CES 2026 Buying Guide: Best Tech Deals to Buy in January

THE SMART BUYER GUIDE TO THE CES HANGOVER: WHAT TO ACTUALLY BUY IN JANUARY

Every year in early January, the tech world descends into a collective fever dream known as CES. I have covered this show for fifteen years, and the pattern is always the same: companies show off 110-inch transparent screens, AI-powered toothbrushes, and flying cars that will never see a suburban driveway. By the time the second week of January rolls around, the hype begins to fade, leaving most consumers with a CES Hangover—a mix of tech fatigue and the feeling that their current gadgets are suddenly obsolete.

But here is the secret I’ve learned after a decade and a half on the show floor: the best things to buy right now aren’t the prototypes that might ship in 2027. The real wins are the strategic purchases you make while everyone else is distracted by the shiny objects. January is the best time of year to be a rational buyer. Retailers are clearing out 2025 inventory to make room for the new models, and "just-released" items are often paired with aggressive promo codes to capture post-holiday momentum.

If you are looking to upgrade your tech stack or find a meaningful gift, forget the vaporware. Here is what you should actually be looking at this month.

THE NINTENDO STRATEGY: COMPLETING THE COLLECTION

Best for: The Nostalgic Gamer and the Future-Proof Collector

The biggest shadow loomed over the gaming world this month isn't a new PC graphics card, but the inevitable arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2. While the rumors are reaching a boiling point, smart gamers know that this is the golden window for the current hardware. Nintendo has a history of supporting their outgoing consoles with some of their most polished software, and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the perfect example.

Originally a Wii masterpiece, this high-definition glow-up is more than just a trip down memory lane. It is a reminder of why the Switch became a household staple. With the Switch 2 likely to feature backward compatibility, investing in high-quality physical or digital titles like this now is a move for the long haul. You get the best version of a classic platformer today, and a library essential for your next console tomorrow.

Whether you are looking for a gift for a younger player or a seasoned pro who missed the Wii era, this title represents the peak of 2D platforming design. Don't wait for the next console to enjoy the best of the current one.

PRO TIP: THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL COMPANION

Best for: The Digital Nomad Who Forgets to Charge

One of the most practical trends to emerge from this year’s show is the refinement of Qi2 charging technology. It isn't as flashy as a robot butler, but it’s far more useful. Anker has consistently outpaced the competition in this space, and their latest MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station is the current gold standard. It’s a foldable, compact cube that charges your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously.

The real "insider" move here involves the pricing. Because so many people are looking at the newest "Gen 2" or "Ultra" versions of gadgets right now, Anker often runs aggressive promotions on their flagship charging gear to maintain their top-seller status.

PRO TIP: You can currently use the promo code ANKERPOWER26 at checkout on their official site or Amazon to knock 15 percent off the retail price. This takes a premium piece of hardware down to a price point that makes it the perfect gift for anyone who spends their life in airports or coffee shops. It’s the kind of utility that earns its keep within the first forty-eight hours of ownership.

THE VALUE OF THE PREVIOUS GENERATION: PREMIUM AUDIO

Best for: The Commuter Who Craves Total Silence

If there is one category where the CES hype cycle creates the most opportunity, it is noise-canceling headphones. Every manufacturer just announced a new flagship model with "2 percent better noise cancellation" and a 20 percent higher price tag. This is exactly why you should look at the Sony WH-1000XM5.

Even with newer models hitting the shelves, the XM5s remain the benchmark for actual, real-world performance. They offer industry-leading silence, incredible battery life, and a lightweight design that doesn’t cause fatigue during a cross-country flight. Because the "newest" version is what everyone is talking about, you can often find the XM5s at a significant discount this month.

When you buy a pair of headphones that were the absolute best in the world six months ago, you aren't "settling." You are making a strategic play for high-end performance without the "early adopter" tax. For a gift that feels truly luxury, this is the smartest path in the current market.

SMART HOME SIMPLICITY: THE MATTER TRANSITION

Best for: The Homeowner Who Wants Things to Just Work

Smart home tech used to be a nightmare of competing standards and hubs. But we are finally in the era of Matter—the universal language that allows Apple, Google, and Amazon devices to talk to each other. The Nanoleaf Essentials Matter line is the perfect entry point for anyone looking to modernize their space without getting a degree in computer engineering.

The reason to buy these in January is simple: software stability. These devices have been on the market long enough to have their initial bugs ironed out, but they are modern enough to be compatible with everything coming out in 2026. They are reliable, bright, and significantly cheaper than the elaborate "light panels" you see in the background of every YouTuber’s studio. They make a fantastic, practical gift for anyone looking to add a bit of automated atmosphere to their home office or bedroom.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The secret to navigating the world of consumer technology isn’t having the biggest budget; it’s having the best timing. CES is designed to make you feel like your current tech is ancient, but 15 years in the trenches have taught me that the "newest" thing is rarely the "best" thing for your wallet or your daily life.

By focusing on high-quality library additions like Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, utilizing pro-level promo codes for essential gear like the Anker MagGo, and snagging "last-gen" premium audio, you aren't just buying gadgets. You are building a tech ecosystem that is functional, high-performing, and financially responsible.

Ignore the confetti, skip the transparent TVs, and make the strategic move. Your future self—and your bank account—will thank you.