Pokémon Mega Evolution Expansion Details Released

Trainers, get excited! The Pokémon Trading Card Game is about to unleash a wave of incredible power with the brand new Mega Evolution expansion, officially launching on September 26, 2025! This is the expansion we've all been waiting for, marking the glorious return of Mega Evolution Pokémon to the TCG.

Pokémon Center Edition Elite Trainer Boxes have a limited-edition
promo card with the Pokémon Center logo. ETBs will feature Mega Evolutions like Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex!

For those who remember the sheer might of Mega Evolutions from the XY and Sun & Moon eras, prepare for a thrilling resurgence. This new set isn't just bringing back familiar faces; it's redefining how these powerful Pokémon operate in battle.

What to expect from Mega Evolution:

• The Return of Mega Evolution Pokémon ex: Get ready to witness the raw power of fan-favorite Mega Evolutions like Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex, with more to be revealed! These formidable Pokémon will have increased HP and attack damage, but be warned – knocking them out yields a hefty three Prize cards!

• Streamlined Evolution: In a cool new twist, Mega Evolution Pokémon ex can now evolve directly from their basic forms (for example, Mega Lucario ex can evolve from Riolu, skipping Lucario!). This change adds a new layer of strategy and speed to your gameplay.

• Stunning New Artwork: Prepare for breathtaking new art styles for the ultra rare Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, some even featuring a captivating silhouette of their regular form. These cards are sure to be collectors' dreams!

• Expanded Ultra Rares: Beyond just Pokémon and Supporter cards, "Mega Evolution" will introduce ultra rare Item, Stadium, and Pokémon Tool cards, adding even more chase cards and strategic depth to the game.

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  A closer look at of the new Tech Sticker Collection The Toy Insider's Sweet Suite event in July 2025.

  
  

This expansion promises to shake up the meta and deliver intense battles like never before. Whether you're a seasoned player or a collector, the Mega Evolution expansion is set to be one of the most impactful releases of the year.

Prerelease tournaments will be kicking off around September 13th at participating retailers, giving you an early chance to experience the power. And for digital players, you can jump into the Mega Evolution action on Pokémon TCG Live starting September 11, 2025!

Mark your calendars for September 26, 2025, and get ready to witness the spectacular return of Mega Evolution in the Pokémon TCG! 

My Secret Weapon for a Sparkling Clean Home: Casabella at Target!

Target Circle days are here! Stock up on cleaning essentials and get a $15 Target GiftCard with a $50 purchase on select home essentials with Target Circle, including the Casabella line. 

*Target Circle Days are now over, but make sure you follow my page for more reviews like this one with time- and money-saving tips!* This post contains affiliate links. 

Let's be honest, cleaning can often feel like a chore. We all want a sparkling home, but the effort involved, especially when tackling those notoriously tricky spots, can be a major deterrent. That's why I'm thrilled to share my recent cleaning game-changer: the Casabella cleaning line, readily available at Target! 

I was kindly gifted a collection of Casabella cleaning products that included a mix of their power scrubbers. I decided to tackle my arch nemesis, our main bathroom! This bathroom is full of scum, soap scum, and enough rings around the tub to make Saturn jealous. However, the tub was no match for Casabella’s smallest power scrubber, the Power Spin Detail Scrubber. I would recommend that you use the Casabella Power Spin Scrubber with 100 minutes of run time, and a longer telescopic handle for shorties (like me), but I was up for a challenge!

I've always been on the lookout for tools that make cleaning more efficient and less of a back-breaking task. And let me tell you, Casabella has truly delivered. My personal favorites from their collection are the spinning brushes, and they've made a remarkable difference, especially in my bathroom. The Power Spin Detail Scrubber has three interchangeable brushes, takes batteries so it is very portable, and has a ton of power! I soaked my tub in toilet cleaner, which is just Clorox gel, and that really cuts down the cleaning time. I scrubbed away the gross bits, rinsed, and my tub and tiles were sparkling again! I also used the Power Spin Detail scrubber to clean my sink. We have a tight squeeze from the faucet and the wall, so getting behind there is challenging for sure! I’ve used every thin brush imaginable, but nothing quite scrubbed behind the faucet like the Casabella! 

The sink in my kids' bathroom drives me nuts!  See how well it works in my video! 

You wouldn't think that brushes that take batteries would work so hard, but they do!

For years, getting into the tight corners of my bathroom sink felt like an impossible mission. The grime would build up in those little crevices, mocking my attempts with regular sponges and brushes. But with the Casabella spinning brushes, those days are over! The design allows me to reach every nook and cranny with ease, leaving my sink looking brand new.

And if you've ever battled with dirty grout and caulk, you know the struggle is real. It's often the last frontier of cleanliness, requiring intense scrubbing and sometimes even questionable DIY solutions. Again, Casabella's spinning brushes have been a lifesaver. They tackle that stubborn grime and discoloration with surprising power. They spin with enough force to loosen and lift away even embedded dirt, saving my elbows and knees from endless scrubbing.

