Latest from GamesRadar+ in Samsung

Buyers beware, fake Samsung 990 Pro SSDs are afoot in Europe but they're easier to spot than you think

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:34:32 +0000

That's right, while the escalating prices of the best SSDs for gaming were already upsetting, there are now fake drives you need to be wary of - at least, if you're based in Europe, that is.

According to the website Computer Base, one of its readers named etoo received not one but two counterfeit Samsung 990 Pro SSDs from a retailer based in Austria. While the packaging looked like the real deal from the images Computer Base provided, opening the box revealed a drive with a blue PCB. The 990 Pro has a black PCB, so that was a bit of a giveaway that something was quite right, and it only got worse from there.

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

Once etoo looked further into the drive via CrystalDiskInfo, a similar benchmarking tool that I use to test SSDs, its true counterfeit ways became apparent. ComputerBase continued to explain that the drive showed it had an extra 1099.5 GB on top of the existing 1TB. Typically, when you pop a legitimate SSD into any benchmarking tool, it will show that you have slightly less of its on-the-box capacity, not more.

If it wasn't damning enough, Samsung Magician, a software designed to help manage and maintain Samsung SSDs, marked it as "Non-Samsung" and etoo wasn't even able to test its read and write speeds as the drive was unable to be formatted. The Computer Base reader shared that they had got in contact with the supplier (which has remained nameless) and were told that " the matter was being investigated," but if you're worried about receiving a fake, there are a few things you can do.

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

Firstly, make sure you're only buying from trusted retailers. That won't completely protect you from issues, as a wide variety of sellers can list their wares on the likes of Amazon and Walmart. However, if you are buying from Amazon, make sure you're buying directly from the brand's own stores. To be even safer, I recommend buying directly from a brand's online store. You won't get the best deal, but you will get an extra piece of mind. It's up to you which is more important.

Secondly, before you load up your SSD with your favorite games and other precious files, benchmark it first. Tools like Samsung Magician, which etoo used, will let you know if anything is up. Other brands have their own official accompanying software, which you can use to manage your drive and check if anything is fishy.

Lastly, in the case of the Samsung 990 Pro, be sure to check official marketing images of what your SSD should look like and compare it to your own. If yours has a blue PCB and it's not meant to, then obviously something is a little wrong.

Remember, while this happened in Europe, the US is not immune to counterfeit SSDs and tech. As the RAM Storage Crisis continues to shake up the best SSD prices, there's a chance more fakes could be afoot to make up for demand. Or, those behind these fakes could take advantage of those desperate to upgrade their PC gaming rigs or PS5 consoles.

If you're on the hunt for storage, please be safe out there. If you have any worries or concerns, you can always give me or the rest of the GamesRadar+ hardware team a nudge for help, too. However, buying from trusted retailers and even straight from the source is always your best bet.

View all SSDs for gaming at Samsung

I've also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch microSD Express Cards, the best Xbox Series X hard drives, and the best external hard drives for gaming if you're on the hunt for some extra storage.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: an incredible all-rounder, but some other gaming phones have it beat

Tom Bedford — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:16:19 +0000

It’s natural to consider a top-end phone like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra as a gaming device, thanks to its top-end internals and lovely display. More so, given that Samsung has recently been pushing the gaming potential in its handsets, with the new phone’s chipset allowing for on-mobile ray tracing and immersive audio.

I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for two weeks now, and can confidently say it’s a top pick. Not just for gamers, but for most buyers who can afford it – with a few noteworthy caveats.

This is no cheap phone. You’re paying $1,300 for its 256GB model, $1,500 for 512GB or $1,800 for its 1TB powerhouse – a pretty decent gaming set-up will cost you less than that, as will many of the best gaming phones.

Thanks to its incredible cameras, plentiful software tools and great-looking display, this is a top-tier jack-of-all-trades phone, and it’ll wow buyers with the funds to pick it up. But many of its features will be overkill to people looking for a pure gaming mobile – and some of the alternatives actually outclass the Galaxy for processing.

Check stock at Amazon US
Check stock at Amazon UK

Key Specs
Price	$1,299 / £1,279
Display	6.9-inch AMOLED 2X (3120 x 1440) at 120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
RAM	12GB \| 16GB
Storage	256GB \| 512GB \| 1TB UFS4.X
OS	One UI 8.5 (Android 16)
Cameras	200MP Wide, 50MP Ultrawide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 50MP telephoto 50x (rear) \| 12MP selfie
Battery	5,000mAh
Water resistance	IP68
Dimensions	163.8 x 78.1 x 7.9mm
Weight	214g

Design

It’d be a little hard to pick the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra out of a line-up, because it looks like basically every other smartphone these days. The company has long since ditched the curvy edges of past generations, or patterned or textured backs of rival mobiles, for a pretty nondescript phone. It comes in black, white, pale blue, dark violet, silver or rose gold, and my model is the violet one.

There’s no getting around the fact that this is a giant device, but you’d be hard pressed to find a small gaming phone. It tips the scales to the tune of 214g, and measures 164 x 78 x 7.9mm, clad in a glass front and back and aluminum frame. The glass is Corning Gorilla Glass, designed to withstand bumps or scratches, and in two weeks of careless use my unit hasn’t picked up a single scuff.

(Image credit: Future)

The camera port on the back is quite large, and so you can’t put the device down flat on a table (unless you use it with a case).

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is IP68 protected, which means it’s fully protected from dust and is water resistant to a limited degree. There’s sadly no card slot for expandable memory, which is worth bearing in mind when you pick a storage configuration because downloading loads of games or shooting loads of videos can quickly eat up space.

(Image credit: Future)

As with most modern phones, there’s no 3.5mm jack for wired audio, so you’ll have to rely on the USB-C port for any physical connectors. I’d recommend doing so: the downward-firing speaker is easy to cover with your hand when you’re gaming, muffling audio.

Something that sets Samsung’s Ultra phones aside is their stylus, which you can pop out of the phone’s bottom edge. It’s useful for note-taking and a few specific other use cases, like as a remote camera shutter, but anecdotally I rarely see Ultra owners actually using them.

Display

(Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a beautiful display – the company provides its own-made panels to plenty of other phone brands, so that’s no surprise. It’s Dynamic LTPO Amoled 2X panel, which basically means it’s bright and beautiful. There’s support for HDR10+ and a high max brightness, of 2,600 nits.

It’s a big screen, clocking in at 6.9 inches diagonally. With a 3120 x 1440 resolution, it has more pixels than many rivals, which hits 500 pixels per inch.

Some gaming phone fans may malign the use of a 120Hz refresh rate, with some rivals hitting 144Hz or 165Hz. However very few mobile titles actually support these refresh rates, so it’s not a deal-breaker by any means – just something that specs hounds should know about. Filed under this category could also be its color depth, which is only 8-bit, not 10-bit like many rivals.

A new feature of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is its Privacy, which is something you need to turn on yourself or assign to certain apps. This greatly reduces the viewing angles, so people around you can’t see what’s you’re doing, but to my eyes it knocked the vibrancy a little bit.

Cameras

(Image credit: Future)

One of the biggest draws of Samsung’s phones is their camera prowess, and that’s doubly so for the Ultra models.

The phone packs a 200MP main camera, 10MP telephoto for 3x zoom, 50MP telephoto for 5x zoom and 50MP ultra-wide on the back, and 12MP selfie camera on the front. Perhaps more importantly, it has some of the best-in-class post-processing software; tweaking and fine-tuning your photos to make them vibrant and punchy.

Thanks to those multiple zoom lenses, the phone is fantastic for portrait photography or pictures of closer items – telephotos create great-looking natural background blur and tight focus, so the variety of zoom ranges gives you plenty of tools to work with.

Dab photography hands will find plenty here to like, with Pro modes for photography and videography that let you tweak settings and output in a range of file formats. The photo also comes with an Expert Raw app with tools like zebra patterning, false colour shooting and dual exports in RAW and JPEG.

There are some tools for less experienced photographers too, with a new Super Steady mode using the phone’s gyrosphere and accelerometer to lock the horizon, and Food mode which lets you select a subject for the phone to work its magic on, and add bokeh and contrast. Samsung’s own Nightography reduces noise in dark or nighttime shots, and the camera app’s filter overlays are nuanced and effective.

Software

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung’s phones run its own Android fork, called One UI, and this time around it’s One UI 8.5 running on top Android 16. It’s one of the more distinctive-looking spins on the Google-made software, as you’ll probably notice from the pictures, and I’ll let you come to your own conclusion as to whether you’re a fan or not

When you boot it up, you’re faced with a truly eye-boggling number of the brand’s own apps, which may seem a bit overwhelming. But it has absolutely loads of unique features not available on rivals; highlights on the S26 Ultra include Audio Eraser, which can strip annoying background sounds like traffic, wind or crowds from videos on apps like Instagram and YouTube. I also quickly became reliant on Finder, a phone-wide search system which goes deeper than most phones’, looking through app data, files and even voice recording transcripts to find what you’re looking for.

AI is the name of the game for Samsung, with tools like Circle to Search which can identify elements on-screen to let you search them, and automated call screening with a chatbot answering your phone for you. For the most part, these aren’t generative AI, but in the Gallery app there’s a Generative Edit tool which can add or remove elements from your own pictures. Sometimes it can work well, but a lot of the time it can misunderstand your ask or create AI slop.

Samsung has promised that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will see seven years of Android updates – presumably to Android 23, if naming contentions stay true, and whatever One UI version that ends up being – and that same span of security patches. That’s a fairly competitive term, though bear in mind a phone will work just fine even if left behind in updates. Samsung often brings new Galaxy S features to older members of the line, so you could see some nice new features in that time.

(Image credit: Future)

Gaming

Thanks to its use of a top-end mobile chipset in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is a high-powered gaming beast. Just a note before we go further: I tested a model of the phone with 12GB RAM, but the priciest option offers 16GB.

Benchmark tests reveal one of the fastest phones I’ve ever tested, beaten only by a few finely-tuned gaming phones like the RedMagic 11 Pro, and recent iPhones, but trumping almost all rivals.

Playing games with the S26 Ultra, it tells. The phone easily handles the highest graphics options any game offers, without noticeable framerate drops or stuttering. I tested an array of games like Rainbow Six Mobile, Undawn and Call of Duty Mobile, hoping that any would show a chink in the phone’s armor, but this didn’t happen. Any performance divide between this and the highest-performing phones doesn’t show up in practice, and I imagine the Galaxy will continue to smash through new releases for years to come.

People who’ve used phones bearing Snapdragon chips in the past, may know they have a reputation for getting really hot when you’re gaming. This problem hasn’t been solved, but has been greatly reduced, in the S26 Ultra thanks to some thermal cooling chambers.

By default, when you download games, they’re not taken to your phone’s menu and can only be opened via Samsung’s Gaming Hub app. You can stop this from happening, via the app’s settings menu, but it’s worth noting for first-time users who might be confused where their downloads are going.

One useful tool is that the Galaxy lets you set up automated Modes, which quickly tweak myriad settings when toggled, and I set up a Game one to restrict background app use, silence notifications and tweak the display settings at the push of a button.

Battery

(Image credit: Future)

If I faced one issue with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra during my testing, it was the battery life. With a 5,000mAh battery life, it was mostly fine on the average day: streaming music, social media, the odd call. I could get a full day of use on a single charge.

But when I used the Galaxy more intensively, it struggled. On days when I was looking at the device loads of navigation, taking plenty of pictures or playing lots of games, it could drop charge pretty quickly. Quite often, I’d have to give the handset a second charge through the day, a habit which just isn’t feasible for all buyers. I was caught out several times on an international trip when my picture-taking habits caused the charge to plummet when I was out and about.

At least charging is pretty fast: it hits 60W with a cable, which gets you a full charge in about 45 minutes or less. It’s not best-in-class, and gaming phone fans will undoubtedly have seen 100W and above devices, but it’s still pretty fast. There’s also 25W wireless charging. A neat feature of the phone is that it’ll always tell you how long it’ll be until the handset is fully charged.

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

(Image credit: Future)

There’s no denying that the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is an all-around fantastic phone; the company is one of the best for display tech, camera prowess and software tools, and here you’re getting the complete package.

It’s certainly worth buying if you have the money to spend and need a phone with few compromises made. And as one of the highest-profile phones of 2026, it’s bound to see more deals and cell company order perks than most alternatives.

However if the only thing you care about is gaming prowess, there are other phones which will cater to your needs a little more. There are picks with even faster processing, 144Hz or 165Hz displays, better cooling and physical triggers, and many cost less than the Samsung.

How I tested the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

(Image credit: Future)

I used the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra as my daily smartphone for two weeks to write this review, and downloaded a massive selection of games at the beginning of that period. I also conducted benchmark and battery tests from apps like 3D Mark and Geekbench. In the past I’ve tested gaming phones from every company making them, and other Android phones from almost every brand out there.

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

I'm also rounding up all the best gaming tablets, but for more portable play check out the best gaming handhelds and best gaming earbuds on the market.

Wahoo! The official Switch 2 SD card has reached a record low this Mario Day

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:17:17 +0000

Mario Day is here, and with every March 10 comes the usual slew of discounts and deals on everything Nintendo has to offer. It's my literal job to keep track of Switch 2 accessory prices, and I've spotted savings on everything from cases to controllers. But out of the lot, it's the official Super Mario Samsung microSD Express Card I want to bring to your attention.

The Switch 2 SD card usually sits at $59, but it's down to $39 at Amazon this Mario Day. It's only ever been almost this cheap once before, and that was last year when the holiday sales were kicking off. Otherwise, the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Card stays firm at its full $59 price, making today's $20 off a bit of a rarity. Not just that, but today's deal price makes it the cheapest option for finding any bit of storage for your Switch 2, so you'd be silly not to pick up before Mario Day comes to an end.

256GB Samsung Switch 2 microSD Express Card | ~~$59~~ $39 at Amazon
Save $20 - This Switch 2 SD card provides an extra 256GB worth of storage to store and run Switch 2 games, Switch games, screenshots and game clips. It's equipped with up to 800 MB/s read speeds, and during my own testing, was able to load up games like Mario Kart World in a lightning-fast 22 seconds. Plus, it looks super cute with its iconic red 'M' Super Mario design.

UK: £49.99 at AmazonView Deal

Should you buy the Samsung 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express Card?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Even if you're making do with the onboard storage of your handheld, I wholeheartedly recommend grabbing this Switch 2 SD card deal. Typically, microSD Express Cards are pretty pricey as they're the latest and only way to store and run Switch 2 games. They don't meet the same deals that the older Switch SD cards do, so today's deal is about the lowest you can expect to ever pay for any Switch 2-compatible card.

Now, I don't want you to fork out $39 just for the sake of it, but trust me, having an extra 256GB to play around with is going to come in handy now and in the future. Take Pokemon Pokopia, for example. It's a digital-only release and requires 10GB worth of install space. Having an extra 256GB would make you more than prepared to download it to your device, especially if you've already got a ton of older Switch games taking up space. While it's only 10GB, other Switch 2 releases are beginning to get pretty storage-demanding, like the 102GB required by Final Fantasy 7 Remake, for one. It's likely only going to get worse from here on out.

Plus, this is the only Switch 2 SD card to feature an officially licensed Super Mario design, besides the SanDisk model. You aren't ever going to see it once it's popped in the card slot, but today's $39 deal price more than shaves off that typical escalated license fee you see on official accessories. If you're a Mario or just want to futureproof your handheld, don't skip out on this saving.

View all Nintendo Switch 2 SD cards at Amazon
View all Nintendo Switch 2 accessories at Amazon

Our ultimate Mario Day starter pack is full of other Super Mario-themed goodies you should check out this March 10. I've also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases and the best Nintendo Switch headsets if you're looking to complete your Ninty gaming setup.

Marathon is asking a lot of my reflexes, so I'm hunting down the best high refresh rate gaming monitors for the new extraction shooter

Tabitha Baker — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:15:26 +0000

Marathon is finally here, and if you've been waiting for a good extraction shooter to upgrade to one of the best gaming monitors, you've... well... been waiting a long time. We've held through the delays, though, and now it's time to drink in the neon vibes and cheeseburgers.

The good news is there are three high refresh rate gaming monitors that we hold above all else, and considering Marathon sometimes feels like a one-hit-kill experience competitive players are holding onto every frame they can. I've been totalled in one too many Server Slams for my liking, so now I'm looking at my setup, running through Phil's best high refresh rate gaming monitors to find an alternative to my potato screen.

From the super cheap $150 Koorui GN02 to the premium Sony Inzone M10S (and with a little Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 action in the middle), these are the displays that have offered us the highest speeds at the fairest prices (and with the best panels) in the last few years.

Sony

Sony Inzone M10S

KOORUI

Koorui GN02

Samsung

Samsung Odyssey OLED G6

Best monitor for Marathon overall

Future / Phil Hayton

What we love

Speedy 480Hz refresh rates at 1440p
High-contrast OLED panel
Sturdy stand with pivot

What to consider

One of the more expensive options

Phil's Sony Inzone M10S review makes it quite clear; this is a PC-focused gaming monitor that puts speed at the forefront of its design. That 480Hz refresh rate is going to be difficult to max out, no matter how fancy your GPU.

I'll get one thing clear, though. This is a high refresh rate gaming monitor for competitive FPS players looking for a little more zhuzh compared to 1080p. If you've been stuck scaling your resolution down to maximise those frames, it might be time for an upgrade. The Inzone M10S has the best of both worlds on display here, just make sure your graphics card can keep up.

You'll likely need to drop down to 1080p to really push that 480Hz refresh rate to its limit in Marathon, but who's really buying a gaming monitor for one game only? Single-player and more strategic endeavours can benefit from that higher resolution when the guns are down.

Best budget monitor for Marathon

Future / Phil Hayton

What we love

Excellent price for 240Hz
Still solid colors

What to consider

Lacks more premium features
Softer resolution

We thought this affordable panel would be a bit of a punt when Phil started their Koorui GN02 review, but the sub-$200 display came across surprisingly well. This is a lesser-known brand, largely sold via Amazon, but it still holds up against the budget competiton from Acer, Samsung, and MSI.

You won't find that 240Hz refresh rate on a gaming monitor costing less than $150 too often, and the GN02 still manages to pack some excellent colors and contrast onto its 27-inch panel. The 1080p resolution means this is an ideal monitor for those running a mid-range GPU; you'll still be able to push Marathon framerates to a decent extent without your monitor holding you back.

While that 1080p picture presented a little softer than a more premium model in our testing, and you're dropping some of the more luxurious features (like a USB hub and height adjustment) compared to more expensive models, the Koorui GN02 is still the budget gaming monitor to beat right now.

Best mid-range monitor for Marathon

Future / Phil Hayton

Phil Hayton

What we love

Gorgeous colors
Impressive HDR
Speedy 360Hz refresh rate
Slick aesthetic

What to consider

No USB hub

Samsung does well with its Odyssey panels, and the G6 is no different. This has been one of our favorite gaming monitors ever since we first published our Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 review. Bold colors will serve Marathon's more vibrant art style well, while each environment's complex lighting is going to be well supported by the particularly satisfying HDR features on board.

The G6 doesn't quite reach the 480Hz heights of the Sony Inzone M10S, but it's certainly punching above most GPUs with that 360Hz refresh rate, and it's doing it all on an anti-glare OLED panel to boot.

It just looks great on a desk as well. That hexagonal stand base keeps things visually interesting while staying flush against a desk to save space, plus its silver aesthetic steers clear of the monochrome black we're used to. A full pivot function makes for easy vertical screen shenanigans, and there's even an RGB glow around the rear.

Do you need a high refresh rate gaming monitor for Marathon?

You don't need an ultra-high refresh rate to keep your Marathon gameplay fun and competitive, but if you're a particularly skilled player, you'll find the higher your panel's speed ceiling is the faster your responses can be. You'll, of course, need to make sure your GPU is capable of actually spitting out the kinds of framerates you need to make every twitch-reflex count.

If your PC can only muster 60-100fps in complex competitive scenarios, you don't need more than a 120Hz panel. If, however, you're knocking past 120fps, it's well worth upgrading to a 144Hz with potential future-proofing up to 240Hz. If you have a high-end graphics card and completely scale back your graphical settings to push for framerates that move into the 300s or 400s, you'll need a high refresh rate gaming monitor that can keep up with them.

That said, high refresh rates are often added onto panels that also offer additional benefits for Marathon players. Sony and Samsung's OLED panels, for example, will pack a higher degree of contrast and color vibrancy compared to a TN or IPS. It's not going to win you any matches, but it certainly makes the experience look better.

Why should you match your framerates to your refresh rates in Marathon?

While your GPU can throw whatever kinds of frames it likes at you, it will all be for naught if your eyes don't see them. Matching your gaming monitor's refresh rate with your PC's framerates means you'll be able to catch as much action as possible, track motion and movement more naturally, and respond accordingly.

Anyone who's played a Server Slam before will know that Marathon comes with a sturdy difficulty curve and a pretty merciless time-to-kill. You can't buy anything that will make you better at the game, but if you want your hardware to support your efforts its worth making sure your GPU and panel are aligned.

See all gaming monitor deals at Amazon

Console players needn't feel left out, we're also rounding up the best PS5 monitors and the best Xbox Series X monitors on the market. Or check out the best ultrawide monitors.

Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-orders are live, I've hunted down all the best deals available now

Tabitha Baker — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:44:10 +0000

Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-orders are now alive and well, but not all trade-in offers and discounted accessory bundles are built equally. With Amazon and Samsung jostling for the best unlocked prices and T-Mobile and Verizon running their handset costs all the way down to zero, there's plenty of competition already. I've been running the numbers to find you the best Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order deals in the US and UK right now.

To get straight down to business, those looking for an unlocked device should be heading to Samsung or Amazon in the US. The former is offering larger trade-in promotions, but if you don't have a device to hand over Amazon has a far more flexible $100 gift card up for grabs. Looking to add a new line? Verizon and T-Mobile will both give you a free handset for signing up, but T-Mobile has the cheaper activation cost.

If you're in the UK, EE has the best plan deal available now, with big trade-in discounts and savings on its monthly SIM plans as well. Meanwhile, Samsung is doubling your storage for free with its own additional savings as well.

With that beefy Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor at the helm, the Ultra model could well take on some of the best gaming phones on the market right now, but smaller upgrades see cheaper models offering their own benefits as well. You'll find all the best Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order deals in the US and UK just below.

Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order deals in the US

Samsung | Get up to $900 off with trade-in / $150 Samsung credit
Got an old phone to get rid of as you upgrade? Samsung will give you up to $900 off the price of your Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order ahead of launch. Don't want to give up your old device? You can also opt for a $150 Samsung credit instead. View Deal

Amazon | Free storage upgrade + $100 Amazon gift card
If you want to buy your new phone outright but don't want to be tied to Samsung's own credit, Amazon is also offering a compelling S26 pre-order deal right now. You're getting a boost up to 512GB of storage for free and a $100 Amazon gift card at the same time. View Deal

T-Mobile | Free handset with a new line, $40 off Galaxy Buds4 Pro
T-Mobile is offering a free Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order when you add a new line on an Experience Beyond plan (for the Ultra) or Experience More / Go5G Plus plans (for the S26+). You can also grab yourself $40 off the Galaxy Buds4 Pro at the same time. T-Mobile's activation fee is $35.View Deal

Verizon | Free handset with Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus plans
Verizon is also throwing in a free Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order with certain phone plans, though its activation fee is a little higher than T-Mobile's at $40. View Deal

Best Buy | Get up to $1,100 off with trade-in, free storage boost
Best Buy is also offering some hefty trade-in reductions if you're levelling up by a single generation. A regular Galaxy S24 tied to a carrier and in good condition will net you $400 off the final price, though. View Deal

Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order deals in the UK

Samsung | Free storage upgrade, £100 off with PayPal, up to £607 off with trade-in
There's a whole menu of pre-order benefits available over at Samsung. The site is giving everyone a free boost to 512GB of storage as standard, but you can also score additional savings by paying with PayPal or trading in your own phone. The brand also has 10% off Galaxy Buds and Watches as well as 30% off cases. View Deal

EE | Up to £696 off with trade-in + up to £20 off per month with 125GB Essentials plan + £336 off Galaxy Watch8
EE's rolling out a whole roster of Samsung Galaxy S26 pre-order deals, from a chunk of change off your initial purchase with a trade-in all the way through to savings on smartwatches to boot. That £696 trade-in amount is also the largest of the UK's retailers right now. View Deal

What's new with the Samsung Galaxy S26?

(Image credit: Samsung)

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is the brand's latest range of flagship smartphones, spanning the base S26, the S26+ and the S26 Ultra. The new generation is focusing on its 'Galaxy AI experiences', but in everyday life it's more of an iterative update on what came before.

The S26 juices up its charging abilities with Super Fast Charging 3.0 and doubles its starting storage at 256GB, while also sporting a boosted processor under the hood. Samsung reckons you'll get 23% improved graphics performance and 7% faster processing out of its new entry level handset, with the brand's ProScaler display tech giving that screen a boost in impact as well.

Most notably for those looking for a gaming device, Samsung has beefed up its vapor chamber cooling, reportedly improving heat dissipation by 29%.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra boosts screen size up to 6.9-inches, but carries additional weight in the process, with the full power of a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset (the same processor that broke my benchmark records inside the RedMagic 11 Pro recently). It also adds a QHD+ AMOLED display, where the S26 only runs at a FHD+ resolution.

