NERDY NEWS

compiled by Madeleine Buckley, associate editor

Source: Microsoft

MICROSOFT IS RELEASING A MINI-FRIDGE SHAPED LIKE THE XBOX SERIES X CONSOLE

As part of the Xbox presentation at this year’s virtual E3 show, Microsoft took a break from game trailers and updates to reveal “a new system that’ll leave others in the cold.” Say hello to the Xbox Mini Fridge (yes, this is real), a working refrigerator designed to look like the Xbox Series X console. For those not in the know, this stems from fans on social media comparing the Series X design to a fridge when Xbox first revealed the system last year.

Now, all gamers — and nongamers who just find this hysterical — can get in on the joke. As revealed in a trailer, the new fridge can hold about 10-12 cans of soda and features a glowing green interior, along with an illuminated Xbox logo on the front, just like the Series X console.

The fridge will be available by the holiday season. Let’s hope it will be an easier gift to find than the Series X console itself! ✪

MARVEL PARTNERS WITH VEVE COLLECTIBLES TO ENTER THE WORLD OF NFTS

Marvel is entering a new realm — the virtual trading realm, that is — in a partnership with VeVe Digital Collectibles.

VeVe, an app available on both iOS and Android, offers digital collectibles featuring a variety of fandoms, such as Adventure Time, Jurassic Park, Star Trek, and more. Soon, fans can start searching far and wide for Marvel non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to add to their collection within the app. The Marvel NFT offerings will include 3D statues and digital comic books, which users will be able to buy, sell, and display as an augmented reality collection. The collectibles will be available within the coming months.

To learn more about VeVe and fandom-inspired NFTs, turn to page 9. ✪

NETFLIX LAUNCHES AN ESHOP OFFERING LIMITED-EDITION FANDOM MERCH

As part of its virtual Geeked Week fan event, Netflix launched Netflix.shop, an online shop selling limited-edition merchandise inspired by Netflix original shows and movies. The offerings on this platform will come in the form of collaborations with artists and designers and will feature exclusive, curated collections of apparel, decorative items, and collectibles.

At launch, the store offered four limited-edition collections inspired by its anime titles Eden and Yasuke, created by Hypland, Japanese apparel company BEAMS, Nathalie Nguyen, and Kristopher Kites.

According to an official release from the streaming platform, products inspired by fan-favorite series Stranger Things and The Witcher will join the platform soon, along with new Netflix logo-wear from BEAMS. ✪

Yasuke Haruto Clock designed by artist Nathalie Nguyen | Source: Netflix.shop

CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF ‘HARRY POTTER’ MOVIES WITH A GAME SHOW, NEW LEGO SETS

This year marks 20 years since the premiere of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and Warner Bros. is celebrating with a variety of new products and entertainment.

Fans can collect a new line of movie-inspired LEGO Harry Potter sets that come with golden anniversary mini-figures of popular characters.

Later this year, Warner Media Kids & Families will release two unscripted Wizarding World programs to commemorate the anniversary: a trivia show competition featuring Harry Potter fans and a retrospective special about the movies. ✪

A scarf made with Schitt’s Creek yarn. Source: Lion Brand

LION BRAND TO RELEASE SCHITT’S CREEK-BRANDED YARN

Lion Brand Yarn Co. has partnered with ITV Studios for an officially licensed Schitt’s Creek product line, including a selection of yarns featuring an exclusive Schitt’s Creek label in shades such as blush pink, black, and heather grey.

Crafty fans can use these yarns with a new selection of patterns (for both adults and kids) that will give detailed instructions for making clothes inspired by outfits the Rose family wore in the popular series.

In addition to the yarns and patterns, the collection will also include throw blankets and pillows. This crafty lineup of merch will be available to purchase at the end of this year. ✪

FANHOME BRINGS ITS INTERACTIVE MODEL-BUILDING KITS TO THE U.S.

Fanhome, a UK-based, subscription collectibles and model-building company, is expanding to the U.S.

The company’s initial U.S. offerings include three build-up models: Iron Man, R2-D2, and the Dodge Charger from the Fast & Furious franchise.

The models are shipped in stages, and each building stage costs around $12-13, with four building stages included in each monthly shipment. Each shipment includes pieces for the model and a 16-page magazine complete with facts about the franchise and building instructions. Depending on the model, it can take anywhere from 1-2 years to complete the building stages.

The built models are packed with features, too. For example, the 24-inch Iron Man features the Mark III armor, complete with light effects and articulation. The kits are available to U.S. fans now, exclusively from fanhome.com. ✪

BRING ON THE ULTIMATE BURN BOOK BATTLE IN A NEW MEAN GIRLS PARTY GAME

Hey, you wanna do something fun? How about playing Mean Girls: The Party Game from Big Potato Games.

In this new game inspired by the 2004 teen movie, players write their names on pages of the “Burn Book,” which also features blank spots where other players anonymously answer questions about them, such as “Who do they have an inappropriate crush on?” Players earn points by correctly guessing who wrote each answer.

The game is available now at Target. ✪