This handheld scrubber comes with different pads to clean multiple surfaces! Great for the kitchen - from the countertop to the stove to the microwave!

What I truly appreciate about the Casabella line is that it takes the "elbow grease" out of cleaning. Instead of feeling exhausted after a cleaning session, I'm left with a sense of accomplishment and genuinely clean surfaces.

So, if you're like me and constantly seeking ways to make your cleaning routine more effective and less daunting, I highly recommend checking out the Casabella cleaning line at Target. From tackling hard-to-reach places to making grout and caulk sparkle, these tools are a positive game-changer for any home!

Nintendo Switch 2 Release Day!

History has been made with the release of Nintendo's 8th console to hit the market, the Nintendo Switch 2. We got an up-close look at the new Switch 2 at the Nintendo Store New York pre-launch party, where there were head-to-head knock-out tournaments of Mario Kart World, a DJ spinning nostalgic dance hits from the 80s and 90s , demo kiosks of launch-day games like Street Fighter 6, Hogwarts Legacy, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and so much more! 

The Nintendo Switch 2 Has Arrived, and it is officially a new era for hybrid gaming!

It's finally here! After months of anticipation and countless rumors, the Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched today, June 5, 2025, bringing with it a wave of excitement for gamers worldwide. Nintendo's successor to the immensely popular Switch aims to elevate the hybrid console experience with significant upgrades in both hardware and features.

Hogwarts Legacy is now upgraded to meet the video upgrades on the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2's debut game, Mario Kart World, was featured with 48 displays where fans went head to head in a thrilling knock out competition. You can play Knock Out on Mario Kart World as home multiplayer, or online with friends and fellow fans! 

My husband and I battling it out during a fierce game of Mario Kart World. We're the OG!

Here's the fun stuff!

What the Switch 2 Launched With --

The Nintendo Switch 2 launched with a focus on enhancing the core Switch experience while introducing some long-requested features. 

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Improved Display: The Switch 2 boasts a larger 7.9-inch wide color gamut LCD screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 in handheld mode, supporting HDR10 and VRR up to 120Hz. This is a noticeable upgrade from the original Switch and even the OLED model, offering a more vibrant and fluid portable experience.

• Enhanced Performance: Powered by a custom NVIDIA processor, Nintendo claims the Switch 2 delivers "10x the graphics performance" compared to the original. This translates to smoother gameplay, higher resolutions, and more detailed visuals. When docked, the console can output at 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate.
  

• Increased Storage: Out of the box, the Switch 2 comes with a generous 256 GB of internal UFS storage, a significant jump from the original's 32GB or the OLED's 64GB. This means more space for digital games and updates, though it still supports microSD Express cards for further expansion.
  

• Redesigned Joy-Con 2 Controllers: The new Joy-Con 2 controllers are slightly larger and are now held in place magnetically, offering a more secure connection to the console. They also feature an improved "HD rumble 2" for more immersive haptic feedback, and each controller includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, and a new "mouse sensor."
  

• New Social Features: Nintendo has introduced "GameChat," a new feature accessible via a dedicated "C" button on the Joy-Con 2. This requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and allows players to communicate with friends, share their game screen, and utilize a built-in microphone for chatting.
  

• Backward Compatibility: Crucially, the Switch 2 is backward compatible with original Switch games. Nintendo has also confirmed that the Nintendo Switch Online service carries over, with the added bonus of GameCube games being exclusive to the Switch 2 under the "Expansion Pack" tier. Initial GameCube titles include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, and F-Zero GX.
  

• Launch Lineup: While many existing Switch games will benefit from the enhanced hardware, some new titles were specifically launched with the Switch 2, including Mario Kart World, Split Fiction, and a new edition of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Other notable titles available at launch or soon after include Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and Hogwarts Legacy.
  

• Price: The Nintendo Switch 2 comes in at an introductory price of $449.99 in the US, making it a more premium offering than its predecessor. A bundle with Mario Kart World is available for $499.99.

Since Nintendo Switch 2 was announced, I have heard a lot of positive and negative reviews. From a whole day of playing it, I haven't encountered a single glitch or moment where we were not having fun!

Here's a breakdown from Nintendo of what to expect at launch and beyond! The future is bright for the Nintendo Switch 2; patience is key!

Launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 system and Mario Kart World are over 20 titles for Nintendo Switch 2, including games from Nintendo and a strong lineup from Nintendo’s global publishing and development partners. Take a look at some of these exciting titles releasing today:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour – Enter a virtual exhibition with Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. Through tech demos, minigames and other interactions, players can explore Nintendo Switch 2 inside and out and get to know the new system in ways they may never have known about otherwise.
• Split Fiction – Jump between sci-fi and fantasy worlds in this co-op action adventure, where contrasting writers Mio and Zoe have become trapped in a simulation of their own stories. Split Fiction keeps you on the edge of your couch with weird and unexpected moments as players must coordinate and work together to overcome challenges.
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition – For the first time, Nintendo players can step into the shoes of V — a mercenary determined to become a legendary cyberpunk in Night City. With the powerful processing speed and graphical performance of Nintendo Switch 2, every neon-lit street and firefight feels more immersive, making it the most cyberpunk way to play Cyberpunk 2077. Players can aim with greater control with gyro and mouse controls, and intuitively navigate menus with the Nintendo Switch 2 system’s touch screen. Players can enjoy the full Cyberpunk 2077 experience, featuring the base game and the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty spy-thriller expansion.
• Fortnite – Whether you want to be the last player standing in Battle Royale, headline your own concert with Fortnite Festival, or want to explore LEGO® Fortnite experiences and much more – the choice is yours. Experience Fortnite like never before on Nintendo Switch 2 with 60 fps, a higher resolution, clothing physics, and higher-quality textures, shadows and water rendering. Plus, relive your best Battle Royale matches with the Replay system.
• Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition — Steer the course of history on Nintendo Switch 2! Featuring new mouse controls that offer a more intuitive experience, players’ decisions will shape the cultural lineage of their empire. Construct cities and architectural wonders, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the world.
• Street Fighter 6 – Experience the next evolution of Street Fighter in Street Fighter 6 with three distinct game modes, new gameplay features and enhanced visuals. Fight your way to the top with new game modes exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 like Local Wireless One on One and Avatar Matches⁹. Enjoy new party modes utilizing Joy-Con 2 controllers like Gyro Battle and Calorie Contest. Plus, players can check out three new amiibo figures and 22 amiibo cards at launch. Choose from Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition, or the digital version of Street Fighter 6, for Nintendo Switch 2 today.

Check out the full list of games available in stores or on Nintendo eShop right now:

• Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACER
• BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster
• Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
• DELTARUNE
• Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Fast Fusion
• Fortnite
• HITMAN World of Assassination - Signature Edition
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
• Mario Kart World
• Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics:
• F-Zero GX
• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
• SOULCALIBUR II
• Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
• NOBUNAGA’S AMBITION: Awakening Complete Edition
• No Man’s Sky – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Sonic X Shadow Generations
• Split Fiction
• Street Fighter 6
• Suikoden I&II HD Remaster for Nintendo Switch 2 Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
• Survival Kids
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut

 

There are also a wide variety of games set to launch for Nintendo Switch 2 soon, including Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D platforming action adventure starring the smashing, bashing, banana-hoarding Donkey Kong (launching July 17); EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26, the latest in the hard-hitting football series (Aug. 14); the explosively outrageous Borderlands 4 (2025); the bewitching roguelike dungeon crawler Hades II (2025); and Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, where Trainers can explore scenic Lumiose City and engage in fierce, real-time Pokémon battles (Oct. 16).

That’s not all – even more titles are launching in the coming months, like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Drag x Drive, Kirby Air Riders, Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World (Aug. 28), FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion (Sept. 5), Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV (July 24), just to name a few.

 

Anyone eager to try Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2 can attend the Nintendo Switch 2 Demo Events at select Best Buy locations with GameTruck this summer! These demo events will take place on weekends beginning June 7, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. local time. For more information on these events, please visit BestBuy.com.

 

Plus, enter the My Nintendo – Nintendo Switch 2 Party with GameTruck Sweepstakes¹⁰ for a chance to win a 2-hour video game party for up to 15 guests. Until Sept. 8, My Nintendo members can redeem 10 My Nintendo Platinum Points to enter, with up to five entries total. Two lucky winners will be selected. For more information, visit the My Nintendo website.

 

Look out for continuing Nintendo Switch 2 content in the free Nintendo Today! smart device app¹¹ for iOS and Android. Visit this page for more information.

 

Remember that Nintendo Switch 2 features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other Nintendo Switch 2 features, visit Nintendo.com.

Make sure you check out my YouTube channel for a detailed unboxing and non-techy review! Thank you so much to Nintendo for gifting us the new Nintendo Switch 2!

 

Toy Reveal! All New Bluey Toys for 2024! Bluey Valentine's Day Gift Guide Round Up! {{Affiliate Links}}

The widely acclaimed and beloved show, Bluey, has pulled on the heartstrings of Aussies to Americans! The television show is wonderful, heartwarmingly funny, and relatable, and the merchandise is equally awesome!

New Bluey toys are hitting the shelves for 2024, and "they are BEAUT-I-FUL!" From playsets to pretend play toys made of wood to dining to craft kits, I have rounded up all of the latest to add to your growing Bluey collections. 

As a mother of two Bluey fans, I can safely say that this list includes a lot of must-haves that would make great gifts for birthdays, graduation gifts, or even for Valentine's Day. I am smitten with the new wooden playsets by Moose Toys! I love how each set takes scenes from specific episodes like Fancy Restaurant with the Dining Set and Fancy Restaurant Set. Horizon Group USA has a wonderful collection of Bluey-themed crafts to help your little one stay inspired and busy, which is why I love their Bluey Sensory Bin that is chock full of items to help support sensory play.