Razer has been a bit quieter on the content creation side of things in recent years, but today it's launching a new webcam that absolutely reinstates its claim to the top of the creator market. The Razer Kiyo V2 Pro is the world's second 4K60 webcam, and it's finally a true successor to the Kiyo Pro Ultra launched at the start of 2023. If this new model is anything like its predecessor, it could end up being one of the best bits of content creation gear ever made.

The new Kiyo V2 Pro adopts a different shape than the previous iterations of the Kiyo, with a horizontal body behind it, but it's still got the same recognizable lens on its face - and it's no less bulky than the Kiyo Pro Ultra.

It's fitted with a Sony STARVIS 2 sensor that's 1/1.8 inches and a lens that has an f/1.9 aperture. That actually means the new model has a smaller sensor than the Kiyo Pro Ultra, which does make some sense, seeing as the Ultra version still has the biggest sensor ever put in a webcam. Aperture on both models is the same, however. Razer says the V2 Pro supplies 4K60 capture with reduced motion blur over previous iterations. There's also ultra-high dynamic range and a wide-angle lens with no edge distortion.

Of course, there's plenty going on in Synapse to help you control it as well, with one-click image enhancement and DSLR image customization for things like aperture. It also wouldn't be a modern-day webcam without a dose of AI thrown in, so Razer has included AI-powered auto-framing. That's not generative AI, just the same kind of AI pan, tilt, and zoom we've been seeing in webcams like Obsbot, Insta360, and more.

In a deeper dive through Synapse controls, you'll be able to choose your ISO, shutter speed, white balance, exposure, gain, motion clarity, and more. Many of these settings were available with the Kiyo Pro Ultra, but with an updated sensor and innards, there's bound to be even more to play with.

I've been using the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra for all of my YouTube content since it launched, and people are frequently surprised when I tell them I'm not using a DSLR camera. I've always loved it for its image clarity in low-light conditions - it may be a bulky monster of a webcam that's not exactly in keeping with the tiny convenience of many of its rivals, but Razer's cams aren't bred for that purpose. The Kiyo V2 Pro, like its predecessor, aims to give content creators like me the best possible camera quality and capabilities without the need for a very pricey DSLR purchase, and a bulky body and massive sensor make that happen.

With that in mind, there's a universal mount and standard L-shaped mount to help you secure the camera to a monitor or mount it to a tripod. I'm hoping there's a sizing compatibility here so I can attach it to my Elgato Prompter, since this could end up being the ultimate combination for YouTubers and streamers like me. At the same time, you still get the best of both worlds if you want to use this as a webcam, because there's an integrated privacy shutter for when you're not using it and don't want people spying on you through software.

No rubber camera lens cover this time though, as Razer noted to me in a press briefing that they realised there was no need for both. Personally, I quite liked having the lens cover as protection for what was a very pricey webcam.

Speaking of which, Razer has kept the pricing of the Kiyo V2 Pro consistent with the Kiyo Pro Ultra, launching to the same tune of $299.99 / £299.99. That's still very expensive for a webcam, but I'm glad that, all this time later, it hasn't upped the cost, especially because, as stock has waned, the price of the Kiyo Pro Ultra has increased.

• Find the Razer Kiyo V2 Pro at Amazon

Looking to give your YouTube or Twitch channel a facelift? Check out the best microphones for streaming and gaming, the best streaming mixer, and the best capture card.

I’ve tested enough handhelds at this stage to know most device makers like to play it safe. The Gamercard isn’t remotely one of those handhelds, and that’s hardly surprising considering it shares a lineage with the very man who pioneered the microcomputer that arguably kicked off a whole gaming industry in the UK. That inventor is none other than the legendary Sir Clive Sinclair of ZX Spectrum fame, and his nephew, Grant Sinclair, is carrying the mantle within the portable console space.

Objectively speaking, the Gamecard doesn’t trade blows with the best gaming handhelds out there. I almost feel like that’s intentional by design, as comparing it to the majority of emulation devices and consoles out there effectively feels the same to placing the ZX Spectrum next to other microcomputers like the Commodore 64 and the MSX. By that, I mean there are elements of the Gamercard that absolutely put it at a disadvantage, and while that will be an automatic turn-off for some, I’m drawn in by this gadget’s odd design choices and inherent limitations.

Starting at £99, the Gamercard feels very much like the same genre of handheld as the Playdate. Yes, I could slate it for its strange rubber pads, aversion to any sort of ergonomics, and odd-shaped screen, just like you could dunk on Panic for releasing something with a monochrome, non-backlit screen in 2022. Doing that completely overlooks the beauty of making a unique platform where indie games and tinkering can flourish, though, and if I’m being real, I’d take that over a conventionally “good” portable any day.

Card by name, card by nature

The Gamercard’s whole design philosophy is that it’s meant to resemble a gift card. It fully commits to this idea in almost every way, even going as far as to feature a built-in hang tag. That’s pretty funny since it’s unlikely to be on any standees or shop ends out of its box, but it's going for the same vibes as something like a Teenage Engineering Rhythm Synthesizer, and it’s doing so in more ways than one.

You see, upon freeing the Gamercard from its minimalist cardboard packaging, you’ll swiftly realise this handheld’s guts aren’t in a shell. In fact, its guts are the shell, as this device is made up of stacked PCBs with Raspberry Pi innards sandwiched between what are virtually etched circuit boards. That’s how this portable manages to measure in at just 6.5mm thick, despite packing a 720 x 720 IPS screen and 13 buttons in there.

I’m not quite sure describing the Gamercard is minimalist does the handheld justice, and it disregards the unique blend of rough and refined. The black and gold PCB mask coating evokes a sense of elegance that makes the portable almost feel high-end, while elements like the etched back-of-box blurb at the rear keep it grounded as a substance-over-style DIY device.

The whole approach of making a Raspberry Pi handheld that’s virtually just a PCB sandwich means caveats are unavoidable. Your hands aren’t going to be too happy with you spending hours with the Gamercard since there are zero ergonomic curves or accommodations. My personal counterargument there is that we’re all too happy to doomscroll on heavier phones for hours at a time, so while it’s okay to moan a little about crampy claws, keep your complaints in mind the next time you reach for your rectangle of despair.

Return of the living dead(flesh keys)

Love it or hate it, the ZX Spectrum’s “dead flesh” rubber keyboard is part of the microcomputer’s legacy. While Sir Clive’s choice of keeb was integral to affordability, Grant Sinclair has effectively emulated the spirit of the controversial buttons with the Gamercard’s strange circular disks.

Originally, I’d assumed the front pads would feel more like Valve’s OG Steam Controller. Instead, they feel almost like the ZX Spectrum had clicky microswitches under its squishy rubber instead of membranes, and the result is something that feels eerily similar but with enhanced tactility. It makes for a pretty clever way to keep things super low-profile while still providing 4 directional inputs and four face buttons, but I’d be lying if I said I was in love with the setup.

I pretty much feel the same way about the ZX Spectrum keyboard in that while I’ll happily use it to embrace the overarching ethos of the microcomputer and handheld alike, it’s hard to push desires for full controls down. In the case of the Gamercard, adding a proper D-pad and raised buttons would disrupt the whole low-profile vibe the device is going for, so I’m happy with classing the buttons as a necessary con.

Perhaps I’m being a bit too much of a backseat handheld designer without an awareness of costings, but some customization on the buttons front could have fixed my gripes. Being able to swap out the rubber pads for something more like a raised D-pad would have made a massive difference to the feel, all while not permanently disrupting the core feel of the device.

The solution there could be to utilize the Gamercard’s Bluetooth connectivity, which is present alongside mini HDMI at the side to allow for big-screen gaming. I wasn’t able to actually sync up any gamepads yet, which could be because the feature is coming in a later OS update, but I’m keen on the idea of experimenting with hooking up a GameSir Pocket Taco or even 8Bitdo’s FlipPad as an overlay alternative.

You could call trying to add controllers to the handheld as blasphemy, and I’ll take that on the chin. At the same time, the experimental nature of the Gamercard means I’m keen to put together a setup that works for me, and that feels very much in the same spirit as bolting joystick interfaces and other gizmos to a ZX Spectrum back in the ‘80s.

A punchy slice of Pi

As someone who first tinkered with a Raspberry Pi Model B back in 2015, it’s hard to get my head around the Gamercard being one. What do you mean this handheld, with the same thickness as a coaster, is a tiny Linux-based computer? Even when I do stare at a bare Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, the very board this portable is using, and fully comprehend its size, I’m still baffled that it’s living inside this device.

There’s something charming about the nephew of a microcomputer pioneer using a literal micro computer to make a new gaming device. It’s not like it compromises on specs, as the Pi Zero 2 is packing an ARM Cortex-A53, 512MB RAM, and room for a microSD card. Effectively, while the Pi is impossibly tiny, it can actually keep up with sub-$100 portables by the likes of Anbernic, like the RG28XX, while boasting a much bigger, higher-res square screen not unlike the RG Cube.

It should be becoming clearer that the Gamercard isn’t hoping to sail on the success of its ZX Spectrum ancestor. If anything, you should be thinking more about what the Sinclair name means in this scenario, as this handheld is all about providing the right amount of power to fuel creativity and run everything you’re meant to on something with this form factor.

While the Gamercard knocks on your door with promises of impressive emulation abilities, and really delivers on that front, its underlying goal is to introduce you to Pi gaming. The Zero 2’s specs are integral to that mission, as it means you can dive into the pre-installed Store and the separate PICO-8 store app.

What is PICO-8? It’s actually an emulator for a fictional console. Yes, I know that sounds bizarre, but the idea is that it gives developers a 8-bit platform and a place to make creative capers within a restrictive environment. The idea isn’t unlike the Playdate in that encourages low-spec innovation, placing all the attention on gameplay loops and clever mechanics rather than shiny visuals.

If you really just want to emulate a bunch of retro consoles, the Gamercard will deliver. In 2026, running even PS1 games on the dinkiest of devices isn’t really that impressive, though, and I fully believe this Pi Zero 2 portable’s specs pack the biggest punch when running Pi-specific ports and classics that never existed in the first place.

Down the Raspberry Pi rabbit hole

I know I keep comparing the Gamercard to the Playdate, but it’s the closest handheld I can think of when it comes to fuelling pure curiosity. The device’s OS really isn’t the slickest frontend out there, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t continually muddled by which clicky switch under the rubber pads was the right button. Yet, between scrolling through the device’s own store and the PICO-8 App’s separate collection, I found that I was too intrigued to focus on the questionable controls and absence of ergonomics.

Even before you get to the fantasy console emulator, the Gamercard really has you covered on the Pi gaming front. It comes with a bunch of full games pre-loaded, like the platformer Bloo Kid 2, rhythm shooter AstroBlaze DX, and Clive Townsend’s Saboteur trilogy for all the Speccy fans drawn by the Sinclair name. The excellent thing here is that this collection has been custom tuned for the square screen and the handheld’s specific Pi hardware, which means while you can play them on something like the Switch, their presence feels natural on the portable.

At least, they feel as natural as they can when played with single momentary switches under rubber pads. I’ll admit that I could feel frustration surfacing when timing jumps in Bloo Kid 2, only to either not directly press the button under in a way that registers as an input. As someone that likes to roll their thumb across D-pads, it really took several sessions to get used to the individual directionals too.

But, I did manage to eventually zone out enough to put the controls out of mind, allowing me to enjoy (or in the case of Saboteur, be extremely bad at) playing games on the Gamercard. I’d really advise against wanting to be good at anything on this handheld, as it’s not really geared towards anyone looking to hone their skills. The same could be said for trying to play games using the ZX Spectrum keyboard rather than a proper joystick, but my point is that this portable should be used as a portal to games to spark your intrigue, rather than a definitive way to play.

Once you’re done with the freebies, you’re free to grab anything going at the Gamercard store, fetch RetroPi to revisit your own collection, or venture into the world of PICO-8. Before I get to the latter, I’d like to express how excited I was to see a Quake port on the store, as the idea of playing the shooter on something that’s the same profile as my wallet is simply bananas. Again, the controls are less than ideal, but playing the shooter using little clicky switches is worth it for pure novelty factor alone.

On to the PICO-8 parts, and I really do think the Gamercard shines at giving the fantasy console a host body. While I do thing the big thumbnail grid of the main interface works well, I was pretty captivated by the app’s specific “SPLORE” lo-fi cartridge browser, and clicking through to list felt like a more magical experience thanks to the handheld’s crispy square 4-inch IPS screen and those clicky pads.

Again, you’re not meant to feel like you're good at any of this. The joy in playing PICO-8 games is diving into the unexpected with less-than-ideal tools. Before you know it, you’ll be lobbing things at birds in “we fed seagulls last week” or playing a Krispy Kreme version of Flappy Bird. The carts out there for the platform range from silly arcade fun to more in-depth, impressive tower defence games like Necromancer TD.

The whole experience is undeniably delightful, and it absolutely scratches the same itch as the Playdate or even full-blown, deliberately low-spec consoles like the 8-bit Gametank. PICO-8 support is absolutely a main reason to pick the Gametank up, and while the app will virtually run on anything, the fact it looks so sharp on the handheld’s square screen and sounds excellent on its surprisingly serviceable built-in speakers mean I’d pick the portable deliberately for the platform.

Gamercard gripes and grumbles

I want to take a second to outline some Gamercard elements that keep creeping up on me, just on the off-chance that they’re a deal-breaker for you personally. One of the first ties once again to buttons, as there’s no real dedicated home button to get you back to the main screen. There are Start and Select buttons on the top right, but whether they’ll give you the option to quit out fully depends on the game you’ve got open.

There are also no dedicated on-board volume controls, meaning you have to go into the settings menu on the home page. Some apps may take a different approach to hot keys and button combos, but as far as I can tell, there’s no universal way to toggle. On the subject of audio, there’s also no room for a headphone jack on this handheld, meaning you’ll need to stick with USB-C or Bluetooth when the latter is available to use. That’s a bit of a shame seeing as there are two music apps on the storefront, and I’d love to use this thing as a weird MP3 player hooked onto a carabiner.

My only other gripe is admittedly half-hearted, as it stems to battery life. During testing, I found that I was only able to get around two hours out of the Gamercard, but I suspect that was due to having the screen brightness cranked up pretty high. If you’re conservative with the 1,600mAh cells, you should be able to stretch their runtime, but I really shouldn’t be grumbling considering the thinness of this handheld.

Should you pick up the Gamercard?

You arguably have to be a specific type of curious cat to let the Gamercard kill your thumbs with its strange rubber pad controls and no grips. I for one am certainly that kind of cat, and while there are drawbacks with using a handheld this thin, the entire setup provides a unique on the go gaming experience, warts and all.

It’s easy to simply brand the Gamercard as a ZX Spectrum based on its creator’s family name. For what it’s worth, Grant Sinclair is absolutely living up to his uncle’s legacy here with this handheld, innovating with a specific portable vision rather than just going with the flow. There are clear callbacks to the microcomputer weaved into this device’s design, but at the same time, I reckon the Raspberry Pi-based system deserves to be celebrated in its own right as something different play games on while RAMageddon wreaks havoc with higher spec options.

If you’re looking for portable perfection, you really shouldn’t be immediately reaching for the Gamercard. You won’t struggle to find another handheld that’ll provide your mitts with something conventional for console emulation, but they won’t quite feel as weird and exciting as this ultra-thin device. The idea here is that you’re getting a fresh platform to try that’s free from the old rhythm of installing Android apps, all while still having access to many of the same games as typical options.

This is arguably just the beginning for the Gamercard, and that personally helps me look past some of its flaws. The main storefront is still in beta, and as more developers are drawn to the platform, I suspect we’ll see hardware revisions and upgrades as the scene expands. I can’t wait to see what ends up on the Gamercard and how it evolves over time, and I’ve got a fully feeling we could be looking at the next big Indie powerhouse portable.

How I tested the Gamercard

For a month, I used the Gamercard as a handheld at home and while travelling to play its built-in games, experiment with RetroPi, and dive into PICO-8 releases using the app. Throughout that time, I assessed the portable console’s ergonomics and controls alongside its screen quality and clarity to weigh up whether it offers up a great way to play games compared to other options around the same price.

For more information on how we test handhelds and retro gadgets, swing by our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy for a full rundown.

Meta Connect's keynote for 2026 is in the can, and although some people might have been hoping for the arrival of the Meta Quest 4, the social media company is doubling down on its smart glasses and wearable AI tech instead. I wasn't expecting a new VR headset to launch after what's been a pretty dire year for Meta's Reality Labs division, and it turns out the leaked glasses-headset hybrid from last week was accurate.

The Meta VR Glasses will launch in Spring of 2027 for $1,299 (without any controllers which are available separately for additional cost), with no UK price announced yet. Their focus is on folding, portable convenience - so much so that their Snapdragon Reality Elite processor doesn't even come fixed in them; it's separate in a small battery puck that fits in your pocket and lasts up to three hours. You can plug the Glasses into any USB device and use it as a display, but it takes a far more mixed-reality, hand-tracking approach to things, which puts it much more in line with the Apple Vision Pro.

So, why the massive price tag? Well, the VR Glasses sport two Micro-OLED displays with a 5K, Infinite, Dolby Vision resolution per eye, and the device only weighs 100g (down from the 515g of the Quest 3). That said, it will only have a 70-degree horizontal FOV, down from the 110 degrees that most VR headsets feature.

The clue is in the name here, but this isn't the successor to the Quest 3 and 3S. Its price also indicates that, since the Quest headsets have always been about making this sort of technology accessible, and the price tag on these new glasses is not. Will we see a true successor to the Quest headsets? I think it depends on how well this new, more wearable approach from Meta goes.

While the new VR Glasses can play any game currently on the Quest store and run all of the same mixed-reality apps, their main emphasis isn't gaming. Meta says that the Glasses will be able to play over 75 VR games at launch that have been revamped to use hand-tracking. You'll also be able to use them like a pair of XR glasses, hooking them up to a console or PC to use as a massive virtual display. Still, the focus here is clearly more on entertainment and some spatial computing thrown in.

Why do I say that? Because that form factor, FOV, and the lack of controllers do not lend themselves to gaming. There's also no gaming being done in the reveal trailer, so I'll let you be the judge of how these are intended to be used.

I don't think anyone should be surprised that the VR Glasses are taking a much more radical approach to wearability than the Quest headsets have. I've reported before on how the Quest headsets just aren't making a profit because of their approachable price tags, but the brand's Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses are. Reality Labs has seen multiple rounds of layoffs this year, and Meta's biggest gaming studios, previously known for making games that support the Quest headsets, have been shuttered.

Despite the company's CTO saying Meta isn't done with VR, I think the writing might be on the wall as to how its future in VR looks - and it looks like glasses over headsets.

Of course, more wearable devices, like Meta's smart glasses, aren't free of issues either. Even if they're proving popular, privacy concerns are a frequent thorn in their side, and for good reason. While the company doubles down on them with a new generation that includes "Muse", the brand's agentic AI, I worry that there has been little to nothing done to stem those privacy issues for the new generation.

Yes, the VR Glasses are a bit more obviously seen at a glance, but a further push toward wearable AI means more and more covert video capture and potential misuse.

A few weeks ago, Meta issued an update that bricked its smart glasses' integrated cameras if you had disabled their recording light - a response to thousands of users who had done this. But even with that recording light, privacy concerns are still valid when the integrated AI can access the camera without that recording light, and personally, I think that's just as big a concern.

We've seen what Meta can do with its data hoarding in the past; we've seen questionable links to China that have surfaced, with Mark Zuckerberg being questioned during a US Senate committee hearing, and the BBC reported that the CEO was "hand-in-glove" with the CCP. I fear these privacy issues will only grow as the brand continues to push toward its more wearable VR Glasses.

If I were a gamer shopping around today, I'd focus my spending elsewhere for a proper VR headset that puts more of a focus on gaming. The Steam Frame has just arrived, PSVR 2 is a viable option, and PC gamers have an alternative (if they can afford it) in the Pimax Dream Air.

You can also stick to flat-screen gaming thanks to the best gaming PCs, the best gaming laptops, and the best retro handhelds.

Out of all the tech that's currently cluttering up my home office, it's the Asus TUF Gaming Hatsune Miku accessories that friends always ask me about - and I'm not surprised in the slightest.

The line (which includes a keyboard, mouse, mousepad, and a headset) is absolutely adorable with its turquoise and pink Miku color palette and little callouts to the virtual diva - from her appearance on the spacebar to the Miku-shaped LED silhouette on the mouse. Yet, as good as they look, I don't as often recommend my pals pick them up due to their inflated licensed tech prices, but today is a little different.

Included as part of Amazon's early Prime Day savings, both the Miku Edition mouse and keyboard have dropped to $74.99 and $84.99 today. Unfortunately, the entirety of the set isn't part of these early savings, but these discounts (a record low in the case of the keyboard) are enough that I feel like I can finally whole heartedly reccomend them to my fellow anime and Miku nerdy bffs.

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The Miku Edition Mini Wireless Mouse is definitely the accessory friends notice first from the set, and I'm glad, as it's my favorite from the entire Asus x TUF Gaming range. It doesn't quite have the specs to put the best gaming mouse to shame, but the little wireless rodent is equipped with a 12,000-dpi sensor with a 1,000Hz polling rate, and of course, that glowing LED Hatsune Miku design right on the palm rest.

My favorite feature (besides the glowing Miku) is its 134-hour battery life and handy Tri-mode connectivity. I rarely have to charge this mouse, but when I do, I can still use it in wired mode, which is incredibly handy when I spend a huge chunk of my time at my desk. Its 2.4GHz connectivity is also powered by a tiny, cute turquoise dongle that can be stored on the underside of the mouse when not in use, which I appreciate as someone who loses dongles by the day.

Today's savings drop the go-to mouse down to $75.99, which isn't quite a record low, but it's not far off its best $74.09 tag. For a mouse that typically costs $109.99 when Prime Day isn't on the horizon, that $34 off deal is a great sight to behold, but the keyboard discount is even better.

The K3 Gen II Hatsune Miku Edition Wired USB gaming keyboard is usually $99.99, but Amazon's discount today returns it to an $84.99 record low. It has been this cheap before, but only for a moment earlier this summer, according to my handy CamelCamelCamel price checker. It usually just alternates from the $90 price mark to full price, which makes today's price a bit of a rarity, one my friends are sure to lap up, and I hope they do.

This keyboard is the one I am typing these very words with, and the Optical-mechanical RGB switches have a lovely bounce to them. It helps too that the 98-key spread of the wired board is covered in cute Miku iconography, from heart-shaped music notes to her name plastered on the Return key. Its fabulous design injects my desk with the perfect amount of cuteness, and today's price should hopefully mean it can do the same for all my friends' gaming spaces too.

• View all Asus TUF Gaming Hatsune Miku PC accessories at Amazon

Black Friday retro deals might not be at the top of your list ahead of the sales, but I'd argue they should be. The annual event doesn't always deliver great discounts on consoles, handhelds, and accessories for your classic systems, but seeing as modern gaming hardware prices are spiralling upwards, now is the time to perhaps focus on getting the most out of the oldies.

Many of the best retro consoles, including modern remakes like the Atari 2600+ and retro handhelds like the Super Pocket, will undoubtedly pop up this Black Friday. Whether the prices will actually hit record lows remains to be seen, as even hardware for playing the classics hasn't been safe from RAMageddon this year. But, if there is a time to grab gadgets for playing old games, it's during the sale season, and if you're savvy, you can find savings ahead of time.

My personal strategy involves focusing on the Black Friday deals that will make a difference to your classic gaming experience, rather than gunning for the biggest discounts. For instance, if you've already got your OG systems, but just want to freshen up your setup, catching new retro controllers or even an HDMI upscaler at the right price will make a difference. With that in mind, here are some early deals to check out before Black Friday hits and some tips for when the big day comes too.

Reliable retro retailers

• Amazon: handhelds for under $40
• AliExpress: Lower Reroid Pocket 5 prices
• Woot: Keep an eye out for Atari deals

Today's best retro deals ahead of Black Friday

Are retro deals really a thing during Black Friday?

As a retro gaming journalist and enthusiast who's also experienced more than a few Black Friday events in my lifetime, I'm always wary of the sales event. Yes, you can find new console contraptions, emulation handhelds, and accessories for less, but there's no guarantee you'll either find exactly what you're looking for or be able to grab gizmos for their rock-bottom prices.

I also want to stress that you shouldn't go hunting for original retro consoles from decades ago this Black Friday. That will only lead to either disappointment or potentially being scammed by third-party sellers who are pretending to discount vintage tech in line with the event to make out like you're getting a deal. If you're just starting your classic console journey, your best bet is to look for your desired platform second-hand and weigh up going rates, and the sale will be there for when you need accessories and add-ons.

Ultimately, even retro console remake deals are becoming a rarity during Black Friday, and even when I do see systems like the Atari 7800+ discounted, you're not getting a lowest-ever price. It's for that reason that I usually advise friends, family, and readers to focus on the smaller buys that add up to a bigger overall discount, with retro controllers, adapters, and cheaper handhelds usually serving up the more meaningful savings.

What retro gadgets are worth seeking out this Black Friday?

When Black Friday does kick off on November 27, 2026, I'd have a good think about improvements to your retro console setup. For instance, if you've been looking for a way to enhance old visuals on a modern display, the sale could be an ideal time to consider an HDMI upscaler, and my go-to options like the OSSC and the GBS-C (an absolute must if you're looking into how to play PS2 games), usually get meaningful discounts. If you'd rather stick to an even tighter budget, passthrough HDMI adapters will be in abundance too, but I'd check back here for advice on which dongles to go for.

While I've already highlighted retro controllers as a Black Friday highlight, you'd be surprised how a simple gamepad swap can freshen up your setup. If you're looking into how to play N64 games, the 8Bitdo N64 controller can help you cut the cord and make things feel that bit closer to the pricey 4K Analogue 3D, while brands like Retro Fighters have you covered with their StrikerDC, the Xbox-inspired Hunter, and the Defender, if you're looking into Sega Dreamcast, PlayStation, or Xbox pads, respectively.

If you'd rather use a modern pad you already own, you can absolutely do that by picking up an 8Bitdo Retro Receiver or BlueRetro adapter for less during the sales. I tend to find them at their lowest during Black Friday, and having even used the latter to pair a Switch 2 GameCube controller to the OG system wirelessly, I'd say it's one of the best purchases you could make this season.

There are absolutely other odds and ends that'll help you get the most out your old consoles too. I'd personally keep an eye out for more niche gadgets like the Summercart64, especially if you fancy playing Zelda ROM hacks to get you in the mood for the Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake.

While that's a specific homebrew solution for N64 players, there are plenty of similar gizmos for consoles across all generations. Recently, I picked up a PSxMemCard Gen2 for my PS2, and not only does it have the power to act like 8,000 virtual memory cards (no, really), it comes with FreeMcBoot all set up and ready to go, just in case you fancy running DIY projects or bypassing pesky region locking.

As a sort of "nice if it's there", I'd also keep an eye out for HDMI plug-and-play systems and mini arcade machines. There's a chance they won't show up for the right price thanks to inflated component costs, but at the same time, legacy systems like the Sega Astro City Mini cabinets can end up discounted by resellers who are tired of holding onto stock. Again, your milage will vary, but I'll have you covered on what to buy and when as we sail into November.

Swing by Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals if you're looking to play classics using Nintendo's Online Subscription on the go.

Nintendo Switch Sports Resort is rocking one of the most iconic pre-order bonuses I've seen in a long time: a genuine finger skateboard. If you grew up as a kid during the late 90s or early 2000s, you likely remember seeing these things lining the toy shelves, but I never thought I'd see one given away with a Nintendo Switch 2 game.

Pre-ordering the game for £46.95 at TheGameCollection will grant you this retro-fueled extra, which the retailer's official X (Twitter) page has dubbed one of their "favourite bonuses we've ever had" and I concur. While I'm very excited to get my hands on the 3D replicas of the Spiritial Stones packed as a bonus with the Ocarina of Time Remake later this year, being able to pick up a legit iconic 90s toy as a freebie is realms more interesting. Unless Nintendo later decides to release an Epona freebie I can ollie with.

When I first caught a glimpse of TheGameCollection's social media post, I was elated. I was a kid who desperately wanted their mum to buy into the tiny skateboard craze, but was met with instantaneous "no's" in the Toys R Us aisle. The fact that a fingerboard is now included with a Nintendo Switch 2 game feels almost like fate, and has me seriously considering pre-ordering Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, a game that would otherwise not have been on my radar.

If you're in the same boat and are already daydreaming about perfecting kickflips across your desk, TheGameCollection and ShopTo appear to be the best places to get one. Pre-order bonuses tend to depend on the retailer, and so far they're the only places I've yet to find that supply the Sports Resort-themed Tech Deck-inspired toy. When I find more, I'll keep you updated.

The official Nintendo UK online store has an early purchase extra of its own with its £49.99 (Nintendo) copy: a drawstring Sports Bag. However, it doesn't quite tick the same millennial nostalgia boxes.

If you're more interested in the game itself, remember that Nintendo launched a new Sports Resort Switch 2 bundle that's still up for grabs.

Want more Switch 2 games? Check out our Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake pre-order and Metroid Ravenous pre-order pages for more.

Poco has been producing anti-flagship phones for quite some time now, and while its latest F9 Ultra bumps up the price it's still a seriously competitive alternative to your go-to high-end Ultra Android devices.

The Poco F9 Ultra starts at $799 for a 12GB / 256GB configuration, moving up to $949 for 16GB / 512GB and $1,199 for 16GB / 1TB. That's $500 less than the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at the bottom end of the spec list and $600 less if you're going for the full 1TB.

Considering it's packing a stunning visual and auditory experience, the battery life to see more casual users through days of pocket carrying, and enough speed to push the biggest games to their limits, things are looking pretty good here.

RedMagic has ruled the best gaming phone roost year round, but if you don't want those hard angles and industrial aesthetics the Poco F9 Ultra could well be your next upgrade.

Key features

The first thing you might notice casting an eye over the Poco F9 Ultra's spec sheet is its use of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. It's the brain powering the RedMagic 11 Pro at the top of the Android gaming tier list and you'll find the same chip in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra as well.

Essentially, it's as fast as you'll find in most flagship releases from the last 12 months, even if the Gen 6 model is poised to take over in a short while. This is the base version, rather than the overclocked 8 Elite Gen 5 Leading Version positioned in the newer, and more expensive, RedMagic 11S Pro.

Xiaomi has matched up 256GB storage options with 12GB RAM, while 512GB and 1TB models both upgrade to 16GB. Notably, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will still keep you at a lower memory amount with 512GB of storage.

Design

Having come from older Poco devices, there's nothing budget about this model's looks. The F9 Ultra could be an iPhone 18 Pro Max at first glance, with its soft rounded corners, bold grape color, and accented bulge around the camera array at the top.

It's a sophisticated design that marries well with the trends of more premium devices today. From its flat sides to soft-touch finishing on the rear panel, the Poco F9 Ultra certainly feels like an upgrade in the hand.

It's not quite backing that luxury up with its build materials compared to the real flagships, though. While the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra upgrades you to full Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2, the F9 Ultra uses a simpler Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which will drop anti-glare features. It's still the go-to for durability and scratch protection, but not the top end of the market.

Poco shares its aluminum frame with Samsung and Apple flagships, but swaps the former's Gorilla Armor 2 and the latter's Ceramic Shield glass backs for a lighter, cheaper glass-fiber polymer backing.

That doesn't mean it drops weight, though. In fact, I have smaller hands and struggled to wield full control of the F9 Ultra when held vertically in one hand. At 235g it's not wildly out of contention with its peers. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra goes a little easier on the joints at 214g, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max comes in even heavier at 239g.

Sometimes cumbersome heft aside, though, that additional weight goes a long way to keeping the Poco F9 Ultra's overall feel competitive with far more expensive releases. There's a satisfying clunk to this thing, and landscape gaming positioning never felt too awkward over longer sessions.

Display

The main face is a 6.9-inch AMOLED display running at a blistering 185Hz refresh rate (though the vast majority of titles won't be able to make the most of those speeds), Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, and a 1,200x2,608 resolution at a 416ppi density.

This is Samsung's M11 generation OLED panel, touted for far greater efficiency over previous displays while marketing materials are shouting about 10,000 nits of peak brightness. It's a particularly dazzling screen, yes, but those headlines should be taken with a grain of salt. Across the whole screen at once, this thing is generally hitting around 2,000 to 2,500 nits in its high brightness mode.

That's still going to be particularly punchy, and colors are represented well straight out of the box. Additional customization sliders are available for fine-tuning that color handling as you would like as well. Without any tweaks, colors remain vibrant and clearly defined, with even lower light video and game portions benefiting from enhanced detail and an appropriately moody tone.

Things aren't quite as bold as the RedMagic 11 Pro here, but there's a subtlety that the high-contrast cartoon-favoring Nubia device can't quite match. While RedMagic's panel seems a touch sharper in its presentation, the Poco F9 Ultra still manages to pair high-impact colors with natural toning.

Of course, we can't discuss that screen without talking about the full audio-visual experience when debating the F9 Ultra. That's because the OLED display is also accompanied by a robust three-speaker system pairing two stereo with one subwoofer for a 2.1 audio setup.

Located on the main back panel, this additional subwoofer comes courtesy of Bose, rounding out your phone's audio with a layer of bass that texturizes movies, music, and in-game sound effects in a way I haven't experienced before. You can leave the earbuds in the drawer for this one.

Cameras

A phone with this kind of screen refresh rate and power under the hood is usually geared towards dedicated mobile gamers, thereby dropping its focus on camera quality. Instead, the Poco F9 Ultra manages to squeeze an impressively competent 200MP main wide camera into its spec sheet, followed up with a 50MP ultrawide and a telephoto zoom at 50MP as well.

Stock daylight photos from the main camera run with clarity, a bold pop of color, and confident color handling. That's in the usual 50MP shooting mode, whacking things up to the dedicated 200MP shooting mode might have its appeal for those framing individually composed shots particularly thoughtfully (as long as subjects are still). For everyday use, though, its results aren't strong enough to warrant the extra shooting time.

Still, this is far more than you'll find on a traditional gaming device. In bright lighting, shots are toned nicely, with no over-processed color vibrancy, and a crisp, clean result. Darker scenes still give it something to think about, with smudges and smears creeping into finer details and a drop in both color and sharpness handling.

Highlights are well balanced, though, and more information has been retained by the sensor compared to cheaper dedicated gaming alternatives.

Software

Everything is running on Android 16 with HyperOS 3 over the top, good for four major OS updates in the future. There's a lot of extras to wade through when first setting up, with the usual suspects pre-installed and a range of additional menus to spring through as well. Overall, the software itself runs well with no bugs, hitches, or glitches in my weeks of testing. I never experienced menu slowdown or crashing, and navigation felt smooth.

There's a lot of borrowing here as well. Hyper Island functions similarly to Apple's Dynamic Island, with an always-on minimized view of certain apps and processes like timers, Spotify, and recording.

Gaming

Xiaomi made the choice to block UL Benchmarks' 3D Mark tool on its Poco devices, which means we've got good old lived experience to go off here. Geekbench 7 throws up a sturdy score of 2055 single-core and 8865 multi-core.

In practice this makes for incredibly smooth gameplay, whether I'm exploring Genshin Impact or stacking up a battlefield in MTG Arena. The 185Hz refresh rate doesn't exactly come into its own, there are only about 20 titles with support for these kinds of speeds.

It does, however, mean that more demanding titles, like the above and Call of Duty Mobile, can comfortably run in their higher graphical settings without having to sacrifice framerates. Too high a ceiling in a device undercutting others in price is never a bad thing.

Battery

Powering everything is a massive 8,050mAh battery, stomping all over the S26 Ultra's 5,000mAh and topping RedMagic's 7,500mAh on its 11-Series devices. Plough through that and you'll be glad for the 100W wired charging as well. In casual use, a few lighter games, music streaming, YouTube, calls and texts, and web browsing, I didn't need to plug in until day three.

Straight out the box (so with a fresh battery) an hour of Genshin Impact drove my charge down by 6% at 50% brightness, and 10% at full brightness. An hour of YouTube only killed 3% of the charge at 50%.

Should you buy the Poco F9 Ultra?

The Poco F9 Ultra is a sophisticated piece of tech undercutting its mainstream flagship competitors in price pretty easily. While that budget option would have been a lot cheaper a few years ago, the power, camera system, battery life, and combination of display and boosted speakers make for a compelling alternative to both dedicated gaming phones and fancy annual releases.

While its size and weight can prove a little tricky to wield in smaller hands, those after an immersive streaming, gaming, and web browsing experience that keeps up with the big dogs should certainly be interested.

How I tested the Poco F9 Ultra

I used the Poco F9 Ultra as my daily driver for a period of two weeks, with an additional week spent with the iPhone 13 Pro in my pocket for comparison. During that time, it ran my entire life while I also tested it across Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, MTG Arena, TMNT, and Marvel Snap. Battery tests were performed at both 50% and full brightness, while system performance was measured in Geekbench 7. For more information on how we make our recommendations, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

We're also hunting down the best gaming tablets for a bigger screen, or the best gaming handhelds for a more dedicated device.

The CRKD Atom+ controller has begun to ship globally. That means if you pre-ordered your tiny, retro-style pad in March earlier this year, you should expect it to arrive at your door sooner rather than later.

The $29.99 (Amazon) pad, much like CRKD's Nitro Deck 2, was subject to delays and was originally expected to begin shipping from late June 2026, but as you're likely well aware, the summer is officially over and June it is not. The shipping window was then moved to August 17-31 2026, but it wasn't until today that the brand confirmed that its four models were shipping out to customers. Better late than never.

While CRKD has given official word that the impeccably cute Nintendo Switch 2 controller is shipping out, some people got theirs weeks ago, like r/Controller Reddit user TheLoFiPunk, who picked up the 'Retro Purple' pad.

They also waited through the many delays to grab theirs, but shared it was "worth it", which makes me more eager than ever to try the new one out for size. I have four of the older Atom controllers in my setup, and their small stature makes them absolutely ideal for playing the Switch 2 on the go, as it takes up little to no space in my bag. However, the adorably petite controller was missing an important feature that made it awkward to play anything beyond Nintendo Switch Online's NES and SNES library - a pair of thumbsticks.

The Atom+ has that covered with the inclusion of not just two precision thumbsticks, but TMR sticks which can help prevent any drift issues from rearing their ugly head. It also includes digital bumper and trigger buttons to offer a more tactile gaming experience, which sounds ideal for some Mario Kart World action, as do the new built-in vibration feedback and motion controls.

While CRKD has piled on plenty of new features, it still keeps what I loved about the previous Atom pad - its compact size and cute designs.

Like the version before it, the Atom+ plays into the nostalgia with its retro-fueled colorways. Instead of a plain all-black design, you've got transparent Smoke Black and Glacier Blue models, which harken back to the see-through tech of the early 2000s. My personal favorite is the Pal Grey design, which was kept over from the previous incarnation. It replicates the colors of the PAL SNES and, as a Scottish kid who grew up obsessed with Nintendo in the 90s, I'm a little bit obsessed.

All of these retro controller designs are covered by the same $29.99 / £27.99 MSRP too, so you don't have to pay any extra. All four designs are currently available to purchase straight from the CRKD online store or Amazon, and should ship without delay. Meanwhile, you can stick with the older $19.99 (via Amazon) Atom (which is also Switch 2 compatible) if you want more colors and are happy sticking with just a d-pad.

• View all CRKD gaming accessories at Amazon
• View the CRKD Nitro Deck 2 at Amazon

Creating the ultimate Switch 2 setup? Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers while you're here.

Have you ever paid for something on the PlayStation Store and thought, hey, that wasn't easy enough? No? Me neither, but PlayStation wants to give you easier ways of transferring your card details over to the console, which I can sort of get behind. Today in strange PlayStation patent news, the PS5 controller, or its PS6 successor, might one day be able to take contactless payments from your phone or bank card.

As is always the case when I report on new PlayStation patents, I'll tell you to take this with a pinch of salt. This brand files some utterly bizarre patents just to say it has ownership over the ideas, and many of them never see the light of day.

Regardless, originally found by Patentlyze, the patent can also be found on public listings under the application number 19082121 and is titled "VIDEO GAME CONTROLLER-DRIVEN INFORMATION TRANSFER". It essentially lays out that Sony has put ownership on the idea of a video game controller being able to detect through NFC protocol that a phone or payment method is nearby, transferring their details to a console.

Near Field Communication (NFC) is the same technology that's used for all sorts of payment methods today, including contactless bank card payments, but also Nintendo's Amiibos. Most phones today also have NFC features in them, so you can pay contactless through a bank app.

While this seems like a pretty arbitrary feature, it seems like Sony is mainly eyeing it up for the added convenience of being able to transfer your payment details to a console without typing out your card number, expiry date, and security code using the controller and on-screen keyboard.

"Video game players have found it desirable to store payment method information and account information such as credit account information, bank account information, gift card information... and associated credentials in their accounts for facilitating and managing video game purchases," reads the patent's description.

Interestingly though, instead of listing player convenience reasons, Sony's patent argues the best reasons for implementing a new way of transferring these payment details are more to prevent the console itself from overworking itself:

"However, facilitating and coordinating these operations by performing multiple operational steps using multiple devices often causes performance of the video game console to suffer and/or one or more operations of the video game console to fail."

"Techniques disclosed herein improve video game consoles and video game console performance by utilizing video game controller-driven information transfer operations," it continues.

Surprisingly, the patent makes no mention of actual bank cards, only "electronic devices," which allude to a phone - one image does show a gift card being transferred, however, which might suggest your bank card will work too.

"In some implementations, the video game controller can detect that the electronic device is within the predetermined distance from the video game controller by, in some examples, detecting a signal emitted from the electronic device, using a communication protocol such as a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol and/or a Bluetooth protocol, detecting that the electronic device has physically contacted the video game controller."

The controller would then vibrate to tell you the details had been detected.

The patent itself shows illustrations of what looks like a DualSense controller, but personally, I think this feature, if we ever see it used, will likely be reserved for the PlayStation 6 and its controller, because introducing this now to the current iteration of the DualSense would probably cause price changes and manufacturing difficulties this far into the controller's life.

While the DualSense uses Bluetooth, it doesn't currently have NFC protocols within it, so it could require a change of architecture to implement.

Another intriguing use of this feature would be to log guests into your PlayStation console when playing a local multiplayer game while they're visiting. This could save the hassle of having to do manual logins to non-home consoles and might just allow you to tap your PlayStation app on a controller to log in. Another illustration shows your phone tapping the controller as a way to send and receive messages, but I don't see such a clear use for this.

What's also interesting to me is that while Sony is patenting this idea with specific reference to transferring payment information, Nintendo has had an NFC communicator in its Pro Controller since the original Nintendo Switch in 2017 to scan amiibos with. I bet someone at Nintendo is kicking themselves that they didn't think of this use for their controllers' NFC protocols.

For more, look at the best PC controllers, the best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best Switch 2 controllers.

I’ll admit that I almost yawned at the thought of the Alienware AW2726DM, as I figured it was yet another 27-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor. Technically, that’s true, but this screen’s superpowers aren’t in its commendable panel specs, and it certainly won’t woe you with additional fancy features. No, instead, Dell has created a display that delivers what a thousand bucks used to get you for under $400, and that is frankly incredible.

I’d even go as far as to say that the Alienware AW2726DM puts plenty of the best gaming monitor contenders out of the race based on price alone. Other brands have been working on building a kingdom of sub-$500 before now, but I’m used to seeing options by lesser-known brands like KTC use the same WOLED panel that was high-end in 2023 to only just hit that bracket.

Effectively, the gaming monitor landscape is a completely different place three years later. Now, unless you’re gunning for absurd refresh rates, you can easily find a 27-inch 1440p panel with 240Hz capabilities infused with Quantum Dot OLED abilities, and while the Alienware AW2726DM cuts back on extras to make a $349.99 price tag happen, that hardly matters in the face of ridiculous value-embued vibrant visuals.

Feels can be deceiving

I want to note right away that upon taking the AW2726DM out of its cardboard prison, it admittedly felt like I was unboxing an Alienware screen from a few years ago. Everything from the fact that you have to screw the pedestal stand to the back ( the last reviewer to use this sample misplaced the VESA screws, so I had to use my spares) to the minimalist square base that doesn’t quite feel like a style choice stood out.

I wasn’t offended by the less lavish vibes of the AW2726DM, but it did serve as a firm reminder that we’re talking about a mid-range monitor. Dell always likes to signal product categories through feel, which is why the Alienware AW2725Q pairs a ridiculously dense 27-inch 4K panel with a bougie bubble getup that requires no screwing thanks to a quick-release system.

The stand also fully incorporates cable management into its plinth, and I’ll get to what’s happening with the AW2726DM. First, though, I want to float the idea that none of those small touches really matter when you’re paying under $400 and getting a more than cromulent QD-OLED 27-inch 1440p experience. Yes. I’d rather not have to fetch a screwdriver to whack together a screen in 2026, but hey, if it can contribute to prices this affordable, I’ll happily ditch the “ready in two clicks” world.

You spin me right round

Given that the stand is a no-thrills, screw-based, square base with nothing to really offer visually, you’d think I’d be done talking about it. However, there’s a sneaky extra hiding under the base of the AW2726DM, as not unlike the much more expensive Sony Inzone M10S II, it has 360° movement. The square is sitting right on top of what reminds me of a microwave plate, allowing it to spin round (like a record, baby) rather than using a traditional pivot.

There’s something slightly odd about spinning a square, but the 360° pivot is smooth enough. No, it’s not as slick as Sony’s setup, and the fact it adds height to the frumpy, angular pedestal doesn’t help the visual side of things. But, the part that matters is that offers up circular movement with ease, all while even going above and beyond the Inzone M10S and its sequel by including a vertical 90° pivot alongside the standard tilt.

You’ll tire of me circling back to price, but again, we’re talking about a $349 monitor. The Alienware AW2726DM could have probably gotten away with doing zilch extra with the stand, but instead, Dell decided to include a useful 360° mechanism as a gesture, just so you don’t feel like it completely sidelined extras in the name of affordable screen specs.

What cable management?

You wire warriors out there aren’t going to like this, but the Alienware AW2726DM doesn’t know the meaning of the word cable management. The plinth lacks even a basic through-hole for the DisplayPort and HDMI under the usual lip, meaning there’s nowhere for them to hide. Since the power supply is built in this time around, that means you’re immediately faced with a chonky AC cord to conceal, and unless you get creative, you’ll see it hanging out on the right-hand side.

Here’s the thing: I fully believe every monitor should come with a stand (looking at you, Dough Spectrum Black 27). At the same time, I get why Dell has stuck with the absolute basics here in the name of a lower price. If you really want things to look super clean and stylish, you’ll probably end up looking at monitor arms or more lavish extras, and those are going to provide you with on-board cable management solutions.

It’s all in the price; if the Alienware AW2726DM came in at over $500, I’d be dunking on Dell for the zero attention to cable management. At the same time, it’s strange that there isn’t at least include a clip for the back, as that’d help bunch together wires behind the 27-inch panel, so they’re not just *there*.

Glare that’s easier to bear

This is yet another glossy QD-OLED display, so I fully expected the Alienware AW2726DM to fall folly to my south-facing window. The reflective screen absolutely suffers from glare exactly how you’d expect, but it’s nowhere near as aggressive as I was anticipating. The anti-glare coating is clearly hard at work preventing the panel from becoming a mirror like the Philips Evnia 32M2N8900, and with the screen powered on, it does a better job kicking reflections to the curb than many other QD-OLED options.

When powered off, the Alienware AW2726DM lacks that distinctive purple hue that other QD-OLED monitors present in daylight. Theoretically, that means you’ll get truer blacks even when playing in very bright rooms, but your mileage may vary based on setup placement and how direct light sources actually are. This model is still using the same Quantum Dot polarizing film that catches light in the same way, as that’s fundamental to the pros as well as the cons. But hey, as far as my test setup is concerned, you could almost mistake this screen for a WOLED when it’s powered off.

Joystick joy

I’m about to surprise even myself, as while I always make a point on moaning about monitors not coming with remote, Dell has really dialled in its OSD joystick. That is to say that the nub on the Alienware AW2726DM is pleasant to use compared to most I’ve tried, offering easy-to-reach controls close to the right-hand side, paired with an on-screen interface that’s very toggle-friendly.

At its price, the Alienware AW2726DM was never going to come with a remote control. I’m perfectly comfortable dunking on more premium displays for going without, but the fact that Dell’s screen offers up a better joystick than many other models out there speaks volumes. It’s still my least favorite way to access screen features and specs by a long mile, and while I’m giving this screen a “pass”, you can fully expect to hear me shout about wireless buttons for many reviews to come.

On-screen features

While I’m on the OSD, you wouldn’t know that this is a cheaper QD-OLED display flicking through the Alienware AW2726DM’s options and settings. It still has all the picture modes, smart HDR dials, and OLED care options you’d expect from any modern Dell monitor, and you’ll have practically everything you need to enjoy the same experience as on a higher-tier model.

The real difference here is actually found between brands. The essence of a high-end monitor has changed, and you now have screens boasting dual-mode resolution and refresh rate abilities, alongside more customizable OLED care options and tricks like anti-VRR flicker if you need speedy competitive clarity. You won’t find that with the Alienware AW2726DM, but you won’t be missing any of the fundamentals or those more gaming-focused toggles, like crosshairs and frame counters.

A visual punch above its price range

I want to lay down some basic facts before sharing my Alienware AW2726DM visual impressions. To start, this is a 1440p 240Hz monitor, and on paper, that’s not super impressive when you’ve got QHD options pushing 540Hz. While it’s a QD-OLED display, that tech is also not so lavish in the face of new Tandem OLED panels that stack multiple light-emitting layers to raise the brightness bar.

And yet, the Alienware AW2726DM still feels like the sort of vibrant, high-end panel you’d pay over $500 for. There’s always a point where all the lavish tech premium players have been enjoying becomes the norm for everyone else, but I wasn’t quite expecting QD-OLED to enter that zone this quickly, especially given the overarching woes of gaming hardware prices right now. For the price, this screen will put a smile on the faces of anyone with a sub $400 budget upgrading from an older IPS panel or even a cheaper WOLED, and its achievements really outweigh the caveats.

I don’t want to bury those said caveats under words of excellent value adornment, so I’ll start with the AW2726DM’s brightness. Dell’s display measures in at around 250 nits in SDR and up to 440 nits in HDR True Black mode, so it’s behind many contenders on paper. In real-life scenarios, the results feel slightly more dialled back than that, and just like traditional QD-OLED setups, I’d stick to light-controlled rooms for the best results.

Outside of some brightness drawbacks, there’s little room for complaint with the AW2726DM’s vibrancy, colors, and black levels. Having already tested a bunch of Dell’s QD-OLED options, I’m of the opinion that this cheaper Alienware model hits all the same notes, providing rich visuals with colors that pop nicely. If I were to plonk this panel next to its higher-end counterparts, I do suspect I’d notice a difference in contrast, if not some varying results due to the dialled-back brightness. But, in a normal situation, you’ll be able to easily appreciate what this monitor provides.

I wasn’t really expecting anything less from the Samsung QD-OLED panel at the heart of this Alienware screen. It certainly has all the nerdy specs to back up its abilities, including a 99% DCI-P3 coverage and 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio. That translates to exceptional vibrancy in everything from indie romps, to the high-end PC capers, and dare I say, PS4 outings and retro games (hold your horses, more on that is coming).

Just like with any PC-focused monitor, pretty visuals are half the story, as these screens need to hold their own in competitive shooters. That still applies even when dealing with a more “casual” QHD 240Hz setup, and I’m pleased to say this screen feels just as responsive as comparable panels I’ve tried. Having just wrapped up playing Overwatch and other first-person shooters on screen with 720Hz abilities, I can naturally feel a difference when lying around as Pharah. It’s not something I’d say you’ll notice unless you’ve subjected yourself to demonic display refresh rates, though, and it still feels as responsive as any other OLED with a 0.03ms GtG response time.

Retro gaming ruin

I’ve started testing more gaming monitors on the bench as retro console screens, and while that might sound strange, I do it with dutiful purpose. You see, while it’s reasonable to assume all screens will play nice with upscalers and adapters, I’m finding that most options don’t know how to handle specific resolutions, resulting in either squished aspect ratios, forced widescreen, or blurriness due to mismatched scaling.

The Alienware AW2726DM sadly fails to play nice with anything that isn’t a “standard resolution.” In fact, the Samsung panel pretty much handles the GBS-C set to x in the same way as the Sony Inzone M10S II. It misinterprets 1280x960 as 1280x1024, meaning the integer-scaled 4:3 visuals of consoles are squished into 5:4, while 720p is forced into widescreen. It virtually means that if you’re looking into how to connect retro consoles to modern TVs or monitors, you shouldn’t specifically pick up this screen with that in mind.

Okay, yes, very few people will be looking specifically for a QD-OLED Alienware for retro gaming. That’s not to say lots of players won’t pick this screen up with the intention of playing classic capers on it too, and since it is a bit iffy with handling the right resolutions, it means you might be better off looking elsewhere. I should note that the quirks aren’t inherent to this panel’s price point, and ultimately, the issues stem from a lack of provisions in the firmware rather than a general incompatibility.

Should you pick up the Alienware AW2726DM?

I don’t want to be dramatic, but the Alienware AW2726DM marks a big moment in the QD-OLED scene. As an option from what is usually a more premium-focused brand, this 27-inch 1440p display changes what to expect for under $400, serving as one of the best-value gaming monitors I’ve tested for quite a while.

There’s no point pretending the AW2726DM can trade blows with the absolute best screens out there, as it dials back brightness and drops virtually every other hardware feature to hit its target price. I can absolutely respect Dell for doing that, though, especially since extras like USB hubs, KVM switching, and RGB tomfoolery aren’t universally appreciated by all players.

If you simply care about getting an excellent QD-OLED display and you’re not fussed about bells and whistles, the Alienware AW2726DM is a no-brainer. We’ll no doubt see other options fight for supremacy in the sub-$400 range soon, but until that happens, Dell’s delightfully affordable display is the one I’d watch out for.

How I tested the Alienware AW2726DM

For a month, I used the Alienware AW2726DM as my main gaming monitor while also testing the QD-OLED display on a specific workbench. During that time, I assessed qualities like anti-glare, brightness, and vibrancy while weighing up its features and abilities against its price point.

To ensure that my testing stayed true to real-life scenarios, I used the Alienware AW2726DM with a PS5, PC, and an HDMI upscaler for retro consoles. That allowed me to test responsiveness in shooters like Overwatch while assessing brightness and vibrancy across single-player releases.

For more information on how we test gaming monitors, swing by our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy for a full rundown.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is down to just £20 right now. No, a Metroid has not latched onto my head, making me type a load of nonsense, I swear. The Nintendo Switch version is in fact that cheap right now.

Nintendo first-party Switch game deals like it are a bit of a rarity, but I can confirm it's £19.97 at Amazon, as I made sure to grab it for my own collection. Until now, I was waiting for Prime 3 to appear on the NSO GameCube library so I could play catch up with the series, so this game was never on my radar. However it's seems like a no-Mother-brainer to pick this up, especially as I can still buy the Switch 2 upgrade via the eShop for less than it'd cost for a Switch 2 copy.

For those still sticking with the OG handheld, this price is a pretty sight to behold. Prime 4 Beyond launched a little less than a year ago on December 4 for £55.99 here in the UK, and it usually takes many more years to see as dramatic a saving as today on other first-party Nintendo titles. The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild is nine years old, and the Switch version is still found at around £45 at plenty of UK retailers.

Today's price is also pretty nifty for Switch 2 players too. If you own Ninty's newest handheld, you can grab this version and the Upgrade Pack for as little as £7.99 via the eShop, and still save a few pounds. Metroid Prime 4 Beyond Switch 2 Edition can typically be found for around £29.99 at John Lewis and other UK retailers, so you'd just be saving £2 when you factor in the upgrade pack costs, but that's still something.

Not to mention, the Switch 2 version of the game is just the other version packaged with a redeemable upgrade pack, so you wouldn't be missing out much. Or at least, that's how I see it.

Talking of cheap Switch games, there are currently a bunch of Switch 2 games for as low as £20 at Argos today, but there's a catch. The comments on a BlueSky post by Jon Cartwright reveal this could be a glitch. Multiple people have had their orders canceled, including user @BowserPlush, who happened to try and grab Metroid Prime 4.

By all means, give it a go, as you never know. I'd honestly love it if you got to experience Switch 2 Star Fox for as little as £20, but if you do get your order canceled, this £19.97 price tag at Amazon seems to be the real deal.

• View all Nintendo Switch game deals at Amazon

Love collecting physical games? Check out our Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake and Metroid Ravenous pre-order pages while you're here.

Smyths Toys is getting into the Black Friday spirit a little early this year, dropping the Nintendo Switch 2 to the lowest price I've seen so far. While struck by a price increase from £395.99 to £419.99 at the start of the month, the retailer has struck £65 off those numbers this week.

That leaves us with a £354.99 sales price on the latest generation handheld. Since launch, and even with that lower starting rate, the Nintendo Switch 2 has only ever dipped to around £380 at other retailers. We're about £25 cheaper than ever before here, then, and all weeks ahead of official Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals.

So, should you jump in this close to sales season?

We've still got a good two months before Black Friday officially starts dropping prices, but the last few years have kicked off a new trend. Retailers are offering November-level discounts earlier and earlier, in a bid to extend that busy season as much as possible.

While it's always conceivable that prices could drop lower during the heat of the moment, there are a few good reasons to jump on a price you like sooner rather than later. The way prices are going at the moment, the absolute showstopper deals of the past have been MIA for the last few years. You'll no longer find a PlayStation for pennies.

In reality, this year's offers will likely focus around Nintendo's new bundles. Switch Sports Resort and a refreshed Mario Kart World package are heading to the shelves, with savings on games rather than the console itself. It could be worth seeing what happens with those prices when the main event kicks off, but considering neither bundle will be able to beat this standalone discount there's every reason to lock in this deal early.

Nintendo hardware doesn't lose its value too easily, after all. It took years for the original Switch to see these kinds of savings, and that was without RRPs heading north all the time.

• See all Nintendo Switch deals at Amazon

Kitting out your new handheld? We're rounding up all the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories as well as the best Switch 2 controllers and best Nintendo Switch headsets.

Disney Dreamlight Valley Cozy Edition pre-orders are available on the Nintendo Switch 2, but unless you're desperate to add that red-bordered box to your gaming shelf, I'd recommend sticking with the original.

The new $49.99 (via Best Buy) Switch 2 Cozy Edition is not even a game-key card release, and remains a download code in a box like the version before it. Disney has also packed in the exact same extras this time around, from the 14,500 Moonstones, cottage house cosmetic, and exclusive raccoon companion skins. What's more egregious is that the Switch 2 upgrade is free from the eShop, so if you're new to the valley, avoid this and grab the older (and cheaper) version instead.

Dreamlight Valley is absolutely worth playing, especially if you never stopped being a Disney fan. Over the years, I've even come to love Gameloft's magical life sim even more than Animal Crossing New Horizons. Sorry, Tom Nook, hanging out with Goofy is far more fun.

What isn't worth it is this Switch 2 release. This is just the previous Cozy Edition re-packaged, with a new higher price on top. When I heard that Dreamlight Valley was making its way to the Switch 2, I had hoped we'd at least see a game-key release that included some of the DLC, like The Storybook Vale or A Rift In Time. These expansions typically cost $29.99 each, so providing them at a cheaper rate to new players would have been really neat to see. Alas, that's not what we've got.

Unless you absolutely need to have every Switch 2 game box ever released sitting on your shelf (even if it's empty), I'd recommend avoiding this for now. Disney and cozy game fans are better off sticking to the original Cozy Edition and downloading the Switch 2 upgrade pack for free from the eShop. You'll get the exact same game (with its improved up to 60fps) and rewards but will have $20 set aside, which could even go towards the new upcoming Keepsake Sea DLC. It introduces Milo from Atlantic The Lost Empire, what more could millennial Disney fans want?

• View all Nintendo Switch 2 game deals at Best Buy

Love collecting games? Check out our Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time remake pre-order and Silent Hill Townfall pre-order pages.

Hero x Hero codes will provide you with a helping hand if you're trying out this VR experience in Early Access, as it can be tough stepping into the virtual shoes of a Super Hero. As you smash your way across the city fighting demon mobs and huge bosses, you'll unlock fresh abilities as you become more powerful and gather unique Hero Souls so you can transform into different characters. To get the lowdown on this, here are the current Hero x Hero VR gift codes and how to redeem them.

All Hero x Hero codes

The following Hero x Hero VR gift codes can be claimed now:

• 361821 – 300x Chips

Hero x Hero codes most often provide Chips, which can be used to power up your Super Hero, as well as cosmetic items to change your appearance. They usually are only valid for a week or even just a few days, so you'll want to check back here regularly for the latest promo additions.

How to redeem Hero x Hero codes

To redeem gift codes in Hero x Hero VR, you just need to launch the game on your device and then head to the code keypad. Use the number buttons to type in a promo, then hit the CLAIM GIFT button next to them to receive your reward.

Expired Hero x Hero codes

• 150000 – Imp x Imp Suit
• 26353 – 300x Chips
• 12012 – 120x Chips
• 98660 – 100K Glasses Cosmetic
• 33912 – 1,000x Chips
• 43064 – Level 2 Prize
• 15580 – 1,000x Chips
• 90674 – Level 1 CC Armband
• 80085 – CC Prize
• 82918 – Level 2 CC Armband
• 34249 – Creator Hero

There are a fair number of expired Hero x Hero VR gift codes, which goes to show that promos don't stick around for long before they stop working. Make sure you've claimed any active codes we've listed earlier, so you don't lose out on their rewards.

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

Acer's CEO Jason Chen has shared his perspective on the ongoing memory crisis, and it'll probably fly in the face of everything you've heard about it so far. Despite all the projections and publicly known manufacturing contracts between the biggest RAM producers and AI companies, Acer's chairman believes things are looking up.

"It's impossible for the shortage to last until 2030!" he told Economic Daily. Granted, this is translated from his native Chinese, so a less bombastic version of what he said is "There's no way the shortage will drag on until 2030", or even "A shortage lasting until 2030 is out of the question."

Regardless of which translation you want to put stock in, his views are pretty clear: that despite all we know about the potential price fixing, manufacturing deals, and contracts between RAM and demanding AI companies, the RAM crisis won't last as long as we all think.

"Supply has been consistently available," he continued, saying "there are many potential sellers but few buyers". Again, I'd leave some room for translation errors here, but it seems as though he's saying that his company hasn't had trouble trying to secure RAM for its laptops and other enterprises. That's quite the statement since his company sells and distributes its own branded RAM, but Acer doesn't manufacture its own memory chips and storage devices.

And yet, his confidence seems strong that the situation isn't as dire as we all think. The CEO could be referring to the fact that RAM manufacturers are upping their supply game through semiconductor fabrication, and by 2030, the number of RAM wafers supplied will finally be able to meet demand.

In the same interview, however, Chen-sheng did still allude to the immediate impacts of what we all know to be a RAM shortage - with Economic Daily saying he predicts a an average price increase of 5-20% in the fourth quarter of 2026. In the same breath, he seemingly suggests that prices will then fall again in mid-2027 and continue to do so throughout next year.

Far be it from me to correct the CEO of one of the largest computing companies on the planet, but this certainly flies in the face of everything I've seen and reported on amidst the 2026 RAM crisis.

For starters, the entire reason the consumer market is in this mess is because of AI companies producing data centers that need to hoard memory. To meet inordinate demands, Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix have all signed contracts with various AI companies to supply what equates to more RAM than the planet currently produces per year. That means there isn't enough supply for consumers, which has sparked massive inflation of what's left.

These contracts are scheduled to continue to 2028 in some instances, and beyond that in others.

Moreover, even if shortages don't continue that long, Micron has introduced deals with its clients to fix prices at today's rates to last another five years, which will ensure that consumers will likely be the ones facing high costs even if supply starts to meet demand. So, even if Acer's chairman is correct and the shortage doesn't last as long as we all assume, that doesn't mean costs will recover just as quickly.

Here's hoping the cost of the best gaming PCs will recover that quickly, but even so, you might want to read up on the best CPU for gaming, and the best graphics card.

Retroid is hellbent on dominating the DS clone space, as it just announced a third Pocket Duo model less than two weeks after the last two. Players were already caught off guard when the portable maker revealed a cheaper "Lite" model to rival Anbernic's RG DS Plus, but now there's a Lite+ option you'd potentially rather have pre-ordered instead.

Admittedly, I almost thought the tweet announcing the Retroid Pocket Lite+ was simply a reference to the reveal from September 10. Instead, it's actually an entirely new best retro handheld contender that's seemingly based on community feedback. It's more or less a souped-up version, with the portable claiming it retains "the same sleek, slim form factor you love from the Duo Lite, but now packs a serious performance upgrade with the Dragonwing Q-7790."

The Pocket Duo Lite+ is set to come in at $219, meaning it sits bang smack in the middle of the base Lite version and the full-fat Duo. It is being treated to the usual "early bird" discount, though, as it'll be available for $199 if you pre-order. That's a nice gesture, but one that likely adds salt to the wound for players who would have spent $50 extra on this portable if it had launched last week.

As you'd expect, players are already calling shenanigans on Retroid's latest reveal. One of the comments that really stuck out to me says, "You basically tricked people into buying the other models and before I even get hands on one you drop another?" encapsulating the general vibe tied to stealth announcing new handhelds.

The good news is that Retroid is already looking to appease players who pre-ordered a vanilla Lite model, as it's running an exchange program. In an email shared to early bird customers, the brand says it's "pausing Duo Lite shipments for the next 3 days" to give people a chance to consider whether they want to keep their order or swap it out for the Plus version.

Retroid also has units that have shipped covered, as it's prepared to cover return shipping costs so that customers can reorder the Lite+. If you've got a handheld on the way, you'll want to check your inbox for that email, as you'll have to reply by September 23, 8 am EST to confirm your decision.

The whole situation is understandably frustrating, and it's not the only time a handheld maker has kept dropping handhelds after presenting initial pre-orders this year. For whatever reason, Ayaneo couldn't stop revealing new colorways of its Pocket Advance after over 15,000 customers had already locked in their orders.

I wouldn't say Retroid's situation is quite the same as that, as it feels like the handheld maker is trying to seize spec options as and when they're available. Component shortages and the effects of RAMageddon mean there's a big queue at fabs and factories, and it could be that if the company doesn't say yes to specific options right now, AI demand may prevent them from being a thing down the road.

That's speculative on my part, but the fact that Retroid is actively thinking of an exchange plan signals a desire to put things right. Outside of the questionable launch tactics, the Duo Lite+ is pretty exciting, seeing as that Dragonwing Q-7790 gives it a better chance of running 3DS romps. I'll naturally need to get my hands on one and put it through its paces with all the staples to confirm that reality, but it would help the newcomer clinch the clamshell crown by balancing performance and price.

• Retro handhelds at Amazon
• DS handhelds at Amazon

Swing by the best retro consoles for emulation systems, HDMI remakes, and mini homages.

Ace Combat 8 Wings of Theve pre-orders took off this summer. But as the October 2 release date gets more into view, this is my reminder that picking it up ahead of time is the only way to nab a copy of the PS2 classic Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.

Pre-orders are available for $69.99 / £54.99 digitally on Steam, and there's a physical standard edition available for $69.99 / £64.95 (via Amazon) for the Xbox Series X and $69 / £64.95 (via Amazon) for PS5 players. For those who want more in-game goodies, there's also a Deluxe Edition available for $20 / £20 more, which piles in 3 days' early access, a Premium Ace Pass Plus Voucher, and a customizable cosmetic set. However, pre-ordering either will net you that coveted copy of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, the game originally released on the PS2 in 2006.

If you don't want to miss out, pre-ordering is your only hope. Well, besides picking up a second-hand copy. Bandai Namco Brand Director Kazutoki Kono said it's "strictly prepared as a bonus" and that there are "no plans to sell it separately" in an interview with invenglobal earlier this month. Yet don't fret just yet, as I've gathered all the best US and UK retailer links below so you can catch the Ace Combat Zero bonus before Wings of Theve prepares for lift-off.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve US pre-orders

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve UK pre-orders

FAQ

Love physical games? Check out our Silent Hill Townfall pre-order and Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake pre-order pages.

The Neo Geo AES+, a remake of SNK's '90s home arcade console, is currently delayed until September 2027, but it almost didn't happen at all. While you'd be forgiven for thinking AI data centre demand exclusively ties to GPUs, RAM, and high-spec components, it's also hogging up the very flash chips the system will rely on, and creators Plaion say the project was "almost dead."

In a conversation with VGC, Plaion's hardware & software director Ben Jones dives into the AI-driven predicament that almost cancelled the Neo Geo AES+. The main retro console remake rigmarole stems from procuring the aforementioned flash chips, following an extremely successful launch.

“After we announced AES+, we received an overwhelming response and really significant levels of preorders,” explains Jones. “So I straight away went into the procurement phase, and advised our partners in the Far East what our requirements were, and it’s the first time I’ve ever been refused ordering chips, and I’ve worked with Plaion for nearly 20 years in this field. I was like, ‘What do you mean you can’t get these chips? Oh, AI.’”

The chip rejection ties to the exact same shortages, ramping up the price of gaming PC components, gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED, and just about anything that uses memory. However, this specific instance of RAMageddon highlights just how much datacentres are choking hardware production as we know it, as it suggests that if you're not dealing in AI, you're at the back of the fabrication queue, even if you're using chips designed to mimic '90s tech.

Effectively, the Neo Geo AES+ was at risk of being cancelled completely. But, having already obtained chips for the console's iconically huge cartridges, Jones reveals that a workaround is now being put into action.

“We had already made the two ASIC chips in the cartridges that kind of deal with the memory chips, and then send the message to the machine itself. We had thousands of these chips ready for the cartridges," explains the Plaion director. "With that in mind, we tasked ourselves to try and see if there was some kind of a workaround with using what’s called Serial NOR flash, which is basically the same as parallel, but because the NeoGeo only uses parallel flash, you have to do a conversion that lets you use serial flash, which is in easier demand and you can basically get them."

The workaround of converting signals from parallel to serial has delayed the Neo Geo AES+ to 2027, but the company's Chief Technical Officer Bruno Steux says it "didn't have a choice" given the circumstances. Otherwise, the wait for chips would have caused the retro console maker to "wait too much time, and probably spend too much money."

Praising Steux, Jones remarks, “If you hadn’t had the solution for the flash, I think everything was dead. But that’s the journey. And remember, we’ve been working on this for years as well, so it was a bit of a ‘nothing stops this train’ moment. I had to go to Taiwan, I had to speak to everyone, we just had to exhaust all options and be 100% focused. We had to deliver.”

The story here is that the wider AI-driven shortages and chip fab priorities almost buried what is effectively a new way to remake retro consoles. The Neo Geo AES+ is pricey at $249.99 with no cartridges included, but it will mimic the OG system on a hardware level without using FPGA chips or emulation. The machine is also accompanied by the very recreated cartridges that saved the project from being canned, and with those coming in at $69.95 a pop, this is undeniably a remake for players with cash.

Of course, cancellation risks and supply constraints are the least of the Neo Geo AES+'s worries. Enthusiasts are already questioning whether this remake is truly a 1:1 replica or if its chips will hit the same notes as existing tech. There's also cause not to pick up the resurrected arcade system due to SNK's ties to Saudi Arabia and its human rights issues, including LGBTQIA+ criminalisation.

• Retro consoles at Amazon
• Neo Geo AES+ games at Amazon

Swing by the best retro handhelds if you'd rather play Neo Geo games on the go.

Sony has been piling on the limited edition DualSense releases lately, but if the GTA 6 controllers weren't for you, this upcoming Lisa X PlayStation pad might be.

Sony is collaborating with rapper and Blackpink superstar Lisa to launch a stunning $84.99 / £74.99 DualSense in limited quantities on October 20. Launching as part of a new Sony merchandise collection, the PS5 controller uses "Lisa's personal favorite" Chrome Pearl colorway as a base and piles on flashy details (including her signature on the back) that Lisa herself designed for fans to appreciate.

Senior Director of Integrated Marketing, Special Projects, and Licensed Merchandise Retail Marketing Nancy Kim shared on the official PlayStation Blog that Sony worked closely with Thai music icon Lisa to "incorporate elements that held personal meaning" to the Blackpink star. I only have surface-level knowledge of the K-pop fandom space, and yet the look of this pad is so unique and snazzy that even I want to jump on pre-orders when they begin on October 2, 10 am local time.

It also feels extra special that Lisa had a hand in designing this PS5 controller too, even if we don't know how far her involvement truly went and how much is just marketing spiel. According to Lisa herself, she shared that they "had a lot of fun adding in little details" that fans would notice, and "wanted the fans to have something they can connect with". With my vague knowledge of how dedicated Blackpink and K-pop fans can be (photocards are a serious business), I have every inclination that fans and Lisa stans alike will be quick to grab the controller and the rest of the Lisa Limited Edition merchandise when it drops next month.

Yeah, it's not just a DualSense controller that's on its way. The Lisa x PlayStation collaboration also consists of a plethora of goodies, including clothing, tote bags, keychains, stickers, and a matching DualSense carrying case that shares the same illustration as the touchpad.

It's a shame that the carrying case isn't something included with the $85 / £75 pad by default, but according to Nancy Kim, fans will have the chance to pick it up (and the other additional merch) directly through PlayStation on October 2 at 10 am ET and on October 23 via Lisa's official Amazon store.

If you're desperate to add the PS5 controller in particular to your collection, be sure to bookmark the official PS Direct website asap. Having your PS account logged in and ready ahead of October 2 will also give you the edge to avoid losing out to potential resellers, or just equally dedicated Lisa fans.

• View all limited edition PS5 DualSense controllers at PS Direct

On the hunt for a new controller? Check out our guides to the best PC controller for gaming, the best Xbox Series X controller, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers on the market today.

Silent Hill Townfall pre-orders are nearing ever closer as this week's September 24 (Thursday) release date is just days away - but that still leaves plenty of time to pick up a copy for your physical horror collection.

Pre-orders are available digitally for $49.99 / £44.98 (via Steam) and physically on the PS5 for $49.99 / £49.99, and there's even a collectible steelbook available, though its stock is looking pretty foggy right now. If you're based in the US your best option is to pick up your pre-order straight from GameStop as it's just $44.99 which is the cheapest price you'll find it. Equally, if saving cash if you're biggest priority, UK horror fans will want to stick with Very, where it's down to £41.99, which is £8 off. Of course, collectors may be far more intrigued by the steelbook, but it's exclusive to European retailers, and Amazon UK is currently sold out for now.

I managed to swap my Day One Edition copy for the steelbook release just last night, so there's every chance that more stock could be on its way. In the meantime, I've gathered all the best US and UK retailers to grab your copy down below to ensure there are no scary shopping experiences, and that the only scares you'll experience this week will be as you explore the dreary Scottish streets of St. Amelia. Don't worry, as a fellow Scot, it surely can't be that terrifying...

Silent Hill Townfall pre-orders in the US

Silent Hill Townfall pre-orders in the UK

FAQ

Love physical games? Check out our Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time remake pre-order and Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis pre-order pages while you're here.

The original LiberNovo Omni was one of last year's most impressive surprises. Launched as a Kickstarter project that raised over $10 million, it raced to the top of our list of best gaming chairs thanks largely to a dynamic backrest that takes a new approach to ergonomics. Rather than one large piece that’s fixed in place and expects you to conform to its wishes, the LiberNovo approach is a flexible one with multiple panels working together to support your spine as you move around throughout the day.

It proved such a success that in the 12 months since it’s already expanded into a full lineup. There's the updated Omni Gen, the range-topping Omni Pro with active cooling, a big and tall Maxis series, and the chair I've spent the past few weeks in, the LiberNovo Omni SE. It’s the cheapest option in the range, stripping out the motor to simplify things and trim the price down to $899/£839 as a result.

Does your chair really need a battery or built-in air conditioning, though? The LiberNovo Omni SE maintains the same ergonomic concept as the more expensive members of the family and opts to focus on the more traditionally necessary elements of a chair. It may be more affordable, but it’s certainly not cheap, and when you strip away the more eye-catching features that made the original stand out, does the LiberNovo Omni SE still do enough to justify its price tag?

Design & Assembly

For a chair that looks this intricate from behind, the LiberNovo Omni SE was wonderfully simple to put together with surprisingly few parts to deal with. The oversized instruction card walks you through the handful of steps, and without much faff I was able to go from box to seat in probably 10 minutes. Once it's together, the Omni SE certainly looks the part, unapologetically sitting somewhere between the Herman Miller Logitech Embody and a Herman Miller Vantum.

The SE comes in a single Obsidian Black colorway, and LiberNovo offers two seat depth options on its website: 45cm and 48cm. I couldn’t tell you which version I’ve been testing because, inexplicably, my unit’s cushion measured 54cm from back to front of the cushion. I've asked LiberNovo what’s up with that, but regardless of size, the cushion foam is divided into three firmness zones. I’m not convinced you notice this when sitting on it, but doing a highly scientific test of pushing my fist into it in various places, I could feel a slight difference between front, middle, and back.

All the soft areas are covered in micro-elastic fabric which feels lovely to sit in and rub your hand over. It’s soft and pliable with quite a lot of texture to it, which looks premium and grown-up, but also attracts dust and debris at a phenomenal rate. I found myself giving the main seat cushion a brush-off with my hand every time I went to sit down. It also runs warmer than you'd expect from a fabric-clad chair, something I noticed a lot more than I wanted to during the UK's recent heatwave. I now understand why the LiberNovo Omni Pro offers built-in fans; maybe it’s all a cunning ploy to drive people to the $1,299/£1,369 option?

Features

It may have almost all of the nifty little details taken off it, but the Omni SE retains the main important feature that’s shared across all LiberNovo chairs: the Bionic FlexFit backrest. Unlike a ‘traditional’ chair with a solid backrest, here you’re supported by a multi-panel system built around a network of interlinked joints that’s meant to flex and adjust with you as you shift. It reclines differently to a lot of other chairs too, leaning back independently of the seat cushion and pulling the armrests back with it. This all combines to form a very unique sitting experience, but an excellent one overall. The SE gets the same five recline positions as the pricier models in the lineup, ranging from 105 to 160 degrees, though it's worth knowing this works more like a series of stops for how far the backrest will go, rather than a fixed position you can lock in and stay at.

I’m not generally one for particularly intrusive lumbar support systems, but the LiberNovo Omni SE is doing a great job of converting me; this might be the best lumbar support I've used on any chair. It’s a manual job, compared to the motorized adjustment of the original LiberNovo Omni and its Pro models, but the dial is easy enough to reach, and once you've found your ideal setting, you're extremely unlikely to touch it again anyway. As the backrest is made of multiple panels, the lumbar support doesn't feel like a bar digging into your lower back the way I find most do; it feels like an actual integration into the backrest itself, offering coverage across your whole torso rather than one pressure point.

All that movement is great when it’s there by design, but it also extends into unintended areas and forms my biggest source of irritation with the LiberNovo Omni SE. Unfortunately, this challenger brand has fallen into the same trap I've seen far too many established players fall into: the armrests and headrest have no way to lock their position and love to go walkabout. You can lock the height of the armrests in place, but not the rotation or lateral position.

They’re not quite as loose as the ones on the FlexiSpot C7 Morpher (I’m not sure any chair will manage to top those), but they rarely stay where you put them. The headrest is even worse, and it’s more annoying because it's luxuriously soft and comfortable for the brief window it holds still, but it then wilts back down to its lowest setting under the smallest amount of pressure. On a few occasions, even something as simple as standing up out of the chair was enough to hear it slip down a couple of notches.

Performance

I can’t help but have a certain skepticism when a brand wanders so far from the path laid out by the rest of the market. I’m all for innovation; I’m just battle-scarred from ‘innovations’ like 5D armrests on the AndaSeat Kaiser 4 that make the experience worse in the name of being different. With that nagging away in the back of my brain, I wasn’t sure quite what to expect from LiberNovo’s Bionic FlexFit backrest. It didn’t take long to convert me to the dynamic life, however. The Omni SE is an undeniably comfortable chair.

There’s quite pronounced sculpting to the backrest, and the way it welcomes and supports you in equal measure is delightful. It’s designed to move with you as you adjust throughout the day, and it does, though I actually found myself needing to reposition far less often than in something like the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen that I had been using. That’s a comfortable chair too, but you sit on top of it, where I felt like I was sitting in the Omni SE. A word of warning though: the wings of the backrest are pretty slim-fitting, so if you’ve got a broader frame, you’ll want to look at the Maxis version instead.

When you first sit down, the seat cushion is soft, verging on squishy, and it feels great for about the first ten minutes of any session. It has the feeling of quite open-cell foam, so that softness fades and there's a noticeable bottom-out once you've been at your desk for a while. It never becomes uncomfortable; it’s just a real departure from something like the Secretlab Titan Evo, which leans on noticeably firmer cold-cure foam that holds its shape better over a full working day.

Much like the Elgato Embrace, the LiberNovo Omni SE is almost entirely plastic. The star base is nylon, rather than reinforced aluminum alloy on the Pro, and a noticeable amount of general creaking, rubbing, and settling emerges from various points of the all-plastic frame throughout the day. None of it suggests anything is going to break, but it doesn't do much for the premium feel LiberNovo is going for either. The gas cylinder also sits so low in the base that it scrapes against my plastic carpet protector every time I move, which is an oddity I’ve never encountered on any chair before.

Should you buy the LiberNovo Omni SE?

The LiberNovo Omni SE isn’t like any gaming or office chair I’ve sat in before, and it’s better than most of them. The comfort delivered by that dynamic backrest is simply a step above a traditional bucket racing chair, and I can see it being the start of a new phase of development wars across brands. Yes, the SE does away with all of the more eye-catching headline features of its siblings to keep the price tag in triple digits, but it still delivers on the core experience and puts what’s most important in a chair first.

It’s not without a few drawbacks. It’s quite slim through the sides, which hugs a smaller or average frame nicely but is likely to feel tight if you're a bigger user, and the combination of unsettled armrests, a wandering headrest, and a noisy plastic build takes some of the shine off what should still be a premium chair. But none of that overcomes the excellence of that dynamic ergonomic support, which makes the LiberNovo Omni SE a fundamentally comfortable place to spend your working day. If you run warm or have a bigger frame, it's worth putting the Omni Pro on your shortlist instead.

How I tested the LiberNovo Omni SE

I used the Omni SE as my main desk chair over several weeks of daily work, including through a UK heatwave, which turned out to be a useful, if uncomfortable, stress test for how the fabric handles warmer conditions. Testing covered solo assembly and extended work sessions of several hours at a time, with special attention and testing paid to the armrests, headrest, lumbar, and recline settings.

For more on how we test gaming chairs, take a look at the GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

The rest of our gaming furniture recommendations can be found on our lists of the best console gaming chairs, the best gaming desks, and the best standing desks.

It won't launch in the US until next month, but the Acer Predator Atlas 8 just landed in the UK. The 8-inch gaming handheld is anything but a Steam Deck rival, as it'll provide your thumbs with TMR thumbsticks all while running games on a punchy Intel Arc G3 Extreme chipset for £1,300, and while I'd prefer cheaper options, it's nice to see the brand up its portable availbility.

Available for £1,299 at Currys, the Predator Atlas 8 isn't actually Acer's first best gaming handheld contender. That would technically be the 7-inch Nitro Blaze, but that portable pretty much failed to take permanent residence at retailers globally. That is to say, it had a sort of soft launch in the UK and Europe while practically skipping the US, but it looks like the Arc G3 Extreme model is looking to set things straight.

If you're in the US and have what should be around $1,700 to throw at Acer, the Predator Atlas 8 should hit your relevant retailers this October. The price tag is hard to stomach, and the premium portable party is getting a bit too busy for my liking. But, this 1TB / 24GB handheld does pull all the stops in terms of features, sprinkling in extras like those aforementioned TMR thumbsticks, adjustable triggers, and a beefy 80Wh battery.

I'm not entirely sure any of those tricks truly justify the Predator Atlas 8's lofty price tag, nor do I think they're what's driving the MSRP. Ultimately, if cutting some of those perks brought things down to a more approachable price point, it'd make sense to dial things back, but reality is that you're paying over the odds for a capable chipset like the Intel Arc G3 Extreme, that 2GB RAM, and 1TB storage thanks to RAMageddon.

In truth, the extras are really a spoonful of sugar to help the MSRP medicine go down, and Acer isn't the only one taking a Mary Poppins approach to handheld PCs. Asus is gearing up the ROG Xbox Ally X20 in October too, and that model pretty much takes the ROG Xbox Ally X, drops in a 7.4-inch OLED display and TMR thumbsticks while coming in at $1,299, which is a chunk less than the estimated Predator Atlas 8 tag.

There's room to argue the X20's OLED display is worth an extra $300, but I do believe it's also there to mask some inflated component costs. You can still grab the ROG Xbox Ally X for $999.99 right now, but I wouldn't be surprised if it finds itself either creeping up in price down the road or being replaced by the new version. Either way, the Xbox handheld is giving you a bigger perk in its display tech for less than Acer's alternative, especially if you're not fussed about a 0.4-inch difference in size.

Of course, that's ignoring the comparative performance of the X20's AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip versus the new Intel Arc G3 Extreme. I'm hoping to test both side by side, and benchmarks should give me a clearer view on where your moolah is better spent. At the end of the day, you want solid frame rates when splashing this sort of cash on a portable, and if there's a meaningful gap between these two contenders, it could result in a pretty clear victor.

• Handheld gaming PCs at Best Buy
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You'll want to peek at the best retro handhelds if you'd rather stick the classics.

Like its predecessor, the Razer Naga V3 Pro looks not just to the FPS market or the MMO players, but to the Steam generalists. Those with every genre under the sun stored away in their backlog, but - crucially - those willing to invest in the hardware that can support each playstyle independently.

This is no cheap rodent. Starting life at $179.99 / £179.99, the Naga V3 Pro is one of the most expensive competitors we've had in the best gaming mouse arena. You'll find FPS-first rodents at the top of their game for around $20 less. The MMO mouse scene is a little smaller, but typically tends to track around $50 cheaper than Sneki's latest hybrid.

The Naga wants nothing to do with those hard lines, though. Its swappable side plates open your controls up to simple two-button speed play as well as more complex 12-button inventory panels. Its agnostic shape keeps palm and claw grip players comfortable (some might struggle with the weight in a fingertip grip).

Key features

• 3 swappable side plates with 12, 6, and 2 button options, up to 23 programmable buttons
• 50K DPI Focus Pro sensor
• 4-mode scroll wheel

The Razer Naga V3 Pro builds on the previous V2 Pro generation with the same swappable three side plates. That means a two, six, and 12 button option catering to everything from pared down first-person shooters to more complex MMO macros and keybindings. The functionality of these buttons hasn't changed between generations, but we've now got an additional key on the right flank, positioned under the ring finger in a palm grip as well as two along the main left click, set as DPI shifters by default.

In the center you'll find Razer's new HyperScroll Tilt Wheel Gen-2, with four spin modes spanning free-spin, tactile (24-step notched), precision tactile (48-step notched), and smart-reel. The latter has been spotted on plenty of other Razer gaming mice, like the Basilisk V3 Pro, and automatically swaps your scroll setting based on activity.

Underneath all that, Razer has outfitted the V3 Pro with its latest Focus Pro 50K Optical Sensor Gen-3, a 930 IPS / 90 G acceleration eyeball shared only by the flagship Razer Viper V4 Pro. That nets you access to the brand's updated Frame Sync tech as well as dynamic sensitivity and 26-step asymmetric cut-off.

The good

Comfortable for heavier grip types

Razer hasn't changed the form factor too much here. The Naga V3 Pro is still a stocky, heavily curved rodent under the hand, with a fairly bulky feel to the central hump but a shorter body overall. That means it's exceptionally comfortable in a relaxed palm grip, with plenty of support under the top of the palm and ergonomic graduation of levels down the right flank. With the middle finger parked on the right main click, the ring finger nestles nicely underneath on a separate platform / button, while the pinky is free to clutch at the side of the mouse itself underneath.

While I naturally rest in a claw grip, I found myself adopting more of a palm shape when using the Naga V3 Pro. The higher hump and wider base softly enforces this type of hold, but I was still able to get some mileage out of a higher hand position.

With weight generally distributed towards the back, arching the hand around the main clicks and allowing the thumb and pinky to do more of the work still remains comfortable and nimble. There's no undue strain on these outer digits due to the angled design across the right side.

It did, however, mean I was forced to bring my ring finger off the extra button on the right hand side, to allow additional purchase for finer movements towards the rear of the device.

A palm grip is ideal and a claw grip is workable, but this isn't the mouse for those who mainline a fingertip grip. The 117g weight is certainly a reduction on last year's 134g, but this is still a chunky mouse compared to the Viper's 49g or the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight's 36g.

Combine that with the higher dome and wider base and manipulating the Naga V3 Pro in a fingertip grip becomes pretty cumbersome, losing both speed and precision in the process.

Massive range of customization options

The feather in the Naga V3 Pro's cap is obviously going to be those swappable side buttons. There's more versatility in this setup than any I've seen from other brands or rodents, providing a full 12-button array when you need it but completely avoiding the possibility of accidental presses when you don't.

On paper, a total of 23 programmable inputs isn't going to sound particularly impressive across the world of MMO mice. After all, everyone producing an inventory-minded rodent is shipping them with additional programming layers, hidden buttons, and DPI shifters. However, the ability to snap a completely different control scheme in and out of play is one only the Naga can boast so far.

Of course, so can the previous Razer Naga V2 Pro. In fact, if it's just this flexibility you're after I'd likely recommend sticking with the original run if you spot it on sale. Everything functions the same in this newer release, just with a price tag that's unlikely to wobble as far as the older model's.

However, Razer has also brought back on-the-fly DPI shifters running along the left main click, as well as an additional Hypershift button on the right edge. These are nice-to-haves, and I did find the Hypershift button a little too easy to actuate accidentally during everyday use, but heavier macro heads and sniper-focused playstyles will make the most of the newer features.

Fine-tuned scroll wheel

I didn't expect the Naga V3 Pro's scroll wheel to shine quite this bright. All the four-mode marketing washed over me the first time I brought it out the box, but after digging into the settings I fully came to appreciate the new precision tactile mode. This 48-step spin feels fantastic in the hands, providing a greater sense of scroll control that's proven itself across not just gameplay but everyday productivity as well. Notches and clean and defined, at just the right level of tension, making weapon swapping incredibly fast and, once the muscle memory kicks in, accurate.

Of course, there's also the fancy smart mode, swapping between the standard 24-step tactile mode and free spin. Helpful if you're swapping between map and scope zooms regularly, while also coming in handy for everyday scrolling and web browsing, this one generally proves too annoying for me to rely on day to day. It does pick up your scroll speed with sturdy accuracy, and responds quickly to change modes, but the acceleration on the free spin can feel a little too turbo-charged at times.

The bad

Still heavier in the hand

It's important to remember that the Razer Naga V3 Pro isn't designed for competitive FPS. It's got the 8,000Hz polling rate and top-of-the-range sensor to accommodate a faster playstyle, but its chunkier form factor, rear weight distribution, and wider base keep it from closing the gap on the battlefield.

This is a generalist gaming mouse, not a competitive one. That means paying for the high-speed polling rate feels a little counter-intuitive. Still, everyone's throwing these high-speed connections into mice that have no need for them these days - Razer's ticking a box for itself here, not you.

This is an MMO mouse that can also be used for casual action / FPS play, not the other way around.

An expensive catch-all

Razer casts a wide net with its Naga line, don't confuse 'multi-purpose' with mid-range. While its Viper and DeathAdder rodents want to nail the competitive FPS market, this is a device that wants to sit at the center of your gaming world for years to come and that carries its own price tag.

A cheaper, more focused gaming mouse is going to prove far more valuable if your Steam library leans more than 70% towards a particular genre.

Slightly tinny mouse clicks

The only physical concern I came across when testing the Razer Naga V3 Pro is the mouse clicks. While the same Gen 3 snappers are found across Razer's portfolio, they sound a little higher pitched here. It's a personal preference and one that might ring out better in the ears of another player, but having a general preference for a deeper, softer mouse feel the very-almost-hollow sounding clackers here hit a little wrong.

Should you buy the Razer Naga V3 Pro?

The Razer Naga V3 Pro is going to make sense for a niche set of players. It's a luxury buy, but where most premium gaming mice focus their price tags around prowess in a particular genre, the Naga's value comes from its versatility. That means it's not going to satisfy anyone approaching it from a specific genre preference.

Competitive FPS players may be drawn in by the 8,000Hz polling rate, but the weight and form factor of the Naga are going to hamper that speed. MMO players are going to run towards that 12-button side array, but should be wary that they're spending a lot more than they have to on additional features they simply won't be using.

Ultimately, if you're a more casual player looking to invest in a gaming mouse that can meet you wherever you find yourself that day the Razer Naga V3 Pro is going to sparkle. Those with the cash to splash on something that's going to lend a hand to every genre, rather than feeling tailor made to a specific playstyle should be investigating this stubby rodent.

How I tested the Razer Naga V3 Pro

I used the Razer Naga V3 Pro for a period of three weeks, using the device for all my daily work, play, and everything in between. I tested across slower titles like Planet Coaster 2 and Restory while also putting it through its paces in Doom: The Dark Ages and CS2. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GameRadar+ Hardware Policy.

For more setup suggestions, check out the best gaming keyboards and best gaming monitors on the market. We're also rounding up all the best gaming headsets as well.

When Nintendo unveiled its legendary 40th Anniversary Legend of Zelda accessories, it included a Switch 2 case, but even my die-hard Zelda-loving brain isn't convinced that it's worth its price.

It's now available for $39.99 at Amazon, and it definitely looks the part, with its gorgeous gold Triforce design and additional cute little nods to the 40-year-long franchise. However, this case appears to be based on Nintendo's Switch 2 Carrying Case, the one that launched alongside the console. A case that has remained one of my biggest purchasing regrets for the Switch 2 era.

It's over-priced, ugly, and its 'screen protector' is nothing more than thin plastic film rather than a professional sheet of tempered glass. The Legend of Zelda variant has the fortune of not looking quite as cursed, however if it is a re-skin of that very case, I recommend wielding Orzly's plain but quality carrying case this November instead.

My biggest gripe with the 40th Anniversary Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector set is its value. Its $39.99 MSRP is a lot to pay for a pouch-style design that's missing a hard-shell exterior that can better protect your pricey handheld from accidents and general wear and tear. The official Switch 2 Carrying Case (which this appears to be based on) felt flimsy to the touch, like I had wrapped my pricey tech in an empty paper bag rather than in anything that would protect it from the elements.

I get that the main attraction to this version in particular is its Legend of Zelda design, and that "40th Anniversary" logo sitting on the box. I'm a collector of all things related to the iconic game series and even I felt the pull to pick it up purely to see it sitting proudly on my shelves along with the rest of my Triforce-laden goodies. However, I'd prefer something that has the bulk to protect my tech, with some storage features in tow, to fully justify its $40 price.

The Orzly Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't have the fancy Zelda design, but it does provide ample amounts of protection that justifies its MSRP tenfold. Not only is it more affordable at just $26.91 at Amazon today (and it gets even cheaper when big sales events roll around), but its hard-shell form factor has been able to withstand even my extremely clumsy hands.

It's far bigger, so you'll need to make sure your backpack can accommodate this hefty accessory. However, that extra space allows the case to shield your Switch 2 from harm and store a whopping 21 physical games and small accessories, the latter of which the first-party Zelda version cannot.

For the same $39.99 price as the Zelda case, you can actually grab the Orzly model bundled with a smorgasbord of extras. If the upcoming Ocarina of Time Remake is what tipped you over into finally investing in Nintendo's next-gen console, this would be more valuable to your setup, as it includes a pack of two actual tempered glass screen protectors, a grip case, a pair of wired earbuds, a USB-C charging cable, a game-card holder, and a stylus. Unlike the case, I haven't tested them myself, so I can't vouch for their quality. But you don't need to imagine that having all that in your arsenal would be handy for your upcoming adventures throughout Hyrule.

If you'd prefer a pouch-style case, there's always the PowerA Slim Case for Nintendo Switch 2, which is typically $20 but happens to be discounted to $16.99 this week. It's a compact case that still makes sure to include space for physical games, and its game storage even transforms into a makeshift stand to keep your console upright.

Of course, all of these options will mean nothing if you're purely after the 40th Anniversary accessory for its Zelda-ness and nothing else. I totally get the want to add it to your setup (I'm still hunting for the Zelda Switch 2 Pro controller myself). Yet, it wouldn't feel right if I didn't use my time testing Switch 2 cases to let you know, "hey, listen, there's cheaper and higher-quality alternatives out there."

• View all Nintendo Switch 2 cases at Amazon

Want more Zelda? Check out Hasbro's new electronic Master Sword and the Ocarina of Time Remake pre-order guide while you're here.

Especially this year, building a desktop gaming PC setup will set you back a fortune, and that’s true of just building yourself a rig. It’s easy to forget you also need to invest in peripherals, maybe a controller, and the thing that slips everyone’s mind is a set of computer speakers that outdo the awful ones found in monitors.

For that reason, the Creative Pebble Plus speakers have become a bit of a staple of this market. There are few 2.0 or 2.1 speaker sets that will demand as little from you in the way of budget while giving you actually decent audio. That much is clear when you think that the original Creative Pebble Plus was released in 2019 and hasn’t been updated since.

Obviously, when buying at this end of the budget scale, you’re going to miss out on a few bells and whistles, but if you do most of your gaming with a headset on and you just want some speakers for the odd game here and there or listening to music while you work at a desk, the $30 / £30 investment Creative asks of you here for its budget speakers is hard to trump.

Design

Creative has done an incredible job of designing desktop speakers that look good in a variety of set-ups, have everything you need, perform well, and aren’t too big. The only caveat is that they’re only offered in Black and Gold, which is no bad thing; I think it looks svelte, minimalist, and modern but not in your face or shouty. If having just one colour option keeps the price down, then it’s hard to complain.

There are nice little touches, such as the speakers being angled upward at 45 degrees, directing sound straight toward your ears rather than forward into the chest. This design point makes a tremendous difference in clarity and means the speakers don't have to work as hard. Having one dial on the speaker for on/off and volume controls keeps the design practical and unspoiled. A welcome break from the buttons, switches, haptic feedback and touch controls that keep appearing on modern products, which arguably clutter up their design unnecessarily.

With the Subwoofer being a standout feature of these speakers, I was excited to get it out of the box. Only to be surprised at how light it is and how tiny the diameter of the speaker cone is. Before I plugged it in, I didn’t believe it was big enough to offer any worthwhile performance; more on how good it turned out to be later in the review.

There is, however, one side of the design that is the biggest drawback of these speakers. For a product that came out in 2019, I'm flabbergasted they haven't rectified it yet. It’s the wires - so many wires. Throughout my time reviewing the Creative Pebble Plus, I constantly had wires criss-crossing all over my desk, studio, office, and bedroom. It was ugly, inconvenient, and at one point, a very real trip hazard in my hotel room. Yep, that’s right, I took the Creative Pebble Plus on tour…well, a work tour. I was covering the largest gaming convention (Gamescom), and for the week I was there, I had to do a bunch of filming and editing. I thought it would be a good field test and was also pleasantly surprised when the whole system was small enough to easily fit in my suitcase. They transformed the editing process while working away from my main setup, and other than the wires the only other issue was using a USB C to A converter.

This is all to say that however minimalist and sleek the speakers look, the design is all ruined if you don’t have somewhere to hide all those pesky wires.

Features

The Creative Pebble Plus system features two satellite speakers with 2” mid-range drivers and a down-firing, 4-inch subwoofer that combine to deliver audio across a 50Hz to 20kHz frequency range. Each speaker delivers two watts of audio, while the subwoofer pumps out four watts of bass. You can actually get 8W RMS output for a louder, more powerful system by connecting the speakers to a wall socket to provide more power rather than relying on standard USB 2.0.

The powered right speaker acts as the central hub of the system, just like in a lot of rival setups like the SteelSeries Arena 3 or Ruark MR1 MK 3. The right speaker houses the power and volume knob as well as a low/high gain switch underneath. Connectivity is entirely wired, meaning there is no Bluetooth here. The system features a hardwired 3.5mm Aux-In jack for audio input, and it draws power directly via USB, meaning this may need to be plugged into your computer twice (USB for Power, 3.5mm Jack for Audio) unless you get power from a wall socket.

Which brings me to the main drawback of the Creative Pebble Plus: cable management. Every single cord—including the cable connecting to the subwoofer, the cable between the left and right speakers, the USB power cable, and the 3.5mm input cable—is hardwired directly into the back of the right speaker. This creates a tangled mess of wires that is exceedingly difficult to conceal or look nice on a desk. So much so that I would only recommend these speakers to people who have a permanent computer setup with a tower or a laptop with a hub where they can plug everything in and forget about it.

Otherwise, you’re losing too many ports and creating too many complications that are just not worth it. Yes, a lot of desktop speakers will require these tethers between satellites and subwoofer, but often you’ll find the subwoofer serving as the hub for connecting it all. The Logitech Z407 does this, for example, which helps to keep a lot of the mess clear of your desk. You’d be better off with a soundbar or wireless speakers with Bluetooth that forgo the subwoofer entirely if this is a major dealbreaker for you; I’ll provide some alternatives to the Creative Pebble Plus at the end if you’re interested.

Overall, this budget-friendly 2.1 speaker system offers clever acoustic angling, convenient USB power, and impressive sound clarity for its size and price. However, the frustratingly messy cable routing, lack of Bluetooth or USB audio, and audio input being restricted solely to the hardwired 3.5mm jack could be problematic, as some current ultra-thin laptops don’t have a 3.5mm jack at all. It’s not like the physical 3.5mm jack is there for the audiophiles either; it’s because in 2019 it was cheap. However, I find it hard to believe that a newer iteration of this speaker with a cheaper / older bluetooth module would be that much more expensive. Audio quality wouldn't be an issue either, as an older Bluetooth codec wouldn't be noticed on this type of affordable speaker. However, the benefit of all these wires and the jack is that there is less to go wrong and setup is easy. No searching for Bluetooth / connection issues / lagging while gaming. It would appeal to older users who don’t want to faff around in menus and just want products that work as soon as you plug them in.

Performance

These budget speakers deliver impressive value for the price, though their audio performance varies significantly depending on the track and volume level. At medium volumes, the system sounds well-balanced and avoids distortion. However, when you turn up the volume, there is a tipping point where distortion sets in—particularly on tracks with heavy bass like R&B, hip-hop, and drum and bass.

While the inclusion of a subwoofer might be tempting to deep bass enthusiasts, the low-end can actually distort on heavy bass lines. For tracks with an even range of highs, mids, and lows, the sound is surprisingly balanced and vibrant. A variety of instruments across lots of genres come through clearly, with this balanced profile translating well to orchestral pieces, movie scores, and game soundtracks, where higher-register brass, strings, and vocals take center stage and lower registers remain rich, full-bodied, and properly mixed.

As I said earlier, I was sceptical of how useful the sub would actually be considering its size and weight. In the first five minutes I didn’t actually believe it was on, so I unplugged it to see the difference. While this was never going to be a chest-caving bass extravaganza, I was really surprised that I did notice a marked difference. This sub is less ‘Woofer’ and more ‘Subtle’ as it adds real depth to the soundscape without overwhelming you at close proximity if you’re sitting them on the desk in front of you. The speakers on their own are rather good, but I now can’t use them without the sub, as I know I'm missing a much more rounded and complete audio experience.

Overall, while gamers and heavy bass lovers won’t be blown away, the speakers provide a great sound for the price with a crisp, clear, and capable audio experience for most scenarios as long as volume levels are kept in check.

Should you buy the Creative Pebble Plus speakers?

If you want a computer speaker set up with a subwoofer (to ensure a good range of sound) and you don't want to spend more than $30, then you should definitely buy the Creative Pebble Plus. Just make sure you’re buying the right one, as the Creative Pebble (without the word Plus) is the satellite speakers without the subwoofer, so make sure you get the ‘Plus’ if you want the best bang for your buck. When looking for alternatives, I was surprised I couldn't find any for this type of price. These speakers were released in 2019, and since then nobody has come close to matching the Creative Pebble Plus on value. Strangely, even Creative themselves haven't managed to better their own product with a newer iteration.

For a 2.1 system, they have released newer models in the Creative Pebble X Plus, but those are around three times the price. There is the Creative Pebble v3 for around the same price, but you sacrifice a subwoofer for USB-C and Bluetooth, which means fewer cables. However, if you’re building a desk setup on a budget, you have under $50 to spend, and you really want a subwoofer, you literally cannot find a better budget option.

How I tested the Creative Pebble Plus

I’ve been testing the Creative Pebble Plus Speakers at home for the last four weeks in a variety of situations at home, and at Gamescom in my hotel room abroad. I’ve been comparing the music performance against my professional-grade balanced Mackie MR824 studio monitors. Using a variety of music genres and tones with tracks I know well to compare and contrast. For gaming, TV, and movie performance, I’ve been switching between the Creative Pebble Plus and my Samsung speaker TV setup, which includes a soundbar, subwoofer, and two rear speakers—testing across a variety of platforms, which include my PS5, Gaming Laptop, Steam Deck, and YouTube, Netflix, and Blu-rays for movies and TV Shows.

For more, check out the GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

If you want more ways to improve your setup, look at the best gaming PCs, the best CPU for gaming, and the best graphics cards.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 60-series GPUs could break the company's release date rhythm, as rumors now point towards a 2028 release date. That's sure to be a bummer if you were holding out for next-gen options to serve as a sort of reset for current-generation creeping prices, but new graphics cards are perhaps the last thing we need right now.

The latest Nvidia GeForce RTX 6000 rumors come courtesy of renowned leaker kopite7kimi. In a fresh tweet, the insider says, "I hope Jensen can see everyone's passion and launch new products for gaming as soon as possible," before lamenting that, "Unfortunately, GR20x is a product from 2028." For you gaming PC players not well versed in chipset speak, that's a reference to the Rubin GPU set to power the next generation of graphics cards, which the leaker says have been "postponed again."

It's worth noting that Nvidia hasn't officially ever confirmed an RTX 60-series launch window. The delay kopite7kimi refers to is based on previous rumors suggesting the new graphics cards will launch in 2027, but it appears the insider whispers keep shifting. The leaker now says they will "try to minimize updates until there is definite news," while acknowledging that previous rumors are now discredited using a bracketed "lessons learned" to close things off.

If the new GeForce GPU timeline holds true, it will represent a shift in Nvidia's release patterns. Typically speaking, the company releases new gaming graphics cards every two years, with only a few months of difference in length between generations. For instance, Blackwell cards debuted in January 2025, 27 months after the 40-series Lovelace lineup arrived on the scene. 30-Series Ampere cards launched two years and one month before that, so we pretty much had a set rhythm in terms of releases. The longest wait between generations was previously between GeForce 8000 and GeForce 400 SKUs back in 2006.

Of course, that's ignoring the Super refresh cards that tend to show up mid-generation, and those could tie into the 60-series delay. Previous rumors claim new RTX 50 Super GPUs could show up in 2027, but they were originally meant to land in 2026. Effectively, the whole timeline is being shunted forward, and that's almost certainly due to the current situation with component shortages and resource allocation.

Make sure to pass round the grains of salt with this one, as Nvidia hasn't unveiled any of its next-gen GPU plans. However, I also reckon the old GPU release rhythm is dead and buried at this stage, given the company's new focus on non-gaming AI interests and the fact that demand for current-gen cards is very much still active. That said, in a world where datacentre builders are buying RTX 5090 graphics cards by the pallet, it feels like we sorely need a GPU that's exclusively for PC players, and if Nvidia isn't in a hurry, AMD should probably seize its chance with a new high-end contender.

• Graphics cards at Amazon
• Gaming PCs at Amazon

Swing by the best CPU for gaming and best RAM if you're building or upgrading your rig.

I've certainly come across more than a few PlayStation-inspired handhelds in my time, but portable maker Yoniq is taking PS2 DualShock 2 liberties. It effectively has a direct clone of the retro controller in the pipeline with what appears to be a 4.5-inch screen smashed in the middle, and there's a reason why Sony might be specifically upset.

Creatively dubbed the Yoniq Portal Handheld Gaming Console, the retro handheld is clearly taking cues from both the OG PS2 DualShock controller and the PlayStation Portal. It will supposedly launch with what looks like an "early bird" $199.99 / £148.99 price tag, and while that isn't completely unreasonable if it can actually emulate the console it's drawing influence from, the page features zero specs.

Weirder still, instead of even including a light list of features, Yoniq includes instructions on how to use its Gamepatch membrane touchscreen button overlay. Yes, the whole page screams placeholder, and while it might almost feel like it's one of the usual "too good to be true" handheld scams, the company was allegedly showing off a Dual-Screen DS clone at Gamescom just last month.

For what it's worth, I like the idea of the Yoniq Portal. If you've been specifically thinking about how to play PS2 games on the go, it makes sense to use something modelled exactly after the legendary retro console's controller, and the render looks almost exactly like the 2000s gamepad too. The devil is absolutely in the detail here, and by that I mean Sony could unleash legal hell on the portable maker over its button symbols.

For 30 years now, Sony has maintained pretty strict PlayStation controller licensing terms, and that extends to the iconic symbols. While the rules for modern PS5 controllers have evolved to cover more elements, the general guidelines have always revolved around specific dimensions, button layouts, and placement for logos. Naturally, you also have to pay a fee, and I'd be dumbfounded if that's happening here, given the emulation-based nature of the device.

If or when the Yoniq Portal launches, I suspect we'll get the usual slightly altered circle, cross, square, and triangle buttons to keep Sony at bay. That's not going to really cramp the handheld's PlayStation 2-inspired style, and additional touches like a "Memory Card" flap covering the microSD slot, headphone jack, and USB-C are pretty nice nods to Sony's original console design.

That said, I'd curb your enthusiasm for the Yoniq Portal until reviews emerge for the PS2-style handheld. I'll happily check it out if I get the chance, but I'm pretty sceptical about whether it can hit the same emulation notes as the Retroid Pocket 5 or the Ayn Odin 2, as it will really need the same oomph to get away with a $200 price tag. I'm not writing the portable off just yet, at least not until I see proper specs, though I have a funny feeling it won't be a powerhouse.

• Retro handhelds at Amazon
• PS2 controllers at Amazon

Check out how to play N64 games if you'd rather explore Ninty's early 3D outings.

The Epomaker GX1 is the first time the brand has tried its hand at making a headset, and I think it needed more on the design chopping block.

I went into testing the GX1 hoping it'd end up on our best gaming headsets list, primarily as I was a fan of its stylish looks (at least where the white version provided for this review is concerned) and for the fact it provides an open-back form factor at a cheap $49.99 / £45.99. Something that's pretty much unheard of with other brands, Epomaker was off to a great start.

But after a few weeks of the brand's first-ever cans by my side, what should remain unheard is their tinny sound. Combined with awkward-to-use software that refused to boot up at times and the muddy microphone, this is not the dream cheap open-back pair I've been hoping for.

Key specs

Design

I'm a big fan of the Epomaker GX1's aesthetic - but it's mainly thanks to the white model I was provided with for this review.

Rather than just being pale from every inch, Epomaker chose to coat the metal yokes in this charming, shiny shade of baby blue that gives it a Y2K appeal. I'm not sure if this was deliberate or not, but as a millennial I'm very much a fan of its look, especially as the color combo reminds me of the early 00s. So often tech back then was either transparent plastic or draped in shimmery metallic colors, and the white and shiny blue combo looks like a headset that Space Channel 5's Ulala would have dawned in the iconic Dreamcast game of the era.

It's not just the color palette that makes it stand out, but the decision to hide the RGB lighting behind the open-back grills rather than around them. Once you press that power button, a rim of light pastel rainbow lighting illuminates through the dotted ventilation on the exterior of the cups, alongside a faint Epomaker logo, and I can't get enough.

Features

The defining feature of the Epomaker GX1 is undoubtedly its open-back form factor, and there's no getting around that. Is it the first open-back headset to exist? Far from it, but often they come in pricey packages, so getting the GX1's features for $49.99 / £45.99 is a pretty sweet situation, especially when you factor in the rest of the features Epomaker has piled into their pair.

You've also got 50mm-sized dynamic audio drivers with a 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response and Tri-mode connectivity (Wired, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz) at your disposal. The cans also include one of the handiest wireless receivers s I've ever come across after years of testing the best PC headsets for gaming, which can transform into either a USB-C or USB-A dongle. No more worrying about your desktop's port situation, which is great for me as I have only one USB-C port to use on a daily basis.

Besides that, the GX1 uses virtual 7.1 surround sound, a detachable ENC noise-canceling microphone, an impressive 70-hour battery (when the RGB lighting is turned off), and support for the brand's XearOne Audio Center software.

Performance

When I think "open back" in the context of headsets, natural-sounding and high-quality audio instantly comes to mind, but that was not what I entirely found while testing the GX1. While its form factor lent itself to dialogue and sound design, the sound produced by Epomaker's first pair of cups was a bit too tinny for my liking.

For dialogue, things were fine, even better than fine. Earlier this week, as the end of my testing time drew near, Marvel's Wolverine launched on the PS5, and the muttering between Logan and Mystique sounded incredibly immersive. Each line of dialogue was clear and consistent, and with the 7.1 surround sound in tow, it was almost as if the iconic X-Men were in the room with me. Hey Logan, please stay clear of my valuable collectibles.

Yet whenever the music kicked in, and I was meant to feel this onslaught of adrenaline, the audio just fell flat. Open-back cans are known for not having the same amount of bass prowess as their closed-back counterparts, which I of course knew before dropping the bright white peripheral on my head, but I was still left disappointed.

What helped was the existence of the XearOne software I mentioned earlier. It's available to download straight from the Epomaker website, and provides a small batch of EQ and audio settings to help - so long as you're playing on PC. Popping on its "Dynamic Bass" setting helped make the tunes emitting from the headset's speakers resonate and give them more warmth. This was immediately noticeable in the indie game Is This Seat Taken, where its title music had a bit more jauntiness to it, which is what you want for a jazzy track of its kind.

Yet while the software definitely helped, it had issues of its own. For one, while mine was most definitely set to English (I checked twice), but its tutorial text was not. Secondly, midway through testing, the software just refused to boot up, only deciding to flicker on and disappear within a moment's notice. There's every chance Windows 11 was at fault here, and the software was a completely innocent bystander, but it didn't help make my experience any better.

When I did manage to get it working, I was at least happy to see some audio and microphone settings at play. While it provides the option to adjust the headset's volume (an alternative to its on-board dial), pan sound to the left or right, modify EQ settings, and select through a bunch of presets, there was some customization with the mic too. It had a volume bar of its own, but you could also increase the level of noise reduction, and even select a range of 'Xear Magic Voice' sounds effects. I didn't particularly want my voice to sound like that of a rubber duck when chatting to my pals on Discord, but at least the option was there, I guess.

Talking of the microphones, the GX1 actually has two available - one detachable mic and a built-in mic it will automatically switch to should you remove the first. Though I wasn't a fan of either.

Look, I wasn't expecting condenser mic levels of quality for something that costs less than a brand-new AAA game, but I was hoping for a little bit more. While friends could hear me just fine as we dived into A Big Walk, singling it out and recording it through Audacity revealed an incredibly muddy and unpleasant quality. I was worried at first that I had somehow managed to record the built-in mic rather than the detachable one, but no, this boomy and fuzzy quality is what the GX1 had to offer me.

It wasn't all bad. While its audio quality was a bit lackluster, its battery life was superb. If you ensure not to have its RGB lights blazing all day, you can muster 70 hours of playback, and I rarely had to change the thing. Some of the best PC headsets for gaming I've tested, like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, can only muster 30 hours, but the GX1 can provide more than double at half the price.

Should you buy the Epomaker GX1 headset?

A $49.99 / £45.99 MSRP is incredibly affordable for a headset sporting an open-back design, but just because it's cheap doesn't mean you should jump on the Epomaker GX1.

It pains me a bit to write those words, as I really wanted to love this headset. When it first arrived at my door for testing, I was obsessed with its shiny, metallic white and blue design, and its Black and Pink alternative colorways look just as stylish. It's also one of the most comfortable peripherals I've reviewed, and I swear it is much lighter than the 320g the brand states it to be. Yet no matter how comfortable, flashy, and long-lasting this headset was, I was not a great fan of its audio quality, and in the end, that's what headsets should all be held accountable for.

If you're looking for a low-cost open-back option, I'd sooner recommend waiting for alternatives like the Turtle Beach Atlas Air to drop down from its $179.99 / £159.99 price, which could be soon with Black Friday and the holiday sale season upon us. Otherwise, the Sony Inzone H6 Air is another fantastic contender, though you'll have to hope its $199.99 / £179.99 price receives a discount too, and be happy with wired-only.

How I tested the Epomaker GX1 headset

For a little over two weeks, the Epomaker GX1 headset became my go-to cans, whether I was picking up my Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, or my PC. I started off rocking the Y2K-looking cans while on my desktop, as its accompanying software is only available on PC platforms. With it, I played everything from Counter-Strike 2, Marvel Rivals, and Dispatch. On the Steam Deck, my go-to was Disney Dreamlight Valley; meanwhile, I rocked Marvel Rivals, Marvel's Wolverine, and Fortnite on the PS5.

When not playing games, I used the pair to listen to plenty of music on Spotify, including Sending Hearts To All My Dearies – A Tribute To The Smashing Pumpkins, Vitalic's 'OK Cowboy' album, and the Nintendo Music browser app. Additionally, the GX1 happened to be on my head while I was bingeing Gilmore Girls on Netflix, and watching films like Atlantis The Lost Empire via Disney+.

For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

Not sure if the Epomaker GX1 is for you? Check out our guides to the best PC headset for gaming, the best PS5 headset, and the best Xbox Series X headset for more options for your setup.

Some may accuse the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller of being late. I’d argue it has arrived exactly when it means to, as the evolving cartridge-wielding ecosystem has only just found a need for 3D controls. Yes, the retro console maker first started venturing into three dimensions with glover in 2024, but now that it’s firmly in its fifth-generation territory, you’ve a reason to want to sticks if you own a VS or Alpha.

I’m going to say this up front: the Evercade Dual Thumbstick pad isn’t the best retro controller out there. That’s not to say it isn’t a good gamepad that builds upon the staple gamepad feel first supplied by the VS console pad, nor does it fail in adding nice-feeling 3D controls to a tried and tested formula. It’s just that it doesn’t quite nail the ergonomic side of things or build upon some of the greatest designs out there.

You shouldn’t really pick up the Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller expecting it to be an amazingly authentic pad for your custom emulation station. What Blaze does with this accessory does further provide the Evercade ecosystem with its own unique hardware feel as it expands its library to 3D. Not unlike the N64 controller, this gamepad is far from perfect, but it feels like it’s made with purpose and is anything but generic.

It’s hip to be square

If you were expecting the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller to do the usual SNES knock-off thing, or even try and emulate the look of a PS1 gamepad, then you probably aren’t familiar with Blaze’s whole vibe. Since releasing its first cartridge-based handheld back in 2021, it’s stuck to a glossy, blocky philosophy that evokes the feeling of arcade perspex and ‘80s cabinet designs, and the console maker will be damned if ergonomic needs disrupt that energy.

Really, though, at a glance, the Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller looks like an ergonomic nightmare. Big, flat sides make up a bold square (technically rectangular) shell that, from the front, doesn’t contour to your hands, and the pads going to get up close and personal with your bottom finger joints.

The gamepad’s saving grace is found around the rear, as Blaze’s experience in the world of handhelds is fully present. Very subtle contours on the back help form grips for your ring and pinky fingers, while space under the shoulders provides refuge for your middle digits. That leaves your index fingers resting on top, which works thanks to the low-profile nature of the digital shoulder buttons.

Evercade’s analogue controller isn’t outright uncomfortable, but it will feel pretty angular if you’re used to modern gamepad ergonomics. In fact, it feels especially bulky compared to Sony’s original designs, which is probably a symptom of me having spent extra time with the company’s early systems while crafting my guide on how to play PS2 games. My point here is that as a cursec controller collector, I’ve encountered pads that commit far worse ergonomic crimes, but just like with the NES, you’ll feel like you’ve been holding a rectangle after a few hours.

Now with added sticks

Yes, I know you came here for the sticks. Rest assured, the Dual Thumbstick Wireless Controller has what you’re looking for right on the front, squeezed in just below the same D-pad and button layout as the VS pad. If you’re all about that PlayStation symmetrical life, you’ll be pleased as punch to see the analogue sticks sitting side by side, meaning the tips of your thumbs can have a smooch while you’re running around as a sentient mitt, an anthropomorphic bear, or a Shakespearean vampire.

If you prefer asymmetrical sticks, you will absolutely find this layout cramped like usual. I wouldn’t say it’s any worse than a PlayStation controller, but if you’ve got tall thumbs, you might have to play using your tips rather than the ball. The concave, rubberized grips mean you’ll have a good hold on them no matter where you position your digits, and the fact they’re full-sized is commendable given the temptation to use those smaller (subjectively horrid) mini Joy-Con alternatives as a space saver.

The controller’s titular feature does hit the spot for analogue movement, but there’s one massive caveat: these are traditional potentiometer sticks. It almost feels outlandish not to opt for at least Hall effect sensors in 2026, so as not to fall prey to the blight of stick drift, but alas, I’m guessing opting for magnetic parts wasn’t cost-friendly on the manufacturing side of things.

It’s still something I’m sure many players will raise an eyebrow at, purely based on the hysteria around stick drift alone. What I will say is that as someone who’s been fixing controllers for virtually decades now, and owns a shameful number of pads with sticks, drifting isn’t always a guarantee, and there’s every chance Blaze has accounted for wear and tear with some internal design provisions.

There’s perhaps a case to be made for a sub-$40 controller not having hall effect sticks. The issue is that brands like 8Bitdo and GameSir have already normalized the tech in that specific price band. Keep in mind that other USB gamepads are often compatible with the Evercade Alpha and VS, meaning you can also use something like the Gulikit Elves 2 Pro that boasts pretty lofty specs compared to Blaze’s own Dual Analogue.

Branded button bashing

It might feel like Evercade already shot itself in the foot by enabling wide USB controller support before releasing the Dual Thumbstick controller. In my eyes, a gamepad has an equal role in establishing a console’s brand and unique feel, and it’s the reason why the big dogs like Sony will restrict you to using a DualSense with the PS5.

It’s for that reason I think the Evercade Dual Thumbstick’s main reason for being on this planet is brand identity, and I don’t mean that as an insult. In the hands, there’s no mistaking which console range this pad belongs to, and it feeds into the idea of Blaze’s machine being a fully fledged platform with its own hardware and cartridge ecosystem.

Sure, you could just pop in a compatible gamepad to your Alpha or Nexus and get by, but this dedicated Bluetooth controller is tailored for Evercade. No button mapping or sussing out layouts is required with this pad, as you’d perhaps expect from any purpose-made set of buttons, and while the right analogue stick will feel redundant across a chunk of the console’s 2D library, it will equip your setup to deal with the new 3D editions that should be ushered in with the Nexus.

Outside of providing the Evercade home console with a clutchable controller identity, the Dual Thumbstick is serviceable. The membrane buttons are tactile enough, not ever so slightly shallower than I like, while the floating D-pad avoids any major pivoting issues (rolling out moves in Street Fighter is not an issue). The four shoulder buttons, while digital and perhaps limited outside of older games, are pleasantly clicky and within comfortable reach.

I’m hesitant to say the thing I’d change with the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Controller is the shape, as the blocky design feels like part of the brand’s DNA. That said, as the proud(?) owner of many of Blaze’s old third-party PS1 controllers before it was revitalized into a retro console maker in 2018, I know it could have made something with proper grips and perhaps a less slippery body, while creating something that still feels unique

Connectivity caveats

The Evercade Dual Thumbstick controller comes with a wireless dongle, but instead of using 2.4 GHz, it uses a Bluetooth receiver. I know for a fact that isn’t going to go down well with latency-sensitive purists, as while I’m almost certain most players won’t feel any meaningful lag, it’s still one for the caveat list.

It might feel weird opting for Bluetooth over 2.4 GHz if you have to include a dongle anyway, but I suspect the decision will make sense in the future. For now, it’s a workaround to enable support for existing Evercade systems, although not the handhelds, since the company has decided hybrid functionality isn’t its jam, but I’m fully expecting to see a VS-R successor in the future that will sync straight up to the new wireless controller.

Of course, one main reason to opt for Bluetooth connectivity outside of that is better battery life efficiency. It’s part of the reason why the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Controller can keep going for 15 hours on a single charge, as having tested plenty of 2.4 GHz pads like the Retro Fighters StrikerDC, I know too well that you’re milage on that tech is closer to 11 hours.

Naturally, you can plug the pad straight into Evercade consoles or your PC using USB, and the latter will assume it’s an Xbox 360 controller. That’s incredibly handy in a pinch if, like me, you forgot to stick the dongle back on the back magnet, subsequently misplaced it, then ended up in a tizzy trying to find it for further testing (I really don’t get on with adapters).

Should you pick up the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Controller?

Picking up the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Controller is a no-brainer if you’re already invested in Blaze’s cartridge-based ecosystem. You could say there are gamepads out there that provide better bang for buck, but Blaze’s accessory is designed to feel like it’s made for its console line-up rather than outshine some of the best options for specific consoles or Jack-of-all-trades accessories.

What I will say is that this is a mighty fine first attempt at a proper analogue controller by Blaze. I’ve certainly used gamepads that are gnarlier than the Evercade’s new accessory, and it does a nice job providing your thumbs with the necessities for playing early 3D games. I’m also giving the blocky, ergonomically questionable shell a pass too since it makes sense design-wise for the brand and actually helps the gamepad travel slightly better than something with elongated grips (although I’d be careful with the protruding sticks since they’re not hall effect and are more susceptible to pressure damage).

In truth, most of my Evercade Dual Thumbstick Controller “cons” tie back to Blaze's approach to console hardware so far. There’s no point in me ranting about the lack of rumble support since that’s not a thing with Evercade ports, and while I do think 2.4 GHz would have been a nice addition, sticking with just Bluetooth will make sense down the road.

The bottom line is that picking up Evercade Dual Thumbstick controller will make your machine and games feel like a comprehensive alternative to the PS5, Xbox, or Switch. I wouldn’t say Blaze hasn’t achieved those vibes before now, but the gamepad does help reinforce the idea that it’s a main player in the console scene today, one that could snatch retro players from the big three as they sail to their all-digital doom.

How I tested the Evercade Dual Thumbstick Controller

For two weeks, I tested the Dual Thumbstick Controller with Blaze’s own Evercade Alpha, VS-R, and my PC. During that time, I compared the gamepad’s ergonomics, buttons, analogue sticks, and general performance to modern controllers and pads designed for specific retro consoles, weighing up whether it offers enough to justify its price tag.

For more information on how we test controllers and retro gadgets, swing by our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

PC VR gaming is still alive and well, but it's getting harder and harder to find headsets that give you its original appeal. Most new headsets today focus on the convenience of streaming and wireless connections when it comes to gaming, and in their standalone modes, they just don't have the power to match up against a desktop PC. So, if you want that crystal-clear visual fidelity and lossless connection from your PC's graphics card, there are fewer and fewer places to turn these days. That's why the Pimax Dream Air is such an interesting VR headset to review right now.

Up against PSVR 2, the Meta Quest 3, and most recently, the Steam Frame, it and the HTC Vive Focus Vision seem to be the only ones that actually want to give PC gamers the ultimate visual feast with a lossless DisplayPort connection. But for how old-fashioned a wired connection is, the Dream Air has a more futuristic, lightweight design than any of its rivals. It bears a striking resemblance to the Apple Vision Pro, but that's more of a statement of intent rather than an appeal to disappointed Apple fans. It's the PCVR gaming headset the Vision Pro never turned out to be, and Pimax knows it.

But that comes with its drawbacks too. For example, it might harness tiny OLED displays that look absolutely breathtaking, but the flipside is an equally breathtaking price tag of $2,000 / £1,542 for the headset on its own. If you want the privilege of controllers bundled in and inside-out tracking, it'll set you back $2,299 / £1,774.

Design

Where the Pimax Dream Air strays from its creator's previous headsets is in its design. We've tested a few products from Pimax now, including a few failed attempts with the Pimax Crystal, and a successful review of the Pimax Crystal Light. We know the sorts of visuals this brand's headsets are capable of if you can afford them, but even the lighter version of the brand's better-known headset is so bulky and awkward on your head that we only really recommend it for stationary simulation games. The Pimax Dream Air is the polar opposite of that.

With a Vision Pro-reminiscent design, it's absolutely tiny when sat next to even the Meta Quest 3. It's almost bordering on a hybrid between a headset and a pair of smart glasses with extra cushioning - it's that lightweight at only 170 grams.

Cloth and fabrics wrap around it, giving you a lovely, comfortable, Velcro fastening headband and a facial interface that's surprisingly breathable despite feeling like a dense blanket you'd wrap up in during the winter.

It's hard to fault the design of the Dream Air - I never got to try out the Apple Vision Pro, but by all accounts its weight made all the lightweight fabrics, the soft headband, and the removal of a battery pointless - it still dragged down on people's noses and made the experience of using it uncomfortable. The Dream Air doesn't have that issue because its facial interface has such a strict border that immediately tapers off, allowing for less contact on your face, but a more noticeable field of view I'll come onto in a bit.

Although you'll need to be connected to a graphics card and USB to play with the Dream Air, I am a fan of how Pimax has streamlined its cabling. There's nothing on the headset end you need to plug in or worry about coming unplugged. Two splitter cables, one for each display panel, split off from the rear of the headset on either side, combining into one before meeting in a small cell that hangs just at the top of your back. One long cable then spans all the way down to a divider block that splits into USB and DisplayPort, as well as a power adapter you'll need to plug into the wall. There's a lot of cabling to make this work, but Pimax has designed a system that means you barely notice it once you've set it up.

Features

The Dream Air is available in two different bundles. The first is the "Lighthouse" version, which comes with the headset only, a model with Base stations and outside-in tracking. Hand tracking isn't integrated, and passthrough isn't supported, so this is likely going to be for people upgrading from a previous wired PCVR headset who already own controllers and tracking stations. That's the one that will set you back $2,000 / £1,542.

The version I'm testing is the SLAM version, which comes with two controllers and features four cameras on the headset itself for inside-out tracking. Hand tracking is also supported, as is passthrough.

Pimax claims the Dream Air is the world's smallest full-feature 8K resolution VR headset, and I'd believe it. With Sony Micro-OLED panels you view through ConcaveView pancake lenses, you'll get an absolute feast for your eyeballs with a stunning 3840 x 3552 resolution per eye. The Dream Air also supports eye-tracking, so there's scope for some foveated rendering to enhance performance and resolution at what you're actually focusing on. In the Pimax Play software, there isn't a formal toggle for foveated rendering, but you can enhance the middle of the displays and lessen their borders to aid performance.

There's a quoted 110-degree horizontal FOV in this headset, but personally, I'm not so sure. That would bring it up to par with PSVR 2 and the Meta Quest 3, but I think because of the design of the Dream Air, you notice the borders around its display a lot more easily than on those rival headsets. Because it's such a small border around your eyes, it's far simpler to spot the Dream Air's vision cone bordering your game, providing this glaringly obvious black frame around every game you play. That isn't a problem I have when using those other two headsets.

Pimax Play is where you'll get access to other settings and specs of the Dream Air. It was there I found that the Dream Air has a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz, which is good enough, certainly when you're looking at the kinds of visual quality the micro-OLED panels can beam into your eyeballs. There are some motion-blurring capabilities, upscaling settings, and interpolation tricks you can use to smooth this display out if you're not quite getting 90fps, but in my experience testing this headset with an RTX 5080 PC, all of those things just resulted in a lot more visual noise and a wavy, warped distortion effect when I didn't keep my head exactly still.

Pimax Play is also your home for room tracking settings and firmware updates, all of which are fine, but I do have some problems with Pimax Play I'll come onto shortly. It'll serve as your method of controlling IPD adjustments, and the only onboard controls for the headset itself are volume keys for the integrated speaker and a power button. Speaking of audio, there's an in-built microphone, and talking to friends in multiplayer games works just fine. Windows recognises the Dream Air as an audio source for input and output, although I did have to unplug it when not in use to prevent it from repeatedly disrupting my regular desktop audio.

Controllers

Before we get to the performance stuff, a word on the controllers.

They're fairly traditional VR grips that still use the tracking ring of older generations. I like the feel of them in the hand, especially because they have a slightly larger thumbstick diameter than a lot of rival VR controllers do. Unfortunately, that's really where their design peaks.

They're very light in the hand, and as a result they don't feel like they match up at all with the premium design and build quality of the Dream Air headset. What's worse, despite their tracking rings, they can be very inconsistent and glitchy when you're playing a game with them.

Sometimes they'll register well below the height you're holding them, other times they'll twitch and shake uncontrollably when your hands have been perfectly still. Worst of all, the trigger on my left controller got stuck in a down position while I was mid-game at one point - not ideal for such an expensive bit of kit, or when you have to pay extra for the version of the Dream Air that comes with the bloody things.

The haptic feedback in them is pretty decent on the whole, even creating a bit of sound when you come into contact with surfaces in Half-Life: Alyx. Again, though, because the controllers themselves feel a bit hollow and cheap, they don't give you the sort of game feel of even the Meta Quest 3S, which is so, so much cheaper. That's a bit disappointing.

Thankfully, controller tracking works well - for the most part. I have tested it in different lighting conditions to see how well the internal cameras keep up, and they do a good job of positional tracking with the headset in a room, but the controllers leave a bit to be desired. In Walkabout Mini Golf, there are annoying twitches and glitches that happen that can lose you a hole (or at least a good putt), and that's more often the case here than with other headsets. Then again, in Blade & Sorcery, tracking was really good and worked arguably better than I've had with other headsets.

Performance

When it works, the Pimax Dream Air is one of the best VR headsets I've ever had on my face. The visual clarity this thing is capable of is stunning, jaw-dropping, astounding - pick literally any adjective you hope applies to a good VR headset, and it'll be appropriate. At times, words don't do it justice.

The panels have a way of bringing out the absolute best parts of any VR title I played on them. The softer cartoonish look of Walkabout Mini Golf was more vivid and colorful than I'd ever seen it. The sunsets beamed onto water and reflected a lovely atmospheric calm over me; the detail of the environments was likely exactly as the developers intended.

In Half-Life: Alyx, environments looked so photorealistic I questioned why any game would need something like DLSS 5 - games are already capable of looking utterly lifelike. Even Blade & Sorcery, a game that isn't really supposed to look all that good because its main priority is its sickeningly violent physics and combat, looked unbelievable. I've known for a while that Micro-OLED displays in VR headsets are the gold standard (thanks to PSVR 2), but the Pimax Dream Air takes things to a whole other level. Because you're looking through pancake lenses, the area of focus you can appreciate makes it all a deliciously balanced cocktail of visual flavour.

Pimax has somehow converted its extreme visual fidelity from its bulky headsets into a headset that weighs next to nothing, and that makes a massive difference to gameplay. The Dream Air is so light on your face you barely notice it strapped around your head, and when the visuals in front of you look so crystal clear, it's impossible not to be completely drawn into the games you're playing. It is quite simply VR hardware all working together to show the absolute best this genre of gaming can do.

But sadly, because the highs are so high, the times when the Dream Air doesn't work so well become even more frustrating and glaringly obvious.

To begin with, a smaller, lighter headset means it can be hard to sit it exactly where it needs to be on your face. For me, it ends up being right on my brow line, and it's prone to moving around if I have any sort of expression through my eyebrows. Thankfully, the headset is ventilated really well, and I never feel my face is sweating like it is in PSVR 2.

Like I've mentioned, the smaller border around the display means you can spot the FOV limits so, so easily, and that's very hard to unsee once you notice it. In Walkabout Mini Golf, and even MaestroVR, where you're focusing so much on the middle of the displays, the periphery being so obviously blocky can tend to take you out of things, as it reminds you you're wearing a $2,000 headset, not actually conducting an orchestra. There's also very little space inside the headset - this is definitely a no-go for glasses wearers. That would usually be an issue for me, but in fairness, I haven't had any eye strain or headaches using the Dream Air without my glasses. Your mileage may vary, however.

But design side effects aside, that isn't even the worst of the troubles I've run into while testing the Dream Air. It's great having a portal for the headset's settings and its own array of apps and games, but Pimax Play/Pimax Home might be the thing causing 90% of the technical issues I've run into with this headset. The reason I say that is that the games themselves run absolutely fine on my PC. I never noticed the frame rate lacking, and performance in them always runs perfectly fine on other headsets while using their max settings. But anytime I pull up either SteamVR's overlay or the Pimax Overlay in the Dream Air, the most annoying stutters, freezes, and crashes happen. It's consistent, and even after lowering settings and the overlay render scale, it still causes entire PC crashes.

My only guess is that it's to do with the fact that multiple overlays are working at once, and that means Steam's VR settings and preferences are arguing with the Pimax ones. I'd say that it's a pretty safe bet that most PCVR players will be using Steam to launch games, so that's a must. It'd be nice if Pimax accepted that and made its own overlay optional. It's at the point where me getting an achievement in a game and that popping up on my display risks the entire headset, or sometimes my PC, stuttering and crashing. It's hard to know if this is actually what the issue is, but in fairness, it's not the first time we here at GamesRadar+ have faced a very volatile and demanding Pimax headset that's bordering on unusable.

Pimax does recommend a minimum of an RTX 2070, 3060, or 4060 for basic VR play with the Dream Air, but I shudder to think what kinds of performance issues users on lesser PC hardware will face.

One of my freelancers and I tried to get the original Pimax Crystal to work, and despite having very reasonable mid-range specs in our builds at the time, the headset wouldn't play ball. I'm testing here with a PNY Slim RTX 5080 GPU, an Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, and 32GB of G.Skill DDR5 RAM. Pimax may recommend an RTX 5090 for the best performance with this headset, but I think it'd be completely unreasonable to say that a 5080 and 270K Plus are the reason I've faced performance issues with the Dream Air. They certainly aren't responsible for inconsistent controller tracking, the headset completely swapping my height mid-game, or the borders of the display freezing, even as I move my head around.

Those things seem to be weaknesses of the headset and its software that's running the show - I'm on the most up-to-date firmware and drivers for everything here. My PC also runs these games just fine, on their highest VR settings when I'm using other headsets, so the volatility definitely seems to be a Pimax issue.

Should you buy the Pimax Dream Air?

It's hard not to recommend the Pimax Dream Air because its visuals and lightweight design feel nothing short of revolutionary. This is the sort of VR headset I'd love to see in the future - more immersive and far more functional than a pair of glasses, but a lot more convenient and comfortable to wear than the bulky headsets of previous generations. Not to mention it has some of the most stunning visual fidelity you'll find.

But at such a massive cost, I do wonder who Pimax thinks this is for. It's bad enough the new Steam Frame has drawn the line so close to the grand mark, but other headsets around that area make so little impact that we barely hear from the HTC Vive Focus Vision or the Samsung Galaxy XR. The Dream Air is double their price tag. Yes, it's no Vision Pro at £3,500, but especially in this day and age of technology being nothing but extortionate, who on earth is the market for a headset like this?

I think when it works, the Pimax Dream Air is VR at its very best, but I'm not sure the leap is good enough to warrant the massive price jump over the other headsets that manage to do things really well for under $500, under $700, or even $1,000.

If you're going to price a headset this high, it needs to work flawlessly without any issues or problems, but in true Pimax fashion, there's a lot of volatility and headaches here that you're paying a massive premium for.

If you can afford it, you have equal, if not better PC specs than me, and you're alright wrestling with settings and performance issues to avoid crashes, then I can thoroughly recommend the Pimax Dream Air. For everyone else who loves VR gaming, you're going to be absolutely fine with a Pico 4 Ultra, Quest 3, or PSVR 2. And that pains me to say, because I'm dying to see more lossless, wired headsets in this day and age.

How I tested the Pimax Dream Air

I used the Pimax Dream Air as my go-to VR headset for over a month before writing this review. In that time, I used it plenty to play Walkabout Mini Golf, Blade & Sorcery, Maestro VR, and more. I compared it closely with the other HMDs I've tested and reviewed. I tested it with my own gaming PC, which uses an RTX 5080, Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and multiple NVMe SSDs. I surveyed the price of this headset and its rivals to give me verdict on whether or not it's worth your money.

For more on how we test, check out the GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

If you're interested in more VR content, take a look at the best Meta Quest accessories.

In a year that saw the best gaming laptops plagued with price increase after price increase, where even the previous year's releases weren't immune to inflated rates, and configurations with more than 16GB RAM suddenly shot up to a premium, you'd be forgiven for losing Black Friday optimism. 2026 has seen component scarcity on another level, with RAM shortages and SSDs shooting up the price scale leaving manufacturers, retailers, and ultimately us the players to pick up the pieces.

What does that mean for 2026 Black Friday gaming laptop deals? We'll likely still see the same level of discounts, but with starting prices so high it's unlikely we'll get near to the lows of previous years. Gaming laptops are, on average, roughly 38% more expensive at the time of writing compared to Black Friday last year (see below). That's nearly double the 20% we'd usually expect to see taken off in the holiday sales (Adobe).

It's not all doom and gloom, though. Yes, we're going to be paying more for Black Friday gaming laptop deals this year but if you need an upgrade there are still discounts to be found. Average prices are going to look a little higher but there are also ways to mitigate these increases. Gaming laptops with 16GB RAM, rather than the 32GB we saw creeping into a lot more listings last year, are more common these days and will still see you through the vast majority of modern releases (avoid any 8GB RAM models that may pop up). Opting for a FHD display rather than a QHD upgrade can also keep those numbers lower, as can putting off that OLED upgrade for another few years.

With early Black Friday gaming laptop deals expected to take to the shelves well ahead of that November 27 go-date, you'll find all the sales available right now on this page as well as everything I've learned about picking the right rig for the right price down below.

The retailers to know

• Amazon: starting from $939.99
• Best Buy: HP from $899.99
• HP: Omen from $1,299
• Lenovo: LOQ from $1,299.99
• Newegg: MSI from $938.99
• Walmart: Acer from $899

UK

• Amazon: starting from £832
• Argos: Acer from £749
• Currys: MSI from £849
• Very: Lenovo from £1099

The best gaming laptop deals ahead of Black Friday

Top Picks

Of course, we're also getting you prepped for all of this year's offers with Black Friday Alienware deals and Black Friday iPad deals as well.

Razer is reviving its Tartarus product range with the new Razer Tartarus V2 Pro, a gaming keypad designed to bridge the gap between controller and mouse-and-keyboard play. The original Tartarus launched all the way back in 2013 and hasn't had any sequel or seen much support since then. But with renewed competition in the gaming keypad space from Azeron, it's no surprise Razer wants to re-enter the best PC controller alternative race.

Much like the Azeron Keyzen and Azeron Cyborg II, the Razer Tartarus V2 Pro combines a thumbstick, palm rest, and suite of customizable keys. Paired with a mouse, it'll give you an alternative to gaming with a traditional keyboard designed around typing, and the ability to free up your fingers from the WASD keys.

The Tartarus V2 takes things a step further than Azeron's keypads, which are undoubtedly the go-to in the keypad market right now. The V2 Pro uses a TMR thumbstick, has an 8,000Hz polling rate, and more advanced actuation customization thanks to Razer's Analog Optical Switch Gen 2 technology. Meanwhile, Azeron's Keyzen, which launched last year, uses three different types of Cherry switches, but you can't mix and match or set different actuation points for them. The Keyzen has a Hall effect stick and a 1,000Hz polling rate by comparison.

That means you can set a 0.1mm actuation distance if you like, or enjoy a maximum bottom-out depth of 4.0mm. At the same time, Razer has included Rapid Trigger Mode, which enables immediate repeat presses by resetting pressed keys instantly after their actuation point. Snap Flex is also featured, allowing different actions to be assigned to a single key's press and release. In theory, that means you can assign four different functions to a single key press - one for halfway down, then the second half of downward travel, then both halves on the way back up.

There are a total of 31 mappable controls on the Tartarus V2 Pro, which expands the Azeron Cyborg II's 30, but lands just shy of Keyzen's 32. Where Azeron might have another edge is in physical customization and comfort. That brand's keypads have always made a point of laying out their rows of keys (towers) in an ergonomic fashion that lines up with the shape of a human hand. You can also adjust their length, depth, and height. Meanwhile, on the Tartarus V2 Pro, the keypad itself has been expanded over the original, but the rows are laid out on one fixed board, and the only adjustments you can make are to the angle and length of the wrist rest.

The Azeron Keyzen can store up to six profiles, with an infinite number stored on the brand's software. Razer's new Tartarus can store 3 profiles you create through Synapse, each with 8 keymaps supported for 24 configurations in total. And yes, you can assign macros to each key if that's your preferred method.

I'm looking forward to testing the Tartarus V2 Pro out for myself to see how it compares to the Azeron experience. When I'm not testing out the latest controllers for review, I spend all my time gaming on PC with a mouse in my right hand and an Azeron Keypad under my left, so I find any newcomer, or in Razer's case, returner, to this niche of gaming hardware to be something to celebrate.

For more on controllers, take a look at the best TMR controllers, the best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best PS5 controllers.

Razer's Sensa HD Haptics exists in a myriad of its gaming gear, from the Wolverine V3 Pro controller to the Razer Freyja gaming chair, but now it's another headset's turn to be equipped with the brand's immersive tech.

The new Kraken V4 X Sensa HD Haptics is a pair of wired cans that can emit physical sensations while you're playing your favorite PC games. Much like the tech found in Sony's PS5 DualSense controller, this headset takes gaming audio and sound and converts it into vibrations of different intensities to add another level of realism. The coolest part? Unlike other haptic headsets I've tested to date, this $119.99 / £99.99 (via Amazon) version is far cheaper.

Earlier this year, I tested the Skullcandy Crusher PLYR 720, which is equipped with haptic tech of its own. The brand's patented multi-sensory Crusher bass technology massively increased my adrenaline while playing titles like Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth, as my head would shake alongside the bassy beat of the battle music. However, this neat feature came at a cost of $269.99 / £249.99, which is a bit more than many are willing to spend on a headset alone.

That's why I was pretty impressed to learn of the new Kraken V4 X Sensa HD Haptics in Razer's September 15 blog post, as being able to experience a similar mechanic for $120 / £100 is a pretty sweet deal. Unlike Skullcandy, Razer's new headset also has two different methods of providing the in-game audio sensations.

The brand states it takes advantage of "Dynamic Haptics," which are developer-designed effects mapped to in-game events, including movements, weapons, and abilities. Additionally, PC players can utilize Audio-to-Haptics (A2H), which creates extra sensations alongside the existing authored effects.

Outside of its haptic technology, the Kraken V4 X Sensa HD Haptics is a pretty standard Kraken affair. It's got the usual Triforce 40mm audio drivers that you can find in a whole spread of the best Razer headsets around, advanced 7.1 surround sound, and a HyperClear Cardioid microphone for chatting to friends.

It's also got some RGB-powered logos on either cup. That way, you can not only sync the haptics to your favorite games, but also sync the lighting to match the rest of your Razer Chroma spread of accessories.

If the rest of the Razer cup's features aren't your thing, don't forget about the Kraken V4 Pro. It also features the brand's Sensa HD Haptics but in a wireless form factor with an up to 50-hour battery life. It's definitely more in line with Skullcandy's price range with its $399.99 / £399.99 MSRP (ouch), but you'll also have access to THX Spatial Audio, a HyperClear Super Wideband microphone, and the OLED control hub at your fingertips.

• View all Razer gaming headsets at Amazon

Not sure if the Kraken V4 X Sensa HD Haptics is for you? Check out our best PC headsets for gaming, the best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best PS5 headsets guides for pair best suited for your setup.

The handheld PC scene was off to a refreshing start back in 2022, with the Steam Deck kickstarting a trend of very affordable portables that pack a punch. That was before the AI industry decided to convince component makers, fab labs, and any other entity holding the cards that consumer tech isn't a priority, and as a result, the days of getting a decent device for under $500 are long gone.

At least, they are, if you are gunning for most of the best gaming handhelds out there. I'm constantly staring into the void that is now retailer listings for affordable portables, wondering if anyone will bother to make something under $500, since the Steam Deck OLED starts at over $700. The closest contender to that coveted price tag is the ROG Xbox Ally, and opting for an open-box model is probably the best call right now; it's one I recommend begrudgingly.

Here's the thing: you can grab a white Xbox Ally (not the full-fat ROG Xbox Ally X with a Z2 Extreme chipset) for $479.99 at Best Buy, so long as you're okay with an open-box handheld in "good" condition. That's the sort of price I'm continually looking to pay for a portable, especially one that isn't gunning to be outright premium.

However, I am pretty peeved that to get a portable at the same prices that were standardized by the Steam Deck and OG Asus ROG Ally just three years ago, you now have to risk a handheld having "minor scratches or dents." That's before I even get to the base ROG Xbox Ally itself, as its specs don't really have the same next-gen feel as its Extreme sibling.

On paper, the Xbox Ally is pretty similar to Asus' 2023 model. You're getting 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and the same 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display. Keep in mind that the older version hit under $400 during sales in the past, and while paying more would be easier if it came armed with a punchier chip, the AMD Ryzen Z2 A really resides in the same ring as the custom Steam Deck APU.

Effectively, the four cores and eight threads of the Z2 A won't boost fps like the Z1 Extreme with its 8/16 combo. Having tested the Lenovo Legion Go S, a handheld that uses a similar Z2 Go chipset, you're talking frame rates that are only just edging out the Steam Deck, whereas the first ROG Ally could comfortably outpace Valve's contender in many scenarios.

To really stomach picking up a ROG Xbox Ally, a handheld that would have been fantastic in 2023, you have pretend other portables didn't exist. The whole situation with gaming hardware is a bit silly, really, and it's hard to even find comparatively cheaper retro handhelds for their previous prices these days.

TL;DR - If you really need to pick up a handheld PC right now, Xbox Ally open box stock is a sensible option, even if we should really be enjoying the ROG Xbox Ally X for under $600 and Steam Decks for their launch price.

If you'd rather stick with the classics, check out how to play PS2 games and dive into some 2000s gems.

When I said that "I suspect this won't be the only collection of accessories in store for Zelda and Switch 2 fans" I knew there'd be more on the horizon besides Hori's newest spread of accessories, and PowerA has proven me right.

A new officially licensed Hyrule Crest East-West Bag for the Nintendo Switch 2 from the brand is currently listed for $44.99 at Amazon, with a launch date of September 30 later this month. It hasn't been officially announced, but X (Twitter) user LbabinzUS discovered the flashy Switch 2 case sitting at the US retailer with its classy green lining and subtle Zelda print today, and you can already pre-order it. It seems to be inspired by Tears of the Kingdom rather than the upcoming Ocarina of Time remake, but quite frankly, I might need it for my Switch 2 more.

Rather than being any boring, simple Switch 2 case with a Hyrule Crest, this straight-up looks like a stylish bag that I can imagine Miranda Priestly having on her arm. (That's Meryl Streep's character from The Devil Wears Prada for those not in the know.)

The Zelda iconography that includes the iconic crest and the Zonai-inspired markings is incredibly subtle, as it's embossed on top of the bag rather than painted on, and I adore this sleek design choice. Had the marketing images on the Amazon US listing not included close-ups of the interior, I'd have thought this was a simple official Legend of Zelda bag, like those filling up the online shelves at the official Nintendo online store, and not a functional case for the Switch 2, but that's exactly what it is.

The Switch 2 accessory includes a padded compartment for the console so you can take it on the go, and it's compatible with the older Switch, OLED, and Lite models too. There are two pockets in addition to it, so you can pop in your wallet, purse, or some extra accessories. While I applaud PowerA for its storage options, I'm more impressed by the choice to include not just a pair of traditional handles, but an adjustable shoulder strap that shares the same dark, hunter-green as the bag's lining. This is the kind of Nintendo accessory that fashion-obsessed teenage me dreamed about.

If you're sitting there wondering what the "East-West" bag naming is all about, it has nothing to do with the Legend of Zelda-ness of it all. Instead, that's a name that's widely used to describe handbags with a pencil-case shape.

A Vogue article released on February 10 earlier this year also describes the East-West bag as one that "adds a touch of elegance to daytime looks and also makes for the perfect evening companion" and I think that applies to this Legend of Zelda version indefinitely.

Sure, I'd maybe not recommend you take your pricey handheld out for a night on the town. Cocktails and expensive consoles do not mix, take it from me. Yet at least if you do, this case is definitely a trendy and fashionable way to go about it.

• View all PowerA Nintendo Switch 2 accessories at Amazon

Want more Legend of Zelda goodies? Check out Hasbro's new electronic Master Sword and the new Lego Link and Epona set and the best Legend of Zelda merch while you're here.

If you're like me, you were silently hoping for a new homemade VR game from Valve to launch alongside the new Steam Frame. Unfortunately, that was wishful thinking, but bundled with the new headset is the company's hit from 2020, Half-Life: Alyx. That's hardly a bad thing, since the game has been long-touted as one of the best VR games ever made, but when the best VR headsets don't launch often, it'd be easy to hope for a successor.

"We decided to focus on just making sure the Steam catalogue as a whole would be a good experience, and trying to put most of our efforts into that compatibility," said Pierre-Loup Griffais, a SteamOS developer in an interview with Rock Paper Shotgun.

"Because there's a tonne of existing experiences I think that can intro you to whatever side of the devices you're more interested in, right?" Essentially, Valve was concentrating more on the challenges of getting Steam games to run natively in the headset's standalone mode, particularly when the aims of the new hardware were to give people a Steam Deck-like experience of being able to take their non-VR games on the go with them as well as fully immersive ones.

"I can't speak for everyone here," continued Griffais, "but if I'm showing the headset to someone, something like SuperHot VR or Beat Saber or one of those OG titles is gonna get on there, because they're still so good, right?"

Of course, the main challenge Valve would have faced was getting a demanding game like Half-Life: Alyx to run natively on its headset, particularly when it was designed for high-end, wired VR headsets to make the most of it, not standalone devices with smaller processors, or, god forbid, ARM processors.

The development of games to run on ARM processors could be a common theme we hear more about in the coming years since more smaller form-factor devices will house them. Nvidia is currently working on gaming performance for its RTX Spark processor, and there's a whole swathe of compatibility issues the company is working through when it comes to support that goes past emulation, not to mention anti-cheat, DirectX, and Vulkan, which I've been told first-hand at demos have been complicating things. It seems from this interview with RPS that Valve experienced similar speed bumps.

For context, ARM processors use a different architecture and run very differently from the typical ones we see in gaming desktops, laptops, and traditional PCs. With that in mind, it takes a lot more know-how to convert existing games and apps to work on them since they're often built to work on more traditional chips. The reason we're seeing more ARM processors these days is that they prioritize efficiency and less heat generation, making them perfect for today's modern, sleek, and often lighter hardware that still wants to be as powerful as we expect it to be.

Half-Life: Alyx would obviously be playable with the Steam Frame at launch anyway if you were streaming it directly from your gaming PC or laptop, but along with the launch of its new headset, Valve has updated the game to run in the Frame's standalone mode.

"All the fixes we got in for Alyx," said Robin Walker, a programmer at Valve and one of the co-creators of Team Fortress 2, in the same interview with RPS, "the vast majority of them are applicable to basically anything that's running on the Frame."

Does this point to a new VR game from Valve coming in the future when there's more compatibility secured for existing games? Or will new games in development need to make compromises to secure verification for the headset? It all remains to be seen. As more and more VR headsets focus on wireless convenience over lossless GPU connections, we may see less demanding VR titles launching, but thanks to streaming from PCs being more efficient these days, it's unlikely that they all have to compromise on performance as a result.

Even as the "verified for Steam Frame" catalog continues to grow, I would be surprised if we see a new VR game from Valve anytime soon, but just like with an eventual Half-Life 3, we can all hope, right?

For more on VR, take a look at the best Meta Quest accessories.

If you had asked me about all the bundles likely to see the light of day in 2026, a brand new Nintendo Switch 2 Lite one would not be on the list. Yet that's exactly what's coming to Europe.

Nintendo has announced (as discovered by GoNintendo) that a new Nintendo Switch Lite + Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream bundle will be available on October 28th later this year, packaged alongside a 30-day trial of Nintendo Switch Online. It's a bit of a bizarre revelation, especially given the console is seven years old, and the Switch 2 is the new big thing on the scene, but I'm not going to knock it. Well, so long as it sticks to a reasonable MSRP, we'll have to wait and see exactly how much this Nintendo Switch bundle is going to cost when it hits shelves this spooky season.

If you grabbed one of the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 bundles, like the one that includes a copy of Switch Sports Resort for $529.99 at Nintendo US, you're likely not going to have much reason to pick up a Switch Lite.

Your new Switch 2 can play Tomodachi Life Living the Dream and pretty much most Nintendo Switch-only games just fine (with a few exceptions). Not to mention, having access to the new generation means you can actually play upcoming games like Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave and The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake. Yet for parents who may not feel quite comfortable putting the pricey Ninty tech in the hands of a small child, particularly after its recent price increase, a Switch Lite is a pretty valid alternative.

You can still grab a brand-new Turquoise Lite for £179 at Nintendo, which is far cheaper than the Switch 2's inflated £419.99 price in the UK. If anything were to happen to it, you'd still have access to warranty and Nintendo's repair service, but £179 is a lot cheaper to replace should it get in harm's way, and this bundle should be too if it sticks to a similar price point. Another handy fact is that the Virtual Game Cards system also works with the older console, so if you are a parent, you can still share digital copies of games from your newer Switch 2 (so long as it's a compatible game) to the Switch Lite - so there are plenty of pros to having one in this day and age.

Personally, I'm just happy to see any attention put on an older piece of hardware. I'm a firm believer that just because the new shiny tech has arrived doesn't mean we should ignore the older ones, particularly as not everyone can afford the next-best thing. In my ideal world, Nintendo would still be releasing brand-new Nintendo 3DS bundles so I could pick up a new one without having to resort to the scary inflated prices on second-hand sites like eBay.

Of course it all depends on the price, but with the Nintendo Switch Lite (Turquoise) + Animal Crossing: New Horizons set still sitting on the UK storefront for £199.99 (Nintendo UK), I highly suspect the Tomodachi Life will stick to a similar MSRP. Once we know more about its price and which exact European stores it's expected to drop at, I'll be sure to let you know as soon as possible.

• View all Nintendo Switch console bundles at Nintendo

Satisfied with your Switch 2? Check out our best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories guide, which includes the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers and the best Nintendo Switch headsets worth adding to your setup.

Nine months after the arrival of the G'AIME Time Crisis Lightgun console, Tassei Denki is back with new prototypes at Tokyo Game Show. This time around, it's pitching "Pro" and "Lite" plastic firearms that will still work with your modern TV, but swap out the AI-assisted camera for more traditional gyro and wireless capabilities.

First spotted by Japanese publication Game Watch, the duo of G'AIM'E Time Crisis Lightguns seems to use the same retro console box as before (cheers, Time Extension). At least, that's the case for these prototypes, but since both accessories are "part of a technology demonstration" and apparently won't be released in their current form, there's every chance the base system will change too.

The hands-on preview describes the "Lite" G'AIM'E Lightgun as using gyro "just like a typical PlayStation controller," and despite dropping the AI-powered camera, Tassei Denki's prototype setup doesn't need workarounds like a Wii-style light bar sensor. Better still, the Lite version also cuts the cord, swapping out the integrated orange USB-C cable for what is likely 2.4Ghz connectivity.

If I'm being real, this G'AIM'E prototype coverage does raise more questions than answers. For instance, while the redesigned lite light gun drops the AI-powered eyeball inside the barrel, it's not clear which type of sensor for screen edge detection it's using instead.

The article does dive into the gyro functionality specifically, revealing that if it becomes "misaligned", you'll have to press a reset button on the gun to recentre your aim. It could be the case that it relies solely on gyroscopic positioning to keep the target on screen, meaning if you drop your weapon during play, you have to press that button to start shooting again.

The Pro admittedly feels more in line with the 2025 version, especially since it sticks with the USB-C cable. Signage at the TGS booth implies the light gun caters more to high-score chasers looking for improved accuracy and low latency, but it will seemingly leverage the open-source OpenFIRE Light Gun project to achieve that rather than fully using in-house tech. That same display also alludes to potential current-gen PC support, but again, this is a technical pitch rather than an unveiling.

I find it curious that Tassei Denki has opted to completely rethink its light gun tech for these new versions. I'll admit that I always found the term "AI-powered" off-putting, but at the same time, I always pegged that as just a buzzword for a sensor that can intelligently detect your screen. Yes, the approach wasn't as pinpoint accurate as the Sinden Lightgun, and the calibration process was a little finicky, but the camera did help provide authentic-feeling Time Crisis gameplay.

Ditching the AI tech could be a way of ensuring the G'AIM'E name isn't linked to a disruptive industry. But, having just tested the Intec Time Breaker Lightgun, an alternative that uses a light bar not unlike a Wii-mote and hooks straight up to the PS1 and PS2, I reckon Tassei Denki wants to evolve past being a plug-and-play maker.

My biggest gripe with the Time Crisis console was that the light guns are tethered to just four games with no way to add more. If the light gun maker can find alternative tech that gets the accessories working as standalone devices without the need for specific firmware and ports, it could really shake things up in the at-home arcade scene.

While the Lite G'AIM'E lightgun will likely maintain the company's current easy, plug-and-play vibes while refining things by adding wireless tech and a simpler calibration process, that Pro model feels more ambitious. Effectively, it could find a way to make light gun games mainstream again on console and PC, rather than competing in the same DIY ring as Sinden and Intec.

• Retro light guns at Amazon
• Retro consoles at Amazon

Dive into how to play PS2 games using the original console or handhelds if you're craving 2000s classics.

I can’t help but feel like the side of Sony that’s responsible for the Inzone M10S II is glad it isn’t tethered to the PlayStation brand. At least, that’s the impression I’m getting, seeing as it’s willfully falling deeper down the esports rabbit hole, catering to competitive players by raising its previous 1440p 480Hz panel bar to 540Hz while also dabbling in dual-mode 720Hz capabilities. And, for what it’s worth, I think sticking with its newfound niche is paying off, so long as you’re not a PS5 player.

Yes, the Sony Inzone M10S II is a best gaming monitor contender that’s specifically targeting high-end rig wranglers. That’s not to say you can’t hook up a PS5 to this 27-inch OLED display and have a grand old time, but at $1,099.99, you’re naturally better off checking out 4K options further down the refresh rate food chain. Or, if you’re not particularly fussed about faster speeds, the option for a 1080p 720Hz boost, elevated brightness, and a new anti-glare coating, you could fall back to the OG Sony Inzone M10S during the sales.

Sony has a bit of a habit of framing its screens as successive releases, but I’m not so sure the M10S II is actually a sequel. It’s certainly an improved panel that makes one of my favorite displays from 2024 even better, but it’s not a massive overhaul of the formula. In truth, I am slightly bummed out that the company didn’t come up with a way to make its PC display double up as the best PS5 monitor around too, especially seeing as the vastly cheaper PlayStation monitor is just a vanilla IPS display with a DualSense cradle jammed in the middle, but alas, Inzone screens have picked a separate PC lane.

Monitor minimalism manifest

The cliché of “less is more” is absolutely working in Sony’s favor with its Inzone M10S family, as it remains one of the sleekest desktop screens on the market. You could argue all modern gaming monitors are forced into a sense of minimalism since they’re effectively just black rectangles, but it’s what you choose to bolt onto the package that then adds visual identity.

In the case of the Inzone M10S II, it sticks with the exact same low-profile rotating disc pedestal, rather than pandering to whatever monitor gods decided the only options are V-shapes or big flat hexagons. Placing the pivot at the very bottom of a base, one that looks like it’s admittedly defying physics, helps provide freer-flowing 360° motion, and Sony has even added an extra 10° forward pivot, just in case you’re a competitive sicko who likes to peer down at your on-screen prey.

We’re still completely missing the option for portrait orientation, though, which could be a pain if you’re planning to give the screen a day job as a side Discord panel.

The base is still just 4mm thin, helping give a flush desk effect that makes everything look integrated. It’s not just for show; it’s practical too, since it’ll let you slide keyboards and other desk accoutrements over the top, whereas many other screens have a pretty high lip. The discrete, cantilever stand provides the exact same narrow cable management hole as before, leading to those under-lip ports that are always a pain to reach into.

Standing in the way (remote) control

As is tradition with all my monitor reviews, it’s time to dunk on Sony’s decision not to include a remote control. I find it hard to believe anyone wants to fumble around trying to use directions on a nipple hidden at the back, and while the Inzone M10S II’s OSD controls and separate power button are serviceable compared to some, I need companies to start normalizing wireless buttons.

Even in the context of an esports screen, having a remote control to quickly tweak things without reaching around a monitor is beneficial. It’s not just a luxury tied to multimedia users; it’s simply a more direct way to interact with your screen without bashing a joystick on the lines of the Inzone M10S II.

Looking at Sony’s approach specifically, placing the OSD controls off to the side means the Inzone M10S II will wobble as you toggle. You’re not going to topple the screen, but just like with the way bridges move for structural integrity, I’m not a big fan of my screens having a dance, and that could be avoided with even a simple remote in the box.

Be gone, glare!

Just like with my last Philips Evnia review, I’ve still got my monitor testing station pitched next to a very bright south-facing window. That was a nightmare scenario for a glossy display, but the Sony Inzone M10S II laughs in the face of glare.

The fact that the M10S II is a matte screen inherently helps it combat reflections, but Sony’s anti-glare coating is rivalling even the best I’ve tried. Even Samsung’s Odyssey OLED G6, a screen that prides itself on bouncing back rays, has slightly reflective shapes in these conditions; nothing pings back at you on this Inzone panel.

Of course, coating always comes with caveats, and the muckier the M10S II gets, the harder it will be to clean. You’ll want to largely avoid cleaners, instead opting to buff smudges out with a microfiber cloth, as it’s easier than you expect to mess up the film than you’d think. That’s something I’ve encountered with the Steam Deck OLED, and while you can remove any weirdness by buffing, that can reduce the anti-glare properties.

Fnatic-inspired features and thrills

I won’t lie, I’m not the type of person who’ll invest in gaming hardware based on the involvement of online personalities, celebrities, or competitive players. At the same time, I’m trying to keep in mind that Fnatic, the professional esports organization known for its VALORANT efforts, helped Sony nail down the Inzone M10S II’s specs and finer design details, while I assess its overall feature set.

That journey starts with the OSD and all the things lurking within, and while the menu almost looks the same as the 2024 model, there are some new treats in there. We’re not in single refresh rate Kansas anymore, Toto, so you’ll now find a Dual Mode 720Hz mode menu that integer scales up 720p signals so as to enhance speeds. It’s a clever trick that saves you from dealing with the caveats of just feeding sub-HD into a QHD display, and just like Fnatic, I agree that it was worth adding to the sequel screen.

Stowed away in the “gaming assist” dropdown, you’ve also got a VRR Flicker reduction option, which combats strobing symptoms when switching to darker visuals, like shadowy areas of shooters. With that on, you’ll theoretically benefit from being able to track enemies better without any visual interference, all while still embracing Variable Refresh Rate (something many of you will need when trying to boost fps on most GPUs).

The M10S II also adds dedicated Motion Blur Reduction (MBR) clarity tools, and the inclusion feels like it’s really gunning for the same crown as BenQ’s ZOWIE high refresh rate screens. Those include black frame insertion for combating ghosting, a natural boon if you’re trying to gun down combatants at speed, which works in tandem with the existing suite to really clean everything up, even at ridiculous frame rates.

Paying the 720p piper

I’ve got massive reservations about whether modern games can look good at 720p. I’m also not sure if, outside of perhaps VALORANT and Counter-Strike 2, I’d even switch from the default 1440p 540Hz, especially since my shooter of choice, Overwatch, is capped at 600fps.

That said, playing at 720Hz absolutely feels slick, and the trick with trading resolution for wild refresh rates is to not focus on the details. Not that you would be taking a stroll through any of the esports romps the M10S II caters to anyway, as you’ll be too busy twitch-reacting to your opponents and ensuring you embrace all the accuracy perks provided by the panel.

In Overwatch, I still noticed a slight difference between playing at 720Hz and 540Hz, but I’m not so sure it helped me win games. Yes, I am absolutely the bottleneck in this situation, and if I’m being real, I haven’t got the skills in VALORANT or Counter-Strike 2 to say whether it could elevate a pro player to absolute excellence. What I can do is confirm that the screen delivers blistering speeds at both 1440p and 720p with no caveats besides the obvious definition drop with the latter, and that’s exactly what you want from a screen like this.

Ultimately, though, I’m still not sold on dropping back to 720p for a refresh rate boost. Unlike with full HD dual-mode screens I’ve tested, 720p automatically sets screen space to 24.5 inches, and while that suits professionals like Fnatic, I’d prefer the whole 27-inch real estate. I reckon 1080p is my personal line in the sand, and keep in mind this is coming from a retro console expert who fully embraces lower resolutions. I’ll happily play classics on an Xbox 360 or PS3 that have always looked scrappy, but in most scenarios, there are very few “new” PC games you’ll want to do that with.

Retro gaming experiments

On that note, I am starting to put every monitor I get in for testing through some retro gaming tests in a bid to find panels suited to old setups. If you’ve already caught my guide on how to connect retro consoles to modern TVs or monitors, you’ll already know you can hook up to most screens via HDMI. But, I specifically want to weed out the displays that can deal with old resolutions and aspect ratios correctly, and I figured the M10S II’s 720p could come in handy.

The trick is that if you use something like a GBS Control, the upscaler I recommend for working out how to play PS2 games, scaling up to 1080p on a 1440p display isn’t ideal. However, since the M10S II has that aforementioned 720p mode, it could theoretically match one of the gadget’s presets. Or, it could if it didn’t only provide access to the menu when connected to a PC, and that’s not the only caveat disqualifying this screen from the classics.

While 720p looks crisper on this display than mismatched resolutions, the M10S II forces widescreen when connected to upscalers. What’s worse is that if you switch to 1280 x 960, it squeezes the 4:3 aspect ratio, and while 1080p is the right dimensions, the non-integer scaling looks blurry.

Before you raise your hand, just know that I’m aware the Inzone M10S II is for the exact opposite of retro gaming. Still, for over a grand, I reckon it could do a bit more to cater outside its niche, and while it’s not remotely the only screen that can’t handle low resolutions properly, it contributes to a wider issue.

Building upon a brilliant OLED formula

Outside of competitive tests and niche retro nonsense, the M10S II really shines as a successor to its excellent OLED predecessor. It takes the inky blacks and vibrancy of the original and ramps up brightness to really hammer home its colors and HDR abilities, and those make for a lavish experience when playing games at 1440p

That is to say that if you use the Sony Inzone M10S II as your main screen as well as an FPS portal, you won’t be disappointed. It’s going to trade blows with even the most color-rich displays out there, standing tall as one of the top WOLED options around. It does sit under QD-OLED contenders out there purely in terms of color accuracy, but if you prefer your blacks not looking slightly blue, or dealing with glossy screens, you’ll be looking at a traditional panel like this regardless.

A missed multiformat opportunity

It’s a crying shame that Sony has pigeonholed its Inzone M10S, as while its specs naturally fit competitive gaming, it could have been a great console monitor too. The counter to my petition is the fact that the Inzone M9 II is covering the 4K PC side of things, and the PlayStation brand specifically would rather you buy its 27-inch panel for the PS5.

Here’s the thing, though: I’m not sure why Sony is reserving its excellent OLED panel for a niche section of the PC market. It could have helped this sequel shine as an ultra-fast display with multiplatform provisions simply by adding some of its extra “Made for PS5” tricks and some serviceable speakers. For a grand, it could have all bases covered rather than pointing them towards IPS and mini LED alternatives, all while not neglecting the esports crowd it's clearly aiming to please.

I’m not knocking the M10S II down any point for not including console-friendly perks. However, adding some PS5 perks in there would have helped this Inzone screen inch closer to perfection. Keep in mind that this is meant to be a sequel, and while it refines what its first attempt established, it doesn’t feel like it’s truly expanding its horizons.

Should you pick up the Sony Inzone M10S II?

Those of you who are serious about first-person shooters, extreme accuracy, and blistering refresh rates really should consider the Sony Inzone M10S II. The jury is out on whether a 720p dual mode is the right call, as while 720Hz raises the bar, I almost feel like a 4K/1080p combo would be useful in more games. I know, that’s an awkward thing to say given that one of my only gripes with the original was a lack of said dual mode, but alas, using it in a way that limits its usefulness to 720fps-capable romps like VALORANT is a tad niche.

Don’t get me wrong: the Inzone M10S II is still an incredibly punchy esports monitor, one that defends the honor of its predecessor and achieves the same score as a result. The latter is really due to the fact that it retains the previous MSRP while elevating brightness and sprinkling in some new, competitive-focused features. At the same time, though, it’s placed itself within a niche that bars it from being the absolute best model out there, and yet, it could have potentially snatched that crown by simply considering other platforms outside of high refresh rate PC gaming.

How I tested the Sony Inzone M10S II

For a month, I put the Sony Inzone M10S II through its paces as my main PC monitor. During that time, I used the screen to play high refresh rate shooters like Overwatch while testing non-competitive releases like Cyberpunk 2077. I also specifically tested this screen’s anti-glare properties next to a bright, south-facing window and assessed whether it can properly handle different resolutions for retro console gaming via an HDMI upscaler.

For more information on how we test gaming monitors, swing by our full GamesRadar+ hardware policy for a full rundown.

My PS5 has been collecting more dust these days after Sony's decision to back out of the physical game market, but the newly announced PlayStation Pulse wireless and Pulse Edge wireless headsets could be the trick to drive me back.

The new era of PS5 headsets was announced yesterday on the official PlayStation Blog, by Joe Bentley, the Vice President of Engineering at Sony Interactive Entertainment. There, he revealed that they have been equipped with larger planar audio drivers than the previous Pulse pairs to create "fuller, deeper bass" while maintaining a clean sound for PS5 players. Better yet, the Edge is equipped with ANC, which is entirely new for PlayStation's Pulse headset lineup.

The PlayStation Pulse Edge is the higher-end of the two newly announced PS5 headsets, perhaps as it has the edge over the other with its extra features?

Not only has it got ANC and a planar magnetic driver in tow, but Joe Bentley iterates that it has "double the magnet" volume compared to the PlayStation Pulse. If you're wondering why that's a good thing, the drivers in question are made up of a thin diaphragm with conductive wire across its surface. Magnets sit on either side to create a magnetic field that moves the diaphragm when sound (like from the best PS5 games) travels through.

With more magnets at your disposal, like the 8 per planar driver of the Edge, the more evenly air can move, which helps produce clear and enhanced bass. The downside to this is that headsets like it can be a lot heavier as a result, but there's no indication of how weighty we can expect the upcoming cans to be just yet.

What we do know for certain is that the Edge is also set to include a detachable boom mic for voice chat, AI-enhanced noise rejection, and PlayStation Link support when it launches in "early 2027" - all features you can expect to find on the PlayStation Pulse too.

The Pulse is expected to launch "this holiday season," so you'll have less time to wait. It won't have ANC in its corner, nor a fancy carrying case, or built-in game audio and chat balance control, which you can expect from the Edge. It also only has 4 magnets per planar driver in its midst, but you'll still be able to connect it to your PS5 or PS Portal via PlayStation Link, and pick it up in a White or Midnight Black colorway when it's ready to ship.

For now, PlayStation has yet to drop the prices for the new Pulse headset line-up, but I'll be sure to let you know as soon as those details drop, which should be "soon" according to the blog post. For now, there's still time to pre-order the Pulse Elevate wireless speakers for $219.99 (via PS Direct) / £199.99 (via PS Direct) if you're after some planar magnetic driver-powered sound.

• View all Pulse PS5 headsets at PS Direct

Can't wait for the new PlayStation Pulse and Pulse Edge headsets? Our best gaming headset guide is full of the best PC headsets for gaming, which are also compatible with Sony's current-gen pixel-pusher.

Kirby and Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai announced that his Game Designers Award will be discontinued due to his inability to find a successor.

Since 2010, Sakurai has presented the award at the Japan Game Awards, and at 2026's event – where Pokemon Pokopia took home the grand prize (its version of game of the year) – the prize went to Word Game by Team9. The award is presented by Sakurai, who is also the head judge and responsible for inviting other judges, with the criteria being those who have made innovative games; these have included the likes of Ico designer Fumito Ueda, Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami, and Undertale's Toby Fox.

Upon presenting the 2026 award, Sakurai confirmed he would discontinue it, claiming he was unable to find anyone to replace him as its leader. Granted, this may sound harsh – as if no one is worthy of taking on the role – but the reality seems to be no one else was able to take on the time-consuming responsibility. Sakurai also spoke about creativity in games (translation from Automaton) – something that is central to this award – noting that while "originality doesn’t really have much impact on sales," it's still crucial, as "an industry that loses its originality will simply die a slow death."

In an era when budgets are getting even bigger for every game, it's becoming rarer to see that kind of originality on the AAA scale. A perfect example is given to us by Sony over this last week, where Marvel's Wolverine has caught flak for feeling very homogenous – especially with other Sony first-party games – while the publisher dropped Hideo Kojima's next game, Physint; reportedly due to budget issues.

Opinions on Kojima and his games aside, he is one of the few creators left in AAA whose creativity still shines through. You know when you are playing a Kojima game, just like when I booted up Kirby Air Riders last year I felt the Sakurai shine through; the same goes for a Hideki Kamiya or a Yoko Taro game. Thankfully, indie games have creativity to spare, meaning that even as AAA is forced to be safer than ever, we'll still have people pushing boundaries.

Super Smash Bros creator Masahiro Sakurai sometimes "sounds exactly like Goku," ex-Tekken boss says: "A Saiyan who genuinely believes he's just another ordinary human"

Meta Connect 2026 is fast approaching, and although it's been heavily speculated that we'll catch our first glimpse of the next Meta Quest headset at this year's conference, the first imagery of the brand's unannounced device appears to have leaked. As Valve and gamers celebrate the long-awaited launch of the Steam Frame, I'm not sure anyone needs to worry about Meta's Project Phoenix as competition, because it looks more like a pair of smart glasses than a VR headset designed for playing video games.

This much has been rumored for a while now, as Meta may even be steering clear of the "Quest" nomenclature for the upcoming device. It also goes hand-in-hand with the studio closures and layoffs Meta has done in 2026 when it comes to gaming and VR headset production. Wearables, like the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, have seemingly been a big hit, but Quest headsets have gone up in price while large swathes of Reality Labs employees have been laid off and profits are down.

The new Project Phoenix looks like a hybrid between smart glasses and a headset, and we can see as much from imagery found in HorizonOS in the last few days. It was originally found and reported by Luna on Twitter and UploadVR, who found the new imagery via a new lens prescription partnering app available on Quest's OS. The app was first seen in August, revealing not an awful lot. Simply named "HorizonOS Prescription Lens", it's since received an update which contains visuals of the new device and how prescription lenses can be installed into it.

Other imagery shows that the headset has legs that are a lot smaller in size and very similar in their design to typical glasses legs. Like with other smart glasses we've seen, there's a cable that leads from the left leg back into what will presumably be a power supply/puck you can hold in your pocket or clip to a belt.

There's no imagery of any new controllers, but UploadVR does note that as part of the Connect conference schedule this year, Dongyi Li, a Software Engineer Manager at Meta, is giving a talk titled "A practical guide to controller-free interaction". This could point to a controller-less Quest device, which the brand has been leaning into since the Meta Quest Pro. I have concerns about what that means for this headset's gaming potential though, since the tactility and functionality of controllers in VR are more important than they seem.

While a lightweight headset design could be great for some games, fully immersive VR games usually mean vigorous head movement that wouldn't exactly suit a pair of glasses that could slip off. Moreover, the imagery we can see (if it's not a very complicated misdirect from Meta) shows a very small lens and potential FOV that wouldn't necessarily lend itself to gaming.

Personally, I'm not sure this device, whether it's the mainline successor to the Quest 3 or not, will be geared toward gaming. It will almost certainly run on HorizonOS and have access to all the same apps and games as other Quest headsets, but it looks like gamers will be better served by the existing hardware for now.

That's exactly why I don't think Valve has anything to worry about when it comes to Meta's next device. Although the company's CTO Andrew "Boz" Bosworth said there are no plans to leave the sector, closing gaming studios, laying off workforces, upping the price of gaming-capable headsets, and steering into a different direction with the next headset all signal to me that Meta might be looking to take a different approach than attracting the mainstream gaming market.

Valve certainly benefits from that, but with a $1,059 price on the Steam Frame, will it be able to attract the same sort of market as Meta's super affordable Quest devices?

Meta Connect takes place between September 23-24 this year, so official word isn't too far away.

For more on VR, check out the best Meta Quest accessories.

Nintendo announced two new post-price hike Switch 2 bundles last month, and while the Mario Kart version is still but a promise (even though it's technically supposed to hit shelves earlier), the Sports Resort package is now available for pre-order.

The $529.99 (Nintendo) bundle sits about $30 higher than we've typically seen from Ninty's package deals. Before September 1's price hike you'd be paying $499 for a game and handheld in one box. These days, though, $529.99 actually represents one of the better discounts on the web. Nintendo Switch bundle deals have been difficult to get hold of since previously-priced stock was run off the shelves and with Legend of Zelda Switch 2 pre-orders proving incredibly difficult to secure regular handhelds are in demand.