Full Samsung Galaxy S26 specs
	Samsung Galaxy S26	Samsung Galaxy S26+	Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Starting Price	$899 / £879	$1,099 / £1,099	$1,279 / £1,279
Processor	Custom Exynos 2600	Custom Exynos 2600	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Battery	4,300mAh	4,900mAh	5,000mAh
Display	6.3-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED	6.7-inch 3120 x 1440 AMOLED	6.9-inch 3120 x 1440 AMOLED
Weight	167g	190g	214g
Cameras	50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, 10MP Telephoto, 12MP Front	50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, 10MP Telephoto, 12MP Front	200MP Wide, 50MP Ultra Wide, 50/10 MP Telephoto, 12MP Front

I'm also hunting down all the best gaming tablets, but if you're after more portable play options check out the best gaming handhelds and best mobile controllers.

This 256GB Switch 2 SD card is cheaper than the official Nintendo model, just in time for Pokemon Pokopia

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:11:50 +0000

If you've got your Pokemon Pokopia pre-order in the bag, you're gonna need to have 10GB spare to play it. As game-key card release, the full game isn't on the cart, and so you'll need to have plenty of storage available when its March 5, 2026, release date rolls around.

The simplest solution is to spare some of the onboard storage of your Switch 2 by deleting or archiving some older games. But if your digital library is precious to you, you can always grab this 256GB Samsung P9 Switch 2 SD card, which is down to $47.20 at Amazon right now instead. You could alternatively pick up the official Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Card, but it's still sitting at its full $59 MSRP. Choosing this Samsung P9 deal will still provide you with that extra 256GB for Pokemon Pokopia, and save you $11 when compared to Nintendo's official model.

Samsung P9 Express microSD Express Card | ~~$54.99~~ $47.20 at Amazon
This 256GB Samsung P9 microSD Express Card isn't the biggest saving in the world. However, it's currently one of the cheapest options for getting 256GB of extra space for your Switch 2, especially when you factor in the full $59 price of the officially licensed 256GB Samsung model.

Buy it if:

✅ You're a Switch 2 player
✅ You want to install Pokemon Pokopia
✅ You want to better future-proof your handheld

Don't buy it if:

❌ An extra 256GB isn't enough
❌ You want the design of the Nintendo Samsung model

UK: £55.99 at Amazon View Deal

IS 256GB enough for the Nintendo Switch 2?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Personally, I prefer at least 512GB to 1TB GB at my disposal when it comes to using the best gaming handhelds, but 256GB is a good starting point.

A lot of the best Switch 2 games aren't as storage-demanding as PC titles (I'm looking at you Baldur's Gate 3), but they are getting steadily more taxing the more we get into the Ninty's handheld lifespan. Take Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which lands on the Switch 2 on June 3, 2026. It requires 102GB of your handheld's storage to install, which is a huge chunk if you're left purely depending on the 256GB onboard storage.

Having the extra 256GB as provided by this Samsung P9 deal can help with that, and it can more can faciliate the 10GB for Pokemon Pokopia - the bigger the better. The issue really comes down to the price and what you're willing to spend, as microSD Express Cards don't have the same budget-friendly costs as the older handheld Switch cards. The higher the capacity, the more cash you can expect to fork out.

When you take that into account, I recommend grabbing a 256GB Switch 2 SD card to start with and see how you get on. If Pokemon Pokopia is the only big Switch 2 release you have your heart set on playing so far this year, then it can more than make do. Then, if Nintendo happens to reveal new titles for the 30th Anniversary (fingers crossed), you can always save up for a higher capacity card instead.

512GB Samsung P9 microSD Express Card | ~~$119.99~~ $79.99 at Amazon
View all Switch 2 microSD Express cards at Amazon

Our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases are full of goodies that can transform your upcoming Pokemon Pokopia adventures.

The official Switch 2 SD card is back in stock, and it can cope with all 102GB of FF7 Rebirth

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:39:47 +0000

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is making its way to the Nintendo Switch 2, as we learned during the recent Direct presentation. Anyone who hasn't yet spent a gruelling 90+ hours running the sequel is likely very excited, but a big game like that requires a lot of storage and you'll need 102GB of your Switch 2 to install it.

Fortunately, the official Switch 2 SD card is back in stock for $59 at Amazon, with its 256GB of extra storage. Due to its cute official Super Mario design, this official Switch 2 microSD Express card tends to bounce on and off the shelves, but it's available just in time to double your handheld space, and I didn't even have to cast Haste this time.

256GB Samsung Switch 2 microSD Express Card | $59 at Amazon
The official card doesn't just look cute with its official red, Super Mario design. It's equipped with transfer speeds up to 800 MB/s and was able to transfer the 21.9GB Mario Kart World in 5 minutes 15 seconds on my Switch 2. It's not the fastest Switch 2 SD card on the market, but it can provide reasonable speeds and enough space for FF7 Rebirth and more storage-demanding titles.

UK: £44.99 at AmazonView Deal

Should you buy the 256GB Samsung Switch 2 microSD Express Card?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

If you're planning on grabbing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on the Switch 2, then having the extra storage from a microSD Express Card like this officially licensed Samsung model is a bit of a must. Sure, the handheld itself includes 256GB worth of space, but a chunk of that is used for system files.

If you have no other games installed on your handheld, you can definitely get away with purely relying on that 256GB for your FF7 sequel shenanigans, but having a card will give you more freedom to download more games to your system at a time, especially if you need a break in between Queens Blood card game sessions. (When you finally play FF7 Rebirth, you'll know.)

You're not just limited to the Samsung microSD Express card, though, there's a plethora of compatible options out there. However, the higher the capacity, the more you can expect to pay. For example, the Lexar 512GB Play PRO microSD Express Card is currently $94.99 at Amazon, and when you include the $49.99 cost of the game, it all adds up. You could alternatively go the cheaper route and grab a card like the 128 GB-sized card from Gigastone for $49.99 (Amazon), but that leaves little wiggle room for any future patch updates that might come FF7 Rebirth's way.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Switch 2 | Pre-order for $49.99 at Nintendo
View all Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards at Amazon

Our team has rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases to help level up your Ninty handheld experience with FF7 Rebirth and beyond.

Want the Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold? You'll need a serious stack of cash

Tabitha Baker — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:34:09 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is set to take on the best gaming phones when all 10-inches of its bendy screen launches at the end of the week. Oh, and it costs $2,899.

That's by far the most expensive smartphone Samsung has released to date (not including all those special editions), with the previous Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 launching at a still-lofty $1,999.99 halfway through last year. We're nearly $1,000 further up the price scale, all for an extra panel.

The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold was officially announced back in December, as a phone / tablet hybrid moving beyond the traditional 'book-like' design that has held strong in this corner of the market so far. It opens more like a DnD screen, with the main top display right at the back and each side unfurling to reveal a second 10-inch panel.

It shares the same Snapdragon 8 Elite processor as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, though bumps that internal memory to 16GB RAM compared to the previous generation's 12GB. It's certainly punching with the best of them when it comes to internal power, but we all know that's not why Samsung wants $3K for it.

(Image credit: Samsung)

The main 'interior' screen runs at 2160 x 1584 resolution, with the AMOLED panel hitting a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The 'external' screen (the one you'll be using as a phone most of the time) sits at 6.5-inches with a lower 2520 x 1080 resolution. When it's all folded up and in your pocket, it sits at 12.9mm thick, with a 3.9mm minimum depth when fully open.

All that runs off a 5,600mAh battery - a smaller offering than I've seen in single-screen devices recently, and a potential cause for concern if you're going to be maximising your usage out of that tablet experience at full brightness. It's certainly got more juice than the iPhone 17 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, but models like the RedMagic 11 Pro and even the OnePlus 15R are at or over 7,000mAh these days.

$2,900 is a lot to pay for a phone - this one's only for the early adopters with even the still-expensive Z Fold 7 offering better value on paper overall. So what's the alternative? Well, it looks like these tri-folding screens are simply a premium option these days. The Huawei Mate Xts isn't available in the US officially, but you can still get your hands on it for around $2,500.

(Image credit: Huawei)

I can absolutely see the benefit in that big-screen display. I myself fell in love with the concept when I completed my Honor Magic V2 review a couple of years ago. Whether gaming or catching up on YouTube, the extra real estate is absolutely worth investigating. Is it worth $3,000? I highly doubt it will be for most users.

You've likely already got a wad of cash in your pocket if you're considering the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, but if you're specifically after a gaming device there's much better value elsewhere. The RedMagic 11 Pro runs on the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with a faster 144Hz screen and a more robust battery. That will see you through all your competitive thumb tappers for $749. For anything beyond that? You might as well invest the $2,000 you've saved into one of the best gaming handhelds or best gaming laptops.

RedMagic 11 Pro | $749 at RedMagic
The RedMagic 11 Pro is still a recent release, and the brand's current flagship, so it's not seen any discounts on the handset itself just yet. Still it's a fraction of the cost and far better value for gamers in particular. View Deal

See all Galaxy phones at Samsung

We're also hunting down all the best gaming tablets for a more traditional big-screen experience, or check out the best mobile controllers and best gaming earbuds for more accessories.

This 512GB Samsung Switch 2 SD card deal is a breath of fresh air amidst the sea of rising storage prices

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:54:59 +0000

The prices of game storage is getting increasingly harder to stomach. While I can't bestow any good news to PC players regarding the increasingly expensive SSDs out there, I have at least spotted this Samsung P9 512GB Switch 2 SD card for a steal, which Switch 2 owners are sure to get a kick out of.

The 512GB card is down to just $79.99 at Amazon today, a saving of $40 off its full $119.99 MSRP. Other storage brands like Lexar currently have their 512GB Switch 2 microSD Express Cards only as low as $99.99, making this one of the best savings I've spotted all week. Not to mention, it's only $5 away from its lowest ever price on record. If your Switch 2 could use some extra storage to cope with all the new Animal Crossing content and 2026 releases, this is the deal for you.

512GB Samsung P9 microSD Express Card | ~~$119.99~~ $79.99 at Amazon
Save $40 - Not only are you saving $40 by grabbing this 512GB worth of extra space for your Switch 2, but this card is equipped with sequential read and transfer speeds of up to 800 MB/s, which is enough to load your games in no time flat. Popping this card into your Switch 2 will also grant you a total of 768GB (including the onboard 256GB storage), which is plenty for storing DLC or just your existing digital Switch game library.

Buy it if:

✅ You're a Switch 2 player
✅ You want extra storage for future 2026 game releases
✅ You have a large existing digital game library

Don't buy it if:

❌ 512GB just isn't enough
❌ You barely use the 256GB onboard storage

UK: £129 at Amazon View Deal

Should you buy a 512GB microSD express card for your Nintendo Switch 2?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Whether or not you need an extra 512GB for your Nintendo Switch 2 depends entirely on how you play your handheld, and how you keep intending to play it, the further we get into 2026.

If you take little to no screenshots and game clips, and only invest in physical games, you can make do with the 256GB onboard storage of the handheld. That's especially the case if you use the Switch 2 to stick to first-party Nintendo games, as for the most part, the games are fully available on their physical cartridges. That is sadly, changing, as releases like Pokemon Pokopia, which is set to launch on March 5, will instead be on a game-key card and will require an estimated 10GB worth of space to install.

If you want to be prepared for more Nintendo games following suit, this 512GB is an ideal investment. More so if you have a large existing digital game library left over from your days playing the original Switch. With 512GB at your disposal, you can download a plethora of your older favorite titles, while still having room for any other games on the Switch 2 eShop that have caught your eye.

If, in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, you can't quite fork out $79.99 for storage alone, there is a cheaper option. The 256GB Samsung P9 is also discounted today, and is available for $39.99, a price much easier to digest if you happen to be on a budget. It's not as much as 512GB, but it'll still give you double that of the onboard space of the handheld, which is enough to keep you going for all the releases 2026 has yet reveal.

Samsung P9 256GB microSD Express Card | ~~$54.99~~ $39.99 at Amazon
View all Switch 2 SD card deals at Amazon

Our best Switch 2 accessories guide is full to the brim with the best Nintendo Switch headsets and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers we recommend to those looking to boost their Ninty gaming setups.

Samsung's 1040Hz gaming monitor isn't for mortals like me, and I know most of us lack the GPU

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:18:25 +0000

I was fully expecting a best gaming monitor contender to break the refresh rate speed barrier at CES 2026, but I figured we'd be treated to 700Hz models. Instead, Samsung has unleashed a bizarre 1040Hz version of its G6 screen that, quite honestly, feels like it'll benefit only the twitchiest esports monsters on the planet.

Dubbed the Samsung Odyssey G60H, this display is in fact "the world's first 1040Hz gaming monitor," which isn't surprising given that 600Hz was a novelty just last year. The leap will first and foremost benefit anyone who has one of the best gaming PCs on the planet, capable of boosting fps as far as possible, and trust me when I say your pricey Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 build potentially doesn't cut the mustard.

Even if you are the proud owner of an RTX 5090, a graphics card that will set you back at least $2,000, most game engines aren't built to handle over 1,000fps. Trying to serve up the 1040Hz screen with a useful frame rate is going to be tricky across 99% of your Steam library. That said, there are esports enthusiasts out there who will use the speed for quicker reaction times in Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, or Overwatch (my go-to hero shooter.)

Photo of the Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 for visual example. (Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Admittedly, I feel like I have the "you don't need this monitor" conversation every CES, and sometimes I'm proven brutally wrong. There was a stage where I personally didn't feel like anything over 360Hz would benefit my experience, but I've become accustomed to playing Overwatch at 540Hz using the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B's dual resolution mode. So, I'm not completely closed off to the idea of eventually playing at 1040Hz, but I reckon even my test rig won't put out enough frames to fully embrace the speed.

It is worth noting that, just like that LG UltraGear model, the new Odyssey G60H has a dual mode, meaning it's not confined to just 1040Hz. In terms of native resolution, this is actually a 1440p 600Hz panel designed to take on the Sony Inzone M10, and the 1040Hz setting ramps things up by scaling things down to 1080p. It's worth noting that this screen is also IPS, so no OLED levels of vibrancy like with the Samsung Odyssey OLED G6.

I don't want to mark the Odyssey G60H as showboating, nor do I want to suggest 1040Hz won't benefit anyone. Statistically, though, chances are that many of you reading this right now won't have much to gain from this new Samsung screen, even if I do eventually end up darting around as Pharah at stupid frame rates in 2026.

I'll be looking to get hands-on with the G60H regardless, but with a year of painful PC gaming price increases ahead, I'll be questioning whether you should be paying top dollar for over 1000Hz even if you are a competitive player in search of an edge. We're still waiting for a price and solid release date, so watch this space.

More gaming monitors at Amazon
High refresh rate monitors at Amazon

Looking for more screens? Swing by the best monitor for PS5 and the best monitor for Xbox Series X for console-flavored options. You'll want to peek at the best gaming TVs too for extra-large living room panels.

This is the cheapest a 256GB Switch 2 SD card has been so far

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:48:54 +0000

Ensuring you have a Switch 2 SD card for the holidays will mean you can start your festive celebrations battle-ready and prepared to fight back against any storage woes. Get gifted a new game, but its upgrade pack needs installing? You'll be good to go. Want to spend that new gifted eShop voucher your granny got you on new digital games? It's all good, you'll have your Switch 2 SD card for that.

The only hindrance is that these new speedy cards are pretty pricey, but the Samsung P9 256GB microSD Express Card is down to $32.99 at Amazon today. Grabbing a card for this little is pretty unheard of, as even the best microSD Express Cards have only dropped as low as $39 over Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Out of any Switch 2 SD card from any brand, I've never spotted 256GB for as low as today, so I implore you to grab this deal (if your Christmas budget can spare it) before it disappears like Santa up the chimney.

Samsung P9 256GB microSD Express Card | ~~$54.99~~ $32.99 at Amazon
Save $22 - The Samsung P9 256GB Switch 2 SD card is down to just $32.99 today, saving you $22 off its full price of $54.99. This card comes packed with transfer and read speeds up to 800 MB/s, which is enough to run your Switch 2 games in no time flat. Better yet, this marks the lowest I've ever spotted for a 256GB microSD Express card, especially one from one of the biggest brands in storage. If you want to future-proof your Switch 2 for the holiday break, grabbing this cheap Switch 2 SD card feels like a no-brainer.

Buy it if:

✅ You own a Switch 2
✅ You have a growing digital game library
✅ You want to buy more digital games over the holidays
✅ You take a lot of screencaptures

Don't buy it if:

❌ You'd rather more storage
❌ You'd prefer the official Samsung Switch 2 card

UK: £61.69 at Amazon View Deal

Why having a microSD Express Card will be handy for the holidays

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The holiday period can be more important than ever for having extra storage, as if you own a Switch 2, it's highly likely you'll be gifted some new games or even Nintendo eShop vouchers to buy new games. New games mean you'll need to ensure you'll have enough storage to download them all, or their updates and DLC, and the best way to go about that is to ensure you have a microSD Express Card.

The Switch 2 has 256GB worth of onboard storage, and that's it. With no other models of the new handheld available at this time, that's all you get. Fortunately, the sizes of Switch 2 games aren't too horrendous, but it is already getting more storage demanding with every new release. Take Pokémon Legends Z-A. It only required 7.7 GB worth of space at launch. However, Kirby Air Riders, which released the following month on November 20, required 21.7GB, and if you get gifted a voucher to grab it on Christmas Day, you'll need to ensure you have the space to install it.

You will save a little more space by being gifted physical games, however, they still require you to have enough room on your handheld. For example, all Switch 2 upgrade packs are digital downloads. I own the original Switch cart for Super Mario Party Jamboree, but its Switch 2 upgrade pack required 7.9 GB of my Switch 2. Fortunately, I had a microSD Express Card so I was prepared, but that'd be a big chunk of my onboard storage gone if I hadn't been prepared.

Having a microSD Express Card, even if you're a physical game fan, will mean you can spend less time fussing on your remaining storage and more time just playing games, which is what the Switch 2 should be all about. For just $32.99, almost less than half the price of a new Switch 2 game, you can have that added bit of reassurance over the holidays, and that's more than worth every one of those $33 dollars in my eyes.

View all Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express cards at Amazon
View all Nintendo Switch 2 gaming deals at Amazon
Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express Card | $99.99 at Amazon

Check out our best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories guide, which is full of the best Nintendo Switch headsets and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers that we recommend owning during the holidays and all year round.

Crucial could have been the brand to help consumers with RAM and storage costs, not make them worse

duncan.robertson@futurenet.com (Duncan Robertson) — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This week, Micron announced that it was shuttering the Crucial brand to focus all of its efforts on AI manufacturing. If you've not been keeping up to speed, DRAM and NAND tech are in such high demand right now due to AI data center needs and an increase in AI-boosted technology, that prices are skyrocketing. Instead of weathering the storm and supporting consumers who are looking for the best RAM for gaming though, Micron has chosen to abandon them entirely.

In my eyes, as someone who has covered RAM and storage for years, Crucial was actually the brand that was most primed to help out consumers in this trying time. There are three main suppliers of DRAM in the current market. There's Samsung, there's SK Hynix, and there's Micron (the parent company of Crucial).

These three brands don't just sell RAM and SSD tech themselves; they manufacture it and supply it to other consumer brands. Names like Corsair, Adata, PNY, and more will release memory under their own brands, but they use Samsung, Micron, Nanya, and SK Hynix memory chips in their products. Of those big three, Micron was the one with the lowest market share, according to CounterPointResearch.

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

Today's best DDR5 prices

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

It's a depressing time to shop for DDR5, but I've scoured the shelves to find you the most reasonably priced options in the UK and US today - if you can call these reasonably priced

US | T-FORCE RGB DDR5 16GB: $189.99 at Newegg
UK | T-FORCE RGB DDR5 16GB: £155.69 at Amazon

We already know that Samsung is bound in a contract with OpenAI to supply an unholy amount of DRAM wafers and NAND parts to them (900,000 wafers per month, to be exact). SK Hynix services a lot of different consumer brands both in storage and memory, but arguably has the weakest consumer brand of its own compared to those big three manufacturers.

Micron and Crucial already had a leg up on them all, in my opinion, because despite having a lower market share, they've been aptly targeting gamers with minimal fuss products like Crucial Pro DDR5, which was priced super reasonably, removed from the extra expense of RGB flair, and saw discounts and bundles often. The same goes for Crucial's storage products. I regularly got emails from Crucial's PR folks in the UK to tell me about new bundles, deals, and gaming freebies consumers were getting as incentives to buy the brand's gear.

While it's clear now that this was an attempt to increase market share, to me, it signalled that it already had a creative approach to servicing the gaming community, which would be more than welcome in times like these. Sure, it maybe didn't make the best components, but it absolutely made viable ones that were worth considering when the more premium options were too expensive.

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

While Samsung is busy manufacturing with OpenAI, and with SK Hynix only really servicing other consumer brands, Crucial could have doubled down on this approach.

Again, Micron makes its own RAM and SSD tech, it doesn't have to make up for enormous manufacturing costs from other suppliers like smaller brands do. It could have seen the demand for gamers, expanded its output, offered even somewhat reasonable pricing, and stolen so much of the market share in 2026.

With Crucial's deals, products, and cleverly crafted gaming bundles now disappearing entirely, it's not just removing itself from the market, it's making things even worse for consumers

Of course, it's easy to see why this didn't happen. Micron clearly saw the AI writing on the wall and knew where it'd be easier to make profits instead of scrap for more consumer attention.

Instead, Micron's press release read as though it had been run through AI to disguise what it was truly saying: "The AI-driven growth in the data center has led to a surge in demand for memory and storage. Micron has made the difficult decision to exit the Crucial consumer business in order to improve supply and support for our larger, strategic customers in faster-growing segments.”

...Which translates in my mind to: "You didn't buy enough of our stuff, so we're off to make money on AI instead".

With Crucial's deals, products, and cleverly crafted gaming bundles now disappearing entirely, it's not just removing itself from the market, it's making things even worse for consumers by taking a clear product to consider out of the race. Now, there will be even fewer RAM kits to choose from - and one less reasonably priced option to consider.

We can only hope that, alongside the already apparent supply issues and massive price inflation, more brands don't follow in Micron's footsteps. Like any emergent, booming part of the economy, AI is a bubble, so I'll be very curious to see if the Crucial brand returns cap in hand should that bubble pop in the coming years.

T-FORCE RGB DDR5 16GB: $189.99 at Newegg
T-FORCE RGB DDR5 16GB: £155.69 at Amazon
View more DDR5 at Newegg

For more on the best gaming PCs, check out our list of the best graphics card, the best CPU for gaming, and the best computer speakers.

The latest Switch 2 SD card from Samsung is the cheapest 512GB option, even without its new discount

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:14:47 +0000

Samsung launched a new line-up of microSD Express cards designed with the Switch 2 in mind, including a new 512GB capacity option. The Samsung P9 Express card has been available since November 4 as one of the best low-cost options for getting triple the storage for the Switch 2, and today, it just got even cheaper.

Thanks to a 5% coupon, you can grab the Samsung P9 Express for $94.99 at Amazon, the lowest price I've spotted for any 512GB Switch 2 SD card so far. Other brands' options start from at least $119.99, so even without this small $5 saving, this Switch 2 micro SD Express card is cheaper than the rest. With Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals incoming, you could hold out for a bigger discount, but this is still a worthwhile deal if you're desperate for some extra space for incoming games like Kirby Air Riders to Metroid Prime 4 Beyond.

Samsung P9 Express 512GB microSD Express Card | ~~$199.99~~ $94.99 at Amazon
Save $5 - After selecting the 5% off coupon, the new Samsung P9 Express microSD Express card will drop down to $94.99 in your Amazon basket, its lowest ever price since launch. Today, that saving might only be $5 off, but it makes this Samsung card the cheapest on the market if you're after 512GB worth of storage for your Switch 2 - which counts it as a great early Black Friday bargain in my book.

Buy it if:

✅ You own a Switch 2
✅ You're a digital game fan
✅ The 256GB Switch 2 onboard storage isn't enough

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want the official Samsung Switch 2 SD card
❌ You'd rather 1TB of extra space
❌ You're waiting for the main Black Friday sales

UK: Check stock at Amazon View Deal

Do you need a microSD Express card for your Switch 2?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

One of my biggest annoyances with the new Switch 2 is its subpar onboard storage. The new handheld is only equipped with 256GB, which I find I fill pretty fast amongst the past digital game downloads, screenshots, and video clips.

It's why I'm glad I've had a microSD Express card for almost as long as I've had my Switch 2, as not only is it the only compatible storage option available for the handheld, but it's meant I can spend more time gaming and less time worrying about limited space. But unlike me, not everyone will have the need to have a Switch 2 SD card.

The Switch 2 game library is pretty small so far, and many of them aren't very storage-demanding. For example, Donkey Kong Bananza only required 8.5GB worth of space at launch, which is practically nothing. It does appear as though games are starting to get a bit larger, as the upcoming Kirby Air Riders, which launches on November 20, requires 25GB of space. If you want to futureproof your device for games like it, then picking up any-sized microSD Express card is a good plan - including this 512GB option from Samsung.

If you're trying to keep your Switch 2 accessories spending as low as possible, Nintendo announced that the official Samsung microSD Express card will be $20 off on November 30, as it's included in its upcoming official Black Friday offers. Sure, it only comes with 256GB extra space, but if you aren't fussed about losing out on that extra 256GB as found on the Samsung P9 Express, it's a much cheaper option.

View all microSD Express cards at Amazon
View all Samsung microSD card deals at Amazon
256GB Official Samsung Switch 2 microSD Express Card | $59 at Amazon

Our guide to the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories is full of our favorite Nintendo Switch headsets and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers we've tested so far which would be ideal as part of any new Ninty gaming setup.

I adore my LG OLED TV, but I would have jumped on this Samsung deal if it popped up first

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:56:37 +0000

I'm not saying I regret picking up my LG OLED C4 TV a few months back, but I've just found a 65-inch Samsung offer that feels like far better value. You normally have to be fully in the Black Friday trenches to find a big 4K 120Hz living room screen that isn't mini LED or a traditional LCD for under $900, so it's safe to say this offer has caught me off guard.

