Gadgets, Gizmos, and Games for Geeks

Critics and gamers lucky enough to get their hands on the PS5 often cite the console’s DualSense controller as a true next-gen controller, thanks to its precise haptics and force feedback triggers. However, the previous generation also saw a small but significant addition to gamepads – paddles.

If you’re a PC enthusiast, you might have noticed that boutique manufacturers are actually making open-air chassis that are not meant to be test benches, but for showcase builds. Well, how’s this for an open-air chassis?

Hobbit Holes: everybody wants to live in one. That, or an Ewok village treehouse. And while building your own Hobbit hole home might be out of the question right now on account of adult responsibilities, maybe you can live vicariously through your children with this $1,000 Discovery Nature Play Hideaway from Plum.

Presumably oblivious that April Fools’ Day was months ago, Kraft has partnered with Brooklyn, New York-based ice cream maker Van Leeuwen to create a limited edition Kraft Macaroni & Cheese flavored frozen treat. Honestly, I’m not sure if I should cry tears of joy or disgust.

Glasses: they’re always getting fingerprints and oily smudges on them, and, at least in my case, ice cream. You know the old adage: you eat with your eyes first? It’s actually harder than it sounds. Enter the LensHD cleaning system currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter.

Want to go insane? Well, you’re in luck, because Japanese puzzle manufacturer Beverly has released this glow-in-the-dark Jigsaw Puzzle from Hell. Available from the Japan Trends shop for $42, it’s a 150-piece imageless jigsaw puzzle with phosphorescent pieces that glow in the dark.

Created by the cosplay and propmaker at GiveWave Studios, the Floating Fireball Prop 2.0 is an illuminated fireball that appears to float above the palm of a person’s hand, as if by magic. Which is exactly the point.

I’m currently on a low-carb and low-sugar diet, but I’ve been craving chocolates lately. And now that I’ve seen what is likely the largest chocolate bar on the planet, I really need a sugar fix. This gigantic chocolate bar is the facade of the Meiji Confectionery factory in Osaka, Japan.

Look out, NERF, there’s a new weaponized foam launcher in town in the form of the Shelby Destroyer foam disc blaster. The gun is capable of firing six foam discs per second with a 120 round capacity, with both semi-automatic and fully-automatic capabilities.

It doesn’t matter what the product is, if it’s Mandalorian-themed, people are going to buy it. Case in point: this Chia Cat Grass Planter featuring Grogu with the egg canister he wanted to eat from so badly.

The brainchild of imaginative LEGO builder Yoshihito Isogawa, this is the Creepy Vehicle, assembled entirely out of LEGO and LEGO Technic pieces. The vehicle rolls forward thanks to a LEGO Power Functions motor, constantly opening and closing its toothed aperture in the process.

Board games: some people take them a lot more seriously than other people. And for those hardcore board gamers, the WS Game Company has created this Giant Wall Edition of Risk. And giant it is, with a framed board that measures 56″ x 42″ and weighs a very respectable 36-pounds.

Inspired by Todd McLellan’s Things Come Apart object breakdown photography series, Kevin of Etsy shop FEIPPO carefully disassembles smartphones of yesteryear and frames all the pieces for display as wall art. I say smartphones, but he also has some classic Nokia brick phones available as well, which I’m surprised he was able to tear down at all based on how well they were assembled in the first place.

Because who doesn’t like pretending they’re a weekend paleontologist, purveyor of eccentric home and garden decor Design Toscano has created these giant dinosaur bone lawn sculptures. I can already imagine myself brushing some dirt off in front of guests and telling them I unearthed it this morning.

Designed by drinkware manufacturer Viski, the Rocket Cocktail Shaker (affiliate link) is a 24-ounce stainless steel drink shaker in the form of a retro rocket. I can already see myself holding a highly-anticipated countdown to happy hour.

You’re looking at a series of old hand saws that have been cut into various scenes of rural living (plus Bigfoot). Cindy Chinn (aka thesawlady) of Chester, Nebraska hand cuts these using a plasma torch. Note to self: buy yourself a plasma torch, you deserve it.