It is the first weekend of February 2026, and the cultural zeitgeist is firmly focused on Super Bowl LX. Whether fans are tuning in for the gridiron matchup or the highly anticipated "Benito Bowl"—the halftime show headlined by global sensation Bad Bunny—the event marks a pivotal moment in the annual consumer electronics calendar. While the game kicks off on Sunday, February 8th, at 6:30 PM ET on Peacock and NBC, the real action for technology enthusiasts is happening in the retail aisles.
As retailers scramble to clear inventory before the arrival of 2026 hardware, we are witnessing one of the most aggressive clearance cycles in recent memory. The standout headline is not just the game, but the plummeting price of the LG C5 OLED TV, a 2025 flagship model that has seen its price slashed by nearly 50% in a bid to make way for the incoming C6. This convergence of major sporting events and inventory logistics has created a rare window of opportunity for high-end tech adoption.
Is the LG C5 OLED still worth buying in 2026?
With the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 having concluded last month, LG has already unveiled the successor to the C5: the LG C6 OLED. This naturally raises the question of whether consumers should buy the discounted C5 or wait for the newer model. The answer largely depends on value perception.
The 65-inch LG C5, originally priced at approximately $2,699, is currently available for roughly $1,397 at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. This represents a staggering price drop for a television that is less than a year old. While the incoming LG C6 boasts a new Alpha 11 processor and an increased 165Hz refresh rate, the C5 remains a formidable piece of hardware. Its 144Hz refresh rate is more than sufficient for the vast majority of console gamers and cinephiles.
For most users, the technical leap from the C5 to the C6 is incremental rather than revolutionary. The deep blacks and infinite contrast characteristic of OLED technology are fully present in the C5, making it a premium viewing experience for the Super Bowl. Unless a user requires the absolute cutting edge of refresh rate technology for competitive PC gaming, the C5 at $1,400 offers significantly better price-to-performance value than a full-priced launch model.
What are the best tech deals for Super Bowl LX beyond TVs?
While big screens dominate the conversation, the "Benito Bowl" sales events have trickled down to mobile accessories and gaming software as well. Notable among these is the Anker Prime 25,000mAh Power Bank. Often referred to as the successor to the popular 737 model, this high-capacity battery has dropped to approximately $88 from its typical price point of over $135.
This deal highlights a broader trend of discounting premium accessories alongside major hardware. The Anker Prime bank is capable of charging laptops and multiple devices simultaneously, positioning it as an essential tool for those traveling to watch parties or managing multiple devices during the game.
On the software front, digital retailers are capitalizing on the weekend’s traffic. Humble Bundle has launched a "Sci-Fi Shooters 2.0" pack for $20. The bundle includes high-profile titles such as DOOM Eternal, Prey Digital Deluxe, and Black Mesa. For gamers who may not be interested in the football festivities, this offers hundreds of hours of gameplay at a fraction of the individual retail costs.
When will the LG C6 OLED be released?
The urgency behind the current LG C5 discounts is driven entirely by the impending release of the LG C6. Following its announcement at CES in January, the C6 is slated to begin shipping in late March or early April 2026. Retailers are currently sitting on the last substantial stock of the 2025 C5 models.
Historically, once the new models hit the shelves, the previous generation’s stock dries up rapidly. The current pricing strategy suggests that retailers are aiming to reach "zero inventory" on the C5 before the C6 marketing push begins in earnest. This creates a hard deadline for consumers: once these units are sold during the Super Bowl rush, it is unlikely they will be restocked.
ByteWire Analysis
The 50% price reduction on the LG C5 is a market correction that signals intense competition in the OLED space. By dropping the 65-inch model to under $1,400, LG is effectively setting a new benchmark for what constitutes "premium value." This move places immense pressure on competitors like Samsung (specifically their S95 series) and Sony to match pricing if they hope to clear their own 2025 inventory.
Furthermore, this deal highlights the diminishing returns of annual TV upgrades. The gap between the 2025 C5 and the 2026 C6 is largely defined by processor speed and a marginal refresh rate bump (144Hz to 165Hz). For the average consumer watching the Super Bowl or streaming 4K content, these differences are negligible. LG is essentially admitting that to move volume, price—not specs—is the current lever.
What This Means
The convergence of Super Bowl LX and the pre-spring tech refresh has created a buyer’s market. The "Benito Bowl" is serving as a convenient marketing hook for what is essentially a logistical necessity: clearing warehouses.
For consumers, this means the next few days represent the best time to buy a high-end TV until Black Friday 2026. If you are in the market for a display upgrade, waiting for the C6 will likely cost you an additional $1,200 for features you may rarely use. The smart money is on the C5, leaving plenty of budget leftover for a high-capacity power bank or a library of sci-fi shooters.
