great way to grow your Blu-ray collection without breaking your budget. The sale runs from now until May 31.
The funky town in Pennsylvania with restaurants, trails, and Frank Lloyd Wright homes
Jon Bitner The vibrant cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are the main attractions of Pennsylvania, with a wealth of history and incredible sporting events available within their boundaries. One of the cities even offers a historic railway ride with some breathtaking skyline views . But away from the hustle and bustle of these two destinations sits the little town of Ohiopyle. Tucked along the Youghiogheny River over an hour from Pittsburgh, it's the perfect gateway to outdoor adventure.
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Nestled in Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains is an artsy city full of scenic trails and historic streets
Jon Bitner Less than two hours away from Pittsburgh, nestled deep in the Allegheny Mountains, sits the charming city of Johnstown. The Conemaugh River cuts right through its lovely downtown, which features not just a wealth of historic attractions and eateries, but also vibrant street art and local galleries.
These new Spectrum And Commodore64 Gaming Handhelds Come Preloaded With Games
Two unique bits of hardware from the '80s are making a comeback, as the Commodore 64 and Spectrum are being remade as handhelds. Expected to launch later this year, the two handhelds come preloaded with 25 games and feature design elements inspired by their predecessors. There's also a microSD card slot, allowing you to load your own games onto the device. Preorders are now open, with both expected to begin shipping on October 15.
'Central Florida's best-kept secret' is a lake town with breweries, trails, and a brick-paved downtown
Jon Bitner Orlando dominates tourism in Central Florida, and for good reason. Along with a thriving downtown, it provides visitors quick access to Disney World and Universal — making it an action-packed place to spend your vacation. But anyone seeking a more relaxing getaway that's still close to all of Central Florida's best amenities will find Sanford to be a wonderful alternative.
All The Best Star Wars Gaming Deals Available This Week Original
Star Wars Day has come and gone, but many of its best deals are still lingering around like they're Obi-Wan's force ghost--and that's especially true for Star Wars video games. Several titles across PS5, Switch, Xbox, and PC continue to be discounted beyond May The Fourth. So if you happened to miss out on the festivities yesterday, you can still cash in on some price cuts throughout the rest of the week.
Michigan's Peninsula College City is a historic gem with a bustling downtown and artsy charm
Jon Bitner Hidden away in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Houghton is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Not only is it one of the few places where you can catch a ferry or seaplane to a remote national park on an island in Lake Superior , but you'll also have quick access to a wealth of recreational areas and hiking trails.
An underrated riverside South Carolina city offers a historic harborwalk, eateries, shopping & art
Jon Bitner South Carolina's most iconic travel spots might be a coastal city that blends European elegance with Southern charm and the white sands of Myrtle Beach, but there's more to the state than these two massively popular destinations. Nestled just off the coast between these cities is Georgetown — a quiet, historic location with a vibrant waterfront perfect for a laid-back getaway.
Save Up To 50% On Nintendo Switch Digital Games At Amazon Original
Several digital Nintendo Switch games are discounted at Amazon, giving you a chance to scoop up iconic games for some of their best prices of the year. Many of these are first-party Nintendo games that rarely see discounts--like Metroid Dread and Fire Emblem: Three Houses--though you'll also find a few third-party games mixed in, like Astral Chain and Bayonetta 3. See all at Amazon If you're interested in Bayonetta but never managed to add it to your collection, now is a great time to dive in.
Pennsylvania's 'number one must-visit small town' is an underrated hub of trendy shops, food, and fun
; ; ; Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
Where To Preorder The Upcoming Avatar: Fire And Ash & Avatar 3-Movie Collector's Edition Blu-Rays
James Cameron's Avatar series has seen two new entries in the last three years, starting with Avatar: Way of Water in 2022, and followed by Avatar: Fire and Ash late in 2025. While the third film in the franchise earned mixed reviews from critics, it still grossed around $1.5 billion at the box office, making it one of the most lucrative films of last year. Fans looking to relive the action at home can now preorder Avatar: Fire and Ash on 4K Blu-ray ahead of its May 19 arrival.
Dozens Of Sega Physical Edition Games Are On Sale At Best Buy Original
A handful of Sega games are discounted at Best Buy, including options for PS5, Switch, Switch 2, and Xbox, and many are available at their lowest prices ever. The catalog isn't too overwhelming (there's just 32 titles), so consider taking a few minutes to peruse the deals and see if there's anything on your wishlist. Best Buy isn't advertising an end date for the sale, but we suggest checking out the deals soon, as stock is limited and a few titles have already sold out.
New Lego Toy Story Sets Preorders Original
Lego Toy Story: Slinky Dog Bookends (1,311 pieces) $150 | Releases May 1 Preorder at Lego Store Preorder at Amazon Lego Toy Story: Lotso (570 pieces) $40 | Releases May 1 Preorder at Lego Store Lego Toy Story: Alien with Pizza Planet Rocket Ride (714 pieces) $60 | Releases May 1 Preorder at Lego Store Preorder at Amazon Buzz, Woody, and Jessie are returning for another animated adventure, as Toy Story 5 is scheduled for a June 19 release.
