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What we're playing: A new Atari Lynx game in 2018
This week on IRL, we're taking a break from the norm. It's a poorly kept secret that our managing editor, James Trew, has an Atari Lynx fetish. At last count, he owned seven of the things, not to mention every game ever made for them. But while Atari officially abandoned the Lynx way back in the '90s, that hasn't stopped creative types from producing new games for the system. Wyvern Tales is one such game, a labor of love by a solo developer that took eight years to build from scratch. It's the Lynx's first JRPG, and according to James, it's pretty impressive. Let's get weird.
We're listening to: 'MCU in Review'
Welcome back to IRL, our series dedicated to the things that Engadget writers play, use, watch and listen to. With 'Avengers: Infinity War' already the most popular comic book movie of all time, reviews editor Cherlynn Low takes a timely trip through the Marvel back catalog with Kinda Funny's latest podcast series.
What we're buying: A pair of Google Home Mini speakers
This week's hardware IRL is timely, as Google is about to showcase what's coming next at its annual developer conference. It's the perfect occasion to hear Timothy J. Seppala's thoughts on the Google Home Mini, the company's entry-level smart speaker. He ended up buying two, but they haven't quite delivered on everything he was hoping for.
What we're watching: 'Avengers: Infinity War' and 'Lost in Space'
This week's IRL heads to the theater, where the latest Marvel flick is setting box-office records. Find out how several of our editors felt about it (spoiler-free, although we can't guarantee anything about the comments section below), as well as our thoughts on a few new series from Netflix, Hulu and HBO.
What we're playing: 'Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'
This month, Reviews Editor Jamie Rigg discovers one of Nintendo's many slept-on classics. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze came out back in 2014, but because the Wii U wasn't the most popular console around, it didn't exactly sell like hotcakes. Four years on, Nintendo has a hit console on its hands and is rereleasing Tropical Freeze for the Switch.
We're listening to: 'Acquisitions Inc.' and 'The Adventure Zone'
This week's IRL is about podcasts. Or games. Or both? Kris Naudus loves role-playing games -- the ones with dice rather than pixels -- and she also loves podcasts. Combining the two should be a dream, but Kris has struggled to get into some of the most popular shows. Until now.
What we're buying: Toto's toilet upgrade and an old Game Boy Advance
This week's hardware IRL is still in the bathroom. Devindra Hardawar explains how his toilet upgrade bested even the SNES Classic to make it his most recent must-buy. Elsewhere, Rob LeFebvre (once again) gets his hands on a Game Boy Advance SP.
What we're watching: 'The Magicians'
This month, contributing editor David Lumb explains the highs and lows of Syfy's book adaptation The Magicians, while senior news editor Richard Lawler digs into what he likes about professional Overwatch competition.
What we're playing: 'Where the Water Tastes Like Wine'
This month, Contributing Editor David Lumb plays Dim Bulb Games' debut title, 'Where the Water Tastes Like Wine,' and discovers one of America's oldest games: storytelling.
What we're buying: Philips OneBlade shaver
Men don't get much when it comes to the bathroom-gadget oeuvre, and Engadget usually deals in two kinds of them: established devices given a new twist, and extreme futuristic-use cases for the future of our bathroom -- typically aimed at women. Not so in this week's IRL. Bureau Chief Mat Smith's recommendation is for our more... hirsute readers. It's an electric shaver/beard trimmer from Philips. Don't roll your eyes so quickly because things are a little different this time, and for the scruff-loving, sensitive (skinned) Mat, it's game-changing. Calm down with the hyperbole, Mathew.
What we're using: Google Maps while lost in Japan
This month, Associate Editor Mariella Moon humblebrags about her vacation to Japan. But that's not what she's going to discuss. Hailing from a country where Google Maps is lacking in detail (and metro details), she didn't expect much. However, even after installing several rival map and guidance apps, it turned out that Google knew best when it came to directions in Tokyo's spaghetti subway -- and even offered a price estimate. The mapping service is moving fast, but it also brings into focus all the work Google still has left to do elsewhere.
What we're watching: 'Star Wars Rebels' and Marvel's 'Runaways'
Welcome back to IRL, our series dedicated to the things that Engadget writers have been playing, using, watching and listening to. This week is all about what we're watching and includes an explanation of why you need to give Star Wars Rebels another look and check out Marvel's new Runaways series. Finally, we'll take a look back at one of our editors' first Netflix binge-watching experiences to see if it still holds up.
What we're playing: 'Yakuza 0' and 'Reigns: Her Majesty'
Welcome back to Gaming IRL, a monthly segment where several editors talk about what they've been playing in their downtime. This month, we spend too much time taking photos in Assassin's Creed Origins, lose ourselves in Yakuza 0's side stories, and ask the important question: "Tinder or Reigns?"
What we're buying: Dyson's Supersonic hair dryer
This month, Associate Editor Swapna Krishna is singing the praises of Dyson's advanced but pricey hair dryer. Compared with her old model, it's like night and day.
We're listening to: Sia, Tove Lo and 'Where Should We Begin?'
Welcome back to IRL, our series dedicated to the things that Engadget writers have been playing, using, watching and listening to. This week we're focusing on music and podcasts, from Sia's Christmas album through to Rihanna's stunning Anti. First up, executive editor Dana Wollman on the joy of listening to other people's problems.
What we're watching: 'The Room,' 'Mindhunter' and 'Star Trek'
This month we're diving into the film that served as the basis for The Disaster Artist, Tommy Wiseau's The Room, as well as the Netflix series Mindhunter. Also, Cherlynn Low explains what you've been missing in Chinese imperial drama YouTube series, and Dan Cooper has (so many) thoughts about Star Trek: Discovery.
What we're buying: Lightroom on a new iPhone, Google's Pixel 2 cases
This month, we're making the most of our devices, whether that's by testing mobile photo-editing apps, trying out an iPad keyboard that matches its surroundings, or simply just laying down a little too much cash for a pretty-looking Pixel 2 phone case.
What we're playing: 'Super Beat Sports' and 'Animal Crossing'
Welcome back to Gaming IRL, a monthly segment where several editors talk about what they've been playing in their downtime. This month we've been loving Super Beat Sports and Stardew Valley and taking an early look at Nintendo's Animal Crossing mobile game. But first, let Kris Naudus tell you about the scariest dating sim she's ever played.
We're listening to: Chelsea Wolfe and 'The Sounds In My Head'
Welcome back to IRL, our series dedicated to the things that Engadget writers play, use, watch and listen to. This week, we're focusing on music and podcasts, from Chelsea Wolfe through to Kelela. First up, Senior Editor Daniel Cooper explains why he can't stop listening to an erotic novel.
What we're buying: Instant Pot Ultra, Huel and Sleep Cycle
This month is a (mostly) foodie edition of IRL. Nicole Lee sings the praises of the Instant Pot, while Daniel Cooper doesn't last long on the meal-replacement system, Huel. Tim Seppala, however, is just trying to get a good night's rest.
