As the weather warms and outdoor activities beckon, many people look for portable entertainment gadgets to bring along. Costco, the members-only warehouse, offers a wide selection of electronics that can enhance summer adventures. However, not every gadget is a smart purchase. We've evaluated 11 portable entertainment products found at Costco, considering factors like portability, price, usage frequency, and overall value. Here are six gadgets worth adding to your cart and five you can leave on the shelf.
Buy: iPad Pro
The iPad Pro remains one of the most versatile portable devices on the market. With its 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display, 16GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage, it's ideal for streaming, creative work, or light gaming on the go. Apple's tablet boasts a 12MP Center Stage front camera, Face ID, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. While the price is high, Costco offers a $50 discount compared to Apple's store, and the 90-day return policy far exceeds Apple's 14-day window. For those needing a powerful, portable screen, this is a top choice.
Buy: Indoor/Outdoor Projector
The Hisense C2 Pro portable mini projector bundle from Costco brings cinema-quality entertainment anywhere. Weighing just 12.6 pounds, it includes a carrying case and a 120-inch screen. The projector uses triple laser light for vibrant colors and brightness, supports image sizes from 65 to 300 inches, and even adjusts colors based on wall surfaces. With two USB and two HDMI ports plus a 20W JBL sound system, it's perfect for backyard movie nights or road trips. The portability and included accessories make it a standout buy.
Buy: Antigravity A1 Drone
Drones have become common toys, but the Antigravity A1 8K 360 drone offers a premium experience. At $1,280, it's an investment, but the Essentials Bundle includes a 360-degree camera, immersive goggles with 2K live viewing, a motion controller, two batteries (24 minutes each), a carrying case, and more. The drone weighs only 0.55 pounds, making it easy to transport. The 360-degree video allows for creative editing, and the AR dragon feature adds a fantasy element. For serious hobbyists, this drone provides a unique flying experience.
Buy: Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo's Switch 2 continues the legacy of handheld gaming with a 7.9-inch 1080p display, 120fps refresh rate, and a dock supporting 4K output. Costco's bundle includes a 256GB MicroSD Express card and a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, granting access to classic games from multiple retro consoles. The Switch 2 is inherently portable, allowing gaming anywhere. Even if you own the original Switch, the upgraded hardware and exclusive titles make this a worthwhile upgrade.
Buy: Electric Water Blaster
The SpyraGO Premium Electric Water Blaster revolutionizes water fights. It uses electricity to fire water up to 26 feet without pumping. Weighing 2.5 pounds empty, it holds enough water for 75 blasts, and the rechargeable battery lasts for up to 9,000 blasts. A transparent tank shows water level, and an LED display tracks blasts and battery. At Costco, it's only $40, compared to $65 on Amazon. This is a great summer gadget for kids and adults alike, offering endless fun without manual pumping.
Buy: Junior Metal Detector
The National Geographic Junior Metal Detector Treasure Kit is designed for young treasure hunters. It weighs only 1.5 pounds, folds down to 13 inches, and includes nine rocks, gemstones, and replica gold coins for practice. The device lights up and beeps when metal is detected, and comes with a trowel. While it's entry-level, the metal detecting community agrees it's a solid starter tool. The NatGeo brand adds credibility, and it encourages outdoor exploration. At a low price, it's a great way to spark a child's interest in archaeology.
Skip: Sony PlayStation Portal Remote Player Bundle
The PlayStation Portal is essentially an 8-inch screen attached to a DualSense controller, allowing remote play of PS5 games. However, it requires a PS5 at home to function and cannot run games independently. This makes it redundant, as the free PS Remote Play app on smartphones and tablets offers the same functionality. Users also report connectivity and lag issues. While convenient for dedicated players, it's an unnecessary expense when most people already have a capable device in their pocket.
Skip: All-in-One Party Speaker
The Pioneer PSX615 700 Watt Party Speaker is powerful but impractical for casual use. With Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast, RGB lights, a tripod stand, and a wireless microphone, it targets professional events. Weighing heavily and featuring all-terrain wheels, it's cumbersome to transport. While IPX4 splash resistance is nice, smaller Bluetooth speakers offer more portability without sacrificing sound quality for personal use. Unless you regularly host large parties, this speaker is overkill.
Skip: HoverAir Self-Flying Camera
The HoverAir X1 ProMax is an autonomous drone designed to follow users for action shots. It captures 8K video at 30fps or 4K at 120fps, folds into a pocket, and includes two batteries. However, it struggles with reliable tracking and video transmission, as noted in expert reviews. Users report the drone can lose sight of its target and disappear. For a device costing several hundred dollars, these reliability issues are unacceptable. Until these kinks are ironed out, it's better to invest in a more dependable camera drone.
Skip: Ultimate Karaoke Party System
The Singing Machine Ultimate Karaoke Party System features a 10-inch touchscreen, two wireless microphones, and access to streaming services. It also includes AI vocal removal. While feature-rich, it's a large, dedicated device that might not see regular use. For occasional karaoke lovers, visiting a karaoke bar or using a smartphone app is more practical. The space it occupies and the price justify skipping this for most households.
Skip: Meta Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3 offers impressive VR with per-eye 4K resolution (2,064 x 2,208 pixels), 512GB storage, and a 12-month Horizon+ subscription. It's wireless and portable, but at $500—unchanged from its launch three years ago—it's a steep investment. For VR newcomers, the price may be off-putting, and more affordable alternatives exist. Enthusiasts might prefer to wait for a next-generation headset or compare competing options. Unless you're committed to the Meta ecosystem, this is a pass.
All selections were based on expert reviews, community consensus, and practical considerations of portability, entertainment value, and cost. Whether planning summer road trips or backyard fun, these recommendations help you make informed decisions at Costco.
Source: SlashGear News