The Buying Game (Issue 5)

TL;DR: The Buying Game consists of me selecting three products worth buying at different price points. Each product is given a Value Score—based on price and function—and then one is crowned the winner at the end.

How I’d spend $500: Tuneshine

Tuneshine is a 6.3-inch by 6.3-inch LED display that displays artwork of the music you're listening to. The pixel display can connect to Spotify, Apple Music, Sonos, or Last.fm. It can also use Shazam to identify the song playing on the vinyl record spinning and display its artwork.

Price: $199 (link)
Value Score: 6/10

If you're wondering why the price is on the higher side, it's probably because Tuneshine is hand-built in the US. It's a passion project of one person. But if you do want to save a little money, the company is offering $20 off with the code: newsletter20

How I’d spend $150: Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Battery Case

The best part of the Nintendo Switch 2 is that it can be used stationary, docked to a TV, or portable. But that means you'll probably want a case when bringing it places. Belkin offers two: a slim one for $29.99 and a slightly larger one with an integrated battery pack. I like that even with a battery pack, the case remains compact and easy to travel with.

Price: $69.99 (link)
Value Score: 5/10

If $70 is too rich at the moment, Belkin does have another, $29.99 battery-free Switch 2 case. It's tempting since you can buy that case and a portable battery cheaper than the integrated solution. Still, I find it convenient to have a dedicated area for a battery inside the case.

How I’d spend $50: MLS Season Pass

Normally, a full season of Major League Soccer is $99. Now, halfway through the season, Apple is dropping the price to $49, or $39 if you already subscribe to Apple TV+. This year, I've made the most of the subscription, and it's been fun to follow the hometown team, San Diego FC. It doesn't hurt that the team is currently in first place in the Western Conference.

Price: $49 [or $39] (link)
Value Score: 8/10

The best part of MLS Season Pass is that it's all-inclusive. There aren't any blackouts or restrictions. You can watch any match from anywhere, on nearly any kind of device. It's nearly impossible to find that anywhere else, which, in combination with the sale, makes it a good value.

The winning pick: MLS Season Pass

If you have any inclination towards soccer and MLS, specifically, the current offer is a good way to test the waters even more. It's the best value this week.

While not the best way to spend money, Tuneshine is probably the coolest pick this week. I've been using one for several months, and it's great. I have it connected to my Apple Music account and it responds quickly. The retro pixelated image is part of the appeal. Plus, there's even an option to display your own photos when music isn't playing.

Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.

An expensive pick: Samsung The Frame Pro

Samsung's Frame TV looks like a piece of art when it's off, but in general, it's a bad TV. The company's new Frame Pro improves the actual TV experience a little bit, although probably not as much as most people want.

Still, the Frame Pro is technically advanced. Instead of plugging all your HDMI connections directly into the TV, you can plug them into a connection box that transmits the signals wirelessly to the TV set. The Frame Pro comes in 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes and starts at $2,200.

I'm testing this now; it's fine. I would probably get the regular Frame TV for a cheaper price, with all things being equal.

Media pick: Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary can serve as a dual pick. If you haven't read the book yet, you should do it now. There's still a lot of time to finish it before the movie comes out in 2026. But if you're opposed to reading, the movie does look really good based on this first trailer.

Don't buy this: Maxwell MXCP-P100

I think vinyl records still have a few redeeming qualities that make them worth buying, but I'm not sold on cassette tapes. So, as cool as the new Maxwell Bluetooth tape player is, please don't buy it. Tapes aren't the media format you want to get into. Just think of all the rewinding you'll have to do. CDs have the fidelity factor, while vinyl has the tone factor.

Thankfully, the ~$90 MXCP-P100 from Maxell Japan is currently sold out. You definitely don't want to look at the FiiO CP13 either.

This week's other interesting deals and product news

• Sonos is having a sale on its refurbished speakers. You can get an Era 100 for $119 or an Era 300 for $269.
• Nothing announced its new phone and headphones. Frankly, I'm more interested in the square headphones retailing for $299. (They'll be available for preorder on July 4th.) The Headphone 1 feature sound by KEF, ANC, and physical control buttons. I'll have a review of them in the coming weeks.
• Anker has now recalled five different power banks in recent weeks. You can find more information about those on its website.
• Casio's $120 ring watch briefly returned to stock before selling out again. Who knows, maybe it'll become available again.
• The Kobo Libra Colour is $20 off, down to $209.99. Although it doesn't have the Kindle book store behind it, the Libra Colour is probably my favorite e-reader.
• Target's Circle Week deals start July 6.

Other links

• Hidden gems on HBO Max to add to your queue
• New update to the best Traeger grill guide