Happy Saturday, dear readers! The big news on the drone beat this month was the official launch of DJI’s Avata 2, a new FPV drone that’s slicker, more stable, and longer-lasting than the original model released in 2022. That said, I wouldn’t consider it a beginner drone at $999, even if it is noticeably cheaper than its last-gen counterpart. If you are after a true beginner drone, however, the DJI Mini 3 is currently on sale at Amazon and Best Buy with DJI’s screen-equipped RC controller for around $549 ($60 off) — an all-time low.
While not as capable as the DJI Mini 4 Pro or even the DJI Mini 3 Pro, the consumer-focused Mini 3 remains an excellent entry-level drone for budding aerial photographers or anyone who is simply drone-curious. The foldable, ultra-portable quadcopter weighs a mere 249 grams (around 8.8 ounces), yet can still handle wind resistance of up to 10.7m/s. Its compact size also means it doesn’t require a permit to fly in the US or abroad, allowing you to achieve up to 38 minutes of flight time without having to file for a permit with regulators like the FCC. Then there’s the onboard 1/1.3-inch camera sensor, which lets you capture video at 4K / 30fps in HDR and shoot stills from 48MP to 12MP in size. It can shoot both portrait and landscape photography as well, in addition to spherical panoramas, all with the help of some pretty effective image and flight stabilization.
If you’re looking to get more out of the DJI Mini 3, Amazon is also selling it as part of a larger bundle containing a DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller, a Shoulder Bag, a Two-Way Charging Hub, and two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries for $589 ($69 off). Alternatively, you can grab the drone by itself at Amazon and Best Buy for around $419 ($50 off), which is the lowest price to date on the standalone unit.
Earlier this week, Nintendo held an Indie World showcase, providing a brief glimpse at forthcoming titles like Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, SteamWorld Heist II, and a smattering of Apple Arcade ports (some of which are already available on the Nintendo Switch). To coincide with the event, Nintendo also launched its spring Indie Sale, which will let you snag a batch of beloved classics through Tuesday, April 23rd.
In addition to being the home of blockbuster first-party titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, I’ve always found the Switch to be the handheld for tackling indie games at home or on the go. Thankfully, Nintendo is currently offering up to 50 percent off some of the best digital titles of the past decade, including Hollow Knight (now $7.50), Tunic (now $20.99), Ori and the Blind Forest (now $7.99), and Vampire Survivors (now $4.24). You can also pick up Hades, a masterclass roguelike, for $12.49 (about $13 off), or the turn-based RPG Sea of Stars for $27.99 ($7 off).
My final callout would have to be Stardew Valley, a wholesome farming simulator that’s on sale right now for $9.99 ($5 off). The 2016 title just received a massive PC update with new festivals and late-game content, and while the long-awaited update 1.6 hasn’t hit the Nintendo Switch as of writing, we’ve been promised it will follow “as soon as possible.”