Thanks to a chonky "Doorbuster" deal, you can now grab the 65-inch S84F 4K OLED for $899.99 at Best Buy. The cheapest Amazon can do on the same gaming TV is $1,197.99, so it's safe to say this is a pretty great record low price. I'm really not used to seeing screens at this price point that aren't 55 inches max, and honestly? I would have snapped this discount up if I hadn't already opted for my current display.

Samsung S84F OLED 65-inch | ~~$1,999.99~~ $899.99 at Best Buy
Save $1,110 - This is frankly a bananas discount on Samsung's 4K 120Hz OLED TV ahead of Black Friday, and it brings the 65-inch model to a new record low. I highly doubt we'll see many panels this size drop to the same price during the event, and I'm worried that it'll vanish before the sale even begins.

UK: ~~£1,499.99~~ £1,299.99 at CurrysView Deal

Here's the thing - I absolutely love my 55-inch LG OLED C4, and while I wouldn't pick one up for the $1,196.99 asking price Best Buy wants for one, it's well worth considering when it drops under $1,000. That said, even some of the deepest discounts look silly compared to the retailer's 65-inch S84F deal, while it's 120Hz rather than 144Hz, you're getting a pretty large, vibrant panel for way less than its closest rival.

(Image credit: Samsung)

I originally opted for the C4 purely because its LG OLED G4 flagship sibling blew me away with its incredible colors, heroic HDR, and excellent brightness. I basically viewed the mid-ranger as a way to fill the void after the premium panel left my living room, and it provides pretty close results for a much lower MSRP.

My current TV - the 55-inch LG OLED C4 (Image credit: Phil Hayton)

However, I'm pretty confident that the 65-inch Samsung S84F has the ability to produce similar results while also being larger. Would newer models like the LG OLED C5 outpace it in terms of colors and brightness? Maybe, but unless you compare both side by side and pain yourself over subtle differences, you're still going to be getting a fantastic OLED experience that kicks regular LED screens to the curb.

It's worth stressing that if you use a PS5, Xbox Series X, or the Switch 2, the S84F technically boasts more appropriate specs. I am a sucker for the lure of faster refresh rates, but the only time you'll be making use of 144Hz or even newer 165Hz displays is if you've got a living room gaming TV. Otherwise, all your current-gen consoles are going to be topping out at 120fps max, meaning the extra speed isn't as valuable.

If you're in the market for a high-end gaming TV and would rather skip Black Friday, I honestly think you'll be pleased as punch with the Samsung S84F. I really can't see this model dropped any lower for the sale, and I suspect I'll largely be rounding up 55-inch panels and below at this price range.

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Looking for more early offers? Swing by Black Friday gaming monitor deals and Black Friday gaming PC deals to revamp your setup. If you're craving the classics, check out Black Friday retro deals for consoles and more.

This is why I'm keeping a watchful eye on Switch 2 SD card deals this Black Friday

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:30:10 +0000

Too impatient?

(Image credit: Future)

If you just picked up your Switch 2 and want some extra storage asap, there are some deals on compatible microSD Express cards available across US and UK retailers available on the run up to Black Friday.

Shop for Switch 2 SD cards at Amazon
Shop for Switch 2 SD cards at Best Buy

The Nintendo Switch 2 is only compatible with the best microSD Express cards, so if you want more storage, you're gonna eventually have to bite the bullet and grab a whole new SD card.

The problem lies in the price of these new cards, as you're looking at a minimum of $59 for just an extra 256GB, which only doubles the base storage on your handheld. It only gets pricier from there, as you're looking at around the $200 price point if you want 1TB and higher capacity cards.

Discounts on these SD cards do exist, but the savings haven't been anything to write home about, which is I'm keeping an extra watch on them when the Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals drop, and so should you.

(Image credit: Future/Tabitha Baker)

MicroSD Express cards have existed before the Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025, but the tech is still relatively new, which is why it doesn't come cheap. Unlike older Switch SD cards, these new bits of storage are built using integrated PCI Express NVMe interfaces, similar to those of the best SSDs for gaming you can pop into your desktop PC or PS5.

Out of all the Switch 2 compatible cards available today, it's the officially licensed SanDisk and Samsung 256GB microSD Express cards are the cards in particular I'm hoping to see some record-low deals on, and that I recommend you add to your wishlists ahead of time. These launched for $59.99, and provide fast transfer speeds without adding an extra cost for their cute Super Mario aesthetic.

Through my own testing, the Samsung Switch 2 card was able to move the 21.9GB-sized Mario Kart World in 5 minutes and 15 seconds to my handheld's system memory. Additionally, it only took 1 minute 44 seconds to transfer the smaller 7.3GB Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition. Any Black Friday discounts on either card would make them easier to recommend than ever.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Of course, you can always grab the plain cards instead, but the 256GB SanDisk model retails for $67.99 at Amazon right now, which is $20 more than the cute red Super Mario version. Any discounts and savings on that card likely won't make it cheaper than the official Nintendo model once the November savings roll around.

Ideally, it's the 1TB models where I want to see the biggest price drops. The Lexar 1TB Play Pro microSD Express card retails for $219.99 at Amazon, which is not cheap. To put its price into perspective, that's almost half the price of the $449 Switch 2 handheld itself. It has dropped to $157.96 over the year, so it's very likely that it could happen again over Black Friday.

Of course, you don't have to grab any of these pricier cards at all if you don't have a use for them quite yet. The lineup of Switch 2 games is still pretty small, and so 256GB should be plenty if you don't want to store your old and new Switch game library in one place. You can still use older SD cards to take and transfer screenshots, so keeping your older cards until you're ready is a valid (and far cheaper) alternative, no matter if it's Black Friday or not. Personally, I like to keep my devices futureproofed, so I have my eyes set on a 1TB microSD Express card - just don't let my savings find out.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

This year's big sales event kicks off on November 28, and will mark the first instance we've had a Black Friday (and Cyber Monday) since the Switch 2 has come to be. Each year has been pretty prosperous for deals on older Switch games and accessories, so I'm hoping that means microSD Express cards will see some juicy savings of their own.

If you're keen to grab a microSD Express card for yourself, or for a loved one you know is getting a Nintendo Switch 2 from Santa for the holidays, be sure to check back with us over November, where we'll be covering all the best Black Friday gaming deals, including any and all savings on compatible microSD Express cards.

View all microSD Express cards at Amazon
Samsung microSD Express Card | $59 at Amazon

Check out our guide to the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, including our top picks for the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards and the best Nintendo Switch headsets you can buy.

Samsung 256GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 review

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:24:04 +0000

The best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express cards are designed to give your new handheld a storage boost, while providing fast enough speeds to allow you to transfer and run your favorite Switch games without issue - and the Samsung 256GB microSD Express card has done just that for my Ninty adventures since launch day.

It wasn't the first to hit the market, but it was the first of its kind, alongside its SanDisk counterpart, to be officially licensed for the Switch 2. At $59.99 / £49.99, this card remains one of the best for value alone, as it provides super-fast read speeds of up to 800 MB/s and doesn't tack on an extra cost for its cute Super Mario branding.

A quick search of retailers like Amazon will bring up similar capacity 256GB models to this Samsung microSD Express card, which are either the same price, or at least $10-$20 higher, that don't sport the same cute look. So essentially, with the Samsung card, you're getting the reassurance of zero compatibility issues with the Nintendo Switch 2, the lowest MSRP for a 256GB microSD Express card on the market, and a funky Nintendo design as a little bonus.

Key specs

Price	$59.99 / £49.99
Capacity	256GB
Quoted Read speed	(SD Express) 800 MB/s, (UHS-I) 90 MB/s
Form factor	microSDXC
Compatibility	Nintendo Switch 2 & PC.

Design

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The Samsung 256GB microSD Express Card is the same size and shape as any other MicroSDXC card of its type. However, as an officially licensed card, it's coated in a Super Mario design, featuring a big red M beneath the 'Samsung' labeled branding, and an all-red colorway.

This isn't the first time a Switch SD card has been representative of a big Nintendo franchise. For the last Switch handheld generation, SanDisk launched a variety of officially licensed cards for the older console, including ones dripped out in official Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing designs. This trend seems to be continuing with the Nintendo Switch 2.

Once you pop the microSD Express card into your Switch 2, you don't ever see the Super Mario branding again, so having any flashy design is a bit silly when you think about it. However, similarly priced 256GB microSD Express cards from brands like Gigastone and Lexar have no branding at all, so it's really jsut a nice little bonus for Super Mario fans.

Features

The Samsung microSD Express Card is just an SD card, so it's not the most feature-full of Nintendo Switch 2 accessories available today. That being said, the card provides 256GB of extra storage, as the name suggests, and is a microSDXC version card, meaning it uses a PCIe 3.1 interface similar to that of the best SSD cards to provide its fast up to 800 MB/s read speeds.

As per listed amongst the marketing spiel on the official Samsung product page for the card, this Switch 2 accessory is equipped with water, temperature, X-ray, magnet, drop, and wearout-proof protection, to help keep it going strong against general wear and tear. That shouldn't really be an issue once it's popped into the SD card reader hidden under your new Switch 2 kickstand, but it's reassuring that the card should be able to last the many years you spend with your new Ninty console.

Performance

I received the Samsung 256GB microSD Express card shortly after launch, which was a relief as the 256GB onboard storage of the Switch 2 is not enough for my screenshot-loving ways.

Popping the card into the new SD card slot hidden under the upgraded kick stand on the Nintendo Switch 2 was easily done, and after a restart, I was able to start storing games, and as many screenshots and video clips as my heart desires onto the extra 256GB worth of space.

To put the new card through its paces, I timed how long it took to transfer large game files onto the card. The 21.9GB Mario Kart World took 5 minutes and 15 seconds to transfer to the system memory from the card. Additionally, moving the smaller 7.3GB Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition took only 1 minute 44 seconds, which was pretty much to be expected for a less storage-demanding game.

When it came to loading times, Mario Kart World took an average 22 seconds to load to the title screen from the card, compared to the 17 seconds it took when loading from the handheld itself. It was technically faster to run the game straight from the handheld, but a few seconds' difference is not going to be that noticeable, no matter if you're playing in docked mode or on the go.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

If you're seriously concerned about speeds, grabbing the official SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card might be a better fit, as it has read speeds of up to 880 MB/s compared to this card's 800 MB/s, however, I haven't been able to take it for a test run yet to see how it stacks up quite yet. While having the fastest transfer and running speeds is important, the focus of this Samsung card is likely going to be all about value for money, as you're getting 256GB of extra space for $59.99 / £49.99, while cards from other brands can be pricier for the same amount of additional storage.

Unfortunately, this card is only available with a 256GB capacity, so if you're keen to have that Super Mario branding but need more than double the storage of the handheld, you're out of luck. The same is the case for the SanDisk version of this card, however, SanDisk also has unofficial variants of its microSD Express card available that ditch the red look, including a smaller 128GB model.

Should you buy the Samsung 256GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2?

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

This $59.99 / £49.99 microSD Express card is a good place to start if you're after some extra space for your Switch games, and can't fork out the extortionate $200+ cost for a 1TB alternative.

The Switch 2 relies on microSD Express cards as they provide the fast read and write speeds required to run games, so you're going to need one of any size eventually if you run out of space, or want to futureproof your new handheld. Sure, there are 128GB versions available on the market right now, but they don't provide the same value as this Samsung card, for the cost, nor are they officially licensed and decked out in a flashy Super Mario design.

If you're going to start anywhere and want the best low-cost card possible, I'd stick with this Samsung option. With an extra 256GB you're essentially doubling up your available space, which will come in handy once more Switch 2 games start to launch. So far, titles like Pokemon Legends Z-A have reasonable storage sizes of just 4.1GB, but Kirby Air Riders is set to have 25GB when it launches on November 20, and new games are likely only going to get more storage-demanding from there on out.

The SanDisk counterpart of this card provides slightly faster read speeds of up to 880 MB/s and write speeds of up to 650 MB/s, but the difference won't be very noticeable to the average Ninty fan. Both cards are so similar that either will help give your handheld a well-needed storage boost for all your Switch game and screen capture needs.

How I tested the Samsung 256GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2

I tested the Samsung 256GB microSD Express card by adding it to my Nintendo Switch 2 handheld, and using it as my main card for months after launch. During this time, I used it to store a wide range of old and new Switch games, predominantly the digital version of Mario Kart World that came included with my Switch 2. When not storing and running games, I used the microSD Express card to store screenshots and game clips from games like Donkey Kong Bananza, Super Mario Galaxy, and Pokemon Legends Z-A. For more information on how we test Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express cards and storage, please read our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

New to Switch 2? Check out our Nintendo Switch 2 kit guide, which is full of the best Nintendo Switch controllers and the best Nintendo Switch headsets that we recommend to start you off on your new Ninty gaming journey.

Samsung's new VR headset is half the cost of Apple Vision Pro, but gamers could get an RTX 5070 Ti gaming PC for the same price

duncan.robertson@futurenet.com (Duncan Robertson) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:20:32 +0000

Samsung and Google have finally unveiled Project Moohan, which we now know will be called Galaxy XR. Although it copies a lot (and I mean, a lot) of homework from Apple Vision Pro, the tech giant has righted one of the biggest wrongs of that high-end VR headset by including controllers that will cater to gamers.

The Apple Vision Pro famously launched to an excruciatingly expensive $3,500, but despite blending a lot of the same features and specs, Samsung has managed to keep the cost of the Galaxy XR to almost half that. You can already buy Samsung's latest Galaxy device in the US or Korea, and in the States, it'll set you back $1,799 at Samsung. Options also exist to cut down the payments to monthly installments.

Samsung Galaxy XR | $1,799.99 at Samsung
Project Moohan will only cost half of the Apple Vision Pro's price, and still has a lot of the same features like Micro OLED displays, high-resolution passthrough cameras, spatial computing, and more. Even for this amount of money though, gamers may be more attracted to a high-end gaming PC.View Deal

Rather bizarrely, Samsung has made absolutely no mention of other markets, and even if Apple Vision Pro staggered its launch to other territories, it's a bit strange that Samsung hasn't even mentioned wider launches yet. More on that as it develops, I guess.

The Galaxy XR travel case and Galaxy XR Controllers are sold separately, which does throw a bit of a spanner in the works if you plan to use this headset predominantly for gaming. The controllers will set you back $249.99 at full price, although I'm seeing an introductory offer that brings them down to $174.99. While hand tracking is available, I wouldn't recommend it for most immersive VR games - many don't even support it.

(Image credit: Samsung)

That means for gamers looking to make the most of the new headset's gaming potential, you're all in for a hefty investment of $1,974 (right now, it'd be $2,048) without that discount on the controllers. For context, you could find an RTX 5070 Ti/5080 gaming PC for that cost, and although this headset is versatile and has a massively variable use-case, that's a huge price to pay for what most gamers will use as a secondary peripheral. By contrast, the HTC Vive Focus Vision is one of the priciest modern-day PCVR headsets, and it costs $999.99.

On the other hand, Galaxy XR does have some excellent specs and features, and you can tell that Samsung wanted to concentrate on gamers more than Apple Vision Pro has ever managed to. Straight out of the gate, the brand was quick to show a demonstration of PC Link working, which will let anyone with a gaming PC completely link their rig to the Galaxy headset, including the use of any connected mice and keyboards. You can link a Bluetooth PC controller to the headset as well and use that to play 2D games, although a live demonstration included someone playing Stardew Valley with gesture controls.

Galaxy XR specs
Memory	16GB Memory 256GB Storage
Display	3,552 x 3,840, 27 million pixels Micro-OLED 6.3‑micron pixel pitch 95% DCI‑P3 Refresh rates: 60Hz, 72Hz (Default), 90Hz Field of View 109 degrees horizontal and 100 degrees vertical
Chip	Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 Platform
Camera	3D Photo & video capture 18mm / F2.0 6.5MP
Sensors	Two High-resolution Pass-through cameras, Six World-facing tracking cameras, Four Eye-tracking Cameras, Five Inertial Measurement Units(IMUs), One Depth sensor One Flicker sensor
Optic (Iris)	Supports iris recognition and eye tracking
Audio and Video	2x 2 Way speaker(Woofer + Tweeter) Six Microphones array – Multiple microphones among the six microphones support beamforming feature
Battery	Up to 2 hours of general use* Video watching up to 2.5 hours** Galaxy XR can be used while charging the battery.
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 7 BT 5.4 (Up to)
Interpupillary Distance (IPD)	54~70mm Vision Correction Galaxy XR supports vision correction through separately purchasable optical-inserts. *Prescription lenses are sold separately.
Weight	545g* (w/ forehead cushion) Weight may vary depending on whether light shield is attached or not Separate battery weighs 302g. *The weight of the product specified above includes the weight of the device with the Forehead cushion only.

With companion controllers, this device lends itself a lot more to fully immersive VR gaming, and I'm happy to say that Samsung has shown off what might just be the best VR game ever made (objectively speaking, of course) - Walkabout Mini Golf VR. That seems like the tip of the iceberg, but thanks to the Android platform and the Google Play store, it's confirmed that there will be a wider library of VR games (presumably a similar selection to what's available on the Meta Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra) that you'll be able to play natively on the headset itself.

The demonstrations also mentioned SteamVR, so I'd assume other wireless connection apps like SteamLink will also be present on GalaxyXR. Hands-on experiences at the launch event have found that the controllers use a single AA battery each, and that the headset has a secondary USB-C port on it, which doesn't have power delivery, but will be able to transfer data to or from a PC - meaning a link cable would work as another method of linking up to a computer.

The headset is fixed to the device, meaning that you won't be able to make use of the best Meta Quest accessories and swap out headbands to your liking - this is likely due to touchpads on the sides of the headstrap being an integral way of controlling the device.

A big allure of Galaxy XR (at least, in Samsung's eyes) is how handy the AI features and Google Gemini integrations are. The initial gaming showcase had Gemini working as an AI guide companion that can pull up articles, give you hints and tips, or show videos from YouTube while you're playing. With full mixed-reality features, you can organise multiple screens and videos around your space, which will be possible thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor.

In terms of gaming, that was about as much information as I've managed to gather on Samsung's new headset. For the most part, Galaxy XR has been touted as a spatial computing headset that harnesses AI and looks to get mixed reality into the hands of more people.

I do think Samsung has been more careful to include gaming as an option here, though, which makes me optimistic. For me, the fact that controllers have been made for it is a big sign that gamers are a market Samsung wants to attract. With a cost as high as this, I'm not sure how many the brand will actually speak to. The Meta Quest 3S offers a very similar experience starting at just $299.99.

Meta Quest 3: $499 at Amazon
Meta Quest 3S: $299 at Amazon
Pico 4 Ultra: £529 at Amazon

For more on VR, take a look at everything we know about Valve Deckard, Black Friday Meta Quest deals, and Black Friday VR headset deals.

Samsung's VR headset will finally be unveiled on October 21, and it could right the wrongs of Apple Vision Pro

duncan.robertson@futurenet.com (Duncan Robertson) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:24:44 +0000

Samsung and Google have been in the kitchen together for a long time, and although they've cooked up a lot of mobile and smart devices, the one that's been teased, rumoured, and anticipated the most in recent years is their VR headset. We've known about Project Moohan for a while now, but it seems that it's finally ready to come out of the oven.

Samsung has announced that a new Galaxy Event will take place on October 21 at 10:00am ET / 03:00am BST, which will tell us more about the brand's XR ambitions. Of course, like any big tech and hardware announcement these days, the "invitation" press release really wants to focus on the Multimodal AI that's going to be baked into the device, but you know everyone will really be there to see the shiny new headset.

"Project Moohan is the groundbreaking first product built for the open and scalable Android XR platform," reads the announcement.

"It seamlessly blends everyday utility with immersive new experiences. This is where the true potential of XR comes alive, unlocking a whole new dimension of possibilities."

We still don't know a lot about Project Moohan, other than what it looks like. We don't know its price, or how it can be used, or what apps will be available on it, or whether or not it's going to lean more heavily into being an Apple Vision Pro rival, or a Meta Quest 3 alternative. Despite that, you can already register to buy the new headset, and get $100 credit for your trouble.

Certainly, if you judge by the look of Project Moohan, it certainly appears to be more like a luxury headset that's going to be Samsung's take on Apple Vision Pro. Personally, I'd be shocked if Samsung has watched Apple's first attempt at Spatial Computing from the sidelines for this long and hasn't wanted to avoid its slip-ups.

For starters, even if Project Moohan is the high-end device that it appears to be, it needs to avoid the $3,500 starting price that Apple went for. Experimental dip of the toe in XR waters, the Vision Pro may have been, but it's one that ended up as a meme-ified concept device more than something people are rushing to adopt.

(Image credit: Samsung)

More importantly, I think Samsung and Google need to appeal to arguably one of the biggest use-cases for this technology - gaming.

Apple has never been a brand that's big into gaming, and even if it showed a demo of someone using a DualSense controller during the Vision Pro's reveal, the brand failed to draw in gamers by securing support for games to play on the headset post-launch. Being able to link up a controller and play games on a virtual big screen is one thing, but it totally misses the appeal of VR as a way to play.

I do hold out more hope for Project Moohan as a platform for gaming - even if the main marketing appeal from Samsung will be to capitalize on the mainstream mixed-reality hype that Apple showed exists. Android has always had more support for gaming than Apple's platforms typically have, and I think the fact that plenty of gaming applications with Android support already exist plays into Samsung and Google's hands.

Horizon OS, the OS for Meta's Quest 3 headsets, is built on Android, and although there are likely plenty of technicalities, I'm sure the fact that all of the Quest store games and applications run on a form of Android already will mean developers find it easier to port them to Samsung's own version.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Samsung is no stranger to VR. The first headset I ever tried was a Samsung Gear, which used the brand's Galaxy phones as slot-in displays, but gave you access to what was then Oculus' applications and games. Google is also no stranger to gaming - never forget the disaster that was Stadia. Even if that wasn't a good example of success in the gaming market, it's experience, and I bet with hardware backing from Samsung, there's room to better capitalize on what Google wanted to do. Qualcomm has been drafted in to make the processor for Project Moohan, and its chips power some of the best gaming phones, as well as the Meta Quest 3S and 3, and the Pico 4 Ultra - all of which are great gaming headsets.

This is all conjecture, mind you, and we'll need to tune into the Galaxy Event to find out more. Personally, I think a big tell that this is a device for gamers (other than the price), will be whether or not it comes with controllers. Hand tracking and clever gesture controls make the Apple Vision Pro seem efficient and streamlined, but controllers are still necessary for playing games, and the inclusion of controllers for Project Moohan will be a sign that gamers are going to be catered to.

This could all very easily be wishful thinking, but it's hard to imagine that another brand that competes so closely with Apple would want to roll out the exact same flawed device as the Vision Pro and not improve on the formula. I'd like to think Samsung is smart enough to expand things, take a slightly different tactic, and appeal to a more mainstream market. That all remains to be seen on October 21st.

Meta Quest 3: $499 at Amazon
Meta Quest 3S: $299 at Amazon
Shop for VR headsets at Amazon

For more on Samsung's gaming hardware, check out the best SSDs for gaming, the best gaming monitor, and the best gaming TVs.

Samsung is showing off its 3D monitor at Gamescom using the one game I'd feel weird playing in a room full of people

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:13:57 +0000

Not to yuck anyone's yum, but the idea of playing Stellar Blade on a 3D monitor that makes the game's assets pop at a busy convention feels like a bad idea. Yet, that's exactly what Samsung is encouraging attendees to do at this year's Gamescom, as the raunchy post-apocalyptic romp is being used to showcase the screen-maker's glasses-free 3D panel.

In truth, I keep forgetting that Samsung is trying to make 3D gaming monitors a thing again. That's perhaps because there's still a limited library of games that'll make use of the panel tech, but I'm sure there are a few players out there that'll pick up the Odyssey G90XF specifically for Stellar Blade. You can even give it a whirl at Sammy's Gamescom 2025 booth, although you won't be able to pretend your sunglasses are required for the 3D experience.

Samsung Odyssey G90XF 27-inch | $1,799.99 at B&H Photo
For whatever reason, B&H has Samsung's glasses-free 3D monitor for $200 less than the direct site, but it's not technically a discount. So, if you do fancy upgrading your setup to take advantage of over 50 games set to gain visual support, I'd hit up this listing first.

UK: £1,299.99 at SamsungView Deal

If you need more of a reason to invest in an Odyssey G90XF than the prospect of Eve leaping out of your screen in a bathing suit, you'll want to check out the display's compatible games. Samsung says there will be over 50 releases that support 3D visuals, including Lies of P, The First Berserker: Khazan, and Mongil: Star Dive.

(Image credit: Samsung)

I've been giving 3D gaming a chance since the glory days of the Sega Master System and its three-dimensional specks. I even played through the entirety of Shadow of the Colossus on PS3 using a Sony Bravia 3D TV, but it's always felt like a gimmick with too many caveats.

The fact that Samsung has created a panel that ditches the glasses is promising, but it all comes down to how developers use the tech. I was pretty hyped when I heard that The First Berserker: Khazan was getting 3D visuals support, and that was in part because Nexon was creating the game with the Odyssey G90XF in mind.

Will all of Samsung's 3D-compatible game list get the same level of support applied? It's a possibility, but the visuals would have to leave a big impression to distract me from conventional screens. Keep in mind the Odyssey G90XF is a 4K 165Hz IPS display that costs $1,799.99 / £1,299.99, and you could get a killer OLED screen like the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B with dual resolution abilities and still have change to spare.

(Image credit: Future/ Phil Hayton)

Ultimately, I'm putting a big "wait and see" sticker on the Odyssey G90XF for now. Maybe it'll end up ushering in a golden era of 3D gameplay, but if you pick up the monitor now, you'll be hedging your bets on more games getting support and the tech drawing mass appeal.

