Jon Bitner

Boulder

Writer at Freelance

Staff Writer at GameSpot

Writer + Journalist | @gamespot, @digitaltrends, @islandsmagazine... He/him. [email protected]

Articles

Minnesota's Under-The-Radar City Mixes Campus Vibes, Artistic Charm, And A Classic Midwest Feel

1 week ago | islands.com | Jon Bitner

While most folks are familiar with the city of Fargo (thanks to the iconic movie by the Coen brothers), few people know about its smaller neighbor — Moorhead. Located across the border, Moorhead is the largest city in northwest Minnesota. It's home to a laid-back, distinctly Midwestern vibe, with the Red River cutting through the western edge of town and plenty of farmland separating it from everything but Fargo.
Hidden In North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains Is A Charming Underappreciated Town With Cozy Cabins And Art

1 week ago | islands.com | Jon Bitner

Valle Crucis is a charming little town on the western edge of North Carolina. Just a short drive from the Tennessee border and buried deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's often considered one of the most beautiful towns in the entire state.
This fragrance diffuser is one of my favorite smart home gadgets of 2025

2 weeks ago | digitaltrends.com | Jon Bitner

We’re about halfway through 2025, and it’s a year that’s been filled with cool smart home products. From a robot vacuum with a robotic arm to a portable misting fan that’s perfect for the impending summer heat, I’ve had the pleasure of testing out dozens of truly unique products. Yet somehow, my favorite smart home gadget of 2025 (so far) is the Aera Smart Fragrance Diffuser — a tiny little device that sits in the corner of my home and works tirelessly to fill my home with invigorating scents.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Getting Physical PS5 And Switch Releases

2 weeks ago | gamespot.com | Jon Bitner

While Ninja Gaiden 4 might be the most anticipated ninja title of 2025, we’re also getting a retro-inspired side-scroller Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound a few month earlier on PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC on July 31. The initial launch will be for the digital version of the game on all platforms.
Save On Gaming Chairs With These Father's Day Sales

2 weeks ago | gamespot.com | Jon Bitner

Amazon is currently offering discounts on select gaming chairs, including a few models with high-end features like built-in speakers, footrests, and additional lumbar support. Inventory is limited, and because some models are on sale at their lowest prices ever, they’re bound to sell out fast. Unfortunately, these chairs won’t ship in time for Father’s Day, but if you’re shopping for yourself (or someone patient), now is a great time to scoop up a budget gaming chair at a great low price.
Blink Video Doorbell vs. Ring Battery Doorbell: which is best for your front door?

2 weeks ago | digitaltrends.com | Jon Bitner

The Blink Video Doorbell just hit the market, and at just $60, it’s a frugal option for shoppers interested in bringing smarts to their front door. Featuring a two-year battery life, person detection, and an improved field-of-view, it’s a well-rounded device given its low price tag. However, the Ring Battery Doorbell is a perennial favorite — it’s not quite as new, but it’s loaded with premium features that have made it a common sight on porches across the planet.
Lego Party Preorders Include 5 Bonus Playable Characters

2 weeks ago | gamespot.com | Jon Bitner

Lego Party launches on PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC later this year, bringing a blocky twist to the party board game formula pioneered by series like Mario Party and Dokapon. While the release date is not yet confirmed, you can preorder physical copies of Lego Party for $45 at Amazon. Grabbing an early copy will also get you a selection of exclusive playable characters as a bonus.
Civilization 7 Deals - Get Switch 2 Version With Mouse Controls For $43

2 weeks ago | gamespot.com | Jon Bitner

Civilization 7 didn’t quite meet the lofty expectations of fans, but it’s still a solid empire-building strategy game worth adding to your collection. That’s especially true for console players, as you can grab Civilization 7 on PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch for just $33 as part of the Woot Video Game Super Sale that runs until June 14. The PS5 and Xbox versions normally cost $70, while the Switch version is usually $60--so in all cases, you're saving quite a bit.
This Officially Licensed Netflix Smart Projector Is Over 50% Off

2 weeks ago | gamespot.com | Jon Bitner

GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links. While Smart TVs are more affordable than ever, projectors are still your best option if you want to watch on the largest screen possible without paying thousands of dollars.
Nestled In Oregon Wine Country Near Portland Is A Quiet City With College Vibes And Sunset Strolls

2 weeks ago | islands.com | Jon Bitner

Vineyards, hiking, and a historic downtown — Newberg, Oregon, has it all. Home to 25,000, Newberg is a tiny city located less than an hour's drive southwest of Portland. It feels a world away, however, as it trades the big-city vibes for a serene landscape overflowing with vineyards and natural wonder. When you're not indulging in a fine glass of wine, you'll have a chance to stroll through its lovely downtown district or venture over to Champoeg State Heritage Park for a scenic hike.