Recenlty Bought A PS5? Outfit It With Dbrand Darkplates 2.0 While They're On Sale Original
While PS5 console prices are rising on April 2, there's a unique PS5 accessory that's actually getting a price cut. Right now, you'll find the popular dbrand Darkplates 2.0 with a 50% discount. That means you can customize your rig for as little as $40 (was $80), though add-on content like lightstrips and additional skins are also quite cheap.
Save 30% On This Buildable Lego Replica Of Vincent Van Gogh's The Starry Night Original
Amazon's Big Spring Sale ends tomorrow, but there's still time to cash in on some great offers. One of the best deals is for the Lego Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night, which is currently down to its lowest price ever during Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2026. The 2,316-piece set is just $136 (was $170) and makes for a truly unique bit of home decor once you've snapped all its bricks into place--just make sure to grab the discounted set before the Spring Sale ends on 2026.
Best Buy Tech Fest Sale: Save On Video Games, Blu-Rays, Accessories, & More
The Best Buy Tech Fest Sale is now live. From until Sunday, March 22, the retailer is offering big price cuts on video games, controllers, TVs, gaming laptops, and more. It's quite an impressive event--some popular laptops are discounted by over $500, and several Apple products are included in the savings--so if you're looking to scratch a few products off your Wishlist, it's definitely worth checking out. Be sure to peruse the full sale, but below you'll find a few of our favorite deals.
King Dedede & Tank Star Amiibo Preorders Are Live At Amazon, Best Buy, And GameStop Original
Kirby Air Riders King Dedede & Tank Star Amiibo $55 | Releases July 2 Preorder at Amazon Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at GameStop Kirby Air Riders was released for Switch 2 last November, and it hit the market alongside Amiibo for Kirby and Waddle Dee. And on July 2, you'll be able to get your hands on the highly anticipated King Dedede & Tank Star Amiibo. Preorders are now open for the product--though you might be surprised to see it priced at $55 (making it the most expensive Amiibo to date).
Grab Great Deals On Physical PS5, Xbox Games In GameFly's Preowned Sale
Buying preowned games is an excellent way to save a few bucks. And while GameStop is always a good place to find used games, it's GameFly that's currently offering the most enticing deals. The retailer is currently discounting select pre-owned games on PS5 and Xbox Series X, letting you pick up recent titles like Borderlands 4 for $25, Ninja Gaiden 4 for $33, or Dragon Age: The Veilguard for $5.
PC Cases Are Heavily Discounted At Woot This Week
Woot is offering steep discounts on a variety of PC cases, including those from Corsair, MSI, and Cooler Master. Better yet, you can use promo code CASE20 to save an additional 20% (up to a maximum discount of $20). Some cases are already seeing price cuts of over 50%, making this an excellent way to upgrade your setup for cheap. Note that Woot is an Amazon company--so Prime members are eligible for free shipping. The event runs until March 11 at 11:58 PM CT.
Save On Keyboards, Laptops, Gaming Mice, And More In Razer's Members Week Sale
Now is a great time to sign up to become a Razer member, as the popular brand is running its eponymous Razer Members Week, which runs from Monday, March 9, until Sunday, March 15. This event makes it easy for members to save on all sorts of gear, as you'll be eligible for a variety of exclusive discounts throughout the week--and depending on how much you spend, you'll also earn "return credits." The return credit program is essentially the same thing as cash back.
Get Battlefield 6 Skins & Playercard With These 5.11 Tactical Collabs Original
The world of video games is no stranger to collaborations--Mercedes-Benz made its way into Mario Kart 8; characters from Peaky Blinders stumbled their way into PUBG; And don't forget about Fortnite, which seems to have a new crossover every time you blink. And now, Battlefield 6 is teaming up with outdoor clothing brand 5.11 Tactical on a selection of Battlefield 6-themed products and an exclusive in-game skin. The offer is simple.
Score Discounts On PS5 RPGs, DualSense Controllers, And More - The Best PS5 Deals Of The Week (April 23, 2026)
Several high-profile games are on sale this week, including nice discounts for Astro Bot, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. There are also plenty of game deals carrying over from last week--and we've highlighted nearly 40 of our favorites in this roundup. Unfortunately, console prices seem to have officially gone up at most retailers, though there are still a few bundles available at discounted prices. Ready to start saving?
Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night Getting A Limited Run Physical Complete Edition
Released in 2019, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night quickly became one of the best metroidvanias in modern history. Offering a vibrant art style, a fluid combat system, and even voiced cutscenes, Bloodstained brought plenty of flair to the standard metroidvania gameplay loop. And now, over five years later, Bloodstained is getting a new release from Limited Run Games.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Jon
Contact Jon, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack