Nothing will ever beat having physical games to hand, but having a home screen library of digital games has its perks. No, I'm not being paid by Sony to say that, nor do I think being able to instantly flick through artwork and pick out games using a controller is worth trading any sense of ownership, but I've just come across an invention that brings virtual game selection to an actual shelf.

Described as an "IRL Homescreen", retro console fan and gadget-maker almostinventor shows off a physical game collection with a digital selection twist. At first, I thought I was looking at AI nonsense, but the ensemble actually uses a projector paired with a rail system that's designed to make Wii game boxes glow upon being selected before being pushed forward with larger game art displayed underneath.

Effectively, you're getting a setup that looks like a digital library UI that lets you pick out games using a Wiimote or a controller, but exists in real life. Yes, there is something silly about the whole thing since you can just get up and use your eyeballs to look at spine labels, but if you're like me and struggle to both process what game boxes actually say when they're sitting in a row, be it in my collection or on a shelf, it's actually incredibly useful.

Visuals and mechanics aside, the IRL home screen is driven by a laptop connected to an ESP32-C3 Robot control board with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which then translates presses to specific vertical positions used to highlight boxes and engage the back rail mechanism. That does mean that the system isn't detecting game boxes and instead displays artwork and box glow based on positioning alone, but it's still an impressive approach.

The natural limits here are that the current setup is confined to just a small selection of boxed games within an IKEA KALAX unit. I imagine that adding more games to the row will come with accuracy caveats, as you'd need to reposition the projector so it can play the game art/startup animations while still being able to highlight the boxes, and multiple shelves should be more complicated.

If, like me, you have an absurd number of games on shelves, implementing this setup for the lot will be convoluted. I would love to see this proof-of-concept grow to that level, though, as it really would help fight the notion that Sony's decision to kill physical PS5 discs is a necessity for library convenience. Plus, it even has a slot-machine-style lever at the side that enables a randomiser, saving you from making pesky decisions before your session.

Everything from the presence of that ominous Wii music to the chirping Wiimote selection sound effect alludes to the IRL home screen being able to actively launch games. Those vibes in other videos appear to be faux for now, but I'm wondering if there's a way to harness homebrew apps to combine functionality so that backed-up games start up via physical selections.

I'll be keeping tabs on almostinventor's IRL home screen project to see where it's headed, and considering the creator has already shared experiement with using "the force" to select games using hand tracking, I suspect there's more to come.

• Retro consoles at Amazon
• Retro handhelds at Amazon

Check out the best retro handhelds for ways to take your classic games on the go.

Smart glasses have an understandably bad reputation at the moment, but the newly unveiled Viture Pro 2 XR glasses aren't for recording strangers in the street with hidden cameras. They're more like a stylish VR headset built into a pair of sunglasses, specifically for projecting a small, private gaming display in your line of sight.

Viture has launched the new $299.99 glasses, which the brand boasts are the "lightest, thinnest, and most eye-comfort-focused" model yet to celebrate their fifth anniversary. The glasses weigh just 63g, which is 15g lighter than the brand's One XR glasses I have hidden away in my office, and unlike that older pair, the Pro 2 is available alongside a $99 Mobile Dock Mini to introduce compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2.

XR glasses are very niche. Unlike the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, these pricey peripherals aren't something I'd insist everyone add to their setups. If you have a Nintendo Switch 2, I assume you already have a TV or gaming monitor to use alongside it, and the privilege of having a private screen only you can see isn't going to benefit everyone. Yet, I'm glad to see a new 'budget' pair available that's compatible with Nintendo's newest machine. I use the term 'budget' pretty liberally here, as while it's more affordable than the older Pro Pair, I can't pretend $299 isn't a lot to pay for an accessory like this, particularly when it costs almost as much as the Switch 2 does - or as much as a Meta Quest 3S before its recent price hike.

Like the rest of the XR glasses on the market, the frames project a Sony Micro-OLED display before the wearer's eyes. This Viture Pro 2 is equipped with a display with 1,600 nits as opposed to the 1,000 nits of the older Pro model, and utilizes the brand's new UltraClarity 3.0 tech to help increase image sharpness.

Using my older Viture One XR glasses to play my Steam Deck or watch movies in bed so I don't wake up my partner with the handheld's bright screen is something he very much appreciated, and so I'd be intrigued to see how this pair handles the Switch 2. Especially when my older pair could be a bit of a battery drain. According to the Viture Pro 2 press release (via PR News Wire), the included Mobile Dock is powered by a 10,000 mAh battery, which is enough to keep the handheld (and the glasses) juiced up simultaneously, which is a nice bit of reassurance.

The Mobile Dock comes packaged with a detachable adapter and a magnetic mount, which are designed to attach to the back of the console. It's worth noting that while the glasses are compatible with a range of USB-C devices from the get-go, it's this dock that opens it up to Switch 2 players, as it's a battery and USB-C hub in one. Basically, if you were in the market for the Pro 2 glasses, you'll have to grab this extra (or the older Viture Mobile Dock) to carry on creating your ridiculous Pokemon Pokopia builds at 3 a.m. without waking up your sleeping fiancée in bed beside you.

The mini dock alone costs $99, which does drive up the cost of the brand's cheapest frames to $398 in total. However, if you grab them straight from the Viture online store, you can get a $20 discount, taking your total down to $378 instead. That dock might take a little longer to arrive at your door, though, as the website states it's currently on backorder and is expected to ship this September. At least in the meantime, you could still use the glasses to watch movies at your own discretion before getting your Pokopia or Mario Kart World on.

Without testing these for myself quite yet, I can't comment on the image quality and whether it'll be significantly better than your current setup. But if you were in the market for a pair of glasses, this option is now available to you, and at a price that's cheaper than the brand's previous releases, so long as you pick them up in time.

• View all Viture XR glasses at Amazon

Looking for cheaper Switch 2 add ons? Check out the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases for budget-friendly options.

I won't lie, I was expecting the Anbernic RG SP to land with an unsavoury, but the GBA SP clone is making big impressions with its pre-order price tag. While even the cheapest portables are taking a battering thanks to AI component demand, this clamshell is holding onto a sub-$60 MSRP that's actually lower than its predecessor.

I should caveat that the Anbernic RG SP is sitting slightly lower at $57.99 due to "early bird" discounts. Normally, the retro handheld will set you back $64.99, and that's if you order directly from Anbernic. Still, even that full MSRP is respectable since it matches the RG35XXSP from two years ago, and it demonstrates the portable maker is trying to keep prices steady.

Yes, we are talking about low handheld specs that, logically speaking, should be outside the RAMageddon blast zone, but that's sadly not how this works. Even the modest Super Pocket, Blaze's Evercade cart-wielding portable, fell folly to price hikes last month, and it comes armed with just 256MB of DDR RAM and a quad-core ARM chipset.

There are multiple layers to the AI-fuelled debacle surrounding component demand that's rooted in all production rather than specific parts, so no device is really safe. Therefore, it's worth commending Anbernic for keeping the RG SP under $60, as its rivals aren't faring quite as well

For instance, Ayaneo Pocket Advance pre-orders just landed, and I'm not opposed to its $89 price tag by any means; it will eventually jump up slightly higher to $109. The GBA clone is technically new, but it's pretty similar to the previously released Pocket Air Mini in terms of specs, and it landed for a lower introductory price. That would suggest there's something narrowing the margins that will lead to slight price increases, even if they are pretty small.

Ultimately, I think it's worth rooting for the handheld makers actively keeping prices sensible right now, and Anbernic is one of them. Yes, it does dabble with higher-end hardware, with the Anbernic RG Cube serving as an example of a more premium portable, but it seems to be making the right calls by focusing on its core affordable offerings that helped it ascend as a renowned brand in the first place.

• Retro handhelds at Amazon
• GBA clone consoles at Amazon

Swing by the best retro consoles for emulation machines, authentic remakes, and more.

If you've got a SteelSeries headset and a Windows-powered gaming rig, it's likely you take your pair's compatibility for granted - I know I do. Yet anyone who's made the Linux leap over the years doesn't always have the same smooth sailing, as compatibility with the best gaming headsets isn't as straightforward.

Functionality can differ when using SteelSeries headsets on Linux-powered operating systems, from battery status reporting to wireless issues, but open-source developers like Sriman Achanta are on top of it. As brought to my attention by Phoronix, Achanta has developed a patch set to drop alongside the upcoming Linux 7.3 kernel merge window that provides improved driver support for a long list of 14 SteelSeries-branded headsets, including the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X and SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2.

This isn't the first time Achanta has provided support for SteelSeries headsets. The developer dropped a patch for the then-mainline Linux kernel in December 2025 (the core program that powers different Linux-based operating systems, including SteamOS as found on the Steam Deck) that helped improve the existing HID-Steelseries driver.

At the time, the HID-Steelseries driver only supported battery monitoring for the Arctis Nova 1 and Arctis Nova 9 headsets, but Achanta's patch introduced support for over 25 different SteelSeries pairs. It didn't just help with battery monitoring but, according to Achanta, the patch brought "full feature control including sidetone, auto-sleep, microphone controls, volume limiting, and Bluetooth settings."

Some of SteelSeries headsets can be pretty pricey, with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite costing $599.99 / £599.99. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2, which is included as part of this new driver patch, is $199.99 at Amazon, so it's nice to know that owners of the pair can get their full money's worth and better compatibility when the latest patch drops.

If you are thinking of leaping to Linux, I recommend checking out the Hardware for Linux website. It's a collective put together by Linux users to help determine how equipped your tech is to make the change and help you get to the bottom of any errors your hardware might be dealing with.

• View all SteelSeries gaming headsets at Amazon

If you're hunting for a new pair, I've rounded up the best PC headsets for gaming, the best PS5 headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets worth checking out.

Gaming laptops with 8GB RAM are threatening to return to the shelves as the supply chain crisis wears on, but now Microsoft's own documentation is seemingly stepping away from high-memory configurations. The brand has removed its 32GB RAM recommendation for high-end PC gamers looking to run the most demanding games, deleting posts that championed the upgrade for the best gaming laptops. The URL previously pointing to a guide to optimizing your setup (Wayback Machine) now simply lands on the help desk.

Originally spotted by Windows Latest, the quiet retcon comes after Microsoft announced plans to drop a Surface Laptop with just 8GB RAM earlier this year. However, it also lines up with an increase in older gaming laptops appearing at retailers like Newegg and Best Buy with only 8GB to their name.

Of course, that Surface isn't designed to handle your Steam library but it is indicative of a wider shift towards low-memory releases in both the productivity and gaming space. The RAM's gone, but the demand your games place on your system certainly hasn't.

At the time of writing, Best Buy has over 40 gaming laptops listed with just 8GB RAM under the hood, with more mainstream brands running from $745 to $1,249.99. If you're looking to play modern titles, that's going to be money down the drain.

PC gaming has ballooned in cost over the last year, with RAM shortages and inflated SSD prices increasing rates for both manufacturers and consumers. It's why last year's gaming laptops can offer better value for money, though even those older rigs are seeing their own upcharges these days. To keep those costs lower, brands are wheeling out 8GB RAM configurations in lower end models, think the HP Victus, MSI Thin A15, and Asus TUF range.

The problem is Windows chomps through that memory by itself, leaving even less for your games to work with. Most releases from the past few years require at least 16GB to run smoothly, and in some cases, at all.

You can sacrifice your GPU, play on lower settings with fewer bells and whistles. You can drop down a CPU generation. You can even skrimp around a 512GB SSD. But, unfortunately in the current landscape, RAM isn't a sacrifice worth making. If you really want the latest releases to look their best, that 32GB is still necessary for certain scenarios.

While it's still considered a luxury, and far from a necessity for casual play, anyone running larger, more complex strategy titles or burning through a library of mods, will benefit by moving beyond 16GB. While I generally recommend most players opt for this middle ground, you'll find most RTX 5070 Ti-and up machines offering additional memory for better future-proofing.

Microsoft isn't going hell for leather here, it's far from recommending 8GB for your new rig. Its quiet removal of that 32GB power-mark, though, is a little shifty. After all, its original documentation was correct - 32GB is the sweet spot for a future-proofed system in 2026, whether it be laptop or desktop. As that memory supply is squeezed, though, it simply doesn't want you to know that.

So what does it mean for your next gaming laptop?

In short, big spenders should still be aiming for 32GB RAM, despite Microsoft's awkward silence on the matter. On the other end of the spectrum, while it's unlikely mainstream brands will launch 8GB RAM gaming laptops en masse next year, it's worth taking a cautionary approach when hunting cheap gaming laptop deals.

There are four-figure machines out there that appear to be solid deals when on sale but skimp out on your memory, always double check that you're getting at least 16GB. If you're making sacrifices to keep that price tag low, opt instead for IPS displays, less storage, or even a downshift on your GPU. After all, running something in 1080p with reduced textures is always better than not being able to run it at all.

• See all 16GB gaming laptop deals at Best Buy

I'm hunting down all the best Asus gaming laptops and the best Razer laptops on the market, or take a look at the best Alienware laptops available.

I assumed we already had our fill with cheap Nintendo Switch bundles in the UK for the time being, but I'm very happy to be proven wrong.

Yesterday, Nintendo unveiled that you can now build your own custom Switch 2 bundle in Europe starting from £395.99 and select between the console, a Switch 2 game, a membership for Nintendo Switch Online, and the best part - add an accessory of your choice entirely for free.

It's not just run-of-the-mill accessories included, but you can pick up a cute Gengar controller and even a 256GB Switch 2 SD card. This accessory is the main benefit here, as otherwise everything you can select is available for its usual price, so if you were already hoping to pick up the handheld along with an NSO subscription, this bundle feels like a bit of a no-brainer.

Nintendo has laid out this custom bundle process in a really straightforward way. Once you get to the accessory selection step, there's a huge range of Hori Gengar and Mimikyu goodies available, including the Vault Case that I reviewed earlier this year. Officially licensed Pokemon products typically come with an inflated cost compared to other accessories, so adding one of the items to your bundle is a great way to circumvent that.

• Join GamesRadar+ Deals on WhatsApp for our top daily discounts

The once £30.99 wired HORIPAD Turbo controller doesn't cost a penny, but you don't have to stick to the Pokemon-covered extras if you don't want to. Nintendo has included plenty of Hori's more subtle peripherals, including the Cozy Pink and Cozy Green versions of the gamepad. You're basically free to choose whichever accessory your heart desires from the list, but if you want to know the one I'd pick (particularly if you're after the biggest saving), it's going to be either the SanDisk or Samsung microSD Express Card.

The official SanDisk and Samsung models are the most expensive accessories on the list. If you want to save the most, it'd make the most sense to grab the priciest item for free, and it just so happens that ensuring you have one of the best microSD Express Cards in your setup is kind of a big deal, at least in my eyes anyway.

The Nintendo Switch 2 only comes with 256GB of onboard storage, and that can fill pretty fast if you're using it to play AAA releases. Final Fantasy 14 is finally available on the console, and the MMO requires 117GB of space to download, which is almost half your available storage spent on one game. By choosing either of these cards, you'd be automatically equipping your gaming handheld with double the storage at no additional cost, and I feel like that's far more important than picking up a cute Pokemon controller.

The neat thing about this 'Build your own' bundle is that the choice is entirely up to you. Just, if it were me, I'd personally choose either of those SD cards, but as someone with a soft spot for Hori's official Pokemon products, I entirely understand if you can't turn down the Gengar's menacing face on the case or the wired controller. Not to mention, Hori's Eevee Cottage Core controller is also in the midst, and I find it difficult to not pick up the pad when playing Pokopia as it's so cute, even when I have better feature-full controllers at my disposal.

Whatever you do, just don't double up and add Pokopia as your game of choice if you've already selected the Switch 2 bundle it comes with, and avoid the Hori Piranha Plant camera. Not only is it prone to discounts at UK retailers, but it only supports a 480p image quality. Unless you want to look like big, blurry blobs in compatible Switch 2 games, you're better off sticking to an at least 1080p compatible USB-C webcam instead. And you might have one of those just lying around already.

While this custom bundle is not available in the US, anyone after a Switch 2 across the pond can instead grab the Choose Your Game bundle for $499 at Amazon which includes the console and a download code for either Pokemon Pokopia, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Mario Kart World.

• Build Your Own Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle at Nintendo

New to Switch 2? Check out the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases while you're here.

Blaze just officially answered whether the Evercade can run DOOM, as a new collection is coming on October 30. Better still, the original boomer shooter, its sequel, and a bunch of mission packs and Deathmatch levels will arrive alongside a special edition Evercade Nexus handheld that looks like it's from the bowels of hell mars.

Available to pre-order today at 10 pm EST / 3 pm BST (UK), the Evercade Nexus DOOM Edition will set you back $249.99 / £199.99, so slightly more than the vanilla version. But, you will be furnished with a bunch of demonic delights, including the new collection cartridge, a Mars red case, a cartridge keychain, a double-sided poster with the shooter's OG artwork, and a bonus comic.

Of course, the DOOM retro handheld itself is also dressed up in demon-infested, space facility attire, complete with hazard warning trim and UAC logos. The cursed caveat here is that the portable is limited to 3,000 units, so you'll have to strafe straight to Blaze's Funstock when the gates open today.

Dropping this new DOOM handheld is a bummer if you've already pre-ordered the vanilla or Rare edition Evercade Nexus, though, and I've already noticed a few buyers query whether they can switch their pre-orders. I doubt there's a system in place for anything like that, but at least the collection is available on its own.

On its own, the DOOM Evercade collection will set you back $29.99 / £24.99, but it's already sold out at Funstock US. Hilariously, you can still grab it as a double pack alongside the Banjo Kazooie collection for $59.98, which feels like a DOOMslayer and Isabella-level team-up, if I do say so. If you are just looking for the boomer shooter, it should hit Amazon at some point before October 30.

I'm not remotely short of ways to play DOOM, and I've just finished building an MS-DOS PC specifically for playing '90s shooters with authentic Soundblaster audio. On top of that, I've been hitting up the GBA version on a custom Game Boy Advance with microswitch shoulders for strafing, and yet, I'm still itching to try this Evercade version.

Perhaps it's the sheer volume of DOOM included on the cart, as it includes the aforementioned six extra mission packs, including The Plutonia Experiment from Final DOOM and No Rest for the Living. The split-screen local multiplayer helps drive home the experience I was originally looking for with the PS1 version, negating the need for two consoles, games, and a link cable.

Sure, DOOM on the Evercade might not feel technically impressive given the platform now has 3D romps like Banjo Kazooie (check out the Super Pocket Rare Edition for more on that), but gaining the grandaddy of first-person shooters is still an accolade. Blaze's handheld and retro console ecosystem is becoming a physical gaming force to be reckoned with, and it could gain a massive player base once the big dogs in the industry become all-digital.

• Evercade consoles at Amazon
• Evercade games at Amazon

Swing by the best retro controllers for wireless buttons that still feel authentic.

The world of the best gaming keyboards has shifted slightly in the last few weeks, with the arrival of the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60. It's been the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini on top of the 60% food chain for the last year, but with Sneki's rattly form factor, higher MSRP, and fewer switch features, Corsair's just managed to sneak into the lead once again.

I've just spent the last two weeks testing the 60% deck, running it across my current daily play roster as well as more dedicated tests in Apex Legends and CS2. It's been in pride of place on my desk, right next to the Huntsman it would ultimately replace on my top-rated list.

Is it perfect? No. The Clipper exhibits some spacebar scratches and its stabilizers are mounted too awkwardly for an easy fix. Its casing isn't quite as luxurious as you'll find elsewhere on the market either. For $99.99 (considering most gaming-branded HE decks start at around $140)? It's looking pretty solid in 2026.

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro has held the position of best 60% gaming keyboard for just under a year now. I was originally impressed by its slick analog switches, the joystick-like movement they can provide on WASD, and its easy application of dual-step actuation to keep those arrow keys in play.

Yes, Corsair sacrifices that joystick experience in favor of more traditional Hall effect clackers, but it's also packing its own extra switch actuation features into the package. Smart Tap was the one I found myself using most often.

While the best Hall effect keyboards can regularly assign different functions depending on how far down the switch stem you've travelled, this feature allows for different inputs based on whether a key is tapped or held. It's measuring the duration of your keypress rather than distance you've pushed in a way that's far easier to control in the heat of battle. It's also how I used Corsair's magnetic switches (a newer version, the MGX Hyperdrive Cores) to keep those arrow buttons in action.

Having to rely on dual function controls for arrow keys always put me straight off 60% decks. Between productivity and gaming, it just seemed like too big a sacrifice when 65% options could sit just as neatly on a desk. With magnetic clackers at the helm, all is well in the world again.

If you weren't already in the market for a 60% gaming keyboard, that smaller form factor is going to make itself known. Losing access to your number pad could be a if you're used to having one (in which case I'd recommend the Keychron V6 Max for a similarly priced mechanical option or the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 to keep those magnetic clackers).

Those regularly throwing on Spotify while working or gaming might also run into trouble with the lack of dedicated playback and volume buttons. They're still on here, but you'll need to make use of the function key to get there. If you still want that compact form factor, the Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile is actually my go-to. This is a 65% model, so you're still maintaining a small footprint on the desk, but it comes with neatly built-in dedicated media controls along the top edge.

• See all gaming keyboard deals at Amazon

I'm also hunting down all the best wireless gaming keyboards as well as the best hot-swappable keyboards available.

AOC apparently thinks dual-mode monitors are so 2025, as it just released a curved gaming monitor with three different resolution options. Effectively, you're getting a panel that can switch between 1440p 260Hz, 1080p 360Hz, and 720p 500Hz, meaning you'll have a way to enjoy high refresh rates even on lower-end GPUs.

Coming in at a respectable £239 (roughly $321), the 31.5-inch AOC GAMING CQ32G4ZA is undeniably geared towards fps players. Yes, many of the best gaming monitor options are, but this curved display makes a case for making 720p, a resolution that could be described as laughable in 2026, an additional option for competitive players who rely on lower resolutions to hit lofty frame rates.

Many dual-mode options I've tested usually try to offer up a 4K high fidelity mode alongside an "esports" toggle that will dial things to 1080p in the name of fps. It's a trick used by everything from the 32-inch LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B to even Alienware models, but more options, like the newly released Sony Inzone M10S II are chosing to go for resolutions we used to call "HD Ready" as a secondary mode to QHD.

In a perfect PC gaming world, no one would have to fall back to 720p today to match up frame rates to resolutions, even if we're talking about 500Hz. However, going lower makes sense since even mid-range rigs are becoming astronomically unaffordable, and having native 720p scaling will provide you with an appropriate panel for when some shooters, like Overwatch, simply can't pull off those numbers at even 1080p.

That said, AOC seems to get that leaving a big gap between 1440p and 720p modes is silly, and while playing natively at the latter will look sharper than just cranking things back, you'll potentially want to still try and hit 1080p in some scenarios. Therefore, by providing all three resolution modes, the GAMING CQ32G4ZA is ensuring you have that middle ground option, providing greater flexibility just in case RAMageddon blows over and you can afford an upgrade.

Outside of its wonderfully versatile resolution switching, the AOC GAMING CQ32G4ZA also boasts a 1500R curve for some nice wraparound immersion, a fast VA panel with 1 ms GtG response timing, and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. Some of those specs do admittedly pale compared to your average OLED screen with 0.01ms responsiveness, but keep in mind we're talking about a display under $350.

In my eyes, the AOC GAMING CQ32G4ZA works to make single-resolution competitive panels a thing of the past. Having tested the AOC AGON PRO AG246FK and really felt the benefit of its 1080p 540Hz abilities, it does leave me wishing this new panel could pull that off. However, I'm not convinced I'd really feel the difference between "full HD" and 720p in fast-paced scenarios (flailing around as Pharah), and saving it for a middle 360Hz will be handier for when a prettier shooter arrives that puts more strain on PCs.

Not so long ago, you'd be looking at double the AOC GAMING CQ32G4ZA's price for a single resolution display that hits anywhere near 500Hz. I'd say it's therefore wild that entry-level setups can now harness three different native resolutions to suit performance expectations, and while those lower-end builds will benefit from this specific model right now, AOC says this "marks the beginning of a broader Triple Refresh Rate portfolio".

The AOC GAMING CQ32G4ZA is set to land in December 2026 at £239.99 (US availability TBC).

• More gaming monitors at Amazon
• More curved monitors at Amazon

Swing by the best monitor for PS5 for console flavored screen options.

JSAUX, one of the best and most well-known brands in the gaming accessory space, has begun teasing a new side hustle - a controller brand named Voidjoy. This new sub-brand will bring the company into an entirely new market and will be dedicated to making the best PC controllers and controller accessories.

JSAUX says the new brand will make its debut at IFA in Berlin this September, showing off three of Voidjoy's product areas: portable controllers, PC controllers, and controller accessories.

"Over the past decade, JSAUX GAMING has built its products around practical design and real player needs," says Winnie Chen, Marketing Communications Manager at JSAUX.

"Voidjoy brings that same thinking into gaming controllers, one of the most direct ways players experience their games."

JSAUX is best known for its portable gaming accessories these days, making docks, grips, cases, and chargers for the Steam Deck, Switch 2, and other gaming handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally. Its products have been consistently cited in our product roundups and have always scored favorably in our reviews.

Based on the JSAUX products I've gone hands-on with, I'm personally very excited about what kinds of controllers and what kind of quality of product this new side-brand could produce.

There's only minimal teasing so far, but I can't help but try to guess what we might see in the initial product range.

On the far left of the image, it looks like we're getting a PC pro controller with its own charging stand. The face of the pad is totally darkened so we can't see any details, but if it comes with its own dock and JSAUX has done its market research, there's a good chance it'll be a TMR controller and have two or four back buttons. The top of the controller isn't easy to make out, but I think you might just be able to make out some additional bumpers behind the RB and LB buttons.

In the middle of the image, it looks like there's a portable gamepad. From the shape of it, it looks like a mobile controller that's not too dissimilar in shape from the Nacon MG-X or even an original Razer Kishi. Again, it's hard to make out from the obscured image, but it looks like this has additional bumper buttons as well as lots of switches on the bottom and top, which could be to separate the controller in half or otherwise manage its functionality? We could be looking at a mobile/Switch 2 controller hybrid like the GameSir X5 line. Then again, you can see a USB-C port on its top, so maybe it's just a smaller gamepad you can take on the go.

Perhaps the most interesting tease is the product to the far right, which, at first glance, looks like a funky-looking DualShock 4. On a closer inspection, I don't think we're looking at the face of a controller here; I think this could be referring to the "controller accessories" JSAUX is teasing. This looks to me like the back/top of a controller, as you can make out the triggers and bumpers, and a thumbstick is even poking out the top right.

That would make the focus of this tease what's in the middle of the controller. It looks like this might be a back button attachment, as we've seen for the DualShock 4 in years gone by. But since it's fairly bulky, it could also be a removable battery pack for controllers, which hasn't really been a thing before now, but I could see a brand like JSAUX coming up with.

There's plenty to speculate and look forward to, but I do think Voidjoy could make a name for itself in a very competitive controller market.

For more, take a look at the best PS5 controller, the best Xbox Series X controller, and the best Switch 2 controller.

Amid Sony's plan to end physical games on PlayStation, Nintendo has confirmed that 38.5% of its sales are still physical.

Digital vs physical games have been a massive topic of discussion as of late, thanks to Rockstar Games announcing that the only physical copies of GTA 6 will be code-in-box releases, which was soon followed by Sony confirming that it will stop making disks in 2028.

Naturally, this caused outrage among players who want to continue growing their physical collection for myriad reasons – be it collecting, preservation, or simply options.

However, publishers haven't really been as upset. While some like Astrolabe Games and Serenity Forge have spoken out against it, Capcom, for example, isn't too worried.

In Nintendo's latest financial results, the company revealed that in the previous quarter it made 132.7 billion yen from digital sales, which is not only a 90% year-on-year increase but also a 2.2% increase in the proportion of digital sales compared to the same time last year. This meant that 61.5% of Nintendo's sales were from digital purchases between March 30 and June 30, 2026.

Now granted, 38.5% isn't a small piece of the pie at all; however, there are a few caveats with the figure. Firstly, Nintendo confirms that Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions, download-only titles and DLC – including upgrade packs for Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games – are included in this figure. On top of that, games bundled within hardware packages – like the Mario Kart World Switch 2 bundle at launch – are recognized as hardware sales, and thus not included in this.

Obviously, the decline of physical games is a net negative for the industry, but between this and word from industry analyst Mat Piscatella that, in 2026, only seven games on PlayStation have sold more than 100,000 physical copies in the US this year, the writing may have been on the wall for a while.

Granted, so far it seems like Nintendo is still all-in on its own titles being physical releases, with none of its first-party releases – barring Pokemon Pokopia, which isn't published by Nintendo in every region – being proper releases.

Switch 2 beats the GameCube in lifetime sales as Nintendo's fastest-selling console ever officially shifts 23.68 million units

I've tested more JSAUX accessories than I can count with both hands, and plenty of them have the chops to contend with the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories I've looked at. Yet the JSAUX 6-in-1 Gaming Dock for Switch 2 intrigued me the most out of the lot, partially because it's a cluttered and confusing mess at first glance.

It's a dock, as you've likely surmised from its name, that includes a line-up of handy ports, an LED screen at the front, charging slots for spare Joy-Con controllers, and some game and microSD Express Card storage on top of all that, because why not? All of that meshes together into a pretty ugly device in my eyes, but fortunately for me, looks can be deceiving.

Design

The first time I caught a glimpse of the JSAUX 6-in-1 Gaming Dock for the Switch 2, I couldn't help but notice there was a lot going on. It's not like the SIWIQU Switch 2 dock where it's just a simple block, and that's it. Instead, JSAUX has crammed in a ton of extras that make it appear like the Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium of Switch 2 accessories.

What I mean is, there's a lot to it, and so it's not exactly the nicest-looking dock on the market. The first thing that's hard to ignore is the circular LED display. When hooked up, it permanently lights up and works as a status indicator for how juiced up your Joy-Con controllers are. It's probably my least favorite thing about the dock, as I never really found use for it besides adding to the light pollution in my living room, but it's there should you want to be constantly informed of the battery life of your spare controllers.

This screen sits on the front-facing side of the device, and behind it is a wall of game and Switch 2 SD card storage. This storage is opposite the first two Joy-Con controller ports, which are colored red and blue so you know exactly what to place where. Additionally, the sides of the dock also have Joy-Con controller ports, should you need a couple more. Talking of controller charging, behind these slots lies the main 'dock' part of the device, which is designed to store and charge a Pro controller or the Switch 2 once you place it in the accompanying charger adapter.

Features

There's a lot going on with this device. It can hook up to your smart TV or gaming monitor like the official dock, and it supports 4K/60Hz, 2K/120Hz, 1080p/120Hz, and 4K/60Hz video output.

The dock is also a multi-purpose charging machine. There are slots for up to four single Switch 2 Joy-Cons (six if you're using the charging adapter) and a Switch 2 Pro controller simultaneously - if you don't have the handheld attached. Should you not have Nintendo's official premium pad kicking around, I discovered the dock also works well with similar-shaped Pro options, like the PowerA Advantage Wireless Controller.

Even if your controllers are fully juiced up, the JSAUX dock is a pretty handy storage solution. It helps too that the back of the LED indicator screen includes slots designed to store up to four physical Switch and Switch 2 cartridges, and four slots compatible with the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards. But the real meat of this dock isn't its storage capabilities, but its plentiful ports lined up across the back of the foldable device.

You've got an Ethernet port, snf two USB 2.0 Type-A ports that can support data transfers up to 480Mbps and connect to accessories including keyboards, mice, and other devices. To get your console hooked up to your display of choice, you've naturally got an HDMI 2.0 port and a fast-charging USB-C PD port to plug in your AC adapter to get it all powered up. The entire unit can also be folded away to make it more compact for travel or storage.

Performance

JSAUX's 6-in-1 accessory has replaced my official Switch 2 dock for a number of reasons. The first of which is that it does the same polished job. Once the handheld is nestled in the UBC-C bay with the adapter in tow, the Switch 2 is ready to be played, and there were no visual oddities whatsoever during testing. Additionally, I noticed it took up practically the same amount of space as Nintendo's official alternative, but made more sense in my setup due to the cabling sitting at the back.

Using the real-deal can occasionally feel a little awkward in this respect. With the HDMI and AC adapter always having to pull to the right (when you're looking straight at it), I always have to ensure it doesn't interfere with my turntable, which is always sitting directly to the side of my main room's consoles.

With the ports all neatly located at the back, the JSAUX dock just suits my setup more, but that won't be the case for everyone.

Its multiple charging opportunities may be more of a benefit. Now that my partner has a Switch 2 of his own, having accessories that can charge all our Joy-Cons at once is very appreciated, particularly for when we want to spend an evening failing miserably at the mini-games in Rhythm Paradise Groove (and enjoying every second).

With the magnetic connectivity, slotting in the controllers was easy peasy, and there was never an awkward moment with charging. This was the time when I was extra pleased to discover that the USB-C bay is compatible with controllers other than Nintendo's Pro options too. Nothing is worse than forking out cash on an accessory only for it to feel like it's pushing you to invest in another, but much to my pleasure, I could happily charge my Pokemon Mega Evolutions pad without issue.

It was pretty ideal that I had to travel during testing. One of the main draws to this dock (particularly over the official version) is that it can fold up and be stored away. Normally I'd bring my JSAUX All-In-One Carrying Case with my dock shoved inside when taking my Switch 2 to my Mom's house, however, the compact nature of the JSAUX dock meant I could easily slot it into my backpack while my Switch 2 was nestled in the Belkin Charging Case Pro.

The only real hindrance I felt with the dock was with the LCD display. I'm typically a sucker for RGB lighting and nonsensical add-ons that are purely cosmetic, but this display and I did not get on. For one, the lighting is far too bright. There was one night where, thanks to my very unwell cat, I had to crash in the main room of my own home, and the light kept waking me up. I felt like that I was recreating that 'Limmy Waking Up' meme every time I awoke to the illuminating JSAUX logo in my face.

The display is also very prone to attracting dust and cosmetic damage. By default, it comes with a covering to protect it from wear and tear during transit. However, the second this was removed, I noticed the plastic surface would be coated in scratches. There is a slight chance that the one I was provided with to review just so happened to turn up in this state, but it made taking photos for this review a bit of a challenge.

Not to mention, the side of the dock the display sits on occasionally moves on its own accord. There were a few instances where it swung down and hit the display of my Switch 2. It's a good thing I have a screen protector equipped, but it did still instill a strong fear in me that this could one day severely damage my beloved (and pricey) handheld. Which ideally is not what you want from a $59.99 accessory that's meant to improve your setup and not hinder it in any way.

Should you buy the JSAUX 6-in-1 Gaming Dock for Switch 2?

Picking up an additional official Nintendo Switch 2 dock can be pretty costly. For whatever reason, Nintendo only packages its official dock alongside a spare AC adapter for $124.99 at the official Nintendo US store, which is a lot to pay if you're just looking to grab a spare for your bedroom. That leaves you with two real options: grab it second-hand for a little bit cheaper, or grab a third-party dock. The $59.99 (JSAUX) JSAUX 6-in-1 Gaming Dock is a valid choice.

It's not my immediate go-to if it's just the docking you're after, as there are plenty of cheaper options available. Not to mention, more compact options like the Genki Covert Dock 3 if portability is your number one priority. But this JSAUX dock is ideal if you're looking for a replacement that does practically all the real deal can muster, while providing some helpful storage and charging features that can lend themselves to any Switch 2 setup. Just know it's not the prettiest dock on the block, but it's what's on the inside that counts.

How I tested the JSAUX 6-in-1 Gaming Dock for Switch 2

I had the JSAUX 6-in-1 Gaming Dock in my setup for a little under a month during the testing process. During that time, the official Switch 2 dock was set aside, and this became the only way I played the handheld in docked mode while using my Samsung smart TV. I used the dock while playing a range of games, from Pokemon Pokopia, Mario Kart World, and Rhythm Paradise Groove. Afterwards, I took the third-party dock to my mum's house and integrated it into her setup to see how portable and accessible it was when integrated with TV setups other than my own.

For more information on how we test accessories for the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our full GamesRadar+ Hardware policy.

I've also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras if you're on the hunt for more top-tier Ninty accessories.

Nintendo has revealed the Switch 2 has sold another 3.82 million units, putting it above the lifetime sales of the GameCube.

Over the last year or so, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been breaking records for Nintendo, with it almost immediately becoming the fastest selling game hardware device in US history, and over the last year or so of its life, it's continued to be a success. It took the console seven months to beat the Wii U's lifetime sales, and with the momentum it had, the GameCube was clearly in the sights.

With the release of Nintendo's latest financial results, it was confirmed that in the last quarter, the Switch 2 has sold another 3.82 million consoles, bringing its total to 23.68 million sold. And unfortunately for the Nintendo GameCube, that new figure places the Switch 2 in its first year (well, year and 25 days) ahead of the 21.74 million that the GameCube sold in its five-year lifespan.

Despite the GameCube being home to so many absolutely beloved Nintendo games – Super Smash Bros Melee, Zelda: The Wind Waker, and so on – it's easy to forget it didn't exactly light the world on fire in terms of sales, especially when its competition was the behemoth that was the PS2 and the original Xbox. At the very least, the GameCube has still sold more games than the Switch 2, with 208.58 million sold compared to the 58.17 million Switch 2 games.

Next in line for the Switch 2 is the Nintendo 64, which it needs another 9.25 million sales to match. Given that we're still waiting for Switch 2 to get mainline Super Mario, Animal Crossing, Pokemon, and The Legend of Zelda games, I can see that happening sooner rather than later. Granted, the upcoming Switch 2 price increase may make that take a bit longer than expected.

Be sure to check out the list of upcoming Switch 2 games for 2026 and beyond.

Ayaneo has finally lifted the lid on its KONKR Pocket Advance GBA clone handheld, and early bird pre-orders start at $89. Yes, that's steeper than its main rival, the Anbernic RG34XX, but now that the handheld maker is done posting a million teasers and has given the portable a full reveal, it's clear to me that the price is pretty great.

Just before pushing the live button on KONKR Pocket Advance pre-orders, Ayaneo graced us with a follow-up live stream. The retro handheld maker had previously drip-fed eager players with tidbits of specs and specifically angled shots, but a sharing session on Friday and the latter presentation fully reveal the portable and its abilities.

Starting at $89 ($109 without an early bird discount), the base model comes with 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, and a MediaTek Helio G90T chipset. Yes, that's the chip used by the Ayaneo Pocket Air, and while it won't be punchy enough to become a full-blown portable PS2, it has the guts to run a chunk of its library while easily handling plenty of other retro consoles and portables leading up to the sixth generation.

If you'd prefer some extra memory headroom and a bit extra storage, you can upgrade to the 4GB/64GB model for $109. The rest of the specs and perks remain the same, as you're still getting a 3.5-inch LCD display, a 4,000 mAh USB-C rechargeable battery with Power Delivery, rumble, a gyroscope, and active cooling. All models also run Android 12, meaning opting for the cheaper portable won't restrict you to just Linux like with some portables.

I know this will be more pressing to some of you than fancy specs, but both Pocket Advance models come in Navy (Indigo), Coral (Spiced Orange), and a gray colorway with NES vibes. I'd be lying if I said the orange version doesn't have me in its clutches, and releasing a variant that references a Japanese-exclusive GameCube is the sort of move I respect.

For under $100, or even slightly over when early bird discounts end, I can really get on board with the KONKR Pocket Advance. Paying that bit extra above existing portables with GBA vibes will grant you a bit more oomph for platform flexibility, as while it's clearly suited to non-3D romps before analog sticks became mandatory, jumping into anything from GBA and SNES classics to beefier GameCube and PS2 romps isn't off the table.

I was bracing myself for ludicrous Pocket Advance pricing given that gaming tech is falling victim to RAMageddon. Even my affordable go-to portable, the Super Pocket, had to take price hikes on the chin, and budget portable MSRPs have absolutely been creeping up throughout 2026. My hope is that Ayaneo can get this GBA clone out the door without any shenanigans, as launch availability for the Ayaneo Pocket Micro 2 was pretty scrappy.

Swing by the best retro controllers if you're seeking a fresh pad for your console.

CMF, the budget brand owned by Nothing, has just unveiled the Clip Pro, its first-ever pair of open-back earbuds. Unlike the best gaming earbuds I've tested over the years, the Clip Pro isn't designed specifically for gaming in mind, but its ear-clip design looks so comfortable that I'm eager to test it alongside my Nintendo Switch 2 anyway.

Available for £79 / $99 (CMF) from the CMF online store starting August 15, these earbuds don't fit snugly above your ear canal, but instead are designed to hook onto the side of your ear like a pretty helix ear piercing. While millimetres away from your eardrum, the open-back form factor still allows the sound from its 10.8mm dual-magnet audio drivers to travel where it needs to.

The buds are equipped with a 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz frequency range, static Spatial audio tech, and are Hi-Res audio certified. CMF also states that their LDAC (an audio codec developed by Sony that allows you to stream high-quality audio) inclusion " transmits up to three times more audio data than standard Bluetooth" which has me more intrigued than ever to see what they'd do for my recent Switch 2 game obsessions. I take Pokemon Pokopia with me wherever I go, and having the best audio in my corner would definitely be a positive as I'm about to get more heavily invested now that its first batch of DLC has arrived.

The Clip Pros are equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 support so hooking up to the Switch 2 should be a breeze. More excitingly, they also have a low-latency gaming audio mode in tow, which I didn't expect for buds aimed primarily towards music listeners, including ones that are expected to retail for just $99. That should theoretically mean connecting to the PS5 should also be on the table.

Besides its funky clip-on form factor and connectivity options, I'm most intrigued by its sound quality. I recently tested the Asus ROG Cetra Open wireless gaming earbuds but was a bit disappointed by their middling bass quality. I described the gaming earphones as having a "permanent airy underlining," but the CMF Clip Pro boasts a stronger sound and deeper bass thanks to its Ultra Bass Technology. This gives me high hopes that they should be able to bring the power that felt missing from Asus's buds, but only time (and plenty of testing) will tell.

The CMF Clip Pro earbuds are expected to launch on August 15 in a variety of colorways, including Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Coral. Each pair comes with a matching charging case that can provide an extra 22.5 hours of battery life on top of the pair's 10 hours' worth of playback. All in all, there's plenty packed within these less than $100 buds, which I'm happy to see when alternatives like Asus's open-back equivalent are more than double the price.

I'm hoping I can take them for a test drive so I can see how they sound and stack up to the Cetra open-back alternatives, and whether they become my new favorite Switch 2 accessory for gaming on the go.

• View all open-back earbuds at Amazon

I've also rounded up the best gaming headsets, which include the best PS5 headsets and the best PC headsets for gaming if you aren't much of an earbuds fan.

Keychron doesn't like to make its product lines easy to understand, but its K-Series generally takes aim at the mass market with more affordable price points compared to the flagship Q-range and a larger focus on versatility. That means the Keychron K2 Ultra 8K is positioned as an everyday board with the flexibility to cater to both Windows and Mac users, across wired, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth connections.

Like many of these chunkier boards, the Ultra wants to impress in its sheer heft, offering a sturdy CNC-machined aluminum casing and layer upon layer of sound and vibration dampening foam. It's no surprise, this deck comes from a long line of incredibly well padded boards with a chunky build, real attention to typing feel, and a deep, textured switch sound.

At $119.99 it's pitching its tent towards the top of the more casual market, while staying firmly underneath the best gaming keyboards I'm used to testing. Here, your cash gets you a 75% mechanical board with the brand's Keychron Apex Banana, Brown, or Red clackers, full wireless connectivity, an 8,000Hz polling rate, hot-swappable sockets, and a 760 hour battery life (with no Bluetooth or RGB).

So, who's the Keychron K2 Ultra up against?

The older Asus ROG Azoth still remains my go-to for a mechanical typing experience, but comes in a little more expensive, typically sitting at between $190 and $200 these days. The Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 offers a more competitive $139.99 MSRP, in a larger 96% form factor. The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL didn't review too well for us, but matches Keychron's $119.99 starting price.

The Keychron V6 Max drops some of your build quality while extending out into a full-sized mechanical option for $124.99. The Logitech G512 X is your mechanical-magnetic hybrid upgrade, coming in at a higher $179.99, but offering additional switch adjustment options.

Benefits of the Keychron K2 Ultra

Great build quality at this price

The K2 Ultra keeps the heavy-duty build style of the rest of the range, opting out of the V6 Max's cheaper plastic chassis for a metal case, steel switch plate, four layers of EVA, IXPE, EPDM, and PET foam, a silicone buffer pad, and ABS bottom case. That means enough weight to keep the board firmly in place on the desk, a complete lack of echoes and vibrations, and a pleasingly muted sound profile.

While these kinds of sound dampening options are making their way rapidly down to the cheaper seats (previously having been reserved only for more luxurious mechanical keyboards), it's rare to hear a rattle or twang in modern designs. Still, the Keychron K2 Ultra offers up a particularly clean sound profile, with a light, snappy affect to its keystrokes and a deep plunk to a full bottom-out.

Smooth switches

The version I was sent came with Keychron Apex Banana switches under the hood, the heaviest of the pack - and heavy they certainly are. While that actuation force is a little on the high side for my liking, actual movement is incredibly smooth all the way down the stem, with a nippy bounce back to boot. These are particularly steady in their housings, with a reinforced switch wall structure than maintains that stability and reduces wobble overall.

Combine that with the brand's softer, rounded doubleshot PBT keycaps and you've got a silky typing feel overall - even if I do wish there was just a little more texture on these caps.

Versatile connectivity

As an all-rounder the K2 Ultra caters to both Windows and Mac users in both its wireless connectivity and included caps. Straight out the box, this deck is configured with Apple's legends, but you'll find a spare set for Microsoft as well.

Perhaps more importantly, though, you're getting both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections in here. That's on par with the best wireless gaming keyboards on the market, including the Asus ROG Azoth and Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 in this competition pool, but it's not to be taken for granted.

Sure, wireless connectivity isn't all that necessary (and can add to the final cost), but in a cheaper all-rounder like this it's great to see Bluetooth in that roster. Not all gaming keyboards, or even Keychron models, can connect without the receiver.

ZMK firmware

Ok, this one could be a benefit or a drawback depending on how married you are to more traditional QMK firmware. Keychron allows for custom ZMK firmware to be flashed onto the deck, but the vast majority of users are going to be enjoying the wireless benefits of the system instead. That Bluetooth Low Energy compatibility and focus on power efficiency will go a long way to making sure that juice lasts as long as possible.

Of course, you don't need to flash all your custom keybindings using your own code. The Keychron Launcher web app is still kicking about, allowing for full control over your keys, implementing SOCD controls, and managing RGB lighting.

Drawbacks of the Keychron K2 Ultra

Can get a little cranky

Let me tell you this, the Keychron K2 Ultra 8K does not like to be plugged into an external hub. It also doesn't like running out of battery. I had real trouble keeping this keyboard reliable when either of the above were true during testing, with the deck chattering, missing inputs, and generally feeling sluggish. I often use these external ports with high-speed gaming keyboards and rarely run into the same problems. These issues grew worse as the keyboard ran out of battery.

Side-mounted charging port won't be for everyone

I can't remember ever reviewing a gaming keyboard that didn't have its USB-C charging port along the top, and yet the Keychron K2 Ultra 8K does things a little differently.

The main connector is positioned on the left edge of the keyboard, which could make sense for some setups but could equally prove more of an annoyance in others. It's something to watch out for if your cables are routed just so, but it rarely became an actual issue in my testing.

Difficult to see in the dark

What did quickly pose a problem was the lack of shinethrough on these keycaps. The K2 Ultra features a strong set of LEDs under its caps, but without those transparent legends they were all but useless with the lights out. Navigating the board in a darker room quickly becomes a muscle memory mission, without any real sense of placement. That's particularly frustrating when, unlike other 75%-ers, the K2 Ultra doesn't feature dedicated media controls. This is dual-function volume keys on hard mode.

Heavy actuation can be fatiguing

Perhaps the biggest drawback from my time with the Keychron K2 Ultra 8K was the particularly heavy actuation force required. Sure, the switches themselves feel smooth under hand, but I can only type in shorter bursts than I'm used to.

These are the brand's tactile switches with the heaviest required force of the pack, so the Red and Brown models could well be easier on the fingers, but unless you're a particularly heavy typist this is going to be a slog before long.

It didn't impact my speed or accuracy when typing, though, I still scored within my usual 95WPM at 95.5% accuracy average. In typing tests, I scored an average of 98WPM at 95.6% accuracy overall.

Should you buy the Keychron K2 Ultra?

If you like a heavier typing feel, need the versatility of a wireless connection, and still need the compact form factor of a 75% deck, there's little standing in the Keychron K2 Ultra 8K's way. I'd still point most typists towards either the Asus ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless or Asus ROG Azoth for a particularly smooth, fast experience. That heavier actuation under the Bananas I've been using makes for a more cumbersome feel during longer sessions, one that's easily bested by the light, bouncy ROG NX clackers. You'll find more gaming-oriented control features in here as well.

Similarly, the Keychron V6 Max still offers an excellent choice for hot-swap fans who don't mind the upgrade to a full-sized numpad-toting deck. While the build quality doesn't quite match up, I did enjoy a noticeably lighter experience from the linear Reds in here.

There's a magnetic elephant in the room for gamers, though. The best Hall effect keyboards are quickly taking over lobbies, and dropping three figures on a new deck now requires additional consideration paid to these adjustable options. There are magnetic models coming in cheaper than the Keychron K2 Ultra 8K (most recently the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 for $99).

If you've got a slightly higher budget, though, I'd recommend the Logitech G512X instead. Again, you're not getting that chunky Keychron casing (and there's actually a little too much flex in some areas of Logitech's model), but the mechanical / magnetic hybrid structure welcomes newcomers without dropping more useful Hall effect features.

How I tested the Keychron K2 Ultra

I used the Keychron K2 Ultra 8K as my daily driver for two weeks, running the device across all my work and play. That meant plenty of Doom: The Dark Ages sessions, as well as Planet Coaster 2 and Halo Campaign Evolved. I also completed three typing tests on TypingTest.com, using an average of all results as my final score. For more information on how we test gaming keyboards, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up plenty more of the best hot-swappable keyboards, or check out the best gaming mice and the best gaming headsets for more setup upgrades.

The original console wars have been consigned to history, but players are still flying specific system banners even today. For a bit of fun, I thought I'd try to find out which machine that's "retro" today is considered the greatest of all time in the eyes of you, the reader, and surprise, surprise, the SNES is the current victor.

In a poll included across articles, I asked readers: What's the best retro console of all time? 20% of everyone who answered so far took their chance to declare the Super Nintendo the absolute GOAT, but the rest of the votes have been cast for the 15 other systems on the ballot.

I should note that you can still vote for the greatest console of all time, as I'd like to keep the poll open so that every retro-loving player can have their say. That means you could help prop up the SNES' claim to the throne, or help another iconic box, like the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) or the mighty PS2 snatch the crown, and the latter has a chance of usurping Nintendo's '90s contender.

There's just a 3% gap between the SNES and the PS2 thus far, and the latter's clout makes sense since it remains the best-selling console of all time according to figures shared by Sony. By comparison, the Super Nintendo ranks way down at number 16, but the latter is a system that has ascended beyond its original hardware thanks to its legendary library.

Admittedly, I've kept the poll to just home consoles right now, but I reckon modern retro handhelds are having an impact on the numbers. Recency bias will have absolutely influenced some votes, and from my experience, most players end up emulating the best SNES games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Mario World, Super Metroid, and various other romps on new portables.

You could say that the fact Nintendo Switch owners have official access to a bunch of SNES greats via their online subscriptions keeps the platform more relevant today. However, if you have your original carts to hand and backed up, there are gizmos like the Anbernic RG Cube that can provide shiny new emulation perks, a screen that hits CRT notes, and a layout that is better suited to the Super Nintendo.

Effectively, affordable and approachable access to retro platforms can help consoles stay in the hearts of players. Of course, if you're like me and have held onto every system you've ever owned and amassed plenty of others throughout the years, your opinion will still be rooted in original hardware.

If that applies to you, then you may have voted for any of the other main home consoles. Or, if you've not actively looked into new ways to play or how to connect your retro console to a modern TV or monitor, you may have simply opted for your childhood system. Having a soft spot for the machine that kick-started your video gaming journey makes complete sense, but I do wonder if answers will change off the back of new hardware remakes.

For instance, if I specifically asked this same question when the Analogue 3D, a new FPGA-powered N64 with 4K abilities, arrived, I suspect there would be a surge in Nintendo 64 votes. Even the OG Xbox could garner some favor off the back of Microsoft's (admittedly lacklustre) launch of emulated classics on PC, and big moments like that could help even more obscure machines gain favor.

That's not to say the SNES won't still reign supreme once more of you have cast your vote. In fact, it might even end up with a larger claim to the throne than its current 20% figure, but at the same time, it feels like consoles from across every generation to date are biting at its heels.

So, this is my call to you, my lovely GamesRadar+ retro readers, to cast your vote and crown your favorite console. If the SNES is indeed usurped, or amasses even more power over the vintage video game domain, I'll be sure to let you know, and I'm planning on keeping this poll open so you can all have it out in the comments.

P.S. - If you're from the future and the figures have already crowned a new retro console monarch, watch this space for an updated summary.

Swing by the best retro controllers for fresh pads that still boast authentic buttons.

Secretlab is expanding its Pokémon collection with three new additions to its SKINS range. Building upon the existing collection of officially licensed Secretlab Titan Evo designs that pay homage to Pikachu, Eevee, and Gengar, any Titan Evo owner will now be able to adorn their gaming chair with classic Kanto region Pokémon.

The new skins ($99 at Secretlab) are in tribute to the final evolution of the starter Pokémon from FireRed and other Kanto region games. For me, I'd need to stay loyal to my boy Charizard, but you can also choose Blastoise or Venusaur. While the new SKINS are definitely celebrations of these Pokémon, they really give the vibe of Fire, Leaf, and Water thanks to some really well-made colors woven into the fabrics.

What's maybe more impressive is that Secretlab has managed to texture the new SKINS so they have the scratchy feel of classic Pokémon pixelated graphics. The colors are also super vibrant, which emphasises their texture really clearly from a distance.

The fire type looks like it's covered in simmering embers, whereas the blue tones of the Blastoise variant mimic the depths of water. The gradient of greens on the Venasaur version is oddly calming - Secretlab has clearly put a lot of effort into these designs because they contrast the fluffier texture of the original Pokémon collection really well.

As a reminder, Secretlab SKINS are exactly what they sound like. You won't actually be able to buy these designs on a dedicated version of the Secretlab Titan Evo, but you can buy them separately for $99 each and throw them on any model of that chair to give it a renewed look.

Just in case you want more Pokémon for your money with these designs, Secretlab has dotted the shoulder frames of the SKINS with other fire, leaf, and water-type characters. On the Green model, you can see Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Oddish, and Bellsprout. On the blue, you can see Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Poliwag, Slowpoke, Goldeen, Gyarados, Lapras, and Vaporeon. And finally, on the Charizard (GOAT) model, you can see Charmander, Charmeleon, Arcanine, Rapidash, Flareon, and more.

The perk of being able to pick a new detachable colorway is one of the many reasons I deem the Secretlab Titan Evo the best gaming chair for upgrading. The Secretlab Atlas recently stole our award for the best Secretlab chair, but the Titan Evo has been such a staple of the market for so long that its maker has produced all sorts of upgrades for it to help make it your own. Hardly any other chairs have that ability, so it's a big reason the Titan Evo still stands out.

Beyond cosmetics, you can also attach new armrest tops, recliner add-ons, lumbar cushions, and more. Is the Titan Evo the most affordable seat on the shelves? Definitely not, and its upgrades will be an even longer-term investment, but its build quality helps it feel like such. Thankfully, SKINS will mean that if you fancy a new, classier, or even more flashy look, you can keep it fresh as the years go on.

You can see more of Secretlab in our best gaming desk and best standing desk roundups.

Yoko Taro is currently cooking up a new Evangelion anime series, but it's likely going to be a good while until I get a glimpse of how the Nier: Automata creator handles my favorite mech pilots, Askua and Rei. At least in the interim, brands like MelGeek have found ways to satiate my Eva-needs, as pre-orders for their new Centauri60 Asuka Edition HE gaming keyboard have just dropped.

This board is available for a hefty $359 (MalGeek) price tag straight from the MalGeek website and is expected to ship starting August 15, later this month. It's definitely an expensive release, as its price tops even that of our best gaming keyboard pick. You could even pick up a massively detailed figure of Asuka for its MSRP, but when past Eva keyboards are reaching higher price points on the second-hand market, $249 for an officially licensed board is starting to look quite good.

Evangelion gaming keyboards are already a thing that exists. Asus ROG previously dropped the ROG Strix Scope RX EVA-02 Edition Gaming Keyboard, which included a stunning red board with an Alloy top cover and a range of perfectly on-brand keycaps sitting across the brand's RX Optical Mechanical Switches. It's a board I still covet to this day, but it's difficult to find in stock unless you're comfortable spending upwards of $400 on eBay right now.

That eye-watering second-hand price puts MalGeek's $359 version into perspective. This take on an official Asuka-inspired keyboard instead utilizes Hall-Effect magnetic switches like the best Hall effect keyboards onto a 66-key ANSI layout. It's a wired board, so there's no 2.4GHz wireless to take advantage of, however, you've got 8,000Hz USB polling, 8,000Hz scanning, 0.125ms listed latency, rapid Trigger, Snap Tap, adjustable actuation, and a precision knob which you can map to control the volume, media, macros, or lighting via the brand's HIVE Driver software.

The most important bit, at least for me anyway, is the design of this fantastic anime-inspired accessory. I can only imagine that using this keyboard must feel like piloting Asuka's EVA-02 mech, as it shares the same bright and vivid red, orange, and black color palette. My favorite aspect is the transparency of the keys, which feels reminiscent of the gaming tech of the late '90s and early '00s. I was watching Evangelion for the first time around then, so the callback feels entirely apt, even if MalGeek didn't have my nostalgia in mind in the design process.

If you're more of a Rei fan, MalGeek has you covered. You can also pre-order the Centauri80 Rei Edition HE Gaming Keyboard for $459 at MalGeek, and it's not a simple re-skin either. The Rei board, which is expected to start shipping on August 15, is based on the brand's larger Centauri80 layout with 83 keys in total. The keyboard also includes unique features like a 1.78-inch OLED touchscreen with 368 x 448 resolution and a 325 PPI display, which is missing from the Asuka release.

The biggest and most obvious difference comes down to its design, which the brand states feels "calmer and more controlled" with its blue, white, and silver transparent keys. Really, they resemble Rei's iconic cool blue hair and her white pilot suit, which is fitting as the Centauri60 Asuka Edition HE gaming keyboard is mimicking Asuka's suit too. (Which in turn match their EVA units.)

While both keyboards have prices attached that are bound to have many an Evangelion sit head in hands with despair like Shinji, there is another way. Razer announced an Evangelion collab of its own, which includes a Razer Blackwidow V4 TKL Hyperspeed EVA-02 Edition keyboard, which you can sign up to be notified about on the official Razer website. It bears a striking resemblance to all Asuka-themed accessories before it (there are only so many ways you can do an Asuka keyboard) and is likely to cost around a more reasonable $199.99 if past collaborations are anything to go by.

In the time it took me to yap on about this stunning keyboard, it's looking like the Centauri60 Asuka Edition He could be out of stock. I recommend jumping on the Rei release if you want to avoid any disappointment. Get the keyboard in your basket, Shinji!

• View all anime gaming accessories at Amazon

Our team has also rounded up the best gaming chairs, the best gaming laptops, and the best gaming mice, if you want to give your PC gaming setup a boost.

The new Razer Sanrio Edition Keycaps have finally appeared at Target's online storefront, but the price for one single (and randomized) blind box is a bit more than I had hoped.

The official product page for these PC accessories lists them for $19.99 (Target) each, and there are up to five to collect in total. Each box contains one randomized collectible of Cinnamoroll, Pompompuri, Hello Kitty, Kuromi, or My Melody, so you'd have to spend around $99.95 to collect the lot - and that's if luck is on your side. Not to mention, there's an additional chrome-plated secret design to be found in one in every 24th box, so a full set could cost you more than the brand's own gaming keyboards, like the $119.99 Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Mini.

You don't have to try and collect the full set, of course. I'd be happy with just a single $19.99 keycap, especially as I have a soft spot for just about every Sanrio character included in this collaboration. However, if you're looking for a specific character, the nature of this blind box presentation could make it a costly endeavour.

It's a shame that it's not available as a full and complete set for those who prefer it. I'm sure plenty of Sanrio fans would much rather either know what they're getting, or have the ability to collect the lot without the risk of doubling up. It would make more sense too, as plenty of people with any of Razer's existing Sanrio tech, like that of the recently unveiled Cinnamoroll headset, would then be able to better match the cute caps to their existing Hello Kitty and friends-themed setups.

Talking of which, if the costly price of collecting the set wasn't a bummer enough, a review on the Target product page states that the "key caps don’t even fit with the Sanrio Razer keyboards", which seems like a major missed opportunity.

To play devil's advocate for a moment, Razer didn't state that they would. On the original blog post shared on July 12, 2026, the brand iterated that the keycaps were compatible with MX cross-stem switches, including the Razer BlackWidow V4 lineup. The Sanrio keyboards, like that of the Razer Ornata V3 Tenkeyless Kuromi Edition I tested in March of 2025, utilize the brand's Mecha-Membrane switches instead. However, I feel like releasing a set compatible with the brand's existing Sanrio tech would have been a no-brainer.

If you're planning on heading to a physical Target store or want to pick up one of the blind boxes online, just go prepared. You'll need to make sure that your keyboard is equipped to handle the caps, and most importantly, that you can afford the investment should you not get the Sanrio character you want the first time around.

• View all Razer gaming accessories at Amazon

Our team has also rounded up the best gaming chairs, the best gaming headsets, and the best gaming mice if you're looking to refresh your PC setup.

The Commodore 64 Ultimate marked the return of the legendary microcomputer brand, but resurrecting the Amiga is an entirely different ritual. It involves making sense of the now fragmented IPs that were grabbed by multiple parties in the '90s following the company's demise. However, we're now one step closer to seeing a proper FPGA comeback thanks to "landmark agreements."

In a report by Amiga-news, the publication delves into two Amiga deals between Commodore International, the IP holding Amiga Corporation, and Hyperion, the developers of AmigaOS 4 & 4.2 Codebase (thanks, Time Extension). The first agreement draws up a licensing framework that respects the rights of both the new FPGA microcomputer maker and the latter trademark holder, whereas the second resolves a dispute that's been ongoing since 2009.

In a statement, the Amiga Corporation confirms that it recognises Commodore International's ownership while providing some context:

"Following the 1996 liquidation of Escom, one of Amiga's predecessors in interest, the "Commodore" and "C=" trademarks took a separate path from the other assets. Tulip Computers acquired the trademarks and used them for Commodore-branded PCs. Subsequent transfers brought the trademarks to the present Commodore company. In the agreement, Amiga recognizes this ownership. The copyrights in the historical software, documentation, and other Commodore and Amiga works remained in the chain of title now continued by Amiga. Under the same agreement, Amiga licenses CBM 8-bit software and documentation to Commodore for use in its products.

Amiga retains the right to use and reproduce the Commodore marks in historical and descriptive contexts, including as they appear in original software, documentation, notices, keyboard symbols, on-screen texts, and other content."

Simply put, there's now a licensing agreement in place between Commodore and the Amiga Corporation for software and documentation. This helps remove barriers to the resurrected microcomputer maker creating a modern version of the hardware, but the additional Hyperion deal contributes to those efforts.

The Amiga Corporation says, "Hyperion Entertainment will continue to develop and distribute AmigaOS 4 under license from Amiga. The rights in the independently developed AmigaOS 4 code have never been disputed, and the new agreement preserves that position while clearly defining the Amiga software and trademarks licensed for continued AmigaOS 4 development and commercialization."

I get it, you want to know if you're getting a Commodore Amiga Ultimate now that these licensing deals are in place. The short answer is no, not immediately, but the path is now clearer should CEO Christian Simpson (Perri Fractic) decide to branch out into more complex remakes using FPGA tech.

According to the Amiga corporation, "the principal rights and assets of the Commodore and Amiga eras rest with Amiga." The licensing agreement means Commodore International isn't barred use, and the former party positively proclaims that "Forty-two years later, the circle is closing."

The big questions now are whether Commodore International can make an Amiga Ultimate that doesn't fall victim to RAMageddon, especially with added licensing costs, and whether it would want to. Keep in mind we already have an emulation-based Amiga A1200 remake on the way by Retro Games Ltd, as the retro console maker previously bypassed Hyperion to get around roadblocks.

Once THEA1200 is out in the wild, it may prompt Commodore to consider its own take on the Amiga with elevated FPGA hardware accuracy. For now, though, the company seems focused on getting its C64C Ultimate into the hands of enthusiasts while using its controversial Callback 8020 flip phone to explore new ways to grow its business.

Swing by the best retro handhelds if you'd rather emulate C64 and Amiga classics on the go.

In a year ruled by RAM shortages, blighting everything from the best gaming laptops to the smartphone in your pocket, any sniff of a new competitor is good news.

ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) is "China's only mass-market DRAM manufacturer at scale" in 2026 (Counterpoint) and has leapt from a 1% to 8% revenue share in the global DRAM market in Q2 (Counterpoint). As the "fastest growing" DRAM manufacturer across the world, giants SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron's forays in HBM have seemingly left a gap for more traditional R&D.

Now laptop manufacturers are reportedly turning to the memory underdog to ease their supply chain woes. A recent Nikkei Asia report suggests that HP, Asus, and Acer are all using a "limited amount" of CXMT memory in laptops sold in China. It's no surprise - after all, Apple is reportedly testing the use of CXMT's memory in its products sold in China, and the brand already supplies domestic brands Xiaomi, Transsion, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo.

This is no miracle moment, though. For now we're only talking about 'laptops' as a generalization. There's no word on whether HP, Asus, and Acer will extend this use to gaming rigs, and whether CXMT will relax its focus on Chinese manufacture and domestic markets in time to make a meaningful dent in new release price tags.

The competition CXMT could one day pose to Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix, though, is certainly a glimmer of hope. The big three have been writing the rulebook for over ten years now, and their focus on HBM manufacturing has left a "growth window for CXMT," explains a recent Pandaily report.

With the brand's LPDDR6 research continuing to show results, and plans for a second manufacturing plant in Beijing in place (Reuters), the RAM underdog has every opportunity to capitalize on the gap left by the Big Three.

• See all gaming laptop deals at Best Buy

Need a new machine before CXMT goes global? Check out the best Razer laptops and best Asus gaming laptops I've tested so far.

RTX 5090 price hikes will sting anyone who absolutely needs to jam the GPU into their rig right now, and beating the increases is tough. In fact, it's so tough that even if you manage to snag the graphics card before on-page MSRPs change, you might still end up having to pay over $5,000, especially since Asus is apparently "late" in providing Nvidia with revised figures.

Look, no one should expect to pay dramatically less for an RTX 5090 right now, as it's the best graphics card in terms of performance and is sought after by gaming PC players and the AI scene alike. But one player did technically manage to grab the GPU for $4,982 rather than $5,100, beating fresh Asus price hikes through Nvidia's listing, and while that should have saved the buyer around $553, the order was then cancelled.

Reddit user Independantok1031 says they reached out to Nvidia after their ROG Astral RTX 5090 BTF order was cancelled, which seemingly kickstarted a wave of finger-pointing (via Videocardz). Nvidia apparently says the blame lies with Asus, whereas the board partner claims it has "nothing to do with it." Eventually, the buyer managed to get a more in-depth explanation from Nvidia, but no one is still willing to fulfill the order.

"After checking with ASUS for clarification, we were informed that the price change update was provided a little late," admits Nvidia. "As a result, when you placed the order at the order price, ASUS cancelled the order because they were unable to fulfil it at the previous price rate."

"We understand your frustration, especially since the order was placed before the updated price appeared on our website. We did request ASUS to honor your original order; however, they are unable to fulfil the request at the previous price at this time."

Simply put, neither Nvidia nor Asus is willing to work together to correct their mistake. The fact that Nvidia, a company valued at over 5 trillion, didn't offer to make up the $553 difference is ludicrous, especially since the pricing error was through its site specifically, and Asus seems to be refusing to set a pricing precedent.

The whole situation actually highlights one of the horrifying realities of buying anything online. If you walked into a physical store in the US or the UK and picked up this same RTX 5090 at its old MSRP, no one would legally be able to stop you from leaving. However, in both regions, retailers can cancel and refund your money if you've paid less than they intended, because the transition is technically complete only once an order has shipped.

Ultimately, it's the customer who is losing out while Nvidia and Asus seemingly refuse to work on their communication issues. Either company can pass the blame between themselves perpetually, but ultimately, the instance demonstrates that there are big issues with the third-party storefront partnership, and the RTX 5090 pricing should have been honored since it's an internal mistake.

Should Nvidia have covered the cost of the RTX 5090 despite claiming Asus provided it with pricing updates late? I suspect there's a wider logistical problem behind the scenes here, as I really can't see why neither party would simply come up with a solution in the name of good customer service, especially if it was just the one instance. Instead, the unsuspecting PC player was subjected to a professionally catty back-and-forth blame game that resolved nothing, and that isn't a remotely good look.

Swing by the best CPU for gaming and best RAM if you're trying to build an entire rig.

We all know it's a terrible time to try and build a gaming PC, or try to upgrade an existing one. High manufacturing costs are all over the place, but most brands seem content with passing those onto consumers. In a rare turn of events, PC cooling brand Arctic is taking a surprisingly wholesome step to help customers.

Last year, when the brand was hit hard by US tariffs brought about by President Trump, it had to raise its costs in order to continue operating. Now, after the Supreme Court has ruled some of these tariffs unlawful, Arctic is being paid back reparations. Instead of taking that as profit, Arctic's CEO has declared that a dedicated US sales promotion will take place and that "it will remain active until every single dollar ARCTIC received from the tariff refund has been paid back to our customers."

"As a consumer myself," said Arctic's CEO, Magnus Huber, "I feel your pain.

"We tried our best. Did lots of overtime, and still had no choice but to forward the tariffs to you, our dear American customer. Last year, I had mostly bad news to announce. This year, the Supreme Court declared some tariffs unlawful, and now Arctic gets the money back!

"We're passing it on to you by offering a dedicated sales promotion across the US."

It's not a common thing to see in this day and age: a CEO and founder of an international company who wants to help out customers instead of taking a big pay rise. But Huber continued by saying that Arctic "is my baby", and he says it's a dream come true that's only possible because of consumers.

As well as the above Short posted to the brand's YouTube channel, Arctic also posted the news in a blog post, saying that some prices have already begun to lower in US territories on the members of the product lineup that were impacted most by the tariffs.

Arctic is currently celebrating its 25th year in operation, and is known for its thermal pastes, fans, and air and liquid coolers for your gaming CPU. Originating in Denmark, its products are sold around the world at various retailers.

The company is branding this decision as the Arctic Payback Scheme, and on the deals page of its website, it says "you save all year long", which might indicate how long the company estimates it'll take to pay things back in kind.

To give you a brief reminder of just how rare a move this is in today's PC market, we're in the middle of RAM shortages that are seeing AI companies strip the earth's supply of memory wafers. Consumer brands are then hiking up the costs of the RAM that they do have available because it's in shorter supply and manufacturing can't keep up. That's had a knock-on effect for SSDs, motherboards, CPUs, and that's not even mentioning how expensive graphics cards still are (seemingly permanently) since 2020's shortage.

MSRPs are considered deal prices all over the market right now; people are losing jobs in the wider gaming industry, prices are being raised even outside the tariffs situation, and even the biggest brands like Microsoft are reporting low hardware sales. All of this is going on, and yet CEOs don't seem to be in any hurry to pay back while raking in massive profits. I suspect that along with restoring some good faith with consumers, this is also going to make Arctic's wares popular choices for the foreseeable future. Hopefully it inspires other companies to do the same.

PC gamers should also take a look at the best graphics cards, the best RAM for gaming, and the best computer speakers.

Once September rolls around, you can expect to pay $500 if you want to pick up a Nintendo Switch 2. The good news is that time is still on your side. You have a little over a month to avoid the price hike entirely, and if you're based in the US, I recommend grabbing the Choose Your Game bundle for $499 at Amazon to do just that.

With that cheap Nintendo Switch bundle, you get the console and a digital code to either Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia. Next month, that price will just get you the console, so it's definitely worth jumping on. It hasn't made its way across the pond, so I'd recommend the Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokémon Pokopia bundle in the UK in its stead. You get the handheld and a copy of Pokopia for as little as £394 at Amazon, a price that's even far below its typical £429.99 MSRP.

US

UK

• Join GamesRadar+ Deals on WhatsApp for our top daily discounts

While Nintendo shared that the once $449.99 console will swiftly change to its new $499.99 price point starting September 2026 in the US, the pricing in the UK was scarce. In Europe, the console is increasing from €469.99 to €499.99, so I suspect it'll be a similar jump, but we can only speculate for now.

Even without knowing the full new UK price of the console, it's easy to see how the Switch 2 + Pokopia option is a great deal. At most other UK retailers, the set is sitting at its full £429.99 MSRP, but Amazon's current price knocks £35.99 off. Not to mention, if you were to buy the console and the game separately, you'd be expected to fork out £395.99 and £58.99 respectively. That's a combined total of £454.98, but it's £60 cheaper to pick up the bundle instead.

Whatever you choose, I'd pick it up sooner rather than later. While September 1 is the big scary price increase day, there's every chance we could start to see the price changes take effect ahead of time. The only way to truly prevent paying more than you should is to suck it up and pick the new handheld up as soon as you can. Of course, you can save the most by not buying one at all, but where's the fun in that?

• View all Nintendo Switch 2 gaming deals at Amazon

New to Switch 2? Check out the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases while you're here.

Starforge Systems Apothecary Diaries PC is one of those pre-built gaming PCs I dream of having at my disposal. Not only because its specs far outmatch my current desktop, but because the details spread across its UV-painted APNX V2-F case are an anime nerd's dream.

The intricate borders travelling along the build perfectly capture the ornate backgrounds found in the anime series. In fact, the entire PC looks like something that Maomao herself would stumble upon in the palace, as does its eye-watering $2,799.99 starting price. That's the kind of digits that only an emperor could afford, and it's far, far out of my budget. However, Starforge Systems is currently running its annual Forge Day Sale, which has dropped the starting price of this dreamy anime PC down to $2,499.99 (Starforge Systems), saving $300 off this stunning anime dream build.

• Join GamesRadar+ Deals on WhatsApp for our top daily discounts

Much to my chagrin, today's deal price is still more than I can personally spare. Though I can't pretend I didn't contemplate adding it to my online shopping basket, particularly once I remembered that the brand does indeed ship to the UK.

While it's still expensive no matter which way you cut it, you at least get modern components for your cash. That deal price encompasses the "Core" default build, which includes a GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card, AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, 32GB DDR5 6000MT/s of RAM, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVME SSD. That's all sitting inside the gorgeous PC case, which doesn't just include ornate borders but UV-printed versions of both MaoMao and Jinshi on the glass.

My favorite inclusion of my beloved anime pair is not on the exterior of the case, but how they're included on the inside. This PC includes one of the brand's platelight panels, a panel of art that's backlit by an LED light. It's a purely cosmetic feature, but seeing Maomao and Jinshi's faces illuminated and peeking through the glass of the case is a sight to behold.

This $300 off deal today includes the configuration I mentioned above, the stunning Apothecary Diaries PC case, a piece of matching 12 × 18 inch wall art, a 900 × 400 mm deskmat, and the 'Another Day' Apothecary Diaries platelight, but you can pick up alternative art based from the series to place in its stead for $29.99 (Starforge Systems), as they too are discounted as part of Forge Day.

If you aren't an Apothecary Diaries fan, while I will totally judge you for your tastes, there are other anime builds to choose from. Starforge Systems has also knocked down its Frieren & Himmel pre-builds, which now start from $2,499.99 (Starforge Systems) all the way up to $3,799.99. As with all its PCs, the fancier the cost, the fancier the parts, but you'll still get them all packed into the stunning anime case, which has swapped Maomao and Jinshi for everyone's favorite love-torn hero Himmel and the totally oblivious n mage Frieren.

It should be mentioned that even during a RAM shortage and the current hellscape of the PC consumer market, you don't need to spend this much to get a PC with these kinds of specs. Newegg and MSI have an equivalent RTX 5070 build currently selling for $1,749, for example. Starforge is just one of the few brands appealing to the anime fan in all of us with its exclusive case designs.

There are also MSI's Frieren PC accessories that are worth checking out, though they're still pretty new, so don't expect any juicy discounts quite yet.

• View all pre-built gaming PC deals at Starforge Systems

Check out our guides to the best gaming headsets, the best PC controllers for gaming, and the best gaming chairs if you want to upgrade your gaming setup.

I wholly expected Pokemon Pokopia's first DLC expansion to demand far more than just 3.14MB of the Switch 2's storage, but I like being proven wrong. Especially as it means that fans (myself included) can avoid picking up a pricey microSD Express Card, particularly when 512GB cards have skyrocketed in price over the last few months.

If you'd still at least like a little storage pick-me-up, you can grab an extra 128GB for as little as $39.99 at Amazon right now. Unlike higher capacity cards, it's not going to cost you almost as much as the console itself, and it's a little less than its usual $45 price range it likes to sit at today. Of course, you can save more by sticking with the Switch 2's internal storage, but an extra 128GB on top will help you with Pokopia and Ninty's upcoming releases.

• Join GamesRadar+ Deals on WhatsApp for our top daily discounts

The best microSD Express Cards are available in capacities up to 1TB, but that hefty storage amount comes at a hefty cost these days. If you've just invested in a Nintendo Switch 2 to avoid having to fork out for its upcoming September price cut, it's highly likely that you don't want to to drop the $371.99 (Amazon) required for a 1TB model. They used to sit at a more reasonable $199.99, but have jumped up in recent months, likely another annoying knock-on effect from the RAM & storage crisis.

As alluring as an extra 1TB is, you'll want to pick up at least an extra 128GB instead. Ideally, an extra 256GB is your best bet, as that will double up your available on-board storage.

Remember, the base Pokemon Pokopia game is only 6.3 GB, so that's plenty for it and the new DLC. You could even download the recent Switch 2 Star Fox and its 15.1 GB worth of data, and the 13.1 GB worth of Splatoon Raiders, and you'd still have space left over. I'd just recommend grabbing this deal before its price goes the way of its 1TB counterpart.

• View all Switch 2 SD card deals at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases if you're looking to create the ultimate Switch 2 setup.

Many of the best gaming handhelds have seen their prices shoot North in 2026 so far, and the Steam Deck is among the more egregious MSRP increases. Now sitting at $789 in its basic 512GB configuration, the Steam Deck OLED - like the rest of the market - has seen a considerable markup in recent months. That's why the few discounts we do see are so important.

One of Valve's biggest competitors has just delivered. The Lenovo Legion Go S has dropped to $635.54 at the brand's own store this week (was $1,137.41). I'm normally checking back in on discounts of just a couple hundred bucks here, but we're down a full 44% right now - a hair over $500 in your pocket.

This is where I get the bad news out of the way. We didn't review the Lenovo Legion Go S particularly favorably - but I'll caveat that with the fact that Phil checked out the Windows version. A lot of their concerns stem from that finnicky handheld operating system - taking Microsoft out of the picture the handheld received "almost full marks for design" while its adjustable triggers and improved controls garnered praise as well.

• Join GamesRadar+ Deals on WhatsApp for our top daily discounts

At launch, with last year's pricing landscape, the Legion Go S felt a little short with its AMD Ryzen Z2 GO processor. Today? Things look a little more favorable in light of that new $635 price tag.

After all, this thing comfortably beat out the much older Steam Deck OLED in our benchmarks - all with a larger, faster display running at a higher resolution. No, you're not getting that OLED panel up top, but you are getting a more impressive screen overall.

Here's how we benched the Windows version last year:

Ultimately, if you're looking for a mid-range handheld in the three-figure price range right now you've got three options; pay over the odds for a Steam Deck OLED, pay slightly over for the Lenovo Legion Go S, or opt for the $600 Xbox ROG Ally.

If you're after a Windows experience, there's no problem. Ditch the deal, head to Amazon, and grab the $599 ROG Ally. You'll be dropping speed from the Z2 Go's additional GPU cores, but you'll have an easier time loading games from other storefronts. Otherwise, today's discount alleviates some of the pricing pressure we've been feeling in the mid-range handheld market for some time now.

• See all gaming handhelds at Best Buy

We're also hunting down all the best retro handhelds to store your collection, or take a look at the best gaming laptops and best gaming tablets for more portable play.

GameSir initially revealed its revived Tarantula controller range back in April, but we haven't heard a peep about it since. It now seems the first two of the Series are ready to drop, as the 8K polling rate model for PC players and the officially licensed Xbox model are now available to buy via GameSir's store and at Amazon. The best PC controller rival is a reworked version of the GameSir Tarantula Pro that adorned the shelves a few years ago.

The GameSir Tarantula 8K PC model follows the suit of more advanced TMR controllers that have launched since the original Tarantula Pro's sudden retirement. The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro's PC variant and an updated GameSir G7 Pro both have 8,000Hz polling rates, which the PC version of the new Tarantula will also feature.

Two of the three new Tarantula controllers are now here, but we're still missing the Ultra model, which gives vibration motors and an 8K polling rate to PC players. There's no word on when this one might appear.

Of course, this gamepad is known for its symmetrical TMR sticks, which this time are updated with Gen-2 Mag-Res TMR tech. In my review of the G7 Pro 8K, I found these sticks to be excellent, but the 8K polling rate made them highly sensitive, which takes some getting used to.

The new Tarantula Pros are priced at $69.99 / £79.99 at Amazon, but as has been the case with a lot of the brand's new launches in 2026, stock at Amazon and other retailers is yet to come. Based on previous launches, I'd expect it to arrive in a month or two.

Upgrading from the original Tarantula Pro, the face buttons, D-pad, and trigger stops of the new PC model feature clicky microswitches that have a quoted lifespan of up to 5 million clicks.

GameSir says this iteration of the Tarantula has been built for competitive players, with that 8K polling rate and a lightweight design at the forefront of its development. It weighs 180g with a 0.25ms latency. It also has six-axis gyro controls for those who prefer that method of aiming. The Xbox version will work on PC but will be limited to a 1,000Hz polling rate.

Interestingly, both the Xbox and PC versions seem to be limited to wired play only, which is a step down from the original Tarantula Pro's wireless play on Switch and PC.

The new Tarantula Pros carry over the two back buttons from the original, as well as mappable face buttons (including a touchpad button). There are now two additional shoulder paddles for you to assign and use as well.

The 8K PC model has a vibrant orange colorway and a special edition MenaRD version. Judging by the continual colorway support of the brand's G7 Pro controllers, I'd expect more to follow in due course.

An ultra model with a slightly heavier weight due to the inclusion of vibration motors is also confirmed to be coming soon. If you prefer a heftier feel in the hands, that's the one I'd wait for.

Also see the best PS5 controllers, best Switch 2 controllers, and the best joysticks.

My physical movie collection is my baby. I covet my shelves of videotapes, DVDs, and Blu-rays just as much as my game collection. Not only do I love having a piece of media that I physically hold in my hands, but owning one of my favorite movies on DVD or Blu-ray means I can always get access to that film without having to rely on a good internet connection or whether it's even available on a streaming service to begin with.

Should Netflix ever decide it no longer wants to host Spielberg's 1975 blockbuster Jaws, it's okay, as I own multiple copies of my favorite film that's forever made me too terrified to swim in the ocean. Yet cultivating this collection hasn't been an easy feat. I have made a lot of mistakes in my over 15 years of collecting Blu-rays alone, from over-spending to accidentally grabbing bootleg releases of films that are no longer in print. But the cool thing about making mistakes is that I share what I learned with a new generation of physical media enthusiasts.

I've laid out my top tips in total below for those of you who may be suffering from streaming fatigue and are starting a new physical collecting journey. Just remember that while you can invest in a new swanky Blu-ray player to play your growing collection, any disc-edition PS5 can run both standard and 4K UHD discs. If you've already got the Sony console in tow, sticking with it can help save you some cash, which you can put towards more Blu-rays. Or DVDs, I won't judge.

1 - You don't need to own every single Blu-ray release in existence

Before you go buying up every Blu-ray that you find, my number one tip is to try and narrow down what type of films you want to collect and watch. This is always the most realistic approach to collecting any form of physical media. Not everyone has an unlimited budget, and so narrowing the types of movies or TV you want to own physically can really help make building your collection a more realistic and approachable endeavour.

For example, I focus primarily on collecting Blu-rays and films of the horror and anime genre - with general film and TV shows being secondary. In my living room right now, I have shelves dedicated purely to horror and purely to anime, and it helps keep me focused whenever I'm in my local second-hand store or browsing films online as to what to grab. Just the other week I stumbled into CEX (a chain of second-hand media and gaming stores in the UK) and immediately went to the anime section and picked up a second-hand copy of the Magic Knight Rayearth: The Complete Series boxset by All the Anime.

I'm really happy with my latest acquisition as I not only got it for far cheaper than its MSRP, but it's one that's frequently sold out at retailers online, including All The Anime's own online storefront. Yet, had I gone to CEX without that 'anime' focus, I may not have immediately spotted the boxset. Not to mention, without that focus, I could have spent far more than would be healthy for my bank account to endure. I really don't like making that mistake, and neither do my savings.

2 - Pre-ordering new 4K Blu-ray releases can help avoid disappointment

Some 4K UHD Blu-ray releases can be highly sought after, particularly if they come with a whole bunch of physical goodies. With that in mind, I highly recommend pre-ordering any that you have your eye on to avoid disappointment and having to hand over your hard-earned cash to re-sellers on eBay down the line.

This is a tip that isn't always manageable, especially if you've got a limited budget or if a film drops weeks before payday. However, it's your best bet to avoid dealing with some serious FOMO. Had I not bothered to pre-order the Dogma 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, I'd have been kicking myself as it remained out of stock for a while at UK retailers like Zavvi, where I predominantly pick up the latest 4K releases.

However, I knew I had to grab it as soon as possible, as not only is it one of my all-time favorite films, but it had been out of print for years due to rights issues. That gave me an inclination that it would sell out fast, which nicely rolls into my next bit of advice.

3 - Always do a little bit of research before you buy

Not all Blu-ray releases are created equal. Just because a film or TV series is getting a new physical release doesn't mean it's going to be produced with the utmost care and quality like the rest of your collection, so research is always vital.

For example, I'm a huge fan of the Dragon Ball anime franchise, and yet I don't own the series physically besides some of the movies. Why? Because the Blu-ray releases often don't look fantastic, and I'd rather wait until another company comes along and gives the series what it's due. The way the episodes of Dragon Ball Z are remastered often looks blurry and gives me a bit of motion sickness. As a result, to this day I still don't own one of my favorite series physically, but I'm glad I did research beforehand so I didn't waste my cash.

Research can help in other ways too. As I mentioned above, being familiar with the fact that Dogma was out of print for so long was partially what spurred me to ensure I grabbed its recent re-release. Taking your time to read up about upcoming Blu-ray releases, how they're made, and what's included with the film can help ensure you have a collection that you're proud of, and one you hopefully haven't spent more to build than you needed to.

4 - Never be afraid to shop second-hand

I wouldn't have as big a collection of DVDs, Blu-ray, and 4K Blu-rays had it not been for thrift stores, eBay, and other second-hand retailers. While I get it's always a nice serotonin boost to unwrap the cellophane of your movie for the first time, buying pre-owned Blu-rays can open up your collection to a whole new world of possibilities.

For one, it can make collecting physical media far more budget-friendly. There have been so many instances where I've stumbled in a local second hand store only to find a film I didn't yet own for £1-2, which was, at the time, sitting online at Amazon for at least £10. Sure, every time I've done this, the cases aren't always in the most immaculate condition, but saving cash (which I can put towards even more movies) can be far better in the long run.

Being open to adding second-hand Blu-rays to your growing collection can not only be better financially, but it can be a great way of finding gems or movies you wouldn't have otherwise known to watch. Plus, nothing beats having a rummage to find your next favorite movie.

5 - Familiarize yourself with the best US and UK Blu-ray retailers

This tip is a biggie, as without it I'd not have the collection I do today. There's a myriad of US and UK retailers that stock Blu-rays and 4K UHD releases, but not all of them will have the same bountiful spread of new releases, nor will they have the same kind of sales that can help fill up your shelves.

If you're based in the US, I've gathered a list of the top online stores for picking up the latest Blu-ray releases down below:

• Amazon: regular discounts across a wide range of Blu-ray releases
• Criterion: a huge variety of Blu-ray types presented perfectly for cineaphiles
• Walmart: provides super-low, budget-friendly prices on a range of blu-rays
• Zavvi: a huge range of limited edition 4K releases at competitive prices

When it comes to the UK, my personal favorites are Zavvi and HMV. Zavvi is well-known for supplying some of the snazziest limited edition releases, and it's where I instinctively went to grab my steelbook copy of the Jaws: 50th Anniversary Edition 4K UHD Blu-ray at launch. How many Jaws copies is too many?

HMV is also dependable for providing sales and discounts that cover a wide range of Blu-rays and 4K releases. Each payday I regularly check back in to see what I can grab, and even as I type these very words, the online store is currently running a 2 for £18 Collector's Blu-ray deal. I've gathered the two retailers, and a few more of my favorite places to shop here in the UK, down below:

• Amazon: regular discounts on a plethora of Blu-rays and film
• HMV: the best place for Blu-ray sales and offers
• Zavvi: great prices for limited edition Blu-ray releases

FAQ

• View all Blu-ray deals at Amazon

Already got plenty to watch? Check out our guides to the best gaming TVs, the best gaming chairs, and the best gaming headsets to help transform your gaming and movie-watching setup.

It's easy for me to say this as a gamepad reviewer who has never tried to make one, but I really don't think designing a great mobile controller is that difficult. So many brands have tried, but they've focused way too much on portability, or making it feel bespoke to a phone, or trying to fill really niche areas in the market that haven't been catered to yet. It just doesn't need to be that complicated, and a simple, on-the-go mobile controller shouldn't cost the $160 some companies will charge you. Just take a regular-sized gamepad, cut it in half, and that should really be the end of it.

The ELO Vagabond seems like it understands all of this. Why downsize a regular controller when that will almost always hamstring comfort? Why charge so much when this is almost always going to be a secondary peripheral people won't have a massive budget for? Why change the shape and design of controller grips that people have been enjoying for decades now?

At $99 / £74, the ELO Vagabond provides the best overall package in the mobile controller market. It isn't as affordable as the GameSir G8 Galileo I awarded 5 stars and the top spot on our buying guide, but it improves on its best features without charging as much as Razer. If mobile controllers have always felt a little imperfect to you, read on.

Design

Perhaps more than any other wrap-around mobile controller I've come across, the ELO Vagabond really does resemble a pro PC Controller sliced in half. Even on larger options like the Razer Kishi V3 Pro or the Razer Kishi Ultra, the grips feel a bit stumpy and compacted compared to the brand's full-sized Wolverine V3 Pro. The GameSir G8 Galileo has a chunkier, more comfortable form factor than the Backbone One and its imitators, but it's still clinging to a mobile controller design ideology that holds back its comfort compared to full-sized gamepads.

The ELO Vagabond makes a real statement with its grip shape. They feel almost lengthened and pointed at their ends to spite the rest of the market. Holding the Vagabond is almost similar to holding a GameSir Tarantula Pro or DualShock 4. Maybe not in a rounded shape kind of way, but in the sense that it caters to your pinkie fingers with ample room.

I wouldn't say the build quality of the ELO Vagabond is the best, and in fact, in my two weeks of testing, I'd say durability is the only emergent flaw that really jumps to mind in this review. The grips have a dotted texture, and they're pretty solid - no problems there. But away from that texture, I do start to notice a bit of a hollow feeling. The springs within the triggers can be heard when pressing them, which is not attractive in the slightest for a $99 peripheral. What's worse is that if I flip the controller over, I can hear something falling around inside the chassis. Again, not ideal for a product you want to take on the go with you and frequently shove in a bag.

I'd say the grips are the defining design point of the Vagabond, but something I really like is that it's learned from the competition. The pivoting USB-C connector from the GameSir G8 is one of my favorite, tiny design flourishes on pretty much any gaming accessory I've tested - mobile or otherwise. The Vagabond carries it over, which makes it so much easier and safer for your phone to remove and connect from the controller's cradle.

The Vagabond itself uses your phone's battery to charge, but there's a passthrough USB-C port on it for power delivery, and ELO even makes a high-speed cable so you can keep up with your game's power demands. Also a nice addition is a 3.5mm headphone jack if you're using a wired audio device.

Features

The Vagabond features Hall effect thumbsticks, but there are ways to upgrade them too. As an add-on, you can get thumbstick toppers to bring more height and accuracy into your gameplay; these do cost extra, and although they're a nice thing to have, I found plenty of FPS enjoyment without them.

There are four microswitch face buttons laid out in the Xbox configuration. These are microswitch, clicky buttons, but they still have a deep-feeling actuation allowing for plenty of feel if you're mainly looking to play singleplayer games.

The Vagabond also features two back buttons, which are placed ever so slightly too high for my liking. With grips that make a statement by being a bit longer than other mobile pads, I'd argue ELO should make use of them by placing the back buttons lower down. Hell, give me a second pair if you want to? If you're not a big fan of back buttons, these are lockable via a pair of switches.

Like Backbone before it, ELO has made a central app to let you configure all your mobile games and launch them from. This is fine, but as someone who mainly uses mobile play for remote play of a PS5, SteamLink, or Game Pass Cloud Streaming, these always feel a bit extra to me. For those mobile gamers who do use this sort of app, it seems just as conclusive as Backbone's.

Performance

Build quality hesitancy and trigger spring volume quickly become a non-issue when I'm playing games with the ELO Vagabond. It's a proper controller you can play mobile games with, and maybe besides the much more expensive Kishi V3 Pro, it's one of the only ones I've used I think I'd actually not mind using as a PC controller if I needed to.

Its long grips and Hall sensor sticks give it plenty of scope for shooters, especially if you click the stick upgrades on and really start whipping your crosshair around. The comfort of the grips makes it a joy in third-person games, and the clicky buttons make it responsive in fighting games and platformers. It's versatile, and that only makes it a better on-the-go gaming solution because even if you have specialist hardware at home for one genre of gaming, the Vagabond is going to do a pretty good stand-in job while you're away.

That doesn't mean that it's perfect though, and although the Vagabond does a fantastic job replicating the gamepad experience with a phone, there are a few ways I wish it would take things further.

I've talked about it before, but most mobile controllers fail because they adopt the Switch's Joy-Con curse; putting the face buttons and thumbsticks right underneath one another. This invites thumbcramp and discomfort into the equation because you're constantly having to flex your thumb down the way to reach a stick, and thumbs move much more accurately and much faster side to side. It helps make a controller more portable, but it doesn't make one more comfortable or as satisfying to use.

The Vagabond does a good job of giving you more to grip onto, but I think if there was a Vagabond 2, I'd love to see more of a horizontal separation between the thumbstick and face buttons/D-pad. This isn't bad as is, but it isn't quite as comfortable as on a regular controller, and I think on a pad like this it could be.

The other option is looking at the Scuf Nomad and taking a leaf out of the Steam Deck's book. Is there anything wrong with placing the thumbsticks symmetrically at the top of the controller? In my eyes, absolutely not, because even if it isn't conventional to a console player's eyes, they'll soon appreciate the comfort it brings.

If I get really nit-picky, I think there's an argument to be made for the D-pad being a little less rigid. I'd prefer a circular/8-wayt D-pad to make it a little easier to actuate at speed when it's placed a little awkwardly, but that might just come down to preference.

Something to celebrate is how practical the Vagabond is despite not trying to be as portable as the Backbone One or the foldable Asus ROG Tessen. It might not be as easy to shove in a bag or a pocket, but I got a new phone case while testing it, and the ELO didn't care. I never had to do any annoying swapping or case removal to fit my phone into it. That's all I really require from an on-the-go peripheral; I don't really have any need to fit it in my pocket.

Should you buy the ELO Vagabond?

I'm going to try and put this review in perspective with a personal anecdote. I have an Asus ROG Ally X that I've been using for all my on-the-go, portable gaming needs. Handheld gaming PCs obviously have their appeal because they're strong enough to run games natively and they can be docked for home play too. But for me, comfort is king, and something that drives me up the wall about the original Ally X is that Asus now offers similar handheld consoles with Xbox branding and full controller grips. In fact, all the handheld PC makers are now out here admitting through more ergonomic handles that their first iterations were rubbish for your hands.

I just don't find the ROG Ally X very comfortable, and it annoys me to the extent I don't use it as often as I want to.

With the ELO Vagabond wrapped around my phone, I'm much, much more inspired to take my gaming on the go because it's comfortable to hold for longer periods of time. Yes, it means streaming my PC games via SteamLink and dealing with lesser visuals and worse performance, but it's comfortable enough for me to play with, immerse myself in a game, and not think about how I need to regrip while playing every 5 minutes.

For me, that's a sign that the ELO Vagabond has succeeded in its mission. It's a really well-designed mobile controller that doesn't mean you compromise on comfort. It's also priced really well in the market. For me, this is the best mobile controller you can buy right now.

How I tested the ELO Vagabond

I tested the ELO Vagabond for over two weeks, using it for all my portable gaming and remote play needs. I tested it with and without its upgradable thumbsticks, and in plenty of gaming genres. I compared it closely to the GameSir G8 Galileo, the more recent Razer Kishi V3 controllers, and other mobile gamepads.

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

If you made it this far, I'd also recommend reading up on the best TMR controllers, the best PS5 controllers, and the best Xbox Series X controllers.

Hideo Kojima just unveiled a limited edition Death Stranding 2 CD player, developed in collaboration with km5. Apparently "made possible by Kojima's self-proclaimed love for analog media," (though I don't know who wants to tell them CDs are definitely not analog), the Instant Disc Audio Cp1 combines a Bluetooth-friendly disc spinner with the translucent orange aesthetic that will speak to any retro gamer's heart.

Like the regular CP1 it's based on, the build allows for a neat window into your current album, but the casing also allows for your lyric booklet (or the included Death Stranding 2-themed cards) to sit in pride of place as well. With rear mounting holes, the idea is that you can throw a CD in, stick the jacket on the front, and have your now-playing in full view on the wall.

Of course, even if that Bluetooth 5.3 version is upgraded from the original 5.0 on the normal model, you're still not going to get the full uncompressed CD experience here.

Audiophiles will be using the accompanying 3.5mm physical connection, but for most of us that sound quality is going to be just fine. Compatible disc formats span CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3, so those old rips are ready to go. A 1,800mAh battery keeps everything running for approximately 7-8 hours (you'll be running somewhere 10 and 15 albums in that time).

The actual aesthetic keeps the BB pod at front of mind, from that bright orange colorway to the small LED 'BB' in the corner that swaps over to a track indicator when you're spinning. The original, for $40 less, comes in black and white, though there is a neon green colorway available for a whopping $209.

Kojima's Death Stranding CD player is a true limited edition drop. While it's still in stock at the time of writing, we're expecting the run to come to an end shortly. It's been up on km5's own site for a couple of days, so physical media revivalists with a flair for the Kojima should be investigating sooner rather than later.

• See all CD players at Amazon

For more audio solutions, we're rounding up the best gaming headsets and best gaming earbuds on the market.

Thanks to the latest batch of price increases, the over half-a-decade-old Xbox Series S is now more expensive than the Nintendo Switch 2.

While we were warned about it in advance back in June, the latest in the ever-increasing number of hardware price hikes arrived alongside the arrival of August, as Microsoft's sweeping Xbox price bumps hit the market. While there's nothing quite as extreme as Sony's latest bump for the PS5 console, which has seen the PS5 Pro go for nearly $1,000, the Xbox increase has seen the models increase from $100-$150 depending on how much memory is included.

While the US knew what it was getting into since June, Microsoft kept the price increase for its consoles in Europe and the UK close to its chest. But now August is here, we know it's still going to be real expensive.

This latest hike from Microsoft has made the Xbox Series X start at $749.99 / £619.99 / €749.99 for the all-digital version, while the Xbox Series S will be $599.99 / £519.99 / €599.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 / €499.99 depending on whether you want the 1TB or 512GB edition of the console. For comparison's sake, Nintendo's new console will run you $449.99 / £395.99 / €469.99, making it cheaper than the 512GB edition of the Series S.

However, that won't last too much longer, as Nintendo itself is also implementing a price increase for Switch 2 consoles in a month's time. Prices of the Nintendo Switch 2 console will be bumped up by $50 to $499.99 (as of right now, the UK and Europe pricing changes are unconfirmed).

Thanks to the ongoing global ram shortages that are plaguing all aspects of the tech world at the moment – all in the service of being funnelled AI slop farms so someone can generate Homer Simpson singing Benson Boone for a TikTok – this generation has been the antithesis of the usual wisdom of not buying a console at launch.

Nintendo fights Switch 2 scalpers in Japan with new restrictions – only fans with over 50 hours on premium Switch 1 games can buy multi-language consoles.

Hori has released a smorgasbord of adorable controllers this year, but now the Eevee Evolutions Wireless HORIPAD controller for the original Nintendo Switch has reappeared at Amazon US with an October 17, 2026 release date.

As discovered by X (Twitter) user PokeJungle, the $59.99 (Amazon) gamepad originally launched on US and European shelves all the way back in April 2024, but now Hori is re-releasing the officially licenced Pokemon accessory. The only issue is that in the time it's taken for the controller to re-launch stateside, the Switch 2 has come on the scene, and yet this controller is still geared towards the older console. That means it's missing out on that new GameChat button, and likely won't have Wake-up functionality in tow. But at least every Eeveelution is available on the faceplate to make up for its missing next-gen features.

This Nintendo Switch controller might be missing some important functionality you'd expect from a modern-day Switch 2 pad, but at least it's extremely cute. The entirety of the accessory is covered in this pastel lavender colorway, and the D-pad, sticks, and ABXY buttons also sport a pastel purple color.

The illustrations on the faceplate are also adorable. Instead of re-using art of the Eevee evolutions we've seen time and time again, there's a unique sketch-like illustration of the lot from Gen 1's Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon, to Gen 6's Sylveon. Eevee itself hasn't been forgotten about either. At the center top of the pad, where you'd maybe expect to see a big 'Nintendo Switch' logo, instead plays host to a cute silhouette of the original Pokemon's rounded face.

While an older controller, it even sports an improved battery life over Hori's more recent Pokemon pads. The Eevee Evolutions controller relies on Bluetooth for its wireless connectivity and includes accelerometer and gyroscope controllers like the rest of Hori's controller lineup, but it also includes an up to 15-hour battery life. Meanwhile, the brand's recently unveiled Umbreon and Espeon Wireless HORIPAD Turbo only provides an up to 10-hour battery life.

This is true of all the brand's Pokemon-flavored Wireless HORIPAD Turbo controllers. Everything from the Hori Ditto Wireless HORIPAD Turbo that's launching for $64.99 at Amazon on August 6 to the Pokemon Pixel controllers only provide up to 10 hours of juice. It's a little disappointing, but if you care more about substance over style, then the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller with its 40 hours is always an option instead.

• View all Hori Nintendo Switch controllers at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases if you want to upgrade your Ninty gaming setup.

Nintendo executive and Mario's papa Shigeru Miyamoto says that he wants to give people as many reasons as possible to buy Nintendo consoles, and hopes parents might give them to their children as coming of age gifts.

In an interview with Famitsu that's been translated by GamesRadar+ Miyamoto talks about his philosophy on selling consoles, and imagines a world where everyone receives one of the company's consoles when they're old enough.

"I am always saying that the company should 'create reasons for people from all over the world to pick Nintendo,'" he says. "In Japan, when children start elementary school you buy them their own school bag. In the same way, I think it would be great if there was a selection to choose from like, 'Now that you're six, I've got you a Nintendo', 'Which Nintendo would make you the happiest?'"

You might be confused how buying your child a Nintendo Switch 2 is remotely similar to picking up a backpack, but in Japan the hybrid console is usually the cheaper option. This is because Japanese elementary school children have a special type of backpack that they use called a randoseru.

These are hand-made luxury goods that usually cost hundreds of dollars. Unlike a standard backpack, they have a hard shell, multiple pockets and are exceptionally robust. The cost is high, but your randoseru is expected to last your entire six years of elementary school, and if necessary, can be passed down to younger siblings.

Technically, elementary school children can bring any type of backpack to school, but you're unlikely to see young school kids carrying anything except a randoseru. In the West, receiving a bag doesn't seem like a momentous occasion, but to a Japanese six-year-old it's a sign they're coming-of-age. Receiving your randoseru means that you are about to start school, which is your first minor step into adulthood.

Getting your child a Nintendo Switch 2 might be cheaper than picking up a randoseru, but there aren't nearly as many color combinations to choose from and you can't fit an A4 file inside. However, given how long the Nintendo Switch lasted, you might get a few more years out of it.

Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto says PCs were once "held in higher regard than consoles," so the NES was made to bridge "the gap" – "It wasn't just a toy"

Former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata blamed the public's perception of gaming as non-standard for the GameCube's poor sales, says Nintendo executive Shigeru Miyamoto. This led to the development of the DS and Wii as a way to attract both gamers and "non-gamers."

In an interview with Famitsu, that's been translated by GamesRadar+, Miyamoto discusses why Nintendo chose such unique input methods for both the DS and the Wii. He claims that the GameCube's poor sales was the catalyst for discussions at the company about why consoles solely dedicated to video games might fail to sell.

"Before we made the DS, there was the highly versatile, simple to use, easy for any developer to make games for, cheap to buy, Nintendo GameCube, but it didn't get the reception we expected," Miyamoto laments. "Some consoles sold well for what they were, but there were also a lot of people who bought them to watch DVDs. The GameCube was only purchased by gamers."

Both of the competing consoles that outsold the GameCube, the PS2 and original Xbox, featured a DVD player. The Xbox is particularly notable as the new console on the block without a proven track record of excellent games that Nintendo had.

"At that time, we analyzed the [sales] numbers of dedicated game consoles, and [late-Nintendo president Satoru] Iwata identified that part of the reason [for poor sales] is that 'being a gamer has not been normalized all over the world,'" Miyamoto says. "If you think about it, we don't say 'book readers and non-book readers.' Though maybe people do nowadays."

Nintendo has done a lot over the years to normalize gaming, and Miyamoto says he often spoke with Iwata about how video games should be for "everyone and their mom." However, despite how widespread gaming is, it still fails to integrate into our speech as we still say gamer, but as Miyamoto points out, we don't say things like 'reader' or 'watcher,' for hobbies that are considered 'normal.'

"We were making products for one type of customer, but we were discussing how there was a time when Nintendo was a company that handled a wide variety of entertainment worldwide," he says. "The conclusion we drew from these discussions was that if we design a complicated controller like the ones currently made for consoles, then we'll never attract non-gamers. We didn't want to be restricted by making a 'video game console,' but instead make a 'new tool for play.'"

Both the Wii and DS were famous for their popularity with people who had never purchased a console before. Games like Wii Sports, Wii Fit, and Brain Training all offered people who didn't usually play video games a more mainstream and easy to understand way to play.

"So when it came to the DS, we wrote taglines for every player like 'everyone is at the starting line' and 'play with just one pen.' For the Wii it was something like 'Use your body to play,'" Miyamoto says. "With the DS and the Wii, we wanted to spread video game consoles as a new way to play, quickly all around the world, and that worked to some extent. I think that made us conscious of creating a [hardware] interface as part of play. I think that was a big deal."

Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto says PCs were once "held in higher regard than consoles," so the NES was made to bridge "the gap" – "It wasn't just a toy."

Pokemon Pokopia's first-ever DLC is landing on the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 5, 2026, introducing a new underwater 'Bubby Basin' habitat that you can help bring to life. The new trailer showed off the adorable Popplio and other water-types frolicking under the waves, and if those drops of cuteness have convinced you to finally invest in the new handheld, then you should check out this Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokopia bundle.

It includes the handheld and a digital copy of Pokopia, and you get that adorable box with Ditto's infectious grin printed on the side. Better yet, it's down to just £399 at Amazon right now, instead of its usual £429.99 MSRP. Over the past couple of weeks, the bundle has been sitting at £424, so you're saving £25 here - just gather £4 more, and you can pick up the Bubbly Basin expansion too.

This Nintendo Switch 2 bundle might have been sitting at £424 recently at Amazon, but if you factor in that it's typically found at its full £429.99 price at the official Nintendo store, then you're really saving £30.99 today. That more than covers the £29.99 (Nintendo) cost of the new Pokopia DLC. Which, by the way, provides you with access to not just Part 1 of the game's new content, but the next two waves of DLC too.

Part 2 of the Pokopia expansion is set to arrive in late 2026 and introduces the option to give your Poke pals a little makeover. Just when I thought Peakychu couldn't get even cuter, Nintendo chose to include them in a little maid hat and wings in the trailer, which was cuteness overload. While Nintendo states that there's no new town included with Part 2, you will get access to "add some new flair to your surroundings", alongside new furniture and new Pokemon. Fingers crossed that means we'll get some new wallpaper options, as I'm getting a bit sick and tired of seeing plain white walls when it comes to my Palette Town builds.

Part 3 doesn't launch until sometime in 2027, so you'll have to be a little patient. Of course, you don't have to bother with the DLC if you don't want to. If you don't grab it, I do recommend buying this cheap Nintendo Switch bundle as soon as possible, not only to ensure you save £25, but as the handheld is getting its first price increase this coming September. In a month's time, it's going to be at least £30 more expensive here in the UK, and that's without a download code for Pokemon Pokopia too.

• View all Nintendo Switch 2 gaming deals at Amazon

New to Switch 2? Our team has also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards that can help transform your Pokemon Pokopia adventures.

Square Enix's Final Fantasy 14 is finally making its way onto the Nintendo Switch 2, but if you want to install the beloved MMO, you'll need to free up a massive 117GB worth of space. That's almost half of the console's 256GB onboard storage, but as has been the case since the handheld's inception, you can invest in a Switch 2 SD card to prepare for the RPG and other storage-demanding games like it.

The best microSD Express Cards are available in capacities from 128GB up to 1TB, and while more expensive than the previous generation's cards, they have remained free of the pricing woes plaguing SSDs, or so I thought. While doing my usual check of some Switch 2 cards for possible deal coverage, I noticed that the once $199.99 1TB PNY microSD Express card is now listed for as high as $371.99 at Amazon, and it's entirely sold out on the UK storefront.

That's a $172 increase since when I originally reviewed it in March earlier this year, and now I'm worried that SD cards are now going the way of the best SSDs for gaming and being affected by the RAMpocalypse. I had hoped they'd be spared from the current gaming storage pricing hellscape, but the evidence is pointing to the contrary.

There was a chance that this escalation was just an Amazon US anomaly. Yet a quick glance at the official US PNY online store reveals that not to be the case. That very card with the P-SDU1TBP31EXP-GE SKU is listed with the same $371.99 (PNY) price tag, a sum that's depressingly not that far behind the current $499 price of the Nintendo Switch 2 console. According to my CamelCamelCamel price checker, its 512GB card hasn't stuck at its $113.99 MSRP either. It shot up to $146.16 on February 6, earlier this year, so even the smaller capacity cards aren't safe from fluctuating pricing.

Of course, if it were only PNY cards being affected, it wouldn't be as big of a deal. Yet, a quick scan of the few storage brands with microSD Express Cards that provide as much as 1TB extra space reveals they too are being affected. The Lexar 1TB Play PRO Micro SD Express Card, the very first 1TB model to hit the market, launched for $199.99 / £199.99. As you've likely guessed, it's not sitting at Amazon US for $200, and instead is available for $349.99 (Amazon). That's a $150 price increase since it became available late last year, and another disheartening sign that the eye-watering SSD prices we've been witnessing over the past year have now got their claws into these Switch 2's already limited storage options.

I'm not the only one who has noticed these changes. 19 days ago, Reddit user dairy_free_bacon shared a screenshot from the GameStop storefront on r/Switch2 subreddit stating, "Anyone else notice that 1tb sd cards went up by $100??" They explained that they had previously bought the GameStop-branded 1TB microSD Express card for $199, and it's now listed for $299.99 instead, the price that it still sticks to today.

The comments of this post were ablaze with the reasoning behind this dramatic increase, and plenty of Switch 2 owners seem to have come to the same conclusion I have - that the RAMpocalypse has claimed another victim. User pikachuyann replied to the post stating, "The "RAM price crisis" doesn't affect only RAM, but all sorts of storage too," and I believe they're bang on the money, though I'm definitely not happy about it.

You see, microSD Express Cards don't function like older SD Cards. These newer, speedier Switch 2 accessories have hung up the standard UHS-I interface that powered your older Switch's storage and utilize a PCIe interface with an NVMe protocol instead, much like the solid-state drives you pop into your gaming PC. That's how they manage to provide lightning-fast speeds up to 890MB/s read & up to 810MB/s write like that of the 1TB PNY microSD Express Card I picked out earlier, compared to up to 100MB/s of alternatives like the $189.99 (Amazon) 1TB Amazon Basics microSDXC card.

If the storage crisis has already got M.2 SSDs in its midst, it makes entire sense why microSD Express Cards would also be affected. The correlation feels even more accurate when you remember that Sony announced during March of this year that it was suspending orders of its CFexpress memory cards and SD memory cards "due to the global shortage of semiconductors (memory) and other factors." When I originally covered that news, prices of Switch 2 SD cards were unaffected, but it seems the dwindling supply of DRAM and NAND storage may have finally taken its toll.

As of writing, you can still grab the officially licenced cards from Samsung and SanDisk that even feature some Super Mario art and provide an extra 256GB, which is plenty for Final Fantasy 14 when it launches on August 4, 2026. However, if you wanted to pick up 1TB just to be extra cautious for any patch updates and other Switch 2 releases, you're going to have to pay a pretty price, and I fully expect them to get even more expensive in the months to come.

As an alternative, I recommend sticking with a 256GB or 512GB model. Their prices have also been up and down, you can generally find brands sticking to their MSRP in most instances, especially if you grab options like the Samsung 256GB microSD Express card, which has even experienced discounts during sales events like Amazon's Prime Day. While you always receive a little less than stipulated, the combined 512GB is plenty for Final Fantasy 14, and further upcoming releases like Pokemon Pokopia's Bubbly Basin DLC and Fire Emblem Fortune's Weave.

I'd just grab any Switch 2 SD card sooner rather than later. As we've discovered, no storage is seemingly safe from the ongoing RAM Storage Crisis, even that of the lower-end capacity cards. Though I'll keep my fingers crossed that they won't go the way of the 1TB models and that of the Nintendo Switch 2, which is receiving a price increase of its own this coming September.

If you're settled for storage, check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases instead.

Another month down, another roster of gaming gadgets to have passed our test bench. July saw new entries to the world of the best gaming keyboards with the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 joining the ranks of five-star gaming tech while the Razer Blade 18 gave the MSI Raider A18 HX A9W something to think about in its position among the best gaming laptops.

On a component level, the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is heading straight for the best CPUs for gaming, let's just hope Intel keeps up on those socket promises. Meanwhile, the Secretlab Atlas has shot to the top of our recommendations from this brand, replacing the Titan Evo among the best gaming chairs we've tested so far.

July's top gaming tech isn't all PC focused, though. The Scuf Omega has made its way through our tests to join the gamepads currently sitting on our guide to the best PS5 controllers.

You'll find all the 3-star-and-up gaming tech we've tested in July 2026 just below, and be sure to hit the 'view details' button for more information from our reviews. If you're keen for more, you'll find many of these picks among the best gaming gadgets we've tested so far this year.

5-Star gaming gadgets

4.5-Star gaming gadgets

4-Star gaming gadgets

3.5-Star gaming gadgets

3-Star gaming gadgets

2026 has been a tough innings for Meta's Reality Labs division. From the word go in January, it's seen lay-offs, studio closures, price hikes on its popular VR headsets, and yet more layoffs. It doesn't seem like things are getting any better yet, as it's just been revealed this segment of the Facebook company lost $4.6 billion in the second quarter of 2026.

The numbers were shown in a Q2 earnings call that showed Reality Labs' continual losses flow even further from the 4.03 billion it lost in Q1. It may surprise you to learn that these numbers are actually par for the course in terms of quarterly losses from Reality Labs since 2023. Its worst-performing quarter ever was Q4 of 2025 when it lost $6.02 billion, so you can see why drastic measures were taken at the start of 2026.

These losses come despite the company's revenue for Q2 2026 sitting at $431 million, up from $370 million compared to the same time period in 2025.

I'm hardly an economist, but it seems like Reality Labs is pulling in plenty of money; it's just that its spending is massively outweighing it. This could be down to loads of factors. The workforce alone will be pretty large, even after the rounds of layoffs from this year.

Funnily enough, in a recent AMA on his Instagram, Meta's CTO Andrew Boz Bosworth took a question about if Meta was "done" with VR, and said, "We've talked openly about the fact we're building multiple next-generation headsets. We did get ourselves into a more sustainable shape, that's true, but we continue to invest quite a bit there."

If we take his word as bond, the question remains where the losses are coming from, because they're not all that different from before the company's three biggest VR studios were closed and thousands of people lost their jobs.

A lot of the spending could be directed at R&D and the development of new hardware, since a lot of it will take innovation and trial and error. Even after price hikes, it could easily be the case that Meta is selling its wearables at a loss. This seemed to be the tactic while the Metaverse strategy was still in play, as there was an incentive to get mixed-reality devices on the faces of as many people as possible.

Moreover, manufacturing headsets and smart glasses will be costly too, and it's been fairly widely reported in recent times that selling gaming hardware isn't always profitable on its own. That much is clear from Xbox reporting a 29% drop in hardware sales in its Q2 results for the year.

News of Meta's losses comes while Valve's Steam Frame waits in the wings for its launch, and I'm sure this isn't settling the Steam company's nerves about entering the market. It's long been said that the Meta Quest headsets have been sold at a loss, however, which is maybe why people should expect a higher price tag on the Steam Frame.

In a poll I held in a recent article, I asked readers how much the Steam Frame should cost, and I was surprised to see 42% of people suggesting those numbers should be upwards of $899. With Meta's more affordable headsets strategy proving difficult to profit from, maybe those voters are actually onto something if they want to see a sustainable VR ecosystem that's built to last at Valve.

Looking for more power for VR gaming? Check out the best CPU for gaming, the best RAM for gaming, and the best graphics cards.

Sony published its Q1 Consolidated Financial Results today, and it's quick to assure prospective console buyers that it has enough RAM to manufacture its expected PS5 quota through the rest of the year. That's going to be big for anyone waiting on their purchase until GTA 6 hits the shelves, the title is expect to cause a surge in demand that Sony needs to be able to accommodate.

The report makes specific mention of "the impact of memory market conditions on PlayStation 5 hardware," before continuing to state "there is no change to our plan for hardware profitability for FY26 to remain similar to FY25." Considering retailers have been stoking fears of a console shortage during Rockstar's release window, that's a relief.

With GTA 6 pre-orders already alive and kicking, and the game set to land as one of the biggest of the last few years (at least), a rush on consoles is expected, price increases be damned. Rising component costs have doubled down on previous supply shortage fears, after RAM shortages and soaring SSD prices dominated the first half of the year.

Sony's already selling fewer consoles than expected, though those expectations were likely based on a world where six-year-old hardware gets cheaper, not more expensive. 1.6 million devices were sold in the first quarter of 2026 (down from 2.5 million in the same period last year), albeit at a higher price. That means hardware revenue has levelled out at a 9.8% drop.

Will the PS5 see its own GTA 6 bundle options? It's looking likely Sony will package up its Pro and Slim devices with GTA 6 during that initial launch period, though I wouldn't put a bet on it. The brand has already come out the gate storming its allegiance with Rockstar, putting heavy emphasis on its range of consoles as the place to play GTA, a sentiment the developer has jumped on as well.

• See all PS5 deals at Amazon

We're also rounding up all the best PS5 accessories as well as the best PS5 controllers and best PS5 headsets in more detail.

Razer kicked off its adjustable switch operations with analog clackers in its Huntsman keyboard line; now it's gone full Hall effect. The new Razer Huntsman V3 HE ditches the analog optical in favor of the trendier HE moniker, but while it's not quite at the TMR forefront, those prices are certainly a sight for sore eyes.

If you've been perusing the world of the best gaming keyboards over the last couple of years, you'll notice a rising cost associated with newer magnetic switches. As mainstream brands like Corsair, Logitech, and SteelSeries have jumped on the adjustable actuation bandwagon, costs have soared to the $400s in some cases (looking at you, Asus). While most Hall effect keyboards now land in the $150 to $250 range, though, the new Huntsman V3 HE line starts life at $119.99.

I know! Razer, of all brands, coming in cheaper than the rest of the industry? What in the 2026?

Well, Hall effect isn't the buzzword it used to be. The cool kids are all about TMR with its improved power efficiency and (this is a personal take) better feel overall. It's why Corsair managed to impress with the Clipper Pro Mini 60 at just $99.99 earlier this month. Contrary to the way most of the industry seems to be going, those HE clackers are getting cheaper surprisingly quickly, and new releases are proving it.

That's not to rain on Razer's parade. Corsair's cheaper option comes in a 60% form factor, whereas you're paying just $20 more for Sneki's 65%-er and $139.99 all in for the TKL. That's undercutting the mid-range market (populated by the Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid and, funnily enough, Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini) quite considerably.

So what do you get for your cash?

Barrie Ooi, Head of PC Gaming at Razer, states that "while our analog optical keyboards remain the benchmark for players seeking the absolute best in esports performance, the Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic 8KHz line is designed for competitive players looking for the best magnetic keyboard." If you can parse the difference between those two players there, be sure to let me know.

Regardless of who it's for, the latest Huntsman offers all the usual features you'd expect: 'Snap Flex' for assigning two inputs to a single key and "Dynamic Keystroke" for packing four actions based on the depth of your keypress. But we've also got "Instant Cancel Control" that allows you to halt that sequence of actions immediately.

Switches can be configured for actuation between the usual 0.1-4mm, with the usual suspects Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation and Snap Tap (SOCD when it's at home) all invited to the party as well.

There are a few newbies here that I look forward to testing out, between that instant cancel and the Dual-Keypress system ensuring directional priority is assigned as quickly as possible. Perhaps more notably for most of us, though, Razer's boasting that its Huntsman V3 HE comes with thick foam dampening and individually lubricated switches. With the rattle and echo of the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini still ringing in my ears, Sneki's new sound profile better live up to its hype.

• See all gaming keyboards at Amazon

I'm also hunting down all the best hot-swappable keyboards and the best wireless gaming keyboards on the market.

Despite the high demand for its hardware, the lengthy delays for its launch, and a shortage of computing parts to manufacture them with, Valve is reassuring us that it's staying on pace with Steam Machine orders. In fact, the brand says anyone currently on the reserve list for the best gaming PC alternative will have the option to buy before the year is out.

Conversely, Valve previously said that the Steam Controller is in such high demand that it will be running late until 2027. The brand issued an update via blog post to report its progress on Steam Machine supply and demand.

"We’re fulfilling orders on a daily basis, sending out emails to reservation holders with the option to purchase in the order in which they landed on the list post-randomization", it reads.

"We expect everyone in the reservation queue will have the option to purchase by the end of this year."

Of course, the caveat here is that this changes per region, and per SKU/bundle of the Steam Machine you've reserved. Numbers of all of these configurations will vary from region to region, and so comparing to the pace of orders in different territories probably isn't an accurate marker of how long you'll need to wait.

There's also the waitlist to think about, as not everyone was able to reserve the mini-PC/console right away. "Importantly, no one on the waitlist is leapfrogging over anyone currently holding a reservation;" Valve said on the matter. "We're only dipping into waitlists if and when we reach the end of the reservation queue for that product and region."

Valve says folks on the reservation list should expect an email to offer a chance to purchase, and if they still plan to buy the Machine, they need to act on it within 72 hours or risk being left to the side:

"If you have a reservation, you can expect an email offering you the chance to purchase by the end of the year. If you have a spot on one of the waitlists, there is a chance you could be moved into reservations depending on which product you're on the list for; in those instances we will email you about your new reservation status first, with a purchase email to follow once your spot in that queue comes up."

Elsewhere in the blog post, Valve also said there had been updates to the performance of the Steam Machine, specifically that FSR4.1 is now available on Proton Experimental for titles supporting the FSR upgrade. Moreover, the CAD file for Steam Machine external geometry is available for download.

Valve making optimistic statements about its progress with Steam Machine orders could be a sign of hope for those eagerly awaiting an announcement about the Steam Frame. Although we haven't heard about the new VR headset's price and launch date, we've been seeing similar signposting to that of before the Steam Machine and Steam Controller's launch. If Valve is making progress with the demand of the Machine, maybe its new VR headset isn't too far off.

If you're looking to build your own rig instead, you'll need to know more about the best CPU for gaming, the best graphics card, and the best RAM for gaming.

That Xbox price increase we were warned about back in June? It's coming up this weekend.

From August 1 (Saturday), you'll be paying a whopping $799.99 for a 1TB Xbox Series X console, with the cheapest 512GB Series S now coming in at $499. That's a $100 price increase at the bottom end of the market, and a $150 jump at the top.

It goes without saying, anyone looking to pick up an Xbox any time soon should do so before those rates increase, but please don't rush out and buy a brand new console. If you're set on buying an Xbox this year, I'd implore you to check out certified refurbished options from Microsoft instead.

That's because even the current rates are inflated compared to launch, this isn't Xbox's first time at the rodeo. The 512GB Xbox Series S still costs $399.99 brand new, whereas it hit the shelves for just $299.99 back in 2020. Microsoft's refurbished rates won't get get you back down to the glory days, but they're a damn sight better than $500.

Unfortunately, it looks like Microsoft only has the cheaper Series S in its warehouses at the moment, and Best Buy's Geek Squad seems to have run out of Series X devices to ship as well. That means anyone hunting down a new full-fat console before Xbox price hikes come into effect are stuck with brand new devices, and their already lofty rates.

I'd wait this one out. Stock of certified refurbished Xbox Series X consoles does periodically return to Microsoft's shelves and even if this weekend's price increases do stick with those older devices you'll still be paying a little less.

If you're dead set on picking up a fully fledged Series X before the weekend, I'd stick with Microsoft. You'll find the OG disc console for its latest $649.99 price point, whereas Best Buy and Amazon seem to have gone off the deep end with their only stock priced at $800 and higher.

How much are Xbox prices increasing by?

Most Xbox consoles are seeing prices increase by $150 after August 1, with the exception being the 512GB Series S.

• Xbox Series X (1TB, disc) | $799.99 (was $649.99)
• Xbox Series X (1TB, digital) | $749.99 (was $599.99)
• Xbox Series S (1TB) | $599 (was $449)
• Xbox Series S (512GB) | $499 (was $399)

At its new $799.99 MSRP, the disc Xbox Series X is now the most expensive non-Pro console on the market, with the PS5 Slim at $649.99 after Sony's own price increases. Sure, it's not as bad as the $899.99 PS5 Pro, but considering this is a launch device that started life at $499.99 it's pretty egregious.

Current RAM shortages are pushing prices up across the entire industry, from individual components to prebuilt gaming PCs and gaming laptops, all the way through to the Nintendo Switch 2. It may seem like consoles are disproportionately more expensive, but everything is seeing this kind of inflation, it's just that not everybody has to announce their increases every time they're made.

• See all Xbox accessories at Best Buy

If you do decide to jump in before prices increase again, check out the best Xbox Series X controllers and best Xbox Series X headsets.

After reinventing its flagship MG-1 gaming PC range earlier in the year, Maingear is today announcing the re-launch of its Zero product selection. The original Maingear Zero Ruby has sat atop our best gaming PC list since I tested it, so I've been heavily anticipating the arrival of a refreshed version.

But let's back up: what is the Zero range? Born out of the arrival of Project Zero motherboards a few years back, these PCs route all of their motherboard cabling around the backside of your case, keeping cable clutter to an absolute minimum, and allowing the PC's components and lighting to do all the talking.

The new family of Maingear Zero PCs takes that even further, opting for a chassis with full panoramic tempered glass (4mm thick) panelling with a seamless curve to allow all your PC's components to be visible from all angles.

“At MAINGEAR we design every PC from the inside out, and with the Zero we asked 'what if we let the hardware speak for itself?'" said Wallace Santos, founder and CEO of Maingear.

"That's what Zero is about... zero distractions. We've hid the motherboard cables, removed obstructions by upgrading to fully panoramic glass, and focused on making every component and your collectibles feel like they belong in a display case. It had to look just as good powered off as it does turned on, regardless of the specs", he said.

As is expected in the current PC market, however, these new Zero PCs don't come cheap. In fact, the Maingear Zero Ruby has been retired as a mid-range option, giving way to new class names filled with current-gen CPU and GPU pairings.

• Zero | Emerald: Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070. Starting at $2,799.
• Zero | Platinum: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070. Starting at $2,999.
• Zero | Sapphire: Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080. Starting at $3,799.
• Zero | Elite: AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080. Starting at $4,099.
• Zero | Amethyst: Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090. Starting at $6,199.
• Zero | Champion: AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090. Starting at $6,499.

If that fine-dining menu of component pairings doesn't work for you, full custom configurations are available for gamers who want ultimate control.

The revamped Zero range could also be huge for anyone who wants to show off their favourite collectibles inside their PC. The launch edition of the Zero will come with two custom Maingear display stands, a figurine stand and a brick stand that snap into the chassis floor without screws or tools, placing collectibles inside the chassis alongside the hardware. The Zero’s active airflow keeps everything inside cool and dust-free. Display stands will also be sold separately if you miss out on one of the launch versions.

Those launch editions may be extra alluring since they come with a curved panoramic OLED screen thanks to the inclusion of a TRYX Panorama SE AIO cooler. This screen is obviously fully programmable for you to set whatever looping video, GIF, images, or stats you want.

If those prices above seem steep, you can also pay flexibly, thanks to Maingear's financing program, which fittingly comes with up to zero per cent APR.

Before my review of the original Maingear Zero Ruby, the brand's marketing director told me that Maingear's CEO, Santos, had pitched the concept of reverse cable motherboards to manufacturers years prior to MSI's Project Zero boards hitting the shelves, but the idea didn't seem possible at the time, and thus didn't take.

In light of that, I'm glad to see Maingear doubling down on cable-free prebuilt machines, because it provides a premium look that's seldom seen. In fact, I can't think of any other brands that are willing to go to this kind of length to provide that premium look to customers, and Zero motherboards are hard to come by in prebuilt markets outside of custom configurators.

For more on PCs and components, check out the best CPUs for gaming, the best graphics cards, and the best RAM for gaming.

The decision to investigate the Asus ROG NUC won't be made on value. After all, this compact mini system is never going to compete with the best gaming PCs for cooling, upgradeability, or price-performance ratios. It's playing in a slightly different arena, one that purveyors of gaming laptops are more likely to spectate.

Mini PCs are rapidly growing in popularity, and it's got nothing to do with the Steam Machine. These rigs are seeing upticks everywhere, from productivity to creative workflows, and now gaming. Those who don't want to dedicate a filing cabinet's worth of space to a loud, hot, finnicky tower are turning to something a little more versatile, already configured with everything you need, but ultimately more expensive for the privilege.

While everyday mini PCs can represent excellent value for the more casual productivity user, though, gaming systems are a different beast entirely. Valve's rig runs on its own custom AMD chip, the Asus ROG NUC uses a full set of up-to-date (though, this being the 2025 model, not the latest in the CPU world) mobile AMD, Intel, and Nvidia components. It's a laptop, without the lap. That adds some zeroes to the final price tag, but is that comfortable form factor ultimately worth it? I've ditched my hunt for the best gaming laptops for two weeks to find out.

Asus ROG NUC configurations

The Asus ROG NUC takes an expansive aim across the market, utilizing mobile parts starting from mid-range RTX 5060 / Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX options and moving to the upper heights of the RTX 5080 and AMD Ryzen 9 99HX3D. Will you find pre-builts with desktop pieces for less? Yes, but this rig isn't designed for those choosing between and mini and a full sized PC.

Those numbers climb pretty quickly. An RTX 5080 model will set you back well over $5,000 with all the trimmings, that's top-spec Alienware cash. At its cheapest, you're looking at $2,399 for an RTX 5060, Intel Core Ultra 7, and 16GB RAM. That's not only more than double the price of the Steam Machine, it's double what you'd usually pay for a full prebuilt with similar specs.

You're not paying for component value in these configurations, then, but those intrigued by the Asus ROG NUC's compact form factor are well served by a breadth of options.

Asus ROG NUC performance

In true RTX 5070 fashion, the cheaper configuration I've been testing manages to hit everything thrown at it in both FHD and QHD, only ever wavering below that 60fps threshold in more demanding top-resolution runs like Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered and Cyberpunk 2077.

This is a system designed to accommodate QHD resolutions, so cranking things up to 4K will hurt a little. However, for everyday runs of demanding, modern titles, it's impressive that this little fella can keep up.

This being a mobile RTX 5070, we're a little behind the kinds of results we've seen from full desktop configurations. Still, the Asus ROG NUC manages to keep a decent pace with these larger builds, even if more demanding runs take a hit. While the numbers won't impress anyone coming from a full tower, a solid set of 60fps+ at High settings holds down the fort nicely.

Synthetic benchmarks reveal the sacrifice of that mobile GPU a little more clearly. When comparing the desktop card to AMD's Radeon RX 7900, we found it pulled in 4929 in Steel Nomad tests; here it's sitting at 3280. Just as physical size is erring on the side of the laptop rather than the desktop, our synthetic benchmark scores show performance leaning in the same direction.

Still, comparing those components like-for-like in more portable machines paints a slightly brighter picture. Putting those numbers up alongside the Razer Blade 14 and Acer Predator Triton 14 AI (two similarly premium, compact gaming machines) reveals a slight uptick across Steel Nomad, Time Spy, and Fire Strike. Even if the Asus ROG Strix G16 manages to slide in above it in one run.

On the CPU side of things, the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D scored 2,912 in its single-core tests and 24,371 in its multi-core outings across Geekbench 7. That's about right for the mobile CPU, suggesting there's nothing untoward happening that could limit it in this form factor.

Asus ROG NUC benefits

A far more manageable PC experience

Desktop towers are hot, power hungry, chunky beasts. Anyone without the space to dedicate to a 60 litre tank will be grateful for the Asus ROG NUC's slimline form factor. This thing sits calmly in the corner, not even the size of a PS5 Slim.

That's a compelling use-case, albeit one that very few players will likely be willing to fork out this amount of cash for. Asus doesn't exactly have a captive audience here, most desks will accommodate a PC case underneath and most players are going to side with the less expensive option. There are only a few of us who truly need the kind of space saving alternative Asus has provided.

That said, the ROG NUC does look fantastic, with its clean angular lines, bold RGB side lighting (customizable, of course). Coming from the world of gaming laptops there are more benefits to that design than PC builders may first consider.

More expansive port selection than a laptop

Whenever I'm not testing a laptop directly on the machine itself, it's connected to an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, chair, Stream Deck, speaker, controller and whatever other accessories have made their way onto my desk on any given day. That means I need to rely on the extra USB-A ports on my Razer Laptop Cooling Pad, as well as an external USB-4 dock. Some day (and it will be soon), I'll run out of space.

I didn't expect to find the ports on the Asus ROG NUC to be one of the biggest benefits to swapping laptop life for mini PC life. Two USB-As and a USB-C on the front take care of the gadgets I'm regularly swapping out. Meanwhile, the rear side takes care of all my more permanent USB cables, with an abundance of display connections that would have made my multi-monitor days a lot more enjoyable (and probably last longer).

Boosted performance over Steam Machine

Yes, the Asus ROG NUC costs more than double the Steam Machine, but you're getting performance you just won't find in Valve's rig. They've got different plans, sure. Valve wants its box next to a TV, running in 1080p. Asus is parking its NUC on your desk, pushing 1440p and, in more expensive configurations, 4K resolutions on demanding games.

The Steam Machine won't get near 60fps in RT: Ultra at 1440p, by all accounts you'll be lucky to see 20fps at the end of that benchmark. Without that workhorse architecture, Valve's competitor has to take aim at a more casual 1080p market and that's fair enough - but the Asus ROG NUC still offers a more compelling set of specs for those sourcing a QHD rig rather than picking up a living room console equivalent.

Asus ROG NUC drawbacks

Not as living-room-worthy as Steam Machine

As you'd expect a mini PC to, the Asus ROG NUC runs on Windows... which isn't great news for those hunting down a more powerful Steam Machine alternative. It means no easy waking from a controller, a few more steps before hitting Steam, and fewer automatic driver updates. It's certainly possible to keep this box next to your TV, but you'll need to keep a mouse and keyboard handy as well. It's missing those quality of life features baked into Valve's console replacement, by virtue of the fact it's been designed as a different device entirely.

Component value struggles to stack up

That's not as big a problem as the ultimate value of the cost you're paying here. An RTX 5070 gaming laptop like this would likely run you between $1,800 and $2,400 when the sales align right now. A desktop PC sits at around $1,600 to $2,300. The Asus ROG NUC carries its compact premium to the tune of between $1,000 and $400 more than you'll pay for similar specs in a different form factor.

It's not just the figures either. Those desktop rates are for full-fat desktop components, seated in a chassis that can handle bigger power better with more space and cooling tech. There's no getting around the fact that a tower will likely cost you less while giving more from a performance standpoint.

Should you buy the Asus ROG NUC?

All that boils down to one question, should you actually be buying Asus's baby PC? When I first looked at those costs shortly after unboxing this rig, I thought I knew the answer. $2,800 for a mobile RTX 5070 without the portability of a gaming laptop or the engineering of a tower seemed laughable two weeks ago. After kicking the foldables to the curb, 90% of me still agrees. But that 10% fits a very specific user.

I'd recommend the Asus ROG NUC as an alternative to anyone looking to invest in an 18-inch desktop replacement gaming laptop, specifically because they lack the desk space for a full tower. If you're buying a rig like that you likely have a fair whack of budget behind you and you're not going to be taking your machine on the road with you so much anyway.

In that scenario, the connection, layout, and form factor benefits of the Asus ROG NUC shine their brightest. In any other, there are better options out there.

How I tested the Asus ROG NUC

I swapped out my laptop setup for the Asus ROG NUC for two weeks, running all my daily work and play through the device. During everyday play, the NUC was running Doom: The Dark Ages, Farming Simulator 25, and Planet Coaster 2 with more dedicated benchmarking across Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, and Cyberpunk 2077.

Each test was run at both 1080p and 1440p at each game's high and highest graphical settings, repeated three times with a final average taken as the result. The system was also tested across 3D Mark Time Spy, Fire Strike, and Steel Nomad as well as Geekbench 7, again with three runs per benchmark and a final result taken as an average. All tests were run in the 'Turbo' power setting.

For more information on how we make our recommendations, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

For an even more compact form factor, check out the best gaming handhelds on the market. Or take a look at the best Asus gaming laptops for more ROG.

I'm in dire need of a new PS5 controller. My current DualSense spread has taken a bit of a beating, and I get a sense that they all suffer from a little bit of stick drift. That being said, I don't entirely feel comfortable forking out the $74-79 required for a replacement pad.

With that in mind, I've been considering investing in an out-of-box controller, and seeing that you can grab one for as little as $25.99 at Best Buy right now is definitely a good motivator. That's a saving of $48 off a brand new model, and better yet, it's the stunning Cobalt Blue version and not the garish-looking white pad that I already own.

If you're considering grabbing this lovely blue PS5 pad for yourself, do remember that it's an "open box" controller. That means that it's been "opened and returned by another customer" according to Best Buy, which is a nice way of saying that it's already been played with.

As is the case whenever you buy any of the best PS5 controllers second hand, you can expect some general wear and tear and light cosmetic damage to the pad, but it should be in full working order. In fact, Best Buy has given this controller in particular an "excellent" rating, which means it should work and look like new, and that includes all the parts and accessories. That being said, you're likely not getting the box it originally came in, but who needs more packaging when it's just going to end up in your recycling bin anyway?

If you aren't entirely comfortable buying a pre-loved PS5 controller, I get it. You can alternatively pick up a brand new DualSense for $69 at Best Buy, saving you $10 off the shimmering Chroma Indigo model. It also happens to be blue, but it includes a bit more of a sparkle and will be brand-new and includes all the packaging for your storing or recycling pleasure.

• View all controller deals at Best Buy

Our team's controller expert Duncan Robertson has also rounded up the best PC controllers for gaming, the best Nintendo Switch controllers, and the best Xbox Series X controllers if you're on the hunt for a new quality pad.

Nintendo fellow and Mario's dad Shigeru Miyamoto has said that the company felt the NES – known as the Family Computer or Famicom in Japan – challenged the perception that home consoles were "just toys." Originally released in 1983, it was officially part of the third generation of home consoles, but broke away from the pack with its innovative games.

In an interview with Famitsu, that's been translated by GamesRadar+, Miyamoto speaks on Nintendo's move from creating arcade cabinets to home consoles. "At the arcades people can't just spend money like water, so the idea for the Famicom came from the thought that 'they'd be able to play as many times as they wanted if they had this game at home,'" he says.

The NES wasn't part of the original wave of home consoles, but previous hardware like the Magnavox Odyssey and the Atari 2600 wasn't as sophisticated. "There were already things out there called 'home consoles' and PCs like the NEC's PC-6001 or the MSX came out around the same time as the Famicom," Miyamoto recalls. "However, PCs were held in higher regard than consoles, which were 'just toys.'"

Miyamoto believes that the NES carved its own path by showing that it was more than a toy by providing gameplay that was close to the arcade experience. "I think the Famicom bridged the gap between console and PC as it was a toy, but also it wasn't just a toy," he says. "If you can port games to it that are almost as good as the arcade versions, then I don't think it's just a toy."

Shigeru Miyamoto knows some fans have "multiple Nintendo consoles at home," and hopes that'll become "the norm" in the future: "That would be the best scenario."

Last week, I added a poll to a report I wrote up about the upcoming Steam Frame. Since we're still waiting on a price and release date for the new visor, I asked what price you think it should be. Honestly, I'm a little surprised by the results, and maybe even a little worried that the results might enable Valve to charge a lot for its new VR headset.

In a total pool of 738 votes, a safe lead of 33% of folks said that the Steam Frame should cost between $699-$799. This bracket would land it above the full-fat Meta Quest 3, but underneath the most recent generation of elite gaming handheld PCs. Personally, this is the price I'd like to see it launch at, but with the current economy of the tech world being as it is (thanks a lot, AI companies), I wouldn't be at all surprised if this range is a pipe dream.

25% of readers who responded to the poll said that the Steam Frame should be priced between $799 - $899 as a happy medium. Combined with the 244 votes for the answer above, the 184 votes here cast a majority of 58% of people who think the Steam Frame should cost under $899.

That part is reassuring; I certainly wouldn't like to see a Steam VR headset costing more than that since it's too near to the Valve Index, which was known as a prohibitively pricey bit of technology. What worries me, and what I hope Valve doesn't see, is the 42% of voters who said the new goggles should cost between $899-$1,099.

The state of the gaming hardware market is in disrepair right now, with rising costs, stock shortages, and a potential (scary) future where no one can afford to truly own anything. I fully expect the Steam Frame to be priced somewhere in these higher ranges, but I sure hope it isn't.

VR as a whole feels like it's on the ropes right now, or at least, that's my perception as someone who covers the industry from week to week.

I love VR gaming and think it has a really strong future ahead of it, but getting people to see that is only going to get more difficult if we continue to see the biggest, mainstream headsets cost that much. The Apple Vision Pro definitely seemed like an alluring concept until Apple decided to pour a bottle of hot sauce in its eyes by charging over $3,000 for it.

Let's not forget also that VR is a more niche side of gaming tech to begin with when compared to a Steam Machine, other PC, or games console. That means the potential number of people interested in buying it will be smaller, so you're narrowing down the potential consumer base for the Steam Frame if you price it prohibitively.

152 people voted for $899-$999 in the poll, and 158 voters said the Frame should cost $999-$1,099, so both answers had 41% to their names.

Maybe it's time to address the wording of the question, because I do think that could have come into play with the results. I'm sure there were plenty of people voting as though the question asked what price the headset will be. In that case, those votes for the more expensive options could be more pessimistic than they are an expression of desire.

But the question was how much should it cost, so that does lean the results into what people could want it to cost, either for the benefit of consumers or Valve.

To make it more accurate to what funds people have at their disposal to see what prices might impact Valve's sales, maybe I should have asked: "How much would you be willing to pay for the Steam Frame?"

I know I expected a much clearer-cut lean toward the cheaper options because who on earth wants to pay more than they have to for technology these days.

Regardless of the question wording and the nitty-gritty of what you folks thought when answering, the results do perhaps point to a Steam Frame that's more expensive than the majority of gamers would like it to. Yes, the sample size here is fairly small and hardly anything official, but with this long a wait for an official price announcement, I think any indication of what people are expecting is worth paying attention to.

I just hope Valve doesn't see this and think it'll be okay to charge even more than it was planning to because of those 42% of folks who voted for the more expensive options. Yes, that's unlikely, but you've all had your chance. If that were to happen, we'd probably never know, but I'll be blaming you lot.

Prepping for Steam Frame's launch by upgrading your PC? We'd recommend the best gaming PCs, the best graphics cards, and the best RAM for gaming.

Pokémon just announced that we can expect to dive into Pokopia's Bubbly Basin DLC on August 5, and my first thought was: can I grab some more Ditto-themed accessories in time?

I currently have a pair of unofficial yet remarkably cute Ditto thumb grips on my Joy-Cons, but I'd much rather have Hori's Ditto-themed goodies in my collection instead. The brand has a Ditto Wireless HORIPAD Turbo controller and a Ditto Compact Carry All available starting from £34.99 on Amazon, and they just so happen to release on August 6, a day after the DLC. So the answer is yes, I can grab some more Ditto accessories, but I'll have to wait one full day until I can fully transform my setup into one that feels more befitting of the iconic pink-purple Pokémon.

I'm sure I can wait, as these official accessories are plenty adorable and look to be worth it. I've had my eyes on the Compact Carry All ever since it was officially announced on June 19 by Hori of Japan on its official X (Twitter) page, and I have a feeling I'm not alone. In the US, this case, which can store the Nintendo Switch 2, its dock, and some extra accessories including the official Joy-Con controller grip, the handheld's HDMI cable and AC adapter, is sold out across retailers like Walmart, Best Buy and Amazon.

Fortunately, here in the UK, pre-orders are still available for the £34.99 (Amazon) case. However, I'm about to add it to my online basket as soon as possible, just in case stock starts to dwindle here too. At least it's not a similar situation with the matching Wireless HORIPAD Turbo controller. It's available for £54.99 (Amazon) / $64.99 (Amazon) here in the UK and in the US, and there seems to be no stock shortages of the gamepad and its funky arcade-floor-like Ditto design.

As a HORIPAD Turbo controller, the pad comes with TMR sticks like previous models, and there are even back buttons featuring little Ditto too. Where it doesn't quite measure up to the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers is that it only includes 10 hours of battery life. I have a feeling I'll be spending more than just 10 hours of my time exploring Bubbly Basin and all the new Pokémon hiding within its many habitats, so that's a little disappointing. At least it has a USB-C port for easy charging for when I need to give it more juice, and I always have 8BitDo Ultimate 2 on me for when I need a pad that lasts a little longer.

Both the Ditto Compact Carry All and the Ditto Wireless HORIPAD Turbo controller launch on August 6 in the US and UK, but you can always check out the upcoming Hori Pokemon Pixel art accessories if you're not a Ditto devotee.

• View all Hori Switch 2 gaming accessories at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras and the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards if you want to upgrade your setup in time for Pokemon Pokopia's new DLC.