Perhaps Stellar Blade will help Samsung achieve glasses-free 3D success. Or, maybe it'll just serve as an expensive way to check out the, uh, scenery in Stellar Blade. Either way, I'll be keeping tabs on the Odyssey G90XF to see if can add extra spice to the gaming monitor scene.

If you're looking for something a little more conventional, Samsung has also unveiled two new Odyssey G7 models, including a 37-inch 4K display and a 40-inch 5,120 x 2,160 ultrawide. Both models do feature slightly unconventional panel sizes, but they skip on having sexy Androids lurching out from their screens.

View more Samsung gaming monitors
Odyssey G75F 37-inch | $899.99 at Samsung
Odyssey G75F 40-inch | $1,199.99 at Samsung

Looking for console-friendly screens? Swing by the best monitor for PS5 and best monitor for Xbox Series X. You'll want to peek at the best portable gaming monitors too for displays you can take on the go.

No Donkey Kong Bananza isn't going to fill my Switch's storage, but my screenshots might

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:21:25 +0000

My Nintendo Switch 2 won't yet tell me how many hours I've spent pulverising my way through Donkey Kong Bananza, but I bet it's up there. I have to admit that while I am slowly but surely making my way down through the Planet's Core, I've spent most of my time dressing up DK and Pauline in various cute outfits and taking photos as I go.

My Switch 2 photo gallery is now overrun with screenshots, and it's getting a little out of hand. On their own, the images don't take up too much space, but it does start to add up when I've already got Mario Kart World and some of my older digital Switch game library on the Ninty machine at all times.

View all microSD Express Cards at Amazon

Luckily, I prepared for moments like this. Before I began my Donkey Kong Bananza adventure on launch day, I made sure that one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards was popped into the card slot hidden under the gaming handheld's kickstand, and I'm glad it was.

Now, not only can I take as many screenshots of DK as I want without the fear of clogging up the Switch 2's measly storage, but my Switch 2 is better prepared for the influx of new games I'll be downloading this week - Switch 2 Edition of Super Mario Jamboree and No Sleep For Kaname Date here I come!

Samsung 256GB SD Express Card | $59.99 at Best Buy
With this 256GB microSD Express Card in my Switch 2, I've not only had plenty of space for the 8.5GB game, but I've been able to take as many Donkey Kong Bananza screenshots as my heart desires. Even better, my Switch 2 is now better prepared than ever for upcoming games from No Sleep For Kaname Date to Pokemon Z-A launching later this year.

UK: £49.95 at Amazon View Deal

I love a good screenshot, but I didn't quite grasp just how much I'd love taking photos of DK in his various different outfits. In Donkey Kong Bananza, my current DK is looking extra stylish with rosey pink fur, black shorts, and a holographic bow-tie, and I can't help but take a myriad of photos each time I find a new banana, as he looks more adorable than ever.

With Mario Kart World already taking up 21.9GB of my Switch 2's storage, having the ability to have my DKB screenshots save automatically to the microSD Express Card has meant I can press the screen capture button as many times as I want without the fear of having to manage all the installed games on the handheld - and it's been a huge relief.

The 256GB onboard storage of my Switch 2 isn't full quite yet, but I'm pretty prone to needing to have as much of my existing library on my system as possible. I never quite know what Switch game I'm in the mood for, so ensuring titles like Pokemon Unite or the new Nintendo Switch Online GameCube library are always installed and easily accessible is a must, and the Switch 2 SD card has also made that possible.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The Samsung 256GB microSD Express Card might be one of the best Switch accessories I've gathered for my handheld so far, but it's undeniable how pricey it and the other express cards out there are. At $59.99 at Amazon, all of that extra storage is almost as much as a brand-new Switch 2 game, which is pretty staggering when you realize that the Samsung card only provides you with 256GB of extra space.

If the price is putting you off, you can pick up a smaller 128GB microSD Express Card from brands like PNY for $44.99 at Amazon, or save even more by using an older SD card you happen to have lying around. You won't be able to save actual games on the latter as only the Express cards let you do that. But cheap 256GB cards like this Amazon Basics card for $17.21 will still give you that extra space for all your screenshots and game clips without taking a big chunk out of your bank account.

On the bright side, I have no doubt that Express cards will get cheaper over time, the older the tech gets. The same thing happened for previous SD cards, which continually get cheaper and cheaper to the point where you can even get 1TB worth of storage starting from $67 at Amazon, which was unheard of when the original Switch launched eight years ago. In the meantime, there's at least a few cheaper options out there for fellow Switch 2 screenshot fans.

More of my favorite Bananza Switch 2 accessories...

Spigen Rugged Armor case: $29.99 at Amazon
Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Case: $69.99 at Amazon
Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo: $29.99 at Best Buy

Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras, the best Nintendo Switch controllers, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets for even more accessories to complete your new Switch 2 gaming setup. Be sure to also check out our where to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 hub if you haven't yet got one to call your own.

My chonky old PS5 is in dire need of a storage boost this Prime Day, and at 7 cents a GB it's time for an upgrade

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:48:57 +0000

I was able to traverse through the absolute minefield that was trying to get a hold of a PS5 right after launch, but that means I've been racking up trophies on the first model with its measly 825GB of storage.

As a result, I've been subject to a never-ending barrage of 'storage is full" notifications for years now, which is why I was thrilled when the best Prime Day PS5 deals kicked off this week. Finally, this was my chance to track down the best PS5 SSD deals so I could give my Sony pixel-pusher the storage it so desperately needs.

View all PS5 SSD deals at Amazon

I write about PS5 accessories and SSDs for a living, so I already knew what drives to look out for, but for anyone new to the Sony storage world, it's not that simple.

For one, you need to ensure any PS5 SSD comes with a heatsink, that it's compatible with your model PS5, and you need to check that you're getting a model with enough storage that you'll actually use. To make finding the best PS5 SSD this Prime Day less stressful, I've gathered all the drives I've been eyeing up down below. There isn't long to go until these deals come to an end, so if your PS5 needs a little boost, I recommend grabbing them as soon as you can.

Today's best Prime Day PS5 SSD deals

WD BLACK 4TB SN850X SSD | ~~$379.99~~ $279.99 at Amazon
Save $100 - The SN850X SSD is up there with the best PS5 SSDs our team has ever tested, so you can bet this $100 Prime Day saving caught my attention the most this week. It's $10 off its lowest ever price, but this huge discount means getting a hold of an SSD with solid speeds and enough room to download hundreds of PS Plus games. If you want 4TB of storage for less, this is the main last-minute deal I'd personally grab.

UK: £274.17 at AmazonView Deal

Samsung 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB | ~~$209.99~~ $149.99 at Amazon
Save $60 - The 2TB Samsung 990 Pro SSD is still a few dollars short of its record low price, but this last minute Prime Day deal offers up a heatsink (so you don't have buy your own) and some of the best performance on offer from a Gen 4 drive - all the while keeping an extra $60 in your pocket.

UK: OOS at Amazon View Deal

WD BLACK 2TB SN850P SSD | ~~$251.99~~ $179.99 at Amazon
Save $72 - If you'd feel more at ease with an officially licensed SSD for your PS5, the WD Black SN850P is also part of this year's Prime Day savings. It's been cheaper in the past, but today you're still saving $75 off its MSRP, and getting your hands on 2000GB worth of space, which is enough to rival that of the PS5 Pro's onboard storage.

UK: £163.99 at Amazon View Deal

Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink | ~~$94.99~~ $67.37 at Amazon
Save $27 - This Lexar SSD was specifically designed with the PS5 in mind, and easily slots into the console's M.2 port to bring you an extra 1TB worth of storage. Amazon has dropped the drive down to just $67.27 for Prime Day, and as the big sales event comes to a close, it still remains that cheap. It's not close to a record low by any means, but it does make the inexpensive SSD even more budget-friendly than its $70 - $90 price point it likes to bounce between.

UK: ~~£74.99~~ £63.74 at AmazonView Deal

How much PS5 SSD storage do you need?

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

The main decision you have to make when it comes to picking a PS5 SSD for your Sony console is how much storage is right for your gaming needs. Most modern AAA games are pretty storage demanding, so bigger is better, but not every single PS5 owner plays them.

What size is right for you is entirely dependent on what you play and whether or not you hate having to uninstall games to make room for more. For example, I love PS5 games of all kinds, from small indie releases like Crow Country to big-budget AAA masterpieces like Death Stranding 2, so having 4TB worth of space is ideal for me. I could get away with just picking up the 2TB Samsung 990 PRO SSD, but I also pay monthly for PlayStation Plus Premium, and would like to have that extra space to download and try out not just the latest monthly games, but all the new additions to the premium game catalog, too.

If that sounds like a familiar scenario, then 2TB and above are going to make more sense for your PS5. If you play a lot of online games like me, I'd also recommend grabbing at least an extra 2TB. I play Marvel Rivals, Fortnite, and Dead by Daylight, and like ensuring they're all at the ready for when my friends and I want to play - having at least 2TB or 4TB of storage will mean my console can keep the games installed, and deal with their upcoming data-heavy updates too.

If you already own the PS5 Slim with its 1TB of storage, or the PS5 Pro with its larger 2TB onboard storage, you can definitely make do with just another 1TB at your disposal. Grabbing just 1TB is always going to be the best budget-friendly option, whether Prime Day is happening or not, and it'll still give you more legroom for dealing with your favorite games' future DLC, patch updates and any extra screenshots and game clips you want to store and capture on your Sony console.

More Prime Day storage deals...

Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive: ~~$79.99~~ $64.99 at Amazon
Crucial T500 1TB SSD: ~~$155.99~~ $84.99 at Amazon
Nextorage Japan NEM-PAB 2TB SSD: ~~$119.99~~ $149.99 at Amazon
Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD: ~~$114~~ $91.99 at Amazon

On the hunt for more last-minute Prime Day gaming savings? Check out our best Prime Day PC deals, the best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals, and the best Prime Day gaming laptop deals.

This Prime Day Switch SD Card deal is so good, I added it to my Amazon cart faster than the blue blur himself

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:10:38 +0000

I usually steer everyone I know away from officially licensed micro SD cards, as while they're pretty cute, they're also pretty pointless. Not only are you never going to see the pretty branding once you pop them into your older Nintendo Switch, but these cards usually come at a much higher price than the plain alternatives.

This week's Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals have not only finally made one of these branded SD cards worthwhile, but it also happens to be the one I want the most. Right now, you can grab the massive 1TB Samsung Pro Plus micro SD Card for as little as $69.99 at Amazon, saving you $47 off its $119.99 MSRP - and it features my boy, Shadow the Hedgehog.

Sure, it's not compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2, so this is purely a deal for those of you sticking with the older handheld. But 1000 GB of storage is a surefire way to breathe new life into your aging handheld and give you plenty of space for all your favorite Sonic games.

Samsung PRO Plus Shadow The Hedgehog + Adapter, 1TB microSD Card | ~~$116.99~~ $69.99 at Amazon

Save $47 - This Samsung Micro SD Card is not compatible with the Switch 2, but if you're sticking with the older handheld getting 1TB worth of space for as little as $69.99 shouldn't be missed. This Prime Day, even the non-Shadow the Hedgehog equivalent isn't seeing savings as good as this.

UK: £92.99 at Amazon View Deal

More storage deals...

View all Amazon storage deals
256GB Samsung PRO Plus microSD Card: $24.99 at Amazon
256GB Samsung microSD Express Card (Switch 2): ~~$69.99~~ $59 at Amazon
512GB Samsung Sonic The Hedgehog SD Card: ~~$42.99~~ $29.99 at Amazon

Should you buy this Samsung 1TB microSD Card?

(Image credit: Future)

Unless you're on the hunt for one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards, grabbing this massive 1TB worth of storage for your older Nintendo Switch is a great plan. Honestly, my OLED Tears of the Kingdom Switch has now been added as decoration to my Zelda shelf, and even I'm about to add this Samsung card to my Amazon basket - and here's why.

First of all, let's talk Shadow the Hedgehog. I've been obsessed with that bad boy since playing Sonic Adventure 2 on the Dreamcast growing up, and even though there's just a silhouette of his edgy face on the card, it still looks incredible.

Like I briefly went over earlier, I normally don't care too much for these officially branded microSD cards, as once you pop them into one of the best gaming handhelds like the Switch, Steam Deck, or whatever compatible gadget or gizmo your heart desires, you aren't gonna see the design ever again. That being said, because of Prime Day, this Shadow SD card is actually cheaper than the non-branded counterpart, which is only down to $89.99 at Amazon this week.

If you're a big Shadow (or Sonic) the Hedgehog fan, and are in need of enough extra storage to store your massive digital Switch game library that you've been accumulating for 8 years, this Prime Day deal is worth it. Also, it packs in plenty of space for the 24GB needed to install Sonic x Shadow Generations and a ridiculous amount of Sonic games - which is what's really important.

Want more Prime Day deals? Check out our hubs for the best Prime Day PS5 deals, the best Prime Day PC deals, and the best Prime Day gaming laptop deals for savings up until July 11.

Samsung 9100 Pro 4TB review: “A feat of engineering, but one you probably don’t need”

duncan.robertson@futurenet.com (Duncan Robertson) — Thu, 29 May 2025 12:41:50 +0000

The Samsung 9100 Pro has shown up late to the party, but it seems like it’s done so on purpose. It’s that guest who wants to be seen making an entrance, and that’s fair enough, because Samsung makes some great storage devices. As someone who’s been reviewing SSDs for more than two years, I’ve seen new, flashy, super-speedy Gen 5 drives launch from all sorts of manufacturers. Adata, Crucial, T-Force, PNY, and even Acer have been in the market for a while now, but the biggest gaming brands like Samsung and WD are only just joining the battle.

And yet, as late as the 9100 Pro is in arriving, it still feels premature. It’s so silly that even in 2025, I still hesitate to call them the best SSDs for gaming, simply because their practical uses don’t live up to their sky-high prices. And at the same time, it’s impossible to deny that devices like the 9100 Pro are feats of engineering. Samsung’s new flagship doubles what the standard SSD speed has been for the last five or six years now.

That sounds impressive on paper, but arguably, we’ve reached a point with loading times where returns are starting to diminish. These SSDs are always way more expensive than their Gen 4 counterparts, with the Samsung 9100 Pro’s 1TB model alone wearing a $199 / £171 price tag at the time of writing. When that equates to about 5 seconds more spent in a loading screen, is it going to be worth the extra money?

Design & Availability

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

Alongside that 1TB version, the 9100 Pro has 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB capacity options as well. The 8TB model is yet to arrive on the shelves, but the 4TB costs enough to know that the incoming large-capacity one will be a remortgaging job. 4TB in the US will set you back $549 and £409.79 in the UK. I usually say 2TB is a happy medium, but an MSRP of $299.99 / £223.79 makes it the same price as a Meta Quest 3S if you’re stateside. The Samsung 9100 Pro is available with an integrated heatsink as well if you want to show it off in your best gaming PC, but those heatsink models will add even more to the price.

That heatsink is at least designed in a friendly way, with 8.8mmT supposedly doing a more efficient job of preventing overheating while not taking up too much real estate. As someone who has had plenty of trouble trying to fit obnoxious Gen 5 SSD heatsinks into a gaming PC, I can tell you that’s a welcome architectural change, and definitely a benefit of Samsung sitting the first batch of this generation’s drives out.

The 9100 Pro is compatible with gaming PCs and laptops, and it’s nice that this has been thought of, considering most Gen 5 products so far haven’t tried to cater to a more portable market. My colleague Tabitha just reviewed the first gaming laptop with a Gen 5 SSD in it, the MSI Raider A18 HX A9W, so support is definitely on the way for the laptop crowd. The press materials I’m seeing also say the 9100 Pro is compatible with game consoles, but I wouldn’t use this as an SSD for PS5 since it doesn’t have Gen 5 support.

Features

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

The Samsung 9100 Pro features an on-the-box sequential read speed of 14,800MB/s and a write speed of 13,400MB/s. Compared to the Samsung 990 Pro, which currently holds the gold medal for any Gen 4 drive in terms of speed, that’s a marked 99% claimed increase in performance - essentially doubling the potential speeds you’ll be able to harness. So what is it about the 9100 Pro that allows it to just about break the sound barrier?

Well, for starters, this drive utilizes the PCIe 5.0 interface, like the Crucial T700 Pro does. Unlike Crucial, there’s not as much sharing of internal controllers with other brands here, since Samsung makes its own. The 9100 Pro uses the homemade Presto controller, which is aptly named. There’s also 8th-generation V-NAND cache tech on board. For those thinking about longevity, the 2TB model has an endurance of 1,200TB, but if that isn’t good enough for you, there’s a 5-year warranty. Going through that amount of space in a 5-year period sounds like a fun challenge, don’t you think?

Despite all of this fancy architecture, the 9100 Pro still fits a regular M.2, 2280 port. But with all of those great claims made, how does the 4TB model perform in real-world tests?

Performance

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

As you might expect, the answer is “fast”. I always start my SSD testing with some sequential read and write benchmarks in CrystalDiskMark, and the Samsung 9100 Pro pulled in even faster numbers than the Crucial T700 Pro. After averaging the results of three tests, the 9100 Pro comes just shy of its on-the-box read speed promises, but it’s still the fastest drive we’ve ever tested by some margin. It does, however, exceed its write speed promises.

	Read speed (MB/s)	Write speed (MB/s)
Test 1	14,644	13,406
Test 2	14,745	13,411
Test 3	14,744	13,401
Test 4	14,711	13,416

But how do these synthetic tests equate to practical uses in the real world? With video game support and DirectStorage waning, the best use for these next-gen SSDs at the moment is zipping massive files from one place on your computer to another. I first transferred 77GB of game files and data from one drive to another using Steam and set a stopwatch on how long it took. Moving the game files from Samsung’s slightly older 990 Evo drive to the new 9100 Pro took just 20 seconds, and transferring them back again took a similar 22 seconds. Similarly, in Windows, transferring 107GB of 4K gameplay footage was similarly speedy. Moving from the 990 Evo to the 9100 Pro took 28 seconds, and moving it back took 32 seconds. For a 3-hour-plus chunk of 4K video, that’s a pretty slick transfer, and it gives you a sense of how the 9100 Pro is going to interact with Gen 4 drives you might already own.

Windows DirectStorage was supposed to be a widely adopted feature in a lot of games by this point but, over the last few years, it’s become this obscure, hooded figure lurking in the back corner of the pub.

When Gen 5 drives started appearing, it was clear that there were teething issues. Perhaps the biggest one was thermal control, and Samsung had certainly found the solution before launching its first proper Gen 5 product. I put the 9100 Pro under my motherboard’s regular heatsink, and it did a great job of keeping its temperature control - no massive heatsink needed, no air-cooling system necessary (looking at you, Adata), and no special thermal pad, either. The 9100 Pro had an ambient temperature of just 43 degrees, and it only rose to a 46-degree peak when I was doing all of those file transfer tests. That’s not too dissimilar from the T-Force A440 Lite Gen 4 SSD, which has some of the best thermal performance of any drive we’ve tested lately. Samsung has clearly done work to ensure that its blazing-fast flagship is fully grown into its teeth before launching it to the public.

Then we come to gaming tests. I’ll reiterate once again that the tests I’m about to share with you aren’t perfect measurements by any means. Loading up various games and stopwatching how long they take is an imperfect science, and I accept that, but I do so to give you a broad idea of the types of gaming performance you can expect from a drive like this. For comparison with the previous fastest drive I’ve used, I went back to the Crucial T700 Pro and got some refreshed benchmarks. For comparisons with “slower” Gen 4 options, I also retested the WD Blue SN500 4TB. While I will compare them for the sake of this review, the Crucial and WD Blue SSDs were tested in a different computer, so keep that in mind.

	Samsung 9100 Pro 4TB	Crucial T700 Pro 2TB	WD Blue SN500 4TB
Hunt: Showdown 1896	22 sec	27 sec	27 sec
Outer Wilds	3.6 sec	3.4 sec	3.8 sec
Sable	5.6 sec	9.4 sec	9 sec
Baldur’s Gate 3	16 sec	22 sec	23 sec
Planet Zoo	12 sec	14 sec	15 sec

Across the board, the Samsung 9100 Pro has produced better gaming results than the Crucial T700 Pro, and that’s a welcome surprise. It’s hardly by much, but it’s a noticeable trend in each game (except Outer Wilds, which loads so fast that this could very easily be human error). I’m honestly happy to see these kinds of improvements, even if they’re not exactly going to be noticeable if you’re not sitting with a stopwatch on each loading screen, like me. Baldur’s Gate 3 did net the biggest performance leap on the 9100 Pro, which is nice if you’re a big ol’ save scummer like me.

As you can likely see for yourself, though, the leap from the Gen 4 WD Blue SN500 is a matter of about 5-7 seconds in most titles. If you’re buying to mainly play multiplayer games, like Hunt Showdown, you’re still going to need to wait for the other players loading on older drives before you can start playing anyway, and depending on things like servers, connection speeds, and all the rest of it, that slick loading speed will probably balance out with other players anyway. In jam-packed city builders and management games like Planet Zoo, are you really going to notice a few seconds more when loading in? I doubt it, but you might notice that larger dent in your bank balance after spending big on the 9100 Pro.

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

Windows DirectStorage was supposed to be a widely adopted feature in a lot of games by this point but, over the last few years, it’s become this obscure, hooded figure lurking in the back corner of the pub. There are rumours around the game dev patrons that talking to this guy can improve your loading times, but hardly anyone ever does.

DirectStorage essentially allows a Gen 5 SSD to bypass sending information to your CPU, and diverts it right to your GPU, allowing for faster loading and rendering. The problem is, the software is still imperfect and, right now, barely makes a difference - certainly not one that’s worth the inevitable extra coding and busywork it takes to integrate it into in-progress games. The list of supported titles right now is woefully small and, honestly, even if your favorite game is found on it, I wouldn’t say spending the extra money on a Gen 5 drive is going to be worth it.

For this review, I checked DirectStorage games at the door because I wanted to see how the performance of regular titles could be improved through the latest standard of Gen 5 SSD tech. In all honesty, I expected worse results, but the improvements I saw over Crucial’s flagship from just a year or so ago fill me with hope that we are going to see better improvements in loading times as the technology increases in terms of raw performance. That said, loading times are already pretty minuscule, so until a few massive games come along and use this tech to have no loading screens whatsoever, it’s going to be hard to argue these things are worth their additional costs.

Should you buy the Samsung 9100 Pro?

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

The Samsung 9100 Pro is easily the best SSD I’ve ever tested, and the fastest across the board. It is nothing short of a feat of engineering, but one you probably don’t need, and won’t for quite some time yet.

Yes, if you’re looking to build the most futureproofed gaming PC imaginable, then this, or the brand new WD Black SN1800 (the equivalent from SanDisk), is going to be the drive to pick. If you’re a full-time content creator, video editor, or someone who churns through digital storage with ease, the Samsung 9100 Pro is going to offer you the best performance possible. Having seen some improvements over previous Gen 5 options, I can recommend this as the product to go for if you’re married to the idea of a next-gen device.

If it’s just for gaming, the numbers can’t lie. You are going to get extremely slick loading times across the board with the 9100 Pro. The question you have to answer is whether or not the few seconds' worth of quicker loading times are going to be worth it for you compared to a Gen 4 option that’s potentially hundreds cheaper. Until there’s widely adopted support within every game, I’d still recommend that most gamers stick with Gen 4.

How I tested the Samsung 9100 Pro

I put the Samsung 9100 Pro to work by running it through our usual gauntlet of storage benchmarks. Firstly, I used CrystalDiskMark to give me some synthetic benchmarking scores to broadly test its sequential read and write speeds. After three of these benchmarks at different points of the testing process, I averaged out the results and presented them in a table.

I then used both Steam and Windows 11 to transfer various bits of data from one drive to another, timing how long it took. I kept an eye on temperatures while doing so to assess thermal control.

For gaming, I loaded into various games, some with typically slower loading speeds and some with faster ones. I used a stopwatch to track these loading times, and performed the same tests on two competing drives to come to a verdict on the results, and the Samsung 9100 Pro’s value for money.

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

Happy with an external storage device for now? Check out the best external hard drives for gaming, the best PS5 external hard drives, and the best Xbox Series X hard drive.

Some of the top Samsung OLED monitors around are down for Memorial Day, including my favorite 1440p gaming screen

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Sat, 24 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Samsung knows how to make a mean gaming monitor, and it's fully getting in the Memorial Day spirit. Not only is the 240Hz version of one of my favorite 1440p panels down to its lowest price, but its ultrawide sibling has also dipped under $1,000 for the first time since March.

At Amazon, you can grab the 27-inch Odyssey OLED G6 (G61SD) for $549.99 thanks to Memorial Day. The 31% discount brings the gaming monitor back down to its lowest price that was established in February 2025, and it's a chunk cheaper than last Black Friday. It's accompanied by its 360Hz sibling for $699, but even though it's 22% off, it's quite a bit short of its historic $589 low.

If you've got a bit more cash to flash, and ultrawide cravings, you'll also want to peek at the Odyssey OLED G9 (G95SC). It's down to $999.99 from $1,799.99, which is a pretty tasty 41% discount ahead of more hardcore sales later in the year. Just like the 240Hz G6, this is only the second time this year it has hit this record low, and it's very much a Black Friday-style price tag.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G61SD) | ~~$699.99~~ $549.99 at Amazon
Save $150 - Back down to its lowest price since March, Memorial Day has knocked the OLED G6 back down to Black Friday levels. This is the 240Hz version, which is the reason its a bit lower than the 360Hz has reached historically, but it's still a nice discount on a screen with largely the same qualities.View Deal

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G95SC) | ~~$1,799.99~~ $999.99 at Amazon
Save $799.99 - I normally expect to see OLED G9 levels dip under $1,000 during events like Black Friday, but Memorial Day is clearly out to impress. It did reach this low at Amazon back in March, but it doesn't tend to go to its lowest price that often.View Deal

Sadly, the 4K Odyssey OLED G8 isn't really embracing the sale, as it's only down to $1,099.99 from $1,299.99. I'd steer clear of that model for now since it is known to drop to $879.99 when it's in the mood, and it's hard to justify paying over a grand for Samsung's UHD display when dual resolution demons like the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B are available for $1,097 right now.

That said, if you are looking for a speedy 1440p panel, the above Samsung charcuterie board should satiate your needs. The Odyssey OLED G6 remains one of my favorite QHD displays to date, thanks to its wonderfully vibrant QD-OLED tech, heroic anti-glare properties, and respectable brightness, and while it's the 240Hz headlining Memorial Day right now, it'll still largely pull the same moves as the 360Hz version

Future / Phil Hayton

One of my favorite memories of testing the G6 links to my time checking out HDR in Cyberpunk 2077. The panel packs a punch thanks to its brightness and vibrancy, and High Dynamic Range really makes an impression when handling neon-lit signage and the blaring headlights of Night City.

What I will say is that if you're looking for something different, the OLED G6 might feel a little conventional. That's where it's edgy Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 sibling comes into play, as the ultrawide 5,120 x 1,440 display shares much of the same DNA. It's also a QD-OLED model that measures in at a mega 49-inches spread across a 32:9 aspect ratio, and it pairs an immersive curve with slick 240Hz speeds.

Future / Jeremy Laird

Ultrawide screens like this are a little unconventional, and while they can do wonders for immersion at your desk, their usefulness fully depends on compatibility. I normally only recommend the OLED G9 to PC players who can tap into ultrawide resolutions, as trying to use it as a PS5 monitor or with the upcoming Switch 2 will mean dealing with letterboxing on each side.

However, for under $1,000, the OLED G9 is going to feel like a more lavish purchase. If you're looking to envelop yourself in PC visuals and effectively feel like you're in a futuristic cockpit, this screen is going to fit the bill. It is worth noting that the anti-glare coating that helped the G6 win me over isn't included with the ultrawide, but it might not be so much of an issue since it'll curve inwards and better avoid reflections.

There are a few fierce rivals out there that could be worth considering instead, notably the faster 480Hz Sony Inzone M10S instead of the G6, and the LG UltraGear 45GR95QE-B in place of the ultrawide OLED G9. But, the current Memorial Day deals do help Samsung's screens stand out, and now is a nice time to jump on some early 2025 offers.

Looking for more screens? Check out the best 4K monitors for gaming and best curved monitors for more options. If it's something larger you're after, the best gaming TVs will see you right with big living room displays.

125GB!? Oblivion Remastered is a storage killer, but these SSD deals are here to help

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Thu, 01 May 2025 16:26:23 +0000

It's always tempting to pick up a whole shiny new PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or a pricy gaming laptop whenever the next big sales events roll around. But sometimes, just grabbing one of the best SSDs for gaming is all you need to give your aging hardware a little boost and fight back against the ever-demanding storage requirements of the latest games.

If you fancy grabbing the brand-new Oblivion Remaster on Steam, there's 125GB you'll need to set aside to get it installed. Fortunately, Amazon Gaming Week is at the rescue as and there's plenty of storage savings on offer to give you that 125GB you need, and then some. Right now, you can grab an extra 4TB for your desktop as the WD BLACK 4TB SN7100 is down to $269.99 at Amazon, saving you 16% off its hefty MSRP of $319.99. Even the best SSDs for PS5 haven't been forgotten about, as Samsung's 990 PRO has dropped to $179.99, and it comes with a heatsink to keep your console cool while you adventure across Cyrodiil.

If you'd prefer something more portable, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme external SSD is $148.12 at Amazon during this week's sales. You won't be able to run Oblivion from an external drive, but you can store it for safekeeping. After spending a fair time wading my way through the sea of savings, I've listed all the ones most worth your time below - but remember, you only have until May 4 to grab them.

WD_BLACK 4TB SN7100 SSD | ~~$319.99~~ $269.99 at Amazon
Save $50 - The WD Black SN7100 is the newest SSD from this list, so if you're set on having one of the latest model Gen 4 drives cash can buy right now, this would be the one I recommend. Despite being barely a few months old, there's a saving of $50 to be had here, with boasted read and write speeds of 7,250MB/s and 6,900MB/s.

Buy it if:

✅ You want Western Digital's latest SSD
✅ Performance is key
✅ You can actually use 4TB

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need an SSD for your PS5 (no heatsink model)

Price check: Walmart: $14.99 (2TB version)

UK: Amazon (OOS)View Deal

Samsung 990 Pro 2TB SSD (with Heatsink) | ~~$264.99~~ $179.99 at Amazon
Save $85 - Amazon may say the full price of this drive is typically $264.99, however, it actually sticks around $190, and so its current discounted price is pretty good, all things considered. Regardless, a saving of $20 is still worth it as you're not only getting one of the best Gen 4 SSDs cash can buy, but you're getting super fast speeds of 7,450 / 6,900 MB/s and 2TB of extra storage for your Sony console.

Featured in: Best SSD for PS5

Buy it if:

✅ 2TB worth of storage is plenty
✅ You need an SSD for your PS5
✅ You don't own a heatsink

Don't buy it if:

❌ You'd prefer the 4TB model

Price check: Walmart: $179.99

UK: £154.95 at Amazon View Deal

WD_BLACK 1TB SN850P SSD | ~~$158.99~~ $110.99 at Amazon
Save $48 - SSD pricing can be strange, and again, the WD Black SN850P actually typically sits around $120 on Amazon. In reality, that's just a saving of $9 today, but that's still worth it if you're still stuck with the 825GB internal storage of the launch PS5.

Buy it if:

✅ You want 1TB for your PS5
✅ You want a PS5 licenced drive
✅ You want a drive with a heatsink

Don't buy it if:

❌ 1TB isn't enough for your PS Plus games

Price check: Walmart: $109

UK: £99.99 at Amazon View Deal

Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink | ~~$304.99~~ $249.99 at Amazon
Save $20 - This 4TB Lexar SSD bounces up and down in price pretty regularly, and was above the $300 mark just a few days ago. With that in mind, grabbing 4TB for your PC (or your PS5) for as low as $249.99 is one of the best Amazon Gaming Week deals I've spotted so far.

Buy it if:

✅ You want a PS5 compatible drive
✅ You don't own a heatsink
✅ You need 4TB for all your Steam games
✅ You want an SSD with lower power consumption

Don't buy it if:

❌ You'd prefer a Gen 5 SSD

UK: £212.49 at Amazon View Deal

SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD | ~~$209.99~~ $148.12 at Amazon
Save over $61 - If you'd prefer an SSD of the portable kind, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is down to $148.12 this week. This portable drive is decked out with 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance, which is perfect if you're a bit on the clumsy side. It did drop to $120 during last year's holiday sales, but if you can't wait, an extra $28.12 is a small ask if you're eager to take your games, or other media, on the go asap.

Buy it if:

✅ Portability is key
✅ You want a durable SSD
✅ You're also a content creator

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need an internal SSD

Price check: Walmart: $199

UK: £148.65 at Amazon View Deal

When does Amazon Gaming Week end?

(Image credit: Future/Jeremy Laird)

This year's Amazon Gaming Week runs from April 28 to May 4, 2025. With that in mind, there's only a matter of days left to grab any of these SSD and storage deals, before they shoot back up to full price.

If you've already got plenty of storage, I've been rounding up all the best cheap PlayStation Plus deals this month, which are bound to get your PS5 SSD filled up in no time. If you want to get more value out of your PS5, pairing your Sony console with one of the best PS5 controllers and best PS5 headsets is a good place to start.

One of Samsung's fastest 1TB SSDs just dropped back under $100

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:58:28 +0000

Spring is a time of refreshment, and nothing is more refreshing than new than future-proofing your gaming PC with the Samsung 990 Pro 1TB SSD. This solid state drive is one of the highest-performance M.2 options in the brand's repertoire, but it's $159.99 MSRP, especially for 1TB worth of storage, leaves a lot to be desired.

That was, until the tech spring sales came around, which has thankfully brought the SSD down to just $99.99 at Amazon right now. The last time I saw big savings like this on one of the best SSDs for gaming was during last year's holiday sales, but even then, the price just hovered around the $90 mark. Discounts on drives last year weren't as grand as I had hoped, regardless, which is what makes seeing the 990 Pro for under $100 right now so inviting.

Sure, 1TB might not be a lot for a lot of us - especially when you consider how storage-demanding AAA games are getting year in and year out. Yet, if you have a spare M.2 slot going and just need a little extra space for the odd download, the Samsung 990 Pro 1TB SSD feels like a no-brainer. Better yet, if you're okay sourcing your own heatsink, this is one of the best SSDs for PS5 and gives your Sony a ton of extra space for more PS Plus game downloads.

Samsung 990 Pro 1TB SSD | ~~$159.99~~ $99.99 at Amazon Save $59.99 - The Samsung 990 Pro is probably the best all-around Gen 4 SSD you can get your hands on, and thanks to Amazon's spring sales, it has dropped below that sub-$ $100 price sweet spot. The

Its price originally dropped to $299 for Prime Day, which was already good enough. As the event has continued, it's dropped even further to the most affordable it's been since Black Friday.

Buy it if:

✅ 1TB is enough extra storage
✅ You're happy to provide your own heatsink
✅ You have a spare M.2 slot available

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't want to install your own heatsink
❌ You need more than 1TB worth of storage

Price check: Best Buy: $99.99 | Newegg: $99.99

UK: £92.46 at AmazonView Deal

Should you buy the Samsung 990 Pro 1TB SSD?

(Image credit: Future/Jeremy Laird)

The Samsung 990 Pro SSD isn't the latest drive to come from Samsung (that award goes to the Samsung 91000 Pro), however, it's still one of the best drives from the brand's long line of storage solutions, and ideal for your rig - so long as you're okay with just having 1TB at your disposal. Whether or not you should pick up the 990 Pro 1TB SSD primarily comes down to that - is 1TB enough for everything you need it for?

To put it into perspective, one of my favorite PC games, Baldur's Gate 3, takes up around 150GB worth of my PC's storage. It's worth it to get to spend time with the vampire hunk that is Astarion, but if your Steam library is as ridiculous as mine adding even more games into the mix can easily take up 1TB in no time. Of course, unless you have a set of online games you need to have access to 24/7, you don't need to have everything installed at all times. And being more wary of that will definitely help add more value to grabbing the currently discounted Samsung 990 Pro 1TB SSD.

If you aren't too fussed about its 1TB worth of storage, you'll be happy to know that it doesn't disappoint where performance is concerned. Our hardware team's own Duncan Robertson put the drive to the test in his Samsung 990 Pro 2TB SSD review, and while it was the 2TB version, your experience should be the same. (Other than the lack of an additional 1TB worth of space.) Duncan noted that the SSD "offers some top-contender performance" for both PC and even PS5.

As I briefly touched on earlier, PS5 owners can benefit from this spring sale discount, so long as you're okay with attaching your own heatsink. The Samsung 990 Pro 1TB would be more than enough to tackle any PS Plus downloads and put that annoying 'storage is full' notification to bed. If you aren't tech-savvy enough to install your own heatsink, then the Samsung 990 Pro 1TB with a heatsink pre-attached is down to just $109.99 at Amazon too. That's not quite under $100 but it's pretty close and will have your aging PS5 rival the built-in storage of the Slim PS5 model, too.

If you need some extra storage for your favorite consoles, check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch SD cards, the best Xbox Series X hard drive, SSD, and memory card solutions, and the best SSDs for PS5 to give your pixel-pushing machine the perfect storage boost.

Should you buy a gaming tablet in 2025?

Tabitha Baker — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 17:17:59 +0000

There's no doubt about it, mobile gaming continues to climb to incredible heights - both in active player numbers and revenue. With Microsoft insisting that even your toaster is an Xbox, the days of waiting to get home before enjoying your favorite titles on a console may well be behind us. But are tablets the best way to take advantage of this portable shift? Perhaps not. Handhelds are rapidly taking over the portable gaming space, shunting mobile thumb tappers out the way with full Triple-A releases right at your fingertips. But the best gaming tablets still have their place on the shelves - even if they've had to fight for it over the last few years.

These devices provide larger screens, more RAM, and better battery life than mainstream smartphones, but while mobile gaming continues to shoot for the moon, tablet sales are keeping their growth modest. A couple of years ago, this industry was in danger of slipping into decline. In February 2024, it was revealed that both Apple and Samsung experienced a shrink in their tablet shipments over the course of 2023 (IDC), with -29.3% decline for the former and -6.6% for the latter - mobile gaming revenues took a smaller -2.1% hit in the same period (Newzoo). Both sectors are back on the up, but mobile gaming is moving faster - by 2029, Statista expects the number of mobile gamers worldwide to reach 2.4bn, continuing an annual growth rate of 5.56% compared to the 2.82% tablet growth rate in the same period (Statista).

It's no surprise that the responsibility of this mobile gaming market's growth looks set to be split by tablets and smartphones, but with more gaming handhelds hitting the market, and the Nintendo Switch 2 now firmly on the horizon, the gaming tablet could fade into irrelevance. I'd argue that would be the case if it weren't for two big factors; the re-emergence of mid-market games (helping tablets run more games natively) and the rise of streaming (opening tablets up to larger experiences separately).

Double-As are on the comeback

(Image credit: Neowiz)

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, Lies of P and It Takes Two are just a few examples of Double-A titles re-emerging as some of the most popular and talked about games of the last few years. These are simpler than Triple-A blockbusters but are still visually impressive and mechanically satisfying experiences that can feel high-end without requiring top-of-the-range specs to run well. That also means they'll generally run fine on a tablet, and as more of these midmarket releases hit the shelves more players will tune into the fact that they don't need a console or gaming PC to play some of the biggest releases of the year anymore.

Apple's Arcade service is still largely indie-focused (though let's not forget that Balatro took the world by storm last year, earning itself a stack of awards in the process). But more midmarket titles are being added to the App Store itself all the time - Alien Isolation, Monster Hunter Stories, and Divinity Original Sin 2 are already mobile mainstays. If developers want more of these easier titles out on the market, and hardware brands are hungry for less demanding games to show off their shiny screens with, things could move fast in the next few years.

Stream if you want to go faster

(Image credit: Future)

Whether you love it for its convenience or hate it for its impermanence, streaming is here to stay - and it could be one of the first reasons you consider buying a gaming tablet. No, Microsoft, not everything is an Xbox - but it's undeniable that the Game Pass streaming service has changed things. It's the only subscription I regularly keep up with, and it's become the model for the likes of PS Plus and Amazon Luna.

With internet speeds rising, servers growing in power, and service systems becoming more sophisticated, it's now entirely possible to stream the year's biggest releases, without dropping a penny on hardware. You can do that via your existing laptop's browser or your phone, but if you're looking for a portable device with the screen specs to keep up with your favorite games, a tablet is a clear consideration.

The handheld problem

(Image credit: Future)

The state of both the midmarket industry and streaming services seem to be pointing towards a move towards more efficient games less dictated by hardware - but there's one problem. The gaming hardware market is moving with it. In the last few years alone we've seen a massive explosion of dedicated handhelds hitting the shelves - and different models will do a better job at running your games (both natively and streamed) than a gaming tablet.

And this is where we really get to the crux of the question. Should you buy a gaming tablet in 2025? Only if you need a tablet first and foremost.

If you need a slab for browsing the web, watching your favorite shows and movies, taking notes in class, and firing off the odd email, but you also want a device to play a selection of native games and stream the year's biggest hits, a gaming tablet is the most cost-efficient and rewarding options you can choose. The future's looking bright for these dedicated devices, and with cheap Bluetooth controllers and on-screen controls growing in power and dropping in price, the sky's the limit at the moment. There's never been a better time to be a casual player.

However, If you just want a device to play your games on the go or whenever the TV's already booked, a gaming handheld is going to serve you much better overall. These devices have built-in controls, game-ready refresh rates, VRR features at a lower price, graphics-oriented processing systems, and a level of control over individual power and cooling settings that you just won't find in a tablet - no matter how gamified its marketing has been.

After a smaller screen? Check out the best gaming phones on the market right now. Or, for more portability options, take a look at the best gaming earbuds and the best mobile controllers available.

Samsung's long-awaited VR headset smells like an Apple Vision Pro rival, but Asus seems to be cooking up something better

Duncan Robertson — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 13:06:55 +0000

It's March of 2016 and I've just brought home my brand-new Samsung Galaxy S7 on launch day. Because I've pre-ordered it I've also come away with a free bonus, the Samsung Gear VR headset. It's a clever bit of kit that you slot your phone into, transforming it into a VR display panel.

The Gear VR headset was designed in partnership with Oculus, which is now owned by Meta, and it's where my love of virtual reality headsets truly began. So you can imagine my excitement starting to build throughout 2024 as rumors swirled about Samsung and Google teaming up to create their own fully-fledged VR device. After all, Meta makes some of the best VR headsets both in the gaming space and for the spatial computing crowd.

I eagerly tuned into Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event last night to see what I hoped would be a reveal, but I'm not exactly buzzing with excitement after the fact. The little information we actually got about the upcoming device left even more to the imagination than the Nintendo Switch 2's teaser trailer, and what little details we did get have left me deflated.

Samsung's project Moohan doesn't look like anything like a gaming device, nor the competitor to the Meta Quest headsets that the market so sorely needs. Instead, it's a sleek-looking knock-off of the Apple Vision Pro.

The Apple doesn't fall too far from the tree

(Image credit: Samsung)

I've been trying to make sense of it since the keynote, especially since the presenters at Unpacked only hit us with a brief "we'll tell you more later in the year lol".

I know that Samsung is willing to die on the hill of being an Apple rival, but Apple's one foray into VR hasn't exactly been the glaring success everyone thought it'd be. Yes, the Vision Pro arguably reignited a dormant mainstream interest in this technology but, by all accounts, its high-end approach has hamstrung it, with the latest whispers suggesting a more affordable sequel may not be coming after all. So I'm a bit confused. How could Samsung have looked on at the Apple Vision Pro's brief stint in the spotlight and thought "oh yes, we'd love some of that"?

Admittedly, this is all conjecture until we hear more about Samsung's headset, which is said will operate via a new form of Android called Android XR. But one look at the teaser or prototype images will tell you that this looks like a high-end, premium device that takes a lot of design lessons from Apple's ski mask. The thing smells expensive, and that doesn't fill me with a lot of excitement.

(Image credit: Apple)

It doesn't take an expert in VR hardware to tell you that one of this technology's biggest problems is that it's always been prohibitively pricey. Apple's $3,500 foray is a testament to that, and if it hasn't been that popular, it's because hardly anyone can afford it. In my eyes, the reason Meta conquered the XR world is its accessible pricing. The Meta Quest 3S offers a lot of the same mixed-reality power that The Vision Pro does, and its starting price is $299.

The other reason is that Meta hasn't had any direct competition to worry about. PSVR 2 is probably the closest thing the Meta Quest 3 has to a rival right now, and that's only because it offers gaming capabilities at a similar price. It's not exactly a standalone mixed-reality competitor, and very few of those exist. Even the Pico 4 Ultra won't launch in the US, meaning that only select territories have that as an alternative.

I've heard it said that Meta takes big losses by pricing its devices so low, so maybe that's why it seems like every company that enters the VR world is afraid to go after its market share.

Fortunately, this isn't the only headset that's rumored to launch this year, and another brand might be making the VR device I want to see.

If you can't beat em, join em... sort of.

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

There have been more rumblings this week that Asus is also gearing up to launch a VR device, with the latest word on the street being that it'll use Meta's Horizon OS. So, it would kind of be like the way the graphics card industry runs. Nvidia and AMD supply GPU chips to their partners along with architecture and funky upscaling software, but brands like Asus, Gigabyte, and PNY manufacture their own versions of each and price them accordingly. Here, Meta will supply its experienced operating system, presumably with the same access to games and apps, to a device that Asus designs and manufactures.

Asus, as we know from its many gaming peripherals, chairs, and gaming PC components, is well-versed in the gaming hardware realm. It's also not afraid to lead the pack in a relatively new direction. I can't see that brand following in Apple's footsteps, pricing its headset through the roof and expecting non-gamers to welcome it with open arms.

(Image credit: Future)

Of course, this Asus VR headset could well end up being slightly more expensive than the Meta Quest 3S, but the Asus ROG Ally is proof that this is a company that knows how to step into new waters and come out the other side with a lot of success.

The other scenario could be that Asus isn't targeting the affordable end of the market either. There aren't that many PC-tilted VR headsets these days, with the HTC Vive Focus Vision being a rare breed of DisplayPort-compatible devices. Pimax's Crystal range occupies this space too, but both models cost a lot for what they are. An Asus standalone headset using Meta's OS, but offering better PC potential than USB-C offerings could go down very well with gamers.

We'll need to see what's in store for 2025's VR releases. I hope Samsung's premium-looking prototype does have the gaming potential that Apple Vision Pro hasn't really prioritized. Either way, Asus seems primed to pick up the slack.

Prefer your gaming sessions seated for now? Check out the best gaming chairs, the best pink gaming chairs, and the best console gaming chairs.

The First Berserker: Khazan could be the action RPG that gets me hyped for a 3D gaming monitor comeback, and it's thanks to Samsung

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 17:56:59 +0000

Samsung just gave me a reason to get excited about 3D gaming monitors again, as it's collaborating with Nexon to add glasses-free visuals to The First Berserker: Khazan. The action RPG already looks like a ripping romp thanks to its vivid cell graphics aesthetic and gritty anime aesthetic, but now its set to reignite the flames of three dimensional visuals via 2025 Odyssey displays.

In a press release, Samsung reveals that it's officially working alongside The First Berserker: Khaza developer Nexon Korea and Neople, the folks behind Dungeon Fighter Online. The partnership will effectively tailor the upcoming RPG's visuals for the Odyssey 3D monitor revealed during CES 2025. Rather than merely using a post-processing effect or adding in support after release, the trio has instead worked together carefully on the "composition of characters, backgrounds, and cinematics" to tie in with the displays effects.

Naturally, the goal here is to properly propel 3D gaming back into the monitor limelight. Samsung clearly wants its Odyssey screen to be the start of the show, and while it has rivals like Acer gunning for a similar spot with the Predator SpatialLabs View 27, the Korean tech giant is set on making sure you'll actually have new games to play on its screen.

And oh boy, The First Berserker: Khazan is certainly one that could persuade me to get back in glasses-free 3D gaming. It helps that there's a whiff of Soulslike coming from the RPG, and its brutal nature leads me to believe there's lots of fun to be had with three-dimensional gore. But, I think the idea of a gaming being actually designed with 3D visuals in mind could be what matters here most, as it should mean ending up with some intentional choices that justify the format's resurgence.

Should you buy the Samsung Odyssey 3D?

(Image credit: Samsung)

I won't lie to you, I was pretty cynical when I first heard about the Samsung Odyssey 3D. Keep in mind that I've experienced two waves of three-dimensional gaming in my life, with the first emerging via the Sega Master System's weird optional goggles and the last rounding out with the Nintendo 3DS and gaming TVs with active battery powered glasses. Let's just say that after decimating Ocarina of Time 3D multiple times and enduring Shadow of the Colossus on PS3 for too many hours, I've earned the right to be grumpy about 3D.

Yet, I'm actually struggling to harness any negativity when it comes to the Samsung Odyssey 3D and Nexon's The First Berserker: Khazan optimizations. Perhaps I'm simply being suckered into marketing, but I fully believe that if a developer actually sets out to caters to three-dimensional effects, the end result should be pretty enjoyable. The glasses free panel has a real opportunity to shine here just like the 3DS did back in 2011, only this time the effects will apply to a brand new adventure.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Of course, it's always hard to justify investing in specific tech that could fizzle out within a few short years. You'll be completely familiar with that if you went out of your way to pick up a 3D TV of any kind back in the 2010s, particularly if you had your heart set on gaming. Samsung has yet to reveal just how much its Odyssey 3D screen will cost, but if the Predator SpatialLabs View 27 is anything to go by, you'll be looking upwards of $2,000. Ouch.

With that sort of price tag in mind, it's vital to not let 3D thrills blindside you when it comes to specs. Luckily, the Odyssey 3D is a 4K 165Hz panel with a 1ms GtG response time, so it is going to provide your Steam library with nice UHD visuals. That said, it'll use an LFD (light field display) panel in place of the swanky OLED tech used by other Samsung models, and that'll no doubt impact colors and contrast.

As for whether you should buy the Samsung Odyssey 3D when it arrives this year, I'd say it depends on how much of a trendsetter you are. If you love the idea of being at the forefront of 3D gaming's third wind and you're itching to play The First Berserker: Khazan, investing in the monitor will be worthwhile. Just keep in mind that until I get to experience the RPG on the screen with my own eyes, I can't say if you'll be disappointed with your eventual purchase, and jumping on (re)emerging tech always comes with risk.

Looking for more PC displays? Swing by the best 4K monitor for gaming and the best ultrawide monitor. If you prefer to game on console, take a peek at the best monitor for PS5 and best monitor for Xbox Series X for plenty of alternatives.

Remember 3D displays? Well they're a thing again at CES thanks to the Samsung Odyssey 3D

rosalie.newcombe@futurenet.com (Rosalie Newcombe) — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:24:36 +0000

CES 2025 is gearing up to be densely packed with the latest gadgets the tech world has to offer and Samsung has come prepared with the announcement that the Odyssey 3D gaming monitor will be shown off at this year's event. If you thought that 3D displays were long since relinquished to the shadow realm, you'd be wrong as the CES show floor will play host to the brand-new 3D display, alongside the Smart Monitor M9 with built-in AI features and the world's first 27-inch 4K OLED Samsung Odyssey gaming monitors with hefty 500Hz refresh rates.

Originally unveiled at Gamescom 2024, the Odyssey 3D (G90XF model) gaming monitor is exactly what it sounds like, a 3D addition to the Odyssey lineup. However, instead of requiring the use of often awkward-to-glasses like the 3D HD TVs of the 2010s, Samsung's new monitor does away with them entirely. Instead, the display utilizes a lenticular lens attached to the front panel to produce a 3D experience for your favorite games.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Business Team, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics stated in a press release on August 21, 2024, during the monitor's initial unveiling that Samsung is committed to "leading the premium gaming monitor market by continuously developing cutting-edge technologies", however, the idea of a 3D display isn't exactly cutting edge at all.

In fact, CES as far back as 2008 played host to what is believed to be one of the very first 3D gaming monitors by the brand IZ3D. Plus, Acer beat Samsung to the punch with the Predator SpatialLabs View 27 monitor 3D monitor, with also forgoes the need of glasses. But what does make the Odyssey 3D an intriguing piece of tech is what it is, but how it works. According to the CES Samsung press release, the monitor uses light field display (LFD) technology to create 3D imagery using 2D visuals alongside its lenticular lens. These technologies, when combined with Eye Tracking performed by a built-in stereo camera, and View Mapping that continually adjusts the image to aid with depth perception, is what enables the glasses-free 3D experience.

While it will soon be available to take a spin for yourself on the CES 2025 show floor, Samsung has been quiet in other details surrounding the Odyssey 3D. Whether it comes to the original Gamescom 2024 unveiling or CES 2025, so far any info on what games work best with the new glasses-free 3D visuals has been scarce. Hopefully, this will be made available as CES gets rolling, however, I do worry that getting the best 3D result could involve game developers integrating support. A fact that could be a predicament for the niche tech, especially when other monitor brands aren't jumping back into the 3D space.

At least for the time being we do know that the Odyssey 3D will feature a 4K resolution, rapid 1ms gray-to gray (GTG) response time, and a refresh rate of 165Hz. Not only that, but for those not too fussed about 3D, Samsung states the display "seamlessly switch between 2D and 3D modes" as you see fit.

Check out our best gaming monitor guide if you're looking to give your PC gaming set up the display boost that it deserves. We've also rounded up the best curved monitors if you want more immersion and the best 4K monitors for those who put visuals above all else.

I never thought I'd see Samsung's best 4TB SSD drop below $300

duncan.robertson@futurenet.com (Duncan Robertson) — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:01:48 +0000

The Samsung 990 Pro is probably my favorite SSD for gamers right now. It's exceedingly fast, very stylish, and has effective heatsinks if you're looking to slot it in a PS5. Without going into needlessly expensive Gen 5 SSD territory, the 990 Pro is the best drive money can buy. That said, I wouldn't usually recommend that anyone buys the 4TB model.

That's no slight against Samsung's 990 Pro - 4TB drives just cost a fortune, and even content creators who burn through external hard drives at a rate of noughts would struggle to justify their costs. Prime Day has produced a pure miracle though, because the 4TB Samsung 990 Pro with an integrated heatsink is currently $279.99 at Amazon.

I can already hear some of you laughing at the idea of that being a good Prime Day PS5 deal, let alone a miracle. As someone who reviews SSDs for a living though, and has to watch these 4TB drives cost sometimes into the five or six hundreds, this really is ridiculous though. Samsung is one of the biggest brands, and this is one of the best SSDs for PS5, those aren't normally the ones that drop down to the cheapest levels. Back in July for the summer edition of Prime Day, I thought it was great to see this drive down to $299.99, and I feel like a fool for getting excited about that now.

Samsung 990 Pro 4TB | ~~$479.99~~ $279.99 at Amazon
Save $200 - 4TB for under $300 is already a good deal, but getting the heatsink already on top is even better. July's previous Prime Day price was its lowest ever, but this has trounced it, taking an additional $20 off the price.

Buy it if:

✅ You play on PC or PS5
✅ You genuinely need 4TB
✅ You need the heatsink

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't care about read/write speeds

UK: £284.18 at Amazon View Deal

It should go without saying, but this easily counts as a Prime Day PC deal too. Arguably, that's actually where you'll get the most value for money since the true speed of this drive will be slightly hamstrung by the PS5. No matter what you're hoarding, whether it's installed PS Plus games or content, files, an OS, and games on a PC, you've got a serious winner on your hands with the 4TB Samsung 990 Pro.

Should you buy the Samsung 990 Pro?

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

Gen 4 SSDs are the most widely used these days when it comes to gaming. They use the PCIe 4 interface to deliver extremely fast speeds for shifting around data, as well as SSD architecture that sets it up for success anyway. While Gen 5 options now exist and can produce ludicrous speed, they're ultimately too pricey for their limited support at the moment. For that reason, drives like the Samsung 990 Pro are highly sought after because they max out what a Gen 4 SSD is capable of while remaining somewhat reasonably priced.

In terms of numbers, that means that the Samsung 990 Pro can reach 7,450MB/s sequential read speeds, and writes of 6,900MB/s. When it comes to the 4TB model, those numbers are more likely than ever to be met in your system.

Of course, as impressive as this SSD for gaming is, I shouldn't need to tell you that 4TB is only really there for the people who need it. If you record a lot of gameplay, or you like to download every single game that gets added to PS Plus or Game Pass, then this is for you. If not, there really isn't much need for a 4TB drive, unless you want the most extreme futureproofing imaginable.

For PS5 buyers, I shouldn't need to tell you that an upgrade like this is another great way to turn your existing console into a homemade PS5 Pro. The upgraded PlayStation is $250 more expensive than a regular system, so if you're satisfied with how yours performs, this is a fun way to futureproof it. For those who have picked up a PS5 Pro Pre-order, this deal combined with your new internal 2TB drive would create a PS5 Pro Super, which would amount to a total of 6TB of space.

But then again, there are other Prime Day gaming deals to be had as well - you don't need to blow your entire budget on storage alone.

For more deals coverage, check out Prime Day Meta Quest deals, Prime Day Kindle deals, and Prime Day TV deals.

4TB SSDs are often ludicrously expensive, but this Samsung 990 Pro deal is only getting better

duncan.robertson@futurenet.com (Duncan Robertson) — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 12:09:37 +0000

It's time we admit it: SSD prices are bold-faced lies. This year especially, the listed prices of each model changes depending on the retailer, supply, and I guess the movement of stars with each new day. While that's true enough for 1TB drives, the problem only worsens as you move up the capacity scale. 2TB and 4TB drives can have these laughably high prices that go into the five and sometimes six hundreds. In other words, they're even harder to keep track of, and for that reason, I usually don't recommend them very often.

However, Prime Day has actually brought me a bit of hope, because one of the best 4TB drives I've tested is seeing a continued price drop at the moment. The Samsung 990 Pro is up there with the best SSDs for gaming ever made, and right now you can get its 4TB model for $291 at Amazon (the retailer says it was $464.99, but its average price at Amazon is actually $339).

For what I deem one of the best SSDs for gaming, that's all you can wish for during a Summer sale, but this deal has actually improved as time has gone on. Earlier in the week, this drive was at $299.99, and since then its price has been slashed further to $291. This is undoubtedly one of the Prime Day PC deals that's impressed me most, so it's great to see it age like a fine wine.

Samsung 990 Pro 4TB SSD | ~~$464.99~~ ~~$299.99~~ $291.57 at Amazon
Save $173 - The 4TB Samsung 990 Pro is probably the best all-round Gen 4 SSD you can get at the moment. Its price originally dropped to $299 for Prime Day, which was already good enough. As the event has continued, it's dropped even further to the most affordable it's been since Black Friday.

Buy it if:

✅ You're happy adding your own heatsink
✅ You want to future-proof your storage
✅ You regularly download from the PS Plus catalog

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't want to install your own heatsink

Price check: Best Buy: $299.99 | Newegg: $299.99

UK: £290 at AmazonView Deal

There are a few caveats you should know here. Firstly, while I use this enormous SSD in my PS5, the model in this limited-time deal doesn't have an integrated heatsink. That means that if you're planning on making the most of this price as a Prime Day PS5 deal, you'll need to grab one of the best PS5 heatsinks to place on top of it.

The second thing you should know is that while this doesn't appear to be a Prime-exclusive deal, it is a limited-time one, so if you're tempted to buy, don't wait too long. It's always possible that Prime Day gaming deals could force this drive's price down even further, but that relies on stock holding.

Prime Day gaming deals at a glance

SSDs: up to $165 off Samsung
CPUs: up to $110 off Intel 13th Gen
GPUs: AMD cards from $93.99
Mice: Razer pointers from $19.47
Monitors: Acer starting from $109.99
PCs: now starting from $699.99
Gift cards: 20% off Roblox and more

Should you buy the Samsung 990 Pro 4TB?

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

Short of going for a Gen 5 SSD like the Crucial T700 Pro, which is even more expensive, you're not going to find a better SSD for gaming than the Samsung 990 Pro. The 4TB version specifically is one I use every day, so it's one I can recommend with ease.

When we reviewed the 2TB model (which is always a good testing point for the other sizes in a product range), we found sequential read speeds of 7,462MB/s and 6,877MB/s writes. The Seagate Firecuda 530 is probably the closest competitor to that, along with the likes of WD Black's SN850X, and Corsair's MP600 Elite. While any of those drives will give you the best loading times a Gen 4 drive can, Samsung's 4TB model is the one I'd choose because of its really solid random 4K performance.

Moreover, in terms of value for money, this deal comes in under the SN850X's 4TB size, which is up at $309 currently, and is claiming to be reduced from $699.99. The Seagate Firecuda 530 doesn't seem to be available in 4TB at the moment, which is par for the course for that very popular drive. And Corsair's MP600 Elite is all the way up at $399 at Amazon, still claiming to be discounted to that price.

Overall, this is a great SSD for a reasonable price, which is nice to see in 2024 when SSDs have been getting pricier.

For more Prime Day buying advice, check out Prime Day Meta Quest deals, Prime Day Kindle deals, and Prime Day gaming laptop deals.

Forget Prime Day, I’d jump on this Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 deal ASAP

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 10:27:02 +0000

The new Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 arrived just days ago, but Newegg has already stepped up with an incredible deal. If you grab the 4K 240Hz screen at the eggy site right now, you’ll also get a $300 gift card for good measure, giving you an excuse to splash out on other setup bits.

I had to double-check this Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 offer a few times just in case I was seeing things. However, I can confirm that I am not hallucinating and various retailers like Amazon are throwing in a $300 gift card with the new screen for $1,299.99. Not that many of you would even need the store credit as an excuse to pick up this screen, as it could swiftly become one of the best gaming monitors to arrive on the scene this year.

With Prime Day gaming monitor deals just around the corner, I’m both surprised and amused that new G8 deals are already a thing. I only just shared my hands-on impression of Samsung’s new OLED displays, and I figured it’d take at least a few weeks for proper savings to enter the fold. Naturally, I’ve had a poke around at other retailers to see if any other offers are live, and Newegg is matching Amazon with the same $300 gift card offer. There’s even a $300 Best Buy gift card bundle available, and you’ll of course be able to head straight to Samsung if you fancy splashing out on more of the tech giant’s products.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD) + $300 gift card | ~~$1,599.99~~ $1,299.99 at Amazon
Save $300 - This introductory offer goes a step further by throwing in $300 of free store credit with the shiny new Odyssey G8, establishing a pretty high deal bar ahead of Prime Day. It’d be surprising if this same figure turned into a direct price cut any time soon, so this is the offer to go for if you want Samsung’s new screen for less.

Buy it if:
✅You want a speedy OLED display
✅Your desk is next to a window
✅You need extra burn-in protection

Don't buy it if:
❌You want a smaller screen
❌You’re not fussed about OLED

Also available:
Samsung | $1,299.99 + $300 gift card
Newegg | $1,299.99 + $300 gift card
Best Buy | $1,299.99 + $300 gift card View Deal

Should you buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8?

(Image credit: Samsung)

The current Odyssey OLED G8 gift card deal is enticing, but it’s worth considering whether Samsung’s newest screen is the right display for you. Having tried both the 32-inch model and the accompanying Odyssey OLED G6 just last week, I can confirm that both are striking options for mid-range and high-end setups, with features like anti-glare helping bolster their visual capabilities.

If you care about cutting-edge specs, the OLED G6 more than has you covered with its 4K 240Hz abilities. I normally use a 144Hz screen to tackle my Steam backlog, and I could immediately feel the difference when running a few rounds in Rocket League. The fact it’s also rocking a 0.03ms GtG response time means it should hold up pretty well in any competitive scenario you throw at it, even if the G6 does offer up a faster 360Hz refresh rate.

On the design front, I think the new OLED G8 is one of the best-looking Samsung Odyssey OLED monitors yet. The screen’s tapered metal shell helps keep everything incredibly low profile, and it’s refreshing not seeing that usual boxy IO hump strapped to the back like a weird jetpack. Even the pedestal stand offers up stylish minimalism, and it’s sure to fit at gaming desks that have soundbars and other accessories normally beneath their screens.

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

Before settling on the G8, I’d ask you two questions. The first is whether you actually care about faster refresh rates or OLED panels, as there are plenty of far cheaper 4K screens out there. For example, you can currently grab the 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 for $479.95 (down from $699.99) and gain both UHD visuals and a commendable 144Hz refresh rate. You’ll be trading away superior contrast for that sub-$500 price tag, but it could be a more sensible purchase if you usually struggle to tell the difference between panel types.

If you are set on picking up the OLED G8, I would recommend jumping on this gift card offer while it’s still around. While I’m expecting big things from this year’s Prime Day festivities, I can’t see the Samsung screen showing up for less this July. Introductory offers are sometimes a surefire way to grab a better value deal without having to wait for big sales like Black Friday, and this offer is no exception.

Looking for more screens? Check out the best 4K monitors for gaming and best curved gaming monitors for high-spec picks. Alternatively, check out the best portable monitors for gaming if you move around a lot.

The Samsung 1080p monitor I’d buy right now just dropped to Black Friday level pricing

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:30:35 +0000

The Samsung Odyssey G3 is up there with the best 1080p gaming monitors. Sure, it lacks the resolution prowess of UHD displays, but its speedy 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time pair perfectly with many budget setups. So you can imagine how delighted I am to see it dip to its Black Friday price only six months into the year, as it’s now the price of many lower-spec alternatives that wield entry-level specs.

If you take a stroll over to Amazon right now, you can grab the 24-inch Samsung Odyssey G3 for $129.99 (was $199.99) thanks to a 34% discount. This is only the second time the model has actually dipped under $150, and ordinary offers usually only take $50 off. Plus, we’re talking about a screen that can rival the best gaming monitors for 1080p setups rather than something that simply gets the job done.

Typically speaking, it’s hard to find a 1080p display for close to $100 with a faster refresh rate and gaming abilities. Most options out there will set you back at least $150, and that’s taking Prime Day gaming monitor deals into account. I’m actually surprised that the Odyssey G3 didn’t wait until Amazon’s big sale to jump back to its lowest price, but I suspect the discount lines up with the release of Samsung’s new Odyssey G6 and G8 screens that I recently tried out.

Samsung Odyssey G3 24-inch (LS24AG302NNXZA) | ~~$199.99~~ $129.99 at Amazon
Save $70 - Back down to its Black Friday price, the Odyssey G3 has only dipped below $130 twice so far. Normally, it likes to drop from $200 to $150, so this is your chance to grab 35% off well before any sales kick off.

Buy it if:
✅You play games at 1080p
✅You need a display for a handheld
✅You want a faster refresh rate

Don't buy it if:
❌You’re looking for competitive speeds
❌You’d rather invest in a 1440p or 4K panel

Price check: Best Buy $129.99 | Walmart $129.99 View Deal

Should you buy the Samsung Odyssey G3?

(Image credit: Samsung)

Yes, I know, the idea of buying a 1080p monitor in 2024 might feel a little odd to some of you. After all, we’re now at the stage where using monitors for PS5 is the norm, as 4K 120Hz isn’t just reserved for PC gameplay. That said, gunning for the best specs possible just for the sake of it isn’t always the answer, and spending $130 on the Samsung Odyssey G3 could provide some players with a more balanced experience.

For starters, I’d always advise players to match up monitor resolution to their system’s capabilities. 4K is wonderful, but there’s little point in using a UHD display if you’re going to use an entry-level graphics card to run your Steam games. If you’re rocking an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 or lower, the Odyssey G3 is going to natively serve up great 1080p visuals that are snappy thanks to its 144Hz abilities. Not to mention added AMD FreeSync support will ensure everything is tear-free.

I’m also into the idea of using the Odyssey G3 specifically for the best gaming handheld, as the likes of the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally are better suited to 1080p screens. The faster refresh rate gives some headroom to Valve’s portable powerhouse when running less intense classics and indie romps, and 24 inches is the perfect size for masking any softness tied to FSR upscaling.

The closest alternative I could find to the Odyssey G3 right now on Amazon is the LG UltraGear 24GN600-B at $149. It offers an extremely similar experience to Samsung’s 144Hz 1080p display, so it could be worth checking out if you’re struggling to decide. However, the G3 wins out right now in terms of price, and it’s sure to please anyone who likes the idea of grabbing a $200 monitor for a chunk less.

Looking for more great screens? Check out the best 4k monitors for gaming and the best curved gaming monitors. Alternatively, swing by the best portable monitor for gaming if you like to travel.

I tried Samsung’s new OLED gaming monitors early, and one feature should have rivals worried

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 13:59:12 +0000

New Samsung OLED gaming monitors are on the way, and the Odyssey G6 and Odyssey G8 already feel like something special. At this stage, screens really have to go out of their way to leave an impression on me, but this new duo has caught my attention through style, impressive specs, and one feature that facilitates punchy visuals at every angle. In fact, I’m worried that many other displays in 2024 are going to fall short if they can’t replicate one particular trait.

It takes more than just an impressive OLED panel to make my best gaming monitor list, as the whole package matters. Sure, previous models like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 hold their position thanks to incredible contrast and colors, but it's the screen maker’s attention to design that ultimately earns it the crown. While I’ll need to properly road-test the new Odyssey OLED G6 and G8 models to know if the same applies, even a short demo has left me thinking about how the displays would look in my office.

Last week, I was invited by Samsung to feast my eyes on the new Odyssey OLED G6 and G8. Admittedly, I wasn’t sure whether the 32-inch 4K UHD model or the 27-inch QHD model would rock my world, as I’ve tested plenty of excellent OLED panels with speedy refresh rates and snappy response times. And, while the displays impress in both those departments with 240Hz and 360Hz abilities, getting a good look at them first-hand hammered home what all the fuss is about.

Eye-catching from all angles

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

The very first thing I noticed was that the OLED G6 and G8 appeared immune to glare, which is impressive given the “demo bus” was parked right next to a large window. Better still, it happened to be one of the sunniest days we’ve had in weeks, but even that seemingly couldn’t beat Samsung’s new “OLED Glare-Free technology.” My gaming desk at home sits right next to a window, so I’m more than aware of the havoc a nice day can wreak on a gaming session (promoting me to go out for a walk instead of bashing my Steam backlog).

Before planking myself down for a proper test session, I got a 360° look at the OLED G6 and G8, and the experience was refreshing. I’m well aware that Samsung knows how to make pretty displays, and both these new gaming monitors embody the tech giant’s dedication to aesthetics. The design is similar to that of the Odyssey Neo range, but the panel type allows for a much slimmer profile and a tapered back that avoids using a big boxy hump for IO placement.

Future / Phil Hayton

I’m not saying that having the likes of the Dough Spectrum Black and Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 with a protruding box is a deal breaker, but both do look clunky compared to the gentle curves of the new Odyssey OLED range. Plus, I’m a big fan of HDMI and DisplayPort facing outwards rather than living under a lip, as it’s far easier to hook up consoles and other PCs on a whim. It also means that functional elements don’t disrupt the RGB ring at the center, helping add a bit of flare to an otherwise minimalist design.

I want to also praise the G6 and G8’s choice of pedestal stand, as it trades V-shapes and chonky bases for a low-profile pentagon. At first, it may look like it takes up more space than it needs to, but since it’s thin, you’ll actually have more freedom to fit accessories and things like soundbars underneath. I reckon it could even serve as a nice console platform – a huge win if you’re looking specifically for a monitor for PS5 or somewhere to pop your Steam Deck dock.

Snappy and striking

(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)

To get a feel for both the G6, I used Samsung’s gaming mouse and keyboard setup to whiz around in Rocket League. At 27 inches, I wasn’t able to sniff out any fidelity issues playing at 1440p, with the display's 360Hz 0.03ms abilities also helping to keep my eyes busy. Everything felt as slick as I’d have expected from an OLED panel in 2024, and the contrast was once again elevated by the complete lack of glare from either the room’s lighting or the glorious weather happening outside.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 vs Odyssey OLED G8
Specs	Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD)	Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD)
Price	$899.99 / £799	$1,299.99 / £1,099.99
Screen size	27-inch	32-inch
Aspect ratio	16:9	16:9
Resolution	2560 x 1440	3840 x 2160
Refresh rate	360Hz	240Hz
Brightness	300 nits	250 nits
Viewing angles	178°/178°	178°/178°
Contrast ratio	1,000,000:1	1,000,000:1
Panel	OLED	OLED

The larger 32-inch G8 model dials things down to 240Hz to achieve UHD, and it makes for a strong 4K gaming monitor contender. It’d take more than a quick session in Fortnite for me to detect the difference in refresh rate, but at face value, the experience feels just as snappy. The OLED panel also pulls punches to help maintain that balance of speed and vibrance, and once again, zero glare in spite of being positioned right in front of a large window.

Samsung’s burn-in battle

My hands-on impressions aside, there are a couple of OLED G6 and G8 features that should help both panels win players over. For instance, Samsung has armed both with OLED Safeguard+ tech, which uses a “pulsating heart pipe” and “Dynamic Cooling System” to shift more heat than traditional methods. There are also some preventative brightness measures at hand to combat things like static logos and images, so you probably won’t be haunted by your favorite game’s UI after a few years of use.

I’m also thrilled to report that G8 comes with a remote control, and I really hope it helps end fiddly nubs and OSD buttons. Admittedly, the 4K model comes with Tizen smart features baked in, which makes the addition of a remote necessary, but I’m still pretty hyped for the added extra. I’d go as far as to say that it makes it worth picking up over smaller gaming TV options out there, as you’ll have everything to hand that you’d find in a living room display.

Glorious anti-glare makes a difference

I don’t want to act all clairvoyant about my own upcoming Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 review, but I’m certain Glare-Free tech is going to be a big talking point. Same applies to the G8, and it could be enough to make rivals sweat. Combatting reflections and bright patches isn’t anything new, as it’s been a feature of many screens over the past few years. However, now that I’ve clapped my eyes on Samsung’s latest attempt, I’m going to struggle using and reviewing other screens.

Both the new Odyssey OLED G6 and G8 will go on sale 18 June, but UK players can pre-order the G6 right now at Currys. We're still waiting for orders to go live in the US, but watch this space.

Looking for more screens? Check out the best curved gaming monitors and best ultrawide gaming monitors for more models. Alternatively, take a peek at the best portable monitor for gaming if you need an on-the-go panel.

The Samsung Odyssey G8 just dropped to its lowest price, and it’s my favorite Memorial Day deal so far

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Fri, 24 May 2024 12:53:17 +0000

I like to keep a close eye on the premium gaming monitor scene during events like Memorial Day, as seasonal sales can provide access to an additional pool of panels. So, you can imagine my delight when I spotted the impressive Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 down to its lowest price, as its QD-OLED specs are an absolute win for well under $1,000.

The Memorial Day deal is live over at Amazon right now, with a 33% offer bringing the 34-inch Samsung Odyssey G8 down from $1,199.99 to $799.99. The $400 discount returns the QD-OLED display back to its lowest price, and the screen only occasionally dips into triple-digit territory. Even last year’s Black Friday festivities failed to bring the speedy screen below $800, so this is a pretty attractive saving, to say the least.

Armed with a 175Hz refresh rate and snappy 0.03ms response time, the Odyssey G9 has what it takes to rival the best gaming monitors out there. Being a QD-OLED display, it also boasts superior contrast and colors compared to many alternatives out there, and you’ll immediately notice a difference compared to traditional VA and IPS panels. Samsung’s included Game Bar software also drives home its gaming PC and console prowess, with plenty of options to help enhance your experience.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 | ~~$1,199.99~~ $799.99 at Amazon
Save $400 - Returning to its lowest price since March, the Odyssey OLED G8 normally likes to sit on a perch above $1,000. This Memorial Day deal also beats previous prices featured during Black Friday 2023, so it’s worth considering if you’ve been holding off for the best possible offer.

Buy it if:
✅You want superior contrast
✅You’re looking for a speedy OLED
✅You want a curved ultrawide display

Don't buy it if:
❌You want bigger than 32-inch
❌You’d rather avoid OLED

Price check: Best Buy $799.99 | B&H Photo $799 View Deal

Should you buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8?

(Image credit: Samsung)

At just under $800, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is still an investment. However, its OLED capabilities and elevated refresh rate will stand the test of time, meaning you might not think about an upgrade for quite a few years. The fact it’s ultrawide also might save you from using a secondary screen, but I’d ultimately suggest investing in the larger Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 instead if it’s more workspace you’re after.

At its current price, the OLED G8 is the ultrawide gaming monitor I’d go for right now. There are 34-inch alternatives, like the Lenovo Legion Y34wz-30 that swap OLED for other panel types, but you’ll end up paying the same price for a lesser experience. Sure, mini-LED can produce brighter results, but I can’t really see that being a biggie unless you’re constantly gaming in broad daylight.

One factor I do think could be a deal breaker for some premium players is the G8’s QHD limitations. Just like many ultrawide screens, you’ll be missing out on a true 4K experience, instead making use of 1440p with a wider aspect ratio. That said, I think 34-inch is a sweet spot for avoiding any softness at sub-UHD resolutions, and the excellent contrast provided by OLED tech serves as a nice distraction from not-so-crisp pixels. Plus, you’ll realistically need one of the best graphics cards around to enjoy full-blown 4K anyway, so Samsung’s panel will probably suit a majority of setups out there.

Looking for more seasonal savings? Swing by the Best Memorial Day TV sales and best Memorial Day gaming laptop deals for more offers. We’ve also got you covered with the best Memorial Day PS5 deals and best Memorial Day Nintendo Switch deals, just in case you’re looking for console bargains.

This Samsung QLED TV is a great PS5 display that looks like a painting, and it's down to its lowest price

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Thu, 09 May 2024 10:26:40 +0000

Believe it or not, some people don’t like big TVs dominating their living rooms. Yes, I know, if you’re a PS5 fan or an Xbox devotee then that’s probably going to be hard to comprehend, but you might already be trying to convince a loved one or anyone else you share your space with to let you upgrade your current dinky display. If that’s the case, I may have a solution for you, as Samsung’s ‘The Frame’ will let you disguise your new console screen as contemporary art.

Sounds like a plan? Well, you’ll want to head over to Amazon and pick up the Samsung Frame, as a 31% discount has knocked it down from $1,297.99 to $897.99. For well under a grand, you’re getting a 50-inch 4K display that can rival some of the best TVs for PS5 and Xbox Series X while possessing arty Kameleon superpowers. As you can imagine, a high-spec screen that can make itself look like a Monet has widespread appeal, and this model only tends to drop to this price occasionally. It’s actually the same record low that featured during Black Friday, so you can rest assured that you didn’t miss a better offer during last year’s event.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – surely a TV that can pose as art comes with caveats? Well, no, this panel actually provides the same 4K 60Hz punch as many of Samsung’s other best gaming TV contenders. In fact, it arguably has an edge over ordinary models, as its matte finish screen will easily fend off distracting reflections while you play. It’s also worth noting that this is a QLED display we’re talking about, so you’ll benefit from elevated brightness and vivid colors that can hold up against even the top OLED options out there.

Samsung The Frame 50-inch | ~~$1,279~~ $897.99 at Amazon
Save $382 - A 31% discount has brought Samsung’s decorative TV back down to its lowest price. The screen tends to only drop briefly below $1,000 every few months, and this is the same price tag that it wore during Black Friday 2023.

Buy it if:
✅ You want a stylish TV
✅ You appreciate art
✅ You’re fed up with black rectangles

Don't buy it if:
❌ You couldn’t care less about art
❌ A painting would look out of place in your space

Price check: Best Buy $899 | Walmart $897.99 View Deal

Should you buy Samsung’s The Frame TV?

(Image credit: Samsung)

This is going to sound a little odd, but if you or someone you live with would rather not have a TV in their living room, this is the television for you. Let’s be real, big black squares haunting the walls of your space can spoil whatever aesthetic you’re going for, but this framed panel has the ability to look like a legitimate painting and contribute to whatever vibe you’re going for.

Of course, all that will mean nothing to you if you’re looking to pair your PS5 with the best QLED TV out there, and Samsung’s solution can thankfully also fulfill that brief. Sure, the main draw is the screen’s customizable wood-effect bezel and digital art store access, but it also boasts game-boosting attributes like Quantum HDR as well as Tizen smart features.

Of course, if you don’t have to worry about convincing someone else to let you have a 50-inch PS5 screen in your space, then you might want to consider the Samsung QN90A instead. This 144Hz flagship speedster has an edge if you’re serious about playing FPS games at high frame rates, but it will set you back more and sort of look like you’ve got a huge gaming monitor sitting in the living room.

Eagerly awaiting big screen savings? Check out the best Memorial Day TV sales and best Memorial Day PS5 deals for what to expect from the upcoming sales event. Alternatively, check out the best gaming handheld options if you’d rather venture outside.

Samsung’s brand-new 2024 OLED TV has already dropped in price, and it’s begging to meet your PS5

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:06:11 +0000

The Samsung QN55S90D might be new to 2024, but the 120Hz OLED TV has already received its first price cut. That’s great news for anyone thinking about treating their PS5 to a shiny new screen, and it’s probably the one I’d invest in this year specifically for new-gen consoles.

Over at Amazon right now, you’ll find that the 55-inch Samsung QN55S90D is down from $1,997.99 to $1,797.99. That’s $200 off for anyone attempting the maths, and it’s not too shabby considering the fact it rivals the best gaming TVs with its 120Hz OLED panel. Integrated 4K AI upscaling will also help this TV give your lower-spec consoles a boost, which could be a huge win if you’re a Switch player or regularly use a Steam Deck dock. If you’re not into using an additional sound system, you’ll also be pleased to hear this model boasts Dolby Atmos speakers, providing your content with excellent virtual 3D surround sound.

If you’re actually looking for something faster than 120Hz, you’ll also have the option of playing around with Samsung’s 144Hz “Motion Xcelerator”. We're talking about frame rate interpolation here rather than a magic refresh rate booster, it’ll be a pseudo effect that will only make things appear smoother visually. Still, if you’re into the idea of messing with a living room gaming PC setup, the tech could make for an interesting experiment.

Samsung QN55S90D 55-Inch (2024 model) | ~~$1,997.99~~ $1,797.99 at Amazon
Save $200 - As part of a “limited time deal,” you’ll be able to grab a nifty 10% off Samsung’s 2024 120Hz OLED TV. While it’s fresh on the scene, the discount brings it down to a record-low price, placing some nice distance in front of its initial MSRP.

Price check: Best Buy $1,799.99 | Walmart $1,797.99 View Deal

Should you buy the Samsung QN55S90D?

(Image credit: Samsung)

Brand new 2024 gaming TVs are currently rolling out onto the scene, and the Samsung QN55S90D is a solid OLED 120Hz option. Since it’s new, you can rest assured that it’ll boast all of the company's latest software innovations, including the 4K AI upscaler mentioned above alongside a “Real Depth Enhancer” and HDR+ abilities. All of that comes at a cost, but when you consider the model’s specs and extra features, you’re getting a solid screen that should pair nicely with future consoles for a few years to come.

If you’re not too fussed about your next display being either 120Hz or OLED, or you’re not looking for the best TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X, then it is worth checking below for alternative deals. It’s also worth noting that the arrival of newcomers may knock older sets further down in price, and holding off could result in bigger discounts.

Looking for a wider selection of big screens? Swing by the best 120Hz 4K TVs and best QLED TVs for more high-spec picks. Alternatively, take a peek at the best gaming monitors if you need something even faster.

Make me jealous and grab this Samsung S90C OLED TV for under £1,000

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:39:56 +0000

I’ve had to talk myself out of buying the Samsung S90C a few times, but it feels like the OLED TV is now taunting me. You can now pick up this exceptional 55-inch 144Hz display for under £1,000 in the UK, which is worthwhile if you value living room performance or want to unlock the full potential of your PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Over at Amazon UK, the Samsung S90C has dropped from £1,129 to £998, meaning it's currently cheaper than it was last Black Friday. For under a grand, you’re getting one of the best gaming TVs on the market that boasts a QD-OLED panel, a faster-than-average 144Hz refresh rate, and high-tech smart features. Not to mention it’s also razor thin, so it’s going to look the part whether you choose to wall mount or pop it on a stand.

There are a few stand-out Samsung S90C features that make it one of my most desired TVs. For starters, I love the idea of using a gaming PC in the living room, and this display’s 144Hz refresh rate is going to make everything feel much speedier than traditional screens. Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with 60Hz displays, but if you play FPS games, you’ll feel the difference. I’m also very keen to upgrade from LED, and QD-OLED offers both incredible contrast and brighter results than ordinary OLED panels.

Samsung S90C OLED TV 55-inch | £~~1,129~~ £998 at Amazon
Save £131 - Down to its lowest price and cheaper than during Black Friday 2023, this 144Hz OLED screen by Samsung is perfect for high frame rate gaming and all round entertainment. Plus, it's got an anti reflective coating that'll stop the sun being a nuisance as the summer approaches.

Buy it if:

✅ You have a PS5 or Xbox Series X
✅ You want exceptional contrast
✅ You need brighter than standard OLED

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't play high frame rate games
❌ You're satisfied with LED quality

Price Check: Argos £1,199 | Currys £1199 View Deal

Another nice extra with the S90C is its anti-reflective coating, which is absolutely something I need in my life. I have a long living room with two windows at each end, and trying to play horror games and watch darker scenes in films is a nightmare in the evening thanks to the low sun.

Should you buy the Samsung S90C?

If you happen to have £1,000 to spend on a TV, I reckon now could be an opportune time to pick up the Samsung S90C. As we move into the summer, new flagship models will arrive on the scene, and this price cut could be a way to clear stock before that happens. 2023 model stock will likely persist throughout this year, but there’s no guarantee specific options will stick around for either Prime Day or Black Friday 2024.

Simply put, even if the S90C gets slightly cheaper later in the year, picking one up now might be a safer bet. I’ve witnessed older high-spec models go out of stock pretty quickly once newcomers arrive on the block, and for under £1,000, this is one of the best QD-OLED TVs for the money.

Looking for a wider selection of screens? Swing by the best OLED gaming TVs and best QLED TVs for premium options. Alternatively, take a peek at the best gaming monitors if you prefer to play at a desk.

Samsung’s big silly 55-inch Odyssey Ark monitor has $1,000 off right now, but it’s got more than size on its side

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:40:44 +0000

If you look up ‘massive monitor’ in the dictionary, you’ll likely find a picture of the Samsung Odyssey Ark. It’s a display that’s probably bigger than most people’s living room TVs, and comes with an equally large price tag attached. However, those of you who have been waiting for a cheeky discount are in luck, as the second-gen version has a whopping $1,000 off.

Those of you who fancy splashing out on the Samsung Odyssey Ark will want to go check out the Amazon Spring Sale, as it has slashed the screen from $2,999.99 to $1,999.99. Yes, I know, not many of you out there will have a spare two grand free to invest in a gaming monitor, but those of you who do are going to end up with an unbeatable experience. We’re talking 55-inches of curved mini-LED 4K glory, and that wraparound effect is going to provide immersion levels that rival VR.

That wraparound 1000R curvature might seem like a novelty in itself, but the Odyssey Ark has an ace up its sleeve. By rotating the display, you’ll activate what Samsung describes as “cockpit mode”, something that’s going to make your setup feel a bit sci-fi. Switching to vertical practically serves as three smaller displays stacked on top of each other, but if you’re creative, you’ll already have games in mind that’ll look ridiculously cool with this aspect ratio. Personally, I really want to fire up some old-school arcade shooters that support TATE mode (I’ll bring the Orange GameCube and Ikaruga if you bring the Ark.)

Amazon Spring Sale at a glance

Monitors: Big Samsung, Acer, and Asus savings
OLED TVs: 28% off the 55-inch LG OLED G3
Consoles: Grab $90 off PS5 Slim with Prime
Games: Discounts on Spider-Man and more
Graphics cards: $35 off an RTX 4070 GPU

Samsung Odyssey Ark (2nd gen) | ~~$2,999.99~~ $1,999 at Best Buy
Save $1,000 - The newest version of the Odyssey Ark has a chonky 33% off, and it's within touching distance of its cheapest-ever price. We can't see this screen dropping any lower before Black Friday this year, so if you're keen to spend most of 2024 using cockpit mode, now's your chance to save some cash.

Buy it if:

✅ You want one of the biggest monitors
✅ You're looking for something ultra-immersive
✅ You play racing games and flight sims

Don't buy it if:

❌ You'd prefer multiple separate screens
❌ You've got a normal-sized desk

Price check: Best Buy $1,999.99 | Walmart $1,999 View Deal

There are a few features the Odyssey Ark possesses that aren’t size-related, some of which you won’t find in most monitors. For starters, you can hook up multiple PCs and control them all using a single keyboard and mouse, almost like each rig is one and the same. The display also boasts four corner speakers and two subwoofers, with Dolby Atmos surround providing the perfect excuse to ditch your existing speaker system.

Should you buy the Samsung Odyssey Ark?

(Image credit: Samsung)

At the end of the day, $2,000 is a lot to spend on a gaming monitor, even one as dazzling as the Samsung Odyssey Ark. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest, and it becomes a case of making sure you’re going to get maximum use out of it, rather than it serving as an ordinary desktop display.

Not to come up with excuses for you, but if you were planning on buying three separate monitors anyway, the Odyssey Ark could serve as an effective high-spec solution that could potentially cost less. For example, even though you can currently grab a chonky 46% off a Samsung Odyssey G7 4K screen right now, you’re still talking $700.61 a pop, adding up to over $2,101. I’d argue there are greater benefits to having a seamless spread of 55 inches available over separate panels, especially when it comes to making full use of the space for gaming.

In any case, if you do decide the Odyssey Ark isn't for you, there's every chance you'll find a great alternative in the Amazon Spring Sale. You'll find a selection of discounted displays below, with plenty of Samsung alternatives at pretty attractive prices.

Looking for more screens? Swing by the best 4K gaming monitors and best curved monitors for our top picks. Alternatively, check out the best monitor for PS5 if you've got a console setup.

Samsung's first gen 5 SSD is slower than most PS5 SSDs, but that might be okay

duncan.robertson@futurenet.com (Duncan Robertson) — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:35:22 +0000

In 2023, we saw the dawn of PCIe Gen 5 SSDs in the mainstream market. This time last year, the first few drives were trickling their way into Asian markets, and as motherboard compatibility started to become a bit more common, bigger brands started taking a crack at them.

Now, we have a few models that are widely available. ADATA's Legend 970 has its own cooling fan built into its heatsink, and the Crucial T700 Pro has reviewed well but has been met with mixed reports from consumers. These Gen 5 SSDs are still in their early days, and their volatility when it comes to size, cooling, and speeds means they're still only perched to become the best SSDs for gaming.

However, Samsung has now thrown its hat in the ring, yesterday announcing the Samsung 990 Evo, the first-ever hybrid interface SSD. Sporting 4x PCIe Gen 4 lanes and 2x PCIe Gen 5 lanes, it can work with both architectures while offering the same bandwidth to either.

Essentially, when the 990 EVO is connected to PCIe Gen 5 systems, it will connect with its speedy two lanes automatically, but there will be no performance drop compared to its four Gen 4 lanes. With that in mind, the 990 EVO can even be used with compatible laptops. This clever design will also reduce power demands and temperatures, which Gen 5 SSDs are known to struggle with.

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

This is certainly an interesting approach to take with the blazing-fast architecture of PCIe 5.0, and it seriously bucks the trends we've seen so far.

For reference, an everyday Gen 4 NVMe drive, like one of the best PS5 SSDs for example, is capable of read speeds of up to 7,400MB/s. Gen 5's heavily boasted speeds are over the 1GB/s mark, so fairly ridiculous. The new 990 EVO is much more subdued, however, with quoted read speeds of 5,000MB/s regardless of whether you grab it in 1TB or 2TB shape.

Before that sparks a fit of gamer rage at Samsung, I'll add that this isn't a drive that's trying to target the uppermost echelon of gaming PCs. This is Samsung's EVO range, which offers slightly more reserved speeds, authentic homecooked architecture, but more reasonable prices. Indeed, if you compare speeds directly, the 980 PRO and 990 Pro drives are both faster than this new EVO option, but if you try to get hold of either, you're still looking at upwards of $80 for 1TB worth of 2-year-old architecture. I haven't been given US prices for the new 990 EVO, but in the UK, it'll set you back £100.99 for 1TB and £169.99 for the 2TB model.

For a drive that's somewhere in between a Gen 4 and Gen 5 SSD, its price does reflect that somewhat. To be completely honest with you though, this could offer up some serious value when it comes to futureproofing.

Future / Duncan Robertson

I'm someone who reviews memory and storage devices for work, and even with access to a few beefy gaming PCs, I've had a serious struggle trying to test out Gen 5 SSDs because of their limited motherboard compatibility and obnoxious heatsinks. If you don't need the absolute best speeds out there in a solid-state drive just now but know you'll want to upgrade your motherboard and PC at some point, the 990 EVO might be the perfect springboard for you to make that transfer.

For content creators, photographers, or graphics designers, a read speed of 5,000MB/s isn't going to hamstring you. Even for gaming, you're still giving yourself solid loading times - the PS5 SSD minimum read speed may technically be above this (5,500MB/s), but not by much in practical terms.

We wouldn't recommend putting a drive like this, nor any Gen 5 drive inside your PS5 anyway. As some YouTubers have found, Sony's system doesn't like them, and Gen 5 SSDs are not backwards compatible with Gen 4 M.2 bays.

Regardless, I'm more interested in the architecture of a drive like this, because it shows that there is more than one approach to tackling new technology. While this is technically Samsung's first Gen 5 SSD, I'm certain that when the first PCIe 5.0 "PRO" model arrives, it's going to be a lot more stable than the rivals we've seen already because the brand has taken a more measured approach to begin with.

What's more, I applaud Samsung for offering consumers a generational springboard thanks to clever technical innovation. That's something we don't often see when it comes to the best CPUs for gaming, or indeed the best RAM for gaming.

Looking for something more portable? Check out the best external hard drives for gaming, the best PS5 external hard drives, and the best Xbox Series X hard drives.

CES brings us the world's first 4K QD-OLED monitors

Tabitha Baker — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 23:25:03 +0000

QD-OLED gaming monitors have picked up some serious traction over the last few years, with Alienware and Samsung leading the pack. Both brands have stepped up the game at CES, though, unveiling new 4K panels with HP in tow as well. Previous QD-OLED gaming monitors have tapped out at QHD resolutions (or various versions of them), and while it'll take some serious grunt to run each panel at its highest possible refresh rate, those after a high-end setup are well served here.

We've got Alienware, HP, and Samsung bringing 4K resolution to QD-OLED gaming monitors this year, with new announcements springing up all over the showfloor. All of these competing panels feature 32-inch form factors with UHD resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate, but there are some more important differences between the three.

(Image credit: HP)

The HP Omen, for example, employs KVM switching technology to allow you to use a single monitor as a hub between two PC devices - dragging and dropping files between them and seamlessly switching between inputs. Samsung's Odyssey G8 has a similar function, but only with Samsung technology (no surprises there), and Alienware is behind in this department with no such feature that we know of baked in. However, if you're after a curved gaming monitor you'll be heading to Dell - unlike Samsung's previous form in the 1000+ R space, the Odyssey G8 is a flat screen, leaving the Alienware AW3225QF the only option for those after a more immersive experience.

Key Specs compared
Specs	Alienware AW3225QF	HP Omen Transcend 32	Samsung Odyssey G8
Size	32-inch	32-inch	32-inch
Design	Curved (1700R)	Flat	Flat
Resolution	UHD 4K	UHD 4K	UHD 4K
Refresh rate	240Hz	240Hz	240Hz
HDR	Dolby Vision and VESA Display HDR	Dolby Vision and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400	VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400
Response time	0.03ms	0.3ms	Undisclosed
Ports	1x DP 1.4 \| 2x HDMI 2.1 \| 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 upstream \| 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream \| 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C downstream \|	Undisclosed	Undisclosed

It's no surprise that these aren't going to be cheap gaming monitors. QD-OLED panels already command a high price tag and these first few steps into a 4K world aren't going to be budget-friendly. Not only that, but with 240Hz refresh rates packed into the UHD resolution and a whole plethora of extra KVM and HDR features baked in, these panels are going to be for the enthusiasts.

We have, however, fallen in love with the super crisp QD-OLED panels we've seen so far - the Alienware AW3423DW still sits at the top of our shopping list. With speedy panels and 4K resolutions, these monitors truly can do it all - and if you're in the market for an investment piece now's a fantastic time to jump in. After all, we've been waiting for 4K resolution, but 8K is still too far off to be thinking about. Refresh rates used to be low on 4K OLED panels, but 240Hz is a sweet spot we'll be happy at for a long time. There's nothing on the horizon to scare off potential upgraders - we'll just have to see who wins out of this three-way race.

In Association with ROG Ally

We're also rounding up all the best 4K gaming monitors on the market, as well as the best ultrawide monitors for those after a particularly immersive experience. If you're building a console setup, though, be sure to check out the best monitor for PS5.

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 just dropped below $1,000 for Black Friday, and I feel like a fool

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:50:41 +0000

I’ve been keeping an eye out for Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 deals for a while now, and Black Friday just made a fool out of me. Just last week, I was certain the ultrawide gaming monitor wouldn’t get any cheaper, but Amazon has just smashed it down under $1,000 in line with the big sale. We’re talking about a 2023 premium panel with a 240Hz refresh rate, so perhaps you’ll see why I didn’t think we’d be talking about a discount like this until 2024.

Over at Amazon, you’ll find the Samsung Odyssey OLED Black Friday gaming monitor deal in question, with a 38% discount knocking it down from $1,599.99 to $999. I was previously impressed by an offer that brought it down to $1,099, as I figured $500 off appeared pretty generous. Keep in mind the older mini LED version is still kicking around for around $1,200 too, so it’s needless to say the seasonal sale has outdone itself with this offer.

If you’ve been keeping up with our screen coverage, you’ll already know we think the Samsung Odyssey G9 is the best gaming monitor on the OLED ultrawide battlefield. Not only will furnish your setup with speedy 240Hz visuals, but it’s also dual QHD, so you’re effectively getting two 1440p monitors in one in terms of workspace. In addition, DisplayHDR True Black 400 features will help make the most of the panel’s superb contrast and color capabilities, enabling you to envelop yourself in ultra realistic surroundings at your desk.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 49-inch | ~~$1,599.99~~ $999.99 at Amazon
Save $600 - Just a few days ago, I was raving about how this screen was down to $1,099.99. However, Black Friday has knocked an additional $100 off bringing it down to a new record low, and it just goes to show you can never be too sure what the event will offer.

Buy it if:

✅ You want cutting-edge specs
✅ You want a TV-sized OLED monitor
✅ You need a speedy refresh rate

Don't buy it if:

❌ You've not actually got the space
❌ You'd rather use a non-ultrawide 4K screen

Price check: Best Buy $1,199 | B&H Photo $1,199 View Deal

Should you buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9?

Even with the above Black Friday deal applied, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is still a pricey panel, so it’s important to consider whether it’s a good fit for your setup. It’s also worth noting that I’d largely only recommend a curved monitor for desktop use, as the benefits are best enjoyed front facing rather than from afar.

That aside, the OLED G9 is going to gel with players looking for an immersive experience, and Samsung’s screen is arguably the next best thing to a VR headset. Sure, wearing a pair of virtual reality goggles is going to come up trumps, but surrounding yourself with panoramic visuals is a great alternative, and playing games like Cyberpunk 2077 with an ultrawide QHD resolution have truly tricked my senses in the past. Naturally, there are productivity benefits too since you’ll have double the screen space compared to normal, but I’d rather talk about playing gritty RPGs than formulas and spreadsheets.

This screen has sat at $1,299 for most of the year, and I imagine it’s likely going to shoot back up once the Black Friday festivities are over. Therefore, you’ll want to be careful before hanging off, especially since stock could run dry before the event is done. If you’re not too sure whether this display is a good fit yet, you’ll want to swing by our Black Friday curved monitor deals hub, as we’ll be rounding up all the best non-flat panels right through the week. Alternatively, have a peek below at some other offers available right now.

Looking for a bigger screen? Check out Black Friday TV deals for a selection of large living room displays. Alternatively, take a peek at Black Friday 4K monitor deals for something high res.

Who needs Black Friday when ridiculous Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 coupons like this exist

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 12:53:49 +0000

With just under two weeks until Black Friday, I've spotted quite a few early Black Friday gaming monitor deals so far. Yet, while doing a bit of window shopping, I spotted an absurd Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 Amazon coupon that had me stumped for a solid five minutes. The check box discounts smashes previous offers I’ve come across to pieces, and I honestly didn’t expect to see our favorite OLED ultrawide screen this cheap during 2023.

Over at Amazon, you’ll be able to grab the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 for just $1,099.99, thanks to a whopping $691.40 coupon. You’ll have to check the box on screen before adding it to your cart, but once you do, you’ll end up with one of the most impressive early Black Friday gaming monitor deals out there. It still costs over a grand, so it’s needless to say this one is for premium players in search of the best gaming monitor available. However, it’s still an incredible offer that could help more of you upgrade your screen to something truly special.

If you caught our Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 review a few months back, you’ll know we think it's the best ultrawide gaming monitor for anyone craving OLED brilliance. Not only is it the same size as my living room gaming TV, but it boasts a speedy 240Hz refresh rate and gorgeous visuals to boot. Arguably, its superb panel is enough to distract you from the fact it's 1440p, not to mention you’ll have plenty of screen space for activities due to its extra-wide aspect ratio.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 | ~~$1,791.39~~ $1,099.99 at Amazon with coupon
Save $691.40 - Amazon's on screen coupon takes the 2023 OLED G9 to its lowest ever price, obliterating previous deals that knocked it from $1,599 to $1,349.99. Naturally, retailers have hiked this screen's price to around $1,799 ahead of Black Friday, but this check box coupon takes it to a proper record low price.

Buy it if:

✅ You want cutting edge specs
✅ You want a TV-sized OLED monitor
✅ You need a speedy refresh rate

Don't buy it if:

❌ You've not actually got the space
❌ You'd rather use a non ultrawide 4K screen

Price check: Best Buy $1,799 | B&H Photo $1,799 View Deal

Should you buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 before Black Friday?

Amazon’s Black Friday gaming deals officially kick off November 17, but I really can’t see the Samsung Odyssey G9 getting any cheaper during the sale period. If anything, this is a testament to the fact that not all the best discounts will wait for the official event, and it’s always worth checking out what’s on offer throughout the year.

That said, there’s a good chance Amazon will switch this coupon out for a direct discount at the end of the week, so I’d jump on it now before Amazon makes this deal more obvious. I almost didn’t even notice the check box at first, meaning there’s probably a lot of other people glossing over this ridiculous offer ahead of Black Friday.

Looking for something different? Check out Black Friday curved gaming monitor deals and get ahead of the curve. Alternatively, take a peek at Black Friday 4K gaming monitor deals if you’d rather invest in a UHD display.

Samsung’s QD-OLED monitor is $600 ahead of Black Friday, and I’m pretty impressed

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 11:44:16 +0000

I normally wait till Black Friday to start getting serious about QD-OLED monitor deals, but Amazon’s current 34-inch Samsung Odyssey G8 deal is worth talking about. Your bank account will still have to make peace with the fact it's a premium panel, and that naturally means you’ll pay more. However, if you’re looking to embrace cutting edge screen tech while retaining other valuable gaming features, you shouldn’t stick your nose up at this offer. Not unless you want to end up over a grand after the things return to normal.

To bag the Samsung Odyssey G8 offer in question, you’ll want to swing by Amazon, as the early Black Friday gaming monitor deal knocks it down from $1,499.99 to $899.99. It’s all thanks to the retailer somewhat jumping the gun with a 40% discount, and I’m thoroughly impressed to see discounts like this ahead of the actual event. We’re talking about a new record low that brings the display down to further than previous price cuts, as I’m used to seeing it for over $900 even when discounts are applied.

I’m not going to pretend $899 isn’t a lot of a screen, and even the chonkiest of Black Friday gaming deals can’t crash the premium party. Yet, it’s important to consider what the display provides before judging its price tag, as it’ll be a game changer for the right player. For starters, its QD-OLED panel is going to punch much harder than non quantum dot screens in terms of contrast and color, all while maintaining super bright visuals that other OLEDs simply cannot.

Samsung Odyssey G8 34-inch | ~~$1,499.99~~ $899.99 at Amazon
Save $600 - Normally, this Odyssey OLED G8 screen doesn't go below $900 even when discounted. But hey, it's Black Friday season, so we're welcoming this premium panel discount with open arms. It hasn't jumped up to MSRP for a while, but you'll often see it for over $1,200.

Buy it if:

✅ You want better than vanilla OLED
✅ You want a speedy ultrawide screen

Don't buy it if:

❌ You'd rather play at 4K
❌ You want the fastest screen possible

Price check: Best Buy $899 | Walmart $899 View Deal

The Odyssey OLED G8 should also be on your radar if you play FPS games competitively, as it boasts a 175Hz refresh rate and rapid 0.03ms response time. Keep in mind it's also an ultrawide panel with smart TV shenanigans within too, so while there are speedier screens on the marker, this one arguably strikes a better balance between raw performance and pretty useful features.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Should you buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 before Black Friday?

Waiting till Black Friday to pick up anything tech related is often the right call, but I’d jump on this Odyssey OLED G8 deal sooner than later. The thrill of finding unbelievable offers during the official sale will be worth risking stock issues down the line for some, and I can’t guarantee that smaller additional discounts won’t kick in.

What I can assure you of is that this QD-OLED panel offer is solid, and I’ll be low key jealous of anyone who picks one up. I’m currently playing Alan Wake 2 using an RTX 4080, so I’m currently teasing myself about what the experience would be like if I swapped my ordinary IPS display for the OLED G9. Simply put, it’d turn the horror romps remarkable visuals into a captivating, yet creepy canvas that’d put even the best gaming monitors to shame, even if it is capped at 1440p.

If you’re still weighing up different models, you’ll want to swing by our Black Friday QD-OLED deals hub for a selection of discounts. We’ve also got some of the best discounts available right now below, just in case you’re not sure how far your money can stretch.

Looking for specific offers? Check out Black Friday curved monitor deals and Black Friday 4K monitor deals to find the perfect panel for your needs.

Samsung's next portable SSD is so fast it could help you shoot 8K and 12K video

duncan.robertson@futurenet.com (Duncan Robertson) — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Samsung is launching a brand new external SSD that follows on from the popular T5 and T7 Series hard drives. Called the Samsung T9, the new hard drive comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities and has a quoted speed of up to 2,000MB/s.

The T9 Portable SSD will join the leagues of the best external hard drives for gaming since it can be used with Windows, Android, and Mac. Like any portable SSD however, you'll be able to format it to work as additional game storage for consoles, making it a new contender among the best PS5 external hard drives, and the best Xbox Series X external hard drives.

The T9 launches today, and the 1TB model costs £117.49. 2 terabytes will set you back £199.99, and the beefier 4TB model is priced at £362.79. We haven't been given confirmed US prices for the drive as of yet, but we'll update these when we hear more.

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

The new Samsung Portable SSD T9 has a carbon pattern design, featuring USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface with max performance of up to 2,000MB/s. This updated interface gives it twice the speed of its predecessor, which launched back in 2020.

In the box, you get a USB-C to USB-A connection cable, as well as a USB-C to USB-C wire which will help you connect to more devices.

While portable SSDs like the T9 can be excellent for gaming thanks to their top-drawer speeds compared to HDD, Samsung notes that this device is perfect for content creators too. An increased TurboWrite buffer size of 180GB for the 4TB model helps to maximize performance, even if the drive is nearing capacity.

This TurboWrite feature aims to negate the problems that some other external SSDs have where they can only maintain their best performance for the initial capacity of the drive. TurboWrite is essentially a portable version of high-performance SLC found in the best SSDs for gaming. The 1TB version only has a 22GB buffer, however, and the 2TB features 88GB.

(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)

This sustained write performance is even said to be geared at shooting 8K or 12K video, because in fairness, we're all doing that on a daily basis. As you'll no doubt know yourself, 8K and 12K footage can be extremely demanding on your digital storage, so the T9 should be a big help to you in that regard.

But of course, external hard drives also need to be sturdy, as recovering data from them after physical damage can be a tricky and expensive business. The T9 is said to be able to withstand falls from up to three meters (9.8 feet), and its aluminium body is coated in a rubberized material that helps keep it resistant to scratches.

If you're shopping for more portable storage, we've used our price comparison software down below to bring you the best prices in your area on some of our personal favorites.

Want something more specific to your platform? Check out the best PS4 SSDs, the best PS4 external hard drives, and the best Xbox One external hard drives.

Trust me, grab this Samsung Odyssey ultrawide monitor deal before Starfield arrives

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:42:26 +0000

Your choice of gaming monitor could make or break your Starfield PC experience when it lands on Steam, but high spec screens often come with astronomical price tags. Thankfully, decent display discounts pop up from time to time, and I’ve just come across a great 49-inch Samsung Odyssey curved ultrawide panel with $900 off. If you’re looking to invest in an immersive portable and traverse the stars using an immersive premium portal, this might be your chance.

Over at Amazon, you can now grab the Samsung Odyssey G9 Curved Gaming Monitor for $1,299.99 (was $2,199.99), thanks to a 41% discount. While discounts on the best gaming monitors aren’t uncommon, this Samsung Odyssey display isn't too far off its lowest ever price, and it should pair nicely with gaming PC builds based on Bethesda’s Starfield system requirements. Not to mention it’s one of the biggest panels you can pair with your rig, meaning it’s great for non-gaming activities too. Y’know, for when you want to come back down to earth in between gaming sessions.

Sure, there are models out there that pack a bit more of a punch, like the newer Samsung Odyssey G9 OLED version, but there’s perhaps little sense in spending a chunk extra on specs that your graphics card can’t handle. This particular Samsung Odyssey display boasts an ultrawide 1440p 240Hz QLED panel, HDR1000 support that’ll make Starfield’s stars twinkle, and a tremendous 1800R curve that’ll feel like you’re actually sitting in a cockpit.

Samsung Odyssey G9| ~~$2,199.99~~ $1,299.99 at Amazon
Save $900 - This 49-inch curved ultrawide gaming monitor is perfect for anyone looking to immersive their senses playing the latest games, and it could be the perfect portal if you're looking to play Starfield on PC.

Buy if:
✅ You're looking for a premium 1440p display
✅ You're looking for an immersive Starfield screen
✅ You've got the space for a 49-inch monitor

Don't buy if:
❌ You're looking to play PC games at 4K
❌ You've got the budget to invest in a newer modelView Deal

In addition to its colossal size and curvy capabilities, the Samsung Odyssey G9 also comes armed with a collection of gaming features that’ll make a difference. For starters, it’s armed with AMD FreeSync support, which should kick any stuttering when playing Starfield, or any of the latest PC games to the curb. It's also 240Hz, so it's going to feel good no matter what FPS game you play.

Naturally, not everyone is going to be able to afford a screen that’s over $1,000, but if your budget allows it, you won’t be disappointed with the Samsung Odyssey G9. This current deal means it’s one of the cheapest 49-inch curved ultrawide displays currently available, and playing Starfield on this bad boy is going to spoil your eyes.

It's worth noting that the Samsung Odyssey G9 previously fell to $1,150.99 on the week of Black Friday 2022, but $1,299.99 is still a great price outside of the sales period. Plus, if you're looking for a screen to play Starfield with well before November, it's probably worth grabbing the current discount rather than holding off. We've also only witnessed the screen fall to that level once, so there's no guarantee it'll drop further any time soon.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Should you buy a curved ultrawide gaming monitor?

It takes a little getting used to, but using a curved ultrawide gaming monitor will completely change the way you perceive PC games. I’m personally struggling to adjust to the flat life after recently using the LG UltraGear 45GR95QE-B, as the extra field of view and curvature trained my brain to filter out everything else surrounding the screen. I’m not saying a curved ultrawide monitor can compete with the best VR headset in terms of immersion, but it’s certainly the next best thing if you’re not into virtual reality goggles.

If the Samsung Odyssey CRG9 featured above isn't to your liking, we've got you covered, as there are other curved ultrawide deals to be had:

Looking for a new screen for your console? Check out the best monitors for PS5 and pair Sony’s powerhouse with the perfect panel. Alternatively, take a peek at the best gaming TVs for our favorite living room displays.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G95SC) review: "I thought gaming monitors couldn't get more epic"

Jeremy Laird — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 11:25:20 +0000

Just when I thought PC gaming monitors couldn't get more epic, the new Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G95SC) comes along and blows almost every other display into next week. This 49-inch ultrawide monster might just be the most visually stunning gaming panel I've ever used, but it's price will absolutely upset your bank account.

Coming in at $1,799 , some of the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9's stellar headline specs are actually familiar. I've tried several similarly proportioned 49-inch ultrawide monitors with the same outrageous 32:9 aspect curved panel format, 5,120 by 1,440-pixel resolution, and 240Hz refresh before. They've even shared the Samsung Odyssey G9 branding, but they've all been LCD monitors. The big difference here? The use of OLED panel tech.

Of course, you can get even bigger OLED screens than this. But they're either actually TVs or use OLED panels pinched from TVs. You won't find a TV with a curved 32:9 aspect panel, that's for sure. This is a dedicated curved monitor for PC gaming, not a gussied-up TV, even if it does actually feature a full suite of smart TV features.

Design and Features

Speaking of dedicated PC gaming devices, it's worth noting that the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is just that, and therefore isn't a great choice for console gaming. Sure, it's got HDMI 2.1 connectivity so it will technically work as one of the best monitors for PS5, but the 32:9 aspect ratio is problematic for those consoles and the 240Hz refresh is likewise redundant when no console currently goes beyond 120Hz.

Anyway, for most PC gaming applications, you'll probably want to use the DisplayPort interface. There is USB-C connectivity, but only as a USB hub rather than a display input with device charging. That's probably OK given this is expressly aimed at being one of the best gaming monitors, but it would still be nice to have had the option to connect a laptop and charge with a single cable.

(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

Another major feature is the smart hub. The Samsung TV Plus part of it supports all the usual streaming services and includes an IR remote with shortcuts to jump straight to Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus (you even get six months' free membership to the latter thrown in). The only problem is that, again, TV content isn't a great fit with the 32:9 panel aspect. Most content you'll watch on one of the best gaming TVs is 16:9, so only half of the screen is used. Even feature films typically only max out at 2.35:1, so you're still left with large black bars left and right.

Actually, that's not the only problem. The interface is a bit slow and clunky, and combined with a fairly baffling OSD menu that duplicates various controls for image quality in more than one menu, ease of use isn't exactly top-notch. Doing simple things like changing inputs or adjusting the brightness can involve an unnecessarily steep learning curve.

(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

Whatever, there's also the same Gaming Hub as you get on the latest Samsung TVs which supports game streaming from Microsoft, Nvidia et al. Again, the screen's aspect ratio isn't a great fit for those services, so it's a feature that's best seen as a nice extra rather than a core functionality.

Still, one aspect that is an unqualified success is the styling. This thing looks like a million bucks with its slick, minimalist design and perfectly symmetrical bezels. There's also RGB lighting - if you like that kind of thing. But more importantly, the OLED G9 feels like a quality item. The only exception to that is the huge external power brick which plugs into the display with a very shonky barrel connector that feels like it's just waiting to break on you. The input ports are a little hard to get at, too, but that's not a problem you'll have to wrestle with too often - this isn't something you can move around easily.

Performance

(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

Oh lordy, this thing is beautiful.

I've seen panel performance pretty much exactly like this before in the Alienware 34 AW3423DWF, and more recently in the LG UltraGear 45GR95QE. The former of those two uses the same Samsung QD-OLED technology and sports a glossy coating just like this OLED G9. The difference is scale. The Alienware is hardly a minnow at 34 inches. But it's still puny next to the view-filling expanse of this 49-inch monster.

The temptation is to assume this kind of ultrawide monitor is a bit of a gimmick. It certainly is for watching TV and films. But for gaming? For gaming, the immersion levels are off the map. What's more, this Samsung QD-OLED tech really delivers over so much of the competition. Long story short, all current OLED gaming monitors either use LG or Samsung panel tech, and usually, you have to make a lot of excuses for monitors with LG panels. They can be limited when it comes to full-screen brightness and suffer from annoying and distracting issues around ABLs or automatic brightness limiters that make them suboptimal for use with the best gaming PCs.

(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

None of that applies here. Samsung rates the full-screen brightness at 250 nits for the OLED G9 and if anything it feels much punchier than that. It also doesn't do any of that infuriating brightness dipping when you open a browser window, nor does it look dull in brighter game scenes like some LG panels. It always looks pretty punchy.

Then you fire up an HDR-capable game like Cyberpunk 2077 and this thing slightly blows your mind. The HDR performance is epic, there's so much sizzle at the same time as perfect per-pixel lighting control and outrageous contrast, the latter heightened by the glossy panel coating. HDR gaming has been hyped for years, although typically, it has disappointed. But with this monitor, you can see what all the fuss is about. This is what HDR was always meant to be.

Of course, with 0.03ms response and 240Hz refresh, it's also ridiculously quick. Put simply, response and latency are non-issues on this monitor, provided you have one of the best graphics cards at your disposal. In all honesty, you will absolutely need one to get the best out of this monitor.

(Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

If there is a catch to all this it's that the resolution and pixel density are nothing special for a PC monitor. The overall pixel count is actually lower than 4K, which can be had pretty cheaply on a 27-inch monitor these days. For gaming, the pixel density is fine. But for all-around computing, for things like nice crisp fonts and image detail, there are certainly superior options for the money.

The only remaining performance-related question mark involves the long-term durability of OLED technology and Samsung's OLED panel tech in particular. All of these emerging OLED gaming monitors are arguably a little bit too new to really know what the future holds. Will burn-in and image retention be a problem? That's hard to say. Samsung uses various technologies to prevent burn-in and this monitor comes with a full three-year warranty, so you're covered for at least that long.

Should you buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9's one obvious limitation is pixel density. But that was a known issue coming in. Moreover, this isn't a monitor aimed at content creation pros. It's meant for gaming and, given that remit, the OLED G9 positively nails it.

The combination of the huge scale and the spectacular sizzle and speed of the QD-OLED panel makes for an unrivaled experience. It's both incredibly impactful and immersive, and it's better optimized for PC than one of the best OLED TVs. Likewise, the OLED G9 blows away any LCD monitor with a mini-LED backlight for HDR performance. This, simply, is the stellar experience that HDR technology has long promised but hasn't previously delivered on PC.

The smart TV functionality, meanwhile, I can take or leave (it's worth noting that a cheaper version of this monitor without the smart features is coming soon and will probably make for a better buy for PC gamers) and this display also isn't a great choice for console gamers. But for PC gamers who can afford it, the OLED G9 is quite simply as good as gaming monitors currently get.

How I tested the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is all about gaming, so I ran it through a gauntlet of Steam titles including Cyberpunk 2077 for spectacular HDR visuals, Apex Legends to assess speed and response, and Total War to get a feel for how strategy titles work on such a wide panel.

I look for everything from brightness and contrast to accuracy, response, and latency and likewise, consider how this OLED panel compares to both its direct competitors and more conventional LCD-based displays. Performance on the Windows desktop is also tested, then I assess build quality, design, and features to arrive at a rounded picture of overall display performance and quality.

kicker.

Where to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (and get the best deal)

Tabitha Baker — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:19:24 +0000

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 pre-orders are now live, following the range's announcement at this year's Galaxy Unpacked event. Its promise of a 120Hz refresh rate on a pure OLED panel, combined with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, up to 16GB RAM, and 5G capabilities, has us particularly excited. We could see a new contender amongst the best gaming tablets on the market, if that display lives up to the hype of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.

Jump straight to the best pre-order deals

US: Samsung - Double storage | Up to $650 off with trade-in

UK: Currys - £100 off | Free keyboard case | 12 months Disney+ | 3 months Apple services

There is a pricing issue here, though. This year's range is considerably more expensive than the S8 before it. Whereas last year's models started at $699 / £699, the base model this year will set you back $799.99 / £799.99. Those price jumps only increase with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Plus and Ultra, hitting $999 / £999 and $1,199 / £1,199 respectively.

If you've been saving up while those rumors swirled around the web, though, you'll be happy to know that we've spotted Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 pre-orders live at a number of retailers already. And if those costs are stinging a little you'll be even happier to learn that there are ways to save. Between trade in deals and discounts on storage and extra accessories, retailers are competing to offer the best value pre-orders right now - and that's a win for us.

You'll find all the latest Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 pre-order options in both the US and UK just below.

Pre-order Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 in the US

Samsung | Double storage | Up to $650 off with trade-in
Samsung's own pre-order bonus comes in the form of boosted RAM and double storage. You'd usually be settling for an 8GB RAM / 128GB SSD at this $799.99 base price, but you can score 12GB / 256GB today. This offer runs all the way up to the Ultra model to boot.
View Deal

Amazon | Double storage | 50% off keyboard case
Amazon is also offering double the storage on its Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 pre-orders, though it's unclear whether this offer includes the RAM boost available above. You can also save 50% on a keyboard case here, dropping the Book Cover Keyboard Slim down to $69.99.
View Deal

Best Buy (Currently OOS) | Double storage | Up to $650 off with trade-in
It looks like Best Buy's pre-orders are in a strange place, but we'd recommend checking in regularly to see if these devices pop back onto the shelves. You're receiving the same offer as Samsung here, with double storage and some hefty trade-in savings.
View Deal

Pre-order Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 in the UK

Samsung | Double storage | Up to £400 off with trade-in | 10% off bundles
Samsung have a triple offer on their Galaxy Tab S9 pre-orders in the UK. Not only can you double up your storage for free (though this only applies to 256GB models doubling to 512GB), but you can also claim up to £400 with trade-in and save 10% on your whole order when you buy multiple Galaxy devices in one go.
View Deal

Currys | Save £100 with code S9100 | Free keyboard case | 12 months Disney Plus | 3 months Apple Music, Arcade, TV+ and Fitness+
Currys is also bundling a whole host of subscriptions, discounts, and freebies into its Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 pre-orders. You can score Disney Plus and Apple subscriptions for free, save £100 with code S9100, and collect a free keyboard case as well.
View Deal

Amazon | Save £100 | 12 months Disney+
You can also save £100 when you pre-order at Amazon, though you're dropping the free keyboard case and Apple subscriptions you would otherwise receive at Currys.
View Deal

Should you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9?

Know you want the new tablet, but don't know if you should wait for launch discounts? As far as we know, this is as good as it's going to get for a while. These pre-order bonuses will likely last until that August 11 release date, when they may well turn into launch bonuses instead. That said, nothing is set in stone and we could well see such freebies disappear once the tablet is out in the wild. The next chance you'll have to save will likely come in the form of Black Friday Samsung deals.

Which Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 should you buy?

(Image credit: Samsung)

There are three Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 devices up for pre-order right now, the base model, the Tab S9 Plus, and the Tab S9 Ultra. Each device increases in both price and performance as you move up the range, but it can be difficult to know exactly where you're going to place yourself.

The majority of users will be content with the base model. This is an extremely powerful tablet on paper still, with a solid processor, AMOLED display, and Dolby Atmos audio. However, if you're going to be multi-tasking through more demanding work processes it might be time to look at the Plus. The jump to 12GB RAM and 512GB of storage is the main draw here, with a boosted battery life built in as well. You're also getting a larger display to accommodate split-screen workflows.

Then we get to the Ultra. This is for the true power users looking to replace their laptop with a more flexible device. At the top end of the price spectrum you've got options for 16GB RAM and 1TB of storage, but the majority of Ultra users will be picking this tablet up for the front cameras. There are two lenses on this high-end model, which will make video meetings all the more impressive. That larger 14.6-inch display gives you plenty more space as well.

You'll find the full spec breakdown for each model below.

Key Specs
	Galaxy Tab S9	Galaxy Tab S9 Plus	Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
Display	11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X	12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X	14.6 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Refresh Rate	120Hz	120Hz	120Hz
CPU	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM	8GB / 12GB	12GB	12GB / 16GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB + MicroSD	256GB / 512GB + MicroSD	256GB / 512GB / 1TB + MicroSD
Battery	8,400mAh	10,090mAh	11,200mAh
OS	Android 13	Android 13	Android 13
Front Camera	12MP ultra-wide	12MP ultra-wide	12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide
Rear camera	13MP main	13MP main, 8MP ultra-wide	13MP main, 8MP ultra-wide
Dimensions	165.8 x 254.3 x 5.9mm	185.4 x 285.4 x 5.7mm	208.6 x 326.4 x 5.5mm
Weight	498g (Wi-Fi), 500g (5G)	581g (Wi-Fi), 586g (5G)	732g (Wi-Fi), 737g (5G)

We're also rounding up all the best gaming phones if you're after a smaller screen, and the best gaming laptops for something a little beefier. Or, take a look at the best mobile controllers for a full tablet setup.

I review gaming monitors for a living, and I can't refuse this Samsung Odyssey deal ahead of Prime Day

phil.hayton@futurenet.com (Phil Hayton) — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 10:58:24 +0000

4K gaming monitors are anything but cheap, and if you’re convinced you need one over a 1080p or 1440p display, you’ll want to go on the Prime Day hunt. While choosing an affordable UHD panel sometimes means trading away other valuable features to keep costs down, it is possible to have your specs cake and eat it. For example, I just stumbled across a Odyssey Neo 4K screen with a killer early Prime Day price tag, and its refresh rate genuinely caught me off guard.

Over on Amazon right now, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 is down from $1,299.99 to $849.99, thanks to a chonky 35% discount. The almost-Prime Day monitor deal knocks $450 off the original price of this premium 4K panel, and it also boasts 165Hz capabilities. The latter refresh rate prompted me to double check the screen’s specs, as display in this price range normally tap out at 144Hz. Yet, its speeds hold true, and you can now grab what I’d consider one of the highest-spec screens out there for substantially less than $1,000.

Of course, we’re talking about one of Samsung’s Odyssey Neo displays, so you’ll be investing in more than just a high refresh rate and resolution. Armed with a curved mini LED screen and HDR 2000 abilities, this panel looks like a gaming monitor portal to another world compared to standard models. Immersion is the name of the game with the Neo G7, and it also boasts a Coresync lighting system that’ll drench your desk color. Don’t worry, your Steam library won’t come to life like in Jumanji, but your brain might think that’s the case for a split second.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 | ~~$1,299.99~~ $849.99 at Amazon
Save $450 - If you're looking for premium monitor specs that pack a punch, the Odyssey Neo G7 deserves your attention. You're going to need a high end graphics card to make full use of this 4K 165Hz kaiju, but it offers incredible mini LED specs and immersive features for under $1,000.

Price check: Walmart $899.99 View Deal

Admittedly, $850 is still a lot to pay for a display, especially if you’re not rocking a graphics card like the Nvidia RTX 4090. I’ve already delved into why it’s okay to buy a 1080p monitor this Prime Day, and that same advice applies here, but it’s sometimes more helpful to play devil’s advocate.

I still wouldn’t recommend picking up something you can’t make full use of, even if it is a whopping Prime Day gaming deal, but if you are working towards a high-spec setup, picking up the Odyssey Neo G7 will contribute to your efforts. The higher-than-average refresh rate sweetens the deal too, as it means you’ll feel the benefits even if your PC or console game of choice can’t quite pull off 4K at higher frame rates.

Thankfully, Samsung’s 4K kaiju isn’t the only discounted display ahead of Prime Day, as the 1080p Odyssey G3 and 1440p Odyssey G5 are also available for less. You’ll find some of the best offers down below, so feel free to peruse if you’re looking for tamer specs and even lower prices.

Prefer an all in one solution? Check out our Prime Day gaming laptop deals hub for portable PC offers. Alternatively, why not take a peek at our favorite Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals for nifty console discounts.